[Familyhealthnotes] Family Health Notes - December 2013

Institute for Disability Studies

Family Health Notes

 

December 2013

 

Inside this issue:

 

1) Social Security, SSI Benefits to Increase in 2014

2) Improvements to HealthCare.gov

3) Tip Sheet - Holidays: Strategies for Success

4) New Manual - Friends: Connecting People with Disabilities and Community Members

5) Resources to Meet the Needs of Young Children of Veteran Families

6) Participate in an Autism Spectrum Healthcare Survey

7) Video to be Used in School Curriculum 

_______________________________________________________________

 

1) Social Security, SSI Benefits to Increase in 2014

 

Monthly payments for people with disabilities receiving benefits from Social Security, including Supplemental Security Income will increase next year. The Social Security Administration says benefits will rise by 1.5%. For more information, read this article from the December 2, issue of “Disability Scoop,” http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2013/10/30/social-security-rise-2014/18851/.

 

2) Improvements to HealthCare.gov

 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reports that with improvements to the technical problems encountered at the HealthCare.gov website, 90% of users are now able to create accounts. Other options for completing an application include the toll-free Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596. Call Center representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY users should dial 1-855-889-4325. Local counselors are also available, and paper application forms can be downloaded and mailed. For all information, view http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USCMSHIM/bulletins/96e3c1.

 

3) Tip Sheet – Holidays: Strategies for Success

 

The Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Intervention for Young Children (TACSEI) recently added a new tip sheet in its Making Life Easier series. This series of tip sheets is designed specifically for parents and caregivers. The new tip sheet, Holidays: Strategies for Success, contains valuable information on how to make often challenging events easier to navigate, and even enjoyable, for both caregivers and children. View the tip sheet at http://www.challengingbehavior.org/do/resources/documents/life_easier_holidays%20and%20tipcard.pdf. 

 

4) New Manual - Friends: Connecting People with Disabilities and Community Members

 

Published by the Research and Training Center on Community Living at the University of Minnesota, this new manual provides concrete, "how-to" strategies for supporting relationships between people with disabilities and other community members. It describes why such friendships are important to people with disabilities and why it is important to promote community belonging and membership. The manual includes specific activities to guide users in creating a plan for connecting people. Designed for agency staff, the manual can be used by parents, support coordinators, teachers, people with disabilities, and others to support community relationships. View the manual at http://rtc.umn.edu/docs/Friends_Activity_worksheets.pdf.

 

 

5) Resources to Meet the Needs of Young Children of Veteran Families

 

The ZERO TO THREE website of the National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families has released a series of resources to meet the needs and interests of the young children of veteran families and the professional who serve them. These resources include a professional guide, parent booklets, and flyers. For more information, visit http://www.zerotothree.org/military-families/docs/veteran-families-resources.html.

 

6) Participate in an Autism Spectrum Healthcare Survey

 

Are you on the autism spectrum? AASPIRE, a partnership between people on the autism spectrum, researchers, healthcare providers, and family members, has created a healthcare toolkit to try to help people on the autism spectrum get better healthcare. If you are an adult on the autism spectrum, live in the U.S., and have a primary care provider or regular doctor, you are invited to try out the online healthcare tool. You may also participate if you are a support person for an adult on the autism spectrum who cannot participate him/herself. As part of the study, you can create a personalized accommodations report to help your healthcare providers understand how to better serve you. You will also have access to a website with information and worksheets about things like how to prepare for appointments, how to communicate better with your provider, how to follow up after a visit, and what your rights are in healthcare. You will take a 20-minute survey before and after using the toolkit. If you take part in the study, you will receive a $30 Amazon.com gift card or check. To take the survey, go to http://aaspire.org/?p=projects&c=hc3_screening.

 

7) Video to be Used in School Curriculum

 

The video "One Sibling's Act Leads to Change" has been accepted as part of the curriculum on disability awareness for Newton, Massachusetts public schools. Approximately 900 fifth grade students across 15 elementary schools in the district will see the film annually as part of a unit on intellectual disabilities that teaches students to "see the person and not the disability." This video is part of the National Down Syndrome Society's (NDSS) My Great Story Video Project that features 10 short videos based on submitted stories public awareness campaign. The goal of the My Great Story campaign is to ignite a new way of thinking about people with Down syndrome by sharing stories written by and about them. View the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgPUAL67-qY.

 

 

***PLEASE NOTE: If you are unable to access any of the links in Family Health Notes, please make sure the entire link is highlighted.  If a link is not highlighted, please copy and paste the entire link into your Web browser.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Family Health Notes~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Family Health Notes is sponsored by the Institute for Disability Studies (IDS), Mississippi’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at The University of Southern Mississippi. IDS provides university training, community service activities, research and information that promote the independence, productivity, and community inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families. For more information about IDS, visit www.usm/edu/ids or call 1.888.671.0051 (TTY). To make a tax-deductible gift to IDS, visit www.usm.edu/ids/supportus.html.

