Advocacy & Weekly Announcement

Weekly Announcement & Advocacy

Dear FCSN Members,

We are now approaching the end of our school year. This year, FCSN will replace nine (term ends in 2012) of the seventeen families on our Board of Directors. Eight of the nine positions will be determined by election; whereas the 9^th position will be appointed by the Board.

The election process will be divided into the following steps:

The Nomination and Election Committee will accept recommendation from all FCSN members from now till 4/1.
Committee will review the recommendation and also search for appropriate candidates. All candidates will be consulted in their interest to serve on FCSN Board. The final candidates will be confirmed by 4/15.
Ballot (including candidate introduction) shall be ready by 4/18.
Voting will be carried out from 4/21 to 5/12. Votes can be either cast to FCSN center or EBRG and SBRG. Ballots tallying will be on 5/13.
New Board of Directors will be announced on 5/14 by email and on FCSN web site.
The President election by New Board of Directors will be held at the following board meeting on 5/27 .
The President Inauguration and Board of Directors introduction will be held on 6/2 in FCSN Annual Meeting.

Please recommend the families who you think are eligible and can serve FCSN best as a Director for the coming 2 years. You can submit your recommendation to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before April 1, 2012.

If you have any further question, please feel free to contact Yee-Yeen Wang at (408) 892-0575. Your participation is necessary and important for FCSN. Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.

FCSN Nomination and Election Committee

1) FCSN Upcoming Events & More Camp Registration

a)This Saturday (5/12)4:30-6:20pm FREE East Bay Seminar: Effectiveness of Alternate Medical Treatment for Individauls with Autism, Speaker: Dr. Glen Elliott, MD, chief psychiatrist and director of Children Health Council

Place: FCSN Center: 2300 Peralta Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536

Children Classes and Dinner : ONLY available for registered East Bay Family Support Gathering families ( not available for walk-ins)

For Registered Support Gathering Members– We are celebrating Mother’s Day, yummy food and flowers. FCSN Moms, please come for the celebration.

Also, don’t miss signing up for FALL semester Family Support Gathering, sign up now with early bird discount.

b)YOU ARE INVITED: FCSN Annual Meeting/Family Day on Sat. 6/2; 4:30-8:30pm.FREE CHILDCARE TOO!!

A FREE Fun Event for all FCSN Members, Children & Friends. - Join as One Big Family to celebrate and build a brighter future for our special children.

For Family & Friends:Meet newly elected Board Members, President, and Program Directors, listen to heart-warming sharing, accomplishments and vision, enjoy delicious food, and BEST Entertainment by our lovely TALENTED special children and adults.

For Children:Fun Jump House, games, activities, videos and yummy food.

Date/Time:Sat. 6/2, 4:30-8:30pm

Place:Chinese American Cultural Center; 1269 Forgewood Ave., Sunnyvale.

Please RSVPto Rita Chen at 510-739-6900, ext.3305, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

c) FCSN Summer Sports Camp (swimming, basketball, soccer, summer camp and music camp now available on our website at www.fcsn1996.org)

d) More Save the Dates for FCSN events and activities, registration forms will be out soon:

- July 4^th Parade

- Sports Day: 7/22 9am – 1:00pm

- Familly Camping at Yin’s Ranch; 7/28- 7/29

- Badminton Camp: 8/13-8/24 Mon-Fri, 4:00 –5:00pm

- Musical Drama Camp: 8/16-8/19 at Fremont Center

- Basketball Program (Fremont Centerville) –To be Announced

2) California Budget Crisis – Join Us on CAPITOL ACTION DAY: Wed. May 30th- Governor’s May Revise (Budget) will be announced on May 14^th. There is $2 Billion more in deficit since January this year. Our Voices Make A Huge Difference for our Loved Ones with Special Needs in Sacramento. DDS Proposal to Cut $200 Million.

If we don't tell the legislators to STOP hurting our loved ones, WHO WILL? We are tired but Our Love for Our Children is Our Strength. Stand United & Be Our Children's Voices.

BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY AND BE COUNTED - BUS & LUNCH FREE
Join us for this year's Disability Capitol Action Day is May 30, Wed. FCSN will provide a bus to take us to Sacramento for the day and FREE Lunch. The bus will leave FCSN Fremont Center (2300 Peralta Blvd., Fremont) at 8:30 am sharp and return at 4:30 pm.

Please RSVP to me, Auntie Anna at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to save your spot(s).We want to fill up that bus!! If you live in the South Bay, you can meet the bus in Santa Clara at 7:30am; ask for details

3) PHP Autism Seminar Series Wednesdays 6:30-8:00pm

Wed, May 16, 2012Bringing ABA to Life

ABA has perhaps the greatest body of research among evidence-based practices for children with Autism. Unfortunately, ABA tends to conjure up images of a child sitting in a room, across the table from a therapist, with a never-ending stack of flash cards. This need not be so! ABA, when practiced correctly, is dynamic and holistic. ABA
can and should take place anywhere and everywhere, and can look completely
“natural.” We will discuss user-friendly ways to incorporate aspects of structured therapy sessions into “real life.” Both discrete trial and naturalistic interventions will be discussed for home and community settings.

Wed, May 23, 2012Social Skills – It’s Not Just About Playing with Toys

What are social skills?
Social skills impact everything from our ability to make friends, obtain and hold down a job, and stand in line at the store. We will define and discuss verbal and non-verbal components of social skills across a variety of settings. Social skills development is necessary! We will discuss user-friendly strategies to develop social skills in your children, from those who are non-verbal to those who are highly articulate.

Wed, May 30, 2012That’s Not My Child!

Children often behave differently at home or in the community than they do at school. Often this can lead to frustration, stress, or even conflict. Parents may seek help from their IEP teams, but when behaviors aren’t apparent at school, there is little that schools may do to help. Alternately, children may demonstrate terrific skills at home that the IEP team does not see at school. We will discuss possible reasons
that behaviors are so different between settings, how to help your child’s IEP team “see the light,” and how to overcome the behavior differential. We will also discuss resources to assist with remediating your child’s behaviors.

Creating Your Own Neighborhood Playgroup

Sat, Jun 2, 2012: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Are you seeking playmates/role models for your child?

Feel lost about how or where to begin?

Mouna Raad, Education and Inclusion Warmline Specialist and Trudy Marsh Grable, Director of Community and Family Services, and facilitator of a playgroup for own daughter.

We will explore the how to's and what if's of having a playgroup specifically designed for your child. With a little creativity you can create what you want for your child. Not a creative type? We have resources for you!

Cost: $5 for members and $10 for PHP non-members

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmpXNXoszVM

http://www5.esc13.net/lowincidence/docs/BTHArchive/bth09/Handouts09/Motriuk.pd
Denny de Harne (408)727-5775 x121 to register or register online at www.php.com

4) Don't Miss The Rhythm Makers and the Magic Makers Incredible Concert- Sat. June 9th at 7pm & Sun. June 10th, at 2 pm at Santa Clara High School Theater; 3000 Benton, Santa Clara. (featuring Recent Grammy Award songs)

Many of FCSN's talented musicians and dancers are also in Magic Makers. Please come enjoy this incredible concert and cheer for our friends. Tickets are $5 if purchased in advance or prepaid Will Call, otherwise, $10 at the door. Tickets may be purchased from me This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or Auntie Su-Fen Wu This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

5) FREE Event – SAVE the DATE:Disability Awareness Night at the San Jose Giants
This year's event will be on Friday. July 20, at the San Jose Municipal Stadium

6) Congratulations to 4 FCSN Chinese Mothers who will be receiving the Chinese Mothers of the Year award from Chinese Cultural Center this Sat. 5/5. Being a mother of a child with special needs is extremely challenging, add to this cultural stigma and family pressure, life is even more daunting. These FCSN mothers, besides helping their own children and families, volunteer their time to bring hope and support to many other children with special needs and their families.

