Join Our List

HHS Releases Final Blueprint for State-Based Insurance Exchanges

On August 14, The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released the final Blueprint for Approval of Affordable State-Based and State Partnership Insurance Exchanges. The blueprint outlines the exchange planning and implementation details that states must submit to HHS in order to receive certification to operate a state-based or partnership exchange. Also, the blueprint includes information on which functions will be run by states and by the federal government in state based exchanges, partnership exchanges, and fully federal exchanges. States wishing to run their own exchanges or partner with HHS must inform the department by November 16th. Among few areas of change from the draft blueprint is new guidance about entities that will assist consumers with enrollment in coverage.

Brief Provides Overview of Health Coverage for Individuals with Limited English Proficiency

A brief from the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured provides an overview of the population of people in the United States with limited English proficiency (LEP) and describes their access to health coverage and care. The Affordable Care Act will provide new coverage options for many in this population, including Medicaid and insurance through the new exchanges.

The Parents' Guide to Student Success  (in English and Spanish) was developed in response to the Common Core State Standards in English language arts and mathematics that more than 40 states have adopted. The Guide includes:

• Key items that children should be learning in English language arts and mathematics in each grade, once the standards are fully implemented.
• Activities that parents can do at home to support their child's learning.
• Methods for helping parents build stronger relationships with their child's teacher. 
• Tips for planning for college and career (high school only).

HHS Partners with Pharmacies to Educate Medicare Beneficiaries about New Health Benefits

Disability Scoop

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced partnerships with several pharmacies to help customers learn about new Medicare benefits available to them under the Affordable Care Act. These partnerships - with CVS Caremark, Walgreens, Thrifty White, Walmart and Sam's Club - will provide Medicare beneficiaries a range of educational materials on newly available preventive services, as well as savings on prescription drugs in the "donut hole" coverage gap.

Each year the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Developmental Disabilities and its partners seek nominations for excellence in caregiving. Three Direct Support Professionals and one Direct Support Supervisor will be honored for superior service and exemplary work on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities. Division partners include: AIRES, Arizona Bridge to Independent Living, the Arizona Autism Coalition, Arizona Association of Providers for People with Developmental Disabilities, Arizona UCEDs, Arizona Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities, Raising Special Kids, and the provider community for Direct Support Professionals.

Nominations are due by August 24, 2012

For additional information and application contact:Patricia Talcott 602-542-6835 or PTalcott@azdes.gov.

Champagne Tap band members Greg White, Erik Ramnath, Matt Barcellona, Odie Munoz, plus Al Ramnath are a "fun-lovin' band of doctors" who rocked the house at Martini Ranch on Saturday with a fundraising concert for Raising Special Kids. A special appearance by Dr. Kathy Graziano added to the spirit of the evening. Over 200 enthusiastic supporters came to cheer, dance, and have a great time. A very special thanks to the friends and supporters who attended the event. More information about Champagne Tap is online here: http://www.champagnetap.com/

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.

Speech-Language Impairments in the Classroom: 8 Tips for Teachers  

If you have a student who struggles with communication due to a speech or language impairment, this blog includes ideas on how to better support students with speech-language impairments.

Making Healthy Choices: A Guide on Psychotropic Medications for Youth in Foster Care

This new guide -written specifically for youth in foster care with input from youth and professionals- looks at ways to handle powerful feelings and behaviors and make healthy choices. Understanding how psychotropic medication can help and what other options are available can be challenging. This guide can help youth decide what's best. Making Healthy Choices includes useful information, questions to ask, worksheets, and tips on:

• Recognizing you need help
• Knowing your rights about your health and who can help you make decisions
• Considering your options, including helpful approaches other than medication
• Making decisions about how best to stay healthy
• Maintaining treatment (taking medication safely and continuing or stopping treatment after leaving foster care)

http://www.nrcyd.ou.edu/psych-med-youth-guide

Center on Instruction (COI)

A gateway to a collection of scientifically based resources on instruction funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

Timeline of Affordable Care Act

Review when various provisions of the Affordable Care Act did or will become effective such as "Prohibiting Denying Coverage of Children Based on Pre-Existing Conditions" (September 23, 2010) or "Eliminating Annual Limits on Insurance Coverage" (January 1, 2014).

Parent Comment Needed on New DDD Policies

Have you ever wished that systems for providing essential services were easier to navigate, or that instructions and rules were more clear? Families can help effect positive change in state services by responding to requests for comment from state agencies that provide services for children with disabilities.

Here is an opportunity from DDD to participate by sending in your comments:

The Division of Developmental Disabilities has issued policy changes related to Attendant Care, Habilitation, Intensive Behavioral Treatment and Therapy effective on October 1, 2012. View this document to review changes, which will affect anyone providing or receiving these services. 

Please submit your comments to DDD's Policy Unit at DDDPolicy@azdes.gov before 5:00 p.m. on August 22, 2012.

For more information visit DDD's webpage or contact the Policy Unit at (602) 542-0419 or DDDPolicy@azdes.gov.

Event Focused on Accessibility

September 6 and 7, 2012

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will host a new initiative in Washington, D.C., called "Developing with Accessibility." The event is designed to spur collaboration on accessibility solutions among leading developers across the country. Visit FCC.gov for more information

Dance for Kids with Special Needs

The special needs program of Highlands Church is hosting their third annual In His Image Prom for teens and adults with special needs. To register, please go to the website at highlandschurch.org, click on adults and then special needs, to fill out a registration form.  The prom is open to the community and there is no cost. 

When: September 7, 2012, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Where: Worship Center Lobby, Highlands Church, 9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85255

For more information contact Missy Farrington: Mfarrington@highlandschurch.org

August Is Vision Awareness Month. 

Moore Vision Skills is offering a free screening to families to try to catch any vision difficulties that a child may have. A typical eye exam only tests 20/20 vision, but his screening will look at convergence/divergence, tracking, saccades, reading speed and focus. Children with special needs may be at risk for vision difficulties. Call 602-485-4444 for information.

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) Support Group Meeting

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

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: Jeannine Morrone-Strupinski, PhD

Topic: Managing cognitive and emotional changes associated with NPH

Please RSVP to Maggie Bobrowitz by e-mail: info@hydroassoc.org

The 2012 "I Am Active" Expo & Amateur Car Show

Hosted By  Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL)

When:  Friday, October 5, 2012, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

                        Saturday, October 6, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, October 6, 2012 (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.) - Amateur Accessible Car Show     Sponsored by Total Transit

Where: The Disability Empowerment Center (DEC), 5025 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Will include presentations, demonstrations, as well as technology ranging from restorative therapies for spinal cord injuries to assistive technology for gamers to those with limited speech. In addition, there will be a display of accessible vehicles on Friday & Saturday highlighted by an amateur accessible car show from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 6, 2012.

A complete list of participating vendors, transportation options to and from expo, presentations and demonstrations schedule will soon be available at http://www.abil.org/expo2012 .

More Details:  Please contact David Carey at 602-443-0723 or davidc@abil.org  for more information, questions and/or accommodations.

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.

ADHD Presentation

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

Saturday, August 25, 2012

9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

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

"Your knowledge has speared my ability to advocate for my daughter. I know it has not been long, but with your continued direction, I'm confident we'll be able to get her the help she needs!"

To register, call 602-242-4366 or click on a link below 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

Turning 3, What's Next? AzEIP to Preschool

August 22, 2012

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Learn how to transition your child from AzEIP services to preschool services provided by the school district. 

Parent/Professional Collaboration

August 22, 2012

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Techniques for effective advocacy.  What to ask, how to ask for it.