Note: With the Baseball season on the horizon, let's talk about each major league team, starting with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Memories, reflections, opinions abound..
PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Millennials may not know that the Pirates used to reside in National League East with our Phillies. In fact, they were the Phils' main rival. They battled for supremacy in the NL East in the 1970s. Those were great games- Schmidt, Carlton and Rose vs, Stargell, Parker and the rest of the Buccos of that era
Barry Bonds started out with Pittsburgh. He was a great left fielder, hit for average and power and could run like the wind. All pre- drug days.His didn't need to be on the juice. He won the league MVP award before the drugs.He carried Pittsburgh during that era, and the Pirates never really recovered after he left for free agency.
The Pirates have a soft spot in my heart. When I was sick as a kid, the Pirate organization sent me an autographed 1066 yearbook, including signatures of legends such as Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, Bill Mazeroski, Vernon Law and the manager at that time, Harry "The Hat" walker. Looking back, it's a wonder the Bucs didn't win more during the 60s with that great team, but they were contending against the Dodgers with Koufax and Drysdale; the Giants with Mays and McCovey and Marichal; and the always dangerous Cardinals with Brock and Gibson.
Forbes Field always fascinated me, with its huge scoreboard and ivy growing on the wall, ala Wrigley Field. The Bucs always seemed to have great closers in the bullpen- Elroy Face and his forkball; Kent Tekulve and his sinkerball.
Three Rivers Stadium was a cookie-cutter stadium, like Philly's Veterans Stadium, which were chic in the 70s. Their park now, PNC Park, is one of the best baseball stadiums in the league. The park stands near downtown Pittsburgh, overlooking the three rivers triangle, with the skyline and golden Roberto Clemente Bridge looming over the right field wall.
The Pirates went many years-16- without making a playoff appearance after the Barry Bonds days in the early 90s. They have it tough in NL Central with the powerhouse Cubs and always in contention St. Louis. But the Pirates at least have more young prospects in the pipeline now than before. They are spending the money it takes in their farm system and scouting.
Pittsburgh has good, solid players on their current roster, including former MVP Andrew McCuthen. They should be in contention this season for a wild card spot. If they do make the playoffs, they need to get over the hump of getting knocked out in the wild card game two straight years, both at home.
Little known fact: singer Bing Crosby once was part-owner of the Pirates...Pirate Parrot isn't the best mascot in baseball (the Phillie Phanatic has that honor), but the Parrot isn't the worst.
I remember..Al Oliver..what a great pure hitter..Bill Madlock..another terrific hitter..Dave "Cobra" Parker, who, along with power, had maybe the best arm in right field at the time..John "Candy Man" Candeleria, the side-armer who gave left-handed batters fits.
Pittsburgh pitcher Vernon Law is one of the few Pirates still living form their great 1962 World Series team. Mr. law was nice enough to return my letter when I wrote to him last year. He was a solid, if not spectacular pitcher in the 60s. Pittsburgh always seemed to have good pitchers, not great ones. Pittsburgh always seemed to have hitters, however, always a Pirate contending with the batting title each year.
Finlly, who can forget the immortal Roberto Clemente. In an era of Mays, mantle, Aaron and other superstars of the 60s, Clemente stood out because he could do it all- run,hit, hit with power, play defense and throw He had a cannon arm. His trademark in right field was his basket catch of fly balls. he hit his share of home runs, but was known more for his slashing style at the plate, always a threat for a double or triple with his above-average speed.
Even though Clemente is a true superstar and a hero and icon, especially in his home county of the Dominican Republic, where he is revered as a saint, not only for baseball but for his humanitarian efforts, Clemente to me is still underrated and overshadowed by the other fantastic players of his era.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017
OLD-SCHOOL WHEELING- SPRING & NEW BRGINNINGS
I wrote this article as part of my Wheeling Around Phoenixville column on April 28, 2006
Spring is the time of year for fresh starts ans new beginnings. Consider the story of Diane Lessig and Richard Brooks. They have been together for 18 years. Both are disabled. Both have been living in a tent in a South Jersey woodland for the past 4 years.
Through a series of mishaps and misfortune, they both lost their jobs and apartment. With nowhere else to turn, and falling through the cracks of the government system to receive social service agency support, they had no other choice but to make the nearby forest their home.
Imagine living with no heat, no electricity and no running water. Imagine braving the snowstorms and bitter cold of winter and the thunderstorms and extreme heat of summer, all with only a tent for shelter. Imagine the danger of wild animals looming. Imagine the frustration of not knowing what to do and no one caring.
Their plight was publicized in local newspapers when the police evicted them from their tent for "illegally squatting,: They were evicted from the woods, a place they never wanted to call home in the first place.
In stepped Don Harris, a local businessman. He helped the couple sift through the mountains of governmental red tape to receive the support and services they were entitled to. He helped both secure disability payments which were long overdue. And he helped to get the one-bedroom subsidized apartment where they now reside.
Homeless no more, they now have the "luxury" of running water, heat and electricity. Their dwelling may not seem much to most people, but to Diane and Richard, it is like living in an Atlantic City posh condo.
You appreciate those so-called "luxuries" of life when you don't have them anymore.
Don Harris doesn't consider himself a hero or a good Samaritan. Hr just wanted to help someone in need because he cares.
Spring is also the season to feel young again, a season of refreshing renewal. Consider the story of George Blevins from Connerville, Indiana. George is 100 years old. He has been an avid bowler since the age of 7, back in 1013.
George still bowls 3 times a week and maintains a 151 average. He has won the past 2 titles of the National Senior Citizen Olympics.
And even though he recently went from a 16-pound bowling ball to a 12-pounder, he has no intention of giving up the game he loves.
"Why should I?" he says. "It keeps me young."
Just like Spring itself.
Spring is the time of year for fresh starts ans new beginnings. Consider the story of Diane Lessig and Richard Brooks. They have been together for 18 years. Both are disabled. Both have been living in a tent in a South Jersey woodland for the past 4 years.
Through a series of mishaps and misfortune, they both lost their jobs and apartment. With nowhere else to turn, and falling through the cracks of the government system to receive social service agency support, they had no other choice but to make the nearby forest their home.
Imagine living with no heat, no electricity and no running water. Imagine braving the snowstorms and bitter cold of winter and the thunderstorms and extreme heat of summer, all with only a tent for shelter. Imagine the danger of wild animals looming. Imagine the frustration of not knowing what to do and no one caring.
Their plight was publicized in local newspapers when the police evicted them from their tent for "illegally squatting,: They were evicted from the woods, a place they never wanted to call home in the first place.
In stepped Don Harris, a local businessman. He helped the couple sift through the mountains of governmental red tape to receive the support and services they were entitled to. He helped both secure disability payments which were long overdue. And he helped to get the one-bedroom subsidized apartment where they now reside.
Homeless no more, they now have the "luxury" of running water, heat and electricity. Their dwelling may not seem much to most people, but to Diane and Richard, it is like living in an Atlantic City posh condo.
You appreciate those so-called "luxuries" of life when you don't have them anymore.
Don Harris doesn't consider himself a hero or a good Samaritan. Hr just wanted to help someone in need because he cares.
Spring is also the season to feel young again, a season of refreshing renewal. Consider the story of George Blevins from Connerville, Indiana. George is 100 years old. He has been an avid bowler since the age of 7, back in 1013.
George still bowls 3 times a week and maintains a 151 average. He has won the past 2 titles of the National Senior Citizen Olympics.
And even though he recently went from a 16-pound bowling ball to a 12-pounder, he has no intention of giving up the game he loves.
"Why should I?" he says. "It keeps me young."
Just like Spring itself.
MY SUPER BOWL LI PICK
Here it is..my Super Bowl 51 pick..
First, some Super Bowl facts... The team that wears white has won 9 out of the last 10 Super Bowls. New England will wear white on Sunday. ..Atlanta was 80-1 to win the Super Bowl before the season began, the 4th highest odds in the NFC
The key to beating the Patriots is getting pressure on QB Tom Brady. The 2 games which New England lost during the regular season, Brady was harassed and didn't have time to throw the ball. Even in past Super Bowls against the Giants, Brady was flushed out of the pocket numerous times by the Giants' pass rush. Can the Falcon defense muster up enough pressure to keep Brady on his toes? If they don't he will sit back and pick them apart.
Atlanta's offense is not a problem, in fact, it's one of the best in football. New England will have to keep up with the potent Falcon offense. As always, turnovers will be key.If Atlanta can score touchdowns and not turn the ball over they have an excellent chance of winning.
Playing in Houston,weather won't be a problem.The Patriots have been in the spotlight before and Brady is cool under pressure. The Falcons may wilt to the heat, and like any quarterback, Matt Ryan may feel the heat .Atlanta needs to get off to a good start.I can see New England getting out to a lead, and things snowball after that.
The other factor is that New England,after the scandal of Deflatgate, is hungry for another championship. There is nothing more that New England wants but to accept yet another Lombardi Trophy from Commissioner Roger Goddell. That extra motivation may be enough to get the Patriots over the hump and keep them from taking Atlanta for granted.
I hate the Pats, their snug attitude and cheating ways. But I can't deny they are a dynasty. With Brady getting older, this may be New England's last shot at a Super Bowl championship.
Make it Patriots 34 Falcons 17
First, some Super Bowl facts... The team that wears white has won 9 out of the last 10 Super Bowls. New England will wear white on Sunday. ..Atlanta was 80-1 to win the Super Bowl before the season began, the 4th highest odds in the NFC
The key to beating the Patriots is getting pressure on QB Tom Brady. The 2 games which New England lost during the regular season, Brady was harassed and didn't have time to throw the ball. Even in past Super Bowls against the Giants, Brady was flushed out of the pocket numerous times by the Giants' pass rush. Can the Falcon defense muster up enough pressure to keep Brady on his toes? If they don't he will sit back and pick them apart.
Atlanta's offense is not a problem, in fact, it's one of the best in football. New England will have to keep up with the potent Falcon offense. As always, turnovers will be key.If Atlanta can score touchdowns and not turn the ball over they have an excellent chance of winning.
Playing in Houston,weather won't be a problem.The Patriots have been in the spotlight before and Brady is cool under pressure. The Falcons may wilt to the heat, and like any quarterback, Matt Ryan may feel the heat .Atlanta needs to get off to a good start.I can see New England getting out to a lead, and things snowball after that.
The other factor is that New England,after the scandal of Deflatgate, is hungry for another championship. There is nothing more that New England wants but to accept yet another Lombardi Trophy from Commissioner Roger Goddell. That extra motivation may be enough to get the Patriots over the hump and keep them from taking Atlanta for granted.
I hate the Pats, their snug attitude and cheating ways. But I can't deny they are a dynasty. With Brady getting older, this may be New England's last shot at a Super Bowl championship.
Make it Patriots 34 Falcons 17
Monday, January 30, 2017
BASEBALL QUIZ- Vol.1
Baseball is just around the corner..Spring Training..Summertime..Warmer weather..and everything that goes with Baseball. Here's the first of a weekly feature on Wheeling Around Phoenixville- your weekly Baseball Quiz. Good luck! Answers are below...
1. Name the only Hall of Fame pitcher, whose last name starts with " H," who won at least 250 games?
2- Which of the following Hall of Famers, all of whom pitched in the 1960s, won 20 or more games for five or more consecutive years?
A- Catfish Hunter
B- Ferguson Jenkins
C- Warren Spahn
D- Tom Seaver
E- Steve Carlton
3- Which of the following players hit 3 home runs in a game the most times?
A- Babe Ruth
B- Albert Pujois
C- Willie Mays
D- Johnny Mize
4-On June 6, 1941, which team was the first to wear protective helmets in a regular season major league game?
A- New York Giants
B- St. Louis Cardinals
C- Brooklyn Dodgers
D- New York Yankees
5-In the 1966 World Series, which two future Hall of Fame pitchers faced each other in Game 2 ?
6- Match the player with his record.
1- Babe Ruth A- Led the 1930s in home runs
2- Jimmie Foxx B- Tied or led his league in home runs in 12 of 14 seasons
3- Rogers Hornsby C- Averaged .400 over a five-year span
D- Lou Gehrig D- Knocked in 150 or more runs 7 times in 11 years
7- Which of the following teams played in the World Series in one season, but finished below .500 in the next?
A- 1964 Yankees
B- 1997 Marlins
C- 2013 Red Sox
D- 2012 Giants
E- All of the above
8- On May 30, 1935, Babe Ruth made his last major league appearance. playing just one inning in the first game of a doubleheader. Ruth played his last game for the Boston Braves. What did The Babe do in his last at-bat?
A- Hit a home run
B- Struck out
C- Grounded out
D- Hit by pitch
9- Name 3 players whose last name begins with "S" who hit between 400 and 500 home runs.
10- Match the Hall of Fame pitchers with their won-lost records in their first seasons.
1- Whitey Ford A- 8-1
2- Juan Marichal B- 28-13
3- Walter Johnson C- 5-9
4- Pete Alexander D- 6-2
Answers-
1- Carl Hubbell won 251 games in his career
2- A, B and C
3- D -Mize hit 3 home runs in a game 6 times
4-A - New York Giants
5- Jim Palmer and Sandy Koufax Palmer won, 6-0, as Baltimore defeated LA Dodgers
6- 1-B, 2- A ,3 C- $-D
7- E
8- C
9- Willie Stargell, 475; Alfonso Soriano, 412; Duke Snider, 407
10- 1-A, 2-D, 3-4-B
1. Name the only Hall of Fame pitcher, whose last name starts with " H," who won at least 250 games?
2- Which of the following Hall of Famers, all of whom pitched in the 1960s, won 20 or more games for five or more consecutive years?
A- Catfish Hunter
B- Ferguson Jenkins
C- Warren Spahn
D- Tom Seaver
E- Steve Carlton
3- Which of the following players hit 3 home runs in a game the most times?
A- Babe Ruth
B- Albert Pujois
C- Willie Mays
D- Johnny Mize
4-On June 6, 1941, which team was the first to wear protective helmets in a regular season major league game?
A- New York Giants
B- St. Louis Cardinals
C- Brooklyn Dodgers
D- New York Yankees
5-In the 1966 World Series, which two future Hall of Fame pitchers faced each other in Game 2 ?
6- Match the player with his record.
1- Babe Ruth A- Led the 1930s in home runs
2- Jimmie Foxx B- Tied or led his league in home runs in 12 of 14 seasons
3- Rogers Hornsby C- Averaged .400 over a five-year span
D- Lou Gehrig D- Knocked in 150 or more runs 7 times in 11 years
7- Which of the following teams played in the World Series in one season, but finished below .500 in the next?
A- 1964 Yankees
B- 1997 Marlins
C- 2013 Red Sox
D- 2012 Giants
E- All of the above
8- On May 30, 1935, Babe Ruth made his last major league appearance. playing just one inning in the first game of a doubleheader. Ruth played his last game for the Boston Braves. What did The Babe do in his last at-bat?
A- Hit a home run
B- Struck out
C- Grounded out
D- Hit by pitch
9- Name 3 players whose last name begins with "S" who hit between 400 and 500 home runs.
10- Match the Hall of Fame pitchers with their won-lost records in their first seasons.
1- Whitey Ford A- 8-1
2- Juan Marichal B- 28-13
3- Walter Johnson C- 5-9
4- Pete Alexander D- 6-2
Answers-
1- Carl Hubbell won 251 games in his career
2- A, B and C
3- D -Mize hit 3 home runs in a game 6 times
4-A - New York Giants
5- Jim Palmer and Sandy Koufax Palmer won, 6-0, as Baltimore defeated LA Dodgers
6- 1-B, 2- A ,3 C- $-D
7- E
8- C
9- Willie Stargell, 475; Alfonso Soriano, 412; Duke Snider, 407
10- 1-A, 2-D, 3-4-B
IN THE NEWS- GI TREATMENT MAY IMPROVE BEHAVIOR IN KIDS WITH AUTISM
The Columbus Dispatch gives us the following article...
Researchers say they are cautiously optimistic about a small study that showed that fecal transplants improved both gastrointestinal and behavioral symptoms in children with autism disorders.
Over several weeks, children experienced an improvement of about 80 percent in gastrointestinal symptoms and an improvement of about 25 percent in behavior symptoms, said Ann Gregory, one of the study's authors and a microbiology graduate student at Ohio State University. Improvements remained even after treatment was stopped.
Children with autism often have severe gastrointestinal problems, and other research has shown that bacteria in the guts of children could play a role in their behavior health.
The 18 children, who had moderate to severe gastrointestinal problems, were treated with antibiotics to clear out much of the flora in their gastrointestinal tracts. Then they were given liquids with large amounts of gut microbiota, containing 99 percent bacteria, taken from fecal donors. The transplants were performed either rectally or orally.
Children drank smoothies with small amounts of the microbiota in the following seven to eight weeks.
Parents and doctors of the children, ages 7 to 16, were surveyed to assess changes, and stool samples were analyzed.
For eight weeks after treatment, researchers saw a decrease in symptoms such as abdominal pain, indigestion, diarrhea and constipation in all but all of the patients. And, on average, the developmental age of the children increased by 1-4 years.
Further, the bacteria in the guts of the children shifted toward that seen in the guts of children without autism disorders.
Researchers were surprised at the extent of the improvements, Gregory said, and a second phase of the study is planned.
"More research is needed before this can be used for treatment," she said, cautioning parents against it on their own. "Microbiota should be very carefully screened, and the treatment should be done under medical supervision."
The study, which is to be published in the journal Micobiome, was conducted while Gregory and her adviser and co-author, Matthew Sullivan, were at the University of Arizona. Both are now at Ohio State, where Sullivan is an associate professor of microbiology.
Gregory said the study was taken on after fecal transplants proved successful in people with other gastrointestinal issues.
Limits of the study include the small number of participants, that parents and children know that they were being treated and that there was heavy reliance on parents' observations.
