ANIMATION GUILD AND AFFILIATED ELECTRONIC AND GRAPHIC ARTS , , November 2019 Vol. 48, No12

The voting period for the Guild’s 2019 Election has come to an end, ballots have been counted and the results are in. Current Vice- President Jeanette Moreno King was elected President. Jack Thomas was elected Vice-President, a position he fi rst won six years ago. Steve Kaplan, currently serving on the Executive Board and working in the position of Field Representative, was elected to the position of Business Representative. Incumbent Recording Secretary Paula Spence will con- tinue in that position for another three-year term. And Robert St. Pierre was elected on a “white ballot” at the General Membership Meeting in September, as he ran unopposed. A Executive Board was elected and includes some incumbents, some members new to the E-Board, and one who returns after serving in a previous term: KC Johnson (our current President), Carrie Liao, Ste- phen Silver, Emily Walus, Jack Cusumano, Elisa Phillips, Brandon Jar- ratt, Laura Hohman, Danny Ducker, Crystal Kan and Mike Milo. TAG Trustees are appointed based on the highest number of votes received by Executive Board members. KC Johnson, Carrie Liao and Stephen Silver

ELECTION RESULTS ARE IN (continued on page 3) IN THIS ISSUE Election Results Are In ...... 1 From the President ...... 4 From the Business Representative ...... 12 IATSE Safety App ...... 14 Field Rep Corner ...... 17 Lunch & Learn Recap: Autism Support ...... 18 Union Plus Scholarships ...... 21 Golden Awards Event Photos ...... 22 The Member Party Is Moving in 2020 ...... 26 2019 Holiday Market ...... 27 TAG Post-It Note Show ...... 28 In Memoriam ...... 29 December Gallery Show ...... 30 Upcoming Events at the Animation Guild ...... 31

THE PEGBOARD is published monthly by The Animation Guild and Affi liated Optical Electronic and Graphic Arts IATSE Local 839, 1105 N. Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505-2528 phone (818) 845-7500 • fax (818) 843-0300 [email protected] • www.animationguild.org

PRESIDENT BUSINESS VICE-PRESIDENT KC Johnson REPRESENTATIVE Jeanette Moreno King Jason MacLeod RECORDING SECRETARY SERGEANT-AT-ARMS PEGBOARD EDITOR Paula Spence Robert St. Pierre Paula Spence

EXECUTIVE BOARD David Chlystek • JJ Conway • Brandon Jarratt • Steve Kaplan Spencer Knapp • Ray Leong • Ashley Long • Jason Mayer Larry Smith • Candice Stephenson • Dave Thomas

TRUSTEES David Chlystek • Dave Thomas • Steve Kaplan

SHOP STEWARDS Greg Colton (Fox Animation) • Scott Carpenter (Disney TVA, Sonora) Jorge Garcia (DreamWorks Feature) • Charlotte Jackson (Netfl ix) Cathy Jones (Disney TVA, Empire) • Crystal Kan (DreamWorks TV, Central) Amanda Li (Netfl ix) • Carrie Liao (Disney Feature) • Kyle Neswald () Susan Nguyen (DreamWorks TV, Flower) • Emily Walus (Disney TVA, Empire) • Justin Weber (Disney Feature)

All contents © 2019 by TAG Local 839 IATSE. All rights reserved. ISSN 1523-9365.

Publications of bona fi de labor organizations may reprint articles from this newsletter so long as attribution is given. You can stop by the Animation Guild offi ce weekdays between 8:30 am and 5 pm and pick up current or recent back copies of The Pegboard, free of charge.

PEGBOARD SUBSCRIPTION POLICY: Active members automatically receive The Pegboard free of charge. Members on honorable withdrawal may continue to receive the newsletter without charge by sending an annual writ- request on or before the expiration date on the mailing label. The subscription rate for suspended members and non-members is $10.00 per year ($15.00 foreign, check in U. S. funds), checks made out to the Animation Guild and sent to 1105 N. Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505-2528, U.S.A.

