MMR doctor Andrew Wakefield fixed data on autism

The Sunday Times (February 8, 2009)-Confidential medical documents and interviews with witnesses have established that Andrew Wakefield manipulated patients’ data, which triggered fears that the MMR triple vaccine to protect against measles, mumps and rubella was linked to the condition.

The research was published in February 1998 in an article in The Lancet medical journal. It claimed that the families of eight out of 12 children attending a routine clinic at the hospital had blamed MMR for their autism, and said that problems came on within days of the jab. The team also claimed to have discovered a new inflammatory bowel disease underlying the children’s conditions.

However, our investigation, confirmed by evidence presented to the General Medical Council (GMC), reveals that: In most of the 12 cases, the children’s ailments as described in The Lancet were different from their hospital and GP records.

To view the entire article, please click on the title/link above.

24th National Training Institute (NTI) Call for Proposals

ZERO TO THREE’s NTI is a comprehensive and multidisciplinary conference that focuses on cutting-edge child development research, best practices, and policy issues for infants, toddlers, and families. Our 24th NTI will be held in Dallas, Texas, December 4-6, 2009, with a pre-institute on December 3.

We are currently seeking proposals to be featured in presentations or posters that align with the following topic areas (Deadline February 27th, 2009):

• Policy
  
• Research
  
• Clinical Practice
  
• Training and Professional Development
  
• Program Design and Management/Leadership
  
• Child Development and Health
  

Visit the ZTT NTI website: www.zttnticonference.org or click on the title above, for more information and to submit proposals.

South Carolina Assistive Technology Expo 2009

South Carolina Assistive Technology Expo 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
Columbia, South Carolina

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
NO PRE-REGISTRATION NECESSARY

Session 1 – 9:30 – 10:30 am

The Real World:

Demonstrations of how assistive technology is used to access web pages, and common barriers experienced by users. Facilitated by Janet Jendron: Demonstrations by Clay Jeffcoat (JAWS), Sam Creech (Headmouse and Augmentative Communication), Grace Strother (ZoomText). Jonathan Cruce, SCVR (Technical Support and Challenges)

E-books!

Free e-book resources. Using them to help build language and literacy skills. How text can be speech-enabled and accessed online, downloaded or used with readily available text readers. Bookshare, Microsoft Reader, University of Virginia ebooks, Browser Books and CAST UDL Book Builder. Mary Jo Schneider, Stacy Springer, Susan Maloney, AT Specialists, SC Department of Education

Assistive Technology, Supported Living and Employment:

Focus on individuals over the age of 18 with Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Intellectual disabilities, and Autism. Meghan Trowbridge, Susan Davis, Kristi Hartwell, Supported Community Living Initiative, USC Center for Disability Resources

Workplace Strategies and Solutions for People with Learning Disabilities:

AT strategies and solutions that have worked to promote success in the workplace. Overview of word prediction, screen reading, speech input, handheld technologies, GPS solutions, ergonomics and customized employment approaches. Carolyn Phillips and Liz Persaud, Georgia Tools for Life

Recycling and Reutilization in SC:

Overview of SC opportunities for pickup, delivery, and online services to get and provide used assistive technology. Overview of the STAR network services, Portlight Strategies Services, and the online SC AT Exchange, Paul Timmons (Portlight), Tiffany Johnston (Walton Options, STAR), Catherine Graham (SC AT Exchange)

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Session 2 – 11:30 – 12:30 am

Ideas to Layout:

Beginning web layout using Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). Basic ideas, practices, tools and resources for designing a tableless web site using CSS. How CSS affects a site's accessibility and usability. CB Averitt, Florence-Darlington Technical College

Cortical Visual Impairment:

A Look at what it is, who has it, and what we can do about it. Designing treatment strategies, selecting materials, and engineering therapy activities to support individuals with CVI. Sharon Steed, AnMED Health

AT Consideration for Students in K-12 School Systems:

Comparison of consideration vs. assessment? Five-step process on thoughtful consideration of whether or not students with disabilities require AT. Ways for the IEP team to accomplish this at every meeting. Sue Maloney, Stacy Springer, Mark Daniels, AT Specialists, SC Department of Education

