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Community Homestead Event

Community Homestead, a non-profit organization living and working with people with special needs, would like to extend the invitation to attend their annual Pig Roast and Folk Dance event.

Saturday, June 26, 2010 ~ 3 to 9pm - Osceola, WI
Organic Food - Live Music - Raffle - Horse and Carriage Rides - Children's activities- Buffet served between 5-7pm - Vegetarian alternative.

$14 Adult, $7 Children 6-12 yrs, free for 5 yrs and under (in advance $12/$6) For more information about Community Homestead, visit www.communityhomestead.org

For more information, click here to download a flyer.

Autism Awareness at River Falls Days

Join us at River Falls Days this year! This year's "Kinni Stock" theme is an opportunity to promote:

Peace ~ Love ~ Be A Friend...AUTISM

July 9th ~ River Falls Days Parade ~ 6:30pm
One of the most attended parades in the area, this will be a great opportunity to raise awareness about autism and to support this year's message: "Be A Friend".

July 10th ~ Kids Entertainment Area at Locust & 2nd Streets Noon to 6pm
WWAACC will again host a kid-friendly game/activity and provide autism awareness information to the community. WWAACC wants to invite families and friends of the autism community to enjoy the family-friendly activities (a nice alternative to the amusement rides) in the kids entertainment area.

For more information about River Falls Days, visit the RF Chamber of Commerce website at: www.rfchamber.com.

Thank You to our Vino in the Valley Fundraiser Sponsors

Vino for a Cause Saturday, May 22nd, 2010 12:30 - 4:00pm

Event Sponsors & Contributors to Date Include:

Freedom Valu Center
Geister Ink
Hudson Theatres
Subway - RF & Hudson
St. Croix Lanes
Penzey's Spices
River Falls Spa
Swirl - Afton, MN
Churchill Liquor
B. Dalton Liquor
Most Pharmacy
MN Twins
Stella&Dot-Mary Morgan
El Pueblo Galeria
Price Rite Liquor
Scentsy-Cheryl Brownell
Rosco's Family Hair
Prescott Insurance Agency
Gracie Gosser
Ptacek's Floral
Terry Grabow
Jessica Kronke
Tai Gleason
Mike & Julie VanDerWagen
Julie Bartkey
Elaine Schultz
Debbie & Bill Brennan
Anne Bergersen
Cathy Cunningham
Teresa Shaw
Michele & Joe Bartkey
Mary & Erik Paulson
Gary & Barb Heimer
Elan-Hudson
Knoke's-Hudson

Knowing Autism Conference

Thank you to all our participants, facilitators, educators, and sponsors for making our first conference this past February such a wonderful success!

Educational Solutions
ThinkingMoves
Prentke Romich Company
Bo's N Mine
David & Michelle Lee
EconoFoods - River Falls
Dick's IGA

Peer Group Activities for Children with Autism
in Grades 1-8th

Spring Session (Tuesdays):
April 13th, May 11th, June 8th

Groups for 1st through 3rd Grades:
4:30 - 5:30pm YMCA Classroom
Activities will include facilitated group interaction, snack, arts & crafts, games, and group activities

Groups for 4th through 8th Grades:
6:30 - 8:00pm Teen Center
Activities will include facilitated group interaction, snack, recreational activities in the Teen Center

Fee: $10/group activity night, or $25/session of three group activity nights

Location: Hudson YMCA - 2211 Vine Street, Hudson WI

Registration required. Please download a flyer for more info.

Summer Series For Caregivers

CANCELLED
WATCH FOR UPDATE ON RESCHEDULING
(Or contact us if you may be interested in a future course at:
asdcourse@wwaacc.org )

WWAACC is excited to offer an 11-Week ASD Caregiver Course for parents and caregivers interested in learning about the features of autism spectrum disorders.