"We have to be mindful of the placebo effect, and we have to take it with a grain of salt," Sullivan said in a statement."But it does give us hope."
Fecal transplants have successfully treated Clostridium difficile, known as C. diff, an internal bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, fever and other symptoms and is found in about 500,000 Americans each year.
At Ohio State's Wexner Medical Center, researchers started performing such procedures in 2013 and said that such bacteria transplants have a 95 percent success rate in treating C. diff, which has become a serious problem in hospitals and nursing homes.
Researchers say they are cautiously optimistic about a small study that showed that fecal transplants improved both gastrointestinal and behavioral symptoms in children with autism disorders.
Over several weeks, children experienced an improvement of about 80 percent in gastrointestinal symptoms and an improvement of about 25 percent in behavior symptoms, said Ann Gregory, one of the study's authors and a microbiology graduate student at Ohio State University. Improvements remained even after treatment was stopped.
Children with autism often have severe gastrointestinal problems, and other research has shown that bacteria in the guts of children could play a role in their behavior health.
The 18 children, who had moderate to severe gastrointestinal problems, were treated with antibiotics to clear out much of the flora in their gastrointestinal tracts. Then they were given liquids with large amounts of gut microbiota, containing 99 percent bacteria, taken from fecal donors. The transplants were performed either rectally or orally.
Children drank smoothies with small amounts of the microbiota in the following seven to eight weeks.
Parents and doctors of the children, ages 7 to 16, were surveyed to assess changes, and stool samples were analyzed.
For eight weeks after treatment, researchers saw a decrease in symptoms such as abdominal pain, indigestion, diarrhea and constipation in all but all of the patients. And, on average, the developmental age of the children increased by 1-4 years.
Further, the bacteria in the guts of the children shifted toward that seen in the guts of children without autism disorders.
Researchers were surprised at the extent of the improvements, Gregory said, and a second phase of the study is planned.
"More research is needed before this can be used for treatment," she said, cautioning parents against it on their own. "Microbiota should be very carefully screened, and the treatment should be done under medical supervision."
The study, which is to be published in the journal Micobiome, was conducted while Gregory and her adviser and co-author, Matthew Sullivan, were at the University of Arizona. Both are now at Ohio State, where Sullivan is an associate professor of microbiology.
Gregory said the study was taken on after fecal transplants proved successful in people with other gastrointestinal issues.
Limits of the study include the small number of participants, that parents and children know that they were being treated and that there was heavy reliance on parents' observations.
"We have to be mindful of the placebo effect, and we have to take it with a grain of salt," Sullivan said in a statement."But it does give us hope."
Fecal transplants have successfully treated Clostridium difficile, known as C. diff, an internal bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, fever and other symptoms and is found in about 500,000 Americans each year.
At Ohio State's Wexner Medical Center, researchers started performing such procedures in 2013 and said that such bacteria transplants have a 95 percent success rate in treating C. diff, which has become a serious problem in hospitals and nursing homes.
IN THE NEWS- IDEA CONCERNS LINGER OVER EDUCATION NOMINEE
From Disability Scoop...
Citing concerns about her views on Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, disability advocates are asking lawmakers to delay a vote on the nominee to head the U.S. Department of Education.
In a letter sent this week to leaders of the U.S. Senate education committee, more than three dozen advocacy groups urged senators to hold off on a vote on Betsy DeVos' nomination for secretary of education due to concerns about her comments at a hearing earlier this month.
Un fortunately, at the hearing, Mrs. DeVos' answers to many questions did not provide the needed clarity, and in fact, raised serious concerns from the undersigned organizations regarding her vision and commitment to upholding and implementing, with fidelity, the laws under which students with disabilities are educated including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Every Student Succeeds Act," reads the correspondence from the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, a coalition of disability advocacy groups.
At the hearing, DeVos struggled when questioned about IDEA, initially indicating "I think that is a matter that's best left to the states" when asked if the law's mandates should apply to all schools receiving tax dollars. When pressed further on the federal civil rights law, DeVos acknowledged "I may have confused it."
DeVos did say that she would look at ways to increase funding of IDEA, but indicated that she would explore ta individual students rather than sending it to states as is the current practice.
The comments from DeVos, who has never worked in public education and is a champion of charter schools and voucher programs, alarmed disability advocates.
Groups including Easter Seals, the Council for Exceptional Children, the National Disability Rights Network and the National Down Syndrome Congress signed the consortium's letter arguing that DeVos should provide more details on her views on IDEA enforcement and funding, school accountability for students with disabilities and whether or not students should have to give up their rights under IDEA to take part in voucher programs, among other issues.
"Given the lack of clarity that came from her nomination hearing, we request that she provide specific answers to numerous questions regarding her views on policies that impact students with disabilities before her nomination is voted on in committee,: the advocates wrote to Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.,and Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.
Since DeVos' appearance before the Senate committee, she has taken steps to tamp down the outcry.
DeVos met late last week with representatives of the National Down Syndrome Society.. The group, which did not sign the letter asking for a delayed vote, posted pictures and a glowing message after the 40-minute face-to-face.
DeVos shared her support for IDEA and expressed her strong support and record fighting for special needs families," the posting read. "We applaud her willingness to engage in a very frank, open and engaging conversation on a range of issues our families deal with."
The group subsequently sought to walk back the comments amid criticism, with a later posting clarifying that they were "deeply concerned" by DeVos' comments to senators and saw the meeting as an opportunity to educate her.
Meanwhile, DeVos wrote to Sen. Johnny Isakson R- Georgia, this week outlining her views on serving students with disabilities in response to questions the senator raised during a Dec. 7 one-on-one.
In the correspondence, DeVos committed to "enforcing all federal laws and protecting the hard won rights of students with disabilities," but remained largely short on specifics.
"I am eager to bring a sense of urgency around all of these issues: implementation and enforcement of IDEA at federal, state and local levels; improving the quality of IEPs; and expanding the conversation about school choice opportunities for parents of students with disabilities," she wrote.
Kim Musheno, chair of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, said the letter from DeVos does little to assuage advocates'concerns.
"It is pretty clear from the hearing that she would prefer to leave IDEA enforcement up to the states. That is just not okay with us, Musheno said. "IDEA is a federal civil rights law with sue process protections. We need a U.S. secretary willing to implement and enforce it."
The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, which did not sign the consortium's letter, went a step further on Thursday, sating that it would formally oppose DeVos' nomination telling senators that her " lack of knowledge of the IDEA is disturbing and offensive."
The worries, however, are unlikely to deter a vote on DeVos' nomination, which is scheduled for Jan. 31.
An aide to Alexander, the education committee chair, said the senator "looks forward to supporting her nomination."
"He believes we are fortunate to have a nominee who has devoted more than three decades of her life to helping children from low-income families and families of children with disabilities choose a better school for their child," said Margaret Atkinson, Alexander's communications director. "A former education secretary himself, he is confident that Betsy will strongly enforce the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as secretary."
Citing concerns about her views on Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, disability advocates are asking lawmakers to delay a vote on the nominee to head the U.S. Department of Education.
In a letter sent this week to leaders of the U.S. Senate education committee, more than three dozen advocacy groups urged senators to hold off on a vote on Betsy DeVos' nomination for secretary of education due to concerns about her comments at a hearing earlier this month.
Un fortunately, at the hearing, Mrs. DeVos' answers to many questions did not provide the needed clarity, and in fact, raised serious concerns from the undersigned organizations regarding her vision and commitment to upholding and implementing, with fidelity, the laws under which students with disabilities are educated including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Every Student Succeeds Act," reads the correspondence from the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, a coalition of disability advocacy groups.
At the hearing, DeVos struggled when questioned about IDEA, initially indicating "I think that is a matter that's best left to the states" when asked if the law's mandates should apply to all schools receiving tax dollars. When pressed further on the federal civil rights law, DeVos acknowledged "I may have confused it."
DeVos did say that she would look at ways to increase funding of IDEA, but indicated that she would explore ta individual students rather than sending it to states as is the current practice.
The comments from DeVos, who has never worked in public education and is a champion of charter schools and voucher programs, alarmed disability advocates.
Groups including Easter Seals, the Council for Exceptional Children, the National Disability Rights Network and the National Down Syndrome Congress signed the consortium's letter arguing that DeVos should provide more details on her views on IDEA enforcement and funding, school accountability for students with disabilities and whether or not students should have to give up their rights under IDEA to take part in voucher programs, among other issues.
"Given the lack of clarity that came from her nomination hearing, we request that she provide specific answers to numerous questions regarding her views on policies that impact students with disabilities before her nomination is voted on in committee,: the advocates wrote to Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.,and Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.
Since DeVos' appearance before the Senate committee, she has taken steps to tamp down the outcry.
DeVos met late last week with representatives of the National Down Syndrome Society.. The group, which did not sign the letter asking for a delayed vote, posted pictures and a glowing message after the 40-minute face-to-face.
DeVos shared her support for IDEA and expressed her strong support and record fighting for special needs families," the posting read. "We applaud her willingness to engage in a very frank, open and engaging conversation on a range of issues our families deal with."
The group subsequently sought to walk back the comments amid criticism, with a later posting clarifying that they were "deeply concerned" by DeVos' comments to senators and saw the meeting as an opportunity to educate her.
Meanwhile, DeVos wrote to Sen. Johnny Isakson R- Georgia, this week outlining her views on serving students with disabilities in response to questions the senator raised during a Dec. 7 one-on-one.
In the correspondence, DeVos committed to "enforcing all federal laws and protecting the hard won rights of students with disabilities," but remained largely short on specifics.
"I am eager to bring a sense of urgency around all of these issues: implementation and enforcement of IDEA at federal, state and local levels; improving the quality of IEPs; and expanding the conversation about school choice opportunities for parents of students with disabilities," she wrote.
Kim Musheno, chair of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, said the letter from DeVos does little to assuage advocates'concerns.
"It is pretty clear from the hearing that she would prefer to leave IDEA enforcement up to the states. That is just not okay with us, Musheno said. "IDEA is a federal civil rights law with sue process protections. We need a U.S. secretary willing to implement and enforce it."
The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, which did not sign the consortium's letter, went a step further on Thursday, sating that it would formally oppose DeVos' nomination telling senators that her " lack of knowledge of the IDEA is disturbing and offensive."
The worries, however, are unlikely to deter a vote on DeVos' nomination, which is scheduled for Jan. 31.
An aide to Alexander, the education committee chair, said the senator "looks forward to supporting her nomination."
"He believes we are fortunate to have a nominee who has devoted more than three decades of her life to helping children from low-income families and families of children with disabilities choose a better school for their child," said Margaret Atkinson, Alexander's communications director. "A former education secretary himself, he is confident that Betsy will strongly enforce the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act as secretary."
Saturday, January 28, 2017
IN THE NEWS- 'Royal DJS' WITH SPECIAL NEEDS LIFE OF THE PARTY
The Sun Sentinel provides the following colunn...
It wa shard to talk above the music on a recent Saturday night at the Stardust Dance, a social gathering for those with disabilities where about 40 people were rocking the gymnasium floor.
The room was dark, the dancers serious, the DJs focused on finding the next song.
Requests flooded in to the DJs, seated side by side and equipped with a fancy Pioneer computerized music board.
"Can you play YMCA?" asked a dancer with Down syndrome.
"Do you have any Pitbull?" yelled a man in a wheelchair, trying to be heard above the heavy bass.
The DJs, who also have disabilities, were thrilled to search for the songs on their colorful instrument panel. They delight in their occasional profession, glad to have work and friends, new skills, a challenge, a purpose.
Rex Blazer III, 20, has cerebral palsy, as does Ross Hutton, 24, in a milder form. Domenick Veglia. 17, lives with a seizure disorder and other developmental delays. They comprise the Royal DJs, along with three other students and former students of Royal Palm School, a public school in Lantana, Fl. for young people with severe disabilities.
With limited social opportunities, families of those with disabilities often search for chances to get their children, and themselves, to take part in the outside world.
Sheri Hazeltine, a Delray Beach lawyer and Blazer's mother, came up with the idea in 2009 when Royal Palm School needed entertainment for a school dance.
She figured a computerized music panel, consisting of 5,000 tunes, could be easily adapted for her son and others with limited mobility. Hazeltine attended Scratch DJ Academy in Miami to learn the basics and teach them to her son and his friends. She then started to put out the word that the Royal DJs were available for parties.
They were booked every weekend during the holiday season and sporadically throughout the year. Although they don't charge nonprofits that can't afford to pay them, they get $200 for two hours of music at private parties.
"I love to get out of the house," said "DJ Ross" Hutton, who lives with his adoptive parents and 10 siblings who also have disabilities. He takes Palm Tran, the public transportation service, to his gigs. "I feel all cooped up in the house."
The deejays need the help of their parents or other aides to complete some of their musical tasks. Veglia's mother placed his hand on the keyboard to select a new song; Hazeltine moved her son to a blanket on the floor when he became overheated in his wheelchair after a lengthy series of tunes.
Parties for their peers with disabilities represent most of their engagements, although they entertained at a wedding in West Palm Beach last year. Bride Milory Senat and groom Tom Inskeep had seen them at a United Cerebral Palsy event in 2014 and invited them to work their celebration.
Senat said they fulfilled all of her musical requests, including songs by Billy Ocean, Air Supply and Elton John.
"Everybody had a ball. Everybody was on the dance floor, Senat said. "We were dancing so much we forgot to do a toast."
The Royal DJs want to do more parties for "normies", or people who don't have disabilities, said Debby Veglia, mother of Domenick.
"We want them to see what our kids can do," she said.
It wa shard to talk above the music on a recent Saturday night at the Stardust Dance, a social gathering for those with disabilities where about 40 people were rocking the gymnasium floor.
The room was dark, the dancers serious, the DJs focused on finding the next song.
Requests flooded in to the DJs, seated side by side and equipped with a fancy Pioneer computerized music board.
"Can you play YMCA?" asked a dancer with Down syndrome.
"Do you have any Pitbull?" yelled a man in a wheelchair, trying to be heard above the heavy bass.
The DJs, who also have disabilities, were thrilled to search for the songs on their colorful instrument panel. They delight in their occasional profession, glad to have work and friends, new skills, a challenge, a purpose.
Rex Blazer III, 20, has cerebral palsy, as does Ross Hutton, 24, in a milder form. Domenick Veglia. 17, lives with a seizure disorder and other developmental delays. They comprise the Royal DJs, along with three other students and former students of Royal Palm School, a public school in Lantana, Fl. for young people with severe disabilities.
With limited social opportunities, families of those with disabilities often search for chances to get their children, and themselves, to take part in the outside world.
Sheri Hazeltine, a Delray Beach lawyer and Blazer's mother, came up with the idea in 2009 when Royal Palm School needed entertainment for a school dance.
She figured a computerized music panel, consisting of 5,000 tunes, could be easily adapted for her son and others with limited mobility. Hazeltine attended Scratch DJ Academy in Miami to learn the basics and teach them to her son and his friends. She then started to put out the word that the Royal DJs were available for parties.
They were booked every weekend during the holiday season and sporadically throughout the year. Although they don't charge nonprofits that can't afford to pay them, they get $200 for two hours of music at private parties.
"I love to get out of the house," said "DJ Ross" Hutton, who lives with his adoptive parents and 10 siblings who also have disabilities. He takes Palm Tran, the public transportation service, to his gigs. "I feel all cooped up in the house."
The deejays need the help of their parents or other aides to complete some of their musical tasks. Veglia's mother placed his hand on the keyboard to select a new song; Hazeltine moved her son to a blanket on the floor when he became overheated in his wheelchair after a lengthy series of tunes.
Parties for their peers with disabilities represent most of their engagements, although they entertained at a wedding in West Palm Beach last year. Bride Milory Senat and groom Tom Inskeep had seen them at a United Cerebral Palsy event in 2014 and invited them to work their celebration.
Senat said they fulfilled all of her musical requests, including songs by Billy Ocean, Air Supply and Elton John.
"Everybody had a ball. Everybody was on the dance floor, Senat said. "We were dancing so much we forgot to do a toast."
The Royal DJs want to do more parties for "normies", or people who don't have disabilities, said Debby Veglia, mother of Domenick.
"We want them to see what our kids can do," she said.
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- JAN. 2017
My take on the current Philadelphia sports scene...
SIXERS- The talk of the town. The Sixers are suddenly relevant again. Fans care again. Ebiid and co. have made basketball interesting once more- on and off the court. The team is fun, quirky and interesting. All of the other teams in the city have young players, but this 76'ers squad has personality. That's what endeared fans to teams like the 1993 Phillies. The Sixers need more help, which should occur in the off-season with at least 2 high draft picks and free agency. Ben Simmons gives fans something to look forward to this season. Okafor will be traded soon, and possibly Noel, since he is seeking a new contract. Noel would be ideal coming off the bench to back Embiid but not at $ 20 million a year, which is supposedly what Noel's agent is looking for. If the Sixers end up winning 30 games this season, consider 2016-17 a success...Raise The Cat!
EAGLES- The front office is down in Alabama this week for the annual Senior Bowl. There is a long way to go before the draft but it looks like the Birds will narrow down their top pick to WR Mike Williams ( if he is still on the board at #14 or #15), a corner back or a running back. Passrusher is also a priority. If Mike Williams is gone, the team should look hard at RB Dalvin Cook form Florida State. Cook would give them another much-needed weapon, would control the ball with a consistent running game and would making the passing game better. Defensive backs are a premium in this spring's draft. So, the Eagles can still get a quality corner back in the 2nd or 3rd round if they choose to go elsewhere in the 1st round. The next drama will be who the Eagles cut to save money on the salary cap. Expect guys like Kensricks, Barwin and Ryan Mathews to be cut. Benny Logan may be in jeopardy too, not because he is not a good player, but because the team has too much money wrapped up in their other players on the defensive line. Free Agency comes next, and Birds' fans will be waiting to see who the squad signs re: wide receiver help. And, before the draft occurs in late April, the schedule is released in mid-April.
