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November 7, 2011 

Welcome to our weekly memo featuring news, tips, resources, and reminders to help you stay in the know.  

National Native American Heritage Month, 2011

President Obama issued a proclamation designating the month of November as National Native American Heritage Month, to celebrate the rich ancestry and myriad contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives.

There are twenty-one federally recognized Indian tribes in Arizona.

Health Care Law Issues before High Court

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is the subject of at least six lawsuits that will be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court beginning in March 2012. Plaintiffs state the individual mandate and the Medicaid expansion are unconstitutional and hope repeal of the individual mandate will cause a domino effect and topple the entire ACA. The 26 states opposed to the individual mandate argue that Congress cannot force individuals to buy a commodity for the sole purpose of having the government regulate that commodity. Congress sees the individual mandate as a way to control health care costs and ensure people with pre-existing conditions will not be denied coverage. The expansion of Medicaid to 133% of the federal poverty level is also at issue, with states arguing Congress cannot withhold federal Medicaid dollars for non-compliance. 

Cuts to IDEA funding

In the end of September, states were notified that their IDEA allocations were less than had been previously thought. This was a surprise to states around the nation. The last funding bill passed by Congress contained a 1.5 percent across-the board cut for all programs.
Read more

Partisan Super Committee Racing to Compromise

The 12-member joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction of Republicans and Democrats is to produce a compromise before its Thanksgiving deadline. Failure to cut at least $1.2 trillion from deficits over the next 10 years would force mandatory cuts, split evenly between defense and nondefense spending, that both sides want to avoid. The Democratic and Republican Members have developed different proposals for addressing the federal deficit. Read more

Continuing Appropriations Resolution

The President signed a second FY 2012 Continuing Appropriations Resolution (H.R. 2608) to provide funding for the Federal Government through November 18, 2011. Under the Continuing Resolution, programs are not to start new projects.

Read more

Education, Training and Employment Grants Offered To People with Disabilities

Phoenix residents with disabilities who need financial assistance with education, training or employment-related needs are encouraged to apply for grants offered by the Phoenix Mayor's Commission on Disability Issues and the city of Phoenix.

The grants, ranging from $100 to $3,000 each, are offered twice annually with applications due by Jan. 1 for the February awards. July awards are due June 1. To qualify, applicants must have a documented disability, be a Phoenix resident, be at least a senior in high school and 18 years of age, and able to identify specific goods or services needed to meet a verifiable goal relating to education, training or employment.

The grant funds, provided through the Mayor's Commission on Disability Issues Trust Fund, will be provided to the educational institution, supplier or vendor to pay for specific goods and services.

For more information or to apply, visit phoenix.gov/eod/commpg.html or call 602-495-0358 or 602-534-1557/TTY.

Future Care Planning: A Roadmap for Family Caregivers

The roadmap was designed as a workbook to guide a caregiver's thoughts and discussion about future care planning. It also serves as a resource for other family members and service providers so they can provide support as a caregiver goes through the planning process. A workbook, worksheets and a web module are available for free from the Sonoran University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at:

http://sonoranucedd.fcm.arizona.edu/caregiverroadmap

Family guide to systems of care for children with mental health needs

Are you concerned that your child needs help getting along with others, controlling his or her behavior, or expressing emotions? Depending on your child's needs and your family's situation, you might look for help from schools, health clinics or hospitals, health insurance providers, community mental health centers, social service programs, and, possibly, the courts. This Family Guide informs caregivers and families about how to seek help for children with mental health problems. 

http://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content/SMA05-4054/SMA05-4054.pdf

Free Music Therapy

Ages: 2 to 11,
Time: 4:15 - 5:00 pm     

Days: Alternating Fridays, (next is November 11th)

Where: Highlands Church - 9050 East Pinnacle Peak Road  Scottsdale, AZ 85255, Special Needs Room

The special needs ministry at Highlands Church has a free Music Therapy program that started October 14th, but is still open to newcomers. Activities include music making, great sensory input, and fun. Kids with special needs, ages 2 to 11, will get an opportunity to play instruments and interact with peers, and parents will learn techniques to provide sensory support at home. Skills addressed through neurologic music therapy include communication, motor, and socialization all while maintaining a safe and fun group environment (parent or caregiver will need to stay with their child).

The session will run from 4:15-5:00 pm and will meet twice a month. Reservations will be required. E-mail Missy Farrington with any questions or to make your reservation, missyf@highlandschurch.org .

UnitedHealthcare Arizona Physicians IPA invites DDD/ALTCS members and families to the first annual Member and Family Health Plan Information Exchange

November 15, 2011 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Disability Empowerment Center located at 5025 E Washington Street Phoenix, AZ 85034.

Learn more about your DD Health Plan. Hear a presentation and information on how the Health Plan works and a brief overview of the Children's Rehabilitative Services Program. Representatives from disability organizations will answer questions about available community services and resources. Sandwiches & soft drinks will be served.

RSVP by: November 8, 2011 to: CRS_specialneeds@uhc.com

or call 602-651-6047, after November 4th call 602-255-8245

Community Resource Participants:

Raising Special Kids

Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL)

Arizona Department of Health Services 

Children's Rehabilitative Services (CRS)

Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs (OCSHCN)

Anyone is welcome to attend to gather information regarding community services, resources, and to connect with organizations that serve people with developmental disabilities. The DEC is a fragrance-free environment.

Pediatric Feeding Disturbances Conference

Reassure or Refer? Presented by P.O.P.S.I.C.L.E. Center ®

Saturday, January 14, 2012

7:30 a.m to 5 p.m.

Rosati Education Center at Banner Desert Medical Center, Mesa, Arizona

This seminar is designed for pediatricians, neonatologists, gastroenterologists, allergists, pulmonologists, nurses, dietitians, psychologists, speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, students and parents.

Registration due Dec. 31, 2011. Registrations sent in after this date MUST be called in to (602) 222-6222. To register online online, visit www.bannerhealth.com/230CARE. (Credit/debit cards only.)

For more information, call (602) 222-6222 or e-mail chris@popsicle.org

Provider Fair: Free

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

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.

Free Movie for kids with autism and siblings

Saturday, Nov. 12, 11:00 a.m.

15515 North Hayden Road Scottsdale, AZ 85260, 480-991-3106

Studio Movie Grill is sharing its grand opening weekend with SARRC by offering kids on the spectrum and their siblings FREE admission to a showing of "Puss in Boots". At SMG, you can enjoy your movie in a lounge chair and sample tasty food and drink served to your seat.

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.

"It helps so much getting information from another parent with a child who has ADHD. All information I learn from others helps me understand how I can help my child. Just want you to know what you share and teach makes a difference!"