Monday Memo

News for the week of April 8, 2013
Contents
National News
Arizona News
Disability Advocacy Award
Support Our Families
Featured Resources
Events and Activities
Free Training and Workshops
Quote of the Week

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Girl with a looking glass   

autism awareness ribbon 

April is National Autism Awareness Month. All items in this issue specific to Autism are noted with this ribbon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disability advocates meet with a representative at Senator Jeff Flake's  

R-AZ office on Friday to discuss the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). 

Disability Advocates meeting in Senator Flake's office

 

 

 

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

National News

 

Federal rule sets penalties for inadequate special-education funding

Disability Scoop 

States that fail to maintain or increase special-education funding from year to year may lose out on federal funds under a new rule that clarifies penalties for decreasing funding without federal permission. The rule also allows redistribution of funds withheld from noncompliant states. 

 

 

autism awareness ribbonBrain Mapping May Unlock Autism Mysteries

Disability Scoop

In a move that could bring major breakthroughs in the understanding of autism and other neurological disorders, the president unveiled plans for a decades-long project to map the human brain.

 

 

Give Math a Thumbs-Up! Gestures Boost Learning, Study Finds

Education Week

Math often can feel a little abstract to students, but teachers who gesture as they explain equations can make them more concrete for students, according to a study published online in the journal Child Development.

 

 

With Autism Awareness Month Comes Push for Acceptance

Disability Scoop

The month of April is known for autism awareness, but this time around, self-advocates are looking to expand the recognition toward acceptance of those with the developmental disorder.

 

  

Proposed Rules for Helping Consumers Navigate the New Health Insurance Marketplace

On April 3, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed rule outlining standards that Navigators in Federally-facilitated and State Partnership Health Insurance Marketplaces must meet, and clarifying earlier guidance about the Navigator program.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) establishes insurance exchanges, or Health Insurance Marketplaces, in each state, where consumers who do not get insurance through their employer can compare and buy plans. Open enrollment in the Marketplace begins Oct. 1, 2013, with coverage to begin Jan. 1, 2014.

Comments on the proposed rule are due by 5pm ET on May 6, 2013. You may submit electronic comments on this regulation to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the "Submit a comment" instructions.

 

 

New Study Shows Autism Risk Unrelated to Number of Vaccines in Early Childhood

A new study in "The Journal of Pediatrics" found that a child's risk for developing an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not increased by giving the child "too many vaccines too soon."

 

Arizona News
 

A Coordinated System Of Care For Arizona's Behavioral Health Community

The Department of Health awarded the contract to manage the Maricopa County Integrated Regional Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) to Mercy Maricopa Integrated Care. The change will be effective as of October 1, 2013. Magellan of AZ continues to be the Maricopa County RBHA until September 30, 2013.

 

Mercy Maricopa Integrated Care will grow integrated delivery sites from the current four (4) co-located sites to twenty (20) integrated sites. Co-location providers are available to help a person with both behavioral health and physical health needs. Integration expands coordination of care beyond just one site so the patient's whole health is taken into consideration at every site they access services. See more information on this Arizona Department of Health web page. For more information on integrated care, please see page 8 of Raising Special Kids' winter newsletter.

 

 

Contracts for AHCCCS Acute Care Program and Children's Rehabilitative Services Program (CRS)

On March 22, 2013, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) awarded contracts to seven managed care companies that will provide services to low income Arizonans enrolled in the Acute Care Program. On April 1, 2013, AHCCCS awarded a contract to an eighth company. AHCCCS also awarded one statewide Children's Rehabilitative Services (CRS) contract to one managed care company to provide integrated physical and behavioral health services to 24,000 AHCCCS enrolled children with CRS-qualifying conditions. Services under the new contracts will begin October 1, 2013. Members transitioning to a new health plan will receive a notice from AHCCCS with their new health plan assignment in July 2013.

 

 

Arizona CPS Still Struggles Despite Scrutiny

The Republic | azcentral.com

CPS workers have been unable to keep up with the flood of new cases, which continue to average about 120 a day.

Two new reports about state Child Protective Services show there were:

  • 14,349 children in foster care as of Feb. 28.
  • 2,086 children living in crisis shelters and group homes.
  • 23,755 child-abuse and child-neglect reports assigned for investigation, July through January.

 

 

How well are we Preparing Students for the Journey to Adulthood?

It's a question we need to ask young people with disabilities who have left school and are trying to make it in the adult world.

 

About a year after leaving school, young adults across Arizona who had Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) will be contacted for a survey to see how well they are doing. Are they enrolled in college? Are they pursuing some kind of job training? Have they found competitive employment?