The Pegboard is printed on recycled paper. 2 ELECTION RESULTS ARE IN (continued on page 3) were the three highest vote-getters, and will therefore be appointed as Trustees. Offi cers and Executive Board members will be sworn into of- fi ce on December 3, 2019, when the three-year term will offi cially begin. We applaud all the candidates who took the initiative to run for offi ce and represent the interests of our diverse and talented membership. And we encourage all members who ran for offi ce but were not elected to stay involved and active with the Guild – your ideas are important and much- valued. Attending General Membership Meetings and reading offi cial Animation Guild communications such as email blasts (This Week @ TAG and other informational updates), The Pegboard and Keyframe are a great way to keep up-to-date with what’s going on at Local 839. There are several TAG committees doing the work of representing specifi c crafts, issues and constituencies among our membership – they are bring- ing progressive ideas to the table, making plans and putting in the time and eff ort it takes to eff ect positive change at the Union, and they can always use more help to make things happen! The American Arbitration Association (AAA) received 912 ballots from eligible voters, which represents a 24 percent turnout. The ballot count took place on November 9, 2019 and was overseen by the AAA; results were certifi ed on November 10, 2019. — Paula Spence, Pegboard Editor

The Incoming Eecutive Board, Top Row: KC Johnson, Carrie Liao, Stephen Silver, Emily Walus, Jack Cusumano, Elisa Phillips. Bottom Row: Brandon Jarratt, Laura Hohman, Danny Ducker, Crystal Kan, Mike Milo. 3 “I MAKE A MOTION TO . . .” Now What? Part 2

The fi rst part of this article (in last month’s issue) discussed the mak- ing, discussing, and voting on a main motion, which is how business is brought before the members at a meeting. Part 2 will delve into some of the many other types of motions. This is not meant to be a complete list, but includes motions you may fi nd useful as a member at an Animation Guild meeting. While all motions propose some kind of action before the assembly, only a main motion “brings business” in the sense of getting something done. The rest, however, all play a part and have evolved for specifi c pur- poses. Each entry below includes one example of what to say to use it. There are a lot of one or two page cheat sheets for these motions that you can fi nd online, but it is helpful to discuss a few concepts in order for these charts to be more easily decipherable. Applicable Rules All these motions have diff erent rules that apply to them and their own set of requirements that must be followed. Here are some quick descriptions of what these rules are: In Order When Another Is Speaking? Some motions (listed below in the next section) can interrupt a pending motion when another has the fl oor (has been recognized by the chair to speak), and others have to wait until the meeting is between agenda items. Main motions, for example, are not in order when another has the fl oor. Requires a Second? Main motions must be seconded to show that more than one person in the assembly agrees that the motion should come before the assembly. Some of these additional motions also require a second. Debatable? Main motions are “debatable.” Members can discuss the merits of the motion while it is being considered. Not all of these ad- ditional motions require or allow debate. 4 Amendable? Main motions can be amended (changed or the wording adjusted) while they are being considered. Not all of these additional motions allow for amendments. Vote Required? To pass, main motions require a majority vote, which is more than half of the votes cast. Other motions require a higher threshold to pass, such as a two-thirds majority, which requires “at least” two thirds of the votes cast. Motions, By Type and Rank All motions have a rank, or level of priority, and are grouped into one of four categories. Once you’re in the world of multiple motions at the same time, the higher ranking motions are settled fi rst. These are all listed from highest to lowest priority.

1.) Privileged Motions Privileged motions are the highest ranking motions. They deal with special matters of “immediate and overriding importance” that should be allowed to interrupt the consideration of anything else. Adjourn: Ends the meeting. “I move to adjourn.” Meeting attendees should not be forced to continue a session longer than the majority de- sires. For this reason, this motion has the highest overall rank. This mo- tion can be made if there is no established meeting end time and as long as another meeting time and place are already set. In Order When Another Is Speaking? No Requires a Second? Yes Debatable? No Amendable? No Vote Required? Majority

Recess: Creates a short break or intermission, starting immediately. “I move to recess for ten minutes.” This motion is considered “privileged” when another motion is under consideration. Otherwise, it is a simple main motion. In Order When Another Is Speaking? No Requires a Second? Yes Debatable? No Amendable? Yes Vote Required? Majority 5 Call for the Order of the Day: Calls for the chair of the meeting to re- turn to the agenda if the meeting has strayed from the order of business. “Mister/Madam President, I call for the regular order.” This call must be made as soon as possible. If another motion is being considered, it must be settled before returning to the set agenda. In Order When Another Is Speaking? Yes Requires a Second? No Debatable? No Amendable? No Vote Required? None, however, a two-thirds majority can vote to suspend the rules.