PHILLIES- Only a few weeks until pitchers and catchers report to spring training. With key acquisitions in outfielders Saunders and Kendricks, the Phils seem set with their everyday line-up. Hopefully kids like Couzins, Williams and Quinn push in spring training. They will all start at Lehigh Valley, but they could be up to Philadelphia by the All-Star game. This could be a season of two halves. In the spring the Phils play their recently acquired veterans. If they are out of contention around the July 31 trade deadline, the team can trade some veterans like Jeremy Hellickson and Clay Bucholtz. The second half could be evaluation time for the prospects, as the team needs to know who can play and who can't before next off-season when more high-profile free agents hit the market. One interesting fight will be in the bullpen for the closer's role. Hector Neris may be the future closer, but newly-acquired Benoit and last year's closer Gomez will be in contention for that role.
FLYERS- the Orange and Black go into their All-Star break with a 3 game winning streak. After winning 10 in a row, the team ha again slipped in the playoff race. The continuing drama will be the goaltender situation. The Flyers need to know if their two veteran goalies will be free agents or will re-sign with Philadelphia. The Flyers also have at least 3 goalie prospects coming up.Wayne Simmonds is quietly becoming a superstar, having 21 goals at the break.
SIXERS- The talk of the town. The Sixers are suddenly relevant again. Fans care again. Ebiid and co. have made basketball interesting once more- on and off the court. The team is fun, quirky and interesting. All of the other teams in the city have young players, but this 76'ers squad has personality. That's what endeared fans to teams like the 1993 Phillies. The Sixers need more help, which should occur in the off-season with at least 2 high draft picks and free agency. Ben Simmons gives fans something to look forward to this season. Okafor will be traded soon, and possibly Noel, since he is seeking a new contract. Noel would be ideal coming off the bench to back Embiid but not at $ 20 million a year, which is supposedly what Noel's agent is looking for. If the Sixers end up winning 30 games this season, consider 2016-17 a success...Raise The Cat!
EAGLES- The front office is down in Alabama this week for the annual Senior Bowl. There is a long way to go before the draft but it looks like the Birds will narrow down their top pick to WR Mike Williams ( if he is still on the board at #14 or #15), a corner back or a running back. Passrusher is also a priority. If Mike Williams is gone, the team should look hard at RB Dalvin Cook form Florida State. Cook would give them another much-needed weapon, would control the ball with a consistent running game and would making the passing game better. Defensive backs are a premium in this spring's draft. So, the Eagles can still get a quality corner back in the 2nd or 3rd round if they choose to go elsewhere in the 1st round. The next drama will be who the Eagles cut to save money on the salary cap. Expect guys like Kensricks, Barwin and Ryan Mathews to be cut. Benny Logan may be in jeopardy too, not because he is not a good player, but because the team has too much money wrapped up in their other players on the defensive line. Free Agency comes next, and Birds' fans will be waiting to see who the squad signs re: wide receiver help. And, before the draft occurs in late April, the schedule is released in mid-April.
PHILLIES- Only a few weeks until pitchers and catchers report to spring training. With key acquisitions in outfielders Saunders and Kendricks, the Phils seem set with their everyday line-up. Hopefully kids like Couzins, Williams and Quinn push in spring training. They will all start at Lehigh Valley, but they could be up to Philadelphia by the All-Star game. This could be a season of two halves. In the spring the Phils play their recently acquired veterans. If they are out of contention around the July 31 trade deadline, the team can trade some veterans like Jeremy Hellickson and Clay Bucholtz. The second half could be evaluation time for the prospects, as the team needs to know who can play and who can't before next off-season when more high-profile free agents hit the market. One interesting fight will be in the bullpen for the closer's role. Hector Neris may be the future closer, but newly-acquired Benoit and last year's closer Gomez will be in contention for that role.
FLYERS- the Orange and Black go into their All-Star break with a 3 game winning streak. After winning 10 in a row, the team ha again slipped in the playoff race. The continuing drama will be the goaltender situation. The Flyers need to know if their two veteran goalies will be free agents or will re-sign with Philadelphia. The Flyers also have at least 3 goalie prospects coming up.Wayne Simmonds is quietly becoming a superstar, having 21 goals at the break.
IN THE NEWS- KIDS' BOOKS RECOGNIZED FOR DISABILITY STORYLINES
From Disability Scoop...
Three children's books are being honored alongside this year's picks for the Caldecott and Newbery Medals for focusing on the experiences of those with special needs.
The books aimed at kids and teens will receive the American Library Association's Schneider Family Book Awards, the organization announced this week. The annual awards are designed to spotlight authors or illustrators for addressing the disability experience.
Winners are selected for each of three categories- one for works appealing to kids ages birth to 8, another for those ages 9 to 13 and a third category for books targeting 14 to 18-year-olds.
This year's pick for young children is "Six Dots" by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Boris Kulikov, which tells the story of Louis Braille who became blind at a young age and used French military code to invent an alphabet system for those with visual impairment.
"Bryant and Kulikov combine text and art to transport readers back in time to marvel at young Braille's genius and tenacity at inventing an alphabet system that has continued through the centuries," said Joanna Tamplin, chair of the Schneider Family Book Awards.
In the middle grades category, the book "As Brave As you" by Jason Reynolds follows brothers Genie and Ernie who spend a summer with their gran and learn about true bravery by watching their grandfather live without sight.
Meanwhile, Emery Lord's "When We Collided" won the teen category for tackling the highs and lows that come with bipolar disorder.
Winners of the Schneider Family Book Awards will each receive $5,000 and a framed plaque during the library association's annual conference in Chicago in June.
Three children's books are being honored alongside this year's picks for the Caldecott and Newbery Medals for focusing on the experiences of those with special needs.
The books aimed at kids and teens will receive the American Library Association's Schneider Family Book Awards, the organization announced this week. The annual awards are designed to spotlight authors or illustrators for addressing the disability experience.
Winners are selected for each of three categories- one for works appealing to kids ages birth to 8, another for those ages 9 to 13 and a third category for books targeting 14 to 18-year-olds.
This year's pick for young children is "Six Dots" by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Boris Kulikov, which tells the story of Louis Braille who became blind at a young age and used French military code to invent an alphabet system for those with visual impairment.
"Bryant and Kulikov combine text and art to transport readers back in time to marvel at young Braille's genius and tenacity at inventing an alphabet system that has continued through the centuries," said Joanna Tamplin, chair of the Schneider Family Book Awards.
In the middle grades category, the book "As Brave As you" by Jason Reynolds follows brothers Genie and Ernie who spend a summer with their gran and learn about true bravery by watching their grandfather live without sight.
Meanwhile, Emery Lord's "When We Collided" won the teen category for tackling the highs and lows that come with bipolar disorder.
Winners of the Schneider Family Book Awards will each receive $5,000 and a framed plaque during the library association's annual conference in Chicago in June.
REVIEW- A DOG'S PURPOSE
I saw the movie A Dog's Purpose last nightI looked forward. to the film after seeing the trailer, but then was hesitant after the alleged dog abuse allegations.
I'm a dog lover. I currently have a rescue dog. So, the recent abuse video, showing trainers forcing a German Shepard into a pool of water, troubled me a great deal. But I tooka chance by going to see the movie.
I LOVED it!
The story is about a dog who is reincarnated several times, each life different. We get to know the owners and the situations I could relate to.
The movie is fun, funny, touching and sad.Like life itself. Is it manipulative and tearjerker? Yes. It's corny and sentimental, but in this crazy world we live in, and with so much trash in the movies, what's wrong with a sweet, family-type movie?
Going into the theater was interesting. Nervous anticipation form the 20 or so people in attendance, mostly teens.
When the scene arrived of the reported abuse, whispers broke out in the audience. But the scene was quickly over and the story was so engrossing, the water scene quickly vanished.
The actors were all good, and several familiar faces popped up, including Dennis Quaid and Prggy Lipton ( formerly of the Mod Squad).
Cliches abound.A Dog's Purpose is kind of like the canine version of Forrest Gump. .Only the scenes and situations seemed much more real.
So, I was pleasantly surprised at "A Dog's Purpose", especially since it generally drew bad reviews. I don't usually listen to reviews anyway. Everyone has an opinion.
The movie will either encourage you to get a dog, or it will make you appreciate your furry friend even more.
The bad PR kept the crowd down. The movie will most likely fizz out and will be found on cable or dvd. , forgotten and discarded. That's a shame, since the story is emotional and and heartfelt.
For the first time in a long while I was at a movie where the audience actually stood and applauded at the end.A good sign with may cause a buzz.
If there was dog abuse on the set, whoever is responsible should be punished. But the entire movie itself should not be trashed. Hopefully, word of mouth will get around and people give "A Dog's Purpose" a chance.
Warning: There's a lot of dying going on, and although it is handled with taste, you will need plenty of tissues. May not be for all kids!
I'm a dog lover. I currently have a rescue dog. So, the recent abuse video, showing trainers forcing a German Shepard into a pool of water, troubled me a great deal. But I tooka chance by going to see the movie.
I LOVED it!
The story is about a dog who is reincarnated several times, each life different. We get to know the owners and the situations I could relate to.
The movie is fun, funny, touching and sad.Like life itself. Is it manipulative and tearjerker? Yes. It's corny and sentimental, but in this crazy world we live in, and with so much trash in the movies, what's wrong with a sweet, family-type movie?
Going into the theater was interesting. Nervous anticipation form the 20 or so people in attendance, mostly teens.
When the scene arrived of the reported abuse, whispers broke out in the audience. But the scene was quickly over and the story was so engrossing, the water scene quickly vanished.
The actors were all good, and several familiar faces popped up, including Dennis Quaid and Prggy Lipton ( formerly of the Mod Squad).
Cliches abound.A Dog's Purpose is kind of like the canine version of Forrest Gump. .Only the scenes and situations seemed much more real.
So, I was pleasantly surprised at "A Dog's Purpose", especially since it generally drew bad reviews. I don't usually listen to reviews anyway. Everyone has an opinion.
The movie will either encourage you to get a dog, or it will make you appreciate your furry friend even more.
The bad PR kept the crowd down. The movie will most likely fizz out and will be found on cable or dvd. , forgotten and discarded. That's a shame, since the story is emotional and and heartfelt.
For the first time in a long while I was at a movie where the audience actually stood and applauded at the end.A good sign with may cause a buzz.
If there was dog abuse on the set, whoever is responsible should be punished. But the entire movie itself should not be trashed. Hopefully, word of mouth will get around and people give "A Dog's Purpose" a chance.
Warning: There's a lot of dying going on, and although it is handled with taste, you will need plenty of tissues. May not be for all kids!
Wednesday, January 25, 2017
IN THE NEWS- NFL LOOKS TO ACCOMMODATE FANS WITH ASD
The following news item id from the Orlando Sentinel...
In what's being called a first for a professional sports league, the NFL will make Sunday's Pro Bowl in Orlando, Fla. "autism friendly"- offering young fans on the autism spectrum noise-canceling headphones, stress-relief squeeze toys and a safe room, should they need it.
"Our goal is to make the game as family-friendly as possible," said Anna Isaacson, the NFL's senior vice president of social responsibility. "We want to see if this is something the fans take advantage of and, if so, whether we can extended it to the Super Bowl and perhaps share it with the res tof the league."
Working with A-OK Autism, based in Tulsa, Okla., the league will offer "Sensory Sacks" at Camping World Stadium to anyone who wants them. The kits contains the headphones and stress-relief toy as well as identification stickers and badges kids can wear to help others recognize that they may behave differently or lack the ability to speak.
They're also creating a quiet room in Camping World Stadium where families can seek refuge if their children become overwhelmed by the crowd and commotion. And security and stadium personnel will get special training on dealing with those on the autism spectrum.
The league got the idea from one of their own. In October 2015, the Seattle Seahawks launched a partnership with A-OK Autism to offer the trademarked Sensory Sacks and to train stadium personnel to set up rooms for quiet and comfort. Seahawks General Manager John Schneider and his wife, traci, have a child with autism- as do the two moms who started the A-OK Autism program.
"I'll never forget standing there before the first game in Seattle and having a father come up to us and say, 'I've been a Seahawks fan all my life, and I've always wanted to take my son to a game- and now I can," said Jennifer Solars Miller, co-founder of Autism Friendly Locations, the nonprofit that started the A-OK program. "It just made me so happy. The program there has been an overwhelming success."
According to the latest federal estimates, about in every 68 children lands somewhere on the autism spectrum, a condition that can seriously impair a child's ability to communicate or interact with others. Many are hypersensitive to noise, touch or light, and some have repetitive behaviors or require precise routines.
Because such behavior may be difficult to control, many parents are wary of public outings, Miller said.
"When someone gives your kid a dirty look- or gives you a dirty look because they think you're not disciplining your child the way you should- it just breaks your heart," she said.
The tools in the Sensory Sacks are also intended to keep children with autism safe. Wristbands will list children's row and seat numbers in case the kids wander off from the parents, a common danger. And kids can wear a lanyard with the A-OK badge- ideally so that strangers will treat them with more understanding.
The program will be announced in the stadium on game day with directions on where fans can pick up one of the sacks.
"The idea behind this is that isn't always a visual way to recognize if someone has autism," Isaacson said. "And it's hard for people who aren't experienced with it to recognize that certain behaviors are part of the autism spectrum. We just want to make sure we're creating a safe and comfortable and inclusive environment."
Miller acknowledged that some parents may object to "labeling" their children, but she points out that identification is optional and that, for a child who doesn't speak, it may be especially helpful. Others could simply decide to tuck the badge into a wallet or pocket.
Marytza Sanz, who helped start the bilingual Santiago & Friends Family Center for Autism in Orlando, said she welcomed the Pro Bowl's decision.
"It's awesome to see that more people l are realizing that our kids need special accommodations and understanding," said Sanz, whose 6-year-old grandson has autism. "Some of our families don't participate in a lot of events, because their children have different ways to express their frustration. I hope other places will initiate the idea, frankly."
In what's being called a first for a professional sports league, the NFL will make Sunday's Pro Bowl in Orlando, Fla. "autism friendly"- offering young fans on the autism spectrum noise-canceling headphones, stress-relief squeeze toys and a safe room, should they need it.
"Our goal is to make the game as family-friendly as possible," said Anna Isaacson, the NFL's senior vice president of social responsibility. "We want to see if this is something the fans take advantage of and, if so, whether we can extended it to the Super Bowl and perhaps share it with the res tof the league."
Working with A-OK Autism, based in Tulsa, Okla., the league will offer "Sensory Sacks" at Camping World Stadium to anyone who wants them. The kits contains the headphones and stress-relief toy as well as identification stickers and badges kids can wear to help others recognize that they may behave differently or lack the ability to speak.
They're also creating a quiet room in Camping World Stadium where families can seek refuge if their children become overwhelmed by the crowd and commotion. And security and stadium personnel will get special training on dealing with those on the autism spectrum.
The league got the idea from one of their own. In October 2015, the Seattle Seahawks launched a partnership with A-OK Autism to offer the trademarked Sensory Sacks and to train stadium personnel to set up rooms for quiet and comfort. Seahawks General Manager John Schneider and his wife, traci, have a child with autism- as do the two moms who started the A-OK Autism program.
"I'll never forget standing there before the first game in Seattle and having a father come up to us and say, 'I've been a Seahawks fan all my life, and I've always wanted to take my son to a game- and now I can," said Jennifer Solars Miller, co-founder of Autism Friendly Locations, the nonprofit that started the A-OK program. "It just made me so happy. The program there has been an overwhelming success."
According to the latest federal estimates, about in every 68 children lands somewhere on the autism spectrum, a condition that can seriously impair a child's ability to communicate or interact with others. Many are hypersensitive to noise, touch or light, and some have repetitive behaviors or require precise routines.
Because such behavior may be difficult to control, many parents are wary of public outings, Miller said.
"When someone gives your kid a dirty look- or gives you a dirty look because they think you're not disciplining your child the way you should- it just breaks your heart," she said.
The tools in the Sensory Sacks are also intended to keep children with autism safe. Wristbands will list children's row and seat numbers in case the kids wander off from the parents, a common danger. And kids can wear a lanyard with the A-OK badge- ideally so that strangers will treat them with more understanding.
The program will be announced in the stadium on game day with directions on where fans can pick up one of the sacks.
"The idea behind this is that isn't always a visual way to recognize if someone has autism," Isaacson said. "And it's hard for people who aren't experienced with it to recognize that certain behaviors are part of the autism spectrum. We just want to make sure we're creating a safe and comfortable and inclusive environment."
Miller acknowledged that some parents may object to "labeling" their children, but she points out that identification is optional and that, for a child who doesn't speak, it may be especially helpful. Others could simply decide to tuck the badge into a wallet or pocket.
Marytza Sanz, who helped start the bilingual Santiago & Friends Family Center for Autism in Orlando, said she welcomed the Pro Bowl's decision.
"It's awesome to see that more people l are realizing that our kids need special accommodations and understanding," said Sanz, whose 6-year-old grandson has autism. "Some of our families don't participate in a lot of events, because their children have different ways to express their frustration. I hope other places will initiate the idea, frankly."
IN THE NEWS- LIFE, ANIMATED GETS OSCAR NOD
From Disability Scoop..
A film chronicling the coming-of-age story of a man with autism has been nominated for an Academy Award.
"Life, Animated" is one of five movies nominated for best documentary feature, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced this week.
The documentary is based on the best-selling book, "Life, Animated: A Story of Sidekicks, Heroes, and Autism" by Pulitzer Prize-winner Ron Suskind about his son, Owen, who is on the spectrum.
Owen Suskind stopped speaking at age 3, but learned to communicate again through his love pf Disney animated films. Using video of Owen, animation based on his drawings ans scenes from Disney classics, the film tells the story of Owen's path to adulthood.
