Making Connections

Abilities Alliance

2009-05-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

This is a great program created by a partnership amongst 4 colleges/universities in Ohio Ohio State, Wright State, Sinclair CC and Columbus State. The video is particularly interesting and may be encouraging for young adults with disabilities driven towards a career in technology.

http://www.osu.edu/features/2009/nisongercenter/

Check it out and let me know what you think!

Disability Policy Seminar- day THREE and Hill visits!

2009-04-29T18:57:00.001-07:00

Disability Policy Seminar
April 29, 2009
Day three- hill visits

Today I visited Ohio House of Representatives staff members from Mary Jo Kilroy and Tim Ryan’s offices. We spoke mostly about the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act) which (I am ashamed to admit that I didn’t know this) funds the UCCEDD’s. We had such a great combination of perspectives including parents, a clinic coordinator, a physician and me, a trainee!

A photo outside the office of Ohio Representative, Mary Jo Kilroy

I was able to talk to one representative about the benefits of the LEND traineeship from a trainee perspective. I told her how I feel more prepared than my non-LEND trainee classmates to enter the field as a pediatric PT because of my additional clinical experience but more importantly my knowledge of the systems, resources, funding options for families and the other disciplines involved in the child and family’s life. I think she liked what I had to say because I saw her take some notes. And I tried to get in that training programs ultimately save the system money because clinicians are (hopefully) more knowledgeable, efficient and well-prepared. She conveyed that the Representative she works with is in support of the act. Maybe this team will have some tools to convince fellow representatives to support the DD Act

Disability Policy Seminar day TWO

2009-04-28T18:56:00.000-07:00

Disability Policy Seminar
April 28, 2009
Day two

Today was another busy day of session and planning for tomorrow’s hill visits. A few key items caught my attention.

First, I learned about some internet resources for keeping up with government spending and funding and legislative news:

http://www.recovery.gov/ is a website with information about how the US is spending stimulus money. It is updated daily to reflect the most accurate current spending. Each state has a similar website. I found Ohio's by visiting this link and clicking on the state of Ohio on the map: http://www.recovery.gov/?q=content/state-recovery-page

http://www.grants.gov/ is a website with information about how to get the funds that are being provided by the stimulus packages.

Also, http://aucd.org/template/page.cfm?id=164publishes online legislative news briefs every Monday. It sounds like a quick and simple way to stay up to date regarding new bills and appropriations.

Health care reform came up in many of the discussions today. I am enrolled in a health policy course this quarter as part of my DPT curriculum and we completed a group project in which we had to design a new health care system so I have a relatively new interest in this topic. Some of the most interesting points were mentioned during the question and answer sessions! One self-advocate spoke about the inaccessibility of medical equipment (exam tables, etc) and need for better education regarding care for persons with developmental disabilities for all physicians.

She mentioned that a physician told her she needed to get a cardiovascular workout in order to lose weight but she was unable to find an accessible fitness facility. That comment, of course, sent my brain spinning with possible projects for physical and occupational therapists and trainees!

A LEND trainee takes advantage of Q and A time during legislative briefs

One final noteworthy mention is the confusion and differences in opinion related to autism legislation. Some conference participants felt that the legislation needed to be specific to Autism. Others urged the panel of specialists to include “Autism and other developmental disabilities” in the legislation. The most interesting idiosyncrasy to me (and the trainees I was seated with) was a panelist’s response to the request to include all disabilities in the legislation. She responded that the legislation contains the wording “Autism spectrum disorders and other related disabilities.” Well, what constitutes a related disability? It sounds a bit like a loophole. Was this merely a poor paraphrasing of the legislation? I think its something we need to be aware of. After all, it was poor phrasing that caused the Medicare cap to include reimbursement for $1500 of speech or physical therapy services instead of $1500 for speech and $1500 for physical therapy.

Trainees from The Ohio State University relax after a busy day!

