Giraffe cover photo for new children’s book, ‘Rozanne Travels to Africa to Kiss a Giraffe,’ was selected by children of Jubilee JumpStart preschool in Washington, DC.

To kiss a giraffe!! Who gets to do THAT? I know children from all around the world will lap up this book which speaks directly to THEM!

WASHINGTON (PRWEB)
November 06, 2019

A new children’s book, “Rozanne Travels to Africa to Kiss a Giraffe “breaks new ground, taking children on three real wildlife journeys from the rain forests of Borneo to many countries in Africa.

Rather than wonderful illustrations and imaginary situations in most children’s books, the book features the author’s full color iPhone animal photos and her personal experiences—despite challenging disabilities.

Author Rozanne Weissman sought input of children 2-9. Result: additions of questions, explanations, emojis. Her major book-loving “book consultant,” age 3 1/2, wants to kiss a giraffe.

DISABILITY DILEMMA

The children’s book also breaks new ground in the disability area. Jubilee JumpStart bilingual infants-pre-K school in Washington, DC, asked its volunteer Weissman to write a book for children who love her wildlife travel stories, photos, and videos.

But HOW with permanent hand/wrist disabilities, vision issues, and no computer?

The award-winning marketing communications executive worked on voice activated computer software for employers and clients for 20+ years. Recently, Weissman’s doctor took her off computers.

Undeterred, the author produced the 36-page children’s book on her small iPhone 8 screen—dictated on Seri and laid out in the SimplePrints app with no typography options! And all that working with two disabilities.

So that children can identify with her as the child in the book and dream big, the book starts when Rozanne was a little child who loved watching wildlife and nature. When she grew up, it wasn’t enough to see wild animals in films and TV, the author longed to see animals where they lived—in the wild.

“Rozanne put the same passion into her children’s book as she did into the highly successful launch and rapid growth of Discovery, Inc.’s Animal Planet Channel,” observes W. Clark Bunting, former president of both Animal Planet and Discovery Channels.

The author first travels to Borneo to see her favorite animal—intelligent, red-haired orangutans. The book includes surprising photos of Siswi—the diva of Camp Leakey who didn’t like other females—either orangutans or humans. Siswi stands eye-to-eye, and nose-to-nose with the author. Weissman traveled with the world’s leading primatologist on orangutans, Dr. Birute Mary Galdikas. Compares Weissman: “It was like traveling with Jane Goodall to learn about chimpanzees.”

That’s the start of three amazing wildlife trips—others to see elephants, elusive leopards, penguins, orphaned baby elephants, and giraffes renowned for kissing.

Dancy Mills, daughter of the first owners of Giraffe Manor who brought two young endangered Rothschild giraffes to live there and founders of the Giraffe Centre—posts a five star review of Rozanne’s book on Amazon:

“To kiss a giraffe!! Who gets to do THAT? I LOVED Rozanne Weisman’s new children’s book, “Rozanne Travels to Africa to Kiss a Giraffe!” It’s absolutely charming & just perfect for the level of children’s understanding & their sense of awe. BRAVA Rozanne! You’ve really got a winner on your hands. I know children from all around the world will lap up this book which speaks directly to THEM! And I hope it makes it into multiple languages for that very purpose. I’d love to see it become a New York Times best seller, because it’s also a joyful & fascinating book, even for an adult.”

Rozanne Weissman

Rozanne Weissman & Associates

rozanneweissman.com/

202-904-4490

RWCommerce@gmail.com

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“All of us share the same needs,” said Elaine Katz, “for independence, self-sufficiency, and the opportunity to contribute our talents to society through work that sustains us personally as well as financially.”

EAST HANOVER, N.J. (PRWEB)
November 05, 2019

Elaine E. Katz, MS, CCC-SLP, senior VP of grants and communications at Kessler Foundation, received the Humanitarian of the Year Award from Community Access Unlimited. The award was presented at the organization’s Annual Gala Dinner Dance at the Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott on October 24, 2019.