 

Surveys are conducted between April and September. States are required to collect this information under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in order to develop strategies to improve the number of former students with disabilities who are enrolled in higher education or are competitively employed. All answers are confidential Arizona's most recent progress report is available online. Find it at http://www.azed.gov/special-education/files/2012/02/arizona-ffy-2011-annual-performance-report.pdf.

 

 

 

Bills to watch:

 

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. Passed the House, transmitted to Senate.

 

 

HB 2054 Preschool Programs; Charter Schools

Allows charter schools to offer a preschool program for students with disabilities, passed the House by a vote of 59 to 0. The bill passed the Senate Education and Appropriations Committees, and is waiting for action by the full Senate.

 

 

HB 2066 - Mental Illness Terms

Would ban offensive language regarding mental illness including removal of terms such as "idiot, lunatic".  Passed the House; awaiting action in Senate.

 

 

HB 2074 - Licensing Foster Homes

Extends the period of validity of a foster care license from one to two years, allows a

foster parent to change licensure renewal date and provides criteria allowing child welfare

agencies to place children in foster homes exceeding the maximum child limit. Passed the House and has passed the Senate Committees. Is awaiting vote by full Senate.

 

 

HB 2091 AHCCCS - Orthotic Services

Establishes the Joint Legislative Study Committee on Orthotic Device Coverage. Passed the House, is awaiting action in Senate Rules Committee.

 

 

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. The bill also requires prior parental consent before a student may be placed in an isolation room, unless the child poses a danger to himself or others. While HB 2476 does not speak to the use of seclusion for special education students, the bill's sponsor intends to convene a work group over the interim to look at the issue. Signed by the Governor. 

 

 

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. Signed by the Governor.

 

 

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. Passed the Senate and two committees in the House. Awaiting action in House.

 

 

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. It has passed the Senate and passed the House Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development. It awaits approval by the Rules Committee before moving on to a vote by the full House. 

 

 

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). It requires the Department of Economic Security, the Department of Health Services, and AHCCCS to determine the most efficient way to provide medical, dental and behavioral health services for children in foster care, taking into consideration an integrated system of care. Passed the Senate and unanimously passed the House Committee on Reform and Human Services and awaits approval from the Rules Committee.
Disability Advocacy Award

 

Portrait of KathleenKathleen Gray-Mangerson, from the Arizona Department of Education, was honored as the 2013 Diane Lynn Anderson Memorial Award Winner.

 

This award given by the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona is to recognize those who through their work show active acceptance, respect, compassion, devotion and caring for people with disabilities.

 

Kathy has served as a Parent Information Network Specialist in southern Arizona since 2008.

 

Support Our Families

Help Wanted: Volunteer Time and Talents

Are you looking for a creative outlet to express your amazing organizational skills? Raising Special Kids may be the place. Plans are underway for a gala, "Party with a Purpose" event scheduled for early in 2014. We're looking for creative and practical help on the planning committee. Activities include:

  • Marketing and Publicity committee                    
  • Raffle committee
  • Silent Auction committee                                  
  • Food and Beverage committee
  • Decorations committee                                     
  • Guest Experience committee
  • Logistics committee                                         
  • Entertainment committee

If you would like to help, we can find something for you to do! If you are interested, please contact Kelly Watson at 602.242.4306 X 205 or kellyw1@raisingspecialkids.org.

Featured Resources

  

autism awareness ribbon autismnow.org

Hosts resources and information on community-based solutions for individuals with autism, other developmental disabilities, and their families.

 

 

autism awareness ribbonAutism Speaks Resource Guide for Arizona

 

 

 

 

Presentation on Findings from the 2011-2012 National Survey of Children's Health

The Health Resources and Services Administration's Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) announced an upcoming DataSpeak program on findings from the new 2011-2012 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH).

April 16, 2013 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Eastern Time

Register online.

 

 

Fact Sheet on Down Syndrome

From Phoenix Children's Hospital's new Down syndrome clinic.

 

 

National Immigration Law Center (NILC) chart on who is eligible for what under healthcare reform and other key federal means-tested programs.

 

 

2013 World CP Challenge

The World Cerebral Palsy Challenge's new website and registration are now open for this year's Challenge. Started last year, the World CP Challenge is a four-week team activity that provides participants with the opportunity to improve their health, fitness and well-being, while raising awareness and support for people with cerebral palsy. Learn more.
 

 

My Social Security Account

My Social Security is an online account that allows registered users immediate access to their personal Social Security information. The service is available during a person's working years to obtain a Social Security Statement to check their earnings record, and to obtain estimates of future retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. One of the most popular uses of the account is the ability to quickly access benefit information. People who currently receive benefits can use the online account to obtain a benefit verification letter, check benefit payment information, and change address, phone number, and direct deposit information. 

