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Newsletter of the Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities |
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This e-mail newsletter is being sent to friends of AADD. If you wish to unsubscribe, click here. Click here to view previous newsletters ~ To send this newsletter to a friend, click on "File," then,> "Send." Please give the pictures time to open. Thanks !
Click to see previous issues of The e-AADDvocate Click to go directly to the ACCESSIBLE PAGE |
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Issue 30 August 2006 |
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Our mission is to build communities of support, acceptance, and opportunity for children, adults, and families living with developmental disabilities.
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Editor's Note: This month's newsletter is being distributed later than usual in the month, in order to include the "Family Reunion" article, which contains a link to the scrapbook of snapshots taken at the event. IN THIS ISSUE (Click on title below to go directly to an article.)
1. "Light in the Piazza" at Fox October 10-15 - benefits AADD 2. AADD's 50th Anniversary "Family Reunion" Wonderful Event 3. Legacy Breakfast Plans - September 28 Date 4. FAS Day Run-Walk to be Held September 9 - Register Now! 5. Join Us to See "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" at The Rialto Sep. 23rd 6. Support for Direct Support Vital for Quality Care 7. AADD Young Teens at Stone Mountain Park 8. "Who Doesn't Like a Day at the Lake" Again Great Success 9. Yoder Addresses Mayor's Roundtable Breakfast 10. Recreation - Upcoming Events and Activities (includes new listings this month) 11. Other Upcoming Events and Opportunities
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1. "Light in the Piazza" at Fox - October 10-15 - benefits AADD |
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Great musicals typically get me in the gut. The Light in the Piazza—the finest new musical to reach Broadway in a very very long time—did something different: it hit me squarely in the heart. -Martin Denton, nytheatre.com review
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How can going to a romantic musical at The Fox benefit AADD? Easily, according to Stephanie Parker, 2006 recipient of an AADD Vital Service Award and manager of LIVENATION Broadway Over Atlanta.
According to Parker, when ticket buyers purchase tickets for the romantic Italian musical "Light in the Piazza," they will have the option of making an automatic donation to AADD.
"In the past, nonprofits who have been designated as recipients of the option to donate have netted between $1000 and $5000. We believe in the work AADD does, and love this organization, so it's our pleasure to give this opportunity for some exposure and some donations to AADD," said Parker.
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ADVANCE
PURCHASE OFFER!
Receive $5.00 off and
for every ticket purchased Password: AADD
For
groups of 15 or more, call: |
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| 2. AADD's 50th Anniversary Reunion - Wonderful Event | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Volunteers, friends, staff and participants --present and past--celebrated AADD's 50th Anniversary with a "family reunion," on August 22. More than a hundred people enjoyed barbeque, hot dogs, all the trimmings, a huge array of desserts, many hugs and smiles and handshakes, and entertainment by "Doc Hollywood." To view the SCRAPBOOK of many, many photos from the event, |
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History Center Site for ’06 Legacy Breakfast “50th Anniversary Edition” Celebrating its 50 years of support, education, and advocacy, the Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities will hold its annual Legacy breakfast at the Atlanta History Center on September 28.
“We’ve worked to help communities recognize and utilize the gifts people with developmental disabilities bring to their communities. We will celebrate that rich history, and look ahead to the many challenges of the next 50 years,” said Mary Yoder, AADD executive director. The organization, she noted, is “celebrating 50 years of making education, healthcare, employment, recreation, representation, and choice possible for people with developmental disabilities.”
“We are touched and pleased that gifts by anonymous donors are making it possible for us to have our annual breakfast at a very fine and appropriate venue, The Overlook Room at the Atlanta History Center,” Yoder added.
The event will take place on Thursday, September 28, at 7:30 a.m. Invitations are being sent, though the 90-minute event is free and open to the public. Attendees must have a reservation to attend, however, and the reservation must be made by September 15, according to event hosts and AADD advisory board members Sarah and Jim Kennedy.
People wishing to attend the breakfast, which includes special entertainment and a brief, inspiring video, must RSVP by September 15 to carey@aadd.org or by calling 404-881-9777 ext. 228. Attendees should note that the breakfast i will begin at 7:30 a.m. sharp. Media are invited, though reservations are needed. |
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AADD is planning its first annual FAS Day Run-Walk at Grant Park. The event will be a "fun-raiser." For full information, go to FAS DAY RUN-WALK. The event will be held on the symbolic date of September 9th, 2006, to represent the 9 months during which a fetus develops and deserves to be unharmed. As we “Run Tell That” at the FAS Day 5K Run-Walk the primary purpose is to raise awareness and support for the continuing outreach efforts of the FASD (Fetal Alcohol Sectrum Disorder, including FAS, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) Program. FAS, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, is the largest known cause of mental retardation; it is 100% preventable but 0% curable. For additional information contact Alberta Mirambeau at (404) 881-9777 ext. 206, or by e-mail to: alberta@aadd.org. Please note that the deadline for registration is August 31st. Registration may be made on-line. |
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AADD 50th Anniversary Film Series, Stories of Triumph! continues Sat., September 23rd "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" starring Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio FREE ADMISSION |
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Mark your calendar for Sat., Sept. 23rd - 4:00 P.M.
