Autism Walk at Jacksonville Landing

Saturday, September 29, 2012 from 8:30 am - 11:30 am. Jacksonville Landing, 2 West Independent Drive, Jacksonville, Florida. Register at www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/jacksonville

The First Cycling Event in Jacksonville Has Its First International Participant!

Ride with Me for Autism has its first international cycling participant...from Sweden!

Registration is still only $25 with a $100 minimum pledge (You only need 10 people who can donate $10)!

Visit www.ridewithmeforautism.org for more information or call 904-274-0639.

The First Cycling Event of the Year!

Time to Register for Ride with Me for Autism! The event is on March 26, 2011 and the early bird fee to register is $25 plus a minimum pledge of $100. If you know 10 people who will donate $10, you are set to ride! Kids age 17 and under is $10 registration.

Visit www.ridewithmeforautism.org for more information.
To register, go to http://www.active.com/triathlon/jacksonville-fl/ride-with-me-for-autism-2011
For donations or to open up your own fundraising page, go to http://www.active.com/donate/ridewithme2011

Autism Speaks Jacksonville Walk October 23, 2010

Register for the Autism Speaks charity walk in Jacksonville, FL. Visit http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=347894 for more information!

Walk for a brighter future for not only families with Autism, individuals with Autism, but for you! Every Autistic life today WILL affect you tomorrow! Think about it!

Also...for cyclists...registration is open for Jessica Green Foundation's Ride with Me For Autism 2011 coming March 26, 2011. Visit http://www.active.com/triathlon/jacksonville-fl/ride-with-me-for-autism-2011 to register yourself or form a team!

Autism Event Is Seeking Dynamic Individuals for Planning Committee

If you are looking for a cause to share your time and talents, consider joining the planning committee for a bicycling charity event in March 2011. We need leaders and subcommittee members for the following positions:

Marketing & Social Networking Team
Media/Public Relations
Fundraising & Sponsorship Team
Team Development Coordinator
Logistics Coordinator
Exhibitor/Vendor Coordinator and
Subcommittee members

Our next planning meeting will be September 18, 2010 at 10:00 am at the Southeast Branch Library, Room B, 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32256-0507

Please contact Maggie at 904-274-0639 or email cycling4autism@gmail.com for more information.

CARD Community Meetings Announcement (Duval)

CARD Community Meetings in Duval County
Time: 6:00 PM


09/02/10

Atlantic Coast High

9735 R.G. Skinner Pkwy

Jax, FL 32256



09/16/10

Westview Elementary

5270 Connie Jean Rd.

Jax, FL 32210



09/23/10

Highlands Elementary

1000 DePaul Drive

Jax, FL 32218

Purpose: To meet with parents and family members about the needs of the local autism community. Information obtained at this meeting will help our organization provide better services and support to individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families.

For more information contact Mae.Barker@jax.ufl.edu



Anthony R. Rhodes, M.S.

Educational Multimedia Specialist

Univ. of Florida at Jacksonville

Center for Autism and Related Disabilities

(CARD)

Phone: (904) 633-0760
http://www.hscj.ufl.edu/pediatrics/autism/

Ride with Me for Autism 2011 Charity Cycling Event-March 26, 2011

Title
Ride With Me For Autism 2011

Date
March 26, 2011 (Rain or Shine)

Time
7:00 am – 5:30 pm

Location
Westside: Camp Milton, Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail 1175 Halsema Rd. North Jacksonville, FL 32221

Cost
Ticketed

Description
Rider’s Information.

Come and enjoy this 4th Annual Charity Touring Cycling Event to benefit those who struggle with Autism in Florida. Routes from advanced to beginner: 62-mi/100k, 29-mi, 10-mi, and a fun ride for the family! You can begin organizing a corporate, school, club or a cycling club team!

A nutritious breakfast and lunch will be served*, awards for top team and individual fundraisers and largest team, silent auction, information booths and live entertainment! SAG Services and Mechanical Assistance will be provided.

