A Mother’s Wish List for a Teacher
By Diane O’ Rourke-Bankus
1. Please don’t assume that you know what it is like to parent my child. The only person who can possibly relate to my hopes and my dreams, my burdens and my fears, and the difficulties I face, is Heavenly Father!
2. Please respect me for knowing my child better than anyone else. Please accept the ideas I share as tools to help improve a situation for my child, not words of criticism towards you.
3. My child does not speak well. We aren’t able to enjoy the reciprocal conversation about her day at school that you are able to enjoy with your own children. Please communicate with me and allow me to communicate with you, so that I may know about her day. I would like to be able to help her with her difficulties and praise her for her efforts.
4. Please don’t tell me I can’t FIX my child. I was complimented me Heavenly Father that he selected me for this journey - parenting a special needs child. Heavenly Father grants me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change… the most difficult of all being that my child has special needs. I can’t FIX that and make it go away and I don’t need to be reminded of that fact. But Heavenly Father also grants me the serenity to change the things that I can. My child is full of motivation, a love for learning, a willingness to improve herself, and pride in her accomplishments. Please respect me for encouraging her to be all that she can be. Please respect her for her very hard work and accomplishments. No, I can’t FIX her disability. But I can provide her with all that she needs to make it easier to live with. And by the way, Heavenly Father grants me the wisdom to know the difference.
5. Allow me to believe in miracles. After all, I do live with one. Don’t slam the doors on my hopes and my dreams.
6. Please respect me for the time, the effort, and the challenge of educating myself in the different areas of the special needs of my child. I have a need to learn all that I can about my child and how she sees the world. I am willing to share this information with you, hoping it will make you job a little bit easier. My knowledge also enables me to help others, which gives me great joy!
7. Pease know that I am tired. There are days when I need some positive reinforcement or a kind word. Because I understand that NEED, I try to provide the same to you and all who are involved in helping my daughter be all that she can be. When my “gas Tank” is empty, it needs to be refilled!
8. Please know that I respect and appreciate all that you do. I know that your job is almost as demanding as mine. When Heavenly Father selected me for this journey, he sent angels along to help me.
You are one of them! Thank You!
BIO
Diane is mom to wonderful, 12 year-old Maura, who was diagnosed with PDD-NOS and ADHD. She advocates for special needs children, provides support to parents across the country and is a personal consultant in the areas of ASD, ADHA, and the law. Contact Diane at Bbankus@aol.com
*The word Heavenly Father was inserted to replace the use of God.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Identification Bracelets for Special Needs
I got the cutest bracelet for my daughter at www.laurenshope.com They are a little more stylish than the average medical ID bracelet... The inscription I gave her is:
our cell phone numbers
Limited Languagge
Please be patient
our cell phone numbers
Limited Languagge
Please be patient
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Parent Support Meetings: every first Monday of the month, 7-8:30 p.m.
Monthly Parent Support Meetings:
Pump It Up FEAT Family Nights: every third Tuesday of the month, 6-8 p.m.
3200 W. Sunset Rd., Suite 100, Las Vegas (702) 228-8077
January Speaker - Community Service providers will be talking about safety issues and answering questions from parents. (Police officer & Firemen)
Parent Support Meetings: every first Monday of the month, 7-8:30 p.m.
717 S. Third St., Las Vegas (702) 368-3328
*Thank you Dr. Kinner for your sponsorship and support of FEAT! www.AutismDentist.com (702) 233-3338
Bi-lingual Spanish Support Meetings: every second Thursday of the month, 7-8:30p.m.
717 S. Third St., Las Vegas (702) 403-6263
Autism Dad's Getting Together:
Sunday January 10th- 1:30
Green Bay Packers vs Arizona Cardinals
Roadrunner
9820 West Flamingo Rd
Las Vegas NV 89147
702-243-5329
* Come join us for NFL Playoffs!
Pump It Up FEAT Family Nights: every third Tuesday of the month, 6-8 p.m.
3200 W. Sunset Rd., Suite 100, Las Vegas (702) 228-8077
January Speaker - Community Service providers will be talking about safety issues and answering questions from parents. (Police officer & Firemen)
Parent Support Meetings: every first Monday of the month, 7-8:30 p.m.
717 S. Third St., Las Vegas (702) 368-3328
*Thank you Dr. Kinner for your sponsorship and support of FEAT! www.AutismDentist.com (702) 233-3338
Bi-lingual Spanish Support Meetings: every second Thursday of the month, 7-8:30p.m.
717 S. Third St., Las Vegas (702) 403-6263
Autism Dad's Getting Together:
Sunday January 10th- 1:30
Green Bay Packers vs Arizona Cardinals
Roadrunner
9820 West Flamingo Rd
Las Vegas NV 89147
702-243-5329
* Come join us for NFL Playoffs!
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Dear Think Autism Friends;
In the past decade, we've asked for government aid, insurance coverage, and meaningful research for our children with autism. We've asked for the abuse in schools to stop, for vaccines to be held to higher safety standards, and for our children to be treated for their medical issues. Most of all, we've asked for autism to be declared a national health crisis.
We've asked for these things politely, impolitely, loudly, softly, creatively, professionally, in small numbers and in large...we’ve asked and we’ve asked again. But as it stands today, we have more cases of abuse, wandering-related deaths, seizure-related deaths, bankruptcies and divorce in our community than ever before.
With the fatigue that comes from constant uphill battles, along with a gross lack of resources, we live in a permanent state of asking one question: How Much Longer? How much longer will we continue to see the numbers climb? And our children die? And research funding go to the wrong places? And our children be abused? And health agencies avoid the real issues? Really, how much longer can this crisis continue before we turn a corner? When it’s 1 in 75 kids? 1 in 50? 1 in 25? Do we really want it to get that point? Tired or not, we have to kick it up a notch.
So our plea to you is this: take two minutes out of your day on 09-09-09 to join our How Much Longer For Autism campaign – a mass mailing/faxing/calling campaign done through NAA’s easy web-based advocacy software. It costs nothing, and could finally create the awareness we need.
Will you help? Say yes only if you don’t mind a little controversy. This campaign isn’t warm and fuzzy and it’s far from polite. It’s edgy, sarcastic and harsh at times, but when you live day to day seeing an increasing number of children suffer from vulgar abuse, impossible challenges, even death, you tend to put graceful asks aside for a message that people might actually notice.
