Candice Lange

The Hamilton Mill Chick fil A FOCUS meeting has been changed to October 8 instead of October 15. All other meetings remain the same.

Special Needs Support Group
By FOCUS for families of children with special needs

Hamilton Mill Chick-fil-A
(off I-85 exit 120)

9:30 am – 11:00 am

3rd Wednesday of Each Month
(Sept. 17, Oct. 8, Nov. 19, Dec. 17)

NOTE: October date change to the 8th.

For more information contact:
Candice Lange 678-714-9447
Candice@sophtware.com
www.candicelange.com

Or

FOCUS at 770-234-9111
inquiry@focus-ga.org
www.focus-ga.org

This information was last updated on November 29, 2007. Please contact the below events to confirm times and dates.

For a current calendar visit gwinnettnavigators.eboard.com.

Thank you for coming to the website.

May you have a blessed year.
Candice

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NEWS FOR GWINNETT FAMILIES
Subscribe by sending an email to KAddams@aol.com with subscribe in the subject line.

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ONGOING GROUPS AND EVENTS
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DBSA - Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Northeast Georgia
Support Groups:
Tuesdays 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Summit Ridge Hospital, Group Room 2
250 Scenic Highway, Lawrenceville, GA 30045

1st & 3rd Wednesday, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Peachtree Corners Baptist Church
4480 Peachtree Corners Circle, Norcross, GA 30092

For more information contact Cheryl at 770/755-5038 or visit http://www.dbsanortheastga.org
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Spectrum, Gwinnett's Autism Support Group & Sibling Group & Grandparents Group
1st Thursday of every month from 7:00 pm-8:30 pm
Stonemill Church, 855 Northbrook Pkwy, Suwanee, GA 30024

Sibling Group Meeting for siblings ages 5-12 during Support Group meeting.

Grandparents Group Led by Deanna Luscre
Basic autism facts, (across the spectrum), the stages of grief parents of children with autism experience (based on a study by Bryna Siegal) and consider how grandparents might support their son or daughter during the process.

Spectrum, Gwinnett's Autism Support Group
Many come who have children of other diagnoses with autism-like behaviors.

To reserve free childcare (donations accepted) call Deanna Rouse at 678-377-8324.
For more info visit www.atl-spectrum.com.
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A.S.C.E.N.D.-ER, Inc.'s, (Autism Spectrum Community Efforts and New Directions)
1st Saturday of the month, 10am-noon FREE - New Speakers each month
Parkway Presbyterian Church, 5830 Bethelview Road, Cumming, GA.

For further information call 678-300-8687, e-mail info@ascend-er.com or visit http://www.ascend-er.com.
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AGAPE Respite at North Metro Baptist Church
2nd Monday of each month
6:30pm - 8:30pm 1026 Old Peachtree Road, Lawrenceville, GA

AGAPE is a Free, Respite program for families of individuals with developmental disabilities, ages five through adult. The Purpose of AGAPE is to provide rest and encouragement for families and a safe, Christian fellowship for individuals with special needs. Fun, Christian fellowship with games, crafts, music and other activities centered on Bible truth and scripture. Dinner is provided and each person gets a "friend" for the whole night. Siblings are welcome if they are a helper.

For more information call the Special Needs Ministry at 770-995-9055 ext. 777 or
email agape@northmetro.net. Drive to the back of the parking lot to the gym nicknamed "Lighthouse".
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Parent’s Night Out For Families with Special Needs Children and Siblings
2nd Saturday of each month, 5pm-9pm - RSVP
Hebron Church, 202 Hebron Church Road,Dacula, GA 30019-0005

FREE childcare by trained volunteers, lots of fun activities, crafts, meal and a safe Christian environment. RSVP: Melissa 770-277-6022 msims@hebronchurch.org
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FOCUS Mall of Georgia/North Gwinnett Share Group
Tuesday, December 4th at 9:30am
Chick-fil-A located outside the Mall of Georgia

To RSVP or to confirm date/time contact FOCUS at inquiry@focus-ga.org or http://www.focus-ga.org or call FOCUS at 770-234-9111.
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North Metro Tourette Syndrome Support Group
3rd Tuesday of the month, 10 am

"Coffee and Conversation" is held at the Borders Cafe near the Mall of GA.
Contact Lydia Breer: lydiabreer@comcast.net or 678-482-9358.
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Spectrum Evening Get Togethers
3rd Tuesday of the month, 7:30pm - 9:00pm, call to confirm

This is a time to relax, share triumphs, and exchange ideas in an open discussion with other parents of autism-spectrum children. Reservations are not required. Meals, desserts, coffee, etc may be purchased for your enjoyment.

