A Practical Guide to Asperger's Syndrome

In Asperger's from the Inside Out, author Michael John Carley shares his experiences living with Asperger's syndrome. As executive director of GRASP (The Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership) and father of a son who also has Asperger's, he describes the toll it has taken on his life and uses humor and advice to show how one can live successfully and fulfillingly with this condition. Among other topics, he discusses coping strategies, handling relationships and family, and finding a suitable career in the workforce. Mark Roithmayr, president of Autism Speaks, says that this work is an "engaging book" that "offers a thoughtful and creative roadmap for people with Asperger's and their loved ones," while actress Sigourney Weaver calls it a "wonderfully candid and encouraging book about navigating the world of Asperger's syndrome." If you are interested in this enlightening read, come by CeDIR today to check it out, or click here to find it at a library near you.

Dream New Dreams

Guess what today is? No idea? Well it just happens to be the one-year anniversary for our Blog! That's right, one full year of posting blogs about various topics, resources, books, videos, and much more. All for you! So keep on coming back to check in with our blog postings as we continue to serve your disability-related information needs for the next year and the following years to come!


Now onward with the actual resource-related blog posting--
You Will Dream New Dreams: Inspiring Personal Stories by Parents of Children with Disabilities by Stanley Klein and Kim Schive is a compassionate, deeply felt collection of writings where real-life fathers and mothers of kids with cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, autism, mental retardation, and other life-changing illnesses speak from the heart on how they mourned for their child of their dreams, experienced the disappointment of letting go of certain expectations for their child and found the joy of discovering new dreams.

Interested in this wonderfully inspiring collection of stories? Contact us!
If you're not an Indiana resident and want to know where to find this book...click here to find it at your local library.

Visual Strategies for Students with Disabilities

The Family Center on Technology & Disability is having an online discussion on Visual Strategies for Students with Disabilities through the rest of this week. The discussion is led by Brenda Fossett of the British Columbia School for the Deaf and Linda Hodgdon of Cornerstone Communication Center and author of Visual Strategies for Improving Communication and Solving Behaviors in Autism.

Interested? Check out the website at FCTD!

USA Deaf Volleyball Fundraising Events

From Wednesday, June 11th through Friday, June 13th, the Indiana School of the Deaf in Indianapolis will host a series of fundraising events in the gymnasium starting at 7 p.m. Admission per night is $5.00, or a combo ticket can be purchased for $12.00. These events are sponsored by Hawk Relay at www.hawkrelay.com, and benefits go to the the US Deaf Women's Volleyball Team fund for the 2008 World Championship in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Take part in the USA Deaf Voleyball fundraising events, and support a great cause! For more information, contact Jay Krieger at jkrieger1@gmail.com.

Learning with Autism

Autism 24/7: A Family Guide to Learning at Home and in the Community, by Andy Bondy, Ph.D. and Lori Frost, M.S., CCC/SLP, provides parents with ways in which to teach their children with autism to do family-related activities, like completing chores or playing on the playground. The authors also answer questions like, "How can we write reasonable goals?" and "How do we choose what to focus on?" Topics and chapters discussed include setting goals, managing errors and difficult behaviors, evaluation, and creating opportunities for learning. Feel free to check it out at CeDIR today, or click here to find it at your local library.

The Boy Who Loved Windows

Patricia Stacey's book The Boy Who Loved Windows: Opening the Heart and Mind of a Child Threatened with Autism has received numerous positive reviews from O Magazine, Newsday, and authors like Temple Grandin and Martha Beck. Written by a parent of a child diagnosed with autism, this book describes the hardships that one family endured as they searched for ways to connect their son with the rest of the world. Parts of Walker's life are documented from birth, and his parents consult Stanley Greenspan, a developmental psychiatrist, on how to best help their son after doctors tell them he may never see, hear, walk, or talk again. Check out this emotional and inspiring read at CeDIR today! Or, click here to find it at your local library.

Dyslexia

What is Dyslexia? A Book Explaining Dyslexia for Kids and Adults to Use Together by Alan M. Hultquist is designed to help adults explain dyslexia to children aged 8 to 11. This book provides useful information about all the most common types of dyslexia: trouble with sounds, trouble remembering how letters and words look, trouble finding words, and mixed dyslexia.

Are you an Indiana resident and interested in this book? Contact us!

If you are not an Indiana resident, find this book at your local library!

Court Rules Paper Money Unfair to the Blind

CNNmoney.com posted an article today concerning the ruling on Tuesday by a federal appeals court that the U.S. Treasury Department is violating the law by failing to design and issue currency that is readily distinguishable to people that are blind or visually impaired. The claim is that the design of our paper currency violates the Rehabilitation Act's guarantee of "meaningful access." Some potential solutions mentioned in the article were making bills different sizes, including raised markings or using foil printing which is noticeably different to the touch.