Will you help spread awareness? Take a stand for a healthier future? Raise your voice for civil rights and an end to abuse? Then please visit: http://naa.kintera.org/actioncenter and get ready to join us on 09-09-09!
For more information and to preview our 09-09-09 messages, visit http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/howmuchlonger.php.
----
You have received this email from Causes. We like keeping in touch and letting you know about all the ways you can save the world but if you're not interested, unsubscribe here: http://www.causes.com/fb/emails/unsubscribe
Address: Causes, PO Box 492, Berkeley, CA 94701 United States
We've asked for these things politely, impolitely, loudly, softly, creatively, professionally, in small numbers and in large...we’ve asked and we’ve asked again. But as it stands today, we have more cases of abuse, wandering-related deaths, seizure-related deaths, bankruptcies and divorce in our community than ever before.
With the fatigue that comes from constant uphill battles, along with a gross lack of resources, we live in a permanent state of asking one question: How Much Longer? How much longer will we continue to see the numbers climb? And our children die? And research funding go to the wrong places? And our children be abused? And health agencies avoid the real issues? Really, how much longer can this crisis continue before we turn a corner? When it’s 1 in 75 kids? 1 in 50? 1 in 25? Do we really want it to get that point? Tired or not, we have to kick it up a notch.
So our plea to you is this: take two minutes out of your day on 09-09-09 to join our How Much Longer For Autism campaign – a mass mailing/faxing/calling campaign done through NAA’s easy web-based advocacy software. It costs nothing, and could finally create the awareness we need.
Will you help? Say yes only if you don’t mind a little controversy. This campaign isn’t warm and fuzzy and it’s far from polite. It’s edgy, sarcastic and harsh at times, but when you live day to day seeing an increasing number of children suffer from vulgar abuse, impossible challenges, even death, you tend to put graceful asks aside for a message that people might actually notice.
Will you help spread awareness? Take a stand for a healthier future? Raise your voice for civil rights and an end to abuse? Then please visit: http://naa.kintera.org/actioncenter and get ready to join us on 09-09-09!
For more information and to preview our 09-09-09 messages, visit http://www.nationalautismassociation.org/howmuchlonger.php.
----
You have received this email from Causes. We like keeping in touch and letting you know about all the ways you can save the world but if you're not interested, unsubscribe here: http://www.causes.com/fb/emails/unsubscribe
Address: Causes, PO Box 492, Berkeley, CA 94701 United States
Mother Fights to get Autistic Child's Tuition-
Mother fights to get autistic child's tuition
By JAMES HAUG
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Jeanine Davis plays a game with her son, Nolan, 8, who has autism. Davis has kept Nolan out of the Clark County School District and is asking for reimbursement for his $14,500 tuition at a private school.
Photo by John Gurzinski.
In a children's card game called "Aliens vs. Villains," 8-year-old Nolan scored a rare win against his mom.
"You always beat me, Mom. So I fought back and got victory," he said triumphantly last week.
Jeanin Davis, Nolan's mother, is seeking the same satisfaction against the Clark County School District in her ongoing dispute over what constitutes an appropriate education for her son, who is a high-functioning autistic with attention deficit disorder.
This school year, Davis has kept Nolan out of the school district, asking instead that it pay his $14,500 tuition to attend a new private school, the Achievement Academy, at 95 S. Arroyo Grande Blvd. near the Las Vegas Beltway and Valle Verde Drive in Henderson.
Spurred by a June U.S. Supreme Court decision, parents of autistic children are seeking government reimbursement for private school tuition, but they accuse the school district of obstruction and delay.
The district has denied Davis' financial request. Nolan, according to a form-letter response to Davis from the district's Student Support Services division, has shown progress in both academics and behavior at his public school, Whitney Elementary. It also described the private school as a "more restrictive placement."
Davis wants to enroll her son in private school because she feels the staff at Whitney is excluding her from planning her son's education program. She also is concerned that he has fallen behind in basic skills such as reading and writing.
Barbie Lauver, founder and president of the Achievement Academy, said district officials haven't made contact with her new school for high-functioning autistic kids, which opens Tuesday and was recently licensed by the state Board of Education.
"I'm not surprised they rejected her request," Lauver said of Davis.
The Achievement Academy is opening with five to six students in two rented classrooms at DJ's Community Christian Academy in Henderson.
At least two other families want to send their children there if they can get tuition reimbursement, Lauver said.
"These parents are seeking a precedent. They could really open the floodgates for other families in Southern Nevada," Lauver said.
Autism is the fastest growing special education population in the district. Clark County public schools served 2,225 autistic students in 2008-09, an increase of 235 students from the previous year.
Despite the increase in numbers, Lauver said autism is an "invisible disorder."
Autistic children "don't have Down syndrome," she said. "They're not in wheelchairs."
But kids with the developmental disorder lack the concentration, communication and social skills to excel in regular school, said Lauver, who has a 14-year-old son with autism.
Because they don't know how to communicate, they're often punished for acting out and are unable to make friends.
"They're loners," Lauver said. "Loners get bullied."
The Achievement Academy will serve students in first through eighth grade. It focuses on both academic and social skills and has a special classroom for role-playing, where students can practice ordering in a restaurant or shopping.
Students also will have regular interaction at lunch and recess with Christian Academy students. The academy is nonprofit.
"I'm not trying to make any money," Lauver said.
The school is independent and opened without receiving government aid.
Lauver became weary of fighting with the district to make sure her son John got the appropriate education for his disabilities.
"It's a scary, helpless feeling," she said. "I feel for any parent who has to go through it. You pretty much get burnt out. I only have so much energy."
Diane Burnett, who has a granddaughter with autism, is trying to organize a school, the Wintros Academy, for more severe and profound cases of autism, students who need one-on-one instruction. Enrollment will depend on whether parents can get government reimbursement on tuition.
"I get lots of calls from parents asking for direction," Burnett said.
Referring special education students from their public school to private schools is already common practice in other states such as California and New York, which have more specialized schools.
But it's a rare practice in Nevada.
In 2007-08, the most recent data available, only 80 special education students, or less than 1 percent of all special education students in Nevada, received public funding to go to private schools, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruling appears to expand the practice and scope of the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act. It allows families to seek reimbursement for private school education even in cases of students who had not been receiving special education services at their public school.
Local school officials, however, contend that families still must prove their students are not getting an appropriate education in the public school system.
