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LATEST NEWS:
Taking Autism to the Airwaves
By Maryalice Demler
"It's always like, every single time, a clash between good and evil." That's how Alex Moshenko described his passion, professional wrestling, when I interviewed him two years ago. And when his birthday rolled around that year, we decided to arrange a little surprise for the WWE's biggest fan. I thought Alex was going to faint he was so elated about his special meeting with WWE Superstar "Batista".
"I don't know what to say except thank you so much! I want to hug you! Thank you, 2 On-Your-Side, yeah!" beemed Alex.
And when the day came for Alex to meet his idol, face to face, he didn't shrink away from the opportunity to do a little impromptu interview. "First of all," Al said, "How do you get in such good shape? I mean, you're buff!" Batista seemed a little surprised at the question but smiled and answered, "I've been an athlete all my life, participating in one sport of another."
Two years later, Alex says that interview back in 2005 is what really inspired him to do a radio talk show about wrestling.
It's called Al's Wrestling Talk. For over a year now he's been broadcasting on the internet. "I review the Pay-Per-Views, and the shows, and I also have a Wrestler of the Week. And that's the show. And then sometimes I'll have an extra topic with that-- which is normally what happens," says Alex.
What also makes his show unique, is that while Alex talks about wrestling superstars, he also talks about how he's spent most of his young life wrestling autism. And he hopes to inspire others to overcome their limitations.
"That's what I want, to help a lot of other kids who have autism, too. Because I found my talent, I'm sticking to it, and I'm not going to stop," says Alex.
Alex's mother, Monica Moshenko can see the changes in Al. "Look at the confidence this has given him. He's able to stand up and speak to anybody. And he's so proud of what he's doing. It makes me happy for him."
Monica has encouraged his new hobby. Last winter, when Alex was invited to broadcast from Wrestlemania in Detroit, the Super Bowl of wrestling, Monica rented an RV and off they went.
"Who knows where he's going to be," says Monica. "I'm proud that he's done what he's done. But thanks to you and Channel Two, you've always been there for us and we want to thank you for that."
I asked Alex what he wants to say to kids who have autism. "What's your message for them?" I asked.
"A lot of kids with autism can't speak. And right now I'm doing what I can do best because I got the help, which all kids with autism need. It was just like a flame inside of me and its still going. And i love it!"
UB struggles to accommodate the disabled
TOM HALLECK AND HEI HEI CHAN - News Editor and Staff Writer
In 2000, three UB students sued the university, claiming it failed to provide disabled students with reasonable accessibility accommodations.
Three years later, under an agreement reached by both parties, UB was required
to complete a self-audit that identified violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a civil rights law that had been recently established.
While new facilities have been employed and some community members believe that progress has been made, others remain concerned with UB's accommodations for the disabled.
According to Monica Moshenko, chairperson of the United University Professions at Buffalo Disability Committee, architectural barriers exist for disabled students, which are compounded by a lack of empathy on part of the entire university community.
A former UB faculty member for 17 years and mother of a disabled child, Moshenko feels that UB does not "foster a culture of full inclusion."
"(Does UB) provide services based on individual needs, that ensures access to all activities and events at SUNY Buffalo?" she asked.
According to Randall Borst, director of disability services, UB has not been able to keep up with mandatory improvements in a timely manner.
"There are things we are just not working on, that were legally required to be done over ten years ago - actually over 20 years ago," he said. "So has the university moved as fast as it's required to move? No, we haven't."
Borst believes that the slow pace is due to a lack of coordination and funds.
"The UB community has an outmoded way of thinking towards disabilities," he said.
Jennifer Machucki, a disabled 2001 UB graduate, said that she was unable to obtain assistance on campus in times of need.
"I contacted people to get help, but it was difficult to find," Machucki said. "Randy Borst was absolutely no help to me...he told me I should leave if I was unhappy."
Borst does not recall the incident but said that he has never refused a reasonable accommodation.
"In certain situations a timely response cannot be made," he said.
According to Dennis Black, vice president of student affairs, the results of the audit indicated numerous suggestions for improvement, and the university has acted accordingly.
$5 million has already been allocated for physical improvements, and in the future, UB will invest $200,000 annually on improvised accommodations for academic support.
Black said that changes included ongoing faculty-staff training, as well as a new snow clearing procedure allowing mobility-impaired students and staff improved access to campus.