"Life, Animated"premiered at the Sundance Film Festival last year where it won the directing award in the U.S. documentary competition. Since then, the film opened in theaters nationwide and recently debuted on television on the A&E Network.
The 89th Academy Awards will be held Feb. 26 in Los Angeles with a live broadcast starting at 7 p.m. ET om ABC.
A film chronicling the coming-of-age story of a man with autism has been nominated for an Academy Award.
"Life, Animated" is one of five movies nominated for best documentary feature, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced this week.
The documentary is based on the best-selling book, "Life, Animated: A Story of Sidekicks, Heroes, and Autism" by Pulitzer Prize-winner Ron Suskind about his son, Owen, who is on the spectrum.
Owen Suskind stopped speaking at age 3, but learned to communicate again through his love pf Disney animated films. Using video of Owen, animation based on his drawings ans scenes from Disney classics, the film tells the story of Owen's path to adulthood.
"Life, Animated"premiered at the Sundance Film Festival last year where it won the directing award in the U.S. documentary competition. Since then, the film opened in theaters nationwide and recently debuted on television on the A&E Network.
The 89th Academy Awards will be held Feb. 26 in Los Angeles with a live broadcast starting at 7 p.m. ET om ABC.
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
IN THE NEWS- MOM SUES AFTER GIRL WITH SPECIAL NEEDS FED BLEACH
The Fresno Bee newspaper offers this recent story...
The mother of a Fresno Unified student with special needs who was tube-fed bleach at school last year is suing the district for negligence and "intentional infliction of emotional distress."
According to court documents filed in Fresno County Superior Court last week, a 10-year-old girl at Addicott Elementary- a school for students with severe disabilities- was administered bleach via her feeding tube in September and subsequently suffered permanent damage to her trachea, esophagus, stomach and lungs.
The fifth-grader "was aware though unable to communicate that she had been administered a poison through her gastronomy tube, rather than nutrients or water," according to the complaint for damages filed by Beverly Hills-based attorney Bruce F is representing Cindy Garcia, the girl's mother.
The complaint does not identify who administered the bleach, but accuses the district of hiring incompetent staff who improperly stored feeding and cleaning supplies, " allowing for the negligent switching" of the two.
Fresno Unified did not respond to a request for comment.
Garcia, of Fresno, claims that school officials did not take appropriate action to help her ill daughter and deliberately withheld information about the incident, causing medical care to be delayed.
Upon ingesting the bleach solution, the girl vomited and turned purple, but no attempt was made by school officials to call 811, poison control or any medical authority, according to the complaint. The girl suffered aspiration pneumonia, which can be caused by inhaling vomit, as well as ulcers and inflammation of the stomach.
Garcia claims that school officials called to tell her that her daughter was ill, but did not immediately mention the bleach incident. Garcia says that when she went to Addicott Elementary to check on her daughter, she smelled a strong odor of bleach on her.
Garcia was not notified "of the actual peril or danger her minor and incapacitated daughter was in," and school officials' omission of information constitutes "extreme and outrageous" conduct, according to the complaint.
It was only after Garcia announced she was taking her daughter from the school to a hospital that Addicott Principle Katrina Pleshe told her of the bleach incident, the complaint says.
"The conduct of the defendants was outrageous and was so conduct so extreme, oppressive, malicious, despicable and fraudulent, and carried on by the defendants with a willful and conscious disregard for the rights and safety of others, that it went beyond all possible bounds of decency and such conduct is intolerable in a civilized community," the compliant states.
The complaint does not identify a dollar amount that Garcia is seeking for damages. Garcia is suing the district not only for past and future medical expenses, but also for distress caused to both her and her daughter.
The mother of a Fresno Unified student with special needs who was tube-fed bleach at school last year is suing the district for negligence and "intentional infliction of emotional distress."
According to court documents filed in Fresno County Superior Court last week, a 10-year-old girl at Addicott Elementary- a school for students with severe disabilities- was administered bleach via her feeding tube in September and subsequently suffered permanent damage to her trachea, esophagus, stomach and lungs.
The fifth-grader "was aware though unable to communicate that she had been administered a poison through her gastronomy tube, rather than nutrients or water," according to the complaint for damages filed by Beverly Hills-based attorney Bruce F is representing Cindy Garcia, the girl's mother.
The complaint does not identify who administered the bleach, but accuses the district of hiring incompetent staff who improperly stored feeding and cleaning supplies, " allowing for the negligent switching" of the two.
Fresno Unified did not respond to a request for comment.
Garcia, of Fresno, claims that school officials did not take appropriate action to help her ill daughter and deliberately withheld information about the incident, causing medical care to be delayed.
Upon ingesting the bleach solution, the girl vomited and turned purple, but no attempt was made by school officials to call 811, poison control or any medical authority, according to the complaint. The girl suffered aspiration pneumonia, which can be caused by inhaling vomit, as well as ulcers and inflammation of the stomach.
Garcia claims that school officials called to tell her that her daughter was ill, but did not immediately mention the bleach incident. Garcia says that when she went to Addicott Elementary to check on her daughter, she smelled a strong odor of bleach on her.
Garcia was not notified "of the actual peril or danger her minor and incapacitated daughter was in," and school officials' omission of information constitutes "extreme and outrageous" conduct, according to the complaint.
It was only after Garcia announced she was taking her daughter from the school to a hospital that Addicott Principle Katrina Pleshe told her of the bleach incident, the complaint says.
"The conduct of the defendants was outrageous and was so conduct so extreme, oppressive, malicious, despicable and fraudulent, and carried on by the defendants with a willful and conscious disregard for the rights and safety of others, that it went beyond all possible bounds of decency and such conduct is intolerable in a civilized community," the compliant states.
The complaint does not identify a dollar amount that Garcia is seeking for damages. Garcia is suing the district not only for past and future medical expenses, but also for distress caused to both her and her daughter.
Monday, January 23, 2017
IN THE NEWS- WALMART ACCUSED OF DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION
An artice from Disability Scoop...
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is alleging that the nation's largest private employer violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by firing a longtime employee with Down syndrome.
Marlo Spaeth worked at a Wisconsin Walmart store for 15 years, receiving multiple pay raises and satisfactory performance reviews, when managers change her schedule, according to a lawsuit filed this week in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
Spaeth, who was accustomed to working the hours of noon to 4 p.m., was expected to work later hours and longer shifts assigned by the retailer's new comp scheduling system. However, because of her Down syndrome, she struggled with the change in routine and was disciplined for absenteeism and ultimately terminated, the complaint said.
After she was fired, Spaeth's sister and guardian, Amy Stevenson, stepped in and asked Walmart to rehire Spaeth and allow her to work her regular afternoon shift as a reasonable accommodation, but Walmart refused, the suit alleges.
"Walmart's refusal to accommodate such a simple scheduling request here is not only a violation of the ADA, it's also an example of how easily a successful 15-year career can be harmed by disability discrimination,' said Gregory Gochanour, a regional attorney for the EEOC's Chicago District.
The federal commission said it tried unsuccessfully to reach a settlement with Walmart before going to court. The lawsuit asks the court to order Walmart to rehire Spaeth with back pay and compensatory and punitive damages.
In a statement, Ragan Dickens, director of national media relations for Walmart, said the company's expectations for Spaeth were clear.
"When a store's needs change, we often adjust associate schedules to meet those demands. Ms. Spaeth's job requirements were no different. We repeatedly spoke with Ms. Spaeth about the importance of working her full work schedule and she told us she understood. Despite this, she continually failed to complete her assigned shift and that is the reason she is no longer with the company," Dickens said. We're sensitive to this situation and we tried to reach an amicable resolution that would support Ms. Speth. We rain open to continuing those discussions, but the EEOC has not acted in her best interest."
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is alleging that the nation's largest private employer violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by firing a longtime employee with Down syndrome.
Marlo Spaeth worked at a Wisconsin Walmart store for 15 years, receiving multiple pay raises and satisfactory performance reviews, when managers change her schedule, according to a lawsuit filed this week in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
Spaeth, who was accustomed to working the hours of noon to 4 p.m., was expected to work later hours and longer shifts assigned by the retailer's new comp scheduling system. However, because of her Down syndrome, she struggled with the change in routine and was disciplined for absenteeism and ultimately terminated, the complaint said.
After she was fired, Spaeth's sister and guardian, Amy Stevenson, stepped in and asked Walmart to rehire Spaeth and allow her to work her regular afternoon shift as a reasonable accommodation, but Walmart refused, the suit alleges.
"Walmart's refusal to accommodate such a simple scheduling request here is not only a violation of the ADA, it's also an example of how easily a successful 15-year career can be harmed by disability discrimination,' said Gregory Gochanour, a regional attorney for the EEOC's Chicago District.
The federal commission said it tried unsuccessfully to reach a settlement with Walmart before going to court. The lawsuit asks the court to order Walmart to rehire Spaeth with back pay and compensatory and punitive damages.
In a statement, Ragan Dickens, director of national media relations for Walmart, said the company's expectations for Spaeth were clear.
"When a store's needs change, we often adjust associate schedules to meet those demands. Ms. Spaeth's job requirements were no different. We repeatedly spoke with Ms. Spaeth about the importance of working her full work schedule and she told us she understood. Despite this, she continually failed to complete her assigned shift and that is the reason she is no longer with the company," Dickens said. We're sensitive to this situation and we tried to reach an amicable resolution that would support Ms. Speth. We rain open to continuing those discussions, but the EEOC has not acted in her best interest."
IN THE NEWS-HONORING PIONEERING DISABILITY ACTIVIST
Time magazine offers this article...
Google Doodle paid homage today to what would have been the 78th birthday of pioneering disability campaigner Ed Roberts- who fought throughout his lifetime for people with disabilities to have the right to fully participate in society- with artwork featuring the activist giving a lecture from his wheelchair.
The late American activist was paralyzed from the neck down after contracting polio at the age of 14. "I watched Ed as he grew from a sport-loving kid, through bleak days of hopelessness, into self-acceptance of his physical limitations as he learned what was possible for him to accomplish," his mother Zona Roberts said, according to Google. His debilitating condition required him to use a wheelchair, and forced Roberts to sleep in a 800-pound iron lung at night.
Roberts' lifetime of activism began in high school, when he petitioned against being blocked from gaining his diploma because he had not completed driver's education and physical education. After receiving his diploma, Roberts went on to become the first student with severe disabilities to attend the University of California, Berkeley.
At Berkeley, Roberts' activism took shape. "There, he led other Berkeley students with severe disabilities in creating the Physically Disabled Students Program, the first of its kind," Google writes. Roberts went on to receive his bachelor's and master's degrees in political science from the college, later returning to lead the Berkeley Center for Independent Living- a project that became a model for disability rights around the globe.
Roberts became director of the California Department of Vocational Rehabilitation in 1976 and co-founded the World Institute on Disability in 1983. He died in 1995.
Google Doodle paid homage today to what would have been the 78th birthday of pioneering disability campaigner Ed Roberts- who fought throughout his lifetime for people with disabilities to have the right to fully participate in society- with artwork featuring the activist giving a lecture from his wheelchair.
The late American activist was paralyzed from the neck down after contracting polio at the age of 14. "I watched Ed as he grew from a sport-loving kid, through bleak days of hopelessness, into self-acceptance of his physical limitations as he learned what was possible for him to accomplish," his mother Zona Roberts said, according to Google. His debilitating condition required him to use a wheelchair, and forced Roberts to sleep in a 800-pound iron lung at night.
Roberts' lifetime of activism began in high school, when he petitioned against being blocked from gaining his diploma because he had not completed driver's education and physical education. After receiving his diploma, Roberts went on to become the first student with severe disabilities to attend the University of California, Berkeley.
At Berkeley, Roberts' activism took shape. "There, he led other Berkeley students with severe disabilities in creating the Physically Disabled Students Program, the first of its kind," Google writes. Roberts went on to receive his bachelor's and master's degrees in political science from the college, later returning to lead the Berkeley Center for Independent Living- a project that became a model for disability rights around the globe.
Roberts became director of the California Department of Vocational Rehabilitation in 1976 and co-founded the World Institute on Disability in 1983. He died in 1995.
IN THE NEWS- DISABILITY REFERENCES REMOVED FROM WHITE HOUSE WEBSITE
From Disability Scoop...
As President Donald Trump took office, nearly every reference to disabilities on the White House website disappeared.
The online presence of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. got a revamp tailored to its new resident after Trump's swearing in on Friday and, with the changeover, came a noticeably reduced emphasis on disability matters.
A section on disabilities was one of more than two dozen issues listed prominently on the homepage of whitehouse.gov during former President Barack Obama's tenure.
The outgoing administration's site featured information on expanding education and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act and a video tour of the White House in sign language, among other materials.
Now, however, links to the disability pages return an error.
Trump did not make disability issues a focus during his campaign, though he drew fire as a candidate for appearing to mock a reporter with a disability, which he denied doing.
Searches for disabilities or disability on the new version of whitehouse.gov yield just nine results including two related to Grover Cleveland.
The retooled White House website indicates that Vice President Mike Pence's wife, Karen, intends to use her platform as second lady to focus on art therapy, which is used with those who have autism and other developmental disabilities, among other conditions.
As President Donald Trump took office, nearly every reference to disabilities on the White House website disappeared.
The online presence of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. got a revamp tailored to its new resident after Trump's swearing in on Friday and, with the changeover, came a noticeably reduced emphasis on disability matters.
A section on disabilities was one of more than two dozen issues listed prominently on the homepage of whitehouse.gov during former President Barack Obama's tenure.
The outgoing administration's site featured information on expanding education and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act and a video tour of the White House in sign language, among other materials.
Now, however, links to the disability pages return an error.
Trump did not make disability issues a focus during his campaign, though he drew fire as a candidate for appearing to mock a reporter with a disability, which he denied doing.
Searches for disabilities or disability on the new version of whitehouse.gov yield just nine results including two related to Grover Cleveland.
The retooled White House website indicates that Vice President Mike Pence's wife, Karen, intends to use her platform as second lady to focus on art therapy, which is used with those who have autism and other developmental disabilities, among other conditions.
CHIRPING BIRDS- NFL PLAYOFFS
My take on the NFL Championship games and the upcoming Super Bowl...
The games this past weekend weren't very competitive, as the cream of the crop emerged to meet in Super Bowl 51- Atlanta vs. New England.
I picked the Falcons to beat the Packers but didn't think they would beat Green Bay so easily. The Falcons are hot, and I did note last week that I thought Aaron Rodgers would lose his magic. Looking back, Green Bay struggled early in the season before reeling off 8 wins in a row to qualify for the playoffs. But the Pack suffered numerous injuries and it finally caught up to them. Playing a streaking Atlanta team in the Georgia Dome proved to be too much to overcome.
I was wrong about Pittsburgh. I thought they had a fighter's chance to beat New England. But I was foolish to think the Patriots would lose an AFC Championship game at home. The Pats are a machine, and they smell another Super Bowl title, especially hungry after DeFlatgate. They had the best record in the NFL, and you have to cut the head off the snake to kill the snake.
I'll make my Super Bowl pick next week, but how can you go against New England? Atlanta has the best offense in football. But will they wilt under the intense pressure and hype of Super Bowl week? The line is interesting- New England favored by 3. Time will tell if the line moves by Sunday, Feb. 4.
The Eagles are getting ready to travel to the Senior Bowl. This starts the off-season process. A huge off-season looms for the birds. Free agency starts in early March. The schedule comes out in mid-April. The draft is in late April. OTAs occur through-out the spring. And summer-and training camp- are just around the corner.
The games this past weekend weren't very competitive, as the cream of the crop emerged to meet in Super Bowl 51- Atlanta vs. New England.
I picked the Falcons to beat the Packers but didn't think they would beat Green Bay so easily. The Falcons are hot, and I did note last week that I thought Aaron Rodgers would lose his magic. Looking back, Green Bay struggled early in the season before reeling off 8 wins in a row to qualify for the playoffs. But the Pack suffered numerous injuries and it finally caught up to them. Playing a streaking Atlanta team in the Georgia Dome proved to be too much to overcome.
I was wrong about Pittsburgh. I thought they had a fighter's chance to beat New England. But I was foolish to think the Patriots would lose an AFC Championship game at home. The Pats are a machine, and they smell another Super Bowl title, especially hungry after DeFlatgate. They had the best record in the NFL, and you have to cut the head off the snake to kill the snake.
I'll make my Super Bowl pick next week, but how can you go against New England? Atlanta has the best offense in football. But will they wilt under the intense pressure and hype of Super Bowl week? The line is interesting- New England favored by 3. Time will tell if the line moves by Sunday, Feb. 4.
The Eagles are getting ready to travel to the Senior Bowl. This starts the off-season process. A huge off-season looms for the birds. Free agency starts in early March. The schedule comes out in mid-April. The draft is in late April. OTAs occur through-out the spring. And summer-and training camp- are just around the corner.
Friday, January 20, 2017
OLD-SCHOOL WHEELING- ACCESSIBLE VENUES
I wrote this article for The Phoenix back in April 7, 2006. At the end I've included some up-to-date notes. It is interesting to note, 10 years later, the changes...
With summer just around the corner, I thought it may be helpful to rate the different arenas, stadiums and venues in our area, specifically in regards to accessibility. Newer venues must be in code with the Americans with Disabilities Act, but you will be surprised how many places may still be adhering to the law, yet are not accessible as they can be.
My vote for the top venues, in no specific order:
WACHOVIA CENTER-PHILADELPHIA
The Wachovia Center is the home of both the Philadelphia Flyers and 76ers, as well as serving as an arena for many other events, including major concerts. I find it a great place to see a multitude of events for several different reasons. First, parking is not a problem. There are a lot of handicapped spaces, but you must get there early enough to get one. Regardless, you can literally park right across the street from the door. How easy is that?
