Working to Avoid Government Shutdown

Congress is working to avoid a government shutdown by passing a continuing resolution (CR) before leaving for recess. The House passed a bill that would keep the government functioning through November 18th but because of a controversial provision on disaster relief, it was rejected by the Senate on Friday. If Congress can't pass a bill, the government will shut down on October 1-- the start of the new fiscal year. However, it is more likely that a compromise will be found, perhaps a very short-term CR, to provide additional time for the two chambers to work out their differences related to disaster relief funds.

Reauthorization of the Combating Autism Act

The Combating Autism Act (CAA, PL 109-416), which focused on expanding research, increasing awareness programs and surveillance, and expanding the interdisciplinary training of health professionals to identify children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was due to "sunset" on September 30, 2011. The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a reauthorization bill on September 20, 2011. The next step is for the Senate to pass identical legislation, but two Senators have raised objections to passing the bill. The Combating Autism Act serves many people with developmental disabilities, not just Autism. More information is available here.

Accessibility of Airlines Websites

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), proposed a regulation that would require airlines to make their websites accessible to individuals with disabilities.  DOT also proposed that airlines make automated airport kiosks at U.S. airports accessible to passengers with disabilities. Read more.

Addition to Newborn Screening

Critical Congenital Heart Disease (CCHD) will be included on the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP), the national recommendation of the congenital conditions to be included in newborn screening programs. CCHD is a group of heart-related conditions present from birth that cause nearly 3% of infant mortality during the first year of life. Newborn screening for these serious, though often treatable, conditions will include the addition of pulse oximetry screening during the newborn period. Early detection of CCHD, which affects 7 to 9 out of every 1000 live births, allows for critical intervention preventing brain damage, and infant death.

Arizona Wins Key Grant for Young Children and Families

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) was just awarded a new home visiting grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services.  Arizona is one of nine states to be awarded the competitive portion of the grant, $9.4M a year for four years for a total of more than $36M to implement a maternal, infant, and early childhood home visiting program.  Nurses, social workers, or other professionals will meet with at-risk families in their homes and connect them to the type of support that makes a real difference in a child's health, development, and ability to learn - such as health care, developmental services for children, early education, parenting skills, child abuse prevention, and nutrition education or assistance.

State Education Improvement Plan

Arizona Ready is a partnership organized to develop a plan to prepare all Arizona students to succeed in college and careers. A State appointed work group developed the Arizona Education Reform Plan, launched earlier this month, to serve as a roadmap to improve Arizona's education system in four areas:

1. high quality state-wide data systems to inform instruction, drive innovation and improve accountability.
2. great classroom teachers supported by strong academic leaders to improve instruction.
3. Improve standards and assessments to develop meaningful evaluations of student progress. Create a unified and consistent system to evaluate school performance
4. high quality and convenient assistance delivered through Regional Centers.

Regional Education Symposiums are being held around the state Learn more here

An Arizona Health Exchange

Under the Affordable Health Care Act, Arizona has the opportunity to create a user-friendly health care exchange where individuals and families can purchase affordable health insurance. Children's Action Alliance and other community organizations, including Raising Special Kids, released a statement highlighting the need for a successful health exchange to

• keep costs low
• help people find and compare health plans
• improve the health of children, support small business owners and entrepreneurs, people with disabilities, people with chronic and serious illnesses, and working families without employer-based coverage.

Click to read Arizona's Health Insurance Exchange - Ingredients for Success and Affordability or to view Monday's webinar presentation that provides context for the statement and additional information about health insurance exchanges.

Health Information Network of Arizona

More progress in the development of Electronic Health Information Records in Arizona:

HINAz is announcing the launch of its Health Information Exchange as well as additional health information technology developments. 

You are invited to celebrate the launch of the Health Information Exchange and the introduction of HINAz's technology partner, an important Health Information Exchange partnership for Arizona.

HINAz Kick Off Reception
Tuesday September 27, 2011
5:30 PM 

UA College of Medicine - Phoenix Campus (Includes link to a map)
Virginia G. Piper Auditorium 

600 East Van Buren, Building 2, Phoenix, Arizona 

Must RSVP. To RSVP click here to be directed to the registration site or contact Michelle Hitz at mhitz@hinaz.org or (520) 309-2944.

ADHD Survey

You can participate in anonymous survey about ADHD. No identifying information about you or your computer will be kept. Anyone and everyone can take it, whether you have ADD/ADHD or not. It takes about 5 minutes, and you can learn something new about ADHD.

Webcast for employment for people with disabilities
October 12, 2011 from 12 - 1 p.m. Eastern Time.
Cornell University's Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) School will be holding a free webcast featuring Kathleen Martinez, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This event will cover disability employment topics, including

• why employing people with disabilities is important to U.S. business and the economy,
• the president's initiative to increase employment of people with
• what organizations can do to support and hire people with disabilities. 

TOPSoccer Program

TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community based program designed for children and young adults with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. The program is geared towards player development rather than competition. TOPSoccer is a modified version of the game to allow full participation and enjoyment for each athlete.

DATES- Sundays Oct 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 20th, Nov 6th.

TIME- 9 to 10:00 am

COST: Free for all athletes

WHERE- Jewish Community Center, 12701 North Scottsdale Road # 201, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (Scottsdale Road &Sweetwater)

WHAT TO BRING: Lots of Water

WHAT TO WEAR: Shorts, T-shirt and running shoes or cleats.

Who is eligible for TOPSoccer?

Any youth player between the ages of 5-21 years old having a physical or mental disability that limits their ability to play.

For further information, please contact AYSA TopSoccer Co Coordinator, Laila Modi.

Tel: 480 330 5050. lailamodi@msn.com

Website- www.azyouthsoccer.org

HFA (High Functioning Autism) Meeting

Thursday, Sept 29, 2011

Where: Scottsdale Bible Church Rm E102, 7601 E Shea Blvd (park on the side facing Shea)

When: 6-8 pm

6:30-8 pm is regular meeting time.

6-6:30 is Advocate Corner- talking one on one to a speaker you choose.  

Presenters: Lori Bird, attorney; Ricki Light, Educational Advocate; Dr. Joe Gentry, Psychologist

Intended for parents and family members, kids and siblings ages 4-18 yrs of age or anyone who wants more information from our speakers.

http://www.phoenixautism.com/

Please register for all workshops. To register, click on the name of the workshop or call 602-242-4366 or 800-237-3007.

Location: 5025 E. Washington St., Suite 204, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Positive Behavior Support

September 22, 2011

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Training on effective techniques for behavior management.  

Understanding 504

September 28, 2011

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

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

The Journey to Adulthood

September 29, 2011

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

This class will provide parents with information about physical, emotional and social changes that adolescence and puberty bring to every child.  

Getting and Keeping the First Job

September 29, 2011

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

This workshop will assist families with identifying the importance of employment for youth with disabilities and special needs.

United Way Donations Can Help Raising Special Kids

Raising Special Kids is eligible for donations made through United Way campaigns. Make a workplace donation through your employer using a monthly payroll deduction. Raising Special Kids is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

United Way pledge cards have a Donor Choice location in which to write Raising Special Kids name and address (5025 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034), or use our United Way Number: 314. Thank you for supporting families of children with disabilities and special health needs!

"The students were very moved by your presentations - and they learned a lot. Many students commented that they will now be thinking about the relationship they need to build with families."

ASU Faculty, commenting on Speech and Language Pathology students