Nike Raising Autism Awareness

Still raising awareness... yesterday, today and forever!

Call for Chapters

www.equityequality.org

CALL FOR CHAPTER PROPOSALS
Proposal Submission Deadline: 1^st Submission Deadline February 15, 2017                          2^nd Submission Deadline March 15, 2017
Equity, Equality and Reform in Contemporary Public Education

A book edited by Marquis C. Grant (Grand Canyon University)

Introduction

The American pubic education system has predicated upon the idea of equality. The values embedded in our academic institutions, dating back centuries to a time much different than our own. Our focus on EQUALITY instead of EQUITY may have contributed to the marginalization of the very children that we have sought to eradicate. Equality means giving individuals the exact same things. Equity is giving individuals what they need to promote fairness. By focusing on giving our children the SAME opportunities, instead of FAIR opportunities, would this explain:

•              Persistent achievement gaps?

•              Low performing schools?

•              Disproportionality in special education?

•              Low graduation rates?

•              High drop-out rates?

Objective of the Book

Equality and equity are often mischaracterized, albeit erroneously, as interchangeable terms in public education. This may explain why efforts towards reform and restructure are often not met with any real measure of success. This book will offer discussions about equity, including historical and social contexts of equity, rationale (if any) for continued focus on equality, school reform as a form of equity and the how a Eurocentric curriculum prohibits an equitable distribution of resources and opportunities in modern education. 

Target Audience
The target audience of this book will be composed of professionals and researchers working in the field of in various disciplines, e.g. education, sociology, policy and administration, cultural studies, legal theory, education, curriculum & development, race theory, and gender studies. Moreover, Equity, Equality and Reform in Contemporary Public Education will provide insights and support educators and policy makers concerned with improving the current contexts of education and supporting measures of reform that will support student achievement in public education.

Recommended topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

·         Equity & Equality: Race (Brown vs. Board of Education)

·         Equity & Equality: Disability (IDEA, ADA, Section 504)

·         Equity & Equality: Socioeconomics (ESEA, No Child Left Behind)

·         Special Education Funding: Idealism vs. realism in special education programs

·         Achievement gaps and low performing schools

·         The impact of poverty and socioeconomics and student achievement

·         Disproportionality in special education

·         Race-based disciplinary actions

·         Multicultural education/cultural responsiveness

·         School reform and the race towards equity

·         Charter schools and voucher programs

·         Gender biases in education (STEM)

·         Feasibility of a Eurocentric curriculum in a diverse society 

Submission Procedure
Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit on or before February 15, 2017 a chapter proposal of 1,000 to 2,000 words clearly explaining the mission and concerns of his or her proposed chapter. The link for proposal submissions is http://www.igi-global.com/publish/call-for-papers/call-details/2514.

Authors will be notified by April 15, 2017 about the status of their proposals and sent chapter guidelines. Full chapters are expected to be submitted by June 30, 2017, and all interested authors must consult the guidelines for manuscript submissions at http://www.igi-global.com/publish/contributor-resources/before-you-write/ prior to submission. All submitted chapters will be reviewed on a double-blind review basis. Contributors may also be requested to serve as reviewers for this project.

Note: There are no submission or acceptance fees for manuscripts submitted to this book publication, Trust in Knowledge Management and Systems in Organizations. All manuscripts are accepted based on a double-blind peer review editorial process.

All proposals should be submitted through the E-Editorial Discovery^TM online submission manager.

Publisher
This book is scheduled to be published by IGI Global (formerly Idea Group Inc.), an international academic publisher of the “Information Science Reference” (formerly Idea Group Reference), “Medical Information Science Reference,” “Business Science Reference,” and “Engineering Science Reference” imprints. IGI Global specializes in publishing reference books, scholarly journals, and electronic databases featuring academic research on a variety of innovative topic areas including, but not limited to, education, social science, medicine and healthcare, business and management, information science and technology, engineering, public administration, library and information science, media and communication studies, and environmental science. For additional information regarding the publisher, please visit www.igi-global.com. This publication is anticipated to be released in 2018.

