Potential Budget Cuts Coming! Act Now! March 9, 2010
Posted by azautism in News.add a comment
With potential budget cuts coming to the Department of Economic Security (DES), which includes the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), you can let your legislators know now how your family could be impacted by their budgetary decisions.
What Can I Do?
Call or email your legislators and share your personal stories with them. If you need assistance finding you legislators, visit www.azleg.gov. Always remember to be polite and respectful when speaking. You are a constituent and your voice should be heard, but these are difficult economic times that are affecting us all. Click here to learn more about how to be an effective advocate and engage appropriately with your legislators.
House Appropriations Committee Contact Information
Chairman John Kavanagh, jkavanagh@azleg.gov
Andy Biggs, abiggs, abiggs@azleg.gov
Steve Court, scourt@azleg.gov
Rich Crandall, rcrandall@azleg.gov
Russ Jones, rjones@azleg.gov
Nancy McLain, nmclain@azleg.gov
Rick Murphy, rmurphy@azleg.gov
Vic Williams, vwilliams@azleg.gov
Olivia Cajero Bedford, ocajerobedford@azleg.gov
Cloves Campbel, Jr., clcampbell@azleg.gov
Matt Heinz, mheinz@azleg.gov
David Schapira, dschapira@azleg.gov
Kyrsten Sinema, ksinema@azleg.gov
Talking Points
Here are some talking points provided by Raising Special Kids:
• I am an Arizona citizen — and constituent from your district.
• I want you to protect critical health and human services for children, families and vulnerable adults from any further cuts. (Please add your special cause like described above, mental health, services for homeless, child care, anti domestic violence services, child protection, elder care, services for people with disabilities, etc)
• There are alternatives — 30 states have raised revenues. (Like eliminating tax exemptions and raising user fees)
• The Legislature should vote immediately to raise revenues (eliminate tax exemptions expand the tax base).
• Do not cut taxes and dig the revenue hole deeper. The state cannot afford tax cuts at this time with its large deficits approaching $3.5 billion dollars.
• Protect all of Arizona, but stand up for the most vulnerable particularly.
• Please tell me how you plan to vote and how you will protect vital services for children, families and vulnerable adults and health and human services.
Celebrate the Launch of Our New Website! March 2, 2010
Posted by azautism in Meetings.add a comment
Join us and get to know other Coalition members!
DATE: March 17, 2010
TIME: 6:30 PM
LOCATION: Disability Empowerment Center, 5025 E. Washington Street, Phoenix
MORE: Refreshments will be served
RSVP to Jessica Lewis no later than March 15th!
Join the Arizona Autism Coalition today! Our new and improved website is almost ready to be revealed!
Share Your Voice for the Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (DDPC) 5-Year Plan February 25, 2010
Posted by azautism in Surveys.add a comment
The DDPC was established in September as the successor to the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities which was disbanded in July. The purpose of the Council is to engage in advocacy, capacity building and systemic change activities for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
The Council’s webpage explains: “A primary activity of the Council is to develop a five-year State Plan. After conducting comprehensive research and analysis on issues that affect persons with developmental disabilities, the State Plan summarizes how services and programs (e.g. employment, health, housing, recreation, child-care, etc.) should be structured within the State of Arizona.”
You can share your opinions in this process by participating in the Public Comment Survey. Please do not delay–the survey will close after April 8.
Find a link to the survey on the DDPC’s webpage:
http://azgovernor.gov/DDPC/index.asp
Umbrella NPO First annual Race for Higher Education February 22, 2010
Posted by azautism in Events.add a comment
Umbrella NPO will be having a 5K on April 18th 7am at Kiwanis Park in Tempe AZ, Umbrella NPO provides full ride Higher education scholarships to students with Asperger’s or autism. Participants and sponsors can sign up online www.umbrellanpo.com $17 for adults and $7 for children. If you have any questions you can email info@umbrellanpo.com.