They said they have a mediation system in place to handle disputes over a student's education plan, but Davis and another parent of an autistic child, Caroline Sanchez-Rangen, criticize the system as unenforceable and unaccountable.
"We're done with the state. We're moving on to the federal," Sanchez-Rangen said, referring to possible court options.
Sanchez-Rangen wants to organize a class action lawsuit against the school district, saying special education students are entitled to local and federal funding.
In the dissent to the 6-3 Supreme Court ruling, Justice David Souter was concerned that reimbursement for private education would undermine the spirit of cooperation between local school officials and parents.
Souter, who was joined in his dissent by Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, also noted the high cost of special education, which amounts to "tens of billions annually."
Charlene Green, the school district's deputy superintendent for student support services, said the district will spend as much as $60,000 to educate one special education student.
Special education consumes about $111 million of the district's operating budget, which is supported by local and state taxes.
Green said the district will abide by any court ruling resulting from a lawsuit.
"The school district will follow the law, end of story," Green said. "Until that point in time, we have a program for these children."
Contact reporter James Haug at jhaug @reviewjournal.com or 702-374-7917.
By JAMES HAUG
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Jeanine Davis plays a game with her son, Nolan, 8, who has autism. Davis has kept Nolan out of the Clark County School District and is asking for reimbursement for his $14,500 tuition at a private school.
Photo by John Gurzinski.
In a children's card game called "Aliens vs. Villains," 8-year-old Nolan scored a rare win against his mom.
"You always beat me, Mom. So I fought back and got victory," he said triumphantly last week.
Jeanin Davis, Nolan's mother, is seeking the same satisfaction against the Clark County School District in her ongoing dispute over what constitutes an appropriate education for her son, who is a high-functioning autistic with attention deficit disorder.
This school year, Davis has kept Nolan out of the school district, asking instead that it pay his $14,500 tuition to attend a new private school, the Achievement Academy, at 95 S. Arroyo Grande Blvd. near the Las Vegas Beltway and Valle Verde Drive in Henderson.
Spurred by a June U.S. Supreme Court decision, parents of autistic children are seeking government reimbursement for private school tuition, but they accuse the school district of obstruction and delay.
The district has denied Davis' financial request. Nolan, according to a form-letter response to Davis from the district's Student Support Services division, has shown progress in both academics and behavior at his public school, Whitney Elementary. It also described the private school as a "more restrictive placement."
Davis wants to enroll her son in private school because she feels the staff at Whitney is excluding her from planning her son's education program. She also is concerned that he has fallen behind in basic skills such as reading and writing.
Barbie Lauver, founder and president of the Achievement Academy, said district officials haven't made contact with her new school for high-functioning autistic kids, which opens Tuesday and was recently licensed by the state Board of Education.
"I'm not surprised they rejected her request," Lauver said of Davis.
The Achievement Academy is opening with five to six students in two rented classrooms at DJ's Community Christian Academy in Henderson.
At least two other families want to send their children there if they can get tuition reimbursement, Lauver said.
"These parents are seeking a precedent. They could really open the floodgates for other families in Southern Nevada," Lauver said.
Autism is the fastest growing special education population in the district. Clark County public schools served 2,225 autistic students in 2008-09, an increase of 235 students from the previous year.
Despite the increase in numbers, Lauver said autism is an "invisible disorder."
Autistic children "don't have Down syndrome," she said. "They're not in wheelchairs."
But kids with the developmental disorder lack the concentration, communication and social skills to excel in regular school, said Lauver, who has a 14-year-old son with autism.
Because they don't know how to communicate, they're often punished for acting out and are unable to make friends.
"They're loners," Lauver said. "Loners get bullied."
The Achievement Academy will serve students in first through eighth grade. It focuses on both academic and social skills and has a special classroom for role-playing, where students can practice ordering in a restaurant or shopping.
Students also will have regular interaction at lunch and recess with Christian Academy students. The academy is nonprofit.
"I'm not trying to make any money," Lauver said.
The school is independent and opened without receiving government aid.
Lauver became weary of fighting with the district to make sure her son John got the appropriate education for his disabilities.
"It's a scary, helpless feeling," she said. "I feel for any parent who has to go through it. You pretty much get burnt out. I only have so much energy."
Diane Burnett, who has a granddaughter with autism, is trying to organize a school, the Wintros Academy, for more severe and profound cases of autism, students who need one-on-one instruction. Enrollment will depend on whether parents can get government reimbursement on tuition.
"I get lots of calls from parents asking for direction," Burnett said.
Referring special education students from their public school to private schools is already common practice in other states such as California and New York, which have more specialized schools.
But it's a rare practice in Nevada.
In 2007-08, the most recent data available, only 80 special education students, or less than 1 percent of all special education students in Nevada, received public funding to go to private schools, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruling appears to expand the practice and scope of the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act. It allows families to seek reimbursement for private school education even in cases of students who had not been receiving special education services at their public school.
Local school officials, however, contend that families still must prove their students are not getting an appropriate education in the public school system.
They said they have a mediation system in place to handle disputes over a student's education plan, but Davis and another parent of an autistic child, Caroline Sanchez-Rangen, criticize the system as unenforceable and unaccountable.
"We're done with the state. We're moving on to the federal," Sanchez-Rangen said, referring to possible court options.
Sanchez-Rangen wants to organize a class action lawsuit against the school district, saying special education students are entitled to local and federal funding.
In the dissent to the 6-3 Supreme Court ruling, Justice David Souter was concerned that reimbursement for private education would undermine the spirit of cooperation between local school officials and parents.
Souter, who was joined in his dissent by Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, also noted the high cost of special education, which amounts to "tens of billions annually."
Charlene Green, the school district's deputy superintendent for student support services, said the district will spend as much as $60,000 to educate one special education student.
Special education consumes about $111 million of the district's operating budget, which is supported by local and state taxes.
Green said the district will abide by any court ruling resulting from a lawsuit.
"The school district will follow the law, end of story," Green said. "Until that point in time, we have a program for these children."
Contact reporter James Haug at jhaug @reviewjournal.com or 702-374-7917.
Assistive Techonolgy Continuum
See attached information on the Assistive Technology Continuum.
