Monday Memo:

News for the week of October 15, 2012  
Contents
National News
Arizona News
Help Raising Special Kids
Quote of the Week
Featured Resources
Events and Activities
Free Training and Workshops

Join Our List

 

Join Our Mailing List

RSK logo 


   

 

National News

 

Congress Faces Rocky Path on Education Issues

Education Week

Raft of education laws still up for renewal

No matter who wins the congressional and presidential elections next month, lawmakers will return to Washington in November to sort out a tangle of tricky budgetary issues-and will face a legislative logjam that includes almost every major law that touches on education. Read article at Education Week.

 

 

Physicians Prescribing Meds for "Made-up" Disorder

The New York Times reported about doctors who do not believe ADHD is real, but they are prescribing medication to help improve grades for low income kids. "We've decided as a society that it's too expensive to modify the kid's environment. So we have to modify the kid." Read article in the New York Times.

 

ADHD Awareness Week

October 14-20, 2012

7 Facts to Know About ADHD

 

 

Support for Early Intervention Program

The Early Intervention Family Alliance (EIFA) is a national organization of family members and supporters dedicated to sustaining and improving the national early intervention program for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. To learn more about the organization, including past and future activities, see  http://www.eifamilyalliance.org.

 

U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights Releases Report on Disability Rights
UCP Washington Wire

The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released a new report titled "Disability Rights Enforcement Highlights." The report discusses the amount of complaints received by the DOE. In a three-year period, over 55 percent of the complaints filed were related to disability issues. Read the report from the DOE. 

 

 

Report Released On Meeting the Needs of Children with Dyslexia

A report and action plan for helping children with learning disabilities reach grade-level reading proficiency is presented in a report released by The Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation and Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. Read an executive summary or the full report titled Don't "Dys" Our Kids - Dyslexia and the Quest for Grade-Level Reading Proficiency.

 

 

Labor Department Launches Virtual Toolkit on Workplace Flexibility

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy has launched an online Workplace Flexibility Toolkit to provide resources. Workplace flexibility is a universal strategy that helps workers with complex employment situations become more productive. The toolkit adds a new dimension - an emphasis on flexibility around job tasks. The launch of the toolkit coincides with National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

 

 

 

Arizona News

Yoga May Improve Behavior in Kids with Autism

A simple, school-based yoga program can do wonders for kids with autism, researchers say, yielding gains in both behavior and socialization...Teachers are using the routine in general education classrooms in Arizona, and other states. Read article at disabilityscoop.com.

 

 

New ALTCS Member-Directed Option 

Section 1915 (k) of the Social Security Act allows states to provide community-based attendant supports and services to individuals with disabilities who require an institutional level of care at a 6% enhanced Federal match, if certain requirements are met. Agency with Choice is a new member-directed option that will be available to home-based ALTCS members beginning on January 1, 2013. More information and resources, including details about the upcoming informational session, is available at the link below:

ALTCS Member-Directed Options.

 

 

Prop 204 - Quality Education & Jobs

Arizona recently enacted school reforms that have no funding source. They include new standards intended to boost graduation rates; require all third-graders to read fluently at the end of the school year or be held back; and increase Arizona's overall performance on standardized tests. Deep cuts to Arizona's school funding since the start of the recession rank as the worst in the country. These cuts may put Arizona's economy and long-term prosperity in jeopardy. Prop 204 will renew the one cent sales tax to provide a stable and dedicated funding source for schools. 

More information on Prop 204

 

Helping Raising Special Kids Make a Difference

   

 

 

As a teacher, Karen Hinds had been referring families of her special education students to Raising Special Kids for years. Then, Karen became the mother of a child with special needs.

"Over the years, I've been able to see the difference that Raising Special Kids has made for many families. They have provided multiple resources as well as a caring ear. Families were able to learn how to advocate for their child and learn about services.  

"Now as a parent of a child with a disability, I appreciate them even more for the support they have given me."

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

 

Quote of the Week 

 

"Your staff can offer experience with special needs children, culturally competent support, and numerous resources to help families.  This makes a physician's job so much easier!"

 

Featured Resources 

 

 

Primer Features Models of Health Care Delivery in Foster Care

Financing the Special Health Care Needs of Children and Youth in Foster Care: A Primer examines the role of state Title V programs in improving the system of coverage and care for children and adolescents with special health care needs in foster care. It was published by the Catalyst Center with support from the Health Resources and Services Administration's Maternal and Child Health Bureau. Contents include a description of the foster care population and its special health care needs; out-of-home placements children may experience; a synopsis of the funding, federal legislation, and key players of the child-welfare system; a description of comprehensive health care for children in foster care; and more. http://hdwg.org/sites/default/files/Foster-Care-Primer.pdf.

 

 

Health and Safety for College Students

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's guide to steps you can take to enjoy college the safe and healthy way.

 

 

National School Climate Center/Bully Prevention

NSCC partners with schools to prevent mean, cruel and/or bullying behaviors and promote upstander behaviors.

 

 

Help with homework

Depending on grade level, "homework helps children learn how to plan and organize tasks, manage time, make choices, and problem solve, all skills that contribute to effective functioning in the adult world of work and families."

