08-09-2005, 03:16 AM
ASA-Net
The Autism Society of America's eNewsletter
August 1, 2005
A Sneak Preview of ASA's Brand New Look!
ASA is proud to present its new logo! Our highly-anticipated branding
initiative will be unveiled to our chapters, board and membership any day now.
ASA has been hard at work with Fishtank Brand Advertising and BrandTeam,
creating a fresh, new logo, which combines strong primary colors with a puzzle
element, as well as a new tagline--The Voice of Autism. ASA's popular Web site
is also being completely revamped and overhauled, making it easier to navigate
and more user-friendly, and full of new interactive components.
Stay tuned for official branding announcements over the next couple of weeks!
ASA's 36th National Conference an Event to Remember;
Thousands of ASA Members, Supporters Descend on Nashville for Largest
Autism Conference in Nation
The Autism Society of America (ASA), the leading voice and resource of the
entire autism community, hosted its 36th National Conference and celebrated its
40th anniversary in Nashville, TN, July 13-16, 2005. Thousands of ASA members
and supporters attended the conference, which offered more than 75 sessions on a
variety of autism-related topics applicable to individuals across the lifespan,
including sessions on behavior issues and supports; communication; early
intervention;education; family and sibling support; medicine and research;
personal perspectives; sensory processing; social skills; technology; and
transition planning and options for adulthood.
"In my mind, the most significant part of the ASA conference is
that it brings the entire autism community together and unites us
around issues and concerns we all feel are important to our
families," said ASA President & CEO Lee Grossman.
"The conference provides an atmosphere where, in the spirit of
education, advocacy and research, we can also celebrate the
achievements of ASA and the autism community."
The ASA National Conference: Informative, Fun, Significant
This year's opening ceremony featured VIPs across the gamut,
including NASCAR driver Jamie McMurray, who received a special award
of recognition for his contributions to and support of ASA and the
autism community; high-ranking government officials Jose Cordero, MD,
director of the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental
Disabilities (NCBDDD) at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and
Renard Murray, associate regional administrator, U.S. Centers for
Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), who delivered speeches on the
various autism activities in which their respective agencies are
engaging; Sue Rubin, the individual with autism featured in
CNN's Academy AwardR-nominated documentary, Autism is a World,
who welcomed conference attendees through a facilitated communication
device; Alyssia Boyett, an individual with autism who sang the
National Anthem; and Tammy Vice, mother of a child with autism who
performed two original songs.
Conference attendees were also treated to three keynote addresses by
leaders and experts in the autism community. The opening keynote
session speaker was Paula Kluth, Ph.D., M.Ed., an independent
educational consultant and an adjunct instructor at National-Louis
University in Chicago, IL, who focused on differentiating instruction
and on supporting students with autism and other significant
disabilities in inclusive classrooms.
Keynoter Paul Shattock, Ph.D., director of the Autism Research Unit of the
University of Sunderland, founding chairman of Communities of
Autistic People (CAP) and European Services for People with Autism
(ESPA), and father of an adult son with autism, discussed his current
research into the possibility that changes in environmental conditions could be
responsible for the dramatic increase in autism.
And final keynoter, Stephen Shore, ABD, MusM, ASA board member, adult
with autism, and well-known researcher and author on autism, presented "Success
with Autism: Using Our Strengths for Achieving a
Fulfilling and Productive Life--Just Like Everyone Else,"
in which he drew from his own life experiences to look at how people
with autism are able to build fulfilling and productive lives.
Jamie McMurray: A True ASA Friend
This year, ASA was thrilled to offer several additional events for
conference attendees, including Driving Autism Awareness: A Night in
Nashville, featuring NASCAR's Jamie McMurray, who hosted an
autograph/photo and question and answer session. The event--which
attracted multiple media outlets, including Fox Sports Network and
Speed Channel's NASCAR Nation, along with local network
affiliates--was a huge success, drawing a large crowd of
conference attendees and McMurray fans.
McMurray, who has a niece with autism, discussed how autism has
touched his family's life, why he has undertaken Driving Autism
Awareness--a national campaign sponsored by ChevronTexaco
Products Company (CTPC), in cooperation with Chip Ganassi Racing with
Felix Sabates, Home123 and Top-Flite, that raises funds for
ASA's autism education and advocacy efforts--and many other
autism and racing-related topics. The event also included an
appearance by Fox Sports Analyst and 3-time NASCAR Nextel Cup champion Darrell
Waltrip, and was emceed by ASA Board Member and FOX
Coordinating Director for NFL and NASCAR Artie Kempner.
"It was a really cool experience for me to get to meet all the
families that are involved with ASA and to hear their stories. Our
Driving Autism Awareness event went really well. It's great
to see the NASCAR fans embrace this program," said McMurray.
"I must say, I was a little overwhelmed at the opening
ceremonies. There were so many people there! It meant a lot to me that ASA
presented me with the achievement award. There are so many people behind the
scenes that make the Driving Autism Awareness campaign run smoothly, that the
award is for all of them, too."
In addition, ASA and The Gary Rosenthal Collection's Art as a
Catalyst program kicked off an arts enrichment initiative--the
Become A Piece of the Puzzle campaign--to raise money for the
autism community during McMurray's Driving Autism Awareness
event (see story below).
ASA members and conference attendees were also able to join McMurray
the next morning for a special breakfast, where McMurray interacted
with families and signed autographs.
A big shout out to Jamie for his willingness and cooperation in making these
events truly special.
ASA at the Movies: A Whale of a Time
ASA board members, staff, chapter leaders, members, and conference
attendees, gathered at Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame
and Museum for a gala movie night, which included a screening of
Mozart and the Whale, a romantic comedy starring Josh Hartnett, Radha
Mitchell and Gary Cole--which was inspired by the lives of ASA
members Jerry and Mary Newport, who have Asperger's
syndrome--followed by CNN's Academy AwardR-nominated
documentary, Autism is a World.
