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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. 

Change in Mental-Health Care for Foster Kids Clears Senate Panel

The Republic | azcentral.com

The same agency responsible for the physical health of foster kids would take over their mental-health care under a bill that won narrow approval Wednesday from a Senate committee.

Arizona Legislators Weigh Brewer Budget Request for DES

The Republic | azcentral.com

State legislators weighed a significant budget request from Gov. Jan Brewer for the state Department of Economic Security, the bulk of it to shore up the embattled child-welfare system.

Public Meetings on AHCCCS Coverage

Want to know more as Arizona's legislature considers Governor Brewer's proposal to accept federal funding to expand AHCCCS coverage? AHCCCS will be holding public hearings to provide information and receive public input on future coverage. You can review documents related to the Governor's proposals on the Medicaid Coverage page of the AHCCCS website. See schedule below for times and locations. If you wish to speak, you can email a speaker slip with your RSVP or bring it to the hearing. Click here for the speaker slip.

Phoenix
Monday, February 25
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Disability Empowerment Center, 5025 E. Washington Street, Conference Center Room 1 & 2, 85034
Space is limited. RSVP to CoveragePhoenix@azahcccs.gov

Tucson
Thursday, March 14
1:00 - 3:00 pm
Joel D. Valdez Main Public Library, 101 N. Stone Avenue, 85701
Space is limited. RSVP to CoverageTucson@azahcccs.gov

Flagstaff

Thursday, March 7, 2013

1:00 - 3:00 pm.

Flagstaff Medical Center - McGee Auditorium, 1200 N. Beaver St. 86001

Space is limited. RSVP to: CoverageFlagstaff@azahcccs.gov

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:

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".

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

When Kathy McDonald's daughter, Allie, was four months old and in the hospital, Kathy was supported with a Parent to Parent connection. Kathy states she gained an understanding that she's not alone--others are going through similar challenges and finding encouragement and hope.

When Allie entered first grade Kathy needed information, with training and assistance, to support her daughter's needs in special education. "Raising Special Kids was a great resource in helping us get appropriate services in place at her school."

Allie's success in school has led to a wonderful outcome - Allie recently enrolled in classes at a community college.

Raising Special Kids needs your help to keep our services available at no cost for families like Allie'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. 

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

Events and Activities

Project SEARCH

A program that matches high school students or recent graduates with developmental disabilities to internships with large employers who offer a variety of work experiences.

Discussion with Erin Riehle, Co-Founder of Project Search

Thursday, March 21, 2013

9:00 − 10:30 am

RSA Training Center - 515 N. 51st Avenue, Suite 250, Phoenix 85043 (enter through Arizona Industries for the Blind, take elevator to 2nd floor)

RSVP to Laura Schweers: schweers@u.arizona.edu / 520-626-0677

STARS Open House

Offering Training & Rehabilitation Services

• Cholla Campus - Thurs. Feb. 28, 4:00 - 7:00 pm
  11130 E. Cholla St., Scottsdale, 85259-Via Linda & Frank Lloyd Wright
• Osborn Campus - Thurs. Mar. 7, 4:00 - 7:00 pm
  7507 E. Osborn Rd., Scottsdale, 85251-across from Scottsdale Stadium

RSVP to Lainie Plattner at 480-994-5704 or lplattner@starsaz.org or register at http://starsopenhouse.eventbrite.com/#

Previously Listed in Monday Memo:

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 - 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 - 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/

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.

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

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.

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