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June 25, 2012 

Under-Enrollment of Students with Disabilities in Charter Schools

Raising Special Kids participated in supplying input for a recent report from the General Accountability Office that found charter schools enroll a lower percentage of students with disabilities than traditional public schools. A cause for the discrepancy was not identified, but the GAO recommended "the Secretary of Education take measures to help charter schools recognize practices that may affect enrollment of students with disabilities." Read more.

Highlights http://gao.gov/assets/600/591436.pdf

Full Report: http://gao.gov/assets/600/591435.pdf

Senators Urge Move Away From 'Mental Retardation'

By MICHELLE DIAMENT, Disability Scoop

A new proposal in Congress is calling for the federal government to take yet another step away from the term "mental retardation" in favor of "intellectual disability."

US Supreme Court Rules on SB1070 

Today the US Supreme struck down three major provisions: 

1. Requiring all immigrants to obtain or carry immigration registration papers.

2. Making it a state criminal offense for an illegal immigrant to seek work or hold a job.

3. Allowing police to arrest suspected illegal immigrants without warrants.

But a much-debated portion on checking suspects' status could go forward. For the entire Associated Press article see http://apne.ws/Q3oWkk

Early Intervention - Making a Difference for Infants and Toddlers

Did you know there are 7 Key Principles for providing early intervention services?

Each week over the summer, one of these principles will be featured in Monday Memo. See the Videos available for download that give parents useful and practical information about what early intervention looks like for children from birth to three.  

This week's topic is:

All families, with the necessary supports and resources can enhance their children's learning and development.

The Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) provides Early Intervention services to children birth to three, using a team-based approach. The team's focus is on collaborative coaching of families as the primary intervention strategy. The family and team work together to implement goals that achieve important functional outcomes in natural environments.

For more information or questions, please visit www.azdes.gov/AzEIP/KeyPrinciples or call AzEIP 602-532-9960, (Toll free in Arizona: 888-439-5609).

Upgrade for Arizona Schools' Data Systems

The Republic | azcentral.com

"For more than a decade, the state Department of Education has struggled to track the roughly 1 million students who attend public schools..." Read more

CRS Survey

AHCCCS is working to create a specialty health plan that would manage care not only for CRS conditions but also for other medical and behavioral health conditions.

Families that use CRS services are encouraged to take a survey to share input on how to design the services related to primary care, behavioral health, and other needs.  Interviews or focus groups may be conducted as needed. If you are receiving services through CRS, here are the links to the survey below.

CRS Survey - English

Encuesta para CRS - Español

Monsoon and Mosquitos: A Dangerous Duo

Arizona Department of Health Services

The Arizona monsoon usually brings much-needed rain to the state. But that rain can leave behind puddles and pools that are perfect for mosquito breeding. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) wants everyone in the state to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites. Mosquitos can carry the West Nile Virus, which can be fatal to people and animals.
ADHS is already investigating a few possible cases of West Nile Virus this year...read complete release

Update on Funding for KidsCare II from AHCCCS

Information about expenditures, funding sources and enrollment in the KidsCare II program is now available at this link:
KidsCare II Waiver Funding Summary

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!" 
 

"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.

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.

Videos - Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Disease in Newborns

Two videos on screening for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) using pulse ox imetry (pulse ox) in newborns were release by the Children's National Medical Center and Baby's First Test. The videos, produced for parents and clinicians respectively, were designed to forward knowledge about the test.

CCHD screening is becoming a standard of care. In September 2011, CCHD screening was endorsed by the Department of Health and Human Services to be included in the recommended uniform screening panel for newborns in the U.S. Read more. To view the videos, visit Baby's First Test or www.ChildrensNational.org/pulseox.

Videos on Family Role in Recovery

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), produced a resource for families affected by addiction such as alcoholism or drug. Their new Family Education video series, Matrix Intensive Outpatient Treatment for People With Stimulant Use Disorders, illustrates the role of family in the recovery process, and explains addiction, recovery stages, triggers and cravings, and more.

A.T. Still University Dental Services

University-affiliated dental clinics offer dental care for patients with intellectual, physical, and emotional disabilities, and other special healthcare needs. Treatment at two locations is provided by student doctors who have trained at ASDOH for three years or more for a career in dentistry. Affordable fees and no income qualifications. For more information call 480-248-8100.

