Saturday, March 29, 2008

Autism Advocacy in PA: state and family

Hello from my son Quinn's music class (they provide free wireless while I watch from the "parent room" outside the studio) -- and Quinn really enjoys the class, interaction with specific guides.

My wife forwarded a note about advocacy for HB1150, providing insurance for children with autism -- I recognize my friend from HS Tom Murt as a sponsoring PA Representative, and I am working to contact my Representative Greg Vitali (or ask that Tom give him a message, as if I had that kind of access :-).

On April 1, 2008 at 10 AM, Capitol Building Complex (Harrisburg), Hearing Room 1 of the North Office Building, the Pennsylvania Senate Banking & Insurance Committee will conduct a public hearing regarding the merits of HB 1150 -- there seems to be a balanced panel of advocates, including David Gates of the Pennsylvania Health Law Project -- I was initially surprised see Rachel Brooks, Miss Pennsylvania 2007, listed as an advocate due to her brother with autism -- from my quick read it seems not like another "throw money at it" approach, but a directed investment in helping kids with autism in an early (and thus efficient) way -- more and up-to-the-minute information is available here.

++
Footnote: I had the pleasure of sharing lunch with Rachel and her mother Julia last Thursday as Rachel addressed my Rotary club about autism awareness (and concluded with a wonderful rendition of Gershwin's Summertime)
++

My wife also pointed me to the Autism Mini-Grants for 2008, $500 that can help fill in the gaps, if it fits, consider applying by April 18, 2008.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Local Conference April 4-5

Putting the Pieces Together
Empowering Children with Complex Medical & Educational Needs

April 4-5, 2008 at the Cira Centre (next to 30th St. Station)
There is a now bigger discount for parents of children with disabilities -- $70 for both days, $50 for Friday only, $25 for Saturday
  • Click here for a brochure, with full schedule (PDF)
Contact: Suzanne S. Zimmermann
Development Officer, HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy
4400 Baltimore Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-222-2566 x120 | suzannez@hmsschool.org

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Autism Awareness Day

9th ANNUAL

AUTISM AWARENESS DAY

PHILADELPHIA ZOO

Sunday, April 27, 2008

11:00 am-4:00 pm

Rain or Shine in Peacock Pavilion

Zoo Admission tickets are $10.00 per person (Adults & Children 2 and above)
Free Admission for Philadelphia Zoo Members
(Zoo Parking is $10 in addition to admission price)
1. Avoid lines by purchasing your tickets online
Tickets can now be ordered online and printed at home
Just log on to: www.philadelphiazoo.org and enter promo code AUTISM
2. Tickets available day of event at the Zoo
Purchase tickets at the North Gate ticket window. Look for Autism Ribbon.
Tickets must be used by April 30, 2008.
For more information: log onto www.asaphillly.org or contact:
Questions: Anna Filmyer, anacan@comcast.net or 215-884-0844 OR
Carol Rosser: solveautism@yahoo.com