Special Education Today

13 February 2010

Nonprofit provides technology job training for people with autism

Filed under: Aspergers Syndrome, Autism, Inclusion, Practical/ Life Skills, Special Education — Maria Angala @ 10:20 am
A suburban Chicago nonprofit group is providing job training aimed at matching the strengths of people who have Asperger's syndrome or high-functioning autism with jobs in technology fields. Aspiritech helps people with the disorders find positions in computer-program testing and data entry, which require the performance of highly repetitive and detailed tasks. The nonprofit's founder said gains go beyond participants' financial earnings. "It is structure to the day," she said. "It is sense of self-worth, value." National Public Radio (text and audio)

7 February 2010

Special Educators are trained to use defibrillators

Filed under: ADHD/ ADD, Autism, Special Education, Teachers/ Educators, Tourette's Syndrome, cerebral palsy — Maria Angala @ 9:30 am
Deputy headteachers from Glendene School Craig Platt and Liz Coxon with teacher Mark McNichol and the new defibrillator which has been donated to the school.

Educators at a school in England for students with special needs are being trained to use an automated external defibrillator that was donated to the school. "The aim is that all staff members will be trained to use it," one teacher said. "We hope that we will never need to put it into action, but it is good to know that we would be able to bring a child or adult round in an emergency. They really can make the difference between life and death." Sunderland Echo (U.K.)


3 February 2010

Is Special Ed Too Litigious or Not Litigious Enough?

Filed under: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Autism, Gerl, Special Education, due process, law, special education law — Jim Gerl @ 4:32 pm

Courtroom One GavelImage by Joe Gratz via Flickr



The number of due process hearings in special ed disputes has increased nationwide over the last two decades. This link is to a pennlive.com article discussing the topic. The article quotes Professor Perry Zirkel for some of the reasons for the increase, including the recognition of autism and ADHD as disabilities for purposes of eligibility.

I have great respect for Professor Zirkel and I generally agree with him. One area where we differ, though is whether the special ed hearing system is overlegalized, as he contends. I contend that in the ten busiest jurisdictions, the system probably is overlegalized. In other places, especially in rural or isolated areas of the country, however, I think that the system is underlegalized. I am active in ACRES, the rural special education organization, and many of their members agree with me on this point. There are many places where parents, and sometimes even school districts, cannot find a lawyer familiar with special ed law. As the article above suggests, the income of the parents may be the best indicator of whether they can assert their rights under the procedural safeguards.

I don't think that increasing the number of due process hearings is a goal, but if the problem is that there are parts of the country where legal representation is unavailable, that is not healthy. Similarly, if there are people not assessing procedural safeguards because they are not wealthy, maybe we should design a new and different system.

What has been your experience? What do you think?



Related articles by Zemanta
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
------- Thanks for subscribing! Jim Gerl

22 December 2009

Kim Peek, The Real ‘Rain Man,’ Has Died

Filed under: Autism, Famous People with disabilities, Special Education — Maria Angala @ 9:38 am
You may not recognize his name, but there's a good chance you remember Rain Man, the 1988 movie starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise.

Hoffman's character, a mega-savant, was based on Kim Peek.

As NPR's Howard Berkes reports from Salt Lake City, where the 58-year-old Peek lived:

He "had severe mental handicaps but reportedly remembered everything he read and heard. Peek had difficulty with simple things like turning on lights or dressing himself, but his memory was legendary. Give him a date and he'd describe its events. Name a place and he'd name the zip code. He reportedly memorized every word in 9,000 books." (NPR.org)

3 December 2009

Story about sibling with autism is featured on Disney Channel

Filed under: Autism, Special Education — Maria Angala @ 10:29 pm


The Disney Channel is regularly airing a two-minute segment called, "The Time I Realized My Brother was Different," featuring one child's experiences with a sibling who has autism. The segment is based on a book by Michigan 13-year-old Melody Igafo-Te'o, who wrote about life with her older brother, Michael, who is autistic. "Some people just think autism is a weird problem," Melody said. "... I hope that they won't think that as much -- that it's like having a regular sibling and just a little different." MLive.com (Michigan)

5 November 2009

Play showcases story of raising child with autism

Filed under: Autism — Maria Angala @ 11:11 pm
"Autistic License" by Stacey Dinner-Levin will be the season opener for Harbor Light Stage's 2009-10 Bold Face Play Readings series.

A docudrama about raising a child who has autism is set to take the stage at a New Hampshire theater this weekend. "Autistic License," was written by Minnesota playwright Stacey Dinner-Levin who has a child with autism. "Theater humanizes issues. It puts a beating heart inside of facts," said the theater's creative director. The closing performance Sunday will be followed by a symposium that will include special educators. Foster's Daily Democrat (Dover, N.H.)

