First Published Saturday, 6th September, 2008.

Directed by Pinkaew, CHOCOLATE stars JeeJa Yanin as Zen, a young autistic girl with a sweet tooth and a penchant for Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Tony Jaa movies whose uncanny ability to mimic her heroes’ martial arts skills has made her an unlikely but equally awesome fighting force.

By Mark Pollard • September 5, 2008

Source: http://www.kungfucinema.com/?p=3007

First Published Saturday, 6th September, 2008.

Augusten Burroughs’ brother to speak on Asperger’s

RiverRun Bookstore and The Birchtree Center of Portsmouth will host John Elder Robison for the debut reading from the paperback of his New York Times bestseller, “Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s,” at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at RiverRun Bookstore on Congress Street in Portsmouth. The Birchtree Center will have information at the event on how its organization helps those with autism. This darkly funny book offers insight into the life of an individual growing up on the autism spectrum. The author recounts his experiences as a toy engineer, sound and effects engineer for KISS and other bands, auto restorer, and more. The book also provides another look at the family described in “Running with Scissors” by the author’s brother, Augusten Burroughs. Visit www.riverrunbookstore.com or call 431-2100.

Source:  http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080906/ENTERTAIN/809060302/-1/rss02

From Publishers Weekly
Although this memoir deals with some dark topics—including Asperger’s syndrome, family alcoholism and mental illness—debut author Robison maintains a keen humor and sense of dramatic irony throughout. The gravelly voiced Robison proves to be a capable storyteller, whether describing the pranks he used to play on his much younger brother (Augusten Burroughs, who reads his foreword) or the relief of finally being diagnosed with Asperger’s in middle age after a lifetime of social isolation and relatively odd behaviors. Robison is a vocal and emphatic advocate for Asperger’s, which he insists is not a disease but a different—and sometimes better—neurology. Asperger’s gave Robison a single-minded ability to focus on his love of electronics, giving him a place in the world as the wizard behind Kiss’s smoking and flaming guitars or, later in life, a gift for diagnosing and fixing high-end imported cars. This memoir is highly entertaining and the abridgment is smoothly edited.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From AudioFile
Fans of Augusten Burroughs (RUNNING WITH SCISSORS) will enjoy this memoir by his older brother. Narrated by the author, the story conveys with equal measures of humor and pathos the difficulty in growing up with Asperger’s–particularly as there was no diagnosis for the syndrome during Robison’s childhood. His difficulties and his insights into overcoming them make for a compelling story. Robison makes lemonade from what initially seems like lemons, and, from working on rocket-launching guitars for KISS to owning his own business, his story is unique and compelling. His speech idiosyncrasies would likely hinder the story were they not perfectly suited to the nature of his story. In this case, he’s the perfect narrator for a truly original memoir. M.T. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine– Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

First Published Friday, 5th September, 2008.

First Published Thursday, 4th September, 2008.

Source: http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=459&a=17391

First Published Thursday, 4th September, 2008.

Win a MacBook

Guardian.co.uk has teamed up with the Forever Story to give you the chance to win a MacBook

guardian.co.uk,

First Published Thursday, 4th September, 2008.

How are the RNC and DNC
Talking about Disability?

JFA is a free service of the American Association
of People with Disabilities
(AAPD<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-71RO_s3fVrvPmGJ7N1Na4yeAl29BwoKfOraXggGh4RJmDJNfrfR7mbl_V2Ej27BmqUte2fpJtNAbAkp8BB8YlD2nrnGfhegsd0=>)

Today’s JFA:  *How are the RNC and DNC Talking about
Disability?<http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&view=js&name=js&ver=9DCpeyGCQEg&am=R_E4pcSXcDHJqgyJ#11c2f079d09db131_LETTER.BLOCK3>
* *What Do You Think?<http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&view=js&name=js&ver=9DCpeyGCQEg&am=R_E4pcSXcDHJqgyJ#11c2f079d09db131_LETTER.BLOCK6>
* *More on Palin’s Direct Appeal to Families of Children with
Disabilities?<http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&view=js&name=js&ver=9DCpeyGCQEg&am=R_E4pcSXcDHJqgyJ#11c2f079d09db131_LETTER.BLOCK5>
* *Coverage of the 2008 Paralympic
Games<http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&view=js&name=js&ver=9DCpeyGCQEg&am=R_E4pcSXcDHJqgyJ#11c2f079d09db131_LETTER.BLOCK11>
* *EEOC Issues Guide for Hiring, Promoting Individuals with
Disabilities<http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&view=js&name=js&ver=9DCpeyGCQEg&am=R_E4pcSXcDHJqgyJ#11c2f079d09db131_LETTER.BLOCK15>
* *National Federation of the Blind Settles $6 Million Lawsuit with Target
over Accessibility of
Website<http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&view=js&name=js&ver=9DCpeyGCQEg&am=R_E4pcSXcDHJqgyJ#11c2f079d09db131_LETTER.BLOCK14>
*  *How are the RNC and DNC Talking about Disability?*  [image: Democrats
and Republicans
image]<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-71RO_s3fVrvPmGJ7N1Na4yeAl29BwoKfOraXggGh4RJmDJNfrfR7mbl_V2Ej27BmqUte2fpJtNAbAkp8BB8YlD2nrnGfhegsd0=>
Both Democrats and Republicans reference disability in their 2008 platforms
(their affirmative statements of goals and values). However how disability
is cited and where it is cited (under which categories) in each platform
varies between parties. Each party’s disability “mentions,” whether direct
or indirect, are quoted below.

from the
Democratic Platform

Health Care (from the section entitled “Affordable, Quality Health Care
Coverage for All Americans”) – Health insurance plans should accept all
applicants and be prohibited from charging different prices based on
pre-existing conditions.

…Chronic-care and behavioral health management should be assured for all
Americans who require care coordination. This includes assistance for those
recovering from traumatic, life-altering injuries and illnesses as well as
those with mental health and substance use disorders.

…We should… lower drug costs by allowing Medicare to negotiate for lower
prices, permitting importation of safe medicines from other developed
countries, creating a generic pathway for biologic drugs, and increasing use
of generics in public programs.

Social Security (from the section entitled “Retirement and Social
Security”)- [W]e believe that it is indispensable. We will fulfill our
obligation to strengthen Social Security and to make sure that it provides guaranteed
benefits Americans can count on, now and in future 14 generations. We will
not privatize it.

