BAC Rutland

Spectrum Youth and Family Services will be kicking off the 40th Anniversary Celebration on February 11, 2010 at 6PM at our Empty Bowl Dinner -filling a bowl and feeding the youth in the community

Please join us for an evening of delicious local fare, featuring soups from neighborhood restaurants, artisan breads and tasty desserts.  A fantastic menu, live jazz music, guest speakers, a silent auction to peruse, 50/50 raffle, and a gorgeous hand-crafted bowl to take home, all round out an evening to support the work that Spectrum Youth and Family Services has accomplished over the last 40 years. Many thanks to Citizen’s Bank, our Premiere Sponsor, and Vermont Tent Company, our Presenting Sponsor, for their support. (more…)

HBO and Barnes & Noble are coming together to promote the HBO film “Temple Grandin,” a true-life story about the animal researcher and autism advocate of that name, with a live bookstore event, a microsite on autism facts and a downloadable coloring book on living with the affliction.
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National Council on Disability Calls for Government Leaders to Ensure Availability and Quality of Future Workforce Services for People with Disabilities

WASHINGTON—The National Council on Disability (NCD) today released a report titled Workforce Infrastructure in Support of People with Disabilities: Matching Human Resources to Service Needs, calling for policymakers at all levels of government to proactively address current shortages and examine how labor market changes are driving both current and future supply.
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A child diagnosed with autism presents a challenge first and foremost to the child’s family but also to their physician, teachers, and many others. Once a diagnosis is made the family must decide what they will do for their child and they may be, at least initially, guided by their pediatricians’ advice. The well-read physician may be aware of the scientific evidence pointing to genetics and early, perhaps prenatal, environmental influences that culminate in the abnormal brain development that seems to occur in children with autism but what about treatment? (more…)

Experts say it’s better to wait to bring up a disability until it becomes relevant to do so.

Pat Leahy’s resume is sprinkled with relevant skills and achievements. Although he doesn’t note his blindness since birth, he often wonders when to disclose it to potential employers. Should he tell them before the in-person interview or simply walk in with his guide dog?
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. How To Use This Guide
2. The Client Assistance Program
3. Self-Advocacy Skills
4. What Is Vocational Rehabilitation?
5. Services From The Vocational Rehabilitation Agency
6. Appeals Process

Download the complete Guide To Disability Rights

A financial crisis in Vermont. After a year of cuts, the state is still facing a $150 million budget deficit next year.  The Human Services Agency serves about 1/3 of Vermonters. And it accounts for about half of the entire state budget. Clients worry they’re being targeted for big cuts.

Brenda Viens is a thrifty Vermonter, growing and canning her own vegetables, for this warm winter soup.  It’s not a choice, but a necessity. This 67 year old is retired on a fixed income.
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“Challenges for Change: Results for Vermonters,” is the steering team report to the Joint Legislative Government Accountability Committee.  Governor Douglas and the Legislative leadership released this report at a press conference on Tuesday (Jan. 5).  It is well worth reviewing, especially since it presents the thinking that can be expected to guide Vermont State government in the coming months and even years.

Download a PDF of the report “Challenges for Change: Results for Vermonters”

Over the next few days, I will publicly announce that at the end of 2010, I will be stepping down as Director of the Vermont Association for Mental Health.  By That time, I will have put in thirty years of work and play – along with some blood, sweat and tears.  I have been thrilled with many victories and have suffered over shortcomings and occasional defeats.
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