CARLTON'S ROOM

November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month

Patricia Williams — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 02:41:39 +0000

November 8, 2011

November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month

“A day wasted on others is not wasted on one’s self,” a quote by Charles Dickens, epilepsy survivor.

By Jeanne LeFlore Staff Writer

McALESTER — “A day wasted on others is not wasted on one’s self,” a quote by Charles Dickens, epilepsy survivor.

November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month and Mia Timmons, a nurse at Heritage Hills, said she would like to see more awareness of the disorder.

“I see so much emphasis on breast cancer and other diseases but we never hear about epilepsy, said Timmons, an LPN.

November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month and Elizibeth Mays of the Anita Kaufmann Foundation is working to help educate people about epilepsy, which she said is as common as breast cancer.

Mays is part of the Anita Kaufmann Foundation which is named after a woman who worked to educate the public but who died at the age of 39 from the disease.

Mays said purple is the color to wear. “We wear a purple ribbon to help bring awareness of epilepsy.

“With the stigma attached to epilepsy people are afraid to talk about it, but its more common than people realize,” Mays said.

According to the Center for Disease Control,epilepsy is as common as breast cancer affecting approximately 50 million people worldwide and three million people in the United States.

Each year 300,000 new cases are diagnosed and 45,000 of those cases are children under the age of 15.

epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder and it can happen to anyone. It occurs across all ages, races and genders.

“People don’t know what to do when a seizure happens and we want to help educate people not to be afraid,” Mays said.

Uncontrolled seizures and medication side effects pose challenges to independent living, learning and employment, according to the Epilepsy Foundation.

“People with this disease have a difficult time getting hired because of the fear,” said Mays. “People with epilepsy are discriminated against when it comes to getting a job.”

She said education and awareness of the commonality of the disease will help eliminate discrimination.

“We have programs like the ‘Fifth Grade Program’ designed to help educate children about epilepsy, said Mays. “The program is a half hour long and we pass out information to the kids.”

“We also have Purple Day which March 26 where people around the world wear purple in an effort to get people to talk about epilepsy,” Mays said.

Also on March 26 is the Great Purple Cupcake Project which bakeries and cupcakeries are asked by the foundation across the country bake purple cupcakes to promote awareness, according to the Anita Kaufmann Foundation.“

For more information visit akfus.org or epilepsyfoundation.org.

Contact Jeanne LeFlore at jleflore@mcalesternews.com

Disability is Natural

Patricia Williams — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 03:11:45 +0000

About Disability is Natural

The mission of Disability is Natural is to encourage

new ways of thinking about developmental disabilities,

in the belief that our attitudes drive our actions,

and changes in our attitudes and actions can help create a society

where all children and adults with developmental disabilities

have opportunities to live the lives of their dreams, included in all areas of life.

The Disability is Natural web site is brought to you by Kathie Snow and BraveHeart Press, Kathie’s family-owned small business.

As a parent, author, and trainer, Kathie challenges conventional wisdom and promotes new attitudes, new actions, and common sense in the disability arena. Since 1991, she’s presented hundreds of seminars at conferences and meetings across the United States and Canada. Her first book, Disability is Natural: Revolutionary Common Sense for Raising Successful Children with Disabilities, was published in 2001, and is now in its second edition. It’s a ground-breaking manual for change that’s used by parents, professionals, teachers, and several universities. Kathie launched this website in 2001, along with a variety of products that promote positive attitudes and perceptions about disability, including the one-of-a-kind “Disability is Natural” DVD. She’s written hundreds of articles, many of which are included in her second book, 101 Reproducible Articles for a New Disability Paradigm. Her third book is Apple-Bites: Commonsense Disability Strategies for Everyone, a little book with big ideas! She’s currently working on several other books, including one for parents of babies and toddlers with disabilities, and one focused on the inclusion of people with disabilities in community activities, like churches/synagogues, recreational activities, and other ordinary environments.

Kathie is supported by her husband, Mark, and their son, Benjamin. (Daughter Emily is off doing her own thing.) Meet all three below. They’re native Texans, but have called the mountains of Colorado home since 1991—and why not, with a name like Snow!

