Weekly update from Family Voices

[Guest guest]

Bowen

OF GEORGIA

Weekly Update of Events In and Around Georgia - November 16, 2004

Please note that this update is provided for your convenience. For more information or to register, please use the specific contact that is listed.

Continue to send in your notices of events as well as special services or programs -- This update is delivered to approximately 4000 Statewide email addresses per week !!!!

For information about The Arc of Georgia and The Arc of Georgia Statewide Education Committee, please visit www.arcga.org .

The Arc of Carroll County meets the 3rd Monday of each month at 7 pm at the Carroll County Training Center 200 Alton Ested Blvd. Carrollton GA 770-834-6232

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See Georgia 's hottest online discussion groups for parents, families and advocates who are interested in disability and advocacy issues !!!!

http://www./group/GA-ParentNetwork

GA-ParentNetwork is designed exclusively for Georgia parents / guardians of children or adult dependents with disabilities. The purpose is to allow communication between families on the common issues we share so we can better support, advocate, and influence change for our children.

http://www./group/BCWFamilies

BCWFamilies is designed for families whose children are currently enrolled in the State of Georgia's Babies Can't Wait early intervention program and the Parent Educators of Project SCEIs. The purpose is to allow families to share, support and educate each other during the early intervention phase of their child's life.

http://www./group/autism

Autism-Georgia is designed for parents, professionals and others interested in news, information, and resources about Autism and Autism-spectrum disorders in Georgia such as events, nutrition issues, mercury and other vaccination research as specifically related to this spectrum of disorders

http://www./group/peppinc

The Federally funded parent training center in Georgia . On the listserv, you will find discussions between other parents, great advice from PEPPAC trainers , online trainings and much more. Find information about ongoing workshops too !!! schedule.

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December 6-10, 2004 4th Annual National Inclusive Schools Week

Celebration kits can be downloaded from The National Institute for Urban School Improvement's website at:

http://www.inclusiveschools.org. The kits include lesson plans, activities, posters, and bumper stickers. This year's theme is "Working

Together" to promote change across all levels of the system to create a more inclusive community.

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The Monthly Meetings of the DHR Board of Human Resources are open to the public. Meetings begin at 1:00 p.m. and are normally held in room 250 on the 29th floor of the Georgia Department of Human Resources central offices at 2 Peachtree Street, Atlanta. Occasionally, the board will meet at a different location. The schedule is subject to change, so please check back here to confirm times and locations before planning to attend. The Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases (MHDDAD) Committee of the Board of Human Resources meets the third Wednesday of each month -- the same day as Board meetings -- from 10:00 a.m. to noon on the 22nd floor at 2 Peachtree Street, room 270. Like the full Board meetings, MHDDAD Committee meetings are open to the public.

November 17 Atlanta / December 15 Atlanta

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Department of Community Health - Public Meetings / all on 20th floor West Tower, Floyd Room / 200 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta

December 8, 2004 / Board of Community Health - 10:00 am - 12:00 noon

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North Regional Board Meetings meets from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. on the second Thursday of every other month at the BridgeMill Fire Station in Canton, Georgia. The meetings are in February, April, June, August, October and December. ________________________________________________________________________________________________

CONFERENCES / Events for 2004

November 16, 2004 Holiday Artist Market

Callaway Auditorium, Shepherd Center

11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

A wide selection of fine arts and crafts by a variety of talented artists with disabilities will be on display and available for

purchase. Meet the artists and see how they work! For more information about the market, or if you are an artist that would

like to find out how you can be an exhibitor, contact Jayna McGhee,CTRS/Arts Specialist at (404) 350-7792 or

jayna_mcghee@...