Check out the rest of the article at CNNmoney.com!

New, Free Activities That Promote Early Literacy

Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, and created by Angela Notari-Syverson, Ph.D. and her colleagues, fourteen new parent education handouts are now available at www.walearning.com. These activities are designed to be for use during car or bus rides, walks, or any other activities outside of the home, and they help parents bond with their children while teaching early literacy skills. Covering rhyming words, music, nursery rhymes, the I Spy game, and maps, these exercises are sure to create an enjoyable learning experience for young children, with or without disabilities. The creator of the handouts allows for their copy and distribution, as long as they are not sold. For any questions, contact Mary Maddox at memaddox@walearning.com.

Winning the Disability Challenge

Written by John F. Tholen, Ph.D., Winning the Disability Challenge: A Practical Guide to Successful Living offers insight into how disabled individuals can lead successful, fulfilling lives and overcome feelings of helplessness and depression. The book includes 100 inspiring affirmations and offers advice on dealing with insurance companies, Medicaid, Social Security, and other organizations. It also provides tips on curing insomnia, coping with pain and distress, and maintaining wellness with diet, exercise, and relaxation. Anyone who has a physical disability that would like to learn more about improving the quality of everyday life will find this book beneficial. Check it out at CeDIR today!

ADHD

ADHD: Living Without Brakes by Martin L. Kutscher is the ideal source of information and advice for parents and professionals who are trying to keep up with children who are living without brakes. The author describes ADHD, its symptoms, and common difficulties parents face. The book mainly focuses on solutions and also includes a discussion on the role of medication in treating ADHD.

Interested in this book? Indiana resident? Feel free to send us an email!

Not an Indiana resident? Click here to find this book at the library nearest you!

Transition to Adulthood

Looking for books on how to help young adults with disabilities transition to adulthood? Check out the following items in our collection!

Guiding Teens with Learning Disabilities: Navigating the Transition from High School to Adulthood by Arlyn Roffman, offers down-to-earth advice on mental health and wellness; disability law and protections afforded at various stages of a child's educational development; accommodations and services that can make a difference in the classroom, on the job, and in the community; and much more.

On Their Own: Creating an Independent Future for Your Adult Child with Learning Disabilities and ADHD by Anne Ford answers the many questions asked by parents of learning-disabled children as they enter adulthood, especially the one that haunts them daily: Will their children ever be able to live on their own, and how?

Make the Day Matter! Promoting Typcial Lifestyles for Adults with Significant Disabilities by Pamela M. Walker and Patricia Rogan. This book is a call to action and an in-depth guide to the most effective strategies giving service providers proven ideas for supporting adults with significant disabilities as they make a smooth transition from school to adult life; find employment; pursue interests; participate in secondary education; develop social relationships; explore opportunities for paid self-advocacy; and maintain active, healthy lifestyles.

Becoming Remarkably Able: Walking the Path to Talents, Interests, and Personal Growth by Jackie Marquette is an interactive workbook that shows you how the path to independent living is possible. It provides the guidance and the blueprint for helping professionals and parents move away from a deficit orientation to a celebration of the abilities and strengths of persons with autism and related disabilities.

Employment and Career Planning by Katherine Synatschk, Gary Clark, James Patton, and L. Rozelle Copeland contains 60 assessment tools that are organized into four sections: Interests and Preferences, Abilities and Skills, Career Exploration, and Job Search and Securing. This book emphasizes the opportunity we have to favorably influence the successful transition of our students.

Life Beyond the Classroom: Transition Strategies for Young People with Disabilities by Paul Wehman brings together the most comprehensive information on facilitating transitions for young people with mild, moderate, or severe disabilities.

Meeting the Challenge of Learning Disabilities in Adulthood by Arlyn Roffman. Readers hear from a diverse group of adults with learning disabilities, many of whom also have ADHD, as they describe how they've met disability-related challenges at work and at home. This book offers families, friends, and service providers a window into the experience of living with learning disabilities.


Are you interested in any of these titles and an Indiana resident? Contact us!
Not an Indiana resident? Search on WorldCat to find these books at your local library.

Strategies for Supporting All Students

Diverse Learners in the Mainstream Classroom is the first comprehensive book to bring together information about a wide range of diverse learners from PreK through high school, offering strategies and practices teachers can use to ensure that all learners succeed. This book presents research-based and classroom-based approaches for working effectively with diverse students across the content areas. Written in a reader-friendly, accessible style, it provides everything from the big picture to the everyday details teachers want.

Are you an Indiana resident and interested in this book? Contact us!

Not an Indiana resident, no problem. Find your local library on WorldCat!