Click here to learn more about my Social Security accounts.

 

Events and Activities

autism awareness ribbon

 

 

 

2013 Spanish Autism Conference

Saturday, May 18, 2013

9:00 am - 3:15 pm

Disability Empowerment Center 5025 E. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85034

Arizona Autism United is hosting an autism conference for the Spanish-speaking community.

Registration is $10 (with scholarships available).

To register online, visit www.AZAunited.org

The event website in Spanish.

Download a PDF event flyer in English or Spanish

For more information contact Paulina Tiffany * 602-773-5780 * Paulina@AZAunited.org

 

 

"The ABC's of Special Needs Planning Made Easy"

Wednesday, April 24th, 2013, 6:00 pm

Flagstaff Room, 6363 E Dynamite Rd, Cave Creek, AZ 85331

OR

Saturday, April 20th, 2013 10:00 am

Disability Empowerment Center, 5025 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85034

 

Special Needs Project Education and Advocacy Workshop Presentation

Informative & Educational for Parents, Professionals & Care Givers

Relevant for all ages and types of Developmental Disabilities

Subjects Include: Special Needs Trusts, Wills, Guardianship, Trustees Budget Planning, Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare and the Letter of Intent

Speaker: Bart Stevens, Bart Stevens Special Needs Planning, LLC

To RSVP call 480-264-0211 or email: info@specialneedsproject.org

 

 

Free Information Session - Social Skills Camp

Junior Jabberee Social Skills Summer Day Camp Parent Information Night

Wednesday, April 17th at 6:15 pm

Desert Valley Pediatric Therapy, 16815 S. Desert Foothills Parkway, Suite 126,  Phoenix, AZ 85048

Junior Jabberee's lead speech therapist, Leslie Kwasny, M.S. CCC-SLP will be on hand to answer any questions you have about the Junior Jabberee Social Skills Summer Day Camp curriculum, and to help you determine whether the program is a good fit for your child and your family. Classes designed for ages 3-5 and 6-9.

 

 

Previously Listed in Monday Memo:

 

Miracle League Accessible Baseball

Miracle League of the YMCA games are played at the Maryvale Family YMCA, located at 3825 N. 67th Ave, Phoenix 85033. (YMCA membership not required.)

Spring season is April and May of 2013.

Free to all participants with any disability, ages 4+. Rubberized turf makes the field accessible to wheelchairs and walkers.

Contact Kelly Shingleton, Miracle League Director, at 602-212-6149, or

kshingleton@vosymca.org for information and registration.

 

 

SibShop - For Brothers and Sisters of Kids with Disabilities

For ages 7 to 14

April 12th from 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Hosted by Pilot Parent's of Southern Arizona

Children's Clinic, 2600 N. Wyatt Dr., Tucson

Call Joann to register 324-3153.

 


Hopi Office of Special Needs Free Outreach Event

Learn how the Hopi Office of Special Needs Early Intervention Program can help you or a family member.

Monday, April 15, 2013

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Hopi Tribe Administrative Building, Vocational Rehabilitation Program

All are welcome.

For more information contact the Office of Special Needs at 928-734-3419.

 

 

Disability Policy Seminar 2013

April 15 - 17, 2013

In Washington, D.C. Register online at http://www.thearc.org/page.aspx?pid=2173

 

 

Teleconference - Extracurricular Athletic Opportunities for Students with Disabilities: Understanding the Issues

April 16, 2013

11:00 am - 12:30 pm Arizona Time.

The presentation will have a written transcript as well as a digital recording

 

 

Free Workshop in Hopi Tribal Complex: Transition from AzEIP to Preschool Special Education

April 16, 2013

10:00 am to 12:00 noon

Risk Management Training Room, Hopi Tribal Complex, Kykotsmovi, AZ

Presented by Raising Special Kids

For more information call the Office of Special Needs at 928-734-3419.

 

 

autism awareness ribbonFree Webinar on Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students with Autism

More Than Meets the Eye: An Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders

With Dr. Christen Szymanski

Thursday, April 18, 2013

12 noon to 1 pm Arizona time

Register

 

 

Free Workshop in Tucson - Positive Behavior Support Strategies, Plans, and Life Skills

Thursday, April 18, 2013

6:00 - 8:00 pm

The Children's Clinic, Florence Manning Room, 2600 N. Wyatt Dr., Tucson 85712,

Limited seating.

Registration required. Contact Pilot Parents at 520-324-3150 or email joann@pilotparents.org.