 

The Family-to-Family Health Information and Education Center (F2F) is a family-focused, family managed resource center that empowers families of Mississippi children with special health care needs to be partners in the decisions made concerning the health of their children. F2F is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (GR#H84MC07948).

 

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[Familyhealthnotes] Webinar - Assistive Technology: Keep It Simple - Fri., Nov. 8, 12 Noon

Webinar

 

Assistive Technology:  Keep It Simple

 

Friday, November 8

12 Noon

 

This webinar introduces viewers to the Technology Learning Center’s (TLC) wide array of assistive technology devices for people with disabilities. TLC, a division of the Institute for Disability Studies at The University of Southern Mississippi, is located on the Southern Miss Gulf Coast campus. Staff travel throughout the state to provide assistive technology evaluations in the natural environment to determine the best device for communication, computer access, environmental control to enhance educational outcomes and participation. Sara Jackson, Ed.D., special educator at TLC, will present.

 

Participants should use this link Technology Learning Center Webinar in conjunction with computer speakers and a microphone (enabled by the presenter). Participants can also dial in by phone at 213.416.1560 using the guest access code 1447029. Live captions will be available.

 

 

***PLEASE NOTE: If you are unable to access any of the links in Family Health Notes, please make sure the entire link is highlighted.  If a link is not highlighted, please copy and paste the entire link into your Web browser.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Family Health Notes~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Family Health Notes is sponsored by the Institute for Disability Studies (IDS), Mississippi’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at The University of Southern Mississippi. IDS provides university training, community service activities, research and information that promote the independence, productivity, and community inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families. For more information about IDS, visit www.usm/edu/ids or call 1.888.671.0051 (TTY). To make a tax-deductible gift to IDS, visit www.usm.edu/ids/supportus.html.

 

The Family-to-Family Health Information and Education Center (F2F) is a family-focused, family managed resource center that empowers families of Mississippi children with special health care needs to be partners in the decisions made concerning the health of their children. F2F is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (GR#H84MC07948).

 

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****************************************

 

Please visit the IDS Calendar of Events at http://www.usm.edu/ids/calevents/.

 

Questions may be addressed to

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OR

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[Familyhealthnotes] Family Health Notes - November 2013

Institute for Disability Studies

Family Health Notes

 

November 2013

 

Inside this issue:

 

1) Webinar:  “Assistive Technology: Keeping It Simple” – Nov. 8, 12 Noon 

2) Empowering Individuals and Families as Advocates

3) Online Training to Improve Accommodations Decision Making

4) New Accessibility App

5) Video-based Intervention Helps Improve Social Behaviors in Teens with Autism

6) The Affordable Care Act: How Will It Work and How Will It Affect MCH Populations?

7) New Research Brief Reviews the Evidence Base on Preschool Education

8) Fake Service Dogs a Growing Problem as Pet Owners Abuse Disability Rules

_______________________________________________________________

 

1) Webinar:  “Assistive Technology: Keeping It Simple” – Nov. 8, 12 Noon

 

Learn about the wide array of assistive technology devices for people with disabilities available at the Technology Learning Center (TLC) at this webinar scheduled for Fri., Nov. 8, at 12 noon. TLC, a division of the Institute for Disability Studies at The University of Southern Mississippi, is located on the Southern Miss Gulf Coast campus. TLC staff travel throughout the state to provide assistive technology evaluations in the natural environment to determine the best devices for communication, computer access, environmental control to enhance educational outcomes and participation. Sara Jackson, Ed.D., special educator at TLC, will present. Participants should use the webinar link below in conjunction with computer speakers and a microphone (enabled by the presenter). Participants can also dial in by phone at 213.416.1560 using the guest access code 1447029. Live captions will be available. Use the following link for the webinar:  http://www.anymeeting.com/WebConference-beta/default.aspx?ip_ek=usmids.

 

2) Empowering Individuals and Families as Advocates

 

The Genetic Alliance, in partnership with Family Voices and Parent to Parent USA, have launched a new online resource for individuals with special healthcare needs and their families. The “Advocacy ATLAS: Accessible Tools for Leadership and Advocacy Success” features over 250 tools and resources to help new and experienced advocates communicate their needs around services, support, and access. The ATLAS features resources and perspectives on youth leadership, transition to adulthood, insurance and financial assistance, communicating about your health, and access to healthcare. For more information or to access the Advocacy ATLAS, visit http://www.geneticalliance.org/advocacy-atlas.

