Bridges4Kids News Digest

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National News	*top*
Deadly Immunity: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Investigates the Government Cover-up of a Mercury/Autism Scandal Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Rolling Stone Magazine & Salon Magazine, June 16, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/RollingStone6-05.html#top According to a CDC epidemiologist named Tom Verstraeten, who analyzed the agency's massive database containing the medical records of 100,000 children, a mercury-based preservative in the vaccines -- thimerosal -- appears to be responsible for a dramatic increase in autism and a host of other neurological disorders among children. "I was actually stunned by what I saw," Verstraeten told those assembled at Simpsonwood, citing the staggering number of earlier studies that indicate a link between thimerosal and speech delays, attention-deficit disorder, hyperactivity and autism. Since 1991, when the CDC and the FDA had recommended that three additional vaccines laced with the preservative be given to extremely young infants -- in one case, within hours of birth -- the estimated number of cases of autism had increased fifteenfold, from one in every 2,500 children to one in 166 children. David Kirby Responds to R.F.K. Jr.’s Article and Says “Bring It On” David Kirby, The Huffington Post, June 16, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/Kirby6-16-05.html#top Last month, at the Autism One conference in Chicago, I issued a challenge to the thimerosal naysayers. Borrowing from a certain leader of the Free World, I said, simply, “Bring it on.” So here is the challenge, repeated again. Dr. Julie Gerberding (CDC Director), Dr. Steve Cochi (head of the CDC vaccine program), Dr. Marie McCormick (head of the IOM panel that dismissed the thimerosal theory), Dr. Paul Offit (a leading pediatrician who passionately derides the theory) or any other prominent person who insists that there is no evidence of harm from injecting organic mercury directly into the systems of infant children at levels far in excess of federal safety limits: Let’s talk. You pick the time, place and speakers. You can even set the ground rules. All I ask is that you come forth, and let's get this over with. Challenge to Teacher Ed Scott Jaschik, Higher Ed News, June 14, 2005 http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2005/06/14/teachered For-profit venture seeks to offer a new model, involving close ties to school districts and a curriculum based on the latest research. NASCAR Driver Helps Build New School Playground Jackie Igafo-Te'o, Bridges4Kids, June 20, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/Nascar6-20-05.html#top NASCAR drivers are really doing some great things for kids this year! Thursday, things were buzzing a block from my house here in Jackson, Michigan. Police cars blocked street entrances and cars were lined up bumper to bumper parked for blocks all around. Satellites were uplinked to ESPN, local stations and everywhere else, it seemed. What was going on in our quiet little south Jackson neighborhood? NASCAR Driver Tony Stewart's Team, along with The Home Depot and KaBOOM!, were building a new $40,000 racing-themed playground at my children's school! MI New Program Helps Find Missing Child With Autism Dan Bewley, Wood Tv8, June 15, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/WoodTv6-15-05.html#top A Kalamazoo County family is thankful for 21st Century technology. A simple transmitter helped them find their seven-year-old son, who has autism, after he disappeared.
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)	*top*
Maryland, Virginia Win 'No Child' Flexibility Rosalind S. Helderman and Nick Anderson, Washington Post, June 16, 2005 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/15/AR2005061502353.html Federal regulators grant states waivers in some of the No Child Left Behind law's educational requirements -- changes that could keep some schools from facing sanctions later this year. Dept. of Education Statement Regarding No Child Left Behind Requirements for Paraprofessionals U.S. Department of Education, June 17, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/DOE6-17-05.html#top Deputy Secretary of Education Ray Simon today issued the following statement regarding No Child Left Behind and the time frame within which all paraprofessionals working in Title I-funded programs must meet certain qualifications. Questions and answers on requirements for and assessment of paraprofessionals can be downloaded at http://www.bridges4kids.org/pdf/ParaProsNCLB6-04.pdf (PDF). For more information on No Child Left Behind, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/ESEA.html.
