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How do you think the new guidance on including students with disabilities in sports will affect your child? Your students? We'd like to hear from families and coaches/schools about this. Please email info@raisingspecialkids.org or call Raising Special Kids at 602-242-4366 or 800-237-3007.

Read articles here:
 http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2013/01/25/feds-schools-sports/17177/
 http://ow.ly/hrJV4

Action Day at the Capitol

Arizona Disability Advocacy Coalition (AZDAC) Action Day at the Capitol & Legislative Training

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

3rd floor Conference Room, Capitol Towers, 1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007

• Arizona state budget
• Disability issues this legislative session
• Join AzDAC to be introduced in the House and the Senate
• Learn how you can testify on bills via the internet
• Register to use the "Request to Speak" system 

To register go to http://2013azdacatcapitol.eventbrite.com

Information contact: David Carey (602) 443-0723 or davidc@abil.org.

Raising Special Kids is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. 

President Appoints New Chairperson to the National Council on Disability

The National Council on Disability (NCD) -- an independent federal agency that advises the President, Congress and other federal agencies regarding disability policy -- introduced Jeff Rosen as its new Chairperson.

Social Security to Halt Paper Checks

Disability Scoop

In a few weeks, the government plans to stop issuing paper checks to all Social Security beneficiaries, including people with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income.

Federal Autism Panel to Increase Focus on Services

In a recent report, the Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee -- a federal advisory panel comprised of government officials and members of the autism community -- outlined progress made in the last two years. The IACC acknowledged that it has not done enough to address autism services and indicated that the group is looking to increase its focus on that issue this year.

Sports-Concussion, Expanding Research beyond Football

EdWeek.org

The Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences announced last week that it will expand its research on testing helmets' ability to reduce the likelihood of concussions to hockey, baseball, softball, and lacrosse.

Appreciating Special Education Students' Diversity

Education Week Commentary

Students that are having difficulties in learning need to be surrounded by adults who see the very best in them, not the very worst. Special education has its historical roots deeply embedded in the medical model, a domain that focuses on the diagnosis of disease and not the articulation of degrees of wellness.

Study: Eating Troubles Putting Kids with Autism at Risk

Disability Scoop

Kids with autism are five times more likely than other children to experience food-related problems ranging from mealtime tantrums to extreme pickiness, issues with potentially long-term health consequences, researchers say.

Appointments to Long-Term Care Commission

SCAN Foundation President Dr. Bruce Chernof, the Center for Medicare Advocacy's Executive Director Judith Stein, and activist and philanthropist George Vrandenburg were appointed to the bipartisan Commission on Long-Term Care. Created earlier this year as part of the American Tax Relief Act, this commission is responsible for developing a plan to establish, implement, and finance a comprehensive set of long-term care services for seniors and people with disabilities.

Federal judge: AHCCCS co-pays need rethinking

The Republic | azcentral.com

A second federal judge has told U.S. health officials to reconsider their approval of mandatory copayments for Arizona's poorest residents.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Know who your legislators are? Click here to find out.

Brush up on your knowledge of the legislative process. Read How a Bill Becomes Law: http://ow.ly/htOVd

or illustrated brief version with a glossary: http://www.azleg.gov/alisPDFs/hbillaw.pdf

or more in-depth version: http://www.azleg.gov/alisPDFs/BillToLaw.pdf

Abbreviations: http://www.azleg.gov/alispdfs/50leg/GeneralAbbreviations.pdf

Note: February 11, 2013 was the last day for House bills to be introduced in this session. (Deadline for Senate bills has passed.)

Bills to watch:

NEW In our list

SB1208 - Foster Care Waiver for Post Secondary Ed

Establishes a five-year pilot program expanding eligibility for public university and community college tuition waivers to certain foster care persons.

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H2047 - AIMS Replacement

Effective July 1, 2014, the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) test is eliminated and replaced with a competency test adopted by the State Board of Education.

