Join Our List

May 28, 2012 

Arizona has Top-Ranked Medicaid Program

Arizona offers the best Medicaid services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities according to United Cerebral Palsy's 2012 report "The Case for Inclusion." The report is an annual ranking of how well state Medicaid programs serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by evaluating each state's outcomes.

Grants for Family to Family Health Information Centers

Health and Human Services (HHS) announced $4.9 million in funding to support Family-to-Family Health Information Centers, primarily non-profit organizations run by and for families with children with special health care needs. Each grantee will receive $95,700. Raising Special Kids is Arizona's Family to Family Health Information Center. A list of awards can be found here. For more information on the program, and other HRSA maternal and child health programs, visit http://www.mchb.hrsa.gov/. View HHS announcement.

Restraint and Seclusion Guidelines

The U.S. Department of Education issued a publication that outlines principles for educators, parents and other stakeholders to consider when developing or refining policies and procedures to support positive behavioral interventions and avoid the use of restraint and seclusion. The 15 principles that frame the document ultimately highlight how school-wide behavioral interventions can significantly reduce or eliminate the use of restraint or seclusion. These guiding principles offer states, districts and other education leaders a framework for developing appropriate policies related to restraint and seclusion to ensure the safety of adults and children. To access this document, click here.

People with a Cognitive Disability Experienced Greater Drop in Employment

"State Data: the National Report on Employment Services and Outcomes 2011" is now available. This publication provides detailed national and state-level data on trends in employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Its emphasis is on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Ellen remembers being told not to worry during Jack's 18-month-old check up when she mentioned that her son was not using any words. After three more months passed with no words, the doctor recommended an Early Intervention Evaluation. While her son was receiving speech and occupational therapies Ellen learned about Raising Special Kids.

Ellen quickly began consultations, attended workshops and learned how to work with her school to get appropriate placements and services for Jack. Ellen found the workshops to be very helpful and attended "as many as I could!"

Now Ellen shares her experiences and the advocacy skills she learned to serve as a Parent to Parent Mentor, and as Family Faculty in the Physician Training Program. With the leadership skills she acquired, Ellen also helps families of special needs students at Jack's school. "Many families share the same frustrations and joys in raising a child with special needs. I try to be the 'go-to' parent at our school, and I recommend Raising Special Kids to other families."

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

Tips for traveling with a child that has special needs.

Arizona Emergency Information Network (AzEIN)
Includes Emergency Bulletins, updates on wild fires and an information sheet about hazards to people with respiratory challenges ambient smoke due to wild fires.

www.az.db101.org

Arizona Disability Benefits 101 (AZ DB101) online tools support individuals with disabilities to make informed decisions about going to work or accepting a job offer by assisting them to plan for employment while learning how work and benefits (cash, medical, etc.) go together. In partnership with the Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration and Arizona's Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (1QACMS300122) administered by AHCCCS.

Featured Tools:

• Benefit and Work Calculators for your situation
• Easy-to-read descriptions of state, federal, and private benefit rules and programs
• Life situation articles for youth and adults
• References to local, state and, national resources

Information on KidsCare II

The new children's health coverage program, KidsCare II, is available for a limited number of eligible children through January 1, 2014.

Free Course on Concussions

By ensuring that athletes do not go back into games or practice too soon after sustaining a concussion, preventable and potentially more serious brain injuries can be avoided. Some studies show that the effects of a concussion can last up to a year, and children and youth are more vulnerable than adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a free online course for coaches, parents, and others who are helping to keep athletes safe from concussion.

Arizona Autism United Pool Party for Families and Community

Arizona Autism United has organized a pool party for families and the autism community at the Nozomi Aquatic Center (formerly known as West Chandler Aquatic Center). The aquatic center facilities will be for the event's private use only.

Registrations will be $8 per person (children and adults). You are encouraged to bring your habilitation therapist along too.

More information and registration online here.

Presentation on DSM Changes

Autism Spectrum Disorders & the DSM-V Positive and Negative Impact for Consumers

This will be an update on DSM-V criteria and release as well as a comparison to current criteria. Participants will receive a certificate of attendance for professional development and continuing education hours.

When: Friday, June 8, 2012

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Cost: $15

Where: SARRC Vocational Life Skills Academy, 2225 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85006

Bring a Brown Bag Lunch!

For more information: phone: 602.218.8168 or online: www.autismcenter.org

The 4th Annual Arizona Hands & Voices Family Retreat

For families with children who are deaf and hard of hearing

Friday-Sunday, August 24-26, 2012

At Lions Camp Tatiyee 5283 White Mtn. Blvd, Lakeside, AZ 85929

This retreat is designed for families with children who are deaf and hard of hearing. Workshops will be offered for parents, childcare and children's activities provided during workshops, family time, talent show, and more. This is an opportunity to meet other families and learn from each other.

For more information or questions, please contact Jeanne Hollabaugh, Family Retreat Coordinator at Phone/text: 520-331-3125, VP: 520-282-4553, or gbys@azhv.org

Downloadable registration packet and online registration at www.azhv.org

Financial assistance is available. Space is limited. Registration deadline is July 1, 2012.

KidsCare II Public Training Session.
On May 29, 2012, AHCCCS is conducting a public training session to provide an overview of the KidsCare II program and eligibility requirements. Additional information is available at these links: Public Training Session 5/29/12, or KidsCare II.

Free Class from NAMI Arizona

Family to Family is a free, 12-week course for families, partners and friends of individuals with serious mental illness taught by trained NAMI family members and caregivers of individuals living with mental illness. The course examines the emotional responses families have to the trauma of mental illness; many family members describe their experience in the program as life-changing.

Starts Saturday, June 16, 2012, 10 am to 12:30 pm

Mary's Mission Clinic

736 N. Country Club Drive, Mesa, AZ 85201

Registration required. Contact 602-759-8177

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

"You have made a difference in our lives.  I don't know what I would have done without your help."