BraveHeart Press

PO Box 7245

Woodland Park, CO, USA 80863-7245

719-687-0735 Voice

719-687-8114 Fax

www.disabilityisnatural.com

The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund

Patricia Williams — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 03:01:12 +0000

About DREDF

http://www.dredf.org/index.shtml

The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, founded in 1979, is a leading national civil rights law and policy center directed by individuals with disabilities and parents who have children with disabilities.

Our Mission

The mission of the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund is to advance the civil and human rights of people with disabilities through legal advocacy, training, education, and public policy and legislative development.

Our Vision

The vision of the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund is a just world where all people, with and without disabilities, live full and independent lives free of discrimination.

Our Work

Americans with disabilities make up one of the United States’ largest minorities. More than 25% live in poverty and only about 20% have gone to college. Seventy-five percent are unemployed. Such economic and social disenfranchisement is not an inevitable consequence of the physical and mental limitations imposed by disability; it is the result of society’s historic response to those limitations: lack of accessibility in the built environment and policies that encourage or even require exclusion, segregation, and institutionalization. The result is a legacy of prejudice and paternalism that is deeply embedded in the social consciousness.

We work to replace this legacy with the core principles of equality of opportunity, disability accommodation, accessibility, and inclusion by employing the following strategies.

Training and Education

We train and educate people with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities about their rights under state and federal disability rights laws so they can use the laws as tools to challenge exclusion and discrimination, and advocate effectively for full participation in the lives of their communities.
We educate lawyers, service providers, government officials, and many others about disability civil rights laws and policies
For over fifteen years we have operated a disability rights legal clinic in collaboration with law schools in the San Francisco Bay Area including Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California, Berkeley.

Legal Advocacy

We represent clients in leading edge disability rights litigation
We serve as co-counsel and prepare amicus curiae briefs on behalf of parties that include disability community representatives and members of Congress in disability rights cases heard by the U.S. Supreme Court
We advocate for the legal rights of individuals and families

Public Policy and Legislative Development

We design and carry out strategies that strengthen public policy and that lead to the enactment of federal and state laws protecting and advancing civil rights for people with disabilities such as the Handicapped Children’s Protection Act, the Civil Rights Restoration Act, the landmark 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, and the IDEA Amendments Act.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month: NOD Salutes CEO Council Members

Patricia Williams — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 02:13:16 +0000

National Disability Employment Awareness Month: NOD Salutes CEO Council Members

October 1 marks the beginning of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time every year when we at NOD step back and look at the big picture of disability employment in the United States. Last October, NOD released a survey regarding the barriers that stand between people with disabilities and career development. This year we want to congratulate businesses that are making great strides in correcting these inequalities, beginning with our CEO Council members.

http://www.nod.org/

FLYING WITH A DISABILITY

Patricia Williams — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 02:08:18 +0000

Flying with Disability

Welcome to Flying with Disability. We have built this site to help make flying with a disability as easy as possible.

Flying with a disability need not create any hindrance to your journey. Many automatically assume that just because a person has a disability it will inevitably restrict their opportunity to travel around the world.

This need not be the case. True, flying with a disability is slightly more complicated than for an able-bodied flier. Nevertheless, the majority of all airlines are now geared towards catering for disabled fliers.

Flying with Disability is a site designed to provide impartial information and advice to all disabled people around the world who travel by air.

We hope Flying with Disability will act not only as a comprehensive information resource for all disabled fliers, but also as an important forum for disabled fliers to share their experiences of flying to other disabled travellers.

Please use the links on the left hand menu to find your way around our site.Enjoy the site!

Max Jennings
Editor, Flying With Disability

MUSC Comprehensive Epilepsy Center

Patricia Williams — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 02:02:15 +0000

The MUSC Comprehensive Epilepsy Center offers advanced diagnostics, multidisciplinary planning and a full spectrum of medical and surgical therapies. Our team of clinicians and researchers are all working together in leading-edge facilities designed specifically for the needs of the epilepsy patient.

Our Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, has been designated a Level 4 Epilepsy Center which is the highest designation given by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers. This NAEC accreditation recognizes extensive expertise and truly comprehensive care in the medical, surgical, social and psychological management of epilepsy.

November is Epilepsy Awareness Month jkchelius Posted October 20, 2011 at 11:28 a.m., updated October 20, 2011 at 11:28 a.m.

