Saturday, January 30, 2010

Donate to the Jessica Green Foundation, Inc. for Autism

Visit my fundraising page at http://www.active.com/donate/ridewithme2010/mbeemom and please donate for the cause of Autism. The Jessica Green Foundation is there to assist families of and persons with Autism financially. Please be generous. Any amount helps.

My goal is $200 but it would be amazing if the amount raised exceeds that amount. Please help me help this growing population!

Thank you!
Maggie

Thursday, January 28, 2010

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council Needs You!

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council Needs You

Do you want to make Florida a better place to live for individuals with developmental disabilities?  Are you willing to advocate with lawmakers and others on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities? Are you an individual with a developmental disability, or the parent or guardian of someone with a developmental disability? Are you or a family member currently on the Developmental Disabilities Wait List? Are you an individual who has worked in this field?

If you answered yes to any of the above, you may want to apply for membership on the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council. Our mission is to advocate and promote meaningful participation in all aspects of life for Floridians with developmental disabilities.
Council members identify ways to improve services and supports, work on projects that achieve this goal, meet with lawmakers to discuss legislation, and partner with other committed individuals to enhance the quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities. The Council works as an organizer, funder and advocacy group for individuals with developmental disabilities. Becoming a Council member is an excellent opportunity to promote the work of the Council. They pay for travel and accommodations for those attending meetings on Council business. If you are interested in applying for membership on the Council, the first step is to complete a "Questionnaire for Gubernatorial Appointment" that you can find on our website at www.fddc.org [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102966223999&s=541&e=001UXtzHOM47o3ZjZQxfaVDKJa06_QuOm9s6br9wKa2RubwIvEE0ae6ZeRsM3JX7nZdHXR0v2MAN3fP2Wj2AOXJPycKOkLwbp82_5Azbiu5T_8=].

You can also contact the Council at fddc@fddc.org [mailto:fddc@fddc.org], call us at (800) 580-7801, or contact the Governor's Appointments Office, The Capitol Building, 7th Floor, Suite 705, Tallahassee FL 32399-0001 or call (850) 488-2183.


Please share this information and encourage interested individuals to apply If you have any questions, please contact Dennie Hill at (850) 488-4180 or at dennieh@fddc.org [mailto:dennieh@fddc.org].

Project Autism of St. Johns, Inc.

109 Marsh Island Cir
St Augustine, FL 32095
awareness@projectautismsj.org

Project Autism of St. Johns, Inc. is an autism advocacy group that promote awareness in the St. Johns County community.

To support Project Autism’s mission, please mail a tax-deductible charitable donation to the address provided above. Donors of $20 or more will receive a free Project Autism t-shirt. To donate your time by volunteering, please contact us at our email address.


Quality Weighted Blanket, Weighted Blankets,Weighted Products, Deep Pressure Touch Stimulation

This company in Montana makes custom weighted blankets.  Weighted blankets are used for those on the spectrum.  The weight provides security and calmness when used.

I have considered purchasing one for my son before but now that I viewed this site, I will make the investment because currently, my son piles on 4 - 6 blankets seeking results.    Once I receive and my son has used it a little while, I will write again with a review.



Partners In Transition-Webinars

Partners In Transition, in collaboration with TASH, is pleased to announce a series of webinars focusing on students with significant disabilities. All webinars will take place on a Tuesday from 3:00 to 4:15 pm EST.
Educational Supports and Person Centered Planning for Youth with Significant Disabilities February 9 How do we utilize person centered planning strategies to guide the IEP and ITP development process? What Post-Secondary opportunities and supports are available to students with significant disabilities and how do we connect them to these opportunities? How do we know what educational areas and options to look at? Some of the strategieswe should be incorporating (an improving upon) within our own services should involve promoting self-advocacy skills, self determination and autonomy for our students.We should be looking at ways to do this throughout their school years. Family involvement is an important part of this process and is a key to ensuring success. We will share some person centered planning strategies that will help guide us through this process and look at educational options and supports for students with significant disabilities.
Work-based Learning Experiences & Employment Supports for Youth with Significant  Disabilities March 9 The only way to get people "ready" to work is by actually working; helping people by giving them access to real jobs and work based learning experiences. Work is not only a valued role that provides an income, it is a societal expectation. The best way we can promote career and employment success for the students we support  is by providing actual paid work experiences while they are still in school Areas we will cover: career planning; environmental matching; positive behavior supports at work; job carving and job supports; collaborating with families & finding a job; building a resume; and social security work incentives.