2.) Incidental Motions Incidental motions relate to the business at hand in some specifi c way. They don’t raise a new topic; instead, they aff ect how the topic is being considered. Point of Order: If the chair of a meeting is not enforcing the rules of the assembly (for example, someone speaking out of turn), this motion calls it to attention. “Point of order!” The chair then makes a ruling on the situation, either straightaway or after consultation. In Order When Another Is Speaking? Yes Requires a Second? No Debatable? No Amendable? No Vote Required? None, unless appealed, then majority

Appeal: Calls for a vote of the assembly when two members disagree with the chair’s ruling on a matter. “I appeal the decision of the chair!” The chair then calls for a vote from the assembly to either sustain or overturn the ruling. In Order When Another Is Speaking? Yes Requires a Second? Yes Debatable? No Amendable? No Vote Required? Majority

6 Objection to the Consideration of a Question: Seeks to dismiss (eff ec- tively killing) a main motion believed to be too strongly undesirable or harmful for it to even come before the assembly. “I object to the consid- eration of the question.” The chair must then call for a vote on whether or not the motion should be considered. In Order When Another Is Speaking? Yes Requires a Second? No Debatable? No Amendable? No Vote Required? Two-thirds majority

Division of a Question: Requests that a main motion at hand be divided into separate votes if it contains two or more parts able to stand as sepa- rate questions. “I move to divide the resolution into parts as follows.” The chair then calls for a vote to approve the division. If approved, the now separate main motions are considered in turn. In Order When Another Is Speaking? No Requires a Second? Yes Debatable? No Amendable? Yes Vote Required? Majority

Division of the Assembly: Requests that a vote be recounted by having members stand to show their vote (known as a “rising vote”). “I call for division!” When a member thinks a vote was too inconclusive, counted inaccurately by the chair, or any other reason, they can ask for a second, clearer count. In Order When Another Is Speaking? Yes Requires a Second? No Debatable? No Amendable? No Vote Required? None

7 3.) Subsidiary Motions Subsidiary motions assist in how a main motion is handled. When passed, they are applied to another motion to change its status and do something to it in some way, neither adopting it nor expressly rejecting it. Previous Question: Closes debate and brings the motion at hand to an immediate vote. “I move the previous question.” This motion prevents a small minority from fi libustering when the larger assembly is ready to vote. In Order When Another Is Speaking? No Requires a Second? Yes Debatable? No Amendable? No Vote Required? Two-thirds majority

Limit or Extend Limits of Debate: Sets unique parameters for a debate, either shortening or lengthening the usual guidelines for arguments. “I move to limit/extend the debate by (state change to be made).” In Order When Another Is Speaking? No Requires a Second? Yes Debatable? No Amendable? Yes Vote Required? Two-thirds majority

Postpone to a Certain Time: Moves the consideration of a motion to a diff erent, set time. “I move to postpone the resolution to (state when).” This can be used to move consideration of the main motion to later in the agenda, the next meeting, or a totally diff erent date altogether. In Order When Another Is Speaking? No Requires a Second? Yes Debatable? Yes Amendable? Yes Vote Required? Majority

8 Refer: Gives the matter to a committee for further study and/or redraft- ing. “I move to refer the motion to committee.” Sometimes a motion just isn’t ready for a fi nal vote because it really needs more time than is available at the meeting. The group specifi ed in the motion is then tasked with doing the work and returning the reworked motion and/or further information to the assembly at a later time. In Order When Another Is Speaking? No Requires a Second? Yes Debatable? Yes Amendable? Yes Vote Required? Majority

