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Weekly Announcement & Advocacy
Dear FCSN Members:
Dear Members & Friends,
FREE SEMINAR!!!
Seminar Topic: The Changes in Respite Services and Soon to Change Childcare Services?
Speaker: Ms Pamela Thomas, director of consumer services, Regional Center of the East Bay
a) Do you received Respite services from the Regional Center?
b) Did the changes in respite services 2 years ago affect your family?
c) A chance to voice your concerns and questions
d) If your family also receive childcare due to both parents working full time, the Childcare Services are also going in
the direction of the Respite Services. Come and Understand More...
Date/Time: May, 11 2013, this Saturday, 4:30-6:20pm
Place: FCSN Center: 2300 Peralta Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536
Cost of Seminar: FREE
Children Classes and Dinner : ONLY available for registered East Bay Family Support Gathering families ( not available for walk-ins)
FCSN-ASA Seminar Coordinator
FCSN
"Together, let's build a community of love, hope, respect, and support for our special children."
Dear Members,
Support our FCSN sister organization - Deaf Plus (serving individuals who is deaf with developmental disabilities)
Join us on May 18th Next Saturday!!!
It's getting close - May 18 from 6 pm to 10 pm. Deaf Plus Adult Community will benefit from your ticket purchase and you'll have a great time. Location: 5437 Central Ave, #4, Newark.
Beer and Wine for sale. Snacks available for free.
Tickets $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Tickets can be purchased by sending a check payable to ARC Associates/DPAC to the address above or going to our web site - http://www.deafplus.us/ - and choosing Pay Pal.
Hurry! Don't miss this great event. Invite your friends!
More info or questions, contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 510-610-0170 v/text.
Nancy Eddy
Program Director
Deaf Plus Adult Community
510-610-0170 v/text
Dear Members,
Hi Everyone,
To all our Superstars and family members, Congratulations!!!
They are so incredible, they are all winners!!! That's why this year, we gave out 2013 FCSN's Got Talent gold medals to all the performers. The smile on their faces, priceless! Our performers put out such a great variety of performances, it was really hard to pick up the 3 trophy winners. That's why we want Uncle Tsaiwei & Rebecca to do the tough job, haha... Please know that you are equally great and everyone has room to go to a high level of achievement. Be sure to come back next year and keep doing the best.
The first step to becoming a superstar is to have courage to step on stage, we give extra applause to the performers who join us for the 1st time and those who tried to perform something they've never performed before.
To share the joy with all of FCSN's, we uploaded the performances on youtube under fcsn1996org channel. Here are the links to the individual performances:
In NO Particular Order
1) Anna & Sara & William - Moon Represents My Heart http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yxxTJkmVQE
2) Jessie - Yo Yo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1L8n0IplVW4
3) Steadman - Photographs and Memories http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bO4bDAWKmQ
4) Edward - guitar Rattling Bog http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xifOdX_bhnI
5) Howard - piano solo - Mozart / Entertainer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RncYqsCSA-8
6) Ting Ting - piano solo - Chopin Etude http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fie-A7_GgJo
7) Alice - Hayden Concerto http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onUsZMorfNg
8) Gideon - Kung Fu Fan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuceT8nQ3uc
9) Van Hai - Martial Arts http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ka1MNHGm2w
10) Vito - Party Rock Anthem http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgu6fdadBhg
11) Raymond - Power of Love http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PCpu3sLotk
12) Cindy - Piano - Morning Has Broken http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBIAjDK2vng
13) Lavender - Piano Duet (Oh I Love Snack Time) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52FROiw1SOs
14) Gregory - Guitar/Vocal: Rare Old Mountain Dew http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mfWF56OdjA
15) Chris - Street Symphony http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L--DbBLp86U
16) Anthony - Faith (song) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phibMJL6NBE
17) Laurie - dance - Can't get you out of my head http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PduCVHMLb54
18) Juan - dance - Be My Baby http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OE6Vy9oulKo
19) Rod & Kristin - dance - The Life of My Life http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKQgR6-lQw4
20) Leslie - dance - I'm a Survivor http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahNKQeAhn6M
21) Phoebe - erhu solo - Teresa Teng Medley http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=on9Ce76OwjQ
22) PJ - vocal - I Just Call to Say I Love You http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zR2KNDdgI7w
23) Jeffrey - piano - Bach Minuet in G Major http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsVbqjejYqg
24) Michael - piano/recorder - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEXHyH8cZLs
25) Kevin - It will Rain - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7KAM2-aXJA
26) Branden - Distant Bells - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DFCC1Xarhg
We ran out of tape for Lawrence's gymnastic routine, but that's okay.
Dear Members,
Dear Members and Friends,
Stop the Automatic Cuts to our Community
Help Protect Disability Programs
The federal discretionary programs that people with disabilities rely upon to live in the community (early intervention, special education, supported employment, housing, transportation, and much more) are slated for unprecedented cuts starting this Friday, March 1! Click here to see how these cuts will affect your state.
Programs that are scheduled to be cut by about 10% in the second half of 2013 include:
- IDEA State Grant that assists the states in meeting the costs of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities.
- Developmental Disabilities State Councils that enhance the independence, productivity, inclusion, and integration of people with developmental disabilities.
- Supportive Housing for People with Disabilities that creates affordable, accessible housing for low-income non-elderly people with the most serious disabilities to help them live independently in the community.
- CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities that sponsors research and interventions to help children with disabilities to develop and reach their full potential, and promotes health and well-being among people of all ages with disabilities.
Tell Congress to find a balanced solution to deficit reduction. We cannot simply cut our way out of the situation we are in. Revenues must be a part of the solution. For every $1 in new revenue, $2.50 has already been cut from federal spending. Public opinion is on our side – The majority of Americans say that we need more revenue to reduce our deficits. Two-thirds of voters nationwide now say that the wealthiest 2% (by 66% of voters) and large corporations (by 64% of voters) should pay more in taxes.
Take Action
Please call your Members of Congress and remind them of the importance of these critical programs. Click on the Take Action link above to get your Members’ office phone numbers. What to say:
- I am very concerned about the scheduled cuts to programs like special education, developmental disabilities programs, CDC, and housing programs that help people with disabilities to live in the community.
- Congress should cancel the “sequester” and replace it with a more reasonable deficit reduction package that balances program cuts and revenues
Please Unite to Voice and Action for Our Special Needs Loved Ones!!
FCSN
"Together, let's build a community of love, hope, respect, and support for our special children."
Anna
Dear Members and Friends,
Annoucement:
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FCSN Program:
a) Youth Volunteers Training: Students who would like to help at our camps must attend this comprehensive training
Date/Time: Saturday, May 25, 9:30am – 11:30am
Place: FCSN Fremont Center – 2300 Peralta Blvd., Fremont CA
Download and fill out Volunteer form at: http://www.fcsn1996.org/join-us/become-a-volunteer/teenyoung-adult-volunteer-application or just come and fill out the form at the Center.
b) FCSN Summer Camps & Fall Family Support Gatherings
(East Bay & South Bay – all info or registration can be founded on our website: www.fcsn1996.org)
- Swimming Camp 6/24 – 8/22 Monday – Thursdays 1:00 – 4:00pm (45 min. slots) at Club Sport Fremont
- July 4th Parade - Fremont
- Basketball Camp 7/1 – 7/11; Monday – Thursdays 3:30-4:30pm, at Club Sport Fremont
- Family Camping or Picnic Day at Fantasyland: Yin’s Ranch; 7/13- 7/14 in Vacaville
- Soccer Camp 7/22 – 8/1; Monday – Thursdays 3:30-4:30pm, at Club Sport Fremont
- South Bay Music Camp 7/22–7/26; Mon.–Thurs. 9am – 12 pm, Fri 9am-4pm, San Jose
- South Bay Summer Camp 7/22 – 8/2; Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm, San Jose
- Sports Day: 8/4 9am – 1:00pm San Jose
- Musical Drama Camp: 8/8-8/11 (Wizard of Oz) at Fremont Center
- Badminton Camp: 8/12-8/22 Mon-Fri, 4:00 –5:00pm at FCSN Center
- Fall South Bay Family Support Gatherings: 9/7, 9/21, 10/5, 10/19, 11/16, 11/30
- Fall East Bay Family Support Gatherings: 9/14, 9/28, 10/12, 10/26, 11/9, 11/23, 12/7
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FCSN Activities / Events
a) FCSN Hiking for All this Sunday
This time, we’ll go to Villa Montalvo at Saratoga (only 10 minutes from 85 "Saratoga Ave" exist). Again, since it's "Hiking for ALL", we'll find trails for both "the beginners" and "the more advanced".
For those who looking for a good meal after hiking, there are many wonderful restaurants at near-by Saratoga downtown for you to choose from and enjoy!
