Monday Memo:

News for the week of October 22, 2012  
Contents
National News
Arizona News
Help Raising Special Kids
Quote of the Week
Featured Resources
Events and Activities
Free Training and Workshops

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National News

 

Sequestration Report: 12,000 Special Educators Face Lay Offs; Over 500,000 Students with Disabilities Impacted

Council for Exceptional Children Policy Insider

In a report issued last week, democrat members of the House Appropriations Committee illustrated the impact sequestration - the 8.2% across-the-board-cut to non-defense discretionary programs - will have on numerous sectors of the economy, including education. Read more.

 

 

Scientific Proof Exercise Helps Kids with ADHD

The Journal of Pediatrics, reported experts demonstrated for the first time that kids with ADHD can focus better and become less distracted after a quick session of exercise. Read more

 

 

1 in 3 children are covered by Medicaid.

31 million children are on Medicaid, which is about half of the 60 million Americans the program covers. Read more surprising facts about Medicaid from MomsRising.org.

 


Rethinking Discipline

A Special Series from Education Week

Zero-tolerance policies, which require out-of-school suspension or expulsion for certain inappropriate behaviors, have become the go-to disciplinary approach in many schools. But research suggests some downsides. The first article in the four-part series exploring alternative approaches is 'Restorative Practices': Discipline but Different.

 

 

Study Shows Impact of Sleep on Children's Behavior

A study designed to examine the impact of moderate sleep extension and restriction on child behavior in school. Read results from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

 

 

Netflix to Improve Disability Access

Internet movie giant Netflix will make major changes to accommodate those with disabilities rather than continue a legal battle over its responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

 

 

Parenting Program Aims to Help Latinos Close Early-Learning Gaps

EdWeek.org

Recent studies are finding that immigrant Latino families provide some of the best starts for young children, even when those families face disadvantages because of poverty. But there are still significant gaps in readiness between Latino children and their white and Asian-American peers before they enter school, especially when it comes to literacy. A 5-year-old program is taking aim at eliminating those gaps by focusing on parenting practices for children from birth to age 5. Read more

 

 

 

 

Arizona News

 

Department of Economic Security Submits Proposed Budget

The Arizona Department of Economic Security's request is targeted to maintain current service levels and to establish staffing levels adequate to provide critical child and adult protection.

The total DES FY2014 budget request is $81.1 million for the areas of Child Safety and Permanency ($49.6M), Adult Protective Services ($2.6M), Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) Caseload Growth ($14.7M), ALTCS Provider Rates ($4.5M), and Federal Funds Backfill ($9.6M). Read more.

 

  

School officials: Major cuts coming if Prop 204 fails

AzCapitolTimes.com

Supporters of the initiative to make permanent a temporary one-cent sales tax increase claimed that its failure at the ballot in November would have dire repercussions, including the closure of schools, teacher layoffs and increases in class sizes.

 

 

30th Anniversary of Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System   This month AHCCCS achieved 30 years of providing health care coverage to Arizona, the last state to join Medicaid. Arizona was a leader in developing a new type of Medicaid program built on a framework of mandatory managed care, emphasizing choice, competition and appropriate medical management. Governor Brewer issued this Proclamation.

 

 

KidsCare II Waitlist

Enrollment in the KidsCare II reached maximum capacity, and an enrollment freeze for the health care coverage program was instituted on September 3, 2012. The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System reported that as of October 1, 2012, a total of 687 children have been added to the wait list. AHCCCS will monitor enrollment for KidsCare II and if additional space becomes available, it will post information to the website and notify applicants on the wait list. More information about KidsCare II can be found here.

 

 

Center-Based Employment & Group Supported Employment Services

The Arizona Department of Economic Security/Division of Developmental Disabilities announced a change to the hours authorized for Center-Based Employment (CBE) and Group Supported Employment (GSE) Services. CBE and GSE may now be authorized for up to eight (8) hours in a day. In the past, CBE and GSE services were limited to a 7-hour program day. A CBE and/or GSE Provider may elect to continue with their current program schedule or change it to an 8-hour program day schedule.

If you have any questions, please contact Kaleb Martinez at 1-866-229-5553.

 

 

Healthier Arizona Preschools

Arizona Department of Health Weekly Update

Arizona was selected to be one of six states to participate in a new national initiative to help preschools to adopt evidence-based practices in nutrition, breastfeeding support, physical activity, and "screen time" policies and practices. The project begins this month when a company called Nemours (hired by the CDC) begins training state teams to lead preschool quality improvement learning collaborations with technical assistance for participating child care providers, and access to resources, materials, and curricula. 

