from here.
"I just got word that 12 News is looking to do a story on Early Intervention Services if the funding cuts go through the legislature. They are looking for families willing to interview with their children on camera. If anyone is interested please contact Melissa, her email is
mblasius@12news.com "
Please contact Michelle at Fighting for My Son's Services in AZ with questions.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Please, please e-mail or call your legislators!
A co-worker of mine attended a meeting at the State Capitol the other day regarding budget cuts to services for individuals with disabilities. She was informed that legislators are waiting to hear from citizens about the proposed budget cuts, and in fact are KEEPING COUNT of how many people oppose them. It is imperative that legislators hear from people who will be affected by these cuts. TELL them about your child, and how he or she benefits from early intervention. TELL them that losing these services would harm your child and family.
Here's the link to contact info for each representative. Please contact at least ONE.
http://www.azleg.gov/MemberRoster.asp
Here's the link to contact info for each representative. Please contact at least ONE.
http://www.azleg.gov/MemberRoster.asp
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Update from Raising Special Kids
about CRS.
Raising Special Kids
ACTION ALERT
Raising Special Kids
ACTION ALERT
November 3, 2009
What's next?
Dear Friends and Families:
This week, 2,000 parents of children with disabilities and special health conditions are receiving letters from APIPA. These families are being informed that their eligibility for CRS services has been terminated. This is not like the previous letter, moving families into 100% self-pay status, this means their eligibility to use CRS services has ended.
As the budget crisis deepens, the ability of the state to provide for its most vulnerable children is being tested as never before.
We all have a stake in seeing that our elected representatives understand the critical nature of these services for children with disabilities and special health needs. Without access to health care services and the ability to manage serious and chronic medical conditions, more children suffer needlessly, become more severely affected by their disability, and have a less favorable prognosis. What is the legislature doing to see that the state meets its basic obligations to children for health, education, and essential services? And what program is on the next list of cuts?
Find your legislators and their contact info at http://www.azleg.gov/
This week, 2,000 parents of children with disabilities and special health conditions are receiving letters from APIPA. These families are being informed that their eligibility for CRS services has been terminated. This is not like the previous letter, moving families into 100% self-pay status, this means their eligibility to use CRS services has ended.
As the budget crisis deepens, the ability of the state to provide for its most vulnerable children is being tested as never before.
We all have a stake in seeing that our elected representatives understand the critical nature of these services for children with disabilities and special health needs. Without access to health care services and the ability to manage serious and chronic medical conditions, more children suffer needlessly, become more severely affected by their disability, and have a less favorable prognosis. What is the legislature doing to see that the state meets its basic obligations to children for health, education, and essential services? And what program is on the next list of cuts?
Find your legislators and their contact info at http://www.azleg.gov/
Please refer to our website www.raisingspecialkids.org or contact us at 602-242-4366, Toll Free 1-800-237-3007 or info@raisingspecialkids.org
For additional advocacy tips and support visit http://www.pafcoalition.org/
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
AZ budget info....again
I know I've neglected this blog for the past few months. I've been busy working with kids, doing a few projects, and actually taking a vacation. However, this DRAFT of a budget crossed my radar today and I thought I'd share.
https://egov.azdes.gov/cms400min/uploadedFiles/Office_of_Communications/fy2010_budget_review_15_percent_reduction.pdf
I know its long, but it isn't terribly dense. Read or skim it all, even if you have to do it in multiple sittings. Keep in mind that this isn't set in stone, but it is a bit worrisome. Page 35 discusses possible restriction/elimination of Early Intervention, and specifies that this would cost the state its funding from IDEA part C. Here's a little takeaway quote for you:
"However, Arizona already falls into the “narrow” band of early intervention eligibility nationally and it is uncertain whether the federal government would approve a stricter standard. If federal approval could not be acquired, the state would no longer receive IDEA Part C funds and would not have the obligation to provide early intervention services through state funds. Children eligible for ATLCS would be unaffected, but the other 9,100 children (on an annual basis) may lose their services. Even for those who continue to receive services though their health plans, services may be difficult to access, time-limited, and uncoordinated across disciplines. The savings estimate for this option assumes the loss of the federal Part C grant, though the Department obviously prefers a solution that maintains the grant while reducing the pressure on state funds."
