Monday Memo - Data on restraint and seclusion

Monday Memo:

News for the week of April 30, 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

Join Our List

April 30, 2012

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National News

Civil Rights Data Collection: March 2012 Update Civil Rights Data Collection

The new federal Civil Rights Data Collection sheds light on how often public school students are restrained or secluded at school. The data also show that, in the majority of cases, these approaches are used to restrain students with disabilities, who make up just a sixth of all students. According to the survey, nearly 40,000 students were physically restrained during the 2009-10 school year. Of these students, 70 percent were students with disabilities.

Affordable Care Act to Reduce Medicare Costs
A new report from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare (CMS) showed that the Medicare program will save over $200 billion through 2016 due to the ACA. According to the HHS Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, people with disabilities will also see lower cost-sharing and premiums as a result of the ACA. View the press release and report from CMS.

Violence Ages Children's DNA, Shortens Chromosomes

A new study suggests that violence, including bullying, leaves long-term scars on children's bodies and alters their DNA, causing changes that are equivalent to seven to 10 years of premature aging. Read article in USA TODAY

Arizona News

Progress on Project to Improve Accessibility in Emergency Shelters

A partnership between ADHS and the Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council initiated a project in 2011 to make general population shelters accessible to people with disabilities and other physical health needs. The goal was to ensure that during an emergency, people with functional needs would not have to be separated from their families or taken to hospitals. Read more. Also see blog entry with comments by Will Humble, Director of Arizona Department of Health Services and an outline of the Emergency Preparedness Project.

Reports Show Savings to Arizonans from Affordable Care Act Provisions

From Children's Action Alliance
A new study by the Commonwealth Fund shows that Arizonans would have received $69 million in refunds from their health insurance companies in 2010, had a new provision in health reform been in place at the time. The Affordable Care Act requires that at least 80 cents of every dollar in premiums collected by health insurance companies go for paying medical expenses in the individual and small group market, or 85 cents per dollar in premiums in the large group market. If companies take in extra money beyond this, it must be refunded to consumers. The new provision took effect in 2011, with rebate checks expected to arrive this summer. Had this provision been in place in 2010, over 15 million Americans would have received $2 billion in rebates from their health insurers. In Arizona, consumer rebates would vary from $93 to $154 per year. Most Arizonans who are insured outside of their employer or through a small employer (less than 50 employees) would receive rebates. Those insured by large employers would be less likely to receive rebates.

Another report, released by St. Luke's Health Initiatives and the Arizona PIRG Education Fund, showed advantages to consumers when health insurance rate increases are reviewed and more information is available. The report, Getting All the Cards on the Table: The Premise and Promise of Health Insurance Rate Review in Arizona, highlights options Arizona has to increase transparency so consumers and small businesses have better information and are better protected against unreasonable health insurance rate increases. The report comes on the heels of the Arizona Department of Insurance's (ADOI) initiation of rulemaking on "rate review." To get involved in the rate review rulemaking contact Diane E. Brown, Arizona PIRG Education Fund, at dbrown@arizonapirg.org or (602)252-9227.

New Ballot Initiative for the Fall

A ballot initiative called The Quality Education and Jobs Act (QEJA) is expected to be on the November ballot.

The ballot:

renews the one-cent sales tax
prevents legislators from cutting K-12 funding
fully funds KidsCare and other health and human service programs
provides dedicated funding linked to performance and accountability for K-12 students
makes university and community college scholarships available.

For more information visit the Quality Education and Jobs website.

CDC Honors Parent Activist

Chris Maier was a healthy, athletic high school senior and star soccer player when he suddenly became ill with meningitis and died within 18 hours of showing symptoms of illness. In the wake of her son's death, Leslie Maier from Tucson joined the National Meningitis Associations' (NMA) Moms on Meningitis program to teach other families about the dangers of meningococcal disease, and prevention methods, including immunization. Leslie has received a Childhood Immunization Champion award from CDC in honor of her work on increasing awareness of meningococcal disease prevention. Read more.

