Tennessee Disability Coalition News Blog

STEP, Inc., has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as the statewide Parent Training and Information organization in Tennessee. The organization provides information, workshops, training and support to individuals with disabilities, their family members, educators and other providers of service.

The Executive Director is responsible for:

• fulfilling the mission and purpose of the organization
• implementation of all policies
• hiring and supervising all employees of STEP in Tennessee,
• overseeing the operation of regional offices in Memphis, Nahville and Greeneville,
• seeking grants and other funding to expand programs and services,
• fostering relationships with other organizations with similar or complementary interests
• collaborating with State and Federal agencies and organizations to achieve our mission
  

Candidates should have a background in special education, advocacy and non-profit management or supervisory skills. BA or combination of degrees and experience required.

Those interested in applying for the position should forward a current resume and letter of interest to BNTWAGNER@aol.com by October 1, 2007. Qualifying candidates will be contacted to arrange for interviews. STEP, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

http://www.tnstep.org/

 

A survey study of social vulnerability in persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Principal Investigator: Robert Hodapp Ph.D.

Other Investigators: Marisa Fisher, M.S.

Why are our sons and daughters with disabilities at higher risk of being taken advantage of? We wonder, too. If you care about a 16 to 50 year old person with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability, and would like to help us answer this question, please contact us.

We will ask you to complete surveys about the personality, habits, behavior, gullibility, and living situation of your family member with a disability. These surveys will take about 30 to 45 minutes to complete. Surveys will be mailed to you, with prepaid return postage for you to send them back.

 

Participants needed: Parents or caregivers of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities aged 16 to 50
Compensation: $10 gift card will be mailed to you
Visits: none—Study can be completed by mail
Contact: Marisa Fisher at (615) 202-0773
PDF Flyer: Vulnerability flyer7-6-07.pdf
Last Updated: Thursday, August 16, 2007

 

 

Hanen Parent Training for Young Children at Risk for Autism

Principal Investigator: Wendy Stone Ph.D.
Other Investigators: Paul Yoder, Ph.D.

We want to help the parents of children at risk for autism support their children’s language. We are studying a parent-training program for children at risk for autism. Can it make a difference for parents and children?

Participants: Children 15 to 24 months old who are at risk for autism due to social or communication delays. Children will come for a screening visit to see if they qualify for the study. All families will receive $20 for this visit.

After the screening visit, children will be randomly assigned into one of two groups. All children may keep going to their current therapies during the study.

Treatment Group: “More Than Words” is a Hanen Program® that gives parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) practical tools to help their children communicate. Families in the treatment group will participate in:

1) a group orientation session
2) a home visit from the therapist
3) 8 weekly small group sessions at Vanderbilt
4) 3 in-home sessions.

 

Non-treatment group: Families in the non-treatment group will receive no intervention through this study. They are free to receive treatment from others in the community.

All children who qualify for the study will come for these 3 visits:

1st evaluation visit - will include cognitive testing and other measures of social and communication behaviors. Families get $30 for this visit.
2nd evaluation visit – will take place 5 months after the first evaluation visit, and will include the same social and communication measures. Families get $75 for this visit.
3rd evaluation visit – will take place 9 months after the first evaluation visit, and will include an autism diagnostic measure and a report on the child’s development. Families get $100 for this visit.

Autism Speaks funds this study. It is also going on at the University of Miami and the University of Massachusetts-Boston. 

Participants needed: Children 15 to 24 months old who are at risk for autism. Children considered to be “at risk” are those: (1) who have failed a routine autism screening; OR (2) who have delays in social and communication development; OR (3) who have an older sibling with ASD; OR (4) whose parents or service providers have expressed concerns about ASD.
Compensation: up to $225; half of the participants will receive a no-cost treatment
Visits: at least 4, more for those in treatment group
Contact: Nick Bennett at 615.343.7101
PDF Flyer: MTWflyer.PDF
Last Updated: Wednesday, July 11, 2007

 

 

 

New TRIAD Research Project: Simons Simplex Collection Project at Vanderbilt University

Principal Investigator: James Sutcliffe Ph.D.
Other Investigators: Wendy Stone, Ph.D., & Zachary Warren, Ph.D.

Vanderbilt professors Jim Sutcliffe and Wendy Stone are conducting a new multisite study designed to examine the genetic causes of autism spectrum disorders(ASD).

We are looking for families with: • One child with ASD, age 5-18.
• One or more siblings without ASD, age four or older.
• Both biological parents who are willing to participate.