It was another very busy day and I’m starting to regret that I only packed one pair of black shoes because my feet could use a change! Looking forward to tomorrow.

Disability Policy Seminar Day ONE

2009-04-27T21:43:00.000-07:00

Disability Policy Seminar
Day one
April 27, 2009

What a jam-packed and exciting day! I started the day with a trainee meet and greet where I met some new faces and reunited with some familiar ones. At “Lobbying 101,” a session for Disability Policy Seminar first timers, I gained some tips for successful interactions with legislators. Most notable were the importance of personalizing messages (including the subject line of an email) and emphasizing a personal connection with the legislator or staff member such as your membership in their district or a mutual acquaintance.

Kareem Dale addresses the audience

Later we heard from disability policy specialists Kareem Dale and Connie Garner. Kareem is an assistant to President Obama while Connie works for Senator Ted Kennedy. It was a great dichotomy to hear perspectives and priorities from both the executive and legislative branches.

Connie Garner shares her insights

In the afternoon, policy and advocacy specialists from all the co-sponsors for the Disability Policy Seminar gave quick briefs and entertained questions related to upcoming legislative issues including social security, healthcare reform, employment, education, autism, and others. I am looking forward to more detailed information and focused discussions at the concurrent sessions on Tuesday.

Kim Musheno briefs on current legislation and policy updates

I had the privilege to share in the Leadership in Disability Policy Award ceremony where Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) was recognized. He shared an empowering message regarding the impact we as constituents can have in influencing our legislators.

In the evening, the trainee reception was a big success. Trainees from NY, NH, MA, OH, RI, OK, VA, NM, WI and others gathered to network with AUCD staff, program faculty and most importantly, other trainees! It was wonderful to meet fellow trainees and learn about other programs. After the reception, some trainees met for dinner which included an interesting conversation about school-based services for children with disabilities.

It was a busy first day and it passed very quickly! I am looking forward to the concurrent session on Education Policy Updates during day two.

Trainees from The Ohio State University take a break from the sessions for a photo!

Commercial contest

2009-03-30T11:00:00.001-07:00

A link to the story: http://www.aucd.org/template/news.cfm?news_id=3759&id=16 A brief reaction, today. I had a conversation last fall with a clinician regarding inclusion of individuals with disabilities in advertising. Essentially, the facility we were in had pictures everywhere of children with different colored hair, eyes and skin. Pictures of children of varying ethnicities, ages, and sizes. But not one picture of a child with a disability. Not one picture of a child with a complex medical condition. The facility is one that treats all types of children including children similar to those portrayed in the pictures and those excluded.

I asked the clinician I was with what she thought of this oversight. She had communicated the same thoughts to administrators. The reply she received is that including children with disabilities or complex medical conditions might be viewed as exploitation.

Huh. I guess I never thought of it that way. But I don't agree. Children are unique.

The facility made an obvious effort to portray that. Why is portraying a child of a particular ethnicity not viewed as exploiting that ethnicity, but a picture of a child in a wheelchair is? Perhaps ableism is too new of a concept for "non-discrimination" efforts to include persons with disabilities. I suppose the ADA act is "younger" when compared to the Civil Rights Act and movements of the 1960's, but it's almost 20 years old!**

So, what to think of this commercial contest? What tone will it take? What will be the communities response? Will some deem it exploitation? It will certainly be interesting to follow.

**Please forgive me if I am a poor historian:)

Commerical Contest to air in July

2009-03-30T10:40:00.000-07:00

A link to the story: http://www.aucd.org/template/news.cfm?news_id=3759&id=16

A brief reaction, today. I had a conversation last fall with a clinician regarding inclusion of individuals with disabilities in advertising. Essentially, the facility we were in had pictures everywhere of children with different colored hair, eyes and skin. Pictures of children of varying ethnicities, ages, and sizes. But not one picture of a child with a disability. Not one picture of a child with a complex medical condition. The facility is one that treats all types of children including children similar to those portrayed in the pictures and those excluded.

