Appeal to Deny Arizona's Medicaid Request

U.S. Representatives Raúl M. Grijalva and Ed Pastor sent a letter to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) urging the agency to deny Arizona's request to freeze enrollment in the state's Medicaid program and slash existing benefit rolls. The issues raised in the letter could have national implications, as other states consider making similar requests. Read the letter

New Managed Care Contracts for ALTCS

AHCCCS has awarded managed care contracts to provide services to Arizonans enrolled in the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS). The contracts begin October 1, 2011, and are in place for a five year period. Please see the link below for more information.

ALTCS Award Announcement

Reaching Rural Areas

Raising Special Kids is serving rural areas of the state with parent support and workshops. Northern Arizona staff Kathleen Collins recently presented Positive Behavioral Support and IEP Basics workshops in Ashfork, AZ in collaboration with Ashfork/Seligman Headstart: "We are a very small town with limited resources, so it was so very helpful to have you share your area of expertise with our staff & families. Raising Special Kids is a sorely needed resource for us...THANK YOU!"

Arizona's 11th Annual Transition Conference

October 3-5, 2011

Talking Stick Resort, Scottsdale, AZ 85250

Addressing the Transition Needs of Youth and Young Adults with Disabilities: Imagine It, Plan It, Do It! is acollaborative event providing information needed in the transition planning process for youth and young adults with disabilities. Early registration is now open and will end Friday, June 17, 2011. Standard registration begins Saturday, June 18, 2011, and ends Friday, September 9, 2011. (This conference has been filled to capacity for the last two years, make sure to register early!) Programs for family and youth/young adults will be held on Monday and Tuesday (Oct. 3 & 4) only. Registration fees and scholarship funding allow participants who register as a family member, youth, or young adult to attend the conference on October 3 and 4, 2011. Additional information about scholarships will be disseminated in June.

Register online here.

For additional information, contact Jeannette Zemeida at (602) 542-3855.

Rhythm and Functional Skill Development in Autism

May 26, 7pm at Melmed Center,

4848 E Cactus Rd #940, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

Practical ideas for facilitating functional independence with music and rhythm. Space is limited, call to register 480-443-0050

Teleconference Training on Behavioral Health Issues for Youth

Peers Influence Peers XVII-What We Worry About

Thursday, May 19^th, 11am - 12 pm 

Provides talking points for discussion in the classroom. This is an hour-long program that fuses documentary material with an original screenplay targeted to youth and young adults ages 13-21 and those who work with youth. To register

Adapted Recreation Organization in Phoenix

KEEN is A national, nonprofit volunteer-led organization that provides one-to-one recreational opportunities for children and young adults with mental and physical disabilities at no cost to their families and caregivers.

Updated Financial Planning Guide

From PACER

Possibilites: A Financial Resource for Parents of Children with Disabilties

Factsheet on Early Intervention

From NECTAC

The Importance of Early Intervention for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities and their Families

Guide for Preventing Bullying Behavior

The OSEP Center for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports' newly revised practical guide for: Reducing the Effectiveness of Bullying Behavior in Schools.

Summer Camps

NICHCY's links to directories and camps: http://nichcy.org/publications/camps

Donate your old electronics

You can benefit Raising Special Kids and recycle old cell phones, digital cameras, computers, e-readers, and other technology equipment at the same time.

Youchange will pay for electronics collecting dust in your closet, and even give reward points if it's broken and needs fixing. You have the option to donate the payment to Raising Special Kids.

In addition to responsibly disposing of old electronics which can prevent health and environmental concerns, you can become a "Green Ambassador" and take a green bin to your workplace. Items are completely cleaned of data to protect privacy.

For more information, follow this link: http://www.youchange.com/ Youchange.com is empowering the movement for responsible elimination of electronic waste

Assist with staffing an information table at the AZA United Conference on Sat. May 21^st and/or Sun. May 22^nd from 12:00 to 1:00 pm (during the lunch break).

Disability Empowerment Center, 5025 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034.

Contact Janna at jannam@raisingspecialkids.org or call 602-242-4366.