Join Our List

Triple Workshop coming to Lake Havasu

Suspensions Are Higher for Disabled Students, Federal Data Indicate

Students with disabilities are almost twice as likely to be suspended from school as nondisabled students. Article in New York Times

Cyclists Train in Tucson for the Paralympic Games

When the curtain drops on closing ceremonies another international competition begins. Article at KVOA.com

Transition for Students with Disabilities Must Improve

Although a number of federal government programs and services are intended to help students with disabilities after they leave high school, those programs aren't coordinated well, making them difficult for students and their families to navigate, a new report from the Government Accountability Office says. Article from Education Week.

About 69 percent of physicians nationwide accepted new Medicaid patients last year, compared to the 83 percent who took new Medicare patients or the nearly 82 percent who saw new privately insured patients, according to a study in the journal Health Affairs. Read more

Feeling Lucky? Not If You Use Google Instead of a Doctor

In a study of 1,300 Google search results related to infant sleep safety, researchers found that only 43.5 percent of websites provided accurate information. See article on ABC News.

New Insights into the Neuroscience of Dyslexia

Researchers announce a major advancement toward understanding the cause of dyslexia. Read article in PsychCentral.com

Federal Judge Rules for Military Families on ABA Coverage

A federal judge in Washington has handed military families a major victory in their pursuit of insurance coverage for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. See article at Autism Speaks.

Federal Special Education Chief Steps Down

Alexa Posny, has left her position as head of the office of special education. Michael Yudin, who most recently served as the acting assistant secretary of the office for elementary and secondary education, will take over. Read more on EdWeek.org

Autism Group Calls for End to 'Infighting'

A leading national advocacy group is calling for a summit this fall in an effort to mitigate divisiveness within the autism community. Article in Disability Scoop

Last year Louise and her husband 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 presenting at Phoenix Children's Hospital.

Louise, still feeling overwhelmed by the news of the diagnosis, decided to attend. Talking with one of the staff between presentations led to further meetings to obtain assistance with her son's IEP, a parent mentoring 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 needs your help to serve more families like Louise's. Please make your donation today through our secure online system.  Thank you!

Join us for an evening of music and fun for a good cause! 

 Featuring a band of fun-loving Valley Docs:

Champagne Tap

Saturday, August 18, 2012

8 pm (doors open at 7pm)

Martini Ranch

7295 E. Stetson Dr., Scottsdale, AZ

Tap your feet to this fun loving Rock-N-Roll cover band of Valley doctors

$10.00 cover charge with all proceeds going to Raising Special Kids

Champagne Tap band members include:

• Singer - Dr. Matt Barcellona - Pediatrician
• Bass - Dr. Gregory White - Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon
• Guitar - Dr. Erik Ramnath - Internal Medicine

Local band, Rock Lobster, is also scheduled to play

Dandelion Golf Classic for Special Kids

CareScape Inc. will host the 6th 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 call 602-242-4366 or email info@raisingspecialkids.org.

Laws Specific to Diabetes Care in School

Every state has a number of different laws that impact diabetes care at school. Here you can select your state to read about its diabetes-specific laws.

Fact Sheets for Specific Disabilities

How to Partner With Your Physician

• Checklists and Tips
• What to Expect from a Medical Home
• Other Key Organizations/Resources

The family-centered partnership is the cornerstone to medical home; it is the trusting, collaborative, working partnership between providers and families, respecting diversity and recognizing that families are the constant in a child's life.

Learning Disabilities Association of America

LDA provides support to people with learning disabilities, their parents, teachers and other professionals. At the national, state and local levels, LDA provides information on learning disabilities, practical solutions, and a network of resources. 

Pepnet 2

Provides information, resources for professionals and caregivers of students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Phoenix Sister Cities International Competition for Artists with Disabilities

Artists who are 19 years old and older, have a disability and live in Arizona or one of Phoenix's nine sister cities are eligible for the seventh annual Phoenix Sister Cities International Competition for Artists with Disabilities.

The deadline for the contest is Friday, Oct. 5.  Cash awards of $500, $300 and $150 will be granted to the first, second and third place winners.  An event to display the art and announce the winners will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, at The Warehouse 1005 Studio and Gallery, 1005 N. First St.

This year's contest theme is "Hope Sees the Invisible and Achieves the Impossible."  Entrants should send two-dimensional watercolors, pastels, pen and ink, charcoal, photography, mixed media and computer-generated art no larger than 24 inches x 30 inches to: AICCD, 4545 N. 36th St., Suite 125A, Phoenix, AZ 85018.

For more information on the art competition, visit phoenixsistercities.org  or email mjtrunzo@mindspring.com .  Follow on twitter @PHXsistercities.                             

