Parent's Night Out Recap

"If you never did, you should. These things are fun, and fun is good." - Dr. Seuss

Happy Monday everyone!

This past Friday In STEPPS hosted another Parent's Night Out! We had a GREAT turnout. While parents spent the evening at the movie theater, having dinner together, or meeting up with friends, the kids had a terrific costume party with the In STEPPS staff. Check out some pictures below!

Also, our next Parent's Night Out will be Friday, November 18th (due to the Thanksgiving holiday). Since this popular event fills up quickly and we must plan staff accordingly and provide enough supplies for the evening, sign ups will ONLY be taken up until November 11th. If you do not sign up by November 11th, you'll have to catch us in December! So let us know if you are interested in attending ASAP by emailing Lindsey or Nicole or letting your In STEPPS supervisor or PC know.

Just a reminder,  The OC Walk Now for Autism Speaks is on Saturday November 12th. We'd love for you to join Team In STEPPS! You can check out an awesome resource fair, stop by our booth for fun activities and giveaways, and if you are walking with our team we'll have a cool t-shirt waiting for you and the members of your family! Go to our team website to sign up and click "Join Team." Remember, sign up EACH member of your family, including children! Can't wait to see you all there!

And finally, the PNO pics!

*parents have signed written consent to use images*



A HUGE thank you to our awesome team members who are willing to spend their Friday night at this event! We wouldn't be able to offer parents such a wonderful service without your dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment! You guys rock!

2011 OC Walk Now for Autism Speaks

"Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean."

It's that time of year again! The Orange County Walk Now for Autism Speaks will be on Saturday, November 12 at Angel's Stadium in Anaheim. Hooray!

This is such a fun event that Autism Speaks puts on every year to raise money for autism research and community awareness. There will be a booth area full of great local resources, service providers, and activities to check out both before and after the walk. During the walk, we will be able to walk the perimeter of the baseball field; cool!!

To all of our IN STEPPS families, staff, family, and supporters: We will be there! We would love for you to join our team and come out and support this great cause. All members of TEAM IN STEPPS will get a cool IN STEPPS t-shirt so our team can walk in unity! Registration is free and there are no fund-raising requirements. However, if you raise $150 you also get an Autism Speaks t-shirt as well.

Bring out the kids, grandparents, friends, and neighbors! This is a family friendly event and there will be lots of great activities and information available for everyone!

Be sure to stop by the IN STEPPS booth for fun surprises and giveaways! Many of our staff members will be there, so come on out and say "hello" and walk with your family for an important cause. And if you're an Team IN STEPPS walker, come check in with us to get your t-shirt and walk as a team!

Here's how to join TEAM IN STEPPS:

1.)Go to http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org/orangecounty/instepps
2.) Click on "Join Our Team"
3.) Set up your personal page (you will be able to raise money through your personal site, send out donation emails to friends and family, and more). Each individual should register (including children and toddlers) since Autism speaks will be checking everyone in, and need this info for planning purposes. So be sure to sign up each person in your family that will be walking.
4.) Come out Saturday November 12th and walk with Team IN STEPPS!

Address:

Angel Stadium 2000 East Gene Autry Way
Anaheim 92806

Schedule of events:

Registration: 8:00am-9:30am
Opening Ceremony: 9:30am-10:00am

Walk: 10:00am-12:00pm

Important Walk Information:

*Walk will take place "rain or shine"
*No pets; only service dogs will be permitted
*Wheelchairs, wagons, and strollers are welcome
*Please leave bikes, scooters, skateboards, and skates at home
*Check-in will be open until the end of the walk so please go straight to the check-in area whenever you arrive

For more information please go to the 2011 Walk Now for Autism Speaks: Orange County website

Hope to see you there!

"Like" Us!

 

"Like" our Facebook page and get updates on upcoming events, news, important information, and of course, pictures directly into your personal newsfeed! You can also post your own thoughts, stories, suggestions, ideas, network, or just say hello!

Click on the image above, or here, and join us!

Thank you, Governor Brown!

I am only one, but I am one.  I cannot do everything, but I can do something.  And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.  ~Edward Everett Hale

 

Wow! It really happened, and it wouldn't have been possible without the effort of determined individuals who worked diligently to make sure Governor Brown heard the voices of a community!

This weekend the kids of California have won.... and what a victory it is!

SB 946 has passed making California the 28th state to enact autism insurance reform!

"This legislation will provide California people with autism access to behavioral health treatments, including applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy. Let's thank Governor Brown for helping California families and bringing the hard work of the autism community to a successful conclusion." - Autism Speaks

Steinberg Statement on Governor’s Approval of Autism Insurance

Coverage

(Sacramento) –  

Senate President pro Tempore Darrell Steinberg issued the following statement on the

Governor signing SB 946, which requires insurance companies to provide coverage of behavior therapy for autism spectrum disorder as a medical benefit:

“This is a critical victory for thousands of California children and families. For many of them, having this therapy covered by their insurance is the difference between despair and hope

“The science clearly shows that treating the mind through behavioral therapy is no different than treating a broken arm or a heart condition. I commend the Governor for acknowledging that every child in this state matters, by signing a measure that will literally benefit thousands of kids for generations to come. I would also like to applaud the countless families and advocates who have been working tirelessly on this issue for many years. And as our state’s fiscal health improves, I will keep working to ensure that when it comes to autism treatment, every child, every young adult, and every family in California has affordable access to this therapy.”

To send Governor Brown a message of thanks please visit the Autism Speaks website.

You can also find more information on the passing of SB 946 by clicking here.