Stem Cell / Medical Research (from the section entitled “Affordable, Quality
Health Care Coverage for All Americans”) – For the millions of Americans and
their families suffering from debilitating physical and emotional effects of
disease, time is a precious commodity, and it is
running out…We need to invest in biomedical research and stem cell
research, so that we are at the leading edge of prevention and treatment.
This includes adequate funding for research into diseases such as heart
disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis,
breast cancer, diabetes, autism and other common and rare diseases, and
disorders. We will increase funding to the National Institutes of Health,
the National Science Foundation, and the National Cancer Institutes.

Long-Term Care (from the section entitled “Affordable, Quality Health Care
Coverage for All Americans”) – Seniors and people with disabilities should
have access to quality affordable long-term care services, and those
services should be readily available at home and in the community. Americans
should not be forced to choose between getting care and living independent
and productive lives.

(from the section entitled “Americans with Disabilities”) – We will restore
dignity for Americans with disabilities by signing the Community Choice Act
into law, which will allow them the choice of living in their communities
rather than being warehoused in nursing homes or other institutions.

(from the section entitled “Seniors”) – We believe that we must pay
caregivers a fair wage and train more nurses and health care workers so as
to improve the availability and quality of long-term care.

Education (from the section entitled “A World Class Education for Every
Child”) – We will also meet our commitment to special education and to
students who are English Language Learners. We support full funding of the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

(from the section entitled “Americans with Disabilities”) – We will ensure
there is sufficient funding to empower Americans with disabilities to
succeed in school and beyond.

(from the section entitled “A World Class Education for Every Child”) – We
support education delivery that makes it possible for non-traditional
students to receive support and encouragement to obtain a college education,
including Internet, distance education, and night and weekend programs.

Technology (from the section entitled “Creating New Jobs By Rebuilding
American Infrastructure”) – We will ensure every American has access to
highspeed broadband…

(from the section entitled “A Connected America”) – We will implement a
national broadband strategy (especially in rural areas, and our reservations
and territories) that enables every American household, school, library, and
hospital to connect to a world-class communications infrastructure. We will
rededicate our nation to ensuring that all Americans have access to
broadband and the skills to use it effectively.

Housing (from the section entitled “Housing”) – We will work to end housing
discrimination and to ensure equal housing opportunity.

Veterans (from the section entitled “Do Right by Our Veterans and Their
Families”) – We will ensure that every veteran has access to quality health
care for injuries both physical and mental, and we will require that health
professionals screen all service members upon their return from combat. We
will aggressively address Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain
Injury. We will work to ensure that every veteran receives the benefits he
or she has earned and the assistance he or she needs by making the
disability benefits process more fair, efficient, and equitable. We will
dramatically reduce the backlog of disability claims.

U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (from the section
entitled “Americans with Disabilities”) – We will once again reclaim our
role as world leaders in protecting the rights of people with disabilities.
We will lead the United States in ratifying the U.N. Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the first human rights treaty approved
in the United Nations in the 21st century.

(from the section entitled “A More Perfect Union”) – We will sign the U.N.
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities….

Restoration of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)  (from the section
entitled “A More Perfect Union”) – We will… restore the original intent of
the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Hate Crimes (from the section entitled “A More Perfect Union”) – We will
pass the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

Voting (from the section entitled “Voting Rights”) – We will fully fund the
Help America Vote Act and work to fulfill the promise of election reform,
including fighting to end long lines at voting booths and ensuring that all
registration materials, voting materials, polling places, and voting
machines are truly accessible to seniors, Americans with disabilities, and
citizens with limited English proficiency. We will call for a national
standard for voting that includes voterverified paper ballots. We will
ensure that absentee ballots are accessible and accurately counted…[W]e
oppose laws that require identification in order to vote or register to
vote, which create discriminatory barriers to the right to vote and
disenfranchise many eligible voters… Finally, we will enact legislation
that establishes harsh penalties for those who engage in voter intimidation
and creates a process for providing accurate information to misinformed
voters so they can cast their votes in time.

Quotations from individual participants in DNC Platform Meetings:

– Greenwood, SC, 7/19. Stop forcing special needs children to mainstream
without adequate resources.
– Bessemer, AL, 7/24. The federal, state and local government should
become proactive in establishing policies that address the needs of the
disabled.

View the 2008 Democratic
Platform<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-72OrP4fKSlF1cTLo2XWVw8a-OEmvZz3qPqgwIiCFjctRfc53SADRtvlq_2bMn1y_mWZU3Ohm_leO9W0lc55ZtreM-28UTzGMCeJoIkcVeGVtRaTCnFBHIisEiui5xpZ82dySnzPlVB8PZtLRVijU6J8Yb2CAFHCPwDkyX2ADS-z9alaot4LAlPjN8rBlrmFVtu8ZZKQ7HLdHg==>

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

from the
Republican Platform

Veterans (from the section entitled “Supporting Our Heroes”) – We must make
military medicine the gold standard for advances in prosthetics and the
treatment of trauma and eye injuries.

…We encourage private businesses to expand their outreach to the veterans
community, especially disabled veterans.

…The VA must become more responsive and more efficient by eliminating its
disability backlog and reducing waiting times for treatment.

…The VA’s current disability compensation formulas need to be restructured
and modernized. Those who have borne the burden of war must have access to
training, rehabilitation, and education. Their families and caregivers
deserve our concern and support.

…We pledge special attention to combat stress injuries. There must be
adequate counseling when veterans return home – for them and their families.
…We recognize the need for more mental health professionals who can give
the highest quality treatment to our veterans.

Voting (from the section “Reforming Government to Serve the People” and
subsection “Protecting the Right to Vote in Fair Elections”) – We support
the right of states to require an official government-issued photo
identification for voting…

Taxes (from the section “Expanding Opportunity to Promote Prosperity” and
subsection “Republican Tax Policy: Protecting Hardworking Americans”) –
Republicans support tax credits for health care and medical expenses.

Health Care (from the section entitled “Health Care Reform: Putting Patients
First” and subsection “Patient Control and Portability”) – Individuals with
pre-existing conditions must be protected; we will help these individuals by
building on the experiences of innovative states rather than by creating a
new unmanageable federal entitlement.

(from the subsection “Patient Control and Portability”) – Because the family
is our basic unit of society, we fully support parental rights to consent to
medical treatment for their children including mental health treatment.

(from the subsection “Improving Quality of Care and Lowering Cost”) – A
culture of wellness needs to include the treatment of mental health
conditions. We believe all Americans should have access to affordable,
quality health care, including individuals struggling with
mental illness. For this reason, we believe it is important that mental
health care be treated equally with physical health care.

(from the subsection “Medicare”) – We support the provision of quality and
accessible health care options for our nation’s seniors and disabled
individuals and recognize that in order to meet this goal we must confront
the special challenges posed by the growth of Medicare costs.