Studies to look at video games that could help people with disabilities

Filed under: Autism, Technology in Education — Maria Angala @ 11:01 pm
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation announced $1.85 million in funding for nine research projects involving the design of video-game technology to help people change behavior, manage chronic illness and improve communication. Among the projects that won funding: A study that will look at the effect of facial-perception video games on brain activity and facial-perception skills in children who have autism; and research that will examine if video-game use decreases the chances of people with Parkinson's disease suffering falls. Computerworld

TEACHER SOL 2009-11-05 22:57:00

Filed under: Autism, Teachers/ Educators — Maria Angala @ 10:57 pm
AMBASSADOR—Zak Kukoff, a freshman at Westlake High School, developed a program that educates non-autistic children about the special challenges of the disorder and encourages them to integrate with their autistic peers. Autism Speaks, a national organization, has adopted Kukoff’s ambassador program. IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers

A California high-school freshman has created a program that offers guidelines to help students mentor and better understand their peers who have autism. Zak Kukoff says Autism Ambassadors uses role-playing exercises to teach skills to students with autism that they can use in everyday school situations, and it teaches students without autism what living with the disorder is like. The program is "easily adaptable to any grade" and has been implemented at 12 schools, Kukoff said. Autism Speaks, the nation's largest autism advocacy group, has named the program its national peer-leadership initiative. The Acorn (Agoura Hills, Calif.)


3 November 2009

Educators developing strategies for teaching students with autism

Filed under: Autism, Special Education, Teachers/ Educators — Maria Angala @ 5:59 am

Some educators who are faced with increasing numbers of students with autism in special-education and general-education classrooms say using assistive technology that reinforces visual -- rather than verbal -- skills and ties visual cues to the written word may be helpful. Other strategies districts should consider include better training for non-special-education teachers, access to evidence-based resources, support teams and partnerships between schools and parents. eSchool News

28 October 2009

California Court Rules that Private Insurer Must Pay for Autism Therapy

Filed under: ABA, Autism, Gerl, Insurance, Special Education, education, law, methodology, special education law — Jim Gerl @ 10:20 am
A Los Angeles trial court has issued a preliminary ruling that private insurance companies must pay for applied behavioral analysis treatments for children with autism. The Court found that a memo by a state agency permitting denials of coverage for such treatments was an in valid form of regulation that conflicts with a state law requiring insurers to cover mental and emotional health problems equally to physical problems. Here is the news article from the L. A. Times.

It should be noted that this is just a preliminary ruling. As long time readers of this blog know, legal disputes are never over until they're over. (I couldn't resist quoting Yogi Berra with the World Series on the horizon. Next year it will be the Cubs; do you know how many years I have been saying that?) The case has not yet been decided. There is much more yet to come.

If the preliminary ruling stands however, this could be an important decision. It

Bar chart of the number (per 1,000 U.S. reside...Image via Wikipedia

also may impact special education law. Many parents have attempted to have their school systems provide or reimburse for ABA treatments. These have sometimes been successful, but often get stuck in the methodology category. Since the Rowley decision, courts have held that methodology choices are the province of professional educators. Where a district program denied FAPE, however, some hearing officers and courts have ordered ABA programs. If insurance companies must pay for ABA treatments or programs, (and as I said above, we are a long way from that being "the law.") there may be fewer attempts to look to school districts to pay for such services.

What do you think about this?
Related articles by Zemanta
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]">
------- Thanks for subscribing! Jim Gerl

20 October 2009

Cure for Autism?

Filed under: Autism, Gary Null, Gerl, Special Education, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, cure, education, law, special education law — Jim Gerl @ 4:47 pm
I was listening to the radio while driving through Washington, DC today. One of the stations was having a series of listener support drives. One speaker was named Gary Null. He was offering a number of items as premiums in exchange for pledges from listeners. If it was not public radio, it sure sounded like it.

He talked a lot about immune system boosters and free radicals. One of the listener premiums available to listeners who pledged a contribution was a Berry/Fruit concoction that was supposedly good for one's immune system. He also referred to the staff of the FDA as "skunks", and argued that the FDA was under the control of the pharmaceutical industry. He urged listeners to vote against all congressional incumbents.

But what caught my attention was his remarks concerning autism. He claimed to have a protocol that he could recommend that would cure autism. He gave some examples of kids he has worked with who now have no symptoms associated with autism related disorders.

