| Do
You Like Camping?
Registration is going strong for our
14th KindTree - Autism Rocks Camp / Retreat at Baker Boy
Scout Camp on Siltcoos Lake near Florence, Oregon. From
4pm Friday, August 27, through 1pm Sunday the 29th, we
will all gather for our Family Reunion, as some returning
guests have described our camp. Others call it a Tribal
Gathering. I just call it a lot of fun - and I am on duty
most of the time! Maybe I have fun because my volunteer
jobs include playing guitar at the campfire, greeting
guests as they arrive and being there to answer your questions.
Too much fun.
If you are looking for a place where
you don’t have to use your inside voice, where everyone
there knows what you are going through, where you can
chose just what you want to do, where the food is great,
where the sun shines and the breezes blow - well, then
you gotta come on down to KindTree! Thanks to the ASO
and other donors, we have some scholarship funds available.
Visit www.kindtree.org
for the scholarship
form and other information, or find the registration
form here. We look forward to seeing you. Don’t
wait too long...
We are dusting off some long neglected
art pieces to join our most recent ones for display at
the Jazz Station downtown during July. It’s gonna
be great. Come join us for a celebration of artists with
autism on the First Friday Art Walk, July 2nd, 5pm. These
artists truly deserve your support, and the
Jazz Station is providing music and refreshments.
Cool, man.
State budget cuts could have a devastating
effect on supports for people living with autism. Unstable
funding has been an Oregon problem for years. This news
has helped spur our Board of Directors to take the initiative
and move forward ourselves on some of our long term goals:
1. Develop additional services in the arts, expanding
our Art Program and creating more opportunities for artists
we serve.
2. Provide better access to our Camp for more severely
disabled folks through higher staff ratios and new equipment.
3. Move to a facility with office space, art space, and
hang out space to better sustain the sense of community
we share at the Camp.
To achieve this end we have contracted
with Roger Durant (www.conciergeoregon.com),
formerly of Direction Service, to bring his development
and fundraising expertise to our efforts. Roger has some
great ideas to help us recruit effective new board members
and reach our goals. You can expect new things from KindTree
- Autism Rocks in the coming months, yes you can!
Thanks for listening
Tim Mueller
From
the Parent of an Artist
The CDC rates for autism are 110. The pediatric report
lists autism rate at 1 in 91. Some states such as California
have an eightfold increase in autism. 13 states have reported
an infinite increase in autism. Autism is increasing worldwide.
What does this mean?
Right now there are not
enough programs available to help all autistics. ABA training
is expensive and not all states cover it. We need to get
our elected officials aware of these facts and push for
more funding to be made available for our kids and adults
on the spectrum.
Right now most programs
are for children under the age of 18. Once a child turns
18 they are considered to be an adult and no longer can
they get services. This is what makes me so angry. As
the mother of an autistic daughter who is 27 it makes
me so frustrated that there aren't any programs available
to help her.
This is what I have also
written to my elected officials about. Don't they realize
that autism is a lifelong disorder and they don't grow
out of autism once they become adults. So what happens
to those that have become adults? They are left to fend
for themselves.
Because of the sudden
drop of all services many of these adults with autism
also develop anxiety and depression. One report stated
that 85% of adults with autism have developed anxiety
and depression issues. I hope and pray that in the next
few years that our elected officials wake up and start
providing services for the life of our children. - Robin
Deutsch
9 % Budget Reductions Announced!
“Many of the programs we have fought to create over
the past 25 years are either identified for complete elimination
or are being seriously damaged by these reductions. Our
history of institutionalizing people in horrific conditions
is creeping back into our current environment. Most
of these service cuts are programs provided through the
private sector. They are cost effective and support some
of Oregon’s most vulnerable citizens, children and
adults with developmental disabilities. This will be a
tragedy for them and for Oregon. We need to ask
ourselves who we are as citizens and develop the political
will to create better long term and comprehensive solutions
for vital services” - Margaret Theisen,
Chairperson - DD Coalition
The Governor recently released the list
of state agency reduction proposals designed to address
the $577 million dollar General Fund hole in the 2009-2011
budget. The specific reductions in Seniors and People
with Disabilities and education are posted on the DD Coalition
website. The Governor and legislative leadership will
be reviewing the reductions to determine whether a special
session will be required.
The Governor issued the 9% across the
board reduction order two weeks ago based on the low May
revenue forecast and the pending loss of the enhanced
Medicaid match provided Oregon through the stimulus dollars
in the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.The 9% reduction
in Seniors and People with Disabilities means an approximate
loss of $44 million General Fund / $45 million Federal
Funds and $10 million Other Funds.
