View Senate Hearing on Early Education

The Senate Subcommittee on Children and Families heard a presentation titled Getting the Most Bang for the Buck: Quality Early Education and Care on Thursday, June 09 2011, 10:00 AM. Video of the presentation is available here: http://help.senate.gov/hearings/hearing/?id=4fd57df5-5056-9502-5d580in44

Assistive Technology and the School's Responsibility

The Office of Civil Rights OCR explains the obligations of educational institutions that provide benefits to students through Assistive Technologies, and their responsibility to provide equal opportunity with all types of technology for students with disabilities. http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/dcl-ebook-faq-201105.html

ACCESS PASS to National Parks

A free, lifetime pass - available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States that have been medically determined to have a permanent disability. It provides access to more than 2,000 recreation sites managed by five Federal agencies.

http://store.usgs.gov/pass/access.html

George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services commissioned by First Focus, issued a report describing the enormous success of Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in increasing health insurance coverage among children; strengthening access to medical, health, and developmental services; and safeguarding the finances of low-income families and individuals. The brief also explores the potential impact of the fiscal year 2012 budget resolution approved by the House of Representatives, which would block grant the Medicaid program. Such a proposal would end Medicaid as we know it- causing states to reduce enrollment, limit benefits, cut provider payments, and shift more costs onto the children and families who rely on public programs. This report can be found at: http://www.firstfocus.net/library/fact-sheets/medicaid-works-key-findings-from-the-report

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) Proposed Respite Hours Reduction

Community Forums- June 23^rd

AHCCCS will hold a number of community forums to provide updates on various aspects of Arizona's Medicaid Reform Plan. This session will include discussion and opportunity for public comment regarding the:

• Proposal to reduce respite hours from the current allowable of 720 hours/year to 360 hours/year*

• Delay to changes in the Cost Effectiveness Study threshold for the Division of Developmental Disabilities as originally proposed by the DDD Sustainability Workgroupand included in the 1115 Waiver proposal for a 10/1/11 effective date. Based on stakeholder feedback, AHCCCS is delaying seeking authority for this change pending additional agency review and community engagement.

DATE:  Thursday, June 23, 2011; 2:00-4:00 ** this session is at capacity

Thursday, June 23, 2011; 4:00-5:30 ** same topics with opportunity to comment

LOCATION: Disability Empowerment Center, Conference Center

5025 E. Washington St.

Phoenix, AZ 85034

Phone: 602-256-2245

The AHCCCS Flagstaff and Tucson offices will have conference lines available.

RSVP: Space is limited. RSVP to Alma.Torres@azahcccs.gov  

For additional information visit: www.azahcccs.gov/publicnotices  

* Respite is a service provided only to members enrolled in Arizona Long Term Care System and Behavioral Health System  

** IMPORTANT: These sessions are expected to reach Fire Code maximum occupancy levels. Only  names on the RSVP list will be able to enter the conference room.  Limited space is available for Session 2, but you must RSVP.

Be sure to comment on the AHCCCS website about how this reduction will impact you and your family.

Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations can contact Alma at Alma.Torres@azahcccs.gov

 IEP Basics

June 22, 2011 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Learn about the purpose of IEP's, parents' role in the process, and how to prepare for meetings.

Positive Behavior Support

June 23, 2011  3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Training on effective techniques for behavior management.  

Summer School for Parents June 25, 2011

Join us for a day of learning with four workshops.  Please register for each workshop below.  Offered in Spanish and English.

Preschool to Kindergarten Transition

June 25, 2011  8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Bully-Free Environments June 25, 2011  10:15 AM - 12:00 PM

High School Transition

June 25, 2011  12:15 PM - 1:45 PM

Turning 18, What's Next? Guardianship

June 25, 2011  2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

En Español

Dirección: 5025 E. Washington St., Ste. 204, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Stico de un hijo (a) con necesidades especiales de salud.

June 25, 2011

Escuela de varano para los padres

Presentaremos cuatro talleres en un dia. Coloquese por favor para cada taller por separado. Ofrecido en espanol e ingles:

Transicion de el Pre escolar al Jardin de Ninos

June 25, 2011  8:00 AM - 10:00 AM  

Transicion de Escuela Secundaria (High School)

June 25, 2011  12:15 PM - 1:45 PM  

Al cumplir los 18 anos, que sigue?

June 25, 2011  2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

• Assist in hosting an information table at Phoenix Children's Hospital Tracheostomy Education and Vendor Fair - Thursday, July 9, 2011 anytime between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.:
• Parent Leaders with children using behavioral health services are needed for:
  Focus groups
  Monthly workgroups
  Presenting parent perspective

Family Support Position open at Raising Special Kids

Family Support Specialists are full-time employees who provide direct assistance with intake calls for families of children and youth needing information, referrals, and problem-solving consultation and assistance. Provide training on a variety of topics to assist parents of children and youth in becoming effective advocates. Conduct outreach services for families and youth who represent diverse populations and underserved areas. For more information and how to apply: http://www.raisingspecialkids.org/about-us/job-opportunities.aspx