As with most new venues, you also have the option of sitting either upstairs or downstairs. Both sections are accessible to wheelchairs. You are taken on a mini hydraulic lift to a platform area which raises you up above the crowd in front of you. That way, if someone stands up, you can still see most of the event. Either way, you feel part of the crowd and not isolated from it, such as in older arenas.
It also has very easy access to get to and from your seat, which is very important in case of a medical emergency. There are plenty of handicapped accessible bathrooms and the staff are genrally friendly.
The only drawback to the Wachovia Center is that it can get fairly crowded in the handicapped section during a sold-out event. You sometimes feel squeezed in and can't sit against the glass (there is a Plexiglas barrier in front, but it is low enough to see over).
LINCOLN FINANCIAL FIELD-PHILADELPHIA
The Lincoln Financial Field is home to the Eagles. Again, you can sit upstairs or downstairs. However, the advantage of sitting downstairs is, of course, you are closer to the action. In addition, you are protected from the sometimes harsh, windy and cold weather of South Philly in the winter by overhead shelter.
If you are watching a football game, you are seated near the 10-yard line which is not a bad site. Plus, you are so close to the field, you feel as though you can touch the grass. The handicapped area is wide, and you can wheel right up to the railing. The nearest scoreboard is hard to see, but there are two gigantic scoreboards at each end of the field, so it's not that big of a deal. Parking can be a problem and you may have to walk (or wheel) a distance, but as with every venue, if you can't find a handicapped spot, just ask to be dropped off in front of the stadium.
CITIZEN'S BANK PARK-PHILADELPHIA
Citizen's Bank Park hails as the new home of the Phillies. There are numerous places for someone in a wheelchair to sit for a baseball game, whether it is along third base, first base, or down the foul lines. I usually sit in back of fist base because you can see the left field scoreboard much better. My first game at The Bank was behind third base, It was OK, but half of the scoreboard was blocked off by overhead TV monitors.
Once again, the field is very close, and accessibility to your seat is awesome. There are vendors in back of you, so you don't have to go far for food. Access in and out of the stadium is easy, and although Ashburn Alley (the cool walkway behind the outfield fence, which is loaded with places to eat and things to buy)is a bumpy ride because of the cobblestone and brick surface, it is still a must-see place.
P.S. If you can afford to eat at Harry The K's restaurant overlooking the left field bleachers, do it, even if it's just one time. It's fun to have lunch or dinner there while gazing at the beauty of the ballpark or while watching batting practice.
My vote for the worst , least-accessible venues:
TWEETER CENTER-CAMDEN
The Tweeter center is a summer shed concert venue which can be enclosed for colder weather events. it is relatively new venue for concerts, but surprisingly inaccessible. You are forced to sit about three-quarters of the way up the venue, located in back of a section of seats. When the crowd stands in front of you, there is no way of seeing anything. It is a bright, clean place, with wide aisles, but if you can't see the show, what good is it?
MANN MUSIC CENTER-PHILADELPHIA
The Mann Music center,formerly known as the Robin Hood Dell, is famous for summer concerts. it is an older venue,but looks much better than the Tweeter Center because of the lovely trees around the venue (it is nestled in Fairmount Park). However, accessibility is tough, but then again, it is an older place. Unless you are lucky enough or can afford to purchase orchestra pit seating, you will be placed in the middle of the venue, either to the left or right of the stage.
Note: They will be doing renovations soon to the Man,so hopefully they will make it moer handicapped accessible.
LIACOURAS CENTER, TEMPLE UNIVERSITY-PHILADELPHIA
The Liacouras Center is home to Temple Owls basketball, as well as smaller concerts and events. This venue could be dubbed "middle-aged." For handicapped accessible seating, you need to sit up high, and on top of that, parking is a real issue. You must park in Temple's parking lot garage and then it is a long walk (or wheel) to the venue.
THE SPECTRUM-PHILADELPHIA
The Spectrum is home to the Flyers and 76ers, but has now become home to the Phantoms, Kixx, Wings and various other events, such as concerts and the circus. Because the venue is old, handicapped seating is way in the back. Plus, you must deal with people standing up in front of you. Along with the now dearly departed Veterans Stadium, The Spectrum was where I saw most of my sports and concerts while growing up. The newer venues make you realize how far we have come as a society in just a few decades, regarding accessibility.
Up-to-date notes:
I'm happy to say that in 2017, most, if not all of the venues mentioned above have better accessibility ofr folks in wheelchairs. Citizen's Bank Park remains my favorite because it's so easy to get around, and a ballgame or concert at CBP means it's summer.
The Spectrum no longer exists. Even though accessibility was an issue there, I'm thinking the opposite as I did 10 years ago. I remarked how the new venues made you appreciate accessibility, and it's still true. But I do miss the charm of the Spectrum, it's closeness to the action, and it's history.
The Wachovia Center underwent several names changes over the years and is now known as the Wells Fargo Center. It remains fairly accessible, and, as with most of the venues, now offers even more accessible seating.
The Tweeter Center changed it's name to the BG&T Pavilion. It remains a nice facility, and it's handicapped seating locations have improved.
The Mann Music Center now offers accessible seating upstairs, which overlooks the stage, but getting to those seats is hard. If you go to the Mann, you should sit downstairs to avoid the hassle of wheeling mostly uphill-over rough terrain- to get upstairs ( they have no elevators).
The Linc is accessible, but it is a long way to your seat, despite elevators which take you to each level. Plus, I've found the wheelchair-only special sections are sometimes violated by able-bodied fans, since the viewpoint is so good. The ushers do a good job in weeding out the phonies.
I failed to mention one other local venue 10 years ago- the Tower Theater in Upper Darby.
As it was back then, sadly, the Tower is still very inaccessible to individuals in wheelchairs. The Tower is old, but despite fairly recent "renovations", the seating is terrible.You are either all the way in the back or against a wall with the crowd standing in front of you.
The most inaccessible venue around!
With summer just around the corner, I thought it may be helpful to rate the different arenas, stadiums and venues in our area, specifically in regards to accessibility. Newer venues must be in code with the Americans with Disabilities Act, but you will be surprised how many places may still be adhering to the law, yet are not accessible as they can be.
My vote for the top venues, in no specific order:
WACHOVIA CENTER-PHILADELPHIA
The Wachovia Center is the home of both the Philadelphia Flyers and 76ers, as well as serving as an arena for many other events, including major concerts. I find it a great place to see a multitude of events for several different reasons. First, parking is not a problem. There are a lot of handicapped spaces, but you must get there early enough to get one. Regardless, you can literally park right across the street from the door. How easy is that?
As with most new venues, you also have the option of sitting either upstairs or downstairs. Both sections are accessible to wheelchairs. You are taken on a mini hydraulic lift to a platform area which raises you up above the crowd in front of you. That way, if someone stands up, you can still see most of the event. Either way, you feel part of the crowd and not isolated from it, such as in older arenas.
It also has very easy access to get to and from your seat, which is very important in case of a medical emergency. There are plenty of handicapped accessible bathrooms and the staff are genrally friendly.
The only drawback to the Wachovia Center is that it can get fairly crowded in the handicapped section during a sold-out event. You sometimes feel squeezed in and can't sit against the glass (there is a Plexiglas barrier in front, but it is low enough to see over).
LINCOLN FINANCIAL FIELD-PHILADELPHIA
The Lincoln Financial Field is home to the Eagles. Again, you can sit upstairs or downstairs. However, the advantage of sitting downstairs is, of course, you are closer to the action. In addition, you are protected from the sometimes harsh, windy and cold weather of South Philly in the winter by overhead shelter.
If you are watching a football game, you are seated near the 10-yard line which is not a bad site. Plus, you are so close to the field, you feel as though you can touch the grass. The handicapped area is wide, and you can wheel right up to the railing. The nearest scoreboard is hard to see, but there are two gigantic scoreboards at each end of the field, so it's not that big of a deal. Parking can be a problem and you may have to walk (or wheel) a distance, but as with every venue, if you can't find a handicapped spot, just ask to be dropped off in front of the stadium.
CITIZEN'S BANK PARK-PHILADELPHIA
Citizen's Bank Park hails as the new home of the Phillies. There are numerous places for someone in a wheelchair to sit for a baseball game, whether it is along third base, first base, or down the foul lines. I usually sit in back of fist base because you can see the left field scoreboard much better. My first game at The Bank was behind third base, It was OK, but half of the scoreboard was blocked off by overhead TV monitors.
Once again, the field is very close, and accessibility to your seat is awesome. There are vendors in back of you, so you don't have to go far for food. Access in and out of the stadium is easy, and although Ashburn Alley (the cool walkway behind the outfield fence, which is loaded with places to eat and things to buy)is a bumpy ride because of the cobblestone and brick surface, it is still a must-see place.
P.S. If you can afford to eat at Harry The K's restaurant overlooking the left field bleachers, do it, even if it's just one time. It's fun to have lunch or dinner there while gazing at the beauty of the ballpark or while watching batting practice.
My vote for the worst , least-accessible venues:
TWEETER CENTER-CAMDEN
The Tweeter center is a summer shed concert venue which can be enclosed for colder weather events. it is relatively new venue for concerts, but surprisingly inaccessible. You are forced to sit about three-quarters of the way up the venue, located in back of a section of seats. When the crowd stands in front of you, there is no way of seeing anything. It is a bright, clean place, with wide aisles, but if you can't see the show, what good is it?
MANN MUSIC CENTER-PHILADELPHIA
The Mann Music center,formerly known as the Robin Hood Dell, is famous for summer concerts. it is an older venue,but looks much better than the Tweeter Center because of the lovely trees around the venue (it is nestled in Fairmount Park). However, accessibility is tough, but then again, it is an older place. Unless you are lucky enough or can afford to purchase orchestra pit seating, you will be placed in the middle of the venue, either to the left or right of the stage.
Note: They will be doing renovations soon to the Man,so hopefully they will make it moer handicapped accessible.
LIACOURAS CENTER, TEMPLE UNIVERSITY-PHILADELPHIA
The Liacouras Center is home to Temple Owls basketball, as well as smaller concerts and events. This venue could be dubbed "middle-aged." For handicapped accessible seating, you need to sit up high, and on top of that, parking is a real issue. You must park in Temple's parking lot garage and then it is a long walk (or wheel) to the venue.
THE SPECTRUM-PHILADELPHIA
The Spectrum is home to the Flyers and 76ers, but has now become home to the Phantoms, Kixx, Wings and various other events, such as concerts and the circus. Because the venue is old, handicapped seating is way in the back. Plus, you must deal with people standing up in front of you. Along with the now dearly departed Veterans Stadium, The Spectrum was where I saw most of my sports and concerts while growing up. The newer venues make you realize how far we have come as a society in just a few decades, regarding accessibility.
Up-to-date notes:
I'm happy to say that in 2017, most, if not all of the venues mentioned above have better accessibility ofr folks in wheelchairs. Citizen's Bank Park remains my favorite because it's so easy to get around, and a ballgame or concert at CBP means it's summer.
The Spectrum no longer exists. Even though accessibility was an issue there, I'm thinking the opposite as I did 10 years ago. I remarked how the new venues made you appreciate accessibility, and it's still true. But I do miss the charm of the Spectrum, it's closeness to the action, and it's history.
The Wachovia Center underwent several names changes over the years and is now known as the Wells Fargo Center. It remains fairly accessible, and, as with most of the venues, now offers even more accessible seating.
The Tweeter Center changed it's name to the BG&T Pavilion. It remains a nice facility, and it's handicapped seating locations have improved.
The Mann Music Center now offers accessible seating upstairs, which overlooks the stage, but getting to those seats is hard. If you go to the Mann, you should sit downstairs to avoid the hassle of wheeling mostly uphill-over rough terrain- to get upstairs ( they have no elevators).
The Linc is accessible, but it is a long way to your seat, despite elevators which take you to each level. Plus, I've found the wheelchair-only special sections are sometimes violated by able-bodied fans, since the viewpoint is so good. The ushers do a good job in weeding out the phonies.
I failed to mention one other local venue 10 years ago- the Tower Theater in Upper Darby.
As it was back then, sadly, the Tower is still very inaccessible to individuals in wheelchairs. The Tower is old, but despite fairly recent "renovations", the seating is terrible.You are either all the way in the back or against a wall with the crowd standing in front of you.
The most inaccessible venue around!
Thursday, January 19, 2017
IN THE NEWS- CAFE HELPS TRANSITION-AGE STUDENTS...
This from The Fresno Bee newspaper...
The new coffee shop in town is aiming to teach valuable lessons to the students that work there- and the customers they serve.
Kids cafe 2019, which opened recently at 2019 Mariposa Mall, serves up a variety of coffee drinks, as well as soups and sandwiches- and also works as a hands-on classroom for some of Fresno County's special education students.
Pupils from the Fresno County Office of Education's adult transition program, which focuses on helping 18-to-22-year-olds become more independent, follow the lead of restaurant professionals at the cafe, handling everything from washing dishes and greeting customers to chopping vegetables and taking orders.
About 25 students have already received their food-handling certification, and the Office of Education aims to get about half of the 140 students in the adult transition program certified.
"Many of our students don't have a plan when they leave us, and that's really the barrier we're trying to break down because there are many things they could be doing-so many things they're capable of," said Trina frazier, administrator of special education.
"Our hope is that we can actually talk to the businesses and restaurants her ein Fresno and have them tell us what they need students to know, so that when they leave us at 22 they're able to find employment."
The cafe, which is open to the public, helps the students learn social and vocational skills, which work toward their school credits. All proceeds go toward the program.
Educators at last week's ribbon cutting said they hope the cafe will also help end the stigma against adults with special needs, especially when it comes to employment.
Juan Lopez, 1 17-year-old from Selma, Calif., who is a student of the country's deaf and hard-of-hearing program, and through an interpreter that he hopes the skills he learns at the cafe will help him land a job in mechanics.
"I want to work. I want to get the experience and be able to get a job later on, on my own,"Lopez said. "We have disabled people here, and deaf and hard of hearing people, and we want to show people that we're able to work and that we can do things and be independent."
The Fresno County Office of Education serves 1,700 students in special education living throughout the county. Superintendent of Schools Jim Yovino said the cafe is the "absolute best thing" he's ever done.
"We wanted to show the world that these kids are very capable. We just wanted to give them a chance and an opportunity," he said. "They have challenges that they face every day, but they're capable."
Kids cafe 2019 is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.. to 3 p.m.
IN THE NEWS- TRUMP EDUCATION PICK SEEMINGLY 'CONFUSED' ABOUT IDEA
This article, courtesy of Disability Scoop...
Under sharp questioning from senators, the nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Education suggested that it should be up to states to decide whether schools must follow the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
During a confirmation hearing for Betsy DeVos this week, she was pressed repeatedly about her stance on special education.
A billionaire who has never worked in public education, DeVos is a champion of charter schools and voucher programs. her comments on special education left some lawmakers questioning her knowledge of the needs of students with disabilities and their rights under the law.
"I think this is a matter that's bets left to the states," DeVos said when asked by U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., if she believed that all schools receiving taxpayer dollars should be required to adhere to the mandates of the IDEA.
"So some states might be good to kids with disabilities and other states might not be so good and then what, people can just move around the country if they don't like how their kids are being treated?" Kaine responded.
"I think that's an issue that's best left to the states," DeVos insisted.
Later in the hearing Sen. Maggie Hassan, D- N.H., whose son has cerebral palsy, revisited the issue.
"That's a federal civil rights law," Hassan said of IDEA. "So do you stand by your statement a few minutes ago that it should be up to the states whether to follow it?"
"Federal law must be followed where federal dollars are in play," DeVos said.
"So you were unaware when I jsut asked you about the IDEA that it was a federal law?" asked Hassan.
"I may have confused it," DeVos acknowledged.
Hassan said she's concerned that some voucher programs, which DeVos has supported, require students with disabilities to give up their rights under the IDEA in order to take part.This could lead to public schools becoming "warehouses" for students with special needs and those from families unable to pay the difference between vouchers and the cost of private school tuition, she said.
"I would just urge you to become familiar should you become nominated with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act," Hassan said. "I do have to say I'm concerned that have made students sign away their rights to make sure that the law is enforced. That's very troubling to me."
"Senator, I assure you that if confirmed, I will be very sensitive to the needs of special needs students and policies surrounding that," DeVos said.
"And with all due respect, it's not about sensitivity, although that helps," Hassan countered."It's about being willing to enforce the law to make sure that my child and every child has the same access to public education, high quality of public education."
Aside from the testy exchanges about the rights of students with disabilities under the IDEA. Sen, Susan Collins, R-Mainr, asked DeVos about funding of the law."
DeVos said she would "absolutely"commit to looking at ways to increase federal funding for special education to get closer to the 40 percent level originally promised by Congress. Furthermore. DeVos suggested that she would consider a new approach to funding whereby money follows each student rather than going to states."
Lindsay Jones of the National Center for Learning Disabilities said she was pleased to sesenators from both parties asking DeVos about special educational . but said there there is much still unknown about how how the nominee would address the rights of students with disabilities,
"Parents of children with disabilities want the next U.S. secretary of education to uphold the federal rights, protections and opportunities provided by Individuals Education Act. Anything else is a disservice to America's six million students with disabilities," Jones said. "It is clear we have more to learn about where miss DeVos stands on this topic and how she will ensure our children are protected."
Other disability advocates were more pointed in their assessment of DeVos.
"The fact that she didn't understand the basics about education concepts or the three essential federal education laws is embarrassing and her lack of knowledge on the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act is appalling. We are alarmingly concerned," said Denise Marshall, executive director of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates.
"If Betsy DeVos isn't an advocate for the 6.4 million children with disabilities now, she needs to become one soon," Marshall said.
Under sharp questioning from senators, the nominee to lead the U.S. Department of Education suggested that it should be up to states to decide whether schools must follow the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
During a confirmation hearing for Betsy DeVos this week, she was pressed repeatedly about her stance on special education.
