Yes, the newsletter does look different this month.  We've decided to give it an updated look and have changed to a magazine-style format.   We hope you enjoy the new look.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for last month's meeting, which featured a presentation by Elaine Williams about working with children with autism spectrum disorders.  We were pleased to host this special evening and to have in attendance parents as well as school professionals from many areas of special education.

In response to the large interest in this presentation, we  had it videotaped (thanks to Liisa and Al Neumann for coordinating this task).  Copies of the videotape are available in the Partners for Success Resource Center, as well as our chapter's lending library.   

In addition, Mrs. Williams provided a large set of articles on a wide variety of issues related to autism spectrum disorders.  Copies of these articles are also available through the Partners for Success office and our chapter's lending library. 

For further information about obtaining the videotape or any of the articles, please contact the Partners for Success Resource Center at (410) 222-3805 or our chapter librarian, Mindy Wise, at (410) 721-4562.

Our October meeting will feature a presentation by Selene Almazan of the Maryland Coalition for Inclusive Education, who will speak on "Asserting your rights under IDEA".  MCIE is an organization dedicated to the inclusion of students with disabilities in their neighborhood schools.  We hope you will join us on October 30^th.

October is also when we begin our annual chapter election process. At our next meeting we will be seeking nominations for the following chapter positions: co-presidents, co-vice presidents, treasurer, secretary, and three at-large board members. 

If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else, but cannot attend the meeting, please send your nomination to us by mail (AACC-ASA, P.O. Box 1470, Millersville, MD 21108-1470) or by e-mail ().  If

you would like to learn more about any of the board positions, please call either of us [Frank Wise at (410) 721-4562 or Linda Carter-Ferrier at (410) 551-0655].   

Elections will be held at the following meeting, on November 27^th. Please note that you must be a paid member of the chapter to vote.

We also thank everyone who participated in or contributed to the Walk FAR for NAAR event on September 29^th.  An enthusiastic group from our chapter walked behind the large banner bearing the "Anne Arundel Trailblazers" name.  Our special appreciation goes to team captains Lucy Clark and Liisa Neumann for their hard work.

Lastly, please note that our annual Christmas Craft Fair is scheduled for Saturday, November 24^th.  We have enclosed a flyer about the event that we encourage you to share with others. 

We are also seeking contributions to our bake sale table; if you have any baked goods that you can contribute, please contact Kathleen Edwards at (410) 551-2122.

AACC-ASA meetings are held on the last Tuesday evening of each month at Ruth Parker Eason School in Millersville.

Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m.

The agenda includes introductions and general announcements, followed by time for open discussion. A refreshment break is followed by a presentation given by the guest speaker. Then time is allowed for a follow-up discussion and further opportunity for group support and socialization.

New members and new ideas are always welcome. 

Come check us out!