Thunder in the Valley Games

This year, June 20th through the 22nd, Saginaw, Michigan will host the first ever Thunder in the Valley Games for athletes with physical disabilities. Opening ceremonies, classification, and registration will take place on the first day, followed by the air rifle, field, and track competitions on the second. On Sunday, the event will conclude with an archery competition and an awards ceremony and banquet. The competitions are open to any athlete, and all proceeds will benefit Michigan Sports Unlimited, Inc., whose goal is to empower individuals with disabilities by providing access to recreational activities. For more information on this once a year event and to learn how you can be a sponsor, visit www.thunderinthevalleygames.com or call (888) 988-2553.

Identifying and Treating Autism Spectrum Disorders

Social & Communication Development in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Early Identification, Diagnosis, & Intervention, edited by Tony Charman and Wendy Stone, discusses the assessment, understanding, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. The research of experts in the field is presented to highlight the most recent advances in the treatment of ASD. Charman and Stone's latest book has received a number of positive reviews, including the following from Samuel L. Odom, PhD., of the School of Education at Indiana University: "Charman and Stone have recruited foremost authorities to summarize in clear and considerable detail what the science shows, the clinical implications of existing knowledge, and the directions toward which we need to move in further research. This book is destined to be a truly influential contribution for autism researchers, clinicians, graduate students, and policymakers." To find out more about treating ASD during the first five years of a child's life, check out Social & Communication Development in Autism Spectrum Disorders today at CeDIR.

Raising a child with Down syndrome

There is a powerful story called Welcome to Holland that has been read knowingly by parents of children with disabilities. Jennifer Graf Groneberg read this story too and it influenced her new book: Road map to Holland: How I found my way through my son's first two years with Down syndrome.

After giving birth to twins, one of Jennifer's sons was diagnosed with Down syndrome. This book is a powerful, honest book about discovering the diagnosis and learning how to best love and help your child even when they're on a different journey than anticipated. Indiana residents can contact us at 812-855-9396 or cedir [at] indiana [dot] edu to borrow this book. Out-of-state residents can find the book at a local public library.

Universal Design for Learning

CAST Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Curriculum Self-Check

This site helps you apply UDL principles in your teaching to reach and engage all of your students. The goal of UDL is to enable all individuals to gain knowledge, skills and enthusiasm for learning. Learn about UDL, Check Your Curriculum, or Explore Resources for ideas on how to build options and flexibility into each element of your curriculum.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) recognizes that every learner is unique and processes information differently. UDL is based on CAST's research related to three primary brain networks (recognition network, strategic network, and affective network) and the roles they play in understanding these differences. UDL provides a framework to create and implement lessons with flexible goals, methods, materials, and assessments that support learning for all students.

Check out this website!

Asperger Syndrome & Social Relationships

Check out one of our new books on Asperger Syndrome!

Asperger Syndrome & Social Relationships: Adults Speak Out about Asperger Syndrome by Genevieve Edmonds and Luke Beardon was described as being "essential reading to understand the social abilities of adults with Asperger's Syndrome. The contributors each have different personalities and experiences, but together they provide a range of strategies to encourage people with Asperger's syndrome to achieve the social relationships they desire." In this book, adults with AS discuss social relationships, offer advice and support for others with AS and provide necessary insights into AS perspectives for those working and interacting with them.

Are you a resident of Indiana and interested in this book, contact us!
Not an Indiana resident, find this book at your local library!

Find Accessible Housing in Indianapolis

If you or someone you know is looking for accessible housing in the Indianapolis area, one site you should definitely look at is Indiana Housing Now. Here, users can filter results so that they show only those that are accessible for individuals with disabilities. Results can also be narrowed by price and number of bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as proximity to shopping, hospitals, and public transit. The site will even help you calculate your moving costs! Check it out today to see the housing opportunities available in the area.

Online Disability Resources

Are you looking for disability related information you know you can trust? Or maybe you just want a quick list of good websites for information on learning disabilities. Now you can find all of this and more by visiting CeDIR's del.icio.us account! We've just started growing our list of resources, and we'd love to know what sites you find most helpful. Do you have a link you'd like to share? Leave us a comment, or fellow del.icio.us users can add the tag "for:cedir" to the link you'd like to share and we'll be able to review it!

Stigma

People with mental health issues often face stigma in their communities. The Mayo Health Clinic has an article that talks about the ways that individuals contribute to stigmatizing others:

• Labeling someone with a condition
• Stereotyping people who have that condition
• Creating a division — a superior "us" group and a devalued "them" group, resulting in loss of status in the community
• Discriminating against someone on the basis of their label

The article also has information on what individuals with mental health issues can do to help with the stigma. Nostigma.org is another good resource for people dealing with mental health issues and the people who love them.

CeDIR's directories for each county in Indiana list agencies and organizations for people with disabilities, and many counties will often list local mental health clinics.