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Register to Vote

2012 General Election: November 6, 2012

Last Day to Register for the General Election: October 9, 2012

Click here to register online to vote in Arizona. 

For information on voting from the 

Arizona Secretary of State's Office click here.

Triple Workshop coming to Yuma

October 27, 2012

YRMC Corporate Center, 399 W. 32 St., Yuma, AZ 85364

See Trainings below for details

Pediatricians Call for Uniformity on Kids' Essential Benefits 

American Medical News
Citing inconsistencies between state plan options for upcoming minimum coverage standards, the American Academy of Pediatrics is urging the federal government to designate a public insurance program as the benchmark for children's essential health benefits. More

Know the Consequences of Cutting Medicaid

L.A. Times

Medicaid has a huge economic effect, not only on its recipients but also on the hospitals and clinics in many ill-served communities...

Related from The Advisory Board Company:

Arizona remains undecided on whether to opt out of the Medicaid Expansion under the Affordable Care Act. Gov. Jan Brewer (R) will not say until January whether the state will opt-in on the Medicaid expansion, Brewer administration officials said on Aug. 2. Brewer in a statement following the Supreme Court ruling repeated her call for the entire law to be repealed but did not directly address the expansion.

Where Are Students With Disabilities Going to School?

Education Week

Nationwide, as school choice options have opened up, students without special needs have tended to leave traditional public schools for charter schools or private schools, using vouchers...But this piece from the Houston Chronicle concludes that more students with disabilities in Texas are opting out of public schools, turning to homeschooling or private schools-even if that means paying for them out of pocket. Read article.

Students with ADHD Must Better Prepare for College

Education Week

In a small study of students with ADHD, a Kansas State University researcher found that students with ADHD aren't adequately preparing for college.

Related from CHADD:

A free online webinar Wednesday, September 19, 2012, 11:30 AM - 12:30 (Arizona time) Sponsored by CHADD will discuss "Ready for Take Off: Preparing Your Teen with ADHD or LD for College"

Budget Proposal Has Potential to Cut Millions in Federal Spending to Schools

UCP Washington Wire

A new report released yesterday from A New America Foundation found that a candidate's budget proposal to decrease federal spending would greatly affect public school districts. The analysis found that 77 percent of almost 1,500 school districts around the country who rely on federal funds could lose almost 20 percent of annual revenue if the budget passes. States that could be affected most by this include Arizona and Illinois.Learn more from the Huffington Post.

Angelica's second baby was due in just three weeks when her first son, Andres, was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. "My world was shattered and turned upside down," she said. "I just wanted to run away."

Soon she was dealing with a new baby while trying to learn about Andres' diagnosis, therapies, prognosis, and systems of care. Determined to do everything they could for Andres, the family sought out a network of providers with whom they were comfortable. When Angelica's husband's job took him to another part of the state, she stayed in the Valley with the children because of the care Andres needed. "I was by myself--the dynamic of our family totally changed."

Angelica recalls how alone she felt and the struggles she faced during that time. No one else in her family or network of friends had any experience with Cerebral Palsy. When others would ask how she managed, she replied, "I do it because I have to. If I take a minute to think about everything, I think I'll break down."

When Angelica finally found Raising Special Kids, she was paired with a parent mentor who also has a child with Cerebral Palsy. They found common ground, and Angelica found someone who understood what she was feeling.

Things have stabilized now that her family has been reunited, and as Andres was about to turn seven, he reached a milestone with physical therapy and began walking without the aid of a walker. Angelica recognizes there are still challenges down the road, but she is reassured by the knowledge she can rely on support from her parent mentor. "She's been wonderful. I still call her to talk."

"All the information was very valuable. I am very happy to know that Raising Special Kids exists and provides assistance to families in need."

I Educate, I Participate: 2012 Presidential Election Voter Education Guide.

This guide is a nonpartisan compilation of resources to help prepare for the upcoming election.