Tuesday Evenings: June 15th thru August 24th
6:00pm - 8:00pm (Social begins at 5:30pm)
Location: 2705 Enloe Street ~ Hudson, WI
Refreshments provided

$30/individual or $50/couple* (to assist with cost of materials for entire 11-week series). Participants will receive handouts for all sessions attended. *Scholarships available

For more information, click here to download a flyer. Or call WWAACC at 715-381-8454, or email ASDcourse@wwaacc.org.

Keys for Success Conference:

Date: March 27, 2010
Time: 8:00 am-12:30 pm
Place: Osceola Middle School, Osceola, WI


Please download a brochure for more info.

Knowing Autism Conference:

Date: February 12, 2010
Time: 7:30 am-3:45 pm (lunch included)
Place: University of Wisconsin - River Falls University Center

CONFERENCE IS CURRENTLY FULL.
We'd be happy to place you on our wait list. Email us at: conference@wwaacc.org

Please download a brochure or click here for more info.

Event is cosponsored by the University of River Falls Communicative Disorders, Counseling & School Psychology, and Social Work programs.

Free Developmental Screening for Toddlers

Presented by United Way Success by 6, Birth-to-3, and the Family Resource Center St Croix Valley (Pierce & St. Croix Counties)

Please see attached flyer for more info on times & locations.

* Please note, these are general developmental screenings and are not intended to assess for autism or related disorders. Please refer to our FAQs page for more information about assessment and evaluation for autism.

MN Explosive, Noncompliant, Disruptive, Aggressive
Kids Seminar

Presented by Ross Greene, author of "The Explosive Child."

Date: Friday, November 6, 2009
Time: 8:00-4 pm
Fee: $199.99 Seminar or $159.99 Webcast
Location: Sheraton Bloomington Hotel Minneapolis South

Please visit this site for more info:
http://www.pesi.com/search/detail/index.asp?eventid=74578


Inclusion and Social Skills in Autism Spectrum Disorders
November 5 - 6, 2009, Minneapolis, MN

Please visit this site for more info: http://www.spectrumtrainingsystemsinc.com/minneapolis.html


Reports from a study on Families of Adolescents and Adults with Autism

In 2000 Waisman Center began a longitudinal study of over 400 families of people with an autism spectrum disorder who live in Wisconsin or Massachusetts. In addition to examining the bi-directional effects of the symptoms of the individuals with autism and the well-being of their family members, the goals are to describe the quality of life of these families, assess the extent to which their service needs are adequately met, and to examine the plans they made and put into place for the future. Although the project is no longer recruiting participants, reports from Lifespan Family Research being conducted at the Waisman Center are available at: http://www.waisman.wisc.edu/family/study_autism.html

Spooktafic Fall Festival Family Event Open to All -
Geared Towards Families with Children with Autism

Sponsored by Girl Scout Troop 51109

Date: October 18, 2009
Time: 2:00 pm to 4 pm
Place: American Legion, River Falls, WI

Click here to download a flyer for more info.
Join us at River Falls Days - July 10 & 11

As a member of the River Falls Chamber of Commerce, the WWAACC will be participating in the following River Falls Days activities this year:

Friday, July 10th - 6:30pm: River Falls Days Parade
(watch for the wheel loader)

Saturday, July 11th - 12pm to 6pm: WWAACC Duck Pond! Kids Entertainment Area at Locust and 2nd. Just 25 cents to play and everyone wins!

Our River Falls Days activities are co-sponsored by Just Jump! Inc, Mann Valley Excavating, Minuteman Press, and Stitchin Post!

We may need more adult volunteers for the parade. If interested, please call 715.381.8454 or email mary@wwaacc.org.

For more information about River Falls Days, please visit the River Falls Chamber website.


Hot Dog & Brat Stand at County Market - July 25 & 26

Come and enjoy grilled hot dogs and brats in support of the Western Wisconsin Autism Advocacy & Consulting Center, Inc. Proceeds will assist us in our efforts to raise awareness about autism!

