Disability News & Views Radio Show - Child Autism & Autism Awareness

Upcoming Shows

JUNE 2009 Schedule:

Dale Brown, Senior Manager- LDOnLine

LDOnLine.org, the world's leading website on learning disabilities, is a service of public television station WETA Washington, DC. Dale is the author of several books including Steps to Independence for People with Learning Disabilities. She co-authored Job Hunting Tips for the So-Called Handicapped or People who Have Disabilities with Richard Nelson Bolles, author of What Color is Your Parachute? She has written numerous articles, many of which are on LD Online.More information and resources online ldonline.org

Please pray for the families and friends from Flight 3407 in Clarence, NY and emergency responders too. Sharing my prayer and words of hope! Monica
With Hope (lyrics by Steven Curtis Chapman) This is not at all how We thought it was supposed to be We had so many plans for you We had so many dreams And now you've gone away And left us with the memories of your smile And nothing we can say And nothing we can do Can take away the pain The pain of losing you, but ... We can cry with hope We can say goodbye with hope 'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no And we can grieve with hope 'Cause we believe with hope (There's a place by God's grace) There's a place where we'll see your face again We'll see your face again And never have I known Anything so hard to understand And never have I questioned more The wisdom of God's plan But through the cloud of tears I see the Father's smile and say well done And I imagine you Where you wanted most to be Seeing all your dreams come true 'Cause now you're home And now you're free, and ... We have this hope as an anchor 'Cause we believe that everything God promised us is true, so ... So we can cry with hope And say goodbye with hope We wait with hope And we ache with hope We hold on with hope We let go with hope

Ronan Tynan, Irish Tenor, Motivational Speaker & Buffalo Sabres FAN new CD “My Gift of Christmas Song”

Ronan is an extraordinary man with an indefatigable character whose physical disabilities only served to spur him on to greater things. In spite of this, Ronan completed degrees from the National College of Physical Education and, in medicine, from Trinity College. Ronan won multiple gold medals at the 1984 Disabled Olympics and set up a busy medical practice specializing in Orthopedic Sports Injuries. Ronan enjoys a successful career in music, is a founding member of the Irish Tenors and solo artist performing all over the world. www.ronantynan.net

Carissa Moen, Staff Member, Florida Lions Camp

The Florida Lions Camp began operating in 1974 and is non-profit organization that provides a wonderful camp experience in winter, spring and summer for children and adults. They do not reject any disability and also allow for camper friends and siblings to come to camp for transitional help for the camper. The camp is considered to be on of the leading facilities of this type in the United States. Find out about the next exciting event called the Haunted Trail for families on October 24-25, 2008 in Lake Wales, Florida. More information on our camp and other events can be found online www.lionscampfl.org

Chazz deMeyer, Songwriter, Singer, Musician and Author

The book, The Fire Within, and album, Recovery, tell deMeyer’s remarkable story in words and music. They chronicle his early days as a traveling musician, his intensive effort to recover from the accident, his marriage to Elle (who first came into his life as an occupational therapist at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago) and his struggles and triumphs in the world of business as he turned away from music and put his creative fire to work in different venues. Recovery and The Fire Within mark deMeyer’s return as a serious musician and songwriter 30 years after the accident, and his debut as an author. Each work stands on its own, but taken together they weave an inspiring story of refusal to let the physical impact of the accident (he never regained full use of his left side) limit deMeyer’s growth as a person and musician. His decision to write, sing and record again shows that is never too late to create, as long as the passion still burns, and the fire is red hot with Recovery. The album features 12 new songs with strong band tracks and blatantly honest lyrics. His inspiration is drawn from the period of his life when a tragic spinal cord injury cut short his career in music, but then offered new, and in some ways, far more fulfilling avenues for happiness. Hear the interview with Chazz now!

