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April is National Autism Awareness Month
 
In order to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism, the Autism Society has been celebrating National Autism Awareness Month since the 1970s. The United States recognizes April as a special opportunity for everyone to educate the public about autism and issues within the autism community.  Read more about National Autism Awareness Month here.

Autism Awareness Events in April
 
In celebration of National Autism Awareness Month, here are some of the activities and events happening locally: Noodles Night on 4/2, ADAM @ the Normal Theater on 4/7, Barnes and Noble Book Fair on 4/10, Autism Awareness Day at Raspberry Grove on 4/17, Awarefare at Pepper Ridge on 4/29, and a Night Out for Autism at Blueline Nightclub  on 4/30. 

Mission to Mars Pictures

Pictures from the 2/27/2010 Mission to Marks event are now up on the web site.  Check them out here: http://www.autismmclean.org/missionToMars2010
 

Come Dancing!

When:  March 28th
Time: 2-4 PM
Where:  Bone Student Center the Circus Room
Parking: is Free in the Green Commuter Lot on Locust or Pay at the Bone Center Lot
Host:  Students Serving Individuals with Disabilities and ASMC

Our Spring dance will feature the music of DJ Soundsations and complimentary pictures.  We will play traditional dance tunes and serve light refreshments.  This event is compliments of the Autism Society of McLean County.
 

 
 
You can view pictures of the last ASMC Fall Dance here: http://www.autismmclean.org/fallDance2009
Date: 
03/28/2010 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm

The Latest Autism Society of America Newsletter

Chuck's Harley-Davidson Proceeds to Help Benefit ASMC

Wednesday March 17, 2010 8:00AM – 6:00PM
 
Tis’ the Day for the Wearin’ of the Green at CHUCK’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON
 
Find your “Pot O’ Gold” and Help Fight Autism. Chuck’s H-D will donate 20% of All Genuine MotorClothes Apparel Sales on March 17th to Benefit the Autism Society
 
Special Appearance by Roger the Bagpiper 2:00pm until 3:00pm.
 
Shamrock Cookies by Denny’s Doughnuts Free While They Last
 
“If Gold isn’t Your Color, We Have Lots of CHROME”
Date: 
03/17/2010 - 8:00am - 6:00pm

The Latest Autism Society of America Newsletter

 The Autism Society of America's latest newsletter has information on a neurotoxic chemicals study, how to participate in a new study on perceptions of progress in children with autism, a new study that confirms a link between advanced maternal age and autism, a new way to treat autism, and much, much more.  Check out the entire newsletter here.

Parents as Partners Workshop

February 22, 2010
Normal Community West IMC
6 - 8 PM
 
Agenda:
 
Literacy and Reading: 6 - 7 PM
What Are We Doing in Unit #5: What Can I do at Home
Elementary: Toni Eckley, RtI interventionist
Middle School: Rexie Lanier, RtI Coach
High School: Mary Walker, RtI Coach
 
We want to provide information on our current reading practices and approach within the district at each level. The presenters have been receiving training and supporting teachers through the year. They will explain our reading direction and give parents ideas on how they can support their children/young people at home.
 
Student Led IEP’s: 7 - 8 PM
Transition Planning and student involvement: Carrie Chapman, Secondary Specialist
 
We have been working to assure that we meet the needs of students with IEP’s in high school as they leave school and enter the adult world. Carrie will give an overview of our approach for this and talk about how we work with students to prepare them for this process. She will answer questions and give parent information on how they can help in this process.

 

 

Be a Hero

The AOK Network (a program of the Health Department), The Baby Fold, The Children’s Foundation, and other, local organizations are offering parents an opportunity to attend a Parent Leadership Training.  This training provides parents a chance to connect more fully with other parents, learn more about local opportunities, and enrich family and community activities.  (Please see below and attached flyers.)
 
The goal is to help support healthy parents who feel strong and confident in their role as a parent and are able to be parents in a less stressful, more successful and meaningful ways.  Parents can learn to grow and understand the opportunities they have to speak up for their kids in whatever community they are in, whether that be schools, faith, child care, or the larger community.  The intent to help families find a larger voice within the McLean County community.
 
There is only one commitment for the training.  If a person plans to attend, it's asked that they attend four sessions.  Couples are not obligated to attend together; thus one parent may attend the training without the other.
 
The training is free to parents who live in McLean County.  It is open to anyone parenting a child of any age; including foster parents, grandparents raising grandchildren, and relatives raising other’s children.  Lunch and snacks will be provided.  Parents who live outside of McLean County are welcome as well; it will be asked they pay a small cost to cover food and materials.
 
To make your reservation, please call (309) 888-5539 or email Maureen.sollars@mcleancountyil.gov.

The Penguin Project

What is the Penguin Project?
The Penguin Project is a group of individuals who take to the stage to perform a modified version of a well-known Broadway musical. This production is unique, however, because all of the roles are filled by individuals with disabilities. Performers with disabilities are paired with same age peer mentors who support them throughout the rehearsal and performance schedule.
 
PARTICIPANTS:
Artists with Disabilities
The Penguin Project is open to any individual age 8 to 30 with a disability.  This includes all disabilities (ie - cognitive, learning, motor, hearing and visual impairments, genetic disorders, neurological disorders).
 
Peer Mentors
The Penguin Project utilizes a “peer mentor” system, linking each artist with an age level peer who does not have a disability. The peer-mentors work side-by-side with their partners, assisting them throughout the entire rehearsal process and on stage.
 
Community Partners
In McLean County a core group of individuals from Bloomington Parks and Recreation, Kiwanis Club of Normal, Easter Seals and the community joined forces to present the first Penguin Project of McLean County production in June 2009. Annie Jr. was performed June 19 – 21.
 
Be a Penguin!
Producer Donna Anhalt, Director Tricia Stiller, and their staff invite all interested actors, mentors, and volunteers to become a member of the Penguin Project McLean County family. Informational meetings for this year’s production, Music Man Jr., will be held on February 4 and 9 at 7:00 pm at Central Catholic High School. Rehearsals will begin in March and the production will take to the stage June 17 – 20.
 
Join us for an Informational Meeting on Feb. 4 or Feb. 9 at 7:00 pm at Central Catholic High School’s auditorium. Call Tricia at 242-0290 or Donna at 838-2923 or visit us at www.penguinprojectmcleancounty.org for more information.
 
 
 

Young Horizon

Twin Cities Behavioral Health has launched a new website at www.younghorizon.com.  Young Horizon is an interactive online psychiatric portal dedicated to educating the public about child and adolescent mental health and wellness. Designed and maintained by Dr. Faisal Ahmed, this site provides scientifically accurate and up-to-date information while maintaining an independent editorial stance.

Check out the web site here: www.younghorizon.com.

Upper Limits Rock Climbing Pictures

Pictures from the 12/29/2009 Upper Limits Rock Climbing event are now up on the web site.  Check them out here: http://www.autismmclean.org/rockClimbing09
 

 

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