tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54538207749036111692011-04-21T11:25:11.799-07:00(Latest news & info to help you take action)pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.comBlogger391100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-74852859359756449512009-03-17T22:44:00.000-07:002009-03-17T22:47:29.413-07:00

Please click here to read Stacy's post about the current and possible future cuts to the CRS (Children's Rehabilitative Services) program that (do and will) negatively impact a large number of children with disabilities in Arizona!

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-57602496459734727412009-03-17T21:38:00.000-07:002009-03-17T23:22:26.065-07:00

The family of a darling little 2 year old girl I know, Ariana, is working on raising funds so that they and Ariana, who has a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, can travel outside of the U.S. (likely to China or to Mexico) one year from now so that she may receive umbilical cord blood stem cell therapy treatments which may very well make all the difference in Ariana's future abilities.Her mother, Elisa

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-34326157492567664022009-03-16T23:50:00.000-07:002009-03-17T00:18:24.495-07:00

On the very day in February, a few weeks ago, that the drastic DES budget cuts were announced, I ran across this piece of "flair" on that silly facebook site. My stomach was all in knots that day - for the children losing services and also I feared (and, sadly, rightly so, it turned out) that the early intervention provider agency I have worked for since 1998 would not survive such drastic

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-91455126065470561242009-03-16T22:18:00.001-07:002009-03-16T22:27:41.997-07:00

I have added to my sidebar the RSS feed for two of the most-informative resources I've found that are covering the same info as I am on this blog: The AZ Early Intervention Parents/Caregivers Yahoo! Group and the "Early Intervention in Arizona" blog maintained by Stacy, an early intervention provider in the Phoenix area.I strongly encourage all visitors to this blog to check out my sidebar and

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-30051005068552378922009-03-16T21:55:00.001-07:002009-03-16T22:02:27.690-07:00

It is important for families whose early intervention services have been, are, or will be interrupted due to the DDD/DES budget cuts to file written requests for due process hearings. For more information, please see Stacy's post, here.

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-16690926361902774272009-03-16T21:47:00.000-07:002009-03-16T22:07:18.472-07:00

Stacy, an early intervention provider in the Phoenix area, has two blog posts up about the cuts to CRS services. Rather than re-posting all of the info on this blog, here are the links to her two posts:1. If You Benefit From CRS Services2. Cuts to CRS Funding (advocacy info)The above information was initially distributed as an action alert by Raising Special Kids.

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-81668375115140722422009-03-16T21:43:00.000-07:002009-03-16T21:58:53.928-07:00

The Tungland Corporation has organized a rally at the Capitol for this Thursday, March19th, to raise awareness of the DES/DDD cuts. Click here to see the details that are posted on Stacy's "Early Intervention" blog!

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-60779904838391943022009-03-16T15:07:00.000-07:002009-03-16T16:07:21.844-07:00

The following information was passed onto me by Maureen Casey, Chair of the Arizona Interagency Coordinating Council (ICC) for Infants & Toddlers and it has been published via this blog with her permission:1. Tips for telling your Early Intervention story when writing to Governor Brewer, and members of the legislature to protest cuts in early intervention services. (Although there is a current

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-68201496542309986202009-03-14T13:54:00.000-07:002009-03-14T13:55:11.498-07:00

http://azautism.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/preliminary-injunction.pdf

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-20090817303031204882009-03-13T09:00:00.000-07:002009-03-16T16:08:59.933-07:00

From an article on azcentral.com"A cut that eliminated services to developmentally disabled children from birth to age 3 was especially harsh, many said. "It's just a blatant message: They're not important enough," Garcia said after she received one week's notice that daughter Mariah's therapy services would end. Although Wednesday's court ruling means the services will continue for now, they're

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-81277617794430471562009-03-12T23:45:00.001-07:002009-03-13T00:01:03.092-07:00

I could write a post on this, but I don't believe in re-inventing the wheel:Click here to read the excellent post of Stacy's (local early intervention provider) about the need for families to continue to make noise even though the preliminary injunction was granted yesterday.

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-67827997326282873962009-03-12T23:41:00.001-07:002009-03-13T00:01:51.198-07:00

Click here to read the 21-page minutes from the case that was filed to block DDD budget cuts!

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-43275404829314384932009-03-12T19:21:00.000-07:002009-03-13T00:02:29.675-07:00

Stacy, a local early intervention provider, has posted a great blog entry for parents and caregivers who are now anxiously waiting to learn more about their loved ones' services being reinstated. Click here to read Stacy's post.

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-81487397017633975412009-03-12T19:19:00.000-07:002009-03-12T19:21:42.460-07:00

Click here to see DES's news release regarding yesterday's court ruling.

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-89495396180922986182009-03-12T10:23:00.000-07:002009-03-13T00:03:35.113-07:00

http://www.kpho.com/health/18912232/detail.html?taf=pho

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-48648800689408677762009-03-11T14:27:00.000-07:002009-03-11T20:11:41.304-07:00

The CEO of the agency that runs that early intervention program I work for has been one of those who testified in the case that was recemtly filed to block DDD cutbacks. This afternoon, I learned that the lawsuit, which was filed by the provider consortium (AAPPD) and families, has been won by the plaintiffs!! This is very exciting! : )Although this win will not save the early intervention

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-66771423214228748262009-03-06T01:17:00.000-08:002009-03-06T01:18:57.629-08:00

http://www.azftf.gov/PublicNoticeAttachmentCenter/02-27-2009%20PNL%20Attachment%202.pdf

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-42323462624099835162009-03-05T23:57:00.001-08:002009-03-06T11:18:59.134-08:00

3/6/09 UPDATE to this news item: The info I posted about the preliminary injunction in the AAPPD case vs. The State re: DDD cuts was incorrect. The judge has not yet made any rulings in the case, and is not scheduled to until next week.

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-74881553262450863172009-03-05T23:31:00.000-08:002009-03-06T00:44:44.005-08:00

The civil case was filed in Superior Court of Marciopa County - (to find docket entries use case # CV2009-006509). The Honorable Joseph B. Heilman initially presided over the case, and it appears - based on the minutes of 2/27/09 - that the case will be (or has been) changed to being presided over by The Honorable Bethany G. Hicks. Official minutes recorded and posted regarding the proceedings

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-38801195483226110642009-03-05T19:20:00.001-08:002009-03-16T16:04:48.054-07:00

Here is the page that describes the process of filing a complaint/appeal regarding your child's services: https://egov.azdes.gov/cmsinternet/main.aspx?menu=98&id=2366Below the addresses to which you should send your complaint/appeals letters is the portion of the above-linked page that lays out the steps for filing a complaint with DES/AzEIP:Send complaint/appeal letters to:Arizona Center for

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-10463552171774178572009-03-05T07:45:00.000-08:002009-03-16T16:03:35.872-07:00

This came from the Arizona Autism Coalition IDEA Part C Procedural Safeguards If your child is between the ages of 0-3 and has been affected by these cuts, you have Federal safeguard rights that are meant to protect your child. Early intervention is partially funded by both State and Federal dollars, thus you must take action and appeal your child's termination of services. Follow the

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-11202583977203605302009-03-05T07:39:00.000-08:002009-03-05T07:41:39.591-08:00

Click here to see a news story/video from last week's rally at the capitol.

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-61442285689743305072009-03-04T08:03:00.000-08:002009-03-04T08:19:49.715-08:00

From the blog of a local early interventionist ...It will be public knowledge soon enough. I heard from a DDD support coordinator (and my supervisor heard from another source) that 10-day termination letters to families went in the mail today. My understanding is that means most services for children who do not qualify for long term care will end on March 13. We still have not been told when

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-85294268657359954142009-03-03T00:55:00.000-08:002009-03-03T00:58:15.448-08:00

Michelle ReeseFeb 28, 2009 (The Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- The cuts made by the state Department of Economic Security in the last few weeks have been reported in headlines and spreadsheets, on Web sites and editorials. While the governor is taking steps to restore one of the most noted cuts -- childcare subsidies to working poor families -- through the use

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-27377525118301381972009-03-02T23:42:00.000-08:002009-03-03T00:16:58.234-08:00

I learned at a meeting this morning, that it is imperative that families, service providers and concerned citizens of Arizona should write to Governor Brewer directly (contact info & link below) to request that she allocates Federal Stimulus funds that will be coming her way to the restoration services in Fiscal Year (FY) 2009-2010 for children and adults with disabilities that have been swiped

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-21660735884004208152009-03-01T14:26:00.000-08:002009-03-01T14:32:46.692-08:00

Families worry about DES cuts by Melissa Gonzalo - Feb. 24, 2009 06:25 PM 12 News Advocates and parents are concerned children under the age of three with developmental disabilities will have to go without therapy after the Department of Economic Security announced budget cuts about a week ago. According to

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-11353275958608245902009-03-01T14:06:00.000-08:002009-03-01T14:33:48.809-08:00