Community Health Center Locator

Community Health Centers or CHCs (also known as Federally Qualified Health Centers or FQHCs) are non-profit clinics located in medically underserved areas - both rural and urban - throughout Arizona. They share a mission of making comprehensive primary care accessible to anyone regardless of ability to pay. For more information see http://www.aachc.org/locations

Association for Supportive Child Care (ASCC)

A private, non-profit corporation dedicated to enhancing the quality of care for children in Arizona. Programs include:

* Helping parents find child care that meets their needs
* Teach school-age children how to be safe when home alone and on the Internet
* Provide an after school "warm line" for children who are home alone
* Assist refugee families settling in Arizona with their child care needs

For more information call 1-800-535-4599

A Parent's Guide to Response-to-Intervention

The National Center for Learning Disabilities' RTI Action Network has developed this guide for parents and schools involved in implementing response to intervention (RTI) in the elementary grades.

Foster Care Informational Meeting

Tuesday, June 26th at 6:00 p.m.

Will answer questions about becoming a HCTC or Medically fragile, DDD Foster Care parent.

HRT, Inc. Training Room

1951 W. Camelback Rd.,Suite 450

Phoenix, AZ 85015

602-433-1344

Youth Leadership with KASA

KASA, the National Kids As Self Advocates Project of Family Voices, is seeking youth with disabilities and/or chronic health conditions, between the ages of 13 and 24 to serve on the all-youth volunteer National Advisory Board. Board members are responsible for planning activities and making decisions about the national KASA project. They also have a chance to receive training and learn new skills.

DEADLINE (for KASA Board applications):  June 29, 2012

For questions or inquiries contact Jennifer Thomas, Project Director at: email - jthomas@fvkasa.org or phone - (334) 230-5441. Learn about KASA at: http://fvkasa.org Ph: 1-888-835-5669   Fax: 505-872-4780   Email: info@fvkasa.org

AHCCCS - Don't Get Dropped Awareness Campaign

• To significantly reduce the number of people who are needlessly dropped from AHCCCS and SNAP (Food Stamps).
• Inform members and providers that renewing on-time, every time is very important.
• Encourage/engage members to learn how to self-manage eligibility using online and other tools.
• Assist members with applications by referring to local resources.

AHCCCS members who failed to renew on time could generally re-enter without penalty. This process is being changed.

June 28, 3:00 p.m-4:15 pm

Disability Empowerment Center

5025 E. Washington St., Suite 200

Phoenix 85034

For questions or commments please e-mail Dontgetdroppedaz@gmail.com or visit http://www.dontgetdroppedaz.org/

Spina Bifida Research Project
Will you be part of the answer to help prevent Spina Bifida?
SB Genetics is conducting a study to identify genetic factors that influence spina bifida (myelomeningocele). They are seeking birth mothers who have delivered babies with Spina Bifida to participate in a simple 15-minute online survey plus a specimen kit (for saliva collection) to mail with a prepaid return.
 Please go to www.sbgenetics.org, scroll down to click on the link under "I have a child with spina bifida"
If you have questions, please call local SB Chapter at 602.274.3323.

Parent Support in Spanish

GANE a support group for special kids (Grupo de Apoyo para Ninos Especiales) meets Monday 6/25/12 6:00 p.m.

Location: Calvary Chapel Church, 79^th Ave & Indian School Rd.

This month there will be representatives from the Division of Developmental Disabilities to present, explain and clarify what they do and how families qualify for services from the division. Presented in Spanish. Questions? Contact: (623) 297-6533 or email g_orozco31@yahoo.com
 

Employment Webinar for Individuals on Social Security 

June 27, 2012

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

This Work Incentives Webinar Event 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.

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

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 - Registration deadline is July 1, 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.

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. 

Speak Now for Kids Family Advocacy Day

July 23-25, 2012

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/speaknowforkids

Several special patients and their families will travel to Washington on July 23rd to impart onto lawmakers the importance of children's hospitals. Check out the photographs of last year's FAD All Stars on Capitol Hill:  http://tinyurl.com/ca8vtjy  

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

This is such good information. I have so many patients that this will be helpful for. I'm going to make sure they know about you.

- Family Practice Physician