Assistive Technology for Computer Access:

Overview and demonstration of high and low tech methods and technology used for computer access by persons with physical disabilities. Carolyn Phillips and Liz Persaud, Georgia Tools for Life

Assistive Technology and Employment Options: How AT helps returning to or continuing employment:

Wheel chair accessibility and workplace modifications. SCVR’s Telework Program. Barbara Jolly, Tom Jackman, SC Vocational Rehabilitation

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Session 3 – 2:00 – 3:00 pm

Basics of Web Accessibility and Usability:

What makes web pages inaccessible to people who use assistive technology due to disabilities or age-related limitations? Tools for designing accessible and usable web sites. Wendy Mullin, USC, Cheryl Kirkpatrick, Midlands Technical College

Low-tech seating and positioning solutions for real-life situations:

Seating needs of children including those with autism, attention deficit disorder, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and Down Syndrome. Interactive problem solving for seating challenges. Review of a wide variety of low tech seating systems. Kathy Ganley, Abundant Life Physical Therapy

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices and Strategies for Adults with Communication Problems:

Issues and communication problems unique to the adult population. Low tech strategies and multimodal communication systems. Carol Page O’Day, SCATP

Post Secondary Education and AT:

New L.I.F.E. programs at USC, Clemson, and Coastal Carolina University and the impact of assistive technology as it relates to the students success. Meghan Trowbridge, Supported Community Living Initiative, USC Center for Disability Resources, Emma Savage-Davis and Gayle Disney, Coastal Carolina University

Assistive Technology Solutions for People with Degenerative Neurological Disorders (DND):

Basics of the process for people with permanent stable and permanent degenerative DND (e.g., Huntington’s Disease, Muscular Dystrophy, ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injuries, Traumatic Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, AIDS, stroke). AT Solutions, the HEAaT Model, and team approaches. Resources and Funding. Carolyn Phillips and Liz Persaud, Georgia Tools for Life

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Return to the Expo 09 page
Read biographies of our presenters

Sponsored by the South Carolina Assistive Technology Program at the USC School of Medicine Center for Disability Resources, the SC Department of Education, the SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, the SC Association for Educational Technology, Mid-Carolina AHEC, Inc., and the SC Assistive Technology Advisory Committee, Division of State Information Technology (DSIT), SC Budget and Control Board.

South Carolina Assistive Technology Program
USC School of Medicine • Center for Disability Resources
University Center for Excellence, Columbia SC 29208

located at Midlands Center, 8301 Farrow Road, Columbia SC 29203
(803) 935-5263 • (803) 935 5342 fax • (800) 915-4522 toll free

This page was updated on January 8, 2009

If you have problems accessing this website, please contact Janet Jendron at jjendron@usit.net or complete ourwebsite feedback survey, which will help us improve the content and accessibility of this site.

To View the Entire Article, Please Click on the Title Above

Introduction to Web Site Accessibility and Usability

Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Introduction to Web Site Accessibility and Usability
10 am - 12 pm
Fast Forward Community Technology Center
3223 Devine Street
Columbia SC, 29205

Trainers: Wendy Mullin, Web Developer, USC University Technology Services, Janet Jendron, SCATP

Can people with disabilities and age related limitations access and use your web site? What does the law say? What are common web access barriers for people who use assistive technology to read a web site? How can these barriers be prevented and addressed? This training is targeted to non-profit organizations but would be useful to anyone designing web sites. This training is interactive and participants will have hands-on experience using accessibility tools. Space is limited to no more than 30. 

To register for this training contact Fast Forward, Dee Albritton, at 803-343-2577 or dee@fastforwardctc.com

Introduction to the knfbReader Mobile

Thursday, February 19, 2009
Introduction to the knfbReader Mobile
1:00  1:30 PM

Location: Poplar Conference Room, Midlands Center, Columbia, SC
Presenter: Edna Beard  Quintex of Asheville, knfbReader Mobile Distributor in the Carolinas

The knfbReader Mobile is a phone that reads to you  a truly pocket-size solution to reading on the go.  This is a major advancement in portability and functionality of print access for blind, the visually impaired, and those with reading difficulties.  The knfbReader Mobile and kReader Mobile software packages run on a multifunction cell phone which allows the user to read mail, receipts, handouts, and many other documents wherever the user happens to be.  The knfbReader Mobile software has a feature set which is designed for use by blind or low-vision users.  The kReader Mobile is designed for users who have difficulty reading due to learning or language problems.  The presenter will demonstrate the functions of this truly amazing technology.