Amend: Alters the wording of a main motion in an eff ort to clarify or improve its meaning. “I move to amend by (state proposed change).” This motion is used after the chair has stated the main motion and opened it to the fl oor for comments. Before that, no motion is needed to adjust the language of the motion. Any amendment must not drastically change the intent or topic of the main motion. In Order When Another Is Speaking? No Requires a Second? Yes Debatable? Yes Amendable? Yes Vote Required? Majority

Postpone Indefi nitely: Avoids a direct vote on a main motion by ef- fectively killing it for the rest of the meeting. “I move that the resolution be postponed indefi nitely.” This motion is useful in disposing of a badly chosen, harmful, embarrassing, or otherwise problematic main motion. In Order When Another Is Speaking? No Requires a Second? Yes Debatable? Yes Amendable? No Vote Required? Majority

9 4.) Revisiting Main Motions Motions that bring a question again enable the assembly to reopen a previously completed question, for whatever reason. It should be noted that to change what has been adopted typically requires more votes or notice than was required in the fi rst place. Reconsider: Calls for a new vote on a recently passed motion (at the same meeting) due to some new knowledge or insight or to correct a hasty, ill-advised action. “I move to reconsider the vote.” Uniquely, this motion can only be made by someone who voted with the winning side of the prior vote. In Order When Another Is Speaking? No Requires a Second? Yes Debatable? Yes Amendable? No Vote Required? Majority

Rescind: Repeals a previously ordered motion. “I move to rescind (state motion).” This same rule can be used to partially change a previous motion by saying instead, “I move to amend the previous motion (state motion).” This motion can be applied to many (but not all) past motions that have continuing force and eff ect. In Order When Another Is Speaking? No Requires a Second? Yes Debatable? Yes Amendable? Yes Vote Required? Two-thirds majority; unless a notice to rescind was given at the previous meeting, then simple majority

10 In Summary Motions and Parliamentary rules can seem overwhelming, but an un- derstanding of them gives you the opportunity to fully participate in the governance of your Guild. All of the information in this article was pulled from these two books: Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised (11th Edition) and Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised, in Brief (2nd Edition). The more you know, the more power you have! I hope this two-part series has helped to shed more light on how our meetings run and how you can be a part of them. See you at the next General Membership Meeting!

In Solidarity, KC Johnson

Please check for 401(k) deductions on your paystub!

It’s always a good idea to review your paystub to make sure that all deductions are coming out according to your plan. Regular and 50+ catch-up deductions should come out before taxes, but 401(k) Roth deductions are taxed now so that you won’t be taxed when you take disbursements in retirement. A weekly review can also tell you if your 401(k) contributions are adding up in accordance with the percentage you directed to have deducted each week – this is especially important in tracking 50+ catch-up contributions. Please look to see if your deductions are proceed- ing as planned, and if not, take action as soon as possible. For questions, please contact the 401(k) Plan Administrator by email at [email protected] – or by phone at 818-845-7500.

11 Dear members of the TAG Community, Thank you very much for the opportunity you have given me for the past three years. Serving as your Business Representative has been an honor and privi- lege, and I have learned a great deal from the experience. Helping to steer the Animation Guild, together with the Executive Board, has been both a challenge and a reward. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and it would not have been possible without signifi cant eff orts from engaged and active members. TAG Tuesdays, committees, mixers and events like the Holiday Market and the Zinefest – these things would not be in existence with- out activist members ready to contribute and lead. Shop Stewards, Craft Representatives, Committee Chairs and Group Organizers; all vital roles within our Union, all volunteers, all members just like you. I would also like to take a moment and recognize some other important contributors – the TAG offi ce staff , who work very hard to answer your questions and keep things on track administratively. We’re in debt, of course, to our parent organization, the IATSE, for their continuing sup- port, and also to our sisters and brothers in the other West Coast Locals, who share their opportunities and knowledge with us. It is through com- bined eff ort that we will fi ght and prevail; we are stronger together. Looking back, here are a few things that are diff erent today than they were at this time in 2016:

• In negotiations with the AMPTP, we were the fi rst labor union to force employers to agree to animation-specifi c terms for streaming projects. • TAG t-shirts are everywhere – the interlocking “AG” coiled spring is a common sight at workplaces. Thanks for letting your employer know you’re part of something bigger.