(from the section “Reforming Government to Serve the People” and subsection
“Entitlement Reform”) – As discussed in the health care section of this
document, we commit to revive Medicare by rewarding quality care, promoting
competition, eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse, and giving patients and
providers control over treatment options. We envision a new Medicaid
partnership with the states, improving public health through flexibility and
innovation.

Stem Cells / Medical Research (from the section entitled “Health Care
Reform: Putting Patients First” and subsection “Improving Quality of Care
and Lowering Cost”) – [W]e call for a major expansion of support for the
stem-cell research that now shows amazing promise and offers the greatest
hope for scores of diseases – with adult stem cells, umbilical cord blood,
and cells reprogrammed into pluripotent stem cells – without the destruction
of embryonic human life.

Long-Term Care (from the subsection entitled “Modernize Long-Term Care
Options for All) – The financial burdens and emotional challenges of
ensuring adequate care for elderly family members affect every American,
especially with today’s aging population. We must develop new ways to
support individuals, not just institutions, so that older Americans can have
a real choice whether to stay in their homes. This is true not only with
regard to Medicaid, where we spend $100 billion annually on long-term care,
but also for those who do not qualify for that assistance.

Physician-Assisted Suicide (from the section “Health Care Reform: Putting
Patients First” and subsection “Funding Medical Research”) – We believe
medicines and treatments should be designed to prolong and enhance life, not
destroy it. Therefore, federal funds should not be used for drugs that cause
the destruction of human life.
Furthermore, the Drug Enforcement Administration ban on use of controlled
substances for physician-assisted suicide should be restored.

(from the section “Preserving Our Values” and subsection “Maintaining the
Sanctity and Dignity of Human Life”) – …[W]e oppose the nonconsensual
withholding of care or treatment from people with disabilities, as well as
the elderly and infirm, just as we oppose euthanasia and assisted suicide,
which endanger especially those on the margins of society.

Education (from the section “Education Means a More Competitive America” and
subsection “Maintaining Our Commitment to IDEA”) – Because a federal mandate
on the states must include the promised federal funding, we will fulfill the
promise of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to cover 40
percent of the costs incurred because of that legislation. We urge
preventive efforts in early childhood, especially assistance in gaining
pre-reading skills, to help many youngsters move beyond the need for IDEA’s
protections.

(from the subsection “Asserting Family Rights in Schooling”) – It is not the
role of the teacher or school administration to recommend or require the use
of psychotropic medications that must be prescribed by a physician.

(from the subsection “Higher Education) – Our country’s system of higher
education – public and private, secular and religious, large and small
institutions – is unique for its excellence, its diversity, and its
accessibility. Learning is a safeguard of liberty. Post-secondary education
not only increases the earnings of individuals but advances economic
development. Our colleges and universities drive much of the research that
keeps America competitive. We must ensure that our higher education system
meet the needs of the 21st century student and economy and remain innovative
and accessible.

Civil Rights (from the section “Preserving Our Values” and subsection
“Ensuring Equal Treatment for All”) – We consider discrimination based on
sex, race, age, religion, creed, disability, or national origin to be
immoral, and we will strongly enforce anti-discrimination statutes.

Employment (from the section “Preserving Our Values” and subsection
“Maintaining the Sanctity and Dignity of Human Life”) – Respect for life
requires efforts to include persons with disabilities in education,
employment, the justice system, and civic participation.

…Because government should set a positive standard in hiring and
contracting for the services of persons with disabilities, we need to update
the statutory authority for the AbilityOne program, the main avenue by which
those productive members of our society can offer high quality services at
the best possible value.

View the 2008 Republican
Platform<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-70I7AUw6QXAa-POyADWZj85mlMuJuq1YkYxwhwYAXWOuyzrYQT1ZXjbIhQWyg9hpwTwMhIev1n7UQV62ZwCNe8KFxPqoyYuFIBIqSQN-E7f29wF-MF5aQSaDUT1qstjsBsB0Gj8TgP4Bw==>

*What Do You Think?

What do you think of the DNC and RNC platforms, as they pertain to
disability issues? Do they influence your vote on November 4? Any surprises?

Share your thoughts on the JFActivist
blog!<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-718z-y1bhQ3gUkDB7TzU7vJOtjXAmqF48NJjETexbjgTng-rM7avkdRA2AzwTkbtAtlvRoda6mbDol9-ashg1RsL2e4lk_zSKzvL-CXB7CUVhHQNLyQVwmtWAna105mZSo_Wj117bXulgSogZ38gn7BrmphPidWfl0w29YrYLkoOQ==>

More on Palin’s Direct Appeal to Families of Children with Disabilities
[image: Governor Sarah Palin
(R-AK)]<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-71RO_s3fVrvPmGJ7N1Na4yeAl29BwoKfOraXggGh4RJmDJNfrfR7mbl_V2Ej27BmqUte2fpJtNAbAkp8BB8YlD2nrnGfhegsd0=>As
referenced in the last JFA, last night, Governor Sarah Palin (R-AK) made a
direct appeal to the families of children with disabilities during her
speech at the Republican National Convention (RNC). The appeal came after
she introduced members of her family to America, mentioning the recent birth
of her son, Trig, who has Down syndrome. The appeal she made, in its
context, follows below:

“Our son Track is 19.

And one week from tomorrow – September 11th – he’ll deploy to Iraq with the
Army infantry in the service of his country.

My nephew Kasey also enlisted, and serves on a carrier in the Persian Gulf.

My family is proud of both of them and of all the fine men and women serving
the country in uniform. Track is the eldest of our five children.

In our family, it’s two boys and three girls in between – my strong and
kind-hearted daughters Bristol, Willow, and Piper.

And in April, my husband Todd and I welcomed our littlest one into the
world, a perfectly beautiful baby boy named Trig. From the inside, no family
ever seems typical.

That’s how it is with us.

Our family has the same ups and downs as any other … the same challenges
and the same joys.

Sometimes even the greatest joys bring challenge.

And children with special needs inspire a special love.

To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a
message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for
your sons and daughters.

I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate
in the White House.”

>>Read Gov. Palin’s entire speech.<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-71Uhh49yi7_i8PdN4UEV33ZJ5FPsN_ajUeJqqTTKsIb0eOqGT2FIT7ibd3zIPFOz8qbD1GrPg1mUeG36K9-3a1OngbgsQYbWxtiCyjw43mOCSnb4UwoyJeei2CAtjEi-TC9lmMMGE1AgAQYUOrS-HcC5rm3uRhTKQjvr1gxOXM711VYUZbYKG7Nk6TLw_ZvKiU=>

MODERATOR, Anne Sommers, JUSTICE FOR ALL — A Service of the American
Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD).