Active Learning and Study Strategies using the Kurzweil 3000 Software
1:30  3:00 PM

Location: Poplar Conference Room, Midlands Center, Columbia, SC
Presenter: Edna Beard  Quintex of Asheville,
Kurzweil Consultant and Distributor in the Carolinas 

If you already have Kurzweil 3000 or are just thinking about purchasing it  this workshop will help to clarify just how the Kurzweil 3000 can be used to help struggling students.  The Kurzweil 3000 is a content-independent reading, writing, and learning software.  It is used in elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and colleges and universities to help students succeed in the classroom regardless of their curriculum or lesson plans.

The attendees will be shown activities using the Kurzweil 3000 to teach learning strategies for pre-reading skills, vocabulary development, active reading strategies, writing and proofreading, and test taking skills.  In demonstrating these activities the presenter will be providing an overview of how this product can be used with any struggling student.

Educators and independent research have demonstrated that Kurzweil 3000 provides not only the tools students need to improve their reading speed and comprehension, but also the features that make it possible for them to learn and study independently.  Each attendee will receive a demo copy of the Professional Color software, a product overview brochure, and a copy of the “Summary Report of the Iowa Text Reader Longitudinal Study 2006-2007”.

To register for these workshops: 

Option 1: Complete the online registration form at http://www.sc.edu/scatp/forms/trainingregform2-19-09.html 
Option 2: Email Sally Young at Sally.Young@uscmed.sc.edu . 
Option 3: Call Sally Young at (803) 935-5263 or 800-915-4522. 
Option 4: Fax your registration information to (803) 935-5342. Please include your name, organization, address, email address, phone number. 
These workshops are free of charge, but limited to 16 attendees.

Insulin Is A Possible New Treatment For Alzheimer's

ScienceDaily (Feb. 3, 2009) — A Northwestern University-led research team reports that insulin, by shielding memory-forming synapses from harm, may slow or prevent the damage and memory loss caused by toxic proteins in Alzheimer's disease.

The findings, which provide additional new evidence that Alzheimer's could be due to a novel third form of diabetes, will be published online the week of Feb. 2 by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

To View the Entire Article, Please Click on the Title Above

New Pathway Is Common Thread In Age-related Neurodegenerative Diseases

ScienceDaily (Jan. 31, 2009) — How are neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's initiated, and why is age the major risk factor? A recent study of a protein called MOCA (Modifier of Cell Adhesion), carried out at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, provides new clues to the answers of these fundamental questions.

Under normal circumstances, MOCA is a key member of the squadron charged with keeping Alzheimer's disease at bay. A team of researchers led by Salk professor David Schubert, Ph.D., demonstrated what happens when MOCA goes on furlough. In the process Schubert identified a novel pathway with broad implications for both Alzheimer's and other age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

To View the Entire Article, Please Click on the Title Above

Changes in IDEA involve parents' rights

Pacesetter (Winter 2009) -- New regulations of the federal Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) became effective Dec. 31, 2008. IDEA provides a free, appropriate public education for children with disabilities.

Two changes of particular importance to parents of children with disabilities involve:

• a parent’s right to revoke consent for special education and related services

• representation of parents and schools by non-attorneys in due process hearings

Since the passage of the first special education laws in 1975, parents have had the right to withdraw consent for special education services. However, school districts also had the right to contest the parent’s decision.

The new regulations allow parents to revoke their consent for special education and related services and require the school district to comply with the parent’s request for the student’s removal from special education. Consequently, schools will not be able to challenge a parent’s decision through mediation or due process hearing.