Pima County Hearing & Vision Screening Training

The Pima County Health Department has upcoming sensory screening training opportunities provided at no cost for both hearing and screening. Below are the dates, times, and locations as well as links to flyers for each.

• Hearing Screener Training
  September 25, 2012 or October 17, 2012
  8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  Abrams Public Health Center 3950 S. Country Club Rd. Tucson, AZ 85714 Room 4460
  To register, contact Diane Hiratsuka 243-7856 or email: Diane.hiratsuka@pima.gov
  More information: hearing_fall_2012
• Vision Screener Training
  October 3, 2012
  9 am - 3:30 pm
  Abrams Public Health Center 3950 S. Country Club Rd. Tucson, AZ 85714 Room 4108
  To register contact Belinda Davis (520) 247-2528 or email: Belinda.davis@pima.gov
  More information: Vision_fall_2012

Presentation on Mental Health Needs of Deaf Community

Date: Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Time: 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Location: NARBHA at 1300 S. Yale St. in Flagstaff

Telemed is available.

RSVP is required: Amy Ellen at amy.ellen@narbha.org  or 928-214-2200

View flyer.

ADHD Presentation

Sit Still. Pay Attention: Diagnosing and Treating ADHD in Children and Teens

Saturday, August 25, 2012

9 am  - 11 am

Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1920 E. Cambridge Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85006

This presentation is designed to help you know and understand the nature of ADHD, a disorder affecting 3-7% of children.

Free Admission

To Register: Seating is limited. RSVP your attendance by calling the Arizona Psychological Association office at (480) 675-9477, or by sending an email to azpa@azpa.org .

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.

Partners in Policymaking

Free Leadership Training for Self-Advocates and Parents of Children with Disabilities

Pilot Parents of Southern Arizona announced applications for the 16th class of Partners in Policymaking are now being accepted. This six-month training program for parents of children with special needs and for young adult self-advocates will begin in Phoenix in October. Applications are due by August 31, 2012. For more information contact: Karen Kelsch at (520) 324-3158, or Toll Free 1-877-365-7220 or visit Pilot Parent's website.

Arizona's Twelfth Annual Transition Conference

"Facing the Future: Who's In Your Network?"

Making a commitment to the successful transition to adult life for Youth and Young Adults with Disabilities

October 15th - 16th, 2012 for youth and families (additional day for professionals: October 17th)

9:30 am - 5:00 pm

Talking Stick Resort,

9800 E. Indian Bend Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85250

More information/registration online

or contact Jeannette Zemeida at (602) 542-3855 or via e-mail at Jeannette.Zemeida@azed.gov

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

"Raising Special Kids helped us understand how to better help our daughter."

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

August 15, 2012

Guardianship/Turning 18, What's Next?

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.

August 15, 2012

High School Transition

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Learn how the transition plan in a student's IEP in high school can prepare for higher education, employment and life in the community.  Resources discussed.

August 16, 2012

Positive Behavior Support

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Training on effective techniques for behavior management. 

August 18, 2012

Transition Workshops - *in Lake Havasu*

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

These three free workshops are presented in conjunction with the Lake Havasu Unified School District #1.  The workshops offered will be Positive Behavior Support, High School Transition and Getting and Keeping the First Job.  A light breakfast and lunch will be provided.  No childcare available.  Also, information booths with resources, products and services.
Please register for each workshop separately. 

August 18, 2012

Positive Behavior Support - Lake Havasu

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Do you feel like you are always saying "No"? Learn why kids behave the way they do and effective techniques for dealing with difficult behaviors.  This training is relevant for use with children of all ages.

August 18, 2012

High School Transition - Lake Havasu

12:45 PM - 2:30 PM

Learn how the transition plan in a high school student's IEP can prepare him or her for higher education, employment and life in the community.  See how students can explore options and make informed choices.  Resources will be provided. 

August 18, 2012

Getting and Keeping the First Job - Lake Havasu

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

This workshop will assist young adults and parents with identifying the importance of employment and career planning for youth with disabilities and special needs. 

August 18, 2012

Organizing Your Child's Records

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Bring your child's special education records to this "make and take" session to create your own filing system.

August 18, 2012

IFSP Basics

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

For parents of children birth to 3 to learn the basics of the IFSP document and meeting process. 

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.

August 17, 2012

El Comportamiento Positivo

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
El vinculo entre las familias y las intervenciones y el apoyo conductal positivo es muy importante. 

August 17, 2012

Conceptos Basicos del IEP

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Aprender acerca del proposito del IEP a traves de una vision general del documento y reunion. 

August 20, 2012

Organizando los archivos de sus ninos/a

10:00 PM - 12:00 PM

Aprenda modos efectivos para organizar sus archivos.