I asked the clinician I was with what she thought of this oversight. She had communicated the same thoughts to administrators. The reply she received is that including children with disabilities or complex medical conditions might be viewed as exploitation.

Huh. I guess I never thought of it that way. But I don't agree.

Children are unique. The facility made an obvious effort to portray that. Why is portraying a child of a particular ethnicity not viewed as exploiting that ethnicity, but a picture of a child in a wheelchair is? Perhaps ableism is too new of a concept for "non-discrimination" efforts to include persons with disabilities. I suppose the ADA act is "younger" when compared to the Civil Rights Act and movements of the 1960's, but it's almost 20 years old!**

So, what to think of this commercial contest? What tone will it take? What will be the communities response? Will some deem it exploitation? It will certainly be interesting to follow.

**Please forgive me if I am a poor historian:)

Running with Team Reeve in the windy city

2009-03-18T10:02:00.001-07:00

I found a charity to run with! I signed up for the Chicago Marathon a few weeks ago. Then, one day for class, we went to the NeuroRecovery Network Clinic at Ohio State. We learned all about their high-tech rehab and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. I had heard their were some great videos on the site, so I decided to check it out.

While I was there, I saw a link to the right that said "26.2" and thought to myself, "that can only mean one thing!" I saw they were putting together a team for the Chicago Marathon 2009 and I had to find out more!

The Christopher and Dana Reeve foundation funds research and advocates to improve spinal cord injury treatment. This is the story (and video) that really motivated me to join Team Reeve: http://www.christopherreeve.org/site/c.ddJFKRNoFiG/b.4440581/k.8DF8/The_Chase_Is_On.htm

So I have taken on the challenge to raise $2,000 for the foundation. You can contribute at https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=307590&lis=1&kntae307590=92E8318DA70141D2AD9D4A5FB87DB8D5&supId=250391126

Finishing my first marathon, Columbus 2006

I've embarked on many journies in my running-life. From my first marathon to qualifying for and running the Boston marathon. Fundraising presents in new challenge for me in Chicago... and hopefully push me to a new personal best time! I can't wait!

Running in the 112th Boston Marathon in 2008! Achieving a lifetime goal:)

2009-03-06T08:35:00.001-08:00

A group member shared this video with me for a class presentation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGeHXP24E0E

It really touched me because running is such a big part of my life. I hope to be able to advocate for kids to participate in extra-curricular activities like this. I shared it with my fiance and he said, "Runners are just like that. They accept everyone no matter how fast you are because you all go through the same tough stuff." (he means the workouts and races) "It's the one sport where everyone can compete and belong."

He really just hit it on the head. Running is just this crazy goal-oriented thing. Everyone who runs has a goal. Some people want to run faster, set a new personal record, try a new event, lose weight, stay healthy, relieve stress and the list goes on. Achieving those goals is very fulfilling but through the years, I gained an appreciation for the success of others. watching a teammate, a friend, or now, in my life as a (soon to be) PT, a patient and their family, is even more rewarding. To this day, when I watch any kind of championship sporting event on TV (or even in movies) I start to tear up as I watch the person/people react to achieving their goal.

Running really does bring people together. I've learned this more as I've transitioned from running on a team to running on my own. I am so excited whenever I meet someone that I might be able to run with! It brings people from all different walks of life together; they have something in common now. And running may be the only thing they do have in common, but that is what is so great about it. Some of my best and longest friendships are with people I have met through running. Life goes on, paths take you different place but you always have that one thing in common. It's one of those "great equalizers." This story and video relate to just that:

http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/04/02/heroes.mahlum/index.html and http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/04/02/heroes.mahlum/index.html#cnnSTCVideo)

With this post, I really just wanted to share the above video because I feel like it just fits me. It's my two strongest interests all rolled into one. It's just one of those stories that hit me at the right time to keep that spark going.

