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

January 2010

Laverdia Taylor Roach and Olegario D. Cantos VII

Laverdia Taylor Roach, Acting Executive Director and Olegario (Ollie) D. Cantos, Citizen Member, The President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID). The mission of PCPID is to provide advice and assistance to the President of the United States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services on a broad range of topics that impact people with intellectual disabilities and the field of Intellectual Disabilities. Undergirding the Committee’s mission is the goal to improve the quality of life that is experienced by people with intellectual disabilities, by upholding their full citizenship rights, independence, self-determination, and life-long participation in their respective communities. Learn more about the history of the committee, resources, and information about how you can become involved in the work of disability rights movement through The President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. Listen Now! http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/pcpid/

Travis Breeding, Author, Speaker, and Musician

Travis Breeding is a very talented young man who has written a book entitled "Living without Knowing Who You Are", an autobiography of his young life with Asperger's Syndrome. The book is expected to be published in Fall 2010. He was officially diagnosed with AS in October 2007 at the age of 22. Travis shares his journey, hopes and dreams about bringing his story to the big screen. Travis is passionate about educating children and adults about Asperger syndrome to help individuals understand each other better. Listen Now!

Steven Coston, Advocate and Special Olympics Winner

The nation is mourning and grieving two great icons that represented the rights and justice for people with disabilities, Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Senator Edward Kennedy. But just before they left us, Steven and Linda Coston, Special Olympic Athletes from New Jersey went to Colorado Springs, CO for the State Games of America. They competed in the bowling competition against 10,000 other amateur bowlers across the United States. But they were representing the Special Olympics movement to prove a point: to project unity and inclusion. The effort lead these two Special Olympics Athletes to the top five finals as the No.1 seeded and winning the Silver medal for second place. Steve will be one of the Special Olympics athlete's to receive a trophy plague from the highest honor of the United States Bowling Congress for shooting an amazing 290. Steve and Linda prove the vision in what Eunice Kennedy Shriver said in one of her historical speeches in the 1987 Special Olympics World Games in Indiana, "The right you have to play in other playing fields, you earn it." They achieved the impossible dream. Listen Now www.specialolympics.org

Stephen W. Dale, Esq.

Have you set up an Estate Plan or a Special Needs Trust for your son or daughter with a disability? Stephen Dale of The Dale Law Firm, PC. answers many questions about why it is so important to have a Special Needs Trust in place today. Mr. Dale is a nationally respected disability rights advocate and expert in disability law. Stephen is the recipient of the 2007 NAELA Powley Award recognizing him as a leader in his community in promoting a greater understanding of the rights and needs of elders and persons with special needs and of how elder law attorneys advocate for those rights. In 2010 please make it a priority to set up a Special Needs Trust for your child! Listen Now www.dalelawfirm.com

Michael French, Writer, Director and Producer

Over 20 years ago, Michael French flew with a film crew from Vancouver, British Columbia to Beijing and documented something quite extraordinary – Rick Hansen, a young man who uses a wheelchair accompanied by several of his closest friends who, half-way through their Man in Motion World Tour, entered Beijing with over 1 million Chinese heralding his arrival as a hero! It was in that moment, the idea for "Heart of a Dragon" was born. Listen to find out why Michael French along with his closest friends set off on their journey to make a feature film about hope and dreams that captivated him and the people of China and the challenges he also had but didn't give up! Executive Producers are Mark Gordon who produced the Oscar nominated "Saving Private Ryan” and “The Patriot” among many other films, and David Foster, 14-time Grammy® award winning producer and songwriter. The amazing cast are Victor Webster, Yu Na, James Thomas Byrnes, Sarah-Jane Potts, Andrew Lee Potts and Ethan Embry. This is a movie that will not only inspire but change hearts and minds about perceived limitations and abilities - a must see for friends and family! Find out more about the film online www.heartofadragonmovie.com

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

Disabled American Veterans Bradley Barton a combat disabled Vietnam War veteran was elected National Commander of the 1.3 million-member DAV in 2006. In 1968, while serving as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, Third Battalion, 26th Regiment at the battle for the Khe Sanh during Vietnam, Mr. Barton was severely injured when shrapnel from an enemy mortar severed his spinal cord.
David Gorman was appointed Executive Director of DAV headquarters in 1995. Mr. Gorman served with the U.S. Army, 173rd Airborne Brigade, the famed “Sky Soldiers” of the Vietnam War. During a campaign in 1969 to secure an area in Central Vietnam where U.S. forces suffered extremely high casualties, he stepped on a land mine. His wounds required amputation of both legs. Both men have continued their lifelong commitment to America and American veterans at the DAV. Tune in to hear important information about the Disabled American Veteran’s service to veterans with disabilities and their families. www.dav.org
“Building Better Lives for America’s Disabled Veterans”

Christine M. Griffin, nominated by President George W. Bush on July 28, 2005, and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate, was sworn in on January 3, 2006, to serve the remainder of a five-year term expiring July 1, 2009. As a member of the Commission, Ms. Griffin participates with the other Commissioners on all matters which come before the Commission, including the development and approval of enforcement policies, authorization of litigation, issuance of Commissioners' charges of discrimination, and performance of such other functions as may be authorized by law, regulation, or order.
Since joining the Commission, Ms. Griffin has been vocal in her support of increasing diversity in the federal workforce, as well as promoting greater efficiency and fairness in the federal EEO process. She has also been a strong advocate for women's rights and the rights of individuals with disabilities. Notably, in June 2006 Ms. Griffin launched the LEAD Initiative - Leadership for the Employment of Americans with Disabilities - to address the significant under-employment of individuals with severe disabilities in the federal government. www.eeoc.gov

In memory of Christopher Klicka

From the HSLDA e-lert service

A longtime champion of homeschooling rights around the globe, Home School Legal Defense Association Senior Counsel and Director of State and International Relations Christopher J. Klicka was called home by his Lord on October 12, 2009, at age 48, following a 15-year battle with multiple sclerosis. An attorney, spokesman, lobbyist, and homeschooling husband and father, Chris is survived by his wife, Tracy, their seven children (ages 11–21), and his parents, Ardath and George Klicka. Re-airing special interview with Christopher Klicka, HSLDA from 11/27/05. Topic of discussion was Homeschooling for children with disabilities.
Two other guests were also on the show: Greg Palmer, author of “Adventures in the Mainstream: Coming of Age with Down Syndrome” and Cynthia S. Kidder, author, “Common Threads, Celebrating Life with Down Syndrome.” www.hslda.org

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Champion for Individuals with Disabilities

Eunice Shriver was the recipient of numerous honors, including the nation's highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which she received in 1984. In May, the National Portrait Gallery installed a painting of her - the first portrait commissioned by the museum of someone who had not been a president or first lady. Inspired by her sister Rosemary, Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded the Special Olympics in 1968. This quote from a speech in 1987 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, is the legacy she leaves us all: "The right to play on any playing field? You have earned it. The right to study in any school? You have earned it. The right to hold a job? You have earned it. The right to be anyone's neighbor? You have earned it." Special Olympics World Games, S. Bend, Indiana. "She believed that people with intellectual disabilities could — individually and collectively — achieve more than anyone thought possible. This much she knew with unbridled faith and certainty," said her son Timothy, chairman of the Special Olympics. Let us continue to advocate for positive changes that have been made by Eunice for individuals with disabilities, knowing that these changes are for the good of all! More information and resources online www.eunicekennedyshriver.org

June 2009

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

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:

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

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

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

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

Norma F. Stanley, Author, Speaker, Advocate

Happy Mother's Day

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