Announcements

Every child can succeed with positive direction and care.  This a wonderful opportunity to help prepare our young adults  for their lives after high school.  Register Now!

For more details, please visit the website for the conference:  www.SpectrumTrainingSystemsInc.com/Conferences.html

Read below for the conference schedule.

Career Planning for Individuals
with Autism Spectrum Disorders
April 2-3, 2009

After several years of planning, Spectrum Training is delighted to announce that our two day Autism Career Planning conferences are now ready. After much dialogue with career planners, transition teachers, parents and other ASD concerned persons we planned these conferences to meet those specific, critical needs.
This high caliber career planning is the key to a successful future with positive long-term outcomes and is ESSENTIAL for:
* Career counselors, job developers/job coaches, rehab administrators, vocational coordinators
* Special education administrators, teachers, teacher assistants, case managers, therapists
* Students, parents, caregivers, young adults with ASD (16+)

Date and Location

April 2-3, 2009 Phoenix, AZ

Topic Schedule
Conference Schedule Day One:

Career Planning
A. Communication Skills in the Initial Interview
B. Interview Communication Graffiti Activity
C. Structuring the Interview Environment
D. Interview Structure Activity
E. Theory of Mind
F. Building the Career Portfolio
G. Career Portfolio Development Activity

Career Assessment
A. Creating the Evaluation Plan
B. Assessment Processes for Job Seekers With ASD
C. Skill/Interest Testing
D. Assessing Social/Communication Skills
E. Career Assessment Activity

Workplace Supports
A. Workplace Problems
B. Natural Support Development
C. Take Workplace Supports
D. Minnesota Work Adjustment Theory
E. Work Values Graffiti Activity

Conference Schedule Day Two:
Social Communication in the Workplace
A. Basic Self-Advocacy
B. Asking for Help Activity
C. Sins of the System Overview
D. Sins of the System Graffiti Activity
E. Courtesy Rule Card Activity
F. Social Skill Supports
G. Workplace Visuals Graffiti Activity
H. Workplace Social Story Make/Take

Implementing the Career Plan
A. Career Strategies in Action
B. Working with the Business Community
C. Final Wrap Up – Q & A Session

Presented by Spectrum Training Systems, Inc.

spectrumtrainingsystems@yahoo.com

(920) 749-0332 

Please come and show your support!

March 4 Schools 4:00 – 6:00 
> March 4, 2009 @ the Arizona State Capitol 
> We need everyone at this event. Buses are leaving from 10 different elementary schools (departing at 3:45). Please use this link to RSVP.
> http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=nFTKO846qE475Fzbniswzw_3d_3d
> 
> Pass this email on to anyone, I mean anyone, who believes that a promising tomorrow starts with our schools today. Right now the legislative leadership is proposing cuts of 18% to our already inadequate funding. 
> My promise is to speak up against this. Will you? I mean really…what’s it gonna take? 
> PTOs and PTAs, I implore you to get this through your network with a real sense of urgency. 
> 
> My sincerest thanks,
> Eric Kurland
> SEA President
> erickurland6@aol.com
>

Arizona Autism Coalition
December 15, 2008

Dear Coalition Members,

If you have a child with special needs who is under the age of 60, and is currently not receiving state-funded respite care services, you must read the following information and pass it along.

Lifespan Respite Care Program offers community-based respite care services for family caregivers of adults or children with special needs. This program is care-giver focused and directed to primary caregivers of individuals who do not currently qualify for other publicly funded respite services. 

What does this mean for me?

If you care for a person under the age of 60 with special needs who does not qualify for respite services through the Arizona Long Term Care system (ALTCS) then you are eligible to receive a total of 10 hours of respite care per month through this program. Your child does not need to have a diagnosis of autism to qualify for this service; the person must simply have special needs.

How do I apply for this program?

If you currently live in Maricopa County, simply call the Area Agency on Aging at (602) 264-4357 to begin the intake process. Other counties in Arizona are also eligible to receive this service — a list of agencies according to county will be posted to the Arizona Autism Coalition website, www.azautism.org.

Will this program cost me anything?

Although income is not a disqualifying factor, services will be targeted to those individuals in greatest economic and social need. Cost sharing will be based on the care recipient’s household income, beginning at 250% above Federal Poverty Guidelines. Information about these federal guidelines is available at this website: http://aspe.hhs.gov/POVERTY/08poverty.shtml. Other financial obligations will also be taken into consideration. Do not let the cost sharing prevent you from applying for the Lifespan Respite Care Program. 

Why should I apply for this service? 

Primary caregivers of children with special needs need a break every now and then. This program, provided through the Department of Economic Security, is a unique opportunity for caregivers whose children may not have qualified for any other state-funded services. Whether your child is 2, 22, or 52 the program is available NOW! If funds for this respite care program are not entirely utilized, the chance of the program continuing in the future is unlikely in these hard economic times.