Adapted programs are great. They really are. Their purpose of promoting fitness for persons who need accommodations and they do just that. But why should we limit ourselves? Not everyone needs or wants accommodations and kids can succeed in traditional sports if someone will just give them a chance.

Reaction to news story from England

2009-03-03T11:19:00.000-08:00

In case you haven't watched the news clip, I've provided it below:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29391313/

This is a story from England that made the news because parents had a negative reaction to the a new BBC host of a children's program called CBeebies. The new host, Cerrie Burnell, has a physical disability and parents claim it is scaring their children.

I tend to think that news programs/stories/groups/etc always have inherent bias. I am glad to see that this group seems to oppose the ideas of the protesting parents. I am glad to see they interview a parent and son (in the video clip). The child, Isaac, doesn't think having only one hand would make a difference. I think his attitude is a reflection of his dad's attitude.

Earlier in the clip, the negative comments from parents flash across the screen; some are read by a narrator. One parent asks, "How do you explain to a three year old why the host has half an arm?" My immediate reaction to that questions is to tell them the truth! Children ask millions of questions! Especially about unfamiliar or new things. If they ask why someone has one arm or uses a wheelchair it is an opportunity to explain that everyone is different.

This news story reminds me of a recent question at the adapted recreation program I help with. Some of the kids have physical disabilities and instead of using the equipment such as walkers or wheelchairs during the program, volunteers support each child as they walk, jump, and play. One young girl, probably 10 years old, asked one of the younger girls, who has help to walk: "Why can't you walk?" I was helping the younger girl at the time and she didn't answer. After the older girl asked a few more times the younger girl looked at me and the older girl asked me "Why can't she walk?" It's hard to admit but I kind of froze! I know why the young girl can't walk, but how could I put it in terms her peer would understand and take advantage of the opportunity to explain that everyone is unique. So I explained that the younger girl needs help to move her legs and keep her balance. My answer either wasn't good enough for the older girl or she didn't believe me; I'm not sure but she asked the younger girl again, "Why can't you walk?"

I did my best to facilitate a conversation between the two girls, saying to the younger one "Why don't you tell her what you use to move around by yourself?" She responded "A walker or a wheelchair." The older girl said "Is it hard?" to which she responded "No" (with a tone than indicated she was thinking "why would it be?") The older girl was now satisfied and she ran off to play elsewhere. I felt like I handled the situation fairly well; certainly, I could have done a better job, but I'd like to think both parties benefited. The older girl learned the answer to her question and the younger girl (maybe) had a chance at self-advocacy.

In any case, I am interested to hear how others would have responded to the above situation and/or the news story from England. Please post comments here or email the listserve at AUCDTrainees@AUCD.ORG.

Physical Therapy Conference in Las Vegas, NV

2009-02-20T08:56:00.000-08:00

In February, physical therapists and physical therapy students gathered in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada for the Combined Sections Meeting of the American Physical Therapy Association. All three days were jam-packed with innovative presentations and motivating meetings. A few highlights come to mind.

The opening session focused on the continuum of care for individuals with life long disabilities, a task-force established by the APTA in 2005. The session was sponsored by all sections of the APTA and included case presentations by pediatric, orthopedic, and cardiopulmonary physical therapists; the most valuable part of the session was a testimony shared by a self-advocate, Janice Brunstrom, a pediatric neurologist with cerebral palsy. The session brought physical therapists of all specialties together and effectively communicated each sections contributions and responsibility in treating muscular, skeletal, and cardiovascular injuries for patients with life long disabilities.

I attended the pediatric section business meeting where I learned details regarding the first annual section on pediatrics’ conference January 10-13, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. The event will take place the week of the Disney Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5k with the theme “Goofy for Fitness.” Since fitness is one of my passions, I was so excited to hear this idea! The section is encouraging attendees to participate in the various running and walking events during the weekend. It sounds like a great event to promote physical therapists as both fitness enthusiasts and professionals trained in promoting fitness.