Parenting/Parental Involvement	*top*
The Arc's Sibling Support Project http://www.thearc.org/siblingsupport The Sibling Support Project is a national program dedicated to the interests of brothers and sisters of people with special health and developmental needs. The Project's primary goal is to increase the availability of peer support and education opportunities for brothers and sisters of people with special health and developmental needs. A Page Turner For Parents Who Want Their Child To Read Judy Lowe, Christian Science Monitor, June 14, 2005 http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0614/p17s01-bogn.html Anyone who has struggled to help a child learn to love books will find "Deconstructing Penguins" full of new ideas. Growing Up Drug–Free: A Parent's Guide to Prevention U.S. Department of Education, 1998 http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSDFS/parents_guide/index.html Helps parents guide their preschool-to-high school-age children as they form attitudes about drug use. This publication provides answers to children's questions as well as sources for help. It covers such important topics as: 1) how to carry on a continuing dialogue with children on the subject of drugs; 2) why occasional alcohol, tobacco, or other drug use is a serious matter; and 3) how to educate yourself as a parent or guardian about drugs. For more information on Parenting, Siblings, Adoption and Foster Care, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Parenting.html.
Early On/Early Childhood	*top*
bridges4kids Program Review: Max & Friends Volume 1 (DVD/Books) Jackie Igafo-Te'o, Bridges4Kids, June 16, 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/4-05/IgafoTeo6-16-05.htm Max and Friends is a multimedia educational program for children. Max and Friends is a fun, easy to use program that will help your child develop the critical skills that are the foundation for all learning. MI Great Start: New Community Conversation Posted The Children's Action Network (CAN) is preparing recommendations for the Early Childhood Investment Corporation. CAN is inviting interested communities to submit responses to four questions about the implementation of Great Start Collaboratives. Visit www.greatstartforkids.org to see the questions and background information. Please respond to Joan Blough at bloughj@michigan.gov no later than June 24, 2005. MI 'Born Learning' Campaign Kicks Off in Cadillac, Michigan Michigan Association of United Ways Newsletter, June 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/6-05/MAUW6-05.htm On June 15, 2005, the Executive Director of the United Way of Wexford County, Diane Dykstra, along with many community partners, launched the Born Learning campaign. For more information on Early Childhood issues, visit www.EarlyChildhoodMichigan.org.
Michigan News	*top*
60% of Teachers Will Spend $250 to $750 of Their Own Money MIRS, June 13, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/MIRS6-13-05.html#top While the state spends in excess of $11 billion each year to educate the state's 1.5 million school children, a survey of Michigan teachers today found that 62 percent of teachers expect to spend between $250 and $750 of their own money on classroom supplies or materials — most report they'll spend more than they did four years ago. Summer Food Service Program for Children - Get Kids Connected United Way of Michigan Newsletter, June 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/UWN6-05.html#top Just as learning does not end when school lets out, neither does a child's need for good nutrition. The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free, nutritious meals and snacks to help children in low-income areas get the nutrition they need to learn, play, and grow, throughout the summer months when they are out of school. Debate on K-12 Increase Bubbles as Panel OKs Budget Gongwer News Service, June 15, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/Gongwer6-15-05.html#top A bill containing spending for several K-12 school programs cleared a House committee Wednesday, but the real debate on the bill never surfaced at the meeting. Vote Planned This Month on Student Safety Bills Gongwer News Service, June 15, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/Gongwer6-15-05.html#2 House Education Committee Chair Brian Palmer (R-Romeo) said Wednesday he plans to vote before the end of the month on bills that are part of a Republican package designed to keep sex offenders and other offenders out of and away from schools and day care centers. The comments came at the end of a hearing on seven of the 14 bills in the package. S&P Stumping to Expand School Benchmarking Gongwer News Service, June 13, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/Gongwer6-15-05.html#3 The State Board of Education will get its chance Tuesday to hear about a program linking poor-performing schools with their better-performing counterparts, one that Standard & Poor's hopes will become annual. Get the Lead Out! Electronic Newsletter, June 14, 2005 Paul Haan, Get The Lead Out! Newsletter, Issue #5, June 14, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/lead/GTLO6-14-05.html In this edition: One in Four of Kent County's Children Could Soon be Poisoned; Get the Lead Out! Nominated for Carter Award; Saquemos el Plomo! Holds Outreach Event; Neighborhood Leader Ignites "Healthy Homes" Approach; City Commission Candidate Forum; Get the Lead Out! Goes to Muskegon; Michigan Lead-Safe Partnership Receives Award; Training Opportunities; and Next Get the Lead Out! Collaborative meeting. Virtual Schools on the Internet: Could This Cure Education's Woes? Mike Wendland, Detroit Free Press, June 6, 2005 http://www.freep.com/money/tech/mwendland6e_20050606.htm Michigan Virtual University, the nonprofit organization created by the state to offer online training and education, is changing its focus to concentrate exclusively on high schools. Although its official name is still Michigan Virtual University, you'll be hearing about it mostly as Michigan Virtual High School, serving K-12 students and educators.