If you have questions about the Lifespan Respite Care Program, or about how to become a contracted respite care provider with the Area Agency on Aging, please contact Jessica Lewis at jessica@azautism.org.

Jessica Lewis
Arizona Autism Coalition Coordinator

Phone: 480.268.1453

Email: jessica@azautism.org

Website: www.azautism.org

NEWS ADVISORY
NCD #08-575
December 8, 2008
Contact: Mark S. Quigley
202-272-2004

National Council on Disability to Meet in Scottsdale to Hear Issues Affecting People with Disabilities in Southwest

WASHINGTON-The National Council on Disability (NCD) will conduct its next quarterly meeting at the Chaparral Suites Resort, 5001 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale, Arizona, beginning at 8:30 a.m. MST on Monday, January 12, 2009, and ending at 4:00 p.m. MST on Wednesday, January 14, 2009. This meeting is open to the public.

In carrying out its mission, NCD believes it is vital to hear from communities around the country on what works and what does not for people with disabilities. The agenda will include sessions on emergency preparedness, healthcare, employment, and several other subjects of interest to the disability community.

Specific times are designated to receive public comment, supported by a toll-free call-in line, and input is encouraged and greatly appreciated. Individuals or organizations can also provide written comments by e-mail, fax, or mail. Public comment sessions will be held Monday, January 12 from 11:30 a.m. until noon (MST), on Tuesday, January 13 from 4:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., and on Wednesday, January 14 from 11:30 a.m. until noon. The toll-free call-in number is (888) 790-6568, and the pass code is “NCD Meeting.”

NCD is an independent federal agency and is composed of 15 members appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. NCD provides advice to the President, Congress, and executive branch agencies to promote policies, programs, practices, and procedures that guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability; and empower individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and integration into all aspects of society.

For more information, please contact NCD’s Director of External Affairs, Mark S. Quigley, at mquigley@ncd.gov  or by telephone at 202-272-2004 (V), 202-272-2074 (TTY), and please visit our Web site at www.ncd.gov.

# # #

Mark S. Quigley
Director of External Affairs
National Council on Disability
1331 F Street, NW Suite 850
Washington, DC 20004
202-272-2008
202-272-2022 fax
www.ncd.gov

Forwarded from: Arizona Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities

Dear Community Partners,

The following email is being forwarded on behalf of the American Association of People with Disabilities, and is intended for informational purposes only.  The Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities does not necessarily endorse or oppose the content of this email.  All questions should be directed to AAPD.  Please do not reply to this email.  

Begin forwarded message: 

The American Association of People with Disabilities is looking for college students with disabilities to apply for the:

2009 Summer Internships for Students with Disabilities in Washington, D.C.!

To apply, visit http://www.aapd.com/internships.html   The MEAF-AAPD Congressional Internship and the Microsoft-AAPD Information Technology (IT) Internship are both for currently-enrolled college students with disabilities.   Accepted candidates will spend the summer in Washington, DC working either in Congressional offices or the IT Divisions of Federal Government Agencies.

Roundtrip airfare, accessible housing, and a living stipend will be provided to each intern.   Hosted by AAPD and sponsored by the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, the AAPD Congressional Internship Program welcomes all sophomore and junior applicants with disabilities to apply! Selected interns will have the unique opportunity to work on Capitol Hill for members of Congress.

Previous Congressional placements have included:

·     Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)

·     Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY)

·     Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS)

·     Congressman F. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI)

·     House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD)

·     Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA)

Hosted by AAPD and sponsored by the Microsoft Corporation, the Microsoft-AAPD Congressional Internship Program encourages undergraduate students interested in pursuing careers in Information Technology to apply!  Selected interns will have the unique opportunity to work in various agencies in the executive branch of the Federal government.

Previous IT placements have included:

·     US Coast Guard

·     Department of Homeland Security

·     US Patent and Trade Office

·     National Science Foundation

·     US Department of Transportation

·     Transportation Security Administration

·     Federal Aviation Administration

To apply for the AAPD Summer Internship Programs, please visit http://www.aapd.com/internships.html.

For additional information or for questions, please contact the AAPD National Programs office at 1-800-840-8844 ext. 22 or via email at internship@aapd.com.  

Warm regards,

AAPD Programs Team American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)    

1629 K ST. NW, Suite 503 Washington, D.C. 20006

(202) 457-0046 x22 (202) 457-0473 (fax) www.aapd.com

VSA arts and CVS Caremark All Kids Can announce All Kids Can…CREATE!, a national call for children’s art

Submission deadline: March 6, 2009

For the second year, VSA arts and CVS Caremark All Kids Can are encouraging children to share their creativity by submitting artwork to All Kids Can…CREATE!. The theme, “Celebrating Who I Am,” invites young people with and without disabilities across the United States to create visual art about their interests, talents, and dreams. All artwork submitted before the March 6, 2009 deadline will be included in an online art gallery. One artwork from each state and the District of Columbia will be displayed in a national touring exhibition that will debut June 2009 in Washington, D.C. Ten of the selected artists will be invited to a congressional reception to celebrate the opening of the exhibition. Teachers are eligible to receive $1000 for use in the classroom by submitting their students’ artwork and answering a few short questions.

