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Local Events
AZ Autism Coalition Education Meeting
July 15 - Phoenix
Autism/Asperger's Conference September 18 & 19 - Mesa
Contact us for more information on any of these events.
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Link of the Month
Contact Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid to help ensure that autism coverage is included in national healthcare reform.
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ABA Flashcards Now Available!  As the first phase of our "Family Starter Kits" grant, AZA United is pleased to offer families in need individualized sets of ABA flashcards! These flashcards are printed in full color high resolution on durable white cardstock, ready for you to use. Sets include object categories (food, animals, vehicles, clothing, sports, music, nature), verbs (people engaging in different actions), and functions (objects with easily identiable uses). As always we can also provide you with an activity instruction sheet that explains how to use these cards and teach these concepts in a variety of ways and situations to increase language and communication. More sets are in production, including emotions, cause and effect, sequences, picture scenes, and prepositions. Do you need some materials to make the most of your child's habilitation program? Simply give us a call! These sets are not technically for sale, but we do ask that you consider making a suggested donation of 5 dollars to support our cause and help us continue to provide materials and supports to families in need.
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Update on Staff Wages & DDD Rates Many of you are aware that DDD, our state funder for habilitation and respite services, has experienced significant cuts from DES as a result of the new state budget and slumping economy. A few months ago a rate cut of 10% was announced, which took effect on May 25th. As of July 1st we are in the new state fiscal year, and since the state budget process is not yet complete we are not yet certain what the rate cuts from DES/DDD will be, but we are almost certain there will be cuts. That said, several employees and families have contacted us to ask if their wages may be reduced to compensate for the state rate cuts. This has been a difficult issue to solve as we are committed to continusouly improving our quality of services to children and families through assessment, training and oversight. Funding for those components has always been a challenge and has to be factored in when setting wages. At the same time, we recognize that the habilitator is the person who actually directly helps the child and it is critical that employees stay motivated and financially able to continue their hard work. Therefore, we are pleased to inform you that your existing wages will not be reduced this year. We are working on some creative ways to address rate cuts that are consistent with our mission and allow us to reach our goals without putting the organization at risk financially. More information will be given in the next few months, but in the short term rest assured that your pay rates are secure. Now, get out there and keep up the good work!
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Autism Coalition Education Meeting  On Wednesday, July 15th, the Arizona Autism Coalition will hold a special meeting that is free and open to the public to discuss issues relating to special education. The meeting will take place here, in the Disability Empowerment Center conference room, from 6 to 8 pm. A panel of local experts will answer questions and offer guidance to parents whose children attend school in Arizona. This panel includes a parent, school psychologist, behavior analyst, advocate, attorney, and representatives from the Department of Education. You have questions, they have answers! Don't miss it. Contact Jessica Lewis, Coalition Coordinator, for more information. Visit the Arizona Autism Coalition online at www.azautism.org.
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Steven's Law Takes Effect On July 1st, the autism insurance mandate in Arizona known as "Steven's Law" took effect. You may remember about a year ago when a passionate and determined group of parents, professionals and advocates took their case to the legislature and successfully passed a law requiring some insurance policies to provide coverage for certain therapies and services for children with autism, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). If you are a parent with private insurance for your child, now is the time to find out if your policy is eligible for this coverage. There are a few stipulations to be aware of. For example, employer policies may be exempt if there are fewer than 50 eligible employees or if the company is self-insured. Additionally, although the law took effect on July 1st, policies will not add the benefit until the next annual renewal date. For more information about how to find out if your policy includes this benefit, visit the Arizona Autism Coalition website at www.azautism.org.
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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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