Family Cost Participation and Redesign...again

Now nobody panic because I haven't heard anything definite, but the mumblings are now that FCP is slated to kick in on 11-1-10, and DDD redesign (aka the team based approach) may be starting in early 2011. Here is the letter that I think went out to families or may be going out soon.
The family letter:
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SECURITY
DIVISON OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (DDD) AND
ARIZONA EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM (AzEIP) PARTNER TO EXPAND
THE EARLY INTERVENTION TEAM-BASED MODEL ACROSS ARIZONA
This notice is to inform you about an upcoming change in how the Division of Developmental
Disabilities (DDD) provides early intervention services to children birth to three with developmental
delays and developmental disabilities. The changes emphasize working together as a team, increasing
access to services and making birth to three services more coordinated for families.
DDD, under the umbrella of the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP), provides early
intervention services to eligible children, birth to three, and their families. In the early intervention
program, families and professionals work together to support and enhance children’s growth,
development, and learning in their natural environment. In addition to the increased coordination and
access to services, this change will also enhance the Department of Economic Security’s ability to
provide timely services as required by Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA.)

For the past few years, the Department of Economic Security’s early intervention programs, DES/AzEIP
and DDD, have been working to ensure that Arizona’s children and families receive needed services and
supports in ways that are most beneficial to them. At community forums held statewide, families,
providers and other interested stakeholders shared their thoughts about the early intervention program.
A plan for “redesign” was drafted and families and professionals were invited to review and comment.
Based on their input, AzEIP implemented a new “team-based service” model in 2008 for those families
served by contractors of DES/AzEIP (not eligible for DDD).

In early 2011, DDD will begin implementing early intervention services with this team-based
model. The goal is to improve the way in which families and children receive supports and
significantly expand access to early intervention services.

Early intervention services provided by a team means that each team will have the capacity to provide
occupational, physical and speech therapies, developmental special instruction, social work and
psychology services. A family and their “team” will decide which provider will be the family’s “team
lead” to coordinate with other team members. By having each professional working as part of the same
team, the family will have the benefit of their combined expertise. Support coordination services will
continue to be provided by DDD.

When the new service model is implemented it may mean some changes in who provides services.
There will be opportunities to ask questions and learn about the changes through both a comment period
on the Qualified Vendor application and informational sessions to provide more specifics on how the
team based model will operate and guidance on transition to the new model.
DDD looks forward to continuing its commitment to working with you, your family, and your child.

Family Cost Participation- Delayed!

DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES DELAYS IMPLEMENTATION OF FAMILY COST PARTICIPATION

FOR EARLY INTERVENTION SERVICES

The Department of Economic Security (DES), Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is delaying the implementation of its new Family Cost Participation program for recipients of early intervention services.  Families were to begin sharing in the cost of their early intervention services effective March 1, 2010.  The program is being delayed a minimum of 60 days.  As a result, families who have been determined responsible to share in the cost of their services will not be charged for their current array of services until May 1, 2010 at the earliest.  To clarify, that means they will not participate in the cost of their family's services for the months of March and April but may be expected to share in the cost of services that are provided beginning May 1st.  Families will be notified of the new program standards prior to implementation.  Families whose children are Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) eligible will continue to be excluded from the Division's Family Cost Participation program.  The Department is using this time period to further evaluate program parameters, including income standards, and operating procedures.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.  If you have questions, please contact 602-364-1379 or e-mail your question and phone number to DDDHotline@azdes. gov.

The Budget is the top issue down at the Capitol, and Family Cost Participation fees are the talk of the AzEIP system. 

 

First the Budget:

To recap, last year AzEIP received an additional $9 million from the federal government through the stimulus program, in addition, providers received a 10% rate cut and the state began preparing to collect fees from families with a Family Cost Participation plan.  Families with children enrolled in the DDD-state only part of AzEIP will begin to receive bills in April for services received in March.  Families with children enrolled in the AzEIP-only portion of AzEIP will receive letters in the coming weeks informing them that they will receive bills for their Early Intervention services.  The Governor proposed her Budget and the Joint Legislative Budget Commission prepared a menu of options for the budget.   Now is the time when people take a closer look and begin to talk about what may be cut, what new revenues will be raised and what programs will remain intact.  There are a number of options on the table, they include additional rate cuts to providers--we already have a provider shortage in Arizona; Another option is to increase the number of families in the Family Cost Participation program by expanding it to include those enrolled in ALTCS (birth to three and above); and, Another option on the table is to stop providing early intervention services. 

