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Romney, Ryan Unveil Platform at Republican Convention in Tampa

UCP Washington Wire  At their convention this week in Tampa, Florida, the Republican Party released their official platform that calls for changes to the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The platform says that Medicare should be converted into a partially privatized system in which seniors would choose between the existing programs or choose a subsidy to buy private insurance. The document also calls for Medicaid to be transformed into a block-grant program. Learn more from The Hill. View the GOP platform document.

Children with Neurologic Disorders at High Risk of Death from Flu

Prompt treatment for suspected or confirmed flu, even without testing, is critical for children with neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders.

A disproportionately high number of children with neurologic disorders died from influenza-related complications during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, according to a study by scientists with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The report in the journal Pediatrics underscores the importance of influenza vaccination to protect children with neurologic disorders. CDC is joining with the American Academy of Pediatrics, Families Fighting Flu and Family Voices to spread the message about the importance of influenza vaccination and treatment in these children. Read more.

A Live Twitter chat will be held on Tues, Sept. 18, 1-2PM to discuss influenza prevention and treatment for parents and caregivers with health professionals from CDC, the AAP, Family Voices and Families Fighting Flu. To join the live chat, follow the #CDCFluChat hashtag on Twitter.   

Poll Shows Nation Divided, Unified on Key Education Issues

The Council for Exceptional Children's Policy Insider

The 44th annual PDK/Gallup Poll of the Public's Attitudes toward the Public Schools shows the nation is both divided and unified on key issues confronting public education. While the nation continues to view lack of funding as the biggest challenge facing America's schools, respondents were divided in many other controversial measures including whether teachers should be evaluated based on the test scores of their students. 

President Obama Meets with Students with Disabilities

UCP Washington Wire
President Obama recently met with students from around the country with disabilities. Topics that were discussed by the group include unemployment in the disability community, education, and civil rights enforcement. At the meeting, the President stressed that people with disabilities need to have the opportunities to maximize their talents. View a video about the meeting.

Court Upholds School's Use of Desk with Restraining Bar
The School Law Blog - Education Week

Use of a special desk with a restraining bar did not violate the federal constitutional rights of a young student with disabilities, a federal appeals court has ruled.

New Codes for Care Coordination

Amednews.com

Changes in the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes used to identify services rendered by health providers are intended to better capture the work physicians and others at medical practices do to manage patients with complex chronic conditions. Read more.

National Voter Registration Day

On September 25th, 2012 thousands of nonprofits, businesses, and volunteers across the country will band together for National Voter Registration Day--an effort to encourage and assist all Americans to register to vote ahead of the November 6th presidential election.

Riley is seven years old and his mom, Kristie, doesn't remember a time in his life when they did not rely on Raising Special Kids to help. Kristie learned about Raising Special Kids while Riley was still in NICU. She has benefitted from Parent to Parent connections; help with developing Riley's IEP, and arranging appropriate resources for him at school.

"Any time I have a concern or I feel lost, I call you guys! It's wonderful to have someone on the other end of the phone who understands. It makes the road less bumpy. I'm always glad when I hear from you because even when I don't realize I need you--I need you!"

Raising Special Kids needs your help to serve more families like Kristie's. Please make your donation today through our secure online system.

Thank you!

"All the information was very valuable. I am very happy to know that Raising Special Kids exists and provides assistance at no cost to families in need."

Paralympics

Get updated information on the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.

Healthy Children e-magazine

HealthyChildren.org, the official American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Web site for parents, launched the inaugural issue of Healthy Children e-magazine.

Report from the Urban Institute Health Policy Center

Considerations in Assessing State-Specific Fiscal Effects of the ACA's Medicaid Expansion

In deciding whether to implement the ACA's expansion of Medicaid to adults up to 138 percent of FPL, states must assess fiscal effects carefully. 

Webinar: Using Response to Intervention (RTI) & Data-Driven Strategies in the Common-Core Era

Examine how response to intervention may be used in the context of a multi-tier system of supports to improve outcomes for all students. Dr. Stevan Kukic will provide information on evidence-based intervention, implementation, and assessment, as well as background on the science behind RTI, including goal setting, applied behavioral analysis, peer tutoring, and computer-assisted instructional decision making. Attendees will also learn how RTI and data-driven strategies can be used in the implementation of the common core.

More about RTI: www.rti4success.org/  

Forum on Candidates' Positions on Disability Issues

On September 28, 2012 in Columbus, Ohio, over 60 disability and aging organizations, will co-sponsor the National Forum on Disability Issues. This historic, non-partisan event will focus solely on the disability positions of the 2012 Presidential candidates and contenders for the U.S. Senate seat in Ohio. People throughout the country are encouraged to register to attend the event in person, or register to view the live stream webcast on September 28. Invite the candidates to participate in the forum by reminding them why disability issues are important to you and the community of 57 million people living with disabilities in the United States. 

Presentation on Deafblindness in Tucson

The Arizona Deafblind Project and The University of Arizona Teacher Preparation Program in Severe & Multiple Disabilities are sponsoring a presentation by Dr. Jan van Dijk

Thursday September 20, 2012  

Arizona State Schools for the Deaf & the Blind 

Berger Performing Arts Center

1200 West Speedway, Tucson, 85745

Registration - 8:30 am, Presentation - 9:00am - 5:00pm

Donation of $5.00 - payable in cash on site - no POs or checks accepted

TOPICS:

• The Role of Nuero-Biology in the Field of Deafblindness and Multiple Disabilities
• Mirror Neurons:  A Myth or a New Avenue of Learning?
• How to Assess the Activity of Mirror Neurons in Students with Multiple Disabilities
• How to Fight the Enemy of Development and Learning: Stress
• Selected Strategies  (to be determined)

RSVP as soon as possible to:  gema.gallego@asdb.az.gov 

For questions call: Cindi Robinson (520) 770-3268, Pat Jung (602) 771-5237, or Stephanie MacFarland (520) 621-5165

Sibshops at Family Involvement Center

SibShops are for 8-13-year-old brothers and sisters of youth who have special needs. SibShops will be held at Family Involvement Center in Training Center from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. On October 13 & 20, November 3 & 17, 2012 at 1430 E Indian School Rd. Phoenix AZ. For more information call (602) 288-0155 or email info@familyinvolvementcenter.org.

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!

Deadline Extension for Partners in Policymaking

Deadline for Application extended to September 30!

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 September 30, 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.
• Also on 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 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 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

The Journey to Adulthood

September 05, 2012

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

This class will provide parents with information about physical, emotional and social changes that adolescence and puberty bring to every child. 

Guardianship/Turning 18, What's Next?

September 06, 2012

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Making the decision; understanding the process.  Learn what guardianship involves before your teen turns 18.  You will also learn about alternatives to guardianship.

Getting and Keeping the First Job

September 06, 2012

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

This workshop will assist families with identifying the importance of employment for youth with disabilities and special needs.