World-renowned jazz artist David Anderson welcomed attendees by
treating them to a repertoire of country and swing, soft rock and
other favorites. Upon entering the Ford Theater,
Mozart's Jerry Newport shared his thoughts on the movie's
adaptation of his life, and Autism subject Sue Rubin, with the help of her
mother, Rita, thanked attendees for coming.
ASA would like to send a heartfelt thank you to board member Artie
Kempner, who served as the evening's eloquent and humorous host, and
to ASA national staff members; to the Country Music Hall of Fame and
Museum and Ford Theater teams; and to the studio houses for sharing
with us their wonderful productions. ASA is especially grateful to ASA President
and CEO Lee Grossman, ASA Board Chair Cathy Pratt,
and Artie Kempner, for generously underwriting the evening
and making ASA's movie night a huge success.
Evening of Champions Gala Dinner: A Night to Honor, Remember and Rock
Out
For the fourth year in a row, ASA honored leaders in the autism
community at its Evening of Champions gala dinner. The Evening
of Champions dinner was created as a forum for ASA to honor those
individuals who have contributed in ways big and small to education,
advocacy, and research for autism. This year's honorees included
ASA's founder, Bernard Rimland, Ph.D.; Travis LaBoy, member of
the NFL's Tennessee Titans, whose brother is on the autism spectrum
and has created SACK Autism and the LaBoy Foundation; Pat Levitt,
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, who is a leading researcher on
autism; and Art and Chelly Sellinger, CEO/Owner, Long Drivers of
America, who are long-time friends and supporters of ASA.
Each honoree was presented with a recognition award created by artist
Gary Rosenthal, as well as a beautiful basket of gift products donated by the
company Melaleuca. Rimland, who founded ASA in 1965 and was honored on its 40th
anniversary, received a standing ovation from teary-eyed and appreciative
attendees.
"The Evening of Champions was a special event this year for ASA for
several reasons, particularly because as we celebrated our 40th
anniversary as an organization, we were thrilled to have in attendance our
founding father, Bernard Rimland, Ph.D.," said President Grossman. "Autism is
finally receiving worldwide attention, and the autism community can directly
thank Bernie for being one of the first advocates for individuals with autism,
at a time when no one knew what autism was."
After award presentations, dinner, and a silent auction, country music icon,
Ronnie Milsap, rocked the house, playing for a crowded dance floor such
favorites as "Stranger in My House," and
"Smoky Mountain Rain." The 8-time Country Music
Association winner also has seven GrammysR and four America Country
Music awards throughout his career.
ASA would like to thank Travis LaBoy for his generous contribution to
ASA presented at the dinner; the Middle Tennessee Chapter of ASA for
its tremendous support, particularly in handling silent auction
logistics; Nashville's #1 country music radio station, 95.5 The
Wolf's on-air personality, Karen Keeley, for emceeing the event;
and Angela Curley, LaBoy's mother, for leading an energetic live
auction for items donated by the LaBoy Foundation--including a
trip to Hawaii--as well as a pearl and diamond necklace made by
ASA's very own Connecticut Chapter President, Kim Newgass. A
special thanks to sponsors and those who purchased tables at the
dinner for helping underwrite the cost of the evening.
So you missed the conference in 2005? Start thinking ahead to 2006!
ASA's 37th National Conference & Exposition on Autism
Spectrum Disorders will be held in Providence, RI, July 12-15, 2006.
Stay tuned for conference promotions and information on ASA's
Web site, http://www.autism -society.org, in the Advocate and ASA-Net,
and on ASA's chapter network.
Autism Society of America Award Winners Honored at Conference Opening
Ceremony; ASA National Office Recognizes Leaders in ASA Family
The following lists the 2005 ASA National Awards, the 2005 Wendy F.
Miller & ASA National Recognition Awards, and 2005 Scholarships,
which were presented at the opening ceremony of ASA's 36th
National Conference:
2005 ASA National Awards
ASA Chapter of the Year Award: San Diego County Chapter; Shirley Fett, president
ASA Media Excellence Award: Autism is a World; Geraldine Wurzburg,
producer, State of the Art Productions
ASA Outstanding Literary Work of the Year: Autism Spectrum Disorders;
Chantal Sicile-Kira, author, Penguin Group (USA), publisher
2005 Wendy F. Miller & ASA National Recognition Awards
Wendy F. Miller Parent of the Year Award: Phyllis Shingle
Wendy F. Miller Autism Professional of the Year Award: Mitch Goldstein
Wendy F. Miller Outstanding Individual with Autism of the Year Award:
James Olin Horne II
Wendy F. Miller Outstanding Program of the Year Award: Therapeutic
Programs: Activity-Based and Sensory-Driven; Clay White, LLC
2005 Scholarships
The Eden Services Charles H. Hoens, Jr.--Scholars Program Award:
Dana E. Goyette The Collins Scholarship: Jason Fletcher, University of
Wisconsin-Madison
ASA would like to congratulate each and every 2005 award winner.
We appreciate your hard work and dedication to the Society and to
autism.
Autism Society of America Kicks Off Partnership with The Gary
Rosenthal Collection; McMurray, National Conference Attendees Become a Piece of
the Puzzle
The Autism Society of America (ASA) and The Gary Rosenthal
Collection's Art as a Catalyst program have teamed up to provide
a unique opportunity to create artwork supporting those affected by
autism. Launched at ASA's 36th National Conference this
month, the Become a Piece of the Puzzle campaign generates awareness
and support for the autism community through arts enrichment
activities.
NASCAR driver Jamie McMurray, along with internationally renowned
artist Gary Rosenthal and ASA leaders, officially kicked off the
campaign during Driving Autism Awareness: A Night in Nashville,
McMurray's autograph, photo, and question and answer session at
the conference.
McMurray and his niece, Lauren, who has autism, began the process of
placing individual pieces of polished, colored glass to create a
mosaic. Throughout the conference, thousands of others affected by
autism added their personal touches to the artwork.