Place: Villa Montalvo Art Center 15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga, CA 95070
Direction: http://montalvoarts.org/directions/ question For more info call: Linmei at 408-464-9741
Meet at: The steps at the front of the big white Main Building
Time: 5/19/2013 Sunday 1:45 pm
RSVP: no need to RSVP, e-mail or call for car-pool arrangements
b) Join FCSN and 5000 other advocates in the special needs community at Disability Capitol Action Day 5/22 in Sacramento!!
FREE Bus trip & lunch!! Bring your whole family!!
It will leave FCSN Fremont Center (2300 Peralta Blvd. Fremont 94536) at 8:00am sharp and will be back to Fremont at ~4:30pm.
Please RSVP to Auntie Anna at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (510)468-9797 ASAP to ensure a seat on the bus and a lunch. Thanks.
Our FCSN Dream Achievers band will be performing in front of the State Capitol Building. Come and show our spirit and camaraderie.
c) YOU ARE INVITED: FCSN Annual Meeting/Family Day on Sat. 6/8; 4:30-8:30pm. FREE CHILDCARE TOO!!
A FREE Fun Event for all FCSN Members, Children & Friends. - Join as One Big Family to celebrate and build a brighter future for our special children.
For Family & Friends: Meet newly elected Board Members, President, and Program Directors, listen to heart-warming sharing, accomplishments and vision, enjoy delicious food, and BEST Entertainment by our lovely TALENTED special children and adults.
For Children: Fun Jump House, games, activities, videos and yummy food.
Date/Time: Sat. 6/8, 4:30-8:30pm
Place: Chinese American Cultural Center; 1269 Forgewood, Sunnyvale.
Please RSVP to Shyh Mei at 510-739-6900, ext.3304, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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“Autism and Developmental Disabilities: Adult Housing and Lifespan Care Solutions Summit” Kicks off Multi-Year Initiative
May 29, 2013 6.30-9:00pm, University Club, Palo Alto
The Autism Society of the San Francisco Bay Area this month launches a multi-year effort to shine a light on the staggering need for adult autism services, to facilitate parent involvement, and to galvanize more robust planning efforts in the Bay Area. Despite soaring numbers of persons with neurodevelopmental disability who will need lifespan services, often intensive, round-the-clock and extremely expensive, the state has no budget and no plan to serve the vast numbers now coming into adulthood.
An introductory panel event, “Autism and Developmental Disabilities: Adult Housing and Lifespan Care Solutions Summit,” will provide an overview of many options, and the budget challenges we face in implementing them. Panelists include Santi Rogers, SARC, Kurt Ohlfs, PACE, Jennifer Sullivan, Morgan Autism Center, Jan Stokley, Housing Choices Coalition, Susan Houghton, Sunflower Hill, Mark Jackson, Atlas Living, and Anna Wang, Friends of Children with Special Needs. Future events will provide more details and hands-on workshops.
SPACE IS LIMITED, RSVPs are required and a $10 donation is requested. To RSVP, or sign up to the mailing list re future events, please go to sfautismsociety.org/calendar.
Future events in the series:
Sept 25, 2013: Workshop on financial and legal aspects of various housing models (Group homes, partnerships, for-profit investments, intentional living communities, supported living, etc)
January 29, 2014: Legislative panel on budgetary needs (Where will the needed additional $10 billion per year for California autism services come from?)
March 19, 2014: Protecting our adult children from physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse
May 28, 2014: Post-parental adult autism care (Who supervises the well-being of our children once we're gone?)
Other programs will also be offered, and we invite volunteers to join subcommittees to help organize various events in this series. To volunteer, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . -
Stanford Autism Conference - Growing up with Autism: Genes, Families, Friends and Schools
Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford is here to help parents find answers. On June 1, 2013, the Stanford Autism Center at Packard Children’s Hospital presents its 6th Annual Autism Spectrum Disorders Update, an event that gives members of the community a chance to learn about new autism research and therapies.When: Saturday, June 1, 2013; 8:30AM to 4:30PM
Where: Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center , Stanford UniversityCost: $100
Register at: http://childpsychiatry.stanford.edu
The program for the 6th Annual Autism Spectrum Disorder Update at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital features two plenary sessions. Our morning speaker will be Ricardo Dolmetsch, PhD, Senior Director, Molecular Networks at the Allen Institute for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, and Stanford School of Medicine. Dr. Dolmetsch will discuss Stem Cell Research and the Brain in Autism. Our afternoon speaker is Lynn Koegel, PhD, CCC-SLP, Clinical Director, Koegel Autism Center , Director, and Robert Koegel, PhD,Director of the Koegel Autism Center . Dr. Koegel will discuss Improving Peer Friendships in Children with Autism. Participants will choose from eight break-out sessions on: Early Intervention Pivotal Response Training; DSM5 and Autism; Genes and Environmental Factors; Helping Families Post-Diagnosis; Making Friends; Attention, Language and Math Abilities in Autism; Transition to Adulthood, and Parenting Tools.
Stanford Autism Center at Packard Children's Hospital
Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Stanford University and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
401 Quarry Road Stanford, CA 94305, (650) 721.6327, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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In-Home Support Services (IHSS) - a brief overview and recent developments
Join us for a Webinar on May 22
Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/335157978 -
Great Article on Funding Autism Therapies
Funding autism therapies not only right, it makes sense for taxpayersBy Karen Fessel, guest commentary© 2013 Bay Area News Group, Contra Times and San Jose Mercury News 05/11/2013California may think it's saving big money by transferring children from Healthy Families to Medi-Cal, but it is missing the big picture.In October 2012, the state announced that it would shift about 860,000 children from Healthy Families, California's Children's Health Insurance Program, to Medi-Cal, which reimburses physicians at lower rates.The move has been estimated to save the state about $13 million this fiscal year and $73 million annually after the transition is finished.Before the changeover, Diana Dooley, commissioner of California Health and Human Services Department, promised that state officials would not shift children from Healthy Families to Medi-Cal unless they were sure the children will receive adequate health care after the transition."[W]e will delay the transition for certain children if they are unlikely to receive adequate care under Medi-Cal," she said.Despite this promise, Medi-Cal is not legally required to cover the intensive, evidence-based therapy Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), which helps the one in 50 school-age children with autism make critical strides.Children with autism are not receiving adequate care under Med-Cal, and state officials have refused to halt the transition, despite repeated requests from advocates and legislators in both parties to do so.Withholding ABA from young children with autism is a costly mistake. Studies show that nearly half of kids who receive early intervention will be succeeding in regular education classrooms by age 7, eliminating the need for expensive special-education services. And, in the long run, ABA therapies increase the likelihood of these children becoming independent adults who are able to work, have families and function without public assistance.Using ABA, hundreds of thousands of children with autism have been learning to make eye contact, speak, control violent temper tantrums, use the toilet, socialize, learn, and ultimately -- ideally -- enter California's public school system without the need for costly special education support. This is a good financial investment!The high cost of special education is no secret. A January 2013 report from the California Legislative Analyst's Office estimates that 10 percent of public school children receive special education services.The average cost to educate a student with disabilities is $22,300 a year, compared with $9,600 for a nondisabled child. While some learning disabilities are on the decline, autism has grown from 1 in 500 children in 1995 to 1 in 50 school-age students today.As hundreds of children receiving Healthy Families now begin to experience the shift to Medi-Cal, their ABA services are being abruptly terminated, despite the transition letters from the Department of Health Care Services stating "Medi-Cal includes all the benefits of Healthy Families coverage."Not only will the quality of life dramatically decline for these children -- which is out of line with our society's beliefs and morals -- but withholding ABA lines up these children to become special education students, lifetime regional center clients and possibly adults on public assistance.This blow to low-income families with autism comes on the heels of short-lived victory. In July 2012, California Sen. Darrell Steinberg's autism insurance reform legislation SB 946 went into effect, requiring private health insurers to pay for ABA. Prior to this, many insurers denied coverage for the therapy.While at first Healthy Families and CalPERS consumers were not included in this legislation, an emergency regulation required that these two programs cover ABA, as excluding them violated the state mental health parity law.Since that time hundreds of low-income children with autism have begun seeing huge gains. Now, less than six months later, these same children face the loss of this critical intervention.Setting aside that supporting children with autism is the right thing to do regardless of cost, does withholding critical early intervention make good financial sense? No. The Healthy Families transition to Medi-Cal was projected to save the state some $13 million the first fiscal year, and to date it has saved only a projected $137,000.Meanwhile, get ready California, for an influx of special education students and state-sponsored regional center clients with costly needs due to a lack of early intervention.Karen Fessel is executive director and founder of the Autism Health Insurance Project, a nonprofit organization that helps families and providers secure insurance coverage for interventions related to autism and other similar conditions. She is also the proud parent of two children, one of whom has an autistic spectrum disorder. She is a resident of Lafayette -
FREE admission to Virtuoso International Flute Ensemble (VIFE) concert
Event: Cole Heart of Gold, a VIFE Benefit ConcertHost: Fremont Unified Student Store (FUSS)
Date/Time: June 1, 2013, Saturday, 3:00pm
Place: Centerville Presbyterian Church, 4360 Central Ave, Fremont 94536 (across from DMV)
For: Cole Lewis, a student, severely injured in a car accident that took place on 11/17/2012. Cole is paralyzed both hands and legs. He is working hard and hopes to gain a full recovery. Please join FUSS and VIFE to raise funds to send Cole to SCI-FIT, a spinal cord rehabilitation program. SCI-FIT has had great success for cases like Cole’s. With the help of your donations we hope his dream will come true.