Another highlight of the conference was meeting trainees from multiple LEND programs. I was able to attend an interesting presentation and view an innovative poster created by Jenny Kronberg-Haire, LEND graduate and physical therapist at University of Nebraska Monroe-Meyer Center. I was also able to reunite with Erin Enright, Ohio State University LEND graduate, current LEND trainee and pediatric physical therapy resident at Oregon Health Sciences University.

Erin and Liz with Jenny and her creative poster

A few trainees found time in their busy conference schedules to share lunch and conversation. Jenny, Nikki Lokenvitz, physical therapy student and LEND trainee from University of Iowa and Lindsay Alfano, pediatric physical therapy resident and LEND trainee at The Ohio State University shared experiences, compared LEND program features, and discussed the conference sessions. It was wonderful to meet other trainees and learn about the diverse projects that are made possible through the support of LEND programs and creativity of their trainees.

Liz, Nikki, Lindsay and Jenny after lunch

I am eager to meet more trainees at the Policy Seminar this April 27th through 29th in Washington, DC. If you are interested in participating in this unique, contact your training director for more information or visit the AUCD's page: http://www.aucd.org/template/event.cfm?event_id=1468&id=379&parent=379#reserve

Resonse to news article: Patient with Down's syndrome starves in hospital

2009-01-16T10:15:00.000-08:00

Link to article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/jan/09/patient-starves-nhs

Global health is kind of a new interest of mine since I returned from Mexico. I found this article pretty shocking.

The first excerpt, about Martin Ryan reminded me of some of the children I saw in Mexico with evident feeding tube needs. I spent time at two different schools, one facility which strongly advocated for fitting a child with feeding difficulties or significant weight loss with a feeding tube and teaching the family to care for it. The other school did not consider feeding tubes to be an option because they felt the staff at the school and the parents would not be able to care for them. At the hospital in the UK, I find it unbelievable that the healthcare team was unable to communicate his basic human need for nutrients.

The other idea that popped into my head while reading this article is the many barriers to proper healthcare for individuals with developmental disabilities. From the story, Emma's death appeared to be a result of her inability to communicate with the hospital staff. Perhaps hospitals should require passing a competency or training in communication strategies with non-verbal patients. This could benefit all patients in these settings with communication challenges.

I'd like to think the healthcare teams at the hospitals I have been in would do a better job, but I also believe this story is a reminder not to assume that someone else has already asked the questions you want to ask a patient or family. It is a reminder that as a member of a healthcare team, we can, and must, be advocates for our patients, particularly in situations when their needs are not being met.

Self-determination: A reponse to discussion on trainee listserve

2009-01-02T15:40:00.000-08:00

A great topic to generate discussion! I have two thoughts...

Self-determination, to me, seems to be a gold standard which many programs and services strive to practice. Every person or group that strives to practice self-determination has their own interpretation of how it is truly defined. One party may see self-determination as synonomous with free-will; another may see it as providing choices and allowing "self-determination" amongst the choices. Ultimately self-determination is limited to how it is defined by those who strive (or claim) to practice it's principles.

The second is that self-determination is more than just giving choices; it is a process. Self-determination is an innate desire in all of us, starting when we are young rebelious teenagers. We learn soon after this desire develops that each choice we make has its own set consequences, positive or negative. It may be that some programs that promote self-determination for persons with disabilities are trying to protect them from making decisions that will result negative consequences. It's kind of like a parent saying, "Would you like your curfew to be 11:00 or midnight?" It misses the point; the teen wants no curfew and wants to be trusted to decide when it is time to come home. As the teen matures, he may negotiate small decisions such as curfew time. He learns from his good and not-so-good decisions and eventually, the teen outgrows curfews and comes to be in charge of his own life and his own choices. That may be the piece that is missing from programs that claim to promote self-determination; they never allow the self-determined person to test the waters and learn from mistakes. Perhaps they never come to the point where the self-determined person is truly in control of her own life and choices.
Perhaps it is too simple of an analogy, but I do believe each of us desires our own degree of self-determination.

