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Autism Speaks Launches Updates to Its Online Autism Safety Project

Autism Speaks Launches Updates to Its Online Autism Safety Project

New York, NY (PRWEB) December 12, 2011

Autism Speaks, the world’s largest autism science and advocacy organization, today introduced 11 new sections to its popular Autism Safety Project on the Autism Speaks website. Safety is a concern for all parents, but given the challenges of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), safety is even more critical. The new sections of the Autism Safety Project focus on safety in the home and the community, and provide information about preventing sexual abuse and other forms of mistreatment.

Keeping individuals with autism safe is of paramount concern to families and should start within the home. These concerns are addressed in “Safe Signals,” a collection of in-home safety materials for individuals with ASD developed by the Ohio State University Health System Nursing Patient Education in conjunction with the Ohio State University’s Nisonger Center and the Ohio State University Medical Center’s Burn Center. The Safe Signals section of the Autism Safety Project includes a workbook and vinyl clings with important home safety information for the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living areas and utility spaces. In addition, a “Safe Signals” video is available on the Autism Speaks Autism Safety Project webpage. A $ 25,000 community grant from Autism Speaks covered the production costs of the “Safe Signals” video, workbook and vinyl clings.

“The focus of the Safe Signals project is to develop fire and burn safety at home for older teens and young adults with autism. To our knowledge no other resource quite like this exists for this population,” said Lisa Murray-Johnson, program director for patient education at the Ohio State University Medical Center. “Whether they live alone, with a roommate, in a group home or with care providers, we want to prevent accidental injury before it happens. Burn center experts are excellent at treating burns, but education to prevent burns is equally important,” said Murray-Johnson.

A new Community Section expands the Autism Safety Project with the inclusion of information, tips and links to professional resources to help ensure the safety of an individual with autism outside of the home. It is broken down into categories that address common situations that can pose a risk depending on an individual with ASD’s cognitive and communication abilities. Categories include crossing the street, learning landmarks and directions, taking public transportation, using public restrooms and asking for help. For each category, Autism Speaks worked with professionals to provide tips and resources to teach appropriate safey skills in the community.

Sexual abuse is a very real concern for individuals affected by autism. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 6 boys and 1 in 4 girls suffer from sexual abuse before the age of 18. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Crime Victimization Survey, the country’s largest and most reliable crime study, reports that every two minutes a person is sexually victimized in the United States – and the numbers for individuals with disabilities are even higher. With these troubling statistics in mind, Autism Speaks has developed a special section of the Autism Safety Project on sexual abuse to inform and empower parents to talk about sexuality with their children, take preventive measures, detect signs of abuse and address suspected instances of abuse.

“People with autism are especially vulnerable to sexual predators, and some may either be unaware that they are being mistreated or may be unable to effectively communicate that abuse has occurred,” said Lisa Goring, Autism Speaks vice president of Family Services. “It’s critical that we do everything possible to prevent abuse by arming parents and children with key safety information, as well as improve our ability to detect and report any instance of mistreatment.”

Additional sections of the Autism Safety Project include information and strategies targeted to first responders and judicial personal. Within each section there is information about characteristics associated with autism and strategies to facilitate safe and productive interactions. The online resource also features materials to help families be better prepared for an emergency or crisis situation, including tools for creating an effective safety plan. It also provides a list of national autism information resources that includes first responder training programs and safety programs for people with disabilities.

About Autism

Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 110 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum – a 600 percent increase in the past two decades that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is the world’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. Since its inception in 2005, Autism Speaks has made enormous strides, committing over $ 160 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. The organization is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. In addition to funding research, Autism Speaks has created resources and programs including the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network, Autism Speaks’ Autism Genetic Resource Exchange and several other scientific and clinical programs. Notable awareness initiatives include the establishment of the annual United Nations-sanctioned World Autism Awareness Day on April 2, which Autism Speaks celebrates through its Light it Up Blue initiative. Also, Autism Speaks award-winning “Learn the Signs” campaign with the Ad Council has received over $ 300 million in donated media. Autism Speaks’ family resources include the Autism Video Glossary, a 100 Day Kit for newly-diagnosed families, a School Community Tool Kit, a Grandparent’s Guide to Autism, and a community grant program. Autism Speaks has played a critical role in securing federal legislation to advance the government’s response to autism, and has successfully advocated for insurance reform to cover behavioral treatments in 29 states thus far, with bills pending in an additional 10 states. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 80 cities across North America. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit http://www.autismspeaks.org.