Curbs lowered for wheelchair access were originally being covered with snow when campus roads were plowed.
Christine Muller toured the UB's School of Architecture a few years ago with her son, who suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and utilizes a wheelchair.
Muller said that they encountered several problems while visiting campus.
"Our experience was not good," she said. "The only wheelchair entrance to the building was not clearly marked... and the power door buttons did not work."
According to Muller, there was no means of access to the basement, and numerous attempts at exiting the building were futile.
When she asked the tour leader about accommodations for wheelchair students, she recalls, "If you can't hack it (walk) you shouldn't be in this program."
When Muller tried contacting UB officials regarding the experience, she remembered the UB administration being "unaffected by our concerns."
Borst said that disabled access on campus has been limited for decades.
"There is always a lot to do, and there are many areas where people with disabilities feel there are things that we should've done, things that could've been done long ago and those are also being worked on."
According to Moshenko, there are still several areas that need improvement, such as emergency evacuation training for dorm residents, student and community support groups and mobility.
Borst believes that much of the delay can be attributed to a shortage of resources and staff availability, but progress is on the way.
"There are considerable access needs that have not been done...we don't have many wheelchair accessible bathrooms - that's one area that will be getting some improvement."
Borst said that the changes necessary to campus are considerably involved.
"I think there are people who suffer considerable inconveniences at best, because of certain physical boundaries that the university is still in the process of removing," he said."In the future, I hope UB can become more updated and universally accessible."
Autistic son inspiration for UB staffer's efforts to increase awareness of disability
By DONNA LONGENECKER
Reporter Assistant Editor
Dustin Hoffman's performance in the movie "Rain Man" is the image that comes instantly comes to mind when most people think of autism, says Monica Moshenko. And she's determined to change that.
Moshenko, administrative assistant for UB's Great Lakes Program, wants to destroy stereotypical views of people with autism and replace them with a multi-faceted awareness of the spectrum of disorders classified as pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). More than 500,000 people in the U.S. are estimated to have some form of autism, including Moshenko's 9-year-old son, Alex, who has Asperger's syndrome.
Four out of five children diagnosed with autism are boys and those diagnosed with the condition often exhibit common traits that vary only in the severity of their impairment of the ability to communicate and socialize. There is no cure for autism and no known biological markers for the disease.
"Autism is the third leading developmental disability in the country," says Moshenko, "but it only receives 5 percent of the total funding awarded for research."
Her commitment to finding a cure for autism includes organizing a 5K walkathon, to take place at 1 p.m. Sept. 29 in Delaware Park, to raise money for the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR). The organization is the largest non-governmental supporter of autism research in the U.S., committing $10 million in the past six years alone to more than 117 autism research projects and fellowships around the world. For more information about the walk or to register, contact www.autismwalk.org or call 522-9185.
Honorary chairmen for the event, which will take place regardless of the weather, are boxer Baby Joe Mesi and Assemblyman Sam Hoyt.
Moshenko has garnered support for the event from members of the entertainment world as well, including actor Jim Carey, who will film a movie in Western New York this fall, and Buffalo native Tom Fontana, award-winning writer/producer of such hit shows as "St. Elsewhere," "Homicide: Life on the Street" and "Oz."
In addition to her work on the walkathon and her duties at the Great Lakes Program, Moshenko last year organized a highly successful conference that attracted nationally recognized experts on autism. About 1,000 people attended the conference, which was co-sponsored by the UB Department of Counseling, School and Educational Psychology.
Moshenko's inspiration—and the motivation for her near single-minded focus in doing everything she can to educate parents of children with autism—is her son, Alex.
"Alex is very high functioning. He's been able to override a lot of the challenges—challenges that are often lifelong—due to really good services and support that I've really pushed for inside the school setting, as well as outside," says Moshenko.
In fact, Alex just finished five weeks of speech therapy at the UB Speech and Hearing Clinic, part of the Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences.
"I would say it (the UB clinic) is one of the best in the country, with excellent evaluations and staff," says Moshenko.
Alex reads well above grade level, she says, and for someone so young, he appears to choose his words carefully.
In fact, while he is very articulate, conversation is work for Alex, his mother says. He works at making eye contact—something many children with autism have difficulty doing—and works at remembering what it is, exactly, he wants to say.