The connection with our topic here is a bit thin, I'll admit it. But there are a lot of decisions in special education cases in the last few years concerning methodology, especially in cases involving autism. Even though the law is pretty clear that school districts can upursue various methodologies so long as they provide FAPE to the student. So most of these cases don't go very far, but I'm thinking that if this Mr. Null claims to have a cure, we will likely see a bunch of cases involving his system.

What do you think? Is there a cure for autism? If so, will or should that affect the legal obligations of school districts? I predict some arguments on these points.
Related articles by Zemanta
Reblog this post [with Zemanta]
------- Thanks for subscribing! Jim Gerl

24 July 2009

Girl Scouts honor girl for helping classmates with autism

Filed under: Autism, Special Education — ms.angala @ 4:36 pm
Shannon Elizabeth Evans of Cary, N.C., earned the Girl Scouts' highest honor, the Gold Award, in recognition of her work with students with autism at her high school. Evans developed and administered programs to improve physical and social skills for students with autism, working with them one-on-one for two months. The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.)

20 July 2009

Florida Autism conference

Filed under: Autism, News, Other Sites, Press, Training, behavior analysis, communication — JohnL @ 7:33 am
The Scott Center at Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne (FL, US) will host its second annual conference on Autism 6 November 2009. The theme for this year is “Power and Potential of Communication,” and the featured speakers includ Mark Sundberg, Jim Carr, and Bridget Taylor. Link to the conference Website and to the Scott [...]

5 July 2009

Lawsuit challenges California insurers’ denial of autism therapy

Filed under: Autism, Special Education — ms.angala @ 12:05 pm
California regulations that allow insurers to deny treatment coverage to children with autism violate state laws, a consumer group contends in a lawsuit. Insurers say they are following the law and covering most autism care. They say they are allowed to deny coverage for applied behavior analysis because it is too expensive and is educational rather than medical. Los Angeles Times

25 June 2009

Chicago hospital offers an online site for autism services

Filed under: Autism, Special Education — ms.angala @ 8:58 pm
Chicago's Rush University Medical Center has created an online Autism Resource Center that lists area education options and disability services designed for children with autism. The resource also lists information fees, insurance and waiting lists. Chicago Tribune

4 June 2009

Marines investigate enlistment of man with autism

Filed under: Autism — ms.angala @ 2:11 am
The Marine Corps is investigating how a man with autism was allowed to enlist amid an allegation that the recruiter was told of his disability. A 2006 court order prevented Pvt. Joshua Fry, 21, from entering into contracts on his own; he faces a court-martial over unrelated allegations. San Diego Union-Tribune

26 May 2009

Minnesota teen with autism earns Eagle Scout honors

Filed under: Autism, Special Education — ms.angala @ 7:25 pm
Lucas Brown received his special award just last weekend, but what's even more amazing is just how much he had to overcome to get it.

High-school senior Lucas Brown, who is mildly autistic, has completed 21 merit badges and become an Eagle Scout. Brown will graduate with academic honors in June and plans to attend a trade school to study welding and fabrication. WCCO-TV (Minneapolis)

15 August 2008

Oregon Legislative Workgroup on Autism to Hold Community Forums

Filed under: Autism, Oregon Legislation and Autism, assistive technology, autism resources — Shane @ 11:07 am
An Oregon Legislative Workgroup is hitting the road to hear from families and community members on Autism Support.
I received the information below in an email from Oregon State Representative Chris Edwards' office:

In response to the growing numbers of Oregonians facing the challenge of Autism Spectrum Disorder, a legislative work group led by State Rep. Chris Edwards will host a series of community meetings across the state to hear from parents and advocates of people with autism.

The tour will begin in Bend on Monday Aug. 18th, with stops in NE Portland on Aug. 19th, Eugene Aug. 20th, Beaverton Sept. 9th, Coos Bay Sept. 10th, and Medford on Sept. 11th. In order to reach every corner of the state, a teleconference will be hosted from Salem on Sept. 8th.
The Oregon Autism Project was conceived last May when State Reps. Peter Buckley (D-Ashland) and Mitch Greenlick (D-Portland) asked Rep. Edwards (D – Eugene/Junction City), to lead a legislative work group looking into ways children and adults with autism spectrum disorder can be better served.
(You can view an Autism report on preliminary findings here from The Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities.)
Over the course of the last two months the group has worked to assess current services, investigate other states’ best practices and begin the process of bringing the various components of autism services in the education and health sector together to provide a higher and more efficient standard of care. The group has compiled a draft report with preliminary findings and recommendations for the 2009 Legislature.

Before presenting a final set of recommendations to a joint meeting of the Interim House Committees on Education and Healthcare, the workgroup will be hosting the statewide tour to receive feedback from individuals and families on the report compiled by the workgroup.