County Market in Hudson, WI (off of Carmichael and Crestview)

Saturday, July 25th: 11am - 5pm
Sunday, July 26th: 11am - 5pm

If you would like to volunteer at the hot dog and brat stand, please call 715.381.8454 or email mary@wwaacc.org

Autistic License - Presented on April 17, 2009

WWAACC was pleased to present a unique community awareness opportunity. In cooperation with the Illusion Theater in Minneapolis, WWAACC brought this first time event to our region. “Autistic License” is a very powerful production about autism and the family experience, written by Stacey Dinner-Levin, the mother of a son with autism. To learn more about this event, click here

WWAACC featured in the Hudson Star-Observer

Click here to read the article.


WWAACC Wine Tasting Fundraising Event
Saturday, May 30, 1-4 pm

Vino in the Valley, Maiden Rock, WI
(About 10 miles SE of Ellsworth)

• $25/person
• Casual Stand & Stroll
• Tasting of featured wines, cheese & sausage, and pizza sampling
• Cash bar
• Silent auction, WWAACC Wine Raffle, & more.
• Must be 21 or older to attend

A portion of the proceeds will also help support:
Project Lifesaver of Pierce-St. Croix.

For reservations please contact:
vino@wwaacc.org

Hand in Hand, Mental Health and Autism Conference - May 16th from 8 am to 1 pm (Free to attend)

This free conference is on Saturday, May 16, 2009 from 8 am to 1 pm
at the Rice Lake Middle School, 204 Cameron Road, Rice Lake, Wisconsin. It is for parents, grandparents, teachers, para's and caregivers or anyone else interested in learning more about mental health and autism. Topics will cover information about students ages 3 to 21 with mental health issues and autism. All are welcome to attend. The cost to attend is FREE.

Schedule is as follows:
7:15 am to 8:00 am - Exhibitors Set-up and Volunteer workers report
8-8:45 am - Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:45 am - Introductions and welcome
9:00 am - Break-out sesson I
Autism topic: Inclusion in the classroom presented by Sara Zwiefelhofer
Mental Health topic: Mental Health Resources & CST by Deb Ramacher
9:50 am - Break & Visit Exhibitors
10:00 am Break-out session II
Autism topic: Advocating for my child in school by Buffi Mitchell
Mental Health topic: Challenging Behaviors with Positive Outcomes by Sandy Ohr
10:50 am - Break & Visit Exhibitors
11:00 am - Break-out Session III
Autism Guest Speaker: Dr. Kristine Wegner, PhD
Mental Health Guest Speaker: Dr. Charles Mayo II, MD
11:50 am - Exhibitors & Lunch served during parent panels
Noon Real Life,,,Real Families (Parent Panels) Break-out session IV
Autism panel: Buffi Mitchell, Linda Tollefsrud
Mental Health panel: Deb Ramacher, Deb Janish and Jodi Pelischek
1 pm Conference ends

Pre-registration is not necessary for the conference however if you think you will be attending please email me or call me at 715-236-7641 and let me know how many will be attendingl. I am just trying to get a general head count for food purposes.

Door prizes will be announced during breaks and you must be present to win! A special thank you to conference exhibitors for donating the door prizes for this conference. I am looking for one more parent to serve on the parent panel for Autism, if you know of anyone that would be willing to share their story please have them contact me.

Thank you to all the volunteers and speakers for donating their time to make this conference possible.

Autistic License - Presented on April 17, 2009

WWAACC was pleased to present a unique community awareness opportunity. In cooperation with the Illusion Theater in Minneapolis, WWAACC brought this first time event to our region. “Autistic License” is a very powerful production about autism and the family experience, written by Stacey Dinner-Levin, the mother of a son with autism. To learn more about this event, click here.

Keys to Success Conference - March 28

Free conference that provides resources and Information for Parents and Educators of Children with Special Needs.

Location:  Viking Middle School, Woodville, WI
Sponsors include WSPEI CESA 11 Parent Liaisons and CESA 11 School Districts. Target audience: parents, caregivers, educators and service providers of children with disabilities, aged 3 – 21.

