July 18, 2021 ASCF e-newsletter |
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Good morning Friends,
We would like to share with you some information you won't want to miss. Check them out and let us know if you need some other support or resources. Be well.
ASCF staff, 973-728-8744
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New Tool Makes Computers Easier To Use
For People With Disabilities
Morphic is a free program that makes it easier for anyone to find and operate the usability and accessibility features built into Windows and Mac operating systems. Morphic's basic features allow you to quickly increase text size, magnify portions of your screen, take a screenshot, read selected text aloud, manage your assistive technology (AT), and more.
Whether you use it for yourself, a family member, a friend, or a client, Morphic is designed to make computers easier:
- Morphic provides one-click access to key built-in accessibility and usability features.
- You can also make simple, convenient, 1-click custom interface bars for yourself, or ultra-simple interfaces for those who struggle with computers, using Morphic's Plus subscription (free for a limited time when you sign up for the Early Feedback program). Plus allows you to build a bar on the side of the screen to launch email, access key websites, join a zoom call or meeting, connect with critical services, and more, with a single click.
All versions provide the ability to transfer assistive technology and accessibility/usability settings between computers.
Morphic can also be deployed to all computers at institutions and organizations as a Free or Full Enterprise installation - contact the Morphic Team for more information info@morphic.org.
Learn more
https://morphic.org/?utm_source=DisScoop&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=July21&utm_content=LM
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Easy to Read Covid-19 materials on Safety
People Spread COVID-19
People can spread COVID-19 even if they feel fine.
People can spread COVID-19 when they talk.
People can spread COVID-19 when they cough.
People can spread COVID-19 when they sneeze.
Stay at least 6 feet away from people outside your home.
Stay away from people who are sick.
Wear a mask to protect everyone.
The mask must cover your nose.
The mask must cover your mouth.
The mask must fit under your chin.
The mask must be snug on your face.
Wash your hands often.
Wash your hands with soap and water.
Wash your hands for 20 seconds.
Sing the happy birthday song twice while washing your hands
For more resources go to
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/easy-to-read/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html
CDC Information
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Thursday, July 29, 8:00 - 9:00 pm ET
The intended audience for this virtual town hall is parents.
After a year and a half of grappling with the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, students across the country are slated to return to school in-person this fall. However, for many, especially parents, the return to in-person instruction has brought with it a variety of worries, hesitations, and questions:
· Will my child(ren) be safe at school?
· What COVID precautions should I look for in my child’s school?
· How will schools take my child's social and emotional well-being into account?
· Is the vaccine safe?
· Should I get the vaccine?
· Should my child(ren) get the vaccine?
While one of Biden Administration’s top priorities is to have all students back in-person this fall, they recognize that this goal will not be met if parents’ voices are not heard, and their concerns taken into account. This Parent Town Hall is a unique opportunity for parents to share their ideas and concerns, and to get their questions answered.
During the event, panelists from the US Department of Education and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will answer parents’ questions and address concerns around the return to in-person instruction.
Parents are invited to submit questions about the return to in-person instruction on the registration form. Pre-submitted questions will help plan the content of the session. Time will also be reserved for live questions and answers at the end of the event.
Register
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ud3iTJdmQRubnMoGJZhLSg
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Resources
Advocacy
Statewide Parent Advocacy Network, Inc. - serving the families of New Jersey
The Mission of the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network is to empower families and inform and involve professionals and other individuals interested in the healthy development and educational rights of children. Through this collaboration, all children will become fully participating and contributing members of our communities and society. SPAN is a non-profit educational and advocacy center for parents of children from birth to 21 years of age.
Mental Health
Guide to Mental Health Services in Passaic County
Welcome to the Mental Health Association in Passaic County. If you can't find what you are looking for, feel free to contact them for further information.
2-1-1 First Call for Help
Statewide site to find help, information and support. First Call For Help’s mission is to make the critical connection between individuals and families seeking health and/or human services and the organizations best able to meet their needs. First Call For Help offers both confidential telephone support to people in crisis and personalized information and referrals to those needing assistance or wishing to contribute to their community.
Parent Support
Parents Anonymous of New Jersey
The mission of Parents Anonymous of New Jersey, Inc. is to protect children by strengthening families. We provide mutual support and parent leadership in free, professionally facilitated self-help groups for parents statewide.
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NJCTS Presents TS Parent Summit &
Tim Howard Leadership Academy
When? Sat July 24 9:30-11:30 am
In this special, 2-hour virtual session, Cheryl Ludwig, long-time educator and mom to three adult children with Tourette Syndrome, will provide parents with valuable tips, strategies, and resources to help prepare children for increasing independence. She will also touch on navigating the difficult task of letting go during the transition to young adulthood.