La Madeliene’s, 2200 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth, GA
Contact Alexandra Cleary at 770-368-9037 or alexcleary@comcast.net.
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FOCUS: South Gwinnett Share Group
3rd Wednesday of the month, 9:30am

Ronald Reagan Park, Five Forks Trickum. Rain - meet at Chick-fil-A, Highway 124 (Scenic Hwy) in Snellville, across from Wal-Mart. To RSVP, call Jeanett Schnupp, 770-979-6342, jeaunettschnupp@netscape.net or FOCUS at inquiry@focus-ga.org or
http://www.focus-ga.org.
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Empowered Parenting

Gwinnett County Public Schools Early Childhood Program
3rd Wednesday of each month, September to May except 11/20 and No Dec.
11:30 to 12:30 at the T. Carl Buice School

The series will provide information to assist parents:
- increase compliance
- manage behavior in public
- increase child’s development through play
- prepare children for change.

Brown Bag lunch series led by GCPS Early Childhood Psychologists Emily Douglas, Ed.S., and Shannon Sweitzer, Ph.D.

Please contact Emily Douglas at 770-271-5084 with questions.
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FACES Autism Support Group - Monroe, GA
3rd Thursday of each month, 7-8:30 p.m
Walton Career Academy
212 Bryant Road, Monroe, GA 30655
Free child care provided with reservation. Upcoming meetings and speakers at www.georgiafaces.info.
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FRIENDS CLUB OUTINGS
Sponsored by SPECTRUM Camps & Clubs Program
3rd Thursday of each month 6:30-8:30pm Sign up Now!

Kids enjoy a community outing with peers, a snack, and a social skills lesson led by teachers and para-professionals in the field of autism. Friends Club is designed for individuals who are able to independently participate in a group of 10-12 students per 2 adults throughout community settings. Parents are notified of each activity in advance and will drop off and pick up their child at the community location.

Cost: $40 for remainder of session (includes activity fees, snack, leaders)
Call to register for Session 2.
For further sessions, registration and questions email: scc2000@atlspectrum.org
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Respite North Gwinnett
3rd Saturday of the month - Year Round, 12-6 pm
HiHope, 882 Hi Hope Rd, Lawrenceville, GA
This program is for ages 3 thru adult (no siblings). An application must be submitted to GCSS (and approved) to participate in this program.

Register & Application: Denise Urgent, 678-698-7440 or denise.urgent@gacommunity.org
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The Saturday Asperger’s Respite/Social Skills Program by Spectrum
3rd Saturday of the month, 12-4 pm
Hi-Hope Center, 882 Hi Hope Rd, Lawrenceville, GA

A Saturday for your child with HFA or Asperger’s (age 11-18) to participate in fun activities, work on social skills, and establish and maintain friendships.

$25 - LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE - RSVP REQUIRED - RSVP early to get a spot
Stefani Woodside (678) 699-1979, stefanipwoodside@yahoo.com or stefani_woodside@gwinnett.k12.ga.us

For those in the Sat. respite program who are in the GCSS respite system, request a voucher to pay for the Sat. fees a month in advance. Contact Sunil Jayama at GCSS 404-634-4222 EXT. 232.
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FOCUS: Duluth Share Group
4th Wednesday of the month, 6pm - 8pm

Starbucks - 1611 Satellite Blvd, Building C, Suite 16, Duluth - corner of Satellite Blvd. & Old Peachtree. Please RSVP to FOCUS at 770-234-9111, inquiry@focus-ga.org or http://www.focus-ga.org.
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NIGHTLIGHTS sponsored by Glowing Lights Special Needs Ministry
Presents a “Night Out” For Those With Special Needs
Nov. 30th and Jan. 25: 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Sugarloaf United Methodist Church, 1795 Old Peachtree Rd, Duluth, GA 30097

Please join the social group for school age and older with special needs only for a free fun night of games, music, crafts, and pizza. RSVP and registration are required. Contact Vicki LaRoche 404-932-3953 or salvwl@aol.com.
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Are you looking for a faith community that is welcoming to those with disabilities?

Interfaith Disability Connection (IDC) wants to connect people with disabilities and their families to faith communities that are equipped to welcome and support them. IDC also wants to connect congregations to resources that help them learn to welcome and accommodate people with disabilities and their families. Visit www.interfaithdisability.org for a database of faith communities that are providing programs and supports for families. The site also provides a variety of other resource and tips for accessing services and support in the community.

Sign up as a friend of IDC for free access. For more information, contact Mark Crenshaw, Director, Interfaith Disability Connection, Bobby Dodd Institute, 2120 Marietta Boulevard NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, (678) 365-0073 or Mark.Crenshaw@bobbydodd.org.
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Free Museum Days and Special Events - Nationwide/GA
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/
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EP LiveOnline - Variety of Ongoing Seminars on Special Needs
A joint venture of Exceptional Parent Magazine and Vemics, Inc. is proud to announce a new series of interactive online seminars specifically for Military Medical Personnel, Civilian Health Care Professionals, Families and Caregivers.

