Archive for October, 2009

Adult DD Systems Change Training

// October 22nd, 2009 // Workshops and Seminars

Do you have too many questions and not enough answers about the recent system changes? This is a very confusing time when you are trying to determine what developmental disability services you need and what your plan really covers.

CBR001235

Plan on attending this training seminar on Saturday November 7, 2009
8:00 am-12:00 pm @ Unity Church
3021 S. University Blvd.
Denver, CO 80210

Drug Makers Are Advocacy Group’s Biggest Donors

// October 22nd, 2009 // News That Affects You

By GARDINER HARRIS
Published: October 21, 2009
WASHINGTON — A majority of the donations made to the
National Alliance on Mental Illness, one of the nation’s most influential disease advocacy groups, have come from drug makers in recent years, according to Congressional investigators.
The alliance, known as NAMI, has long been criticized for coordinating some of its lobbying efforts with drug makers and for pushing legislation that also benefits industry.
Last spring, Senator
Charles E. Grassley, Republican of Iowa, sent letters to the alliance and about a dozen other influential disease and patient advocacy organizations asking about their ties to drug and device makers. The request was part of his investigation into the drug industry’s influence on the practice of medicine.
The
mental health alliance, which is hugely influential in many state capitols, has refused for years to disclose specifics of its fund-raising, saying the details were private.

Click here for the full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/22/health/22nami.html?_r=2&ref=health

Halloween Dance a Hit!

// October 22nd, 2009 // What's Happening At Ability Specialists

th_OctoberDance014The Halloween Dance was fantastic again this year. Our award ceremony proceeded the dance and FIVE participants were awarded their bronze pins for achieving their goal. Way to go Charlie, Andy, Bob, Jeff and Garrett!! GREAT JOB!!! Check out our slideshow of the ceremony and the party by clicking here:

http://s824.photobucket.com/albums/zz164/abilityspecialists/?action=view&current=630a970a.pbw

Asperger’s Debuts on “The Amazing Race”

// October 22nd, 2009 // Feature Articles

THE AMAZING RACE 15Zev Glassenberg is set to be the first person with Asperger’s syndrome to compete on the CBS reality show The Amazing Race. The show, which is in its 15th season, will follow Glassenberg, 26, pictured left, and his teammate Justin Kanew, 30, as they race against 11 other teams on a journey through eight countries in just 21 days. The winning team receives a $1 million prize. Click here for the full article: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/09/21/the-amazing-race/5453/

H1N1 Flu Scare

// October 14th, 2009 // News That Affects You

Flu.gov

We at Ability Specialists want everyone to stay healthy during this cold weather season. There is a lot going on, and who wants to miss some of these fantastic activies coming up? There is so much media coverage and talk going on about the H1N1 Flu, the “usual” flu, and the fact that Colorado has one of the highest reported known cases of this in the country. It can make the most rational person a bit nervous. When should you be concerned? When should you take precautions?

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), you may have a mild flu if you have some or all of these symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aces, headaches, chills, fatigue, sometimes diarrhea and vomiting. Health officials encourage you NOT to go to the emergency room when displaying these symptoms. Going to an ER when you’re not severely ill may result in you actually getting something worse. Call your healthcare provider.

Emergency flu warnings are as follows: difficulty breathing, pain or pressures in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, sever or persistent vomiting.

People with neurological disorders are higher risk and should talk to a healthcare provider if they display any of the above symptoms, doctors say.

If you are concerned or have more questions, call your healthcare provider before proceeding. For more information, you may visit the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm

Practice Good Habits to Stay Healthy!

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and hot water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also helpful.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth; germs spread that way.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Take a probiotic to keep your G.I. track healthy, and thus, less susceptible to germs and bad bacteria.
  • Get enough sleep at night. Being tired lowers your resistance to disease.
  • Get outside at least 20 minutes each day for a good dose of natural Vitamin D. Studies show this is more important than Vitamin C for kicking a cold!

Autumn Special Needs Planning Workshop

// October 14th, 2009 // Workshops and Seminars

Presented by Steven R. Owens, J.D. Attorney and Counsellor at Law

The Question:
Who Will Take Care of A Child with Special Needs When The Parents Are No Longer Able?

The Answer:
If You Have A Child Or Grandchild With Special Needs, You Must Make Special Provisions In Your Estate Plan For That Special Child

We are proud to present a unique workshop:
For The Love of My Special Child: Estate Planning For Parents of Children with Special Needs

Call Today To Reserve Your Place At Our Free Workshop To Be Held:
Tuesday, October 20th
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Eloise May Public Library
1471 South Parker Road
Denver, Colorado
(Light refreshments will be served)
This Workshop is Without Cost Or Obligation, But Reservations Are Required—Please call today
(720) 529-9800

Find Out More Online:
www.mydenverlawyer.com

What’s Happening This Week

// October 14th, 2009 // Support Your Community, What's Happening At Ability Specialists

Brent's PlaceBrent’s Place, one of Ability Specialists awesome volunteer sites, (see the photo of our Men’s Volunteer Group and the pumpkins they actually grew themselves in the garden!) is sponsoring the Roadless Ride Event.

roadless-ride-09

Come share the power for an hour with us on October 16th at Greenwood Athletic and Tennis Club (5801 South Quebec Street Greendwood Village, CO 80111). Register at http://www.roadlessride.kintera.org/

As in the years past, Roadless Ride includes 11 one-hour spin classes from 6am-5pm, food and beverage, and a chance to bid on great silent auction items. Come for an hour and stay the day. All registered participants have access to Greenwood Athletic Club’s facilities…daycare is available too!

We look forward to seeing everyone on Event Day, October 16th. For additional information visit us online at http://www.brentsplace.org/or call 720-343-2800.

All proceeds benefit Brent’s Place and help us to make a difference in the lives of children with cancer and their families…one day at a time.