A billionaire who has never worked in public education, DeVos is a champion of charter schools and voucher programs. her comments on special education left some lawmakers questioning her knowledge of the needs of students with disabilities and their rights under the law.
"I think this is a matter that's bets left to the states," DeVos said when asked by U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., if she believed that all schools receiving taxpayer dollars should be required to adhere to the mandates of the IDEA.
"So some states might be good to kids with disabilities and other states might not be so good and then what, people can just move around the country if they don't like how their kids are being treated?" Kaine responded.
"I think that's an issue that's best left to the states," DeVos insisted.
Later in the hearing Sen. Maggie Hassan, D- N.H., whose son has cerebral palsy, revisited the issue.
"That's a federal civil rights law," Hassan said of IDEA. "So do you stand by your statement a few minutes ago that it should be up to the states whether to follow it?"
"Federal law must be followed where federal dollars are in play," DeVos said.
"So you were unaware when I jsut asked you about the IDEA that it was a federal law?" asked Hassan.
"I may have confused it," DeVos acknowledged.
Hassan said she's concerned that some voucher programs, which DeVos has supported, require students with disabilities to give up their rights under the IDEA in order to take part.This could lead to public schools becoming "warehouses" for students with special needs and those from families unable to pay the difference between vouchers and the cost of private school tuition, she said.
"I would just urge you to become familiar should you become nominated with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act," Hassan said. "I do have to say I'm concerned that have made students sign away their rights to make sure that the law is enforced. That's very troubling to me."
"Senator, I assure you that if confirmed, I will be very sensitive to the needs of special needs students and policies surrounding that," DeVos said.
"And with all due respect, it's not about sensitivity, although that helps," Hassan countered."It's about being willing to enforce the law to make sure that my child and every child has the same access to public education, high quality of public education."
Aside from the testy exchanges about the rights of students with disabilities under the IDEA. Sen, Susan Collins, R-Mainr, asked DeVos about funding of the law."
DeVos said she would "absolutely"commit to looking at ways to increase federal funding for special education to get closer to the 40 percent level originally promised by Congress. Furthermore. DeVos suggested that she would consider a new approach to funding whereby money follows each student rather than going to states."
Lindsay Jones of the National Center for Learning Disabilities said she was pleased to sesenators from both parties asking DeVos about special educational . but said there there is much still unknown about how how the nominee would address the rights of students with disabilities,
"Parents of children with disabilities want the next U.S. secretary of education to uphold the federal rights, protections and opportunities provided by Individuals Education Act. Anything else is a disservice to America's six million students with disabilities," Jones said. "It is clear we have more to learn about where miss DeVos stands on this topic and how she will ensure our children are protected."
Other disability advocates were more pointed in their assessment of DeVos.
"The fact that she didn't understand the basics about education concepts or the three essential federal education laws is embarrassing and her lack of knowledge on the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act is appalling. We are alarmingly concerned," said Denise Marshall, executive director of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates.
"If Betsy DeVos isn't an advocate for the 6.4 million children with disabilities now, she needs to become one soon," Marshall said.
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
IN THE NEWS- JUSTICE DEPARTMENT PUSHES LAWENFORCEMENT ON ADA COMOKIANCE
Disability Scoop provides the following article..
Federal officials are highlighting the responsibilities of everyone from police to courts and attorneys in ensuring that people with developmental disabilities are treated fairly.
The Americans with Disabilities prohibits discrimination against those with disabilities during interactions with the criminal justice system, according to new guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice.
"Pursuant to the ADA, state and local government criminal justice entities- including police, courts, prosecutors, public defense attorneys, jails. juvenile justice and corrections agencies- must ensure that people with mental health disabilities or ( intellectual and developmental disabilities) are treated equally in the criminal justice system and afford them equal opportunity to benefit from safe, inclusive communities," the federal agency said.
With the guidance, the Justice Department is outlining those ADA obligations and encouraging law enforcement and other relevant entities to review their policies and procedures.
Specifically, the criminal justice system must take steps to make sure that communication with individuals who have developmental disabilities is as effective as with those who are typically developing, the guidance indicates. This could include allowing the use of assistive technology or merely employing more simplified language and patience,
What's more, "reasonable modifications" to regular procedures might be necessary to prevent discrimination. For example, if a person does not pose a significant safety threat, it may be prudent to allow "time and space to calm the situation," the Justice Department said.
The federal agency indicated that training law enforcement on recognizing and interacting with individuals who could have developmental disabilities as well as collaborations with disability service providers can also help ensure compliance with the ADA.
Federal officials are highlighting the responsibilities of everyone from police to courts and attorneys in ensuring that people with developmental disabilities are treated fairly.
The Americans with Disabilities prohibits discrimination against those with disabilities during interactions with the criminal justice system, according to new guidance from the U.S. Department of Justice.
"Pursuant to the ADA, state and local government criminal justice entities- including police, courts, prosecutors, public defense attorneys, jails. juvenile justice and corrections agencies- must ensure that people with mental health disabilities or ( intellectual and developmental disabilities) are treated equally in the criminal justice system and afford them equal opportunity to benefit from safe, inclusive communities," the federal agency said.
With the guidance, the Justice Department is outlining those ADA obligations and encouraging law enforcement and other relevant entities to review their policies and procedures.
Specifically, the criminal justice system must take steps to make sure that communication with individuals who have developmental disabilities is as effective as with those who are typically developing, the guidance indicates. This could include allowing the use of assistive technology or merely employing more simplified language and patience,
What's more, "reasonable modifications" to regular procedures might be necessary to prevent discrimination. For example, if a person does not pose a significant safety threat, it may be prudent to allow "time and space to calm the situation," the Justice Department said.
The federal agency indicated that training law enforcement on recognizing and interacting with individuals who could have developmental disabilities as well as collaborations with disability service providers can also help ensure compliance with the ADA.
IN THE NEWS- GOOGLE ADDS DETAILS ON ACCESSIBILITY
An article from Disability Scoop...
A small change to Google maps could make a big difference for people with disabilities.
Alongside information about a business's hours, telephone number and address, the search giant is now including details about whether or not the location has a wheelchair-accessible entrance.
"It's a step toward providing more information about the accessibility of places around the world," said Elizabeth Davidoff, communications manager for Google Maps.
The new feature kaunched late last year and is available globally, Dadivoff said. Accessibility details are based on submissions from users.
"For the most part, our users submit feedback on whether a place has an accessible entrance, and once enough data is gathered, we're able to note that a particular location has a wheelchair accessible entrance," Davidoff said.
Business owners can also submit information about accessibility through Google My Business.
A small change to Google maps could make a big difference for people with disabilities.
Alongside information about a business's hours, telephone number and address, the search giant is now including details about whether or not the location has a wheelchair-accessible entrance.
"It's a step toward providing more information about the accessibility of places around the world," said Elizabeth Davidoff, communications manager for Google Maps.
The new feature kaunched late last year and is available globally, Dadivoff said. Accessibility details are based on submissions from users.
"For the most part, our users submit feedback on whether a place has an accessible entrance, and once enough data is gathered, we're able to note that a particular location has a wheelchair accessible entrance," Davidoff said.
Business owners can also submit information about accessibility through Google My Business.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
IN THE NEWS- SUPREME COURT MAY BOOST FAPE MANDATE
This article from Tribune Washington Bureau...
U.S. Supreme Court justices appeared ready recently to clarify and strengthen the rights of the nation's 6.7 million children with disabilities, perhaps by requiring public schools to offer a special education program that will ensure they can make significant progress.
The case of a Colorado boy with autism, Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District, could have a far-reaching impact on millions of children and their parents as well as the budgets of school districts nationwide.
At issue is a long-standing federal law that says children with disabilities have a right to a "free appropriate public education." Schools, courts and parents have been divided over what this promise means in practice.
Does it mean, for example, that a school must merely offer a minimal special program that may offer "some educational benefit" to the child, as a federal appeals court in Denver ruled? Or instead, do these children have a right to "make significant educational progress," as lawyers for the outgoing Obama administration contend?
During Wednesday's argument, the justices struggled with the lawyers and among themselves to find the right legal standard. At one point, Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. drew knowing smiles from his colleagues when he complained of the "blizzard of words" being tossed around, most of which had no clear meaning.
However, most of the justices appeared to favor setting a slightly higher standard, one that should lead the child to make measured progress on academics or behavior. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said it would not be sufficient for schools to provide an expert for five minutes a day and claim they were providing the child "some benefit."
But the chief justice and others said they were wary of setting an unrealistically strict standard that would require students meet certain goals. They also voiced worries about costs and an explosion of lawsuits.
Parents who are dissatisfied with special education programs may remove their children from public schools, enroll them in private schools and then sue to have the costs paid by the school districts. But to win a reimbursement, the parents must show that the public schools failed to provide the "appropriate" education promised by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
A coalition of big-city school districts warned the high court of the growing cost of private programs, which on average are more than four times as expensive as a public program
In the case before the court, the parents of Endrew F., a child with autism from Douglas County, Colo., enrolled him in public school through fourth grade. They worked with teachers to devise a special education program for him, but by fourth grade, his behavior was getting worse. he had repeated outbursts in class, banged his head on the floor and twice ran away from the school.
His parents moved him to a private school where he was "thriving", according to the 10th Ciruit Court of Appeals. Nonetheless, the judges ruled the public school system need not reimburse the parents because it had provided their child with a minimally "adequate" educational program. "It is not the (school) district's burden to pay for his placement (in the private school) when Drew was making some progress under its tutelage. That is all that is required," wrote Judge Timothy Tymkovich, one of the 21 judges named as possible Supreme Court nominees by President-elect Donald Trump.
Stanford Law professor, Jeffrey Fisher, representing his parents, said the Supreme Court should reject the minimally adequate standard set by the 10th Circuit and instead say that children with disabilities have a right to make significant progress at school.
Lawyers from the U.S. solicitor general's office joined in support of the parents. Irv Gornstein, a counselor in the office, said the law requires schools to provide a learning program "aimed at significant progress in light of the child's circumstances."
While this is not a guarantee of progress, they said, it is an approach that will require schools to aim high.
U.S. Supreme Court justices appeared ready recently to clarify and strengthen the rights of the nation's 6.7 million children with disabilities, perhaps by requiring public schools to offer a special education program that will ensure they can make significant progress.
The case of a Colorado boy with autism, Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District, could have a far-reaching impact on millions of children and their parents as well as the budgets of school districts nationwide.
At issue is a long-standing federal law that says children with disabilities have a right to a "free appropriate public education." Schools, courts and parents have been divided over what this promise means in practice.
Does it mean, for example, that a school must merely offer a minimal special program that may offer "some educational benefit" to the child, as a federal appeals court in Denver ruled? Or instead, do these children have a right to "make significant educational progress," as lawyers for the outgoing Obama administration contend?
During Wednesday's argument, the justices struggled with the lawyers and among themselves to find the right legal standard. At one point, Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. drew knowing smiles from his colleagues when he complained of the "blizzard of words" being tossed around, most of which had no clear meaning.
However, most of the justices appeared to favor setting a slightly higher standard, one that should lead the child to make measured progress on academics or behavior. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said it would not be sufficient for schools to provide an expert for five minutes a day and claim they were providing the child "some benefit."
But the chief justice and others said they were wary of setting an unrealistically strict standard that would require students meet certain goals. They also voiced worries about costs and an explosion of lawsuits.
Parents who are dissatisfied with special education programs may remove their children from public schools, enroll them in private schools and then sue to have the costs paid by the school districts. But to win a reimbursement, the parents must show that the public schools failed to provide the "appropriate" education promised by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
A coalition of big-city school districts warned the high court of the growing cost of private programs, which on average are more than four times as expensive as a public program
In the case before the court, the parents of Endrew F., a child with autism from Douglas County, Colo., enrolled him in public school through fourth grade. They worked with teachers to devise a special education program for him, but by fourth grade, his behavior was getting worse. he had repeated outbursts in class, banged his head on the floor and twice ran away from the school.
His parents moved him to a private school where he was "thriving", according to the 10th Ciruit Court of Appeals. Nonetheless, the judges ruled the public school system need not reimburse the parents because it had provided their child with a minimally "adequate" educational program. "It is not the (school) district's burden to pay for his placement (in the private school) when Drew was making some progress under its tutelage. That is all that is required," wrote Judge Timothy Tymkovich, one of the 21 judges named as possible Supreme Court nominees by President-elect Donald Trump.
Stanford Law professor, Jeffrey Fisher, representing his parents, said the Supreme Court should reject the minimally adequate standard set by the 10th Circuit and instead say that children with disabilities have a right to make significant progress at school.
Lawyers from the U.S. solicitor general's office joined in support of the parents. Irv Gornstein, a counselor in the office, said the law requires schools to provide a learning program "aimed at significant progress in light of the child's circumstances."
While this is not a guarantee of progress, they said, it is an approach that will require schools to aim high.
Monday, January 16, 2017
IN THE NEWS- FEDS SET DISABILITY HIRING QUOTA
From Disability Scoop..
With a new hiring goal, the federal government plans to use affirmative action to grow the number of people with disabilities on its payroll.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission finalized a rule this month that will set a hiring goal for all federal agencies.
Under the plan, 12 percent of each entity's workforce should be people with disabilities and 2 percent should be those with "targeted" conditions including intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Moreover, the rule requires agencies to provide personal assistance to employees who need help with eating, using the restroom and other basic activities during the workday.
:Increasing employment rates for individuals with disabilities is a national priority for the federal government," said EEOC Chair Jenny Yang. "These new regulations provide concrete steps and accountability mechanisms to promote employment and advancement opportunities for people with disabilities across the government."
The new hiring goals apply to all levels of federal employment. If agencies fail to meet the quotas, the EEOC said it would work with them to make improvements to their hiring and retention of those with disabilities.
Federal agencies are already required under Section 591 of the Rehabilitation Act to have affirmative action plans for hiring people with disabilities, which are subject to approval by the EEOC.
With the new rule, the EEOC sought to clarify the requirements for such plans.
The new regulations will take effect in January 2018.
With a new hiring goal, the federal government plans to use affirmative action to grow the number of people with disabilities on its payroll.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission finalized a rule this month that will set a hiring goal for all federal agencies.
Under the plan, 12 percent of each entity's workforce should be people with disabilities and 2 percent should be those with "targeted" conditions including intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Moreover, the rule requires agencies to provide personal assistance to employees who need help with eating, using the restroom and other basic activities during the workday.
:Increasing employment rates for individuals with disabilities is a national priority for the federal government," said EEOC Chair Jenny Yang. "These new regulations provide concrete steps and accountability mechanisms to promote employment and advancement opportunities for people with disabilities across the government."
The new hiring goals apply to all levels of federal employment. If agencies fail to meet the quotas, the EEOC said it would work with them to make improvements to their hiring and retention of those with disabilities.
Federal agencies are already required under Section 591 of the Rehabilitation Act to have affirmative action plans for hiring people with disabilities, which are subject to approval by the EEOC.
With the new rule, the EEOC sought to clarify the requirements for such plans.
The new regulations will take effect in January 2018.
OLD-SCHOOL WHEELING- DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE
I'm proud of this article I wrote for The Phoenix on March 17, 2006...
Recently in the enws we were inspired by the amazing story of Jason McElwain. Jason is a 17-year old senior at Greece Athena High School in Greece, New York. He has been the "team manager" of his high school basketball squad for several years now. Some of his duties have included keeping statistics, running the clock and handing out water bottles to the players. He can usually be found sitting on the bench in a white shirt and black tie.
Being only 5'6 in height, he was thought to be too small and frail to even make his junior varsity team. Although he always had a dream of actually playing in a game, he never complained to be team manager, as it allowed him to be close to the game he loves so dearly.
Oh, I forgot one thing: Jason happens to be autistic.
Admiring Jason's determination and dedication, Coach Jim Johnson made the brave and kind decision to allow Jason to suit up for the Trojans final home game this season. The last game of the season, the final home game for Jason, since he will be graduating this spring, it had to be a dream come true for Jason just to put on a uniform. Whether he would actually play or not depended upon the score..but did it matter?
Jason's friends and fellow students came out to the game full force, hoping Jason would play even a few seconds. They made signs with his nickname, JMAC, and cheered when he walked on the court with the other players.
With only four minutes to play, and Greece Athena ahead by a large margin, Coach Johnson put Jason into the game. His dream had finally come true. He actually stepped on the court as a player.
Jason's first shot was from long-range, an air ball that was short of the hoop by a good six feet. His second shot also missed, an easy lay-up.
Despite the rocky start, Jason didn't give up. He was used to adversity. he didn't start speaking until he was 5. He lacked the social skills of other so-called "normal" kids his age, yet he managed to make friends and life got easier as he became older.
His father, David, said, "The thing about Jason is he isn't afraid of anything. He doesn't care what people think about him. He is his own person."
The coach buried his face in his hands after Jason missed his first two shots, thinking he may have made a mistake in letting the kid play. "Please Lord, just give him a basket," the coach whispered.
God must've been listening. Jason's "miracle game" suddenly kicked into high-gear.
The next time down the court Jason unexpectedly hit a long jumper for 3 points. Nothing but net. The ball never touched the rim. The crowd went crazy. Then he hit another 3-pointer. And another. And another.
In fact, Jason made a total of six 3-point shots, tying a school record. He would've had a seventh, but his foot was on the line and the shot only counted as 2 points. Jason scored an incredible 20 points in less than 4 minutes, an awesome feat, even by professional standards. "I was hotter than a pistol," he said later.
All this from a kid thought to be too small, a kid with autism, a kid who wore the tag as being "different" every day of his life with dignity and grace. Imagine the time he must have secretly practiced, either in his driveway or when no one was around in the gym, dreaming of his impossible chance to be a "normal" basketball player. Who ever knew the talent Jason had within? And the motivation and guts.
The final score didn't matter as the horn sounded to end the game. The Trojans won but the real story was Jason. The fans rushed the court and people hoisted Jason on their shoulders, carrying him off the court in triumph. This frantic, unbelievable scene was played on the news and shows like "Good Morning America" the next day.
