5) Empowering Communities for a Healthy Mississippi Conference – May 21-24, Jackson

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[Familyhealthnotes] Family Health Notes - March 2013

Institute for Disability Studies

Family Health Notes

March 2013

Institute for Disability Studies

Family Health Notes

March 2013

Inside this issue:

1) March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

2) Tips for Families Series

3) DREDF Releases New Healthcare Stories

4) New Transition Website Debuts

5) Traveling with Special Needs Children

6) TravelChair Makes Airline Flight Easier for Children with Disabilities

1) March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

In 1987, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Since that time, many chapters of The Arc as well as state and local governments annually encourage citizens to think about their family members and neighbors with developmental disabilities in March and recognize and protect their rights as individuals. For more information on National Disability Awareness Month, visit the The Arc of San Diego http://www.arc-sd.com/nationaldisabilityawarenessmonth.

2) Tips for Families Series

The Office of Head Start, National Center on Health has published a new series of tip sheets, Tips for Families Series (February 2013), which provide important information to families about how to strengthen the health and wellness of young children. These fact sheets serve as tools to help Head Start health managers provide important information to families about National Center on Health priorities. Some of the topics addressed include: active play, health literacy, healthy breathing, healthy eating, mental health, oral health, safety and injury prevention. To download tip sheets, visit http://1.usa.gov/VNqTWM.

3) DREDF Releases New Healthcare Stories

Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) announced the release of new Healthcare Stories that illustrate the obstacles and barriers that stand in the way of getting appropriate, effective healthcare for many people with developmental disabilities. These short video stories feature people with developmental disabilities and their families and an heroic primary healthcare provider who has defined the field of developmental medicine. To read stories and view videos, visit http://www.dredf.org/healthcare-stories/.

4) New Transition Website Debuts

The OSERS Transition Steering Committee, comprised of representatives from all three program offices of OSERS, launched a new webpage for the Year of College and Career for Youth with Disabilities Initiative (YCC). This transition-oriented webpage features news and resources for youth with disabilities, their families, and the educators and employment professionals who support them. For more information, visit http://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/ycc/index.html.

5) Traveling with Special Needs Children

Spring break is just around the corner, and families will begin making travel plans and trips that will continue through the summer. Helpful tips for traveling with children can be found on online on websites and blogs. The following links address general travel families, grandparents traveling with special needs grandchildren, and airplane travel: http://momaboard.com/general-travel-tips/special-consideration/five-tips-for-traveling-with-special-needs-kids/, http://www.grandparents.com/food-and-leisure/travel/grandchildren-special-needs-travel-tips, and http://www.disabled-world.com/travel/airlines/flying-with-children.php.

6) TravelChair Makes Airline Flight Easier for Children with Disabilities

MERU, a UK-based charity that designs and manufactures specialized equipment for children and young people with disabilities, has launched a new and improved TravelChair for aircraft. The TravelChair offers various adjustable features to ensure that children with disabilities between the ages of 3 to 11 years (depending on weight and height) are supported and comfortable, even on long-haul flights. For more information, visit http://blog.apex.aero/inflight-services-2/travel-chair-disabled-children-gains-traction-airline-industry/.

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[Familyhealthnotes] Family Health Notes - February 2013

Institute for Disability Studies

Family Health Notes

February 2013

Inside this issue:

1) Beyond Bullying

2) New Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Fact Sheets

3) Free 12-Session NAMI Course for Family, Friends and Caretakers of Adults with Mental Illness – Feb. 18-Mar. 28, Vicksburg, and Mar. 19-Apr. 25, Jackson

4) Rockin’ and Rollin’ The Coast 2012-2013 – Biloxi, Mar. 8-10

5) Empowering Communities for a Healthy Mississippi Conference – May 21-24, Jackson

6) The Governor’s Initiative for Volunteer Excellence (GIVE) Awards

1) Beyond Bullying

Tom Dahlborg, vice president for strategy and a project director at the National Initiative for Children’s Healthcare Quality (NICHQ), shares a message prompted by a study for the Rudd Center of Food Policy and Obesity at Yale. Their study showed that 64% of the children surveyed reported getting bullied at school about their weight, with the risk of bullying increasing relative to the child’s body weight. Children are most often bullied by their peers, sometimes even their friends, but adults such as family members and teachers can be bullies, too. To view this message that contains links to the study mentioned, visit http://www.nichq.org/who_we_are/Leadership_Messages/January_2013.html.

