AACC-ASA meetings are held on the last Tuesday evening of each month at Ruth Parker Eason School in Millersville.

Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m.

The agenda includes introductions and general announcements, followed by time for open discussion. A refreshment break is followed by a presentation given by the guest speaker. Then time is allowed for a follow-up discussion and further opportunity for group support and socialization.

New members and new ideas are always welcome. 

Come check us out!

Thanks to everyone who joined us for last month's meeting, which featured a presentation by Jean Wunder, Education Coordinator of LINC (Learning Independence Through Computers, Inc.). Jean provided information about the services available through LINC, which include individual consultations, workshops, training, a computer lab, and a software and equipment loan library.  They also offer one-week computer camps in the summer.

For more information about LINC or any of their services or programs, please contact them by phone at (410) 659-5462 or by e-mail at info@linc.org.  They also have a web site: www.linc.org.

In her presentation, Jean mentioned a web site that has information related to determining the type of assistive technology that would be best suited to an individual.  It is called "Stages", and is located at http://www.assistivetech.com/p-stages.htm. Stages is a developmental framework that describes a learner's cognitive and language abilities. This sequence of seven stages is developmental in nature and is not age or grade specific.

The meeting also featured a presentation by Amanda Cheong of the Maryland Assistive Technology Co-op.  This program helps individuals acquire assistive technology products and services at a reduced rate.  The products include educational software, communication devices, computer access devices (such as touch screens), and visual support software (to create communication board and picture schedules).
Amanda has provided our chapter with a binder filled with catalogues from the various companies which have made discount purchasing available through the Co-op.

The binder is available through our lending library; you may review the catalogues and then place an order through our chapter's Co-op Purchasing Coordinator, Linda Carter-Ferrier.  For more information about the program, go to their web site at www.matcoop.org or contact Linda at (410) 551-0655.

At our November meeting we also held elections for chapter officers. The officers/board for the year 2002 are as follows:

Co-Presidents: Frank Wise and Linda Carter-Ferrier

Co-Vice Presidents: Lucy Clark and Karen Orofino

Treasurer: Melinda Wise

Secretary: Liisa Neumann

At-Large Board Member: Brian Clark.

We offer our thanks to everyone who participated in our annual Christmas Craft Fair on November 24th. Many people gave generously of their time and effort to help make this event a success; our proceeds of $1,800 will be used to support our chapter's activities for the coming year. Our special thanks to Roxanne

Sporrer, Melinda Wise, and Kathleen Edwards for coordinating key aspects of the event.

We also offer our thanks to everyone who helped with our Barnes & Noble fundraising event on December 7^th. Many people lent their hands and their time throughout the day to provide gift-wrapping services, as well as autism awareness information.  Our proceeds of  $160 will be used towards designated projects for the coming year. Special thanks to Karen Orofino for coordinating this event.

Lastly, we want to mention that StagesT Learning Materials has generously donated to our chapter lending library two sets of their Language Builder Cards.  As described in last month's newsletter, these full-color photographic flash cards for children with autism come in two sets: Noun cards and Occupation cards.  If you are interested in borrowing either set of cards, please contact our chapter librarian, Melinda Wise, at (410) 721-4562.