Story found here: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/02/28/20090228dessuit0228.htmlA coalition seeking to block steep service cuts for about 4,000 people living with disabilities will try to convince a judge next week that the state acted improperly.The group, which includes service providers and their clients, filed a complaint in Maricopa County Superior Court on Friday seeking a

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-60100854022929574422009-02-26T00:17:00.000-08:002009-02-26T00:23:43.464-08:00

On Channel 3: DES cuts mean ending programs helping the Valley's disabled

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-82454778112601940742009-02-25T23:06:00.000-08:002009-02-26T00:08:31.452-08:00

THE ARC OF ARIZONA FY 2010 STATE BUDGET ALERT(click above for more info!) February, 2009 To balance the FY 2009 state budget, devastating cuts were made to services for persons with developmental disabilities. · Nearly 100 DDD employees have been terminated following a lengthy “freeze” on filling many job vacancies, and all remaining DDD employees have been furloughed so they will be

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-14748996596221954092009-02-25T11:59:00.001-08:002009-02-25T23:47:12.210-08:00

THURSDAY - FEB 27 - AAPPD Rally at the Capitol!!!! - 9 AM - 4 PMRALLY AT THE CAPITOL THIS THURSDAY.The Rally will last all day (9am to 4 pm).THE PLAN: AAPPD will be providing signs for families and consumers to carry as they walk around the capitol. AAPPD will also have a podium for providers and/or families who have a personal story to tell.AAPPD has reserved the “Ice Cream Parlor” in the Old

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-47025240326279809542009-02-24T22:42:00.000-08:002009-02-25T23:46:29.679-08:00

http://www.swhd.org/documents/CutsinServicesforwebsite.pdf

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-28369160044381449162009-02-23T15:45:00.001-08:002009-02-25T23:46:57.424-08:00

The University of Arizona, TucsonThursday, March 5th, 2009, 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.Student Union Memorial Center buildingSouth BallroomPaid Visitor Parking available in the 2nd Str. GarageLocated at 2nd Str. and Mountain Ave.For more information about the 2009 Republican budgetthat recently passed the Legislature, go to :http://www.azleg. gov/jlbc/ FY09BudgetPlanwi thFloorAmendment .pdfFor additional

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-37805451238767848842009-02-23T15:28:00.000-08:002009-02-25T23:47:39.745-08:00

http://mccain.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-27525695055534382022009-02-23T15:27:00.001-08:002009-02-26T00:12:50.239-08:00

Use Fed Stimulus to Restore DES Cutshttp://action.voiceshub.org/campaign/fedstimulus_DEScuts/

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-31989669958127545282009-02-23T15:05:00.000-08:002009-02-25T23:48:42.424-08:00

CONTACT YOUR STATE LEADERS!(posting on a parent support message board)29,000 DISABLED ARIZONANS ARE ABOUT TO LOSE THEIR FUNDING!29,000 of Arizona's neediest, most vulnerable people - people with disabilities such as mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism, and epilepsy - are about to become victims of state budget cuts.These are people whose lives and welfare depend on services they can't

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-79025507411677347512009-02-23T14:57:00.000-08:002009-02-25T23:49:19.229-08:00

FEB 23 (tonight!) - Public Hearing at ASU (Tempe) Campus:THE ARIZONA STATE LEGISLATURE HOUSE AND SENATE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUSES Invite you to Public Hearings on the State BudgetJoin us and let your voice be heard!Members of both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees will be in attendance to hear citizens' questions and concerns about the state budget shortfall and proposed solutions!Arizona

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-50764896813035939942009-02-23T14:52:00.000-08:002009-02-25T23:49:41.236-08:00

ONLINE PETITION against DDD Therapy rate cuts: http://gopetition.com/petitions/stop-ddd-rate-cuts.html

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-43124468265162756642009-02-23T14:46:00.000-08:002009-02-25T23:50:36.970-08:00

Governor's Council on Developmental DisabilitiesSERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES AND THEIR FAMILIES TOOK A BIG HIT DURING THE FY09 BUDGET FIX. Legislators are still in the process of resolving an even greater budget deficit (estimated $3 billion) for FY 2010.If protecting critical services from even worse cuts is important to you, then the time to ACT is now!!!Next Thursday, Legislators will

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5453820774903611169.post-19250608322736687722009-02-23T14:01:00.000-08:002009-02-25T23:50:58.320-08:00

If you have reached this blog you are likely aware of and very concerned about the cuts that the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities has made and may be making in the near future that significantly affect the vital home and community based services children and adults with disabilities receive! There are a lot of emails and postings floating around out there about how to let your voice

pedslphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04093846653125329822noreply@blogger.com