Our award-winning moms this year are: Aunty Jennifer Li (mother of Alan & Vincent, co-founder of FCSN, volunteer-in-chief for 10 years), Aunty Mann-Ching Wang (mother of Tony, coordinator of South Bay summer camps, Respite services, Life Empowerment program, youth volunteer training), Aunty Yan-Sheng Lin ( mother of Sammy, our Beijing US-China Autism Concert /Art Exhibition coordinator & South Bay Gathering dinner coordinator) and Aunty Kaili Liao (mother of Julian & Anthony, coordinator of Art, ceramic, felt art, Chinese program, former coordinator of south bay afterschool program).

Congratulations!!

7) Wings Learning Center Autism Lecture:

"Top Ten Behavior Management Tactics for ASD,"will be led by Melissa Willa, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and founder and Executive Director of Gateway Learning Group. She has been working in the field over 15 years.Melissa will address behavioral issues such as following directions, making transitions, and decreasing meltdowns.

May 17, from 12-2:pmat Wings Learning Center: 411 Middlefield Road, Redwood City

Cost: $25

Contact: Karen at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 650-365-3250

8) College of Adaptive Arts Summer session open for registration

Early Registration: 5/1-5/14

General Registration: 5/15 and after

Fee for adult students: FREE, donations welcome

http://collegeofadaptivearts.org/programs/2012-summer-schedule.html?utm_source=CAA+Big+List&utm_campaign=0b2e9745b8-SummerSched4_27_2012&utm_medium=email

9) National Survey on Abuse of People with Disabilities– Important steps to improve how they are being treated.

The results will be shared with those who shape public policy and fund abuse-response programs (legislators), those who investigate and prosecute complaints of abuse (law enforcement), those who promote more effective protection and response systems (nonprofit advocacy groups), and most importantly, people with disabilities and their families.

Plesae Take the Survey Now
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/disabilityandabuse

10) FCSN Summer Classes & Camps

(A) South Bay

a) Class on Saturdays (except 5/19 & 5/26) through the Summer at FCSN South Bay Center: 3675 Payne Ave., San Jose 95117

1) Felt Art Class 1pm - 2pm

2) Ceramic/Painting Class 3-4pm

3) Chinese Class 3-4pm

Contact: Auntie Kaili at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

b) Life Empowerment Program (LEP) on Tuesdays 3pm - 6:30pm

Activities: Social skill class, pre vocational skills class, cooking class and small group activities ( Computer/iPad education program, OT, art, homework tutoring..)

Contact: Sherry Meng at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Mann Ching at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

c) South Bay Summer Camp & Music Camp

Date/Time: 7/23 - 8/10 Mon-Fri; 9am-4:30pm (extended hours available)

Place: 6345 Janary Way, West San Jose, 95129

Incredible Activities: (detail daily schedule at the end of this email announcement)

Dance/movement, art & craft, cooking, music, self help skills, social skills, pre-vocational skills, sport activities, field trips, and swimming. Outings & Fieldtrips via walking, public transportation, and Cupertino District School Bus.

Options: All 3 weeks or 2 weeks or 1 week or 1 day.

Contact Auntie Mann Ching for further information at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

d) New FCSN Chinese Music Class- Chinese Percussion at California Youth Chinese Symphony (CYCS) in Santa Clara.

New session will start from Jun 17 to Aug 5, the time is Sat. 10:30 - 11:30 AM

The fee is 100 for 8 classes for members. $125 for non-members

Contact Auntie Jessica Chen at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(B) East Bay

a) Ceramic/ Painting/ Felt Art Classon Sundays 3-4pm at FCSN Fremont Center: 2300 Peralta Blvd., Fremont 94536

The new summer section schedules are as followed:

May 6, 13, 20, ( no class on 27th, Memorial Day long weekend) June 3, 10, 17, 24 July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Material fee: 33 dollars 6 classes for ceramics 3 classes for art 3 classes for felt art & beading

Contact Auntie Jessica at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

b) Swimming Camp at Club Sport Fremont

6/25-8/23 various afternoon timeslots - Swim Camp (for ages 3 & up), 45 minutes swim lessons, registration form attached. No refunds or makeup classes. The spots are filling quickly, don't delay, register TODAY!

$50/kid/week (4 classes per week) and $75/kid/week for non-special needs siblings. Session 9 is FREE if you registered for all sessions #1 - #8.

