AAMR F.Y.I.
March 2004, Vol.4, No.3
Visit www.aamr.org/FYI/ to access current
and past issues of this monthly newsletter.
Dear AAMR Friends and Colleagues:
IN THIS ISSUE:
READ HOW MELVIN THURBER BENEFITS FROM THE NEW SUPPORTS INTENSITY SCALE
This is a sample case study involving a state guardian, an Arc counselor,
and a direct support professional who worked with Melvin Thurber, a 30-year
old male with intellectual disabilities, to evaluate his daily needs and
life goals using the new Supports Intensity Scale (SIS). See how this assessment
was done and learn how results from the SIS were used to develop an individualized
support plan for Melvin.
Read the Melvin Thurber sample case study online at www.aamr.org
NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES PANEL MEETS IN WASHINGTON TO DISCUSS RELATIONSHIP
BETWEEN VACCINES AND AUTISM
A national panel charged with advising the U.S. government on the safety
of vaccines, met on February 9 at the National Academy of Sciences (NAS)
in Washington, DC. The Immunization Safety Review Committee, part of NAS
Institute of Medicine, consists of 15 scientists from around the country.
The Committee heard researchers from the public and private sectors present
evidence for and against a causal relationship between vaccines and autism.
For a list of participants and slides presented, visit http://www.iom.edu/subpage.asp?id=18065
EXPERTS TO PRESENT ROUNDUP OF SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE ON HEALTH CONCERNS OF PERSONS
WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
On June 1, 2004, nationally recognized experts will present the state of
scientific evidence concerning the health of persons with intellectual and
developmental disabilities in areas including physical activity and mobility,
hypertension, case management, health risk assessment, reproductive health
and more at the national conference of the American Association on Mental
Retardation (AAMR) in Philadelphia. Speakers will also make recommendations
for future research and health care practice.
To read more and to register for this event, visit http://www.aamr.org/Events/2004/health.shtml
U.S. HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SECRETARY ESTABLISHES NEW ADVISORY COMMITTEE
ON HERITABLE DISORDERS AND GENETIC DISEASES IN NEWBORNS AND CHILDREN
The U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Tommy G. Thompson appointed
15 members to a new advisory committee charged with making recommendations
on grants and projects to help states and local public health agencies improve
screening, counseling, and health care services to newborns and children
who have or are at risk for heritable disorders.
For a list of members on this committee, visit http://newsroom.hrsa.gov/NewsBriefs/2004/genetics-feb.htm
NEW GUIDE ASSISTS FAMILIES IN PLANNING FUTURE OF CHILDREN WITH COGNITIVE
AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
The Arc of the United States has published a new guide designed to provide
insights to families on personal, financial, and legal protections for children
with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities after the death
of their parents or when they are no longer in a position to provide care
or support.
Visit www.thearc.org to read A
Family Handbook on Future Planning.
ONLINE RESOURCES IN GENETICS AND THE BRAIN
The February 2004 edition of the American Journal of Medical Genetics edited
by Dr. Sonja A. Rasmussen and Dr. Cynthia A. Moore of the National Center
on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities in Atlanta, GA, is a special
issue dedicated to public health approaches to birth defects, developmental
disabilities, and genetic conditions.
Read a list of article abstracts at http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/jhome/99018624
The Brain in the News (http://www.dana.org/books/press/brainnews/) and Brain
Work (http://www.dana.org/books/press/brainwork/) are two publications available
for free on the Internet through the DANA press. Brain in the News is a monthly
compilation of articles from major newspapers and news magazines and BrainWorkis a bi-monthly publication for the general public.
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
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© Copyright 2004 American Association
on Mental Retardation
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