Commission Update Vol. 3 2013

This is the 3rd edition of a regular email newsletter updating you on the activities of the Oregon Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders and its Subcommittees.

INTERAGENCY TRANSITION COLLABORATION AND EMPLOYMENT

The “transition years” between ages16 and 21 are often difficult for both youth and for their families. It is an important time to make decisions about the future and begin implementing post secondary goals, including employment and continuing education. It is also a time when other service systems, such as Vocational Rehabilitation and Developmental Disabilities, designed to support adults with disabilities should begin playing an increasingly active role. 

Unfortunately, many students with ASD often struggle to negotiate successful transitions to employment, and continuing or higher education.  Several subcommittees of the Oregon Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders have worked to address some of these issues identified in the Commission’s 10 Year Strategic Plan.
(A copy of the strategic plan in located on the Commission website:  http://www.orcommissionasd.org/images/uploads/OCASD_2010_Report_FINAL.pd )

In response to a federal lawsuit claiming that Oregon overused sheltered workshops and unnecessarily segregated people with disabilities, a number of important policy developments have occurred that will increase access to supported and competitive employment for people with disabilities. (See link to Governor’s Executive Order and Employment First below) Additionally, some new resources have been developed by OCASD, its collaborators and others that will assist families and individuals more effectively plan for the future. While the specific work of the Commission has been with individuals with ASD, much of the new statewide activity has had a broader focus on improving employment outcomes for individuals with all disabilities.

•The Autism Commission Subcommittee on Adult Life, through a grant from the Commission, created an on-line training to help Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and others support people with ASD seeking employment.  You can view this training and additional resources at: adultautismtraining.com.  The User ID is ASD, and the password is VocReb (case sensitive in both cases)

•Planning for the future cannot start early enough. Two Autism Specialists from the 4J School District in Eugene received a grant from the Autism Commission to develop and test an on-line multimedia student portfolio.  Students start documenting strengths, needs, interests and accomplishments in the 5th grade. The portfolio allows for the inclusion of pictures, videos and written documents. These portfolios are developed in Wordpress. Below are links to sample Portfolios and templates.

Overview and Presentations:  http://blogs.4j.lane.edu/postsecondarytransitionportfolio
Samples: http://blogs.4j.lane.edu/nemerson_r14
http://blogs.4j.lane.edu/aaronstransitionportfolio
Templates: http://blogs.4j.lane.edu/5th6thtransition
http://blogs.4j.lane.edu/8th9thtransition

•The Department of Education has developed a number of new resources to support more successful transitions for youth leaving school. Their website, Transition Community Network, and resources can be found on this site:  http://tcntransition.org

•The Department of Human Services has adopted and funded an Employment First Policy. Employment success stories, activities and resources are described on the website. This website also has copies of the Governor’s Executive Order on Employment and the Memorandum of Understanding that defines the roles, responsibilities and coordination strategies of the Oregon Department of Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Human Services and the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities for supporting employment.
http://www.dhs.state.or.us/dd/supp_emp/initiative.html

•Autism Speaks recently issued an Employment Tool Kit. While it is not specific to Oregon, the Tool Kit provides good tips and resources
http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-kits/employment

NEW COMMISSION MEMBERS

The following new members have been appointed by the Governor to the Oregon Commission on Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Lisa Darnold: Represents the Oregon Department of Education. Lisa has worked at the local level as a Principal and Special Education Director. She is currently the Director of Regional Programs and Best Practices at the State Department of Education.

Dana Hughes: Represents families with a child under the age of 18. Dana is from Eastern Oregon.

Regina Moreno Ed.D: Represents higher education. Regina is a professor of Special Education at Concordia University in Portland.

Michele Raddish MD: Represents the medical community. Michele is a Developmental Pediatrician at Providence in Portland.

Sydney Shook: Represents advocacy groups.  Sydney works in family supports for The Arc of Lane County and is the parent of a child on the Spectrum.

Pat Sublette PhD: At Large.  Pat is the Assistant Special Education Director of Douglas County ESD and coordinates the Early Intervention/ Early Childhood Special Education Program.

HEALTHCARE TOOL KIT

AASPIRE is a partnership between people on the autism spectrum, researchers, healthcare providers, and family members. They have created a healthcare tool kit to help people on the autism spectrum get better health care. They now want people to try it out in real life and need your help!

You are invited to participate if you are an adult on the autism spectrum or a support person for an adult on the autism spectrum who cannot participate him/herself. If you take part in the study, you will receive a $30 Amazon.com gift card or check.

To learn more, go to http://www.aaspire.org/healthcare.  You can also contact Angie at (503)725-9634 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).