Be sure to see the AUCD message board at http://www.aucd.org/mb/index.cfm?which=trainee for original message.

Trip to Merida, Mexico

2008-12-13T13:44:00.000-08:00

Group shot at Uxmal, Mayan Ruins

Whew! Back in the chilly Midwest after a service learning trip to Merida, (Yucatan) Mexico. An amazing trip to an amazing city; I don't even know how to start to recap. I'll start with a brief background about the trip.

Beginning in 2007, physical therapy students from The Ohio State University began what we hope will be annual trips to Merida to consult with physical therapists and staff at outpatient clinics, schools for children with disabilities, shelters and nursing homes. The trip originally was developed by Wheeling Jesuit University and 2007 was the first year that OSU participated.

My classmates fixing wheelchairs

In 2008, ten physical therapy students and five physical therapists along with two graduate engineering students and a teacher with special education experience made the ten day trip. We worked at many facilities; I spent most of my time at a privately funded school for children with developmental disabilities who were not permitted to attend public school. The children worked with a physical therapist and a language teacher in addition to their academic curriculum. Although the non-inclusive setting may seem to be behind the times, the program was very progressive in terms of intensity and the expectations they held for the children. Interestingly, the school also provided physical therapy to children with developmental disabilities who attended public school following an outpatient clinic model.

Dancing at Grand Opening of school's new location

As an aside, in preparation for the trip, I read some articles about the health care and political systems in Mexico. However, 11 days in Mexico, was not enough time to fully understand the idiosyncrasies of either system. I found myself asking many questions: What are the criteria for a child to be accepted or denied admission to a public school? Who funds physical therapy for the children who attend the public school but receive services at the private school? Surely, I have become so accustomed to the laws and funding sources available in the USA that I had long neglected these fundamental qualms that affect services provision. The timing of the trip came shortly after I had completed a presentation detailing early intervention services so Help Me Grow, IDEA, and even Medicaid were still on my mind. Although the systems in our country leave much to be desired, my experience in Mexico made me more appreciative of the services and systems we do have. The PT who served as my mentor for most of the trip put all my thoughts into words, describing our days as "a history lesson." Being of the generation that I am, I never experienced pre-IDEA schools. I never knew institutionalization. I have always valued linking knowledge learning from text books, lectures, or research to personal experiences. My experiences in Mexico helped me do just that.

Me standing in the chapel window at Hacienda Teya

The other component of the trip that resonated with my LEND training was our immersion in the culture of the city. Cultural competence is a buzzword that has come about as America continues to diversify. It's a core competency of our LEND program at OSU, but this trip has made me reflect upon its meaning. Surely, every city, state or region, every school, hospital or clinic has a distinct culture. But they are all a part of a broader culture which is American. How can I achieve true cultural competence when I only practice in cultures of the same main branch? Perhaps living and working within a different culture, one outside my comfort zone, is a step. It is unrealistic to think I could ever practice in every culture so as to become competent in all cultures. But I'd like to think I learned a few things that can help me practice in a more culturally competent manner. First, never underestimate the value of non-verbal communication. I was fortunate to spend much of my work day with people who spoke excellent English. At other times, however, I had to communicate with the rusty Spanish I learned about 5 years ago! Also, in Mexico I began to understand home programming in the context of their culture. It is easy to get into the habit of recommending the same set of ideas (in PT, exercises or activities) to patients or clients. It is easy to take conveniences and customs for granted and make assumptions. I learned this one the hard way, recommending that a patient try an exercise at home lying on her back on a bed. She gave me an interesting look and responded that she slept in a hammock. Talk about feeling sheepish! From this, I learned not to assume to know a patient's home environment without asking. In class, I can remember reading about a home health therapist who made a very poor first impression by not removing her shoes at her patient's door. Again, linking the knowledge to my personal experience is what really made me think.