HB 2066 - Mental Illness Terms

Would ban offensive language regarding mental illness including removal of terms such as "idiot, lunatic".

Bill passed out of the house committee and goes to the floor.

Heather Carter, Cave Creek and Kate Brophy McGee, Phoenix are sponsors.

H2148 - DDD Family Caregivers Liability

A person who provides medical care to a family member with a developmental disability shall hold the Department of Economic Security harmless for any medical condition that results from providing that care.

HB 2161 - Waiver for License Fees for Service Dogs

Permits the members of the Board of Supervisors of each Arizona County to not charge a license fee to a person with disability and who uses a service animal.

H2168 - School Age Increase

Increases the school dropout age from 16 to 18, fully effective in the 2016-17 school year.

HB 2224 - Child Care Waiting List

Removes waiting lists for child care services for eligible families.

H2259 - Vocational Rehabilitation Prosthetic Appliances

For the purposes of vocational rehabilitation, the definition of "prosthetic appliance" is expanded to include orthodontic appliances.

H2458 - Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Fraud Prevention

Outlines additional policies that the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) can adopt to monitor fraudulent activity in Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA) and details what constitutes fraudulent use of an ESA.

H2472 - Pupils with Chronic Health Problems Absences

School districts are prohibited from expelling, suspending or withdrawing from enrollment a student with chronic health problems due solely to extended absences from school.

H2476 - Restrictions on Isolation Rooms in Schools

Beginning in school year 2013-2014, disciplinary policies for the solitary confinement of a student must include certain criteria including the size of the room and the method in which the student will be monitored.

SB 1090 - Grandparents Caring for Children

Will restore a monthly stipend and other benefits to grandparents and great grandparents who are caring for their children.

Sponsored by Sen. Leah Landrum Taylor and others,

HB 2350 Permanent Early Voting List - Notarization

Requires current and new voters signing up for the Permanent Early Voting List to register with a notarized application.

H2001 State Health Care Exchange - Prohibition

The state is prohibited from establishing or administering a state-based health care

exchange.

First sponsor: Rep. Seel

H2091 AHCCCS - Orthotic Services

AHCCCS is required to limit reimbursement for nonemergency transportation to the cost of bus

transportation in regions where a scheduled bus system is available.

First sponsor: Rep. Seel

S1119 AHCCCS Eligibility

The maximum income a person may have to be eligible for AHCCCS is increased to 133 percent of the federal poverty level, from 100 percent.

First sponsor: Sen. Gallardo

Events and Activities

Webinar - How to Engage Youth in their Health Care

Wed, Feb 27, 2013

11:00 am - 12:00 pm MST

This webinar will provide practical examples of how primary care pediatric providers can support youth to understand their role and responsibilities regarding managing their health care needs, especially as they transition from pediatric to adult care. It will also highlight the partnership between the pediatrician and parents or guardians in preparing youth for this transition prior to the actual transfer of care.

Disability Policy Seminar 2013

April 15 - 17, 2013

The Disability Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C. is an opportunity to learn more about and discuss topics in disability public policy. It includes two days of informative, in-depth sessions from disability policy experts and opportunities to network with others from your state. The third day starts with breakfast on Capitol Hill before you personally meet with your elected representatives and their staffs.

Register online at http://www.thearc.org/page.aspx?pid=2173

Dyslexia Support Group for Parents

What: Monthly Support Group

When: Thursday, February 28th

Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Where: Starbucks, 3049 W. Aqua Fria Freeway, Phoenix, AZ 85027

This is the first meeting so please come prepared to discuss the goals and objectives you would like to see for this group moving forward.

Contact: Mariah at love4reading@hotmail.com for more information.

5th Annual Phoenix & West Valley My Health and Wellness Expo

Sunday, March 16, 2013

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

5750 West Glenn Drive, Glendale, Arizona 85301

Featuring Local Glendale, Peoria, Sun City & Phoenix area & National Exhibitors

Free Admission

http://myhealthandwellnessexpo.com/

6th Annual 4cABA Conference

Arizona April 6-7, 2013

High Country Conference Center

Drury Inn and Suites, Flagstaff, AZ

Sponsored by 4-Corners Association for Behavior Analysis (4cABA)

Visit their website for more information and to register.