Patricia Williams — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 01:18:42 +0000

Each year, some 50,000 Americans die from seizures and related causes. With 375,000 Floridians and three million Americans suffering from epilepsy, it is the third most common neurological disorder in the US after Alzheimer’s and stroke. About as many people have epilepsy as have cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease – combined. More people die yearly from seizure-related causes than die from breast cancer.

November is national Epilepsy Awareness Month. Karen Basha Egozi, Chief Executive Officer of the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (EFOF), notes that “while living with epilepsy and seizure disorders is difficult in so many ways, it is often the stigma and misunderstandings surrounding epilepsy that most hinders our communities’ efforts to recognize and come to grips with this widespread and devastating disorder.” During November, EFOF is holding a series of events aimed at educating Floridians about this neurological condition, while also raising funds to benefit those living with epilepsy. In addition, supporters throughout the state are encouraged to hold private dinners in their homes to raise funds.

There will be an evening of entertainment, education, food and fun, including a presentation by local neurologist Dr. Pedro Hernandez-Frau, on Wednesday, November 2, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm, at the Hampton Inn at 10611 Chevrolet Way in Estero. There is a $10 suggested minimum donation and the public is encouraged to attend.

“Epilepsy is not a disease, it is a symptom of an underlying neurological disorder and often can be controlled given proper medical care and medication,” said Egozi. “Unfortunately, people die each year from epilepsy and, in many cases, these deaths could have been prevented.”

Too often, epilepsy remains a private burden. “People are uncomfortable with epilepsy or do not understand it and therefore epilepsy doesn’t generate as much public discussion and support as other equally dangerous but less prevalent conditions,” says Patricia Dean, ARNP, Past President of the EFOF Board of Directors.

According to the EFOF, there is qualitative evidence that suggests Floridians suffer from epilepsy in greater numbers than other Americans. This is attributable to several factors. Epilepsy is most prevalent among youth and seniors, both of which are large segments of Florida’s population. Epilepsy can develop as a result of head trauma, more frequent in Florida given the state’s outdoor and active year-round lifestyle. Further, Florida is home to 11 military bases and there is an alarming rise in epilepsy due to head traumas incurred by soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Established in 1971 as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3), and celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year, EFOF serves as the lead advocate for the rights and needs of people with epilepsy and seizure disorders at the local, county and state level. EFOF provides valuable services, regardless of financial situation, to individuals and their families including advocacy, case management, information, referral, support, medical services, neuropsychological services, prevention and education, individual and family counseling, research, resource materials, support groups, and children’s camp.

For more information, visit www.EpilepsyFLA.org or call 877-553-7453.

# # #

Note to Media: Families with very compelling stories about their struggles with epilepsy are available for interviews. Press Info: Michael Barton 561-478-6515; mbarton@efof.org

For further information on the Epilepsy Awareness Dinner, please contact Jeanette Chelius on 215-872-6340.

Medicare prescription premiums won’t rise in 2012 APBy RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR – Associated Press | AP – 23 hrs ago

Patricia Williams — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 17:20:37 +0000

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration had good news for seniors Thursday: The average monthly premium for Medicare’s popular prescription program won’t go up next year.

Many seniors may even see a dip in their costs, particularly if they shop around during open enrollment season this fall.

Officials credited growing use of generics and competition within the program, which is delivered through private insurance companies. Medicare also expects to share in a coming bonanza as a number of top-selling brand name drugs get generic competition in the next year or so.

The Health and Human Services department projects the average premium for 2012 will be about $30 a month, hardly changed from $30.76 this year.

Since the 2012 estimate is an average, it does not reflect premiums for every individual. Some seniors may see an increase. But they will have options. Plenty of bargains should be available during open enrollment season.

Officials also said 900,000 Medicare beneficiaries with high drug costs have received a 50 percent discount on brand name drugs this year, a benefit of President Barack Obama’s health care law. That number will keep growing throughout the year as more people fall into the coverage gap known as the doughnut hole. The health care law gradually closes the gap.

Medicare covers about 47 million seniors and disabled people. Overall, about 9 in 10 beneficiaries have some kind of prescription drug plan. Some still get benefits through their former employers. But more than half rely on the prescription program, also known as Part D.