Katz was one of three members of the community recognized at the event, which marked Community Access Unlimited’s 40th year of service to the disability community. Stephen Hehl of the law firm Hehl and Hehl received the Public Leadership Award, and community organizer Arthur “Skip” Winter was honored with the Ira Geller Award for volunteerism.

“All of us share the same needs,” noted Katz, “for independence, self-sufficiency, and the opportunity to contribute our talents to society through work that sustains us personally as well as financially. Partnering with organizations like Community Access Unlimited enables Kessler Foundation to invest in programs that help people with disabilities attain their goals. I am honored to accept this award from those who share our mission,” she said. “Together, we will continue to change the marketplace and increase the participation of people with disabilities in competitive integrated employment.”

Rodger DeRose, president and CEO of Kessler Foundation commented: “At the Foundation, we prioritize employment as the pathway to independence for people with disabilities. With Elaine’s leadership, our grant making program has provided nearly $45 million to support the proposals of local and national partnerships for effective and sustainable employment programs. This award is most fitting since her influence in the field extends well beyond the individuals who benefit from these programs,” he emphasized, “allowing us to leverage dollars and human capital to stimulate new ideas that may be models for policy change.”

For more than 25 years, Katz has worked with non-profit organizations in the areas of board development, fundraising, marketing, and business development. Katz often speaks about innovative practices for employing people with disabilities, and is the author/co-author of articles and papers on related topics. She currently serves on the board of directors of JESPY House, New Jersey Association of People Supporting Employment First (NJAPSE), Essex/Newark Disabilities Issues Committee, and on the program committee of the Council of NJ Grantmakers. She is also an appointed member of Empower NYC Advisory Board, Workforce Matters National Steering Committee, ReelAbilities NY Advisory & Council, ReelAbilities 2019 Selection Committee and the NJ Veterans and Community Collaborative Network. Her awards and recognitions include the GiGo Fund Civilian of the Year Award, Community Options’ Betty Pendler Award, and the Jespy House Award for Leadership.

About Community Access Unlimited

Community Access Unlimited (CAU), celebrating its 40th year in 2019, supports people with special needs in achieving real lives in the community. CAU gives a voice to adults and youth who traditionally have little power in society, assisting its members with housing, life skills, employment, money management, socialization and civic activities. CAU also supports opportunities for advocacy through training in assertiveness, decision-making and civil rights. Currently serving more than 5,000 individuals and families, CAU continues to grow each year. For more information about CAU and its services, contact us by phone at 908.354.3040, info@caunj.org or by mail at 80 West Grand Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202.

About Kessler Foundation

Kessler Foundation, a major nonprofit organization in the field of disability, is a global leader in rehabilitation research that seeks to improve cognition, mobility, and long-term outcomes – including employment – for people with neurological disabilities caused by diseases and injuries of the brain and spinal cord. Kessler Foundation leads the nation in funding innovative programs that expand opportunities for employment for people with disabilities. For more information, visit http://www.KesslerFoundation.org.

Contacts:

Carolann Murphy, PA; 973-324-8382; CMurphy@KesslerFoundation.org

Rob Gerth, 973.323.3675; RGerth@KesslerFoundation.org

For more information on Kessler Foundation’s research, visit KesslerFoundation.org.

Facebook | http://www.facebook.com/KesslerFoundation

Twitter | twitter.com/KesslerFdn

YouTube | http://www.youtube.com/user/KesslerFoundation

iTunes & SoundCloud | soundcloud.com/kesslerfoundation

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MCDONOUGH, Ga. (PRWEB)
November 05, 2019

Jean Barrett Groves, who has worked to help others with disabilities learn how to live and work independently in their communities, has completed her new book “Touch Me! I’m for Real”: an emotional work that unveils her experience as an African American woman with dual disabilities. In a deeply personal way, she attempts to put others in touch with what it feels like to be her.

