Noah Knows!

shared by Noah Knows! from the Texas Autism Adovcacy Website

Autism Support Groups & More

1^st Thursday of each month, 6:45 – 9 p.m. “Information and Hope for Families” for Spanish Speaking Parents.  Meetings held at the Graceview Baptist Church, 25510 Tomball Parkway, Tomball, TX 77375.  Support group for parents of children with challenges like Autism, PPD-NOS, Asperger Syndrome, ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia, and others. Contact Carmen Pulger at (281)773-8318 or mcpulger@att.net for additional information.

2^nd Saturday of each month, 10 a .m. – 12 noon:  “Autism Playgroup of Fort Bend County“. Lost Creek Park, 3703 Lost Creek Park Boulevard, Sugar Land, Texas.  RSVP required. Susan Garczynski.  susan@susangar.com or call 281-726-2665. Locations vary so call for more information.

3^rd Saturday of each month, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. North Houston Autism Play Group:  For children ages 1-12, including their families. This group will provide social opportunities for children with Autism & their families. This event is free but donations are appreciated.  Will meet at Bear Branch Park for the rest of the year, 5200 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, 77381.  For more information, contact Janet Cooper, www.lovingheartsfor autism.com or 281-231-2262. 

3^rd Tuesday of month, 7 pm, Katy Autism Support, St Peters United Methodist Church Asbury Hall, 20775 Kingsland Blvd, Katy, TX  77450.  For more information, contact kkinkaty@comcast.net  

Dynavox:

1^st Tuesday of Every Month 9am – 11am: DynaVox Communication Device Training – Free. Presenter: Tara Tarwater. The Woodland Library, Montgomery County Library South, Upstairs Meeting Room, 2101 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380. 936-442-7727. Register online:   http://www.dynavoxt ech.com/training /onlocation/ 

2^nd Thursday of every month, 6:30 – 8:30 pm:  DynaVox Communication Device Free Training.  Presenter: Marlena Nel. United Cerebral Palsy, 4500 Bissonnet, Suite 340, Bellaire, TX  77401. Contact: Tasha Shoffner (713) 838-9050 X 320.  Register online: http://www.dynavoxt ech.com/training /onlocation/.

NAMI FAMILY-TO-FAMILY EDUCATION PROGRAM

A series of 12 weekly classes structured to help caregivers understand and support individuals with serious mental illness while maintaining their own well-being. Registration Required. Classes limited to 20 persons.   www.namimetrohouston.org  or 713-970-4419. The following class is still open for registration:

September 12^th,  2:00 – 4:30 p.m., Lamb of God Lutheran Church, 1400 FM1960 East Bypass, Humble, TX 77338. Call Gwen at 281-973-9474 or 713-970-4419. www.namimetrohouston.org

WEST HOUSTON NAMI MEETINGS:

Third Monday of the month, 7:15 – 9:00 p.m.  Public meeting for families coping with mental illness.  Expert speakers provide helpful information including medications, caregiver tips and legal issues.  Location:  Memorial Drive Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive.  www.namiwesthouston.org.

Free Education Programs

Wednesday evenings starting September 1, 6:30-9:00 p.m.  “Family to Family”.  A 12-week course for family members, partners and friends of adults with severe mental illnesses such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder.  Location: Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

Pre-registration is required.  Contact Vi Napolitano, 281-893-2493 or philnapolitano@yahoo.com

West Houston NAMI Support Groups

2nd & 4th Sundays of each month, 2:30-4 p.m. Family Support Group: Sponsored by NAMI West Houston.  For families and friends of adults with severe mental illnesses such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder.  Location: Pines Presbyterian Church, in the Fellowship Hall, 12751 Kimberley Lane, Houston.  Contact Vi Napolitano 281-893-2493.  www.namiwesthouston.org.

 1^st & 3^rd  Sundays of each month, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Family Support Group: Sponsored by NAMI West Houston.  For families and friends of adults with severe mental illnesses such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder.  Location: St Peter’s United Methodist Church, 20775 Kingsland, Room S201 Katy.  Contact Leon/Pat Alderfer, 713-467-3764.  www.namiwesthouston.org.

2nd & 4th Thursdays of each month, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Faith-based Support Group: Sponsored by NAMI West Houston. For families and friends of adults with severe mental illnesses such as major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, borderline personality disorder, and obsessive compulsive disorder.  Location: BridgePoint Bible Church, 13277 Katy Freeway, Room B-209, Houston.  Contact Leon/Pat Alderfer, 713-467-3764.  www.namiwesthouston.org.

