Legislative Update – YOUR
CALLS MADE A DIFFERENCE!!!
On
April 29th, the House voted on DMR
amendments, finalizing several key disability-related
line items. Thanks to the courage of our Legislature,
the House budget includes more funding for services for
people with disabilities and their families than the
Governor’s proposed budget.
Our
biggest successes were in the funding for the Autism
Division, up more than $2 million ($1.6 million after
earmarks are factored out) and Turning 22 services, up
$1.6 million from the Governor’s budget.
There
were smaller, but significant, increases in Family
Support services, up $250,000 ($150,000 after earmarks)
and Community Residential Services, up about $373,000
($173,000 after earmarks).
We
are extremely grateful to those legislators who took the
lead on amendments (Reps. Tom Sannicandro, Barbara
L’Italien, Mary Grant, Alice Peisch, Ted Speliotis, Lida
Harkins, John Scibak, Cheryl Coakley-Rivera, Robert
DeLeo and Kathi-Anne Reinstein) as well as the dozens of
others who co-sponsored those amendments.
Thanks to all of you who emailed, called and visited
your elected officials to let them know how important
these services are to people with disabilities.
For continuing updates go to the
Arc of Massachusetts
website
www.arcmass.org
*****************
Attention Families!!!
We have built a wonderful database over the years
with information and referrals from our families.
YOU ARE OUR
BEST RESOURCE!
Do you have a favorite recreation activity,
dentist, developmental pediatrician, advocate or other
professional who has worked well with or on behalf of your child
with ASD?
Please send us your favorites so we can update our
resources.
Send to
asc@nsarc.org
******************
Back By Popular Demand!!!
CoCo
Key
Indoor Water Park
Event:
May 21, 3 to 7pm; all ages; at CoCo Key,
Sheraton Ferncroft, 50 Ferncroft Rd., Danvers.
Use that pent up energy at exciting Coco Key
Resort.
Families may purchase refreshments on site.
Children must be accompanied by a
responsible adult.
First priority will be given to families who
did NOT participate at ASC’s February Coco Key event.
To register and for
more information contact: Gloria Ricardi Castillo
978-624-2301 or
gcastillo@nsarc.org
******************
The
Autism Support Center is hosting a Workshop for Parents
“I CAN
DO IT”
Helping Your Child to Increase Self-Help Skills
Presenter:
Renee Dean, MA Ed, BCBA
Educational Consultant, Melmark New England
Wednesday, May 28, 2008, 6:30-8:30 pm
Considerations for choosing skills to address
and a number of strategies to help your child
become more self-reliant with everyday skills
will be discussed.
Strategies will include task analysis,
shaping procedures and incorporating visual supports.
There will be opportunity for discussion and
problem-solving together.
Registration is required.
Contact Stephanie Gammons at 978-624-2311
******************
Events funded
by DMR’s Autism Division:
Outdoor Family Adventure
Saturday, June 21,
11am-3pm
The Paul Center, 39
Concord Road, Chelmsford.
Summer camp-style activities
for all ages
Swimming * refreshments *
fun and games * entertainment
Prior registration a
must!!! $10 registration fee per family
To
request registration form, contact Stephanie Gammons at
978-624-2311 or
sgammons@nsarc.org
PLEASE NOTE:
Pre-registration is required for the above four activities.
There will be a $10 (non-refundable) registration fee for
these programs (per family/per program).
Please call ASC (978-624-2311) or by email
asc@nsarc.org to request a registration form.
We will contact you to confirm your participation.