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November 18th 7:00 - 9:00pm Justice Center Auditorium ,Lawrenceville,GA

Benefits Navigator , Speaker, Curtis Great information: Social Security benefits and more!!!!!!! _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

November 18, 6:30 to 8:30 pm / Come hear Torin Togut speak on Writing Smart IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) at the next Gwinnett Exceptional Children's Committee meeting at the Five Forks Library Branch. Torin has been practicing special education law for over 20 years. For directions, visit www.gwinnettpl.org/directions/dir-FFR.htm. RSVP to Sharon Capers thru the GA-ParentNetwork

Nov. 18 8 am to 4 pm / Aging For All - A symposium for Policymakers / For information, call 404-657-5319

November 20-21, 2004 / Southeast Regional Epilepsy Conference for People with Epilepsy, Families, Parents and Professionals / Charlotte NC, Fur Points by Charlotte Sheraton Uptown / Call 1-800-397-3605 for more info or visit www.theseeprogram.com

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November 17-20, 2004 2004 TASH International Conference on Inclusion - "Blazing The Trail" / Hilton , Reno Nevada For information: http://www.tash.org/2004reno/ The TASH Conference is the largest conference in the world to focus on model, innovative, and effective strategies for achieving full inclusion of all people with disabilities. This conference features over 250 sessions, exhibits, roundtable discussions, and poster sessions jam-packed with info. It provides a forum for individuals with disabilities, families, advocates, researchers, administrators, policymakers, educators, scholars, and others to create dialogue and action for reform. Some of the topics at the TASH Conference focus on the following themes: Building Partnerships & Communication Inclusive Education Across the Lifespan Transition, Community Living & Employment Diversity, Values, Equality, & Advocacy Quality of Life

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November 30th 7:00 pm- 9:30pm

Medicaid Waivers and Advocacy 101 / Peachtree Middle School

4664 North Peachtree Road, Atlanta

(I-285, Exit 30)

Workshop topics to include:

q What are Medicaid Waivers?

q What is the Deeming Waiver?

q How do I know if I am eligible?

q What is a waiting list?

q How do government benefits change for adults with disabilities?

q What can I do about the state’s limited funding for waivers?

To discuss accommodations or to RSVP, please contact Rita Young at rita@... or 404-881-9777 x 220

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Dec 3, 2004 Atlanta / Asperger's, Bipolar, Conduct Disorder Seminar / Sponsored by Developmental Resources, Inc, 1-800-251-6805, email: dr@...

December 4, 2004, from 1 - 3 PM. Unlocking Autism is firming up plans for the Estate Planning Workshop to be held in Rome, GA . This information will be helpful for all disabilities!! Mark Biernath and a representative from the Hallman Group will be in Rome to conduct a workshop on this very sensitive and important topic. So many parents and teachers came away from the Autism Resource Fair in September requesting that we give Mark and a forum to discuss financial planning for the special needs person / There is NO charge to attend this event but we do request that reservations be made by Noon, December 2 so that we have enough handouts available. Please note that this workshop is NOT limited to parents of autistic children. The information that will be provided is crucial for all children with special needs. We can comfortably and safely seat approximately 400 people.Remember that RSVP's to this event by Noon, December 2 are VERY important!! // Christie Atkins, M.Ed., Sharing Our Autism Resources, Inc./Unlocking Autism

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December 4, 2004 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM National federation of the Blind of Georgia Board of Directors Meeting announcement

Crowne Plaza Hotel / 108 First Street , Macon, Georgia (478) 746-1461

9:00 – 12:00 Board meeting / 12:00 – 2:00 Holiday luncheon / 2:00 – 4:00 Presentation

Georgia Organization of Parents of Blind Children (GOPBC)

The board of directors of the NFB of Georgia will be meeting to plan activities for the 2005 year. This will include our legislative agenda, national andstate conventions, training and outreach activities, and other business of the organization. We will also take the time to celebrate and fellowship duringthis holiday season at our Holiday Luncheon. The education portion of the meeting will consist of a presentation about our newly formed Georgia Organizationof Parents of Blind Children (GOPBC). We hope that parents and parent advocates will be able to attend.

All blind and interested persons are welcome. If you would like to join us, please call 404-212-2021. Lunch is $20 per person.

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December 4, 2004

9am – 12 noon

Memorial Hospital Medical Education Auditorium

4700 Waters Avenue, Savannah, GA

Biomedical Interventions for Autism: An Overview and

Dietary Interventions: A How-To

Presented by

Dr. Dan Hicks, MD, FAAP

and

Betsy Hicks, Nutrition Counselor

The seminar will consist of a 1.5 hour presentation with a 15 minute break followed by a 1 hour question and answer session.