It is projected that the budget hole
for the 2011-2013 biennium will be over $2.5 billion and
the projected reductions will be significantly deeper.
What can you do?
- Contact your Federal Congressional Delegation immediately
and urge support for continuation of the higher federal
Medicaid match rate that will temporarily offset the budget
reductions to people with disabilities and families in
Oregon. ?
- Stay informed! Read the Network Action Alerts and GO!
Bulletins and take action when requested. ?
- Get others to join the Oregon Network. Our strength
is in our numbers!! www.ocdd.org
- Attend the local meetings held by your legislators and
talk about the importance of the services you receive.
- Check the DD Coalition website regularly for Fact Sheets
and updated talking points.
“We have seen tough budgets in
the past, but those pale in view of what we are facing
in the coming years. As a community, we need to work together
with all our friends and partners to assure that we are
not dragged back to the time where people with disabilities
are warehoused and families are forced to make horrific
decisions about out of home placements for lack of supports.”-
Kathryn Weit, Policy Analyst - Oregon Council
on Developmental Disabilities
Children with autism can succeed if they
get help early
June 01, 2010 By Haidee Copeland
Southern Oregon Mail Tribune
With graduation looming, parents of eighth-graders
have undoubtedly been informed of new, tougher requirements
for earning an Oregon high school diploma. For students
with disabilities, the academic track to earning the standard
diploma will require passing grades in a foreign language,
social studies and algebra. This goal is within reach
for students with disabilities such as autism, but here
are a few sobering facts.
Approximately 7,934 school-aged children
in Oregon receive special education services under the
qualifying condition of autism. Eighty percent of students
with autism spectrum disorders receive the general education
curriculum with "some" to no modification. However,
approximately 60 percent of individuals with ASD are unemployed.
What are we doing wrong? What makes the
difference between surviving high school and positive
post-secondary outcomes such as employment and future
educational opportunities?
I believe the answer lies with transition
planning. Transition planning is part of the individualized
education program each child 16 or older in special education
receives. In my opinion, this is too little, too late.
But what if you started early? We know
it is easier to learn a second language as a young child.
Wouldn't it make sense to begin transition planning in
elementary school? Not that the child's long-term goals
wouldn't change, but it is easier to modify a plan in
motion than to start from scratch later on.
The experiences of Kathy and Henry Bevan
and their son, Ben, are a shining example of what is possible
if you start the transition process early. Ben is a senior
at Cottage Grove High School who will be graduating this
spring with a standard diploma and will attend community
college in the fall. Ben has Asperger syndrome, a form
of autism. The educational process that has brought him
this far has not been an easy one for Ben, his parents
or his teachers.
In the third grade, Ben could not learn
his multiplication facts. This soon left him far behind
his peers.
Kathy knew that if things didn't change
for Ben soon it might significantly affect their shared
dream of his attending college. By late elementary school,
a compromise was reached: Ben would receive the general
education curriculum and be allowed to use a calculator
for math facts. Ben went on to receive an A in algebra.
But what if Ben's parents hadn't been
concerned with his transitional goals in elementary school?
Would he be preparing to walk across the stage and receive
his diploma as he is now? While no one can answer for
sure, it seems highly unlikely with a "wait and see"
attitude by his parents or his teachers. Each academic
and social success builds upon the one before, widening
the gap between those who achieve grade-level norms and
those who do not.
What is the takeaway message? If you
know a child with autism, help the child work toward long-term
goals. Start transition planning early. Start now. Revise
goals instead of starting from scratch in high school.
Be the parent who is always at school. Help teachers help
your child by practicing academics, social and behavior
skills at home. Success starts early.
Haidee Copeland of Cottage Grove
holds a master's degree in education and a teaching certificate
in math and special education. She is a doctoral student
at the University of Oregon College of Special Education
and Clinical Sciences.
Lane County Developmental Disabilities
Sub-committee has vacancies
The notice and application for Mental Health Advisory/Local
Alcohol & Drug Planning Committee (MHAC/LADPC) vacancies
is now open. This committee has a Developmental Disabilities
Subcommittee, charged with advising the Commissioners
about these issues. You can access the notice and application
at:
http://www.lanecounty.org/Departments/BCC/Pages/vacancies.aspx
Running
on Dreams
This award-winning novel set in Talent
is about a friendship between a teen boy with autism and
a popular high school track star
June 14, 2010
By Paris Achen, Sothern Oregon Mail Tribune
In Talent resident Herb Heiman's career as a pantomime
and later as an educator, he had a special rapport with
children with mental and physical challenges. Heiman drew
from those experiences in writing his first novel, "Running
on Dreams," about the parallel lives and friendship
between Justin, a teenage boy with autism, and Brad, a
popular high school track star, set in Talent.