Years before "Pirates," Johnny Depp starred with Leonardo DiCaprio in this acclaimed film For the fourth and final film in the AADD Stories of Triumph! film series celebrating AADD's 50th anniversary, Georgia State University's College of Education is co-sponsoring a showing of "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" starring Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio. The free showing of the film begins at 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 23rd, at the Rialto Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Atlanta.
There is no charge for the film. Groups are welcome. For further information, please contact Carey Sipp at carey@aadd.org, or 404-881-9777, ext. 228. |
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Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp (in pre-"Pirate" days), starring in "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" (1993) |
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The Rialto is located at 80 Forsyth Street NW at the corner of Forsyth and Luckie Streets in Atlanta. For directions and map, see the Rialto's web site at Rialto. Parking is available in several nearby locations.
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In this film, Leonardo DiCaprio plays Arnie Grape, the young man with mental retardation who adores his older brother Gilbert, as portrayed by Johnny Depp. While both actors received excellent reviews for their work, DiCaprio was nominated for both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe nomination for best supporting actor for his work in the film. "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" was released in 1993, and is rated PG-13.
Dr. Paul Alberto of the GSU Dept. of Educational Psychology and Special Education chairs this event, which targets college students in an effort to raise awareness of the |
gifts people with developmental disabilities bring to the community.
"We hope that everyone who's attended the films -- and especially everyone who hasn't made it to one of the movies yet -- will join us on September 23rd. This is the chance to see AADD's own video presentation on the big screen, and to see a remarkable film about the life of a young man with mental retardation and his relationships with his family, the community, and the people he meets along the way," said Mary Yoder, AADD Executive Director. Return to Top |
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Direct Support Professionals - The Backbone of Support Systems |
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They may well be the most important people in our work; they are the ones that really make a difference. They are organizers, trainers, coaches, problem solvers, bridge builders, confidants, drivers, and advocates. They are Direct Support Professionals. The work is hard physically, sometimes emotionally draining, often done in isolation, and challenging.
Direct support professionals are our most important human resource when it comes to supporting people. To assure quality, they must have the skill set that meets the needs of the persons they are supporting. Research indicates that the right skill set is not enough, the quality of the relationship and continuity of relationship are equally important. They must be caring but firm, gentle but street smart, patient but prompt. They must know --and teach about-- matters of health, nutrition, sanitation, parenting, budgeting, and working in a maze of governmental and legal environments. And yet, I am told that the average salary for Direct Support Professionals in Georgia is around $8.00 per hour.
Salary is much more than a cost issue; it is also a major quality issue. Quality support requires the building of trusting, lasting relationships. When high employee turnover results from inadequate salary levels, relationships are not built and maintained, and quality of care suffers. There are some things you can do to help make a difference. Please consider making the opportunity to do two things. First, affirm the good Direct Support Professionals you know. Second, recognizing that adequate funding levels are a necessity, let your state legislators know that we must fund direct support at a level that provides for a decent living, with benefits. |
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Mary Yoder, CAE, Executive Director of AADD speaks to the need for adequate funding and salaries as a requisite for quality support.
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The temperature hovered in the mid-90s on that hot, sunny day at Stone Mountain Park, but cool drinks, interesting activities, and great company made the day enjoyable. Seven of AADD’s young teens joined a group of day campers from Smoke Rise Baptist Church for a day of fun. As part of the activities of their camp, the Smoke Rise campers have been spending the summer learning about issues affecting people who have disabilities or are disadvantaged, and have found it informative and fun.
“Most of the children from AADD had never been to Stone Mountain before, so this was a great opportunity,” Kai Stewart, said.
Staff from Smoke Rise Day Camp picked up AADD teens and two staff members (Kai Stewart and Cindy Wyss, Community Services Division managers) at the AADD office and drove the group to Stone Mountain Park for the day. |
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Our kids were matched with small groups of campers who really took them under their wings. Each camper and AADD child received a wrist band that allowed them to choose from the many activities available at the park. Some kids went up the Sky Lift to the top of the mountain and others played games in the big barn. All enjoyed the picnic lunch of hotdogs and treats.
“The campers were very inclusive of our teens,” noted Cindy Wyss. “All of our participants asked when they would be able to join them again.”
“We hope this is the beginning of an annual partnership,” Riki Bolster, volunteer coordinator said. “Our thanks go out to Greg Burdette and Jessica Reynolds from Smoke Rise Day Camp, who organized this day of adventure for us.” |
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"Who Doesn't Like a Day At the Lake?" provided a treasure trove of memories this year, as well as souvenirs of the day, special caps and t-shirts, compliments of the University Yacht Club.