Sponsored by: F.E.A.T. of Georgia (Families for Effective Autism Treatment)

· Call: (912) 351-7171 to reserve a seat or for more information

· Dr. Hicks is an MD with over 30 years of experience in treating critical and chronic illnesses. He is the CEO of Pathways Medical Advocates (www.pathwaysmed.com).

· Betsy Hicks is the author of Cooking Healthy Gluten and Casein Free Food for Children and anchor of The GFCF Diet Comprehensive Video. She is the parent of an autistic son.

· Both Dr. Hicks and Betsy Hicks speak nationally on autism-related topics.

· Cost: $20 at the door (financial assistance available if needed).

· F.E.A.T. : is a non-profit organization that will offer periodic autism treatment workshops to include parent networking time on topics such as ABA, financial assistance, school issues, etc.

Driving Directions: Use the main entrance to Memorial at 4700 Waters Avenue and bear left. Pass the Professional Building, parking deck, and main hospital entrance. The auditorium will be on your right. Parking is available across the street near the Eye Institute.

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December 7-10, 2004 / Immersion Learning about Change for Prosperity

It's about making a living, a life and a difference! YOU ARE INVITED to join other leading edge advocates and policy-makers in creating an opportunity for a team from your geographic area to develop a blueprint for changing your youth transition systems to one that integrates theelements of self-determination with incentives for private income generation and savings for young people with disabilities and/or specialhealth care needs. / RENAISSANCE CHICAGO HOTEL One West Wacker Drive Chicago, Illinois 60601 / Conference fees: $225/per person. Limited scholarships will be available to youth and families. In the near future, the conference registration form will be located at:http://www.e-epg.info/conferences/ or http://www.self-determination.com/events/index.html

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CONFERENCES / EVENTS for 2005

January 13, 2005 Augusta, GA

January 14, 2005 Atlanta, GA 1-day seminar, “Nutrition Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder”

Speaker: Strickland, MS, RD, LD

Strickland, MS, RD, LD nationally known Nutritionist specializing in nutritional treatment of Autism, will be in your state during the month of January 2005 presenting her 1-day seminar, “Nutrition Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder”. The seminar is designed to be beneficial for both parents and professionals seeking reliable science-based information on nutrition interventions for the treatment of Autism and related disorders.

For specific questions regarding the seminar content, contact at email: ASDpuzzle@... or website: www.ASDpuzzle.com

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Jan. 22 adn 23, 2005 / Emotional Components of the Brain / Doubletree Club Hotel Atlanta Airport North / Sponsored by LDG / Vists www.ldag.org for info

Jan. 24-30, 2005 National Folic Acid Awareness Week / Sponsored by the National Council on Folic Acid / visit www.folicacidinfo.org

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February 4-5, 2005

Annual ASA-GGC Autism-Asperger Conference / Gwinnett Convention Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway Duluth, GA 30097

Web site: http://www.asaga.com

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February 24, 2005 / Disability Day at the Capitol there

Feb. 24-25, 2005 " Health Care in Community Settings, Theory to Practice Reducing Health Care Disaprities for people with DD ". The Conference is in Atlanta. Contact jnodvin@mayinstitute,org for information or call 770-985-8511 Ext 207

April 30- May 1, 2005 ( this is a tentative date ) Navigating towards Success: Solutions for College and Job Readiness / Doubeltree Club Hotel Atlanta Airport North / Sponsored by LDAG / Visit www.ldag.org for information

May 9-11, 2005 A one of a kind gathering of individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries and friends / Washington, DC,/ Renaissance Mayflower Hotel, http://marriott.com/property/propertyPage.mi?marshaCode=WASSH / Additional information will be posted at http://www.spinalcord.org/