 

 

8th Annual RAD Sock Hop - FREE

Friday, April 19, 2013

6:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Chandler Community Center, 125 E. Commonwealth Ave, Chandler, AZ

Individuals with disabilities ages 16 and older are invited to attend this free event.

Sponsored by Recreation and Athletics for the Disabled and the City of Chandler Therapeutic Recreation Program.

Attendees are encouraged to wear 1950's style attire. Live D.J., Root beer floats, Memento photos, Special Surprise Guest, Unlimited fun!

For more information about this event, contact Cathy Yamashiro at 480-440-1913

 

 

More than Shared Classrooms - A One Day Conference for Parents & Educators

Sponsored by Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona, presentation by Michael Remus

Saturday, April 20, 2013

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm   Break for lunch (not provided)

Location: Mesa Student Services Building, 1025 N. Country Club, Mesa, AZ

No respite provided. Space is limited.

Register at gina@sharingds.org by Friday April 12, 2013.

 

 

UCP Annual Conference
April 25 to 27

In San Diego, CA

Learn more about the conference and how to register

 

 

Free Workshop in Tucson - Introduction to Guardianship & Special Needs Trusts

Thursday, April 25, 2013

6:00 - 8:00 pm

Florence Manning Room, Children's Clinic, 2600 N. Wyatt Drive, Tucson, AZ

Registration Required - Call Pilot Parents 520-324-3150 or email joann@pilotparents.org with "special needs" as subject line.

 

 

autism awareness ribbonSeminar on Autism and Bullying

Friday, April 26 - Saturday, April 27, 2013

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

Register online at www.rsvp.com/sarrcbullyautismconf

 

 

Bridgeway/DEC Health & Wellness Fair

Saturday, April 26-27, 2013

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

DEC Campus, 5025 E. Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85034 (map)

Bridgeway Health Solutions Presents the 4th Annual Disability Empowerment Center (DEC) Health & Wellness Fair. http://www.abil.org/wellness20132. or call David Carey at 602-443-0723.

 

  

autism awareness ribbonArt Jam Social

Saturday, April 27TH

10:00 am - 4:00 pm

SEEDs for Autism, 1345 W. McKinley Road Phoenix 85007

Encouraging families and educators touched by someone on the autism spectrum to join the fun.

$5.00 per person, $10.00 per family suggested entrance donation.

For more information visit them on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SEEDSforAutism

 

 

Self Advocacy Conference 2013

"Find Your Independence"

Saturday, May 4, 2013

8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Disability Empowerment Center of Arizona Campus, 5025 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034

Free for individuals with disabilities between the ages of 15 to 30, and their families and/or caregivers. It will provide advocacy tips and resources regarding healthcare, employment, education and social activities.

For questions regarding vendor opportunities, please contact David Carey at (602) 443-0723 or davidc@abil.org.

 

  

Emergency Preparedness Class for People with Disabilities

Tuesday May 21, 2013  

  • Make an Emergency Preparedness Plan - 10:00 am - 12 noon
  • Build an Emergency Preparedness Kit - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

The Disability Empowerment Center of Arizona

Conference Room, 5025 E. Washington St, Ste 200, Phoenix, AZ   85034

Registration: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2825480087# or call Liticia Hawkins at 602-443-0715.

 

 

Scientific and Training Symposium

The 2013 US Public Health Service's Scientific and Training Symposium

Renaissance Hotel in Glendale, Arizona

May 21 to 23, 2013.  Register.

 

 

Evidence-based Practice in Disability Disciplines Conference

To supply professionals with resources to effectively implement evidence-based practices.

8:00 am on June 10th - 4:30 pm on June 11th, 2013

High Country Conference Center, 201 West Butler Avenue, Flagstaff, Arizona 86001

928-523-9521

For information and to register visit http://nau.edu/SBS/IHD/Research/EBP-Conference/

 

 

First Things First Early Childhood Summit

Pre-Summit: August 25, 2013

Summit: August 26 and 27, 2013

Venue: Phoenix Convention Center

For more information, visit azftfsummit.com.

 

Free Training and Workshops

Please click on the link to register.

 

 

Positive Behavior Support

April 13, 2013

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Training on effective techniques for behavior management.  

 

 

Guardianship/Turning 18, What's Next?

April 13, 2013

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

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

 

Quote of the Week 

 

"I really could not have done this without your guidance. All the books I read to prepare myself were helpful, but actually being able to speak to a person about this was vital."

Raising Special Kids works to improve the lives of children with disabilities and special health needs by providing parents with information, training and support.
This news publication contains links to information created by other organizations, and are provided only for the user's convenience. Raising Special Kids does not control or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information. The inclusion of links is not intended to endorse any views, products, or services.