CME Category 1 Accreditation for physicians only: Provided at no cost
to participants who qualify. To register, click http://www.epliveonline.org/military-prglist.html.
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ART Contest
People with epilepsy can submit art to Expressions of Courage contest. This is a yearly ongoing contest. More information can be found at expressionsofcourage.com.

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ONE-TIME EVENTS
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TOM BROWN SPEAKS ON EXECUTIVE FUNCTION
December 1, 9am-3pm

The Unfocused Mind
Executive Function
Attention - Inattention
Organized Disorganization
Impulsive: Who Me?
How do you learn best?
Your Strengths - Weaknesses

Georgia Perimeter College
Clarkston Campus, Cherry Learning Resources Center
For more information visit www.Idag.org or call 404-303-7774.
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Agape "Drop & Shop"
December, Saturday 10-2pm TBA
For more information call the Special Needs Ministry at 770-995-9055 ext. 777 or
email agape@northmetro.net.

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Special Time with Santa
Saturday, December 8, 2008
9:00am-5:00pm
Stonemill Church, 855 Northbrook Parkway, Suwanee, GA 30024

ASA-GGC seeks to create a safe and friendly atmosphere for children on the spectrum to visit with Santa without the pressure of long lines and crowded malls.
Advance reservations are recommended to give each child enough time to be comfortable with their Santa visit.

Visits with Santa
Photographer on site
Sensory Room
Music Time by Music Therapy Services of Greater Atlanta
Refreshments
Crafts
Exhibit Area

$20.00 per family (photography extra)
Please call the ASA-GGC office at 770-904-4474 for reservations. For more information, please visit the ASA-GGC web site at www.asaga.com. Exhibit space available.
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Special Needs Consignment Sale
December 11-14 in Duluth, Georgia

We will be accepting ALL kinds of adaptive equipment (therapy equipment, standers, wheelchairs, walkers, etc.) and resources (books, dvd's etc.) for a HUGE 4-day only sale. This event allows the families (or those consigning the equipment) to keep 70% of the sale price of what they sell.

Please pass this link: www.theconsignmentsale.com along to your list, asking them to forward it. We need parents, therapists, doctors, and advocates to help us get the word out about this. Net proceeds will go to Georgia Special Sportsmen.

Thank you,
Jessica Handwork
jessica@theaislinggroup.com
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Greater Georgia Chapter of The Autism Society of America - 4th annual conference
March 7-8, 2008

Focused on providing current resources and information on autism and related disorders. The conference will feature presentations and workshops by top autism professionals, leading researchers and experts on various subjects related to education, resources, and intervention across the lifespan. The format will include a keynote speech, and three 75 minute breakout sessions each day.

There will be twelve breakout sessions to choose from each day focusing on:
1) Educational Strategies
2) Families and Children with ASD
3) Treatment Options and Research
4) HFA/Asperger Syndrome and Adolescent/Adult Issues

The Attendees
Each year the conference is oriented toward families, educators and autism professionals who are looking to find new or better ways to care for the individuals with autism in their lives. Further, the conference is oriented toward individuals with autism who are looking for resources which can help them reach their maximum potential. Past conference attendees were from a diverse group, including parents, grandparents, individuals with autism, educators, autism professionals, and students interested in pursuing a career in fields related to autism.

Location: Stonemill Church, 855 Northbrook Parkway, Suwanee, GA 30024
*Stonemill Church offers a beautiful, new, state-of-the-art conference venue. ASA-GGC has no religious affiliation.

Cindy Pike, Executive Director, Autism Society of America - Greater Georgia
770-904-4474

Please visit the ASA-GGC web site at www.asaga.com for more information on presenting (open until November 15, 2007 or for registering for the conference.
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Autism Walk
April 12, 2008
Sign up now to be a part of Spectrum's team this year.

The goal this year is to raise $2 million!
To learn more about Autism Speaks go to www.autismspeaks.org

To sign up for the Atlanta Spectrum team go to http://www.walknowforautism.org/georgia and click to register, then for a team, and choose the Atlanta Spectrum Team. Denise Turner will again be the awesome team captain.

This is a great way to participate with our community in raising autism awareness and funds for research and development of programs for those with autism. And, order a Spectrum t-shirt as soon as possible! Last year everyone loved our tshirts! And, it helps us identify our team members and represent Spectrum:) Claire Dees

A Cheerleading Squad for Athletes with Special Needs!