Jean writes, “I summoned whatever I had in me, used my ghetto beginnings to push against, and then propelled forward. I completed my education, developed a teaching career in the NYC public schools, and bought a house. I felt like I was finally “somebody.” A health issue came along and gave me a one-two punch. I became unable to walk and speak. I had to climb back up to acceptance and respectability and achieve normalcy. I asked myself, could I find a voice and still make a difference? This book is how I answered that. It is a story about finding strength, hope, and a higher quality of life.”

Published by Page Publishing, Jean Barrett Groves’ inspirational tale hopes to give insight to someone walking where she’s been, or desiring greater social awareness and sensitivity.

Retracing her family’s journey, she shares what she’s been through and what she gained. She traces her spiritual pilgrimage also and recounts the blessings God bestowed on her beginning with the legacy of faith left by her elders. She believes old-time religion can still help people to overcome in these changing times.

Readers who wish to experience this inspiring work can purchase “Touch Me! I’m for Real” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional, based full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create – not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex, and time-consuming issues, and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.

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Grammy winning classical guitarist joins the KSO for Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez

“One owns a curse, but shares a blessing.” — KSO Music Director James Cassidy

NEWPORT, Ky. (PRWEB)
October 30, 2019

The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra continues its flavorful, single barrel-esque 28th season with a musical proverb. Physical disabilities and handicaps afflict those in all walks of life. Yet those afflicted persevere, and many find success and acclaim through their talents and efforts, which begs the proverbial query — are these impairments a blessing or a curse?

The KSO explores three composers who overcame serious disabilities to pen great music. Swedish composer Allan Pettersson wrote 17 symphonies, but only completed five in his own hand before developing crippling Rheumatoid Arthritis, which further isolated him.

“The music forming my work is my own life, its blessings, its curses: in order to rediscover the song once sung by the soul.”

— Allan Pettersson

Pettersson’s foreboding Symphonic Movement opens the program with KSO associate conductor Thomas Consolo on the podium.

Joaquín Rodrigo was blind since the age of 3, yet he studied music and wrote it down in Braille. Rodrigo would then dictate each work subsequently to a copyist, note by note, instrument by instrument, modification by modification, to produce a score in musical notation. Afterwards, Rodrigo proceeded to make final corrections with the assistance of his wife.

His Concierto de Aranjuez has become one of the classic concerti of the 20th century, and its Adagio movement is one of the most beautiful in orchestral music. Grammy award-winning classical guitarist Jason Vieaux joins the KSO for Rodrigo’s concerto led by KSO music director James Cassidy.

Rounding out the program is Ludwig Van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 (Pastoral). Beethoven became afflicted with tinnitus and his hearing notably decreased after his Second Symphony. By the time of his Sixth Symphony his hearing was very limited, and the sounds of nature that he employed in his Pastoral symphony came from his earlier countryside strolls and recollections.

Whether these composers would have created the sublime music represented on this program were it not for their afflictions no one will ever know, but their output manifests itself as a blessing for the generations that have enjoyed them since. James Cassidy remarked about his program title — “One owns a curse, but shares a blessing. These composers never allowed their physical debilities to prevent their muse from being heard. I would say they are blessed, as are we to continue to share their gifts.”

The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra serves bestows many musical blessings at Notre Dame Academy at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, October 19, at NKU, Highland Heights, KY. Reserved seating tickets are $19, $27, $35 (children ages 6-18 are 50% off) and are available online at kyso.org, by phone —(859) 431-6216, or at the door.

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Thanks to the work of a dedicated and motivated team, we have ensured the right of Ohioans with disabilities to make their own decisions. That is perhaps our greatest contribution, and that is why DRO exists. It has been a fight the last 32 years, one that I have relished…

COLUMBUS, Ohio (PRWEB)
October 31, 2019

After more than twelve years as Executive Director of Disability Rights Ohio (DRO), Michael Kirkman is announcing his decision to retire, effective early 2020. Kirkman’s roots with the organization run deep, as he was Legal Director for its predecessor, Ohio Legal Rights Service, for 20 years before assuming the leadership position.