12 • We’re about to fi nish the second full year of publishing Keyframe. Hundreds have volunteered their time for interviews and stories helping to strengthen our community by sharing experiences. • We have expanded offi ce staff , have two Field Representatives meeting members in their workplaces, and – fi ngers-crossed – in early 2020 you will see the new online member portal the offi ce has been working on. • We had a record number of Delegates participate in the most recent District 2 Convention, and those Delegates have kept up their energy level, continuing to lead back here in LA. • Committees have formed and are meeting (thanks, President KC Johnson). Members have ideas about how to make things better, and they are taking action! And of course, the number of committed members who threw their hats in the ring for the 2019 Offi cer Elections is impressive. Members willing to volunteer their time to help our community, ready to work to improve working conditions and benefi ts for all of us. It’s inspiring to see so many members ready to pitch in! I’m excited to see what the future holds, and I can’t wait to see what you do. All I can hope for is that the upward trend of engagement continues. While we can pay for certain types of advice and expertise, we cannot purchase bargaining power or solidarity. That has to come from within, and building that kind of strength takes commitment, leadership, pa- tience and consistency. All of us play a part in helping to build a stronger Union. While I’m pleased with what we have done, the truth, of course, is that there is so much more left to do. I hope all of you reading will look for ways you can contribute to help make our Union stronger – to partici- pate and get involved in ways big and small. Every bit helps! You have the power to make change happen. Your actions make a diff erence. The Union begins with you. Yours in solidarity, Jason 13 If you experience an incident of sexual harassment in the workplace, the typical fi rst step encouraged is to report it to your immediate supervi- sor or to the HR Department. However, in the real world we’ve all prob- ably worked in at least one place where supervisors turned a blind eye, HR felt compromised, or – often in the case of smaller shops – HR just plain didn’t exist. So where do you go to get help when there’s nobody in house on your side? IATSE has an app for that – and a hotline too! The IATSE Safety Info Reporting App was designed primarily for reporting physical safety hazards on live action sets (such as unsafe electrical cables, being asked to work in severe weather or vehicle safety issues) and also allows one to report harassment on a job. You can call the hotline or use the drop down menu in the app and select “harassment” as your topic. I spoke with one of IATSE’s Safety Hotline fi rst responders to fi nd out more about how to report and what you can expect.

Q: When a person calls in or uses the online form, where does it go? Who will be reading my report? A: The individuals on the other end of the app have First Responder trauma training. They are there to listen and collect as much information about the situation as you would like to share. They will use gentle, fact gathering questions to best understand what has happened and what you would like to see done about it.

Q: Can reports be made anonymously? A: Of course. IATSE understands that victims of harassment often wish to keep details private or may be fearful of retaliation. However, anonymous reports are diffi cult to pursue. The more information you can provide, the greater the possibility IATSE and your Local can step in and help keep workers safe. If you are not ready to attach your name 14 to a report, what you can do is leave the name fi eld anonymous, but provide a contact number where a responder can reach you. Being able to ask follow up questions can be very important for an investigating team. Providing the name of the studio where the incident took place and details like the specifi c production or harasser’s name – if you are will- ing to give them – can help IATSE set to action. Your name and contact information will never be given out if you would like them withheld. Confi dentiality is of the highest priority.

Q: Who will be notifi ed of my report? Are you going to contact my boss? Or my harasser? A: The course of action depends entirely on your wishes and comfort level. Some people call the hotline because they just want someone to listen, but ultimately do not wish for the incident to be pursued. Others report so that IATSE can look into the issue and set the gears in motion to make the studio aware they have a problem that needs to be looked at. The response team does NOT contact your immediate supervisor or the harassing party. With your permission, a logical fi rst step is for IATSE to reach out to your Guild and have someone at the offi ce follow up with you, to work in tandem with them to work toward your desired result.