For more information, contact your local school district’s Director of Special Education or Barb Garling at CESA 11: 715-986-2020, ext. 2168; barbg@cesa11.k12.wi.us

President's Day Weekend Ice Skating Party
Sunday, Feb. 15, 4:30-6:30 pm
Wildcat Centre Arena, River Falls, WI

WWAACC is currently hosting this family-oriented, affordable, winter “fun-raiser” open to anyone and everyone looking for a “cabin-fever break”.

• $5 per person/$20 max per family.
• Pizza, snacks, and beverages will also be available for purchase.
• Games, prizes, silent auction, and more!
• Rental skates available by reservation for $1 a pair.
• A parent or other responsible adult must be present and accountable for all the children they bring to the event.

Click here for directions/information about Wildcat Arena.
Click here to download a flier.
Click here to learn more about all our events' generous sponsors to date.

Pre-registration is encouraged. Payment will be collected at the door. Walk-ins will be welcomed as space allows. To register email event@wwaacc.org or call us at: 715-381-8454.

Sensory-Friendly Films - Featuring "Bolt"
Dec. 6, 2008, 10 am, AMC Rosedale 14, Roseville, MN

AuSM, ASA and AMC Entertainment have teamed up to bring families
affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their
favorite films in a safe and accepting environment. In order to provide a more accepting and comfortable setting for this unique audience, the movie
auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned
down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free
snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie.
Additionally, audience members are welcome to get up and dance, walk,
shoutor sing - in other words, AMC's "Silence is Golden" Policy will not
be enforced unless the safety of the audience is questioned. Tickets will be between $4-6 and can be purchased the day of the event. More information will be available after Thanksgiving. Please visit: http://www.ausm.org.

WWAACC Discount for Autism Holiday Cards

Click here to order.	Click here to order.	Click here to order.

Each year, award-winning watercolor artist Julie Dobson Miner (mother of a son with ASD) creates limited edition, beautiful holiday cards that celebrate the season. In addition to their beauty, they carry an autism awareness message of hope and love with subtle golden puzzle pieces (the universal symbol for ASD) interspersed throughout her designs. The back of the card is as beautiful as the front and includes Willa Cather's inspirational quote plus information on ASD.

These cards (and additional designs) are available for purchase by visiting the Autismshop's website at: http://www.autismshop.com

The Autismshop has also been kind enough to offer a special 10% discount on the 12 packs of the 3 different card designs shown above by mentioning "WWAACC" at checkout when you visit their store, or by entering the code "WWAACC" if you order off their site online! Offer is good through the end of this year. Cards are not dated and can be used next year as well. So stock up!

Autism Speaks Walk Now For Autism Walk, Sept. 20

Want to help raise funds to help support autism research and programs? Join a team or start your own and walk for autism on September 20 at Canterbury Park. http://www.walknowforautism.org/site/c.nsKVL3PLLtF/b.3643149/

Survival Coalition Long Term Care System Workshop

Learn more about how the Long Term Care System is changing and how it is affecting people with disabilities.

Click here for a flier with more info.

Parent Field Trip to Autismshop - July 26th

Meet up at Special Children's Center in Hudson and then come shop at the Autismshop and do lunch with us.

Click here for a flier with more info.

Summer Groups - Special Children's Center, Hudson, WI

Special Children's Center in Hudson, WI is offering a variety of special summer groups to help children work on sensory, social, handwriting, language, and eating skills. http://www.specialchildrencenter.com/groups_schedules.aspx

MN Twins & Autism Society of MN
Autism Awareness Day
Sunday, June 22, 2008

This will be a special day recognizing autism throughout our community. The Twins will provide you the opportunity to purchase Lower Reserved seats at a special price of $23. These seats are regularly priced at $30. To order tickets: Contact Luis Breazeale at the Twins at 612-375-7463 or email luisbreazeale@twinsbaseball.com, or download the order form at: http://www.ausm.org

WWAACC Open House
June 25 - 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
WWAACC Resource Room, Hudson, WI

Meet parent volunteers, check out our Resource Room, and try out Boardmaker with a Make & Take. Refreshments will be served.
Click here to download a flyer.