Once again Dr. Dave Erickson and his lovely wife joined their fellow members of the University Yacht Club on Lake Lanier to welcome about 150 people with developmental disabilities and their caregivers for a fun day of sun, boating, burgers, barbecue, fishing, and games.
"The day was perfect from the standpoint of the weather. And Dr. Erickson and his friends are the perfect hosts. They help everyone to feel welcome and at home. This is such a huge day for the people we help to support. For many of the people attending, it's the one time of the year they get out of the city," said Mary Yoder, AADD Executive Director. |
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9. Yoder Addresses Mayor's Roundtable Breakfast on Women's Issues |
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Mary Yoder, AADD Executive Director, joined a distinguished panel to discuss women and disability issues at the most recent Mayor's Roundtable on Women's Issues on Wednesday, August 23 at City Hall.
Panelists included Kate Gainer, a disability rights activist, Minna Hong, director of peer support at Shepherd Spinal Center, Renn Doyle-McClintock, parent of a child with fetal alcohol syndrome, and Mrs. Yoder.
Speaking of her long-term friendship with Denise Shaw, a woman with developmental disabilities, Yoder shared a profound insight learned from Denise. After more than eight months of intensive, exhausting, and unpleasant cancer treatment, Denise explained that having cancer is easier than living with a disability. Denise explained that having trouble learning is not fun, but that the really herd part of living with a disability is that people act like you can't do things, or like you can't learn and that they don't help you learn. Yoder emphasized the huge and negative impact of low expectations. She noted that developmental disabilities have a disproportionate impact on women because women are most often the people who provide the supports, care, and oversight for people with developmental disabilities. |
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L-R, above: Mary Yoder, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, Renn McClintic-Doyle |
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Ann Cramer & Mary Yoder |
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Help Us Update This List The Junior League of Atlanta and AADD are partnering together to update this list. If you know of an activity or have an activity you would like to include in this list please contact Dan Evatt at dan@aadd.org or call the AADD office at 404-881-9777 ext. 216.
FAS DAY RUN-WALK SAT., SEPTEMBER 9 (SEE ARTICLE ABOVE)*new listing Grant Park - Advance Registration Required
Fitness/Recreation Walking Group AADD is planning to start a walking group at Stone Mountain Park. This will be in conjunction with our Special Olympics cycling group that already trains on Monday evenings at the park. Monday Evening Stone Mountain Park 6 PM until walkers finish Start date July 10 We need walkers and volunteers for this program. Walk at your own pace and walk only as far as you can. Stone Mountain Park is a great place to walk. It has a great paved path around the mountain and you couldn’t ask for a more scenic place to walk. Contact Dan Evatt 404-881-9777 ext 216 or email dan@aadd.org, if you’re interested in participating as a walker, volunteer, or both.
AADD's Special Olympics Bocce (unified activity - including persons with disabilities and without disabilities) Wednesday Evening Started Wednesday, July 5th 6:30 to 7:30 PM No charge except for special events (scholarships available for those events) Mason Mill Park (Toco Hills Area) Ages 8 and above. This is a Unified Bocce group. Everyone is welcome to play. We need more players for this group. The team is planning to compete in Special Olympics Fall games the weekend of Oct 7th in Albany, GA this year. The more the merrier! Contact Dan Evatt 404-881-9777 ext 216 email dan@aadd.org
Special Olympics Softball Three Evenings, started in June Tuesdays at Murphy Candler Park (Ashford-Dunwoody Area) Wednesdays at Gresham Park Athletic Complex (South DeKalb Area) Thursdays at Mason Mill Park (Toco Hills Area) Times at all locations 6:30 to 8:00 PM Ages 8 and above These teams are planning to compete in Special Olympics Fall games the weekend of October 6th 7th & 8th in Albany, GA this year. Also, these teams will compete in the Metro Atlanta Special Olympics softball league this summer. Contact Aseelah House at arhouse@co.dekalb.ga.us 770-671-1728
Cycling (Unified Activity - including persons with disabilities and without disabilities) Our group is looking for riders. You don't have to be a hardcore cyclist. All participants ride at their own pace. Come check us out. You don’t have to commit. If you are interested or just curious, give Dan a call. Monday 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM Ages 14 and above No charge except for special events (scholarships available for those events). Toco Hills Area Contact Dan Evatt 404-881-9777 ext 216 email dan@aadd.org
North Metro Miracle League (Buddy Baseball & Bowling) Interested in Buddy Baseball and Bowling? Check out the North Metro Miracle League’s web site at www.nmml.net.