“I consider guiding the transition from a state-run organization – OLRS – to a non-profit, private organization – DRO – as one of my greatest accomplishments as Executive Director,” Kirkman said. “It took more than five years to move into the private sector, and since then I have watched the organization grow into a vibrant work environment dedicated to establishing and expanding the rights of Ohio residents with disabilities.”

Spearheading that transition is only one of Kirkman’s impressive successes. During his tenure, Disability Rights Ohio brought and resolved several major court cases, milestones in the fight to ensure that the rights of those with disabilities are recognized and honored. These include:

• A settlement in the class action lawsuit, filed by DRO, the law firm of Steptoe & Johnson, and The Bazelon Center against the State of Ohio, will shortly be submitted to the Court for approval. The comprehensive settlement agreement focuses on improving outcomes for students with disabilities by identifying specific steps school districts must take to maximize student achievement, including integration into the regular classroom, and emphasizing the use of assistive technology to boost learning. The ruling also includes strategies for improving the transition to post-secondary education for students with disabilities.
• Preliminarily approval of a comprehensive settlement agreement in the class action Ball v. DeWine suit, granted after more than three years of litigation. DRO, the law firm of Sidley Austin LLP, the Center for Public Representation (CPR), and attorney Sam Bagenstos brought the suit on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. As part of the settlement, the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) has agreed to continue and expand programs that will allow more people with developmental disabilities the option to live and work in their communities with the supports they need. DODD will expand options counseling and pre-admission counseling programs, maintain peer-to-peer and family-to-family programs, increase access to state-funded Individual Options waivers for people who choose a waiver, support and expand programs for integrated, affordable housing and integrated employment and day services, and continue follow-along visits for people after they have left their care facilities.
• A nationally recognized federal court opinion that led to resolution of a dispute between DRO and The Buckeye Ranch that advances a strong working relationship between the organizations as they seek to ensure the safety and care of children with disabilities. The settlement outlines DRO’s access authority and the means by which its advocates will conduct abuse and neglect investigations going forward, minimizing interference into residents’ schooling.

“I’ve worked closely with Michael for the past decade and became a member of the DRO Board five years ago, and it has been one of the greatest and most fulfilling experiences of my career,” said Jennilee Mohler, DRO Board of Directors President. “The growth in this organization has been astounding, and Michael’s ability to visualize change – and diligence in making it happen – has been inspiring. He not only has to deal with the day-to-day pressures involved in litigation, but also with external challenges such as keeping funding sustained and obtaining grants. I have watched DRO grow, expanding its staff to include a team of professionals dedicated to empowering people, no matter what their challenges. It has truly been an honor to work alongside Michael.”

The search to find Kirkman’s successor will begin immediately. The Board has established a Search Committee that will identify potential candidates and make recommendations on which should be interviewed by the full Board. Applications from both internal and external applicants are currently being accepted and may be submitted to execsearch@disabilityrightsohio.org through November 27, 2019.

“The most exciting experience has been to watch the way our work at DRO has truly transformed the lives of our clients,” Kirkman noted. “Those who might have been institutionalized 20 years ago because there were no other options now can live, work and worship in their communities. Thanks to the work of a dedicated and motivated team, we have ensured the right of Ohioans with disabilities to make their own decisions. That is perhaps our greatest contribution, and that is why DRO exists. It has been a fight the last 32 years, one that I have relished, and the fight will continue long after I’m gone. Thanks to everyone at DRO for allowing me to be part of the organization, I know you will continue to move forward.”

About DRO

Disability Rights Ohio is designated under federal law as the Protection and Advocacy System and Client Assistance Program for the state of Ohio. The mission of Disability Rights Ohio is to advocate for the human, civil and legal rights of people with disabilities in Ohio. Disability Rights Ohio provides legal advocacy and rights protection to a wide range of people with disabilities. Find more information at disabilityrightsohio.org.