Q: What can I expect from my Guild? A: Every situation will be diff erent, and again this all depends on the reporting party’s comfort level, desired action and willingness to provide information. Member services ARE part of a Local’s responsibility. If you want your studio to investigate the incident, one way to start might be to have the Guild send your studio or production a letter, notify- ing them that there has been a report. Knowing that the greater body of IATSE is on the case may be what it takes for a production to take the matter seriously and examine the conduct of their crew. The IATSE Constitution also allows for an individual to be charged with “Conduct Unbecoming of a Member.” This is similar to the course Local 839 took with the Chris Savino case, wherein the charge was “Dis- loyalty to Another Member.” If you feel you have experienced something where such charges would be appropriate, please reach out to IATSE via this reporting app or hotline and start the discussion with a responder and a Guild representative.

15 Q: What if the sexual harassment I experienced did not take place in the actual offi ce? What if a co-worker did something inap- propriate at a company party, an after work outing, or sent me inap- propriate materials through text or social media while I was home? A: If it involves a co-worker, these incidents are still very relevant to report. Your employer is legally obligated to provide a safe working environment and if you don’t feel safe around a co-worker because of something that happened off hours, that is still a matter that should be addressed. The IATSE hotline and app can be used to report these things as well.

Q: Are there any other resources available to members who have experienced harassment or trauma? A: Yes! IATSE reached out to the Actor’s Fund and they generously agreed to partner with us to pair victims with the resources they need. The Actor’s Fund can connect you with a counselor in their network who is trained to listen and help you process what you are going through. And don’t forget the fantastic mental health benefi ts available through Op- tum, which is part of our MPI benefi t package. Their information is on your insurance card and helpful phone reps can get you connected with a provider in your area.

The IATSE Safety Hotline can be reached by dialing toll free 844-IA-AWARE. You can leave a message or speak with a live, trained representative. The IATSE Safety Info App is available for iPhone and Android. To learn more about the features and be linked to downloads, visit www. iatse.net/iatse-safety.

— Ashley Long, Executive Board Member Chair of the Workplace Empowerment Committee

This article also appears in Keyframe (Winter Quarter)

16 Greetings TAG members! We’ve started the Field Representative Corner to commu- nicate the work we’re doing in the fi eld and beyond. Since April, we’ve been meeting with members in their workplace and assisting with any issues or questions they may have for the union. Just in the last month, our visits have included DreamWorks television (Central and Flower), DreamWorks Feature; Walt Disney Animation Studios, Disney TV Animation, The Simpsons, Rick & Morty and Solar Opposites, Animation, Robin Red Breast (Titmouse) North Hollywood and Hollywood locations, ShadowMachine, Zamodo (Muppet Babies), Pictures Animation, Warner Bros. Television, , Wild Canary, and many more. We keep a spreadsheet tracking when visits are done, so a regular schedule is estab- lished for the studios and there’s no more than a couple months between visits. During the visits, we always get general questions ranging from how to qualify for the health insurance to participating in TAG’s 401K. But through the course of conversa- tions with members, issues have been identifi ed by us and are often brought back to the offi ce for solutions. Most recently, an Art Director with supervisor and on-call status on a television series was working on the weekends and did not know about the 6 th and 7 th days clause in our contract, so they weren’t reporting their weekend hours. Once the member learned how that takes away from their health and pension benefi ts being reported to the MPI Plans, they pledged to not work overtime without offi cial approval at the studio, and to report all hours so they get those pay and benefi ts contributions. At a small studio, a new member hired as a Background Painter was classifi ed as “First Six Months,” despite having years of experience as a Background Painter. Thanks to a conversation with Field Rep Simmons, the new member was able to talk to Human Resources and their classifi cation was properly changed to Journey level. We know for some members, having conversations in the workplace can be diffi cult. When we’re visiting, you are more than welcome to ask to have a private conversation with us outside your workspace. That is allowed and encouraged. Remember, we’re here to help! We also started “Brown Bag Lunch with the TAG Field Reps!” The fi rst took place with members at Disney TVA and Bento Box at the Empire location. This was a chance for members to come out with their lunches and meet us. We brought the cookies and they brought the questions! It was a great way to have open conversations outside the cubicle and get to know the members and vice-versa. We will be doing more Brown Bag Lunches in 2020. If you’d like for us to set up a “Brown Bag Lunch” meeting with your crew, contact us at fi [email protected] . One last note, now that Field Rep Steve Kaplan was elected Business Representative, we’re down to one Field Representative, but that won’t change our visits and outreach. So be on the lookout for Leslie! In Solidarity, Leslie Simmons & Steve Kaplan