Thunder All-Stars is now the home of a cheerleading squad for our friends with special needs. We are looking for both participants as well as volunteers to take part in this exciting journey.

· Co-ed squad for ages 8 and up

· Practice every Sunday 12:30-1:30

· Will exhibit at local cheerleading competitions

· No FEE! (there will be a charge for uniforms)

· Coached by a Recreational Therapist and Volunteers!

To register call Vicki at 770-977-9797

Please contact Angela Cremers (coach) if you have any further questions about this squad or if you are interested in private lessons/therapy. 404-502-8359

Evaluation and Management of Health Conditions Often Encountered in Persons with Cerebral Palsy:
2007: 9/11, 10/16 and 12/11 or view archived seminars
7-9:30pm EST

For more information and to register click on http://www.epliveonline.org/spasticity-prglist.html

Audience: Pediatricians, Family Practitioners, Neurologists, Pediatric Neurologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech/Language Pathologists, Orthopedic Surgeons, Nurses, Students, Teachers, Families and Caregivers.

FREE - A 6 Part Series

The Biological Basis and Treatment of Spasticity and Movement Disorders Associated with Cerebral Palsy

Pharmaceutical and Surgical Approaches to the Treatment of Spasticity and Movement Disorders Encountered in Persons with Cerebral Palsy

New Innovative Treatments for Spasticity Encountered in Persons with Cerebral Palsy

The Roles of Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy in the Management of Spasticity and Movement Disorders Encountered in Persons with Cerebral Palsy

Health Consequences of Intractable Spasticity and Movement Disorders Encountered in Persons with Cerebral Palsy (two parts)

"Behavioral Disorders Commonly Encountered in Children and Adults with Developmental Disabilities: ADD/ADHD and Autism"
September 12th, 2007 at 7pm
FREE 4 part series

EP LiveOnline - a joint venture of Exceptional Parent Magazine and
Vemics, Inc. is proud to announce a new series of interactive online
seminars specifically for Military Medical Personnel, Civilian Health Care
Professionals, Families and Caregivers.

CME Category 1 Accreditation for physicians only: Provided at no cost
to participants who qualify. Click here for to register:

http://www.epliveonline.org/military-prglist.html

Or for more information about this program, please enjoy this video
postcard from Joe Valenzano. Turn up your speakers and click here to
listen: http://tinyurl.com/2d25jd

Neurology Now magazine is looking for artwork about living with a neurological condition. The submission will be published in the Nov/Dec 2007 issue and the artist will receive $100. www.neurologynow.com

People with epilepsy can submit art to Expressions of Courage contest. This is a yearly ongoing contest. More information can be found at expressionsofcourage.com.

2007 GAYC Conference Scholarships

Apply for a scholarship to attend the Georgia Association on Young Children’s
(GAYC) 41st Annual Professional Development Conference: “Together for
Children,” October 12 & 13, 2006, at the Gwinnett Civic and Cultural Center in the
Atlanta area. It’s a great opportunity to choose from over 135 professional
development workshops, visit over 70 vendors in the Exhibit Hall, and find out
about new initiatives in our field, how to work effectively with children and
adults, and going back to school opportunities.

How to Participate
The Georgia Association on Young Children (GAYC), state affiliate for the
National Association for the Education on Young Children (NAEYC) and the Southern
Early Childhood Association (SECA) is hosting its 41st Annual Conference.
Limited scholarships are available to eligible parents, and teachers, and family
child care providers to attend this conference, which annually attracts
hundreds of providers, academic, corporate, federal, public policy and community
leaders! These scholarships will cover costs for conference registration only.

The conference provides a forum for ECE professionals of all levels and
students to network, discuss issues, and share information. This conference also
provides a model classroom, awards banquet, and over 70 exhibitors.

The Georgia Association for Behavior Analysis (GABA) will be hosting its first annual conference in Atlanta, GA.

September 19, 2007

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Tristram Smith, and other presenters will include Atlanta area behavior analysts.

Further information and conference registration visit GABA www.georgia-aba.com

Please note that space is limited, and registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

QuestFest at Hebron Baptist Church
May 6-9

202 Hebron Church Road
Dacula, GA 30019
770-962-3671

Sunday: Community Cookout & Young-at-Heart
Monday: Guest Cafe & Kristian Stanfill
Tuesday: Quest Kids Blitz - family event & Salvador
Wednesday: Operation Mayhem - skateboarders, Manafest & illusionist Brock Gill
The Crabb Family

Each of the nights will have special needs coverage and assistance.

Do you know of a VBS that includes children with special needs?

Please make a comment below and share your churches information. Thank you.

Hebron Baptist Church
Dacula, GA
June 12 week
TBA

Welcome to Parenting 411 Lifeline!