Jason has become a local celebrity in his small town near Rochester, New York. He autographs basketballs and poses for pictures. But when the \Trojans begin playoff action soon he will be back in his familiar place on the bench, probably wearing his customary white shirt and black tie.
In the fall he will start classes at Monroe Community College, majoring in business management. He hopes to be involved somehow in their basketball program, probably as team manager or whatever he can do to be near the sport he loves.
It's the stuff that dreams are made of, the stuff movies are made of. Hopefully there is a screenwriter in Hollywood already working on a script. A feel-good, underdog movie too good to be true, yet too incredible to invent.
Jason finally got his chance and made the most of it. Just goes to show you, anything is possible, despite the odds, despite the challenges, if only given a chance.
Dreams do come true. Just ask Jason McElwain.
Recently in the enws we were inspired by the amazing story of Jason McElwain. Jason is a 17-year old senior at Greece Athena High School in Greece, New York. He has been the "team manager" of his high school basketball squad for several years now. Some of his duties have included keeping statistics, running the clock and handing out water bottles to the players. He can usually be found sitting on the bench in a white shirt and black tie.
Being only 5'6 in height, he was thought to be too small and frail to even make his junior varsity team. Although he always had a dream of actually playing in a game, he never complained to be team manager, as it allowed him to be close to the game he loves so dearly.
Oh, I forgot one thing: Jason happens to be autistic.
Admiring Jason's determination and dedication, Coach Jim Johnson made the brave and kind decision to allow Jason to suit up for the Trojans final home game this season. The last game of the season, the final home game for Jason, since he will be graduating this spring, it had to be a dream come true for Jason just to put on a uniform. Whether he would actually play or not depended upon the score..but did it matter?
Jason's friends and fellow students came out to the game full force, hoping Jason would play even a few seconds. They made signs with his nickname, JMAC, and cheered when he walked on the court with the other players.
With only four minutes to play, and Greece Athena ahead by a large margin, Coach Johnson put Jason into the game. His dream had finally come true. He actually stepped on the court as a player.
Jason's first shot was from long-range, an air ball that was short of the hoop by a good six feet. His second shot also missed, an easy lay-up.
Despite the rocky start, Jason didn't give up. He was used to adversity. he didn't start speaking until he was 5. He lacked the social skills of other so-called "normal" kids his age, yet he managed to make friends and life got easier as he became older.
His father, David, said, "The thing about Jason is he isn't afraid of anything. He doesn't care what people think about him. He is his own person."
The coach buried his face in his hands after Jason missed his first two shots, thinking he may have made a mistake in letting the kid play. "Please Lord, just give him a basket," the coach whispered.
God must've been listening. Jason's "miracle game" suddenly kicked into high-gear.
The next time down the court Jason unexpectedly hit a long jumper for 3 points. Nothing but net. The ball never touched the rim. The crowd went crazy. Then he hit another 3-pointer. And another. And another.
In fact, Jason made a total of six 3-point shots, tying a school record. He would've had a seventh, but his foot was on the line and the shot only counted as 2 points. Jason scored an incredible 20 points in less than 4 minutes, an awesome feat, even by professional standards. "I was hotter than a pistol," he said later.
All this from a kid thought to be too small, a kid with autism, a kid who wore the tag as being "different" every day of his life with dignity and grace. Imagine the time he must have secretly practiced, either in his driveway or when no one was around in the gym, dreaming of his impossible chance to be a "normal" basketball player. Who ever knew the talent Jason had within? And the motivation and guts.
The final score didn't matter as the horn sounded to end the game. The Trojans won but the real story was Jason. The fans rushed the court and people hoisted Jason on their shoulders, carrying him off the court in triumph. This frantic, unbelievable scene was played on the news and shows like "Good Morning America" the next day.
Jason has become a local celebrity in his small town near Rochester, New York. He autographs basketballs and poses for pictures. But when the \Trojans begin playoff action soon he will be back in his familiar place on the bench, probably wearing his customary white shirt and black tie.
In the fall he will start classes at Monroe Community College, majoring in business management. He hopes to be involved somehow in their basketball program, probably as team manager or whatever he can do to be near the sport he loves.
It's the stuff that dreams are made of, the stuff movies are made of. Hopefully there is a screenwriter in Hollywood already working on a script. A feel-good, underdog movie too good to be true, yet too incredible to invent.
Jason finally got his chance and made the most of it. Just goes to show you, anything is possible, despite the odds, despite the challenges, if only given a chance.
Dreams do come true. Just ask Jason McElwain.
CHIRPING BIRDS-NFL PLAYOFFS
My take on the divisional playoff games...
I picked all 4 NFL division playoff games correctly, including the exact final score of the Green Bay-Dallas contest, 34-31...Why don't they show Cowboys owner Jerry Jones after his team loses? TV shows him high-fiving people in his booth when the Cowboys score, but when you really want to see him- after a Dallas defeat- TV fails.Also, look at the final four quarterbacks left in the playoffs: Rodgers, Brady, Rothisberger and Ryan. More evidence that QB is such a key position, and that the Eagles did the right thing in getting Carson Wentz for the future.
Packers-Cowboys was easily the best game of the weekend. Dallas was good all year-13-3- but against a crafty QB like Aaron Rodgers, they choked. They didn't use Elliot enough. Jason Garret again proved why Dallas will never win a championship with him as coach. The Dallas defense was OK during the season, but came up small in the playoffs. And, Dallas doesn't really have a home field advantage.
Dallas has a young team and will be good again next season, but it will be much tougher. The Cowboys will play a fist place schedule. Everyone will be gunning for Dallas. Because they finished so high, their first round draft pick won't be as high this year. Dallas did have an excellent draft last year. They will have to do so again to improve.
Green Bay was banged up but still found a way to win. They may get WR Jordy Nelson back next week in the NFC Championship game at Atlanta vs. the Falcons.
Was there any doubt that the Patriots would beat Houston? They even covered the 16 1/2 point spread. Tom Brady didn't have his best game, but that was probably because of the week layoff and the inferior competition. Next week New England will need to fire on all cylinders to beat a hot Pittsburgh Steelers team.
Dion Lewis, who set a record by scoring a touchdown return on a kick-off, a run and a pass play, once was a Philadelphia Eagle. Another mistake by the front office. Why is it that other teams' castoffs go to New England and succeed?Patrick Chung and Eric Rowe are two more Birds to fly north and do well.
Andy reid again screwed up the Chiefs with his time management problems. Reid is a good regular season coach and gets his teams ready to play. But he still has this brain-lock when it comes to the fourth quarter and time management. Looking at the quarterbacks, was Alex Smith wasn't going to be better then an experienced Ben Rothisberger. Still, Kansas City didn't give up a touchdown, yet still lost a home playoff game.
Finally, the Seahawks are such a different team away from fan-friendly Seattle. But the Seahawks weren't the powerful team they were several years ago. early in the season they had problems scoring. You got the feeling against a sizzling Atlanta offense, which led the NFL in points scored this season, anything over 24 points would be hard for Seattle to keep up. I was impressed by the Falcons relentless, balanced offense. They seem to have "it" this year, maybe that team of destiny?
My picks for the championships games next Sunday..
The Packers are hot, Rodgers is playing great and they have the experience to go all the way. Yet I can't see Green Bay doing it. Sooner or later the injuries will catch up to them. With Atlanta playing at home, I'll take the Falcons in a wild one, going to the Super Bowl by the score of 28-27.
If anyone can beat the Patriots in New England it would be the hot, experienced Steelers. The weather is not supposed to be bad next Sunday, certainly not as bad as it could be. I'm saying Pittsburgh gets to the Super Bowl with a tight 24-20 victory.
I picked all 4 NFL division playoff games correctly, including the exact final score of the Green Bay-Dallas contest, 34-31...Why don't they show Cowboys owner Jerry Jones after his team loses? TV shows him high-fiving people in his booth when the Cowboys score, but when you really want to see him- after a Dallas defeat- TV fails.Also, look at the final four quarterbacks left in the playoffs: Rodgers, Brady, Rothisberger and Ryan. More evidence that QB is such a key position, and that the Eagles did the right thing in getting Carson Wentz for the future.
Packers-Cowboys was easily the best game of the weekend. Dallas was good all year-13-3- but against a crafty QB like Aaron Rodgers, they choked. They didn't use Elliot enough. Jason Garret again proved why Dallas will never win a championship with him as coach. The Dallas defense was OK during the season, but came up small in the playoffs. And, Dallas doesn't really have a home field advantage.
Dallas has a young team and will be good again next season, but it will be much tougher. The Cowboys will play a fist place schedule. Everyone will be gunning for Dallas. Because they finished so high, their first round draft pick won't be as high this year. Dallas did have an excellent draft last year. They will have to do so again to improve.
Green Bay was banged up but still found a way to win. They may get WR Jordy Nelson back next week in the NFC Championship game at Atlanta vs. the Falcons.
Was there any doubt that the Patriots would beat Houston? They even covered the 16 1/2 point spread. Tom Brady didn't have his best game, but that was probably because of the week layoff and the inferior competition. Next week New England will need to fire on all cylinders to beat a hot Pittsburgh Steelers team.
Dion Lewis, who set a record by scoring a touchdown return on a kick-off, a run and a pass play, once was a Philadelphia Eagle. Another mistake by the front office. Why is it that other teams' castoffs go to New England and succeed?Patrick Chung and Eric Rowe are two more Birds to fly north and do well.
Andy reid again screwed up the Chiefs with his time management problems. Reid is a good regular season coach and gets his teams ready to play. But he still has this brain-lock when it comes to the fourth quarter and time management. Looking at the quarterbacks, was Alex Smith wasn't going to be better then an experienced Ben Rothisberger. Still, Kansas City didn't give up a touchdown, yet still lost a home playoff game.
Finally, the Seahawks are such a different team away from fan-friendly Seattle. But the Seahawks weren't the powerful team they were several years ago. early in the season they had problems scoring. You got the feeling against a sizzling Atlanta offense, which led the NFL in points scored this season, anything over 24 points would be hard for Seattle to keep up. I was impressed by the Falcons relentless, balanced offense. They seem to have "it" this year, maybe that team of destiny?
My picks for the championships games next Sunday..
The Packers are hot, Rodgers is playing great and they have the experience to go all the way. Yet I can't see Green Bay doing it. Sooner or later the injuries will catch up to them. With Atlanta playing at home, I'll take the Falcons in a wild one, going to the Super Bowl by the score of 28-27.
If anyone can beat the Patriots in New England it would be the hot, experienced Steelers. The weather is not supposed to be bad next Sunday, certainly not as bad as it could be. I'm saying Pittsburgh gets to the Super Bowl with a tight 24-20 victory.
Friday, January 13, 2017
IN THE NEWS- TRUMP & VACCINES
This from Tribune Washington Bureau...
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has warned of a discredited link between childhood immunizations and the development of autism, has accepted an invitation from President-elect Donald Trump to lead a commission "on vaccine safety and scientific integrity", he told reporters this week.
A Trump spokeswoman would not confirm Kennedy's comment.
Kennedy, son of the late U.S. attorney general, said the president-elect "has some doubts" about vaccine policies but said both of them were in favor of vaccines.
"His opinion doesn't matter, but the science does matter, and we ought to be reading the science and we ought to be debating the science," Kennedy said. "Everybody ought to be able to be assured that the vaccines that we have...(are ) as safe as they possibly can be."
Hope Hicks, a spokeswoman for the Trump transition team, said only that the president-elect was "exploring the possibility" of a commission, but that no decision has been made.
"The president-elect enjoyed his discussion with Robert Kennedy Jr. on a range of issues and appreciates his thoughts and ideas," Hicks said. "The president-elect looks forward to continuing the discussion about all aspects of autism with many groups and individuals."
A wave of concern among some parents about a link between vaccines and autism, sparked by a since-discredited study, led instead to an increased risk for children in contracting diseases eradicated decades ago.
The U.S. centers for Disease Control and Prevention states explicitly that there "is no link between vaccines and autism," citing its own and independent studies.
In 2015 Kennedy testified against a California bill, now law, to block parents from being waived, beased on personal beliefs, from the requirement that their children be vaccinated. He apologized for comparing at one point the number of children with autism to the holocaust.
During a Republican primary debate in 2015 at the Reagan library in Simi Valley, Calif., Trump said he was "totally in favor of vaccines," but said autism had become an epidemic. He claimed a 2-year-old child of one of his employees developed autism just after receiving an immunization.
"I want smaller doses over a longer period of time," he said.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has warned of a discredited link between childhood immunizations and the development of autism, has accepted an invitation from President-elect Donald Trump to lead a commission "on vaccine safety and scientific integrity", he told reporters this week.
A Trump spokeswoman would not confirm Kennedy's comment.
Kennedy, son of the late U.S. attorney general, said the president-elect "has some doubts" about vaccine policies but said both of them were in favor of vaccines.
"His opinion doesn't matter, but the science does matter, and we ought to be reading the science and we ought to be debating the science," Kennedy said. "Everybody ought to be able to be assured that the vaccines that we have...(are ) as safe as they possibly can be."
Hope Hicks, a spokeswoman for the Trump transition team, said only that the president-elect was "exploring the possibility" of a commission, but that no decision has been made.
"The president-elect enjoyed his discussion with Robert Kennedy Jr. on a range of issues and appreciates his thoughts and ideas," Hicks said. "The president-elect looks forward to continuing the discussion about all aspects of autism with many groups and individuals."
A wave of concern among some parents about a link between vaccines and autism, sparked by a since-discredited study, led instead to an increased risk for children in contracting diseases eradicated decades ago.
The U.S. centers for Disease Control and Prevention states explicitly that there "is no link between vaccines and autism," citing its own and independent studies.
In 2015 Kennedy testified against a California bill, now law, to block parents from being waived, beased on personal beliefs, from the requirement that their children be vaccinated. He apologized for comparing at one point the number of children with autism to the holocaust.
During a Republican primary debate in 2015 at the Reagan library in Simi Valley, Calif., Trump said he was "totally in favor of vaccines," but said autism had become an epidemic. He claimed a 2-year-old child of one of his employees developed autism just after receiving an immunization.
"I want smaller doses over a longer period of time," he said.
Thursday, January 12, 2017
IN THE NEWS- WANDERING & NEW MEDICAID WAIVER RULES
From Disability Scoop...
Federal officials are chiming in on how to balance independence and safety for people with disabilities who have a tendency to wander.
In a recently-issued frequently asked questions document, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said that there have been concerns as states work to implement new regulations governing Medicaid home and community-based services waivers.
The regulations, which are set to ta in March 2019, establish new standards for what settings are considered community-based.
Services paid for through Medicaid home and community-based services funds cannot be provided at nursing homes, institutions or intermediate care facilities under the rule. Moreover, settings must be integrated in the community in places where individuals choose to live and those receiving services must be allowed to make independent choices about their activities, physical environment and interactions with others.
Those requirements may pose special challenges when serving individuals with disabilities who elope, Medicaid officials acknowledged in issuing the guidance document.
"As states, providers, beneficiaries and other stakeholders determine a strategy for complying with the setting requirements," federal officials wrote, "questions have arisen on how to adhere to the individualized nature of service provision for individuals with dementia or other conditions in which unsafe wandering or exit-seeking behavior is exhibited."
Research shows that about half of kids with autism have bolted from a safe place. And, advocates cite more than 100 deaths stemming from wandering incidents since 2011 involving individuals with autism or Down syndrome.
When providing home and community-based services to individuals with a history of bolting, Medicaid officials said that providers should rely on person-centered planning to create a customized approach to ensure integrated access to the community while guarding against injury.
Staff working with those who wander should be specially trained in communication, identifying and handling behavior and understanding the types of situations that have led to eloping in the past. Supervision should be appropriate and flexible, the guidance recommends.
In addition, strategies can be employed to prevent over-or under-stimulation by modifying a person's environment or considering the types of available activities. Medical officials said other tools and technology can also be helpful in promoting "optimal independence."
Federal officials are chiming in on how to balance independence and safety for people with disabilities who have a tendency to wander.
In a recently-issued frequently asked questions document, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said that there have been concerns as states work to implement new regulations governing Medicaid home and community-based services waivers.
The regulations, which are set to ta in March 2019, establish new standards for what settings are considered community-based.
Services paid for through Medicaid home and community-based services funds cannot be provided at nursing homes, institutions or intermediate care facilities under the rule. Moreover, settings must be integrated in the community in places where individuals choose to live and those receiving services must be allowed to make independent choices about their activities, physical environment and interactions with others.
Those requirements may pose special challenges when serving individuals with disabilities who elope, Medicaid officials acknowledged in issuing the guidance document.
"As states, providers, beneficiaries and other stakeholders determine a strategy for complying with the setting requirements," federal officials wrote, "questions have arisen on how to adhere to the individualized nature of service provision for individuals with dementia or other conditions in which unsafe wandering or exit-seeking behavior is exhibited."
Research shows that about half of kids with autism have bolted from a safe place. And, advocates cite more than 100 deaths stemming from wandering incidents since 2011 involving individuals with autism or Down syndrome.
When providing home and community-based services to individuals with a history of bolting, Medicaid officials said that providers should rely on person-centered planning to create a customized approach to ensure integrated access to the community while guarding against injury.
Staff working with those who wander should be specially trained in communication, identifying and handling behavior and understanding the types of situations that have led to eloping in the past. Supervision should be appropriate and flexible, the guidance recommends.
In addition, strategies can be employed to prevent over-or under-stimulation by modifying a person's environment or considering the types of available activities. Medical officials said other tools and technology can also be helpful in promoting "optimal independence."
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
IN THE NEWS- ACCESSORY DWELLING OFFERS BRIDGE TO INDEPENDENCE
This article is from The Columbian...