Special Olympics in Alpharetta (Special K’s) Interested in Special Olympics activities in the north metro area. The Special K’s have a lot of sports to offer; aquatics, track & field, bowling, gymnastics, powerlifting, basketball, long distance running & walking, bocce, golf, tennis, and cheerleading are the sports Debbie Currere has in the Alpharetta area. Contact Debbie Currere at 770-649-0070
Other DeKalb County Recreation Activities and Events Check out great events and activities in DeKalb County. Some activities include: Adventure Series Ropes Course, camping, and indoor rock climbing, Boy Scouts & Cub Scouts designed for children with special needs, soccer, volleyball, Miracle Baseball and Blaze Sports Goal Ball. Aseelah House and her staff do a great job; give them a chance and try out some of their activities. Contact Aseelah House at arhouse@co.dekalb.ga.us or call 770-671-1728
Social Club DeKalb County Parks and Recreation Department has started two new social clubs. One is at Midway Park for 13- through 16-year olds, and the other is at Browns Mill Park for 16+ year olds. Contact Aseelah House at 770-671-1728 or email at arhouse@co.dekalb.ga.us.
South Metro Residents Check out Fayette County Parks & Recreation Department Therapeutic Programs. Special Olympics Teams, Happy Club, and social activities are just a few of the activities Debbie and her group have for South Metro Atlanta residents. Contact Debbie Parrish at 770-716-4325
SASSY (A Fun Family Group) This group in South DeKalb County meets several times a month for social activities. They meet as a family, parents and children, for picnics, parties, bowling, and even trips to Disney World. Contact: BJ Kelly 770-987-9171 Voice Mail 770-969-9571
Happy Group (Social Clubs) Meets twice monthly at several Metro Atlanta YMCAs, usually on Saturday afternoons, depending upon the activity. Takes field trips such as Braves games, dinner and a movie, dances, plays, “wish to fish,” Hawks basketball games (we don't sit courtside), paint your own pottery, etc. The newest location will be in the South Metro Area through the Fayette Co. Parks & Recreation and Fayette YMCA Dept. Contact Debbie Parrish 770-461-9714 ext. 5644 Contact Happy Club Voice Mail 404-687-2521
Cobb County Residents Contact the Cobb Co. Parks & Recreation Cultural Affairs, Therapeutic Recreation Services Unit for lots of activities. They have social clubs, special trips, dances, camps, and various sport teams. 555 Nickajack Rd, Mableton, GA 30126 770-819-3215 Fax 770-819-3218
Rockdale County Residents Rockdale is rockin’. Check with Tom McPike, Rockdale County's Parks and Recreation Department recreation therapist. He has started and expanded many programs. A few of the activities include: after school programs, bocce, Halloween Party, Beep Baseball, Miracle Baseball League, bowling, sled hockey, social clubs, wheel chair basketball, basketball, cooking, swimming, soccer, Christmas Parade and Party, and Mother- Daughter Spa Day. Call Tom McPike at 770-981-6306 and see what’s new. |
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In the items below, activity costs, if any, are noted.
Lekotek ATLANTA Computer Club All kids 8 and above, come join us for fun, computer games and pizza! We have teens and young adults who participate, as well. Dates: The second Sunday of every month 4-6pm Cost: $10 per child (scholarships available) Where: Our Lekotek in Atlanta on 1955 Cliff Valley Way, Suite 102, 30329 RSVP: ASAP 404-633-3430 visit Lekotek web site at www.lekotekga.org
Lekotek LekoPals - For more information contact Audrey or Helene at Lekotek 404-633-3430
Lekotek COBB Computer Club** All kids 8 and above, come join us for fun, computer games and pizza! We have teens and young adults who participate, as well. Dates: 3rd Sunday of every other month 4-6pm Cost: $10 per child (scholarships available) Where: Lekotek in Kennesaw on 1925 Vaughn Rd. NW, Suite 150, 30144 RSVP: ASAP to Lisa at 770-420-9889 visit Lekotek web site at www.lekotekga.org **Volunteers needed for COBB Club Return to Top Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities - (AADD) 1440 Dutch Valley Place - Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30324-5371 Phone: 404-881-9777 Fax: 404-881-0094 Email, AADD newsletter ONLY: AADDnewsletter@aadd.org Email, AADD Information: info@aadd.org AADD web site: AADD WEB SITE Click here to UNSUBSCRIBE
If this free newsletter has been forwarded to you and you wish to SUBSCRIBE, click here: SUBSCRIBE (Please be sure to give us your name when you subscribe. Thanks!) Announcements of Activities and Programs are provided as a public service. If you have announcements of upcoming events, send them to AADDnewsletter@aadd.org, by the 10th of the month. AADD reserves the right to include or edit information. Excepting programs of which AADD is a sponsor, AADD does not endorse any product, privilege, or service.
AADD is proud to receive support from the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta and the Junior League of Atlanta
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