Navigating the Community for Youth with Significant Disabilities April 6 What are the "Good things in Life?" Most people would say that having valued social roles, healthy relationships, being able to access the places & activities you enjoy, and having a home of your own would be a good start. But, how do we assist individuals with significant disabilities to access these things? What community living optionsare available? What supports are available? Can someone live in their own place if they need 24 hour supports? What about transportation? Healthcare? How about hobbies, recreation and social FUN stuff? What about waiting lists? How are we involving  families, raising expectations, and promoting interagency collaboration in this process? We will discuss all this and more in this session.
To Register:

Please send an email including your name and the webinar(s) in which you would like to participate to thompsont@iel.org [mailto:thompsont@iel.org]

 If you have any specific questions, or would like to see specific issues addressed in the presentation, please include them in the email. Information, additional materials, and any 'homework' will be sent approximately a week prior to the event. If you have any other questions or need materials in alternate formats, contact Tara Thompson at thompsont@iel.org [mailto:thompsont@iel.org] or (727) 253-3117. To access the webinar service, go to  http://www.onlineconferencingsystems.com/iel/ [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102966061440&s=541&e=001L0JdMk_mDqOp-Z6bR_DguugKr5WtSUVW18kMHsarxKm-i-8tJUkAt78GoCjZIqBEaYuaCmytWcrIG5Qb9_SUUP601ofaTjFBBKUniRu7YWYrBVDH1wtxoZ1ziTrF059eZHXDs1hAiGiTAGDh7Ltz7w==].
 

Please allow a few minutes to download and install necessary plug-ins. To access the call line, dial the toll-free number: 1-888-387-8686; enter the Room number: 872-9146, and press #. You will be placed directly into the meeting if the moderator has already joined. If the moderator hasn't joined, you will be placed on hold forup to 10 minutes. All webinar materials will be posted on www.PartnersInTransition.org
 [http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102966061440&s=541&e=001L0JdMk_mDqO6uQmsiVuTTXzuEv3F-9GWWzomY_2gfn0gGwppniNUVRsOxIiLBU59bxhDlOESwWF-eAXSDszfshtURkLSt9AZECv31ECkjaKSYXdhdnXx_EOQTA9a2dqj]afterward.


Vanda Bowman

Florida Developmental Disabilities Council

Easter Seals Project ACTION and the Natl Network of ADA Centers Offering a Free Four-Part Series on Paratransit Operations

Easter Seals Project ACTION and the National Network of ADA Centers will Offer a Free Four-Part Series on Paratransit Operations

As part of Easter Seals Project ACTION Promising Practices and Solutions in Accessible Transportation Series and in conjunction with the National Network of ADA Centers (the DBTACs), a free four-part series on Paratransit Operations will be delivered each Wednesday in February. The topics covered include Origin to Destination, PCAs, Companions and Visitors, Scheduling and the Appeals Process. Each session will be presented via webinar and teleconference. Connection information will be provided to registered participants. Each one-hour session will begin at 2 p.m. EST on the scheduled date. Resources related to the presentation will be posted on the Easter Seals Project ACTION Web site and become available one week prior to the session. These materials are intended as additional resources to provide more in-depth information and it is not necessary to download them for the presentation.
For more information go to:
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102966343094&s=541&e=001ZPQGQJ5MQf8xNZHlYIurqOROnlSQCecP8g4IvswiGMQ6ZpGzISrYSy1vb_vVyvgYlP6QJu2j1wIwa8Srq6TMNjwkYFVP_UGOiQRhbSgvXrPH3XrLrQUVcQ.
Please note the registration deadline is January 29, 2010.
Courtesy of Florida Developmental Disabilities Council | 124 Marriott Drive | Suite 203 | Tallahassee | FL | 32303

Area Autism Search is Now An Affiliate with Vista Print

I am proud to announce my affiliation with Vista Print has been a wonderful resource.  I have gotten my Avon and Delegate Here Corporation business cards and they are always professional-looking and printed on quality card stock.  For only the small cost of shipping you can select from many designs or design your own.  