3) Online Training to Improve Accommodations Decision Making

 

The National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO) has launched Online Training to Improve Accommodations Decision Making, a five-module, interactive, multi-media professional development tool with case-based video clips. Through it, educators are coached on best practices in how to select, administer, and evaluate the use of accommodations. NCEO developed the training collaboratively with the state of Alabama, but it can also be used in other states. For more information and to sign up for the online training, visit http://www.cehd.umn.edu/nceo/OnlineAccommodationsTraining.html.

 

4) New Accessibility App

 

An article in Time magazine provides information about a new mobile Web app and website developed by filmmaker Jason DaSilva called AXS Map. The app is powered by Google Maps and allows users to rate and share the accessibility of local businesses and restaurants. To read the article, visit http://healthland.time.com/2013/10/14/wheelchair-inaccessible-the-story-behind-an-app-that-maps-obstacles-for-the-disabled/. To view AXS Map, visit http://www.axsmap.com/. 

 

5) Video-based Intervention Helps Improve Social Behaviors in Teens with Autism

 

Watching a group instructional video demonstrating social behaviors was associated with improved social skills among 13- to 17-year-olds with autism spectrum disorder, according to a study in the journal, “Exceptional Children.” Parents of the teens included in the study reported being highly satisfied with the results of the video-based instruction. For additional information, visit http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1112977963/video-teaching-helps-autistic-kids-hone-social-skills-101713/

 

6) The Affordable Care Act: How Will It Work and How Will It Affect MCH Populations?

 

What are the goals of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?  What are the primary mechanisms through which the ACA will meet its goals?  What is the potential impact of the ACA on women, children, adolescents, and immigrant families?  The Center for Leadership Education in Maternal and Child Public Health at the University of Minnesota, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), has just released a 36-page publication that addresses these questions. For a copy of the report, visit http://www.epi.umn.edu/mch/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/HG_Fall20132.pdf.

 

7) New Research Brief Reviews the Evidence Base on Preschool Education

 

A new research brief provides a non-partisan, thorough review of the current evidence on why early skills matter, which children benefit the most from preschool, the short- and long-term effects of preschool on children’s school readiness and life outcomes, the importance of program quality, and the costs versus benefits of preschool education. The brief, written by an interdisciplinary team of early childhood experts, was funded by the Foundation for Child Development and produced in collaboration with the Society for Research in Child Development. Visit http://fcd-us.org/sites/default/files/Executive%20Summary%20-%20Evidence%20Base%20on%20Preschool.pdf for an executive summary of the report or http://fcd-us.org/sites/default/files/Evidence%20Base%20on%20Preschool%20Education%20FINAL.pdf for a complete copy.

 

8) Fake Service Dogs a Growing Problem as Pet Owners Abuse Disability Rules

 

Pet owners are increasingly breaking the law and creating problems for the disability community by purchasing and strapping on service animal vests and backpacks to take their pets in stores and restaurants.  This Huffington Post article provides further information about this growing dilemma:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/10/fake-service-dogs_n_4075308.html?utm_content=bufferbe8c5&utm_source=buffer&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Buffer 

 

 

***PLEASE NOTE: If you are unable to access any of the links in Family Health Notes, please make sure the entire link is highlighted.  If a link is not highlighted, please copy and paste the entire link into your Web browser.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Family Health Notes~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Family Health Notes is sponsored by the Institute for Disability Studies (IDS), Mississippi’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at The University of Southern Mississippi. IDS provides university training, community service activities, research and information that promote the independence, productivity, and community inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families. For more information about IDS, visit www.usm/edu/ids or call 1.888.671.0051 (TTY). To make a tax-deductible gift to IDS, visit www.usm.edu/ids/supportus.html.

 

The Family-to-Family Health Information and Education Center (F2F) is a family-focused, family managed resource center that empowers families of Mississippi children with special health care needs to be partners in the decisions made concerning the health of their children. F2F is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (GR#H84MC07948).

 

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****************************************

 

Please visit the IDS Calendar of Events at http://www.usm.edu/ids/calevents/.

 

Questions may be addressed to

Alma.Ellis@usm.edu

OR

Jerry.Alliston@usm.edu

_______________________________________________

Family Health Notes mailing list

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[Familyhealthnotes] Family Health Notes - October 2013

Institute for Disability Studies

Family Health Notes

 

October 2013

 

Inside this issue:

 

1) What the Affordable Care Act Means for You

2) 2013 Transition Conference – Oct. 23-25, Pearl

3) Disability Awareness Day – Oct. 23, Jackson

4) Learn More about the Affordable Health Care Act and Ambetter – Oct. 8 and Oct. 10, Jackson

5) Mission Possible! Working Together. . .  Improving Outcomes – Nov. 1, Olive Branch

6) The Southeast ADA Center Announces the First Broadcast of WADA “ADA Live!” on Blog TalkRadio

7) Ramps.org Launches an Online Directory of Free Ramp Builders

 

_______________________________________________________________

 

1) What the Affordable Care Act Means for You

 

The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, means better coverage for those who already have health insurance, and more options for those who don’t, including a new way to shop for affordable, high-quality coverage. Beginning Oct. 1, individuals who need or want health insurance will be able to go to healthcare.gov. There are folks out there with questions about what this law means for them. Hopefully, this video will answer their questions. Visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/share/what-obamacare-means-you.