Expert parent coaches will lead a series of live,
interactive, telephone-based discussions
where parents seek lasting solutions.

Join from anywhere…topics include:

The Other Child in the Room…
I have a child with special needs but am I overlooking my typical child?
TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 8-9 PM

Divorce — It’s actually happening
What about the kids? How do I help them?
THURSDAY, MAY 3, 8-9 PM

The Extended Family at My Door…
They don’t understand my child with special needs
TUESDAY, MAY 8, 8-9 PM

Parenting 411 Lifeline is:

Focused on persistent parenting issues and complex family dynamics

Action oriented while seeking solutions that work

Unconditionally supportive and led by coaches with deep experience and expertise

Join Parenting 411 Lifeline $20 a call and get answers that work

Space is Limited!
Click here to learn more and register
www.theparentcoachcompany.com

Finding the Link from High School to College or Tech School

Join us for a workshop detailing the process for receiving accommodations for your Learning Disabled Student

Saturday, May 5, 2007
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Dunwoody United Methodist Church
The Francis Asbury Room
1548 Mt. Vernon Rd Dunwoody, GA 30338
http://www.dunwoodyumc.org/directions.htm

Registration fee: $25 per family

Sponsor: LDAG The Learning Disability Association of Georgia
ldaga@bellsouth.net

Dear Friends:

On behalf of the 15 Presidentially-appointed Council Members, I would
like to invite you and your staff to attend the Atlanta Quarterly
Meeting of the National Council on Disability (NCD). The Council Meeting
will take place at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Buckhead in Atlanta, Georgia
on Monday, April 16 and Tuesday, April 17, 2007, from 10:00 a.m. until
12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Monday and 9:00 a.m. to
12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. These events are
free of charge and open to the public.

NCD is an independent federal agency making recommendations to the
President and Congress to enhance the quality of life for all Americans
with disabilities and their families. We believe it is vital that NCD
hears from disability communities around the country on what works and
what does not for people with disabilities. We are delighted to have the
opportunity to visit Atlanta and learn first hand about the experiences
of people with disabilities from Georgia. Please save the date and do
not miss this opportunity to meet NCD board members and staff and offer
your comments during the public comment sessions.

We are also having a special reception at the hotel for the disability
community on Monday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This reception
will provide anothe r great opportunity for us to meet you and hear your
thoughts on the future. For more information, please contact NCD's
Director of Communications Mark S. Quigley at mquigley@ncd.gov or by
telephone at 202-272-2004 (V), (202) 272-2074 (TTY).

Sincerely,

John R. Vaughn
Chairperson

North Metro Tourette Syndrome Support Group

"Coffee and Conversation" is held every third Tuesday at 10 am at the Borders Cafe near the Mall of GA.

For more information about this group email Lydia Breer: breer@adelphia.net or call 678-482-9358.

Walk for Autism
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Inaugural Georgia Walk for Autism in Atlantic Station

Help them raise autism awareness and funds to benefit Autism Speaks and The Marcus Institute equally.

Register at www.autismwalk.org/georgia
For information call 404-419-4120.

Scholarship Pageant
July 21-22, 2007
Gwinnett Performing Arts Center
Duluth, GA

Attention Ladies Ages 4 to 24!
Cash scholarships and prizes will be awarded!

This pageant is a great opportunity to win scholarship $$$ while supporting local charity the “Dream House for Medically Fragile Children”.

March 15 - Sharon Darley will speak on Social Skills for parents. She will also be one of our teachers at the camp. You won't want to miss this event.

April 19- Marchia Williams with Parent to Parent will come to speak to us about what P2P is and how we can utlize their services

May 17 - Dr. David Cantor will speak on Autism and how it relates to learning. Dr. Cantor is our neuropsycholoist and is a former speaker at the national ASA conferences.


If anyone is interested in joining our planning group, please let me know. We meet monthly, the days are varied because of my work schedule, but we always have fun and get alot of things done! Mom's and Dads are always welcome to come and share ideas on making our support group a great place to be!

We will be having our fundraising Golf Tournament on April 25 at Woodlake Golf Course in Monroe and need everyone's help in getting sponsors and golfers! We have a goal to raise no less than $5,000. This will help provide scholarships for every camper, allowing us to charge only $150 for the camp. This cost will help with staffing and materials we will need. Thanks in advance for your help.

Speaking of camp, if you plan for your child to attend, please fill out the attached application and mail it in no later than March 15, the sooner the better. We are beginning to receive alot of applications for teachers and parapros and it's going to just blow you away to see the quality of staff we will have at our camp. We have ABA therapists, SLP therapists, autism consultants, autism teachers...... I am very excited! The theme for our camp is going to be a beach theme with water fun and crafts every day that your children will love. Don't delay in registering them, I am certain the spots will quickly fill in once we reach Spring Break!