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training

February 13 & 14, 2013

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Hopi Veterans Memorial Center-Wellness Center, Second Mesa, Arizona

Sponsored By: Meth & Suicide Prevention Initiative (MSPI) & Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation (TCRCC)

ASIST is a two-day suicide "First Aid" training. Community providers and professionals will:

• Recognize and assess the potential risk of suicide
• Keep person safe until help arrives
• Reach out and offer support
• Link people with resources

Free. Limited seating, register now.

Contact Information: Mitze Lee or Karen Tisi Phone: 928-283-2816 or 928-283-2831

Email: Mitze.Lee@tchealth.org or Karen.Tisi@tchealth.org

Phoenix Rugby Rave

February 15 - 17, 2013

3:30 to 6:30 pm

Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL) and the Virginia G. Piper Sports & Fitness Center (SpoFit) invite you to the Phoenix Rugby Rave on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 15th - 17th.  Experience the hard-hitting action as our home team, the Phoenix Fusion, hosts and competes in an 8-team wheelchair rugby tournament. Our players include medal-winning Paralympic athletes, who have been training vigorously for the intense action this weekend will bring. Turn in your raffle ticket at the event for the chance to win a $100 Visa Card, sponsored by Symbius. You may enter the raffle once on Friday and once on Saturday.  (Additional tickets are available at the event.) 

Go to Facebook or www.spofit.org for more details on the tournament and for a game schedule, or call SpoFit at 602-386-4566. 

Previously Listed in Monday Memo:

River of Dreams Open House

Saturday, February 16, 2013

10:00am - 2:00pm

Virginia G. Piper Sports & Fitness Center, 5031 E. Washington St.

-       Learn about the adventure recreation programs Daring Adventures and River Rampage.

-       Check out adaptive sports equipment for sled hockey, cycling, cross country skiing and hiking

-       Refreshments available

Registration: Interested participants and volunteers should sign up by sending an email to info@river-of-dreams.org. If you have any additional questions contact Linda Tuck at 602-290-0214 or linda.tuck@river-of-dreams.org

River of Dreams' Daring Adventures Winter Program Schedule includes biking, hiking, cross country skiing, and sled hockey adapted to meet the needs of individuals with significant disabilities.

Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) Presentation

Friday, February 22, 2013

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

SARRC Vocational & Life Skills Academy (VLSA), 2225 N. 16th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85006

Dr. Openden. Ph.D., BCBA, SARRC's clinical services director, will describe the development and implementation of Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), an evidence-based intervention for teaching children with autism.

$50 per attendee or $45 per attendee for groups of 3 or more. Discount for Arizona Autism Coalition Parent Members. Register online.

ASHA & BACB CE's Offered.

For additional details, please contact Sheri S. Dollin, M.Ed., at (480) 603-3284 or email training@autismcenter.org.

10th Annual Camp Fair

Two Days/ Two Locations

• Sat. Feb. 23, 2013 - Tesseract School Shea Campus, 3939 E. Shea Blvd., Phoenix
• Sun., Feb 24, 2013 - Chandler Preparatory Academy, 1951 N. Alma School Rd., Chandler

Meet with day camps around the Valley and overnight camps around Arizona, throughout the Southwest and across the country. Talk with camp staff and directors, pick up registration information, and ask questions. Free admission.

Guardianship Workshop

Does Your Child Need Guardianship?

Sunday, February 24, 2013

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus, 12701 N. Scottsdale Road / Scottsdale, AZ

This program will focus on the process of applying for and obtaining guardianship, when it is needed, how it differs from a conservatorship or when a Power of Attorney might be sufficient. This two hour workshop with forms and instructions will include a Q & A opportunity. Attorneys will be available to provide one-on-one practical information. Sponsored by the Council for Jews with Special Needs and Jewish Legal Aid.