February 5th, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Joe Crowley Student Union, UNR.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED. $35 fee includes lunch, parking and training materials
Information contact: Brandi Berryman 775-682-9052
February 5th, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Joe Crowley Student Union, UNR.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED. $35 fee includes lunch, parking and training materials
Information contact: Brandi Berryman 775-682-9052
Annual Letter from our Chief Science Officer
Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Geri Dawson, Ph.D., recaps major scientific advances in 2009 and the past decade, while looking forward to the future of autism research. She shares that we've learned in the past decade that there won't be one cause for the increase, but rather multiple causes that contribute to different forms of ASD.
U.S. Senate Passes Overall Health Care Reform Bill
Autism Speaks applauds the members of the U.S. Senate for passing an overall health care reform bill that contains a provision for autism insurance reform. The bill also includes elements of the Cures Acceleration Network Act, which seeks to bridge the gap that exists between research discoveries and practical medical applications.
Consensus Report Issued Concerning Gastrointestinal Disorders in Autism
A consensus statement with recommendations for the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in children with autism spectrum disorders was released this week in the Pediatrics online journal. The report advances clinician awareness of the unique challenges that arise in medical management of children with autism.
Autism Speaks UK Announces a Change in Name
Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks UK are pleased to announce that the latter will now be known as Autistica. The two organizations will continue to collaborate in areas of shared interest, which include a number of international research projects in the fields of autism genetics, the study of baby siblings of children with autism and brain studies.
In Their Own Words: Holding Patterns
This week's essay, written by the mother of an eight-year-old boy who has autism, recounts a recent challenging experience at the airport. She acknowledges that while there are some places she prevents bringing him, families cannot spend their lives in a "holding pattern" due to autism.
Coming Soon
January 8
2010 Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend presented by CIGNA (Orlando, Fla.)
January 13
Cleveland and Northeast Ohio Walk Now for Autism Speaks Awards Ceremony (Cleveland, Ohio)
Long Island Walk Now for Autism Speaks Awards Ceremony (Huntington, N.Y.)
January 15
New Jersey Shore Walk Now for Autism Speaks Awards Ceremony (Long Branch, N.J.)
Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Geri Dawson, Ph.D., recaps major scientific advances in 2009 and the past decade, while looking forward to the future of autism research. She shares that we've learned in the past decade that there won't be one cause for the increase, but rather multiple causes that contribute to different forms of ASD.
U.S. Senate Passes Overall Health Care Reform Bill
Autism Speaks applauds the members of the U.S. Senate for passing an overall health care reform bill that contains a provision for autism insurance reform. The bill also includes elements of the Cures Acceleration Network Act, which seeks to bridge the gap that exists between research discoveries and practical medical applications.
Consensus Report Issued Concerning Gastrointestinal Disorders in Autism
A consensus statement with recommendations for the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in children with autism spectrum disorders was released this week in the Pediatrics online journal. The report advances clinician awareness of the unique challenges that arise in medical management of children with autism.
Autism Speaks UK Announces a Change in Name
Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks UK are pleased to announce that the latter will now be known as Autistica. The two organizations will continue to collaborate in areas of shared interest, which include a number of international research projects in the fields of autism genetics, the study of baby siblings of children with autism and brain studies.
In Their Own Words: Holding Patterns
This week's essay, written by the mother of an eight-year-old boy who has autism, recounts a recent challenging experience at the airport. She acknowledges that while there are some places she prevents bringing him, families cannot spend their lives in a "holding pattern" due to autism.
Coming Soon
January 8
2010 Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend presented by CIGNA (Orlando, Fla.)
January 13
Cleveland and Northeast Ohio Walk Now for Autism Speaks Awards Ceremony (Cleveland, Ohio)
Long Island Walk Now for Autism Speaks Awards Ceremony (Huntington, N.Y.)
January 15
New Jersey Shore Walk Now for Autism Speaks Awards Ceremony (Long Branch, N.J.)
Joint Insurance & Financial Services Committee
Dear Maine Autism Advocate,
Last year, with your advocacy, the Joint Insurance and Financial Services Committee sent LD 1198 (the autism insurance reform bill) for study by the Maine Bureau of Insurance. LD 1198 would require private group health insurance to cover autism diagnosis and treatment. The report has been finalized, so now the Insurance and Financial Services Committee will conduct a work group this Tuesday, January 12th in room 427 of the State House to determine the future of LD 1198.
Here is How YOU Can Help:
1. TAKE ACTION TODAY! CONTACT the Members of the Joint Insurance and Financial Services Committee and ask them to vote “yes” on LD 1198.
> CLICK to send an email to the Committee members!
> CALL the following Committee members:
Sen Peter Bowman (D-York) - (207) 287-1515
Sen Justin Alfond (D-Cumberland) - (207) 232-4187
Sen Earle McCormick (R-Kennebec) - (207) 287-1505
Rep Sharon Anglin Treat (D-Hallowell) - (207) 287-1400
Rep Charles Priest (D-Brunswick) - (207) 725-5439
Rep Paulette Beaudoin (D-Biddeford) - (207) 284-6324
Rep Henry Beck (D-Waterville) - (207) 837-4343
Rep Adam Goode (D-Bangor) - (207) 991-7000
Rep Edward Legg (D-Kennebunk) - (207) 967-8543
Rep Terry Morrison (D-South Portland) - (207) 831-0828
Rep Wesley Richardson (R-Warren) - (207) 273-3572
Rep Windol Weaver (R-York) - (207) 363-4641
Rep Les Fossel (R-Alna) - (207) 586-5690
Talking points: It is critical that the members the committee receive the following message over the next few days.
Autism is a treatable, medical condition.
The Maine Bureau of Insurance estimates a scant 0.50% premium increase.
Most important, LD 1198 is a tremendous cost saving tool in these difficult economic times, with potential immediate cost savings to the state of $1 million to the MaineCare system.
2. Forward this e-mail to everyone you know in Maine! Friends, neighbors and family are always looking for ways to provide support to those facing the challenges of autism. This is a simple way and extremely effective way to help. The more Maine constituents the committee hears from, the stronger our message becomes.
3. Stay up to date by registering to receive email advocacy alerts at www.autismvotes.org/maine.
Next Tuesday will be a critical day in the effort to bring autism insurance reform to Maine. Please do all you can over the next few days to help send a strong clear message to your legislators. Here’s to a better quality of life for all those dealing with the challenges of autism in Maine!