Disability News	*top*
Survey: Restraint/Seclusion in Schools The Autism Society of Michigan is asking people to fill out a short survey regarding the use of restraint and/or seclusion in schools. To participate in this survey, visit http://www.autism-mi.org/surveys/survey2.html. The Age of Autism: A Glimpse of the Amish Dan Olmsted, United Press International, June 2, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/UP6-05.html#3 Research has centered on the Amish to try to determine whether an isolated population in the United States has the same prevalence of autism as the "English," as the Amish call the rest of us. The idea: Because Amish ways are so different -- from what they eat to how they spend their time to the fact that most do not vaccinate their children -- they might offer clues to autism. The Age of Autism: Oaklawn Dan Olmsted, United Press International, May 26, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/UP6-05.html#4 Finally. I found a place that could tell me all about Amish people with autism. The Age of Autism: Amish Ways Dan Olmsted, United Press International, June 7, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/UP6-05.html#2 This column in recent weeks has focused on two related questions: Is the prevalence of autism lower among the Amish, and, if so, how do they differ from the rest of us? The Age of Autism: One in 15,000 Amish Dan Olmsted, United Press International, June 8, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/UP6-05.html#top The autism rate for U.S. children is 1 in 166, according to the federal government. The autism rate for the Amish around Middlefield, Ohio, is 1 in 15,000, according to Dr. Heng Wang. The Age of Autism: Feedback on the Amish Parts 1 & 2 Dan Olmsted, United Press International, June 14 and 16, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/UP6-14-05.html#top Readers of this column have reacted strongly to our series of reports on autism among the Amish. So far, we have found only a handful of cases of autism and have quoted some experts who think it is nearly non-existent in this group. Children with Autism Have Distinctly Different Immune System Reactions Compared to Typical Children UC Davis Health, June 6, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/UCDavis6-6-05.html#top A new study by researchers at the University of California, Davis, M.I.N.D. Institute and the NIEHS Center for Children's Environmental Health demonstrate that children with autism have different immune system responses than children who do not have the disorder. This is important evidence that autism, currently defined primarily by distinct behaviors, may potentially be defined by distinct biologic changes as well. Identifying And Treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Resource For School And Home (PDF) U.S. Department of Education, 2003 http://www.bridges4kids.org/pdf/adhd-resource-pt1.pdf An excellent overview of signs and symptoms of AD/HD, treatment options, legal requirements for eligibility for special education services, and strategies for educational success. An Interview with Harry Sylvester: About Learning Disabilities Michael F. Shaughnessy, Eastern New Mexico University, June 14, 2005 http://www.educationnews.org/an-interview-with-harry-sylvester.htm Harry Sylvester is Past President of LDA (Learning Disabilities Association of America), has established several adult support groups, mentored adolescents, and was one of the founders and Board President of a rural health center in Maine. Walk the Talk Radio: Monica Moshenko and DisAbility News and Views Robert Ingraham, Orbit Magazine, June 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/Orbit6-05.html#top Wanted: 50-year-old single mom with little money and no media experience—holding a full-time day job while raising an autistic child—to launch weekly radio talk show for the disabled community. Major media outlets largely indifferent, but people with disabilities likely to tune in. Exhausting hours with no assistants; blind faith and fierce determination a plus. Learn Something New: IsoDicentric 15 http://www.idic15.org/ With this disorder, children have 47 chromosomes instead of 46. Children with this disorder face many many challenges. They have severe hypotonia, severe developmental delays, seizures and traits similar to those with autism. For more information on Disabilities, Disorders and Diseases, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities.html.
Special Education Issues	*top*
Teaching Children With AD/HD: Instructional Strategies And Practices: 2004 (PDF) U.S. Department of Education, 2004 http://www.bridges4kids.org/pdf/adhd-resource-pt2.pdf An excellent overview of strategies and practices for teachers. For more information on Special Education, IEPs and Section 504, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Rules.html.
