McKinney ISD to host "Autism University" workshop this Saturday

Dallasnews.com: McKinney ISD will host a free Autism University from 8:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Saturday April 18th at Faubion Middle School, 2000 Rollins St. Speakers will present topics such as guardianship, transitioning to middle school and self-advocacy. Child care is available, but call 469-742-6300 by Thursday.

Summer Fun: Camps and Activities for Special Needs Kids

Time to start making summer plans? Here is a great article on autism/special needs summer camps and activities in the DFW area.

Surviving the Easter Holiday

Examiner.com article: "Surviving Easter holidays with autism, other special needs kids" (click to read)

New Feature: Events Calendar!

See post below. The calendar will be updated regularly, and there will be a permanent link to it on the page (see sidebar). It will feature local events such as workshops and seminars, fundraisers, and family activities.

If you would like to add your event to the calendar, or if any of the information on this calendar is incorrect, please email me at: dallasspectrum at gmail dot com.

EVENTS CALENDAR

Click on the event, then click "more details" for event information.
If you would like to add your event to the calendar, or if any of the information on this calendar is incorrect, please email me at: dallasspectrum at gmail dot com.

Local News: Coverage of the Voucher Bills

The Houston Chronicle featured an AP article today on the school voucher bill debate: Proposals to give private school vouchers to children with disabilities provoked heated debate in the Texas Legislature on Tuesday, as educators, parents and lawmakers weighed in on the controversial issue (click to read)

Texas Legislation Update: Heated Debate Over School Vouchers for Kids With Disabilities

Today the Texas legislature debated two bills that would allow Texas children with disabilities to attend private schools.

Senate Bill 1301 by Sen. Florence Shapiro, R-Plano, would provide vouchers for students with autism and autism spectrum disorder.

SB 183 by Sen. Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands, would create a broader voucher program for students with disabilities.

The Associated Press reports:

At a hearing on the bills in the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday, Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, pounded on his desk as he berated opponents and urged them to "pray about" the families who aren't receiving proper instruction from public schools.

Proponents of the programs say private schools would provide better options for children with disabilities, such as autism. Opponents call the plan an unwise diversion of public resources and say it would strip schools of the ability to educate special needs children who don't qualify for a voucher.

What do you think?