Susan Klein, President, Model Me Kids, LLC, Letty Thies, Mother, Advocate and Beth Garigen, M.Ed., CAS., LMHC, School Counselor, Warsaw Elementary

As a therapist for young children with Autism, Model Me Kids President Susan Klein saw first hand the need for social skills training tools that used visual support. She developed Model Me Kids videos based on her experience working in home-based programs involving Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a teaching method that breaks down skills into small parts and uses positive reinforcement to motivate appropriate behavior. The videos and supporting curricula materials reflect the approach of breaking down skills to make them understandable for children on the Autism Spectrum.

Letty and Beth share information how they use Model Me Kids DVD’s and workbooks in the classroom and at home. Susan Klein is the President of Model Me Kids, which she founded in 2004. Prior to Model Me Kids, Susan spent several years working in home-based ABA programs with young children with Autism under the supervision of Behavior Consultants from CSAAC (Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children). Model Me Kids® is dedicated to producing high quality teaching tools for children with Autism, Asperger Syndrome, PDD-NOS, and Nonverbal Learning Disorder. We strive to make our products affordable so that they are accessible to both families and educators. www.modelmekids.com

Peter Adamson, Music Teacher, Writer and Singer

Peter Adamson shares songs he has written while working with children on the autism spectrum including 'Prayer for Autism' and 'We've all got something to give', for all children with disabilities. Peter works for The Together Trust as cross school music teacher working specifically with children with Autism at Inscape House, Salford and Cheadle in UK. Peter is making a difference teaching children and raising awareness for Autism through his music! http://www.togethertrust.org.uk/

NEWS! We recently relocated to the sunshine state! Check out the latest interviews below and sign up for weekly updates!

Re-broadcast interview with Senator David A. Paterson- - October 2006

David A. Paterson was elected New York's 74th Lieutenant Governor on November 7, 2006.
He became New York’s 55th Governor on March 17, 2008.

1985 - Elected to the New York State Senate at age 31, becoming Albany's youngest Senator at the time.

2003 - Becomes Minority Leader of the New York State Senate; the first non-white legislative leader in New York’s history.

2004 - First legally blind person to address the Democratic National Convention.

2007 - New York's first African American Lieutenant Governor.

2008 - First person with visual impairment to take the Oath of Office as Governor and New York's first African American Governor

September 2008 Schedule:

Terry Farmer, President, The Florida Association of Rehabilitation Facilities. Florida ARF is a 501(c)(3) organization and represents Community Human Service Provider Agencies making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities across the sunshine state. Florida ARF is a statewide, professional industry association that provides advocacy, information, and networking for individuals with disabilities and the community agencies that serve them. Florida ARF is a leader in the initiation of public policy change to promote and protect the interests of individuals with disabilities as well as the community agencies that provide quality services to individuals with disabilities. Florida ARF provides its members with factual and timely information, making its membership the best-informed and most effective influencers of systems change in their respective communities. Listen to find out more about the benefits of membership which is making a difference in Florida! "A Voice for Community Agencies" http://www.floridaarf.org

Melissa Tremblay, Statewide Advocacy Network on Disabilities (STAND)is a non-for-profit organization in Florida. Melissa shares background information about STAND and how they empower individuals and families through training, education, mentoring and more. Recognizing the educational needs of children with disabilities will make a lifetime of difference. Don't miss this SPARC 2008, third annual conference on Saturday, September 20, 2008 at Morgan Fitzgerald Middle School, Largo, Florida. "It's going to be great!"
http://www.standadvocates.org

July 2008 Schedule:

Donna Hill, Performing Arts Division, National Federation of the Blind. NY Governor David A. Paterson proclaimed the first week in July "Blind Entertainers Week". The Division recently released “Sound in Sight,” a CD with 18 tracks featuring original songs and covers by blind recording artists from across the nation in a wide range of genres. “Sound in Sight,” available online is also a vehicle to improve public acceptance of blind Americans and awareness of issues that face them. Listen to hear more!
http://www.padnfb.org

Doug Chasick, Fair Housing and Beyond, National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) and The Institute of Real Estate Management(IREM)
Marcia and Missy Mitchell, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Marcia is the winner of Tyson’s first ever national Gold Medal Mom contest. Listen to find out why!
http://www.littlelighthouse.org

Louise Maxwell, Soulful Encounters, a social network community for the medically disabled and differently-abled!
http://www.soulfulencounters.com

Joan L. Green, M.A. CCC-SLP Founder of Innovative Speech Therapy

Joan shares important information about how they can help their children who have communication and learning challenges and help family members who have had strokes and head injuries even if they have never worked with computers. There are now many new affordable software programs, websites and other resources that can really enhance quality of life. More info can be found at www.innovativespeech.com.