Yet, it's important to remember, Moshenko adds, that a brief encounter with Alex doesn't give a true depiction of what is at stake for most children who have autism but have yet to be diagnosed. They often are ostracized by their peers and segregated from their classmates. Alex, in fact, was placed in the most restrictive classroom environment, which is the worst environment for someone with autism, says Moshenko, until he finally was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome and began intensive therapy.
Misunderstandings abound as to what really is going on in young children who begin to exhibit symptoms of an autistic disorder. Mental illness, mental retardation, labeling a child as a "problem child," and bad parenting have all been attributed to those who have the condition.
"Children with autism are often misdiagnosed as having attention deficit disorder because people don't know the specifics of what to look for," Moshenko says. "There aren't enough trained developmental pediatricians, psychologists and psychiatrists—people who have the expertise to know what differentiates different forms of PDD," she says.
The services Moshenko has often single-handedly sought out for Alex have been intense and extensive, including occupational, behavioral and sensory awareness therapy, and many visits to a physician in Rochester specializing in autism.
Just getting a diagnosis of autism was a circuitous journey for Moshenko and her son due to misunderstandings of Alex's behavior by school personnel and trying to find the right doctor who recognized the symptoms.
"Even though I was searching for answers for three years, there were people put in my path for the right reasons at the right time and I didn't give up the quest of looking—I didn't accept the status quo diagnosis from teachers and other people in that field," she says.
While UB is a sponsor of the walkathon, Moshenko hopes one day that the university's medical researchers will take an interest in autism.
"We've got a great medical school; we've got everything here to do autism research," she adds.
http://www.buffalo.edu/reporter/vol34/vol34n2/articles/Moshenko.html?print=1
13–year old wrestling talk show host the spokesperson for “Wrestling Autism”
Alex is no stranger to raising awareness for autism as he has been a voice for others with autism since he was six years old telling kids to find their gifts and talents for years. Alex has been on TV, radio and interviewed for articles many times always sharing the positives that kids with Autism have to embrace. Now my son is involved in another mission to raise awareness for autism called Wrestling Autism. Alex has been a huge wrestling fan (so is Jim Carrey)! Alex started hosting his own radio show online about wrestling last year. Since that time his audience has grown and especially recently because Alex has been selected to be the face/voice of Wrestling Autism – to raise awareness for autism. My son is thrilled to be selected to be the voice for Wrestling Autism and hopes to inspire other kids and adults to get involved !!
Alex began hosting his own online talk show last year, Al’s Wrestlling Talk, about his favorite subject PRO wrestling. Every Saturday Alex prepares for an hour long talk show where he reviews past PRO wrestling events and shows such as WWE’s Raw, SmackDown, ECW and TNA as well as WSX – MTV’s new wrestling show. Alex has steadily increased his fan base, which is mostly kids but adults too are listening. Alex was interviewed on Total Nonstop Radio last Sunday to share predictions for upcoming WWE PPV. Since this date He has had an outpouring of support and admiration since then. Check out what Yeti and Niko, co-hosts of TNR said after Alex was on the show:
Yeti and Niko are joined by the one and only "BIG AL" from Al's Wrestling Talk. This 13 year old phenom awes the wrestilng world with his knowledge and his "charisma". It was a great time and a great hour as we unveiled "the KID" as the official voice and spokesperson for Wrestling Autism.
More information can be found online at www.alswrestlingtalk.com and www.wrestlingautism.org
We ask that you will become involved in the national "Wrestling Autism" campaign to raise awareness and funds for research for the thousands of children diagnosed with autism in our country today - over 1.5 million. Remember, April is Autism Awareness Month!!
Al’s Wrestling Talk
1-866-369-8058
www.alswrestlingtalk.com
The Buffalo News 'An amazing journey' of mother and son
As radio hosts, they're going on the road to show reality of autism
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
By Gene Warner - NEWS STAFF REPORTER
Illustration: Dennis C. Enser/Buffalo News
Monica Moshenko of Clarence and her son, Alex, 13, will be taking their radio shows on nationwide tour next year to raise public awareness about the disabled.
Monica Moshenko of Clarence has her own twice-a-week radio program, a show on disabilities that has featured interviews with actors Henry Winkler and Teri Garr and Lt. Gov.-elect David A. Paterson.