 

 

Hydrocephalus Support Group in Tucson

The Hydrocephalus Association has created a support network program comprised of local support groups nationwide. Thomas Tronsdal is the point person for support group meetings in the Tucson, AZ area. If you would like more details about upcoming meetings please contact Thomas Tronsdal at tucsonsupport@hydroassoc.biz.

 

 

Technology and Autism Webinar Series

Each webinar from AutismSpeaks.org will be presented by experts and targeted toward a family audience. The series runs monthly from October through December, and will begin again in January 2013. Each webinar will allow time for question and answer sessions and be recorded for later viewing.

The series is free.

 

 

Haircutting Tips for Kids with Special Needs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1BAgPq7os8

 

Events and Activities

 

AZ ASSIST is hosting a Halloween Bash

Saturday October 27th

6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

The Centers for Habilitation, 215 W Lodge Dr., Tempe, AZ 85283

Cost:    $10.00 (Includes dinner)

Contact: Debbie Weidinger, 480-779-0899 or info@azassist.com

More information

 

 

Mesquite Library Music Program for Special Needs Families

Saturdays at 1:00 pm

Therapeutic piano and drum circles for children with special needs, ages 3 to 16 "When Words Fail, Music Speaks."                      

Daniela Clapp, member of the Phoenix Music Teachers Association, will facilitate Rhythm, Music, and Movement to individuals with special needs and their families.

R.S.V.P. Seating is limited. Sign Up at the Library: Mesquite Library 4525 E. Paradise Village Parkway N., 85032 (Next to the Paradise Valley Mall). For more information about this program or private music instruction contact:              

Daniela Clapp: 602-494-7026 info@danielaclapp.com.

 

 

Free Webinar on Telehealth Delivery

November 13, 2012

12:00 noon AZ Time

Telehealth: A New Delivery System to Improve Health Care for Patients with Serious Mental Illness

Presented By: Sarah Pratt, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth University

Executive Webinar Overview

This presentation and discussion will focus on the experience and results of Dartmouth's Center for Aging Research pilot study using the Bosch Healthcare Health Buddy System for remote patient monitoring intervention of people with SMI and physical co-morbidities.

 

 

Previously Listed in Monday Memo:

 

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.

 

 

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.

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.

 

 

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 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.

 

 

Toolbox Tips for Special Education Teachers in Chandler 2012!

A workshop designed to help you with the "how to" of effective teaching!

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Chandler High School, 350 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, AZ

Registration - 8:00-8:45 AM

Sessions 8:45 AM - 2:00 PM

Networking Lunch Included!

5 hours of professional recertification credit!

Registration:     $40 Teachers

                        $35  Students, First Year Teachers, Paraprofessionals, Parents

Learn more and find a $5.00 Coupon here

Registration Form for Toolbox in Chandler 2012

 

 

Surveys for Arizonans with Disabilities ages 16+

Conducted on behalf of the Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) and the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC)

Opportunities to participate in two surveys of critical importance:

1.     Independent Living Needs - Survey on needed services and supports to improve overall quality of life

2.     Accessibility of Medical Primary Care Providers - Survey on consumer experiences regarding access to medical care and services

Surveys are available online at this link: http://www.surveyentrance.com/pub/pib/p1836b/login.pl?agency=31

The Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), Independent Living Rehabilitation Services (ILRS), in partnership with the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC), is conducting statewide research about these two topics of critical importance to persons ages 16 and older with disabilities and their family members. The surveys close on October 21, 2012.

 

 

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                          

 

 

Fall Carnival

For all families of the autism community

Sunday, November 4 

1:00 to 4:00 pm

The Phoenix Zoo

 The Fall Carnival will be packed with fun for kids of all ages, including... 

  • Magicians 
  • Carnival Games
  • Pumpkin Decorating
  • Arts & Crafts  

If you'd like to wear a costume, you can also join the Costume Fashion Show! 

Your tickets also give you full-day access to the Zoo.   

Tickets are $10 per person (children and adults), or $5 if you have a Zoo membership.   

The deadline to register is Monday, October 22  

Sponsored by AZA United, Trumpet Behavioral Health and the Phoenix Zoo

Click here to get your tickets now! Or Click here for more event details

 


Positive Behavior Supports to Prevent Restraint and Seclusion in Schools

Free training for parents and teachers on practical information that leads to the reduction of the use of restraint and seclusion and/or removal of a student with challenging behavior from the education environment.

 

1)     Thursday, November 8, 2012

9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Disability Empowerment Center, 5025 East Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034

To register online go to: http://ressecphxnov82012.eventbrite.com

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

 

2)     Friday, November 9, 2012

9:00 am-4:30 pm

Viscount Suite Hotel, 4855 East Broadway, Tucson, AZ 85711

To register online for this Tucson training, go to Eventbrite: http://ressectucnov92012.eventbrite.com

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

 

Presented by Arizona Center for Disability Law & Institute for Human Development - Northern Arizona University

Visit the following websites for more information. www.azdisabilitylaw.org , IHD to www.nau.edu/ihd and ADDPC to www.azdes.gov/ADDPC/Home .

 

 

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. Teams are set up according to abilities, rather than age, and can include up to 20 players.

 

Open registration is December 3rd through January 31st.

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

 

 

Free Training and Workshops 

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

 

   

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

 

 

 

For workshops and training in Spanish, please visit:

Calendario En Espaņol

  
Raising Special Kids works to improve the lives of children with disabilities and special health needs by providing parents with information, training and support.