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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

Steep Cuts to Special Education, Disability Programs Loom

Disability Scoop

Special education will face more than $1 billion in cuts and millions more will be trimmed from other federal programs for people with disabilities next year unless lawmakers act.

Fraction of Special Education Students Proficient on National Writing Test

Education Week

The majority of students with disabilities who took the national writing assessment known as the "nation's report card" did not perform at the proficient level on the test.

2012 "State of the Union" for Federal Disability Policy

The National Council on Disability (NCD) released its annual progress report on national disability policy. In the report, NCD assesses the state of federal disability policy in the last year and examines how emerging trends and government policies influence the quality of life of Americans with disabilities. Full report is available on NCD's website at http://www.ncd.gov/progress_reports/Aug202012.

Study: Voters with Special Needs Hold Untapped Influence

Disability Scoop

The number of people with disabilities makes them an important voting block, researchers say, but turnout among the group is severely lagging.

Lisa first heard about Raising Special Kids just after her daughter was born. Without knowing what was behind her daughter's medical condition, she wasn't sure what sort of help to ask for. But Lisa appreciated the support she received to discuss new developments, and to talk about her questions. 

With her daughter now in high school, Lisa reflects on the challenges of raising a child with a very rare condition. "We did not even have a diagnosis until she was 10 years old," said Lisa. "There was no specific support group for me to join, but I knew that Raising Special Kids was always there for me."

It took a lot of research, visits to different doctors in several states, and dogged persistence to discover what was causing her daughter's medical problems. Lisa explained, "When you are going through this struggle, you just feel isolated, and you don't know where to turn. It's so hard because your friends and family want to help, but they don't know what to do, they haven't walked in your shoes. It was good to have other parents I could talk with and share."

 "I always feel welcomed--like part of the family," she added.

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

"This was the most valuable experience I have had during this entire rotation!  It really opened my eyes to what daily life is like for a family of a child with special needs."
-- Dr. Angela Ibragimov, Phoenix Children's Hospital 

Update on Partnerships, Families, and Title V

Getting to Know Title V provides families with information about maternal and child health (MCH) services funded under Title V of the Social Security Act. The booklet, published by Family Voices with support from the Health Resources and Services Administration's Maternal and Child Health Bureau, presents brief facts about Title V administration, background, and history. Additional topics include the Title V federal-state partnership, appropriations and requirements, MCH populations, family-centered care and family involvement, block grant and performance measures, needs assessment, accountability, and the Title V Information System. The booklet is available at https://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/6739/images/Getting_to_Know_Title_V_reduced.pdf

Resources Focus on Antipsychotics for Children and Adolescents

Antipsychotic Medicines for Children and Teens: A Review of the Research for Parents and Caregivers discusses antipsychotic medicines to treat psychiatric conditions in children. It explains what medical research says about the benefits and possible side effects of these medicines when taken by children. The information in the summary comes from the report First- and Second-Generation Antipsychotics for Children and Young Adults published by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) in February 2012, which is based on a review of 81 studies published between January 1987 and February 2011 on antipsychotic medicines in children. The consumer summary is available athttp://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/ehc/products/147/1146/anti_psych_ped_cons_fin_to_post.pdf

AHRQ has also produced a clinician summary, a continuing-medical-education activity, and a slide talk based on the report. These materials, as well as the full report executive summary from the research review, are available at http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/search-for-guides-reviews-and-reports/?pageaction=displayproduct&productID=1147

Public Health Grand Rounds

A monthly webcast by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was created to foster discussion on major public health issues. Each session focuses on key challenges related to a specific health topic, and explores cutting-edge scientific evidence and potential impact of different interventions.

www.az.db101.org

Disability Benefits 101: tools and information on health coverage, benefits, and employment.

Tips on childhood obesity

One in three American children is obese. What should you do if your child is overweight? The answers, say health experts, aren't so obvious. How you talk about the subject is important. Read more in this article: 

Children and the obesity epidemic on GreatSchools.org

Financial Aid Program

This program is for families of infants and toddlers ages birth through 3 who have been diagnosed with a moderate to profound hearing loss who are in pursuit of spoken language outcome for their child. Awards assist with expenses for services such as auditory support services, speech-language therapy, tuition, etc. Families should be committed to a listening and spoken language outcome for their child or children with hearing loss. This program is for individuals only.; Awards are made once a year, generally in December. Award amounts vary; from $300 to $2,000. 