 

It is important that families speak up now!  Please, call, write and/or email your legislators and the Governor (to find your legislator go here: http://www.azleg. gov/ for the Governor go here: http://www.azgovern or.gov/). Enclose a picture of your child and tell them what the AzEIP system has meant for your child and family.  Ask your family and neighbors to do the same.  Remind the Governor and the Legislature that AzEIP has seen a 19% increase from 2005 to 2009 in the children served each year.  Tell them that providing services and supports to infants and toddlers early and as soon as possible means significant long-term savings as children are more ready to learn when they leave AzEIP.  Tell them that AzEIP has data that proves that children benefit from these services and supports!  Tell them your story and most important tell them that they must continue to provide early intervention services to infants and toddlers with disabilities without any further cuts or fees.  Tell them that infants and toddlers cannot make up for lost time--two or five years from now when the state is in better shape financially will be too late, and will mean higher costs for the state down the road.  If you are concerned about your ability to pay the Family Cost Participation fee, by all means include this in your letter, tell them how much your family will be responsible for and how that will impact your family.  Ask your providers if they are sharing this kind of information with other families--tell them to have families join the listserve: ArizonaEarlyInterve ntionParents_ Caregivers@ yahoogroups. com to stay informed. 

 

 Second the Family Cost Participation:

If you do not believe you can afford the monthly bills--DO NOT WITHDRAW from AzEIP--please contact your Support Coordinator, you can appeal the decision and provide additional information explaining why you believe you cannot afford the fee, you can also hold an IFSP Team meeting to discuss how you might change your IFSP but still achieve your outcomes for your child.  If you do decide to make changes to your IFSP in an effort to reduce your Family Cost Participation fee keep in mind that you should be meeting with your IFSP team (Service/Support Coordinators, all therapists, and anyone else you feel would be helpful as you work this through)--you can meet in person or have some members teleconferenced; as a last resort you can keep your service coordination- only services.  Please remember that certain services are NOT subject to the fee:  Support Coordination services, IFSP Team Meetings (this includes the time for ALL members of your team to participate) , Assessments/ Evaluations.  If you have concerns or questions please call your Support Coordinator, if they cannot assist you or you still have questions call their Supervisor, call the DDD hotline (602) 364-1379 or the AzEIP office (602) 532-9960.  Remember you can also call the Parent Training and Information Centers (Raising Special Kids or Pilot Parents) or disability-specific Advocacy programs (like Sharing Down Syndrome, EVAN, and the Autism Coalition).  

 

-Letter I received from the ArizonaEarlyInterventionParents_Caregivers mailing list.

Family Cost Participation

From the DES website here:
"Effective March 1, 2010 the Division will implement a family cost participation program for early intervention services.  The Department of Economic Security Arizona Early Intervention  Program (AzEIP) is authorized by Federal law (20 U.S.C. §1432(4) (B); 34 C.F.R. §§303.520 and -.521) and Arizona law (ARS 36-562(G)) to require parents/responsible parties to pay for a  percentage of their child’s services. Children who are Arizona Long-Term Care System (ALTCS) eligible are excluded from this program. The amount a family may have to pay will be based on  adjusted gross income over 200% of the Federal poverty level, family size and the costs paid by the State for the services their child receives.

If you have questions, please contact (602) 364-1379 or email your question and phone number to DDDHotline@azdes.gov. "

Hopefully this isn't new news to anyone- most of the families that I know of have already received their letters. I keep hearing that support coordinators should be getting in touch with families in order to determine what their payment would be each month and adjust the IFSP accordingly if families will be unable to pay for services. I did see that families could apply for a hardship waiver of fees but I don't know how that works or what the chances of getting a waiver would be.