Ask the Attorney/Advocate	*top*
bridges4kids Exclusive: Ask the Attorney with John Brower Visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/AA.html for dozens of John's previously posted Q&As.
Upcoming National Events	*top*
These are NEW calendar listings that have been added this week, along with events taking place this week. To view a complete calendar of National events, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Conferences.html. Notice of Public Meetings on IDEA DATES/TIMES/LOCATIONS: The public meetings will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Wednesday, June 22, 2005 in Sacramento, CA; Friday, June 24, 2005 in Las Vegas, NV; Monday, June 27, 2005 in New York, NY; Wednesday, June 29, 2005 in Chicago, IL; and Tuesday, July 12, 2005 in Washington, DC. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Troy R. Justesen, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., room 5138, Potomac Center Plaza, Washington, DC 20202. Telephone: (202) 245-7468. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), you may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339. HI Wrightslaw Boot Camp Sponsored by LDA of Hawaii WHEN: July 29-31, 2005 WHERE: University of Hawaii at Hilo, 200 W. Kawili St., Hilo, HI 96720-4091 DESCRIPTION: The Wrightslaw two day Boot Camps are designed to meet the needs of parents, educators, health care providers, advocates, and attorneys who represent children with disabilities. These programs focus on four areas: special education laws, tests & measurements to measure progress & regression, SMART IEPs and advocacy tactics & strategies. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.wrightslaw.com/speak/05.07.hi.htm for more information. National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC) 28^th National Children's Law Conference WHEN: August 25-28, 2005 WHERE: Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, Los Angeles, CA FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.naccchildlaw.org/training/conference.html for more information, to download the brochure, or to register.
Upcoming Michigan Events	*top*
These are NEW calendar listings that have been added this week, along with events taking place this week. To view a complete calendar of Michigan events, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Conferences.html. The Arc Michigan Annual Conference WHEN: June 23 - 25, 2005 WHERE: Ashman Court, Marriot Conference Hotel, 111 W. Main Street, Midland, MI (989-893-0500) FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, visit http://www.arcmi.org/. Babysitting Workshop: Are you interested in babysitting children who have autism? WHEN: Thursday, June 23, 2005 from 5:00-8:00pm WHERE: Judson Center, 4410 W. 13 Mile Rd., Royal Oak (13 mile and Greenfield) DESCRIPTION: Come to a workshop to learn some basic skills! Any high school or college student wishing to help make a difference in the life of a child with autism should attend this workshop. Parents are desperate for trained babysitters...and it’s great experience! Advanced workshops will be available after this first introductory course for those students wishing to further their experience and earning potential. Parental permission for those under age 18 required prior to attending the workshop. COST: Cost is $10 and includes handouts, pizza dinner and certificate of completion. Scholarships available based on financial need FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, contact Stephanie Harlan, Director of the Judson Autism Center at 248-837-2110 or Stephanie_Harlan@judsoncenter.org. "Now What?” An Introduction to Autism for Parents and Educators WHEN: Thursday, June 23, 2005 from 6-8 pm WHERE: Autism Asperger Associates, 7027 10 Mile Rd., Rockford DESCRIPTION: An introduction to the world of ASD for families of individuals recently diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, or wondering about the possibility. Review historical information, current trends and legal issues related to diagnosing, supporting and educating individuals with ASD in the most effective way possible! COST: Cost is $25.00 per person. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Questions? Call 616-874-2090 or visit http://www.autism-asperger-associates.com/ Support Group: Adults With ADD WHEN: 3rd Thursday of the month WHERE: BHR Office Bldg, 3630 Capital Avenue SW, Battle Creek, MI FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, call Alan at 269-963-6730. Max's Race: 5K Walk/Run and Kids' Fun Runs WHEN: July 9, 2005 starting at 8:30 a.m. WHERE: Michigan State University Auditorium DESCRIPTION: In memory of Maxwell Chase Matthews 1998-2005. All proceeds to benefit Sparrow Pediatric Program Fund and Michigan Hands & Voices. Join us for a Saturday of family fun and the inaugural Max's Race. Jim and Natalie Matthews and The Maxwell C. Matthews Foundation are sponsoring this event to raise funds for the Sparrow Pediatric Program Fund and Michigan Hands and Voices, in the memory of their son, Maxwell Matthews, who died in March 2005. We are asking for your generosity by participating in Max's Run. You will have fun. You will get some exercise, with a nice t-shirt. And you will be making a personal contribution towards two very worthy causes. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, or to register, visit http://www.maxsrace.com/. Developmental Disabilities Council's 2nd Annual Family Gathering WHEN: July 12, 2005 from 11 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. WHERE: Hawk Island Park, Lansing, Michigan DESCRIPTION: Join us for a day full of workshops, entertainment, live music, food, games, prizes and a wonderful opportunity for families to get together for fun. The park is ADA Accessible so all our children will be able to enjoy the many features of the park. Fun for kids of all ages! Organizations from across Michigan will be on hand to discuss Special Education, Respite, SSI & SSDI, Legal Issues, Disabilities, Transition, Assistive Technology, Financial Resources, Recreation, Mental Health, Family Support Subsidy, and Advocacy & Self-Advocacy. Click here to download the flyer (PDF). FOR MORE INFORMATION: Reservations are required by June 30, 2005. RSVP by contacting Mitzi Sharp at 517-334-7240 or sharp@michigan.gov. Workshops in Supporting Communication WHERE: Marriott at Centerpoint, 3600 Centerpoint, Pontiac, MI 48341 (248-253-9800) DESCRIPTION: Facilitated Communication is one method used in accessing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC ) equipment. This series of two workshops, sponsored by the Autism Society of America Oakland County Chapter, provides the opportunity to learn the techniques of facilitated communication within the context of the principles common to all communication support approaches. WHEN/DESCRIPTION: Communication Partnerships: A Framework for Support (Tuesday, July 26, 2005 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) - This one-day introductory level training is intended for families and professionals interested in learning about communication support for people with complex communication needs. WHEN/DESCRIPTION: Introductory Skills Workshop: Learning to Be a Facilitator (Thursday, July 28, 2005 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) - This one-day how-to workshop is intended for those who will become a facilitator for someone who is currently using facilitated communication, or for a prospective candidate. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information or to register, download the flyer (PDF) or visit www.asaoakland.org. Private consults will be available on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 for an additional fee. Email fcstaff@syr.edu for information. Call 248-393-3131 with any questions about membership, registration or attendance. 1^st Annual UAW Local 245 Motorcycle Ride for Autism 2005 WHEN: Saturday, August 6, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. WHERE: Ride starts at UAW Local 174, 29841 Van Born Rd, Romulus, MI 48174 and ends at Biker Bob's (formerly Motown Harley Davidson), 14100 Telegraph Rd., Taylor MI 48180 DESCRIPTION: Pig Roast and Refreshments afterwards. Benefits from the Ride will go to the Macomb/St. Clair County Chapter/ASA. Pre-registration & Waiver Forms available at www.uawlocal245.org. Registration: 9am-10am Ride starts at 10:30 a.m. COST: Cost is $35.00 Per Rider (T-shirt & pin); $25.00 per Passenger (T-Shirt & Pin); $20.00 per Passenger (T-shirt only) FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, or to register, visit www.uawlocal245.org or call Sal Ferra (248) 310-6651 or Russ Wynn (734) 284-0746 Vaccinations – Are They Really Safe? WHEN: August 11, 2005 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. WHERE: St. Ephrem's Social Hall (located on the S/E corner of Dodge Park and 17 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, Macomb County DESCRIPTION: Presented by Mary Tocco. Learn the latest research on childhood vaccines and receive information to help you make an informed vaccine decision. RSVP by August 5, 2005 to ensure your seat. COST: This conference is free of charge to Macomb/St. Clair Chapter/ASA members. $5.00 for Non-Members. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To register, Send your name/phone number/MSCC/ASA Member: Yes or No/Amount Enclosed (checks made payable to: MCC/ASA to: Annette Duda, 12327 Hanley Dr., Warren, MI 48093.
Bridges4Kids NewsDigest Staff Deborah Canja Chief Executive Officer deb@bridges4kids.org Jackie Igafo-Te'o Director of Information Technology & Information Systems jackie@bridges4kids.org Bella Djordjevski Resource Assistant news@bridges4kids.org