AAMR F.Y.I.
November 2004, Vol.4, No.12
Visit http://www.aamr.org/FYI/ to access current and past issues of this monthly newsletter.
Dear AAMR Friends and Colleagues:
IN THIS ISSUE:
TO READ A LETTER FROM AAMR PRESIDENT DAVID L. COULTER, VISIT http://www.aamr.org/About_AAMR/pre_letterDec04.shtml
PRESIDENT BUSH SIGNS NEW ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY ACT OF 2004, INTRODUCING SEVERAL
CHANGES TO PREVIOUS YEAR’S ACT
The new Assistive Technology Act of 2004 that President Bush recently signed
into law makes several changes to the previous Act, including authorizing additional
resources so each state will receive $410,000 minimum for the state program
and $50,000 minimum for protection and advocacy services. The Act also aligns
more closely with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Olmstead
decision by requiring states to focus on students with disabilities receiving
transition services as well as adults with disabilities maintaining or transitioning
to community living. To read a summary of the Act, visit http://www.easterseals.com/site/DocServer?docID=7883
To read the full text of the Act, visit http://thomas.loc.gov and search for HR 4278.
PAST DECADE SHOWS 30% INCREASE IN NUMBER OF PERSONS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
RECEIVING RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT OUTSIDE HOMES OF FAMILY MEMBERS
Persons receiving residential supports outside the homes of family members
under the auspices of the state mental retardation and/or developmental disabilities
agencies for the first time exceeded 400,000 persons, representing a 30.2%
increase from a decade earlier. The study, published in the December issue
of Mental Retardation, also indicates reasons propelling the growing demand
for residential services. These include, longevity of persons with intellectual
disabilities, aging of parents and other family members who had supported these
persons without formal residential supports, and a growing array of community
services, among others.
To read the entire study visit http://www.aamr.org/Reading_Room/pdf/LakinDec04MR.pdf
STUDY FINDS NEW CAUSE FOR DEMENTIA AND MILDER FORMS OF LOSS OF MENTAL ABILITY
IN OLD AGE
A team of University of Edinburgh researchers found that deteriorating mental
function is linked with abnormally enlarged channels around blood vessels in
the brain. This research adds a new way in which damage to the brain may result
in dementia and other mental loss in older people.
Click here to
read an abstract on the study published in the Journal of Neurology,
Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.
To read a news release from the University of Edinburgh, visit http://www.ed.ac.uk/news/mentaldecline.html
AUTISM MAY RESULT FROM FAILURE OF BRAIN AREAS TO WORK TOGETHER, REVEALS STUDY
FROM THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
In contrast to people who do not have autism, people with autism remember letters
of the alphabet in a part of the brain that ordinarily processes shapes, according
to a study from a collaborative program of the National Institute of Child
Health and Human Development of the National Institutes of Health. "This
finding provides more evidence to support a promising theory of autism," said
Duane Alexander, Director of the NICHD. "If confirmed, this theory suggests
that therapies emphasizing problem solving skills and other tasks that activate
multiple brain areas at the same time might benefit people with autism."
To read a press release on this discovery, visit http://www.nichd.nih.gov/new/releases/final_autism.cfm
NEW BOOK ARTICULATES THE ESSENTIALS OF NURSING IN THE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY
FIELD, INCLUDING ITS SCOPE AND STANDARDS OF PRACTICE
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Nursing: Scope and Standards
of Practice, a new book co-published by the American Nurses Association and
the
American Association on Mental Retardation articulates the essentials of
nursing in the developmental disability field, and its activities and accountabilities
at all care levels and settings. The book is a vital resource for nurses
helping
to address the unique healthcare needs and characteristics of this population.
To buy this book, call 301-604-1340 or email aamr@pmds.com
List price: $16.95
DEADLINE FOR APPLYING FOR THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH EDUCATIONAL LOAN
REPAYMENT PROGRAM IS DECEMBER 15, 2004
The National Institutes of Health Loan Repayment Program can repay up
to $35,000 a year of qualified educational debt for health professionals
pursuing
careers
in clinical, pediatric, contraception and infertility, or health disparities
research. Last year, more than 1,400 researchers qualified for the program.
To learn more and apply visit www.LRP.nih.gov or call 1-866-849-4047.
AAMR F.Y.I. is compiled by Anna Prabhala, Editor. Please submit comments, suggestions, tips, and news to annap@aamr.org
Access past issues of AAMR F.Y.I. at www.aamr.org/FYI/. To subscribe, visit http://www.responsetrack.net/aamr/sign_up
© Copyright 2004 American Association on Mental Retardation
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