Donations: Please make checks payable to Fremont Unified Student Store(FUSS), memo/Cole Lewis Fund.
For more info on Cole’s story and to make online donation, please visit:
www.fuss4schools.org/cole-lewis-heart-of-gold
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ACTION ALERT:
Restore Early Start - Give special needs infants and toddler a path to normal development.
Due to years of State Budget Cuts, Early Start Service funding was eliminated in 2009. Send message to our legislators to restore Early Start, a program with early intervention that is life-changing / developmentally –changing to infants and toddlers with special needs.
Click on the email addresses below to automatically generate
a brief email to each person.
You can also write your own story. Be sure to sign your letter! -
“Autism and Developmental Disabilities: Adult Housing and Lifespan Care Solutions Summit” Kicks off Multi-Year Initiative
May 29, 2013 6.30-9:00pm, University Club, Palo Alto
The Autism Society of the San Francisco Bay Area this month launches a multi-year effort to shine a light on the staggering need for adult autism services, to facilitate parent involvement, and to galvanize more robust planning efforts in the Bay Area. Despite soaring numbers of persons with neurodevelopmental disability who will need lifespan services, often intensive, round-the-clock and extremely expensive, the state has no budget and no plan to serve the vast numbers now coming into adulthood.
An introductory panel event, “Autism and Developmental Disabilities: Adult Housing and Lifespan Care Solutions Summit,” will provide an overview of many options, and the budget challenges we face in implementing them. Panelists include Santi Rogers, SARC, Kurt Ohlfs, PACE, Jennifer Sullivan, Morgan Autism Center, Jan Stokley, Housing Choices Coalition, Susan Houghton, Sunflower Hill, Mark Jackson, Atlas Living, and Anna Wang, Friends of Children with Special Needs. Future events will provide more details and hands-on workshops.
SPACE IS LIMITED, RSVPs are required and a $10 donation is requested. To RSVP, or sign up to the mailing list re future events, please go to sfautismsociety.org/calendar.
Future events in the series:
Sept 25, 2013: Workshop on financial and legal aspects of various housing models (Group homes, partnerships, for-profit investments, intentional living communities, supported living, etc)
January 29, 2014: Legislative panel on budgetary needs (Where will the needed additional $10 billion per year for California autism services come from?)
March 19, 2014: Protecting our adult children from physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse
May 28, 2014: Post-parental adult autism care (Who supervises the well-being of our children once we're gone?)
Other programs will also be offered, and we invite volunteers to join subcommittees to help organize various events in this series. To volunteer, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . -
Stanford Autism Conference - Growing up with Autism: Genes, Families, Friends and Schools
Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford is here to help parents find answers. On June 1, 2013, the Stanford Autism Center at Packard Children’s Hospital presents its 6th Annual Autism Spectrum Disorders Update, an event that gives members of the community a chance to learn about new autism research and therapies.When: Saturday, June 1, 2013; 8:30AM to 4:30PM
Where: Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center , Stanford UniversityCost: $100
Register at: http://childpsychiatry.stanford.edu
The program for the 6th Annual Autism Spectrum Disorder Update at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital features two plenary sessions. Our morning speaker will be Ricardo Dolmetsch, PhD, Senior Director, Molecular Networks at the Allen Institute for Brain Science, Department of Neurobiology, and Stanford School of Medicine. Dr. Dolmetsch will discuss Stem Cell Research and the Brain in Autism. Our afternoon speaker is Lynn Koegel, PhD, CCC-SLP, Clinical Director, Koegel Autism Center , Director, and Robert Koegel, PhD,Director of the Koegel Autism Center . Dr. Koegel will discuss Improving Peer Friendships in Children with Autism. Participants will choose from eight break-out sessions on: Early Intervention Pivotal Response Training; DSM5 and Autism; Genes and Environmental Factors; Helping Families Post-Diagnosis; Making Friends; Attention, Language and Math Abilities in Autism; Transition to Adulthood, and Parenting Tools.
Stanford Autism Center at Packard Children's Hospital
Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Stanford University and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
401 Quarry Road Stanford, CA 94305, (650) 721.6327, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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FCSN Summer Camps & Fall Family Support Gatherings
(East Bay & South Bay – all info or registration can be founded on our website: www.fcsn1996.org)
- Swimming Camp 6/24 – 8/22 Monday – Thursdays 1:00 – 4:00pm (45 min. slots) at Club Sport Fremont
- July 4th Parade - Fremont
- Basketball Camp 7/1 – 7/11; Monday – Thursdays 3:30-4:30pm, at Club Sport Fremont
- Family Camping or Picnic Day at Fantasyland: Yin’s Ranch; 7/13- 7/14 in Vacaville
- Soccer Camp 7/22 – 8/1; Monday – Thursdays 3:30-4:30pm, at Club Sport Fremont
- South Bay Music Camp 7/22–7/26; Mon.–Thurs. 9am – 12 pm, Fri 9am-4pm, San Jose
- South Bay Summer Camp 7/22 – 8/2; Monday – Friday 9am – 4pm, San Jose
- Sports Day: 8/4 9am – 1:00pm San Jose
- Musical Drama Camp: 8/8-8/11 (Wizard of Oz) at Fremont Center
- Badminton Camp: 8/12-8/22 Mon-Fri, 4:00 –5:00pm at FCSN Center
- Fall South Bay Family Support Gatherings: 9/7, 9/21, 10/5, 10/19, 11/16, 11/30
- Fall East Bay Family Support Gatherings: 9/14, 9/28, 10/12, 10/26, 11/9, 11/23, 12/7
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FCSN Activities:
a) FCSN’s FREE Seminar in the East Bay This Saturday 5/11 “Respite and Childcare"Speaker: Ms. Pam Thomas
Pam has been in the regional center system for nearly 30 years. While at RCEB, she piloted in 1993 for Early Start in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties and managed Early Start at RCEB for over 5 years. Over the years she has been a case manager, a supervisor, and managed Intake and Assessment. Currently, she is the Director of Consumer Services. She has a Masters in Developmental Psychology with a focus on infants and young children.
Date/Time: May 11, Saturday, 4:30-6:20pm
Place: FCSN Fremont Center: 2300 Peralta Blvd., Fremont
Cost of Seminar: FREE
Children Classes and Dinner: ONLY available for registered South Bay Regular Family Support Gathering families (not available for walk-ins)
b) Join FCSN at Disability Capitol Action Day 5/22 in Sacramento!!
FREE Bus trip & lunch!!
Join FCSN & advocates all over California to represent our special needs loved ones at the Capitol – Bring the whole family!!
It will leave FCSN Fremont Center (2300 Peralta Blvd. Fremont 94536) at 8:00am sharp and will be back to Fremont at ~4:30pm.
Please RSVP to Auntie Anna at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (510)468-9797 ASAP to ensure a seat on the bus and a lunch. Thanks.
Our FCSN Dream Achievers band will be performing in front of the State Capitol Building. Come and show our spirit and camaraderie.
c) YOU ARE INVITED: FCSN Annual Meeting/Family Day on Sat. 6/8; 4:30-8:30pm. FREE CHILDCARE TOO!!
A FREE Fun Event for all FCSN Members, Children & Friends. - Join as One Big Family to celebrate and build a brighter future for our special children.
For Family & Friends: Meet newly elected Board Members, President, and Program Directors, listen to heart-warming sharing, accomplishments and vision, enjoy delicious food, and BEST Entertainment by our lovely TALENTED special children and adults.
For Children: Fun Jump House, games, activities, videos and yummy food.
Date/Time: Sat. 6/8, 4:30-8:30pm
Place: Chinese American Cultural Center; 1269 Forgewood, Sunnyvale.