Pre-registration is recommended. Pre-register at info@cjsn.org or 480-629-5343.

Childhood Trauma Conference

February 27-28 and March 1, 2013

7:45 am - 4:30 pm

Thunderbird Executive Inn & Conference Center Herberger Administration Building

15249 N. 59th Ave., Glendale, AZ 85306

A two-day conference examining the effects of trauma on children, families and their therapists.

Click here for a complete speaker list and agenda.

Client Services Trust Fund Applications for One-Time Assistance

Due March 1, 2013

The Client Services Trust Fund is a one-time assistance fund to assist people with developmental disabilities and their families. The Developmental Disabilities Advisory Council will review single item one-time requests, up to the limit of available funds. The Client Services Trust Fund does not cover ongoing needs such as housing, utilities, child care or past due bills. The Council is unable to fund the purchase of vehicles, but may cover the cost of repairs or modifications.

Use this form to apply Client Services Trust Fund Application for One-Time Assistance.

2-Day Seminar on Power Mobility for Young Children

Go Baby Go - Mobility and Sociability - Starting a "Special Racers Program"

March 1 & 2, 2013

Scottsdale Healthcare Medical Center, Brady Conference Center, 9003 E. Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Seminar Day 1:

• Recent advances in technology that are providing power mobility to young children.
• Practical issues and barriers; incorporating power mobility in schools, homes and community.
• Building a modified ride-on toy car.

Workshop Day 2:

• Participants assist in the basic modification of seating, steering and drive systems to prepare a car for a child

Scholarships available for families.

Register or for more information, contact Lori Sletten at 480-323-3516

2nd Annual African American Conference on Disabilities

Friday, March 1, 2013

8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Coast Phoenix Sky Harbor Hotel, 4300 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85034

Registration (free of charge)

For more information contact: David Carey (602) 443-0723 or Renaldo Fowler (602) 274-6287

Youth Book Club/Sibling Support

Candid discussion about what it's like to be a sibling of a person with a disability.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Family Involvement Center 1430 E. Indian School Road Suite 110, Phoenix, Arizona 85014

Please call and register with the Parent Assistant Center (602)-288-0155.

http://www.familyinvolvementcenter.org/

Special Day for Special Kids

Saturday, March 23, 2013

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

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).

9th Annual American Indian Disability Summit

Monday, April 1, 2013

8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Embassy Suites Hotel - Paradise Valley, 4415 E Paradise Village Pkwy South, Phoenix, Arizona

Theme: "Gathering Native Voices to "Ensure Well-Being & Preparedness in the 21st Century"

Training, outreach and technical assistance for American Indians with disabilities residing in urban and rural areas. Attendees will gain awareness of support services and how to improve their lifestyle by learning strategies to eliminate barriers to service delivery.

For registration information and for an application, please call: 602-443-0707 (Rosalie), 602-443-0708, 1-800-280-2245 x707 (Fernando), or 602-495-7521 (Dorothy). Visit http://9thamericanindiandisabilitysummit.eventbrite.com/ for on-line registration.

This is a fragrance and tobacco free event. If special accommodations needed, call Fernando Cruz at (ABIL) Arizona Bridge to Independent Living at (602) 443-0708, by March 16, 2013.

Seminar on Autism and Bullying

Bullying & Autism: What We Know & What We Can Do About It

Friday, April 26 - Saturday, April 27, 2013

Scottsdale Public Library Civic Center Auditorium, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Learning Outcomes:

• Current research, issues & prevalence,
• How to support a change in behavior as the bully, victim or bystander
• How to include kids with ASDs in bully programming

Register online at www.rsvp.com/sarrcbullyautismconf

Contact: Sheri S. Dollin, M.Ed. 480.603.3283 or training@autismcenter.org

Presented by SARRC. Co-sponsored by Raising Special Kids.

February 12, 2013

Positive Behavior Support

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Training on effective techniques for behavior management. 

Physician Training: