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Sequestration Effect on People with Disabilities

National Council on Disability

$85 billion in spending cuts - split evenly between domestic and defense discretionary programs - will go into effect. For Americans with disabilities, this means everything from special education to transportation, to housing and health care programs will feel the effects.

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

Mental Disorders Share Common DNA Roots, Study Finds

NBCNews.com

The biggest study yet into genetics and mental health has come up with a stunning result: The five most common mental disorders -- autism, attention deficit disorder, bipolar disease, schizophrenia and major depression -- all have a common genetic root.

Health Care Law Protects Consumers against Worst Insurance Practices

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a final rule that implements five key consumer protections from the Affordable Care Act, and makes the health insurance market work better for individuals, families, and small businesses.

Many Teachers Unprepared for Common Core, Survey Shows

Education Week

Almost half said in a survey they weren't ready to teach the standards, especially to students considered at-risk and those with special needs.

HHS Releases Rule on Insurers' Essential Health Benefits

USA Today

The Department of Health and Human Services released its long-awaited final rule on essential health benefits allowing insurers and states to move forward on both the federal and state health exchanges. Highlights:

• Rule is critical to the creation of state and federal health exchanges
• Mental health benefits a key part of the new rule
• Health care exchanges start operating on Jan. 1

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Bulletin

Fixing America's health care system means more than just guaranteeing that everyone has coverage. To address the rising costs of health care, we must improve the way that health care is delivered, including coordinating care better and improving the safety of care.

Child Cancer Survival Imperiled by Lack of New Drugs

Bloomberg

Improving childhood cancer survival rates is being stymied by regulatory burdens and stagnant research approaches.

Antibiotics or Not? New Middle-Ear Infection Guidelines

USA TODAY

The American Academy of Pediatrics has revised its guidelines on antibiotics for treating acute otitis media, the middle-ear infection that is one of the most common illnesses in U.S. children.

OPM Issues Final Rule to Simplify 'Schedule A Hiring Authority' for Persons with Disabilities

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued final regulations pertaining to a special hiring authority for the appointment of persons with certain disabilities.

Epipens Should Be Given in Lower Thigh in Heavy Kids

HealthDay News

In obese and overweight children, epinephrine auto-injectors need to be administered in the lower half of the thigh, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Report on Sequestration Impact on Arizona

The White House released state-by-state reports on the impact of sequestration on jobs and middle class families. Here is the link to the Arizona report.

Arizona's Thirteenth Annual Transition Conference

"I"s Focused on the Future: Invested, Involved, and Independent

 September 30 - October 2, 2013

Talking Stick Resort

Scottsdale, Arizona

 CALL FOR ARTWORK from Students with IEPs to Design Arizona's Thirteenth Annual Transition Conference Brochure Cover

Any student with an identified disability, between the ages of 14 through 22, currently enrolled in an Arizona public education agency (PEA) or approved private school is eligible to submit an entry The entry submission deadline has been extended to Wednesday, March 13, 2013.

The submission form is located on the Arizona Department of Education Transition Services website: www.azed.gov/special-education/2013/01/31/2013-transition-conference. For additional information on the Call for Cover Artwork, please contact Karen Johnson at (602) 542-3153 or via e-mail at Karen.Johnson@azed.gov.

Arizona Youth Opportunities Initiative

Children's Action Alliance and the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust launched a new initiative to help youth living in foster care make successful transitions to adulthood. The Arizona Youth Opportunities Initiative will inventory and evaluate existing services for youth who are leaving the foster care system, and create new opportunities for foster care "graduates" to move on to higher education and life-long success.

Report: Fewer Locked-Up Kids, Less Youth Crime

Public News Service - AZ

In Arizona and nationwide, fewer juveniles are being incarcerated. At the same time, the juvenile crime rate is down sharply. A report released by the Annie E. Casey Foundation says the nation and Arizona are moving in the right direction, but still have a long way to go.

Webinar Series on IDD and Dementia

Begins on March 5, 2013

11:00 am

Four-part series explores the topic of intellectual and developmental disabilities and dementia. Sponsored by the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry. More information on the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council calendar.