Following the conference, the mosaics were sent back to
Rosenthal's studio in Kensington, MD, where they will be fired
and crafted into jewelry, bookmarks, money clips, and other pieces of
art. Each piece of art costs $20, and a portion of sales benefits ASA
and autism research.
The Gary Rosenthal Collection employs individuals with autism who are
professionally trained to help with the production and creation of
this artwork. Additionally, The Gary Rosenthal Collection created all
of the national awards presented at this year's conference.
ASA chapters are encouraged to develop similar Become a Piece of the
Puzzle campaign projects for local meetings, special events, and
fundraisers. These projects are ideal sibling programs. Chapters also
can purchase personalized corporate gifts created by The Gary
Rosenthal Collection and worked on by the studio's autistic
employees.
Rosenthal has been a leader within the American craft movement for
more than 30 years. His unique blend of metal and brilliant glass has
been given to American presidents and displayed in museums throughout
the world.
The Art as a Catalyst program practices a distinctive brand of social
entrepreneurship designed, funded, and implemented by The Gary
Rosenthal Collection. The initiative develops cause-related marketing
programs to help non-profit organizations raise money and support arts
enrichment and education, focusing primarily on intergenerational
community-building activities.
For more information about the Become a Piece of the Puzzle campaign,
please visit the ASA Web site at http://www.autism -society.org, the
Art as a Catalyst Web site at http://www.artasa catalyst.org, or
contact ASA Director of Development Carol Folsom at
cfolsom@....
ASA Representatives to Help Launch Art as a Catalyst Retailer
Network; Philadelphia Mayor to Participate, Artist Gary Rosenthal to Announce
Plans
The Autism Society of America (ASA) will be helping The Gary Rosenthal
Collection launch its Art as a Catalyst Retailer Network Friday, August, 5, from
9-10am at the Philadelphia Buyers Market of American Craft--the nation's largest
trade-only craft show with more
than 3,000 craft retailers and industry professionals in
attendance--to be held at the Philadelphia Convention Center.
ASA member families will make a colorful mosaic as world-renowned
artist Gary Rosenthal announces plans for the Retailers Network, a
nationwide system of craft galleries that will sell pieces of artwork
created by non-profit organizations under Rosenthal's direction.
The network will provide craft galleries with the opportunity to
support community-based programs and help non-profit organizations,
such as ASA, raise money.
Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street also will be taking part in the
event and will add his personal touches to the glass mosaic.
The mosaic created in Philadelphia, just as the ones created at
ASA's National Conference, will be fired and crafted into
jewelry, bookmarks, money clips, and other pieces of art. Each piece
of art costs $20, and a portion of sales benefits ASA and the autism
community.
To participate in the Philadelphia event, please contact ASA Director
of Chapters & Membership Jeff Sell at jzsell@.... PLEASE
NOTE: Children must be over six years old to participate. For
more information about the Art as a Catalyst Retailer Network, please
visit http://www.artasa catalyst.org.
ASA, Bluespan, Inc. Partner at National Conference;
Company to Provide Monitoring Equipment to ASA Members at Discount!
The Autism Society of America (ASA) and BluespanR, Inc., an emerging
company in the research and production of wireless applications for
consumer purposes, established a partnership at ASA's national
conference to provide the company's state-of-the-art monitoring
equipment to ASA's membership at a significant discount.
The company's first product, ionKidsR, is an easy-to-use system
designed to assist parents and guardians in keeping tabs on children
and other dependents. ionKids' short-range monitoring equipment
consists of a wristband, or Wristag?, worn by the child or
dependent (a tamper- and water-resistant bracelet that requires no
interaction on the part of the child and contains a strong locking
mechanism that cannot be easily opened without a key), and a handheld
device, or base unit (a small, device used by the parent or guardian
to monitor the location of the Wristag wearer, which also allows
parents to monitor up to four Wristags simultaneously).
Normally costing $219.95, ionKids' child-monitoring device is
being offered to ASA members for $165 each for a limited time!
To to order now, paste the link below into your browser:
http://www.autism -society.org/site/R?i=-tgsWN3AtontmCMGZfhrlQ..
For more on ionKids, go to http://www.ion -kids.com.
HHS Press Conference Cause for Concern;
ASA Affirms Support for Bill Removing Mercury from Vaccines for
Children
The Autism Society of America (ASA) was concerned during a Department
of Health and Human Services (HHS) press conference last week,
particularly because representatives from HHS, the Centers for Disease Control
(CDC) and others "did not address the autism epidemic
that exists in this country, which is growing at similar rates in many parts of
the world," said ASA President & CEO Lee Grossman.
"Instead, HHS repeated the same message regarding vaccine safety
that many in the autism community have challenged."
On the subject of vaccines and autism, "ASA has consistently
asked agencies to undertake more research, specifically with
clinically-based subjects rather than large-scale epidemiological
studies that do not address the possible subsets of those who may be
more prone to injury by vaccines and their additives; has insisted
that those who have been injured by vaccines be fairly compensated and receive
the services and interventions that are appropriate and
necessary; and has supported legislation that calls for the removal of
thimerosal from all vaccines," said Grossman.
And while HHS at its press conference had an opportunity to address
the lack of appropriate services for individuals with autism across
the lifespan, the woefully inadequate funding for research, and the
steps it would take to address this national health crisis and
therefore build a trusting relationship and dialog with the autism
community, the presentations may have caused further divisiveness and
did not directly address concerns about vaccine safety.
A step in the right direction for the autism community, however, is
the bipartisan Mercury-Free Vaccine Act of 2005 (HR. 881), introduced
by Congressman Dave Weldon, MD (R, FL-15) and Congresswoman Carolyn
Maloney (D, NY-14), and the Senate version, S. 1422, introduced by
Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NB), both of which ASA staunchly supports. The
bills ensure, through law, that thimerosal will be phased out, and
kept out, of vaccines.