Warm regards,
Judith Ursitti
Regional Director of State Advocacy Relations
Autism Speaks
Take Action Today
> DONATE NOW to Autism Votes
> Was this email forwarded to you from a friend? Sign up to receive urgent email alerts from Autism Votes
> Visit our website at www.AutismVotes.org
Autism Votes is an initiative of Autism Speaks
Last year, with your advocacy, the Joint Insurance and Financial Services Committee sent LD 1198 (the autism insurance reform bill) for study by the Maine Bureau of Insurance. LD 1198 would require private group health insurance to cover autism diagnosis and treatment. The report has been finalized, so now the Insurance and Financial Services Committee will conduct a work group this Tuesday, January 12th in room 427 of the State House to determine the future of LD 1198.
Here is How YOU Can Help:
1. TAKE ACTION TODAY! CONTACT the Members of the Joint Insurance and Financial Services Committee and ask them to vote “yes” on LD 1198.
> CLICK to send an email to the Committee members!
> CALL the following Committee members:
Sen Peter Bowman (D-York) - (207) 287-1515
Sen Justin Alfond (D-Cumberland) - (207) 232-4187
Sen Earle McCormick (R-Kennebec) - (207) 287-1505
Rep Sharon Anglin Treat (D-Hallowell) - (207) 287-1400
Rep Charles Priest (D-Brunswick) - (207) 725-5439
Rep Paulette Beaudoin (D-Biddeford) - (207) 284-6324
Rep Henry Beck (D-Waterville) - (207) 837-4343
Rep Adam Goode (D-Bangor) - (207) 991-7000
Rep Edward Legg (D-Kennebunk) - (207) 967-8543
Rep Terry Morrison (D-South Portland) - (207) 831-0828
Rep Wesley Richardson (R-Warren) - (207) 273-3572
Rep Windol Weaver (R-York) - (207) 363-4641
Rep Les Fossel (R-Alna) - (207) 586-5690
Talking points: It is critical that the members the committee receive the following message over the next few days.
Autism is a treatable, medical condition.
The Maine Bureau of Insurance estimates a scant 0.50% premium increase.
Most important, LD 1198 is a tremendous cost saving tool in these difficult economic times, with potential immediate cost savings to the state of $1 million to the MaineCare system.
2. Forward this e-mail to everyone you know in Maine! Friends, neighbors and family are always looking for ways to provide support to those facing the challenges of autism. This is a simple way and extremely effective way to help. The more Maine constituents the committee hears from, the stronger our message becomes.
3. Stay up to date by registering to receive email advocacy alerts at www.autismvotes.org/maine.
Next Tuesday will be a critical day in the effort to bring autism insurance reform to Maine. Please do all you can over the next few days to help send a strong clear message to your legislators. Here’s to a better quality of life for all those dealing with the challenges of autism in Maine!
Warm regards,
Judith Ursitti
Regional Director of State Advocacy Relations
Autism Speaks
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Parent -Assisted Social Skills Group For Teens
Touro University Nevada Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities is now pleased to offer an evidence-based, parent-assisted social skills group for teens in 7th – 12th grades who are interested in learning ways to make and keep friends. Teens need not have a diagnosis to participate, but do need to be verbal. New groups are forming now for January 2010.
For further information, please contact the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities at 702.777.4808.
Regards,
Nicole Ann Cavenagh, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Clinical Director
Center for Autism & Developmental Disabilities
Assistant Professor
Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine
Office: 702.777.4806
Fax: 702.777.4818
Confidentiality Note:
The contents of this email are for the intended recipient(s) alone. It may contain legally privileged and confidential information that is protected by law. Access by the intended recipient only is authorized. In accordance with HIPAA regulations, if you are NOT the intended recipient, you must not copy, distribute or take any action in reliance on it.
For further information, please contact the Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities at 702.777.4808.
Regards,
Nicole Ann Cavenagh, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Clinical Director
Center for Autism & Developmental Disabilities
Assistant Professor
Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine
Office: 702.777.4806
Fax: 702.777.4818
Confidentiality Note:
The contents of this email are for the intended recipient(s) alone. It may contain legally privileged and confidential information that is protected by law. Access by the intended recipient only is authorized. In accordance with HIPAA regulations, if you are NOT the intended recipient, you must not copy, distribute or take any action in reliance on it.
New Adaptive Recreation Brochure Online
Hello-
The new Adaptive Recreation January-June 2010 brochure now may be accessed online at http://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/files/Adaptive_Rec_Brochure_Jan-June_2010.pdf.
Thanks!
Rebecca L. Allen, CTRS
City Of Las Vegas
Department of Leisure Services
Adaptive Recreation Division
office: (702)229-1710
fax: (702)648-3658
www.GetHealthyLasVegas.org
__._,_.___
The new Adaptive Recreation January-June 2010 brochure now may be accessed online at http://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/files/Adaptive_Rec_Brochure_Jan-June_2010.pdf.
Thanks!
Rebecca L. Allen, CTRS
City Of Las Vegas
Department of Leisure Services
Adaptive Recreation Division
office: (702)229-1710
fax: (702)648-3658
www.GetHealthyLasVegas.org
__._,_.___
Simple Ways to Support Autism Speaks
Annual Letter from our Chief Science Officer
Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Geri Dawson, Ph.D., recaps major scientific advances in 2009 and the past decade, while looking forward to the future of autism research. She shares that we've learned in the past decade that there won't be one cause for the increase, but rather multiple causes that contribute to different forms of ASD.
U.S. Senate Passes Overall Health Care Reform Bill
Autism Speaks applauds the members of the U.S. Senate for passing an overall health care reform bill that contains a provision for autism insurance reform. The bill also includes elements of the Cures Acceleration Network Act, which seeks to bridge the gap that exists between research discoveries and practical medical applications.
Consensus Report Issued Concerning Gastrointestinal Disorders in Autism
A consensus statement with recommendations for the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in children with autism spectrum disorders was released this week in the Pediatrics online journal. The report advances clinician awareness of the unique challenges that arise in medical management of children with autism.
Autism Speaks UK Announces a Change in Name
Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks UK are pleased to announce that the latter will now be known as Autistica. The two organizations will continue to collaborate in areas of shared interest, which include a number of international research projects in the fields of autism genetics, the study of baby siblings of children with autism and brain studies.
In Their Own Words: Holding Patterns
This week's essay, written by the mother of an eight-year-old boy who has autism, recounts a recent challenging experience at the airport. She acknowledges that while there are some places she prevents bringing him, families cannot spend their lives in a "holding pattern" due to autism.