About the Co-Founders

Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Bob Wright is Senior Advisor at Lee Equity Partners and Chairman and CEO of the Palm Beach Civic Association. He served as Vice Chairman of General Electric; and as the Chief Executive Officer of NBC and NBC Universal for more than twenty years. He also serves on the board of directors of the Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, Mission Product, EMI Group Global Ltd., and AMC Networks Inc., and is a Trustee of the New York Presbyterian hospital. Suzanne Wright is a Trustee Emeritus of Sarah Lawrence College, her alma mater. Suzanne has received numerous awards, the Women of Distinction Award from Palm Beach Atlantic University, the CHILD Magazine Children’s Champions Award, Luella Bennack Volunteer Award, Spirit of Achievement award by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine’s National Women’s Division and The Women of Vision Award from the Weizmann Institute of Science. In 2008, the Wrights were named to the Time 100 Heroes and Pioneers category, a list of the most influential people in the world, for their commitment to global autism advocacy. They have also received the first ever Double Helix Award for Corporate Leadership from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the NYU Child Advocacy Award, the Castle Connolly National Health Leadership Award and the American Ireland Fund Humanitarian Award. In the past couple of years the Wrights have received honorary doctorate degrees from St. John’s University, St. Joseph’s University and UMass Medical School.

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, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Tags: Autism, Launches, Online, Project, Safety, speaks, Updates

115 winners of 2012 Top Safety Pick – 69 cars, 38 SUVs, 5 minivans, and 3 pickups earn top pick

In all, 69 cars, 38 SUVs, 5 minivans, and 3 pickups earn
Top Safety Pick. The award recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, rollover, and rear crashes based on ratings in Institute evaluations. The ratings, which cover all 4 of the most common kinds of crashes, help shoppers pick vehicles that offer the highest levels of crash protection.
U.S. Government News

Tags: 2012, Cars, Earn, minivans, Pick, pickups, Safety, SUVs, Winners

Atlanta White House Roundtable Reveals Troubles with Traffic Safety

Atlanta White House Roundtable Reveals Troubles with Traffic Safety

Attendees at the Atlanta, GA, White House Roundtable included members of the Atlanta Chapter of WTS International and Anne S. Ferro, Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) December 13, 2011

WTS of Atlanta, the association for the advancement of women in the transportation industry, was asked by the White House’s Office of Public Engagement to host a “Winning the Future” Roundtable last month, featuring Anne Ferro, Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at the U.S. Department of Transportation, during her visit to Atlanta. Many issues were covered at the roundtable, from federal funding of transportation projects to the American Jobs Act, but the emphasis of the discussion centered on the importance of educating the public on the infrastructure funding situation, possible funding solutions at both the federal and grassroots levels, and the future of the transportation industry.

In addition to the Honorable Anne Ferro, attendees at the roundtable included women from across the transportation sector of Atlanta, including Jennifer King, President of WTS Atlanta Chapter and Senior Transportation Planner at HNTB Corp. “This was a great opportunity for women leaders in Atlanta’s transportation industry to get together to discuss key issues related to the industry,” said King. The subjects covered included the following:    

Funding Concerns

    Foundational funding (having a budget in place that is consistent) should be a priority.
    States need to know what to expect so that they can plan for spending.
    The ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) is focused on construction, not engineering.
    A more reliable funding source needs to be established so that transportation projects, which are long-term in nature, can be implemented more effectively.
    Planning on continuing resolutions doesn’t work; states need to be able to depend on reliable funding.
    As a donor state, Georgia only gets back 85% of funds. This needs to be adjusted for equitability across the country.
    Funding needs to be considered for the long-term, for as much as 50 years out.

Education and Awareness

    The general public and many legislators do not understand the infrastructure crisis we’re in, so when solutions are proposed not everyone is on board.
    As an industry, transportation agencies and experts don’t do a good job of “telling the story,” following up on the impacts of transportation projects, and reporting this to the public.
    Federal responsibility should be developing a consistent, technically credible message that can be taken back and conveyed to the public at the local level
    Automobile crashes are less sensationalized than airline accidents, despite far more annual deaths on the highway. The nation has become desensitized to the crisis.

Future of the Transportation Industry

    There needs to be more programs to develop interest in the studies required for skilled transportation professionals.
    Transportation careers are traditionally and predominantly filled by men.
    Awareness about the opportunities in the transportation industry has to begin with parents and programs that build interest at schools at a young age.

“The Roundtable was very productive and gave us an opportunity not only to share concerns, but to brainstorm about some possible programs and initiatives we can think about at the local level,” said King. “Anne Ferro asked for recommendations on how the US DOT could help solve the issues discussed as well.”