Legislative Update

The Arizona Legislature could adjourn its 2012 session by the end of the week if a new state budget is approved and other remaining work is completed. Gov. Jan Brewer announced a budget agreement with lawmakers late Friday. Read article or view Children's Action Alliance report.

Increase in Foster Care

As of Jan. 31, there were more than 11,800 children in out-of-home care in Arizona. In 2008, there were 9,721. Read article

Featured Resources

Tots 'n Tech Helpdesk

Find ideas with up-to-date information and resources about adaptations, including assistive technology, to use with infants and toddlers. They have some great ideas that would work for older kids too! Check out their newsletters for reviews on apps, articles on tech products like SMART Board, and "how-to" articles.

Tip sheet for parents raising children with developmental delays

This general outline of steps to take can help parents keep track of the big picture even while they may be chasing down particular details and resources.

Resources on Trauma for Caregivers and Families

Resources to help caregivers and families understand trauma and its impact as well as learn how to better support traumatized children and youth in their care.

Articles on Legal Aspects of Special Education Topics

Includes recent articles on federal and state special education laws, dispute resolution, seclusion & restraint, and more in the Research section of NICHCY's website at http://nichcy.org/laws/legal.

Find out about FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law administered by the Family Policy Compliance Office in the U.S. Department of Education that gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records.

MyHealthTeams

This is a new social network for patients and family members to connect and share provider recommendations, tips and support. Their first community, MyAutismTeam for parents of children on the autism spectrum, is up and running and gaining new members. The site's goal is to make it easy to connect with others who have had similar experiences. Communities for other diagnoses are in the works.

Events and Activities

GANE Meeting

Tonight: Monday 4/30/12

6-8pm.

Calvary Chapel Church, 79th Ave & Indian School Rd., Phoenix

Raising Special Kids will give a presentation in Spanish on Individual Educational Plans (IEP) and the classes & services they offer.

Rehabilitation Services Administration's (RSA) Focus Groups

Rehabilitation Services Administration's focus groups are open forums for clients, constituents and the public to address concerns, ask questions, and find out about services. Schedule of focus group meetings:

Phoenix: May 1st, 3pm to 6pm, Phoenix Public Library, Harmon Branch, 1325 S. 5th Avenue, Phoenix AZ
Nogales: May 10^th, 11am to 2 pm, Nogales City Hall, Council Chambers, 77 N. Grand Avenue, Nogales AZ
Sierra Vista: May 11^th, 1pm to 4pm, Sierra Vista Public Library, Mona Bishop Meeting Room, 2600 E. Tacoma, Sierra Vista, AZ

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Fundamentals Class for Parents

A "Fundamentals of ABA" training class for parents, habilitation therapists, and anyone else involved in helping children with autism is being offered by AZA United. The class discusses the common features and needs of children on the autism spectrum and strategies for success to teach new skills and increase positive behaviors. Terms and concepts that will be discussed include reinforcement, function of behavior, extinction, differential reinforcement, prompting, fading, behavioral shaping and much more. This class is an interactive presentation that includes group activities, video examples and useful handouts.

Saturday, May 19, 2012
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

The Disability Empowerment's Center Conference Center, 5025 E Washington St., Phoenix 85034

Free for AZA employees and AZA families, $50 for general public.

More information and registration here.

Workshop sponsored by Developmental Disabilities Planning Council

An Educational Workshop on Aging, Dementia, and Developmental Disabilities

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Desert Willow Conference Center, 4340 East Cotton Center Blvd., Phoenix, Arizona

Who should attend? The workshop is designed to provide helpful information to families, direct care workers, clinicians, program staff, and administrators concerned about or involved with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities affected by dementia.

Cost: $40

For more information: http://aadmd.org/page/ntg-dementia-preconference-agenda

To register: http://aadmd.org/articles/annualconference-pricing-and-registration .

2012 National Transition Conference: College and Careers for Youth with Disabilities
The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) will be sponsoring the 2012 National Transition Conference. The conference, held in Washington, DC from May 30, 2012 through June 1, 2012, will bring together professionals and families to discuss the transition from school to adult life for people with disabilities. Register or get more information here.

