Board Member nominated by Raising Special Kids wins award

Michael Remus received the JoLeta Reynolds Award, given for exceptional service in advancing the field of special education at last week's National Institute on Legal Issues for Educating Students with Disabilities.

"It is especially meaningful to me that I was nominated by Raising Special Kids, Arizona's Parent Training and Information Center. It is wonderful to have a relationship with them that focuses on working together to help students with disabilities and their parents," commented Remus. "All we do is worth nothing unless we make a difference in the lives of kids. If students are struggling, we must find ways to help them succeed. If students are not making progress, we must find ways to keep them engaged in learning. The future of our world depends on how well we teach our students. Failure is not an option."

New ALTCS Liaison appointed

The Division of Developmental Disabilities announced the appointment of Sherri Wince as DES/DDD's new Arizona Long Term Care System Liaison. Wince was introduced has having "an extensive background in developmental disabilities; working in support coordination and supervision, private provider agencies, managed care, Medicaid, ALTCS and systems change." Raising Special Kids looks forward to partnering with Wince as a strong advocate for families.

Survey for insurance exchange

The Arizona Governor's Office is requesting public feedback as they build Arizona's health insurance exchange, the new affordable marketplace set up under health reform. Up to 750,000 Arizonans may get their health insurance through the exchange, most with tax credits to help them afford coverage. Please complete the survey here: http://www.azgovernor.gov/hix/Survey.asp  and please share this link with others.

Notice of Public Forum from Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration

Department of Economic Security/Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services

Date: Thursday May 19, 2011

The Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration (AZRSA) will conduct a Public Forum to provide an opportunity for input and comment regarding the Vocational Rehabilitation policy and programs.

Single copies of the current policies are available by writing to: Christopher Deere, RSA Manager of Policy and Training, 1789 W. Jefferson, 930A, 2NW, Phoenix, AZ 85007.

The Schedule of Hearings and the current policies as well as a list of all policy modifications or clarifications that have occurred since June 2008 are available on their web site: http://www.azdes.gov/rsa/.

Collaborative Therapies Conference Receives Rave Reviews

Demand for Saturday's Conference on Collaborative Therapies generated a waiting list of parents eager for information on how to help their children. Over 85 parents of young children from birth to five heard from physicians and therapists about information and tips for activities families can use at home to help their children. The audience was engaged by demonstrations of occupational and physical therapy and discussion on topics including advocacy and the parent experience.

"The information I have learned through this one conference has been amazing! The resources, the speakers, all had points that I will be using at home with my child."

"Today's event helped me to understand that there is a community of parents and professionals who understand the challenges of being the parent of a special needs child."

Raising Special Kids expresses thanks to the following professionals and organizations for their support of the Collaborative Therapies Conference:

• Miriam Podrazik, Division of Developmental Disabilities
• Robin K. Blitz, MD, FAAP, Phoenix Children's Hospital
• Rebekah E. Enfinger, PT, DPT, Phoenix Children's Hospital
• Missy Thomas, MA, CCC-SLP, Phoenix Children's Hospital
• Lara Taggart, MS, OTR/L, Phoenix Children's Hospital
• Corinne Canivez, DSI Southwest Human Development
• Karl and Elizabeth Freeburg
• Dana Wayne
• P.O.P.S.I.C.L.E. Center
• Arizona Early Intervention Program
• Division of Developmental Disabilities
• Southwest Human Development
• Hope Kids
• Phoenix Children's Hospital
• South Mountain Health Care
• MGA Healthcare, LLC

On the news

On Friday Vicky Rozich, a Family Support Specialist, was interviewed by TV 3 about the effect of high gas prices on families of children with special needs.  Many families buy vans to transport equipment and wheel chairs, and require frequent travel for medical appointments and therapies.

A list of 25 Parent Tips for Effective IEP Meetings available to download/print

Free Dental Services for kids 0-5

In Tempe, Chandler, Ahwatukee and Guadalupe: Thrive To Five is a project of Communities In Schools of Tempe and Kyrene and is funded by First Things First to provide family support services to parents and/or caregivers of children aged birth to five years old.

Birth to Five Helpline

Answers to your child development questions. A calm perspective. A sounding board. Call 1 (877) 705-KIDS.

The Birth to Five Helpline is a project of First Things First. Visit their web site to find out about services in your community.

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

Please click on the workshop link to register.

Understanding 504

May 10, 2011, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Learn about the rules and regulations of a 504 Plan and how it differs from the IEP (IDEA).

Preschool to Kindergarten Transition  

May 11, 2011, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Learn eligibility differences and strategies for an effective transition into school age services.  

Turning 3, What's Next? AzEIP to Preschool Transition.

May 12, 2011, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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

En Español

Help staff an information table about Raising Special Kids at the conference for Down Syndrome: Recent Advances in Medical Treatment at Phoenix Children's Hospital this coming Saturday, May 14, 7:30 am - 1 pm. Contact Janna at jannam@raisingspecialkids.org or call 602-242-4366.

Location: Melvin L. Cohen Conference Center, 1920 East Cambridge Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85006