If could write for days about this trip and everything I did, saw, and learned. It was a very unique opportunity and I would encourage anyone who has the chance to practice in another county to take advantage it! It is an experience you simply cannot replicate practicing in our country.

Last day at AUCD

2008-11-14T10:05:00.000-08:00

Last day at AUCD

Today may have been the last day of the conference, but AUCD knows how to end with a hit! The awards breakfast was not only delicious, but also encouraging as many AUCD members and even trainees were bestowed with prestigious awards. A link to the video of the poster session awards is available.

Michael Strautmanis, a transition specialist for the Obama Administration and father of a son with autism, was a last minute addition to the plenary session with a focus on outcomes of the election. He spoke of the three issues of primary focus for the new administration including:
· Full funding of IDEA/Improvement of EI programming
· Choices for independent living for person with disabilities
· Employment options for persons with disabilities

Boy did his speech ignite a fire! (be sure to watch the video in two parts using these links http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UY1wczjoNC4 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT5SmDduA_s My camera skills are poor but the audio is the interesting contenta anyways) He challenged his audience to actively support this agenda. At the board meeting which followed the plenary session, the AUCD board of directors spent more than an hour discussing the best course of action to support these issues and actions to take in response to Michael’s speech.

Other speakers at this plenary session included Marty Ford, chair of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, Nathan Gonzalez, political editor for the Rothenberg Political Report (video link coming soon! ), and Julio Abreu, Senior Director Of Government Affairs: Mental Health America. These speakers helped us understand the results and implications of the 2008 election at the executive and legislative levels.

These are exciting times for persons in our field and all the political talk was a great segue into the next big AUCD event, the disability policy conference in April (27th-29th). Hope to see many many trainees at this next big event! Put this event on your calendar and talk to your training director NOW about this amazing opportunity!

Dat 3 at AUCD

2008-11-13T17:40:00.000-08:00

Day 3 at AUCD

Another busy day at AUCD! I began my day with an early morning jog with a training director I met on day one. The first plenary sessions detailed the National Center for Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDD), a partnership between the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and AUCD. One of the first examples I think of when I hear the term “birth defect” is spina bifida/myelomengiocele. It was interesting to hear about the worldwide initiative for Folic Acid Fortification and see effect it has had in different countries. I also was intrigued by the term “Folic acid resistant spina bifida.” I think professionals and community persons can be guilty of assuming that in these times, the mother of a child with spina bifida must have not “taken care of herself” during her pregnancy. I think this term will be helpful in educating colleagues and others regarding the inaccuracy of this assumption.

At a concurrent session related to early intervention, the University of Connecticut presented data from OSEP (Office of Special education Programs) funded research project looking at gaps/area for improvement of training for Early Childhood/Early Intervention professionals. At their website one can find study reports and “two pagers” about each study. (www.uconnucedd.org/projects/early_childhood/publications.html)

One new and interesting fact for me was hearing the UCEDD in the US Virgin Islands describe their newly designed inclusive early intervention program and training for those professionals. If technology cooperates, I have a video of Yegin Habtes describing this program to the attendees. You may need to crank up the volume to hear it because there were no microphones at the session.

I decided to sit in on the autism SIG (special interest group) meeting during lunch. It was very informative and again got me thinking about the role of physical therapists in treatment for children with autism spectrum disorders. As a student, I have had mentors advocate for weekly PT treatment for these children and mentors who, in the absence of a true gross motor delay or deficit, allowing the parents and other professionals to focus on the child’s more significant needs. I am interested to hear other PT‘s and PT students philosophy on PT for children with ASD.

