Monday Memo:

News for the week of April 9, 2012  
Contents
National News
Arizona News
Featured Resources
Events and Activities
Help Raising Special Kids
Be a Parent Leader
Quote of the Week
Free Trainings and Workshops

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April 9, 2012 

2 boys with arms around each others shoulders
National News

 

House Passes Ryan Budget

The US House of Representatives passed a budget resolution which proposes a $2.2 billion dollar cut to IDEA in fiscal year 2013. The vote approving the budget resolution was 228-191. This allows the House to begin the appropriations process and determine funding levels for all education programs. Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid has said he will not seek a budget resolution in the Senate this year, and instead will follow the numbers that Congress and the Administration already agreed to in the Budget Control Act of 2011. Read more. 

 

 

 

Penalties for Districts That Cut Special Education Funding

Education Week

The U.S. Department of Education took back an offer it made to school districts last summer that would have let them cut special education spending in exchange for a lesser financial penalty than in the past.

The federal "maintenance of effort" clause has been built into special education spending rules to buffer students with disabilities from changes in services triggered by the ups and downs of public spending and politics. Violating the rules can lead to financial penalties for districts and states. Read article.

 

 

Insurance Rebates, Reduced Premiums from Affordable Care Act Rule

Consumers nationwide would have received an estimated $2 billion in rebates from health insurers if the new medical loss ratio (MLR) rule enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act had been in effect in 2010, according to a new Commonwealth Fund analysis. The MLR rule, which went into effect in 2011, aims to control private insurance costs for consumers and government by requiring that a minimum percentage of premium dollars go toward medical care and health care quality improvement, as opposed to administrative costs and corporate profits.

In their study, researchers estimated how much consumers in each state would have received in total rebates, and the number of insurers that would have been required to give rebates if the rule had applied in 2010. Insurers must meet a minimum MLR of 80 percent in the individual and small-group markets, and 85 percent in the large-group market, and issue rebates if they do not. Read the issue brief and use an interactive table to find the estimated total rebate and annual rebate per person for each state.

 

 

Merger Approved For Two Largest Pharmacy Benefit Managers

Despite potential antitrust concerns and vocal opposition by some lawmakers and consumer groups, Express Scripts and Medco Health Solutions, two of the nation's largest pharmacy benefit managers, said that federal regulators had approved their $29 billion merger. Read article at NY Times.

 

 

New Report On Delivery System Reform

A report was released from Senator Sheldon Whitehouse for the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions titled Health Care Delivery System Reform and the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act. The report draws attention to the importance of health care delivery system reform and highlights the best practices of innovative models currently being used across the United States. http://1.usa.gov/Hl0xUA .

 

 

 

 

 

Arizona News

 

New Programs For Kids' Health Care Approved

Arizona received official notice from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that the federal agency has approved a series of State proposals to improve health services while assisting hospitals with their rising costs in caring for the uninsured. AHCCCS now has approval to move forward with the Safety Net Care Pool and the Indian Health Services/tribal 638 facilities supplemental payment program.

Under the first initiative Phoenix Children's Hospital, Maricopa Integrated Health System and the University of Arizona Health Network will put forward local partner funding in order to leverage federal dollars. These federal funds will:

  • Help offset rising hospital costs associated with caring for the uninsured;
  • Fund a two-year, time-limited statewide enrollment of 21,700 Arizona children in a KidsCare-style program that will provide quality, affordable coverage to children of the working poor.

On Friday, AHCCCS received approval under Arizona's Section 1115 Waiver, to move forward with two new programs critical to Arizona's safety net healthcare delivery system. See the links below for additional information from AHCCCS: 
Governor's Announcement
Waiver A-mendment Fact Sheet 
SNCP Information
KidsCare II Information 
I.H.S./638 Information

 

 

Governor Vetoes Expanded School Voucher Program

The Associated Press

Governor Jan Brewer has vetoed a bill to expand a year-old school voucher program. The Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Accounts program allows students with disabilities to receive vouchers for 90 percent of the state's basic per-student funding for public schools. Parents can use the money to help pay for private school tuition and certain other purposes.