Saturday, March 26, 2011 opens at 7:00 AM local time

Event Schedule:

Breakfast 7:00 am – 9:30 am

62-mi/100k Ride 7:00 a.m Registration (8:00 departure)

29-mile Ride 7:30 am Registration (8:30 departure)

Opening Ceremony 7:45 am

10-mile Ride 8:00 am Registration (9:00 departure)

Family Fun Ride 8:30 am Registration (9:30 departure)

Silent Auction 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Luncheon & Awards 12:30 – 5:00 pm



Camp Milton, Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail
1175 Halsema Rd. North
Jacksonville, FL 32221

•Adults**: $25 plus $100 min pledge to ride. ($30.00 registration on morning of the ride)
•Children**: $10 ($15.00 registration on morning of the ride)

Registration Closing Date on Active.com is Thursday, March 24, 2011 @ 11:59 PM.

For more information, contact Jeanie at (904) 274-0639 or visit www.ridewithmeforautism.org

* A $10 DONATION FOR LUNCH FOR SPECTATORS/NON-PARTICIPANTS

**OFFICIAL T-SHIRT IS GUARANTEED IF MAIL-IN REGISTRATION APPLICATION & MINIMUM $125 REGISTRATION FEE & MINIMUM PLEDGE IS RECEIVED BY OUR OFFICE BY MARCH 18, 2011.

Ride with Me for Autism 2011 is presented by the Jessica Green Foundation, a non-profit organization giving hope to families and individuals with Autism.

Website
www.ridewithmeforautism.org

Categories
Specialty Events Charity Events

Keywords
Ride with me for autism 2011 bicycle ride, autism, Camp Milton

Looking To Serve On an Event Planning Committee?

Join us on June 26th at 10:00 at the Southeast Branch Public Library. Contact Lou Cabrera at 786-205-5498 if you are interested in serving on the planning committee for Ride with Me for Autism 2011. Seeking all types of talent. A great event for a great cause!

Autism Father Support Group Free BBQ Lunch, June 12, 2010 (11:00 am - 1:00 pm), AJ's On Park Street‏

Hello to all:

Please come and join the Autism Father Support Group for a free BBQ Lunch sponsored by AJ’s On Park Street and Jessica Green Foundation. Please distribute the attached announcement and share.

Thank you,

Lou Cabrera
Chairman of the Board
Jessica Green Foundation, Inc.

When: June 12, 2010

Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Where AJ’s On Park Street, 630 Park St.Jax, FL 32204

RSVP by June 4th: Lou Cabrera, 786-205-5498

Saturday, April 17th The Special Olympics/HUGS Presents the 2010 Introductory Golf Clinic at TPC Sawgrass

TPC Sawgrass will be hosting a fun and instructional golf clinic in partnership with Help Us Golf, Inc. (HUGS) and the Special Olympics of Area 5.  This clinic is open to all who are interested in participating.  Act fast because registration ends on April 12th.

For more information or to sign up, contact the County Coordinator for Duval County Special Olympics Donica Hayes at Donicahayes.soflduval@gmail.com or Jarrad Kogos at kogosfamily@aol.com.  Link to the Special Olympics website is: Area 5 Special Olympics Duval County  and Help Us Golf, Inc. HUGS.

CARD Weekly Update - March 24, 2010

See update in the Agency News

Native Sun Introduces Gluten Free Bakery

Native Sun Logo
MARCH SAVINGS


MARCH 2010



NEW! GLUTEN-FREE BAKERY

We have a large segment of customers who shop at Native Sun because they must follow a special diet for their health and cannot find the products they need at a conventional grocery store. We have always given special diets special attention from the variety of products we stock to our unique color coded shelf tagging system that easily identifies gluten-free, casein-free, no peanut added and low sodium products. That is why we are so excited to announce the official opening of the Native Sun Gluten-Free Bakery!