That section goes on to describe the benefits of early intervention, and the impact that would come from eliminating it.
Read, call, write, post
https://egov.azdes.gov/cms400min/uploadedFiles/Office_of_Communications/fy2010_budget_review_15_percent_reduction.pdf
I know its long, but it isn't terribly dense. Read or skim it all, even if you have to do it in multiple sittings. Keep in mind that this isn't set in stone, but it is a bit worrisome. Page 35 discusses possible restriction/elimination of Early Intervention, and specifies that this would cost the state its funding from IDEA part C. Here's a little takeaway quote for you:
"However, Arizona already falls into the “narrow” band of early intervention eligibility nationally and it is uncertain whether the federal government would approve a stricter standard. If federal approval could not be acquired, the state would no longer receive IDEA Part C funds and would not have the obligation to provide early intervention services through state funds. Children eligible for ATLCS would be unaffected, but the other 9,100 children (on an annual basis) may lose their services. Even for those who continue to receive services though their health plans, services may be difficult to access, time-limited, and uncoordinated across disciplines. The savings estimate for this option assumes the loss of the federal Part C grant, though the Department obviously prefers a solution that maintains the grant while reducing the pressure on state funds."
That section goes on to describe the benefits of early intervention, and the impact that would come from eliminating it.
Read, call, write, post
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Good info :)
Code Adam is an in-store procedure that quickly finds lost children. If the child is not located within 10 minutes, the police are called to assist in finding the child. Thanks to Code Adam, many children have been reunited with their loved ones.Here's how it works. The moment you discover your child is missing, alert an employee, giving information like age, name, height, hair style, clothing, and most importantly, the shoes your child is wearing. Kidnappers are less likely to be able to change your child's shoes to disguise your child. Once that employee pages a Code Adam, all employees drop what they're doing to search for the missing child. All external doors are guarded, and every child that matches the description is approached to determine if the child is yours. If your child is found, accompanied by another adult, reasonable efforts to delay their departure are taken without putting the child, staff, or visitors at risk while law enforcement is notified of the situation including a detailed description of the adult.
Not all stores support Code Adam. Upon entering a store, check the front door/window for a blue sticker that says Code Adam (a picture of the sticker can be found at the above linked article).
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Autistic meltdown vs. temper tantrum
Found this on another website and thought it was interesting. Here are some characteristics of a temper tantrum, versus an autistic meltdown:
Temper tantrum
"A temper tantrum is very straightforward. A child does not get his or her own way and, as grandma would say, "pitches a fit." This is not to discount the temper tantrum. They are not fun for anyone.
Tantrums have several qualities that distinguish them from meltdowns.
* A child having a tantrum will look occasionally to see if his or her behavior is getting a reaction.
* A child in the middle of a tantrum will take precautions to be sure they won't get hurt.
* A child who throws a tantrum will attempt to use the social situation to his or her benefit.
* When the situation is resolved, the tantrum will end as suddenly as it began.
* A tantrum will give you the feeling that the child is in control, although he would like you to think he is not.
* A tantrum is thrown to achieve a specific goal and once the goal is met, things return to normal."
Autistic meltdown
"* During a meltdown, a child with autism does not look, nor care, if those around him are reacting to his behavior.
* A child in the middle of a meltdown does not consider her own safety.
* A child in a meltdown has no interest or involvement in the social situation.
* Meltdowns will usually continue as though they are moving under their own power and wind down slowly.
* A meltdown conveys the feeling that no one is in control.
* A meltdown usually occurs because a specific want has not been permitted and after that point has been reached, nothing can satisfy the child until the situation is over."
My only disagreement with this is that I have definitely known kids with autism who would throw true temper tantrums. The intention was very definitely to manipulate. I've had other parents of kids with autism tell me the same thing- many of these kids are "capable" of using tantrums (that appear similar to meltdowns) to try and get their way.
Temper tantrum
"A temper tantrum is very straightforward. A child does not get his or her own way and, as grandma would say, "pitches a fit." This is not to discount the temper tantrum. They are not fun for anyone.
Tantrums have several qualities that distinguish them from meltdowns.
* A child having a tantrum will look occasionally to see if his or her behavior is getting a reaction.
* A child in the middle of a tantrum will take precautions to be sure they won't get hurt.
