Vote for Frank and Mary Ann!

Vote for Frank Occhigrossi and Mary Ann Morgan-Fried as YOUR favorite bartender at Blue Martini Boca Town Center for Raise Awareness, Raise a Glass on August 22nd!!

Vote here: http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/martini/

*NEW LEADERBOARD STANDINGS*

The competition is getting HEATED!

Congratulations to Angela Fisher who just took 1st place!

1. Angela Fisher 1036 Votes
2. Sarah Hassan 1011 Votes
3. Bill Kruegel 521 Votes
4. Gregory Fried 256 Votes
5. Mary Ann Morgan-Fried 36 Votes

Keep voting!

http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/martini/

Vote for Michael and Lori!

Vote for Michael Schatzberg and Lori Cabrera as YOUR favorite bartender at Blue Martini Boca Town Center for Raise Awareness, Raise a Glass on August 22nd!!

Vote here: http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/martini/

*NEW LEADERBOARD STANDINGS*

Congratulations to Sarah Hassan who just took 1st place in our Battle of the Bartenders competition for Raise Awareness, Raise a Glass!

1. Sarah Hassan 1011 Votes
2. Angela Fisher 786 Votes
3. Bill Kruegel 521 Votes
4. Gregory Fried 256 Votes
5. Mary Ann Morgan-Fried 36 Votes

Cast your vote: http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/martini/

Vote for Bill and Sarah!

Vote for Bill Kruegel and Sarah Hassan as YOUR favorite bartender at Blue Martini Boca Town Center for Raise Awareness, Raise a Glass on August 22nd!!

Bill is currently in 2nd place... can he take 1st? YOU DECIDE!

Vote here: http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/martini/

Vote for Adam and Jody!

Vote for Simply The Best Magazine's Adam Goodkin and Jody Jack of Jody Jack & Co as YOUR favorite bartender at Blue Martini Boca Town Center for Raise Awareness, Raise a Glass on August 22nd!!

Vote here: http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/martini/

*NEW LEADERBOARD STANDINGS*

Congratulations to Angela Fisher who just snagged First Place in our Battle of the Bartenders competition for Raise Awareness, Raise a Glass!

Keep voting for your favorites to win!

1. Angela Fisher 760 Votes
2. Bill Kruegel 520 Votes
3. Gregory Fried 60 Votes

Vote here: http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/martini/

*NEW LEADERBOARD STANDINGS*

Congratulations to Bill Kruegel who just took 1st place in our Battle of the Bartenders competition for Raise Awareness, Raise a Glass! Stay tuned for more updates in this exciting race....

1. Bill Kruegel 370 Votes
2. Angela Fisher 360 Votes
3. Gregory Fried 60 Votes

Cast your vote: http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/martini/

Let the competition begin!!

Cast your vote for Gregory Fried, who is currently 3rd Place on our Leaderboard, or Denise Zimmerman as your favorite bartender!

Who will win the Coveted Trophy? Join us at Blue Martini Boca Town Center on August 22nd to find out...

Vote here: http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/martini/

Feds Clarify Obligations To Kids With Autism

It's so nice to see big steps are happening in the community...

"In what advocates are calling a major win, federal officials are for the first time telling states that Medicaid coverage must include treatments like applied behavior analysis for children with autism."

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2014/07/17/feds-clarify-kids-autism/19519/

Shameful record on helping students with special needs

Here is one example of why a Community Needs Assessment is so important. 

Unicorn Children's Foundation and Autism After 21 have teamed up to understand the “state of special needs” in Palm Beach County. Through identification of needs, strategic funding and continuous monitoring, we will improve the quality of life for individuals with special needs.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/editorials/fl-editorial-special-needs-students-dv-20140723,0,3942065.story

Join Us Tonight for an Evening of Art, Jewels & Wine!

Join us tonight at Bodies By Design Spa to shop for a cause! 

For more information, visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/artjewelswine/

ADDRESS CHANGE for Tomorrow's Event!

Please Note...

An Evening of Art, Jewels & Wine will no longer be held at Isolda's Art Gallery tomorrow, July 24, 2014. However, we have a lovely new Boca Raton location:

BODIES BY DESIGN SPA
30 SE 6th Street
Boca Raton, Florida 33432

We apologize this last minute change, but still hope to see you all there for art, jewels, food, wine and most of all - fun for a good cause!

For more information, visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/artjewelswine/

It's the Battle of the Bartenders!

As part of Boca Raton Chamber Festival Days, Unicorn Children’s Foundation will host the 2nd annual “Raise Awareness, Raise a Glass.”

This year’s event adds a new twist… local celebrities will tend bar vying for your winning vote. Don't forget to leave a tip! Come down, enjoy happy hour and help lead your favorite bartending team to victory! Whichever team raises the most money will win the Coveted Trophy!