I have used Vista Print for years and I will happily continue to do business with them!  Give them a try!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

St. Johns Disability Service Resource Expo

Click Here
Saturday, February 6th, 2010  Click above for the flyer.

Autism Symposium at University of North Florida

Autism symposium

The second annual Autism Symposium Current Medical Evidence and
Interventions Regarding Autism will be presented by Wolfson Children's
Hospital, the University of Florida/Jacksonville and Nemours Children's
Clinic from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 10 at the University Center at the
University of North Florida

Parents, caregivers, special needs teachers, social workers,
psychologists, nurses, speech therapists, occupational therapists,
physical therapists, behavioral therapists, marriage and family
therapists and mental health counselors are invited to participate.

Speakers will include autism experts Max Witnitzer, MD, pediatric
neurologist, director of Rainbow Autism Center at Rainbow Babies and
Children's Hospital; Connie Kasari, PhD, professor of Psychological
Studies in Education and Psychiatry at UCLA and founding member of the
Center for Autism Research and Treatment at UCLA (CART); and Robert
Schultz, PhD, director of the Center for Autism Research (CAR) and of
the Developmental Neuroimaging Laboratory at Children's Hospital of
Philadelphia.

For further information call 202-6039. Online registration will be
available at www.wolfsonchildrens.org/autism in January.

(FROM ST. AUGUSTINE.COM)

Monday, January 25, 2010

Working Out The Bugs

Dear Readers,

I am still working on the layout of my new blog site here and the radio buttons may not work properly.  Please be patient as I should have it working again in a day or two. 

In the meantime,  thank you so much for stopping by.  If you enjoy the content and the theme, please subscribe for updates and forward to a friend!

~Maggie

Rising Stars Baseball: Registration Now Open.

Practice begins February 27th and games start on March 13th. The Rising Stars Baseball Division of Ponte Vedra Athletic Association is created to give girls and boys 8-15 from the Jacksonville area who are unable to "SHINE" in our traditional little league an outlet to have fun with baseball, build self confidence, teamwork skills, lasting memories and friendships.  By creating ability-specific levels and a high coach to child ratio, RISING STARS BASEBALL is able to support a range of abilities: from mild coordination concerns to moderate gross motor planning challenges. For kids that have been apprehensive about baseball or didn't feel they were skilled enough, RISING STARS is also a great way to start playing the game. After two instructional practices the kids will be playing baseball in a "sandlot" format. The cost to participate  in RISING STARS is FREE due to league support and contributions of our sponsors; Microsoft, HEAL, and the Greenwood School and many individual supporters. For more information go to www.risingstarsbaseball.org
(Information courtesy of CARD email newsletter).

National Hotel Chains That Provide Autism Accommodations

This is a request to the national hotel chains in the United States and abroad. Not only is the Autism community growing...they are also growing-up and fast! 

I would love to promote your hotel chain and even become an official affiliate if you offer 5-star service for every budget.   If your hotel offers top-notch autism-friendly accommodation policy, please contact me at basorem@gmail.com. 

Governor Crist's Task Force on Autism Spectrum Disorders

HealthyFloridians.com.  A great informational source with agendas, meetings, minutes with regard to recommendations in addressing ASD issues in the State of Florida.

Some Tips to Consider When Going to Walt Disney World

A must read for those considering a trip to Walt Disney World.  Click here for the page.
This is NOT a disney page.  The website is www.OrlandoVacation.com.

Restaurants That Offer A "Gluten Free" Menu

Many of our favorite restaurants here in town offer a gluten free menu.  Here are a few, click on each to view the menu:
Boston Market
Bonefish Grill
Carrabbas
Chili's (Page 9)
Outback Steakhouse
Ruby Tuesday (Page 12)
Uno Chicago Grill

Restaurant Listings were selected  from Gluten Free Travel Site .com  See site for more!

