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Raising Special Kids offices will be closed from Monday, December 24 through Friday, December 28 and on Tuesday, January 1. We wish you a safe and joyous holiday.

   

SSI and Children with Disabilities: Just the Facts

Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for low-income children with disabilities are back in the news. Unfortunately, the program is being subject to some sharp criticism that is based on misunderstanding of key issues related to SSI for poor children with disabilities.  Discussion and debates concerning this program should be rooted in facts and data, not impressions, misimpressions, and anecdotes.

Device Helps Children with Disabilities Access Tablets

ScienceDaily.com

Researchers at Georgia Tech are trying to open the world of tablets to children whose limited mobility makes it difficult for them to perform the common pinch and swipe gestures required to control the devices.

Despite Advances, Many Preemies Still Face Severe Disabilities

Disability Scoop

More babies born premature are surviving, but they are just as likely to experience serious disabilities, researchers say.

Study Finds Pattern in Brain Injuries Linked to Contact Sports

Reuters

Years of hits to the head in football or other contact sports lead to a distinct pattern of brain damage that begins with an athlete having trouble focusing and can eventually progress to aggression and dementia, a recently released study says.

Tax Credits Need More Accountability

Statement by Dana Wolfe Naimark, President and CEO, Children's Action Alliance

We need more transparency and a full public debate and vote on the value of each tax credit. Tax credit performance measures should be required and collected, and each tax credit should have a sunset date to require a full legislative reconsideration every few years.

Arizona Child Welfare Agency Cutting Basic Services

AzCapitolTimes

Basic services for families are being cut at Arizona's child welfare agency as it tries to adjust to a multi-million dollar budget shortfall. Another article on this topic is at azcentral.com.

Phoenix to Tax Hospitals to Aid Uninsured Patients

The Republic | azcentral.com

The Phoenix City Council adopted an ordinance to tax local hospitals and pool the money, a move that would generate more than $200 million in federal matching funds for the hospitals to care for uninsured and underinsured patients.

Erika recalled how frustrated she felt when she was trying to find the right placement for her son. Daniel's behavior was becoming more and more challenging. "It just went through the roof," she said.

After receiving help with understanding her rights and how to advocate effectively within the special education system, Daniel's family found the right school and program for him.

Daniel began to respond and his behavior improved drastically. "It was like a miracle," said Erika. "Now he comes home with a big smile on his face."

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

If you itemize on your taxes, here is a special tax credit you should know about. 

Events and Activities

Previously Listed in Monday Memo:

Mark your Calendars for the Next Special Day for Special Kids

Saturday, March 23, 2013

10am - 2pm

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, Scottsdale

• Train & Carousel Rides
• Carnival Games and Booths
• Clowns, Mascots, Face Painting & Petting Zoo
• Hot Dog Lunch & Ice Cream

Free for families of children with disabilities and special needs.

Registration required (on the day of the event).

Strengthening Grandfamily Connections

A Workshop for Grandparents to help grandchildren overcome a harmful past

Offered free by Raising Up GRANDchildren Program

When: December 18

Time: 2 to 4pm

Where: Tewa Community Center in First Mesa, AZ

Open to the Public

Silent Sunday

(Cycling and Hiking-City of Phoenix)

December 23 - 9am - 3pm 

South Mountain Park, 10910 South Central Avenue 

Bikes are available for individuals with visual limitations.

For information call Rick at (602) 885-2992 or email winkingmule@cox.net

Winter Adaptive Recreation Horse Camp

Hunkapi Programs, 12051 N. 96th St. Scottsdale, AZ 85260

For All Abilities, age 7+

4-day program 12/31/2012 - 1/4/2013

8 am - 4pm*   *12/31 will be a half-day, no camp 1/1/2013

Daily riding lessons, adaptive recreation, Equipment usage, professional staffing, end-of-camp certificate

www.hunkapi.org - nonprofit organization

Winter Camp Zoo

The Phoenix Zoo offers two days of specialty camps for children with visual impairments and with orthopedic impairments.

Sense of Wonder Camp for children with visual impairments

Thursday, January 3, from 8:00am - 12:30pm

Phoenix Zoo members: $50     Non-members: $55

Scholarships are available!

Wild Hearts Camp for children with orthopedic impairments

Friday, January 4, from 8:00am - 12:30pm

Phoenix Zoo members: $50     Non-members: $55

Scholarships are available!

Please feel free to contact the Camp Zoo Supervisor (602.273.1341 x 7355) to discuss your child's needs and ensure that Camp Zoo will be a good match.

9^th Annual Inclusive Practices Institute

A Conference for Parents and Professionals Supporting Children with Disabilities

January 18-19, 2013

Deer Valley District Office, 20402 N. 15th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85027

Sparkle Effect - an innovative student run program that helps students across the country create cheerleading and dance teams that include students with disabilities.                    

• iPad Apps - and other technologies for supporting children and adults with disabilities
• Common Core - adapting the general education curriculum for students with disabilities
• I AM NORM- A youth forum on promoting inclusion
• Literacy Strategies For Students With Autism, Universal Design For Learning, Para educators And General Education Modifications, Positive Behavioral Supports, Post-High School Options For Teens With Disabilities, International Treaty On Disability, Best Practices In Supporting Self-Advocates...and more

For conference pricing and to register go to http://www.regonline.com/9thannualinclusivepracticesinstitute

For more information please contact:

Sherry Mulholland - mulhollandmatsutakeout@yahoo.com or 520-603-4010 or                                          

Andrea O'Brien - andreamobrien@cox.net or 602-717-8106

Provider Fair

Saturday, January 26, 2013

10am - 2pm

Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix

For families and individuals seeking services through the Division of Developmental Disabilities. This fair provides opportunities to connect face to face with providers from the Valley.