2^nd & 4th Sundays of each month, 2:30-4 p.m. Visions for Tomorrow Support Group: Sponsored by NAMI West Houston. For parents and caregivers of children and adolescents with a brain disorder (ADHD, PDD/Autism, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, or any other emotional or behavioral concern). Location:  Pines Presbyterian Church, in the North Parlor, 12751 Kimberley Lane, Houston, 77024 (in Town & Country Village area).  For more information, call Bonnie Cord, 713-984-2538.  www.namiwesthouston.org.

Last Wednesday of each month, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Visions for Tomorrow Daytime Support Group: Sponsored by NAMI West Houston. For parents and caregivers of children and adolescents with a brain disorder (ADHD, PDD/Autism, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, or any other emotional or behavioral concern). Location:  The Catholic Community of St. Cecilia, 11720 Joan of Arc Dr. in the Community Center, room 202.  For more information, call Diane Goyette at 713-896-1153.  www.namiwesthouston.org.

Recovery-focused Support Groups

Every Wednesday 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.  NAMI CONNECTIONS  Recovery-focused Support Group:  Sponsored by NAMI West Houston.  For individuals with mental illness.  Location:  Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay, Room W104 (off Memorial Drive near Piney Point),  For more information, call Thomas Brink at 713-320-8023 or go to www.namiwesthouston.org.

2^nd & 4th Sundays of each month, 2:30-4 p.m.  Recovery-focused Support Group:  Sponsored by NAMI West Houston.  For individuals with mental illness; in conjunction with family support group at the same time.  Location: Pines Presbyterian Church, in the Library, 12751 Kimberley Lane, Houston.  Contact Kathleen Laughlin at 713-824-6853.  www.namiwesthouston.org.

Miscellaneous Monthly Meetings:

 2^nd  Sunday of each month, 6:30-8:30 pm. Katy ADHD Support Group: Attention Deficit Disorders Association- Southern Region (ADDA-SR) St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, 20775 Kingsland Blvd., Room S201.  For more information contact:  Laura Peddicord, 281-392-6064, laurapeddicord@ comcast.net  or visit the ADDA-SR Website at www.adda-sr. org . 

1st Tuesday of Every Month, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm., “Families CAN Support Group”. Meeting held at the Christ the King Evangelical Lutheran Church (2353 Rice Blvd).  For more information, call 713-743-5435 or 713-743-5592.

Last Tuesday of the month (Next meetings:  Nov 31, Dec 28) El Grupo de Apoyo meets at the Latino Learning Center, 3522 Polk St., Houston, TX  77003.  More information: Tino Lopez 713-921-3036

3^rd Thursday of each month, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (by appointment) “On-Going Application Assistance for anyone who may need SNAP, MEDICAID, or TANF”. UCP offers application assistance to sign up for SNAP (food stamps), MEDICAID (free health insurance) and TANF (temporary assistance with rent, utilities and other monthly expenses).  Contact Christine Ellery at cellery@ucphouston.org or www.ucphouston.org  713.838.9050 x 332

4^th Thursday of each month, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.  Sponsored by Parents Supporting Parents – The Woodlands:    Meeting are held at The Woodlands United Methodist Church located at 2200 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77380.  To get more information about a specific monthly meeting, and confirm the time and place of the meeting, contact Barbara Knighton at 832-364-6992 or jsk01@hometech-e.com .

Additional Resources and Information

Texas Legislature to Consider DADS Budget Cuts

The Texas Legislature will convene for the 82nd Legislative Session on Jan. 11, 2011 to consider legislation and the budget proposals of state agencies for the 2012-2013 biennium. Prior to the start of each legislative session, the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) and the Governor’s Office of Budget, Policy and Planning (GOBPP) jointly issue instructions to Texas state agencies regarding how to develop their Legislative Appropriations Requests (LARs). An agency’s LAR is its request to the legislature for money to operate its programs over the next two-year biennium.

Texas leaders instructed state agencies to prepare budget proposals for the next biennium that would reduce state general revenue funding requests/spending by 10 percent for fiscal years 2012-2013. Given the proposed budget cuts, it is especially important for the disability community to follow the budget adoption process and provide input on how these cuts will affect you. The Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) administers long-term services and supports for people who are aging or who have cognitive and physical disabilities. DADS also licenses and regulates providers of long-term services and supports programs. DADS programs include state supported living centers, home and community-based Medicaid waiver programs, nursing facilities and ICFs/MR.