Please RSVP to Shyh Mei at 510-739-6900, ext.3304, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Physical Development helps our children’s Neurological Development and more...
a) New Awesome Gymnastics Class, anyone? Our friend and supporter, Kevin Tan, Olympic medalist and team captain of US Men’s gymnastics team at 2008 Summer Olympic games, is willing to teach our kids. Top Flight Gymnastics, where Kevin was trained, would like to partner with FCSN in offering classes at a special rate if 6 or more students would like to join. Please email me, Auntie Anna if you’re interested.
b) FCSN Summer Programs, Camps, and Events
i) FCSN Swim Camp, South Bay Summer Camp, South Bay Music Camp (swimming, south bay summer camp and music camp registration forms are now available on our website at www.fcsn1996.org)
ii) More Save the Dates for FCSN events and activities, registration forms will be out soon:
- July 4th Parade
- Basketball Camp 7/1 – 7/11; Monday – Thursdays 3:30-4:30pm, at Club Sport Fremont
- Family Camping at Yin’s Ranch; 7/13- 7/14
- Soccer Camp 7/22 – 8/1; Monday – Thursdays 3:30-4:30pm, at Club Sport Fremont
- Sports Day: 8/4 9am – 1:00pm
- Musical Drama Camp: 8/8-8/11 at Fremont Center
- Badminton Camp: 8/12-8/22 Mon-Fri, 4:00 –5:00pm at FCSN Center
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ACTION ALERT: Senate Bill SB 555 (support for special needs individuals who are non-native English speakers)
There is a huge disparity among regional center in funding services for minorities. In an alarming article from the LA Time 2012, one of the regional center records show that only 20% of the service funding went to minority consumers in their highly non-native English speaking populated regional center catchman area. This is definite extreme injustice in our special needs community.
SB 555 is Senator Steinberg’s bill to remedy the situation, assuring language and cultural competency in regional center staffing and resource translation for the underserved special needs population.
Currently, the Bill is in suspense, we need your letter of support in order to get out for a vote by 5/23. Please see attached sample letter, fill in your info and fax TODAY. Please ask your family members and friends to send the letter as well. Our special needs loved ones need this. Thanks so much.
Please fax to both Senators:
Senator Kevin DeLeon; Fax #: (916) 327-8817
Senator Darrell Steinberg; Fax # (916) 323-2263 and (916) 327-8754
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Special Needs Loved Ones Go to College
(Thanks to Gina Gourley, last East Bay FCSN seminar speaker for providing this info)
Here are the links to the websites for college programs for students with intellectual/developmental disabilities. I hope that your parents find this information helpful as they plan for the future of their young adult.
http://www.cipworldwide.org/cip-berkeley/berkeley-overview/
http://www.taftcollege.edu/tcwp/til/
https://www.uclaextension.edu/pathway/Pages/default.aspx
http://www.fresnostate.edu/kremen/wayfinders/Gina Gourley
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Educationally Related Mental Health Services
FREE Webinar on May 15; 12:00pm – 1:00pm PDT
Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/205685314This is a one hour webinar will help parents and advocates understand current special education law related to mental health services for students with disabilities. Parents will learn strategies to assist them in advocating for appropriate mental health services for their children.
Featured Presenter: Maggie Roberts, Associate Managing Attorney, for Disability Rights California -
Wings Learning Center Seminar: Sensory Processing in Autism & other Neurodevelopmental Disorders:
Date/Time: May 15, 2013; 11am-1pm
Place: 411 Middlefield Rd., Redwood City, CA 94063
Cost: $25
Speaker: Dr. Elysa Marco, M.D., Director of Research UCSF, Autism & Neurodevelopmental Programs, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Psychiatry & Pediatrics
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FREE APIDC (Asian Pacific Islander with Disabilities of Calif.)
Do you know that Special Needs Trusts are not only for parents to set up for their children but can also be set up by people with disabilities?Come join us to learn how to use special needs trusts to manage assets on behalf of people receiving public benefits!
Date: Friday, May 17, at 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Place: Ed Roberts Campus Conference Room Osher A &B , 3075 Adeline St, Berkeley
Who: APIs with disabilities are encouraged to attend
Speakers: Joshua Davidson, Associate, Lewis, Feinberg, Lee, Renaker & Jackson, P.C.
Susanne Cohen, Attorney, Law Offices of Susanne B. Cohen
RSVP to Jean Lin at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Seminars at PHP
a) SSI Benefits: Social Security Administration feels overwhelming when entering this system as our children turn 18 or when a child may be eligible.
Daniel Fortuño simplifies this mystery and debunks the myths that have been created over time. With over twenty years of progressive experience in training, counseling, and education in health care and benefits administration Daniel leaves us feeling less confused and overwhelmed when entering this system for our loved ones.
Highly skilled in interpreting public and private health and welfare benefits programs, including Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, state disability, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.
Nowadays, it is no simple task to coordinate a full package of benefits that includes health coverage, government benefits and fiscal planning for people living with disabilities. With Benefits Education Center’s expertise and innovative approach to the complexities of the private and public benefit’s world, we are able to assist individuals, community based organizations, corporations, state and federal government agencies, Human Resources personnel, as well as fiduciaries, personal bankers and attorneys. Daniel Fortoño along with his dedicated staff can help you maximize your efforts with a focused approach aimed at success.
http://www.benefitseducationcenter.com
Location:
Parents Helping Parents at the Sobrato Center for Nonprofits
1400 Parkmoor Ave., PHP Meeting Room 3, San Jose, CA 95126
Date:
Tue, Apr 30, 2013: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Fee:
$0.00 for members, $10.00 for non-members
Contact Phone:
408-727-5775
Contact Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Presented In:
English
Reserve:
b) iTech Training in Spanish
iPad Apps para intervención
temprana y la comunicación
Jueves 2 de Mayo
10:00 am-12:00 pm
Aprenda sobre;
· Conceptos básicos de tecnología
Asistencial y consideración de TA en el IEP
· Como utilizar el iPad para asistir en el aprendizaje, comportamiento y comunicación en niños pequeños
· Demostración de kits de alfabetización disponibles para familias
Si está interesada/o por favor
Llame a Susana Navarro al
(408)727-5775 ext 127
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Some Benefit that you’re Entitled to but might not Know
Did you know you could get $50 for attending CAC or DAC, School Board, or ELAC meetings?
Other meetings also applicable/ Need to get an agenda
Forms
http://www.calfedc.org/family-participation-fund.html
FAQ
http://www.calfedc.org/uploads/3/2/6/6/3266057/enfpffaq031412.pdf
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Overcoming Travel Barriers
Ready, Set, TRAVEL!
Learn to ride public transit with your family.
Please see the attached flier for information on a free program for families with disabilities. This includes parents and grandparents with disabilities and/or children with disabilities who find it difficult to use public transportation.
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Healthy Families to Medi-Cal Transition – Autism Therapy
The following video includes an interview with Sen. Steinberg and views from last week’s Rally:
http://www.news10.net/video/2319585541001/1/Low-income-families-lose-autism-therapy-services The attached article emphasizes the attention that this issue is receiving.
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NINTH ANNUAL Shared Adventures Day in the Sky on Saturday May 4, 2013 at the Watsonville Municipal Airport. (Message from Uncle Dean McCully) We expect to see about 2000 festival attendees join us for the fun-est airport open house on the Central Coast. We look forward to your joining us.
Please sign up online for FREE admission to the festival. Spread the word as well. The more the merrier
http://www.dayinthesky.com/attend.htm
- Pilots flying in from all over to show off their aircraft! - Hot Air Balloons - Watsonville Fire Trucks - 2 Bounce Houses - BBQ at lunchtime. - Music and entertainment all day
- Exotic animals - Games,flight simulators - Plus 100+ exhibitors of cool aviation-related and science fun stuff - exciting Paralympic sports activities like tennis, hand-cycles demos, soccer, and other forms of accessible sports.Also we need LOTS of volunteers. Photographers, loaders to help kids into static displays and stationary aircraft, food service, booth management, you name it, we need the help. If you know of volunteers, please have them sign up online asap:
http://www.dayinthesky.com/volunteer.htm -
Support DeafPlus – a FCSN sister organization
It's a CASINO NIGHT fundraiser at Deaf Plus on May 18 from 6 pm to 10 pm. All the popular gambling games available or sing your heart out karaoke or just have fun socializing.
Wine and beer available for purchase, light snacks served.
Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Ticket gets you entry into a raffle for great prizes (do not have to be present to win raffle) and $200 of player chips. Additional player chips can be purchased.
Tickets can be purchased on-line through PayPal on deafplus.us web page or by contacting Nancy Eddy (510)610-0170 v/text or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . If you would like to donate a raffle prize, please let Nancy know.
Location: 5437 Central Ave, #4, Newark behind Hulbert's Lumber.
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Connect University – New Start Date 6/5
New Session will start: Wednesday June 5th - Thursday, October 3rd. (Here is whole event calendar) This is longer than 12 weeks only because we could not reserve 12 consecutive weeks at the Ed Roberts Campus this time around. Most of the meetings will take place on Wednesday evenings from 6-8 pm, but there are a couple nights toward the end when we will be meeting on Thursday evenings because other groups have reserved the space. I have attached a flier to give to consumers and families. Please email Bret at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for the consumers so that he can contact them with any additional/important information. If we need to postpone a meeting for whatever reason, I'll need to let them know so that they don't go to the trouble of showing up for nothing. Please direct all future emails regarding the Connect University Program to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Prescription Drugs Take Back Event in Fremont this Saturday, 4/27
If these drugs are not disposed of correctly, they will cause contamination & environmental impact
Supervisor Haggerty and Fremont Police Department are hosting a prescription drug take back event on April 27th at the Centerville Farmers Market.