17 The FAM committee hosted a Lunch & Learn on Oct. 23, 2019 focused on autism resources. The panel, moderated by FAM commit- tee chair Kristin Donner and parent and DreamWorks animator Megan Kreiner, included: Carrie N. Dilley, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Synergy Psychological, Inc. Juan Corral, MS, BCBA, Board Certifi ed Behavior Analyst & Educator Kristin Kucia, MA, Manager of Student Aff airs, Marjan Kermani, Esq., Assistant Director & Supervising Attorney, Lanterman Special Education Legal Clinic Sandra Equihua, Parent & Designer, Mexopolis

What does the diagnosis process look like? Autism is a social communication disorder that is impactful in a variety of ways, including signifi cant challenges in social communica- tion, and restrictive and repetitive behaviors. It’s a good idea to start with a comprehensive evaluation—a diagnosis can’t be made in a quick assessment, you need a thorough picture. One of the key phrases you’ll hear from experts is Theory of Mind – the way an individual thinks and understands about others outside themselves. Those on the spectrum often default that people around them think and feel as they do. No two individuals will be at the same level—some are brilliant, gifted and talented individuals while others might really be struggling. Often you’ll hear the words – high functioning and low functioning – but those are not diagnostic terms, they are assigned to give an idea to others where an individual is functioning on the spectrum. Instead, an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis is often assigned one of the following three levels:

18 Level 1 – Requiring Support – diffi culty with social interactions, orga- nization and planning problems Level 2 – Requiring Substantial Support – frequent restrictive and repetitive behaviors, limited social interactions Level 3 – Requiring Very Substantial Support – severe defi cits in communication skills Experts, such as Dr. Dilley, are quick to point out that diagnosis is fl uid, those on the autism spectrum can move between levels.

How can you make sure to receive the resources you need, es- pecially if your insurance company doesn’t cover them? If a child is diagnosed under the age of three, the Regional Center is required by the State of California to provide free services. After the age of three, academic services can be provided through the school while other services might be received through the Regional Center, private facilities or managed care. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a comprehensive act and governs the Individualized Edu- cation Program (IEP) document and includes section 504. It creates a lot of protections and services. Every child must receive Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), i.e. educated with non-disabled children to the extent it’s possible. Sec- tion 504 provides reasonable accommodations – it won’t give support services but off ers accommodations. Assessments need to be thorough and start in one of two ways: 1) The school initiates the assessment; 2) A written referral from the parent initiates it. The School District must respond with an assessment plan within 15 days of receipt of the letter and a qualifi ed, licensed individual must do the assessments. Everything builds off these assessments. The family can get a written report of the assessment before the IEP eligibility determination meeting. Assessments must be done every three years, but if you feel your child isn’t progress- ing you can request another assessment. You can also request an indepen- dent assessment if you don’t agree with the school’s initial report. Bring an advocate, support system, and/or attorney to the IEP determination meeting. It goes a long way, and changes the balance. Also, you don’t have to sign the IEP at the meeting if you don’t agree with it. Section 504 also applies to individuals who turn 18 so you can request accommoda- tions from employers. 19 What are some of the unique challenges people on the autism spectrum face when seeking employment? Oftentimes, those on the autism spectrum are concrete thinkers and they may not understand indirect suggestions. It’s important for them to receive feedback from industry professionals – what to do, what not to do. If one of their behaviors is bothersome, they need direct feedback to stop. They might need a quiet space because of sensory overload or require more breaks. Experts, such as Kristin Kucia, highly recommend social skills training for those on the spectrum.

Should you get an assessment as an adult if you think you might be on the spectrum? It really depends on your reasons behind being assessed. Oftentimes, people who are in relationships, struggling at work or perhaps see simi- larities in their own childhood behaviors and that of their ASD child, might want to probe further to gain more knowledge. Those who need a diagnosis for disability will require a comprehensive assessment.

The Family And Membership (FAM) Committee is dedicated to outreach, advocacy, and member activism, while also providing a community and resources in support of member and family wellness. Chairs: Kristin Donner & Kyle Neswald. Email: [email protected].