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Miscellaneous Programs

Beginning in January in Effingham County, workshops will be available to parents who are willing to commit twice a month to a 12 series workshop. Trainings will consist of IEP clinics, NCLB- No Child Left Behind, The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, guide to self-determination from Childhood to Adulthood, how to have collaborative mediation, avoid due process, bullying, positive behavior approach, evaluations, Medicaid, SSI, and other critical areas parents must have knowledge of to navigate the sped system and enable their child to reach their full potential and have an independent future. Much time and effort have gone into preparation of each of these topics and each participate who completes the 12 session training will be given a graduation certificate of completion presented by the state of Georgia's PTI -Parents Educating Parents and Professionals. Our mission is to prepare you to help other children while also helping your own. The information and materials participants receive will enable them to advocate effectively for all children in an effective manner. If you are interested in these trainings I must have RSVP's and commitments before you begin so I can be prepared with materials. Please e-mail or call as soon as possible. Leave your name and address so I can mail you materials and information. Space is limited. Thanks. For info, call or email Becky Milton milton.becky@...

912-857-5891912-857-3945

Atlanta Habitat ABILITY HOUSE Build / October 22nd-December 11th, Fridays & Saturdays /: 1632 McClelland Avenue, Atlanta GA A typical work day is 8am-4pm, 4 hours shifts are available. A total of 40 volunteers are needed each build day. BellSouth will provide half (20) of the volunteers (non-disabled BellSouth Pioneers) and we will need 20 volunteers with disabilities each build day. Ideally different groups will commit to a particular day, however individual volunteers with and without disabilities are welcome! Feel free to call , Volunteer Coordinator at 404-223-5180, ext. 113 or email her at rachel.clark@... or go to http://www.abilityhouse.com/builds.html , click on CURRENT for additional information about volunteering and ABILITY

FOCUS 770-234-9111 or visit www.focus-ga.org

GAA Special Populations Programs 770-277-9647 - For more information or visit www.gaaspecialneeds.com

Outdoor Sensory Adventures- Clay White- 770-242-8254

Beyond Words Social Skills Training / Counseling 404-633-0250

Fulton County Disability Information Assistance Line 404-730-6900

Family support meetings held the 4th Friday of the month at 12:00 pm at the Georgia Parent Support Network Office . Call 404-756-8525 Ext. 329 for more information

Parent Advocacy Training takes place for parents on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month immediately following these meetings only at the 1395 Parkway Metropolitan Way, Atlanta address.

North Fulton Family Support meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 11:30 am at 1140 Hammond Drive Suite J1075 in Dunwoody . Call the same number listed above for information.

The Fulton County Commission on Disability Affairs meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday from 6-8 p,m. These are public meetings. Call 404-730-7390 for information. Meetings for the remainder of this year ( 2004 ) are October 20, November 17 and December 15

Cherokee County and North Atlanta CHADD Schedule / Meetings the 4th Monday of the month 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM / Roswell United Methodist Church- Dodd Youth Bldg. Room 137 . Call 770-993-6218 for info Adult ADHD Meetings , same dates as above

Social skills program Marcus Center STAR - Social Time Arts and Recreation. Contact Dr. Trapani at 404-419-4000 to get more info.

Learning Disabilities Association of Georgia, Gwinnett Council

Dates in 2005 are Jan. 18, Feb. 8, another undetermined date in February. and March 8

Meetings held at the Media Center Lecture Hall of Greater Atlanta Christian School in Norcross GA . For more information on topics for the various dates, contact at 770-995-1599

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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Atlanta Regional Office and Dallas Regional Office are pleased to invite you to attend

one of the SIX upcoming HIPAA Provider Education Conferences "Implementing the Next Wave of HIPAA Regulations", featuring a Roadmap

to HIPAA Security, the Status of the National Provider Identifier, and Updates on HIPAA Transactions and Code Sets. Dates and locations are as

follows: New Orleans - Thursday November 4, 2004 / Atlanta - Tuesday, November 9, 2004 / Memphis - Monday, November 15, 2004

Oklahoma City - Thursday, November 18, 2004 / San - Wednesday, December 1, 2004 / Orlando - Thursday, December 9, 2004