$1 Donation = 1 Vote

Lori Cabrera
Angela Fisher
Greg Fried
Mary Ann Morgan-Fried
Joey Giannuzzi
Adam Goodkin
Sarah Hassan
Peggy Hernandez
Jody Jack
Susan Klein
Bill Kruegel
John McClaskie
Michael Schatzberg
Denise Zimmerman

Vote here: www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/martini

Sponsors:
Seacoast National Bank Community
Accelerate Business
Blue Martini Boca Town Center
Boca Festival Days

Ticket prices are $25.00 in advance and $35.00 at the door. All participants will receive a complimentary premium or two well drinks and sumptuous hors d’oeuvres. In addition, guests will also have an opportunity to participate in a chance drawing for fabulous prizes! Tickets may be purchased online at www.UnicornChildrensFoundation.org/martini or by calling 561.620.9377.

Proceeds from this fundraiser will support the Unicorn Children’s Foundation’s efforts to transform communities to engage, inspire, empower, and include individuals with neurodiversity in everyday routines, activities, and places. The support of the public has made possible several initiatives within the South Florida region:

• Completion of year 1 for students at the Unicorn Village Academy, a community-based life-skills, academic and career high school for youth 13-22 with neurodiversity and hidden abilities.

• Partnerships with local universities to provide free developmental screenings and referrals aboard our Mobile Developmental Clinics in traditionally underserved areas of the community.

• Launch of the 211 Special Needs Hotline in Palm Beach/Treasure Coast to connect families with available resources and service providers in the community.

• Sponsoring the 2014 Boating & Beach Bash which offered the nation’s largest inclusive event for individuals with disabilities at no cost to families.

Raise Awareness, Raise a Glass is part of Boca Raton Chamber Festival Days (a series of fun-filled events held at different locations during the month of August) and is facilitated by the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce.

Start Your Week With a Smile

It's Monday! Time to start your week with a feel-good story on diversity acceptance...

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2014/07/18/nordstrom-spotlights-models/19526/

Vote for Your Favorite Bartender!

Voting is now LIVE to support your favorite Local Celebrity bartenders at Blue Martini Boca Town Center on August 22nd!

Who will YOU be rooting for?
Lori Cabrera 
Angela Fisher 
Greg Fried 
Mary Ann Morgan-Fried
Joey Giannuzzi
Adam Goodkin
Sarah Hassan
Peggy Hernandez
Jody Jack
Susie Klein
Bill Kruegel
John McClaskie
Michael Schatzberg
Denise Zimmerman

$1 donation = 1 Vote

Visit our website to cast your vote and to purchase your tickets early:
http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/martini/

Governor Scott Announces Elimination of Critical Needs Waitlist for Persons with Disabilities

Today, Governor Rick Scott announced all individuals with critical needs who have been on the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) waiting list as of July 1 will be offered enrollment in the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waiver. Approximately 1,200 individuals will receive enrollment letters from APD in the next two weeks.

Governor Scott said, “We’re committed to providing every Florida family the opportunity to live the American Dream“ and this year’s It’s Your Money Tax Cut Budget invested another $20 million to move all remaining individuals with critical needs off of the waiting list, which is the first time this has happened in the history of the agency. This is the second year in a row we’ve been able to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families.”

These individuals join about 1,600 people who were offered waiver services last fiscal year. Additionally, the agency will continue to enroll foster children with developmental disabilities into the waiver that are adopted or reunified with family members.

APD Director Barbara Palmer said, "I am so happy the agency is able to keep moving people off the waiting list so they may receive waiver services in their communities. I thank Governor Scott and members of the Legislature for this important funding for the waiting list and their support of our agency. We are making a difference in people’s lives.”

After individuals accept the HCBS Medicaid waiver enrollment, they must select a waiver support coordinator who will work with them to develop a plan to address needed services.

APD customers also select which waiver providers they want to deliver their services.

WaiverProvider.com will help you find the providers & support coordinators you need.

Adulthood: A Health Care Guide for Youth and Families

This useful tool Transition to Adulthood: A Health Care Guide for Youth and Families was created by Ari Ne’eman and the The Autistic Self Advocacy Network. It is designed to empower people with disabilities and their families to manage their own health care as they transition to adulthood.

Sip Wine and Shop for Unicorn

Come out and support Unicorn Children's Foundation next week at Isolda ART Gallery while sipping wine and shopping!

For more information, visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/isolda/

Unicorn Children's Foundation Sponsor of "the Community's Most Heartwarming Event"

Unicorn Children's Foundation is proud to have been the Title Sponsor of the 2014 Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities. The event was named "....the community's most heartwarming event" by Boca Raton magazine in the July/August BEST OF BOCA issue!

Freddie Mac Seeking Autistic Interns

Freddie Mac, a leading mortgage finance company, is partnering with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network to fill three paid internship opportunities. The ASAN-Freddie Mac Internship Program is an opportunity for recent graduates and current students on the autism spectrum to gain work experience and enter the workforce of a leading American company committed toneurological diversity. These internships are full time paid positions. Successful candidates will need to relocate to the DC metro area for the 16 week internship period beginning in early September.