Not to be outdone, her son, Alex, 13, has his own radio show, "Al's Wrestling Talk," which airs live on the Internet every Saturday night.
This is a high-powered tandem -- a mother who has become a passionate advocate for the disabled and a teen with a very high-functioning form of autism.The Moshenkos plan to take their radio shows on the road for the coming year, touring America in a recreational vehicle.
The goal is to meet and greet people with disabilities, raise the public's awareness about the disabled -- and perhaps catch a few wrestling matches along the way.
"It's going to be an amazing journey of a mother and her son," Monica Moshenko said. "He has brought me into a new world I didn't know about before. I can't let it go. I'm so passionate about raising awareness about people with disabilities. I'll stop when people listen and when changes are made."
Moshenko hopes the journey will be captured in documentary form.
"What I haven't seen is talking to people about disabilities in their communities," she said. "Like how they receive services and the discrepancy in services. I also want to get a pulse on America and the largest minority in America -- people with disabilities."
Alex has Asperger syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism. Asperger's is characterized by difficulty in forming friendships; intense absorption in a special interest; difficulty in understanding social cues, such as sarcasm and tone of voice; and oversensitivity to sound, light and some foods.
Asperger's is on the high end of the broad autism spectrum. While roughly half the children with autism are nonverbal, Alex was an honor-roll student who once questioned Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton during a health care conference.
Alex told the New York senator that he was speaking for children with autism who can't.
"Alex is a success story in so many ways, not only academically, but socially," his mother said. "How many kids have their own radio show? How many kids could stand up and ask a question of Sen. Clinton?"
A kid with autism hosting his own radio show?
That speaks to the broad spectrum of autism, a disability now diagnosed in 1 of every 166 children, autism advocates say.
"You have 6- and 7-year-old kids who are wearing diapers, and you have kids who have to be watched constantly, because they run away," said Kathy Eiss, local president of the Autism Society of America. "They have no safety awareness."
In school, some children with autism are in a 6-1-1 class: six pupils, a teacher and an aide, said Tracy Panzarella, clinical services director for Autistic Services.
"On the other end of the spectrum, you have college professors with Asperger's," she added.
Alex, who sits on the high end of that spectrum, is following in his mother's footsteps as an advocate for people with autism.
"It's been kind of like a dream come true for me, to go out there and show people that I have a lot of knowledge for a kid with disabilities," the personable Alex said of his show.
He's also looking forward to taking that show on the road, to let other people see firsthand what he can do. The Moshenkos plan to leave town early in the year; while still seeking sponsors to help finance their trip, they're willing to sell their Clarence home if they have to.
"I'm trying to say that I'm out here," Alex said. "I have a disability. So what? I've gone through that, and now I'm an accepted person in society. I want to show off my talents that got me through a lot."
Alex's problems became evident by the time he was 4. Fireworks would send him to the floor, in tears. His mother had to keep him in a stroller in the mall; otherwise, he would "lose it." He'd only play with certain toys. He would watch a Disney movie over and over and over again. And he was a slave to his daily schedule.
Even a few months ago, Alex sobbed uncontrollably when he saw a frozen dog -- in a cartoon.
"I'm kind of like a robot -- a robot with a soul," he says.
Alex was in a 6-1-1 class in kindergarten. In elementary school, in both Williamsville and Clarence, he was in a regular class with a full-time aide and a lot of speech and occupational therapy.
But in his middle school years in Clarence, a lot of bullying and his own anxiety in a large school led to his being home-schooled now.
His mother didn't hesitate in becoming a forceful advocate. She started a Power Advocates Web site, with special-education information, about five or six years ago. She organized two big conferences on autism. And she set up an autism walk in 2002.
Two years ago, she started her radio program, "Disability News and Views," which started on WXRL and later moved to the Internet. It's available at www.disabilitynewsradio.com.
"Why did I do it?" she asked. "I said Buffalo is behind in autism [awareness]. I wanted people to understand this invisible world these kids live in, especially Asperger's.
"What Alex taught me is to reach for it, to make it personal."
e-mail: gwarner@buffnews.com
All content herein is © 2007 The Buffalo News and may not be republished without permission.
