NYSACRA

February 18, 2005

- ANNUAL CONFERENCE UPDATE - 20TH ANNUAL DDPC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS - AUTISM SERIES o­n NBC’S TODAY SHOW ANNUAL CONFERENCE UPDATE “FROM COMMUNITY LIVNG TO LIVING COMMUNITY” May 3 – 6, 2005 Preparations for NYSACRA’s Annual Conference are in full swing. Our Keynote Presenters are in place, our workshops have been selected and all the special surprises are being worked o­n. Attached is the annual conference schedule so that you can see for yourself what an exciting, educational conference we have planned for you. Also attached is an annual conference registration form for your convenience. We hope you will join us for another “NYSACRA experience!” 20TH ANNUAL DDPC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Nomination forms for the DDPC’s 20th Annual Achievement Awards are available from the DDPC website at www.ddpc.state.ny.us or can be requested by mail or by fax.. Nomination categories include: ·     Exceptional Personal Growth ·     Substantial influence o­n the lives of others ·     Volunteer of the year ·     Community Leader of the Year ·     Employer of the Year ·     Employees (a) Direct Support or (b) Administrative ·     Public Awareness ·     Other (extraordinary activities, achievements or accomplishments) Award ceremonies will be held in September and all nominations are due by April 13. AUTISM SERIES o­n NBC’S TODAY SHOW NBC’s Today Show will air a 10-part series at 8:10 am and 9:10 am the week of February 21 o­n Autism. The series will look at Autism from a variety of angles, with segments exploring topics such as etiology, diagnosis, treatment, educational programs, affect o­n sibling and how to be an advocate for your autistic child. Autism Coalition board member, Gary Mayerson, will be interviewed o­n his new book, “How to Compromise With Your School District Without Compromising Your Child.”In conjunction with the Today show series, CNBC is airing a four-part series from February 22-24.. Segments will air at 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm and is titled “Autism: Paying the Price.” It will focus o­n the financial implications of the disorder with segments o­n the financial impact o­n families, the roles of government and private funding for research and the opportunities in healthcare and pharmaceuticals and autism in the workplace.