New Housing for Grandparents

Grandfamilies Place located at 5150 S. 18th Place Phoenix, AZ 85040.

Call 602-354-4897 for information or to apply.
This new community was built with a focus on seniors raising their grandchildren. "It is beautiful, affordable and we are
moving people in now. Any senior 55 + with or without children in their home are welcome to apply," said Anna DiSabato, District Manager at property management company Dunlap&Magee.

Webinar: Bullying Among Adolescents

September 27, 2012  12-1:30 PM ET

Join in on Thursday, September 27 at 9 AM (AZ time) for a Healthy People 2020 "Spotlight on Health" Webinar to learn more about bullying among adolescents, bullying prevention and systems-level policy changes, and populations at risk.

This Webinar will feature:

• Dr. Don Wright, HHS Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health
• Marci Feldman Hertz, Health Scientist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Dr. Dorothy Espelage, Professor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• David Aponte, Youth Bullying Prevention Advocate

Register today Registration is limited. Please consider gathering in one location to view with your colleagues.

For more information visit http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USOPHSODPHPHF-52122b

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

Social Skills Workshop for teachers and parents

Black-and-White in a Grey World: Equipping Students to Find Their Way in Social Situations

Saturday, 11/03/2012

9:00 am - 12 noon

Kyrene District Office, 8700 S. Kyrene Rd, Tempe, AZ

This workshop will provide strategies for understanding general social-cognition concepts, recognizing how social-cognitive deficits present in children, teaching students to determine the thoughts, feelings, and expectations of others and empowering students to make judgments about appropriate responses in social contexts. 

Cost: $5.00 for CEC Members, $10.00 for Non Members, $5.00 for book study participants, Payable at the door

RSVP: Joanne Thomas at jthomas358@cox.net

Limited Seating, please RSVP by Oct. 19, 2012.

Assistive Technology Center Open House and Vendor Exhibits

October 3rd, 2012

4:45 pm - 7:30 pm

Northern Arizona University, Institute for Human Development Assistive Technology Center

Building 27A on the Northern Arizona University Flagstaff campus

Map: https://cmswork.nau.edu/Parking-Shuttle-Services/Maps/

See services the Assistive Technology Center offers, the latest devices, and meet with vendors from a variety of companies offering products that support vision, hearing, communication, computer access and activities of daily living.

For additional information call:

928-523-6759 or Janelle.Bauerle@nau.ed

Arizona Suicide Prevention Conference

October 4th & 5th, 2012

The Black Canyon Conference Center, 9440 N. 25th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85021

The 5th Annual Hope Conference offers in depth and interactive sessions providing practical skills in suicide prevention, intervention and postvention. It is designed for professionals, survivors, and advocates.  It will help those working with a variety of cultures and communities of all sizes.

For more information and registration go to: www.azspc.org or call 602-418-5771

15% off is being offered to fill the last few spots at the conference. This offer will end Wednesday, September 26th unless the spots fill before that.

Open House for New Children's Rehabilitative Services Clinic

Please join UnitedHealthcare Community Plan and District Medical Group for the Open House event at the new Phoenix Clinic for CRS on October 6^th, from Noon-2:30 PM.  Please see invitation below for more details.

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

Video Submissions on Bullying Being Accepted

The Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention is seeking videos created by adolescents (ages 13-18) that send a positive message about the importance of being "more than a bystander" to bullying in their schools and communities. Adolescents are encouraged to submit 30- to 60-second original public service announcements that showcase ways they are taking action against bullying and promoting a culture of kindness and respect in their schools and communities. The deadline for submission is October 14, 2012. The contest winner will receive $2,000, with the two runners-up earning $500 each. More information is available at http://stopbullying.challenge.gov

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. A 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

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 pm to 5 pm

                       Saturday, October 6, 2012, from 10 am to 4 pm

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.

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.

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

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                          

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.  

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

O en nuestrositio de Internet: www.raisingspecialkids.org