While we have been using no-gluten added recipes in the Native Sun Bakery since April 2009, we now have trained staff, a dedicated area and quality control procedures in place to run a completely contained gluten-free bakery. In addition, bakery items are also periodically tested to assure product safety.

This effort was led by our Food Education Coordinator Ginny Nehring, whose son Brad is on a gluten-free diet for the treatment of Celiac Disease. Ginny has also authored a gluten-free cookbook called Brad’s Basics and offers free store tours for customers new to shopping for gluten-free, casein-free and other special diet needs.

Look for the items below in-store now & new recipes coming soon!

GF Oatmeal Creme Pies
GF Chocolate Chip Cake
GF Chocolate Brownies
GF Apple Cake
GF Carrot Cake
GF Pound Cake
GF Muffins And More

Individual items are sold by the Juice Bar and Deli at both locations. Large quantity orders or full cakes for birthdays, weddings or other special occasions are available by pre-order.

We hope our new Gluten-Free Bakery will allow children & adults with Celiac Disease and other GF special diets to enjoy cakes, desserts, muffins and other scrumptious goodies that they would otherwise have to pass on or make from scratch. We also want to assure our non gluten-free dieters that these treats are as delicious as any “regular” recipe. The proof is in the pound cake!


ALL-NATURAL DELICATESSEN AT BAYMEADOWS



We are also excited to now offer all-natural meat and cheese from Thumann's and Andrew & Everret in a new Delicatessen section of our Baymeadows Deli. Products are available by the pound or sliced for fresh deli sandwiches.

Thumann's all-natural meats contains NO antibiotics, growth hormones, nitrates, nitrites, fillers, artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, or MSG. Their meat comes from livestock that are raised in stress free conditions and their products are low in salt, trans-fat free and safe for individuals with dairy and gluten allergies. In fact, Thumann's is the first deli company to be certified gluten-free!

Andrew & Everett cheeses are all-natural and made with rBGH-BST Hormone Free Pasteurized Milk. [rBGH is a harmful, synthetic, genetically-engineered version of a cow’s natural growth hormone that is injected into cows to increase milk production.]

CHEESE SELECTION

Pepper Jack
American
Baby Swiss
Muenster
Provolone
Mild Cheddar
Mozzarella

MEAT SELECTION

Black Forest Brand Ham - certified by the AHA
Black Angus Top Round Roast Beef
Black Angus Cooked Corned Beef
Black Angus Pastrami Round
Oven Roasted Gourmet Turkey Breast - certified by AHA
Oven Roasted and Hickory Smoked Turkey Breast






MORE NATIVE NEWS . . .

New! Local, Farm Fresh Milk & Cheese from Live Oak, FL

Expanding HVP Recall for Possible Salmonella

March GreenApples Charity: MDA

Open Auditions for Green TV Show Hostess 3/20

Protect Your Right to Organic Dairy!!!




THANK YOU!

Owner Aaron Gottlieb & the Native Sun Staff




Native Sun Natural Foods Market, 11030 Baymeadows Road, Jacksonville, FL 32256 904-260-2791

Jacksonville School for Autism 6th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Jacksonville School for Autism will be holding their 6th Annual Charity Golf Tournament on
Monday, April 19, 2010 at The Palencia Club which is located at 600 Palencia
Club Dr., St. Augustine, FL 32095. This is to help secure JSA's operating budget for the 2010-2011 school year.

Registration starts at 7:30am
Tournament begins at 9:00am

Scramble Tournament - Player Fee is $200

Disability.gov Work Incentives Update: Find a Work Incentive Seminar Near You

Announcement from the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council

Please refer all questions or concerns to Disability.gov's homepage http://www.disability.gov/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Find a Work Incentive Seminar Near You

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is hosting a series of free community events around the country for beneficiaries with disabilities and their families. These Work Incentive Seminar Events (WISE) are held by local organizations and can help people receiving Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) learn more about the Ticket to Work Program, connect with local training and employment resources, and explore opportunities to increase income. For more resources in your state go to http://www.disability.gov/
and select your state from the drop-down menu under "Information by State".

