Calif. bill would end use of ‘mentally retarded’

PRESS ENTERPRISE — Lawmakers want California to join the federal government and 42 other states in ending use of the term “mentally retarded.” Read More  Read More

David and Zach’s Quest to Sac

BAKERSFIELD – Hello, my name is David Mensch.  I was born in 1960 as the second oldest of four kids and I have Cerebral Palsy.  When I arrived I was not breathing and was given CPR for five minutes before I started breathing on my own.  Afterwards, the doctors told my parents that I would have brain damage and that they should put me away in a home.  Despite my condition,... Read More

Federal study estimates 1 in 88 children has symptoms of autism

WASHINGTON POST – The new CDC incidence rate for autism moves the prevalence up from 1:110 to 1:88. The survey covered 14 states (California was not included) and found a 5:1 predominance in boys versus girls. Regional spikes suggest “better identification of autism contributes to the higher number.” The trend of increased diagnosis holds for Canada and Western Europe.... Read More

Living disabled by cuts: Those in need of care, caregivers on budgetary roller coaster ride

THE RECORD SEARCHLIGHT – At first glance, Cindy Monaghan’s Redding home seems nothing out of the ordinary. Books sit stacked on an end table. Pink flowered curtains are slightly parted to show the rain-slick pavement of the street outside. Spot, Monaghan’s faithful dog, lies curled up on the floor by her feet. But the halls and doorways are a wider than normal,... Read More

HHS announces new members of the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL – Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today that she has invited 15 individuals to serve as public members on the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC).  Read More  Read More

Puppies, reptiles bring smiles to Ability First in Claremont

PRESS ENTERPRISE – Furry puppies and scaly lizards didn’t just bring smiles to the children at Ability First on Monday.They brought confidence. Read More  Read More

‘For Once In My Life’ Featured In 2012 American Film Showcase

WALL STREET JOURNAL - State Department Selects Documentary Showing How People with Disabilities Work to Inspire Audiences. For Once in My Life, a film about The Spirit of Goodwill® Band, a musical group made up of program participants from Goodwill Industries of South Florida (Miami), is one of 29 films selected for the 2012 American Film Showcase. Read More  Read More

Community replaces disabled woman’s stolen wheelchair

PRESS ENTERPRISE – Phillip and Mildred Wright sit with their 41-year-old daughter, Malaika. Community members have donated a wheelchair and money for a custom wheelchair after Malaika’s was stolen from outside their Moreno Valley home on Tuesday, March 20, 2012. Read More  Read More

World Autism Awareness Day is April 2

AUTISM SPEAKS - Last year, more than 70,000 people pledged to Light It Up Blue to shine a light on autism for World Autism Awareness Day.  Join Autism Speaks as we celebrate on April 2.  Whether it’s your front porch or city hall, an office party or a banquet, the whole world is going blue to increase awareness about autism. Read More  Read More

L.A. Marathon Charities – Team ARC

KTLA Channel 5 – Watch a short video of KTLA’s Gayle Anderson interviewing members of Team ARC, which includes individuals with a developmental disability, as they get ready to run the L.A. Marathon. View here  Read More