Some Political Links…

I just got our local Arc newsletter and it had some links that might interest y’all:

«  New No Child Left Behind regulations issued by The U.S. Department of Education. The regulations were published in the Federal Register for 10/29/08. They are here:  http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-25270.htm (text) and here:   http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-25270.pdf (pdf).

«  “For Special Needs, Election Marks Beginning, Not End.  Now That the Election is Over, Here are 10 Ways to Make a Difference.”  Mark Miller http://specialneeds08.blogspot.com

«  President Elect Barack Obama’s Disability Agenda http://www.barackobama.com/issues/disabilities/

«  AAPD Collecting Resumes for Next Administration  http://aapd.com/AAPDRedesign/2008PresidentialElection/ResumeBank.html

«  HR 3690: Military Family Autism Equality Act – Retired military families who have children with autism will have their health care benefits protected if bipartisan legislation introduced by Virginia Congressman James P. Moran (D-8) and Florida Congressman Jeff Miller (R) is enacted into law. Designated as the Military Family Autism Equality Act, HR 3690 will provide retired military families who have children with autism with the same health care benefits as families of active duty service members with children with autism. Department of Defense statistics indicate there are an estimated 8,784 retiree families that will benefit from this legislation. Read A Lifeline for Military Families by Chuck Hagee in the Mount Vernon Gazette.  For more information, go to Health and Special Education Services for Military Children with Autism

«  Council for Exceptional Children Unveils Policy Agenda in Preparation for Collaboration with New Obama Administration; New Congress – http://www.cec.sped.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=11301

My Little Helper

The middle school has a huge emphasis on self-care.  Part of that is cleaning up after themselves.  Matthew has taken that, ran with it, and is now becoming my cleaning “expert.”

I am a very slow eater.  I always have been.  I noticed last night that Matt was finished way before I was.  Usually he gets up and puts his dishes up right away.  Not this night.  He was waiting for me to finish.  The minute I set my dishes aside, he got up and started gathering them to put them in the sink!  It was just too funny.  Then he grabbed his pajama pants and headed for the bathroom.  After he changes he puts away everything on the counters.  Usually not in the appropriate places but he is satisfied. 

We have all had to learn that if we don’t want it thrown away, or spend hours searching for it, then we better take care of it ourselves!!

Rachel update:  Rachel had Lauren sleep with her last night just in case she got sick.  Awwww.  She woke up feeling good and was very excited to go to school.  I’m hoping that she can make it through the day okay.  But if she doesn’t I’m home for Veterans Day.