ACT News

ACT is delighted to release a new online video: Education, Integration, Inclusion: Key Information for Parents of Children with Special Needs in B.C., presented by Suzanne Jacobsen, Ed.D., BCBA . This is a valuable talk for parents and professionals who want to better understand how to achieve the best outcomes for students across special needs attending a B.C. public school.

Dr. Jacobsen is a registered psychologist, a behavior consultant and a qualified teacher who has extensive experience in the B.C. education system. She provides parent-friendly analysis of the role and responsibility of the school in the life of the student with specific references to the B.C. School Act and Ministry of Education resources. Dr. Jacobsen explains the importance of assessment to measure progress and identify educational goals for the student. Dr. Jacobsen’s positive advice on effective collaboration with the school team is very helpful to families struggling to understand roles and responsibilities. As the school year winds down, this video provides timely guidance on reviewing a student’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP) to prepare for the next school year.

The video is in four parts

• Part 1: Autism in the School System (1 hour 10 minutes) 
• Part 2: Autism Ability and Assessments (1 hour 15 minutes) 
• Part 3: IEPs and other Documentation (1 hour 13 minutes) 
• Part 4: Collaboration and Meetings (59 minutes) 

 Your video subscription includes links to:  

• important resources including the laws and guidelines that Dr. Jacobsen refers to; 
• forms to help you prepare for and keep records of meetings; 
• glossary of terms; 
• sample IEPs; 
• an online discussion area where you can connect with other parents. 

Comments from the live event: 
"really practical advice and examples" (parent) 
"lots of useable information in one place - saves a lot of time and is enlightening" (student)
"Great to have the opportunity and insight on how we could do more for our child" (parent)

If you have an active subscription to all Online Videos, this new video is included in your subscription. 

• Details about this video
• Download Online Videos handout and registration form
• General questions about ACT Online Videos
• Register online
• Login to AOLC to see the online videos you've subscribed to

The ACT Annual Report 2012 is now available.

Download and read how ACT:

• Has trained 12 volunteer facilitators across British Columbia
• Answered more than 2,000 information queries
• Manages the RASP with 476 professionals listed
• Provided 2,671 New Diagnosis Parent Packages
• Uses our website as an information hub for almost 67,000 visitors in 2012
• Trained over 2,000 people at 17 events in nine communities
• Raised over $11,00 for bursaries
• Thanks the over 100 volunteers who support ACT’s work

This June 21st, come to a free public meeting to launch an initiative to support employment of people with ASD. This event will be attended by representatives from ASD related organizations throughout B.C.

For more information on location, to register and for other details see this attached PDF.

Today, April 2, 2013, is World Autism Awareness Day, recognized by the governments of British Columbia and Canada:

BC government press release: Reaching out to address autism in B.C.

Message from Canada Minister of Health: World Autism Awareness Day. 

To see what's happening around B.C this month, visit our Autism Awareness Month listings, or submit your own! 

In B.C., April is Autism Awareness Month, and April 30^th is the deadline for filing income taxes for 2012.

Here at ACT, we’ve been getting some phone called about disability exemptions and other tax related questions. ACT cannot offer tax advice – for that we recommend that you consult an accountant. We can, however, point you in the direction of some helpful guides and sites:

• Bulletin on Disability Tax Credits
• Canada Revenue Agency pages and topics for persons with disabilities.
• A PDF of Medical and Disability Related Information from the Canada Revenue Agency.

 In addition, during the month of April, ACT is offering FREE registration to our online video Estate Planning for Families who have Children with Special Needs in B.C., presented by Mr. Blair Dwyer of Dwyer Tax lawyers. Register online and use the code 343633D466 to register for free (access expires on May 1, 2013).

As we prepare for World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, here is an upbeat interview with federal M.P. Mike Lake, his 17 year son Jaden who has autism and his delightful daughter Jenae who speaks to some of the siblings issues that are rarely highlighted on the media: http://theagenda.tvo.org/blog/agenda-blogs/amazing-lakes .

The University of Calgary is conducting a national study looking at vocational opportunities, or the lack of opportunities, for adults with autism across Canada. They are seeking participants in B.C. including:

• Adults with autism, who may or may not be employed currently
• Parents/family members of adults with autism
• Employers
• Service providers / job coaches / job placement services

Participation is a 60 to 90 minute confidential telephone interview with the research assistant. For more information or to join the study, please call 1-877-492-7291 toll-free and leave a message including your contact information, or email kkalyn@shaw.ca.

The B.C. Ministry of Children and Family Development has announced changes to the Autism Funding Program to be implemented in September 2013. For details see: http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2013/03/new-funding-option-supports-transitions-to-adulthood.html 

Authors With Autism is a University of Victoria-based learning community for persons with autism. Co-sponsored by UVic's Centre for Autism Research, Technology, and Education (CARTE), the Autism's Own Conference is a rare opportunity to have a first person experience of the wonders of autism intelligence and identity--neurodiversity! There will be presentations, poetry, dance, music, and a theatrical performance by individuals with ASD. See the Authors with Autism website for more details.