To respond to a JFA email, submit an article, or contact the moderator,
email her at JFAModerator@aol.com.
*ACCESSIBILITY:* To request to receive a text-only version of this and every
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*DISCLAIMER:* The JFA listserv is designed to share information of interest
to people with disabilities and promote dialogue in the disability
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AAPD. The JFA listserv is non-partisan.

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*Coverage of the 2008 Paralympic Games
* [image: Paralympics
Logo]<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-71RO_s3fVrvPmGJ7N1Na4yeAl29BwoKfOraXggGh4RJmDJNfrfR7mbl_V2Ej27BmqUte2fpJtNAbAkp8BB8YlD2nrnGfhegsd0=>
NBC
Universal will provide US coverage of the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games via
the UniversalSports.com<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-72Jq8_hF-NDKBwfDD3EMwDSoRu6XgpE1oiOgiIXuej7t6hGfRVIqqfBCQ0ZIss2_n5EmLhxEHblmw-EXsiPiKBr1rvtnHWQHl71LOVytICpXw==>website
and present television programming of the Games in early October.
The groundbreaking broadcast will premiere on September 6th on
UniversalSports.com and October 8th on Universal Sports TV, followed by a
special presentation of the events on NBC October 18th.

Visit UniversalSports.com<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-72Jq8_hF-NDKBwfDD3EMwDSoRu6XgpE1oiOgiIXuej7t6hGfRVIqqfBCQ0ZIss2_n5EmLhxEHblmw-EXsiPiKBr1rvtnHWQHl71LOVytICpXw==>to
view Paralympic Games competition, athletes and more.

ParalympicSport.TV<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-71JRhX_k2uniBIU9EbrWREXhYpXkHdGi4mdYXCSHD-9nz-OOMF5ormGLAosg1eX4G7NlM8J4uX3ON6ZHtRjccDmFaADIr0TdGXhHbP9aaUsCQ==>presented
by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and Worldwide
Partner Samsung is a top quality 24/7 television channel broadcasting via
the Internet.  Free of charge, people all over the world are able to watch
live and delayed programming of the Beijing Paralympic Games, or see the
coverage on demand later.

Help demonstrate the high level of interest in NBC’s Paralympic Games
coverage and promote their online and television broadcast to your
participants, families, friends, partners, and supporters.  The greater the
viewership, the more coverage we will see for future Games.  Visit these
sites early and visit them often!

*EEOC Issues Guide for Hiring, Promoting Individuals with Disabilities
* From Government Executive.com (August 27):
EEOC issues guide for hiring, promoting disabled employees
By Brittany R. Ballenstedt

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Tuesday published a guide to
help agencies identify opportunities to hire and promote individuals with
disabilities.

The online guide responds to frequently asked questions about hiring
flexibilities and legal requirements.

“The EEOC is doing everything it can to provide agencies with useful
guidance on how to be the nation’s model employer, providing equal
opportunity to all Americans, including those with disabilities,” said Naomi
Earp, the commission’s chairwoman…

>>Read the rest of the article.<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-71dJzKrZcPPHikSVZM4sQJ2uTiFMHmXtP_5MfLnuN5qD7X4o04QqW1vEUEZIduiJ3trS1q72UaIOOOasDyXUjgY2B3Nv9-jTspaRm1MsDgF1LabkCJRgk_fSPjkpuVwgSXH30JJ-7yd-v5wOkAe-CgqVmhmR2RHGgKUQQfwnKTY-g==>

>>View the EEOC guide.<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-70tybo3kud31oUgl6E5NJXHkk82x_L3MGDt7tw9gQYCgqM4RAM3eA-M4FzWUxOSOWo_dvTXJP-c7zAJKXa0D8qt7vVUFVg9mPCNprt-JyXEpfte_8qD1EegwyPBF59jdu1slavBUTLTkSk5vh5bH0HfTgslqTN1diA=>
*National Federation of the Blind Settles $6 Million Lawsuit with Target
over Accessibility of Website

The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and Target settled a class
action lawsuit on August 27, to make accessible the Target.com web site for
blind people using assistive technology. As a result, NFB will certify the
Target Web site through its Nonvisual Accessibility Web Certification
program once there are agreed-upon improvements completed in early 2009 and
will engage in a three-year relationship at $40 thousand a year, during
which NFB will perform accessibility testing of the Target Web site,
including providing  monitoring and training. As part of the settlement,
Target will establish a $6 million fund from which members of the California
settlement class can make claims.  Marc Maurer, President of the National
Federation of the Blind  stated that he hopes other businesses providing
goods and services on the Internet will follow Target’s example.

Read more information<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-70J3nB_iwWPlnVYQlIHMnSisDyrMbSGv5TY-YHTxSBmTsYRPN1XME9wmfaOIM070axoHi93ltV9NTklk4BoEW9pR7MqxKHASTz11qt8lNTJEQ==>about
the terms of the settlement.

View a copy of Settlement<http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001Wvy2MCJW-73aqqpumSpJ5zbOWNUzAUxiW4YpLo6NXjfbUPQch7rlyg5H_krTcTdnnQApn5ClXev402j2jfhQzxSnb6VuqW9byLXyR6OAVsJ3aifNVnxFsyEDm-5531CZYZS3HxPpfjQD3p9BxoLy6Q==>

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<http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=newsVE02> American Association
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—
Ari Ne’eman
President
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network
1101 15th Street, NW Suite 1212
Washington, DC 20005
http://www.autisticadvocacy.org
732.763.5530

First Published Friday, 29th August, 2008.

Please feel free to distribute far and wide:

We want you to help write a story that goes on forever.  The more people who join in, the longer the story will be, and the more money we’ll raise for Treehouse (http://www.treehouse.org.uk/), the charity that helps children who find it hard to join in; autistic children.

Every contribution to the story will generate a £1 donation from TalkTalk.

Nick Hornby(who has been involved with Treehouse for a long time and has an autistic son) has written the first 35 words.  Join him and other well-known writers who are going to co-author the forever story and do no-end of good for autistic children.

Thankyou.

http://www.theforeverstory.com/

HEADLINES

“Disabled children transported in cages”:

http://www.politics.co.uk/news/foreign-policy/legal-and-constitutional/disabled-children-transported-in-cages–$1237577.htm

“Children with learning disabilities held at Yarl’s Wood – Inspector’s ‘dismayed’ after visit to detention centre”:

http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2008/08/22/109189/children-with-learning-disabilities-held-at-yarls-wood.html

“Florida parents say autistic students abused…Alex Barton has opened doors for parents of autistic children to get their message heard, said Palm Beach parent Phyllis Musumeci, mother of a teenage autistic boy…Moore and Barton, who have both filed notices they intend to sue the St. Lucie County School District, are not alone.”:

http://www.shns.com/shns/g_index2.cfm?action=detail&pk=AUTISMABUSE-08-25-08

“Bully, 12, investigated for rape”:

http://www.thetimes.co.za/PrintEdition/News/Article.aspx?id=828651

“Arizona music therapist accused of molestation”:

http://www.azdailysun.com/articles/2008/08/21/news/state/20080821_arizo_179760.txt

“Presumed guilty: The loving stepfather devoted to helping autistic youngsters now fighting to clear his name”:

http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/femail/article-1049551/Presumed-guilty-The-loving-stepfather-devoted-helping-autistic-youngsters-fighting-clear-name.html

“Attack on autistic Mishawaka teen posted to YouTube”:

http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/27553514.html

“Disabled siblings lived under house”:

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24253884-12377,00.html

“Police search for missing Provo woman”:

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_10239144?source=rss

“Missing man found in Manchester”:

http://www.courant.com/community/news/ec/hcu-manmissing-0823,0,27850.story

“Hacker loses extradition appeal”:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7585861.stm

Support Site “Free Gary McKinnon – or at least try him in the UK”:

http://freegary.org.uk/

“NAS and North Yorkshire police launch autism alert card”:

http://www.daelnet.co.uk/countrynews/country_news_26082008.cfm

“Authorities searching for couple who refused vaccination”:

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24236638-23289,00.html

“Lynch to sign bill to create autism council in NH”:

http://www.wcax.com/global/story.asp?s=8882878

“Measles outbreaks worry CDC”:

http://children.webmd.com/vaccines/news/20080821/measles-outbreaks-worry-cdc

“Forced marriage of people with learning disabilities”:

http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2008/08/22/109193/forced-marriage-of-people-with-learning-disabilities.html

“Smarter Brunei paves way for autistic individuals”:

http://www.brudirect.com/DailyInfo/News/Archive/Aug08/200808/nite18.htm

“Bellingham: Advocates protest ‘hate speech’ in movie”:

http://www.wickedlocal.com/bellingham/news/x1806342878/Bellingham-Advocates-protest-hate-speech-in-movie

“Project Lifesaver Program helps law enforcement locate at-risk citizens across the USA”:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/118474.php

“Mosquito under scrutiny”:

http://www.thisisplymouth..co.uk/news/Mosquito-scrutiny/article-290499-detail/article.html

“Why won’t they let me join the army?”:

http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/content/news/story.aspx?brand=ENOnline&category=News&tBrand=ENOnline&tCategory=news&itemid=NOED18%20Aug%202008%2016%3A01%3A22%3A943

“GI Partners takes over care firm”:

http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5i1H0zDQkCQWKLGjs9dymS0ttkjsg

“Home for adults planned in Cumbria”:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cumbria/7565105.stm

“Disabled helped to pay fuel bills”:

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2008/08/23/disabled-helped-to-pay-fuel-bills-100252-21590764/

“More than one in three Irish parents forced to wait over a year for autism diagnosis”:

http://www.awares.org/pkgs/news/news.asp?showItemID=916&board=&bbcode=&profileCode=&section=

“Fears that man with asperger’s cleared of TV presenter’s murder is being manipulated”:

http://www.awares.org/pkgs/news/news.asp?showItemID=914&board=&bbcode=&profileCode=&section=

UK-wide Competition “Express your experiences of autism”:

http://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/salisbury/salisburynews/display.var.2431230.0.express_your_experiences_of_autism.php

RESEARCH

“UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute researchers to begin widespread newborn screening for Fragile X Syndrome”:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/118757.php

“New research shows one in 200 people born with DNA mutation that can lead to mitochondrial disease”:

http://sev.prnewswire.com/health-care-hospitals/20080811/DC3012911082008-1.html

“UC Davis researchers define characteristics, treatment options for XXYY syndrome”:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/119172.php

“Facial structures, brain abnormalities studied to reveal formula for detection of autism”:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/118653.php

“Scientists find part of brain dedicated to remembering features”:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008133566_faces23.html

“CNSI at UCLA to host forum …

A guest appearance will be made by two-time Academy Award winner Dustin Hoffman, who co-starred in the 1988 film “Rain Man” about an autistic savant. Hoffman played Raymond Babbitt, who was based in part on Kim Peek, a savant whose eidetic, or photographic, memory and developmental disabilities were the possible result of congenital brain abnormalities. Hoffman will receive the 2008 IBMISPS Beacon Award…”

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/118384.php

“New reasons to avoid grapefruit and other juices when taking certain drugs”:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080819160050.htm

“Minnesota officials to examine autism in Somali immigrant children”:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/119299.php

“Elephant therapy to treat depression – …There are around 200,000 autistic people recorded in Thailand. Studies began last year and looked into the effects on four autistic children of their interactions with elephants.”:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/260808_News/26Aug2008_news15..php

EDUCATION

“Back-to-school kids need shots”:

http://www.ny1.com/content/ny1_living/85155/back-to-school-kids-need-shots/Default.aspx

“Autistic child wanders away from school”:

http://www.wptv.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=8ccc2224-43c1-411d-b87b-3774c70ef42d&rss=762

“Isolation room deemed to violate school, fire rules”:

http://www.projo.com/education/content/ROOM_20_08-21-08_34B9VAH_v23.3e83332.html

“Embattled bus administrator retiring…Some parents, however, were taking drastic measures to get answers:

•A south Hillsborough mother hired an attorney this week to help get her 10-year-old son with autism picked up an hour later so he doesn’t have to spend nearly two hours on a school bus each morning. “All I’m asking for is someone to respond and call me back,” Laurie Eckley said. “He has a hard enough time with school without being on the bus for two hours.”