 

2) 2013 Transition Conference – Oct. 23-25, Pearl

 

“Building Partnerships for Youth Transition: Encouraging True Collaboration Between All Stakeholders,” the 2013 Transition Conference, will be held Oct. 23-25, at the Clyde Muse Center in Pearl. Sponsored by the Mississippi Department of Education Office of Special Education and the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services, the conference is expecting 500 participants, which will include elementary, middle and high school special education teachers, vocational rehabilitation personnel, principals and superintendents and parents of special education students. CRC and continuing education hours will be offered. Registration can be found at http://eventbrite.com/event/7723299597.

 

3) Disability Awareness Day – Oct. 23, Jackson

 

The City of Jackson will sponsor Disability Awareness Day on Wed., Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Metrocenter Mall at 1395 Metrocenter Drive. The day is designed to increase public awareness and provide an opportunity for increased services to individuals with disabilities. For more information, contact Sam Gleese, ADA Coordinator for the City of Jackson, at 601.960.1863 or sgleese@city.jackson.ms.us.  

 

4) Learn More about the Affordable Health Care Act and Ambetter – Oct. 8 and Oct. 10, Jackson

 

You are invited to attend a free luncheon or dinner catered by Primos Café to learn about the Affordable Care Act and Ambetter from Magnolia Health’s role in the Health Insurance Marketplace. The lunch meeting will be held on Tues., Oct. 8, from noon until 2 p.m. in the first floor community meeting room of the Jackson Medical Mall. The dinner meeting will be held on Tues., Oct. 10, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the third floor community meeting room at the Jackson Medical Mall. The Jackson Medical Mall is located at 350 Woodrow Wilson Drive in Jackson. Please RSVP to Becky Hill Martin, community outreach coordinator at Magnolia Health Plan at becmartin@centene.com , or 601.863.0704, by Oct. 4.

 

5) Mission Possible! Working Together. . .  Improving Outcomes – Nov. 1, Olive Branch

 

Registration is officially open for the North Mississippi Regional Parent Conference, “Mission Possible: Working Together, Improving Outcomes.” For parents and family members of children with disabilities, the conference will be held Fri., Nov. 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Longview Heights Baptist Church in Olive Branch. Keynote speaker is self-advocate Clay Dyer. The registration fee is $25. Parent scholarships are available. For more  information, call 1.800.721.7255. To register, visit http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e81wvz2nb7f88e8a&llr=julfnscab.

 

6) The Southeast ADA Center Announces the First Broadcast of WADA “ADA Live!” on Blog TalkRadio

 

On Oct. 2, the Southeast ADA Center will launch “ADA Live!” on WADA, the Center’s internet-based radio station. WADA “ADA Live!” will broadcast live on the first Wednesday of each month from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time/12 Noon to 12:30 p.m. Central Time.  “ADA Live!” programs provide the opportunity for everyone to get up-to-date information on the ADA and call in with their ADA questions whether on the go, while at work, or in the comfort of their homes. “ADA Live!” will also expand the Center’s outreach to youth, young adults and members of racially/culturally diverse communities throughout the Southeast Region. WADA “ADA Live!” is supported through a fully accessible and interactive website at http://www.adalive.org/.

 

7) Ramps.org Launches an Online Directory of Free Ramp Builders

 

Ramps.org has spent the past several years creating a directory of community service organizations that provide free or low cost ramp building services for members of their community that cannot obtain them on their own for financial reasons. According to Thom Disch the CEO of Handiramp.com, "This project was started several years ago when we discovered that many of the people calling our offices for home access ramps would describe their need and then explain that they didn't have the funds to pay for a ramp system. Our customer service people, trying to find funding for these people who had such a desperate need, researched and complied lists about community service organizations that use grants, low cost financing and a variety of means to secure ramps for people who could not afford them. As far as we could tell these organizations and lists were never put into one central location until now." That directory is now available on the Ramps.org website at ramps.org/free-ramps.htm.

 

 

***PLEASE NOTE: If you are unable to access any of the links in Family Health Notes, please make sure the entire link is highlighted.  If a link is not highlighted, please copy and paste the entire link into your Web browser.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Family Health Notes~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Family Health Notes is sponsored by the Institute for Disability Studies (IDS), Mississippi’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at The University of Southern Mississippi. IDS provides university training, community service activities, research and information that promote the independence, productivity, and community inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families. For more information about IDS, visit www.usm/edu/ids or call 1.888.671.0051 (TTY). To make a tax-deductible gift to IDS, visit www.usm.edu/ids/supportus.html.