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Regency 24 AMC Theatres - Sensory Friendly

9451 Regency Square Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32225
Movie Times: 1-888-AMC 4FUN
Guest Services: (904)725-0885

In partnership with the Autism Society of America, we bring AMC Sensory Friendly Films to families affected by autism on a monthly basis to select communities.

The program provides a special opportunity for families to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment. The auditoriums dedicated to the program have their lights up, the sound turned down and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing!
The idea for the program began with a request from a parent with an autistic child for a special screening at AMC Columbia Mall 14 in Columbia, MD. More than 300 children and parents attended the first screening.
We are thrilled to now offer the program at many locations nationwide — please click here for a complete list of participating theatres. As a leading theatrical exhibition company, we are so proud to be making a difference in the estimated 1.5 million Americans living with an autism spectrum disorder by offering families a chance to see a movie together — often for the very first time.
Upcoming Sensory-Friendly showings* include:

January 9
– Alvin & The Chipmunks 2
February 6 – The Tooth Fairy
March 27 – How to Train Your Dragon
April 24 – Oceans
May 22 – Shrek 4
June 16 – Toy Story 3
July 10 – Despicable Me
August 7 – Cats & Dogs 2
September 25 – The Guardian of Ga’Hoole
October 9 – The Zookeeper

All shows are at 10:00 am.
*Dates and films are subject to change.
To request AMC Sensory Friendly Films in your market, or to learn more about autism, please contact:
AMC Entertainment Community Relations    |     Autism Society of America

Hope Haven Childrens Clinic and Family Center

HOPE HAVEN
Children's Clinic And Family Center
4600 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Phone: (904) 346-5100  |  Fax: (904) 346-5111

Jessica Green Foundation, Inc.

Bringing Hope Through Helping Families and their Children with Autism

(See: Event:  Ride With Me For Autism 2010)
OUR MISSION

To provide support, through fund-raising and other means, to organizations engaged in fulfilling the Jessica Green Foundation's vision and to provide families of those who have loved ones with autism with various kinds of assistance.


OUR VISION

A world in which individuals with autism are fully valued and inclued, and are provided the support needed to reach their maximum potential.

Jessica Green Foundation, Inc.
Jacksonville, FL
Phone: 904-781-8024 or 904-945-9985
Email: JGFoundation@bellsouth.net

HEAL (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL)

Mission Statement
HEAL! is developing a community that is dedicated to medical research, treatment and education of individuals, community awareness, and, ultimately, prevention of autism spectrum disorders.

Services that HEAL Facilitates
  • Parent mentors for assisting new families affected by Autism
  • Training and mentoring for health care professionals
  • Parent education seminars
  • Quarterly newsletter
  • Social events for families
  • HEAL Web site
  • Awards grants to community projects such as horse therapy, music education, special day at the beach camp, and bowling leagues.
Contact Information
Mailing Address: 226-5 Solana Road, # 211, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Phone: (904) 285-5651

Email: info@healautismnow.org

PACT of Camden County, GA (Kingsbay, Kingsland, St. Marys, Woodbine)

Parents of Autism Coming Together.

Center for Autism and Related Diseases (Gainesville, FL)

CARD University of Florida - Gainesville
1405 NW 13th Street
Gainesville, FL 32601-4058
Toll Free 1-(800)-9-AUTISM or Local (352)-273-0581
Fax: (352)846-3703
Email: card-info@ufl.edu

Center for Autism and Related Diseases (Jacksonville)

UF College of Medicine-Jacksonville
Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD)

6271 St. Augustine Rd., Suite 1
Jacksonville, FL 32217
Phone: (904) 633-0760 or
1-800-9-AUTISM
Fax: (904) 633-0751

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Fund Raise With Avon

Did you know that you can raise money not only for a cause with Avon, but also for a neighbor in need? 
There are fundraisers as used in schools, sports associations, scouts, cheerleading, etc.
There are also fundraisers to collect money for a neighbor or nearly any reason by having an online event or a book party.

Contact Maggie at avonbasorejax@yahoo.com or go to www.youravon.com/mbasore for more information.

Seeking "Applied Behavior Analysts" in the Northeast Florida Region

Licensed ABA's.  for children and adults with autism in Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Baker and Nassau counties in Northeast Florida.