Contact: Auntie Sally Wu at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

c) FCSN's Auntie Sally is also running/hosting a Golf Camp with our partner WHHS for special needs kids. Please contact her for the summer sessions Sally Wu at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

11) Santa Clara E-Soccer

E-Soccer is going to start again on May 5th. Spring season will end on June 23rd. Please visit website at www.e-soccer.org

Contact Cathy Wu Cell #408-218-9361 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

12) Stanford Autism Conference - Saturday, May 12, 2012.

Translating Science into Treatment is a one day conference.

This annual update will concentrate on promising scientific advances that can lead to improved treatment for children with an autism spectrum disorder. Parents, teachers, pediatricians, psychologists, caregivers, media and anyone with an interest in autism are invited to attend.

13) AbilityLinks.org

The Job Opportunity Website for Persons with Disabilities and Inclusive Employers, will be hosting its first Virtual Job Fair of 2012 from Monday, May 21 through Friday, May 25th.This week-long online recruiting event will match talented job seekers with disabilities to employment opportunities from entry level to technical and professional. The Virtual Job Fair is accessible 24 hours a day and registration is free to both job seekers and employers.

14) College of Alameda openings in College to Career program for students 20 or older and those exited out of the school system.

Attached are:

· Flyer with information about the C2C program to share with consumers

· Referral form for the case managers to complete

· Application form for the consumer to complete and return to us

15) Autism Awareness Month: We are back from Beijing!!! Seven of FCSN's Musicians and Artists to Rocked Beijing China

In China, the children with autism and other special needs are hidden and their families isolated invisible to society. Thanks to Auntie Lin (FCSN member) and FCSN's dream to spread awareness, hope, love and support to this population in China. We had 2 concerts. April 8 was the first US-China Joint Autism Concert and Art Exhibition. Our United States Deputy Ambassador to China, Dr. Robert Wang, attended. He proudly addressed the concert for FCSN initiated such a meaningful and goodwill event between the 2 countries. On April 9, our musicians performed at Beijing's High school Conservatory of Music. Both events were so successful and fruitful for all the participants and audience.

All the families in China were surprised by the talent of the children and young adults. Some families charged the stage to try to put their children up for a last minute additional performance. The goal of getting the families with autistic children to come out of "their closet" was very successful :)

------------------------------------------------------------------------

1) Cute autistic Chinese children dance. They looked to me like they came out of the birth delivery room and walked onto the stage :). Soooo Cute!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swKYMFx7EjA

2) Cute autistic Chinese boy sang "Mommy and Daddy Love Me Most"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jL5bFRikcw

3)Wei Jun's Erhu solo (from finalist of China's Got Talent) - He is from a different part of China and he was able to join this event because of Auntie Raincat's sponsorship. He was so good and so happy to join us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-SjC8_X5vo

4) Our Chris's Popping Dance

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8Q095_xXyM

5) Our Chiling's dulcimer solo - The General's Command

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc5seK1ZDLM

6) Our Samuel's Pipa Solo - Dance of the Golden Snake

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfpI1KWNnYs

7) Our Alice's piano solo - Un Sospiro, Lizst

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykZ_Er2f6qE

8) Our Lawrence sang the Beijing Love Story song Di Da Di

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPfMRF_y2ds

9) Our Dream Achievers' Michael Jackson Medley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iUnrPVt2_s

Enjoy!!

The trip is partially funded by China TV, FCSN, Auntie Raincat and her studio, and various donors.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers in making this "Autism Awareness Dream Project" such a success.

16) Unexpected Finding on Autism

UCSF, Stanford autism study shows surprises

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/07/04/MNG01K5FK7.DTL

New autism gene Article

http://news.usc.edu/#!/article/27019/usc-scientists-find-unexpected-new-autism-gene/

17) A Touching Video of a little Angel with Multiple Multiple disabilities on Youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=BfL2U0BJ48g&vq=medium#t=81

18) Morgan Autism Center Presents "Savvy Speakers" Social Skills Group Workshops

New Spring Group!

Do you have a child who struggles socially, monopolizes conversations, or struggles with the reciprocal nature of friendship? Savvy Speakers may be what you are looking for!