For detailed information about conference locations, program agenda and advanced online registration to all the events, please visit the

conferences' central website at http://www.mche.us.com/cms04hipaa.cfm

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FREE parent support group / SECOND WEDNESDAY of each month at LULLWATER SCHOOL, DECATUR from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Facilitator: Joan K Teach, Ph.D. Director, Lullwater School // Dates in 2004 will be DECEMBER 8 Finding Your Child¹s Islands of Competencies / Dates in 2005 will be JANUARY 12 Can Broken Executive Functions be Repaired? / FEBRUARY 9 How to Drive the Active Adolescent without Losing Your Own Sense of Direction / MARCH 9 Partnerships: Utilizing a Strong Relationship between Home, School and Other Providers / APRIL 20 What do those Psychoeducational Reports Really Tell You? / MAY 11 Managing the Stresses of Summer / REGISTER BY CALLING: 404-378-6643 Lullwater School, Inc. 705 S. Candler St. Decatur, GA 30030 www.lullwaterschool.org

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"CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS: IDENTIFICATION, SUPPORTS, AND BEST

PRACTICES"

Who Should Attend: Parents, EI service providers and evaluation teams,

program administrators, child care providers, and other health-care professionals

who are interested in or working with young children with ASD (birth-3years).

Series conducted over three

2-day workshops

Nov 29-30, 2004

Dec 9-10, 2004

Dec 16-17, 2004

This series will present information regarding current best practices in

identification and support of young children with ASD, and collaboration between

early intervention providers and families of children with ASD. Experts from

around the country will provide detailed overviews of:

* Red Flags for early identification

* "State-of-the-Art" diagnostic instruments to identify young children with

an ASD

* Proactive ways to refer a family for further evaluation

*National Academy of Science recommendations for working with young children

with ASD

* Program models endorsed by the BCW program

* Development and implementation of intervention schedules in center- and

home-based programs

This series will also emphasize the importance of matching models to

families’ goals and preferences, as well as how to expand the number of hours children

with ASD receive support in natural environments.

Speakers include: Daly, Ph.D. (University of Central Florida, CARD),

Gail G. McGee, Ph.D. (Emory University School of Medicine), Opal Ousley, Ph.D.

(Emory University), Schweitzer, Ph.D. (University of land)

All workshops will be held 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. New information will be

provided at each workshop series, so attendance at all workshops is recommended

although not required.

Attendance at this series is free of charge.

Nov 29-30, 2004

Identifying ASD and the Incidental Teaching Model

Dec 9-10, 2004

The Denver Model, the TEACCH model, and building intervention schedules

The Lodge at Unicoi State Park 1788 Highway 356 Road, Helen

1(800) 864-7275 Nov 29-30

tt Savannah Riverfront

100 General McIntosh Blvd., Savannah 31404

(912) 233-7722

Dec 9-10

Callaway Gardens

Highway 27 South, Pine Mountain 31822

(706) 663-2281

or 1(800) 543-7121 Dec 16-17

For more information or to register, download the complete brochure

(attached) or contact:

Emory Autism Center

1551 Shoup Court

Atlanta, GA 30322

Phone: (404) 727-8350

Fax: (404) 727-3969

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Professional Seminar Series at the Marcus Institute. Addressing critical issues pertaining to children and children’s services.

December 8, 2004, 9:30-11:30 a.m: Developing an IEP to include learning strategies and supportive programming.

January 12, 2005, 9:30-11:30 a.m: The use of medications with children and adolescents, The search for the silver bullet

February 9, 2005, 9:30-11:30 a.m: Early and Periodic Screening Diagnosis and Testing: How to get what children need through existing and unused Medicaid

March 10, 2005, 9:30-11:30 a.m: Oppositional Defiant and Conduct Disorder: You can’t get to special education from here!

April 13, 2005, 9:30-11:30 a.m: Vocational and Life Skills Planning for young adults with Developmental Disabilities. Which way do we go now?

May 11, 2005, 9:30-11:30 a.m: Juvenile Justice and Education: The need for partnership.

Location: The Marcus Institute, 2nd Floor Conference Room 1920 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30329 Price: Free Registration: RSVP to catherine.trapani@... . First come/first serve. Space is limited. Light refreshments will be served.

Marcus Center Saturday Social skills program called STAR - Social Time Arts and Recreation. Contact Dr. Trapani at 404-419-4000 to get more info.

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