Exceptional Times
October 2014
  Exceptional Times is a monthly electronic newsletter produced by Families Helping Families and Louisiana Parent Training & Information Center

Exceptional Times and Louisiana Lagniappe Merges Into 1 Monthly Electronic
Newsletter

by:  Mary Jacob, Executive Director

In July we announced in Exceptional Times, our printed  newsletter, we were discontinuing the printed quarterly Exceptional Times newsletter.   With increase costs associated with producing a print newsletter and mailing it, it was becoming painfully obvious why so many others had already chosen the route of just providing an electronic version.  We were also seeing a trend of more people wanting to access our weekly e-newsletter, Louisiana Lagniappe and Exceptional Times on line.  After careful consideration the decision was made to produce 1 monthly electronic newsletter.  

We hope you enjoy the debut of our Exceptional Times Electronic Monthly newsletter.  Our goal is to bring you the great articles and events you were use to in the previous publications, but with no space limitation.   Please let us know how you enjoy the first issue.  We are always open to ways to improve our products.  
 
Below is a list of great articles we want to share with you:

Learning Opportunities provided by FHF
Educating and Training

FHF has a lot of opportunities to learn for the month of October.  Trainings include a webinar on Act 833 and an in person training on Act 833, the new law that provides new options for high school graduation and promotion for students receiving special education services;  Voting Rights for People with Disabilities. Yes you too can vote, even if you have a disability; Progress Monitoring, learning how to ensure your child is making progress in school; Section 504 and the ADA, an overview of how this law can help lots of students struggling; Accessing Durable Medical, sometimes this process can be difficult;  Individualized Education Plans (IEP), learn what you need to know to ensure your child's unique educational needs are being met and "Ask Karen" will give you an overview of Managed Care and Long-Term Support and Services. View our calendar of events here.  


Learning Opportunities Provided by Others
Education and Training

FHF thinks it is important for individuals to be armed with enough information to either assist or make decisions around disability issues that impact your life or that of a family member.  Therefore, we are happy to share the following training opportunities others are doing around the state.  Please note we do not handle registration for these opportunities.  

Lending Library
Information

Families Helping Families has an extensive lending library. Books, dvds and more are here, free to charge for families and professionals to check out.  You are welcome to come and browse our library during our office hours, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm.  If you cannot make it into our office, you can see a complete list of our inventory and an item to be mailed to you.  Just click here  to see a complete list of items in our lending library.   

Developmental Disabilities Services Directory




 

 

The Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities provides supports and services through a variety of locations throughout the state to support the dignity, quality of life and security in the everyday lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families, acting as the Single Point of Entry.

 

OCDD Central Office

Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals
Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities
628 North 4th Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802


 

PO Box 3117, Bin #21
Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3117

 

Phone: 1.225.342.0095
Toll-Free: 1.866.783.5553
Fax: 1.225.342.8823



Waiver Registry Dates


As of October 1, 2014 the following dates have been reached on the waiver registry, a.k.a the waiting list.  

New Opportunities Waiver (NOW) -  8/18/2004

Children's Choice Waiver -  4/30/2005

Supports Waiver - 10/31/2011

Not sure where you are on the registry?  Call 1.800.364.7828.

We can't exist without your help
Supporting All Disabilities

FHF is a 501 (c) 3 not for profit organization.  In addition to our grants and contracts we depend on the generosity of individuals like you.  All donations are tax deductible.  In addition to cash donations, there are many other ways you can show your support for people with disabilities.  Click here to learn more about how you can help FHF. 

Give to FHF through the 
LA State Combined Charitable Campaign

Are you a Louisiana State Worker?  During the month of October, state workers have the opportunity to choose a charity they would like to support.  Employees can designate up to 3 charities to donate to through payroll deductions.  FHF is proud to be one of the state approved charities.  To learn more about the Louisiana State Combined Charitable Campaign, click here. 

FHF to receive percentage of ticket sales:
Jefferson Parent Parent
Mother's Night Out - Birthday Bash

Are you a mom and need a night off?  Our friends at Jefferson Parish Parent are celebrating their one year birthday and chose FHF to donate 10% of their ticket sales for their Mothers Night Out - Birthday Bash titled "Back to the Beach" event. Attend the great event and support FHF at the same time.  To purchase tickets for this great event just click here.   

Financial Assistance to Attend Training
Stipends

FHF has limited funds to offer stipends to individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members to attend and/or participate in conferences and training events to enhance their knowledge of community-based supports and resources for persons with developmental disabilities.  If you live in Jefferson Parish and want to request a stipend, please click here for a stipend application.  If you live in other parishes, please contact the FHF office in your region.  

Other things of interest
A listing of events being offered by other organizations that care about people with disabilities.


 

Louisiana Rehabilitation Services Meeting - October 30 - 31, 2014 in New Orleans.  For more information contact Paige Kelly at 225.219.2947; 1.800.737.2958 or email pkelly1@lwc.la.gov.

The Jefferson Parish Human Services Authority - Regional Advisory Committees (RAC) Meeting - Tuesday, October 28, 2014, 2 - 4 pm.  For more information contact Mary Jacob at 504.888.9111 or mjacob@fhfjefferson.org.
 
Laura, Shanida & Bebe at InclsuionMATTERS 2014!


Our Team

Click here for a list of Staff or Board Members.


The Mission of Families Helping Families is to educate and connect children and adults with disabilities and their families to resources, services & supports to attend school, work and thrive in their communities.

Families Helping Families
504.888.9111
800.766.7736 (toll free)
info@fhfjefferson.org

The Mission of Families Helping Families is to educate and connect children and adults with disabilities and their families to resources, services & supports to attend school, work and thrive in their communities.
Give us a call today!
Two Groups You Want to JOIN!
LaCAN 
Louisiana Citizens for Action Now

LaCAN is a statewide grassroots network of individuals, families and advocates who have worked together since 1988 advocating for a service system that supports individuals with disabilities to live in their own homes rather than having to be segregated from their communities in a facility to receive support.  Specifically, they have advocated for implementation of Louisiana's Community and Family Support System Plan.  To join or learn more about LaCAN, click here.


LaTEACH
Louisiana Together Educating All Children

LaTEACH (Louisiana Together Educating ALL Children) is a statewide grassroots advocacy network created for the purpose of effecting systems change.  LaTEACH promotes appropriate, inclusive education for all students. LaTEACH works to make parents, educators, the general public, and state leadership informed and supportive of research-based and effective practices used appropriately for each student.  To join or learn more about LaTEACH, click here.

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