 

The Family-to-Family Health Information and Education Center (F2F) is a family-focused, family managed resource center that empowers families of Mississippi children with special health care needs to be partners in the decisions made concerning the health of their children. F2F is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (GR#H84MC07948).

 

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****************************************

 

Please visit the IDS Calendar of Events at http://www.usm.edu/ids/calevents/.

 

Questions may be addressed to

Alma.Ellis@usm.edu

OR

Jerry.Alliston@usm.edu

_______________________________________________

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https://mailman.usm.edu/mailman/listinfo/familyhealthnotes

 

[Familyhealthnotes] Family Health Notes - September 2013

Institute for Disability Studies

Family Health Notes

 

September 2013

 

Inside this issue:

 

1) Mississippi Marketplace Health Insurance Information

2) Free Webinar on Discovery Process in Transition Planning for Young Adults – September 25

3) Encouraging Independence Critical for Children with Special Needs

4) Parents’ Perspective Video Series

5) My Family Disaster Plan

6) Teachers’ Guide Supports Including Parents with Disabilities in the Classroom

7) My American Dream Video Contest – Deadline: Sept. 10

_______________________________________________________________

1) Mississippi Marketplace Health Insurance Information

 

Under the Affordable Care Act, each state will have its own “marketplace” for health insurance by October 1. The Marketplace, also known as an Exchange, will provide information about the companies operating in Mississippi and their prices, allowing individuals to shop and buy health insurance. The Marketplace in Mississippi will be operated by the federal government and is mainly for people who don’t have health insurance, who aren’t insured by their employer, or have pre-existing conditions who may have had trouble getting insurance before. For more information on the Mississippi Marketplace, visit a website sponsored by WebMD at http://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/ms/mississippi-health-insurance-marketplace.

 

2) Free Webinar on Discovery Process in Transition Planning for Young Adults – September 25

 

Transition planning from school to postsecondary education, employment, and community life is critical for all high school students.  The focus of the webinar, Customized Employment: The Role of the Discovery Process in Transition Planning for Young Adults with Disabilities, Including Deaf-Blindness, will highlight strategies to improve post school outcomes for young adults with disabilities. Presenter, Mike Fagbemi, will provide an overview of customized employment, an innovative planning approach that emphasizes the student’s personal interests, strengths and complexities for decision making that will guide the transition process. The webinar will be held at 2 p.m. Central Standard Time on September 25. No registration is required. Before the meeting, take time to run an Adobe Connect test at http://hknc.adobeconnect.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm. On the day of the meeting connect to http://hknc.adobeconnect.com/nfadb-1. Type your name, enter as guest.
When you enter the Adobe room, you will be prompted for a call back number. Enter your phone number and Adobe will call you. If you are at a phone with an extension, dial 1-866-244-8528. The Participant Code is 219009.

 

3) Encouraging Independence Critical for Children with Special Needs

 

Families raising children with special needs may be overprotective, and they often feel justified due to the numerous challenges their children face. But children with special needs must reach their personal, best potential, and they should be encouraged to be as independent as possible, beginning at a very early age. This online article by Lauren Agoratus, a parent and the state coordinator for Family Voices of New Jersey, provides specific “dos” and “don’ts” on encouraging independence. Read the article at http://expertbeacon.com/encouraging-independence-critical-kids-special-needs/#.UhdnI83D-M8.

 

4) Parents’ Perspective Video Series

 

The Center for Learning and Leadership, Oklahoma’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) recently developed a short video series featuring parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or special health care needs. In the videos, parents share their perspectives on getting a disability diagnosis, supporting their children through transitions in the school system, and dealing with emergency personnel. Learn more about the parent’s perspective of disability diagnosis, educational transition, and emergency medical services in the short video series, Parents’ Perspective, by visiting http://www.ouhsc.edu/thecenter/videos/.

 

5) My Family Disaster Plan

 

The My Family Disaster Plan brochure is targeted at parents and caregivers, offering tips and suggestions on how a family can think ahead and plan ahead for any disaster, including putting a plan together that addresses water and food needs, shelter and supplies, communication and the community.  The brochure was developed by experts from the National Center for Disaster Preparedness (NCDP) at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, and was supported by a grant from “Idol Gives Back.” View the brochure by visiting http://bit.ly/d7Gikw.

 

6) Teachers’ Guide Supports Including Parents with Disabilities in the Classroom

 

Parents with Disabilities and their Children: Promoting Inclusion and Awareness in the Classroom, is a new guide from the NIDRR-funded National Center for Parents with Disabilities and their Families, to help teachers include parents with disabilities in school and classroom activities. The free 26-page guide (PDF) answers questions about terminology, accommodations, and etiquette, and offers suggested activities and reading to promote collaboration with parents with disabilities. Download the brochure at http://bit.ly/16RDyg9.