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/aug/28/280022/na-embattled-bus-administrator-retiring/

“Young people with learning disabilities need better options when they leave school”:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2008/aug/19/specialeducationneeds?gusrc=rss&feed=education

“Exam Success”:

“Nineteen-year-old Josh Muggleton was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism, when he was 15.
After years of bullying he left school at 16 with average GCSE results and was told he would not be able to go to university.
Since then he has attended a specialist college in Frome and the college in Bath and will be starting a psychology degree at St Andrew’s University after getting two As and a B in his A levels.
He said: “This means so much to me.
“Starting at university and moving away from home is closing the door on all the bad things that have happened to me.”

http://www.thisisbath.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=163490&command=displayContent&sourceNode=163316&contentPK=21288262&folderPk=89126&pNodeId=163047

“Pupils’ GCSE results delight”:

http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/local/3613401.Pupils__GCSE_results_delight/

“Close to achieving his dream”:

http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/content/LifeMatters/story.aspx?brand=ENOnline&category=LifeHealth&tBrand=ENOnline&tCategory=LifeHealth&itemid=NOED12%20Aug%202008%2010%3A46%3A49%3A203

“Autistic students get help navigating college life”:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25588536/

“State expected to approve new autism school”:

http://www.wcax.com/global/story.asp?s=8888733

“Open house helps prepare for new school’s opening”:

http://www.pioneerlocal.com/edisonpark/news/1127780,ed-edisonpark-082808-s2.article

“We can learn from special schools”:

http://www.theage.com.au/education/opinion-we-can-learn-from-special-schools-20080809-3sm8.html?page=-1

“Extended schools: after-school and holiday provision”:

http://www.teachingexpertise.com/articles/extended-schools-after-school-and-holiday-provision-3345

“Autistic kids face asbestos at Rockaways elementary school”:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2008/08/18/2008-08-18_autistic_kids_face_asbestos_at_rockaways.html

“Children affected by disabilities and their families receive free school supplies and enjoyed day full of fun at Tropical Park”:

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami-dade/east-kendall/story/648915.html

“School gets a makeover”:

http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/3615264.School_gets_a_makeover/

EMPLOYMENT

Sweden “Left is Right”

Left is right is a consulting company offering a unique capability. Our consultants are diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, and thus have a sense for detail, are extremely thorough and have the ability to work with repeated tasks while maintaining a high quality. To read more about how we can help your company, read Our services.

http://www.leftisright.se/index.php?lang=english

“Employment training courses for autistic adults”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1342&a=17008

Job “Major Gifts Officer, The National Autistic Society”:

http://jobs.thirdsector.co.uk/job/311728/major-gifts-officer

“Aspergians can be great employees”:

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/x1103457370/Aspergians-can-be-great-employees

“Auties.org”:
Individuality, Diversity, Equality, Achievement

Auties.org is an Aspie & Autie friendly site for all people on the Autistic Spectrum who are ready to dare reach out to occupation and employment, open the doors to the community and market their abilities directly to the public and for those interested in supporting these pioneers. http://www.auties.org/

“Prospects”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=473&a=2348

“AutismJobs”:
Linking job seekers with vacancies in work related to autism, Aspergers and ASDs
http://www.autismjobs.org/?section=00010009

“Current job vacancies within the NAS”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=170

For further employment information, please view”:
http://aspie-editorial.blog-city.com/employment_on_the_autism_spectrum.htm

GENERAL/HUMAN INTEREST

“Humbled by the love orphans have to give”:

http://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/news/latestheadlines/display.var.2431492.0.humbled_by_the_love_orphans_had_to_give.php

“Prodigies, past and present”:

http://english.vietnamnet.vn/features/2008/08/799209/

“Hope, inspiration seen through eyes of child”:

http://www.news8austin.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=217503

“My son’s battle with Tourette’s”:

http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/content/news/story.aspx?brand=ENOnline&category=News&tBrand=ENOnline&tCategory=news&itemid=NOED11%20Aug%202008%2013%3A24%3A50%3A060

“Joel goes back to school for Asda”:

http://uttoxeteradvertiser.co.uk/uttoxeteradvertiser/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=339554

“X Factor judge Simon Cowell’s dates with Emma Noble…Emma has been bowled over by Simon’s interest in the National Autistic Society. It’s a charity very close to Emma’s heart because her own son, Harrison, is autistic.”:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/latest/2008/08/16/x-factor-judge-simon-cowell-s-dates-with-emma-noble-115875-20699965/

“Autistic children swim with dolphins”:

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/health/15765059/detail.html

“Can people on the autism spectrum compete?”:

http://autism.about.com/b/2008/08/19/can-people-on-the-autism-spectrum-compete.htm

“Part of my life now”:

http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080819/FEAT/808190354

“Humberto Cruz: Disabled son should not inherit directly”:

http://www.readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=102819

“Churches can be overwhelming for those with autism, Asperger’s”:

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/x809655030/Churches-can-be-overwhelming-for-those-with-autism-Aspergers

“Don’t be so quick to judge; disruptive child may be autistic”:

http://www.thenewstribune.com/opinion/letters/story/447551.html

“Not a friendly experience for autistic kids”:

http://www.salemnews.com/punews/local_story_235235826.html

“Harry Potter’s hidden disability”:

http://www.ableize.com/news/-Read-about-Harry-Potters-Hidden-Disability-n37.html

Sweden

Riksföreningen Autism
Bellmansgatan 30
118 47 Stockholm
E-post: info@autism.se
tfn 08-702 05 80
fax 08-644 02 88

http://www.autism.se/

• 
  Törngårdens Autismcenter Autism only in swedish

“Left is Right”:

http://www.leftisright.se/index.php?lang=english

“Christopher Gillberg – Wikipedia”:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Gillberg

“Sweden Facts, Travel Videos, Flags & Photos”:
http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/places/countries/country_sweden.html

“Sweden – Photo Gallery”:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/healthyliving/gallery/sweden/index.html?fs=travel.nationalgeographic.com

ADD/ADHD

“Helping kids with ADHD get ready for school”:

http://www.thetimesonline.com/articles/2008/08/21/get_healthy/get_healthy/doc4de815b03c259f8a862574a5008261cf.txt

“Study areas should be organized for ADHD kids”:

http://stories.thefacts.com/story.lasso?ewcd=8db4e88de5a6b059

“State tops diagnosis of ADHD”:

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,24235739-421,00.html

“Alert over ADHD guidelines in schools”:

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,24203785-2702,00.html?from=public_rss

“CHADD and AACAP applaud Michael Phelps for addressing stigma of ADHD”:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/119122.php

“ADHD and 8 gold medals”:

http://www.huliq.com/66491/adhd-and-8-gold-medals

“Non-drug alternatives for ADHD proven effective”:

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2008/08/19/non-drug-alternatives-for-adhd-proven-effective/

“Private tutor able to help Delta student learn to control ADHD”:

http://www.semissourian.com/article/20080819/NEWS01/50214/-1/RSS

“adders.org”
Our objective is to promote awareness to AD/HD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and to provide information and as much free practical help as we can to affected by the condition, both adults and children, their families in the UK and around the World via this website.
http://www.adders.org/