Thank you to all our staff, families, and supporters who did their part! Each and every one of you who called, emailed, wrote letters, and posted on Facebook helped make this happen.

What a great way to start the week!

Mr. Brown Can Mooooove SB 946 Into Law .... Can you??

We have to keep the pressure up, but we have something fun for you to do today!

Pictures are worth 1,000 words so spread this one around on your favorite form of Social Media. Ask your friends and family to help you call Governor Brown to MOOOOOOVE SB 946 into Law!

1) POST THE PICTURE ON YOUR FACEBOOK PAGE WITH THIS ABOVE IT:
Gov. Brown Can Mooooove SB 946 Into Law - Can You?
Call GOVERNOR BROWN AT 916.445.2841      
Press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish. Then press 2 to leave a message or, even better if you can wait on the line (may take 5 min.), press 6 to speak with a live person. They are counting them one by one so don't just like this picture! MAKE THE CALL!

**TIP** Stay in dialogue with friends on your page. If they are frustrated trying to connect due to call volume, upload the Action Link: www.autismvotes.org/MoveSB946 in the thread.  They can email while they are trying to get through!

2) EMAIL HIM (YES AGAIN!) Follow up your call here with a quick email to ask him to MOVE THIS BILL! We get you started here, personalize your message. If you sent an email yesterday, change it up, but send another one NOW!

3) ACTIVATE!  See how many of your friends you can get involved today! Have fun! Change your profile picture & visit Governor Brown's Facebook Page again to ask him to MOOOOOVE SB 946 into law!

To learn more about this legislation, please visit the California page on the Autism Votes website at: www.autismvotes.org/California.

Have fun! Work hard - so we can all celebrate on Sunday!

Thanks!

Shepherd of Man

“One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering.”

We would like to share this beautiful tribute and song written by one man for his son. He describes the journey of autism and how it has affected the life of his family, through the ups and downs, the worry and anxiety, the daily struggles, and a father's faith. The message is powerful.
Please watch, share, and let us know what you think!

Insurance Reform in Danger! Please Read This Urgent Update!

We just received this email from Autism Speaks. Please read....

October 4, 2011 URGENT ACTION ALERT!

SB 946 IN DANGER OF VETO BY GOV. BROWN. TELL HIM CHILDREN WITH AUTISM DESERVE INSURANCE REFORM!

Tell Governor Brown to stop listening to the health plans and do what is right for California families!

We are hearing that the insurance industry is pressuring Governor Brown to VETO SB 946. A veto would allow insurance discrimination to continue against children with autism in California.
Governor Brown's office is saying they are not hearing from enough people in the autism community.
If you want this California, you must turn up the heat on Governor Brown - today!  You need to send an email to let him know you want him to sign autism insurance reform now.  Get everyone you know in California to help magnify your voice.

Here is How YOU Can Help:

1.) ASK GOVERNOR BROWN TO SIGN SB 946 and ATTEND THE WALK in SACRAMENTO!  We get you started here, but take a minute to personalize your message. 2.) SHARE THE NEWS.  Anyone you know who lives in California can help - they do not have to have a child with autism so post this to your Facebook: "URGENT ATTN CALIFORNIA FRIENDS!  I need your help to ensure that Gov. Brown DOES NOT veto the autism insurance reform bill, SB 946, by sending him an email now. He cannot allow insurance discrimination to continue against children with autism. Please go to the link below & take action. Share on your page & write DONE so I can thank you! We want CA to be #28!" LINK TO: www.autismvotes.org/BrownSignSB946. 3) LET GOVERNOR BROWN HEAR YOUR VOICE ON HIS FACEBOOK PAGE.  Visit Governor Brown's Facebook Page, LIKE his page, then write directly on it that you want him to sign SB 946 into law and end autism insurance discrimination in California. Ask him to attend the Walk in Sacramento on October 9th so we can thank him when he does!

To learn more about this legislation, please visit our California page on the Autism Votes website at: www.autismvotes.org/California.

Email! Email! Email!

PNO and Other Upcoming Events

Hello Everyone,
A couple of announcements to share with you on this rainy Tuesday (yay for Fall!)....

Mark the calendar! Our next Parent's Night Out is on October 21st and we will be having a costume party! So have the kids pick our their prettiest princess dress or their super hero gear and come on out from 6:30-9:30 or 6:30-10:30 for a night of movies, activities, and games. Don't forget to pack some PJ's for the little ones who get sleepy. This popular event fills up very quickly, so let your IN S.T.E.P.P.S. supervisor or PC know if you would like to sign up, or email Lindsey or Nicole no later than Friday October 14th. This helps ensure a desirable staff to child ratio and enough supplies for all kiddos. Make a note: For the month of October, sign ups will not be taken after October 14th!

Also, another announcement ... save the date for the Autism Speaks OC Walk Now for Autism on November 12th at Angel's Stadium in Irvine. IN S.T.E.P.P.S. will be there with a booth, family friendly activities, t-shirts, and other fun stuff! We will also have an "IN S.T.E.P.P.S." team and all our staff will be there. We would love our IN S.T.E.P.P.S.' families to come out with the kids, visit our booth, and join our team!  So check back for important links, walk info, and updates! We will also be posting our team information soon!
You can find more information about the OC Walk Now For Autism on their website.

Check out some photos from our September Parent's Night Out Fall Extravaganza!

Owl masks for our Fall Extravaganza!

Trains!

Awesome turn taking during game time!

Our amazing, dedicated staff. Thanks for being willing to spend a Friday night with us, gals!