E-mail, write, and call your legislators.

Possible News Story

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.

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

Update from Raising Special Kids

about CRS.

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/

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/

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

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).

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.

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.

You're Not Listening rally June 23rd

CALLING ALL CONCERNED

The “You’re Not Listening!” event takes place TUESDAY, June 23. This event will have a different feel/appeal than what has been done in the past.

There has been marching, rallying, chanting, singing, moments of silence, emailing, phone calling, meeting with your legislators, articles in the news, letters to the editor, interest stories on the news/tv and the list goes on… These efforts HAVE made a difference. A judgment was awarded resulting in 69 days without budget cuts and restoration of non-title 19 funded services – so far; restoration of Early Intervention Services and a renewed sense of urgency and attention to the disabled population. But we cannot stop there. We need assurances for our children well beyond the age of 3. Our State government is NOT LISTENING to our cries for justice for ALL disabled citizens.

Therefore think visual, symbolic, strong messages that convey images, feelings and thoughts, to other participants. Our focused target group is the Governor, Legislators, the press/media and passersby.

Ideas…Suggestions…

• Earmuffs representing you’re not listening/hearing us

• Trace two hands together and “cut” off one finger – representing a loss of 10%

**Place your name, address, phone number on the back for delivery to Governor/Legislators**

• Group of 100 people, 90 in white shirts, 10 in black.

• Candlelight Vigil – 100 candles, 10 not lit

We need large banners like bed sheets, bolts of cloth with statements representing what “You’re Not Listening” means to you and the individuals you serve. Use your body as a billboard – wearing white t-shirts with your message of “You’re Not Listening”. Or depict thoughts and feelings about being developmentally disabled – that it is a challenge in itself - having to justify that disability - having to justify necessary life supporting services - having to settle for anything less than whole is an injustice – merciless - acts of violence (another train of thought).

Timelines…..this is an estimate, details will be sent Monday 6/22/09

11:30a – Governors tower

12:00p – Press Release House Lawn

12:30p – House of Representatives

1pm – Senate

Prayer/Candlelight Vigil – 7pm-9pm

As Tom stated in his last email, “I am begging each of you to put aside any differences and work together to fight the extremely destructive appropriations that will hurt people with disabilities, their families and providers of service for years to come, if they are approved as currently recommended. We would love to see you next Tuesday and we hope you will support our efforts to get our Governor and Legislature to listen to our plea.”

Please forward this notice, as well as future notices, to anyone you think might be potentially interested.

AHCCCS Eligibility Policy Manual

There is a new link to the AHCCCS Eligibility Policy Manual. You can find it here as a PDF.
This includes the AHCCCS questionnaires and scoring instructions that are used to qualify children.

Right of the Month- June

To withhold family information from your records or discussions with service providers.

I've heard from many families in service that between intakes, evaluations, doctors, and therapists, they feel like they recite their family and child's history...several times over. As a therapist, I can say that the more I know about your family and child, the better I can assist you. However, this has to be balanced against the family's need for (and right to) privacy. Ultimately, the line is drawn differently for each family, and with each professional, and I would love to hear about how any readers have decided to draw those lines.

For other discussions of rights, click the right of the month label.

Supreme court to hear budget cut challenge

Supreme Court to hear budget cut challenge
By Howard Fischer
Capitol Media Services

The Arizona Supreme Court turned aside two requests Monday by state agencies to block the Legislature from cutting their funds but agreed to hear arguments on a third.

Without comment, the justices rejected efforts by organizations that provide care to the developmentally disabled to force the Department of Economic Security to restore funds for services to the developmentally disabled.

In a separate order Monday, the justices refused to consider claims by the Industrial Commission of Arizona that the Legislature illegally took some funds from the agency to balance the state budget.

The rulings are most immediate a victory for the state which, for the time being, doesn't have to spend any more money.

But the high court did agree to hear arguments at the end of this month on a claim by First Things First that it was illegal for lawmakers to take more than $7 million from the account of that program approved two years ago by voters.