“ADDISS” The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service…
http://www.addiss.co.uk/index.html

“ADDA”:
http://www.add.org/

“hi2u ADHD Pages”:
http://www.adhd..org.uk/

“CHADD”:
http://www.chadd.org/am/CustomPages/home/CHADD_Home.htm?CFID=2282059&CFTOKEN=38105335&jsessionid=f2303343221169802693562

Shortlisted for nasen Award 2008: Book that supports SEN and Disability Issues
ADHD – Living without Brakes

SPORT

“Mini games boast paralympic spirit”:

http://www.eveningstar.co.uk/content/eveningstar/sport/story.aspx?brand=ESTOnline&category=SportGrassRoots&tBrand=ESTOnline&tCategory=sport&itemid=IPED13%20Aug%202008%2017%3A10%3A09%3A777

“Sea of change, a day in the waves”:

http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080822/NEWS02/808220420/1070

“Soccer signup set for kids with special needs”:

http://www.bradenton.com/breakingsports/story/825369.html

“Holly to skydive above Everest”:

http://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/display.var.2424160.0.holly_to_skydive_above_everest.php

“Gran surprise for marathon”:

http://www.expressandstar.com/2008/08/17/gran-surprise-for-marathon/

“Join us on the Great South Run this autumn”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16132

“Adidas Women’s 5k Challenge – 7^th September, 2008”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16296

“Derry, Northern Ireland – Waterside Half Marathon – 13^th September, 2008”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16853

“Donegal ‘Mooathon’ 2008 – 28^th September – ‘the wildest, most fun half-marathon you will ever do! It’s also an excellent warm-up race for the adidas Dublin Marathon in October.’:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16852

“Dublin Marathon – 27^th October, 2008”:

http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16851

Newcastle & Portsmouth “BUPA Great North Run 2008 – World’s Biggest Half Marathon – 5^th October”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16132

“Sahara Desert Trek – 8^th-15^th November, 2008”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16303

“Cycle China 2009 – 19th-29^th March”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16305

“Trek the Inca Trail 2009 – 14th-23^rd May”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16310

“Trek Jordan 2009 – 10^th-14^th September”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=1667&a=16314

MUSIC

“Gary Numan”:

http://www.garynuman.com/

“Gary Numan exclusive…”But being famous with Asperger’s is brilliant because it means you’re all the things people expect. I’m supposed to be stand-offish. And I’m meant to be difficult to talk to.”:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/latest/2008/03/14/gary-numan-exclusive-89520-20351087/

ART

“Richard Wawro – YouTube”:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pvys7263DNc

“Richard Wawro Home Page”

“Richard Wawro was a remarkable Scottish artist who earned widespread acclaim for his detailed drawings created with the unusual medium of wax oil crayons. With these he produced exceedingly detailed, dramatic images of intense depth and colour.”

http://www.wawro.net/

“Competition will champion the work of autistic artists”:

http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/3609617.Competition_will_champion_the_work_of_autistic_artists/

“Autistic adults speak through art”:

http://www.cafonline.org/Default.aspx?page=16023

MOVIES/ENTERTAINMENT

“AS Teen sought for BBC production”:
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=253&a=17282

“Rainman arrives on the London stage Aug. 28”:

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/120786.html

“Johnson replaces Grindley as Director of London’s Rain Man”:

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/120340.html

“Close-up: Adam Godley”

“…nothing has quite prepared Adam Godley for his latest role – playing the autistic-savant Raymond Babbitt in the new West End adaptation of Rain Man. Appearing opposite Hollywood heart-throb Josh Hartnett will be one thing, trying to follow the Oscar-winning performance of Dustin Hoffman in the 1988 film, will be another.”

http://www.independent.co.uk/extras/sunday-review/regulars/closeup-adam-godley-904862.html

“Claire Danes circles autism biopic – film based on Temple Grandin’s life”:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3ide19bac7b91209a2ed01f3822b847c9f

“The Horse: Horse and livestock humane proponent’s life to be basis of HBO movie”:

http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=12566

“History and culture at Cinema City:

…Also popular have been the autism friendly screenings and the parent and toddler Big Scream films.”
http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/content/GoingOut/story.aspx?brand=ENOnline&category=GoingOutFilm&tBrand=ENOnline&tCategory=GoingOutFilm&itemid=NOED15%20Aug%202008%2009%3A26%3A30%3A987

“BBC America premieres three compelling documentaries in September”

THE HUMAN CAMERA U.S. PREMIERE

At 12 years old, from memory, Stephen Wiltshire drew St Paul’s Cathedral, perfectly, without any art training. Twenty one years later, he’s become one of Britain’s most prolific and talented young artists. He is also autistic. Steven has the extraordinary ability to look at a building and sketch it from memory in almost photographic detail. He’s drawn many of the world’s greatest cities such as Rome, New York and Hong Kong but never his home city of London. Now in this documentary, Steven draws the largest ever panoramic view of the entire London skyline having studied it for only 30 minutes from a helicopter. With a canvas 20 yards wide and a box of pens and pencils, Stephen sketches the view from memory, street-by-street and building for building.

The Human Camera premieres Wednesday, September 10, 9:00 p.m. ET/PT

http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20080820bbca01

UK “Last night on television: Superhuman: Genius(ITV1):

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2008/08/19/nosplit/bvtv19last.xml

“Sensory friendly films for autistic children”:

http://www.myfoxhamptonroads.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=7269854&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1

“Actors for Autism”:
http://www.actorsforautism.com/

BOOKS

“Sixth-grader writes book on autism”:

http://www.theolathenews.com/101/story/199251.html

“Author opens the door to reveal her own hidden world”:

http://www.woonsocketcall.com/content/view/47870/112/

The Man Who Made Lists – Love, Death, Madness and the Creation Of Roget’s Thesaurus

Author: Joshua Kendall

“He was diligent, fixated, obsessive”:

http://www.thestar.com/article/478661

“Boone provides insight into autism”:

http://media.www.dailyvidette.com/media/storage/paper420/news/2008/08/25/Features/Boone.Provides.Insight.Into.Autism-3402446.shtml

Temple Grandin “New book ‘The Way I See It’ focuses on autism”:

http://jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080818/MOMS01/80818023

“Telling Dawfie’s story”:

http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/793/story/298761.html

Due for Release October 2008 “Dawfie’s Story”

Author: Brenda O’Bannion

Available Now “Crowbaby and Dawfie”

http://www.brendaobannion.com/books.htm

“Novel communication – Joshua Smith, 8yrs, writer, illustrator”:

http://www.mv-voice.com/news/show_story.php?id=760

“Social Skills Games for Children”