Cheryl’s wealth of knowledge will be delivered with both the compassion and the humor that can only come from a parent who has “been there” and we do hope that you will join us. Ample time will also be left for group discussion and questions.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclfuuqqD4sEtLzPv5Lx8jYVQElm53UAZrL
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Webinars
NJCTS: The Genetics of TS & Saying I Do
Thursday, July 22 at 3 p.m.
Researchers may not have all the answers for the causes of Tourette Syndrome and the related disorders but through numerous studies they do know that genetics is a contributing factor. There is consistent data to demonstrate that TS is familial and that other chronic tic disorders are biologically related. There is also evidence that suggests a biological relationship between TS and the co-occurring disorders.
Individuals with TS may ask the question, “If I have TS, will my children have TS?” or “What happens if I decide to get married, how do I explain the medical implications to my intended spouse?” These are the thoughts that may run through one’s mind. In this discussion, you will learn more about the genetics of TS, and how to help your partner understand the medical implications for an inherited disorder.
Facilitated by Dr. Gary Heiman and Christine Seymour
To Register copy and paste:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtdO6urjgvGtPw9S-JEQoGOafxlEmPVdUJ
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YOUR HELP IS NEEDED with NJCTS RESEARCH
Thanks to NJCTS families, a collaboration with Yale University, and funding from the State of New Jersey, NJCTS and Rutgers established the NJCTS Cell & DNA Sharing Repository - the world’s first sharing resource of TS clinical data and genetic samples from which all qualified scientists could draw for their research.
NJCTS research partners, TIC Gentics, were responsible for first-ever breakthrough research findings into the genetics of Tourette Syndrome in 2017. Less than a year later the team’s second breakthrough occurred which indicated that TS is indeed an inherited disorder and potentially 300 – 400 genes contribute to having the disorder. These breakthroughs changed the course of genetic research into Tourette Syndrome were made possible because individuals and families answered the call!
More research needs to be done to find answers, treatments and eventually a cure for TS. You and your family are critical to making that happen.
HOW YOU CAN HELP?
· Email familystudy@biology.rutgers.edu to become part of this breakthrough research. The TIC Genetics study is activily seeking families to donate their DNA to be studied. Simply email them with your interest and they will send you further information.
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Mom Squad Support Group!
Thursdays, July 22 and 29 from 6 - 7 PM
Share the joys and challenges of raising a child or children with special needs with other parents who understand your journey. This is a positive, supportive environment focused around your concerns. Julie from ASCF and Diana Varga, from Family Partners facilitate the group.
Registration: Copy and paste
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PBS FREE SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM
The school year ended in June, but at The WNET Group, their mission to educate, inform and inspire never stops—even during the summer.
Last week, they launched the second season of their series Camp TV, created for kids ages 5-10. Camp TV brings the magic, learning, and fun of the day camp experience to screens everywhere. On television, it can be seen weekdays at noon on THIRTEEN, 10am on WLIW21, and 11am on NJ PBS. The program is also available to stream at CampTV.org
Camp TV was created to fill a very specific gap. Studies have shown that there is a significant learning slide during the summer, and there are many kids who don't go to day camp. They responded to this gap by forging significant partnerships with institutions in New York City and across the country, from Carnegie Hall and The New Victory Theater to Liberty Science Center, the zoos, museums, and libraries—to provide broadcast content that is free to all and reaches 99% of the public.
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Support Group
Join other parents at our
FSO of Passaic County and ASCF
Support Group
Tuesdays, July 20,27 from 6:30-8 pm
ALL WELCOME.
Register with Nina 973-979-0508
or nreams@fso-pc.org
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Endless Possibilities 2021:
Successful Transitions | Virtual Conference
Friday, August 6, 2021 | 9:00 - 4:00 EST
Conference for educators, parents, and others to gain information related to special education, family supports and mental health. Sponsored by WI FACETS - Wisconsin Family Assistance Center for Education, Training & Support, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, UW-Whitewater and Southern Regional Center - CYSHCN.
Limited to 400 registrants.
For more info go to https://www.uww.edu/ce/endlesspossibilitiesconference
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DISCLAIMER: The Association for Special Children and Families does not provide or give Legal or Medical advice.
DESCARGO DE RESPONSABILIDAD: La Asociación para Niños y Familias Especiales no proporciona ni brinda asesoramiento legal o médico.
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