There are several internship positions available and applicants will be selected for the best position suited to them based on their applications and interviews. Applicants should be interested in working in subject areas such as mathematics, statistics, economics, and computer science, as these will be the subject areas relevant to the offered positions. Depending on the position, applicants should have a number of skills including basic computer understanding including Microsoft Office as well as a comfort in thinking primarily with numbers. Proficiency in computer programming in one or more languages, such as VBA, MatLab, C++ or SAS, may be helpful in selecting candidates for certain available positions.

Applications will be screened by ASAN and Freddie Mac staff and not all who apply will receive an interview. Successful applicants will receive paid internship positions within various Freddie Mac operating divisions. These internships are available only to students and recent graduates on the autism spectrum.

If you are interested, we strongly encourage you to send your resumé to resumes@autisticadvocacy.org. Many of our past interns have had their employment extended on a long term basis. We hope you’ll consider this opportunity and look forward to reviewing your application!

Did you know...

1 In 68 Children Has Been Identified With Autism Spectrum Disorder

According to the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates, 1 in 68 children in the United States has an autism spectrum disorder, based on health and education records. That figure represents a significant increase from previous prevalence estimates, released in 2012, which estimated that 1 in 88 have an ASD.

A separate CDC report issued in 2013 found that 1 in 50 school-age children have an ASD, but that study relied on parental report, rather than official records.

Via: The Huffington Post

An Evening of Art, Jewels and Wine

Enjoy an Evening of Art, Jewels, and Wine at Isolda ART Gallery and help Unicorn Children's Foundation transform communities to engage, inspire, empower, and include individuals with neurodiversity in everyday routines, activities, and places.

For more information, visit http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/isolda/

Mobile Clinic Rolling Through on July 22nd!

Unicorn Children's Foundation's Mobile Developmental Clinic is rolling through the community on July 22nd.

If you are interested in a free screening and parent referral to support organizations where children identified at-risk can receive the appropriate treatment at the earliest age possible, mark your calendar!

Save the Date for a Fun Evening

Save the Date for a fun evening at Blue Martini Boca Town Center!

Local Celebrity Bartenders announcement coming soon...

Tickets available now: http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/martini/

Thank you to everyone who joins us on our mission every day!

Help Us Welcome our 2014-2015 Board of Directors!

We look forward to working to create a significant impact on communities to inspire, empower, include and fully engage individuals with neurodiversity with all of you. We thank you for your willingness to invest your time and join our efforts to make a better world for those who think, communicate, and learn differently.

Rafael Cabrera, M.D., President
Tabitha LeTourneau Meyerer, Treasurer
Lori Cabrera, Secretary
Eric Dorsky, Esq.
Joseph Eppy
Angela Fisher
Gregory Fried
Jeffrey Fromknecht
Randee Gabriel
Mark Hansen
Madeline Hillsberg
William Kruegel
J.C. Perrin
Mark Rosenbloom, M.D.
Jeannette Stark
John Sternal
Gwendoline Taylor
Michelle Yellin

Happy Independence Day!

Donate Now: http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/donate-now/

Proud to Support 211 for a 2nd Year!

For those with special needs questions, Unicorn Children's Foundation has funded a special needs hotline within 211 to help families navigate the complex system of available services and supports. We are proud to support for a 2nd year!

Sprint Announces New ”Neurodiversity ID Pack” for Android Devices

Sprint announced last week that it is launching a bundle of Android applications that are designed to provide neurodiverse individuals with access to tools that help them to better manage their lives.   The bundle includes 25 separate applications including an alternative augmentative communication app, a portal to thousands of audible books, reading and math skills programs, and much more.  The fact that Sprint has chosen to use the word “neurodiversity” in their description of the bundle is good indication that neurodiversity is approaching mainstream acceptance in the culture.  Ironically, it seems that the corporate sector is far ahead of the schools in embracing this more strength-based paradigm since only a few special educators have begun integrating a neurodiversity perspective into their practice.  Let’s hope that this announcement by Sprint will encourage more educators to take neurodiversity seriously, and that they will begin using the Neurodiversity ID Pack and other strategies to help students succeed based not on what they CAN’T do, but rather on what they CAN do!

Via: http://institute4learning.com/blog/2014/06/27/sprint-announces-new-neurodiversity-id-pack-for-android-devices/

Raise Awareness. Raise a Glass in Simply the Best Magazine!

The Save the Date for Raise Awareness, Raise a Glass at Blue Martini is featured in the July/August 2014 issue of Simply The Best Magazine on stands NOW!!

A huge thank you to Adam Goodkin, who will be one of the Local Celebrity Bartenders for the evening!

Stay tuned for the full list of bartenders....

http://www.unicornchildrensfoundation.org/martini/

View the full magazine here:https://flipflashpages.uniflip.com/3/45230/332698/pub/html5.html