Author: Deborah M. Plummer

Foreword by Professor Jannet Wright

Illustrated by Jane Serrurier

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843106173

“Reaching and Teaching the Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Using Learning Preferences and Strengths”

Author: Heather MacKenzie

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843106234

“Teaching Children with Autism and Related Spectrum Disorders: An Art and a Science”

Author: Christy L. Magnusen

Foreword by Tony Attwood

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843107477

“Asperger Syndrome – What Teachers Need to Know”

Author: Matt Winter

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843101437

“Choosing Home: Deciding to Homeschool with Asperger’s Syndrome”

Authors: Martha Kennedy Hartnett and Stephen M. Shore

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843107637

“Homeschooling the Child with Asperger Syndrome: Real Help for Parents Anywhere and On Any Budget”

Author: Lise Pyles

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843107613

“Home Educating Our Autistic Spectrum Children: Paths are Made by Walking”

Authors: Terri Dowty and Kitt Cowlishaw

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843100379

“Challenging the Gifted Child: An Open Approach to Working with Advanced Young Readers”

Author: Margaret Stevens

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843105701

“Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum: What Parents and Professionals Should Know About the PreTeen and Teenage Years”

Author: Shana Nichols

With Gina Marie Moravcik and Samara Pulver Tetenbaum

http://www.jkp.com/catalogue/book.php/isbn/9781843108559

In closing, we take a look at synaesthesia. For a clear definition…http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synaesthesia

Earlier this month came this report – “Screensaver reveals new test for synaesthesia” – http://www.newscientist.com/channel/being-human/brain/dn14459-screensaver-reveals-new-test-for-synaesthesia.html

Daniel Tammet once wrote: “Different numbers have different colours, shapes and textures,” he says. “[The number] one is very bright and shining, like someone flashing a light into my face. Two is like a movement from right to left. Five is a clap of thunder or the sound of a wave against a rock. Six I find more difficult: it’s more like a hole or a chasm. When I multiply numbers, I see two shapes in a landscape. The space between the images makes a third shape, like a jigsaw piece. And that third shape gradually crystallises: I see a fuzziness that becomes clearer and clearer.” The whole process takes place in a flash, “like sparks flying off”. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/daniel-tammet-inside-the-mind-of-a-staggering-genius-495165.html

Who Has It?
Incidence:

• one in every 25,000 people born have synesthesia, but this estimate is thought to be low

Women:

• studies done in the United States show that three times as many women as men have synesthesia
• Studies from UK reveal that eight times as many women as men are affected

Lefties:

• it appears more frequently among left-handed people

Families:

• it is seen as genetic, probably through the x-chromosome, and is dominant, rather than recessive

• 15% of people who have synesthesia have a history of someone in their first degree family having dyslexia, autism or attention deficit disorder.

Experience:

• the synesthetic experience is different for every individual. For example, among people who see letters as colored, there is not a set color for each letter from person to person. Everyone has their own colored alphabet.

Hailed as being one of the best websites for kids…”Cool Math”, an amusement park of math and more provides maths lessons, games, practice and fun! http://www.coolmath.com/

Take Care,

Julie

First Published Wednesday, 27th August, 2008.

The term ‘therapy’ in terms of assisting children and adults on the spectrum to live fulfilling lives, does not sit comfortably with many.  That is, unless we’re talking speech therapy or occupational therapy and the like.  Why the hang-up with the term ‘therapy’ you may ask?  Well, perhaps this is derived from the notion that an autistic person requires ‘fixing’ and the fact that many and varied ‘therapies and treatments’ that autistic children and adults have been subjected to over the years have been damaging and abusive.   Many would say, when it comes to animals(such as horses, dolphins, cats and dogs), why must we use the term ‘therapy’?  Why not just allow it to be that which it is – the age-old and very natural enjoyment of animals and nature?

Regardless of terminology applied here, the following article provides us with an interesting read and it certainly sounds as though the ‘elephant project’ is a wonderful and enjoyable experience for many.   That it is benefiting those who are depressed and/or have phobias deserves recognition.   It also highlights the fact that there are around 200 000 autistic people recorded in Thailand.  So, view it as ‘therapy’ if you must, but I have to admit, were I to engage my autistic son with an elephant ride(his Uncle, my brother-in-law is Sri Lankan so this would not be totally unthinkable), I would smile at him and say “Ready for your elephant adventure ride, honey?”  Sounds so much better than “Ready for your elephant therapy:).  No?”

Enjoy the read:)…

Elephant therapy to treat depression

APINYA WIPATAYOTIN

–>

Researchers from Chiang Mai University (CMU) have a new means of fighting phobias and depression _ elephants. CMU had previously studied the effects of ”elephant therapy” on autistic children and, having noted promising results, are now proposing a similar programme for people suffering from depression or phobias.

Audomsark Haesungcharern, dean of CMU’s associated medical sciences faculty, believes the animals’ voice may have therapeutic qualities.

Dr Audomsark says studies have found elephant calls contain infra sound, which is a relaxation tone, and ultra sound, which can engender active emotions.

It is these qualities, as well as previous results with autistic children, that lead the CMU researchers to believe elephants could help depressed people, or individuals with a phobia.

The elephant therapy scheme is jointly run by the CMU and the Forest Industry Organisation’s (FIO) Thai Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang.

The two organisations yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further develop their elephant therapy programme for autistic people aged between nine and 19.

The studies began last year and looked into the effects on four autistic children of their interactions with elephants.

Results suggested an improvement in a number of areas, such as self-reliance and social reactions, after spending time with the elephants.

”[The results] were beyond our expectations. This has encouraged us to continue the study into how the elephants can help relieve the symptoms [of certain mental disorders],” said Dr Audomsark.

Nuntanee Satiansukpong, who heads the elephant therapy project, explained that under the treatment scheme, autistic children will be matched with elephants based on their personalities.

For example, hyperactive children will be paired with calm elephants, while introverted children will be matched with enthusiastic elephants.

”An autistic boy who had never talked with or even hugged his parents did so after attending the elephant therapy project,” she said.

The CMU and FIO plan to set up an elephant therapy centre once the study is completed.

There are around 200,000 autistic people recorded in Thailand.

Many medical researchers worldwide have found animal-assisted therapy to be of benefit to autistic people. Horses, dogs and dolphins are considered to have potential in this regard.

Prasop Tipprasert, the FIO’s elephant specialist, said the centre had trained 20 elephants to work with children.

He said that safety is the most important concern, so all elephants are tamed and kept under close supervision.

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/260808_News/26Aug2008_news15.php

First Published Wednesday, 27th August, 2008.