Welcome to the Western Region Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Website
The western region area of the ASD Network comprises 25,000 square miles. The boundaries of this region cover the entire panhandle area, from the Wyoming border at the west, north to the South Dakota border, then east over to Valentine and south, just west of North Platte. ESUs #13, #16 and #17 are included in this region. Dr. Jeff West is the Director of the ESU #13. Marg Dredla is the Special Education Director of ESU #13 and the Director of the Network in the Western Region.
Vicki Rutter is the Western Region Coordinator. Her contact information is: Educational Service Unit #13, 4215 Ave. I, Scottsbluff, NE 69361; FAX 308-635-0680; phone number 308-635-3696; email: vrutter@esu13.org.
Philosophy
It is vital that people who work with students on the autism spectrum be aware of the characteristics of each student’s specific disorder. Therefore, it is the goal of the Western Region that anyone who knows or works with a student on the autism spectrum have training in basic awareness and interventions to help the student reach his/her potential and become a more productive person in the school and in the community. It is also important that all agencies understand the autism spectrum so they are able to help the student move into the community from a school setting.
As in the other four regions, the West Region has an advisory board made up primarily of special education directors from school districts and ESU’s in the region.
The West Region also has an ASD Regional Team, who meet at least quarterly, made up of many of the following:
Parents, Speech/Language Pathologists, School Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Early Childhood Educators, Primary Educators, Secondary Educators, and Transition Specialists.
Referral to ASD Network
When student specific information is needed, referral to the ASD Network is necessary. A school district may obtain a referral form from Vicki Rutter, West Region ASD Coordinator at vrutter@esu13.org, or directly from the blog site at: http://wpmu.esu13.org/autismeducator/. Parents/caregivers who would like their student to be referred to the ASD Network should contact their local school district and make a request.
You may send the completed form to: Vicki Rutter, ESU #13, 4215 Ave. I, Scottsbluff, NE 69361 OR you can fax it to: 308-635-0680.
If you have questions, please call Vicki at 308-635-3696 or email her at vrutter@esu13.org.
Support Group Information
Educational Service Unit #13 hosts the site for a support group serving the Western Region of Nebraska. The meetings are typically the first Monday of each month throughout the school year. The meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. (Mountain Standard time) and are accessed either on site or via distance learning or Polycom technology.
Support Group Link
The Autism Society of Nebraska hosts a support group online service via this link: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/asnebraska/. I recommend this site to anyone, specifically parents, who would like to post questions and/or provide suggestions to other parents based on your personal experiences with issues related to Autism Spectrum Disorders.
NEW -- Support Group Sites
The first site is for parents and others interested in Autism Spectrum Disorders. It will contain links to online learning sites, provide support group meeting notes and more.
Another site is for educators looking for resources and referral forms, as well as educational opportunities regarding Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Autism Links
Nebraska Department of Education - training: http://www.nde.state.ne.us/autism/onlinetrng.html
Autism Action Partnership: http://www.autismactionpartnership.org/
Autism Society of Nebraska: http://www.autismnebraska.org/
Center for the study of Autism: http://www.autism.org/
Autism Speaks: http://www.autismspeaks.org/
Autism Society of America: http://www.autismsource.org/