Additional Information:
http://fremont.patch.com/events/drug-take-back-event-sponsored-by-supervisor-haggerty
Thanks again for your help!
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FCSN Programs open for registration. Join FCSN membership to avoid extra enrollment fee.
a) South Bay LEP (Life Empowerment Program) – new Session begins 4/23, please see attached registration form. Contact Roxana at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ASAP.
b) South Bay Summer Camp: 7/22-8/2 (includes Music Camp)
See registration form. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further info.
c) East Bay Summer Swim Camp at Club Sports – Message from Auntie Sally Wu
Summer is just around the corner. Are you ready for the summer swimming camp yet? Attached is FCSN Summer Swimming Camp Registration Form 2013. Please mail the form along with the check to the address listed on the form to reserve your space. Please plan carefully. We will not refund the money once the camp started. I apologize that I don't accept email registration. Please forward the mail to your friends who are interested. Please let me know if you have any questions.
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Play Your Way- A Children Discovery Museum Autism Event
Play Your Way is an invitation-only event designed especially for children with autism, ages 2-15, and their families. The evening is part of CDM’s Autism Initiative, which includes online parent resources such as a CDM-specific social story, staff training, and several special events held throughout the year, in partnership with autism professionals, parents of children with autism and CDM staff.
Date/Time: THIS Saturday, April 20, 2013, 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Cost: $20 per family
To register and pay as a guest, please click HERE.
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Social Security Administration and Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders Initiative - San Francisco Regional Roundtable Meeting
There is an important meeting on Monday, April 22, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. The Social Security Administration will host the First Annual Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders Initiative (AAPI) Regional Roundtable Meeting at the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building in Oakland, California. Attending the meeting will be three members from the President’s Advisory Commission on AAPI.
At the meeting, we plan to discuss Social Security issues affecting AAPI communities.
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San Andrea Regional Center Legislative Breakfast as San Jose
Date/Time: Friday, 4/26, 9:00-10:30am
Place: San Jose Airport Garden Hotel – 1740 North First St., San Jose
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Special Events for the Special Needs Community in April
a) Wild West Dance this Friday, April 19th, 2013 from 6pm - 8pm. This dance will be at Santa Clara University at Locatelli Student Activity Center. It is for Special Olympians and Friends The cost is $2. RSVP: email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
b) College of Adaptive Arts (CAA) - Lounge Night "Beach Party Birthday Bash" on Friday, April 26 from 7 - 9 pm at CCO, 3315 Almaden Expressway, San Jose 95118. A CAA student council meeting will be at 5:30 - 6:30 pm before the Lounge Night. A suggested donation of $5 would be appreciated to cover costs. CAA students and friends are invited. For more info, see http://www.collegeofadaptivearts.org/ or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 408-384-8674.
c) Jungle Boogie Dance Party, Saturday, April 27th, 2013 from 5:30 - 6:30 pm. The dance will be held at Westgate Church, 1735 Saratoga Ave., San Jose, CA 95129. The dance is free and a dinner is included. To RSVP, please call Young Life Capernaum at 408-286-3207.
d) The Magic Makers Rock Band - Talent Show, Sunday, April 28th, 2013 from 5:30 - 8:30 pm at Mariani's Inn & Restaurant, in the Ballroom at 2500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95051. There will be a special Magic Maker Menu for dinner. For RSVP and/or more info please see attached flier or contact : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. email or phone 408-462-2636. Their web site is http://www.magicmakersband.com/.
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Interesting Articles for the Special Needs Community
· Autism; When Boys Become Men. A Post High School Perspective , Gearing up for Reality
· 5.2 Million Children ages 3-7 Now Diagnosed with ADHD
· Story about abuse in the DC's, especially Sonoma.
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/html5/video?id=9062197&pid=9062195§ion=news/local/north_bay
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The Family Resource Network presents “Parent and Child Yoga”
Who: Parents and 0-5 year old children with developmental delays or special needs
When: 6 Mondays, April 22nd- June 3 (No class on May 27)
Time: 1-2pm
Where: 5232 Claremont Ave., Oakland (BANANAS)
What: This six week yoga class will provide parents and young children with special needs a positive, playful, and self healing family yoga experience. Ann Wheeler, who is a master Dahn yoga teacher, will guide you and your child to develop strength, flexibility, and proper breathing technique. The kid-friendly yoga poses with songs and games will promote a rich multi-sensory experience for young children to fully engage their brain.We also hope the adult poses will help to ease tension inthe body and regain peace. The classes are free, but please wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or towel. The parents who can participate in the whole series will have the priority to register. Please call Young Ha at (510) 547-7322 for more information or to register.
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NINTH ANNUAL Shared Adventures Day in the Sky on Saturday May 4, 2013 at the Watsonville Municipal Airport. (Message from Uncle Dean McCully) We expect to see about 2000 festival attendees join us for the fun-est airport open house on the Central Coast. We look forward to your joining us.
Please sign up online for FREE admission to the festival. Spread the word as well. The more the merrier
http://www.dayinthesky.com/attend.htm
- Pilots flying in from all over to show off their aircraft! - Hot Air Balloons - Watsonville Fire Trucks - 2 Bounce Houses - BBQ at lunchtime. - Music and entertainment all day
- Exotic animals - Games,flight simulators - Plus 100+ exhibitors of cool aviation-related and science fun stuff - exciting Paralympic sports activities like tennis, hand-cycles demos, soccer, and other forms of accessible sports.Also we need LOTS of volunteers. Photographers, loaders to help kids into static displays and stationary aircraft, food service, booth management, you name it, we need the help. If you know of volunteers, please have them sign up online asap:
http://www.dayinthesky.com/volunteer.htm -
FREE RESPITE – Valley Community Church’s Respite Care event to be held on Saturday, May 11. If you, or someone you know, have a special needs child in grades K-8 then let them come and join us from 1:00-4:00pm at Valley Community Church, 4455 Del Valle Parkway, Pleasanton for some good old-fashioned fun while you take a much needed break to renew and refresh. Siblings are also welcome.
Pre-registration is required for each child that will attend and can be found on Valley Community Church’s website at www. vcclive.org under Upcoming Events or by calling the church office at 925-846-6622 or by contacting Shelly Welsh at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
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Autism Awareness Month:
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FREE Webinar: Screening, Early Diagnosis, and Early Intervention
When: Wed, April 24, 2-3 pm EDT
Register - A video on how to teach your child or student the practical skill of waiting.
- Disability Scoop has highlighted the Story of Luke, a movie that was theatrically released today. It will be simultaneously available on iTunes and most Cable On-Demand platforms, and screen theatrically in over 15 cities. Check thewebsite for the details. Here are my reasons why I hope most of you will watch it. Here is a review by the LA Times. Let's make this movie a hit - rent it, watch it, share it with your neighbors! Here's the trailer.
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Car wash business run by people with Autism
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2013/04/09/business-workers-autism/17682/
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FREE Webinar: Screening, Early Diagnosis, and Early Intervention
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Living Options Tours
This year's flyer for the Alameda County Living Options workshop and tour. Please forward to all individuals and families interested in attending.
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Wings Learning Center Seminar – UCSF Research on ASD
DATE/Time: April 24, 2013; 11am-1pm
Place: 411 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City
UCSF Research on ASD: Combining Clinical Excellence with Innovative Research Dr. Robert Hendren, D.O. / Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Vice Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco
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April is Autism Awareness Month: New CDC (Center for Disease Control) Reports – Prevalence of Autism 1 in 50 (from phone survey of 95,000 parents)
CBS News (New York) http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50143251n
UN Declares Today, April 2nd as Autism Awareness Day
Autism Facts
- Autism is characterized by language delays, or other communication problems, poor or limited social skills and repetitive, rigid and other unusual behaviors.
- Autism refers to a spectrum of disorders with a wide range of symptoms that vary from mild to severe.
- Once considered a rare disorder, today autism is estimated to affect 1 in every 50 children.
- Autism is four times more common in boys than in girls and occurs in children of all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Autism is the fastest growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. It is more prevalent than childhood cancer, juvenille diabetes and pediatric aids combined.
- A significant number of symptoms of autism are present by 18 months of age or even earlier. However, children are typically not diagnosed until 3 to 4 years of age or later.
- Research indicates that early identification and intervention can result in significant positive outcomes for many children with autism.
