Resources & Support
Posts tagged disabilities
Review: PBS Documentary The Vaccine War
May 10th
Nearly a year and a half ago my son was diagnosed with autism. Upon hearing the news, nearly every family member and friend would offer their support, and immediately follow up with a conversation about vaccines. (Coincidentally, the same week I told most of my family members about Patton, Jenny McCarthy happened to make an appearance on Oprah with her son, the vaccine topic was VERY fresh in everyone’s mind. )
I’m predicting I am not alone in this experience. It seems most people who have not know someone affected by autism have very little knowledge on the subject, and what they do know seems to be anti-vaccine related. PBS/Frontline was right on target by titling their documentary “The Vaccine War”. Vaccine’s are a hot-blooded issue, with vocal opponents and supporters fighting it out on talk shows, internet videos, and news outlets. Jenny McCarthy being the most well known and outspoken opponent of vaccines has plead her side of the case in the media, and has also authored or coauthored 3 books on the matter. Pro vaccine supporters lack a public figure to voice their opinion, however the Center for Disease Control, and other medical organizations and establishments, are firmly pro vaccines.
“The Vaccine War” does an excellent job in detailing the effectiveness, safety, and risks of vaccinations. Footage is shown of children who have been hospitalized for vaccine preventable diseases, and the clips are very heartbreaking. Most of these diseases are nearly eradicated, but due to an increase in people refusing vaccines, the diseases have begun to surface again. Parents who choose not to vaccinate seem to have little concern that their children could possibly contract any of the vaccine preventable diseases.
I feel both sides were given a fair chance to discuss their stance. Given that the physician (Dr. Andrew Wakefield) who originated the studies into autism/vaccine correlation (specifically the MMR vaccine), has had all of his studies discredited, I don’t feel the anti-vaccine group needed to be given any more opportunity to state their beliefs over scientific evidence. I feel the film is worthwhile viewing for any person who is questioning vaccinations, however I am anxious to see the debate put to rest. The cause of autism is still a big mystery, and it is time to focus research, money, and energy in other directions.
Further review reading (both pro and anti vaccine articles):
http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/2010/04/the_vaccine_war_a_review.php
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/tv/la-et-0427-vaccine-20100427,0,4863388.story
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jenny-mccarthy/ifrontlineis-the-vaccine_b_555785.html
http://daisymayfattypants.blogspot.com/2010/04/jennifer-margulis-poster-parent-for-me.html
Parent’s Toolbox Class
Feb 23rd
There will be a Free Parent’s Toolbox Class offered tonight (Tuesday, Feb. 23) for parents of a disabled child. ”Parenting & Supporting Parents With a Disabled Child” will be taught by Debbie Justice from 7-8 pm at the Washington County Children’s Justice Center located at 463 E. 500 S.
If you need child care services in order to attend this meeting, call the Family Support Center 674-5133 to prearrange care.
Please come if you can!
Start of a new year!
Jan 4th
Welcome to 2010 everyone! It was a busy holiday season, but we’re still here. Erik (the person writing this!) and his wife had a baby on the 16th of December, and with Christmas and New Years, it’s just been a overwhelming time. Plus, with our Autistic son not in school until tomorow, a new baby and our 4 year old home all day has had us have more than our hands full. But, things return to normal soon and we can continue to get Southern Utah Autism off the ground and going!
Next Support Group Meeting:
Everyone remember that our next meeting is on the 21st of January at 6:30pm, which is a Thursday. It will be in the DRMC South Campus on 400 East, on the bottom floor, across from the hospital cafeteria. We will be sending out a reminder email so everyone can plan and have babysitters and such.
Our plan is for this to be a consistent day, time, and place for the meetings. The 3rd Thursday of each month, at the “Old Hospital.” So if you can’t make it one month, you know that there will be more meetings coming up. Plus, this website will always have updates on additional meetings or other activities that are planned, so if you haven’t joined our email list let, fill out the little form on the right-hand side of the page and send us your email!
In The Learning Center news:
The Learning Center for Families has sent out their January Newsletter. They have some great news about additional funding and staff resources, it’s very exciting to see them getting support. Plus, it sounds like they have a new building in the works, so if you are not on their mailing list, click the link below to read their newsletter. We love TLC and hope to really be able to help people find them and take advantage of all the WONDERFUL services they offer!
Click to download: TLC January Newsletter
More News: The Division of Services for People with Disabilities has sent out a news announcement, summarized as:
Public Input Meeting – St. George, Utah
Friday, January 15th, 2010 – 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
IF YOU ARE RECEIVING SERVICES FROM DSPD?
IF YOU ARE WAITING TO RECEIVE SERVICES FROM DSPD?
IF YOU MIGHT APPLY FOR DSPD SERVICES IN THE FUTURE?
IF YOU SUPPORT AND INDIVIDUAL WITH A DISABILITY?
THIS MEETING IS FOR YOU!
PRESENTER: ALAN ORMSBY, Director of the Division of Services for People with
Disabilities (DSPD)
This presentation will be a unique opportunity for you to meet with the Director of DSPD. Participants will learn about and discuss the changes within DSPD and how those changes have or will impact families across Utah. Time for questions and answers will be set aside at the end of the presentation. The presentation will be from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location:
Washington County School District
121 West Tabernacle
St. George UT 84770
Board Room – Main Administration Building
See attached flyer: If you have questions or would like additional information concerning this meeting call Lori Giovannoni (801) 538-4182 or email Lori at lgiovann@utah.gov. Their website is located at http://www.dspd.utah.gov/
Click the link to download their flyer Big Changes at DSPD
Note from Southern Utah Autism: If you can attend this meeting, PLEASE DO. Meetings like this are historically under-attended, and we need to show the administrators and directors of services out there that WE EXIST and are very concerned about our disabled loved ones. I will be sending out an reminder email for this, so check your inbox soon!
Family To Family Network Activities
Dec 11th
As some of you know, in the past, the Family to Family Network has had some fun activities for children with disabilities and their families. Dana Ross and Marcee Edwards have done a wonderful job. However, now it is someone else’s turn. If you would be interested in being the Chair or Co-Chair, please contact Marcee Edwards and she will get you more information. Her email is mattnmarcee@q.com.
