Monday, January 12, 2009

Petition regarding disabilities and their perceptions ...

SPEC is a place for all to comment, so I am including one that may be controversial without endorsement or opposition, please review if you'd like to participate or ignore.

Some sources online:
-- JD

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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that it will give Jerry Lewis its Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award on February 22, 2009. Disability rights activists object to this award. During his decades of hosting the Labor Day Telethon, Jerry Lewis has helped to perpetuate negative, stereotypical attitudes toward people with muscular dystrophy and other disabilities. Jerry Lewis and the Telethon actively promote pity as a fundraising strategy. Disabled people want RESPECT and RIGHTS, not pity and charity.

In 1990, Lewis wrote that if he had muscular dystrophy and had to use a wheelchair, he would "just have to learn to try to be good at being a half a person." During the 1992 Telethon, he said that people with MD, whom he always insists on calling "my kids," "cannot go into the workplace. There's nothing they can do." Comments like these have led disability activists and our allies to protest against Jerry Lewis, and against the Telethon. We've argued that the Telethon promotes pity, a counterproductive emotion which undermines our social equality. Here's how Lewis responded to the Telethon protesters during a 2001 television interview: "Pity? You don't want to be pitied because you're a cripple in a wheelchair? Stay in your house!"

Disability rights activists have launched an online petition to protest the Academy's decision and to demand the award be canceled. To sign the petition, go to

Friday, January 9, 2009

weather permitting

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

This is a reminder about the meeting of the Special Parents of Exceptional Children group at the Chestnut Hill Library this Saturday, January 10, at 1:00. Herb Hinkle, attorney, will speak about planning for your child's future - estate planning, guardianship and special needs trusts. There is no charge for this event and no need to RSVP.

If the weather forces a cancellation, we will send out an email on Saturday morning.

Hope to see you there!

Jean McCoubrey

Monday, January 5, 2009

TWO ASP Meetings

from Jean McCoubrey, thanks -- JD

Saturday, January 17, 2009, 1pm-3pm
Northern Home for Children
5301 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Light refreshments provided

OR

Wednesday, January 21, 2009, 6:15pm-8pm
CBH, 8th & Market, 7th floor
Philadelphia, PA 191070
(Please sign in at the front desk)
Light Meal Provided
*Note change in conference rooms to E & C
Art and Music Therapy Social Skills Programs
Presented by Kathryn Snyder, MA, ATR-BC, LPC
from The Art Of Friendship
and The Rythym and Friendship

In the context of structured, therapeutic (and fun) art activities, existing strengths are reinforced, new social skills are taught, and self esteem is built. Utilizing the arts, direct instruction of social lessons on social awareness and social skills and coping strategies are taught in a fun and engaging way. Their new Music Therapy program is a fun, creative way to engage socially while also practicing the social thinking curriculum developed by Michelle Garcia-Winner

Kathryn Snyder is a Board-Certified Art Psychotherapist & Licensed Professional Counselor dedicated to helping children & families survive & thrive in a challenging world. She has been in practice for over 10 years specializing in social & emotional problems of early childhood and adolescence. A graduate of the Hahnemann Creative Arts in Therapy Program at Drexel University and continues to supervise master's degree candidates.

*ASP greatly appreciates your RSVP for an accurate head-count*
TO RSVP OR FOR QUESTIONS
215-413-7106, OR NASYA06@MSN.COM To RSVP and for Childcare
call 215-413-7106

What is Autism Sharing and Parenting?
ASP is a volunteer run, 501(c)3 community-based, support group with the following goals
  • To provide a support system for children with a diagnosis
  • of Autistic Spectrum Disorder and their families
  • To educate the under-informed and culturally diverse
  • populations in Philadelphia area
  • To advocate for Children with ASD and their families
  • To increase awareness of Autism and related families issues
  • in the Philadelphia area