"ASA wholeheartedly endorses both bills, and applauds
legislative efforts to protect our nation's future. We
appreciate the continued support of families in the autism community
by Dr. Weldon, Congresswoman Maloney, and Senator Hagel," said
ASA Board Chair Cathy Pratt.
"ASA looks forward to the passage of HR.881 and S. 1422, and to
the removal of the potential exposure of our children to mercury
through vaccines. ASA urges the passage of both bills, and we ask that the
President and the Secretary of Health and Human Services directly engage the
autism community to address the funding for autism-related services and
research," added Grossman.
U.S. Supreme Court Announces Hearing Date for Landmark SCHAFFER v.
WEAST Case; ASA Supports Families, Provides Brief to Champion Position
The United States Supreme Court has announced that it will hear
argument in Schaffer v. Weast (No. 04-698) on the first day of oral
argument in the new term, Wednesday, October 5, 2005. ASA Director of
Chapters & Membership Jeff Sell, who is also an attorney, is a
member of the team representing the plaintiffs' interests in the
case, the parents of Brian Weast--a child with ADHD and other
learning disabilities--who believed the individualized education
program (IEP) at their son's school was inadequate for his
needs.
In April, ASA filed an amici curiae brief, which includes additional
information or arguments that outside parties with a direct interest
in the outcome of the case wish to have considered. The case addresses whether
burden of proof should be assigned to the parents, or to the school district
that is responsible for implementing the IEP and ensuring that Brian, and all
6.6 million children covered by IDEA, receive a free and appropriate education
in the least restrictive environment.
The question presented to the court is: "Under the Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), when parents of a disabled
child and a local school district reach an impasse over the
child's individualized education program, either side has a
right to bring the dispute to an administrative hearing officer for
resolution. At the hearing, which side has the burden of proof: the
parents or the school district?"
IDEA does not specify which party--the parents or school
district--should bear the responsibility, and the 13 United
States Circuit Courts of Appeal are split on the issue. Six circuits
(2nd , 3rd, 7th, 8th, 9th and DC) place the burden of proof on the
school districts; four circuits (4th, 5th, 6th and 10th) on the
parents; and, two (1st and 11th) have not yet addressed the issue.
ASA, along with its co-amici, The ARC of the United States, Epilepsy
Foundation, NAMI, United Cerebral Palsy and The National Law Center on
Homelessness & Poverty, argued that responsibility should be
placed upon school districts for a variety of constitutional,
procedural and historical reasons. School districts typically have far more
resources than do parents, and should step up to the plate and show why its
proposed IEP is appropriate. Moreover, for children with autism, early
intervention is crucial and there may be no second
chance if opportunities for effective educational interventions are
squandered. Without appropriate early intervention, children may lose
the opportunity to learn the skills they need to grow up as
constructive members of society. If school districts, with many
resources at their disposal, are unable to persuade a hearing officer
that services sought by parents are unnecessary, the school district
is not entitled to prevail.
According to ASA's brief, "Given the high individual and
societal costs involved in denying a child even temporarily the
appropriate public education to which he or she is entitled under the
IDEA, the burden of proof is properly placed on school districts to
avoid the risk of error and encourage compliance with the law"
(p.30).
"The placement of the burden of proof on the school districts is
the fairest way of leveling the playing field to ensure that our
children receive the free and appropriate public education that IDEA
requires," said ASA President & CEO Lee Grossman. "ASA
would like to thank everyone involved in this landmark case whose
dedication can make this possible. In October, we hope the Supreme
Court sees it our way, the fair way."
Sixteen National Organizations Cite Crisis in Mental Health System,
Release Roadmap for Reform
This week at the U.S. Capitol, the Campaign for Mental Health Reform
released "Emergency Response: A Roadmap for Federal Action on
America's Mental Health Crisis." The coalition of 16
national organizations proposed 28 action steps as a
"roadmap" for Congress and the Administration to transform
the country's ailing mental health care system.
Speaking at the press conference in support of the campaign's
efforts were members of Congress from both political parties and both
chambers: Senators Mike DeWine (R-OH) and Edward Kennedy (D-MA), and
Representatives Sue Myrick (R-NC), Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Jim Ramstad (R-MN),
Grace Napolitano (D-CA), and Ted Strickland (D-OH).
The campaign came together after President Bush's New Freedom
Commission on Mental Health released its groundbreaking report in July 2003,
"Achieving the Promise: Transforming Mental Health Care in
America." In that report, the 22 commissioners found the U.S.
mental health system "fragmented and in disarray, lead[ing] to
unnecessary and costly disability, homelessness, school failure and
incarceration." The commission called for a "fundamental
transformation of the nation's approach to mental health
care."
In all, there are an estimated 20 million adults and 6 million
children and teenagers in the U.S. with serious mental illness. The
Campaign for Mental Health Reform seeks to make mental health a
national priority and to make early access, recovery and quality in
mental health services the hallmarks of our nation's mental
health system.
Named for Senator Gordon Smith's son who died by suicide, the
law provides Federal funds for youth suicide prevention initiatives.
Among the 28 action items included in the roadmap report are proposals by the
campaign to:
* End discrimination by health insurance plans through enactment
of parity legislation this year;
* Better utilize Medicaid dollars by providing cost-effective
home- and community-based care in lieu of institutional care,
and permitting states to utilize Medicaid dollars for
comprehensive treatment plans;
* Allow families to buy-into Medicaid to access services for a
child with a disability;
* End the unconscionable and costly "warehousing" of
youth with mental disorders;
* End discrimination against mental health treatment in Medicare,
which requires higher co-payments for mental health outpatient
care and limits inpatient hospital coverage for mental health
treatment;
The full list of 28 action items and the entire text of the report, as well as
an executive summary, can be found on the campaign's Web
site, http://www.mhreform.org/emergency. Also on the Web site are links to
each of the campaign's 16 constituent organizations.
The President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health Report,
released in 2003, may be found at
http://www.mentalhealthc ommission.gov.
