Click here to register for the Social Media Webinar
What: With
millions of Americans using social media sites such as Facebook and
Twitter to share information, the relations among applicants, employers,
and employees are changing rapidly. What protections remain for people
with disabilities as the line between private and public information
becomes increasingly blurred? Joe Bontke and Erin Lawler will tackle
these emerging issues and predict how the legal landscape may continue
to change.
Participants will learn:
how employers are currently using social media to screen, hire, and recruit employees
what information can employers use legally - and what information could lead to a disability rights violation
what rights employees have when using social media at work
best practices for employers and employees regarding social media
When: November 14, 2012 12pm-1:30pm
Contact: ADA Audio Conference Great Lakes ADA Center (MC 728) 1640 W. Roosevelt Road, Room 405 Chicago, Illinois 60608 http://www.ada-audio.org/WebForms/ContactUs/?im=0
What: At this workshop participants will learn about the current technological trends and how they are being used by students throughout Montana. This will include information about how students are using the Internet, the effects of their decisions, and the influence it has on them. There will be discussion about common social media trends, how technology changes people, and some of the dangers of on line activity. Information will be shared about Sexting and cyber-bullying. Participants will also be given tools that they can use to help students make smarter choices with technology and social media.
What: This webinar hosted by The National Consortium on Deaf-Blindness will discuss different social media platforms and how families and their professional partners can harness the power of the internet to inform family leaders and increase advocacy and leadership. No registration is required.
When: Thursday, February 7, 2013 12:00 pm Mountain and Sunday, February 10, 2013 5:00 pm Mountain
Cost: Free
Instructions for participation:
Please make sure you have prepared your computer to access the meeting through Adobe Connect. 1. Click here to test your connection and install required software
2. Click here to watch a tutorial on Adobe Connect
On The day of the webinar, log into the meeting site 5-10 minutes early. 1. Click here to join the adobe connect meeting 2. Select "enter as guest" then click the "enter room" button 3. Turn off your computer speakers. You will listen to the audio portion through the telephone. 4. When you enter the Adobe room, you will be prompted for a call back number. Enter your phone number and Adobe will call you. If you are at a phone with an extension dial 1-866-244-8528 and enter participant code: 219009
Autism spectrum disorders are surrounded by a haze of misconceptions, many of which are harmful for autistic children and adults. It’s time to straighten a few things out, and to spread the word on this complex series of cognitive and intellectual disabilities with a little good old-fashioned debunking.
1. Autistic people have no empathy. This is a common belief about autism; people think that because autistics are sometimes blunt or have difficulty navigating social norms, they aren’t empathetic. In fact, just the opposite seems to be true. Rather than not feeling enough, many autistics feel very intensely, and are easily overwhelmed by the emotions of those around them.
2. Autistic people can’t communicate. Autism spectrum disorders take a variety of forms, and some people with autism are nonverbal, but that doesn’t mean they can’t communicate. Some use communication boards and other methods to communicate with the people around them, but it requires patience to establish and maintain communication with them. Historically, people with more severe forms of autism were often isolated in institutions, but more modern treatment of autism encourages the use of therapy and other techniques to interact with patients and find a communication mode they feel comfortable with.
3. Autistic people are violent. This particularly damaging assumption about autism was widely bandied around in the aftermath of the horrific Sandy Hook shooting. In fact, autistic people are no more likely to commit acts of violence than anyone else, and when they are violent, self-harm is a much more significant concern. Autism and other disabilities also put people at an increased risk of violence, which means autistics have far more to fear about the world around them. Some autistic people do act out or have what are known as “meltdowns,” usually as expressions of frustration with themselves or situations, but this doesn’t equate to violence against other people; an autistic might throw objects in frustration, for example, without any desire or intent to hit people with them.
4. Autistic people are savants. Everyone who’s seen Rainman thinks autistic people are savants, capable of extreme feats of memorization and other amazing skills. While it’s true that some savants are autistic, not everyone with an autism spectrum disorder has these capabilities; some in fact have significant learning disabilities that require accommodations in the classroom.
5. Autism is the result of “refrigerator mothers.” This awful myth about autism has been largely debunked, but it’s still worth a mention. Some people used to believe that autism was caused by bad parenting, with a specific focus on cold or isolated mothers. The result was a lot of misinformation about autism, and terrible pressure on mothers who were already learning about how to navigate the world with autistic children. In fact, autism has no clear cause.
6. Autistics can’t make friends. Along with the belief that autistic people lack empathy comes the assumption that they live isolated lives and have difficulty making friends. Just like everyone else, though, autistics are perfectly capable of establishing and maintaining not just friendships but other kinds of relationships with the people around them. Isolating autistic people in a misguided attempt to protect them can be very harmful, just as it would be for anyone else.