"I just felt it was a niche I could fill,"
Heiman said. "It has societal as well as personal
rewards. I could make a difference, which is what I hope
to do with this book."
The novel recently won the first-place 2010 Eric Hoffer
Award in the Young Adult category for independent books.
The book's publisher, Autism Asperger Publishing Co.,
nominated the novel for the award, which is named for
20th century American philosopher Eric Hoffer.
In the novel, Justin is shunned by peers because he's
viewed as weird, and Brad initially buys into that stereotype.
But through his friendship with Justin, Brad's perception
of people with autism gradually changes. Brad slowly discovers
that he and Justin have more in common than he previously
thought.
The novel is written in first-person from the perspective
of Justin, giving readers a glimpse into the mind of someone
with autism. Brad's perspective is written in third-person.
Heiman, 76, toured the nation
as a professional pantomime performer for more than
two decades and later became a special education
aide at Talent Middle School, where he drew much
of the inspiration for the book. The school is the
main setting for the story, though it's referred
to as "Pearblossom Middle School." | |
 |
The character, Justin, is based on a student with autism
with whom Heiman worked, though his name was changed in
the novel.
"He had not been in mainstream schools until middle
school," Heiman said. "We hit it off right away.
Some of the scenes were taken from real life and some
were not, but the substance of the character is there."
"He was in such need, and at that time the schools
were not as equipped for students with autism," Heiman
said. "Mainstream kids were not ready to accept kids
who had seizures, stuttered or couldn't form two sentences."Lia
Park in Ashland and Crater Lake National Park are among
the settings in the novel.
Laurel Prchal, Talent branch library manager, said she
plans to highlight the novel for young adult summer reading
programs.
"The kids will be really excited about being able
to read a book about Talent Middle School," Prchal
said.
The novel is educational for students because it sheds
light on a condition that has become more and more prevalent
in society but that many people still know little about,
she said.
Heiman's interest in students with special needs stemmed
from his pantomime career.
"We traveled all over the country and performed
for a lot of mentally challenged, deaf and sight-impaired
students," he said. One experience in particular
left a mark on him.
"We worked for a school in Price, Utah, kindergartners
through seniors, and all the students were in occupational
therapy," he recounted. "There was a girl who
glided up in a wheelchair, totally uncommunicative. I
performed a skit where I blew myself up as a balloon,
and when she saw me, she puffed herself up, too. The teachers
started crying. They told me it was the first reaction
she had shown in two years. It was a moving experience
and one that I have never forgotten. It affected me intensely."
Heiman has lived in Talent for the past 18 years. He
teaches tai chi at the YMCA, as well as reading and writing
through Southern Oregon University's summer talented and
gifted program.
"Running on Dreams" is available for purchase
at www.asperger.net.
For more information on the novel, see www.runningondreams.com
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"The
Best of
Autism Artism"
Art by people with Autism
First Friday
Art Walk
Friday July 2, 5-8pm
at the Jazz Station
68 W Broadway, Eugene
Downtown
Samples from
the Best of
Autism Artism
ASO
Respite Program:
Take a Break on ASO
ASO-LCC
will help pay respite care expenses while you
Take a Break.
Read
more here...
What’s
the Most Fun Ever?
KindTree’s
Autism Camp
Read
more and register here
.jpg)
Camp/Retreat 2009
Photo
Album Here
Retreat / Camp Cabin Facts
Thinking of Joining
us at our Autism Camp / Retreat? Wanna stay in a cabin?
Before you sign up, read this.
•At Baker Boy Scout Camp, we share the cabins. That
means you may be sharing the cabin with someone who you
don’t know, who may stay up with the light on, or
snore, or be your best friend. Please be prepared for
this.
•The cabins have been used by boys all summer before
we get there. Sometimes they seem very tired and old and
... Rustic. They are not modern condos
Where
is Michelle?
As some of you may have
heard, I have recently moved from my native home of Eugene
to live with my fiance in Maui. It is a big change and
I am very excited to have found the love of my life and
live where I used to have to save my money, vacation time
and timeshare credits to visit every year.
Life is really good
here. I do miss seeing you Eugene folks around town and
being there for the art shows and social outings. I am
still helping to organize volunteers for the retreat this
summer and will give it my best to be there with all you
camp-goers.
I hope that you are
all having a fabulous summer and following your dreams.
Much aloha, Michelle
Jones
In
Memoriam:
Nan Grey Hawke
(formerly Nan Lester)
passed away unexpectedly on May 6th, 2010. Our thoughts
are with her family.