DADS submitted a base budget request that will reduce the number of persons served in community-based Medicaid waivers. The agency has submitted Exceptional Items, or a supplemental budget request, to maintain existing services for Texans who are currently receiving Medicaid Waiver program services and other community-based services. If the legislature does not approve the supplemental request, then 13,368 individuals who are currently receiving services or are expected to receive services by the end of September 2011 will not receive services in fiscal year (FY) 2012 and FY 2013.

Click here to view DADS LAR. All agency LARS may be viewed here. A chart on the “Texas Biennial Budget Cycle,” which shows the steps taken in developing and approving the state budget is on page five of the booklet, “Budget 101: A Guide to the Budget Process in Texas,” by the Senate Research Center. Click here to view agency LAR summaries.

Applications Available for Texans with Pre-existing Conditions

Texans With Pre-existing Conditions have new access to Health Coverage.  Applications available on new consumer web site featuring full range of insurance options for Texans. An important reform of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act launched today when Texans who have been without health coverage for at least six months and who have been denied coverage because of pre-existing health now have access to more affordable, quality coverage. They will receive it through a new Pre-existing Condition Insurance Plan created by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  For applications or to find the new coverage available in Texas and information about the complete range of health coverage options available see www.healthcare.gov.  Coverage begins as early as August 1.

CLUB REWIND – CFISD’s new before- and after-school program, is set to kick off with the 2010-2011 school year. Program registration began on April 1, 2010 and will continue year-round.

Club Rewind will be on site at each elementary campus. The fee-based program will offer morning care and/or afternoon care. The students will be divided by age/grade at a staff-to-student ratio of 1 to 20 for morning care and 1 to 15 for after-school care.

Club Rewind morning care begins at 6:45 a.m. and includes a variety of social games and computer fun. Club Rewind after-school care begins at the end of each school day and operates until 6:30 p.m. The program will provide a variety of activities, including the following topics: arts/culture, healthy living, literacy, recreational games, math/science and leadership. Activities will rotate from movement to hands-on, as students move throughout the program.

Enrollment and registration forms can be downloaded from the CFISD website by accessing the Club Rewind logo from the homepage (www.cfisd.net) or each elementary webpage. For more information, please contact the Club Rewind office at 281-807-8900 or clubrewind@cfisd.net.

SUMMER MUSIC GROUPS and INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS at The Learning Lane, Woodlands, Texas.  Groups will be led by a board certified music therapist and will focus on overall gross motor skills, fine motor skills, social interaction, group dynamics, language skills, and FUN.  All ages and abilities welcome. For more information please contact: Kate Harrison, MT-BC,NMT; Phone: 713-315-0855 or Email: kate@musictherapycenter.org

2010 West University Little League Challenger Baseball:  The Challenger Division of WULL (West University Little League) is a baseball program for boys and girls ages 5 through 18, or until the completion of high school, with physical and mental disabilities. The most fundamental goal of the Challenger Division is to give everyone a chance to play baseball and have a rewarding experience, regardless of limitations. This program enables every child the opportunity to participate in a structured athletic program and have a wonderful time. For more information, or to register, go to http://www.westull.org/content.asp?secnum=173

Frequently Asked Questions about HCS Case Management Transition from the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities:  The Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) is in the process of making rule changes and other preparations needed to move case management services under the Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) Waiver from service providers to local Mental Retardation Authorities (MRAs). During this process DADS has created a Web site to answer frequently asked questions regarding the transition. For more information visit “Frequently Asked Questions about Home and Community-based Services (HCS) Case Management Transition” at http://www.dads. state.tx. us/providers/ HCS/faqs/ casemanagementtr ansitionfaq. html.   To read more about HCS case management transition, look for more details in the November 2009 “FYI” which will be online at http://www.txddc.state.tx. us/resources/ publications/fyi/fyindex.asp

The National Sports Center for the Disabled is starting a pilot program for Paralympic soccer in the Houston area.   We are working in partnership with U.S. Paralympics and the Texas Rush Soccer Club to offer a series of practices & scrimmages for kids, ages 10 -15, starting in late September.  The program is open for participants with ambulatory physical disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke, spina bifida or other mobility issues.  Any level of soccer player is welcome to participate. Visit our website for more information – http://www.nscd.org/programs/soccer_league_houston.htm

YouthBuild Houston Job Training Program Youth must be age 18 to 24, register for Selective Services (www.sss.gov), be below low income guidelines ( preferably WIA Youth guidelines), a high school drop-out without a GED or adult course completed. The youth will attend Habitat for Humanity in the morning from 8:00 am to 11:00 am for a minimum of 6 months, the Harris County Department of Education for GED classes, trade school classes at the Harris County Department of Education for a span of 6 weeks to obtain a trade credential. Upon completion of program activities, Youth will be hired by a YouthBuild Houston employer partner, enrolled in college, or registered in an apprenticeship program. For more information, contact Jeff Crain, Jonathon Davis, Andy Uribe, or Kenny Ward at (713) 884-3330.