Autism Red Flags- 24 Month "Red Flag" Checklist
*For number 1-9, place a check mark even if the behavior is not present now, but has been in the past
1) Child has lost language skills
2) Child does not show interest in other children
3) Child does not engage in pretend play
4) Child does not engage in reciprocal social games like peek-a-boo or pat-a-cake
5) Child's eye contact is minimal, for only a second or two
6) Child does not point with index finger to show you something
7) Child does not bring objects to you to show you
8) Child does not use spontaneous meaningful two word phrases
9) Child does not engage in spontaneous imitation of adult verbalization or gestures
10) Child is overly sensitive to foods, noises, and textures
11) Child tantrums excessively when there is a minimal change in routine
12) Child engages in ritual or obsessive play (ie. lining toys up or doing same activity repeatedly)
13) Child makes repititive body movements (like rocking or spinning) or unusual hand/finger movements.
14) Have you ever wondered if your child is deaf?
A check for any of the 14 items indicates a referral for assessment to the Regional Center
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Family Resource on Childcare Discrimination against Special Needs Children
This is a great resource if you encounter a parent who tells you they feel their child care provider is discriminating due to disability
Legal questions? Give us a ring:
If you have legal questions, did you know our Legal Information and Referral Service is online and available 24 hours a day?
Just go to www.childcarelaw.org and click on "Get Help."
Then let us know what your question is on the intake form. It's that simple!
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FELT Project Class in the South Bay
Age: School Age (6 & up)
Activities: Helps concentration, Fine Motor, Sense of achievement, Explores hidden talent
We use thick thread and needle (not sharp), through simple sewing techniques. The class will integrate with beading techniques and designs. The class focus on "handling" experience through different skills, such as, stitching, beading, looping and linking, knotting, cut and paste patterns... etc. Students will use colorful beads, felts, threads to make bracelets, coin purse, tech case, key chain, stuff animals, felt sweets (like donut, cake)... etc. This is a parent participated class where parents need to attend the class with the students for all 12 classes.
Location: FCSN SB Center, 3675 Payne Ave., San Jose CA 95117
Date/Time: Saturday, 12:00 -1:00pm (minimum 4 to open)
Contact: Jacqueline Yu, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Cost: $180/per quarter (12 classes) + plus material fee
Spring quarter dates: 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 6/1, 6/8, 6/15, 6/22, 6/29, 7/6, 7/13.
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Free Affordable Care Act Town Hall & Webinar – What are the Specifics?
Town Hall by Senator Ellen Corbett: California is leading the nation in implementing federal health care reform with the Affordable Care Act that will extend insurance coverage to many Californians who have previously been uninsured.
The Affordable Care Act provides great promise to offer health care for many in our communities.
Purpose: To answer any questions that you may have about how this legislation will impact you or your family.
As you may be aware, many of the new rules contained in the federal Affordable Care Act are set to begin next January, but California individuals, families and small businesses can begin signing up for coverage starting October 1, 2013.
This landmark legislation allows states to set up their own insurance marketplaces, and that is exactly what California is doing. It also mandates that everyone have insurance and that low-cost policies be offered by private insurers through health benefit exchanges.
Affordable Care Act Town Hall
Date/Time: Thursday, March 28; 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Place: Pleasanton Library; 400 Old Bernal Avenue, PleasantonFor additional information, please call my district office at (510) 577-2310.
Affordable Care Act Webinar on April 3; 12 noon – 1pm
The presentation will include the following:
• Overview of the Affordable Care Act
* Timeline of provisions impacting children
• Health Benefit Exchanges
* California’s implementation
• Children’s Coverage and the Exchange
• The Uncertain Future…Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/883150330 -
Fish-a-Thon on 4/27, Cupertino Host Lions Club
Cupertino Host Lions have scheduled their annual FISH-A-THON for "Kids of All Ages (Youth & Adults) with Special Needs" on Saturday, April 27, 2013. The two attachments to this email are the invite to Participants and the guidelines; together they provide details
of the event. The guidelines are for care givers, family members and volunteers so we all can make the event an enjoyable day for the Participants. The event is free with all costs being covered by the Cupertino Host Lions and contributing supporters of this great event. The Fish-A-Thon is designed for youth and adults with special needs who have few opportunities to experience the joy of fishing for rainbow trout.
Participants must be pre-registered (no later than Thursday, April 4, 2013) with the Participant’s names and the number of people that will be accompanying them. The attached invite provides the contact information to pre-register. Please call that number to pre-register as that is required to participate in the Fish-A-Thon. Please review the guidelines for this great event prior to pre-registration.
Participants’ association with a group or school should be identified at time of individual pre-registration and at the check-in on the day of the event. If a group is pre-registering, a printed or typed list of Participants’ names and the number of people that will be accompanying them should be submitted for pre-registration of all in the group. We use the names for Participant name tags (first name only) and we need the headcount for purchase requirements. Siblings are welcome, but only the Participant is allowed to fish.
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TAKE ACTION- National Plan to Address Autism – message from Autism Speaks: We are asking members of the autism community in every state to sign our petition asking President Obama and Congress to develop a national plan to address autism. We have created a state by state competition so show me what you've got California!
Here is How YOU Can Help:
1) SIGN THE PETITION: Go here to sign the petition online. It takes less than 1 minute to exercise your First Amendment right to redress your government officials by petitioning them for change.
2) ASK 5 OF YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY IN YOUR STATE TO HELP SIGN THE PETITION: Our 1 in 88 can't wait but everyone can help with this project!
Social Media posting suggestions:FACEBOOK:
California Friends! Please sign the petition on the link below. We are asking for everyone to call on President Obama & Congress to develop a national plan for autism. Our 1 in 88 can't wait! Sign here: http://bit.ly/Xj13gs.
TWITTER:Our #1in88can't wait. Sign the petition http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=fwKVKhN5InI2KeN4G&s=esJTI5PEIbIPJ1NFJpE&m=nmI7KjO1IqK1KoJ to ask POTUS & Congress to develop a plan for #autism.
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April’s Hiking for All on 4/21, we will combine the family fun trip and hiking trip together.
We are going to book a big bus, which can take up to 56 passengers.
So now I will need people who are interested in joining the field trip email Auntie Roxana as early as possible at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tentative Schedule:
8:30 pick up at Cafe Ophelia, Fremont (corner of Warm Springs Blvd. & Mission Blvd.)
9:00 pick up at Marina Super Market, Cupertino
10:30 arrive at Muir Woods National Monument http://www.sftravel.com/muirwoodssanfrancisco.html
10:30 - 12:00 Hiking at National Park
12:00 - 1:30 Driving to Yountville http://yountville.com/
1:30 - 4:30 Picnic (if you bring your own lunch) or eat at Yountville ( many nice restaurants there )
wine tasting and Dont forget take one nice baguette from the famouse buchon bakery store.
4:30 Leaving Yountville and head home
6:00 Back to Cafe Ophelia
6:30 Back to Marina, Cupertino
Don’t have the final cost for each person. But I think it should be under $50.00 per person (only on transportation, lunch not included)
Anyone who is interested in joining the field trip; please email me the name of participants, so I can start to do some head counts!
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FCSN South Bay Life Empowerment Program (LEP) registration opens for the next session – Message from Auntie Roxana
Time flies fast. Our current session of LEP will end on April 09.
LEP new session will resume from April 23 - May 28, 6 weeks in total
It will still cover Current event, Music and Cooking class.
The new registration will start next week, March 19.
The tuition will be as follows (the same as the current session),
Program Rate One-Day Program (3:00-6:00pm) $35 /weekly Two Theme Program $30 /weekly One Theme Program $17 /weekly Cooking material: $30.00
Please fill out (this registration form) and hand me the check and registration form in the next 2 weeks. Remember extra $25 enrollment fee for FCSN non-members. Thank you very much~
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VERY IMPORTANT: Insurance Mandate for Autism Treatment.
Thanks to a generous grant from Autism Speaks, The Autism Health Insurance Project is working with families with full service Medi-Cal and Healthy Families here in CA, to help people with autism obtain medically necessary autism-related treatments. Towards that effort, we have started a new yahoo users group, ASDMedi-Cal, where people with full-service Medi-Cal and relevant caregivers can communicate and strategize on how and where to best to obtain evaluations and treatments. You can join this new group by sending an e-mail to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Sincerely,
Karen Fessel, Dr PH
Autism Health Insurance Project
www.autismhealthinsurance.org
510-325-0975 -
Important Cerebral Palsy Study
Along with Shriners Hospital for Children, we are conducting research to provide families and clinicians with information that will help with making decisions about orthopedic surgery.
Specifically, we would like families of children with cerebral palsy that walk and people with cerebral palsy that walk to complete an online survey with some questions about what information they feel is important to know when trying to decide whether or not to have surgery.
We would greatly appreciate your participation in the attachment, which contains a link to the survey, to individuals that may fit the criteria for this study.
If you have any questions about this study, you may contact the principal investigator.
