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Thursday, May 30, 2013

THE LION KING - AUTISM - FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE!!!

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is proud to partner with Disney Theatrical Productions for this very special performance of Disney’s The Lion King. This presentation will be a sensory-friendly performance that allows families with members on the Autism spectrum to experience a regular Broadway production with several alterations that meet the needs of the audience. Pittsburgh will be the third city to offer this type of program, and The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust remains committed to making theater and the arts accessible to all audiences.

http://www.trustarts.org/visit/pages/autism-friendly-performance/

WHEN

Saturday, September 21 2:00pm

WHERE

Benedum Center
237 Seventh Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

WHAT

Special Autism-Friendly Performance of Disney’s THE LION KING
  • In consideration of the needs of the audience, this theater experience will be slightly altered including setting the house lights at half, cutting the strobe lights and softening intense sounds. You will enjoy a Broadway theater experience in a judgment free environment.
  • Specially trained volunteers will work the show to provide audience support.

TICKET INFORMATION

We are also proud to offer special prices to allow all patrons a chance to see a Broadway show with their family and friends. Please note that only members of the community who have a family member or friend on the autistic spectrum or with another intellectual disability will be permitted to purchase tickets to this performance.
  • Orchestra & Director's Circle Tickets: $49
  • First Tier: $39
  • Second Tier: $19
Only members of the community who have a family member or friend on the Autism spectrum or in need of a sensory-friendly environment may purchase tickets to this performance. We do welcome family and friends to experience the show together. A number of questions must be answered at point of purchased to complete the ticket transaction.
To purchase tickets, you must first fill out form.

 VISIT THIS LINK FOR FORM http://trustarts.culturaldistrict.org/event/5779#tab=registration

MORE INFORMATION

Special thanks to Autism Connection of PA for their contributions in support of this event. Please visit www.autismofpa.org for more information about autism and related conditions.
Special thanks to the Jack Buncher Foundation for their support.

THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL HIGHMARK WALK FOR A HEALTHY COMMUNITY!!!

 

 Thanks to the generosity of so many we beat our goal from last year and our WPAL team raised over $600.00 for ABOARD Autism Connection!

 
 
It was a beautiful day in the city as we walked the North Shore with hundreds of people to support our local Human Services organizations!
 
We are looking forward to next year and have some great ideas for events to raise even more for this great local resource that helps so many families all year!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

URGENT REQUEST! PLEASE HELP KEEP STUDENTS SAFE

URGENT MESSAGE FROM WRIGHT"S LAW!!!!

Keeping All Students Safe Act (HR 1893)
http://www.wrightslaw.com/nltr/13/al.0514.hr1893.htm
On May 9, Congressman George Miller (D-CA), ranking member of the House Education & Workforce Committee and Congressman Gregg Harper (R-MS) introduced the Keeping All Students Safe Act, HR 1893, a bill to protect all students nationwide from restraint and seclusion. 
Please CALL your members of Congress and ask them to Cosponsor and Support the Keeping All Students Safe Act, HR 1893. 
Dial 202-224-3121; ask for your Representative’s Office, and then ask for the education aide. 
Why should they support this Bill?
The Keeping Students Safe Act will:
  • ban restraint/seclusion except in emergencies where someone is in danger of physical harm
  • require that parents be informed if their child was restrained/secluded on the same day that the event occurred
  • ban restraints that impede breathing, mechanical restraints, and chemical restraints
  • prevent restraint/seclusion from being used when less restrictive alternatives, like positive supports and de-escalation, would eliminate any danger 
  • require that if children are placed in seclusion rooms, school staff must continuously visually observe them
  • ban dangerous aversive practices that threaten safety; require the collection of data; and require appropriate training of staff
Thanks to everyone who signed onto the letter from 200 organizations in support of the bill.
Summary l HR 1893 Bill l Congressman Miller's speech l Legislative Advocacy

Instructions for Contacting Congress to Support the Bill
Please call your Congressional Representatives and ask them to cosponsor the Keeping All Students Safe Act, 202-221-3121.  Ask for your Representative.  Then ask for his/her education aide.
You can find your Representative on the House of Representatives website:  http://bit.ly/RepWrit
You can also go to that link to send an email message directly to your Representative, but it is much better if you call.

Restraint, Seclusion, and Use of Aversives: Proposed Virginia Regulations
Virginians:  Please Tell the Virginia Board of Education to Change Regulations Permitting the Use of Aversives, Prone Restraint, and Other Harmful Behavioral Practices upon Children in Private Schools. More about the Proposed Regulations.
There is no reason to permit restraint that impedes breathing or impairs life, or the other practices. They are not effective and are dangerous.
It is important for Virginians to share their views with the Board by sending comments to the Virginia State Board of Education at BOE@doe.virginia.gov
Please get your comments in before the May 23 meeting.
Get suggested comments you can make to the VA BOE.
VA Special Education l Legislative Advocacy l Proposed Regulations

Link to this alert on Wrightslaw: http://www.wrightslaw.com/nltr/13/al.0514.hr1893.htm