To View the Entire Article, Please Click on the Title Above

Vaccines And Autism: Many Hypotheses, But No Correlation Found

ScienceDaily (Feb. 1, 2009) — An extensive new review summarizes the many studies refuting the claim of a link between vaccines and autism.  The review, in the February 15, 2009 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases and now available online, looks at the three main hypotheses and shows how epidemiological and biological studies refute these claims.

“When one hypothesis of how vaccines cause autism is refuted, another invariably springs up to take its place,” said study author Paul Offit, MD, of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.  Fears about vaccines are pushing down immunization rates and having a real impact on public health, he added.  Vaccine refusal is contributing to the current increase in Haemophilus influenzae cases in Minnesota—including the death of one child—and was a factor in last year’s measles outbreak in California.

The controversy began with a 1998 study in The Lancet that suggested a link between the combination measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism.

To View the Entire Article, Please Click on the Title Above

Teenage depression to be tackled in class

The Observer (Jan. 25, 2009) -- Group therapy sessions are to be introduced to classrooms to help adolescents avoid succumbing to depression. More than 7,000 teenagers, aged between 13 and 16, will take part in the £1m government-funded trial.

Based on research carried out in Australia, the pioneering scheme is particularly aimed at reducing the number of teenagers, currently estimated at 20%, who are classed as high risk. It will be introduced initially into schools in Bath, Bristol, Nottingham and Swindon.

The three-year study aims to identify the best method for schools to tackle teenage mental health issues. If successful it is hoped the programme can be extended throughout the UK.

To View the Entire Article, Please Click on the Title Above

Participatory Action Research Webinar-Save the Dates!!

SAVE THE DATES!!!!

Please join the
Center for Disability Resources
Consumer Advisory Council
for a
“Participatory Action Research Webinar”

Tuesday, March 3, 2009 (Part I)
AND
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 (Part II)
2:00-5:00 PM

Palmetto Health Family & Preventive Medicine
2nd Floor Main Conference Room
3209 Colonial Drive
Columbia, SC 29203

Abstract: You can involve people with disabilities and their families in conducting meaningful research to improve lives and communities. This type of research is called participatory action research. Universities, non-profit agencies and clinics have all found ways to include people from the disability community in finding the answers to important questions about services, systems and strategies. Using material from the National PAR toolkit developed through funding from the Administration on Developmental Disabilities, our speakers Dean Westwood and Cathy Haarstad will provide a thoughtful, humorous and easy-to-follow overview of why agencies should get involved in research and why and how to involve people with disabilities and their families. If you are working at a UCEDD, non-profit agency, school or health care clinic, this training will introduce you to the basics and benefits of planning and conducting participatory action research.

To register by February 17th contact Karen Irick at 803.935.5222
or
Karen.Irick@uscmed.sc.edu.


Presented by the North Dakota Center for Person with Disabilities

Sponsored by the University of South Carolina Center for Disability Resources

Stem cell stroke therapy assessed

BBC News (Jan. 18, 2009) -- A Glasgow team is to launch a major trial to assess whether stem cells can be used to treat stroke patients, the BBC has learned.
They hope it will put the UK at the forefront of developing stem cell therapy for incurable disease.

Cells made from a human foetus will be injected into patients' brains.
It is hoped the cells will regenerate areas damaged by stroke, and increase patients' movements and mental abilities.

The trial, due to start in the middle of this year, will initially involve four groups of three patients over two years.

Doctors are primarily testing the safety of the procedure but there is the possibility that some patients may benefit from the treatment.

To View the Entire Article, Please Click on the Title Above

Scientists See Brain Aging Before Symptoms Appear

ScienceDaily (Jan. 7, 2009) — UCLA scientists have used innovative brain-scan technology developed at UCLA, along with patient-specific information on Alzheimer's disease risk, to help diagnose brain aging, often before symptoms appear. Published in the January issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, their study may offer a more accurate method for tracking brain aging.

Researchers used positron emission tomography (PET), which allows "a window into the brain" of living people and specifically reveals plaques and tangles, the hallmarks of neurodegeneration. The PET scans were complemented by information on patients' age and congnitive status and a genetic profile.

To View the Entire Article, Please Click on the Title Above