Mary Gannotti, Ph.D. Phone: 860.768.5373 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Disability Rights California Advocacy Survey
Hello Advocacy Partners,
Each year Disability Rights California's Legislation and Public Information Unit advocates for the rights of people with disabilities in a variety of areas. We also seek to educate people with disabilities about their rights and how they can take action. We want to know what you think about the advocacy efforts.
Please take a few minutes to fill out this quick survey to give feedback on you thoughts:http://fs12.formsite.com/disabilityrightsca/form980986775/index.html
There are two parts to the survey, one about legislative advocacy and, the other about training. Feel free to fill out only one or both sections.
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Attention Immigrant Families with Children with Special Needs – please participate in the survey and consent form to gather data helpful to bridge some of the gaps of the families. It will take about 15 minutes to finish the survey and please send it back to me directly at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Thanks.
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ATTENTION!!! Emergency Action Alert due Today – Don’t let Insurance Company water down the Autism Treatment Insurance Coverage Mandate – take action TODAY
Click Here please find a summary of the emergency regulations that have been recently submitted by Commissioner Dave Jones (California Department of Insurance.) The entire regulations are posted at http://autism.senate.ca.gov/autisminsurance2 . These emergency regulations will remove specific barriers (such as IQ testing, visit and dollar limits, assertions that treatment is educational, or claims that providers/supervisors must hold state licenses) that some insurance have raised to subvert the intent of SB 946 (the California Autism Insurance Mandate.) Your input on these regulations is truly important!! PLEASE EMAIL YOUR COMMENTS TO THE Office of Administrative Law (AOL) at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with a copy to the Calif. Department of Insurance ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ). Your personal stories in support of these regulations must be submitted by Tuesday, MARCH 5TH. Thanks in advance for your consideration.
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Insurance Coverage for Autism Treatment SB 946 to Continue
There will be a SB 946 panel held at the next State Council meeting in Sacramento on March 20. For those who cannot attend in person, the SCDD is offering a call-in option. Also for those who cannot call in live, SCDD is videotaping the event and the video will be posted on the SCDD website.
Additionally, please encourage families to respond to an online survey in hopes of capturing any changes/trends on SB 946 implementation. Below are the links for the survey:
English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GDLG26Y
Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VNMMJQD
Please circulate the flyer and the survey links as far and wide as possible. The more responses we receive on the survey, the better informed we are as to the current status of the issue.
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Day in the Sky coming 5/4 – Message from Uncle Dean McCully
Shared Adventures 9th annual Day in the Sky is only a couple months away, Saturday May 4, 2013 at the Watsonville Municipal Airport. Every year, about 2000 people join us for the coolest airport open house on the Central Coast.
Awesome stuff already expected to join us again this year:
Hot Air Balloons
Watsonville Fire Trucks
2 Bounce Houses
Low cost BBQ at lunchtime.
Awesome MUSIC
Exotic animals.
Games, flight simulators, you name it.
Plus 100+ exhibitors of cool aviation-related and science fun stuff.
Exciting Paralympic sports activities will be offered like tennis, hand-cycles demos, soccer, and other forms of accessible sports.
Attend for FREE – register here: http://www.dayinthesky.com/attend.htm
We expect the festival to be bigger and fun-er than ever. We hope you will join us for this year's amazing event.
We hope to see you May 4.
Blue Skies
Dean McCully -
Scholarships for Our High School Students on Mental Health Essays
Click Here please see the flyer of our Culture to Culture Foundation's Mental Health Essay Scholarship for your reference.
All the submissions will be well recognized and all the selected winners will be awarded $ 500.00 scholarship.
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Stop the Automatic Cuts to our Community
Help Protect Disability Programs
The federal discretionary programs that people with disabilities rely upon to live in the community (early intervention, special education, supported employment, housing, transportation, and much more) are slated for unprecedented cuts starting this Friday, March 1! Click here to see how these cuts will affect your state.
Programs that are scheduled to be cut by about 10% in the second half of 2013 include:
- IDEA State Grant that assists the states in meeting the costs of providing special education and related services to children with disabilities.
- Developmental Disabilities State Councils that enhance the independence, productivity, inclusion, and integration of people with developmental disabilities.
- Supportive Housing for People with Disabilities that creates affordable, accessible housing for low-income non-elderly people with the most serious disabilities to help them live independently in the community.
- CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities that sponsors research and interventions to help children with disabilities to develop and reach their full potential, and promotes health and well-being among people of all ages with disabilities.
Tell Congress to find a balanced solution to deficit reduction. We cannot simply cut our way out of the situation we are in. Revenues must be a part of the solution. For every $1 in new revenue, $2.50 has already been cut from federal spending. Public opinion is on our side – The majority of Americans say that we need more revenue to reduce our deficits. Two-thirds of voters nationwide now say that the wealthiest 2% (by 66% of voters) and large corporations (by 64% of voters) should pay more in taxes.
Take Action
Please call your Members of Congress and remind them of the importance of these critical programs. Click on the Take Action link above to get your Members’ office phone numbers.
What to say:
- I am very concerned about the scheduled cuts to programs like special education, developmental disabilities programs, CDC, and housing programs that help people with disabilities to live in the community.
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Congress should cancel the “sequester” and replace it with a more reasonable deficit reduction package that balances program cuts and revenues
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Youth Volunteers Needed for the following South Bay program (message from Auntie Mannching)
Please help to spread the news to your friends/classmates to see if you/your friends can come to help in our programs.
You can receive community service hours certificate by volunteering in any of these programs.
a) Art program and Chinese program:
More volunteers are needed on Saturdays between 12~4 pm.
The programs' dates for next quarter will be 4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/11, 5/18, 6/1, 6/8, 6/15, 6/22, 6/29, 7/6, 7/13 tentatively.
The location is in FCSN South Bay center at 3675 Payne Ave., San Jose, CA 95117.
If you are interested in these programs, please contact Aunti Kaili at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or Aunti Mannching at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
b) WEP Jr. -- OT/Self Helping Skills
It will run on first and Second Saturday each month ( for the spring session it runs on 2/16, 3/2, 3/14, 4/6,4/20,5/4,5/18. and 6/1) from 10:00AM- 12:00PM at FCSN SB center -3675 Payne Ave., San Jose, CA 95117.
Most of our children in the program needs one on one help. We need volunteers to help our special needs children to learn OT, pre job skills, and self helping skills in this program.
If you are interested, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
c) LEP
It runs on every Tuesday from 3:00PM-6:00PM at FCSN South Bay Center (3675 Payne Ave., San Jose, CA 95117). We need volunteers urgently for this program to help our children engaging music and cooking activities. The volunteer can stay to help for all three hours or part of the time.
If you are interested, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
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Action Alert: Act Now - Protect Disability Programs and Extend Tax Cuts for Middle Class
Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and other programs that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) rely on have been at risk for harmful cuts during end of the year budget decisions.
By January 1 – just days from now – both chambers of Congress have announced plans to vote on legislation still being drafted to avert the “fiscal cliff ” - a series of harmful tax increases and spending cuts. With time running out, you must act now to protect disability related programs and extend tax cuts for the middle class.
How Can You Protect People with I/DD?
People with I/DD and their families cannot afford a tax increase, nor can they afford cuts to critical programs. Congress must include raising revenues, including higher taxes for the top 2% of earners, in the deal.
Call your Senators and Representative and tell him/her that people with I/DD are counting on them to do the right thing. Click on the “take action” link at the top of the page to get started.
What to Say:
• Most people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families cannot afford a tax increase, nor can they afford cuts to critical programs.
• Raising revenues for the top 2% of earners is critical to achieving deficit reduction that does not harm people with I/DD.
• The Medicaid program is a lean and efficient program that cannot sustain more cuts without causing substantial harm to individuals and families who rely on its lifeline to health and long term services and supports.
• Tell your Senator/Member of Congress if you cannot afford a tax increase and still meet disability-related expenses. -
Action Alert - New Threat to Social Security, SSI in Deficit Reduction
Call Your Senators and the White House - Oppose Benefit Cuts
A new threat to Social Security has come up this week as Congress and the White House negotiate a budget deal to avert the fiscal cliff. On the negotiating table is a change to the way benefits are calculated known as the “chained CPI.”
This would be a harmful benefit cut to all Social Security beneficiaries, including those on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). It reduces the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that Social Security and SSI beneficiaries receive in most years, resulting in people getting smaller benefit increases than they otherwise would under the current calculation.
Cuts from the chained CPI compound and get bigger every year. For the average SSDI beneficiary, the chained CPI would mean a benefit cut of about $347 per year after 10 years, $720 per year after 20 years, and $1,084 per year after 30 years. After 30 years, the cut is roughly 1 months’ worth of benefits for the average SSDI beneficiary.
The chained CPI is especially harmful to SSI beneficiaries, because it not only lowers the annual COLA but also reduces people's initial SSI benefit.
