January 11, 2010 meeting summary

We had a small turnout for tonight's meeting, largely due to the winter weather, but we were joined by three first-time participants (welcome, everyone!) and one second-time, came-once-a-long-time-ago participant (welcome again). Notably absent for literally only the second time in five years of FOCUS+ meetings was our usual group leader, Ruth Evenhouse. We missed you, Ruth!

In addition to passing out the following items, we introduced ourselves to the newcomers and got to know them as well.

• Exercise & ADHD Handout/Questionaire
• Is It Depression or ADHD Handout
• How to Comment on this Blog Handout

As our first-timers shared their stories, we identified several resources that have been listed in past blog entries, including

• TheLakeshore Disability Network
• Michigan Rehabilitation Services
• The FOCUS+ web site (http://www.focus-plus.org/), with "So you're new to ADHD" information
• Links to pharmaceutical company web sites that explain how the companies offer low- or no-cost prescription medications for families who can't otherwise afford them
• Astra Zeneca: www.astrazeneca-us.com/help-affording-your-medicines/prescription-saving-program
• Shire: http://www.shirecares.com/Forest Pharmaceuticals: http://www.frx.com/

Again, our next meeting is on Tuesday, February 11, 6:30 p.m., with guest presenter Claudia Brink discussing Exercise and ADHD. See you there!

March 9 Presenter: Rick Diamond, Michigan Rehabilitation Services (Holland Office)

Do any of these questions relate to you or your family?

• As a K-12 student with ADHD, is there anything special I should be considering as I plan for continuing my education or entering the workforce after graduation?


• Are there any resources available to help me with that transition?


• How can I identify the best career options for me, considering my interests and abilities, the current and future job markets, and - of course - the impact that ADHD has on me?


• Does ADHD qualify as a "disability" under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?


• What types of reasonable accommodations have employers and employees used in the past to effectively address the impact of ADHD on a person's job performance?


• How can I most effectively discuss my ADHD with my current employer, or a prospective employer?


• What the heck is Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS)?


• What the heck is the Disability Network of the Lakeshore (DNL)?

Rick Diamond from Disability Network of the Lakeshore and the MRS Holland office will be on hand at our March 9 meeting to address these questions and more with our group.

Do you have a specific question that would be appropriate for Rick? Post it here and we'll make sure he has the chance to review it prior to our meeting.