The Autism Society of America's eNewsletter
August 1, 2005
A Sneak Preview of ASA's Brand New Look!
ASA is proud to present its new logo! Our highly-anticipated branding
initiative will be unveiled to our chapters, board and membership any day now.
ASA has been hard at work with Fishtank Brand Advertising and BrandTeam,
creating a fresh, new logo, which combines strong primary colors with a puzzle
element, as well as a new tagline--The Voice of Autism. ASA's popular Web site
is also being completely revamped and overhauled, making it easier to navigate
and more user-friendly, and full of new interactive components.
Stay tuned for official branding announcements over the next couple of weeks!
ASA's 36th National Conference an Event to Remember;
Thousands of ASA Members, Supporters Descend on Nashville for Largest
Autism Conference in Nation
The Autism Society of America (ASA), the leading voice and resource of the
entire autism community, hosted its 36th National Conference and celebrated its
40th anniversary in Nashville, TN, July 13-16, 2005. Thousands of ASA members
and supporters attended the conference, which offered more than 75 sessions on a
variety of autism-related topics applicable to individuals across the lifespan,
including sessions on behavior issues and supports; communication; early
intervention;education; family and sibling support; medicine and research;
personal perspectives; sensory processing; social skills; technology; and
transition planning and options for adulthood.
"In my mind, the most significant part of the ASA conference is
that it brings the entire autism community together and unites us
around issues and concerns we all feel are important to our
families," said ASA President & CEO Lee Grossman.
"The conference provides an atmosphere where, in the spirit of
education, advocacy and research, we can also celebrate the
achievements of ASA and the autism community."
The ASA National Conference: Informative, Fun, Significant
This year's opening ceremony featured VIPs across the gamut,
including NASCAR driver Jamie McMurray, who received a special award
of recognition for his contributions to and support of ASA and the
autism community; high-ranking government officials Jose Cordero, MD,
director of the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental
Disabilities (NCBDDD) at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and
Renard Murray, associate regional administrator, U.S. Centers for
Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), who delivered speeches on the
various autism activities in which their respective agencies are
engaging; Sue Rubin, the individual with autism featured in
CNN's Academy AwardR-nominated documentary, Autism is a World,
who welcomed conference attendees through a facilitated communication
device; Alyssia Boyett, an individual with autism who sang the
National Anthem; and Tammy Vice, mother of a child with autism who
performed two original songs.
Conference attendees were also treated to three keynote addresses by
leaders and experts in the autism community. The opening keynote
session speaker was Paula Kluth, Ph.D., M.Ed., an independent
educational consultant and an adjunct instructor at National-Louis
University in Chicago, IL, who focused on differentiating instruction
and on supporting students with autism and other significant
disabilities in inclusive classrooms.
Keynoter Paul Shattock, Ph.D., director of the Autism Research Unit of the
University of Sunderland, founding chairman of Communities of
Autistic People (CAP) and European Services for People with Autism
(ESPA), and father of an adult son with autism, discussed his current
research into the possibility that changes in environmental conditions could be
responsible for the dramatic increase in autism.
And final keynoter, Stephen Shore, ABD, MusM, ASA board member, adult
with autism, and well-known researcher and author on autism, presented "Success
with Autism: Using Our Strengths for Achieving a
Fulfilling and Productive Life--Just Like Everyone Else,"
in which he drew from his own life experiences to look at how people
with autism are able to build fulfilling and productive lives.
Jamie McMurray: A True ASA Friend
This year, ASA was thrilled to offer several additional events for
conference attendees, including Driving Autism Awareness: A Night in
Nashville, featuring NASCAR's Jamie McMurray, who hosted an
autograph/photo and question and answer session. The event--which
attracted multiple media outlets, including Fox Sports Network and
Speed Channel's NASCAR Nation, along with local network
affiliates--was a huge success, drawing a large crowd of
conference attendees and McMurray fans.
McMurray, who has a niece with autism, discussed how autism has
touched his family's life, why he has undertaken Driving Autism
Awareness--a national campaign sponsored by ChevronTexaco
Products Company (CTPC), in cooperation with Chip Ganassi Racing with
Felix Sabates, Home123 and Top-Flite, that raises funds for
ASA's autism education and advocacy efforts--and many other
autism and racing-related topics. The event also included an
appearance by Fox Sports Analyst and 3-time NASCAR Nextel Cup champion Darrell
Waltrip, and was emceed by ASA Board Member and FOX
Coordinating Director for NFL and NASCAR Artie Kempner.
"It was a really cool experience for me to get to meet all the
families that are involved with ASA and to hear their stories. Our
Driving Autism Awareness event went really well. It's great
to see the NASCAR fans embrace this program," said McMurray.
"I must say, I was a little overwhelmed at the opening
ceremonies. There were so many people there! It meant a lot to me that ASA
presented me with the achievement award. There are so many people behind the
scenes that make the Driving Autism Awareness campaign run smoothly, that the
award is for all of them, too."
In addition, ASA and The Gary Rosenthal Collection's Art as a
Catalyst program kicked off an arts enrichment initiative--the
Become A Piece of the Puzzle campaign--to raise money for the
autism community during McMurray's Driving Autism Awareness
event (see story below).
ASA members and conference attendees were also able to join McMurray
the next morning for a special breakfast, where McMurray interacted
with families and signed autographs.
A big shout out to Jamie for his willingness and cooperation in making these
events truly special.
ASA at the Movies: A Whale of a Time
ASA board members, staff, chapter leaders, members, and conference
attendees, gathered at Nashville's Country Music Hall of Fame
and Museum for a gala movie night, which included a screening of
Mozart and the Whale, a romantic comedy starring Josh Hartnett, Radha
Mitchell and Gary Cole--which was inspired by the lives of ASA
members Jerry and Mary Newport, who have Asperger's
syndrome--followed by CNN's Academy AwardR-nominated
documentary, Autism is a World.
