We are a state chapter of TASH, which is an international grassroots leader in advancing inclusive communities through research, education, and advocacy. Founded in 1975, we are a volunteer-driven organization that advocates for human rights and inclusion for people with the most significant disabilities and support needs -- those most vulnerable to segregation, abuse, neglect, and institutionalization. The inclusive practices we promote and validate through research improve quality of life outcomes for all people.
AZWins, Arizona TASH annual conference, is the state’s premier professional development resource for inclusive education practices, and draws many parents and self-advocates who want to learn more and support increased access to inclusive education in Arizona. The seventh annual conference was held June 6-7, 2011, and participants evaluated the conference as the “best ever” and “most outstanding conference I’ve ever attended!”
The hand’s-down scene-stealer of the two days was Laura Nagle. Laura is a modern-day renaissance woman: an author, humorist, comedian, public speaker and self-educated engineer and architect. Her goal in life is to help people understand the perspective of autistic people, and through increased understanding, facilitate appreciation for her “tribe.” Her friend Nancy Licht summed up Laura’s impact on the conference this way: ”What an incredible presenter you are. Susan [Marks] is right … you are a natural, whether in front of the camera or in front of a crowd. Your insight, honesty and humor command rapt attention from your audience. Each time I see you give a presentation, I am more in awe of you. Lon & I are learning so much from you and our gratitude for that is immeasurable. You are helping us better understand and better appreciate our incredible … and incredibly unique daughter. And THAT, my friend, is priceless! So glad you came into the group and into our lives.”
The Arizona TASH conference is a great example of TASH at its best – a community of people working together toward a more just world. A film is being made of Laura’s life as a way to increase awareness of what it’s like to be autistic. To learn more about the film and make a contribution to its production, please visit http://www.lauranagle.net/Film.htm. To learn more about Laura, visit http://lauranagle.net/.
Photo: Barb Trader, TASH Executive Director, addresses the crowd at AZWins (Posted with permission of TASH.org)
Arizona TASH Legacy Award 2011
To Dan Perino
Dan has been a tireless leader in Tucson, AZ working for Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) to support high school students with intellectual impairments and other disabilities obtain quality life experiences following graduation. He has been working in this capacity for over 20 years and continues to serve as a recognized leader in the field of possibilities for young adults with disabilities. Dan believes that all students, regardless of substantive challenges, can obtain meaningful employment in inclusive community settings. Dan also believes that these students have a right to seek higher education following high school and has implemented college programs for these students. His recent efforts have led to the partnership with the University of Arizona to establish the first college program for students with intellectual disabilities in Arizona. Working with students with various disabilities from ten high schools in TUSD, Dan has demonstrated the importance of forging relationships with numerous private and public adult agencies to create smooth transitions into adult living. Dan has impacted the lives of many students over the years as well as their families, coworkers, employers, and college personnel. His program has provided a training site for future teachers to see what is possible for young people with intellectual disabilities once they leave the school system. Dan’s goal is to achieve the highest quality of life for each individual student and the successful participation of many Tucson graduates in their typical communities bears witness to his success.
This award recognizes Dan's ongoing work in creating and supporting inclusive communities for all. He also received $1000 and a renewal of his TASH membership.
Arizona TASH is proud to announce TWO annual awards to acknowledge individuals, groups, programs or organizations for their efforts to promote inclusive practices in Arizona schools or communities (i.e., inclusive jobs, recreational, community living, etc.).
Nominations will be accepted for the Arizona TASH Legacy Award and the June Downing Paraeducator Award . Each year, Arizona TASH will present one award under each award category.
Arizona TASH Legacy Award
The AzTASH Legacy Award comes with a special “Pulling for All Kids” award OR a special “Living the Inclusive Dream” award, a one-year membership to TASH, plus a $1000 cash award. The award will be announced at the 2012 Annual Arizona TASH Conference on Inclusive Practices. This year, the conference will be held on June 13-14, 2012. Please see http://azwins.org for details.
June Downing Paraeducator Award
The June Downing Paraeducator Award comes with a special award, a one-year membership to TASH, plus a $1000 cash award. The award will be announced at the 2012 Annual Arizona TASH Conference on Inclusive Practices. This year, the conference will be held on June 13-14, 2012. Please see http://azwins.org for details.
Self-Advocate Membership WordPDF (supported by Arizona TASH/TASH at NAU)
Join Us
Are you frequently on the internet searching for addresses, movie times, interesting tidbits of information, or simply wasting time? If so, make your searches bring money to TASH. Simply use "Goodsearch.com" the next time that you are searching the internet and verify TASH as the organization of choice that you would like to use and they will send us a penny for each search. Believe it or not, those pennies add up. The more you search or have others search on TASH's behalf, the more money we raise. Why not change your default browser to Goodsearch.com and let's see how much money we can raise. This will cost you nothing to do and the searches are powered by Yahoo so you should get reliable searches.
Don't forget, choose Goodsearch.com as your default browser, select and verify TASH as your organization of choice and search away. Spread the word to your friends, neighbors, and colleagues!
