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Ann Cameron Caldwell Appointment Connects The Arc With Academia

The Arc’s very own Research and Innovations Officer, Ann Cameron Caldwell, Ph.D., was appointed as an affiliated research assistant professor at the University of Illinois’ Department of Disability and Human Development (DHD) in the College of Applied Health Sciences.

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Ann Cameron Caldwell talks about the Autism Now center at The Arc’s 2010 Convention.

This honorary appointment at Dr. Caldwell’s alma mater will not only allow her to pursue more formalized research relating to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities but will greatly enhance The Arc’s ability to generate new knowledge via research. And as Ann Cameron’s star rises in the academic community, the light will reflect well on The Arc and it’s new Autism NOW resource center, which she heads under a large federal grant.

The Department on Disability and Human Development is part of the Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), hosts many federally-funded programs including the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Aging with Developmental Disabilities. Also, it offers one of the premiere doctorate programs in Disability Studies.

“This is truly an honor, and I look forward to advancing efforts to better understand the needs of and solutions for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families,” stated an always-humble Caldwell, who remains fully engaged in her position at The Arc. Pat yourself on the back, Ann Cameron! This is something truly special.

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HollyRod Foundation Giving Away Free iPads to Children With Autism

Many people with iPads love all the fantastic things you can do with them. The folks at the HollyRod Foundation think children with autism should be no different.

The foundation, started by Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete thirteen years ago to give a voice and a hand to those striving for quality of life when theirs has been diminished due to disease or disorders, is giving away free iPads to children with autism.

This giveaway isn’t just about handing out the latest and greatest gadget, but helping children with autism communicate with the world around them in a richer, more fulfilling way.

To find out more about the giveaway, and to download an application, visit the foundation’s webite. Don’t forget to spread the word about this to parents, self-advocates and anyone else who might be interested.

Here are the eligibility requirements:

  • The individual you are applying for must have a diagnosis on the autism spectrum (as identified in diagnosis report).
  • Reside in the United States of America .
  • Be non-verbal or minimally verbal (as identified in speech pathology report).
  • Be in financial need: Gross income not to exceed $35,000 single income family or $50,000 two-income family (as identified by documentation).
  • Have access to a computer and an iTunes account (some programs must be downloaded on a computer and transferred to the iPad due to size).
  • A professional on your team (i.e., speech pathologist, doctor, teacher) must be willing to take responsibility of the gift card that downloads the applications.
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Have You Experienced Disability-Based Discrimination at a QuikTrip Facility?

Do you know anyone that may have experienced disability-based discrimination at a QuikTrip facility and wants to file a claim?

In early July, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against QuikTrip Corporation under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), alleging that the company had discriminated against individuals with disabilities at QuikTrip gas stations, convenience stores, truck stops, and travel centers. The company owns and operates more than 550 such facilities throughout the Southeastern, Southwestern, Midwestern, and Southern regions of the United States.

A Consent Decree with the lawsuit, United States v. QuikTrip Corporation, was approved by the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska Court on July 19, 2010 establishing a $1.5 million fund to compensate individuals who experienced discrimination at QuikTrip.

Help spread the word about the fund’s existence to anyone who may have experienced disability-based discrimination at a QuikTrip facility and wants to file a claim. The time period for filing a claim is approximately 180 days from July 19, 2010.

Payment eligibility and the amount of any payment will be made by the U.S. Department of Justice after all claims have been received.

Please visit this link for more information.