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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 32 October 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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(To go directly to an article, click on title below.) IN THIS ISSUE
1. On a golden September morning, AADD's "Legacy" Breakfast 3. Halloween Party October 28th 4. AADD Program for Latino Students with Special Needs Oct. 26 5. Moving Mountains, One Shovelful at a Time 6. DeKalb Parks & Recreation Fall 2006 Activity Guide 7. "Expressions of the Journey" Auction Oct. 26 - Benefits DeKalb Community Service Board 8. AADD Receives Accessible Van from United Way 9. Recreation - Upcoming Events and Activities (includes new listings this month) 10. Other Upcoming Events and Opportunities FASD Parent Support Group Meeting October 28
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| 1. On a golden September morning, AADD's "Legacy" Breakfast | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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On a golden September Atlanta morning, more than 300 friends joined together at the Atlanta History Center as AADD celebrated its 50th anniversary "Legacy of Leadership" breakfast. The event, hosted by Sarah and James Kennedy, consisted of a short, informative program and an excellent breakfast, in pleasant surroundings. The program, emceed by Jocelyn Dorsey, well-known WSB-TV2 personality, included an informative update by Mary Yoder, AADD Executive Director, music by Cindylou Harrington and Beth Wright, and special remarks by Sarah Kennedy and her husband, Jim, as well as a new video on AADD's work that was produced by Ms. Dorsey.
Sarah shared some experiences of having two siblings with developmental disabilities, and noted that when they were children, the support and opportunities simply did not exist to "give them a shot at life," in the ways that are available now. She praised AADD for its role in helping bring about the progress that has been made in Georgia, and emphasized that more needs to be done and can be done. She also noted that she shared her experiences growing up with her other siblings, notably sister Clay K. Kirk, who traveled from New York City with her husband Garrett, to share in the morning's experience. |
Visit the PHOTO SCRAPBOOK of the Legacy Breakfast |
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Below - Cindylou Harrington and Beth Wright provided musical selections |
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Sarah & Jim Kennedy, Breakfast Co-Hosts |
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Left - Winston Jones, AADD Board President, presented the Kennedys with a token of appreciation for their work and support. |
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Above - Jocelyn Dorsey, well-known WSB-TV2 personality, as well as a friend and supporter of AADD, emceed the event and shared some of her own personal experiences with family members with developmental disabilities. Ms. Dorsey also produced a new video of AADD's work, that was premiered at the breakfast. |
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More than three hundred people attended the breakfast. Above - Mary Yoder, AADD exec., gave an update on the organization, its work, and the challenges ahead. |
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Be sure to visit the huge photo scrapbook of the Legacy breakfast ! |
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The following was written by Demetrius Streeter, an AADD participant, in honor of Ruth Wright, AADD Outreach Specialist. Often, AADD Outreach Specialists develop a warm relationship with the individuals and families they serve. In this poem, Demetrius expresses his appreciation. Note that the poem is intended to be read as "rap;" though originally written in cursive script, it is presented in unedited form. We thank Demetrius for giving us permission to include it in this newsletter. (We added the title.) |
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Dear Ruth remember when you opened your heart up in 2003. To provide service that were made just for me. Words can’t describe the dedication hard work you put forth and give. Helping others to obtain their goals as long as they shall live. Accomplishing many things in life by going an extra mile. Even though its too rough at times, still you carry a smile. I for one appreciate your kind-hearted loving gentle ways. Is why you deserve such honor and the praise. When I felt lonely, down, out and truly in despair. You picked me up to show me, how much a person could care. So keep on supporting your clients, in every special way you can. And they will live productively in Gods perfect driven plan. ~Demetrius Streeter
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Demetrius Streeter
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| 3. Halloween Party October 28 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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4. AADD Program for Latino Students with Special Needs Oct. 26 |
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AADD’s stated mission is to “build communities” – “of support, acceptance, and opportunity…,” but it strikes me that AADD not only builds communities; AADD itself actually is a community.
The dictionary definition of “community” that catches my imagination is an ecological definition: “the region occupied by a group of interacting organisms.” Now, if we can get beyond thinking of ourselves as “organisms,” it seems to me that the definition pretty accurately describes what AADD does. But the key word is “interacting,” because, just as in any delicate ecosystem, even one change can have a ripple effect on the entire system. I believe that AADD, along with many friends, supporters, and “fellow travelers,” has brought about changes that have, one by one, improved our entire society.
The dramatic improvements we have achieved in the past five decades would not have occurred without the involvement and support and activism of many, many people. Certainly, AADD has been a leader and a catalyst for many of the improvements, but changing hearts and attitudes requires the participation of hundreds, no, thousands, of people, each doing their part to help improve our world. You can’t change a society’s attitudes with a bulldozer, but bit by bit, shovelful by shovelful, it can be done, and we are doing it.
