Plans emerge to increase special education funding

There may be two different bills on the table designed to fully fund special education when Congress returns this fall. Read article

Children's SSI possible target in budget

The federal Supplemental Security Income program for children is rapidly expanding, with the biggest increase among kids with mental, behavioral and learning disorders, including ADHD, speech delays, autism and bipolar disorder. Read/listen to article

Report finds progress, problems for students with learning disabilities

A report from the National Center for Learning Disabilities says too few students with learning disabilities graduate from high school, and some racial and ethnic groups are still disproportionately represented in LD programs, but early intervention strategies appear to be reducing the overall number of students who are identified as having a learning disability. Read more

Mistakes in storage may alter medication

New York Times reports temperatures can have a big effect on both prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Read article

Arizona below average in 9 of 10 indicators

The 2011 KIDS COUNT Data Book: New Data & State Rankings on Child Well-being from Annie E. Casey Foundation. The Data Book provides information about the 10 key measures tracked in the Data Book in addition to hundreds of other indicators of child well-being by state, county, city, and congressional district: http://datacenter.kidscount.org/

Ruling challenged for AZ Medicaid eligibility

The Arizona Court of Appeals has been asked to overturn a lower court ruling that upheld the constitutionality of recent cuts to the state's Medicaid program.

Eligibility for Arizona's Medicaid program known as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) was recently reduced during efforts to balance the state budget. The limits affect certain enrollment categories, including childless adults.

The Arizona Center for Law in the Public Interest filed a petition arguing that some of the limits violate state constitutional protections for voter-approved laws. In 2000, Arizona voters passed Proposition 204 which increased eligibility for the Medicaid program above federal minimums. The appeal will be considered on September 14.

Arizona's Eleventh Annual Transition Conference

Imagine It, Plan It, Do It!

October 3-5, 2011

Talking Stick Resort, 9800 East Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250, (866) 877-9897

Scholarship opportunities are available for youth and young adults.

The event provides meaningful and pertinent information needed in the transition planning process for youth with disabilities. This year's conference includes a dynamic array of national speakers, state level experts, and also includes youth, young adult, and family member participation.

Nominations Now Being Accepted for Arizona Secondary Transition Services Awards

On behalf of the Arizona Department of Education, Exceptional Student Services, the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Rehabilitation Services Administration, and other sponsoring agencies, you are invited to nominate a youth or young adult, parent, business or business owner, agency or agency owner, or individual to receive recognition and an Arizona Secondary Transition Services Award at Arizona's Eleventh Annual Transition Conference, Imagine It, Plan It, Do It! which will be held on October 3-5, 2011, at the Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Just click on this link to make your nomination: http://tinyurl.com/azTAwards. Information needs to be submitted by September 2, 2011. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact William McQueary at (602) 364-0642 or via e-mail at William.McQueary@azed.gov.

Raising Special Kids received a request from The U. S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) for a meeting to gather information on the topic of Charter School's effectiveness in educating children with disabilities.

The GAO is an independent non-partisan federal agency that evaluates programs receiving public funding to determine if they meet expected performance requirements and to provide accountability for taxpayer dollars. Reports issued by the GAO are considered the "gold standard" of what works and what doesn't in government funding.   

In addition to information, the GAO requested having an opportunity to hear from parents of students enrolled in Charter Schools. Our staff provided valuable first hand parent perspective on Charter Schools and specific examples from the thousands of families we assist. There are over 500 Charter Schools in Arizona.

The way income is determined for the purposes of establishing Medicaid eligibility will change in 2014 under the Affordable Care Act. The Kaiser Commission explains how the changes will affect families and uninsured individuals in this article: http://www.kff.org/healthreform/upload/8194.pdf

The Affordable Care Act calls for the establishment of the Consumer Operated and Oriented Plan (CO-OP) Program, which will foster the creation of qualified nonprofit health insurance issuers to offer competitive health plans in the individual and small group markets. Learn more here: http://cciio.cms.gov/programs/coop/index.html

Links and resources about oral health issues for children with special needs: http://www.mchoralhealth.org/materials/CSHCN.html

Back to school - with medicine, emergency plan, training teachers, and more

Insights for families of kids with medical needs and the extra preparation necessary to provide a safe environment for children with special needs. Read article

It's Done! iPhone App Helps Brain Injury Survivors Deal with Memory Problems

(http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/8/prweb8714503.htm)

A new iPhone App called It's Done! is helping brain injury survivors remember whether they turned off the stove, locked the door, or took their medication. For those dealing with short term memory problems, the app instantly confirms the completion of everyday routine tasks. May be useful for kids with ADHD too.