To learn more about the chained CPI:
http://www.c-c-d.org/task_forces/social_sec/Chained_Consumer_Price.htm
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/donna-meltzer/chained-cpi-fiscal-cliff_b_2277860.html
To learn more about deficit reduction, read The Arc’s publication, Deficit Reduction: What Disability Advocates Need to Know.
What Can You Do? Call your Senators and the President. Click on the “Take Action” link above to get started.
Tell them:
- I oppose the chained CPI because it is a painful benefit cut for people who rely on Social Security, including people with disabilities.
- Social Security is a lifeline for many people with disabilities to be able to live in the community and be as independent as possible.
Please oppose the chained CPI in these negotiations and protect all of the programs that people with disabilities rely on.
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Resources to help discuss death and grief with children
There are resources for parents that provide guidance on how to talk about crisis events with your children.
Child Development Institute Parenting Today:
· How to talk to kids about tragedies in the media: http://childdevelopmentinfo.com/parenting/talk-to-kids-media-violence.shtml
· How to talk to kids about violence: http://childdevelopmentinfo.com/parenting/talk-to-kids-violence.shtml
Parent Tips: Death and Grieving via Pathfinders for Autism:
· http://www.pathfindersforautism.org/articles/view/parent-tips-death-and-grieving
How to talk to children with autism about death, by Jennifer Cerbasi:· http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/02/10/how-to-talk-to-children-with-autism-about-death/
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Twelve Tips for Helping Individuals with Autism Have a Happy Holiday Season (see the tips below)
While many happily anticipate the coming holiday season, families of people on the autism spectrum also understand the special challenges that may occur when schedules are disrupted and routines broken. Our hope is that by following these few helpful tips, families may lessen the stress of the holiday season and make it a more enjoyable experience for everyone involved. The following tips were developed with input from the Autism Society, the Indiana Resource Center for Autism, Easter Seals Crossroads, the Sonya Ansari Center for Autism at Logan and the Indiana Autism Leadership Network..
1. Preparation is crucial for many individuals. At the same time, it is important to determine how much preparation a specific person may need. For example, if your son or daughter has a tendency to become anxious when anticipating an event that is to occur in the future, you may want to adjust how many days in advance you prepare him or her. Preparation can occur in various ways by using a calendar and marking the dates of various holiday events, or by creating a social story that highlights what will happen at a given event.
2. Decorations around the house may be disruptive for some. It may be helpful to revisit pictures from previous holidays that show decorations in the house. If such a photo book does not exist, use this holiday season to create one. For some it may also be helpful to take them shopping with you for holiday decorations so that they are engaged in the process. Or involve them in the process of decorating the house. And once holiday decorations have been put up, you may need to create rules about those that can and cannot be touched. Be direct, specific and consistent.
3. If a person with autism has difficulty with change, you may want to gradually decorate the house. For example, on the first day, put up the Christmas tree, then on the next day, decorate the tree and so on. And again, engage them as much as possible in this process. It may be helpful to develop a visual schedule or calendar that shows what will be done on each day.
4. If a person with autism begins to obsess about a particular gift or item they want, it may be helpful to be specific and direct about the number of times they can mention the gift. One suggestion is to give them five chips. They are allowed to exchange one chip for five minutes of talking about the desired gift. Also, if you have no intention of purchasing a specific item, it serves no purpose to tell them that maybe they will get the gift. This will only lead to problems in the future. Always choose to be direct and specific about your intentions.
5. Teach them how to leave a situation and/or how to access support when an event becomes overwhelming. For example, if you are having visitors, have a space set aside for the child as his/her safe/calm space. The individual should be taught ahead of time that they should go to their space when feeling overwhelmed. This self-management tool will serve the individual into adulthood. For those who are not at that level of self-management, develop a signal or cue for them to show when they are getting anxious, and prompt them to use the space. For individuals with more significant challenges, practice using this space in a calm manner at various times prior to your guests' arrival. Take them into the room and engage them in calming activities (e.g., play soft music, rub his/her back, turn down the lights, etc.). Then when you notice the individual becoming anxious, calmly remove him/her from the anxiety-provoking setting immediately and take him/her into the calming environment.
6. If you are traveling for the holidays, make sure you have their favorite foods, books or toys available. Having familiar items readily available can help to calm stressful situations. Also, prepare them via social stories or other communication systems for any unexpected delays in travel. If you are flying for the first time, it may be helpful to bring the individual to the airport in advance and help him/her to become accustomed to airports and planes. Use social stories and pictures to rehearse what will happen when boarding and flying.
7. Know your loved one with autism and how much noise and activity they can tolerate. If you detect that a situation may be becoming overwhelming, help them find a quiet area in which to regroup. And there may be some situations that you simply avoid (e.g., crowded shopping malls the day after Thanksgiving).
8. Prepare a photo album in advance of the relatives and other guests who will be visiting during the holidays. Allow the person with autism access to these photos at all times and also go through the photo album with him/her while talking briefly about each family member.
9. Practice opening gifts, taking turns and waiting for others, and giving gifts. Role play scenarios with your child in preparation for him/her getting a gift they do not want. Talk through this process to avoid embarrassing moments with family members. You might also choose to practice certain religious rituals. Work with a speech language pathologist to construct pages of vocabulary or topic boards that relate to the holidays and family traditions.
10. Prepare family members for strategies to use to minimize anxiety or behavioral incidents, and to enhance participation. Help them to understand if the person with autism prefers to be hugged or not, needs calm discussions or provide other suggestions that will facilitate a smoother holiday season. If the individual becomes upset, it might also be helpful to coach others to remain calm and neutral in an effort to minimize behavioral outbursts.
11. If the person with autism is on special diet, make sure there is food available that he/she can eat. And even if they are not on a special diet, be cautious of the amount of sugar consumed. And try to maintain a sleep and meal routine.
12. Above all, know your loved one with autism. Know how much noise and other sensory input they can take. Know their level of anxiety and the amount of preparation it may take. Know their fears and those things that will make the season more enjoyable for them.
FCSN
“Together, let’s build a community of love, hope, respect, and support for our special children.”
Anna
* Praying with Lior (thanks Rebecca for sharing)
ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B14tlmbE4TE&feature=related
An interesting and great film that talks about the great abilities of a child with disability and how he changes his community's perception about Down Syndrome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0F_myk17vew (you can start at minute 3:30)
* Donate a Vehicle to FCSN
If you have a vehicle that you are thinking of trading in or selling, consider donating it to Friends of Children with Special Needs’ Donate a Car Program.
When your vehicle is sold, the proceeds will go to FCSN to help our special needs children. You may also be able to deduct your vehicle as a charitable contribution for income tax purposes.
We have partnered with Car Program, which accepts most vehicles, including cars, trucks, trailers, boats and RVs. The donation is tax deductible and the process is easy. There’s free, next-day towing, and the vehicle does not need to run or pass current inspections.
If you have any questions, or would like to submit a donation by phone, please call Car Program toll-free, seven days a week at 1.800.240.0160, or submit a donation form at FCSN Website http://www.donateacar.com/affiliate-Friends-of-Children-with-Special-Needs.php
* For those of you who could make it to last Saturday's East Bay Family Support Gathering seminar, we had a very good meeting. All of us share the same dream for our children. We all want our children to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. If we can achieve that, we agreed that most of us will have peace of mind. We worry when they reach adulthood and we grow old and die. And it's also an invitation to all of you to join Dream Team phase 2. Dream the Same Dream, Work together as 1 Village :)! United together, we can achieve anything.
What we need for our adult children to be happy and healthy life-long:
1) Establish financial security - a system of protection
- employment
- social security benefits
- special needs trust
2) Activities they enjoy yet challenge them to achieve their full potential
- programs that will develop full potential and social circle- college, day programs
- discover and develop their talents and turn them into their career
- fun things to do
3) Safe Environment to live in
- housing
- live among friends
- supported by people who know, accept them and are kind and respectful to them
- freedom to choose but with guidance if needed
4) Health
- health-care coverage
- proper diet and exercise
FCSN is well-known for dreaming, gathering families together to achieve the Dream.
So, what is the current situation at FCSN?
The founding families and older FCSN members were successful in building a good model to fulfill our Dream. We shared each other's tears and joy, bonded together as one big family and build a support system with a comprehensive program for individuals of all ages. BUT, currently our East Bay adult services are now running at FULL CAPACITY, with over 60 people in the waiting list (we now stopped taking more people on the list.). We are limited by the size of the facility. Our South Bay Center is approaching capacity as well.
State funding crisis - Regional Centers will continue to experience budget cuts. We are on the verge of facing the tsunami of children with autism becoming of age, ie. 22 years old, to received adult services. The regional center systems is absolutely unprepared to handle this population which requires more funding per capita to serve. Please see this revealing article from Ventura County Stars this past weekend. Title: California unprepared for wave of autistic children headed toward adulthood: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2012/sep/22/california-unprepared-for-wave-of-autistic/
- vcstar.com