June 2008 Schedule:

Steve Coston

May 2008 Schedule:

Monica has exclusive interviews with Jason and Debbie McElwain (J-Mac’s mom) and Henry Holden - DD Day in Buffalo, NY.

Jason McElwain nicknamed J-Mac, is a young man with autism who became famous in 2006 for scoring 20 points in four minutes during the last basketball game of the season at Greece Athena High School near Rochester, NY. J-Mac met with President George W. Bush on March 14, 2006 and has been a guest on many national TV shows including Larry King Live, Oprah, and The Today Show. Recently a new book was released, written by McElwain and Daniel Paisner about McElwains' life, "The Game of My Life: A True Story of Challenge, Triumph and Growing Up Autistic". J-Mac will be presenting a workshop, signing autographs and promoting his book at DD Day.

Henry Holden, Keynote Speaker, is a 'general' in the battle against the exclusion and negative typecasting of persons with disabilities in the media and entertainment industries. As the founder of Performers with Disabilities for the Screen Actors Guild, he was bestowed with the honor of receiving the Joseph P. Riley Award for his unwavering commitment to work toward the inclusion of persons with disabilities in media.

The 20th Annual Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day conference will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2008, from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm at the Buffalo Convention Center. This event is open to the public to explore current issues in the field. The day will include speakers, workshops, vendor exhibits, live entertainment and an awards presentation.

Joanne Lara, M.A., Teacher, Trainer, Dancer, Advocate

Norma F. Stanley, Author, Speaker, Advocate

Rosalind Joffe, M.Ed. and Joan Friedlander, Authors Women, Work, and Autoimmune Disease: Keep Working Girlfriend!

This is a book for women who live with chronic, and often invisible illnesses, encouraging them to stay employed to preserve their independence and sense of self. Rich with information and inspiration, it is the voice of warmth, wisdom, understanding, compassion and sisterhood. Filled with tips, tricks and first-person accounts from women who have made similar choices in their own lives, this unique book is a resounding call for self-reliance and resilience. Authors Rosalind Joffe and Joan Friedlander identify the factors that make working particularly difficult for women with autoimmune disease, and then offer practical suggestions to address them.
Rosalind and Joan take a hard, yet inspirational look at what it takes be successful in a job, including developing strategies and tactics, evaluating communication skills, building a support team and considerations for self-employment. Empowering and encouraging for women working with Autoimmune Disease. The book just released in May – a must read for all women today!
http://www.keepworkinggirlfriend.com

April 2008 Schedule:

Steven Allen, Musician, Composer, Writer and Director

                      "Day After Day - A Rock Opera"

Julie Matthews, CNC and Author
"Nourishing Hope: Nutrition Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorders
            A Guide for Parents and Practioners”



Veronica Federiconi, Executive Director, Autistic Services, Inc.

For Autism Awareness, Veronica has her own personal rubber stamp that she uses as a supplement to her signature for all correspondence. Although it is small in size, it is a big reminder to people about our growing Autism population. The stamp will not go away when April ends. People with Autism are here long after April 30th. When May comes, they are still here with us. So it makes sense that Autism Awareness is not just a month. It is a year long, life long journey for all of us. During April, Autistic Services is fortunate to have a number of events lined up at different venues. Hopefully, we will see you at some or all of them. However, April is only a fraction of what we are offering for the rest of 2008. The message of Autism Awareness must be taking hold in Western New York, because our entire monthly calendar will see us traveling throughout the community, orchestrating some kind of artistic or musical event for the public. We will be posting our schedule and latest travels on our community website below. Make sure you visit the site often to stay abreast of the events at Autistic Services, Inc. Join hands in Autism Awareness http://www.friendsofasi.com