Have a great week and I hope to see you all on Feb. 15th.


Teresa Johnson
President and Founder
F.A.C.E.S. Autism Support Group
www.georgiafaces.info

Wrightslaw Special Education and Advocacy Conference, a Wrightslaw training program with Wayne Steedman, and Pat Howey, is being brought to you by Community Action Coalition.

May 5, 2007
National Science Center's Fort Discovery
#1 Seventh Street
Augusta, GA 30901

Tuesday, April 10, 2007
5:30pm - 8:30pm
Collins Hill High School
50 Taylor Road, Suwanee, GA 30024

This information is most crucial for middle and high school parents but important to every parent of a child with special needs.

Booths will be representing different agencies.
Speakers will be discussing transition topics.

Stay posted for more information or contact Cathy Schmidt at 678-301-7139 cathy_schmidt@gwinnett.k12.ga.us.

For directions to Collins Hill High School, visit http://www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/CollinsHillHS/athletics_files/directions.htm.

Bowling League Or Open Bowl

Who: All children with special needs and their siblings, friends, and family
There is no age limit for the bowling. They have the very young to the very old.

League Session:
Winter session: Starting January to March 3, 2007
Summer session: TBI

Open Session:
The Stars and Strikes Bowling Alley will allow bowlers to come and bowl on Saturday from 9am to 10:45am for the same $5 rate which is paid directly to the alley. Just tell them you are with Angels in the Alley. This is only for Saturday mornings at the time above.

Autism Society of America-Greater Georgia Chapter is pleased to announce

“Autism 101”
Free Seminar and Resource Fair for Newly Diagnosed Families

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Sugarloaf Community Church
1401 Old Peachtree Road
Suwanee, GA 30024

Autism Spectrum DIVERSITY Group

Saturday, January 27, from 2-4:30 pm.
Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities, in Atlanta, Georgia

DIVERSITY group regularly meets the last Saturday of every month.
Mark your calendar for February 24, March 31, April 28, May 26 and so on.

Please come share your personal experiences, insights and observations. Join in finding solutions.

Bring your family, grandmother, Speech Therapist and Doctor to the Autism Spectrum DIVERSITY group.

Children of all ages welcome.

You are invited to the Yahoo group even if you can't get to Atlanta, to meet in person.
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Autism_Spectrum_DIVERSITY_Group/

Click "Join this Group", Or send email Autism_Spectrum_DIVERSITY_Group-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

The Autism Spectrum DIVERSITY Group is not just for and about
children or even adults who know they have autism; it's for and about
everyone who wonders if they have traits as well.

Do you get overloaded?
Are you perhaps sensitive to sounds, light, smell or touch?
Is it nice for you to be alone, except that you wish you
had friends, or that you understood the people around you more?
Is it your dream to be married but you have no idea how
to make someone you are attracted to want you?
When you're performing a task, do you have trouble stopping?
Does having someone change plans in the middle upset you?

For More Information:
Linda Hull, 678-935-0227, llhull@babylon.d2dc.net.
ASAGA Vice President:
E. Scott Bales, Cell: 404-808-5497, Email: ScottBales@asaga.com.

Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities (AADD)
404-881-9777
www.aadd.org
Offices One Block East of Ansley Mall
1440 Dutch Valley Place, Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30324-5371

*FREE PARKING*
MARTA Rail Station NE 6 Lindbergh Center
MARTA Bus Route #27 Monroe Drive

NOTE: Turn LEFT onto Dutch Valley Way, RIGHT at the first
intersection. The 1 story brick building is on the LEFT,
turn into the parking lot and follow it around to the rear,
Ring the bell and ENTER at the door with the awning over it.

Plenty of FREE PARKING, GREAT SEATS, snacks, drinks and even TOYS!
We also have paper and crayons.

Announcing the new 2007 Employment Workshop Series

Employment in Your Community:

Effective Tools, Collaboration, and Outcomes for People with Disabilities

Sponsored by Employment First Georgia (EFG)

Employment First Georgia is a newly established, statewide technical assistance, training, and consulting center, promoting innovative customized employment practice. EFG is supported by a collaborative of state and federal agencies, including start-up funds from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy.

Attend all four workshops in the series, and receive technical assistance and consultation as an extra bonus ! (please register early as there is limited availability.)

Contact 404-477-2480 for registration and more information. Seating is limited.

The 1st seminar in the series is:

Employment for People with Disabilities: Best Practices to Career Success

Three location options from 8am - 4pm:
January 18, 2007 Rome, GA
January 19, 2007 Atlanta, GA
January 22, 2007 Savannah, GA

$15 registration fee to cover materials and refreshments. Financial assistance available. Lunch is on your own.