Camp Avanti (Hudson, WI) - June, 2008

Camp Avanti is a unique summer camp program that combines a challenging camp environment with an intensive Sensory Integration treatment approach. The overnight camp is designed for boys and girls, ages 8-12, and the day camp for ages 6-8, who have average or above average intelligence, but have diagnosed learning disabilities and/or sensory integrative dysfunction. http://www.specialchildrencenter.com/camp_avanti.aspx

Birch Trail Camp (Duluth, MN) - August, 2008

Camp BT offers a short stay residential program for boys and girls with High-functioning Autism and Aspergers Syndrome between ten and fifteen years of age who require social and behavioral support. They also offer a small number of children as young as 8 years (or those who are not ready for sleepover camp) a place as a day camper. Through the skills of a professional team, adapted programming and a non-competitive approach, they are able to provide campers with a successful group recreational experience. http://www.birchtrail.com/camp_bt.shtml

PIE Open House (North St. Paul, MN) - May 13, 6-8 pm

PIE (Partners in Excellence), an early childhood intervention center featuring an autism program for pre-elementary school-aged children, had an open house on Tuesday, May 13 from 6-8 pm. For more information about the school click here: http://www.pieofmn.com
For more information about the open house click here.

"Wine"ing for a Cause - April, 2008

For the month of April, The Nova of Hudson, was proud to donate a percentage of the sale of every bottle or glass of "Boomtown" (a wine produced in Walla Walla, WA) to WWAACC. Click here to learn more about The Nova of Hudson.

"Autistic License" play - April, 2008

This theatrical production about autism was featured at various locations and dates throughout the Twin Cities. Click here to download more info.

Barnes & Noble to Sponsor Special Storytimes in Support of Autism Awareness Month

"Let’s Be Friends Storytime" was a national event in support of Autism Awareness Month, taking place at Barnes & Noble stores throughout April. The purpose of these special events is to raise awareness about autism, a neurobiological disorder that affects 1 in 150 individuals in the U.S. To find a location near you hosting a special storytime, please visit: http://storelocator.barnesandnoble.com/find_a_special_event.do

WCCO Aired Two Stories on Autism - April 1 & April 6

WCCO television aired two stories profiling a Twin Cities family raising a child with autism. The mother of this family has written a book called, "The Color Red," is working on a second book, and is also writing a bill for statewide funding for Project Lifesaver. See WCCO's video library for links to these videos. http://www.wcco.com

1st World Autism Awareness Day - Wednesday, April 2

On December 18, 2007 the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 62/139 declaring April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) in perpetuity. This UN resolution is one of only three official disease-specific United Nations Days and will bring the world's attention to autism, a pervasive disorder that affects tens of millions. To learn more visit: http://www.worldautismawarenessday.org

CNN Reports on Autism - Wednesday, April 2

On April 2 CNN reported on the global impact, latest science and controversies related to autism for the first "World Autism Day"
on both CNN.com and CNN TV. http://www.cnn.com

Save the Date: April 17, 2009

WWAACC is proud to bringing the Illusion Theater's production of, "Autistic License" to the Hudson High School auditorium in Hudson, WI. Click here for more information.

WWAACC Hosts An Open House

On June 25, 2008 WWAACC Parent Volunteers hosted an open house in the WWAACC Resource Room featuring refreshments and a Boardmaker make and take.

WWAACC Hosts First Fundraising Event

On Sunday, April 6, 2008 members of The WWAACC Board held a small "kick-off" fundraiser which was attended by friends and family at The Nova of Hudson. Click here for more photos

University of WI-Madison Special Education Survey

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is currently conducting a survey of parents of children with disabilities and their experiences with their faith communities such as their church, synagogue, mosque, or temple. They will use the results to report to the field, which will hopefully lead to improved participation of persons with disabilities in faith communities. To learn more about how to complete this anonymous survey online
click here.

WWAACC at "Keys to Success" - March 29, 2008

WWAACC was one of many community resources with a display at "Keys to Success" – a conference sponsored by CESA 11 for families of individuals with special needs and the professionals who work with them.