To qualify for this intervention study, parents must be willing to complete a series of eligibility screening procedures and bring their family to Vanderbilt for assessment. All family members will be asked to give a small sample of blood as a source of DNA.

Children with ASD will receive a free behavioral assessment and families will be contacted for follow-up questions as researchers pursue promising findings. This study is funded by the Simons Foundation and is also being conducted at 10 other universities across North America.

Participants needed:

We are looking for families with: • One child with ASD, age 5-18.
• One or more siblings without ASD, age four or older.
• Both biological parents who are willing to participate.

Compensation: Children with ASD will receive a free assessment & families will be compensated for their time.
Contact: Zachary Warren, Ph.D. 615.936.7159 or Amy Nicholson, M.A. 615.343.9648
PDF Flyer: Simons handout.pdf
Last Updated: Tuesday, August 14, 2007

 

 

Studies of Perception, Memory, and Creativity

Principal Investigator: Sohee Park Ph.D.

We use a variety of techniques to study the biological basis of memory, attention, creativity, and personality as they relate to schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. Most of these studies are conducted in our laboratory in Wilson Hall.

Participants needed: (relatives of patients diagnosed with bipolar or schizophrenia disorder, ages 18-55;
people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, ages 18-55;
people with no history of mental illness in themselves or their family, ages 25-55)
Compensation: Participants receive $20 hour for their time.
Visits: varies
Contact: Crystal Gibson, B.A. OR call 615-322-3435.
PDF Flyer: Parkbrochure_recruitment.pdf
Last Updated: Monday, July 16, 2007

 

 

 

Survey of Adult Siblings of Individuals with Disabilities in Tennessee

Principal Investigator: Ann P. Kaiser, Ph.D.
Other Investigators: Ann B. Morse, M. Ed.

We would like to know more about the relationship between individuals with disabilities and their adolescent and adult brothers or sisters. If you are 18 or older and have a brother or sister with disabilities who lives in Tennessee, we would love for you to take our survey!
The Adult Sibling Questionnaire has questions in the following general areas:

• You
• Your Sibling with Disabilities
• Your Family
• Joint Activities and Involvement
• Support Needs of Brother/Sister
• Your Health and Well-Being
• Reflections on Your Relationship with your Brother/Sister

The survey takes 25-30 minutes to complete. All your answers are private. You may be interviewed later, if you are willing.

 

Participants needed: If you are 18 years of age or older and have a brother or sister with disabilities who lives in Tennessee, please participate!
Compensation: None for survey.$50 gift certificate to Target or Walmart for interview.
Visits: None for survey. (One for follow up interview)
Contact: Take the online version of the questionnaire here . Paper copies are also available. Call or email your contact information (Name, Address, City, State, Zip) to: Family Research phone: 1.888.322.5339 [free] or E-MAILSibling Research .
PDF Flyer: 5-22TN_SibSurvey_sib_flyer no TN.PDF
Last Updated: Monday, July 16, 2007

 

What do infants see in faces? An ERP and eye tracking project with the younger sibling of children with autism

Principal Investigator: Alexandra Key, Ph.D.
Other Investigators: Wendy Stone, Ph.D.

In this Vanderbilt research study, we see babies at 9 months and 30 months.
At 9 months, we will measure your baby’s attention and social interest. Your baby will sit in your lap and watch a slide show.

Our experienced personnel will slip a cap with damp sponges on your child’s head to record the brain’s electrical activity. We will show them pictures of faces on a computer screen. While they look, we will record their eye movements and brain activity.
For more information, including pictures and video, please visit VKC EEG/ERP studies.

You will receive a coupon for a complete evaluation of social, cognitive, and communicative development as well as diagnostic evaluations for autism at (or before) 30 months.

Participants needed: 8½ to 9 ½ month-old infants with older siblings who have AUTISM OR have TYPICAL DEVELOPMENT
Compensation: A $25 check/$50 savings bond for the first visit & a coupon for a complete evaluation at 30 months.
Visits: 1 visit for ERP, 1 for evaluation by 30 months
Contact: Susan M. Williams (615) 343-1961
PDF Flyer: InfantsFacesFlyer 3-07.pdf
Last Updated: Tuesday, April 17, 2007

 

For more Information about Studies Contact:

Lynnette Henderson, Ph.D.

Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Research Participant Coordinator

(615) 936-0448

Office: MRL 235

http://kc.vanderbilt.edu/studyfinder

TN Conference on Social Welfare

REGIONAL ADVOCACY AWARDS  

NOMINATION FORM

 

Must be received by TCSW by September 15, 2007

 

TCSW Advocacy Awards seek to highlight the value and nature of contributions made by Tennesseans who have given of their time, creativity, and spirit within the last five years for the improvement of the quality of life for other Tennesseans.  These annual awards are given without requirements of education, profession, or membership in TCSW, but the awards must meet the following criteria:

 

* Major advocacy accomplishment(s) within the last five (5) years;

* Specific benefit(s) for Tennesseans as illustrated by the impact on one family, one population, or several population across service sectors; and

*Great personal investment (time dedication, level of creativity, and spirit) by nominee.

How to Nominate

 

There are two categories for which we are accepting nomination, so you may make two different nominations:

1)   Professional: An individual whose profession in the social welfare field involves advocacy on a regular basis BUT who has demonstrated advocacy efforts and achievements far beyond those of a routine nature; or

2)   Volunteer: An individual who is a citizen (not employed in the social welfare field) and whose accomplishments clearly indicate achievements in the field of advocacy on a social welfare issue or issues.

 

Any member of TCSW may nominate a candidate for the awards.  Candidates will be screened by the regional steering committees of TCSW, winners for each region will be selected, and the awards will be made at 2007 Fall Regional Training Conferences.  The Regional winners will then be submitted to the TCSW Board of Directors (or a designated committee), and a recipient(s) will be selected to receive the state award(s) to be presented during the TCSW Annual Spring Training Conference in Nashville in Spring 2008.

 

To submit a nomination: COMPLETE AND MAIL, FAX OR EMAIL THIS FORM BY SEPTEMBER 15, 2007, to TCSW, 2008 8^th Ave. S, Nashville 37204,  Fax (615) 313-9981, or email  info@tcsw.org. 

Be sure to fill in ALL required information below. We cannot consider nominees without this information provided. 

Specify the following about your Nominee:

1) List accomplishments within the last 5 years. 

 

2) How did these accomplishments benefit Tennesseans? 

3) Did these accomplishments impact one family, one population, or several populations across service sectors? 

4) Assess your reasons for nominating this person considering the time spent, the level of creativity, and the spirit of your nominee.

Nominee

 

(Select ONE category ONLY)

____ Professional Advocacy Award            ____Volunteer Advocacy Award               

 

Nominated For:_________________________________________________________  

Nominee:                                                                                                     

 

Title/Agency (if any):                                                                                                                          

 

Address:                                                                                                                       

 

City:                                                                 State:             

 

Zip:                                                                             

 

Telephone: (_____)                                

 

FAX:(_____)                             E-mail:                                                             

 

Nominated By

 

(Select ONE category ONLY)

___ Professional Advocacy Award            ____Volunteer Advocacy Award      

 

Name_________________________________________________________

                                                     

Title/Agency (if any):___________________________________________________

                                                                                   

Street Address:_______________________________________________________

City:                                   State:              

 

Zip:                                                     

                                                           

Telephone: (            )                                  

 

FAX: (_____)                                        

E-mail:________________________________________________________

 

  

Use this form and nominate today!

To submit a nomination: COMPLETE AND MAIL, FAX OR EMAIL THIS FORM BY SEPTEMBER 15, 2007, to TCSW, 2008 8^th Ave. S, Nashville 37204,  Fax (615) 313-9981, or email  info@tcsw.org. 

 

Editor’s Note: Firms representing the National Federation of the Blind and the state of Massachusetts have reached a settlement with Cardtronics, Inc. regarding the accessibility of that company’s ATM. They have asked us and others to circulate a court approved notice about the settlement so that potential class members can contact the court or the attorneys for more information.

Individuals who would like to receive a Braille copy of either the notice or the settlement agreement can contact Ashley Boothby at 888-461-9191 or by email at aboothby@foxrob.com.

Individuals who want to read the settlement agreement can view the Settlement Agreement in PDF. The Notice of the settlement with additional contact information is immediately below.

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS

Civil Action No. 03-11206-MEL

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, et al.,

Plaintiffs,

v.

E*TRADE ACCESS, INC., et al.,

Defendants

NOTICE OF CLASS DETERMINATIONS, PROPOSED SETTLEMENT AND

HEARING TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 4, 2007

TO ALL BLIND PATRONS OF AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINES (”ATMs”) OWNED OR OPERATED BY EITHER CARDTRONICS, INC., OR CARDTRONICS, LP (collectively, “Cardtronics”)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the National Federation of the Blind (”NFB”), and several individual blind persons have brought claims against Cardtronics in the class action lawsuit Commonwealth of Massachusetts, et al. v. E*TRADE Access, Inc., et al., No. CV-03-11206 (the “Lawsuit”), pending before the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts (the “Court”). The Lawsuit concerns, among other things, the accessibility of ATMs owned or operated by Cardtronics to blind patrons under the Americans with Disabilities Act (”ADA”) and Massachusetts state laws.