 

7) My American Dream Video Contest – Deadline: Sept. 10

 

The National Disability Institute is accepting entries for its third annual “My American Dream - Voices of Americans with Disabilities” video contest. Contestants with disabilities create a three-minute video telling their story and steps to achieving their American dream.  The deadline is September 10. Upload your video onto YouTube and email the URL, your name and phone number. One winner will receive $1,000, a digital tablet and sessions with a mentor. For more information, visit http://dream.realeconomicimpact.org/.

 

 

***PLEASE NOTE: If you are unable to access any of the links in Family Health Notes, please make sure the entire link is highlighted.  If a link is not highlighted, please copy and paste the entire link into your Web browser.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Family Health Notes~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Family Health Notes is sponsored by the Institute for Disability Studies (IDS), Mississippi’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at The University of Southern Mississippi. IDS provides university training, community service activities, research and information that promote the independence, productivity, and community inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families. For more information about IDS, visit www.usm/edu/ids or call 1.888.671.0051 (TTY). To make a tax-deductible gift to IDS, visit www.usm.edu/ids/supportus.html.

 

The Family-to-Family Health Information and Education Center (F2F) is a family-focused, family managed resource center that empowers families of Mississippi children with special health care needs to be partners in the decisions made concerning the health of their children. F2F is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (GR#H84MC07948).

 

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****************************************

 

Please visit the IDS Calendar of Events at http://www.usm.edu/ids/calevents/.

 

Questions may be addressed to

Alma.Ellis@usm.edu

OR

Jerry.Alliston@usm.edu

_______________________________________________

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[Familyhealthnotes] Family Health Notes - August 2013

Institute for Disability Studies

Family Health Notes

 

August 2013

 

Inside this issue:

 

1) Statewide Community Forums – Aug. 20, Brandon; Aug. 22, Gulfport; Aug. 28, Oxford

2) Healthy Lunchtime Recipes

3) Free Updated Disability Law Handbook Available

4) The Practical Guide for People with Disabilities Who Want to Go to College

1) Statewide Community Forums – Aug. 20, Brandon; Aug. 22, Gulfport; Aug. 28, Oxford

 

The Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities, Disability Rights Mississippi and the University of Southern Mississippi’s Institute for Disability Studies, Mississippi’s Developmental Disabilities Network partners, will host their annual statewide community forums in August as an opportunity for the public to share information with the three agencies. Each meeting will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. The free town hall type meetings will be held on the following dates in Brandon, Gulfport and Oxford at these locations:

 

·        August 20 – Brandon, Region 8 Mental Health Mental Health Center, 613 Marquette Road

·        August 22 – Gulfport, Knight Non-Profit Center Banquet Room, 11975 Seaway Road

·        August 28 – Oxford, Oxford Conference Center Auditorium, 192 Ed Perry Boulevard

 

For more information, call Shirley Walker at Disability Rights Mississippi at 601.968.0600.

 

2) Healthy Lunchtime Recipes

 

Looking for a new lunch ides? Try one of the 54 winning recipes from the second annual Healthy Lunchtime Challenge sponsored by Epicurious magazine with help from First Lady Michelle Obama, the U.S. Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. More than 1,300 recipes created by children age 8 to 12 were submitted, with one winner selected from each state and territory plus Washington, D. C. The winning recipes, including an introduction by each winner on what inspired the recipe, can be downloaded in a free booklet by visiting http://www.letsmove.gov/sites/letsmove.gov/files/TheEpicuriousHealthyLunchtimeChallengeCookbook2013.pdf.

 

3) Free Updated Disability Law Handbook Available

 

If you’re looking for specific information on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other disability related laws, an updated version of the ADA National Disability Law Handbook is now available. The free 110-page handbook, published by the Southwest ADA Center on behalf of the National Network of ADA Center, is written in a practical question and answer format, providing answers to common questions about the ADA, the ADA Amendments Act, the Rehabilitation Act, Social Security, the Air Carrier Access Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, and the Fair Housing Act Amendments. For a copy of the handbook, visit https://adata.org/lawhandbook?utm_source=ADA+Handbook+Updated+Available&utm_campaign=DLH&utm_medium=email.

 

4) The Practical Guide for People with Disabilities Who Want to Go to College

 

The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Participation and Community Living of Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities has recently released The Practical Guide for People with Disabilities Who Want to Go to College. The guide advises prospective students on selecting a school, locating supports while at school, managing a disability, and life after college. Other resources such as grant and scholarship information, skills and job assessments, and self-advocacy supports are also included. To download a copy of the guide which is funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, visit http://tucollaborative.org/pdfs/education/College_Guide.pdf.    

 

 

***PLEASE NOTE: If you are unable to access any of the links in Family Health Notes, please make sure the entire link is highlighted.  If a link is not highlighted, please copy and paste the entire link into your Web browser.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Family Health Notes~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Family Health Notes is sponsored by the Institute for Disability Studies (IDS), Mississippi’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at The University of Southern Mississippi. IDS provides university training, community service activities, research and information that promote the independence, productivity, and community inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families. For more information about IDS, visit www.usm/edu/ids or call 1.888.671.0051 (TTY). To make a tax-deductible gift to IDS, visit www.usm.edu/ids/supportus.html.

 

The Family-to-Family Health Information and Education Center (F2F) is a family-focused, family managed resource center that empowers families of Mississippi children with special health care needs to be partners in the decisions made concerning the health of their children. F2F is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (GR#H84MC07948).

 

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TO SUBSCRIBE

 

If this mailing was forwarded to you and you are not already subscribed to Family Health Notes, here’s how you can become a subscriber:

 

Sign up online at https://mailman.usm.edu/mailman/listinfo/familyhealthnotes

 

TO UNSUBSCRIBE

 

Unsubscribe online at https://mailman.usm.edu/mailman/listinfo/familyhealthnotes and login with your email address and your password. If you do not have a password (they are emailed to members at the beginning of every month), contact one of the administrators listed below.

 

****************************************

 

Please visit the IDS Calendar of Events at http://www.usm.edu/ids/calevents/.

 

Questions may be addressed to

Alma.Ellis@usm.edu

OR

Jerry.Alliston@usm.edu

_______________________________________________

Family Health Notes mailing list

familyhealthnotes@usm.edu

https://mailman.usm.edu/mailman/listinfo/familyhealthnotes

 

[Familyhealthnotes] IDS Web Site Survey

Institute for Disability Studies

Family Health Notes

 

July 23, 2013

 

 

Please assist the Institute for Disability Studies (IDS) in providing valuable information for individuals with disabilities, their families and service providers by taking a short survey of the IDS web site before Friday, July 26:  the 2-second survey found on the front page of the IDS web site.

 

 

 

***PLEASE NOTE: If you are unable to access any of the links in Family Health Notes, please make sure the entire link is highlighted.  If a link is not highlighted, please copy and paste the entire link into your Web browser.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Family Health Notes~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Family Health Notes is sponsored by the Institute for Disability Studies (IDS), Mississippi’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at The University of Southern Mississippi. IDS provides university training, community service activities, research and information that promote the independence, productivity, and community inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families. For more information about IDS, visit www.usm/edu/ids or call 1.888.671.0051 (TTY). To make a tax-deductible gift to IDS, visit www.usm.edu/ids/supportus.html.

 

The Family-to-Family Health Information and Education Center (F2F) is a family-focused, family managed resource center that empowers families of Mississippi children with special health care needs to be partners in the decisions made concerning the health of their children. F2F is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (GR#H84MC07948).

 

The Mississippi Integrated Community Systems (MICS) for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs project is working to create a seamless system of family-centered, community-based, culturally competent services and supports for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). MICS is funded by the Maternal and Child Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (GR#D70MC12841).

 

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TO SUBSCRIBE

 

If this mailing was forwarded to you and you are not already subscribed to Family Health Notes, here’s how you can become a subscriber:

 

Sign up online at https://mailman.usm.edu/mailman/listinfo/familyhealthnotes

 

TO UNSUBSCRIBE

 

Unsubscribe online at https://mailman.usm.edu/mailman/listinfo/familyhealthnotes and login with your email address and your password. If you do not have a password (they are emailed to members at the beginning of every month), contact one of the administrators listed below.

 

****************************************

 

Please visit the IDS Calendar of Events at http://www.usm.edu/ids/calevents/.

 

Questions may be addressed to

Alma.Ellis@usm.edu

OR

Jerry.Alliston@usm.edu

_______________________________________________

Family Health Notes mailing list

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https://mailman.usm.edu/mailman/listinfo/familyhealthnotes

 

[Familyhealthnotes] Family Health Notes - July 2013

Institute for Disability Studies

Family Health Notes

 

July 2013

 

Inside this issue:

 

1) Mississippi Partnerships for Employment Awareness Sessions – July 9, 16, 23

2) Journey Skyward – July 20, Jackson

3) Webinar: Health Insurance Marketplace 101 Training – July 9-31

4) Health Insurance Marketplace Educational Tools

5) Free National Park Passes Available for People with Disabilities

1) Mississippi Partnerships for Employment Awareness Sessions – July 9, 16, 23

 

Employment First is a philosophy that having employment in the community should be the expected goal for working-age adults with developmental disabilities. This goal should be the first priority of agencies providing employment services for adults with developmental disabilities. The Mississippi Partnerships for Employment (MSPE) for Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities project is holding awareness sessions across the state during July to review MSPE activities and provide information about Employment First.

