Autism Society of America

Co-Presidents' Message

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 Selene Almazan, Director of Advocacy Services of the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education, who spoke on "Asserting your rights under IDEA".  It would be fair to say that even those in attendance who felt they were well-versed in special education rules and regulations came away with a new and better appreciation of the rights that parents are entitled to under IDEA.  If you are interested in speaking with Ms. Almazan or a member of the MCIE staff, please contact them at (410) 859-5400.

Our November meeting will feature a presentation by Jean Wunder, Education Coordinator of LINC (Learning Independence through Computers, Inc.). LINC is a non-profit computer resource center that provides opportunities for people with disabilities, their families, professionals, and members of the business community to explore adaptive technology, computer systems, software, and the Internet. The organization's objective is to help people with disabilities fulfill their potential for productivity

at home, at school, at the workplace, and the community. 

Our meeting will also feature a presentation by a representative from the Maryland Assistive Technology Cooperative, who will share information about their program for purchasing assistive and instructional technology.  We hope you will join us on November 27^th.

At our last meeting, nominations were received for chapter officers.  Based upon the nominations received, the slate of candidates that will be voted on at our November 27^th meeting is as follows: Co-Presidents: Frank Wise and Linda Carter-Ferrier, Co-Vice Presidents: Lucy Clark and Karen Orofino, Treasurer: Melinda Wise, Secretary: Liisa Neumann, and At-Large Board Member: Brian Clark.

Since our last newsletter, we've received more information about the efforts of our Walk FAR for NAAR team, the Anne Arundel Trailblazers. In addition to participating in the walk on September 29^th, our chapter's team (which included the members of  "Go William"

and "Team Mario") raised $3,800 for autism research!  Special thanks go to the following team members, in appreciation for their fund-raising efforts: Karen Orofino, Liisa Neumann, Doug and Jacqueilynn Shade, Martha Knoblich, Tiina Raag, Nancy Tavenner, Amy Masser, and Lucy Clark.

We would also like to extend our thanks to Doug and Jacqueilynn Shade for their recent generosity. On the occasion of their son Thomas' birthday, the Shades asked that their family and friends make a donation to our chapter.  We wish Thomas many more happy birthdays, and thank his parents for their support for our chapter.

Lastly, be sure to mark your calendar for Saturday, November 24^th. From 9:00 am to 3:00 pm we will be holding our annual Christmas Craft Fair at the Earleigh Heights Fire Station (corner of Ritchie Highway and Magothy Bridge Road).  For more information, please contact Roxanne Sporrer at (410) 544-3452 or Melinda Wise at (410) 721-4562.  If you can make a contribution to our bake sale table, please contact Kathleen Edwards at (410) 551-2122.