Life is what happens to you
When you’re busy making other plans
Eugene
Adaptive Recreation:
Accessible Pursuits
Are you looking for
an exciting and rewarding event for your group or organization?
Organizations, agencies and individuals can participate
in Adaptive Recreation Services' Accessible Pursuits.
This program brings
the expertise and resources of the City of Eugene Adaptive
Recreation Services to design an adaptive recreation program
that meet your specific needs.
Accessible Pursuits
focuses on helping participants discover their own innate
talents, acquire greater independence, and develop enduring
peer group relationships that are instrumental to improving
the quality of their lives. Let Accessible Pursuits bring
fun directly to you. For more information contact
Patty Prather at 541-682-6365.
Custom Events can include:
- adaptive cycling
- snowshoeing
- kayaking
- river rafting
- adaptive art
- rock climbing
- adaptive water ski sports
ASO
Lane County
Social Skills Class
The ASO Lane County
Chapter is sponsoring a Social Skills Class and scheduled
social outings on alternating months for adults with HFA
and Aspergers who can get around independently in the
community. The Social Skills class is free. The Autism
Society of Oregon will help to subsidize entry fees for
the activities.
During the Social Skills
Class, conversation skills will be taught, role-modeled
and practiced. Doris Germain, an Autism Specialist in
the Linn-Benton School District, is volunteering her time
to teach the Social Skills Class. Her expertise in teaching
social skills has been learned from 20 years of working
with people on the spectrum.
The Social Skills Class
is taking place on the 3rd Monday of odd-numbered
months from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Episcopal
Church on 13th and Pearl in Eugene. The Social Skills
Class will choose the activity for the following month's
Social Outing.
The Social Outing is
taking place sometime during the weekend of even-numbered
months-- on Friday evening or Saturday, depending on the
activity chosen by the previous month's Social Skills
Class. There will be no Social Outing in August because
of KindTree-Autism Rocks' Autism Retreat.
Activities have included
karaoke, a picnic at Alton Baker Park, a trip to OMSI,
a trip to the coast, the Asian Celebration.
If you have questions,
call ASO chapter representative Mary-Minn Sirag at 541-689-2228
or email sirag@mindspring.com
Do
you know a young adult with autism who loves animation
and graphic design? What if that person could learn their
craft in a working studio and make a living?
Exceptional
Minds
Exceptional Minds is
a non-profit vocational center and working animation studio
featuring artists on the Autism Spectrum. Exceptional
Minds provides visually-gifted young adults with Autism
Spectrum Disorder with individually customized instruction
to support, nurture, and develop their amazing creative
skills with the ultimate goal of enabling them to earn
a fulfilling living in the fields of animation and graphic
design. Exceptional Minds provides the crucial bridge
between high school and the working world. Classes
start September 2010.
Media Enrichment
Academy
Media Enrichment Academy
is a after school program where individuals with ASD get
to learn, create and express themselves through computer
graphics, animation, and technical drawing.
Both Programs are held
at: Media Enrichment Academy14245 Ventura Blvd, Suite
101, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423Phone: (818) 426-1181
Exceptional Minds here:
http://exceptionalminds.org/
More on Media Enrichment
Academy here: http://www.mediaenrichment.com/Welcome.html
Community
Calendar
July 1 - 31
the Best of Autism Artism,
at the Jazz Station, on Broadway in Eugene. First
Friday Art Walk event, July 2, 5 - 8pm.
August 6 - 7,
Brews & Blues Festival with
KindTree - Autism Rocks art booth. Come see us
and get a dose of the Blues!
August 27-29
KindTree Autism Camp/RetreatTOOOO
FUN!! registration available NOW.
October 1st ASO's
Fall Conference will be for adults with Autism
Spectrum Disorder, their parents/caregivers and professionals
working with the adult population.
Friday, October 1st at the Oregon Convention Center, Portland,
OR. With Lee Grossman, President and CEO of Autism Society
(formerly known as Autism Society of America). There will
be several break out sessions on various topics and an
exhibition hall of agencies and non-profits who supports
adults with ASD. More to come as things develop.
From Spectrum
Training Systems
(920) 749-0332 www.SpectrumTrainingSystemsInc.com
October 5 - 6, 2010 Inclusion and
Adolescent Transition in Autism Spectrum Disorders Seattle,
WA
Tuesday, October 5, 2010 - The Inclusive
Classroom, with Paula Kluth, Ph.D.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010 - Bridges
to Adulthood for Learners with ASDs, with Peter Gerhardt,
Ed.D.
November 1 - 2, 2010 Career Planning
for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders With James
Emmett, M.S. Spokane, WA
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