Visit Disability.gov's blog http://blog.govdelivery.com/usodep/ to comment on employment, benefits or other disability-related subjects.

CARD Weekly Update - March 1, 2010

"My bicycle means a lot to me. I feel I am in control when I ride my bicycle
and it helps me work out my frustration and aggravations so I can be a better person."

-Jessica Green

On Saturday, the Jessica Green Foundation (www.jessicagreenfoundation.org) will hold the third annual Ride with Me event to promote autism awareness and raise funds to support autism initiatives in our area. The foundation is extending an invitation to all families with a family member with autism to come out to the event March 6th at Camp Milton and participate in the bike ride for FREE! You will not be required to pay for registration or meet the fundraising requirements, however you will receive the 2009 shirt (not the 2010) and will need to purchase food should you choose to stay for lunch. For more information, http://ridewithmeforautism.org/jessica.html

I hope to see you there!



Mae Barker, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Clinical Director

Center for Autism and Related Disabilities

UF College of Medicine - Jacksonville



Upcoming Trainings/Events:



· Provide Feedback on Upcoming Changes to DSM Autism Criteria: The website for the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the agency which writes and publishes the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, has recently posted details of the newest edition, which include changes to the diagnosis and organization of autism spectrum disorder. The website is currently encouraging comments on the soon-to-be-published edition. Individuals can register, learn about the changes, and give the publishers feedback directly from the APA website. http://www.dsm5.org/ProposedRevisions/Pages/proposedrevision.aspx?rid=94#

· Rethink Autism & Autism Speaks – Treatment and Resources Webinars: Autism Speaks, in partnership with Rethink Autism, presents a FREE live webinar on autism treatment options and resources for families with recently diagnosed children: Wed, March 3, 2010 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EST . Join us for an orientation for parents and family members of children recently diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Info: www.rethinkautism.com/Community/webinars/default.aspx

· Third Annual Ride with Me for Autism: On Saturday, March 6, 2010, the third annual Ride with me for Autism Bike Tour begins and ends along the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail in Jacksonville, Florida. This event raises funds and awareness for the Jessica Green Foundation for autism support. The ride has choices of 10-mile, 29-mile, and 100k/62-mile bicycling routes, as well as shorter fun rides, so the entire family can come out and participate. A healthy breakfast is served for all riders. There will be vendors, food, music, and ToeKnee the clown. www.ridewithmeforautism.org. The Jessica Green Foundation has extended a special invitation for Autistic families to ride for free.

· 26th Annual Conference on Services for Children with Special Needs - Birth to Five: This year’s conference will be held Schultz Center (4019 Bourlevard Center Dr., Jax), April 1, 2010, and features lectures on literacy, play, behaviors, social skills, sign language, enrichment techniques, and nutrition. The full brochure for this event listing sessions and speakers is available on the CARD webcalendar: www.hscj.ufl.edu/pediatrics/autism/calendar_events.asp.

· “Inclusive Education for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders” - April 19, 2010: Plot a Course, Set Sail, Have a Guide, Keep Learning,” Presented by Dr. Dennis Mozingo, BCBA-D. Dr. Mozingo is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Community Consultation Program of the Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities, Division of Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center. During this workshop, participants will learn how to plan for the inclusion of students with ASD in general education settings, prepare students for inclusion in ESE settings, support students with ASD in the general education setting, and monitor student performance. . All events listed run from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and are provided at no cost to participants. The First Coast Association for Behavior Analysis will be partnering with CARD to offer CEU’s for two upcoming workshops. You will need to preregister (registration is free) online. CEU’s can be purchased at the event.