6 weeks 90 minute sessions Tuesdays, 3:30-5:00 pm

Start date: May 1st End date: June 5th

Cost $400 enrollment forms due by April 16th

Facilitated by:

Florence Fuller, PPSC, LMFT Consultant at Morgan Autism Center

Leah Manary, M.A., CCC-SLP Speech therapist, Morgan Autism Center

Erin Burklin, M.A., CCC-SLP Speech therapist, Morgan Autism Center

Diane Regonini, M.S., CCC-SLP Speech therapist, Morgan Autism Center

Location:Morgan Autism Center 2280 Kenwood Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128

For more information, please visit our website at www.morgancenter.org to download an enrollment form or call Lisa Sargent at 408.241.8161 to register.

19) Via Services News: Via is pleased to announce that our CSI theme for the summer is incredibly popular!

Based on this fact, we are opening Session One (June 4-10th) and Session Two (June 8-10th) for teens ages 13 and above to participate! If you have any questions regarding the program content or deadlines, please contact Molly, Sandy or Leslie at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - we are happy to help you, or REGISTER NOW!!!

20) Kaiser Ordered To Cover Developmental Therapy for Certain Patients

On Monday, the Department of Managed Health Care ordered Kaiser Permanente Foundation Health Plan to stop denying coverage to certain patients seeking occupational, physical and speech therapy, the Contra Costa Times reports.

21) Job Seekers With Disabilities Focus Of New Website

Tips for getting a job and keeping it are at the heart of a new government-funded website designed to help individuals with developmental disabilities become gainfully employed.
Visit the site at www.do2learn.com/JobTIPS/index.html

22) Budget Updates: Governor proposed to eliminate over $210 Million in funding for IHSS’s domestic work, such as cooking and cleaning. Stay tune for Action Alert to fight this heartless proposal.

23) Special Golf Lessons for FCSN special children - Our community partner WBSS is offering these lessons by professionals to our special kids.

Only $30 for 4 lessons.

Please contact our wonderful coordinator Auntie Sally at < This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. > for further information.

24) Save a Life in our community - Typing for Bone Marrow match.

There are young people in our community who are holding onto dear life by their finger nails due to leukemia. Among those are Jack Chin of Cupertino, Janet from UCLA, and a young boy who is a Chinese-Anglo.

It's a simple blood test. Be a hero and possibly save a life.

For additional information visit: <http://www.marrow.org> for a swab kit <http://www.bethematch.org>

25) Important Autism Article -

New York Times (click link for full article)

New Definition of Autism May Exclude Many, Study Suggests
By BENEDICT CAREY
Revisions to the diagnostic manual may make it harder for many people who would no longer meet the criteria to get health, educational and social services, researchers say.

26) Wings Educational Center Seminar Series

$25 each to attend and occur on corresponding dates from 12:00 to 2:00 pm at Ralston Mansion,1500 Ralston Avenue, Belmont CA, 94002.

Contact:Karen Kaplan This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (650)365-3250

February 9, 2012

Yoga Therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders & Other Special Needs Nancy Williams/ Pediatric Speech Pathologist/ Certified Neuro-Developmental Treatment Therapist/ Yoga Therapist

March 8, 2012

Beyond Words...Understanding the Power of Non-Verbal Communication with Children with Autism Diane Hunter/Mom & Life Coach

April 12, 2012

Novel Mechanisms and Models for Understanding and Treating Autism: CAM/ Biomedical Approaches Dr. Robert Hendren D.O./ Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Vice Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco

May 17, 2012

Top Ten Behavior Management Tactics to work with students with ASD Melissa A Willa, M.A./BCBA and Director of Gateway Learning Group

PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN/FAMILY MEMBERS

-Message from Auntie Connie Frenzel (ASA Bay-Area Chapter President)-

MedicAlert Information

With a MedicAlert medical ID, emergency responders, police and good Samaritans can quickly identify missing kids and connect them with MedicAlert’s 24/7 emergency response center to ensure they receive the emergency care they need and are reunited with loved ones.

ASA Safe and Sound Campaign

http://www.autism-society.org/living-with-autism/how-we-can-help/safe-and-sound/

MedicAlert Foundation (Memberships)

http://www.medicalert.org/autism

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