AAMR F.Y.I.
February 2004, Vol.4, No.2

Visit www.aamr.org/FYI/ to access current and past issues of this monthly newsletter.

Dear AAMR Friends and Colleagues:

We wish you all a Happy New Year!

IN THIS ISSUE:


GENE ASSOCIATED WITH MENTAL RETARDATION LINKED TO NEW NEUROLOGICAL DISORDER THAT AFFECTS OLDER MEN
Researchers at the M.I.N.D. Institute at the University of California, Davis have discovered a new, progressive neurological disorder known as fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome or FXTAS, a condition that affects men over the age of fifty with the same genetic mutation that causes fragile X syndrome, the most common cause of mental retardation. FXTAS results in tremors, balance problems, and dementia that become increasingly more severe with age. A significant but currently unknown number of adults with these tremor and balance problems are being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, senile dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.

To read more, visit http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/mindinstitute/html/news/fxtasconference/neurodegenerative.htm

To read an abstract on the discovery from the Jan 28 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, visit http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/291/4/460


AGING AND MENTAL RETARDATION—A SPECIAL ISSUE OF THE AMERICAN JOURNAL ON MENTAL RETARDATION IS COMING IN MARCH
The March 2004 issue of the American Journal on Mental Retardation (AJMR) will focus on the issue of aging and mental retardation. As Dr. Marsha Seltzer, guest editor of the special issue of AJMR points out, "It is well-recognized that developmental disabilities last a lifetime and that the aging process is as relevant to this population as it is to society at large." The special issue features articles on dementia among persons with mental retardation, especially Down syndrome, and ways to enhance fitness, health, and quality of life for the elderly. Other highlights include an article on aging among persons with the FMR1 mutation and a report on the newly discovered neurological disorder FXTAS.

The AJMR special issue will be made available shortly online at http://www.aamr.org/Periodicals/index.shtml

Single copy purchases of the special issue will also be made available through this site.


URGENT NEED TO GATHER ACCURATE FEDERAL DISABILITY STATISTICS, SAYS NEW NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY STUDY
Data gathering of federal disability statistics is not accurate and thorough enough, says a new position paper released by the National Council on Disability (NCD). Census data directly affects funding for many disability programs in health care, transportation, employment, and housing. The NCD study urges the U.S. Departments of Commerce and Labor to immediately address matters related to the collection of disability data through the Decennial Census, the American Community Survey, and the Current Population Survey, and recommends how to make the Census data collection process more comprehensive.

To read "Improving Federal Disability Statistics" visit http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/improvedata.html


AAMR ANNOUNCES PUBLISHING PARTNERSHIP WITH PEARSON EDUCATION
The American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR) has joined hands with well-known publisher Pearson Education to publish a book on empirical-based strategies for teaching students with mental retardation. The partnership with Pearson Education represents the commitment of AAMR to better serve the information needs of the higher education market. The book will be published later this year and will be edited by noted researchers Michael Wehmeyer, Diane C. Browder, and Martin Agran.


"HOW TO" TRAINING OPPORTUNITY FOR HUMAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS IN RECRUITING AND RETAINING DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS
The National Training Institute For Frontline Supervisors and Technical Assistance Project at the University of Minnesota is calling for applications from agencies and organizations interested in managing direct support personnel and workforce challenges effectively. Participating organizations will develop and refine skills and intervention strategies in supporting and training Frontline Supervisors to maintain highly effective workforce development approaches. Deadline for the application is February 17, 2004.

To read more, visit http://rtc.umn.edu/ntiffs/main/index.asp

GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS SEMINAR IN D.C. WILL CONNECT PROFESSIONALS WITH KEY ISSUES AND LEADERS IN DISABILITY LEGISLATION

The annual governmental affairs seminar, held jointly in Washington, DC by five disability organizations including the American Association on Mental Retardation, provides a forum to understand the issues and legislation affecting disability programs. The seminar also connects disability professionals with leaders in the federal government. This year’s seminar will be held from March 21-23, 2004 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC.

To read more on the program highlights and the relevance of the seminar in the political context today, visit http://www.aamr.org/Events/gov_affairs.shtml


WHAT’S IN PRESIDENT BUSH’S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES?
While President Bush's recent State of the Union address did not specifically address initiatives pertaining to persons with disabilities, you can find a roundup of issues addressed that are pertinent to the developmental disability community in a special issue of the Legislative News In Brief by the Association of University Centers on Disabilities at http://www.aucd.org/in_brief/jan2104SOU.htm

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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