World-renowned jazz artist David Anderson welcomed attendees by
treating them to a repertoire of country and swing, soft rock and
other favorites. Upon entering the Ford Theater,
Mozart's Jerry Newport shared his thoughts on the movie's
adaptation of his life, and Autism subject Sue Rubin, with the help of her
mother, Rita, thanked attendees for coming.
ASA would like to send a heartfelt thank you to board member Artie
Kempner, who served as the evening's eloquent and humorous host, and
to ASA national staff members; to the Country Music Hall of Fame and
Museum and Ford Theater teams; and to the studio houses for sharing
with us their wonderful productions. ASA is especially grateful to ASA President
and CEO Lee Grossman, ASA Board Chair Cathy Pratt,
and Artie Kempner, for generously underwriting the evening
and making ASA's movie night a huge success.
Evening of Champions Gala Dinner: A Night to Honor, Remember and Rock
Out
For the fourth year in a row, ASA honored leaders in the autism
community at its Evening of Champions gala dinner. The Evening
of Champions dinner was created as a forum for ASA to honor those
individuals who have contributed in ways big and small to education,
advocacy, and research for autism. This year's honorees included
ASA's founder, Bernard Rimland, Ph.D.; Travis LaBoy, member of
the NFL's Tennessee Titans, whose brother is on the autism spectrum
and has created SACK Autism and the LaBoy Foundation; Pat Levitt,
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, who is a leading researcher on
autism; and Art and Chelly Sellinger, CEO/Owner, Long Drivers of
America, who are long-time friends and supporters of ASA.
Each honoree was presented with a recognition award created by artist
Gary Rosenthal, as well as a beautiful basket of gift products donated by the
company Melaleuca. Rimland, who founded ASA in 1965 and was honored on its 40th
anniversary, received a standing ovation from teary-eyed and appreciative
attendees.
"The Evening of Champions was a special event this year for ASA for
several reasons, particularly because as we celebrated our 40th
anniversary as an organization, we were thrilled to have in attendance our
founding father, Bernard Rimland, Ph.D.," said President Grossman. "Autism is
finally receiving worldwide attention, and the autism community can directly
thank Bernie for being one of the first advocates for individuals with autism,
at a time when no one knew what autism was."
After award presentations, dinner, and a silent auction, country music icon,
Ronnie Milsap, rocked the house, playing for a crowded dance floor such
favorites as "Stranger in My House," and
"Smoky Mountain Rain." The 8-time Country Music
Association winner also has seven GrammysR and four America Country
Music awards throughout his career.
ASA would like to thank Travis LaBoy for his generous contribution to
ASA presented at the dinner; the Middle Tennessee Chapter of ASA for
its tremendous support, particularly in handling silent auction
logistics; Nashville's #1 country music radio station, 95.5 The
Wolf's on-air personality, Karen Keeley, for emceeing the event;
and Angela Curley, LaBoy's mother, for leading an energetic live
auction for items donated by the LaBoy Foundation--including a
trip to Hawaii--as well as a pearl and diamond necklace made by
ASA's very own Connecticut Chapter President, Kim Newgass. A
special thanks to sponsors and those who purchased tables at the
dinner for helping underwrite the cost of the evening.
So you missed the conference in 2005? Start thinking ahead to 2006!
ASA's 37th National Conference & Exposition on Autism
Spectrum Disorders will be held in Providence, RI, July 12-15, 2006.
Stay tuned for conference promotions and information on ASA's
Web site, http://www.autism -society.org, in the Advocate and ASA-Net,
and on ASA's chapter network.
Autism Society of America Award Winners Honored at Conference Opening
Ceremony; ASA National Office Recognizes Leaders in ASA Family
The following lists the 2005 ASA National Awards, the 2005 Wendy F.
Miller & ASA National Recognition Awards, and 2005 Scholarships,
which were presented at the opening ceremony of ASA's 36th
National Conference:
2005 ASA National Awards
ASA Chapter of the Year Award: San Diego County Chapter; Shirley Fett, president
ASA Media Excellence Award: Autism is a World; Geraldine Wurzburg,
producer, State of the Art Productions
ASA Outstanding Literary Work of the Year: Autism Spectrum Disorders;
Chantal Sicile-Kira, author, Penguin Group (USA), publisher
2005 Wendy F. Miller & ASA National Recognition Awards
Wendy F. Miller Parent of the Year Award: Phyllis Shingle
Wendy F. Miller Autism Professional of the Year Award: Mitch Goldstein
Wendy F. Miller Outstanding Individual with Autism of the Year Award:
James Olin Horne II
Wendy F. Miller Outstanding Program of the Year Award: Therapeutic
Programs: Activity-Based and Sensory-Driven; Clay White, LLC
2005 Scholarships
The Eden Services Charles H. Hoens, Jr.--Scholars Program Award:
Dana E. Goyette The Collins Scholarship: Jason Fletcher, University of
Wisconsin-Madison
ASA would like to congratulate each and every 2005 award winner.
We appreciate your hard work and dedication to the Society and to
autism.
Autism Society of America Kicks Off Partnership with The Gary
Rosenthal Collection; McMurray, National Conference Attendees Become a Piece of
the Puzzle
The Autism Society of America (ASA) and The Gary Rosenthal
Collection's Art as a Catalyst program have teamed up to provide
a unique opportunity to create artwork supporting those affected by
autism. Launched at ASA's 36th National Conference this
month, the Become a Piece of the Puzzle campaign generates awareness
and support for the autism community through arts enrichment
activities.
NASCAR driver Jamie McMurray, along with internationally renowned
artist Gary Rosenthal and ASA leaders, officially kicked off the
campaign during Driving Autism Awareness: A Night in Nashville,
McMurray's autograph, photo, and question and answer session at
the conference.
McMurray and his niece, Lauren, who has autism, began the process of
placing individual pieces of polished, colored glass to create a
mosaic. Throughout the conference, thousands of others affected by
autism added their personal touches to the artwork.