Coming Soon
January 8
2010 Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend presented by CIGNA (Orlando, Fla.)
January 13
Cleveland and Northeast Ohio Walk Now for Autism Speaks Awards Ceremony (Cleveland, Ohio)
Long Island Walk Now for Autism Speaks Awards Ceremony (Huntington, N.Y.)
January 15
New Jersey Shore Walk Now for Autism Speaks Awards Ceremony (Long Branch, N.J.)
Donate Now | Contact Us
Forward this Email | Follow us on Twitter | Join us on Facebook | Join our Online Community
This e-mail is only available in HTML format. If you cannot read HTML messages, just click the following link to view this e-mail in your browser: http://www.autismspeaks.org/html_email/e_speaks_2010_0108.php.
© 2010 Autism Speaks, Inc.
Please add contactus@autismspeaks.org to your address book or safe sender list to ensure e-Speaks is delivered to your inbox.
Autism Speaks Chief Science Officer Geri Dawson, Ph.D., recaps major scientific advances in 2009 and the past decade, while looking forward to the future of autism research. She shares that we've learned in the past decade that there won't be one cause for the increase, but rather multiple causes that contribute to different forms of ASD.
U.S. Senate Passes Overall Health Care Reform Bill
Autism Speaks applauds the members of the U.S. Senate for passing an overall health care reform bill that contains a provision for autism insurance reform. The bill also includes elements of the Cures Acceleration Network Act, which seeks to bridge the gap that exists between research discoveries and practical medical applications.
Consensus Report Issued Concerning Gastrointestinal Disorders in Autism
A consensus statement with recommendations for the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in children with autism spectrum disorders was released this week in the Pediatrics online journal. The report advances clinician awareness of the unique challenges that arise in medical management of children with autism.
Autism Speaks UK Announces a Change in Name
Autism Speaks and Autism Speaks UK are pleased to announce that the latter will now be known as Autistica. The two organizations will continue to collaborate in areas of shared interest, which include a number of international research projects in the fields of autism genetics, the study of baby siblings of children with autism and brain studies.
In Their Own Words: Holding Patterns
This week's essay, written by the mother of an eight-year-old boy who has autism, recounts a recent challenging experience at the airport. She acknowledges that while there are some places she prevents bringing him, families cannot spend their lives in a "holding pattern" due to autism.
Coming Soon
January 8
2010 Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend presented by CIGNA (Orlando, Fla.)
January 13
Cleveland and Northeast Ohio Walk Now for Autism Speaks Awards Ceremony (Cleveland, Ohio)
Long Island Walk Now for Autism Speaks Awards Ceremony (Huntington, N.Y.)
January 15
New Jersey Shore Walk Now for Autism Speaks Awards Ceremony (Long Branch, N.J.)
Donate Now | Contact Us
Forward this Email | Follow us on Twitter | Join us on Facebook | Join our Online Community
This e-mail is only available in HTML format. If you cannot read HTML messages, just click the following link to view this e-mail in your browser: http://www.autismspeaks.org/html_email/e_speaks_2010_0108.php.
© 2010 Autism Speaks, Inc.
Please add contactus@autismspeaks.org to your address book or safe sender list to ensure e-Speaks is delivered to your inbox.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Think Autism
Dear Think Autism friends,
Can you spare 10 seconds today? One click of your mouse can help raise $10,000 for the National Autism Association.
http://www.ilovechristiecookies.com/contest/form.asp
Please click the above link and select the National Autism Association, Nixa, MO to help us win $10K from Christie Cookie Company. Ask your friends to click too! Together, anything's possible!
Warm wishes,
Wendy Fournier, President
National Autism Association
www.nationalautism.org
Can you spare 10 seconds today? One click of your mouse can help raise $10,000 for the National Autism Association.
http://www.ilovechristiecookies.com/contest/form.asp
Please click the above link and select the National Autism Association, Nixa, MO to help us win $10K from Christie Cookie Company. Ask your friends to click too! Together, anything's possible!
Warm wishes,
Wendy Fournier, President
National Autism Association
www.nationalautism.org
Free Tele-Seminar; Parenting Kids with ADHD
Why parent training and relationship tools are critical in the multi-modal managements that foster success. For your convenience, we will be running it twice on Tuesday.
Tuesday, January 5th at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. est!
Sponsored by the International Network for Children and Families
www.incaf.com
Delene Cole
M.S., C.F.L.E
Delene Cole is a Certified Family Life Educator and a Registered Marriage & Family Therapist. She has a private practice in St. Petersburg, FL where she specializes in parenting practices and in the relationship challenges that happen in families when a person has ADD / ADHD. She also has over 15 years experience working with children and adolescents, and with finding new ways for families to relate and thrive after divorce and remarriage.
Office 727-612-1650
www.adhdfamilytherapy.com
Listeners will learn:
What is multi modal approach and why is it successful long term
There is not just one solution in the cascade of systems that parents and children have to deal with. Learn to identify the most effective places to instigate changes
Anxiety often masquerades as defiance in both parents and in children . How to utilize empathy for parents and children, and teach them self empathy to remain calm and cooperative.
Conference Dial-in Number: (605) 475-4810
Participant Access Code: 871063#
New Down-loadable Products!!!
New Ebook!
Turn Misbehavior Into Cooperation
Price: $7.95
Click Here
To preview and download all of out down-loadable products.
In this e-book we will take an in depth look at the four mistaken goals of behavior. Each section includes a description of each of the goals and following each section is a section called "Discovery Questions." This section will help you to refresh, refine and reinforce the concepts you learned in this e-book.
Thank you for being a valuable member of the INCAF team. Please feel free to call or email us if there is anything we can do to serve you better.
Sincerely,
Kathryn Kvols
INCAF
Forward email
This email was sent to amescua00@cox.net by kkvols@mac.com.
Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by
INCAF | P.O. Box 357582 | Gainesville | FL | 32635
Tuesday, January 5th at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. est!
Sponsored by the International Network for Children and Families
www.incaf.com
Delene Cole
M.S., C.F.L.E
Delene Cole is a Certified Family Life Educator and a Registered Marriage & Family Therapist. She has a private practice in St. Petersburg, FL where she specializes in parenting practices and in the relationship challenges that happen in families when a person has ADD / ADHD. She also has over 15 years experience working with children and adolescents, and with finding new ways for families to relate and thrive after divorce and remarriage.