If you would like a write up on my blog, please send me your information and specialty.  If you have a business card or website, please do include.

Send to basorem@gmail.com.

Please spread the word also to your colleagues in your area.  My aim is to provide a "one-stop" website for Northeast Florida for all services and business establishments who cater or are accommodating to families and people with Autism (child or adult).  In other words, I am picking up all the confetti scattered across the web and piling up neatly on this site.  I am hoping my site will make life a bit easier for those who are seeking information.  I hope you can help!

Thank you!

Seeking "Autism" Doctors in the Northeast Florida Region

I am seeking all medical doctors, dentists, therapists, nurse practitioners, clinics, etc. that cater to or specialize in children and adults with autism in Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Baker and Nassau counties in Northeast Florida.

If you would like a write up on my blog, please send me your information and specialty.  If you have a business card or website, please do include.

Send to basorem@gmail.com.

Please spread the word also to your colleagues in your area.  My aim is to provide a "one-stop" website for Northeast Florida for all services and business establishments who cater or are accommodating to families and people with Autism (child or adult).  In other words, I am picking up all the confetti scattered across the web and piling up neatly on this site.  I am hoping my site will make life a bit easier for those who are seeking information.  I hope you can help!

Thank you!

Recreation: Cassat's Batt Bowl

Location/Phone:
1838 Cassat Ave,Jacksonville, FL 32210-1606
(904) 389-236 


Cassat's Batt Bowl is one of the finest chains of independently owned bowling centers in the country.

Their mission is to provide a top quality bowling experience so that our bowling guests and their families will return again and again. They provide a top notch bowling center, quality activities, and events along with exceptional service and personal attention to their guests.

Did you know that kids vote bowling birthday parties #1? At Cassat's Batt Bowl they have great Kids Birthday Party Packages available or they willl customize a birthday party package for your child. Also offered are great bowling leagues and host local, state and national bowling tournaments too!

Cassat's Batt Bowl has also helped groups, charities and many others raise over $100,000 with bowling fundraisers. Fund raisers can be a real hassle, but they make it easy to raise lots of money FAST!

Event: 2010 Ticket To Ride (Autism Society of America)

EVENT TYPE: Motorcycling

WHEN:    Saturday, May 1st, 2010
WHERE: Adamec Harley-Davidson
              8909 Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville, Fla.

TIMES:   Check In & Registration Opens: 8:00 am
              Opening Ceremony: 10:00 am
              Kick Stands Up: 10:30 am

IMPORTANT INFO:
              Ticket to Ride is rain or shine.
              Helmets preferred.
              Registration fees are non-refundable.

Amazon Affiliate

Area Autism Search is now an affiliate of Amazon.  Please feel free to view all of their spectacular items.  They are MORE than books and you can make money by selling old books through them.  I am very excited about presenting Amazon.com on my blog.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Event: Ride With Me For Autism 2010


Event Type: Bicycling
Day: Saturday
Date:  March 6, 2010
Time:  Check-in at 6:30 am
Cost:  $25-$30 PLUS a minimum pledge of $100
Place:  Camp Milton, Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail, 1175 Halsema Rd S, Jacksonville, FL 32221
Register:  http://www.active.com/triathlon/jacksonville-fl/ride-with-me-for-autism-2010 
Purpose:  Jessica Green Foundation, Inc. Fundraiser to help families of and people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Jacksonville, Florida Area

I am starting this blog because I have a child with Autism.  Nearly every parent I meet tell me that they seek out other parents because they are the best source of new information.

Something I have noticed and I am sure I do not speak for myself, information on the web is scattered and even local services do not have much information or are hesitant to refer anyone.

I decided to help myself and help others by simplifying the search for services, business, special events, happenings around town, and establishments in Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Nassau, Baker, and all that encompasses the North Florida area who recognize the needs of the ASD community.

Please feel free to chime in anytime with any and all suggestions you have.  I am open to input because the parents and those on the Spectrum have the most knowledge to share.  I will also be happy to advertise business establishments who have made accommodations to cater to us.

I am very excited about this new service and I hope it will benefit you and those who mean the most to you!