7. Stimming (repetitive behavior like flapping or rocking), is undesirable and should be stopped. Stimming is familiar to many people who are at least vaguely familiar with autism — sadly, it’s often used in mockeries of autistic people, by individuals who think that making flapping gestures or imitative noises is funny. For autistic people, stimming is one way to deal with chaotic environments or stress, and rather than being something that should be suppressed, it can actually be a healthy method of personal expression and sometimes communication as well. Autistics who are forced to modify or hide their stimming behaviors can develop even more stress, which can interfere with focus, completing tasks of daily living, and other activities.
It’s important to be aware that the autism spectrum is vast, and that autism spectrum disorders can manifest in a huge variety of ways. Every autistic is different, and every one deserves respect and dignity. That includes not perpetuating harmful stereotypes, and correcting people who falsely repeat them.
Today, the U.S. Department of Education announced a new streamlined website and several social media tools that will make it easier for students and families to navigate the financial aid process and make informed decisions about paying for college. The launch of the new website, StudentAid.gov, follows a report from the U.S. Department of Education and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau about consumer protection issues with private student loans and recommendations to improve the student loan marketplace.
Believe it or not, Facebook and Twitter aren't the only cool social networking sites on the Web. If your kids are too young for Facebook, or you're concerned about privacy, consider looking into some lesser-known social networking sites geared for tweens, preteens, and yes, even teenagers. We've rounded-up some of the top social networking sites that allow kids to keep a tighter rein on their privacy. Our choices include sites that limit the ways you connect with friends, offer greater control over how you interact, or home in on specific interests. Some of the sites for kids on the younger end of the scale offer more parental controls, too, so you can have a better sense of what your kid is doing online.
In my work helping to develop policies on accessible workplace technology, I have sometimes fallen into the trap of looking just at the “little picture.” By that I mean that sometimes I’ve focused too much attention on making sure that information and communications technology is (ICT) is compatible, or interoperable, with assistive technology specifically screen readers. I know I’m not the only one who has made this mistake, because I come across a lot of information suggesting that once a website is found to work with a screen reader or another type of assistive technology, the accessibility discussion can simply end there. Millions of people around the world use assistive technology, so it is understandable that interoperability is a very important issue. But it sometimes commands so much attention that we forget to look at the “big picture” of fully accessible ICT or the biggest picture of all, universal design.
Click here to register for this event
What: Jennifer Preble, MSW will present the Speak Up for Kids talk, "Parenting 2.0: Parenting in a Digital World." With children plugged in younger and younger, this talk offers pointers for parents and teachers on how to manage children's screen and phone time, monitor social media participation, and protect them from cyberbullies and other predators.
When: May 10, 2012 6:00-7:00pm Mountain
Where: Cottonwood Inn and Suites Highway 2 East Glasgow, MT
Contact: Jennifer Preble, MSW 406-228-9349
Family Services
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Maximizing the Effectiveness of the iPad for People with Autism
iPads can be a great tool for individuals with autism of all ages. The following suggestions on how to use your iPad are written by Lauren Elder, PhD, clinical psychologist and Asst. Director of Dissemination Science at Autism Speaks.
May 20, 2009
3:00-4:15pm ET
Technology is transforming how students learn and engage in our information society. Learn about forward-thinking technology solutions from four leading educational entrepreneurs who have unleashed student talent through the use of online, interactive platforms. Join Steve Hargadon, Founder of Classroom 2.0 and an architect of LearnCentral.org; Paul Kim, Chief Technology Officer for Stanford University School of Education and a leading researcher for Programmable Open Mobile Internet; Jennifer Corriero, Executive Director of TakingITGlobal; and Emily Briggs, Program Manager of Sprout e-course, as they discuss successful strategies for developing the entrepreneurial spirit of global youth in advancing social media and innovation. The Webinar will take place on May 20th from 3:00 pm - 4:15 pm ET.
It is expected that this Webinar will fill to capacity. Space is limited, so register now.
University
of Montana
RiteCare Speech, Language,
& Hearing Clinic
634 Eddy Street
University of Montana graduate
students will run these groups under the guidance of CSD faculty. We hope to
expand your efficiency in using devices, learn to how to join social media, and
support you in communicating in social settings using your devices, voice, and
vocalizations & gestures. We are here to help problem solve technology
issues and provide a fun place to share resources and build friendships.
Contact Chris Merriman for more information 406
243.2377 christine.merriman@umontana.edu
York, Maine - I remember a time when teachers jumped at the chance to use the latest technology in their classrooms. In fact, I remember
the time about a decade ago when my administration gave me my first Apple computer to use in my room.
My students were all huddled around me as I investigated new learning tools. The graphics were terrible but it was like magic
to my students. It lit their imaginations and sparked great discussions.
Today students have taken a fearless lead in online social networking and the creative use of new technologies. Technology
has become a part of life for them and they want more of it in the classroom.