Office 727-612-1650
www.adhdfamilytherapy.com
Listeners will learn:
What is multi modal approach and why is it successful long term
There is not just one solution in the cascade of systems that parents and children have to deal with. Learn to identify the most effective places to instigate changes
Anxiety often masquerades as defiance in both parents and in children . How to utilize empathy for parents and children, and teach them self empathy to remain calm and cooperative.
Conference Dial-in Number: (605) 475-4810
Participant Access Code: 871063#
New Down-loadable Products!!!
New Ebook!
Turn Misbehavior Into Cooperation
Price: $7.95
Click Here
To preview and download all of out down-loadable products.
In this e-book we will take an in depth look at the four mistaken goals of behavior. Each section includes a description of each of the goals and following each section is a section called "Discovery Questions." This section will help you to refresh, refine and reinforce the concepts you learned in this e-book.
Thank you for being a valuable member of the INCAF team. Please feel free to call or email us if there is anything we can do to serve you better.
Sincerely,
Kathryn Kvols
INCAF
Forward email
This email was sent to amescua00@cox.net by kkvols@mac.com.
Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by
INCAF | P.O. Box 357582 | Gainesville | FL | 32635
Hi Heather and Jennifer!
I was speaking with a friend about her daughter's IEP today, and I started googling to find something that might help her.
Well, I ran across this site, and it looks pretty cool! There's an awful lot of stuff in here, and I just barely started looking around, but I thought it might interest you.
Have a fantastic week!
http://www.bridges4kids.org/IEP/iep.goal.bank.pdf
I was speaking with a friend about her daughter's IEP today, and I started googling to find something that might help her.
Well, I ran across this site, and it looks pretty cool! There's an awful lot of stuff in here, and I just barely started looking around, but I thought it might interest you.
Have a fantastic week!
http://www.bridges4kids.org/IEP/iep.goal.bank.pdf
Finding IEP Goals
Hi Heather and Jennifer!
I was speaking with a friend about her daughter's IEP today, and I started googling to find something that might help her.
Well, I ran across this site, and it looks pretty cool! There's an awful lot of stuff in here, and I just barely started looking around, but I thought it might interest you.
Have a fantastic week!
http://www.bridges4kids.org/IEP/iep.goal.bank.pdf
I was speaking with a friend about her daughter's IEP today, and I started googling to find something that might help her.
Well, I ran across this site, and it looks pretty cool! There's an awful lot of stuff in here, and I just barely started looking around, but I thought it might interest you.
Have a fantastic week!
http://www.bridges4kids.org/IEP/iep.goal.bank.pdf
Sep. 06, 2009
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
Mother fights to get autistic child's tuition
By JAMES HAUG
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Jeanine Davis plays a game with her son, Nolan, 8, who has autism. Davis has kept Nolan out of the Clark County School District and is asking for reimbursement for his $14,500 tuition at a private school.
Photo by John Gurzinski.
In a children's card game called "Aliens vs. Villains," 8-year-old Nolan scored a rare win against his mom.
"You always beat me, Mom. So I fought back and got victory," he said triumphantly last week.
Jeanine Davis, Nolan's mother, is seeking the same satisfaction against the Clark County School District in her ongoing dispute over what constitutes an appropriate education for her son, who is a high-functioning autistic with attention deficit disorder.
This school year, Davis has kept Nolan out of the school district, asking instead that it pay his $14,500 tuition to attend a new private school, the Achievement Academy, at 95 S. Arroyo Grande Blvd. near the Las Vegas Beltway and Valle Verde Drive in Henderson.
Spurred by a June U.S. Supreme Court decision, parents of autistic children are seeking government reimbursement for private school tuition, but they accuse the school district of obstruction and delay.
The district has denied Davis' financial request. Nolan, according to a form-letter response to Davis from the district's Student Support Services division, has shown progress in both academics and behavior at his public school, Whitney Elementary. It also described the private school as a "more restrictive placement."
Davis wants to enroll her son in private school because she feels the staff at Whitney is excluding her from planning her son's education program. She also is concerned that he has fallen behind in basic skills such as reading and writing.
Barbie Lauver, founder and president of the Achievement Academy, said district officials haven't made contact with her new school for high-functioning autistic kids, which opens Tuesday and was recently licensed by the state Board of Education.
"I'm not surprised they rejected her request," Lauver said of Davis.
The Achievement Academy is opening with five to six students in two rented classrooms at DJ's Community Christian Academy in Henderson.
At least two other families want to send their children there if they can get tuition reimbursement, Lauver said.
"These parents are seeking a precedent. They could really open the floodgates for other families in Southern Nevada," Lauver said.
Autism is the fastest growing special education population in the district. Clark County public schools served 2,225 autistic students in 2008-09, an increase of 235 students from the previous year.
Despite the increase in numbers, Lauver said autism is an "invisible disorder."
Autistic children "don't have Down syndrome," she said. "They're not in wheelchairs."
But kids with the developmental disorder lack the concentration, communication and social skills to excel in regular school, said Lauver, who has a 14-year-old son with autism.
Because they don't know how to communicate, they're often punished for acting out and are unable to make friends.
"They're loners," Lauver said. "Loners get bullied."
The Achievement Academy will serve students in first through eighth grade. It focuses on both academic and social skills and has a special classroom for role-playing, where students can practice ordering in a restaurant or shopping.
Students also will have regular interaction at lunch and recess with Christian Academy students. The academy is nonprofit.
"I'm not trying to make any money," Lauver said.
The school is independent and opened without receiving government aid.
Lauver became weary of fighting with the district to make sure her son John got the appropriate education for his disabilities.
"It's a scary, helpless feeling," she said. "I feel for any parent who has to go through it. You pretty much get burnt out. I only have so much energy."
Diane Burnett, who has a granddaughter with autism, is trying to organize a school, the Wintros Academy, for more severe and profound cases of autism, students who need one-on-one instruction. Enrollment will depend on whether parents can get government reimbursement on tuition.
"I get lots of calls from parents asking for direction," Burnett said.
Referring special education students from their public school to private schools is already common practice in other states such as California and New York, which have more specialized schools.
But it's a rare practice in Nevada.