“Our group has worked hard to do the preliminary work pulling different stakeholders together, but now is the time to hear from families around the state about their needs, their goals and their challenges in accessing state services for their loved one with autism,” said Edwards.” To view a copy of the preliminary findings please visit the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities website at www.ocdd.org.

Forum Schedule/Itinerary:
Who: Rep. Chris Edwards, and members of the Oregon Autism Project
What: Statewide Autism Tour
When: Time: All meetings will be from 6:30-8:00 pm
Where:
Bend: Aug. 18th,
Bend School District Administration Center,
520 NW Wall St., Bend, OR 97701
N. Portland: Aug. 19th
Kaiser Town Hall
3704 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR 97277
Eugene: Aug. 20th
Harris Hall
125 E. Eighth Ave, Eugene, Oregon 97401
Salem: Sept. 8th
Teleconference
Details TBA

Beaverton: Sept. 9th
Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, South Auditorium
9205 SW Barnes Rd.
Portland, OR 97225
Coos Bay: Sept. 10th
Coos Bay Public Library
525 Anderson Ave, Coos Bay, OR 97420
Medford: Sept. 11th
Details TBA

All the best to you!
Lon

Bookmark this on Delicious
Check out more at http://nolimits2life.com/blog

9 August 2008

Remember the Milk: Will it Help With the Ever-Growing To-Do List?

Filed under: ADD, Autism, assistive technology, demands of life, memory support, resources for TBI, to do list online service — Shane @ 12:50 pm

Yesterday I was frustrated. I had just opened a letter telling me to check my cell phone plan and look at new rates and make adjustments if necessary. I thought, "Great. One more thing to remember to do." I had to postpone jury duty because it was to start this next Monday and we are gone to a conference. I have to renew my driver's license with the new homeland security requirements, so I have to bring in documents and proof of a street address. (I went in once and didn't have all the documents they needed - so I have to go back.) I have work-related reminders, our son's prescription to pick up...it goes on and on.

It seems like our culture, the services we use and the systems we live within require so much more accountability and monitoring on our part than they used to. Our banks, pay online accounts, satellite, cell services, insurance, auto mechanics, etc. all send us reminders of rates, payments due, upcoming specials, and more. It is almost overload sometimes for me. I feel like they are running me instead of serving me. On top of that, my brain injury issues from a stroke a couple of years ago, have left me a little less capable in the memory department and also in the detail department as well. I have to work smarter and harder to stay in the stride of my day. Any tool that can help is a good thing.

As I drove down our mountain yesterday, I thought of what my son had told me recently. "We live like pioneers in the old days when we are up on the mountain." he had said. We do live a slower lifestyle up there in the summer, but it doesn't keep the lists from growing anyway. Summer is coming to a close and it is back to school soon and reality and all the things that clutter life. I remember when I was kid up on this mountain, we didn't listen to the radio or have TV or get a newspaper for the entire summer. My parents loved it and life really was simpler. In the 1960's we didn't even have a phone yet in our summer mountain spot. No text messaging back then! People had to send us a letter with a date and time they would call and we would wait on that date on a party line phone in town to talk. I don't want to go backwards to that again, but sometimes I wish I had a slower, less-complicated life in general. Since that probably isn't going to happen in the near future, I continue to depend on lists and reminders to help with the crush of to-do's that fill up my day.

I heard about a beta version web application called Remember the Milk, and I thought about my situation. Maybe this can help me keep better track of things. Remember the Milk is an online tool to help you remember things. I have an ever-growing list of to-do's and I usually keep pen and paper handy, but if you need to tie it into Google Desktop or Twitter or an iphone or blackberry, it can keep you posted through your day as to what you need to shop for, take care of, etc. I think it could be a very good support tool to use with middle to high school students and older, especially with traumatic brain injury, certain situations within autism or ADD/ADHD.

Go to their website and see what you think. I might go ahead and download it and give it a try. Maybe I should put that on my list of things to do...


All the best to you!

Lon
Check out more at http://nolimits2life.com/blog

31 July 2008

Training session helps teachers better handle autism

Filed under: Autism, Special Education, Teachers/ Educators — Shane @ 9:42 am
Helping educators to defuse tantrums of children with autism and to better meet their educational needs were elements of a weeklong training session at a Chicago-area elementary school. "We love these kids. That's why we do this work," said Kathy Gould, director of the Illinois Autism Training and Technical Assistance Project. "But they're tough and they can be really tough until we figure out what works." Chicago Tribune
Older Posts »

Powered by WordPress

Bad Behavior has blocked 191 access attempts in the last 7 days.