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Response to Intervention and Students with Learning Disabilities

While RTI has been credited with decreasing the number of students diagnosed with learning disabilities, there are also concerns that the use of RTI in some places has led to a delay in the evaluation of students whose disabilities are beyond the scope of what the approach is meant to address. Read article in Education Week

Learning Disabilities: New Survey Finds Americans Confused About Causes, Treatments And Rights
Results from a new survey released today by the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) reveal that Americans lack basic understanding of learning disabilities other than dyslexia, and improperly cite childhood vaccines, subpar diet and poor eyesight as potential causes. Read more in the Sacramento Bee. Another article in the Washington Post

As Politicians Focus on Health Care Act, Americans Worry about Health Benefits and Costs

Republicans and Democrats have made their political and ideological stance on President Obama's health care law a key part of their respective campaigns. Recent data suggests that Americans are preoccupied with the more practical matter of how much it will cost them to get the care they need. Read article on NBC News.

New Approach Reduces Central Line Infections among Kids with Cancer

Experts have developed a 'triple-threat' method for reducing risky infections in the central line in pediatric cancer patients. Article in Medical News Today

Primary Prevention is Public Health

How do we become a healthier nation? Investing in public health is part of the answer. Of the more than $8,000 health expenditure for every American, only $250 is spent on public health. Read Guest Opinion article in Great Falls Tribune

New Method Teaches Kids to Remain Still During MRIs
A recent report by Jude Children's Research Hospital and published in Pediatric Radiology says that experts have developed a new method for teaching children to stay still while they are having an MRI done, which makes the scan safer. More from Medical News Today

Mark and Tricia's family started their journey of raising children with special needs when their youngest son was born with Lobar emphysema and had part of his lung removed. "He was quarantined to our home for most of the first three years of his life because of the high risk of infection," she explained. Joel was subsequently diagnosed with several additional conditions.

On the heels of that crisis, their daughter, then 8 years old, was diagnosed with Friedreich's ataxia, a rare and debilitating genetic disorder. "We were floundering," said Tricia. "We had no clue how to handle any of this."    

A friend put Tricia in touch with Raising Special Kids where she found a variety of resources. "For me, the parent to parent connections have been the biggest blessing. To have another parent to talk to is really incredibly valuable." Mark and Tricia have found strength in helping others also. As Parent Leaders they mentor other parents, speak to classes of medical or education students and host physicians in their home as part of Raising Special Kids' training for pediatric and family practice physicians in residency programs.

"I am a teacher and a parent of a child with special needs, and as a teacher I didn't know a lot of the great info that I learned at this workshop!  We went from having no accommodations to 18 accommodations because of the workshop and help from Raising Special Kids."

Blog - Parent and Family Engagement

A new blog for parents is online from the U.S. Department of Education.

September is National Newborn Screening Awareness month

Don't forget to ask your baby's doctor about the newborn screening results. Here are some related resources:

• babysfirsttest.org
• Arizona Department of Health Services Office of Newborn Screening
• Save Babies through Screening Foundation
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Newborn Screening

Be Prepared

September is also National Preparedness Month. You can find resources here from the American Academy of Pediatrics to help be prepared to meet the needs of children. More resources on preparedness are available from the CDC.

More resources can be found at www.safekids.org and www.ready.gov

Transition Webinar

Preparing to go "away from home" to college is both exciting and nerve-wracking. Concerns about the unknowns can cause student jitters: dorm life, being away from family, will I like my classes? my roommate?

For students who have chronic or special health care needs, there are the additional concerns about "leaving for college when their health care support networks are left behind."
In this webinar Dr. Kitty O'Hare, a physician and Coordinator of Transition at Boston Childrens Hospital's Martha Eliot Health Center, provides practical considerations for a student's health care transition, in preparation for a successful adjustment to college life. Young adult panelists respond to Dr. O'Hare's "health care advice", sharing their own experiences with college transitions.

Toy Guide

Toys for differently abled kids from ToysRUs

Financial Planning

Many parents of children with special needs are tasked with planning how to financially support their child throughout their lifetime, as many of the children will outlive their parents but might not be able to support themselves and live independently. Read article in USNews.com

Transition Fair in Tucson

Thursday, September 13, 2012

4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Catalina Magnet High School Cafeteria, 3645 E. Pima Street (Corner of Pima and Dodge)

For further information contact Dan Perino, Coordinator, (520) 891-2227 or email Dan.Perino@tusd1.org

2012 Arizona Deaf Festival

September 15, 2012, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
at Tempe Mission Palms 
60 East 5th Street, Tempe, Arizona

Exhibits, performances, seminars, kids activities

More information and registration: http://www.azdeafestival.org/

National Latino Children's Summit

The National Latino Children's Institute, in partnership with eLatinaVoices, will convene a national summit of organizations serving Latino children on October 19-20, 2012, at the University of Arizona, Virginia Piper Campus Center, located at 550 East Van Buren, Phoenix, Arizona.

The Summit will bring together child-serving organizations, including educators, employers, public policy makers, community organizations and Latino leadership to have a frank discussion about the action needed to prepare Latino youth to reach their full potential and successfully join the future workforce. Special sessions will cover a variety of public policy topics including health and well-being of children; effective and equitable education; the importance of bridging identity, language, and history; child safety; youth leadership; and civic engagement and political empowerment. Subject matter experts will lead all sessions from a national level and also offer a local Arizona perspective.

More information and registration online or call 623.845.6382.

Autism/Asperger's Conference

Arizona "Back to School & More"

September 13-14, 2012

Phoenix Convention Center, West Building, 100 North 3rd Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Information and registration

Recovery Empowerment Network's Health & Wellness Week

Sept. 17-21, 2012

In Celebration of SAMHSA's National Wellness Week, Recovery Empowerment Network is presenting a series of events to promote health and wellness in our community service providers, members, and everyone else in the community are invited to the T'ai Chi Marathon on Monday!

T'ai Chi Demonstration Marathon - Open to Everyone

212 E. Osborn, Suite 210

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

More activities Tuesday - Friday 9/18/2012 - 9/21/2012:

• Peer Support Group Discussions on Wellness
• Farmers' Market Outings Daily
• Workout at the Disability Empowerment Center Gym

For more information visit website at www.renaz.org

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 (cash only)

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

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. 

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.

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.

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 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

Bully-Free Environments

September 13, 2012

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Learn how to recognize bullying, effectively respond and build positive solutions. 

Positive Behavior Support

September 15, 2012

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Training on effective techniques for behavior management. 

IEP Basics

September 15, 2012

1:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Learn about the purpose of IEP's, parents' role in the process, and how to prepare for meetings.

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

Al cumplir los 18 anos, que sigue?

September 14, 2012

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Tutela: Tomando la Decision y Entendiendo el Porceso. Aprenda lo que la Tutela implica y sus alternativas antes de que su adolescente cumpla los 18 anos de edad.

Destrezas para ser un Padre Defensor Eficaz

September 14, 2012

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Usted aprendera:

Que es ser defensor; Como mejorar sus destrezas de Abogacia; Como hacer una contribucion significativa.