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January 23, 2012 

Lack of School Nurses Puts Kids at Risk

More than half of American public schools don't have a full-time nurse, and the situation is getting worse as school systems further cut budgets..."Children are coming to school with increasingly complex medical conditions that need to be managed on a daily basis. And when there is no school nurse available, those kids are not going to be well-managed in school..." Read more.

New Guidance on 504

The Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education has issued a new Q+A regarding the changes made to Section 504 via the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, passed in 2008.

The Amendments Act:

• directs that the ameliorating effects of mitigating measures (other than ordinary eyeglasses or contact lenses) may not be considered in determining whether an individual has a disability;
• expands the scope of "major life activities" by providing nonexhaustive lists of general activities and major bodily functions;
• clarifies that an impairment that is episodic or in remission is a disability if it would substantially limit a major life activity when active; and
• clarifies how the ADA applies to individuals who are "regarded as" having a disability.

The Amendments Act FAQ:

• addresses the broadened definition of disability and the changes made by the Amendments Act;
• discusses how the Amendments Act affects Section 504;
• explains various obligations of school districts under Section 504 and Title II; and
• addresses how OCR evaluates compliance with Title II and Section 504 in light of the Amendments Act.

House ESEA Draft Would Change Federal Oversight

A House draft bill on reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act would make subtle-but important-changes to the federal role in overseeing how districts spend their cash, including handing local officials considerably more say over how they allocate money aimed at special populations of students. Read article on Edweek.org.

New Definition of Autism Could Affect Many

A new analysis suggests the definition being debated could exclude many already diagnosed and make finding services more difficult. The psychiatrists' association is wrestling with the decision of where to draw the line between unusual and abnormal. Read article in New York Times.

NIH Announces Funding for New Learning Disabilities Research Centers

Funding for four centers to conduct research on the causes and treatment of learning disabilities in children and adolescents has been provided by the National Institutes of Health. Read more

Child Denied Transplant

A story about a family whose child was rejected for a kidney transplant because she has intellectual disabilities has "gone viral." A large number of sites feature commentary on this issue. This one presents some well reasoned points.

Data Illustrates Need to Keep Respite Hours

Here is a report that may be good to share with your legislators as they consider a bill to decrease the number of hours of respite care (HB-2013):

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2012/01/05/respite-more-beneficial/14714/

Policy Research Brief on how people with ASD are being served

A National Review of Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

This Policy Research Brief summarizes the results of a national study on the status of Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) for persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

"The key findings of this policy review highlight the potential gap in services for individuals with ASD with significant functional limitations, but whose borderline or average IQ scores prevent them from receiving services...States need to develop formal plans on how they will serve the increasing number of children with ASD diagnoses and their families across the lifespan."

Read the report

Internships at NASA

NASA is looking to increase the number of students with disabilities pursuing science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers through internship programs.

Students can apply for summer internships now. The deadline for submitting applications is February 1, 2012. They can register for an account and look for internships at the One Stop Shopping Initiative (OSSI): Student On-Line Application for Recruiting interns, fellows and scholars (SOLAR) at http://intern.nasa.gov/ .

Summer 2012 internships run for ten weeks from early June through early/mid August. NASA internships are also offered during Spring, Fall and Year Long Sessions.

Free Tools for Teaching Young Children Emotional Skills

Family Tools from The Center on social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning

Many Adults with Intellectual Disabilities Lack Dental Care

Few dentists are treating individuals with special needs, especially once they reach adulthood. Experts are calling the situation a national crisis, "People with intellectual disabilities are the most medically underserved population we have, and dental care is by far the most unmet need." Read article on ABC news

App for New Parents

Access articles, record milestones, manage schedules and more with a new free app from WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/babyapp or for information: http://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/default.htm

Tucker's birth was difficult, and the next four months in the hospital were full of uncertainty. "Each day was a battle, it seemed every complication that could manifest from prematurity, Tucker had," said his mother, Janna. But it was not until two months after the Murrells brought Tucker home that they learned the implications of his brain injury. "We met with a neurologist that looked at Tucker's scans and said, 'wow those look bad.' We were stunned and forever changed from that day forward."

The Murrells turned onto a new road as the family began their journey of learning to live with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy. "We turned to our family, friends and community for support. Raising Special Kids made a huge difference for our family."

Raising Special Kids needs your help to serve more families like Tucker's. Please make your donation today through our secure online system. A donation of any amount is greatly appreciated.

Action Day at the Capitol & Legislative Training

Sponsored by Arizona Disability Advocacy Coalition (AzDAC)

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Where: 2nd floor conference room, Capitol Towers, 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007

Registration required! Free.

• Hear how Arizona Legislators plan to deal with the continuing budget shortfall.  
• Learn what disability issues AZDAC will be tracking this legislative session.
• Join us to be introduced on the floor of the House and the Senate.
• Observe the Legislature in action.
• Learn how you can testify on bills from anywhere you have internet capabilities through the Legislative electronic system.
• While at the Capitol, register to use the "Request to Speak" system. 
• Box lunch provided. 

To register online please go to http://azdacatcapitol.eventbrite.com.  For questions and/or assistance please contact David Carey at davidc@abil.org or call 602-443-0723. Registration deadline is Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012! 

Autism Conference

Autism Society of Greater Phoenix 13th Annual Autism/Asperger's conference

March 30th and 31st, 2012

MADCAP Theater in Tempe, AZ

Keynote Speaker Dr. Temple Grandin

More information and registration

Annual Beginning-of-the-Legislative Session Breakfast

Tucson
Friday, Jan 27, 2012 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Child & Family Resources, 2800 E. Broadway Blvd, Tucson
Join Children's Action Alliance, Child & Family Resources and United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona for light breakfast and conversation with Southern Arizona legislators and human service advocates. Learn what's on the horizon for children and families in the 2012 Arizona Legislative session. Download the flyer.
RSVP to Penelope Jacks at psjacks@azchildren.org or (520) 795-4199 seating is limited.

A donation of $10 per person at the event is requested.

Autism Presentation

Understanding the Role of Biochemical Individuality in Autism

Monday January 23, 2012, 7:00-8:30 pm

AZ ASSIST building, 2150 East Southern Avenue, Tempe

RSVP appreciated: info@azassist.com

AZ ASSIST is hosting an open discussion with physician-specialists and guest presenters from Mensah Medical (Chicago) - Albert Mensah, MD, and Judith Bowman, MD. This discussion will also cover evidenced-based research and biochemistry rationale. Interaction and questions by members of the audience are encouraged.

Help other parents, share your experience and knowledge with professionals, and learn how to advocate for improvement in our systems of care.

For information about Parent Leader Training and opportunities to make a difference, contact Janna Murrell at Raising Special Kids 602-242-4366 or jannam@raisingspecialkids.org.

"I want to thank you so much for guiding, directing and listening to me. There were times when I just didn't think I could fill out one more piece of paper or make one more phone call. When I reached that point, you made the call for me. To me, this is an act of kindness that will always be treasured. You have been my strength when I had none. Your organization is more than amazing!"