Nina Scholarship Program
The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust is seeking applicants for its scholarship program. The focus is on candidates who face many life challenges and are often overlooked by college scholarship programs. More than a dozen scholarships will be given to Arizona State University or Maricopa County Community Colleges.
There are three targeted populations:
-    Adults, ages 25 or older, with dependents.
-    College-age youths and adults with physical disabilities.
-    Young adults, 18-25 years old, who have lived in foster care and are responsible for their own financial support.

Applications are due April 1 for ASU.

For more information about applying to the Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars program, visit www.ninapulliamtrust.org/nina-scholars .

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).

HB2395 - Civil Liability; Private Special Education School.

A private school that provides special education services and that is approved by the department of education is not liable in any civil action that is based on negligence unless the private school is found to be grossly negligent."

Events and Activities

Public Meetings on AHCCCS Coverage

AHCCCS will be holding public hearings to provide information and receive public input. 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, email a speaker slip with your RSVP or bring it to the hearing. Click here for the speaker slip.

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

Free Helping the Helpers Summit

Friday, March 8, 2013

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Desert Springs Community Church, 14440 West Indian School Road, Goodyear, Arizona 85395
A community summit for those who interact with family caregivers and how to ensure family caregivers have the tools and resources they need. Lunch provided. View flier. Sponsored by West Valley Human Services Alliance.

2013 Disability Policy Seminar
April 15-17

Washington, D.C.

Come together with other advocates about the issues, and speak with your elected officials. Hosted by The Arc, American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD), Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD), National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), Self-Advocates Becoming Empowered (SABE), and United Cerebral Palsy (UCP). Find out more about this year's program by visiting www.disabilitypolicyseminar.org.

UCP Annual Conference

April 25 to 27

San Diego, CA

UCP's 2013 Annual Conference, "Redefining Family: Supporting the New Caregiver Community. Advances in research, expanded support systems and ability of people with disabilities to live longer and more independent lives, has expanded and evolved the definition of "family." Learn more about the conference and how to register.
 

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.

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.

STARS Open House

Offering Training & Rehabilitation Services

• 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/#

Project SEARCH

Internships for high school students or recent graduates with developmental disabilities 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

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/

Hopi Office of Special Needs Disability Awareness Conference

March 12 & 13, 2013

Northern Arizona: Hopi Jr. / Sr. High School, Keams Canyon, AZ

8:30 am - 3:00 pm daily

Advanced registration is required. Call Trinette Bahnimptewar (928) 734-3419. This FREE event has guest speakers, information booths, resources and door prizes.  Workshops:  Transition Planning, Autism, Understanding 504 Plans and many more...

Event Flyer

Event Agenda

Hopi Disability Advocacy Group Flyer

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

Saturday, 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)

Information: Call Raising Special Kids 602-242-4366

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.

Free Workshops and Trainings

IEP Basics

 March 05, 2013

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Learn about the purpose of IEP's, parents' role in the process, and how to prepare for meetings. 

Guardianship/Turning 18, What's Next?

March 05, 2013

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Making the decision; understanding the process.  Learn what guardianship involves before your teen turns 18.  You will also learn about alternatives to guardianship.

High School Transition

March 09, 2013

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Learn how the transition plan in a student's IEP in high school can prepare for higher education, employment and life in the community.  Resources discussed.

Organizing Your Child's Records

March 09, 2013

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Bring your child's special education records to this "make and take" session to create your own filing system.

Getting and Keeping the First Job

March 09, 2013

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

This workshop will assist families with identifying the importance of employment for youth with disabilities and special needs. 

Functional Outcomes

March 09, 2013

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

This workshop helps parents identify goals for their child's IFSP (Individual Family Service Plan) or ISP (Individual Service Plan). Learn how to work with therapists and providers to support your child's developmental progress.

"Thank you very, very much for your educational and inspirational presentation. You know authentically and practically what it is to be a parent of a child with special needs. You are truly an inspiration!"