· “Using Video Based Interventions to Support Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders” - May 14, 2010: Presented by Dr. Linda LeBlanc, BCBA-D. Dr. Le Blanc is an Associate Professor in Psychology for the University of Auburn. Video modeling is an instructional technique that can be used to teach social skills, academic skills, and daily living skills and play skills to children with autism. This workshop will review the important components of effective video models, examine the research support for use of video models, and demonstrate ways to incorporate video when using other instructional procedures. . All events listed run from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and are provided at no cost to participants. The First Coast Association for Behavior Analysis will be partnering with CARD to offer CEU’s for two upcoming workshops. You will need to preregister (registration is free) online. CEU’s can be purchased at the event.

· Survey for Parents of Students with an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) in Exceptional Student Education (ESE). Beginning Feb 01 and ending July 01, 2010, the Florida Department of Education will be collecting parent surveys on “How well is your school supporting your involvement in your child’s education?” Follow this link to complete the survey: www.ESEsurvey.com. Results, which are reported directly to the United States Department of Education, will contribute to Florida’s Annual Performance Report and will be posted for the public at www.fldoe.org/ese.



Flyers for these events can be accessed online @ http://www.hscj.ufl.edu/pediatrics/autism/calendar_events.asp



CARD Logo_02_gif.gif

Ongoing Clinics & Programs:



Ø CARD Toy Bank Program: UF-Jacksonville CARD would like to build a Toy Bank where families in need can get toys and educational materials for use with their child. Please consider donating any of your slightly or unused toys, books, educational items, folder games, visual supports, or other materials to our center to support other families. To donate, please drop your materials to the front office at: UF-Jacksonville CARD, 6271-1 St. Augustine Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32207, For more information please call 633-0760



Ø Social Skills and Support Groups: Dr. Maria Tapia, Licensed Psychologist with the UF/Jacksonville's CARD program, runs several groups for adolescents and adults with Asperger Syndrome, as well as, for their siblings and mothers. If you are interested in joining any of these groups or gathering additional information, such as date, time and ages, please contact Dr. Tapia at maria.tapia@jax.ufl.edu or 633-0760.



Ø Dr. Barker has developed a parent training program to address the topic of, “Learning to play with your child with autism.” Log onto http://card-usf.fmhi.usf.edu/online_training.asp and click on the PowerPoint presentation entitled: “Learning to play with your child with autism”. Be sure you have reviewed the appropriate directions which are attached to this update. If you are a parent or caregiver, download play training directions and if you are a professional or trainer, download play training professional letter. Please email mae.barker@jax.ufl.edu with any questions or concerns.



Ø “Promoting Positive Behavior Change”: This clinic will be replacing the Positive Parenting series that was previously being run Dr. Mae Barker. This clinic is an overview of Pivotal Response, using reinforcement, addressing challenging behaviors and setting up the home environment. This would be great for families of children who have been recently diagnosed on the autism spectrum or parents of older children who simply need a refresher on the basics. Contact Dr. Barker at mae.barker@jax.ufl.edu.



Ø “Behavioral Detective” Social Skills Camp: This clinic offered by Katrina Ressa, B.S., BCaBA, & Anthony Rhodes, M.S., CARD Educational Coordinators, is a 7-week long camp for children diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome or HFA ages 6-12. This camp targets skills such as conversational skills, anger management, accepting making mistakes, being more flexible and more. For more information on signing up for our spring camp, please contact Katrina at katrina.ressa@jax.ufl.edu.



Ø Pre-K Social Skills Clinic: This clinic, offered by Elise Bowers. Parents will learn strategies for engaging their child, promoting communication and conversation, turn-taking, developing joint attention and other social skills. Parents will also learn how to practice, prompt and reinforce their child’s socialization. For more information, please contact Elise at elise.bowers@jax.ufl.edu.



Ø Two Feet Forward: This clinic, offered by Anne Wilson, MST, BCaBA, CARD Educational Coordinator, is for parents of a student in transition. During the meetings parents will learn about transition issues including IEPs & Transition IEPs, Self-Determination & Self-Advocacy, Portfolios, Interest Inventories & Assessments, Post-Secondary Options, Government Benefits, Service Providers & Changes in Services , Barriers, Work Related Issues, and much more! For more information, please contact Anne at anne.wilson@jax.ufl.edu.



Ø Discovering Capabilities: This clinic will be offered by Anne Wilson, MST, BCaBA, CARD Educational Coordinator. This is a student and parent support group. Students discover who they are, what their strengths and talents are, what they want to do in the future, how will they get where they want to be, and who will provide their supports. Discovery provides direction for future career development. Information gathered is placed in a Student Profile for the purpose of sharing the information for job development. The information guides the selection or creation of future jobs in the community. Discovery is for students: between the ages 16 – 19, in transition, planning their future or need guidance planning their future, developing a future plan, identifying individual strengths, needs, etc., writing goals, and identifying supports. For more information, please contact Anne at anne.wilson@jax.ufl.edu.

CARD Weekly Update

“A door opened and I went through it.”

- Temple Grandin



Last night, I finally watched the HBO movie Temple Grandin. The movie fabulously portrayed the life of Temple Grandin – an inventor, a scientist, and a remarkable individual with autism. Temple’s writings, her presentations, and now her movie have greatly added to the public’s understanding of autism. Temple is a testament to the remarkable strengths and potential of individuals with autism. I highly encourage you to see the movie and allow yourself to see the world through the eyes of Temple Grandin. http://www.hbo.com/movies/temple-grandin/index.html



Best regards,



Mae Barker, Ph.D., BCBA-D

Clinical Director

Center for Autism and Related Disabilities

UF College of Medicine - Jacksonville



Upcoming Trainings/Events:



· 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.

· Third Annual Ride with Me for Autism: On Saturday, March 6, 2010, the third annual Ride with me for Autism Bike Tour begins and ends along the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail in Jacksonville, Florida. This event raises funds and awareness for the Jessica Green Foundation for autism support. The ride has choices of 10-mile, 29-mile, and 100k/62-mile bicycling routes, as well as shorter fun rides, so the entire family can come out and participate. A healthy breakfast is served for all riders. There will be vendors, food, music, and ToeKnee the clown. www.ridewithmeforautism.org

· “Inclusive Education for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders” - April 19, 2010: Plot a Course, Set Sail, Have a Guide, Keep Learning,” Presented by Dr. Dennis Mozingo, BCBA-D. Dr. Mozingo is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Community Consultation Program of the Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities, Division of Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center. During this workshop, participants will learn how to plan for the inclusion of students with ASD in general education settings, prepare students for inclusion in ESE settings, support students with ASD in the general education setting, and monitor student performance. . All events listed run from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and are provided at no cost to participants. The First Coast Association for Behavior Analysis will be partnering with CARD to offer CEU’s for two upcoming workshops. You will need to preregister (registration is free) online. CEU’s can be purchased at the event.

· “Using Video Based Interventions to Support Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders” - May 14, 2010: Presented by Dr. Linda LeBlanc, BCBA-D. Dr. Le Blanc is an Associate Professor in Psychology for the University of Auburn. Video modeling is an instructional technique that can be used to teach social skills, academic skills, and daily living skills and play skills to children with autism. This workshop will review the important components of effective video models, examine the research support for use of video models, and demonstrate ways to incorporate video when using other instructional procedures. . All events listed run from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, and are provided at no cost to participants. The First Coast Association for Behavior Analysis will be partnering with CARD to offer CEU’s for two upcoming workshops. You will need to preregister (registration is free) online. CEU’s can be purchased at the event.

· Survey for Parents of Students with an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) in Exceptional Student Education (ESE). Beginning Feb 01 and ending July 01, 2010, the Florida Department of Education will be collecting parent surveys on “How well is your school supporting your involvement in your child’s education?” Follow this link to complete the survey: www.ESEsurvey.com. Results, which are reported directly to the United States Department of Education, will contribute to Florida’s Annual Performance Report and will be posted for the public at www.fldoe.org/ese.