In 2007-08, the most recent data available, only 80 special education students, or less than 1 percent of all special education students in Nevada, received public funding to go to private schools, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruling appears to expand the practice and scope of the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act. It allows families to seek reimbursement for private school education even in cases of students who had not been receiving special education services at their public school.
Local school officials, however, contend that families still must prove their students are not getting an appropriate education in the public school system.
They said they have a mediation system in place to handle disputes over a student's education plan, but Davis and another parent of an autistic child, Caroline Sanchez-Rangen, criticize the system as unenforceable and unaccountable.
"We're done with the state. We're moving on to the federal," Sanchez-Rangen said, referring to possible court options.
Sanchez-Rangen wants to organize a class action lawsuit against the school district, saying special education students are entitled to local and federal funding.
In the dissent to the 6-3 Supreme Court ruling, Justice David Souter was concerned that reimbursement for private education would undermine the spirit of cooperation between local school officials and parents.
Souter, who was joined in his dissent by Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, also noted the high cost of special education, which amounts to "tens of billions annually."
Charlene Green, the school district's deputy superintendent for student support services, said the district will spend as much as $60,000 to educate one special education student.
Special education consumes about $111 million of the district's operating budget, which is supported by local and state taxes.
Green said the district will abide by any court ruling resulting from a lawsuit.
"The school district will follow the law, end of story," Green said. "Until that point in time, we have a program for these children."
Contact reporter James Haug at jhaug @reviewjournal.com or 702-374-7917.
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
Mother fights to get autistic child's tuition
By JAMES HAUG
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Jeanine Davis plays a game with her son, Nolan, 8, who has autism. Davis has kept Nolan out of the Clark County School District and is asking for reimbursement for his $14,500 tuition at a private school.
Photo by John Gurzinski.
In a children's card game called "Aliens vs. Villains," 8-year-old Nolan scored a rare win against his mom.
"You always beat me, Mom. So I fought back and got victory," he said triumphantly last week.
Jeanine Davis, Nolan's mother, is seeking the same satisfaction against the Clark County School District in her ongoing dispute over what constitutes an appropriate education for her son, who is a high-functioning autistic with attention deficit disorder.
This school year, Davis has kept Nolan out of the school district, asking instead that it pay his $14,500 tuition to attend a new private school, the Achievement Academy, at 95 S. Arroyo Grande Blvd. near the Las Vegas Beltway and Valle Verde Drive in Henderson.
Spurred by a June U.S. Supreme Court decision, parents of autistic children are seeking government reimbursement for private school tuition, but they accuse the school district of obstruction and delay.
The district has denied Davis' financial request. Nolan, according to a form-letter response to Davis from the district's Student Support Services division, has shown progress in both academics and behavior at his public school, Whitney Elementary. It also described the private school as a "more restrictive placement."
Davis wants to enroll her son in private school because she feels the staff at Whitney is excluding her from planning her son's education program. She also is concerned that he has fallen behind in basic skills such as reading and writing.
Barbie Lauver, founder and president of the Achievement Academy, said district officials haven't made contact with her new school for high-functioning autistic kids, which opens Tuesday and was recently licensed by the state Board of Education.
"I'm not surprised they rejected her request," Lauver said of Davis.
The Achievement Academy is opening with five to six students in two rented classrooms at DJ's Community Christian Academy in Henderson.
At least two other families want to send their children there if they can get tuition reimbursement, Lauver said.
"These parents are seeking a precedent. They could really open the floodgates for other families in Southern Nevada," Lauver said.
Autism is the fastest growing special education population in the district. Clark County public schools served 2,225 autistic students in 2008-09, an increase of 235 students from the previous year.
Despite the increase in numbers, Lauver said autism is an "invisible disorder."
Autistic children "don't have Down syndrome," she said. "They're not in wheelchairs."
But kids with the developmental disorder lack the concentration, communication and social skills to excel in regular school, said Lauver, who has a 14-year-old son with autism.
Because they don't know how to communicate, they're often punished for acting out and are unable to make friends.
"They're loners," Lauver said. "Loners get bullied."
The Achievement Academy will serve students in first through eighth grade. It focuses on both academic and social skills and has a special classroom for role-playing, where students can practice ordering in a restaurant or shopping.
Students also will have regular interaction at lunch and recess with Christian Academy students. The academy is nonprofit.
"I'm not trying to make any money," Lauver said.
The school is independent and opened without receiving government aid.
Lauver became weary of fighting with the district to make sure her son John got the appropriate education for his disabilities.
"It's a scary, helpless feeling," she said. "I feel for any parent who has to go through it. You pretty much get burnt out. I only have so much energy."
Diane Burnett, who has a granddaughter with autism, is trying to organize a school, the Wintros Academy, for more severe and profound cases of autism, students who need one-on-one instruction. Enrollment will depend on whether parents can get government reimbursement on tuition.
"I get lots of calls from parents asking for direction," Burnett said.
Referring special education students from their public school to private schools is already common practice in other states such as California and New York, which have more specialized schools.
But it's a rare practice in Nevada.
In 2007-08, the most recent data available, only 80 special education students, or less than 1 percent of all special education students in Nevada, received public funding to go to private schools, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruling appears to expand the practice and scope of the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act. It allows families to seek reimbursement for private school education even in cases of students who had not been receiving special education services at their public school.
Local school officials, however, contend that families still must prove their students are not getting an appropriate education in the public school system.
They said they have a mediation system in place to handle disputes over a student's education plan, but Davis and another parent of an autistic child, Caroline Sanchez-Rangen, criticize the system as unenforceable and unaccountable.
"We're done with the state. We're moving on to the federal," Sanchez-Rangen said, referring to possible court options.
Sanchez-Rangen wants to organize a class action lawsuit against the school district, saying special education students are entitled to local and federal funding.
In the dissent to the 6-3 Supreme Court ruling, Justice David Souter was concerned that reimbursement for private education would undermine the spirit of cooperation between local school officials and parents.
Souter, who was joined in his dissent by Justices Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, also noted the high cost of special education, which amounts to "tens of billions annually."
Charlene Green, the school district's deputy superintendent for student support services, said the district will spend as much as $60,000 to educate one special education student.
Special education consumes about $111 million of the district's operating budget, which is supported by local and state taxes.
Green said the district will abide by any court ruling resulting from a lawsuit.
"The school district will follow the law, end of story," Green said. "Until that point in time, we have a program for these children."
Contact reporter James Haug at jhaug @reviewjournal.com or 702-374-7917.
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