 

 

Helping Raising Special Kids Make a Difference

   

 

 

Marci remembers her experience meeting her newborn son for the first time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). "It was a moment which terrified me almost as much as the trauma of his entrance into this world." As Marci described the first weeks and months after Matthew's birth, she relayed feelings shared by many parents of babies in NICU: "I was utterly lost, swimming in pools of doubt about my abilities to care for this little boy."

 

Marci found support from Raising Special Kids, and began to get information and services for her son. She considers the peer support and mentoring to be an essential part of finding appropriate medical services for Matthew. "It's our job as parents to help our children get over as many of life's hurdles as we can. The only way we can do that is to be armed with information, support and knowledge so we can advocate for our children. Raising Special Kids provides a huge step in finding that success."

 

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

 

 

 

Quote of the Week 

 

"It feels so nice to have someone really listen to me without judgment. I feel like I can move forward now."

 

Featured Resources 

 

 

Wings Flights of Hope

Private volunteer pilots help medical patients get medical treatment(s) by flying them to and from their medical destination.

Free of charge. Pilots donate 100% of their time, plane and all costs including fuel.

E-Mail them at Wingsflight@gmail.com

 

 

Social Skills Tools

This page has many free downloadable tools, videos, and ideas to help with developing social skills, language and communication.

 

 

Download Vaccine Schedules

From the Centers for Disease Control, these schedules summarize recommendations for routine vaccines for children ages 18 years and younger.

 

 

The Darrell Gwynn Foundation's Wheelchair Donation Program

The program is actively seeking wheelchair recipients in Arizona. Recipient must be able to travel to Scottsdale, AZ during the third week of January for one (1) day to receive wheelchair. The foundation donates brand new, highly customized manual and power wheelchairs to children and adults who have been denied by Medicaid, Medicare, private insurance companies, or those lacking insurance coverage. If you have any questions, please contact Micah Moreno, Development Coordinator, at micah@darrellgwynnfoundation.org or 954-792-7223 x.101.

 

 

 

Events and Activities

 

 

Survey on Advocacy and Resilience

For parents of children with special needs

Parents' participation is requested in an online, anonymous survey about advocacy and resilience in parents of children with special needs. The survey is expected to take about 20 minutes. The research is being conducted by Dr. Sarah Taylor at California State University, East Bay, and Dr. Amy Conley Wright at San Francisco State University.

To participate, please go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/spclneedsadvocacy. If you have questions about this research, contact Dr.Taylor at sarah.taylor@csueastbay.edu, Dr. Amy Conley Wright at acw@sfsu.edu or the CSU East Bay Institutional Review Board at 510-885-4212.

 

 

Presentation on DSM5 Proposed Diagnostic Criteria for Autism

Phoenix HFA is hosting guest speaker, Dr. Robin Blitz, to speak about criteria for autism in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

Who: Dr. Robin Blitz, Director, Developmental Pediatrics, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital

What topic: DSM5-What is Proposed?

When: Oct. 25, 6:30 pm - 8 pm

Where: Scottsdale Bible Church, 7601 E Shea Blvd, Rm E102, Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Bring your questions - Q & A to follow.

Open to the public. $5 donation requested.

Visit www.phoenixautism.com for more information.

 

 

Sun Kissed - a Documentary

Documentary about a Navajo couple whose children have a disorder that makes exposure to sunlight fatal, they also learn their reservation is a hotbed for this rare genetic disease. Why? Show times on PBS.

 

 

 

Previously Listed in Monday Memo:

 

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

 

 

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.

Attendees will leave with an understanding of:

1. Telehealth for the SMI population with physical co-morbidities

2. Acceptance among this population

3. The promise of telehealth in improving quality of care and reducing utilization for this population

 

 

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) Support Group Meeting

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

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, 2012 

1:00 pm 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.  Bring along the whole family!  Everyone's invited but space is limited, so get your tickets and tell your friends.  

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

The deadline to register is Monday, October 22, but all registrations received by October 12 will be entered into a drawing for a free Kindle eReader!  

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 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 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

 

 

Parent/Professional Collaboration

October 25, 2012

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Techniques for effective advocacy.  What to ask, how to ask for it.

 

 

IEP Basics

October 25, 2012

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Learn about the purpose of IEP's, parents' role in the process, and how to prepare for meetings.

 

 

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 am - 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. 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

 

 

 

 

For workshops and training in Spanish, please visit our online calendar.


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