Important Dates
February 1, 2017 & March 15, 2017: Proposal Submission Deadline
April 15, 2017: Notification of Acceptance
June 30, 2017: Full Chapter Submission
September 30, 2017: Review Results Returned
October 15, 2017: Final Acceptance Notification
October 30, 2017: Final Chapter Submission

Inquiries can be forwarded to
Dr. Marquis C. Grant
Grand Canyon University

Email: Marquis.Grant@my.gcu.edu

Things I'm Over in 2016

1. Playing nice
2. Crying over spilled milk
3. IEP meetings (personally and professionally)
4. Being passive
5. Not taking chances
6. Fake friendships
7. Gossip (giving and receiving)
8. Exes (need I say more?)
9. Bills (wishful thinking)
10. Excuses
11. Stress
12. Depression
13. Rude people
14. Liars
15. Special education (which isn't so special)
16. Idealism (which sucks)
17. Fast food (don't hold me to this one)
18. Taxes
19. The Election
20. The Election (yep, it's here twice)

What I Know For Sure

I realized today that there are things in life that are absolute, no exception:
1. Making mistakes is a privilege.
2. Being happy with what you have is easier said than done.
3. You're only as happy as your saddest child.
4. Being right doesn't make you happy...but it does make you smarter. 😌
5. People will remember the bad things you've done because it makes them feel better about themselves.
6. Having 1 good friend that you can depend on is pretty lonely.
7. If life throws you lemons...DUCK!
8. Life and weekends are too short.

Parents as Therapists (Courtesy of My Life My Autism)

Parents as Therapists

With the high costs associated with raising a child with autism, many parents are desperate to find ways in which to support their children with limited financial resources. Many states now allow insurance companies to cover some or all of the costs of services such as speech and ABA therapy. However, there are still some families in need of additional options that will improve the outcomes of their children.

Organizations like Rethink Autism offer cost-efficient alternatives for families who may be in need of additional support or who, for whatever reason, may not be able to cover the cost of therapy. Rethink Autism specifically supports families, caregivers and professionals through guided instruction using targeted "behaviorally-based teaching strategies..." with a "sequence of 7-10 minute training modules model all of the research-based techniques used in our expert-reviewed, video-based lesson curriculum in jargon-free accessible language." 

As with any program, families should do their research before making any final decisions. Questions that should be asked during the decision-making process include:

1. What do I want for my child?
2. What am I getting for the money that I will be paying to use the service?
3. Are the recommended strategies research-based?
4. Will I be able to chart my child's growth as I am using the program?
5. How do the programs compare to one another?
6. Does the program offer support through email or by telephone if I have questions or concerns that I need to be addressed?

Autism...The Next Unsung

Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed that autism has all but vanished from the public consciousness? I remember several years ago the big push to Light It Up Blue and how everyone seem to have some sort of opinion about the hows and whys of autism. Now you will be hard-pressed to find even the slightest mention of autism in the media. So what has happened to change the attention that was given to promoting and supporting autism acceptance? I know a lot of people objected to the whole Light It Up Blue initiative because it was associated with Autism Speaks. But now there are no true initiatives in place to keep autism on the forefront. What will that mean for my children and the children of others? I don't know...

Rock the Vote

Whomever you are, whatever you do, exercise your right to vote!!!

Bullying Stops Here

Bullying has become a major epidemic in our schools. We have to teach our children, those who are being bullied, to speak up and speak out. Here's what you can do as a parent if you suspect your child is being bullied:
° Look for changes in behavior.
° Encourage your child to talk openly about his or her experiences.
° Report bullying to school administrators
° Be proactive about seeking a solution.
° If your concerns are not being adequately addressed at the school level, file a complaint with central office.
° Use social media to bring awareness.
° Seek counseling for your child if necessary. Bullying can lead to mental and emotional trauma.