Neil Romano, Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor, Disability Employment Policy Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP)

Attention Employers! The Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities is ready NOW to help you fill your summer and permanent hiring needs with talented and gifted college students with disabilities. Currently there are 2000 students waiting to hear from employers across the nation on the WRP database. Assistant Secretary Romano explains this exciting new initiative out coordinated by the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and the U.S. Department of Defense. The WRP is one of many federal programs being offered through ODEP to foster gainful employment of students and adults with disabilities. Tap into WRP and you will be tapping into employees with disabilities that will make a positive impact in your business - your workforce and our community will be better for it! In December 2007, Mr. Romano was nominated and appointed by Senate confirmation as Assistant Secretary of Labor in charge of Employment Disability Policy. Mr. Romano is considered among the nation's leading authorities in the field of media and public advocacy. Assistant Secretary Romano is already making a difference at ODEP for thousands. http://www.wrp.gov.

March 2008 Schedule:

Glenn Fenster, Father, Advocate, Poet, Cyclist, Tennis Pro rides for Epilepsy

His inspiration and reason for this ambitious undertaking is his 14 year-old son, Nyle, who has suffered from acute epilepsy since he was just two years old. Glenn is riding to show his son that no matter what the disability, everyone has the capacity to reach for their dreams. He does not ride just for his son, but for other kids and adults living with epilepsy. On April 28, Glenn Fenster will embark on an 8100 mile bicycle journey from Denver, Colorado to Miami, Florida – the long way. Follow this year's journey and show your support for Glenn at www.destinymaker.org/

February 2008 Schedule:

Jody Hansen-Walker, Permanency Specialist, Adoption STAR, Inc.

Older Youth with Disabiilties Falling through the Cracks in Foster Care System, based on new report by the National Council on Disability "Youth with Disabilities in the Foster Care System: Barriers to Success and Proposed Policy Solutions.” The report focuses on the unique challenges older youth with disabilities face as they negotiate the foster care system. Adoption S.T.A.R. (Support, Training, Advocacy & Resources), a Non-Profit (501c3) New York State Authorized Adoption Agency, is a compassionate and unique organization. Adoption S.T.A.R. allows prospective adoptive parents and birth parents to explore all the adoption options and to receive the appropriate information and education necessary to access those options. The agency has a passion for identifying homes for infants who are at risk for entering the foster care system. Adoption S.T.A.R. is an agency dedicated to maintaining connections between adoptive families and birth families and offers education and support with an Open Adoption plan. To learn more http://www.adoptionstar.com/

Linda Fullerton, President/Co-Founder, Social Security Disability Coalition

How long could YOU survive with ABSOLUTELY NO INCOME, if you got sick or hurt, and could no longer work? What you are about to hear may have an impact your life forever!
-- Important Insurance benefit that you are paying for, but may never get.
-- Social Security is not just a Senior Citizen’s Retirement Plan.
-- Over 16,000 people fighting for disability benefits DIED while awaiting a decision
-- Nationally, New York ranks at the bottom of processing and approving claims.

In 2003 Linda Fullerton co-founded the Social Security Disability Coalition after she had detailed her horrible experiences with the Social Security Disability system on Congress.org. Linda vowed to do her best to make sure that nobody else would have to endure the hell that she does on a daily basis. Linda's group is concerned with ALL aspects of what transpires when a claimant files for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)/Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, from the first point of contact with the Social Security Administration, through all stages of the disability benefit claims process, including final claim resolution. SSDC are a national grass roots organization made up of individuals with disabilities and supported by professionals, representatives, and organizations in the disability, social service, medical, and legal fields, and many others who are deeply concerned about the way fragile populations in this country are suffering under the SSDI/SSI application process. This powerful group provides a very accurate reflection and microcosm of what is happening to millions of SSDI/SSI applicants every day. The main focus is on SSDI/SSI program and legislative reform. Don't be a victim, become Victorious! Offering FREE information and support. To learn more and join http://groups.msn.com/SocialSecurityDisabilityCoalition