Following the conference, the mosaics were sent back to
Rosenthal's studio in Kensington, MD, where they will be fired
and crafted into jewelry, bookmarks, money clips, and other pieces of
art. Each piece of art costs $20, and a portion of sales benefits ASA
and autism research.
The Gary Rosenthal Collection employs individuals with autism who are
professionally trained to help with the production and creation of
this artwork. Additionally, The Gary Rosenthal Collection created all
of the national awards presented at this year's conference.
ASA chapters are encouraged to develop similar Become a Piece of the
Puzzle campaign projects for local meetings, special events, and
fundraisers. These projects are ideal sibling programs. Chapters also
can purchase personalized corporate gifts created by The Gary
Rosenthal Collection and worked on by the studio's autistic
employees.
Rosenthal has been a leader within the American craft movement for
more than 30 years. His unique blend of metal and brilliant glass has
been given to American presidents and displayed in museums throughout
the world.
The Art as a Catalyst program practices a distinctive brand of social
entrepreneurship designed, funded, and implemented by The Gary
Rosenthal Collection. The initiative develops cause-related marketing
programs to help non-profit organizations raise money and support arts
enrichment and education, focusing primarily on intergenerational
community-building activities.
For more information about the Become a Piece of the Puzzle campaign,
please visit the ASA Web site at http://www.autism -society.org, the
Art as a Catalyst Web site at http://www.artasa catalyst.org, or
contact ASA Director of Development Carol Folsom at
cfolsom@....
ASA Representatives to Help Launch Art as a Catalyst Retailer
Network; Philadelphia Mayor to Participate, Artist Gary Rosenthal to Announce
Plans
The Autism Society of America (ASA) will be helping The Gary Rosenthal
Collection launch its Art as a Catalyst Retailer Network Friday, August, 5, from
9-10am at the Philadelphia Buyers Market of American Craft--the nation's largest
trade-only craft show with more
than 3,000 craft retailers and industry professionals in
attendance--to be held at the Philadelphia Convention Center.
ASA member families will make a colorful mosaic as world-renowned
artist Gary Rosenthal announces plans for the Retailers Network, a
nationwide system of craft galleries that will sell pieces of artwork
created by non-profit organizations under Rosenthal's direction.
The network will provide craft galleries with the opportunity to
support community-based programs and help non-profit organizations,
such as ASA, raise money.
Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street also will be taking part in the
event and will add his personal touches to the glass mosaic.
The mosaic created in Philadelphia, just as the ones created at
ASA's National Conference, will be fired and crafted into
jewelry, bookmarks, money clips, and other pieces of art. Each piece
of art costs $20, and a portion of sales benefits ASA and the autism
community.
To participate in the Philadelphia event, please contact ASA Director
of Chapters & Membership Jeff Sell at jzsell@.... PLEASE
NOTE: Children must be over six years old to participate. For
more information about the Art as a Catalyst Retailer Network, please
visit http://www.artasa catalyst.org.
ASA, Bluespan, Inc. Partner at National Conference;
Company to Provide Monitoring Equipment to ASA Members at Discount!
The Autism Society of America (ASA) and BluespanR, Inc., an emerging
company in the research and production of wireless applications for
consumer purposes, established a partnership at ASA's national
conference to provide the company's state-of-the-art monitoring
equipment to ASA's membership at a significant discount.
The company's first product, ionKidsR, is an easy-to-use system
designed to assist parents and guardians in keeping tabs on children
and other dependents. ionKids' short-range monitoring equipment
consists of a wristband, or Wristag?, worn by the child or
dependent (a tamper- and water-resistant bracelet that requires no
interaction on the part of the child and contains a strong locking
mechanism that cannot be easily opened without a key), and a handheld
device, or base unit (a small, device used by the parent or guardian
to monitor the location of the Wristag wearer, which also allows
parents to monitor up to four Wristags simultaneously).
Normally costing $219.95, ionKids' child-monitoring device is
being offered to ASA members for $165 each for a limited time!
To to order now, paste the link below into your browser:
http://www.autism -society.org/site/R?i=-tgsWN3AtontmCMGZfhrlQ..
For more on ionKids, go to http://www.ion -kids.com.
HHS Press Conference Cause for Concern;
ASA Affirms Support for Bill Removing Mercury from Vaccines for
Children
The Autism Society of America (ASA) was concerned during a Department
of Health and Human Services (HHS) press conference last week,
particularly because representatives from HHS, the Centers for Disease Control
(CDC) and others "did not address the autism epidemic
that exists in this country, which is growing at similar rates in many parts of
the world," said ASA President & CEO Lee Grossman.
"Instead, HHS repeated the same message regarding vaccine safety
that many in the autism community have challenged."
On the subject of vaccines and autism, "ASA has consistently
asked agencies to undertake more research, specifically with
clinically-based subjects rather than large-scale epidemiological
studies that do not address the possible subsets of those who may be
more prone to injury by vaccines and their additives; has insisted
that those who have been injured by vaccines be fairly compensated and receive
the services and interventions that are appropriate and
necessary; and has supported legislation that calls for the removal of
thimerosal from all vaccines," said Grossman.
And while HHS at its press conference had an opportunity to address
the lack of appropriate services for individuals with autism across
the lifespan, the woefully inadequate funding for research, and the
steps it would take to address this national health crisis and
therefore build a trusting relationship and dialog with the autism
community, the presentations may have caused further divisiveness and
did not directly address concerns about vaccine safety.
A step in the right direction for the autism community, however, is
the bipartisan Mercury-Free Vaccine Act of 2005 (HR. 881), introduced
by Congressman Dave Weldon, MD (R, FL-15) and Congresswoman Carolyn
Maloney (D, NY-14), and the Senate version, S. 1422, introduced by
Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NB), both of which ASA staunchly supports. The
bills ensure, through law, that thimerosal will be phased out, and
kept out, of vaccines.
