Funding to support independent living

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has proposed rules to allow all States to access a potential of $3.7 billion (over three years) in federal funding through the Community First Choice Option program established by the new health care reform law. The Community First Choice Option, available starting on October 1, allows states to receive an enhanced Medicaid match to provide home and community services, including attendant services and supports that help individuals with activities of daily living and health-related tasks through hands-on assistance or supervision, and costs related to moving individuals from an institution to the community. To qualify for the enhanced match, States must develop "person-centered plans" that allow the individual to determine how services are provided to achieve or maintain independence. The proposed rule describes the details of this program and solicits public comment. The rule can be found at http://www.ofr.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2011-03946_PI.pdf.

Today is the 55th day of the session. Leadership is striving to complete the session within 100 days, and hoping to have a budget passed by the end of March.  SB 1519 (the AHCCCS termination bill) has not advanced any further. But there are rumors that there may be an "enrollment freeze" in AHCCCS starting as early as April 1. The Governor is saying she will have an AHCCCS reform package this week. 

Eligibility determinations for autism

Raising Special Kids made a public records information request for data from the Division of Developmental Disabilities about the policy and practice of reviewing the diagnoses of autism by developmental pediatricians.

 2010 data on eligibility determinations for autism in Arizona:

• 100 cases from developmental pediatricians were reviewed.
• 77% of the diagnostic determinations of developmental pediatricians were approved.
• As of February 11, 2011, 8 cases were pending a final determination.
• 27 days is the average length of time for review until notification determination was made.

Comment on Arizona special education policies

The Arizona Department of Education has distributed a Public Notice Regarding Application for Federal Funds under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA). The Application document sets forth policies and procedures that Arizona will undertake to ensure the following:

• All eligible children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that includes special education and related services to meet their unique needs;
• The rights of children with disabilities and their parents are protected;
• Assistance is provided to public education agencies for the education of all children with disabilities; and
• Assess and ensure the effectiveness of efforts to educate those children.

Review and comment at www.ade.az.gov/ess/  under "What's New" until April 30, 2011.

AZ Trauma System News
from the Arizona Department of Health Services Director's Blog found at http://directorsblog.health.azdhs.gov/

Trauma remains a big problem in Arizona; it's the leading cause of death for folks under 44 and nearly 27,000 people suffered injuries severe enough to be cared for in trauma centers in 2009.  We've been working hard over the last few years to recruit new rural hospitals into the trauma system as Level IV trauma hospitals (see my previous blog).  As of last week, we now have 11 Level IV trauma centers spread out across the state that augment the 8 existing Level I trauma centers in Flagstaff, Phoenix and Tucson.

Our next objectives include recruiting 2 or 3 Level III trauma centers in select rural communities that can care for moderately injured patients whose injuries are severe enough that our Level IV centers can't care for them, but who don't require the specialized care that is available from the Level I trauma centers. 

Project guidelines

Tell us how health care issues affect families of children with special needs. If you haven't yet taken our survey please use this link: www.surveymonkey.com/s/HealthSurveyforAZFamilies 

Your help in increasing awareness and understanding of the challenges families face is appreciated.

Parent Training in Autism

The Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at UC Davis has developed a free, online training series called ADEPT--Autism Distance Education Parent Training Interactive Learning. ADEPT is a 10-lesson interactive, self-paced, online learning module that gives parents the tools and training to more effectively teach their child with autism using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques.

http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/ddcenter/CEDD_ourproducts.html

Miracle League

Grand Opening of the Dan Haren Miracle League of Arizona Field

March 22nd at 10 am

11130 East Cholla Street, Scottsdale Arizona 85259

Mission of the Miracle League of Arizona: To provide opportunities for children with physical and/or mental challenges to play Miracle League baseball, regardless of their disabilities. Our goal is to promote the construction and upkeep of specially designed facilities that meet the unique needs of Miracle League players and their families.

Of Interest on the Internet:

• This article on projected effects of Medicaid cuts examines some effects cuts may have on Arizona health care services
• Implementing Positive Behavior Support in schools
• Arizona Peer and Family Coalition  has launched a new website with posts on legislative news of interest to the behavioral health community

March 07, 2011 IEP Basics

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM  - Learn about the purpose of IEPs, parent's role in the process, and how to prepare for meetings.

March 09, 2011 The Journey to Adulthood

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Provide parents with information about physical, emotional and social changes that adolescence and puberty bring to every child.

March 10, 2011 Positive Behavior Support

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM - Training on effective techniques for behavior management

Special Day for Special Kids

Mark your calendars and get ready to join us for a grand time at the 25th Annual Special Day for Special Kids on Saturday, March 26, 2011. Enjoy FREE train rides, carnival activities, carousel rides, games, activity booths, clowns, face painting, petting zoo, plus lots of food and ice cream...all for FREE!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

10 am - 2 pm

Location: McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Scottsdale (southwest corner of Indian Bend and Scottsdale roads)

Questions? Contact Dan McAuliffe 480-624-2338 or Raising Special Kids (En Espanol) 480-242-4366

FREE Collaborative Therapies Forum

For Parents of Children Birth to Five

Phoenix Children's Hospital, Mel Cohen Conference Center

Saturday, May 7, 2011

8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Presented by professionals and parents of children with special health needs

Developmental Pediatrician

· How to work with your doctor

· Child development (cognitive, language, fine/gross motor, self-help, social/emotional)

Speech & Language Pathologist

· How to recognize & encourage communication, including baby sign language

Physical Therapist

· Interactive and hands on therapy techniques

Occupational Therapist

· Defining Sensory Integration, playful activities

Breakfast and lunch included. Spanish translation will be available. Due to space limitations and no child care; adults only should attend. Please register by contacting Raising Special Kids at 602-242-4366 or online at our event calendar.

• Special Day for Special Kids on Saturday March 26
  Choose a time slot between 10 am and 2pm.
  This event is a real blast for volunteers, staff and everyone who attends. The event goes for 4 hours, but there's no need to commit for the full time period--choose a time slot that's convenient for you. You can enjoy meeting families with their kids while hosting our information table, and then spend some time exploring the festivities and munching on a free lunch!  

Parent Leaders are needed to help with the training of professionals in health, education, and social services by panel presentation and "Telling Your Story" at a training, conference, or university classroom.

Contact Janna at 602-242-4366 or 800-237-3007 
jannam@raisingspecialkids.org

"This isn't a fair fight...they don't have a chance!"

- one parent reassuring spouse as they arrived for a challenging IEP meeting to find 16 professionals seated at the meeting, and the sudden realization that they were armed with their training and information from Raising Special Kids on understanding their parental rights.