Again and again, citizens of Atlanta and Georgia have demonstrated that they value the lives of people with developmental disabilities by supporting the work and initiatives of AADD. Legislation has been passed; more people are living in the community, going to school, and working. While we may not have moved mountains, together we have leveled some hills. The road is definitely straighter and easier to navigate than it was 50 years ago. |
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Briefly, look at where we’ve come from: v from near-automatic institutionalization of people with developmental disabilities; v from deprivation of even the most basic human rights for many with developmental disabilities; v and from, at best, a general disregard of people with developmental disabilities, their capabilities, contributions, hopes and dreams. |
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Mary Yoder, CAE, is Executive Director of AADD |
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The names of people and organizations that have supported AADD in making so many changes possible are 'way beyond what I could list in these brief paragraphs. But they are many. You are many, and I genuinely hope you take pride in what you have done, and in what you are doing, and most of all, in what you will do. . We can not become complacent, and there are important and immediate needs that we must address: v As people are living longer, we must challenge the community and the state to effectively address the issues of aging and developmental disabilities – both for caregivers and persons with disabilities. v There is much work to be done to assure that the criminal justice system understands and makes accommodations for people with developmental disabilities as they live in the community v We must obtain funding to address the needs of the 7,000 people on the waiting list and to offset the reductions we are experiencing from other funding sources.
We appreciate the many individuals and organizations who have been and are a part of the AADD community – a strong community that continues to improve the quality of life for people living with developmental disabilities. Please continue to stay involved and help us to invite and welcome others to join the AADD Community of Caring by sharing their time, ideas, and other resources. Keep that shovel in hand. |
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The DeKalb County Parks and Recreation program has published a Fall Activity Guide for 2006. To view the complete activity guide in PDF form (nine pages), click here. For more information, contact Aseelah House, CTRS Therapeutic Recreation Program Coordinator at: arhouse@co.dekalb.ga.us or call 770-671-1728 |
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7. "Expressions of the Journey" Auction Oct. 26 Benefits DeKalb Community Service Board |
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As the small print on the poster at right may be somewhat difficult to read, key information is:
October 26, 2006 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
The Solarium at Historic Scottish Rite
321 W. Hill Street Decatur, GA 30030
Tickets: $40 in advance, $50 at the door.
To purchase tickets, please call (404) 508-7875 or visit the web site at www.dekcsb.org
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AADD is the proud recipient of a new accessible van, provided by the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, and donated by General Motors. The van, a new 2006 seven-passenger Saturn "Relay," is equipped with a "Sit-N-Lift" power lift seat on the passenger side, which enables an individual to transfer from ground-level to the seat, which then lifts and positions the passenger in the van. "We are truly delighted and appreciative of this donation," said Mary Yoder, AADD Executive Director. "It will enable us to provide essential transport to participants, as well as permit a variety of activities that we have been unable to implement." |
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Above - Wren Carlson, with the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta, presented the keys of the new Saturn "Relay" van to Mary Yoder, AADD Executive Director. The van is equipped with a "Sit-N-Lift" power lift seat. |
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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.
HALLOWEEN DANCE Saturday October 28th 2006 7PM to 10PM $5.00 Decatur/DeKalb YMCA This is your invitation to the Happy Club’s annual Halloween dance, costume contest, food, and fun for all. This event is open to all young adults with developmental disabilities and their families and friends. Decatur/Dekalb YMCA 1100 Clairmont Ave. Decatur 30030 Please RSVP to the Happy Club voice mail: 404-687-2521
AADD and The Junior League of Atlanta present the 18th Annual HOLIDAY DINNER DANCE Saturday December 2nd - 7 PM to 10 PM Peachtree Presbyterian Church 3424 Roswell Rd. N.W. Atlanta 30363 (Buckhead Area) Come join us for an evening of dinner and dancing to welcome the holiday season. This will be our 17th year for this big event. Dress is semi formal, and the event is for guests 14 and older. Cost is $10 (this fee can be waived if needed) Questions - call Dan Evatt 404-881-9777 ext 216 RSVP to AADD 404-881-9777 ext. 0
Bowling Starts Soon Unified Activity The 2006-07 bowling season is just around the corner, and AADD’s Special Olympics bowling team will start practice October 21st at Suburban Lanes in Decatur, and November 4th at the Brunswick Zone in Roswell. The Decatur league bowls on Saturday mornings at 10 AM, and the Roswell league has only one starting time: this season at 9:30 AM. Contact Dan Evatt 404-881-9777 ext 216 email dan@aadd.org
Additional Bowling Programs Tuesday Afternoons in Stone Mountain Contact: Alice Bradford – 404-679-5920 Wednesday Evenings I-285 & North Peachtree Rd. Contact: Sammy Rosenberg – 770-395-2602 Saturday Mornings at Norcross Contact: Mary Means - 770-840-8200 Friday Evenings in Lawrenceville Contact: Bill Black 770-985-0518 Monday Mornings in Conyers Contact: Tom McPike 770-918-6306
Swimming Unified Activity AADD’s Special Olympics swim team will start practice on Tuesday, October 24th, with subsequent practices on Tuesday evenings, 7:30 to 8:30 PM. We are lucky enough to practice at the Emory University swimming pool. Also, members from Emory University swim team help coach our team. 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.
FASD Parent Support Group Meeting October 28, 2006 AADD Offices, 1440 Dutch Valley Place - Suite 200 2 pm - 4 pm For more information please contact: Elizabeth Bedson at (770) 487-0043 or bedson@bellsouth.net, or Alberta M, Mirambeau, MPH, at alberta@aadd.org
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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