SB1593 and the McLain Amendment passed last week 37-21 in the House, 21-8 in the Senate, and now is on its way to the Governor. SB1593 would permit insurance companies to avoid requirements put in place by the state of Arizona to protect consumers. The McLain Amendment proposes that all Arizona health mandates be repealed for all health insurance policies, even those written in Arizona. 

This proposal would impact coverage for screening newborns, immediate coverage of newborns, maternity stay, disabled newborn extended coverage, autism treatment coverage, prescription benefits, breast cancer, home health, mental health, substance abuse, durable medical supplies, and emergency room procedures. 

If the governor signs this bill, corporations would be able to purchase health insurance in states that permit insurers to exclude all Arizona health mandates. 

Health and disability advocates have been working on a strategy to appeal to the Governor for a veto. 

Over 200,000 children in our state have special health conditions like juvenile diabetes, premature infants in NICU, toddlers with serious feeding and nutritional needs, and young children with autism. All are conditions that would be affected by this legislation.

For children in Arizona who begin life in a very fragile condition, it is the early intervention and treatment afforded by both public and private insurance that gives them access to the specialized care they need. 

Treatment and care in the early years is the most cost-effective means to ensure that children can achieve a healthy and productive life in the future. 

If you'd like to contact Governor Brewer and express your views, contact information is: Governor Brewer: (602) 542-4331 or e-mail: http://www.azgovern or.gov/Contact. asp

Other legislative activity:

• HB 2213:  DD terminology was signed by the Governor (updates terminology relating to individuals who are developmentally disabled throughout the Arizona Revised Statutes).
• HB 2415:  Bullying legislation passed the Senate and has been transmitted to the Governor (Expands the requirements for school district policies on harassment, intimidation and bullying to cover electronic communications)
• SB 1190:  is awaiting a final vote in the House (requires the Department of Economic Security to hold meetings with parents and guardians of developmentally disabled individuals living in certain institutional settings to present placement options).
• SB 1232:  continuation, passed the Senate and has been transmitted to the Governor (Continues the Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council for ten years, and adds duties and members to the Council Committee)
• SB 1553:  Education Empowerment Accounts was signed by the Governor (establishes provisions and procedures relating to Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Accounts).

AHCCCS Public Notice - Request for Public Input

April 25, 2011, AHCCCS will host a public meeting to obtain public comments on updates to the Arizona Medicaid program. For more information about the public meeting: AHCCCS Public Informational Notice [34KB]

Topics will include:

Medicaid Reform Plan

Revised Waiver Submittal

MED Phase-Out Plan

Written comments can also be submitted by clicking on the link below.

Comment submission form

AHCCCS will host two public meetings, on August 9th and September 2nd, to obtain public comment on updates to the Arizona Medicaid program. For more information about the public meetings: AHCCCS Public Informational Notice [PDF, 47KB]

Detailed information about each update, including how to submit comments, will soon be made available. Topics will include:

Health Information Technology Plan

1115 Waiver Renewal

April is Autism Awareness month!

Free bowling event in Camp Verde

Saturday, April 23rd, 11:00 am - Family Fun Day At Cliff Castle in celebration of Autism Awareness month!
Cliff Castle: 333 West Middle Verde Road,

Camp Verde, AZ
2 games of bowling and fun with families and adults affected by autism.  There are only 30 slots available so act fast! If you would like to reserve slots for your family, e-mail Kathleen at:  support@nazasa.org
If you don't feel like bowling, come anyway to socialize and cheer! 

2 new services at ASU:

Camp for college campus experience

ASU Center for Applied Behavioral Health Policy is proud to announce Camp Taylor - a unique summer campus experience!

July 10-14, 2011

ASU Downtown Campus (Phoenix), Taylor Hall

Camp Taylor provides a residential campus experience of college life for high school students with special needs who are considering attending ASU or community college as their post high school goal.

Each student will be given a 5 day 4 night summer campus experience which includes dorm life including meals, classes, activities, and a personal plan for their college goals. Total cost is $750.

For further information contact:

Shelley Morgan, Director of Camp Taylor, 602-496-1481, shelley.morgan@asu.edu

Life Coaching Services

The Center for Applied Behavioral Health Policy (CABHP), a research center in the College of Public Programs at ASU's Downtown Phoenix campus, is pleased to announce the Initiative for Inclusive Communities (IIC) a comprehen­sive Life Coaching service for adults with multiple disabilities. IIC Life Coaching is provided by professionally supervised social workers and special educators with experience in supporting individuals with disabilities and their families. IIC Life Coaching is focused on assisting adults and their families to succeed in pursuing additional education, maintaining meaningful employment and developing rewarding relationships. There are fees associated with this service. To find out more about Life Coaching services or to make an appointment to see if Life Coaching services are right for you or your family member, contact Nan Carle PhD. at 602.496.1470 or for more information, visit: http://iic.asu.edu .

