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June 18, 2012 

Individual Health Policies Fall Short, a Study Finds

By Reed Abelson, New York Times 

Federal Policy: ABA Therapy is Medical Benefit

A recent decision by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), puts responsibility for paying for Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) for children with diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorders onto health insurers. Read more.

Funding for Implementing Health Care Reform Included in Spending Bill

A Senate Appropriations panel approved a fiscal 2013 spending bill for labor, health and education programs. It includes $71 billion for the Health and Human Services Department (HHS) and $68.5 billion for the Education Department. The budget for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid would increase 20 percent, in part to fund the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Read more. 

Health Care, Education and Child Care Costs Rising

A recent USDA Report reveals rising costs of raising children. Read more. An interactive web version of the report is available where families can enter the number and ages of their children to obtain an estimate of costs.

When her oldest son, Josh,  was 11, Gabby and her family moved from California leaving behind the support network with which they were familiar. While they were getting settled in Arizona, Gabby learned about a support group for parents of children with disabilities.

Many of the parents in the group knew Raising Special Kids and introduced Gabby to the organization. Gabby found valuable assistance through the trainings and workshops. "When Josh was approaching 18 years old, I was so scared - I didn't know what was going to happen or what options were available." The workshop on guardianship helped answer a lot of questions for Gabby and her family. "I learned to take it step by step. Now he is in a great summer program and has plans for community college."

 "One of the best things I found is the Parent to Parent support, said Gabby. "It's awesome! At one point I was having some issues with my son. Even though I could advocate strongly for others, when it came to my own situation, I would tend to freeze up. It was wonderful to get another person's perspective, and it helped me through some problems. There is nothing like hearing someone else's story to make you feel better. I realized: if she is okay, I am going to be okay too!"

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

Dandelion Golf Classic for Special Kids

CareScape Inc. will host the 6^th Annual Dandelion Golf Classic to benefit Raising Special Kids on Saturday, September 29^th.

The event helps Raising Special Kids keep family support services available at no cost. 

Enjoy a day of golf at Pebble Creek, Tuscany Falls course, with a terrific lunch, prizes for winners, golf shirts, team photos and more. Sponsorship information and event details are available at www.dandeliongolfclassic.com.

For questions about sponsorship, registration, or prize donations, contact Kat at 602-242-4366 or katr@raisingspecialkids.org.

The Beach Center

The Beach Center is a unit of The University of Kansas, and a major international center for research and other scholarship, teaching and learning. It conducts research, training and technical assistance, and provides  international, national, state, regional, and local service in collaboration with families, individuals with disabilities, professionals and policy leaders to enhance the quality of life of families and individuals affected by disability.

Center for Early Literacy Learning (CELL)

CELL's purpose is to promote the adoption and sustained use of evidence-based early literacy learning practices. This site has resources for early childhood intervention practitioners, parents, and other caregivers of children, birth to five years of age, with identified disabilities, developmental delays, and those at-risk for poor outcomes.

Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion

Resources for dietary guidance that link scientific research to nutrition needs.

World Sickle Cell Day

Educate and Unite

Tuesday, June 19, 2012, 9 to 11 a.m.

Phoenix Children's Hospital

Includes a panel discussion on Sickle Cell Trait, breakfast, activities for kids.

Free Admission and Free Parking

Enter the campus off Thomas St. and turn on Children's Way. Free parking is available in the Thomas Garage West.

RSVP By June 13, to Kathryn Hernandez at (602) 546-0914 or khernandez@phoenixchildrens.com

Phoenix Children's Hospital, Main Building * 2nd Floor Heart Center Lobby, 1919 E. Thomas Rd. * Phoenix, AZ 85016

WISE webinar 

June 27, 2012

12:00 noon - 1:30 pm (Arizona time)

This webinar is a free, fully accessible, online event designed especially for beneficiaries and their families, community partners, and service providers to learn more about the Ticket to Work program and available Work Incentives. Ticket to Work and Work Incentives experts will present information on the program for an hour then conclude with a live question and answer session. 

Register online at www.choosework.net/wise or call 1-866-968-7842 (V) or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY/TDD).

Free Interactive Circus Event

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is coming to the SpoFit Fitness Center, 5031 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

10 am - 12 noon

Free event with an interactive experience of mythical proportions! Visit their Facebook page to let them know you're coming! Before the event, please be sure to have a signed waiver for everyone participating. Please download the waiver for adults and the waiver for minors.

Information: http://spofit.org/circus/

Got Transition Radio Show/Webinar

Episode 10:  Fun, Sun and Healthcare Transition?

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM EDT

Hear about summer recreation and what that means for our transitioning young adults. What opportunities are out there for young people to feel included in summer activities, and how can this time be used to further independence and responsibility for health.

Space is limited. Reserve your Radio Show seat at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/370296617

AzTAP's 14th Assistive Technology Summer Institute 

Assistive Technology: The Future is Now,

July 11 - 12, 2012

Glendale Civic Center, 5750 W Glenn Drive, Glendale, AZ

The conference will emphasize the integration of assistive technology into key aspects of daily life. Participants will understand the importance and value of assistive technology as it is today and as it will be tomorrow. Be a part of Arizona's only statewide AT conference offering the latest information on assistive technology products, applications and practices for education, employment, recreation and independent living.

Continental breakfasts and lunches are included in the registration fee. Whether you are an AT beginner or expert, there will be new and useful information for you. 

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.

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

"Thank you for all that you do to help direct families to accurate information and resources."