Read azcentral article or EdWeek article

 

 

Health Information Exchange Marketplace

The Arizona HIE Marketplace will officially launch Thursday, April 12, with a kick-off webinar for provider practices from 12:15 - 12:45 p.m. The Arizona HIE Marketplace is a program established to assist any willing Arizona health care provider with identifying viable options for participating in the secure exchange of health information. Interested providers, partners or health care community members, will be able to gain simple and useful information about health information exchange (HIE) in Arizona. To learn more about the Arizona HIE Marketplace and the process to obtain a Direct account visit the AzHeC website and fill out a provider interest form.

 

 

Legislative Update

Legislative committees are no longer meeting, and bills that are still being considered are making their way to final votes in the House and Senate. There were almost 1400 bills introduced in this legislative session, and about 191 have passed. The final total is expected to be about 300. In preparing the state budget, the leadership expects a budget to be passed and the session to end by late April. 

 

HB 2377 passed on final reading in the House and is headed to the Governor for signature.

In cases of limited guardianship, an incapacitated person may retain the right to vote if the person files a petition, has a hearing and the judge determines by clear and convincing evidence that the person retains sufficient understanding to exercise the right to vote.

 

SB 1258 (third grade promotions; exceptions) removed the "parental exemption" from the new law prohibiting promotion beyond third grade for students with reading deficiencies, and adds an exemption to allow for promotion by a child's IEP team. The bill passed both chambers and was signed by the Governor.     

 

SB 1462 (schools bullying policies; definition) defines bullying to include electronic communications, and requires charter schools to have policies and procedures prohibiting bullying. The bill passed the Senate, but was never heard in the House Education Committee. This bill is now dead.

 

SCR 1030, a version of TABOR (taxpayer bill of rights) that would strictly limit state spending, was defeated in the House Appropriations Committee. That issue also appears to be dead.  

 

 

 

 

Featured Resources 

 

Safety Videos for children with special needs
An animated series of eight safety videos for families who are raising children with special needs. The series focuses on safety concerns such as fire and burn prevention, water safety, poison control, and more.

http://blog.friendshipcircle.org/2011/12/14/video-series-safety-for-children-with-special-needs/

 

 

Travelers with disabilities

As summer holiday season approaches and air travel is integrated into vacation plans, check out the TSA's webpage for travelers with disabilities: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/index.shtm

 

 

Sex education resources

Information and links for sexuality education for children and youth with disabilities. From the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities. Includes some Spanish sources: http://nichcy.org/schools-administrators/sexed/

 

 

National parent helpline  

Being a parent is a critically important job, 24 hours a day. It's not always easy. Call the National Parent Helpline, to get emotional support from a trained advocate and become empowered and a stronger parent. Call 1.855.4A PARENT, (1.855.427.2736) or visit: http://www.nationalparenthelpline.org/

 

 

Accessibility for websites

Learn more about making a website accessible from the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative: http://www.w3.org/WAI/intro/accessibility.php

 

 

 

Events and Activities

 

From Autism Speaks: April is Autism Awareness Month, and all around the world people are wearing blue, buildings are lighting up and there are blue events going on everywhere, all to raise awareness. Watch activities like this.

 

 

Behavioral Health- Peer and Family Coalition Meeting

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

 3:00 to 4:30 PM

Division of Behavioral Health Services

150 N. 18th Ave., Conference Rooms 215 A&B featuring Arizona Department of Health Services Division of Behavioral Health Deputy Director Dr. Laura Nelson.  Parking is available on the first floor of the garage located across the street on the east side. Telemedicine (teleconference) sites are also available at CPSA, Plaza Arboleda, 2502 North Dodge Boulevard, Tucson, and NARBHA, 1300 South Yale Street, Flagstaff.

 

 

Life Skills Transition Night

April 12, 2012

5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

7507 East Osborn Rd. Scottsdale, 85251

Sponsored by Scottsdale Unified School District and STARS

Agencies will be available to answer questions about life after high school.

For more information, email mgreenberg@susd.org or call 480-484-5058

 

 

HopeFest Phoenix

Saturday, April 14

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85004

HopeFest Phoenix is a collaboration of helping agencies, organizations and individuals pulling together to provide thousands of people FREE medical & dental care, food, haircuts, clothing, personal care products, employment services

and more. Over 200 agencies are coming together to make a difference.

 

HopeFest Phoenix will be providing free eye exams, pregnancy screenings, pediatric checkups, dental work, dermatology screenings, well-checks, diabetes care, pharmacy assistance, podiatry, asthma care, behavioral health attention, HIV and STD screenings, injury prevention and more. Fun Activities, Live Bands, Kids Play Area, Lunch, Bicycle Repair

Everything is free!

For information: www.cityserveaz.com/hopefest , email: hopefestphoenix@cityserveaz.com

   

 

Autism Spectrum Disorders in Higher Education

ASU's hosts the Annual Symposium on Autism Spectrum Disorders in Higher Education. 

April 20, 2012  

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

ASU Polytechnic campus 

Presentations will focus on student success and student programs at the postsecondary level. Presentations will cover summer internships with companies like IBM, the new student organization ASD@ASU, as well as ASU student entrepreneurs with ASD.  One student team, Alien's Guide to the Galaxy, will be launching their mobile application designed to support individuals with ASD. 

Intended for Educators, Advocates, Parents, High School Students, College Students, Clinicians, ASU Faculty and Staff invited to register by emailing Tricia.Bawn@asu.edu. 

 

 

Free Car Seat Check-up

Friday, April 20, 2012

8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Tempe Marketplace, Loop 101 and 202, Tempe, AZ

 

 

AZ ASSIST Gaming Day

Saturday April 28th

 To celebrate this year's Autism Awareness & Acceptance month, AZ ASSIST is holding a Gaming Day from 10 am - 8 pm at their East Valley location, 2150 E. Southern Ave, Tempe.

It's an all day event to introduce teens & young adults with autism to social gaming. Teens and young adults with gaming experience are invited to come down and share what they know. Volunteers are needed to help out. Come and join in the fun!
For more information, visit: http://azassist.com/page/AZ+ASSIST+Gaming+Day

Schedule to be posted online about a week prior.
Cost is $5, prepackaged food & soda will be available for sale onsite. There are lockers available - bring your own lock. 

 

 

The 13th Annual Arizona Survivors of Suicide Conference

Saturday, May 19, 2012

8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Black Canyon Conference Center, 9440 North 25th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021

Sponsored by EMPACT-Suicide Prevention Center

The day will be focused on Hope and Healing, utilizing a lecture format, discussion, and experiential exercises designed to deepen and expand the understanding of grief, specifically as it relates to loss by suicide.

Conference Objectives:

  • To increase knowledge about the dynamics of grief after suicide
  • To explore opportunities in the grieving process for personal growth, which can lead survivors out of a tunnel of despair, into a journey of hope and acceptance
  • To provide a forum for survivors to learn new coping skills

Cost: Survivors - $10.00, Professionals - $15.00

Registration due by Monday, May 14th, 2012

Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-registration is preferred; lunch will be based on availability. 

For more information or questions, please contact Sandra McNally at 480-784-1514, ext. 1219 or Sandra.McNally@empact-spc.com  

 

 

March for Mental Health in Sierra Vista

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Apache Middle School, 3305 E. Fry Blvd., Sierra Vista

Distance: 5K

Registration begins 7:00 a.m.

March start time 8:00 a.m.

