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[Familyhealthnotes] Family Health Notes - February 2014

Institute for Disability Studies

Family Health Notes

February 2014

Inside this issue:

1) Disability Awareness Day at the Capitol – Feb. 13, Jackson

2) 2014 Building Partnerships. . . Working Together Conference – Feb. 13-14, Jackson

3) Masterpiece Ministry – Feb. 14, Jackson

4) Confusion About Purchase of Private Insurance When Children Are on Medicaid

5) Video - Early Childhood Intervention: The Power of Family

6) Save the Date, Mississippi disAbility MegaConference – June 12-13, Jackson

_______________________________________________________________

1) Disability Awareness Day at the Capitol – Feb. 13, Jackson

Disability Awareness Legislative Day at the State Capitol gives people with disabilities, families and advocates a chance to talk with decision makers. Last year 24 organizations participated in the event which is hosted annually by the Mississippi Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities. To register, call 1.800.721.7255 no later than Feb. 7. Join the group for a Legislative breakfast or a lunch and learn. Plan to visit your state legislators.

2) 2014 Building Partnerships. . . Working Together Conference – Feb. 13-14, Jackson

The 2014 Building Partnerships. . . Working Together Conference for professionals and parents will be held at the Jackson Convention Complex on Feb. 13-14, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sponsored by the Mississippi Department of Education Office of Special Education and the Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center (MSPTI), the conference will host 500 participants, including parents of students who receive special education services; elementary, middle and high school special education teachers; vocational rehabilitation personnel; principals; and superintendents from all the state’s school districts. For more information or to register, visit http://mspti.org/news.asp?id=9.

3) Masterpiece Ministry – Feb. 14, Jackson

Masterpiece Ministry, a ministry for children with disabilities, will be held Fri., Feb. 14, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Morrison Heights Baptist Church at 3000 Hampstead Boulevard in Clinton. Masterpiece Ministry is providing an evening of activities for special needs children while their parents enjoy a Valentine’s banquet. Both couples and single parents are invited along with their children with disabilities and their siblings. To register, email Kelley Beth Brashier at kbrashier@morrisonheights.org or call 662.523.0435. Please include the number of adults and children who will be attending. Registration deadline is Feb. 7, for families needing an interpreter. Deadline for all other families is Feb. 12.

4) Confusion About Purchase of Private Insurance When Children Are on Medicaid

Individuals with Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) are not eligible for subsidized coverage in the health insurance marketplaces. This includes children covered by the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), TRICARE (with full benefits), and most children covered under Medicaid, including those covered through TEFRA (Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982), home and community-based service waivers (also known as 1915 (c) waivers), and the Family Opportunity Act. Federal policy has not yet been finalized about individuals on Medicaid through a 1115 waiver or a "medically needy" option. For more information, see an article from the Catalyst Center at http://hdwg.org/catalyst/medicaid-and-marketplace or a page of frequently asked questions from the IRS at http://www.irs.gov/uac/Questions-and-Answers-on-the-Individual-Shared-Responsibility-Provision. An article from the Star Tribune newspaper in Minnesota states, however, that some families shopping for subsidized health insurance are told that their Medicaid-covered children cannot be covered under private plans purchased through an Exchange. View this article at http://www.startribune.com/nation/242066931.html?page=all&prepage=1&c=y#continue. While there has been confusion about this situation, federal policy is clear. Parents can purchase private insurance for those children, but they cannot receive subsidies for them. View this information at http://obamacarefacts.com/obamacare-subsidies.php.

5) Video - Early Childhood Intervention: The Power of Family

The Open Society Foundations has published a new video entitled Early Childhood Intervention: The Power of Family (December 2013). This 7:35 minute video features leaders in the field of early childhood development from around the world discussing the benefits of early childhood intervention and the key importance of families to the early intervention process - with input from AUCD network members. To view the video, visit http://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/multimedia/early-childhood-intervention-power-family.

6) Save the Date, Mississippi disAbility MegaConference – June 12-13, Jackson

Mark your calendars now for the Mississippi disAbility MegaConference. Each year, the conference brings together hundreds of individuals with disabilities, their families and friends as well as professionals to share knowledge and inspiration surrounding important topics such as employment, education and services. For more information, visit www.msmegaconference.org.

