I Think It's About Time We Met!

I know that social networking is the "in" thing to do...but we at Team Daniel want to sit and chat with you. We will be at the Mountain Island Library in Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday, August 1st from 1:30pm-3:30pm.

The main topic of discussion will be future improvements for individuals with developmental disabilities, but if you have any other questions...we probably have an answer. This meeting would also be a great chance to talk about any article ideas for EMPOWERED! Plus we will have copies of "They Created Us" for sale.

Think of this as a "low key get together". Come one, come all! Hopefully we will all learn a lot, and possibly make a new friend or two.

Interested in coming?

Here's the address to the library:
4420 Hoyt Galvin Way, Charlotte, NC 28214

But you can always email: lrobinson(at) teamdaniel(dot) com if you have questions or would like to RSVP.

Can't wait to meet you!

The "Going's On", In Cumberland County

Bright and early this morning it occured to me that I haven't announced any wonderful events for our "blog friends" down the street. Next Friday, July 24th is Fourth Friday in Downtown Fayetteville.

Now, you may ask why I'm posting this so far in advance. My answer to that is, this event is awesome! Now that we have all gotten into the summer groove, this event is the perfect way to take advantage of these picture perfect summer nights. From 7pm-9pm you, ME and hundreds more of your favorite Fayetteville residents will be walking the streets to live music, art exhibitions and tons of yummy food vendors.

Here's what the Fayetteville Downtown Alliance says about "Fourth Friday's":

Fourth Friday is like an old fashioned “Gallery Crawl.” Folks of all ages get a taste of Fayetteville's art and entertainment while enjoying the small galleries, bookstores, bistros and shops with unique items for shoppers. Even the streets become the stage for roaming magicians, puppet shows and drum circles. It’s safe, it's fun and did we mention it's free!

If you're heading down there next Friday, give me a call. See you there!

It's Amazing What Happens When We All Work Together

If you live in or near the Charlotte area there is a wonderful non-profit organization that helps families with children on the Autism Spectrum. The best thing about the Autism Foundation of the Carolinas is that the whole organization is run by parents. All founding and governing board members have children on the Autism Spectrum.

Here is their mission statement:

The Autism Foundation of the Carolinas (AFC) is the effort of individuals with an interest in assisting families in the Charlotte area who have children on the autism spectrum or have some type of related developmental/neurological impairment. It is the desire of AFC to help families affected find solutions and provide funding for them. In addition, AFC is dedicated to developing programs to enhance and improve their lives. Below is our mission statement.
Our Mission

Our mission is to assist children with autism spectrum and related disorders to achieve fulfilling, productive and independent lives by:
Providing families and caregivers access to information and resources regarding programs, services, therapies, and alternatives to help their children.
Providing financial assistance to families and the institutions that support the development of these children throughout their lifespan, and
Increasing the knowledge and understanding of these children, their needs and their families’ needs through community awareness and educational programs.


If this has piqued your interest their biographies and detialed information is available on their website: www.autismcarolinas.org

From One Mother, To Another.

This week a member of Team Daniel family, is featured on "TriangleMom2Mom ", and we couldn't be more exicted. Jess talks about life as a military wife, mother of three children, her families favorite activities and also her more personal reason she loves working with Team Daniel.

Here is the link to the feature: http://www.trianglemom2mom.com/content/meet-jess

We hope you enjoy Jess' story as much as we did! If you don't live in the Triangle and are looking for similar websites they are out there. If you live close to Fayetteville or in one of the surrounding counties 910 Moms (http://www.910moms.com/) is a great place to start.

Busy Schedule Getting In the Way? Online Support Groups May Help

While browsing some of our favorite websites, I have found a few area organizations that have online support groups for family members and friends. Here you post questions, read past topics and get more connected to your community.

The Wake County Autism Society has two online groups for parents of children and teenagers with Asperberg's Syndrome. They are both "parent support networks" that share information and resources concerning young children, teens and young adults with HFA/AS who are in high school, college or have recently begun employment.

Here is the link to the Wake County Autism Society support group website.

http://www.wakecountyautismsociety.org/events.htm

Here you will also find information for monthly support groups, as well as meeting times and locations. If you have any questions, contact Laura Graham, lgraham@nc.rr.com.

Are you current a part of an online support group? Let us know what you think?

Straight From the House's Mouth

This morning, we were notifed of House bill 687 commonly known as " Tax Credit for Children With Disabilities." This bill is scheduled to be heard by the House on Tuesday, June 23rd at 11am in room 643 of the Legislative Office Building.

This is what they say:

"House Bill 687 creates a new tax credit for parents of children with special needs who choose to educate those children in a nonpublic school (including home schools) or in a public school at which they must pay tuition. The credit amount is set at $3,000 per semester, up to two semesters per year (a maximum of $6,000 for a full academic or taxable year). The credit is refundable and is capped at the associated tuition cost. Initial eligibility depends on spending a year in public school. "

This information is available to the public, so please contact your Representatives with any questions.

Let's Put Our Heads Together

We are traveling across the state to hear your stories, answer your questions...and to pick your brain. Team Daniel is hosting a focus group in a city near you. We want to know about the issues that are important to you and gain insight on what's currently available in your community.

We don't want to just talk about the problems, we want to work together to find solutions!

Do you live in the Triangle? See you on the 23rd!

Raleigh,NC- June 23rd, 2009
North Regional Library:
7009 Harps Mill Road
Raleigh, NC 27615


More upcoming locations:

July: Charlotte/Gastonia
September: Lenoir
October: Asheville/Hendersonville

If you have any questions about our focus groups call our Communications Manager, Lauren at 910-987-0272