No cost to participate

Register online at www.marchformentalhealth.com

For more information, please contact NAMI SEAZ email: Namiseaz.march4mh@gmail.com

Ph: (520) 459-3228; (800) 380-2322; Fax: (520) 378-4266

 

 

Hydrocephalus Support Group Meeting

Barrow Neurological Institute

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) Support Group Meeting

When: Tuesday, May 22, 2012, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Where: Sonntag Academic Pavilion, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013

Parking: Park in the 3rd Avenue Garage & cross 3rd Avenue at crosswalk

Once across the street, continue straight into building marked Sonntag Academic Pavilion

Guest Speaker: Joseph Zabramski, MD, Co-Director, Barrow NPH Center - Nationally recognized in the treatment of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.  Please RSVP to Maggie Bobrowitz by e-mail: info@hydroassoc.org

 

 

Health Care Phone-a-Thon

June 7, 2012
Children's Action Alliance and Kids Health Link will answer calls from Univision viewers on June 7 to connect them with affordable health care. Kids Health Link, with funding from First Things First, helps families in Maricopa County find affordable health care through AHCCCS and other community resources. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona has provided generous funding for this event. CAA is seeking Spanish-speaking volunteers between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 7, to answer calls at Univision's Phoenix office. If you are able to help, please contact Matt Jewett, CAA's Director of Health Policy, at mjewett@azchildren.org.

 

 

 

 

Help Raising Special Kids make a difference

 Family with two boys, girl 

 After her oldest son started school, Wendi plunged into learning about the special education process to ensure Ethan, who has Asperger's syndrome, had appropriate support in the classroom. Wendi joined the Special Education Parent Council as the representative for her school, and attended parent workshops presented by Raising Special Kids in her school district.

 

Wendi helps mentor other parents from her son's school, and she found the "families helping families" model of assistance offered by Raising Special Kids appealing. "It felt like a really good match," she explained. "I discovered how important it is to be a team member in developing an IEP rather than taking an adversarial stance."

 

When her daughter was diagnosed with Hemifacial Microsomia, Wendi again found resources and information available at Raising Special Kids. "There's just so much to learn," she said. "I'm looking forward to discovering even more and continuing to be an active parent."

 

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

 

 

 

Be a Parent Leader 

Raising Special Kids' Parent Leaders share valuable experience and knowledge with new parents. As mentors they build confidence, increase advocacy skills, and provide support that decreases the isolation and grief new parents often feel when learning of a child's disability. Last year, Parent Leaders mentored 360 new parents. 0ver 90% reported they improved their ability to work with professionals, and their ability to provide for their child's needs, services, and care.

 

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

Quote of the Week 

 

"You gave me the tools to become an advocate instead of just being a parent with lots of concerns." 

 

Free Trainings and Workshops

To register, call 602-242-4366 or click on the link to register online.

Unless otherwise indicated, workshops are located at our office in the Disability Empowerment Center (DEC).

Please do not wear fragrances in the DEC facilities.

Raising Special Kids

5025 E. Washington St., Suite 204

Phoenix, AZ 85034

 

 

Positive Behavior Support

 April 12, 2012

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Training on effective techniques for behavior management. 

 

Bully-Free Environments

April 12, 2012

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

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

 

Advanced IEP Training

 April 17, 2012

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Receive an in-depth view of the IEP and strategies to help maximize the potential of each student. (Recommended: First attend IEP Basics)

 

 

En Español

Por favor llamar al 602-242-4366 o 800-237-3007 para confirmar su asistencia a los talleres. Somos una oficina libre de fragancias.

Disability Empowerment Center

Raising Special Kids

5025 E. Washington St., #204,

Phoenix, AZ 85034.

 

 

Es su Hijo Blanco de Burlas?

 April 13, 2012

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.

 

Conceptos Basicos del IEP

 April 13, 2012

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Aprender acerca del proposito del IEP a traves de una vision general del documento y reunion.

 

 

 
Raising Special Kids works to improve the lives of children with disabilities and special health needs by providing parents with information, training and support.