Artists, Robots Team Up to Raise Funds for Autism Research
Nic Carcieri, father of son Ben with autism, decided he wanted to do something
to help promote awareness of autism. He has been a big fan and collector
of comic books since he was young and decided to put together an art book
to raise money for the Autism Society of America. Over the past couple of
years, he had met a lot of other artists through the internet and at comic
book conventions and decided to put out the call for drawings from artists.
BOTS is over 80 pages featuring a terrific collection of drawings of Robots
by 90 talented artists from all over the world. Nicola will be on DisAbility
News & Views Radio in March to share more information about BOTS with
listeners.
I want you to know that my 25 year old son Nick, a gifted artist, submitted a drawing for this sketchbook of Robots to benefit ASA. I just found out a few days ago that his drawing of a young boy riding a robot is featured in BOTS! Nick knows all about autism as his 12 year old brother Alex was diagnosed with AS when he was six.
I am so proud of him!
All the proceeds for will be donated to Autism Society of America. You can
check out the link to learn about BOTS online. Please support this terrific
project and get a copy today – only $10 plus shipping!
CLICK HERE!
Health-care discussion continues: Sen. Hillary Clinton moderates roundtable forum in Harriman Hall
I want to let you know that I was invited by Senator Hillary Clinton to attend a roundtable discussion on Health Care which she hosted at UB yesterday. The panel included James Kaskie, Kaleida Health; Rhonda Frederick, People Inc.; Norman Bitterman, Hard Manufacturing; Tim Freer, New Era; Dr. Bruce Holm, Senior Vice Provost at UB and Dr. David Dunn, Vice President for Health Sciences at UB.
As you know I am very involved in the disability community, especially autism, because of my son Alex. He is now 12 years old and grown to be quite an articulate speaker. I asked Alex if he would like to come along with me to ask Senator Clinton a question. He was thrilled about meeting her and the opportunity to talk too. We were given preferential treatment by Senator Clinton's staff and seated in the front row of the auditorium next to Dr.Herbert Hauptman, Nobel Laureate.
After hearing Senator Clinton share her views about health care issues we face, panel members also shared how health care affects them as well. The audience was allowed to ask only a few questions after this. Alex raised his hand and was selected first to speak. He told everyone in the audience (over 150 people including media), that he was my son and there to speak for children with autism that can't. He provided stats of the increase of autism, now 1-166 diagnosed and over one million in the country affected.
Alex then asked Senator Clinton and the panel why this administration has reduced the amount of funding for research and what can be done? Senator Clinton just beamed as Alex spoke and she acknowledged that many people speculate about autism really increasing or whether it is better diagnosed. She believes that autism is increasing and more funding for research must be done to find out the causes and cures.
Alex made quite an impact on Senator Clinton and the rest of audience. I am so proud of him!
I had many questions that I wanted to ask Senator Clinton about various health care issues for people with disabilities. We were given cards to complete to submit our questions after the discussion was over, so anyone that did email me, I have forwarded your question too.
When the panel discussion was over, we walked up to Senator Clinton and Alex gave her three yellow roses to thank her for inviting us. I gave her a t-shirt from the Olympics and some articles about the radio show I host and Alex. Senator Clinton did ask which school Alex attended, as I know she was amazed at Alex's abilities, as were other people on the panel and audience.
I told her it was because of the right diagnosis and years of early intervention at school and home (OT, Speech, social skills, AT and other therapies) that really made the difference. I am thankful for all the staff that worked with Alex in Williamsville and Clarence schools. Several photos of us were taken with Senator Clinton and we will be happy to share these with you!
I look forward to having more health/disability questions answered by Senator Clinton in the near future on my online radio show, DisAbility News & Views Radio.
View this article online and webcast online
http://www.buffalo.edu/reporter/vol37/vol37n21/articles/HealthCareForum.html
What does the WWE, a young boy with a birthday dream and autism have in
common? Find out on WGRZ-TV News
I want to share a wonderful story with you involving my son Alex’s
dream wish for his 12th birthday - to meet WWE wrestlers in person. Alex
was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome when he was six years old and while
he has overcome many challenges that affected him (change in routine, taking
you literally, not looking at you) sensory issues seems to still affect him,
especially when it comes to loud noises (fireworks, concerts, alarms). My
son has been watching wrestling on TV, including having friends over the
house for Pay-Per-View events because of his sensitivity to sounds.
