President's Message
by Frank Wise

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 included a great presentation on teaching reading skills to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder by Don Bailey, a Reading Resource Teacher with the Anne Arundel County Public Schools.  Don provided great resource materials, and his unique perspective as the parent of a child with autism provided valuable insights.

If you want to ensure that  you've covered all the bases in putting together a future plan for your special needs child, you'll want to  attend our March 27^th meeting. Jane Sinclair, life-planning

consultant for SinclairProsser, Attorneys at Law, a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, will present "Life and Estate Planning for Special Needs".

The presentation will help you create a life plan that addresses the legal, social, and financial concerns for your children. It will highlight options and resources in creating a comprehensive life plan that provides for continued care and support of your family members.

Don't forget to check out our web site at it's new address: www.aaccasa.org.

We have added links to local resources.  Also, please let us know what you think by sending questions and comments to the  chapter's new e-mail address: info@aaccasa.org.

Lastly, April is Autism Awareness Month. We have several initiatives planned,
including a local media campaign, an essay contest for county educators, a membership drive, and a Family & Friends Day celebration on April 22nd. Please see the flyer in this month's newsletter for details about this  afternoon of food, drinks, entertainment, and activities for the whole family!

CYCLE USA, the project featuring John Keating's historic bike ride across America to raise funds for autism research and services, will be coming to our area on Monday, April 30th. Mr. Keating, a police officer from Toronto, Canada, is the father of Kurtis, who has autism. He will begin his cross-country bike ride in New York City on April 27th, and will travel over 3,000 miles for the next few months, finishing his ride in the middle of July in San Diego, the site of this year's national ASA conference.

On April 30th, Mr. Keating will be arriving at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore during the late afternoon; there will be a large arrival/welcoming ceremony, followed by a fundraising event in the early evening.  Everyone is encouraged to attend this arrival/welcoming ceremony and to participate in the fundraising event.  In addition,  you can help Mr. Keating's efforts by volunteering to serve as a shadow rider or by coordinating a corporate/business donation.  For more information, please contact Gretchen Rockafellow at (410) 494-8487.