Please visit www.vsarts.org/allkidscancreate for more information, including eligibility, entry instructions and a link to the online application. All artwork must be submitted electronically through Artsonia (www.artsonia.com/allkidscancreate).

Thank you,

Jennifer C. Wexler
Visual Arts Manager
VSA arts

An Affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

818 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Suite 600
Washington, D.C. 20006
(202) 628-2800 (voice)
(202) 429-0868 (fax)
(202) 737-0645 (TTY)
www.vsarts.org

“Creating a society where people with disabilities can learn through, participate in, and enjoy the arts.”

Save these dates for the SUSD Special Needs Winter Camp

Dates: Dec 29, 30, 31 (3 days)
Time: 9am – 2pm
Location: Scottsdale Bible Church

More to follow when available.

From Scottsdale Unified School District Community Connection June 12, 2008

Scottsdale Republic Features SUSD Teachers

Do you know an outstanding teacher in the Scottsdale Unified School District? Would you like that teacher to be recognized in the newspaper? The Scottsdale Republic runs a weekly feature highlighting a different SUSD teacher each week. To nominate a teacher for this feature, simply fill out the online Teacher Nomination Form.

*Please note that a high resolution digital photo must be submitted to be considered for publication.

View Laguna teacher Merle Leyton’s nomination in the Scottsdale Republic.

From Barb Ross at the Arizona Department of Education / Exceptional Student Services,
PIN Specialist Serving East Maricopa County
barbra.ross@azed.gov
www.azed.gov/ess/pinspals

 The Arizona Department of Education, Exceptional Student Services, is seeking:

1) one Parent Information Network Specialist for each the following regions:

• Pinal and Gila Counties
• Pima and Santa Cruz Counties

2) one Enhancing Arizona’s Parent Networks Coordinator

Descriptions for both positions are posted on the www.azstatejobs.gov website and are included in this email.

To apply for either position you must utilize the azstatejobs.gov website. Enter ”EDU” the search for jobs link and scroll down the list to locate the PIN Specialist and EAPN positions. The deadline to apply is June 1, 2008. Human Resources has been designated to handle inquiries (602) 542-3186.

Parent Information Network Specialist

Job Description: The Arizona Department of Education Exceptional Student Services section is seeking two temporary hourly wage Parent Information Network Specialists (Pinal/Gila Counties and Pima/Santa Cruz Counties) to provide parents with federal and state special education information and resources; assist school districts and families to build and sustain positive working relationships; present special education and disability related workshops; develop and market PIN services and resources; maintain records of regional outreach. Travel is required for this position. This position requires that you possess a valid Arizona Driver’s License. This position will be paid $20.20 per hour not to exceed 40 hours per week.

Knowledge needed:
*Parenting an individual with a disability
*Navigating educational and social service systems
*Special education rights and advocacy
*Disability and special education related agencies and organizations
*Adult learning strategies
*Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Skills needed:
*Presentation and workshop
*Verbal and written communication, including proofreading
*Organization
*Time management
*Internet navigation
*Development and implementation of marketing strategies
*Development of resource materials

Abilities needed:
*Appropriate use of grammar and punctuation
*Prioritize and complete multiple job related tasks
*Document daily activities
*Compile reports
*Work well with other team members and staff
*Responsive to a high volume of customer requests

Enhancing Arizona’s Parent Networks Coordinator

Job Description: The Arizona Department of Education Exceptional Student Services section is seeking a part-time Enhancing Arizona’s Parent Networks (EAPN) Coordinator to communicate with EAPN members (i.e., solicit organization updates and events, recruit new members and coordinate activities with the planning group); manage the EAPN website (i.e., add calendar events and update information and resource links); and administer a state-wide marketing plan with members to inform the public about EAPN. Travel is required for this position. This position requires that you possess a valid Arizona Driver’s License. This position pays at a rate of $20.20 per hour, not to exceed 10 hours per week.

Knowledge needed:
*Parenting an individual with a disability
*Navigating educational and social service systems
*Disability and special education related agencies and organizations
*Effective marketing strategies
*Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook

Skills needed:
*Verbal and written communication, including proofreading
*Internet
*Organization
*Record keeping

Abilities needed:
*Appropriate use of grammar and punctuation
*Prioritize and complete multiple job related tasks
*Document daily activities

To apply for either position you must utilize the azstatejobs.gov website. Enter ”EDU” the search for jobs link and scroll down the list to locate the PIN Specialist and EAPN positions.

The deadline to apply is June 1, 2008.

Human Resources has been designated to handle inquiries (602) 542-3186.