"ASA wholeheartedly endorses both bills, and applauds
legislative efforts to protect our nation's future. We
appreciate the continued support of families in the autism community
by Dr. Weldon, Congresswoman Maloney, and Senator Hagel," said
ASA Board Chair Cathy Pratt.
"ASA looks forward to the passage of HR.881 and S. 1422, and to
the removal of the potential exposure of our children to mercury
through vaccines. ASA urges the passage of both bills, and we ask that the
President and the Secretary of Health and Human Services directly engage the
autism community to address the funding for autism-related services and
research," added Grossman.
U.S. Supreme Court Announces Hearing Date for Landmark SCHAFFER v.
WEAST Case; ASA Supports Families, Provides Brief to Champion Position
The United States Supreme Court has announced that it will hear
argument in Schaffer v. Weast (No. 04-698) on the first day of oral
argument in the new term, Wednesday, October 5, 2005. ASA Director of
Chapters & Membership Jeff Sell, who is also an attorney, is a
member of the team representing the plaintiffs' interests in the
case, the parents of Brian Weast--a child with ADHD and other
learning disabilities--who believed the individualized education
program (IEP) at their son's school was inadequate for his
needs.
In April, ASA filed an amici curiae brief, which includes additional
information or arguments that outside parties with a direct interest
in the outcome of the case wish to have considered. The case addresses whether
burden of proof should be assigned to the parents, or to the school district
that is responsible for implementing the IEP and ensuring that Brian, and all
6.6 million children covered by IDEA, receive a free and appropriate education
in the least restrictive environment.
The question presented to the court is: "Under the Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), when parents of a disabled
child and a local school district reach an impasse over the
child's individualized education program, either side has a
right to bring the dispute to an administrative hearing officer for
resolution. At the hearing, which side has the burden of proof: the
parents or the school district?"
IDEA does not specify which party--the parents or school
district--should bear the responsibility, and the 13 United
States Circuit Courts of Appeal are split on the issue. Six circuits
(2nd , 3rd, 7th, 8th, 9th and DC) place the burden of proof on the
school districts; four circuits (4th, 5th, 6th and 10th) on the
parents; and, two (1st and 11th) have not yet addressed the issue.
ASA, along with its co-amici, The ARC of the United States, Epilepsy
Foundation, NAMI, United Cerebral Palsy and The National Law Center on
Homelessness & Poverty, argued that responsibility should be
placed upon school districts for a variety of constitutional,
procedural and historical reasons. School districts typically have far more
resources than do parents, and should step up to the plate and show why its
proposed IEP is appropriate. Moreover, for children with autism, early
intervention is crucial and there may be no second
chance if opportunities for effective educational interventions are
squandered. Without appropriate early intervention, children may lose
the opportunity to learn the skills they need to grow up as
constructive members of society. If school districts, with many
resources at their disposal, are unable to persuade a hearing officer
that services sought by parents are unnecessary, the school district
is not entitled to prevail.
According to ASA's brief, "Given the high individual and
societal costs involved in denying a child even temporarily the
appropriate public education to which he or she is entitled under the
IDEA, the burden of proof is properly placed on school districts to
avoid the risk of error and encourage compliance with the law"
(p.30).
"The placement of the burden of proof on the school districts is
the fairest way of leveling the playing field to ensure that our
children receive the free and appropriate public education that IDEA
requires," said ASA President & CEO Lee Grossman. "ASA
would like to thank everyone involved in this landmark case whose
dedication can make this possible. In October, we hope the Supreme
Court sees it our way, the fair way."
Sixteen National Organizations Cite Crisis in Mental Health System,
Release Roadmap for Reform
This week at the U.S. Capitol, the Campaign for Mental Health Reform
released "Emergency Response: A Roadmap for Federal Action on
America's Mental Health Crisis." The coalition of 16
national organizations proposed 28 action steps as a
"roadmap" for Congress and the Administration to transform
the country's ailing mental health care system.
Speaking at the press conference in support of the campaign's
efforts were members of Congress from both political parties and both
chambers: Senators Mike DeWine (R-OH) and Edward Kennedy (D-MA), and
Representatives Sue Myrick (R-NC), Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Jim Ramstad (R-MN),
Grace Napolitano (D-CA), and Ted Strickland (D-OH).
The campaign came together after President Bush's New Freedom
Commission on Mental Health released its groundbreaking report in July 2003,
"Achieving the Promise: Transforming Mental Health Care in
America." In that report, the 22 commissioners found the U.S.
mental health system "fragmented and in disarray, lead[ing] to
unnecessary and costly disability, homelessness, school failure and
incarceration." The commission called for a "fundamental
transformation of the nation's approach to mental health
care."
In all, there are an estimated 20 million adults and 6 million
children and teenagers in the U.S. with serious mental illness. The
Campaign for Mental Health Reform seeks to make mental health a
national priority and to make early access, recovery and quality in
mental health services the hallmarks of our nation's mental
health system.
Named for Senator Gordon Smith's son who died by suicide, the
law provides Federal funds for youth suicide prevention initiatives.
Among the 28 action items included in the roadmap report are proposals by the
campaign to:
* End discrimination by health insurance plans through enactment
of parity legislation this year;
* Better utilize Medicaid dollars by providing cost-effective
home- and community-based care in lieu of institutional care,
and permitting states to utilize Medicaid dollars for
comprehensive treatment plans;
* Allow families to buy-into Medicaid to access services for a
child with a disability;
* End the unconscionable and costly "warehousing" of
youth with mental disorders;
* End discrimination against mental health treatment in Medicare,
which requires higher co-payments for mental health outpatient
care and limits inpatient hospital coverage for mental health
treatment;
The full list of 28 action items and the entire text of the report, as well as
an executive summary, can be found on the campaign's Web
site, http://www.mhreform.org/emergency. Also on the Web site are links to
each of the campaign's 16 constituent organizations.
The President's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health Report,
released in 2003, may be found at
http://www.mentalhealthc ommission.gov.