Anne S. Ferro is the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, an agency of the Department of Transportation. Administrator Ferro’s vision is to eliminate severe crashes and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. Ms. Ferro serves as the head of an agency that carries out its safety mission through a strategic mix of regulations, enforcement, research, grants to states and public outreach. At FMCSA, Administrator Ferro is moving the Secretary of Transportation’s safety mission forward to raise the safety bar for the motor carrier industry. Prior to her appointment to the FMCSA, she led the Maryland Motor Truck Association as its President and Chief Executive Officer from 2003 to 2009. Previously, Ms. Ferro served as the State of Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Administrator from 1997 to 2003.

WTS International and WTS Foundation, headquartered in Washington, DC, has provided more than $ 1,000,000 in scholarships to deserving women throughout the transportation industry, supporting the next generation of transportation professionals and advancing the principles of WTS. WTS is committed to Advancing Women in Transportation through expanding existing scholarship opportunities to women pursuing transportation related degrees, providing and promoting more educational opportunities and career development to advance women in transportation, and initiating, sponsoring and publishing research related to advancing women in transportation. More information can be found at http://www.WTSInternation.org

Transportation YOU is a hands-on, interactive, mentoring program that offers young girls ages 13-18 an introduction to a wide variety of transportation careers. Through the program, WTS chapters work to make a difference in the lives of young girls by offering programs and activities that will spark their interest in all modes of transportation and encourage them to take courses in math, science, and technology, which are the stepping stones to exciting careers that can change the face of the transportation industry. For more information, contact Marcia Ferranto at 202-955-5085.

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©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Tags: Atlanta, House, Reveals, Roundtable, Safety, Traffic, troubles, White

OSHA Publishes New Safety Materials for Laboratory Managers and Workers

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published new educational materials for laboratory managers on protecting their workers from exposure to chemical, biological, and physical hazards
U.S. Government News

Tags: Laboratory, Managers, Materials, Osha, Publishes, Safety, Workers

Fire Kills campaign appoints fire safety champion for landlords

Councillor Mark Healey has joined the Fire Kills campaign as a champion for fire safety in rented homes, encouraging landlords to make their properties as safe as possible for their tenants. (continues…)
Department for Communities and Local Government: Housing news articles

Tags: appoints, Campaign, Champion, Fire, Kills, Landlords, Safety

Direct Deposit Brings Reliability, Safety and Convenience to Banking

Enlarge Image

Have you ever rushed to the bank to deposit your paycheck before the cutoff time? Have you ever played “beat the bank” — writing checks before making a deposit? Have you ever made a trip to the bank just to deposit your paycheck? Have you ever lost checks that needed to be cashed or deposited?

If you answered yes to any of the above, it’s time to reconsider the way you bank. Banking should be easy and convenient, and it can be with direct deposit.

According to America’s Community Bankers, an independent national trade association representing the nation’s community banks, having your paychecks routed to your bank electronically is one of the easiest and safest ways to improve your banking routine. Here’s why:

Direct deposit is reliable. Direct deposit puts money in your account on time, every time. And checks don’t get lost. The Social Security Administration has used direct deposit for benefits payments since 1976 and has never lost a payment. And with direct deposit, you don’t have to wait for your checks to catch up with you if you move to a new address.

Direct deposit is convenient. You don’t have to make that special trip to the bank if you have direct deposit. This is a real convenience if you’re on vacation or away on business. And you can be confident that the funds will be credited to your account safely and ready to use, whether you’re at home or halfway around the world.

Direct deposit is quick. With direct deposit, your money is transferred electronically into your account and available to use instantly once the transfer is complete. When you deposit your paycheck in person, you may have to wait up to three days to access all of your funds because some banks put a “check hold” on paychecks to ensure that the funds clear. With direct deposit there’s nothing to “hold” since it’s transmitted electronically directly to your bank account. Your money also begins collecting interest immediately if you have it in an interest-bearing account.

And above all, direct deposit is secure. You don’t have to worry about lost, stolen or misplaced checks with direct deposit. With the electronic trail that direct deposit leaves, deposits are easier to track than paper checks. And if you are one of the many individuals that will be receiving a refund from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) this coming tax season, direct deposit enables the IRS to deposit your refund up to three weeks earlier than if you were to receive it by mail.