AHCCCS Presentation on the Future of Medicaid

If you miss the public meetings hosted by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to accept comment on the future of Medicaid in Arizona, links to the presentation, schedule of the meeting and relevant materials can be found here: http://www.azahcccs.gov/publicnotices/FutureOptions.aspx

Webinar: ADHD and Prepping for College

A free online webinar is being held on Wednesday, September 19, 2012, 11:30 AM - 12:30 (Arizona time). It is sponsored by CHADD and will discuss "Ready for Take Off: Preparing Your Teen with ADHD or LD for College". Registration required.

Sonoran UCEDD

Over the last year, the Sonoran University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) worked with the Family & Community Medicine Informatics Group to redesign its website. The web address hasn't changed, but they have a new user friendly and highly accessible look. more >

New Android Apps for Students with Learning Disabilities

No-cost-to-the-user applications focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM), and audio note organization.

National Voter Registration Ice Cream Social

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Friday, September 21, 2012

Disability Empowerment Center of Arizona

Nina Mason Pulliam Conference Center, 5025 E. Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Do you have questions and concerns about candidates and propositions and budget cuts to services and programs such Medicaid, Medicare, education, others critical to your quality of your life?  If so, please join ABIL for free ice cream and refreshments as they discuss and provide information regarding voter registration, propositions, candidates and other important issues that will greatly impact quality of your life for people with disabilities.

RSVP:  Go to http://abilsadvocacyevents.eventbrite.com/!  Contact David Carey at 602-443-0723 for questions or assistance. 

Foster Care Open House

September 29, 2012 - Free event!
The Arizona KIDS Consortium is hosting a foster care and adoption open house. Learn more about opportunities to help children in foster care and meet representatives from a variety of agencies and programs relating to Arizona's foster care system. They encourage you to attend if you have questions about becoming a foster or adoptive parent or if you would like more information about helping the children in care through volunteer opportunities. Click here for a downloadable flyer. 
Two Locations to Choose From

• Mesa Convention Center, Superstition Room, Building A 263 N. Center Street, Mesa, AZ 85201
• Sheraton Crescent Hotel, 2620 W. Dunlap Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021

Hours: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Register today

Southwest Conference on Disability in Albuquerque, NM

The conference will be held on October 9^th - 12^th during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.  In addition to the main conference theme, "Access For All: To Boldly Go Where Everybody Else Has Gone Before," the conference features several special emphasis themes including: Creating Holistic Behavioral Health Services Through High Quality Service Partnerships, Improving Access to Service Delivery in Native American Communities, Promoting Inclusion for People With Intellectual Disabilities in Post-Secondary Education, Improving Employment Outcomes for Youth With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, and Assistive Technology as a Tool to Increase Inclusion.

Registration and information: http://cdd.unm.edu/swconf/register.asp

DSNetwork Sponsoring Cruise 

Young Adult Group Cruise from Long Beach, CA to Ensenada, Mexico. June 14-17, 2013
For reservations and questions, please contact Erika Villanueva, erika@viajestogo.com  or 480-293-4689.
Secure your space before October 12, 2012 with a non-refundable deposit of only $25.00 per person.
Second deposit of $75.00 will be due February 8, 2013, with the final balance due by April 5, 2013. 

Free Special Education Trainings in Flagstaff

October 17, 2012

9:00 am-12:00 pm or 6:00 pm-9 pm

at the Radisson Woodlands, 1175 W Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Presented by the Arizona Disability Law Center

Topics:

• Restraint and Seclusion
• Graduation and Transition
• IEP & Section 504 Compliance
• School to Prison Pipeline

To register online go to http://spedflagoct172012.eventbrite.com  

For more information or to register via phone or e-mail, please contact the Center, at (602) 274-6287 (voice/TTY) or 1-800-927-2260 (toll free) or e-mail kvanhorne@azdisabilitylaw.org.