Flyers for these events can be accessed online @ http://www.hscj.ufl.edu/pediatrics/autism/calendar_events.asp



CARD Logo_02_gif.gif

Ongoing Clinics & Programs:



Ø CARD Toy Bank Program: UF-Jacksonville CARD would like to build a Toy Bank where families in need can get toys and educational materials for use with their child. Please consider donating any of your slightly or unused toys, books, educational items, folder games, visual supports, or other materials to our center to support other families. To donate, please drop your materials to the front office at: UF-Jacksonville CARD, 6271-1 St. Augustine Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32207, For more information please call 633-0760



Ø Social Skills and Support Groups: Dr. Maria Tapia, Licensed Psychologist with the UF/Jacksonville's CARD program, runs several groups for adolescents and adults with Asperger Syndrome, as well as, for their siblings and mothers. If you are interested in joining any of these groups or gathering additional information, such as date, time and ages, please contact Dr. Tapia at maria.tapia@jax.ufl.edu or 633-0760.



Ø Dr. Barker has developed a parent training program to address the topic of, “Learning to play with your child with autism.” Log onto http://card-usf.fmhi.usf.edu/online_training.asp and click on the PowerPoint presentation entitled: “Learning to play with your child with autism”. Be sure you have reviewed the appropriate directions which are attached to this update. If you are a parent or caregiver, download play training directions and if you are a professional or trainer, download play training professional letter. Please email mae.barker@jax.ufl.edu with any questions or concerns.



Ø “Promoting Positive Behavior Change”: This clinic will be replacing the Positive Parenting series that was previously being run Dr. Mae Barker. This clinic is an overview of Pivotal Response, using reinforcement, addressing challenging behaviors and setting up the home environment. This would be great for families of children who have been recently diagnosed on the autism spectrum or parents of older children who simply need a refresher on the basics. Contact Dr. Barker at mae.barker@jax.ufl.edu.



Ø “Behavioral Detective” Social Skills Camp: This clinic offered by Katrina Ressa, B.S., BCaBA, & Anthony Rhodes, M.S., CARD Educational Coordinators, is a 7-week long camp for children diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome or HFA ages 6-12. This camp targets skills such as conversational skills, anger management, accepting making mistakes, being more flexible and more. For more information on signing up for our spring camp, please contact Katrina at katrina.ressa@jax.ufl.edu.



Ø Pre-K Social Skills Clinic: This clinic, offered by Elise Bowers, M.A., CARD Educational Coordinator is offered in two sessions: emergent-language and verbal. Parents will learn strategies for engaging their child, promoting communication and conversation, turn-taking, developing joint attention and other social skills. Parents will also learn how to practice, prompt and reinforce their child’s socialization. For more information, please contact Elise at elise.bowers@jax.ufl.edu.



Ø Two Feet Forward: This clinic, offered by Anne Wilson, MST, BCaBA, CARD Educational Coordinator, is for parents of a student in transition. During the meetings parents will learn about transition issues including IEPs & Transition IEPs, Self-Determination & Self-Advocacy, Portfolios, Interest Inventories & Assessments, Post-Secondary Options, Government Benefits, Service Providers & Changes in Services , Barriers, Work Related Issues, and much more! For more information, please contact Anne at anne.wilson@jax.ufl.edu.



Ø Discovering Capabilities: This clinic will be offered by Anne Wilson, MST, BCaBA, CARD Educational Coordinator. This is a student and parent support group. Students discover who they are, what their strengths and talents are, what they want to do in the future, how will they get where they want to be, and who will provide their supports. Discovery provides direction for future career development. Information gathered is placed in a Student Profile for the purpose of sharing the information for job development. The information guides the selection or creation of future jobs in the community. Discovery is for students: between the ages 16 – 19, in transition, planning their future or need guidance planning their future, developing a future plan, identifying individual strengths, needs, etc., writing goals, and identifying supports. For more information, please contact Anne at anne.wilson@jax.ufl.edu.