Your banking can be hassle-free and secure. Talk to your local community banker about direct deposit and other ways to enhance your banking opportunities. For more information about America’s Community Bankers, visit www.americascommunitybankers.com, or call (202) 857-3100.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Tags: Banking, Brings, Convenience, Deposit, Direct, Reliability, Safety

Direct Deposit Brings Reliability, Safety and Convenience to Banking

Enlarge Image

Have you ever rushed to the bank to deposit your paycheck before the cutoff time? Have you ever played “beat the bank” — writing checks before making a deposit? Have you ever made a trip to the bank just to deposit your paycheck? Have you ever lost checks that needed to be cashed or deposited?

If you answered yes to any of the above, it’s time to reconsider the way you bank. Banking should be easy and convenient, and it can be with direct deposit.

According to America’s Community Bankers, an independent national trade association representing the nation’s community banks, having your paychecks routed to your bank electronically is one of the easiest and safest ways to improve your banking routine. Here’s why:

Direct deposit is reliable. Direct deposit puts money in your account on time, every time. And checks don’t get lost. The Social Security Administration has used direct deposit for benefits payments since 1976 and has never lost a payment. And with direct deposit, you don’t have to wait for your checks to catch up with you if you move to a new address.

Direct deposit is convenient. You don’t have to make that special trip to the bank if you have direct deposit. This is a real convenience if you’re on vacation or away on business. And you can be confident that the funds will be credited to your account safely and ready to use, whether you’re at home or halfway around the world.

Direct deposit is quick. With direct deposit, your money is transferred electronically into your account and available to use instantly once the transfer is complete. When you deposit your paycheck in person, you may have to wait up to three days to access all of your funds because some banks put a “check hold” on paychecks to ensure that the funds clear. With direct deposit there’s nothing to “hold” since it’s transmitted electronically directly to your bank account. Your money also begins collecting interest immediately if you have it in an interest-bearing account.

And above all, direct deposit is secure. You don’t have to worry about lost, stolen or misplaced checks with direct deposit. With the electronic trail that direct deposit leaves, deposits are easier to track than paper checks. And if you are one of the many individuals that will be receiving a refund from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) this coming tax season, direct deposit enables the IRS to deposit your refund up to three weeks earlier than if you were to receive it by mail.

Your banking can be hassle-free and secure. Talk to your local community banker about direct deposit and other ways to enhance your banking opportunities. For more information about America’s Community Bankers, visit www.americascommunitybankers.com, or call (202) 857-3100.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Tags: Banking, Brings, Convenience, Deposit, Direct, Reliability, Safety

Direct Deposit Brings Reliability, Safety and Convenience to Banking

Enlarge Image

Have you ever rushed to the bank to deposit your paycheck before the cutoff time? Have you ever played “beat the bank” — writing checks before making a deposit? Have you ever made a trip to the bank just to deposit your paycheck? Have you ever lost checks that needed to be cashed or deposited?

If you answered yes to any of the above, it’s time to reconsider the way you bank. Banking should be easy and convenient, and it can be with direct deposit.

According to America’s Community Bankers, an independent national trade association representing the nation’s community banks, having your paychecks routed to your bank electronically is one of the easiest and safest ways to improve your banking routine. Here’s why:

Direct deposit is reliable. Direct deposit puts money in your account on time, every time. And checks don’t get lost. The Social Security Administration has used direct deposit for benefits payments since 1976 and has never lost a payment. And with direct deposit, you don’t have to wait for your checks to catch up with you if you move to a new address.

Direct deposit is convenient. You don’t have to make that special trip to the bank if you have direct deposit. This is a real convenience if you’re on vacation or away on business. And you can be confident that the funds will be credited to your account safely and ready to use, whether you’re at home or halfway around the world.

Direct deposit is quick. With direct deposit, your money is transferred electronically into your account and available to use instantly once the transfer is complete. When you deposit your paycheck in person, you may have to wait up to three days to access all of your funds because some banks put a “check hold” on paychecks to ensure that the funds clear. With direct deposit there’s nothing to “hold” since it’s transmitted electronically directly to your bank account. Your money also begins collecting interest immediately if you have it in an interest-bearing account.

And above all, direct deposit is secure. You don’t have to worry about lost, stolen or misplaced checks with direct deposit. With the electronic trail that direct deposit leaves, deposits are easier to track than paper checks. And if you are one of the many individuals that will be receiving a refund from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) this coming tax season, direct deposit enables the IRS to deposit your refund up to three weeks earlier than if you were to receive it by mail.