To learn more about Alex and his dream wish, watch the special interview on Ch. 2 with Maryalice Demler. http://www.wgrz.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=30136
Woman helps disabled with Web radio show
Published: Dec. 5 - Buffalo News
Monica Moshenko draws inspiration from her son, Alex, 12, who doesn't let disability keep him from seeking his goals.
By LOUISE CONTINELLI
News Staff Reporter
12/5/2005 (link to story below)
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20051205/1027563.asp
Monica Moshenko (child autism advocate),
of Buffalo, New York is one of nearly 100 mothers from around the United States,
and five foreign countries, who have been featured in the new Child Autism
Enhancement Publishing release: Autism~Heartfelt Thoughts from Mothers.
With 1 out of every 166 children in the United States being diagnosed with
autism (an average of 66 per day-a five fold increase from just five years
ago), this disorder has reached epidemic proportions. News of an child autism
diagnosis can be devastating to a family and the challenges they face in raising
a child with autism unfathomable. (child autism awareness)
Parents who have children with autism will identify with the challenges, share
in the blessings, and gain strength from the words of wisdom presented in
this book on child autism. Friends and family members of these parents will
get a glimpse into the real world of child autism and find a new appreciation
for what parents of special needs children go through on a daily basis. Spreading
child autism awareness.
Reaching Out Over the Air: Back in 1998, Alex Moshenko's preschool teachers in Buffalo weren't sure what made him different. But the degree to which he couldn't follow instructions -- "he'd just run off" or "prefer to be playing with objects" instead of other kids, said his mom, Monica -- was reason enough for school administrators to place Alex in a six-student special education class once he reached kindergarten. Click here to view the entire article.
PUBLIC SCHOOL SURVEY (online) OF ABUSE
OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS!
We are requesting that the surveys be in by end of February
so we may begin compiling the results.Unfortunately many parents have responded
to the survey but are too afraid of retaliation to complete it- this is so
very sad & must not continue! We assure you that all responses are confidential!
The completed surveys we have received so far are simply unspeakable. That
these things are happening in the public schools and then being covered up
is mind boggling.
The survey can be accessed at: http://www.mothersfromhell2.org/about/survey.htm
where the text will need to be copied and pasted into an email to respond.
Please send all responses to: beth@mothersfromhell2.org
Thank you for your assistance.
Beth Randall, President, Mothers From Hell 2
www.mothersfromhell2.org
ATTENTION PARENTS:
Does your child take a special school bus to and from school each day? Do
you know if your child is being treated with care, respect and dignity by
the adults on the bus? Notice any sudden changes in behavior?
Yesterday, a friend of mine's story aired on Ch. 2 (NBC) about her son, Andy,
who is autistic. He began to manifest severe behavior problems in school,
AFTER his ride to school on the small school bus (Laidlaw). The mother knew
that something was happening to her son, but was unable to prove it, until
she took matters in her own hands with a tape recorder. This report will shock
many parents, especially parents of children with disabilities, who trust
that the staff that are employed by the bus company not only transport their
child safely to school each day, but treat each child with respect and dignity.
[Monica Moshenko]
Isn't that what we teach our children to do? Be respectful and kind to others-especially
adults!
This investigation shows the horrific verbal abuse by the bus driver and aide
toward Andy from one day with a tape recorder on the school bus (can you imagine
how often this happened?) This report shows how one parent was able to get
answers she needed to help her son and subsequent action that was taken (aide
and bus driver were fired)!!
Now we need your help to make changes in NYS for all buses that transport
children with special needs to have cameras and audio to ensure the safety
mentally and physically of all children. You will be outraged, angry and shocked
by what you hear and see on the Ch. 2 news story
To view the six minute story go online http://www.wgrz.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=26350
(opens in new window).
If you have had a similar situation on the school bus or a concern,
please email me as I will interviewing Ronna, Andy's mom along with the private
investigator who cared and got the answers needed next Sunday, Feb. 20 5 PM
EST on DisABility News & Views radio show. Ronna will be sharing in greater
detail, the entire story and much, much more!
We need parents to stand up for our children now- they need OUR voices to
make a difference!
If you won't, who will?
My son Alex was diagnosed with a high functioning form of autism when he was
six, so I am personally touched by this and VERY passionate about making a
difference here!!
Monica Moshenko
Host, DisAbility News & Views Radio Show
Google Alert for: disability news &
views radio show
Country Radio
Station Airing Live Talk Show that Makes a ...