Join YOUR Phoenix Suns For a Fun, Family Night Out! February 10, 2010
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Proceeds benefit the Arizona Autism Coalition.
Game Date: March 6, 2010, vs. Indiana Pacers
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: US Airways Center, 201 East Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004
**Multiple ticket options ranging from $53-$90 depending on seat location**
EMAIL COALITION COORDINATOR, JESSICA LEWIS AT JESSICA@AZAUTISM.ORG TO RESERVE YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
Gateway Academy Is Spending an Evening with the Phoenix Suns February 8, 2010
Posted by azautism in Fundraiser.add a comment
When: 4/11/2010 vs. Houston Rockets
Where: US Airways Center
Time: 4:00pm (Meet @ the east entrance)
Cost: $40.00 per ticket (52.00 regularly)
Package Includes:
- Discounted tickets to a Suns Game, Section 217 rows 1-8
- Entry for the whole group to watch player warm-ups from the lower level
- Group Photo
- Suns premium item for each member in the group
- Group welcome on the Jumbo-tron
Please make checks payable to Gateway Academy (Deadline for tickets is March 5th)
7655 E. Gelding Drive Suite A-3,
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone- 480-998-1071
Please contact Geoffrey.rubin@gmail.com or 480-998-1071 with any questions
Autism Society of Greater Phoenix, Three Session Advocacy Workshop February 8, 2010
Posted by azautism in Training.2 comments
February 20, 2010 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Check-in from 8-8:30 a.m.)
Scottsdale Bible Church
7601 E Shea Boulevard, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
This workshop features Steve Kosser, John Dacey, & Holly Reycraft who will speak on:
1. Learn how successful therapies for DDD children in Arizona can be available at no cost to parents (regardless of family income) to help reduce or eliminate symptoms and challenging behaviors.
2. Learn how to navigate the ALTCS health care maze, including what to do if you are facing the appeals process for a denial, reduction or termination.
3. Hear the laws, policies, and procdeures of Special Education and learn basic advocacy techniques to address the most common problems that occur at each stage of the Special Education process.
* This is a rare opportunity to hear from an EPSDT expert, lawyer, and educational advocate all on the same day!
* Join with other parents in learning how to effectively advocate for their children in the schools, at home, and with medical services.
Early Bird Registration ends on February 10, so register today! REGISTER NOW!
Early Bird Registration: Registered and paid by February 10th, 2010
Only $30 for Members; $50 for non-members
Regular Registration after February 10th: $50 for members; $75 for non-members
Visit www.phxautism.org for more information or to REGISTER
Questions? Contact Cynthia at (480) 940-1093 or by email: cynthia
ACCEL 2010 Charity Golf Tournament and Mardi Gras Gala February 4, 2010
Posted by azautism in Events.add a comment
Click here to view details about this exciting event taking place March 25-26, 2010 at the McCormick Ranch Golf Club.
11th Annual Greater Phoenix Autism/Asperger’s Conference February 3, 2010
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Join the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix March 26-27, 2010 at the Phoenix Convention Center for their annual Autism/Asperger’s Conference. Click here to learn more information about topics of discussion and registration.
Family Cost Participation for Early Intervention Services February 1, 2010
Posted by azautism in News.1 comment so far
Effective March 1, 2010 the Division will implement a family cost participation program for early intervention services. The Department of Economic Security Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) is authorized by Federal law (20 U.S.C. §1432(4) (B); 34 C.F.R. §§303.520 and -.521) and Arizona law (ARS 36-562(G)) to require parents/responsible parties to pay for a percentage of their child’s services. Children who are Arizona Long-Term Care System (ALTCS) eligible are excluded from this program. The amount a family may have to pay will be based on adjusted gross income over 200% of the Federal poverty level, family size and the costs paid by the State for the services their child receives.
If you have questions, please contact (602) 364-1379 or email your question and phone number to DDDHotline@azdes.gov.