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“We are grateful for the support of the MD Department of Education, Div. of Early Intervention for…this grant to better ensure that future special education teachers & general education teachers are prepared to teach in an inclusive classroom,” said Strickland, Associate Professor at Hood College.

FREDERICK, Md. (PRWEB)
October 29, 2019

The Maryland State Department of Education has awarded a grant of nearly $45,000 to Hood College to explore specially designed instruction in classrooms that are co-taught by general education and special education teachers.

Tricia Strickland, Ph.D., and Kristy Calo, Ph.D., both associate professors of education at Hood, are the leads on the grant. Through the grant, entitled “Specially Designed Instruction in a Co-Taught Classroom: Professional Development for Teacher Candidates, Mentor Teachers, and College Supervisors,” they hope to better prepare Hood’s teacher candidates to provide specially designed instruction to students with disabilities.

“We are so grateful for the support of the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Early Intervention / Special Education Services for awarding us this grant to better ensure that future special education teachers and general education teachers are prepared to teach in an inclusive classroom,” said Strickland.

Surveys and focus groups of teachers and administrators from approximately 25 Frederick County Public Schools will provide data regarding the skills and knowledge needed for teacher candidates to successfully include specially designed instruction in co-taught classrooms at the elementary and middle school levels. After analyzing this data, a professional development training manual and seminar will be developed. Teacher candidates, FCPS mentor teachers and college supervisors will be invited to attend the seminar and use the evidence-based strategies in their co-taught classrooms.

“This grant gives us the opportunity to ensure that our teacher candidates have the tools and skills they need to successfully meet the needs of all children in their future classrooms,” said Calo.

According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), special education means specially designed instruction, at no cost to the parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. Embedding specially designed instruction in co-taught classrooms provides students with disabilities access to and supports for achieving in the general education curriculum.

About Hood College

Hood College is an independent, liberal arts college, offering 28 bachelor’s degrees, four pre-professional programs, 19 master’s degrees programs, two doctorates and 10 post-baccalaureate certificates. Located in historic Frederick, near Washington, D.C., Baltimore and the I-270 technology corridor, Hood gives students access to countless internships and research opportunities.

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Members of The Arc Westchester Foundation with more than 20 culinary and beverage participants at “A Matter of Taste” on October 22 at the Glen Island Harbour Club. (Photo by: Eric Vitale Photography)

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N.Y. (PRWEB)
October 29, 2019

The Arc Westchester Foundation, which raises public awareness and financial resources for The Arc Westchester’s programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families, is pleased to announce that its 16th annual “A Matter of Taste” fundraiser was the largest in the Foundation’s history. More than 400 supporters attended the event, which took place on Tuesday, October 22 at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle. Nearly $440,000 was raised at this year’s event.

The evening featured delicious cuisine prepared by some of Westchester County’s finest chefs, accompanied by an assortment of fine wines, as well as a silent auction and IMPACT Gift/paddle raise. More than 20 culinary and beverage participants served attendees at this year’s event. For a full list, visit https://www.arcwestchester.org/amatteroftaste/restaurants-2/.

This year’s “A Matter of Taste” celebrated The Arc Westchester’s 70th anniversary of providing innovative programs and supports to individuals with I/DD and their families. During his remarks, Ruedi Laager, president of The Arc Westchester Foundation, honored the founding families who paved the way for the organization to grow and expand throughout its history.

“We stand on the shoulders of giants,” he said. “They laid the foundation for everything that we do today, and we would not be able to support 2,000 individuals every day without all the hard work they put forth 70 years ago.”

The evening featured two awards of recognition: the Family Partner Award and the Corporate Partner Award.

The Family Partner Award was bestowed upon The Kurzer Family. Over the years, The Kurzer Family has created many points of contact with The Arc Westchester. Diane and Alan, along with his company Tradition Energy, are generous supporters of The Arc Westchester Foundation, and their daughter Stephanie has worked in The Arc Westchester’s Children School for many summers. Most importantly, Diane has served as a registered nurse for the organization’s Residential Department for more than 20 years, serving as a liaison between doctors, staff and family, as well as training staff.