PR Web (press release) - Ferndale,WA,USA
BUFFALO, NY (PRWEB) January 11, 2005 -- "Disability News and Views,"
the nation's only live radio talk show that focuses on disabilities, is for
the first time ...
SUBJECT: Honoring Christopher Reeve - October 11th
(Springfield, NJ) On behalf of the entire Board of Directors and staff of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, we are deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden death of our Chairman, Christopher Reeve, said Lewis.
Mr. Reeve passed away yesterday of heart failure. He was 52 years old. Mr. Reeve fell into a coma after going into cardiac arrest while at home. Reeve was being treated for a pressure wound that he developed, a common complication for people living with paralysis. In the past week, the wound had become severely infected, resulting in a serious systemic infection.
Mr. Reeve's death was not a direct result of his spinal cord injury, but an example of how secondary complications can have fatal consequences for people living with paralysis.
Christopher was a hero to many people, yet he always said it was the ordinary people living with disability who were truly extraordinary, said Lewis. His memory will serve as inspiration for the work of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation and we will continue in his honor to be steadfast in our goal of finding treatments and cures for paralysis.
The Foundation extends condolences to the entire Reeve Family. Our thoughts are with all those who mourn in the passing of our Chairman. He will be missed for his life, his work, his passion and his ceaseless courage in the face of adversity that brought hope to millions around the world, added Lewis.
For those who care to do so, the family has requested that donations be made in his honor to the Foundation. Cards may be sent to the family in care of the Foundation at 500 Morris Avenue, Springfield, New Jersey 07081.
For updated information, please visit http://www.ChristopherReeve.org.
EVENTS:
PRESS RELEASES:
This is a message from Monica.
Press Release has information about the new book that we are in, Autism: Heartfelt
Thoughts from Mothers! Just in time for Mother\'s Day!
I thought the following story would be of interest to you.
Local Mom Offers Hope, Support, and Guidance about Autism to Parents.
To read the entire story, visit http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/4/prweb228398.php.
Best Regards,
Monica.
Dr. Mel Levine, Renowned Pediatrician and Author, Headlines the List
of Prominent Guests on Disability News and Views Radio Show.
Prominent Headliners Upcoming Guests on DisAbility News & Views Radio
Show and new sponsors join the nation's live radio show that makes a difference!
(PRWEB) February 28, 2005 -- Renowned Pediatrician and Author, Dr Mel Levine,
headlines the list of prominent guests on Disability News and Views Radio
Show in March. DisAbility News & Views fills a huge void in media, as 56 million
people with disabilities are the least unrepresented minority in our country
today bringing timely and critical information to the general public live
every Sunday on WXRL 1300AM 5-6 PM EST.
Dr. Mel Levine, Professor of Pediatrics
at the University of North Carolina Medical School in Chapel Hill will be
a guest on March 6th. Dr. Levine is also the co-founder of All Kinds Of Minds
in 1995, a non-profit Institute for the study of differences in learning,
with financier Charles R. Schwab. Dr. Levine has appeared on The Today Show
(MSNBC), 60 Minutes (CBS News), Oprah and NPR Morning Edition and Time, Newsweek,
Family Circle, and USA Today. Publications by Dr. Mel Levine include: A Pediatric
Approach to Learning Disorders; All Kinds of Minds; A Mind at a Time and Ready
or Not, Here Life Comes (Simon & Schuster, February 2005). "Ready or Not,
Here Life Comes" examines how parents and schools can better prepare adolescents
for the transition to adult life. Dr. Mark Gordon Behavioral Optometrist,
will be interviewed on the second segment of the March 6th broadcast. Dr.
Gordon specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of learning-related vision
problems.
On March 13th, staff from Head Start Classroom Program, will share information
about the services they provide to families of three and four year old children.
Dr. Mary Sweig Wilson, President of Laureate Learning Systems, Inc. (also
a sponsor of the radio show) will provide information on software programs
available that train cause and effect, turn-taking, early vocabulary, syntax,
cognitive concepts, auditory processing, and reading. Laureate programs are
used world-wide in homes, schools, hospitals, and clinics.