 

Awareness sessions will be held in the following locations:

·        Greenville - July 9 - William Alexander Percy Memorial Library, 341 Main Street - 5:30–6:30 p.m., 

·        Long Beach - July 16 -  Technology Learning Center on The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Park campus, 730 East Beach Boulevard – 5:30-6:30 p.m., and

·        Starkville - July 23 - Greater Starkville Development Partnership offices, 203 East Main Street – 5:30-6:30 p.m.

 

For more information about the awareness sessions and Employment First, email Dr. Jerry R. Alliston at jerry.alliston@usm.edu.

 

2) Journey Skyward – July 20, Jackson

 

Is there a better way to celebrate the 23^rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act than soaring? Join The Arc of Mississippi and LIFE on Mississippi as they team up with Push America’s Journey of Hope and the John Bell Williams Airport once again to take flight. Welcome the Journey cyclist and then take to the skies in a small plane. The event will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Sign up to save your personal spot in the wild blue yonder by calling Matt Nalker at The Arc of Mississippi at 601.982.1180 or Christy Dunaway at LIFE at 601.969.4009. Download the flyer by visiting http://lifeofms.org/images/user_files/files/Journey_Skyward_Flyer_2013.pdf.

 

3) Webinar: Health Insurance Marketplace 101 Training – July 9-31

 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is hosting webinars about the Health Insurance Marketplaces which will open for enrollment on Oct. 1. Webinar participants can hear an overview of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), learn about eligibility for Marketplace coverage and learn how to enroll. Register for the webinars early. Although there is a 500-person limit, some sessions are at capacity. To see the dates available and register, visit http://marketplace.cms.gov/NewsEvents/Webinars/Spring-Summer-2013-Health-Insurance-Marketplace-Training-Schedule.pdf. 

 

4)  Health Insurance Marketplace Educational Tools

 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has redesigned the HealthCare.gov website. Individuals, families, and small businesses can use this consumer-friendly site to learn about health coverage options and the Health Insurance Marketplaces. There are links to the state-based Marketplaces, and you can sign up to receive news and additional updates. The site is available in English and Spanish and includes a live chat feature. In addition, the Health Insurance Marketplace call center at 1-800-318-2596 will provide information in more than 150 languages. Callers with hearing impairments can dial 1-855-889-4325 for assistance. Start by visiting the HealthCare website at https://www.healthcare.gov/.

5) Free National Park Passes Available for People with Disabilities

 

Ready for vacation? National parks and recreation sites are popular summer destinations. U.S. residents with disabilities can receive a free “Access Pass” that offers lifetime admission for the passholder and three other adults. To receive the pass, individuals with disabilities are asked to present official documentation of disability status to the National Parks Service, either in person or by mail. A physician’s statement or a document issued by a state or federal agency (e.g. Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Disability Income, Supplemental Security Income) is acceptable. Learn more about the Access Pass program and locate recreation sites by visiting http://www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm.

 

 

***PLEASE NOTE: If you are unable to access any of the links in Family Health Notes, please make sure the entire link is highlighted.  If a link is not highlighted, please copy and paste the entire link into your Web browser.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Family Health Notes~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Family Health Notes is sponsored by the Institute for Disability Studies (IDS), Mississippi’s University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) at The University of Southern Mississippi. IDS provides university training, community service activities, research and information that promote the independence, productivity, and community inclusion of individuals with disabilities and their families. For more information about IDS, visit www.usm/edu/ids or call 1.888.671.0051 (TTY). To make a tax-deductible gift to IDS, visit www.usm.edu/ids/supportus.html.

 

The Family-to-Family Health Information and Education Center (F2F) is a family-focused, family managed resource center that empowers families of Mississippi children with special health care needs to be partners in the decisions made concerning the health of their children. F2F is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (GR#H84MC07948).

 

The Mississippi Integrated Community Systems (MICS) for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs project is working to create a seamless system of family-centered, community-based, culturally competent services and supports for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). MICS is funded by the Maternal and Child Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (GR#D70MC12841).

 

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TO SUBSCRIBE

 

If this mailing was forwarded to you and you are not already subscribed to Family Health Notes, here’s how you can become a subscriber:

 

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TO UNSUBSCRIBE

 

Unsubscribe online at https://mailman.usm.edu/mailman/listinfo/familyhealthnotes and login with your email address and your password. If you do not have a password (they are emailed to members at the beginning of every month), contact one of the administrators listed below.

 

****************************************

 

Please visit the IDS Calendar of Events at http://www.usm.edu/ids/calevents/.

 

Questions may be addressed to

Alma.Ellis@usm.edu

OR

Jerry.Alliston@usm.edu

_______________________________________________

Family Health Notes mailing list

familyhealthnotes@usm.edu

https://mailman.usm.edu/mailman/listinfo/familyhealthnotes