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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. 

Gaps in Health Law Dental Coverage

Politico

Children's dental coverage is considered an "essential health benefit" under the law. But the way it's likely to be offered - through separate dental policies with no penalties for parents who don't get them - has dentists and child health advocates worried.

Health Care Research Now Braces for Cuts

The Fiscal Times

Industry and consumer advocates of health and science research today warned that an anticipated $1.6 billion cut in the budget for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) would seriously hamper cancer, heart, AIDS and other critical research, while also adding to the nation's economic and unemployment woes.

New Guidelines Issued For Type 2 Diabetes in Children

A dramatic increase in childhood obesity in the United States has caused a number of special health needs in children that were formerly only seen in adults, including type 2 diabetes. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently issued guidelines for the management of type 2 diabetes in children and teenagers aged 10 to 18.

Permanent Housing and Services for Low-Income People With Disabilities

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced nearly $98 million in funding for 13 state housing agencies for rental assistance to extremely low-income persons with disabilities, many of whom are transitioning out of institutional settings or are at high risk of homelessness.

New Resources from Arizona Early Intervention Program's

In advance of implementation of the new team based model of service delivery for Early Intervention, AzEIP has introduced new resources on the web site including:

• 2013 AzEIP Changes on Team-based Early Intervention Services
• Community Update About Transition
• Transition Timetable
• A map of the new AzEIP regions, and the zip codes (Please note zip codes change, and AZEIP will update maps with new designations from the United States Post office.)
• List of Service Contract Awards
• Find a link to Child and Family's Rights in the Arizona Early Intervention Program on this page.

AHCCCS Forums

Last year Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) Community Forums were held across the State about the impact of the Supreme Court's ruling on the Affordable Care Act and the future of Arizona's Medicaid program. Learn more about this plan on the AHCCCS website. Feedback provided at the Forums or in writing was published on the AHCCCS website and shared with the Governor.

Governor's Medicaid Plan Forums

The Governor has charted the course for the future of Arizona's health care system. AHCCCS will be scheduling Community Forums across the State to ensure you have the chance to learn more about the Governor's plan and share stories about how health insurance has had an impact on you. Information about these Forums is forthcoming. If you are interested in attending a Community Forum, please e-mail Share@azahcccs.gov and include your City so you can be notified once the dates and locations are finalized.

AHCCCS Presentation to Appropriations Committee

AHCCCS Director Tom Betlach provided an overview and update of the AHCCCS program before the Senate and House Appropriations Committees on February 12. The presentation is available here:

AHCCCS Director Presentation to Appropriations Committees 2/12/13

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

Bills to watch:

New on our list:

HB 2074 - Expedited Foster Home Approval

Children's Action Alliance reported: The legislation now makes foster home license renewals every two years instead of every year. It is an excellent policy change that will help foster parents and children while protecting children's safety and streamlining government process. It was passed in the House Reform and Human Services committee by an 8-0 vote.

SB1375 - Behavioral Health Services; Dependent Children

Transfers the behavioral health services for children in foster care from the Department of Health Services (DHS) to the Department of Economic Security (DES).

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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.

HB 2047 - 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.

HB 2148 - 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.

HB 2168 - 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.

HB 2259 - Vocational Rehabilitation Prosthetic Appliances

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

HB 2458 - 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.

HB 2472 - 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.

HB 2476 - 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.

HB 2001 State Health Care Exchange - Prohibition

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

First sponsor: Rep. Seel

HB 2091 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

SB 1119 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

2nd Annual Disabilities Conference

Sponsored by The Hopi Tribe Office of Special Needs

March 12 & 13, 2013

Hopi Junior/Senior High School, Keams Canyon, AZ

Theme this year is Educating Ourselves

For questions or to volunteer to assist at this event, call (928) 734-3412 or 734-3418.

Scholarships for Camp

The Autism Speaks Baker Summer Camp Program selects eligible camps in the United States to identify qualified campers and offer scholarship funds for financially disadvantaged children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to attend a summer camp.

The application cycle is now open! See camps in Arizona.

Click here to learn more.

Note: Individuals may not apply for the program. If you are an individual interested in obtaining a scholarship for your child, please encourage your local camp to apply for a scholarship fund.

Webinar to Share Stories of Young People with Disabilities

The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities will be hosting a webinar on February 19, at 12:00 p.m. EST titled "Negotiating the Social Borderlands: Portraits of Young People with Disabilities and Their Struggles for Positive Relationships." This webinar will share the stories of three young people with significant intellectual and developmental disabilities. Click here to register.

Previously Listed in Monday Memo:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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/

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/

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.

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.

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

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 21, 2013

Advanced IEP Training

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Receive an in-depth view of the IEP and strategies to help maximize the potential of each student. (Recommended: First attend IEP Basics)

February 21, 2013

The Journey to Adulthood

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

This class will provide parents with information about physical, emotional and social changes that adolescence and puberty bring to every child. 

February 21, 2013

IDEA: What You Need to Know

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Parents will learn about their rights and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Also learn about the law that guarantees a free appropriate public education for students with disabilities and the role of parents in special education.

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

"Thank you for talking to me today. I feel so much better knowing there is someone I can call who will listen and help me figure things out--someone I can count on to be there."