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April 23, 2012 

HHS Announces Office of Community Living
from UCP
On April 16, 2012, the Obama Administration, along with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, announced the creation of the Administration for Community Living (ACL). The Administration for Community Living has brought together the Administration on Aging (AoA), the Office on Disability, and the Administration on Developmental Disabilities into a single agency. The goal of the agency will be to increase access to community supports and achieve full community participation for people with disabilities and seniors. For more information, please visit HHS.gov. View the press release from HHS here.

Public Comment Sought

The Office of Special Education Programs is now accepting comments on Proposed Priorities and Definitions for State Personnel Development Grants. The purpose of these grants is to help State Educational Agencies in informing and improving their professional development and personnel preparation systems in early intervention, educational and transition services so as to improve the results for children with disabilities. These priorities and definitions would help to clarify the statutory requirements in sections 651 through 654 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Read more. 

Youngest Kids Rarely Get Help for Early Mental Disorders

from psychcentral.com (source American Psychological Association)

There is increasing recognition that infants and toddlers can suffer serious mental health disorders. But such young children are unlikely to receive treatment that could prevent lasting developmental problems, according to new research by the American Psychological Association. Read article

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Free Legal Options Manual

Available from the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council; developed by the Arizona Center for Disability Law and the Native American Disability Law Center.

Tucson Challenger Baseball 2012

Registration for Challenger Little League is open for ages 5 to 20.

Register online at http://tucsonchallengerlittleleague.com

The Challenger Field of Dreams is located at 36th and Kino in Tucson

For information contact  520-298-3639 or kgetman@cox.net  

Registration Fees $30 - 1 player, $40 - 2 or more players per family

Poll Finds Most Companies Seek Disability Hires

As people with disabilities face a stubbornly high unemployment rate, a new survey of hiring professionals finds that most companies are taking steps to recruit those with special needs. Nearly two-thirds of the 662 human resources staff surveyed in a recent poll said that their companies include disability in their diversity plans and train staff on how to interview people with various needs. Click here to read more

The 3rd Annual 2012 Health & Wellness Fair

Friday, April 27th 12:00pm - 5:00pm

& Saturday, April 28th 10:00am - 4:00pm

5025 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Screenings: * Health Screening * Dental Screenings and Oral Health Instructions * Blood Glucose * Blood Pressure * Hearing * Heart Rate * Temperature*

Presentations: AHCCCS/Mental Health Fitness and Health * Service Animals * Deaf and Hard of Hearing * Healthy and Nutritious Dime Cooking Demonstration * Metabolic Syndrome * Natural Therapies * Talking Books * Transportation * Virtual Tours * Special Needs Trusts. More information at www.abil.org/wellness

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.wetpaint.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. 

Free Trainings in Tucson - Pilot Parents of Arizona

Location: Children's Clinics, Flo Manning Conference Room, 2600 N Wyatt Dr., Tucson, AZ 85712

Register by calling: 520-324-3150  or email: robert@pilotparents.org

* Parental Impact on Development & Behavior in Young Children

Monday, April 30th

10 a.m. - 12 noon

This training will address the important roll families play in the early development of their children, including but not limited to, addressing challenging behaviors in a non-confrontational and positive manner.

Seats are limited. Limited Parking due to construction-please request a map when registering.

* Positive Behavior Support
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
1pm to 3pm

* Bully Awareness
Tuesday, May 8th, 2012
10am to 12pm

Future Horizons Autism/Asperger's Conference

Friday, May 4, 2012

In Tucson at the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort

Featuring Dr. Temple Grandin, a noted scientist who has autism; Eustacia Cutler, the mother of Temple Grandin; and Rebecca Moyes, MEd, who shares practical strategies for teaching social skills and dealing with the behavioral challenges that impact students' success in the mainstream, and the author of Building Sensory Friendly Classrooms.

Throughout the conference there will be an extensive resources/book table available, as well as excellent networking opportunities with other local parents/caregivers, SLPs, OTs, PTs, ABAs, counselors, special ed teachers, psychologists, physicians, social workers, etc., within the multiple ASD-related communities. 

For more information (including CEUs and Graduate Credits), to register, and/or to download a (PDF) conference brochure, please visit their website at: http://fhautism.com/Conferences/tabid/91/Default.aspx or call Future Horizons at 800-489-0727.

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

Family Centered Autism Program Conference

When: May 11, 2012

Time: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: The Arizona Biltmore, 2400 East Missouri Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85016

In the Mesa Room

Late Registration (after April 5th)

• $100- Professionals and CEU's
• $75-Individuals on the spectrum, families, parents

Continental breakfast will be served. Lunch will be on your own.

Registration can be done online at www.touchstonebh.org , over the phone, or in person.

Touchstone Behavioral Health's Family Centered Autism Program presents their 1st Annual Conference. This conference is aimed toward educating and inspiring family, friends, professionals, educators, or any-one else whose life has been enriched by someone with autism.

Conference: Down Syndrome - Recent Advances in Medical Treatment

Saturday, May 12, 2012

7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Phoenix Children's Hospital

Melvin L. Cohen Conference Center * Rosenberg Children's Medical Plaza

1920 E. Cambridge Ave. * Phoenix, AZ 85006

Free Admission (Sorry, no respite care provided),

Free Parking: Enter the campus off 20th Street and Cambridge Avenue, two blocks south of Thomas Road. Free parking is available in the visitor parking garage.

Register online at http://action.phoenixchildrens.com/downsyndromeconference

Further Information please contact: Julia Maraston at (602) 933-5872 or jmaraston@phoenixchildrens.com .

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  

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

Kristie volunteers in the physician resident program, reviews publications for family friendly qualities, presents at conferences, and mentors other parents. "We've made a lot of friends and found so many resources we didn't know were out there," said Kristie.

"Any time I have a concern or I feel lost, I call you guys! It's wonderful to have someone on the other end of the phone who understands. It makes the road less bumpy. I'm always glad when I hear from you because even when I don't realize I need you-I need you!"

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

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

"I really appreciate you taking the time to talk to me last night.  What an informative class.  I learned things that as an educator I was not even aware of!"

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