All three lawsuits are a direct outgrowth of a move by lawmakers in January to deal with a $1.6 billion deficit.

Legislators sought to balance the budget in part by "sweeping'' money from special accounts held by various state agencies. All totaled, lawmakers took more than $500 million.

That included $7 million in interest accumulated by First Things First, a program approved by voters in 2006 to add an 80-cents-a-pack tax on cigarettes to fund programs for early childhood development. By law, the tax proceeds are off limits. But legislators insisted they could take the interest that was earned off the money.

The high court agreed Monday to consider arguments that the raid was illegal.

The justices, however, refused to consider a similar claim by the Industrial Commission that taking $4.7 million from its special accounts was illegal.

In a petition to the Supreme Court, attorneys for the commission said the funds constitutionally can be used only to benefit injured workers, their employers and the companies that provide workers' compensation insurance, "not the general public.'' They also said the sweep amounted to "an unconstitutional taking of private property ... without just compensation.''

But attorneys for the state said there was nothing special about the commission's funds, allowing lawmakers to tap the cash when needed.

In Monday's action, the Supreme Court simply refused to hear the arguments.

That, however, does not end the matter. The commission is still free to file a regular lawsuit in Maricopa County Superior Court and try to make its case there.

The third lawsuit stems from the order by lawmakers in January that DES reduce its spending by about $150 million. That agency, in turn, cut payments to individuals and others that provide services to the developmentally disabled by 10 percent.

DES also eliminated services for people who are moderately developmentally disabled who, with support, can work in the private sector. Also cut was funding for early intervention services for 2,000 children, from birth through age 3, who are at risk for becoming developmentally disabled.

A trial judge blocked the move in March, ruling DES had acted illegally, blocking the cuts.

But the Arizona Court of Appeals last month said the evidence showed the agency had done nothing illegal and allowed DES to proceed with the reductions. Monday's Supreme Court decision upholds that ruling.

From here.

Free Anat Baniel clinic

Anat Baniel Method for Children with Special Needs

Come learn about the Anat Baniel Method on June 7th from 10am-4pm at

Millennium Martial Arts School

91st Avenue & Peoria Avenue

(Next to Peter Piper Pizza)

9976 N. 91st Ave, B-110

Peoria, AZ 85345

What is the Anat Baniel Method?

The Anat Baniel Method expands on the work of Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais. It is a non-medical, learning based approach that uses gentle touch and movement to enable the child with special needs or a learning disability to improve physically, mentally and emotionally. It asks children to move only in ways which are within their true capabilities, creating a feeling of safety, encouraging a willingness to expand into new abilities. Practitioners certified in this method provide learning experiences that help children develop beyond their limitations. Infants’ and children’s progress often surpass medical expectations.

To reserve your free lesson call:

Michelle M. Turner 602.909.2565

Reserve a space for your child to receive a free introductory Anat Baniel Method lesson. Find out what a difference this new work can make in a special needs child’s life.

You can find out more about the Anat Baniel Method here. I will say that from what I've seen of this method, this is a great opportunity.

Right of the Month- May

To be informed about the types of records and information which are kept on your child and family, and the steps you can take to review and request changes to those records.

The agency I work for, and most other agencies that I know of, keep a file for each child/family in service. Our files include things like current IFSP's, evaluations, therapy reports, things signed at intake, and logs from each visit. Since the files are about your child, as the parent you have the right to ask to see the file. We prefer to make an appointment so that someone can sit down and go through the file with you, but there isn't anything in the file that you wouldn't be allowed to see. I believe the procedures with the DDD might be a bit different and a bit more formalized, but I searched briefly on their site and didn't find any info. If you are requesting a copy of your child's DDD file for some reason, calling your support coordinator would be a good first step.