As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us should you have any questions.

$5000 Available - 2010 6 Days 6 Ramps Community Service Project!

Announcement from the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council

Volunteer Florida is pleased to announce the availability of four grants of up to $5000 to support the 6 Days 6 Ramps Community Service Project.

6 Days 6 Ramps is a multi-site collaborative service project between the Governor's Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, Volunteer Florida; not-for-profit organizations; organizations that serve persons with disabilities; volunteer enters;
faith-based organizations; AmeriCorps and National Service programs and the business community.

6 Days 6 Ramps seeks to achieve the following goals:

Exemplify and expand the role of persons with disabilities in improving their community through participation in national service programs and volunteering.

Bring attention to the need for barrier removal so that persons with disabilities
can remain independent and a part of their communities.

Help strengthen existing volunteer efforts to remove barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from participating in their community by building wheelchair ramps for local residents with disabilities whose income will not support the cost of building a ramp.

Volunteer Florida Reaches out to Veterans with Disabilities

This year Volunteer Florida, through our 6 Days 6 Ramps sites, will focus on including veterans with disabilities to be ramp recipients and to help build ramps in their community.

For further information and to download and application go to http://www.6days6ramps.org. If you have any questions please contact Paul Martell at 850-414-0093 or Erin Pantoja at 850-414-0095. You may also inquire by e-mail at everyoneserves@volunteerflorida.org [mailto:everyoneserves@volunteerflorida.org].

Autistic Families Ride for Free at 'Ride With Me for Autism 2010' March 6, 2010

Below is a gracious invitation from the Jessica Green Foundation to Autistic families. 
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February 19, 2010

ATTENTION FAMILIES!

Re:  Ride with Me for Autism 2010

The Jessica Green Foundation, Inc. is inviting Autistic families to come join us and participate in the rides this year for free at our Third Annual Ride with Me for Autism which will be on Saturday, March 6^th.  This does not include a t-shirt or food.  You will however get a free t-shirt from last year’s ride.  Please spread the word to other families who have children on the Autism spectrum as well.

For more information please visit www.ridewithmeforautism.org.

Please contact me at ridewithme@bellsouth,net if you would like to take advantage of this opportunity

Sincerely,

 Helen Green

Founder and President

Jessica Green Foundation, Inc.

Editor's note:

Please keep in mind the following:

The family member with Autism must actually participate in the ride to qualify.

Advanced reservations are required.  Send an email to ridewithme@bellsouth.net with "Autism Family for Ride With Me" on the subject line.  Include the name of all the family members participating, contact telephone numbers and email address.

Family members are limited to parents, siblings and the child with Autism.

Barbeque lunch and a drink is $10.00 per person.

Only Two Weeks Away...Register Today!

Up Coming Bicycle Event for All Abilities
Ride with Me for Autism
March 6, 2010
Benefiting Families and Individuals with Autism

On Saturday, March 6, 2010, join us for the third annual Ride with me for Autism Bike Tour. This beautiful bike ride begins and ends in along the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail in Jacksonville, Florida. This event raises funds and awareness for the Jessica Green Foundation for autism support. The ride has choices of 10-mile, 29-mile, and 100k/62-mile bicycling routes, as well as shorter fun rides, so the entire family can come out and participate. A healthy breakfast is served for all riders. Following the rides, come and join us for good food and music. There will be vendors and ToeKnee the clown will be there to send the fun riders on their way. A great ride for a great cause!

Visit:  www.ridewithmeforautism.org  
Or Email: bikeride4autism@gmail.com or call June at 904-771-6707
http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1797690

International Autism Sunday is Tomorrow (February 14th)

According to Wikipedia, Autism Sunday was founded in the UK by Ivan and Chakira Corea, parents of a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  They urged church leaders to speak up for Autism and Asperger's.  To read more from Wikepedia click here.  

So on Valentines Day, please say a prayer if you are a believer and non-believers, please offer kind wishes!