On March 20th, Vickie Rubin from Early Childhood Direction Center of the Women's
and Children's Hospital of Buffalo, NY. ECDC is a free program that assists
parents and professionals with linking children with special needs to services
in their community. Andrew K. Cuddy, Attorney who specializes in Special Education
Law will be in studio on March 27th to share important information on two
unbelievable cases involving adults with disabilities that you need to hear
about!
The show's host and developer is Monica Moshenko, the mother of 11 year old
son with a high functioning form of autism, and 24 year old boy/girl twins.
She is also the President of Power Advocates, an agency designed to train
and assist parents of children with special needs through the special education
system. Moshenko is passionate about making a difference on radio for all
people with disabilities, their families and the general public. "My focus
is on abilities and strengths people have, rather than the disability and
to educate the general public that people with disabilities are people like
you and I."
Moshenko has received email from people across the country and most recently
from S. Africa and England about the positive effect this radio show is making
in listener's lives. Past shows can be accessed online at
While Moshenko brokers the time to host the live show, she has found businesses
across the country that believe in the mission of DisAbility News & Views
that help support the radio show. Monica's plans for the radio show include
syndication in other markets across the country this year.
New sponsors are Autistic Services, an agency located in Williamsville, New
York committed to treating, educating, and caring for individuals with autism
spectrum disorders and Solution ComfortSeat R Personal Hygiene Assistive Product
Line, from Illinois. The state-of-the-art in bathroom Personal Hygiene Assistive
Technology, Solution ComfortSeat R Personal Hygiene Assistive Products are
the ultimate in clean and comfort in your bathroom at prices for any budget.
When toileting becomes painful, difficult or impossible, a Solution ComfortSeatR
can help retain or restore independence and dignity.
Other sponsors of the radio show include Future Horizons in Texas, a world
leader in autism education providing conferences and publications; Laureate
Learning of Winooski, Vermont, research-based language software; ABC Therapeutics
in Clarence, New York, providing occupational therapy services and assessments
including sensory integration therapy for children and Accelerations Educational
Software from South Carolina featuring software that is specifically effective
for individuals with autism and other learning disabilities.
National and local businesses and agencies that provide services and products
for people with disabilities, families and professionals are can sponsor DisAbility
News & Views Radio Show by calling Monica at 716-522-9185 or email e-mail
protected from spam bots.
Subject: 9 year old starts an online petition for accessible restrooms on airplanes
Rasha Kawar is a young disability advocate at age 9. She is a beautiful, bright girl who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. Rasha should be considered mature, focused and energetic, by any standards. Rasha has written a petition calling for at least one accessible restroom on each airplane, and it is posted on the PetitionOnLine website.
At its heart, this is a question of human dignity. An accessible restroom is not too much, and we believe there are many people like Rasha who needs one, people with disabilities, parents with small children, older people who need assistance, people of large size and others...
Please support Rasha and sign her petition and forward the email and link to everybody in your address book (Family, friends, co-workers, clients, church etc,). If you have a website, belong to a support group, a member of a listserve etc, Please share the link with others.
You can read more about Rasha and sign her petition at: www.ucp.org
Or you can sign the petition at: www.PetitionOnline.com/r9f12n16
Click here To Read More Press Releases(Text only Version)
A MESSAGE FROM MONICA:
It would make a tremendous difference in the effort to explode the show into
the mainstream syndicated talk radio elite. More callers... more stations...
more promotion of disability issues.... more opportunities to use DisAbility
News & Views Radio Show to
advocate!! Please participate by calling in during the live show, Sunday's
5-6 PM at 1-716-681-1313 or e-mail the show questions to monica@disabilitynewsradio.com.
Note: If you can NOT hear the show "live" then you may contact your local talk radio stations and ask for the show to be syndicated!
Sponsors:
•Lamar Advertising (opens in new window)- Baton Rouge, LA (800)235-2627
•Autistic
Services(opens in new window)- Williamsville, New York (716)631-5777
•People Inc. (opens
in new window)- Williamsville, New York 1-888-7PEOPLE
•Vanguard ADA
Systems of America (opens in new window)- Snohomish, WA (360)668-5700
•Tom Fontana Emmy Award Winning Writer
and Executive Producer on TV
For information on Sponsorship Opportunities call: (866)369-8058
To make on air comments call: (866) 369-8058 Host Monica Wharton
Contact Us:
Power Advocates •• Williamsville, NY
•(866)369-8058 • monica@disabilitynewsradio.com