Tight End for the Buffalo Bills and Co-Author
STANDING TALL: The Kevin Everett Story by Sam Carchidi
Kevin Everett shares updates with fans in WNY and all over the world!
A powerfully built, third-year tight end with the Buffalo Bills, Kevin Everett had it all: a promising NFL future, a beautiful girlfriend whom he planned to marry, and an engaging personality that made him one of his team's most popular players. He also has a wonderful family that includes his devoted mother and his three adoring younger sisters, for whom he had recently purchased a home in suburban Houston, Texas. And then, in a fraction of a second, his life was changed forever. One simple play, one tackle practiced thousands of times over the years, left Everett a quadriplegic. But thanks to advanced medical treatments, Everett's personal strong will and the support of dozens of family members, doctors, nurses, fans and well-wishers everywhere, Everett is now walking again and on a path to full recovery. From growing up on the tough streets of Port Arthur, Texas, under the stern, loving guidance of his mother, Patricia Dugas, to discovering true love and becoming engaged to fiancé Wiande Moore (herself a survivor of war-torn Liberia, who grew up outrunning rebels' gunfire) while undergoing grueling rehab, Standing Tall: The Kevin Everett Story tells the incredible true tale of Everett's amazing recovery. A story about faith, love and recovery! Everett takes you inside one of the most traumatic injuries and dramatic recoveries in sports history! LISTEN ONLINE NOW especially for all the Buffalo Bill FANS!! http://www.triumphbooks.com

Jackie Marquette, Ph.D., Author, Becoming Remarkably Able: Walking the Path to Talents, Interests, and Personal Growth

Jackie has over 20 years of experience as a special educator and school consultant. In those roles, she supervised a project that established paid jobs in the community for students with disabilities and developed the ACT Project through the Kentucky Autism Training Center, which established employment supports for young adults with ASD. In addition to publishing articles in journals and newsletters, Jackie created the Capability and Independence Scale (CAIS) for her dissertation research and in she wrote Independence Bound, a book about finding and establishing independent living for her son Trent, who has autism. She is the founder of The Marquette Group, which provides consultation, training, planning, organizational development, and policy analysis for agencies and wanting to create meaningful daily living and increased capability for individuals with ASD and developmental disabilities. She created Walking the Path© Seminars, a model designed to guide youth with developmental disabilities and ASD to develop self-expression through positive attributes and personal talents. http://www.themarquettegroup.com

John Burns, Comedian, Father and Author, Wind Dancer

In 2005 John published his collection of poems, Wind Dancer, a father’s poems about caring for a child with autism. John has personal experience as his daughter Mairi is autistic. John has performed his poetry in many different venues to raise awareness about the problems faced by those caring for and suffering from Autism. In a personal account, with poems and clips of stand up John tells us about his journey in this unique Podcast. http://standupcomedy.podOmatic.com If you would like a copy of Wind Dancer please email John at standupcomedy@podOmatic.com

January 2008 Schedule:

Cheryl A. Callahan, Tomatis Coordinator, Certified Tomatis Center,
Baker Victory Services, Early Childhood Program

The Early Childhood Program (ECP) was recently named a certified Tomatis Center, enabling the organization to offer the Tomatis Method for young people and adults with learning difficulties and developmental delays. The Tomatis Method is a sound-based therapy that stimulates the auditory system and reawakens the ear's natural ability to listen. The Tomatis Method, developed by Alfred A. Tomatis over 50 years ago, is a program of auditory stimulation that is used to help individuals with disabilities including, but not limited to, Autism, PDD, Asperger's Syndrome, Down's Syndrome, ADD, Sensory Integration Disorder, Learning Disabilities, Developmentally Delayed, Auditory Processing, and Speech /Language difficulties. This method can help both children and adults improve their ability to listen and reach their true potential. Improvements in balance, coordination, sensory integration, self-awareness, fine motor skills, attention, eye contact, organizational skills, social skills, and speech and communication are often seen as a result of participation in a Tomatis Method listening program. For more information, please contact Cheryl at Baker Victory Services by calling (716) 828-9560 www.bakervictoryservices.org