20 Union Plus Scholarships Online application now available!

ver 2,900 students in union families have received money for college through the Union Plus “I hope that I will OScholarship. The online application is available be able to keep our each year starting in June through the deadline on family tradition of union membership January 31. You can complete the application in stages alive since unions and save your answers before you submit. have had such a Who can apply: profound effect on Current and retired participating union members, their spouses our economy and and their dependent children. American history. ” What kind of school is eligible: –Brooke Meckley The scholarship is open to students who attend or plan to attend a U.S. college, university, community college, or a technical/trade school. Students attending undergraduate or graduate schools Apply aarere eligible. Online Now! ScholarshipSch amounts: RecipientsRec will receive $500 to $4,000. DeadlineDea to apply: JanuaryJan 31, 12pm (noon), Eastern Time ScholarshipSch recipients announced: MayMa 31 DetailsD and online application available at: unionplus.org/scholarshipsu

ToT receive mobile text alerts about education-related deadlines and information, text STUDENT to 22555. Msg&Data Rates May Apply. Reply STOP to opt-out. Reply HELP or contact [email protected] for help.

Brooke Meckley of Denver, PA. Daughter of a member of BCTGM Local 374G, is a Union Plus Scholarship recipient. unionplus.org/scholarships

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21 22 23 24 25 Don’t miss out on Animation Guild events! Keep your contact informa- tion up-to-date and sign up for our e-mail list at https://animationguild. org/about-the-guild/change-address/. You can GO GREEN – and save the Guild printing and mailing costs – by choosing to view our TAG publications digitally rather than receiving a hard copy in the mail. Visit https://animationguild.org/about-the-guild/publication-preferences/.

26 27 28 Domingo Rivera passed away on October 15, 2018. He worked as a Layout Artist, Character Designer and Key Assistant Animator for Turner Feature, Baer Animation, Warner Bros., Disney, DreamWorks and .

Sherri Vandoli passed away on August 17, 2019. She worked in the Ink & Paint Departments at Disney, Ruby-Spears and as a Cel Painter, Xerox Processor and Supervisor.

Ernesto Elicanal passed away on September 4, 2019. He worked as a Layout Artist at Film Roman.

Bradley Achorn passed away on September 5, 2019. He worked as a Technical Director at both Disney and DreamWorks.

Evelyn Fletcher passed away on September 23, 2019. She worked in the Xerox and Ink & Paint departments of Disney, Filmfair, Hanna-Barbera, as well as other studios.

Jason So (Jay Won So) passed away on October 9, 2019. He worked as a Storyboard Artist, Board Revisionist, Animator and Layout Artist at Baer Animation, Warner Bros., Disney, Filmation, Hanna-Barbera and Marvel.

29 30 November 19th – General Membership Meeting Refreshments at 6:30, meeting starts at 7 p.m.

November 26th – TAG Tuesday – Wear your TAG T-shirt to work!

November 28th and 29th – Contract Holidays: Thanksgiving

December 6th – TAG Post-It Note Show at Gallery 839 – 6 to 9 p.m. To Benefi t the IATSE PAC

December 6th – Holiday Market – Hulett Hall, 6 to 9 p.m.

December 8th – FAM Committee Meeting and Holiday Social 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

December 25th – Contract Holiday: Christmas Day

December 31st – TAG Tuesday – Wear your TAG T-shirt to work!

January 1st – Contract Holiday: New Year’s Day

Close to 20 members of TAG came out in support of musicians represented by AFM Local 47 and their President, John Acosta, at a rally outside Disney Studios on Nov. 12. AFM Local 47 is fi ghting to get full pay for work done on streaming shows, as well as residuals. Right now they are getting paid 50% to 75% pay cut for work on streaming shows as opposed to broadcast and theatrical productions. 31 The AnimaƟ on Guild Local 839 IATSE First Class Mail NONPROFIT ORG. 1105 N. Hollywood Way U. S. Postage Paid U. S. POSTAGE PAID Burbank, CA 91505-2528 Permit 25 VAN NUYS, CA North Hollywood, CA PERMIT 25

11/2019