2) New Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Fact Sheets

The updated versions of the CHIP fact sheets are available on the National Academy for State Health Policy Web site. The fact sheets describe each state's CHIP program in 2011, including eligibility and enrollment, cost sharing, and service delivery system. Information included in the fact sheets came from a variety of sources, including state reported data. The David and Lucile Packard Foundation supported the development and production of the fact sheets. To view Mississippi’s fact sheet, visit http://www.nashp.org/content/mississippi-chip-fact-sheet

3) Free 12-Session NAMI MS Course for Family, Friends and Caretakers of Adults with Mental Illness – Feb. 18-Mar. 28, Vicksburg, and Mar. 19-Apr. 25, Jackson

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Mississippi is offering a free 12-session course covering all the major mental illnesses to help family members understand and support their ill relatives while maintaining their own well-being. Topics include symptom, treatments, strategies for handling crisis and relapses, coping skills and problem solving. Classes will be held in Vicksburg on Mondays and Thursdays for six weeks at Warren-Yazoo Mental Health Services at 3444 Wisconsin Avenue from 6 to 8:30 p.m. beginning on Feb. 18 and on Tuesdays and Thursdays for six weeks in Jackson at NAMI MS at 411 Briarwood Drive, Suite 401 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. beginning on Mar. 19. For more information or to register, call NAMI at 601.899.9058 or 1.800.357.0388.

4) Rockin’ and Rollin’ The Coast 2012-2013 – Biloxi, Mar. 8-10

Rockin’ and Rollin’ The Coast, the National Wheelchair Association’s Gulf Coast Conference Division III Championship tournament, will begin play on Fri., Mar. 8, at the Kroc Center at 575 Division Street in Biloxi. The tournament will run through Sun., Mar. 10. Gulf Coast hotels are offering special room rates. For more information about the tournament, call Ashley-Nicole Flowers at the Institute for Disability Studies’ Technology Learning Center on the Southern Miss Gulf Coast campus at 228.214.3400 or visit http://www.usm.edu/gulfcoast/technology-learning-center/nwba-gulf-coast-conference-championship-division-iii.

5) Empowering Communities for a Healthy Mississippi Conference – May 21-24, Jackson

The sixth annual Empowering Communities for a Healthy Mississippi Conference has been scheduled for May 21-24 at the Jackson Marriott at 200 Amite Street. This conference strives to empower attendees with knowledge, reources and the tools to engage people where they live, learn, work and play to embrace healthy lifestyles for themselves and those they care about. Continuing education opportunities will be available in multiple disciplines. To connect with the Mississippi State Department of Health’s Empowering Communities Conference visit their facebook page at www.facebook.com/empoweringcommunitiesconference.

6) The Governor’s Initiative for Volunteer Excellence (GIVE) Awards

The GIVE Awards celebrate the work of Mississippi’s dedicated community volunteers. Presented by Volunteer Mississippi in cooperation with the Governor’s Office, the awards rcognize and honor the valuable contributions of extraordinary citizens. Individuals and groups can be considered for nomination, and there is a category for people with disabilities. Nominations are now being accepted and can be emailed, faxed, mailed or hand delivered. The deadline is Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. For nomination guidelines and to download a nomination form, visit http://volunteermississippi.org/2013/01/honor/.

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[Familyhealthnotes] Family Health Notes - Special Edition - MS disAbility MegaConference Call for Presentation Proposals

Call for Proposals Is Now Open!

Take part in the 2013 Mississippi disAbility MegaConference by submitting a presentation proposal to one of the most diverse gatherings in the state. Be a part of change in Mississippi and

participate in discussions that stimulate and invigorate the mind, body and soul. With more than 500 people expected in 2013, the MegaConference has the advantage of harnessing the brilliance of people who are the community builders of today and the trendsetters of tomorrow. This conference embraces the ideal that people with disabilities and their families can and should seek knowledge, hope, choice and fulfillment to live their best life.

The MegaConference welcomes presenters from diverse perspectives including individuals representing all disability areas. We seek speakers who can share the experiences of family members and supporters across all disability areas, stories of individuals that provide powerful lessons, examples of best practice in program and service provision, and action plans that meet human and social needs.