* A child who throws a tantrum will attempt to use the social situation to his or her benefit.
* When the situation is resolved, the tantrum will end as suddenly as it began.
* A tantrum will give you the feeling that the child is in control, although he would like you to think he is not.
* A tantrum is thrown to achieve a specific goal and once the goal is met, things return to normal."
Autistic meltdown
"* During a meltdown, a child with autism does not look, nor care, if those around him are reacting to his behavior.
* A child in the middle of a meltdown does not consider her own safety.
* A child in a meltdown has no interest or involvement in the social situation.
* Meltdowns will usually continue as though they are moving under their own power and wind down slowly.
* A meltdown conveys the feeling that no one is in control.
* A meltdown usually occurs because a specific want has not been permitted and after that point has been reached, nothing can satisfy the child until the situation is over."
My only disagreement with this is that I have definitely known kids with autism who would throw true temper tantrums. The intention was very definitely to manipulate. I've had other parents of kids with autism tell me the same thing- many of these kids are "capable" of using tantrums (that appear similar to meltdowns) to try and get their way.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Steven's Law
Steven's Law is going to be effective this Wednesday, July 1. The question is, will your child be eligible for autism-related insurance coverage. See the step by step guide below for help.
1. Ask the Company/Human Resources Dept. (HR) for whom you work (where you receive your health benefits/insurance) if the plan your family has is a “Self Insured Plan.” If they tell you “Yes” – you are not eligible for benefits under Steven’s Law. If they tell you “No” go to step # 2.
2. If you do not know or are unsure, ask the HR Department if the company has 50 or more employees. If they tell you “No” than you are not eligible for benefits under Steven’s Law. If they tell you “Yes” go to step #3.
3. Ask the HR Department where/in which state your Insurance Plan is “underwritten.” If your plan has been underwritten in any state other than Arizona you may not be eligible for Steven’s Law.
4. Call your insurance company and ask for “Member Benefits.” Ask if they (Customer Service) are familiar with Arizona’s Steven’s Law/Autism Coverage.If they tell you “No” ask to speak to a Supervisor and ask the Supervisor the same questions.
5. If they tell you “Yes” ask them if your family (your child) is eligible for the benefits under your plan.
6. If they tell you “No” ask them why/what the reason is, and then tell them you want the reason you do not have coverage sent to you in writing.
7. If they tell you “Yes” request a list of “Network or Contracted Providers” or “Preferred Providers” for your area. This will give you all of the agencies and/or individuals who are contracted with your insurance company to provide services outlined by Steven’s Law.
8. Because some Companies have elected to offer this coverage when they are not required to, call your insurance company and ask even if you think you are NOT eligible. If they tell you that you ARE eligible, request it in writing before you make any appointments etc.
From here.
1. Ask the Company/Human Resources Dept. (HR) for whom you work (where you receive your health benefits/insurance) if the plan your family has is a “Self Insured Plan.” If they tell you “Yes” – you are not eligible for benefits under Steven’s Law. If they tell you “No” go to step # 2.
2. If you do not know or are unsure, ask the HR Department if the company has 50 or more employees. If they tell you “No” than you are not eligible for benefits under Steven’s Law. If they tell you “Yes” go to step #3.
3. Ask the HR Department where/in which state your Insurance Plan is “underwritten.” If your plan has been underwritten in any state other than Arizona you may not be eligible for Steven’s Law.
4. Call your insurance company and ask for “Member Benefits.” Ask if they (Customer Service) are familiar with Arizona’s Steven’s Law/Autism Coverage.If they tell you “No” ask to speak to a Supervisor and ask the Supervisor the same questions.
5. If they tell you “Yes” ask them if your family (your child) is eligible for the benefits under your plan.
6. If they tell you “No” ask them why/what the reason is, and then tell them you want the reason you do not have coverage sent to you in writing.
7. If they tell you “Yes” request a list of “Network or Contracted Providers” or “Preferred Providers” for your area. This will give you all of the agencies and/or individuals who are contracted with your insurance company to provide services outlined by Steven’s Law.
8. Because some Companies have elected to offer this coverage when they are not required to, call your insurance company and ask even if you think you are NOT eligible. If they tell you that you ARE eligible, request it in writing before you make any appointments etc.
From here.
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