“I feel very attached to the residents and staff members of the homes that I work with,” she said. “It’s important to find something in common with those that we support, whether a love of animals or music, as a way to bond with them. I am proud to work for The Arc Westchester and my family is truly honored by this recognition.”

The evening’s second honoree was Daniel Molino from Grassy Sprain Longterm Care, Inc., who received the Corporate Partner Award for more than his two-decade long partnership with The Arc Westchester. Daniel has been actively engaged with the organization for 24 years, with his company providing all of the medications needed for individuals living in The Arc Westchester’s residences. Fueled by his passion for this special population, he designed innovative blister packaging for daily medications, creating a system that is convenient, accurate and safe.

“I am humbled by this honor and thrilled to be here tonight on behalf of all of us at Grassy Sprain Longterm Care, Inc.,” he said. “My interactions with organizations like The Arc Westchester, who provide care and support for individuals with special needs and their families, is the most rewarding work of my pharmacy career.”

For more information on The Arc Westchester, visit http://www.arcwestchester.org.

About The Arc Westchester Foundation

The Arc Westchester Foundation’s mission is to increase public awareness and to raise financial support from the community, generating income through long-term investments, and making contributions to support services for people with developmental disabilities served by The Arc Westchester. Visit http://www.arcwestchester.org.

The Arc Westchester is a chapter of The Arc USA and The Arc New York.

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Johns Hopkins All Children’s Law Enforcement Officer training program helps increase knowledge and awareness of autism spectrum disorder.

This training program will help officers recognize the signs of autism spectrum disorder and teach ways to successfully diffuse crisis situations

ST PETERSBURG, Fla. (PRWEB)
October 24, 2019

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital launched a unique training program to help law enforcement officers better respond to emergency events involving individuals on the autism spectrum. The day-long training features a classroom session and hands-on simulation involving trained medical actors. With an estimated 1 in 59 children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, the goal of the training program is to help officers recognize when individuals may be presenting with behaviors commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

“There have been so many incidents recently where law enforcement officers are unaware of the social communications deficits and restricted, repetitive behaviors commonly associated with ASD and these individuals are mistakenly viewed as a danger to themselves or others,” said Lauren Gardner, Ph.D., administrative director of the Autism Program and psychology internship training director at Johns Hopkins All Children’s. “This training program will help officers recognize the signs of autism spectrum disorder and teach ways to successfully diffuse crisis situations involving these individuals that might otherwise result in arrest or Baker Act.”

The simulation piece of the interactive training course allows officers to practice the skills they learn when responding to calls involving individuals with ASD. The simulation scenarios include a variety of incidents similar to those they are likely to encounter in their profession.

“The simulation component is what makes this training unique and we’re glad to have a program to help officers learn hands on skills in a safe environment where they can make mistakes and learn from them so they have a better response in the field,” said Jennifer Arnold, M.D., medical director for the Center for Medical Simulation and Innovative Education at Johns Hopkins All Children’s.

The program is funded by a $95,000 grant from the Cigna Foundation and is free for law enforcement attendees. The hospital offers the training session on its St. Petersburg campus every other month.

Learn more about the program and view a list dates for upcoming training sessions.

About Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg is a leader in children’s health care, combining a legacy of compassionate care focused solely on children since 1926 with the innovation and experience of one of the world’s leading health care systems. The 259-bed teaching hospital, stands at the forefront of discovery, leading innovative research to cure and prevent childhood diseases while training the next generation of pediatric experts. With a network of Johns Hopkins All Children’s Outpatient Care centers and collaborative care provided by All Children’s Specialty Physicians at regional hospitals, Johns Hopkins All Children’s brings care closer to home. Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital consistently keeps the patient and family at the center of care while continuing to expand its mission in treatment, research, education and advocacy. For more information, visit HopkinsAllChildrens.org.

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