The Horizon School:  The Horizon School is an academic-based school for students with Down syndrome and similar developmental delays, ages eleven to fifteen, located in Friendswood, Texas.  Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 1207 Winding Way Drive, Friendswood, TX 77546. 281-648-2466.  For more information go to to http://www.thehorizonschooltx. com

The “New Freedom” Public Transit Program: A New Public Transportation Program for People with Disabilities in Fort Bend County. The New Freedom Public Transit Program provides transportation to individuals with disabilities Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. for $1 per one-way trip.  A service companion is allowed to travel with the rider at no charge.  Riders must call and make reservations for each trip.  There are no limits to where a rider can travel within Fort Bend County.  If a rider needs to travel outside the county, efforts will be made to provide assistance to connecting transportation services.  For more information, contact Fort Bend County Public Transportation at 1-866-751-TRIP.

The “Employment and Disability Connections (EDC):” The New DARS Web Site Offers Employment Support Information.  The EDC web site contains a wealth of useful employment information for job seekers, businesses, and disability stakeholders.  It also details the Medicaid Buy-In program which offers affordable health coverage to employed people with disabilities.  Visit the EDC web site at www.dars.state.tx.us/edc/.

Opportunity to Participate in “The Simons Simplex Collection” – an Autism Study at Baylor College.  Baylor College of Medicine in Houston is one of The Simons Foundation’s 13 North American sites collecting DNA samples from families who have only one child with autism (called simplex families).  Eligible families must have: 1) only one child with autism; 2) one or more siblings, age 4 or older, who do not have an autism spectrum disorder; and 3) unaffected biological parents who are willing to participate.  Participating families will receive the diagnostic assessment and a full report from psychologists at no cost.  For more information, contact Research Coordinators Morgan Lasala and Christie Brewton at lasala@bcm.tmc.edu or brewton@bcm.edu; (832)824-3392 or (832)824-3391.

Families Needed to Participate in Transitional Medicine Research Study
Families are needed to provide input and experiences with transition issues with Rebecca Schultz, nurse practitioner in the Comprehensive Epilepsy Clinic at Texas Children’s Hospital. Rebecca (Becky) is working on her PhD dissertation regarding the increased need for transitional medical services for adults (age 18 and up) with epilepsy and cognitive impairments.  If you would like to share your transition experiences with Becky, please contact her at: rschultz@bcm. edu or 832-822-0975.  She will contact you by phone or email and schedule a home visit if your adult child meets the following criteria:  Age 18 and over, epilepsy diagnosis AND cognitive impairment, already transitioned out of high school and pediatric medical services.

Driver’s Ed Training for Individuals with ASD/ADHD

Social Motion Skills and Houston’s Safeway Driving Centers have combined their expertise to offer a comprehensive driver’s education program specifically designed for high functioning individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and ADHD. SafeWay’s state authorized driving curriculum has been approved and adapted by Social Motion Skills’ education experts to bring ASD/ADHD families the most comprehensive driving program in the country. The result is “Driver’s Ed at Your Speed”â„ .  Full information is available at www.socialmotionskills.org

Policy and Disclaimer:

It is the desire of Family to Family Network to share information and items that may be of interest to our email list subscribers.  These items are not necessarily endorsed by Family to Family Network or our funders. 

Organizations wishing to publicize events in the monthly digest may submit a brief description and contact information to info@familytofamily network.org  by the 15th of the month prior to the month that the event will take place (i.e. by January 15th for a February event, etc.).  If you would like to be removed from this email list, please reply to info@familytofamilynetwork.org.
For more information about Family to Family Network, go to www.familytofamilynetwork.org.

Oct 12th, Noon – 2 pm, What the PLAAFP?  F2F Katy at St Peters United Methodist Church, 20775 Kingsland Blvd,Katy.  This is the first workshop of a series.  Evaluations, TAKS, Progress Reports, Report Cards – How do these items make up Present Levels of Academic Achievement! and Functional Performance?  Without a good PLAAFP, it is hard to develop IEPs.  Please bring your IEP and/or other information (TAKS scores, progress reports,etc.) to make this training meaningful for you.   Please call to register so that we have enough handouts: 713-466-6304. 