As it is Veterans Day and I am in the Nation’s Capital, I felt in appropriate to do some sightseeing. With the Patricias (from USC and Miami), I visited the White House, the Lincoln and Washington Memorials, and the Korean War and the World War II Memorials. Be sure to check out pictures from our afternoon a the trainee page on facebook or at shutterfly site: http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/welcome.sfly?fid=82c142f639743e660031ecd658bfd733&sid=0AbMWrRyzcs2TiA

AUCD day 2

2008-11-11T05:44:00.000-08:00

During the second day of the AUCD annual meeting, I was fortunate to be able to listen to Pat Morissey, AAD commissioner, address the LEND and UCEDD directors and later, the trainees. As part of both of her talks she reminded us that people "don't read" and in written communication, it can be important to get a point across succinctly. This is a concept we I am well aware of, scanning text-heavy emails myself. Pat recommended bullet points, so I am going to give it a try today.

Highlights of the day:

UCEDD/LEND directors meeting

**New administration in the White House means changes in personnel. If you know anyone suitable for a possible administrative job related to DD at this level, alert board at AUCD

Talk of an Autism "Czar" to be hired as an expert in this area
Policy areas of focus for AUCD:
Employment,
Higher Education,
Transition services
Health care
Early Identification (Obama suggests newborn and 2 year old screenings for many conditions)
Autism SERVICES- to complement research and training
In this time of change we should all be prepared to offer new ideas, new solutions, and our reactions to change

Ideas for trainees

**Professional Training Resource Library (PTRL) is a collaboration with ISEI (international society on early intervention)

many trainee resources (info about other disciplines, etc)
training material related to DD and at risk populations 0-5 years can be submitted
http://depts.washington.edu/isei/ptrl/PTRL_Purpose.ph

**Consortiums exist for post-secondary education and self-determination

**AUCD-AAID young professionals collaboration

presents webinars of interest to early career professionals
more info at http://aucd.org/template/page.cfm?id=608

Other highlights

**Research! America presentation by Mary Wooley

researchers should aim to advocate for research funding and help the media and congress understand the importance of research. They understand their research best

**"Performance Measures" Song performance, video to come!
**Trainee Reception/meet and greet
**Outing with directors from Oregon: Art exhibit at Smithsonian Portrait Gallery/National Mall

And of course an early morning jog to the capitol building:)

Day one at AUCD

2008-11-11T05:43:00.000-08:00

November 9, 2008

Day one at AUCD annual meeting!

My first day of the conference was packed with activities! I arrived before registration even began thanks to my early and uncomplicated flight from Columbus. At the National Training Director Council, I met trainee directors for LEND and UCEDD programs all over the United States. As part of the meeting, we shared ideas for facilitating networking amongst trainees. Imagine my excitement! There are some unique and interesting existing consortiums and collaborative efforts amongst trainees at LEND and UCEDD programs in the same states and/or region. One such effort is at UNC, Chapel Hill, where the LEND program collaborates with other “unidisciplinary” MCH funded programs on their campus. We all learned that MCH funds a variety of activities and trainees and faculty can find out what programs exist in their area by visiting MCH’s website. I gained some new ideas that will hopefully help me reach more trainees! You can contribute too by sending me your ideas for fostering relationships amongst trainees near and far!

I also sat in on a workshop on healthcare transitions from pediatric to adult systems of care. It was interesting to hear the challenges associated with transition of medical care and compare this to the transitions issues in the educational systems. (This comparison was not the topic of the session, but rather, a connection I made based on previous experience). I learned about a CDC disability and health initiative, free community clinics, and an institute for innovative transition. Talk about inspiration!

In the evening, a brief update on legislative issues throughout the past year was open to all conference attendees. The review was concise and informative and helped many attendees make sense of new legislation. I ended the evening with a walk downtown to a tapas bar with another trainee. There is certainly no shortage of dining options in DC, but I am still on a quest to find ice cream that can compare to J.P. Licks in Boston, MA.

I am looking forward to another full day tomorrow, particularly meeting more trainees tomorrow at the evening reception.

Remember to keep and eye on the facebook page during and after the conference for pictures and video from trainees!