Many teachers and administrators, on the other hand, now seem to fear this. Some claim technology dumbs down students. They
block social media sites like Facebook and Web-based e-mail because of a fear that it might be abused. They also reject the
use of iPods and cellphones because they are distracting and encourage cheating.
News flash: These technologies are here to stay.
Today, the journal Pediatrics published a special supplement on the health and medical treatment of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders. The issue highlights treatment guidelines for physicians and research reports on medical issues of interest to families affected by ASD.
It is estimated that as many as 1/3 of individuals with autism spectrum disorder also have epilepsy. Epilepsy is a brain disorder marked by recurring seizures, or convulsions.
Experts propose that some of the brain abnormalities that are associated with autism may contribute to seizures. These abnormalities can cause changes in brain activity by disrupting neurons in the brain. Neurons are cells that process and transmit information and send signals to the rest of the body. So overloads or disturbances in the activity of these neurons can result in imbalances that cause seizures.
Click here to join the chat if you are already on Twitter
Click here to create a free Twitter account
What:
National Family Voices (@FamilyVoices) will partner with @DrBoyleCDC and @DrPeacockCDC of CDC (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the American Academy of Pediatrics (@AmerAcadPeds), and additional partners including state departments of health for a Twitter chat about birth defects. During the chat you will learn about birth defects statistics, how families of children with birth defects can support their children in collaboration with their health care providers (with an emphasis on family-centered care and medical home), and prevention of birth defects.
When:
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
12:00 pm Mountain
Where:
Tweets about "#1in33chat"
Technology Central is designed to provide the autism community with the latest information, tools, and resources so that everyone can benefit from the great strides being made in the world of technology!
Sometimes the difficulties of autism can lead to behaviors that are quite challenging for us to understand and address. Most individuals with autism will display challenging behaviors of some sort at some point in their lives. Autism Speaks has created this Challenging Behaviors Tool Kit to provide you with strategies and resources to address these behaviors, and to help support you and your loved one with autism during these difficult situations.
Sometimes the difficulties of autism can lead to behaviors that are quite challenging for us to understand and address. Most individuals with autism will display challenging behaviors of some sort at some point in their lives. Autism Speaks has created this Challenging Behaviors Tool Kit to provide you with strategies and resources to address these behaviors, and to help support you and your loved one with autism during these difficult situations.
The Autism Speaks Swimming and Water Safety Scholarship Fund selects eligible organizations and programs to identify qualified financially disadvantaged individuals with autism and offer scholarship funds for swimming and water safety lessons.
Wandering-related incidents among individuals with autism are far too common. In response to unfortunate incidents and the fears they have raised for parents in the autism community, we have put together a list of steps you can take to prevent wandering incidents and keep your child safe at school.
On any given day, the feeds of my social media accounts are brimming with resources, stories, and motivation about disabled people: parenting tips, educational advice, how to work with someone who has a disability, etc. About us, but too often not including us. There are countless communities geared towards supporting parents, family members, and professionals, sharing words of encouragement on how to be the best advocates for the disability community. And while I understand such support networks are usually well intentioned, in many cases, they take the power out of the hands of the people who know themselves and their needs best: people who are actually disabled.
Don’t get me wrong – allies, or what I refer to as advocate-allies, are incredibly important to advocacy efforts. “Ally” implies being supportive, while “advocate-ally” paints a more accurate picture of people who join in along with self-advocates. And true advocate-allies deserve the utmost respect. But a real advocate-ally is someone who doesn’t overshadow the voices and efforts of the people who experience being disabled every single day.
Of course, as a disabled child is just beginning life, parents and professionals have a responsibility to play a key role as advocates. Obviously, a four-year-old wouldn’t be able to discuss medical procedures or know what kind of environmental access modifications are needed, so we can hope that parents will make sound and informed decisions on their child’s behalf. But as disabled children grow older, if they can communicate effectively in any way, then the primary goal should be to embrace the child’s form of communication, working with them to develop their own voice for advocacy.
It can become problematic if parents or professionals are reluctant to relinquish their positions of authority and move to the role of advocate-allies, advocating alongside, instead of on behalf of, disabled people. Therefore, as important as it is to step up as advocates, it’s more important to know when to step down.
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What:
With millions of Americans using social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to share information, the relations among applicants, employers, and employees are changing rapidly. What protections remain for people with disabilities as the line between private and public information becomes increasingly blurred? Joe Bontke and Erin Lawler will tackle these emerging issues and predict how the legal landscape may continue to change. Participants will learn: how employers are currently using social media to screen, hire, and recruit employees what information can employers use legally - and what information could lead to a disability rights violation what rights employees have when using social media at work best practices for employers and employees regarding social media When:
November 14, 2012
12pm-1:30pm Contact:
ADA Audio Conference
Great Lakes ADA Center (MC 728)
1640 W. Roosevelt Road, Room 405
Chicago, Illinois 60608
http://www.ada-audio.org/WebForms/ContactUs/?im=0