Triple Workshop in Yuma

October 27, 2012

YRMC Corporate Center, 399 W. 32 St., Yuma, AZ 85364

Presented by Raising Special Kids

A series of three workshops for residents in Southern Arizona will be presented in Yuma in collaboration with the Arizona Department of Education Parent Information Network in partnership with the Yuma Regional Medical Center Workshops will include:

• Positive Behavior Support
  8:30-11:15 a.m.
• IFSP Basics (For Parents of Children Birth to 3)
  12:00 noon -1:30 p.m.
• Early Childhood Transition: AzEIP to Preschool
  1:45 - 3:30 p.m.

Breakfast and lunch are included. Certificates of Attendance will be provided.

There is no charge for parents or caregivers.

Spanish interpretation is available.

No childcare will be provided.

Registration is required for each workshop. To register please call 602-242-4366 or 800-237-3007 or register on line at www.raisingspecialkids.org

Baseball in Southwest Valley - Challenger League

Goodyear Little League Challenger division is part of a nationwide program for youth with mental and physical disabilities. Youth ages 4-18 can enjoy the full benefits of Little League participation in an athletic environment structured to their abilities including those using wheel-chairs. Teams are set up according to abilities, rather than age, and can include up to 20 players.

Any interested participants who live in the southwest areas of the Valley including Goodyear, Surprise, Buckeye, Avondale, Litchfield Park, Verrado, and others may register. Open registration is December 3^rd through January 31^st.

For more information please contact Goodyear Little League goodyearlittleleague@gmail.com.  

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.

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

Sibshops at Family Involvement Center

SibShops are for 8- to 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.

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: http://elatinavoices.org/national-latino-childrens-summit/ or call 623.845.6382.

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

Parent Leaders Needed

Assist hosting at our information table at the 

Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona's 13^th Annual Walk for Down Syndrome.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

7:00 AM - 12 Noon

Diablo Stadium in Tempe

2200 West Alameda Drive, Tempe, AZ 85282

Please contact Janna at jannam@raisingspecialkids.org

More information on the event can be found here: http://www.sharingds.org/SitePage/BuddyWalk/

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. Over 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

Understanding 504

September 26, 2012

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Learn about the rules and regulations of a 504 Plan and how it differs from the IEP (IDEA).

COMING SOON!

Triple Workshop in Yuma

October 27, 2012

YRMC Corporate Center, 399 W. 32 St., Yuma, AZ 85364

A series of three workshops for residents in Southern Arizona will be presented in Yuma in collaboration with the Arizona Department of Education Parent Information Network in partnership with the Yuma Regional Medical Center Workshops will include:

• Positive Behavior Support
  8:30-11:15 AM
• IFSP Basics (For Parents of Children Birth to 3)
  12:00 noon -1:30 PM
• Early Childhood Transition: AzEIP to Preschool
  1:45 - 3:30 PM

Breakfast and lunch are included. Certificates of Attendance will be provided.

There is no charge for parents or caregivers.

Spanish interpretation is available.

No childcare will be provided.

Registration is required for each workshop. To register please call 602-242-4366 or 800-237-3007 or register on line at www.raisingspecialkids.org

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

Tres Talleres En Yuma

En colaboración con el Departamento de Educación de Arizona y Red de Información de Padres

Presentado Conjuntamente con Yuma Regional Medical Center

Octubre 27, 2012

YRMC Corporate Center, 399 W. 32 St., Yuma, AZ 85364

• Apoyos para Comportamientos Positivos
  8:30-11:15 AM
• Básicos del IFSP (Para Padres de Niños 0-3)
  12:00 -1:30 PM
• Transición de Intervención Temprana: AzEIP al Preescolar
  1:45 - 3:30 PM

Almuerzo y Comida Incluidos

Certificados de Asistencia serán proporcionados

Registración es requerida para cada taller

Sin costo para las familias o personas que brindan cuidado

Traducción en Español disponible

No habrá cuidado de niños disponible

Para registrarse llame al: 602-242-4366 o al 1-800-237-3007