#bullyingstopshere

Check Out My Interview Segment w/ Yaya the Diamond

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dreamchasersradio/2016/10/24/dream-chasers-unite

Animated Lesson Plan on Disability

This year has been incredibly amazing and BUSY!!! One of the projects I have worked on is a disability lesson plan based on characters created by Fairmore  & Friends and animated by @UMBC. The lesson is great for elementary and middle school students, as it teaches them the importance of understanding and accepting differences. Perfect as a resource for teaching character education in school or personal conversations with the kiddos at home. Contact @TheOddballz on Twitter or download the Fairmore & Friends app from the Google Play Store to get a copy of the visual lesson plan!

October Is Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Let's raise awareness about Down Syndrome 365 days a year!

Donate to Chancellor Lee Adams

I remember hearing about Cherica Adams's death over a decade ago and the birth of her son, who has been raised by Cherica's mother Saundra since then. After reading the article about Chancellor and Saundra as Rae Carruth's release date draws near, I couldn't help but get emotional. As the mother of two boys with disabilities, I know all too well the joy and pain that comes with the territory. I realized, too, how truly blessed I am that my children are able to do so many things that other children are not. I count my blessings and, after reading this article, promise to focus more on the positives and less on the negatives.

Blog Life Revisited

I just realized that I stopped blogging. I don't know when it happened or why it happened but it did. Maybe it's the personal drama that seems to be a never ending distraction from the good and useful things we are purposed to do? Or maybe it's the constantly changing social media requirements that keep us on a roller coaster journey--Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat... leaving little time in the day for true reflection. My blog was always my way of expressing myself. Nothing fancy, just real talk. Now instead of talking about my deepest concerns for my children, my life,  my thoughts, I am engrossed in posting the best photo or capturing the best selfie ( with a little Photoshop, of course) that will make me relatable, camera-ready and culturally- in tuned all at once. But no more! I am recommitting myself to my blog. My true self. My passions in life. My jumbled thoughts and never ending ideas...at least that's what I am telling myself.

When Will the Madness Stop???

Follow Me on the Gram

I'm on Instagram as @dr_marquis_grant. Install the app to follow my photos and videos. https://instagram.com/download/?r=2093213654

Follow Me on the Gram!!!!

I'm on Instagram as @dr_marquis_grant. Install the app to follow my photos and videos. https://instagram.com/download/?r=2093213654

Happy Fourth of July

Have a safe and wonder holiday!  Remember,  many children and adults with special needs may have sensory issues that inhibit their ability to take part in the festivities. With that in mind, please be sensitive when it comes to triggers such as:
1. Fireworks
2. Heat
3. Crowds
4. New, unfamiliar settings
5. Changes in routine
6. Food preferences

Snapchat...The New Adventures of an Autism Mom

Add me on Snapchat! Username: drmarquisgrant https://www.snapchat.com/add/drmarquisgrant

Thank You for the Rejection

To Whom it may concern, I wanted to take the time to thank you for the rejection letter that you sent regarding a grant for my autism awareness organization. While it may seem strange to have someone thank you for NOT doing something, your denial is my motivation. Yes, initially I was a little bummed out. I mean "rejection" is something I think about in a dating situation. Being rejected by THAT guy. I was even a little perturbed by the go-to statement about the "other" parents with special needs children who cosigned on your rejection. Your determination that there are other organizations out there doing the exact same thing without acknowledging the WAIT LISTS for those organizations. It takes about 6-12 months just to have your application processed or to receive services. In fact, we need more organizations to serve the 3 million plus people who are diagnosed with autism.
But I slowly began to see how this may be a blessing in disguise. I am more determined now than ever to press forward. YOU have lit a fire under me that has given me a new purpose. So, with all sincerity, thank you Pollination Project! I am truly in your debt ( seriously)!

Disability & Bullying

Check out a preview of the video lesson on disabilities and bullying that I wrote for The Entertaining Oddballz @ https://youtu.be/wHrLgn1BY3o