A recent study published by the American Medical Association journal found savings for the government as well as seniors from the prescription program, offsetting some of its cost to taxpayers.

It estimated that the drug benefit saved Medicare an average of $1,200 a year for each senior who had no coverage or inadequate benefits before the program was launched in 2006. Most of that came from reduced hospital and nursing home costs, as prescriptions helped to keep people healthier.

That translates into an average annual savings of $12 billion, the study said, offsetting over 20 percent of the $55 billion taxpayers spend on the program.

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)

Patricia Williams — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 17:05:24 +0000

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
2900 Crystal Drive, Suite 1000
Arlington, VA 22202-3557
Toll-free: 866/509-0218
Local: 703/620-3660
TTY: 866/915-5000
FAX: 703/264-9494
E-mail: service@cec.sped.org
Internet: www.cec.sped.org

Overview

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides professional development, advocates for individuals with exceptionalities, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice.

Services Provided

Professional development opportunities and resources
17 divisions for specialized information
Journals and newsletters with information on new research findings, classroom practices that work, federal legislation, and policies
Conventions and conferences
Special education publications

Audience
Teachers, administrators, students, parents, paraprofessionals, related support service providers.

Population Served
All aspects of the education and development of students with disabilities and/or those who are gifted.

Hours of Operation
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Eastern Time.

Retail Hours of Operation
8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Eastern Time.

Special Olympics Near You ~ South Carolina

Patricia Williams — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 02:15:58 +0000

Special Olympics Near You Special Olympics South Carolina

1276 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: +1 (803) 772-1555

Website: Visit us
Email: Contact us
Facebook: See our page
Twitter: Follow us

South Carolina
Special Olympics is a global organization that serves more than 3.4 million athletes with intellectual disabilities working with hundreds of thousands of volunteers and coaches each year. Since the establishment of Special Olympics in 1968, the number of people with and without intellectual disabilities who are involved with the organization has been growing, but the unmet need to reach more people with intellectual disabilities is staggering.

Sports

Basketball
Bocce
Bowling
Cheerleading
Disc Golf
Equestrian
Flag Football
Golf
Gymnastics
Kayaking

Power lifting
Soccer
Sailing
Softball
Table Tennis
Team Handball
Tennis
Volleyball

It’s at the local level–right here–where interested volunteers meet the athletes. That’s where the perceptions start to change and where the miracle of transformation takes place.

Many people know that Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Those activities give them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship.

What’s not as widely known is that Special Olympics sporting events occur frequently throughout the year. In 2009, for example, there were more than 44,000 competitions around the world, an average of 121 a day.

Hundreds of thousands of coaches, educators and volunteers worldwide offer their time to train athletes, organize those competitions and plan those events. When you see the seriousness and sense of purpose evident in each Special Olympics athletic event, a window of understanding opens.

Love a sport? You might be able to play that sport on a mixed team of people with and without intellectual disabilities. Good with a camera? Come take photos. Organizational skills? Help us plan events.

Do you simply want to meet some of the most amazing people in the world? Get in touch with us today!

Ways to get involved
Involvement with Special Olympics creates pride, lifelong friendships and rewards of immeasurable value. Volunteers are an important part of a global movement that provides athletes with intellectual disabilities the excitement, joy and personal fulfillment associated with sport training and competition. Learn more about volunteer opportunities with Special Olympics South Carolina.
Areas Served
Abbeville County, Aiken County, Allendale County, Anderson County, Bamberg County, Barnwell County, Beaufort County, Berkeley County, Calhoun County, Charleston County, Cherokee County, Chester County, Chesterfield County, Clarendon County, Colleton County, Darlington County, Dillon County, Dorchester County, Edgefield County, Fairfield County, Florence County, Georgetown County, Greenville County, Greenwood County, Hampton County, Horry County, Jasper County, Kershaw County, Lancaster County, Laurens County, Lee County, Lexington County, Marion County, Marlboro County, McCormick County, Newberry County, Oconee County, Orangeburg County, Pickens County, Richland County, Saluda County, Spartanburg County, Sumter County, Union County, Williamsburg County, York County
Special Olympics South Carolina

1276 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: +1 (803) 772-1555