Schedule

Spring 2010 schedule

 

April 1

There will be a short presentation by Michael Granse from the Champaign Regional Planning Commission to explain what the PUNS Database is and why it is important to every family living with someone with a developmental disability.  More information is available at:  www.dd.illinois.gov

We will also be updating everyone on the final plans for our upcoming Autism Walk & Safety Fair.  If you haven't registered yet, please note that our deadline for ordering a t-shirt in your size is April 2nd.  Registration materials will be available at the meeting.  Registration can be done on-line at: www.firstgiving.com/cuAutismNetwork

May 6

Topic - to be announced

February 4 

Jennifer Knapp, the Executive Director of Community Choices Cooperative, will be talking with us about the Community Choices Cooperative which is a new organization formed by families and adults with disabilities.  Their goal is to create a sense of community among families who have adult sons/daughters with disabilities and to provide self-directed services.  The areas they have a particular interest in our social opportunities, employment and housing.

March 4

7:00 pm at Christopher Hall.  The meeting will feature three short presentations by University of Illinois researchers who are working on projects which relate directly or indirectly to autism.  Miriam Holtzman will be presenting on her Facial Memory Game study, the purpose of which is to examine the effects of focused attention on emotional expressions in faces.  Joshua Hailpern will be presenting on his project which involves the visualization of voice (voice painting) and teaching language skills through computer applications.  Hasan Zighlawan will be presenting on his Imitation Intervention Study where parents learn strategies to teach their children imitation skills and to support positive child interactions. 

Please remember that all children attending our various childcare options will need to be pre-registered by noon on Tuesday, March 2nd, by going to our website and clicking on the “children” link at:  www.cuautismnetwork.org or by calling 217-621-8429.

 

 

Fall 2009 Speakers and Topics

• September 3

  Current Autism Issues Affecting Families in Our Communities -
  Karen McDonough,

• October 1

  Speak Softly and Carry a Big Binder – Tips for Managing the Mountain of Paperwork.

• November 5

  Experiences of a developmental specialist and special education teacher, by Jennifer Thomison.

  December 3 - Using Visuals Effectively by the Rural Champaign County Special Education Cooperative Autism Team

Spring 2009 Speakers and Topics

• February 5 Open Mic Night
  Your opportunity to share ideas and help us plan
• March 5 Special Olympics and other Leisure Recreation Opportunities
  Johanna Harms & Sarah Meents, Global Messengers, and Jessi Bernstein, Area 8 Director, Special Olympics Illinois
• April 2 Special Needs Planning for Today and Tomorrow
  Guest panel
• May 7 Building a Better Future through Programs, Education and Legislation –
  Karen McDonough, Executive Director, Autism Society of Illinois