Down Syndrome conference at Phoenix Children's

Phoenix Children's Hospital Presents:
Down syndrome: Recent Advances in Medical Treatment

Saturday, May 30, 8:00am-12:00pm
Panel of physicians specializing in Down syndrome including our own Medical Director, Dr Jason Turner
Down syndrome: Recent Advances in Medical Treatment

Audience – families and caretakers of children with Down syndrome
Saturday, May 30th
Cost – Free
Location –Cohen Conference Room
Agenda
7:30 – 8:00 Registration
8:00 – 8:05 Welcome & introductions Lynda Christel
8:05 – 8:25 A parent's perspective Dr. Jason Turner
8:25 - 8:45 Primary Care Teens Dr Tressia Shaw
8:45 - 9:15 Developmental Pediatrics Dr Elaine Ellis
9:15 – 9:45 GI, Feeding Dr. Dana Ursea
9:45 – 10:15 Endocrinology Dr. Don Wilson
10:15 – 10:30 Panel Q & A PCH
10:30 – 10:45 Break
10:45 – 11:15 Orthopedics, Special Olympics Dr. Lee Segal
11:15 – 11:45 Cardiac Dr. Jeff Pearl
11:45 – 12:15 Pediatric Radiology Dr.Towbin
12:15 Panel Q & A PCH

Free parking
Refreshments
Register online at http://ga1.org/ phoenixchildrens /events/down_ syndrome_ event/details. tcl
Contact Karen Pennington, Physician Relations at 602-546-3300 kpennington@ phoenixchildrens .com

ACDL Hearing Update

"Zoe M. v. Blessing: Update - May 20 Stay Put Hearing Set" on Arizona Center for Disability Law

The U.S. District Court has set oral argument for ACDL's Stay Put Motion on Wednesday, May 20 at 11:15 am in Courtroom 6B, 405 West Congress Street in Tucson. ACDL filed a class action lawsuit against the Arizona Department of Economic Security to prevent the state from carrying out millions of dollars in budget cuts which violate federal and state law and greatly reduce or eliminate early intervention programs..."

http://acdlaw. ning.com/ forum/topic/ show?id=2968555% 3ATopic%3A1101

Public Hearing on Friday

If you can't attend, please send an e-mail!

PUBLIC NOTICE

APPLICATION FOR FUNDS UNDER

PART C OF THE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT

FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR 2009 (July 1, 2009-June 30, 2010)

The Department of Economic Security (DES), as the Lead Agency for Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), is seeking public comment on Arizona’s draft 2009 Application for Federal Funds. The Arizona Department of Economic Security, Arizona Early Intervention Program (DES/AzEIP) will accept input on the application beginning April 3, 2009 until June 3, 2009. The application is for Arizona’s early intervention program, a statewide program for infants and toddlers, birth to three years of age, with disabilities and their families. The participating State agencies include: the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (ASDB), Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS), Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), and the Arizona Department of Education (ADE).

Persons submitting comments on specific items in the application should indicate support, opposition, suggested changes, additions, or deletions pertaining to the specific item. Input received by DES/AzEIP by4:00 p.m. on June 3, 2009 will be considered. The draft application will be available atwww.azdes.gov/ AzEIP. If you are unable to access the application electronically, please contact DES/AzEIP at (602) 532-9960; toll-free at (888) 439-5609, or by email at AllAzeip2@azdes. gov.

The Department of Economic Security, Arizona Early Intervention Program (DES/AzEIP) will conduct public comment hearings on the draft 2009 Application for Federal Funds, at the following locations and dates:

5/8/09- Phoenix- 2:30-3:30pm AZ DOT – HRDC Grand Canyon Rooms 1&2 1130 N. 22nd Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85009 5/26/09-Flagstaff 2pm-4pm East Flagstaff Community Library Meeting Room 3000 N. Fourth Street, Suite 5 Flagstaff, AZ 86004
5/27/09- Phoenix 4pm-6pm Yucca Library Meeting Room 5648 N. 15th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85015 5/28/09- Tucson 4pm-6pm Himmel Park Branch Library Meeting Room 1035 N. Treat Avenue Tucson, AZ 85716

Oral and written comments will be accepted at the public hearing. Written comments may also be mailed to DES/AzEIP, 3839 N. 3rd Street, Suite 304, Phoenix, AZ 85012; or emailed to AllAzEIP2@azdes.