Topic Areas

The Mississippi disAbility MegaConference is soliciting presentations on all topics important to people with disabilities and their families. This year’s conference has a particular focus on health and employment for Mississippians with disabilities. Information for and about veterans is also welcome. We always encourage proposals from presenters with disabilities and their families. If you would like to submit a proposal or need additional information, please contact Alma Ellis at 601.432.6975 or aellis@ihl.state.ms.us. Presenters must be available to present on June 20 or 21, 2013. The Program Committee reserves the right to schedule your one-hour presentation at any time on those two conference days. Presentations must be submitted before March 1, 2013. Presenters will be notified of their selection and the date and time of their presentation on Mar. 31, 2013. PowerPoint presentations, handouts or other materials must be submitted to the committee by Apr. 30, 2013.

Conference Dates - June 20-21, 2013

Conference Location - Marriott Jackson, 200 East Amite Street, Jackson, Miss.

For more information and registration for the 2013 Mississippi disAbility MegaConference, the special events, and workshops go to http://drms.ms/mega.

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[Familyhealthnotes] Family Health Notes - January 2013

Institute for Disability Studies

Family Health Notes

January 2013

Inside this issue:

1) Sonbeams Night Out – Jan. 11, Ridgeland

2) Statewide Parent/Professional Advisory Committee Meeting – Jan. 24, Jackson

3) KidsWell Provides Timely Health Care Reform News

4) Ensuring Meaningful, Affordable Health Coverage

5) Public Insurance Programs and Children with Special Health Care Needs

1) Sonbeams Night Out – Jan. 11, Ridgeland

Sonbeams Night Out, a ministry of the Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church of Ridgeland, provides respite care for parents of special needs children as well as their siblings. It’s also a fun night out for adults with special needs. The next Sonbeams Night Out will be a tropical luau on Fri., Jan. 11, from 6:30 until 9 p.m. at the church at 750 South Pear Orchard Road in Ridgeland. To reserve a spot, RSVP by Mon., Jan. 7, to Martie Kwasny at 601.919.8605.

2) Statewide Parent/Professional Advisory Committee Meeting – Jan. 24, Jackson

The Statewide Parent/Professional Advisory Committee (SPAC) of the Children’s Medical Program at the Mississippi Department of Health will meet on Jan. 24. The meeting is from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Resource Library in suite 480 at the Jackson Medical Mall at 350 Woodrow Wilson Ave. in Jackson. The SPAC, which meets quarterly each year, also serves as the Parent Advisory Council for the Family to Family (F2F) Health Information and Education Center program. For more information, call Jackie Washington at 1.888.33.1718.

3) KidsWell Provides Timely Health Care Reform News

KidsWell is a national advocacy campaign focused on successful health care reform implementation on behalf of children. KidsWell provides timely, easy-to-understand health care reform news and analysis to ensure that children’s advocates, stakeholders, policymakers, and the general public have the tools they need to (1) understand health care reform and how it will impact states and children; (2) help families and children get coverage; and (3) build a lasting child advocacy infrastructure for children’s health. In addition to providing timely health care reform information, KidsWell coordinates over 30 children’s advocacy organizations who are working to increase health insurance coverage for the nation’s children and families. By helping advocacy organizations work together, and by using this website as a health reform information hub, KidsWell is building a lasting legacy of healthy children. At the KidsWell website, viewers can

· Track health reform by state or topic using the health reform hub

· View national comparison maps that show how states match up on health care reform implementation

· Access weekly newsletters that summarize health reform news highlights in all 50 states

· Get resources developed by KidsWell’s partners

· Get children's health and data and health care reform facts in each state

· Join the KidsWell community on Facebook and Twitter to get daily #KidsFacts and children's health information

For additional information, visit http://www.kidswellcampaign.org/.