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[Familyhealthnotes] Family Health Notes - January 2014

Institute for Disability Studies

Family Health Notes

January 2014

Inside this issue:

1) Employment First in Mississippi - A Day at the Capitol – Jan. 14, Jackson

2) Health and Wellness Expo – Jan. 23, Jackson

3) EmployAbility Job Fair – Jan. 30, Jackson

4) Participating as a Parent Partner

5) 2014 Building Partnerships. . . Working Together Conference – Feb. 13-14, Jackson

6) Website Offers Developmental Resources for Families of Children with Disabilities

7) Early Intervention, IDEA Part C Services, and the Medical Home Collaboration

_______________________________________________________________

1) Employment First in Mississippi - A Day at the Capitol – Jan. 14, Jackson

Join the Mississippi Partnerships for Employment (MSPE) program for a day at the Capitol on Jan. 14. A press conference in support of Employment First in Mississippi will be held on the second floor of the Capitol at 10 a.m. An informational display will be set up downstairs in the first floor rotunda from noon until 5 p.m. Employment First is the concept that people with disabilities of working age should expect integrated employment in the workforce as a first option, and employers and service providers should encourage, provide and create rewarding employment. For more information about Employment First, the MSPE program, or the day at the Capitol, contact Dr. Jerry R. Alliston at jerry.alliston@usm.edu or visit http://www.mspeidd.org.

2) Health and Wellness Expo – Jan. 23, Jackson

The Jackson Medical Mall Foundation will present the Health and Wellness Expo “Healthy People Building Health Communities,” on Thursday, Jan. 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jackson Medical Mall. Free screenings will be held for blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, and vision. There will be fitness and nutrition demos, Affordable Care workshops, and children’s screenings. For more information, call 601.982.8467 or email infojmmf@jacksonmedicalmall.org. The Jackson Medical Mall is located at 350 West Woodrow Wilson Avenue in Jackson.

3) EmployAbility Job Fair – Jan. 30, Jackson

The Governor’s Job Fair Network and the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services will host a job fair to promote the hiring of Mississippians with disabilities on Jan. 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Sparkman Building at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum at 1150 Lakeland Drive in Jackson. For more information, visit http://www.jobfairs.ms.gov/Pages/home.aspx.

4) Participating as a Parent Partner

Want to find out what motivates parents to serve as medical home parent partners? Check out, Why I Participate by Parent Partner Ziva Mann. Family partners play a key role in National Initiative for Children’s Healthcare Quality’s (NICHQ) work on transforming practices into medical homes. Ziva Mann works with a team from Cambridge Pediatrics in Massachusetts. An advocate and mother of a child with hemophilia, she shares her story on the importance of a medical home and how partnering with healthcare professionals helped a practice achieve improvements. Read her story at http://www.nichq.org/stories/ParentStory-ZivaMann.html.

5) 2014 Building Partnerships. . . Working Together Conference – Feb. 13-14, Jackson

The 2014 Building Partnerships. . . Working Together Conference for professionals and parents will be held on Feb. 13-14, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Jackson Convention Complex. Sponsored by the Mississippi Department of Education Office of Special Education and the Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center (MSPTI), the conference will host 500 participants including parents of students who receive special education services, elementary, middle, and high school special education teachers, vocational rehabilitation personnel, principals, and superintendents from all the state’s school districts. For more information or to register, visit http://mspti.org/news.asp?id=9.

6) Website Offers Developmental Resources for Families of Children with Disabilities

Some young children need extra help to learn and grow. “Help Me Grow,” an interagency initiative of the state of Minnesota, provides resources for families to look at developmental milestones, learn if there are concerns, and take the lead in seeking additional support or in referring their child for a comprehensive, confidential screening or evaluation. While only Minnesota children ages birth to 5 can receive the state’s services, the information provided online by age is a helpful resource for parents. View the Help Me Grow guidelines at http://helpmegrowmn.org/.

7) Early Intervention, IDEA Part C Services, and the Medical Home Collaboration

The medical home and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part C Early Intervention Program share many common purposes for infants and children ages 0 to 3 years, not the least of which is a family-centered focus. Professionals in pediatric medical home practices see substantial numbers of infants and toddlers with developmental delays and/or complex chronic conditions. Economic, health, and family-focused data each underscore the critical role of timely referral for relationship-based, individualized, accessible early intervention services and the need for collaborative partnerships in care. For more information, visit this article in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/132/4/e1073.full.pdf+html.

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[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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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