The Court has certified a nationwide class in this Lawsuit that consists of patrons of ATMs owned or operated by Cardtronics who have total blindness or central vision acuity not to exceed 20/200 in the better eye, with corrective lenses, as measured by the Snellen test, or visual acuity greater than 20/200, but with a limitation in the field of vision such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle of not greater than 20 degrees (the “Class Members”).

CARDTRONICS HAS AGREED TO A SETTLEMENT THAT WILL PROVIDE BENEFITS TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE SETTLING CLASS DESCRIBED BELOW, IF THE SETTLEMENT IS APPROVED BY THE COURT. THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT WILL ALSO RELEASE ALL CLASS MEMBERS’ CLAIMS FOR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF RELATING TO THE ACCESSIBILITY OF CARDTRONICS’ ATMS TO BLIND PEOPLE AS WELL AS ALL CLASS MEMBER CLAIMS AGAINST E*TRADE BANK FOR REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS.

Cardtronics, without admitting any liability, has agreed to settle the Lawsuit by, among other actions, ensuring that most ATMs owned by Cardtronics will offer voice guidance through a standard headphone jack located on the face of the ATM by no later than December 31, 2007. Cardtronics will also sell or otherwise make available to merchants or other third-parties who own ATMs currently serviced by Cardtronics ATMs that are voice-guided and provide audible instructions to ATM patrons through a standard headphone jack located on the face of the ATM. Finally, Cardtronics has committed that, by July 1, 2010, at least ninety percent (90%) of all Transactions at Covered ATMs shall occur on ATMs that are Voice-guided or otherwise accessible to Blind people. A full copy of the settlement agreement is available on Cardtronics’ website: www.cardtronics.net/news/nfb_settlement.asp. The locations of the existing ATMs covered by the settlement agreement can be obtained through Cardtronics’ ATM locator feature, available at www.cardtronics.net/about/atmlocator.asp.

Cardtronics has agreed to make a contribution of $100,000 to the Attorney General’s local consumer aid fund of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and, subject to Court approval, to pay the amount of $900,000 in attorneys’ fees to the attorneys representing the class. These amounts will not detract from Cardtronics’s duties to provide accessible ATMs to the class. The Court will conduct a hearing on the motion of class counsel for their attorneys’ fees at the date and time set forth in the following paragraph.

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED, pursuant to Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and an Order of the Court dated July 26, 2007, and as thereafter amended, that a Final Approval Hearing will be held on December 4, 2007, at 11:00 a.m., before that Court in the United States Courthouse, One Courthouse Way, Boston, Massachusetts 02210. The purpose of this Final Approval Hearing is to determine whether the proposed settlement of the Lawsuit should be approved by the Court as fair, reasonable and adequate, whether the application for awards of attorneys’ fees, contribution to the Massachusetts Attorney General’s local consumer aid fund, and reimbursement for expenses should be approved, and whether this action should be dismissed on the merits and with prejudice.

Class Members who wish to object to the proposed settlement must provide notice of and explanation of their objection in writing to the Court at the address above, with copies to Counsel at the addresses provided below, no later than October 31, 2007. Only Class Members filing timely objections may request to present their objections at the Final Approval Hearing.

Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General Attn: Patricia Correa

Assistant Attorney General

100 Cambridge Street, 11TH floor

Boston, MA 02108

Brown, Goldstein & Levy LLP

Attn: Daniel F. Goldstein, Esq.

120 E. Baltimore Street

Suite 1700

Baltimore, MD 21202

Douglas P. Lobel

Cooley Godward Kronish LLP

One Freedom Square

1 Reston Town Center

11951 Freedom Drive

Reston, VA 20190

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, VISIT www.cardtronics.net/news/nfb_settlement.asp. OR CONTACT COUNSEL FOR THE PLAINTIFFS:

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Attorney General, Disability Rights Project, (617) 727-2200, www.ago.state.ma.us/sp.cfm?pageid=1195

OR

Brown, Goldstein & Levy, LLP, 410.962.1030, www.browngold.com

EXCEPT AS INSTRUCTED IN THE NOTICE, PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE COURT.

Dated: July 26, 2007 By Order of the

United States District Court

For the District of Massachusetts