Want to make new friends and have some fun?

Look for an activity or playgroup and if you don't find one create one. This is for anyone with special needs wanting to make connections with others. Wishing you many great connections and good friends.

REQUEST AN ACTIVITY OR PLAYGROUP

Take a moment to make a comment and ask for what you are wanting. Maybe someone else is also looking for the same thing. Remember to return frequently to see if anyone else has posted for that need or give your email address in the comment area to have people contact you directly.

SAMPLE REQUESTS:

Dacula area: looking for a playgroup for 2-4 year olds with special needs or specific disability. email....

Buford area: looking for a special needs high school age soccer game, just for fun. email.... or call....

Commerce area: looking for young adults with special needs to go to the movies or other ways to connect. email... or call....

ESTABLISH ACTIVITY OR PLAYGROUP

Once an activity or playgroup is established, give all the details as shown below. You can copy and paste the format below and change the sample data to your event or playgroup information. Please keep this section updated.

SAMPLE FINALIZED ACTIVITY:

Where: Buford area - Mall of Georgia Cinema
What: Movies on Saturday for young adults with special needs
Date: November 18, 2006 and may continue
When: 11 am Matinee every Saturday
RSVP: Email and/or phone

FIND AN ACTIVITY OR PLAYGROUP

Click on Comments at the bottom of this article to view the postings by others. You can also include your own comments.

Please be courteous to others and RSVP. It will also help you know if the event is still occurring and other specific information required.

Note: Finalized events or playgroups will be entered in the calendar of events area.

Calling all dad's of special needs children.

Currently we are looking for dad's who are interested in getting together in the North Gwinnett area.

Ideas for Dad's Walk and Talk
Sports
Little Mulberry Park phase II: Walk, fish
Little Mulberry Park phase I: Dad's and kids play at the park
go to the little lake for remote boating and fishing


Please comment if you are interested in getting together with other dad's, what you would like to do and what time is best for you. Thank you.

Unlock the Waiting Lists!

Your support is needed now to write a letter on disability issues to the Governor before elections to make sure services are received for your child. The mailed (not email) letters are needed to him by November 7 and would be best with a picture of your child and your story. For help with this letter, go to http://www.unlockthe waitinglists.com/actionalert.html or call 1-877-WAITLIST.

Dave Blanchard is the Director of the Unlock the Waiting List Campaign! through Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities.

The mission of this campaign is to reduce and/or eliminate waiting lists for thousands of people with disabilities and their families who need home and community-based services.

To learn more about and/or to join the campaign,
Visit: www.unlockthewaitinglists.com
Call: 1-877-WAITLIST
Write: Dave@aadd.org

One of the points made at the meeting on October 3 is that even an 8 year old should have the medicaid paperwork done for the services once thought to be for adults only. With the new medicaid hopefully to be in effect sooner than July 2007, 17% of the services will go to children. However, the MRWP lists have over 7000 people waiting for help. It is important to get on the list now for services in the future.

For more information on speakers from the October 3 meeting and sponsors read further.

List of Contacts:

Governor Sonny Perdue
203 State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334
404-656-1776
http://www.gov.state.ga.us/about_gov.shtml
http://www.votesonny.com/default.asp?pt=doc&doc=sonnydo

Lt. Governor Mark Taylor
404-656-5030

Abel Ortiz, Health Advisor to Governor Perdue
404-656-1776 aortiz@gov.state.ga.us

Dr. Medows, Commissioner of the Department of Community Health
404-651-8681 rmedows@dch.state.ga.us

Kathy Driggers, Manager of the CMO Systems, Dept. of Community Health
404-651-8681 kdriggers@dch.state.ga.us

Mark Trail, Chief of Medical Assistance Plans, Dept. of Community Health
404-651-8681 mtrail@dch.state.ga.us

BJ Walker, DHR Commissioner, Dept. of Community Health- Medicaid
Georgia Department of Human Resources
2 Peachtree Street, NW
Atlanta, GA 30303-3142
404-651-6314
Email: bjwalker@dch.state.ga.us

Her Information:http://dhr.georgia.gov/portal/site/DHR/menuitem.24259484221d3c0b50c8798dd03036a0/?vgnextoid=8da8e1d09cb4ff00VgnVCM100000bf01010aRCRD

United States Senators
Honorable Saxby Chambliss (R)
100 Galleria Pkwy SE, Atlanta 30339-3179
(770) 763-9090
United States Senate, Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-3521
Fax (202) 224-0072
http://chambliss.senate.gov

Honorable Johnny Isakson (R)
120 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-3643 (202) 228-2090 (Fax)
http://isakson.senate.gov

United States Representatives
Find your representative in the House of the U.S. Congress
(202) 224-3121; (202) 225-1904 (TTY)
www.house.gov

1. Georgia's 10th Congressional District, includes Dacula, GA
Congressman Nathan Deal (R)
2133 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-1009
email: http://www.house.gov/deal/contact/default.shtml

Special Needs Support Group
By FOCUS for families of children with special needs

Join us for breakfast & conversation

Karen Addams will be joining our group to discuss how to be a better advocate for our children and other questions from the group.

