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Federal Agencies Spar over How Many Special Education Students to Test

The federal agency that administers the national testing program appears to be softening the penalty for states that fail to improve inclusion rates. Read more in Education Week.

Defining "Affordable" in the Affordable Care Act

The new health care law is known as the Affordable Care Act. But Democrats in Congress and advocates for low-income people say coverage may be unaffordable for millions of Americans because of a cramped reading of the law by the Internal Revenue Service. Article in the New York Times

Report - America's Children in Brief: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2012

The Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics updates 41 indicators on the well-being of children and families annually on its website (http://childstats.gov). It alternates publishing a detailed report, America's Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, with a summary version that highlights selected indicators. The America's Children series makes Federal data on children and families available in a nontechnical, easy-to-use format in order to stimulate discussion among data providers, policymakers, and the public.

Breakthrough in Research on Cerebral Palsy

A study using a nano-particle has successfully repaired damaged brains in rabbits with CP. Read article in Medical Discovery News.

Students with Special Needs Staying in Traditional Schools

The high cost of educating students with special needs is disproportionately falling on traditional public schools as other students increasingly opt for alternatives that aren't always readily open to those requiring special education. Article in Education Week

National Council on Disability Issues New Report on Subminimum Wage
from UCP Washington Wire

The National Council on Disability (NCD) released a report to the President on Subminimum Wage and Supported Employment. The report addresses Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act that allows employers certified by the Department of Labor to compensate people with disabilities for work at less than minimum wage. The report recommends that the 14(c) program should be gradually phased out as a part of a systems change and reform effort. In the report, NCD also recommends that the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) improve opportunities for higher education, post-secondary training, and transitions for people with disabilities. View the letter to the President here. View NCD's report here. Another source on this topic is here: Read Disability Scoop article.   

When Kathy McDonald's daughter, Allie, was four months old and in the hospital, Kathy was supported with a Parent to Parent connection. Kathy states she gained an understanding that she's not alone--others are going through similar challenges and finding encouragement and hope.

When Allie entered first grade Kathy needed information, with training and assistance, to support her daughter's needs in special education. "Raising Special Kids was a great resource in helping us get appropriate services in place at her school."

Allie's success in school helped her on the path to post high school success. Kathy was proud to announce Allie's recent enrollment in community college.

 "I just wanted to say thank you for all of the support you provided over the last year.  It is so comforting to know that anytime I have a question; there is always someone there to answer it for me."

The Center on Instruction 

A collection of scientifically based resources on instruction funded by the U.S. Department of Education. COI develops and identifies free resources that Regional Comprehensive Centers and state, district, and local educators can use in their pursuit of high quality instruction.

Preventing Suicide: A Toolkit for High Schools 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center has released a toolkit that provides strategies to help high schools, school districts and their partners design and implement strategies to prevent suicide and promote behavioral health among students. It also includes information on screening tools, warning signs and risk factors, statistics and parent education materials.

Division on Career Development and Transition Fast Facts - Self-Determination Fact Sheet  

From Council for Exceptional Children: Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT) & National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center (NSTTAC)

Includes actions teachers, schools and families can take to support student self-determination that have the potential to impact post school outcomes. This document highlights the research on self-determination; provides applications for teachers, administrators and families; and provides sources for additional information.

A Blog on Learning Disabilities

LD Insights is a blog published by LD.org: http://ncld.org/ld-insights

Read a recent entry about connecting with your state's Parent Training and Information Center (PTI)--in Arizona, that is Raising Special Kids! Look for their August 16 post titled A Back-to-School Basic: Your Parent Training & Info Center.

Webinar ~ IEP/IFSP Facilitation Techniques for Success: Counter Proposals & Consensus-As-You-Go

On July 10, 2012 The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE) hosted a 75 minute webinar: IEP/IFSP Facilitation Techniques for Success: Counter Proposals & Consensus-As-You-Go. View the recording of the webinar. The PowerPoint and webinar transcript are available for download. The presentation increased the knowledge and the skill level of participants by exploring effective techniques that promote positive interactions while improving the opportunity to gain and maintain agreements during any IEP/IFSP meeting. 

New Fact Sheets for 2012 State Legislative Action on Children's Health Care
Children's Hospitals Association
Children's Hospital Association has released mid-year State Legislative Fact Sheets that summarize trends in state legislation enacted between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2012 that affect children's health care coverage and access, particularly under Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Free Trip to Israel

In partnership with Yachad/National Jewish Council for Disabilities

Taglit-Birthright Israel provides a gift of first time, peer group, educational trips to Israel for Jewish young adults ages 18 to 26 from around the world. Taglit-Birthright Israel is a partnership between the people of Israel through the Government of Israel, individual donors and private philanthropists, and Jewish communities around the world (North American Jewish Federations, Keren Hayesod and the Jewish Agency for Israel). A trip for individuals with special needs is being organized for December 30, 2012 to January 10, 2013. For more information contact Nicole Bodner, LMSW at bodnern@ou.org or call 212-613-8266 or log on to http://www.birthrightisrael.com

SpoFit Youth Programs

Virginia G. Piper Sports and Fitness Center, 5031 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034

Contact Jessica Amato, CTRS, Phone: (602)-386-4285 or log on to  spofit.org

Mommy & Me, Play & Learn                

Friday 10-10:30am

Session Dates: Sept 7-28, Oct 5-26, Nov 2-30

$40 per 4 week session (25% off for SpoFit members)

Ages 18 months-3 years old. A child learns about their world through play. This program offers the opportunities necessary for mommy & child to explore their environment in a fun, active environment.

Afterschool Adventures                                   

Tuesday & Wednesday 3-4:30pm

Session Dates: Sept 4-26, Oct 2-24, Nov 6-28

$60 per 4 week session (25% off for SpoFit members)

Join SpoFit as we participate in social recreation games, sports, rock climbing, and much more afterschool! Activities are available for children of all ages, including siblings & peers.

Kids' Corner

Monday-Thursday 5-6:30pm

Saturday 10-11:00am

Children will be exposed to a variety of sports & recreation games in order to encourage socialization & appropriate play with their peers while learning new skills. All ages are welcome to join in on the fun!

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.

Dance for Kids with Special Needs

In His Image, 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, 7:00-9:00 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

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 am - 2 pm) - 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 am - 2 pm 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.

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

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 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) Support Group Meeting

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

4:00 - 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         

Dandelion Golf Classic for Special Kids

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

For questions contact 602-242-4366 or info@raisingspecialkids.org                 

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

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

Advanced IEP Training

August 30, 2012

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Receive an in-depth view of the IEP and strategies to help maximize the potential of each student. (Recommended: First attend IEP Basics)