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Archive for June, 2011

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IDEA National Survey Project – Deadline is July 12, 2011

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011


 

PLEASE COMPLETE IDEA SURVEY BY JULY 12, 2011
 
The deadline for the IDEA National Survey project, a survey of whether the rights of students with disabilities and their parents are protected, has been extended to July 12, 2011. One of the main reasons for the extension is to get more parents of students with intellectual disabilities to respond. It is especially important for parents to answer the questions about assessments, so it can be determined whether the type assessment seems to be affecting placement and access to the curriculum. If you haven’t already completed the survey, NDSS urges you to do so. The survey and more information about it can be found at https://www.ideasurvey.org 

The survey is sponsored by the National Down Syndrome Society, National Center for Learning Disabilities, Autism Society of America, Autism National Committee, and The Advocacy Institute. It seeks input from parents, self-advocates, and attorneys and advocates who work with parents regarding the major issues in special education advocacy, including IEPs, Child Find/Evaluations, and Due Process/Litigation. The survey also examines whether parents are treated as equals in the process and whether their rights are protected.
There are surveys for all community members: Parents of children with disabilities, Attorneys, Advocates, Educational Consultants, other Professionals and Self-advocates (people with disabilities).
 
The results will be used to write a report describing the special-education advocacy experiences that parents, self-advocates, and professionals have, and describing their views of the degree to which parents are involved in the process as equal partners.
 
Names will not be used in the report (if stories are used, general descriptions like “a Midwestern advocate” or “an Ohio family” will be used.) There are instructions for taking the survey anonymously. There are simple multiple choice questions and questions where one can write narratives and share more information and thoughts if one wishes.

 

Thank you for taking the time to participate in this valuable survey.

Saturday’s ‘Teen & Adult’ event at Bella’s Kitchen was a BLAST!

Monday, June 20th, 2011

For the fifth year in a row, the owner of Bella’s Kitchen in Orange, Joe D’Angelo, opened up his restaurant on a Saturday just for DSAOC families.

Teens & Adults, along with their younger siblings, topped their own personal sized pizzas and then went back to the kitchen to see how they are cooked to perfection!  The rest of the family members in attendance got to enjoy delicious pizzas prepared by the chef.

If you couldn’t join us this year, watch your DSAOC Fridge Post and e-mails for next year’s Bella’s Kitchen event.

Brotherly Love

Thursday, June 16th, 2011

Brothers, Robert and Cody, show support for their little brother Ayden.

On a beautiful Saturday this past May, brothers Robert and Cody, along with their little brother Ayden who has Down syndrome, sat outside their home from 7:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. selling adorable dancing solar flowers to their neighbors and passers by.

The sign read, “Support for Down Syndrome”, with all the proceeds benefitting the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County (DSAOC).

DSAOC was thrilled to receive $136 from their efforts, but moreover, we were thrilled to see the love and brotherly bond that exists between them.

Thank you, Robert, Cody and Ayden! 

DSAOC’s Seventh Annual Golf Tournament, Banquet & Auction

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

Monday, June 13, 2011

We look forward to seeing all of you that have registered for golf and/or the “After Golf” party on Monday, June 13!  Be sure to pull out your luau attire (optional) and we will see you at Los Coyotes Country Club, 8888 Los Coyotes Drive, Buena Park 90621.

Banquet festivities on the terrace begin at 4:30 p.m.  The Banquet doors open at 6 p.m.  Your dinner ticket includes light hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, and live entertainment on the terrace provided by the Vince, Bob & Buddy Band.  You will have access to the exciting auctions led by comedian, Robert G. Lee, and enjoy a delicious Hawaiian themed dinner – all while supporting the mission of DSAOC.

The Down Syndrome Association of Orange County would like to extend a special THANK YOU to all of our generous sponsors this year: