The Grandparent Autism Network informs grandparents about autism and the medical, educational, legal and social issues that affect their families, enabling them to share how they may improve the quality of life for their children and grandchildren. Activities include social events for grandparents and grandchildren and advocacy efforts to increase support for autism causes. Networking together, grandparents are a vital resource for autism …and each other.
Announcements
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Holiday Tips & Resources
Check out our Winter 2018 E-newsletter for some great holiday app ideas, holiday gift guide, and more holiday tips!
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VOICE OPTIONS – CONNECTING CALIFORNIANS WITH SPEECH LANGUAGE DISABILITIES TO IPADS WITH SPEECH APPS
Voice Options is a statewide pilot program offering iPads with speech applications to people with disabilities for demonstration, short and long-term loan via 10 demonstration centers throughout the state. Using an iPad with a speech application may make being understood easier and allow people with speech language disabilities to speak independently. Speech applications designed for iPads will allow users to control an alternative voice. Users enter what they want to say on the iPad, and it is voiced through speakers.
Voice Options California Speech Technology Program, is a program of the California Public Utilities Commission. For more information, visithttp://www.voiceoptions.org/
Who qualifies for a demonstration and short-term loan? Californians who are not able to speak or have difficulty speaking may borrow iPads with speech applications to determine if using an iPad increases their ability to communicate. Local Voice Options Demonstration Sites: ATEC Technology Specialist (714) 361.6200 or atec@ocgoodwill.org
TASK - 100 W. Cerritos Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92805 - (714) 533-8275 / task@taskca.org
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New Legislation to Ensure Safety for Those At Risk of Wandering
The Kevin & Avonte's Law will benefit those with autism, Alzheimer's Disease and other conditions that put them at risk for wandering. Learn more about the law here
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Regional Center of Orange County Resources
The Regional Center of Orange County California has a website with links to many local resources for families. You can access that page at http://www.rcocdd.com/frc/ccfrc/resources/
The Comfort Connection provides additional support, information and brochures for programs and services. It is located to the right of the entrance at the Main Headquarters Office, 1525 North Tustin Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705
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Do You Have a Granddaughter in Orange County?
Hairstylist, Susan Kridner at The Salon & Spa at Americana, offers professional services to people with autism. Caregivers are welcome to coffee and cookies or services for themselves while they wait. Reservations are required 714-785-7978.
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Families Can Pool Resources for Disabled in ABLE Accounts!
Learn how you can contribute to ABLE accounts for your grandchild and how you can provide for future needs. Go here for additional information.
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Teach Your Grandchild How to Use the Phone
DialSafe Pro - can help to teach your grandchild proper phone usage and safety. It is an app that lets them actually practice it! DialSafe is designed to teach critical skills in a kid friendly manner through the use of animated lessons, skill-building games, practice sessions, and a realistic phone simulator. DialSafe helps provide a comprehensive learning experience in a safe environment where the child can both explore and learn. It is used by teachers, police officers, and parents.
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Prepare for Emergencies
Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find, and any one of them could save your life. Headed to the store? Download a printable version to take with you. Once you take a look at the basic items, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets, or seniors.
After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
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Beware of Bogus Claims for Cures and Treatments
Food and Drug Administration is cautioning that many products claiming to cure or treat autism are bogus and may in fact be dangerous. FIND OUT MORE
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Bullying Resources for Families
Children with autism are more vulnerable to bullying. The Pacer National Bullying Prevention Center and Autism Speaks' have some excellent resources about how to prevent and deal with bullying.
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Autism In Girls
A new study that looks at the male-female differences in autism; girls appear to have different symptoms and may be under-diagnosed. READ MORE
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Cost-Free Membership in GAN is Available to Grandparents Everywhere!
Sign up here to receive the next copy of GAN's e-Newsletter. Newsletters focus on grandparents and offer suggestions about how they can increase personal and community support for their families.
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Downsizing? Donate for GAN's eBay Site and Support our Efforts! Proceeds benefit families affected by autism. Learn how you can help here. To donate items in good condition or to buy from our eBay site go here
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Looking for more grandparent support? Learn how to find other grandparents who share your concerns and start a new, cost-free group in your community. Find out how to do it here.