A limited number of scholarships are available for young adults with disabilities and/or family members who are not affiliated with an agency or organization and do not have access to financial support to attend the conference.

Free Trainings in Tucson - Pilot Parents of Arizona

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

* 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 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 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

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.

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

Sponsored by * Raising Special Kids * DS Network Arizona * Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona * Phoenix Children's Hospital

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

Help Raising Special Kids make a difference

One year ago Louise and her husband had recently received a diagnosis for their son, Robert. She felt unsure about what to do next. "We had a diagnosis but nowhere to go," she explained. Then a speech therapist recommended she go to the Collaborative Therapies Conference that Raising Special Kids was about to host at Phoenix Children's Hospital.

Louise, still feeling overwhelmed by the news of the diagnosis, decided to attend. She happened upon one of the staff between presentations, and their conversation led to further meetings, assistance with her son's IEP, a parent to parent connection, information about Individual Family Service Plans, and other resources.

Robert has made significant progress, but Louise knows there is still work to be done. She likes the reassurance she finds in connecting with her parent mentor. "She is my sounding board whenever I'm thinking of trying something new or looking for guidance."

Raising Special Kids' fourth annual conference is happening this coming Saturday. Louise will be there.

Raising Special Kids needs your help to serve more families like Louise'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

"I have gotten wonderful advice and support from your organization. Your staff is great on the front lines, and has managed to field all my screwball questions without blinking an eye."

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

Resilient Relationships - Family Partners

May 02, 2012

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Create and maintain a healthy couple's relationship through the journey of raising a child with special needs.

IEP Basics

May 02, 2012

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Learn about the purpose of IEP's, parents' role in the process, and how to prepare for meetings.

Guardianship/Turning 18, What's Next?

May 03, 2012

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Making the decision; understanding the process. Learn what guardianship involves before your teen turns 18. You will also learn about alternatives to guardianship.

The Journey to Adulthood

May 03, 2012

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

This class will provide parents with information about physical, emotional and social changes that adolescence and puberty bring to every child.

Collaborative Therapies Forum at Phoenix Children's Hospital

May 05, 2012

8:30 AM - 2:00 PM

(Boletín en Español.)

For parents of children birth to 5. Presented by professionals in the areas of developmental pediatrics, speech language pathology, occupational, physical therapies and neurologic music therapy. Breakfast and lunch included. Spanish translation available. Due to space limitations and no child care, adults only should attend. There is no charge for this conference.

Phoenix Children's Hospital, Mel Cohen Conference Center, Rosenberg Children's Medical Plaza, 1920 E. Cambridge Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85006. 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
Registration is required.

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.

Al cumplir los 18 anos, que sigue?

May 04, 2012

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Tutela: Tomando la Decision y Entendiendo el Porceso. Aprenda lo que la Tutela implica y sus alternativas antes de que su adolescente cumpla los 18 anos de edad.

El Comportamiento Positivo

May 07, 2012

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

El vinculo entre las familias y las intervenciones y el apoyo conductal positivo es muy importante.

G.A.N.E. (Grupo de Apoyo para Niños Especiales)

G.A.N.E. es un grupo de apoyo para padres con niños/adultos de diversas abilidades, y dirigido por

padres mismos. Proveemos a familias apoyo, recursos, guianzas, é oportunidades educacionales que todo

padre necesita para abogar con respecto a su hijo ó adulto. Llevamos acabo actividades atraves del mes

para que así nuestras familias puedan compartir juntos. Nuestra proxima junta GANE sera el proximo Lunes 4/30/12 6-8pm. En la Iglesia Calvary Chapel in 79 Ave & Indian School Rd. Este mes tendremos a Criando Ninios Especiales que nos hablara sobre el Plan Individual Educativo de nuestros hijos (IEP) aparte de las classes y servicios que ofrecen alli.

Nos vemos pronto!! Llamanos 602-274-4263.

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