Clarification of new IDEA regulations  

A new side-by-side comparison of the old and new regulations for Part C of IDEA has been released to help providers of Early Intervention services identify the changes: 2011 final Part C regulations, published on Sept. 28.

Disabilities Advocacy Group Opposes ESEA Bill

Changes have been urged to various provisions in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, which would do away with a key accountability measure which ensured students with disabilities would study as much of the general education curriculum as their peers. Read more

Social Security, SSI Payments To Increase

For the first time in two years, Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, recipients will see a 3.6 percent boost in monthly benefits in 2012. More than 8 million SSI recipients will begin receiving the higher payments starting Dec. 30. Read more 

Arizona's scaled-back Medicaid program renewed

On October 21 the federal government reauthorized Arizona's newly scaled-back Medicaid program for another five years under the Section 1115 Waiver. Some of the New Waiver Authorities Allow Arizona to:  

• Impose mandatory copayments for Childless Adults for prescriptions, office visits, and non-emergency use of the emergency room;
• Require copayments for Childless Adults who use taxi services in Maricopa and Pima Counties;

 Read more here and on the  AHCCCS  website. 

Arizona Department of Education, Parent Involvement Survey
As part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA '04), the Arizona Department of Education/Exceptional Student Services (ADE/ESS) section is required to report how well schools facilitate parent involvement in order to improve services and results for children with disabilities. This data is gathered from parents of children with disabilities through the Parent Involvement Survey and is published in the ADE/ESS Annual Performance Report (APR), which is posted with other public reports on the ESS website, http://www.ade.az.gov/ess/resources. 
 
Each year selected public education agencies school districts and charter schools are required to administer the survey. All districts will conduct the survey at least once within a six-year period. By participating in the confidential survey, parents have an opportunity to voice their opinions. To see which schools will be participating during the 2011-12 school year visit: http://www.azed.gov/special-education/arizona-parent-involvement-survey/  

Thursday October 27th

12:00 pm until 2:00 pm

Department of Behavioral Health Services (DBHS) (150 N. 18th Ave., Phoenix, Conference Room 295B)

A Director of Arizona Department of Health Services/DBHS routinely holds a statewide informal 2-hour Brown Bag (lunch) session in which peer and family community members are invited to attend and discuss current and future system initiatives. The teleconference system makes it possible for those in outlying areas to participate in these sessions.

Bring your lunch and soft drink, along with your questions, perspectives, ideas or concerns for a lively discussion. Free parking is available on the first floor garage across from the building.

Participate by Phone: 1-877-820-7831, Pass code: 812530#

For teleconference and telephone arrangements, contact Marilyn Bland in advance at Marilyn.bland@azdhs.gov . 

3rd Annual Native Fall Festival

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

3:00-6:00 p.m.

4520 North Central Avenue (across from the Central & Campbell Light Rail stop)

• Tours of the Native American Community Service Center include: NATIVE HEALTH, Phoenix Indian Center, Native American Connections, People of Color Network, NDNS 4 Wellness
• Raffle prizes, give-aways, scholarship information, fun family activities, Sacred Hogan Fry Bread, vendors (Native crafts and jewelry) and community resources!
• Free flu shots at NATIVE HEALTH for Native Americans with Tribal ID, $20.00 for all other individuals
• FREE Health Screens (dental screens, blood pressure, blood sugar, pregnancy tests and podiatry checks)  
• Booster Bash - Free Child Booster Seats - Come early - limited supply!

Provider Fair Features Home and Community-based Services

Saturday November 12, 2011

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road

Phoenix, AZ, 85012

PHONE: 623-760-7530

www.azproviderfair.com

PRICE: Free

This fair showcases services for an individual or a loved one with a developmental disability. More than 60 providers and community partners will be on hand to answer questions about respite, rehabilitation, attendant care, housekeeping, day programs, residential services, employment services and therapies. Families can enjoy food, fun and carnival-style games, bounce houses and prizes.

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

United Way Donations Can Help Raising Special Kids

Make a workplace donation through your employer using a monthly payroll deduction. United Way pledge cards have a Donor Choice location in which to write in Raising Special Kids. Use our United Way Number: 314. Thank you for supporting families of children with disabilities and special health needs! Raising Special Kids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

"Thanks to all the training you have done in our district over the past couple of years, our Special Education Parent council is extremely active. They have more ideas than we can possibly put into effect. Thanks so much!!"