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Local Events
April 25 - Phoenix
ABA Training Series
March 3, 10 & 27 - SARRC Legislative
Awareness Day
March 10 - Capitol
RSK Special Kids Day
March 28 - Scottsdale ASA Autism Conference
April 4 & 5 - Glendale
ASA Family Picnic
April 11 - Scottsdale
Contact us for more information on any of these events.
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Link of the Month
Read about efforts to reverse recent state cuts in funding and services for people with disabilities in Arizona.
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Save the Date for the AZA Annual Meeting  It's almost that time of year again. Every spring the families of AZA United gather at the Annual Member Meeting to discuss ideas and learn about the organization's plans, challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This year will be especially important as we adjust to major changes including the economy, state funding rates, insurance legislation, and our new center. How can we make it all work together to provide the best possible services? We need to hear your voice. The Annual Meeting is a key component to the concept of a Human Service Co-op to make sure every family has an opportunity to participate and to cast a vote on key issues. The Annual Meeting is also the forum for annual Board elections. See the article below for more information about who serves on the AZA United Board of Directors. More details will be announced soon. In the meantime, save the date for April 25th for the Annual Member Meeting!
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DDD Rate Cuts Not Passed on to Employees You may have heard that all DDD services recently suffered an unexpected cut in funding. For AZA United, all services (Habilitation, Habilitation-Behavioral, Respite & Attendant Care) were cut by 10%. Without question, this change poses new challenges for AZA United as well as all service providers across the state. These cuts have only been announced for the remainder of the current fiscal year (i.e., March through June). We do not yet know what will happen to the rates come July. However, we are preparing for the worst to make sure AZA United can continue to provide high quality services to the children and families across the valley who depend on us. On that note, we recognize that our Direct Support Staff employees are the most important asset we have and a direct link to the overall success of our mission. It is critical that we keep employee morale and motivation high so that children and families get the best level of service. Therefore, the current 10% rate cuts will NOT be passed on to Direct Support Staff - your wages will stay the same. If you have any questions or ideas, please contact us.
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Revisit the AZ Autism Coalition  It is time for YOU to join the Arizona Autism Coalition. The Coalition's mission is to improve the lives of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families in Arizona by sharing resources and affecting autism systems reform through state-wide collaboration and advocacy. Their vision is a unified voice of the autism community. The group was formed about two years ago as a way for all stakeholders in the autism community to come together and work in a collaborative spirit that benefits the autism community. Members include families, provider agencies, habilitators, professionals, doctors, educators, therapists, government representatives, nonprofit organizations, and so on. The Coalition has a free community meeting every other month for participants to join a workgroup, share their ideas and help develop action plans and solutions. During this past year the Coalition played an instrumental role in the passing of Steven's Law (the autism insurance mandate) and in the preparation for implementation of that law on July 1st, 2009. Joining the Arizona Autism Coalition is inexpensive and a great way to be informed and involved with the Arizona autism community. The Coalition was initially funded by a grant from the Lodestar Foundation. Raising matching dollars was necessary for this year's funding, and we would like to thank the following donors for contributing $500 or more to preserve the continuity of the Coalition: Hope Group, Arizona Association of Providers for Persons with Disabilities (AAPPD), AZA United, Raising Special Kids, Hacienda Healthcare, Valley of the Sun School and Habilitation Center, Gompers Habilitation Center, and Dr. Daniel Kessler. AZA United is a member of the Coalition's advisory Board, and we strongly encourage everyone to become a part of this dynamic and very important organization!
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Leadership Opportunities for Parents  Did you know that least 80% of the voting members of AZA United's Board of Directors must be Members of the co-op? In general, a Member is a parent whose child is receiving services through AZA United. There is no cost to become a Member, and anyone receiving our services is usually eligible. The 80% rule is dictated in our bylaws and is required in order to be a Human Service Co-op. This structure is designed to make sure that the needs of those receiving our services are always the first priority and have the final say. Are you a family receiving services through AZA United that is interested in having a more active role in the strategic planning and decision making of the organization? If so, our Board would like to meet you. This year's Annual Member Meeting on April 25th will be a great opportunity to become more involved. We are also accepting nominations for new Board members. Board elections take place every year at the Annual Member Meeting. If you are interested in getting more involved at a less intensive level, consider joining one of our committees. We have several parent-led committees that focus on specific areas of interest and make recommendations to the Board. The Family Events Committee plans our monthly community activities for families of children with autism across the valley. The committee comes up with ideas, works with our staff to make arrangements, and helps find sponsors to cover expenses. The Fundraising Committee works with staff to develop an annual fundraising plan with goals and strategies, and helps create fun fundraising events. The newly formed Program Committee will give parents an opportunity to have a direct influence on what types of programs and trainings are developed by AZA United, including a review of existing services and how we can make things work better. If these services matter to you, this is your chance to make a difference. Contact us for more information!
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Got Ideas for Family Events?  More than 200 families participated in one of our monthly Family Events last year, and there is plenty more to come. As you may know by now, every month AZA United plans an event in the community for children with autism to attend with their families and friends. We create a supportive environment so that everyone can be themselves, get to know each other and have a chance to do things they might otherwise not get to do. Last year we had a basketball camp, a party at Pump-It-Up, a trip to the Zoolights, a holiday party, a visit to the Children's Museum, a GFCF cooking class, a day of ice skating, and a night at the movies - with the whole theatre to ourselves. So now our parent-led Family Events Committee wants to hear from you! Lots of great ideas are circulating around; which should we choose? We are currently working on bowling, horseback riding, a Diamondbacks game, and a weekend of camping. Other ideas in the works include a pool party, a music festival and a sock hop (or 70's party - tough decision). Please send us your ideas and let us know if you'd like to join the Family Events Committee. With your help, dreams can come true!
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Thanks for all you do, and don't forget to tell us what else we can do...for you! |
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