4) Ensuring Meaningful, Affordable Health Coverage

The health care law, the Affordable Care Act, contains a number of provisions that ensure that Americans have access to quality, affordable health insurance. On Nov. 20, 2012, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a proposed rule that helps consumers shop for and compare non-grandfathered private health insurance options in the individual and small group markets by promoting consistency across plans, and protecting consumers by ensuring that plans cover a core package of items and services. Specifically, this rule outlines health insurance issuer standards related to the coverage of essential health benefits (EHB) and the determination of actuarial value (AV), while providing significant flexibility to states to shape how EHB are defined. Additionally, the rule proposes a timeline for when issuers offering coverage in a Federally-facilitated Exchange or State Partnership Exchange must become accredited. The rule also proposes an application process for accrediting entities seeking to be recognized to fulfill the accreditation requirements for issuers offering coverage in any Exchange. For more information, visit http://www.healthcare.gov/news/factsheets/2012/11/ehb11202012a.html.

5) Public Insurance Programs and Children with Special Health Care Needs

“A Tutorial on the Basics of Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)” gives a broad overview of Medicaid and CHIP, the many different populations these programs serve, the changes they are undergoing under health reform, and some detail to help readers think about opportunities to improve access to coverage for CSHCN through communication and collaboration with Medicaid and CHIP staff. The tutorial starts with an overview of how definitions of CSHCN may vary by agency or program, followed by eight major topic areas and then recommendations for steps Title V programs can take to build successful partnerships with public insurance programs. For more information, visit http://www.hdwg.org/catalyst/medicaid-tutorial.

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[Familyhealthnotes] Family Health Notes - December 2012

Institute for Disability Studies

Family Health Notes

December 3, 2012

Inside this issue:

1) That’s a Good Question – Family Voices Test Survey

2) Serve on the Board of Family Voices of Mississippi – Dec. 14, 10 a.m., Jackson

3) Transportation Needs Assessment

4) MSPTI Webinar - Journey to Independence: Understanding Transition – Dec. 12, 10 a.m.

5) CDC on Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Assistance for People with Disabilities

1) That’s a Good Question – Family Voices Test Survey

When families and health care providers work together, you have family-centered care. The national Family Voices organization is testing a survey for use in measuring whether families are getting the key elements of family-centered care. Parents and caregivers of children and youth with special health care needs can complete the test survey to help Family Voices know which questions are the best to include in the final version. The survey will take 15-20 minutes to complete and asks questions about you and your child, but nothing that will identify you. To take the Family-Centered Care Survey, visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FCCA-F-1a.

2) Serve on the Board of Family Voices of Mississippi – Dec. 14, 10 a.m., Jackson

One of the founding purposes of the Family Voices organization was to assist veteran parents in helping other families who are also raising children with special health care needs. Mississippi’s newly organized Family Voices state affiliate organization, Family Voices of Mississippi, is recruiting board members from several areas of the state. Family Voices of Mississippi needs parent representation from the northwest (Delta) and southwest (Pike, Amite, and Walthall) areas of the Mississippi. The Family Voices board will meet on Fri., Dec. 14, at 10 a.m. in the third floor conference room of the IHL Building at the Mississippi Education and Research Center at 3825 Ridgewood Road in Jackson. For more information, call Cookie Smith at 1-888-671-0051.

3) Transportation Needs Assessment

To fully understand and help address the transportation needs of people with disabilities, the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services is partnering with the Mississippi Transportation Coalition to conduct a transportation survey. The survey will be available from Nov. 1, through Dec. 31, via a link on Rehabilitation Services website. Numerous surveys can be completed from one computer, however, please complete only one survey per individual. To take the survey, visit Rehabilitation Service’s website http://www.mdrs.state.ms.us/default.asp and click on the link for the survey.

4) MSPTI Webinar - Journey to Independence: Understanding Transition – Dec. 12, 10 a.m.

The MSPTI webinar Journey to Independence: Understanding Transition and Self-Advocacy will be presented by Cindy Singletary, independent living specialist for LIFE of MS on the Gulf Coast on Wed., Dec. 12, at 10 a.m. Cindy will lead attendees through the common transitions of youth with disabilities and discuss preparing and possible resources for the different stages. To register, go to https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/275525778.

5) CDC on Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Assistance for People with Disabilities

Hurricane Sandy was yet another reminder that people with disabilities need to plan ahead. Federal agencies have recognized that people with disabilities must take additional precautions to be ready for expected and unexpected winter weather events. CDC has information on emergency preparedness and disaster assistance for people with disabilities. For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/emergencypreparedness.html.

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