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Raising Special Kids offices will be closed on Tuesday, January 1, 2013. We will open again on Wednesday, January 2 at 8 am. 

When the Doctor Is Not Needed

The New York Times

There is a shortage of doctors in many parts of the United States. A solution to this crisis is to rely much more on nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, community members and even the patients themselves to do many of the routine tasks traditionally reserved for doctors.

Disability Caregiving Can Be Health Hazard, Study Finds

DisabilityScoop

Parents of children with developmental disabilities are experiencing health consequences stemming from their caregiving responsibilities, a first-of-its-kind study suggests.

Tackling Special Education Teacher Evaluation

Education Week

For several years now, teacher evaluation has dominated education-policy discussions in statehouses and otherwise. But for the most part, the country's 430,000 special education teachers have been left out of the discussion.

NASA to Mentor Students with Disabilities

Disability Scoop

A unique partnership kicking off early next year will allow students with disabilities a firsthand look at what it takes to work for NASA.

Study Finds Survival Rates Increasing for Kids with Down Syndrome

specialedpost.com

The 20 year-long study found steady survival rates for newborns, but increased rates for kids over 5 years old.

Advocates for Individuals Who Are Blind Take Fight to Amazon's Kindle

Education Week

Advocates for individuals who are blind are arguing that an electronic reading device, the Amazon Kindle, is inaccessible to visually impaired students. 

Public Input on City of Phoenix Assessment - AHCCCS Update

The City of Phoenix proposes to include additional funding for Phoenix-area hospitals with high uncompensated care costs and coverage opportunities through a locally-imposed provider assessment on certain hospitals. On December 11, 2012, the City of Phoenix adopted a 6% assessment on net in-patient hospital revenues at designated acute care hospitals. The proceeds of the assessment will be transferred to AHCCCS to draw down additional federal matching funds. City of Phoenix Assessment Ordinance

Public Input Process: There will be a 30-day period for the public to submit written comments on the draft Waiver request. The comment period for the draft Waiver request will open on December 20, 2012 and close January 25, 2013. AHCCCS will review all public comments timely received. Link to the draft proposal: DRAFT City Tax Waiver Request 12/20/12

Mark and Tricia's family started their journey of raising children with special needs when their youngest son was born with Lobar emphysema and had part of his lung removed. "He was quarantined to our home for most of the first three years of his life because of the high risk of infection," she explained. Joel was subsequently diagnosed with several additional conditions.

On the heels of that crisis, their daughter, then 8 years old, was diagnosed with Friedreich's ataxia, a rare and debilitating genetic disorder. "We were floundering," said Tricia. "We had no clue how to handle any of this."    

A friend put Tricia in touch with Raising Special Kids where she found a variety of resources. "For me, the parent to parent connections have been the biggest blessing. To have another parent to talk to is really incredibly valuable." 

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

Last day to participate for 2012 tax season! 

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

Events and Activities

Seminar on Developing Emergency Plan

Dads4SpecialKids, in collaboration with H.O.P.E. Group, will be hosting a free seminar designed to assist individuals with special needs and their caregivers in developing their emergency and disaster plan. There will also be a discussion how to work with your local first responders in preparedness planning.

When: February 2, 2013, 9 am - noon

Where: H.O.P.E. Group, LLC, 4530 E Muirwood Dr. Suite 103, Phoenix, AZ 85048

Please contact administrative assistant Leah Williamson to reserve your spot, 480-610-6981 or lwilliamson@hopegroupaz.com . For any questions please feel free to email Caitlin Watson at cwatson@hopegroupaz.com .

***Refreshments will be provided and kids are welcome to attend.

Previously Listed in Monday Memo:

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.

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).