Oct 21st;  9:00 am – 3:00 pm; “IEP Review – What do all these papers mean?” with Family to Family Network.  Call in advance to schedule a time with a parent liaison to discuss your child’s IEP.   Gather& organize All IEP paperwork to bring with you; Read pg 31-37 of ItsA New IDEA  manual; and read pg 1 of your procedural safeguards.  For more information or to reserve a time,! please call 713-466-6304.  

Oct 21^st, 6-8 p.m., “TEA/Region 4 Special EducationPublic Input Meeting” – Region 4 Education Service Center is hosting this meeting on behalf of the Texas Education Agency to gather input on the special education process in Texas.  This meeting is part of the Texas Continuous Improvement Process  to gather input on specific State Performance Plan indicators.   This is NOT a public hearing and NOT a place to voice specific grievances regarding your child’s IEP.   LOCATION:  Katy ISD Education Support Complex. 6301 South Stadium Lane, Katy, 77492.   Register at www.theansweris4.net, click on professional development, Session ID 666814.     No charge for registration.  http://www.escweb.net/tx_esc_04/catalog/session.aspx?mode=daily&date=10/21/2010&eventId=307906&sessionId=666814&referrer=calendar.aspx

Oct 23rd; 9:00am – 4:00 pm.  “Parent Social Security Workshop”  Family toFamiliy Network hosts Daniel Scarborough of  National PASS Network. Marriott Houston Energy Corridor, 16011 Katy Freeway, Houston,77094. (South side of I-10 at the Park Ten exit).  Cost: $50 which includes lunch and materials.   CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ON LINE(credit card only).   Size of the Saturday Parent Workshop is LIMITED.   When the workshop is full, we will close the course registration.   NO registrations are accepted at the door on the day of the workshop.   For more information, goto http://familytofamilynetwork.org/events/ssi

Information from Family 2 Family Network

The University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL)  Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities presents its

Community Speaker Series

Saturday, October 23rd

10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Room 1100, Student Services Building

University of Houston, Clear Lake

Increasing Appropriate Mealtime Behavior

CADD is proud to welcome the following Presenters:

Nicole Stiefler and Kyna Savage, M.Ed.

Many children with autism or other developmental delays have difficulties during mealtime that can impact their health, social skills, independence, and their family’s quality of life. The presenters will discuss picky eating and independent meal preparation. The presentation will address the importance of each topic as well as strategies for increasing each facet of appropriate mealtime behavior.

Complimentary refreshments will be provided

Lectures are free, but space is limited. Please RSVP: Autismcenter@uhcl.edu

UHCL is located at 2700 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058

The Learning Lane Presents
Systematic Teaching Techniques for Students with Autism
An Evidence-Based Approach to Instruction and Social Skills Development

Presented by:
James Ball, Ed. D., BCBA-D
President/CEO, JB Autism Consulting
9 a.m. – 4 p.m., November 12, 2010
Houston Marriott Energy Corridor Hotel
16011 Katy Freeway
Houston, Texas 77094
For registration information visit The Learning Lane at:
http://www.thelearn inglane.com/ documents/ JBregistrationfo rm.pdf

Jennifer Crawford, M.Ed, BCABA
www.thelearninglane .com

The University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL)  Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities presents its

2010-2011 Community Speaker Series

Are you a parent, caregiver or teacher of a child with autism?  Come to our informative lecture series and learn how you can more effectively help that child work to his or her full potential.  There is no cost to attend.

The following presentations will be held in Lecture Hall 1100 of the Student Services Building on the UHCL campus from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm.

September 18^th — An Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Current Treatments for Behavioral and Emotional Problems in ASD

Presenters: Deborah A. Pearson, Ph.D. and Maria Quintero, Ph.D.

October 23^th:  Increasing Appropriate Mealtime Behavior

Presenters: Nicole Stiefler and Kyna Savage 

November 6th:  Promoting Sibling Relationships

Presenters: Amber Howell and Martine Got

December 4th:  Using ABA in the Classroom

Presenter: Frank Carle, BCaBA

January 15th: Developing Socio-emotional Behavior 

Presenter: Kathryn Loveland, Ph.D.

February 19th:  Increasing Communication

Presenter: Lillie Wilson

March 26: Increasing Social Skills

Presenters: Alyssa Martin and Lindsay Evans:

April 16^th: How to Ensure that New Skills Endure

Presenters: Alyssa Martin and Lindsay Evans:

____________________________________
Dorothea Lerman, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Professor of Psychology

Coordinator, Behavior Analysis Program

Director, Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities
University of Houston, Clear Lake
2700 Bay Area Blvd., Campus Box 245
Houston, TX 77058
(281) 283-3437
lerman@uhcl.edu