Sharing Down Syndrome now has Flagstaff Chapter, next event:

Flagstaff Chapter March Meeting

When: Thursday, April 21; 6-8pm

Where: St. Pius X Center (Catholic Church), 2257 E Cedar Ave., Flagstaff, AZ  86004

Who: The Whole Family!

Respite Provided. Come out and join the Easter Fun! Decorating cookies, making a craft, and of course hunting for Easter eggs! All are welcome to this "egg-cellent" event!

Please RSVP to info@sharingds.org

New Dyslexic Support Group

Thursday May 19, 2011 at 5:30-6:30 A new group is beginning meetings focusing on dyslexia for both children and adults - every 3rd Thursday of the month. Currently at the Agave Library Meeting Room in Phoenix. 23550 N. 36th Ave Phoenix Az. 85310. Please contact Meriah Houser to verify the location of the monthly meetings .602-696-3305 or Email-love4reading@hotmail.com
"Our goal is to support, involve and advocate through educating the public about Dyslexia. Children with Dyslexia are encouraged to accompany their parents."

ALSO from the Dyslexic Support Group:

Thursday, April 28th at the Agave Library 23550 N 36th Avenue Glendale, Arizona 85310 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. The Arizona Branch of the International Dyslexia Association is presenting a "Dyslexia Simulation"

Adult participants will experience what it feels like to have learning differences. Please RSVP to Nora Schlesinger at nschlesinger@cox.net .

Real Economic Impact Tour and the Earned Income Tax Credit Campaign meeting

Thursday, May 12, 2011
9:00 to 11:00 AM  
Travis L. Williams Family Services Center, 4732 S. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85040

You are invited to be a part of the conversation to make a Real Economic Impact for people with disabilities and support strategies to transition to economic self-sufficiency. The City of Phoenix was awarded a grant from the National Disability Institute for this initiative.  

To attend, please RSVP online.
Questions? Contact  Tamyra Spendley, Human Services Department, Community Initiatives Program at tamyra.spendley@phoenix.gov or 602-262-6658.

• A Parent's Guide To Teaching Life Skills
  The free, downloadable pdf file "Ready, Set, Fly" is a companion tool for the Casey Foundation's Life Skills Guide. It covers things such as money management, social skills, nutrition, self-care, work skills, housing and transportation, community resources, and learning about candidates in elections.
• Directory for care providers
  If you are providing care to a family member or friend who may have a disability, the Family Care Navigator website can help you find government, nonprofit and private programs in your state that can assist you.
• Arizona adopted recommended core State Standards in June 2010.
  The Parents' Guide to Student Success  was developed by the National PTA in response to the Common Core State Standards in English language arts and mathematics that more than 40 state s have adopted. Created by teachers, parents, education experts, and others from across the country, the guide provides grade by grade overviews of what students will learn in mathematics and English language arts/literacy to assure that all students graduate from high school ready for college and career.Available in English and Spanish.
• The Center for the Future of Arizona created the Five Communities Project. to develop grant proposals that could achieve results on the citizen goals identified by the Center's Gallup Arizona Poll. Communities that are interested in participating must submit a Letter of Intent no later than May 16, 2011. Five communities will be selected to work with the Center to develop a joint proposal that will be submitted to foundations. The overall objective is to provide the five selected communities with the resources to implement their plans over three years.
• From NICHCY - Updated for 2011:  Summer Camps for Children with Special Needs. http://nichcy.org/publications/camps

April 21, 2011

Advanced IEP Training

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Raising Special Kids, 5025 E. Washington St., Ste. 204, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Receive an in-depth view of the IEP and strategies to help maximize the potential of each student. 

April 21, 2011

The Journey to Adulthood - Touchstone Behavioral Health

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Touchstone Behavioral Health, 15648 N. 35th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85053

Provides parents with information about physical, emotional and social changes that adolescence and puberty bring to every child.  

Northern Arizona

April 20, 2011

Turning 3, What's Next? (Flagstaff)

AZ5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Institute for Human Development/NAU, Riordan Ranch Road/Parking Lot 13, Flagstaff,

Learn how to transition your child from AzEIP, or Early Intervention services to preschool services provided by the school district.  

 En Español

Abril 20, 2011

Transicion de Escuela Secundaria (High School)

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Aprenda como el plan de transicion en el IEP de su estudiante de Escuela Secundaria (High School) puede prepararlo para una educacion superior, empleo, vida en la comunidad y recursos disponibles.  

Abril 22, 2011

Conceptos Basicos del IEP

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Aprender acerca del proposito del IEP a traves de una vision general del documento y reunion.

Collaborative Therapies Conference - Free