Your banking can be hassle-free and secure. Talk to your local community banker about direct deposit and other ways to enhance your banking opportunities. For more information about America’s Community Bankers, visit www.americascommunitybankers.com, or call (202) 857-3100.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Tags: Banking, Brings, Convenience, Deposit, Direct, Reliability, Safety

Direct Deposit Brings Reliability, Safety and Convenience to Banking

Enlarge Image

Have you ever rushed to the bank to deposit your paycheck before the cutoff time? Have you ever played “beat the bank” — writing checks before making a deposit? Have you ever made a trip to the bank just to deposit your paycheck? Have you ever lost checks that needed to be cashed or deposited?

If you answered yes to any of the above, it’s time to reconsider the way you bank. Banking should be easy and convenient, and it can be with direct deposit.

According to America’s Community Bankers, an independent national trade association representing the nation’s community banks, having your paychecks routed to your bank electronically is one of the easiest and safest ways to improve your banking routine. Here’s why:

Direct deposit is reliable. Direct deposit puts money in your account on time, every time. And checks don’t get lost. The Social Security Administration has used direct deposit for benefits payments since 1976 and has never lost a payment. And with direct deposit, you don’t have to wait for your checks to catch up with you if you move to a new address.

Direct deposit is convenient. You don’t have to make that special trip to the bank if you have direct deposit. This is a real convenience if you’re on vacation or away on business. And you can be confident that the funds will be credited to your account safely and ready to use, whether you’re at home or halfway around the world.

Direct deposit is quick. With direct deposit, your money is transferred electronically into your account and available to use instantly once the transfer is complete. When you deposit your paycheck in person, you may have to wait up to three days to access all of your funds because some banks put a “check hold” on paychecks to ensure that the funds clear. With direct deposit there’s nothing to “hold” since it’s transmitted electronically directly to your bank account. Your money also begins collecting interest immediately if you have it in an interest-bearing account.

And above all, direct deposit is secure. You don’t have to worry about lost, stolen or misplaced checks with direct deposit. With the electronic trail that direct deposit leaves, deposits are easier to track than paper checks. And if you are one of the many individuals that will be receiving a refund from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) this coming tax season, direct deposit enables the IRS to deposit your refund up to three weeks earlier than if you were to receive it by mail.

Your banking can be hassle-free and secure. Talk to your local community banker about direct deposit and other ways to enhance your banking opportunities. For more information about America’s Community Bankers, visit www.americascommunitybankers.com, or call (202) 857-3100.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Tags: Banking, Brings, Convenience, Deposit, Direct, Reliability, Safety

Direct Deposit Brings Reliability, Safety and Convenience to Banking

Enlarge Image

Have you ever rushed to the bank to deposit your paycheck before the cutoff time? Have you ever played “beat the bank” — writing checks before making a deposit? Have you ever made a trip to the bank just to deposit your paycheck? Have you ever lost checks that needed to be cashed or deposited?

If you answered yes to any of the above, it’s time to reconsider the way you bank. Banking should be easy and convenient, and it can be with direct deposit.

According to America’s Community Bankers, an independent national trade association representing the nation’s community banks, having your paychecks routed to your bank electronically is one of the easiest and safest ways to improve your banking routine. Here’s why:

Direct deposit is reliable. Direct deposit puts money in your account on time, every time. And checks don’t get lost. The Social Security Administration has used direct deposit for benefits payments since 1976 and has never lost a payment. And with direct deposit, you don’t have to wait for your checks to catch up with you if you move to a new address.

Direct deposit is convenient. You don’t have to make that special trip to the bank if you have direct deposit. This is a real convenience if you’re on vacation or away on business. And you can be confident that the funds will be credited to your account safely and ready to use, whether you’re at home or halfway around the world.

Direct deposit is quick. With direct deposit, your money is transferred electronically into your account and available to use instantly once the transfer is complete. When you deposit your paycheck in person, you may have to wait up to three days to access all of your funds because some banks put a “check hold” on paychecks to ensure that the funds clear. With direct deposit there’s nothing to “hold” since it’s transmitted electronically directly to your bank account. Your money also begins collecting interest immediately if you have it in an interest-bearing account.

And above all, direct deposit is secure. You don’t have to worry about lost, stolen or misplaced checks with direct deposit. With the electronic trail that direct deposit leaves, deposits are easier to track than paper checks. And if you are one of the many individuals that will be receiving a refund from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) this coming tax season, direct deposit enables the IRS to deposit your refund up to three weeks earlier than if you were to receive it by mail.

Your banking can be hassle-free and secure. Talk to your local community banker about direct deposit and other ways to enhance your banking opportunities. For more information about America’s Community Bankers, visit www.americascommunitybankers.com, or call (202) 857-3100.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Tags: Banking, Brings, Convenience, Deposit, Direct, Reliability, Safety