Look in the Advocates section to learn more about Karen Addams.

Special Needs Support Group
By FOCUS for families of children with special needs

Join us for breakfast & conversation

The Gwinnett Special Needs Transportation bus and driver will be available to answer any questions and enact an emergency drill for those interested. Support and sharing continue.

Parent Support Group and Teen Coping Group for Seizures

Helping Families Deal With Epilepsy
When a child is diagnosed with an illness, it affects every member of his family. That’s why the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Epilepsy Center offers support groups for both parents and children who are dealing with epilepsy.

Tuesday, March 13 2007
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Alternative Therapies for Helping Children with LD/ADHD

Tuesday, February 13 2007
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Speech & Language Pragmatics & Social Skills

Speaker: Laura Teliho, Speech & Language Pathologist

Tuesday, January 16 2007
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Helping Dyslexic Students Read

Tuesday, November 14 2006
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Testing and Evaluation: How it Helps Parents & Teachers Make Good Educational Decisions

Place: Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center, 800 W. Spring St., Atlanta, GA 30308

Let's Get Specific: Pinpointing the Breakdowns in Learning and Diagnosing a Brain's Unique Assets

Dr. Mel Levine will explore key areas of learning, the so-called neurodevelopmental constructs that he has developed over the years. He will talk about different brain functions and the ways in which weaknesses of these functions can impact on various learning processes and reduce a child’s productivity and motivation. He will also discuss the ways in which such deficits can be more precisely defined (with or without) testing and more effectively managed at home and in the classroom.

To register and for directions go to www.ldag.org .

Wednesday, October 18, 2006
7:00am - 4:30pm
Autism & Asperger's Conference

Future Horizons is hosting another Autism & Asperger's conference in Atlanta
Dr. Tony Attwood will be the keynote speaker

"Encouraging Social Understanding and Emotion Management "
with Dr. Tony Attwood

You can register:
www.fhautism.com/conferences/atlanta.htm
1.800.489.0727

Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097

Tuesday, October 10 2006
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Faking It: The Inspiring Story of a Creative Learner

Speakers: Drs. Christopher Lee & Rosemary Jackson

Dr. Christopher Lee, Director of the Alternative Media Access Center with the University System of Georgia, and Dr. Rosemary Jackson, his tutor during his undergraduate college years at the Learning Disabilities Clinic at UGA, will present Christopher’s story of persistence and creative learning as told in their book of the same name. Dr. Lee will also discuss Assistive Technology.

Bring the kids!!!

Location:
Media Center Lecture Hall of Greater Atlanta Christian School
1575 Indian Trail Rd. 30093, Norcross, GA, Exit 101 off I-85

Sign in (free handouts) 7:00 PM. Meeting 7:20 PM.
Dyslexia Network support group 6:30 PM.

No registration or fee necessary.

For more information, contact Sarah Davis at sarahldavis@charter.net or 770-995-1599.

Check out this site for more monthly events relating to disabilities:
http://www.lgtinc.org/categories/Upcoming-Events/

Healthcare for Kids rally

November 4th 9:30am at GA State Capitol

RALLYING for real solutions to:
• Eligibility
• Access to care and providers
• Early Periodic Screening diagnosis & Treatment Federal Requirements
• Burdensome Application, Appeal, & Claims Process

For more information and to print a flyer: http://www.kidshealthcarega.org/Welcome.html

Directions to Capital:
From North: I75/85 South to Exit 248A (MLK Drive)
Bear Right, Capitol is on left
From South: I75/85 North to Exit 246 follow Fulton Street sign to right turn left at first light, Capitol is on left

A.S.C.E.N.D.-ER, Inc.'s
Autism Spectrum Community Efforts and New Directions

For all individuals with Asperger Syndrome (AS) and other Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs)

For their next monthly meeting and more information:

Call: (678)300-8687
E-mail: info@ascend-er.com

AADD Film Series

Admission is free and open to the public.

For more information, please call 404-881-9777 ext. 228
or email carey@aadd.org

Read more about AADD film series at http://www.aadd.org/newsite/film.html

In 2006, they celebrated their 50th Anniversary Film Series with Stories of Triumph! such as Rain Man and What's Eating Gilbert Grape? Check out their site for the latest film series.