Yung Ting Engelbrecht lounges on his couch watching "Barney" on a tablet. He can scan QR codes taped to the wall that connect him to some of his favorite YouTube videos.
"Where are you going to sleep tonight?" asks his mom, Jacqueline Noel.
"New house," Yung Ting says.
His 2888-square- foot accessory dwelling unit is attache to his parents' house in east Vancouver, Canada. Even though he's lived in the unit for a little over a year. Yung Ting still calls his place "new house" and his parent' "big house."
When people initially heard that Yung Ting was getting his own place, many were taken aback. The 23-year-old has autism and Down syndrome.
The rising cost of housing prevents many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities from securing housing and the independence that comes with it. Many have part-time work, if any work at all, or receive benefit checks that don't stretch far in today's housing market. Yung Ting is unemployed.
Building an accessory building unit, or ADU, may be one of the more creative options out there for parents and care providers grappling with what type of housing could balance freedom with support. It's not just about having a place to live, it's also about improving the overall quality of life, said Jennifer Matheis, the housing resource and training coordinator at The Arc of Southwest Washington.
"I think it gives everybody more hope and excitement about the possibilities," Matheis says.
Matheis, who has worked at The Arc for about a year, doesn't know any other families who have gone this route. Many opt for a roommate situation.
Yung Ting was born in Hong Kong and adopted in 1994 by Noel and Ted Engelbrecht when he was 1. His three non biological siblings met him in an orphanage while doing a service learning project abroad.
The family lived in Vietnam for 15 years before moving to Vancouver ro make a better life for Yung Ting. Ted Engelbracht is American, but was born and raised in India. Noel is from Belgium.
"We left because of him, because we started thinking about long term. He was almost done with high school, and we knew we would not be around forever. In Vietnam, they don't have much at all for people with special needs," Noel said.
At his international school, he was the only student with a developmental disability.
It was easier for the people to get jobs in America than in Europe, and they have family in Seattle. Ted Engelbracht teaches Theology at Concordia University in Portland, and Noel is a paraducator at Evergreen High School. which Yung Ting attended.
"We were told that Vancouver was much better for special education than Portland, Noel said.
An idea to build an ADU for Yung Ting came about when his parents started exploring housing options. Yung Ting doesn't like to be around people all the time, so a roommate situation didn't seem ideal, and apartments were expensive. Initially, they wanted to construct a tiny house on wheels that cold be moved, but they couldn't secure the permits to do that.
So, they turned to builder Jay Lepisto. He had built a gazebo for the family and they wanted an ADU that visually tied the property together, Lepisto mostly does remodeling projects through his business Finnesse Craftsman Inc.
"I've never done anything like that before," he said. "It was fun to design everything on a small scale."
The ADU was built in what used to be a vegetable garden on the side of the house. It has built-in storage, its own bathroom lined with a colorful mosaic of tiles from Habitat for Humanity ( where Yung Ting volunteers) and easy-to- clean plank floors. There's a combination washer a=nd dryer, a mini-fridge and a microwave, but no stove or oven. A covered front porch allows him to wait out of the rain for the C- Van bus.
When it was all finished, Yung Ting didn't need to transition to life in the ADU. He just gathered his stuff and moved.
"We were also debating whether or not to have direct access to the house. We decided, no, we want him to be independent. He's got his own entrance and there's no connection," Noel said, "I feel better having him in a smaller space than alone in a big house."
Through his back door he can walk across the deck and into his parents' kitchen for dinner. After everyone says good night, he locks the back door and closes the curtain- signaling that he's done hanging out with his parents for the day.
The family uses a mix of high- and low-tech devices to make the living situation work. They're trying to find the right balance between privacy, independence and safety.
To access his house, he has to type in a key code rather than use a key. Ringing the doorbell activates a camera that's also activated by a motion sensor . So, sometimes, Yung Ting will ring his own doorbell to talk to his mom through the camera.
Noel also uses a phone application that allows her to call Yung Ting and that automatically picks up and connects to a speaker system in his house. They used the technology for the first time when Noel had to take Ted Engelbrecht to the airport one morning and wouldn't be home to wake up Yung Ting. So, she told her daughter to use the audio system to call him and get him ready for the day.
When Noel arrived home, Yung Ting was eating breakfast, dressed and ready to go, but he had a weird look on his face. "Chloe talk," he said over and over. Noel said she feels bad that he got spooked.
"Maybe some much higher-functioning kid would not like this at all. They would realize they're being watched," Noel said. "But I think in a way it's reassuring for him."
Reminder Rosie, an alarm clock designed for people with memory issues, reminds Yung Ting about tasks and appointments; it will repeat until he turns it off. And pictures on his calendar also tell him what he's doing each day.
By his bed, there are QR codes that when scanned with his tablet lead to prayers his family recorded, so he can follow along and say his prayers before bed. Other apps on his tablet tell him how much time he has left until his next activity. There are soap and shampoo dispensers, and a device that puts toothpaste on his toothbrush. Without it, tooth[past would get all over the counter.
The ADU and all of the furniture, appliances and technology inside cost about $50,000. The cost was "very doable" for the pair of educators. They took out a loan to pay for it all, but the payments on the loan are less than renting an apartment would be. If Yung Ting hadn't wanted to move right in, the ADU could've been rented out for awhile to help pay for it.
"It was not Yung Ting who requested to move out. He was very happy with us. We realized that he was ready," Noel said.
Lepisto said it would be cheaper to convert part of an existing home into an ADU- to make a home within a home.
At first, Noel would virtually check in on Yung Ting all the time while she was away from home.
"I've learned a lot because I've learned to let go," Noel said. "he can call me if there's a problem, and we've got good neighbors."
She's reluctant to hand off access to the cameras to anybody else. It's his private space, even if he still needs some assistance day-to-day.
"How do you make people more independent, not more dependent? Too often our answer is, "Oh we feel sorry for them," but you actually end up breeding dependency rather than in-dependency," Ted Egelbrecht.
Yung Ting makes his breakfast every day, gets showered and dressed, hops on the bus and heads to his activities, whether it's a cooking class, bowling or volunteer work. He knows how to follow a schedule and contact his parents, if needed. Noel and Engelbracht said they would love to see Yung Ting get a job and think he can do more than people may expect.
"I'm not sure yet what kind of job he would get, but I'm still hoping he'll get one," Noel said, adding that everyone needs a purpose in life. "He's learned things that he would never do when he was living with us."
For now, she said, she likes the increased freedom everyone gets to enjoy. Being more in the background of Yung Ting's life gives the couple time to just be husband and wife again.
Yung Ting Engelbrecht lounges on his couch watching "Barney" on a tablet. He can scan QR codes taped to the wall that connect him to some of his favorite YouTube videos.
"Where are you going to sleep tonight?" asks his mom, Jacqueline Noel.
"New house," Yung Ting says.
His 2888-square- foot accessory dwelling unit is attache to his parents' house in east Vancouver, Canada. Even though he's lived in the unit for a little over a year. Yung Ting still calls his place "new house" and his parent' "big house."
When people initially heard that Yung Ting was getting his own place, many were taken aback. The 23-year-old has autism and Down syndrome.
The rising cost of housing prevents many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities from securing housing and the independence that comes with it. Many have part-time work, if any work at all, or receive benefit checks that don't stretch far in today's housing market. Yung Ting is unemployed.
Building an accessory building unit, or ADU, may be one of the more creative options out there for parents and care providers grappling with what type of housing could balance freedom with support. It's not just about having a place to live, it's also about improving the overall quality of life, said Jennifer Matheis, the housing resource and training coordinator at The Arc of Southwest Washington.
"I think it gives everybody more hope and excitement about the possibilities," Matheis says.
Matheis, who has worked at The Arc for about a year, doesn't know any other families who have gone this route. Many opt for a roommate situation.
Yung Ting was born in Hong Kong and adopted in 1994 by Noel and Ted Engelbrecht when he was 1. His three non biological siblings met him in an orphanage while doing a service learning project abroad.
The family lived in Vietnam for 15 years before moving to Vancouver ro make a better life for Yung Ting. Ted Engelbracht is American, but was born and raised in India. Noel is from Belgium.
"We left because of him, because we started thinking about long term. He was almost done with high school, and we knew we would not be around forever. In Vietnam, they don't have much at all for people with special needs," Noel said.
At his international school, he was the only student with a developmental disability.
It was easier for the people to get jobs in America than in Europe, and they have family in Seattle. Ted Engelbracht teaches Theology at Concordia University in Portland, and Noel is a paraducator at Evergreen High School. which Yung Ting attended.
"We were told that Vancouver was much better for special education than Portland, Noel said.
An idea to build an ADU for Yung Ting came about when his parents started exploring housing options. Yung Ting doesn't like to be around people all the time, so a roommate situation didn't seem ideal, and apartments were expensive. Initially, they wanted to construct a tiny house on wheels that cold be moved, but they couldn't secure the permits to do that.
So, they turned to builder Jay Lepisto. He had built a gazebo for the family and they wanted an ADU that visually tied the property together, Lepisto mostly does remodeling projects through his business Finnesse Craftsman Inc.
"I've never done anything like that before," he said. "It was fun to design everything on a small scale."
The ADU was built in what used to be a vegetable garden on the side of the house. It has built-in storage, its own bathroom lined with a colorful mosaic of tiles from Habitat for Humanity ( where Yung Ting volunteers) and easy-to- clean plank floors. There's a combination washer a=nd dryer, a mini-fridge and a microwave, but no stove or oven. A covered front porch allows him to wait out of the rain for the C- Van bus.
When it was all finished, Yung Ting didn't need to transition to life in the ADU. He just gathered his stuff and moved.
"We were also debating whether or not to have direct access to the house. We decided, no, we want him to be independent. He's got his own entrance and there's no connection," Noel said, "I feel better having him in a smaller space than alone in a big house."
Through his back door he can walk across the deck and into his parents' kitchen for dinner. After everyone says good night, he locks the back door and closes the curtain- signaling that he's done hanging out with his parents for the day.
The family uses a mix of high- and low-tech devices to make the living situation work. They're trying to find the right balance between privacy, independence and safety.
To access his house, he has to type in a key code rather than use a key. Ringing the doorbell activates a camera that's also activated by a motion sensor . So, sometimes, Yung Ting will ring his own doorbell to talk to his mom through the camera.
Noel also uses a phone application that allows her to call Yung Ting and that automatically picks up and connects to a speaker system in his house. They used the technology for the first time when Noel had to take Ted Engelbrecht to the airport one morning and wouldn't be home to wake up Yung Ting. So, she told her daughter to use the audio system to call him and get him ready for the day.
When Noel arrived home, Yung Ting was eating breakfast, dressed and ready to go, but he had a weird look on his face. "Chloe talk," he said over and over. Noel said she feels bad that he got spooked.
"Maybe some much higher-functioning kid would not like this at all. They would realize they're being watched," Noel said. "But I think in a way it's reassuring for him."
Reminder Rosie, an alarm clock designed for people with memory issues, reminds Yung Ting about tasks and appointments; it will repeat until he turns it off. And pictures on his calendar also tell him what he's doing each day.
By his bed, there are QR codes that when scanned with his tablet lead to prayers his family recorded, so he can follow along and say his prayers before bed. Other apps on his tablet tell him how much time he has left until his next activity. There are soap and shampoo dispensers, and a device that puts toothpaste on his toothbrush. Without it, tooth[past would get all over the counter.
The ADU and all of the furniture, appliances and technology inside cost about $50,000. The cost was "very doable" for the pair of educators. They took out a loan to pay for it all, but the payments on the loan are less than renting an apartment would be. If Yung Ting hadn't wanted to move right in, the ADU could've been rented out for awhile to help pay for it.
"It was not Yung Ting who requested to move out. He was very happy with us. We realized that he was ready," Noel said.
Lepisto said it would be cheaper to convert part of an existing home into an ADU- to make a home within a home.
At first, Noel would virtually check in on Yung Ting all the time while she was away from home.
"I've learned a lot because I've learned to let go," Noel said. "he can call me if there's a problem, and we've got good neighbors."
She's reluctant to hand off access to the cameras to anybody else. It's his private space, even if he still needs some assistance day-to-day.
"How do you make people more independent, not more dependent? Too often our answer is, "Oh we feel sorry for them," but you actually end up breeding dependency rather than in-dependency," Ted Egelbrecht.
Yung Ting makes his breakfast every day, gets showered and dressed, hops on the bus and heads to his activities, whether it's a cooking class, bowling or volunteer work. He knows how to follow a schedule and contact his parents, if needed. Noel and Engelbracht said they would love to see Yung Ting get a job and think he can do more than people may expect.
"I'm not sure yet what kind of job he would get, but I'm still hoping he'll get one," Noel said, adding that everyone needs a purpose in life. "He's learned things that he would never do when he was living with us."
For now, she said, she likes the increased freedom everyone gets to enjoy. Being more in the background of Yung Ting's life gives the couple time to just be husband and wife again.
Monday, January 9, 2017
CHIRPING BIRDS- NFL PLAYOFFS
My take on the first week of the NFL playoffs...
No surprises..all the home teams won..which again supports the fact that you really need a bye and home field advantage in the playoffs. The cold weather also insured a Green Bay and Pittsburgh victory. No way a warm weather team like the Miami Dolphins were going to win in bitterly cold Pittsburgh, where it was 18 degrees.
The Giants ran out of miracles against the Packers. New York had a good defense, but couldn't score enough points. They won a lot of close games during the regular season, and their weaknesses were exposed against the Pack.
Houston and Oakland was a boring game. The Texans defense proved to be the difference, along with the fact that the Raiders had to use a rookie quarterback. Shame that David Carr broke his leg after he guided the team to a 12-4 record.
And, the Lions continue their post-season futility. Playing against a hungry Seahawk team, Detriot had little chance of winning in Seattle, the toughest place for a visiting team to play.
Next week, the divisional playoffs begin. On Saturday it's at Atlanta and Houston at New England. On Sunday it's Pittsburgh at Kansas City and Green Bay at Dallas.
The Seahawks are a different team on the road. They lose their intimidating crowd. It should be an interesting match-up- the tough Seattle defense and the high-scoring Falcon offense. I like Atlanta, 24-13
Kansas City is always a tough place to play. Arrowhead Stadium is a cold, loud place to play for a visitor. But it looks like Sunday will be mild day in Kansas City. The Steelers and Ben Rothensberger have the experience to win in the playoffs, and Pittsburgh seems to be peaking at the right time. Make it Steelers 20 Chiefs 10.
New England at home is always tough to beat. The weather looks like it won't be as brutal as it could be this Saturday night. A night game in January in New England could be wickedly cold and snowy. So maybe Houston gets a break this weekend vs. the Patriots weather-wise. But Tom Brady has come too far to lose a home playoff game against a fledgling Texan team with a shaky quarterback. I say Patriots 38 Texans 17
Finally, the marque game, only because it's the Cowboys and it's Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay is sizzling hot, and usually the red-hot team coming into the playoffs does well. Add to the fact that Dallas doesn't play that well at home. Plus it's the first playoff game for the Cowboys' two rookies, Prescott and Elliot. I think it will be a shoot-out, with the Pack winning in the end, 34-31
The Eagles brain trust will be heading to the Senior Bowl soon. Hopefully they have their eye on a stud defensive back, a wide receiver and a pass rusher. March and April will be fun with the start of free agency and the draft. Mix in a few trades and the spring turns very interesting for the rebuilding Birds. The schedule is also announced in April. So the excitement will escalate until training camp in late July.
No surprises..all the home teams won..which again supports the fact that you really need a bye and home field advantage in the playoffs. The cold weather also insured a Green Bay and Pittsburgh victory. No way a warm weather team like the Miami Dolphins were going to win in bitterly cold Pittsburgh, where it was 18 degrees.
The Giants ran out of miracles against the Packers. New York had a good defense, but couldn't score enough points. They won a lot of close games during the regular season, and their weaknesses were exposed against the Pack.
Houston and Oakland was a boring game. The Texans defense proved to be the difference, along with the fact that the Raiders had to use a rookie quarterback. Shame that David Carr broke his leg after he guided the team to a 12-4 record.
And, the Lions continue their post-season futility. Playing against a hungry Seahawk team, Detriot had little chance of winning in Seattle, the toughest place for a visiting team to play.
Next week, the divisional playoffs begin. On Saturday it's at Atlanta and Houston at New England. On Sunday it's Pittsburgh at Kansas City and Green Bay at Dallas.
The Seahawks are a different team on the road. They lose their intimidating crowd. It should be an interesting match-up- the tough Seattle defense and the high-scoring Falcon offense. I like Atlanta, 24-13
Kansas City is always a tough place to play. Arrowhead Stadium is a cold, loud place to play for a visitor. But it looks like Sunday will be mild day in Kansas City. The Steelers and Ben Rothensberger have the experience to win in the playoffs, and Pittsburgh seems to be peaking at the right time. Make it Steelers 20 Chiefs 10.
New England at home is always tough to beat. The weather looks like it won't be as brutal as it could be this Saturday night. A night game in January in New England could be wickedly cold and snowy. So maybe Houston gets a break this weekend vs. the Patriots weather-wise. But Tom Brady has come too far to lose a home playoff game against a fledgling Texan team with a shaky quarterback. I say Patriots 38 Texans 17
Finally, the marque game, only because it's the Cowboys and it's Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay is sizzling hot, and usually the red-hot team coming into the playoffs does well. Add to the fact that Dallas doesn't play that well at home. Plus it's the first playoff game for the Cowboys' two rookies, Prescott and Elliot. I think it will be a shoot-out, with the Pack winning in the end, 34-31
The Eagles brain trust will be heading to the Senior Bowl soon. Hopefully they have their eye on a stud defensive back, a wide receiver and a pass rusher. March and April will be fun with the start of free agency and the draft. Mix in a few trades and the spring turns very interesting for the rebuilding Birds. The schedule is also announced in April. So the excitement will escalate until training camp in late July.
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