Webcast RE: Autism

I was asked to post this for any of my readers who might be interested.  If you have a member of your family or know someone who suffers from autism? This webcast might be of interest to you.  It's based on the state of Pennsylvania but the results might be of interest nationwide.  Hope it's helpful!

Topic: Bureau of Autism Services (BAS) General Initiatives Overview

Presented by Nina Wall-Coté, BAS Director

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Tuesday, August 30, 2011  OR
Wednesday, August 24, 201110:00 am – 11:30 am
The same information will be presented in two separate sessions. This presentation will also be recorded and posted to the BAS Virtual Training & Resource Center. We hope this will enable professionals and families some flexibility in joining us.

Pre-registration is not required. To join the presentation:

1. Visit http://bastraining.acrobat.com/baswebcast/
2. Sign in as a Guest using your first name, association.

Webcast Overview:

The Bureau of Autism Services, DPW, in collaboration with the regional ASERTs, is about to publish a series of reports highlighting findings and recommendations resulting from the PA Autism Needs Assessment. This survey, the most comprehensive study of its kind, reflects feedback shared by over 3,500 families and individuals with autism in the Commonwealth.

Report topics include: Statewide Summary, Service Needs, Barriers to Accessing Services, Unwanted Outcomes, Diagnosis, Employment Challenges, and Family Impact.

To learn more about this project and other BAS current initiatives, including Pennsylvania’s two adult autism programs and training resources, we encourage you to join the Bureau during an upcoming webcast: 8/24/2011, 1:00-2:30pm or 8/30/2011, 10:00-11:30am. Please visit
http://bastraining.tiu11.org (Updates: Presentations & Newsletters section) for more details.

Any questions about the webcast should be directed to --

Bureau of Autism Services, Office of Developmental Programs
Department of Public Welfare
Room 601 Health & Welfare Bldg. | Hbg., PA 17120
Phone: 1.866.539.7689|Fax: 717.265.7761
Email: DPW-AutismOffice@pa.gov
www.autisminpa.org
www.dpw.state.pa.us

Ticket To Work Webinar--Register NOW!

National Work Incentives Seminar Event (WISE) webinar is coming up August 24, 2011.  This webinar will be on using Ticket to Work for young adults in transition.  Social Security offers a program called "Ticket to Work."  Ticket To Work is a program for adults with a disability who want to continue to get their Social Security benefits while they transition to greater financial independence.  Social Security's Ticket to Work provides the employment support you need to succeed in a job without losing your benefits.

Unfortunately many consumers worry about taking part in it because they don't want to lose their benefits and face it, reading those little brochures the government prints out just isn't quite enough info so people tend to avoid using the service.  After going through the incredible hassle of finally being approved for benefits many consumers are worried about risking their benefits by using Ticket to Work.  Hopefully this webinar will address some of the issues you're concerned about.  It will present information about special rules that may apply to you due to your medical condition/s.  They'll teach you about what the Ticket to Work incentives are, where to get more information, and present success stories of people who used their Ticket to Work.  So sign up to take part now. 

Register online or call 866-968-7842 or 866-833-2967 (TTY).  If you can't make this webinar, there are some prior ones archived online that might be of interest to you.

All Moms Deserve Time To Unwind

Are you a mom of a special needs child? Grown Thru Play is having a night out just for you! 

What is Grow Thru Play? Grow Thru Play is a pediatric therapy practice which focuses on play as a child’s main occupation. According to their web site they "provide occupational therapy, physical therapy, group classes, and educational seminars."  They also "offer comprehensive evaluation and use current research to guide individual and group treatment plans. Grow Thru Play, LLC is a place where children of all abilities can play, learn, and grow."

One reason I'm focusing on Grow Thru Play is because they not only offer creative therapy that you can read about on their web site but they also are having "A Special Moms' Night Out."  While I'll focus on the importance of Early Intervention for children in a later post, the importance of a network for moms (or for dads) is of nearly equal importance.  There is a certain isolation many moms with 'special needs' children go through that a night like this addresses and makes a huge difference in a woman's ability to provide quality parenting.  Face it, being part of a group and having other women to talk to who are going through similar experiences is invaluable.  I wish I'd found this sooner since the event is on August 4th.  Hopefully some of you will be able to make it and it won't be the only event like this they have for parents.  Don't forget to RSVP!

”A Special Moms’ Night Out”
When: Thursday, August 4th from 7:30pm-9:30pm
Why: All Moms deserve time to unwind!!
How: Come drink, eat and engage in decorative card making
while meeting other Moms who have children with Special Needs
Cost: $10/person
RSVP: 215-545-0320 or tara@growthruplay.com

Visit Grow Thru Play, LLC at www.growthruplay.com.
Contact Us at (215)-545-0320
Our Location is:
1636 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146