"Working With Children With Special Health Care Needs: What families want health care providers to know" is a booklet from Health Care For All Children's Quality Initiative and Federation for Children with Special Needs. The booklet, aimed at the health care provider, focuses on the importance of communication and how to bolster it in the relationship with the family: http://www.fcsn.org/provider_guide.pdf

Grants Available for Children's Medical Expenses

Grants help families pay for children's medical expenses not covered, or partially covered, by a commercial health insurance plan. Families can apply for grants online at www.uhccf.org

The UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation (UHCCF) is seeking grant applications from families in need of financial assistance to help pay for their child's health care treatments, services or equipment not covered, or only partially covered, by their commercial health insurance plans. Read more

Booklet: The Impact of Health Care Reform on Services and Supports for Young Adults with Serious Mental Health Conditions http://www.pathwaysrtc.pdx.edu/pdf/proj4-healthCareFAQ.pdf

Free Cerebral Palsy Conference

First Annual Cerebral Palsy Conference for Parents and Caregivers
Saturday, October 22, 2011
7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Phoenix Children's Hospital
Melvin L. Cohen Conference Center · Rosenberg Children's Medical Plaza
1920 East Cambridge Avenue · Phoenix, AZ 85006
Free Admission, Free Parking
Register online at www.phoenixchildrens.com/events
For more information please contact: Karen Pennington, Physician Relations, at (602) 933-3300 or kpennington@phoenixchildrens.com . 

East Valley Townhall Meetings for families of kids birth to five
Learn about services for families of children ages birth to five - Sponsored by The Central Maricopa Regional Partnership Council
· September 14 from 6:30-8:00 pm at the Chandler Center for the Arts
· Tuesday, September 27 from 6:30-8:00 pm at the Southeast Regional Library in Gilbert 

The purpose of these town halls is to learn about services that are being utilized in the regions as well as identify which resources remain a need for families of children ages birth to five. The Regional Council members want to have an opportunity to meet with parents and caregivers of children ages birth to five to talk about what is working in their region and where the challenges continue to lie.

For more information, contact: Courtney Riddle, Community Outreach Coordinator, First Things First, Central Maricopa Regional Partnership Council at criddle@azftf.gov or Menyon Scott, Community Outreach Coordinator, First Things First, Southeast Regional Partnership Council at mscott@azftf.gov

Education Forum with Congressman Raul Grijalva
Wed, August 24, 2011 from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Little Theater at Rincon High School, 421 N Arcadia Blvd, Tucson AZ 85711
Children's Action Alliance, the National Education Association, the Tucson Education Association and Voices for Education invite you to an Education Forum with Congressman Raul Grijalva, who sits on the U.S. House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.  

Later this year, Congress will be debating, amending and reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which is the largest source of K-12 federal funding, standards and requirements. Congressman Grijalva, an ardent supporter of public education, wants to hear from the community about the status of education in Arizona and this is an opportunity for us to share our concerns, experiences and ideas before the debate in D.C. begins.

Free dance for teens and adults with special needs
September 9th from 7:00-9:00pm
9050 East Pinnacle Peak Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Highlands Church is hosting their 2nd Annual In His Image Ministry Prom for teens and adults with special needs. This year's dance will be a "Rock Star" theme. The prom is open to the community and there is no cost. To register call Missy Farrington 602-820-3345.

Unless otherwise noted, workshops are held at Raising Special Kids, 5025 E. Washington St., Ste. 204, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Bully-Free Environments

August 23, 2011 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Learn how to recognize bullying, effectively respond and build positive solutions.  

IEP Basics

August 24, 2011 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

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

En Español

Es su Hijo Blanco de Burlas?

August 26, 2011 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Estrategias de Intervención para Padres de Niños con Discapacidades. Una forma de abuso en la escuela a través de la intimidación, tiranía y aislamiento.

Northern Arizona 

All Day Workshops Leupp, Arizona

August 24, 2011 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

"It's so impressive that I was already contacted by [your staff] in regards to one of my parent concerns. He was both knowledgeable and helpful."