More info re: filing requests for due process hearings

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.

Info regarding cuts to Arizona CRS (Children Rehabilitative Services)

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 Services

2. Cuts to CRS Funding (advocacy info)

The above information was initially distributed as an action alert by Raising Special Kids.

Capitol Building Rally - March 19th

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!

Important info for Parents: talking points, due process info!

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 hold on the cuts to those services, it is only a temporary fix ... we are not out of the woods yet!)

2. Key statement to include in a letter requesting a due process hearing (see highlighted text at end of document)

If you want more information and to have your questions about requesting a due process hearing answered, I strongly encourage you to click here to view the AZ Early Intervention Parents/Caregivers Yahoo! Group messages. You may read the AZ Early Intervention ... Yahoo! Group messages without joining the group (if you would like to post to the group you must first joing the group using your Yahoo! ID).

Maureen Casey & Kristina Park - Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, of the AZ ICC for Infants and Toddlers moderate and are active members of the AZ Early Intervention ... Yahoo! group and they are SO knowledgeable and helpful!

The injunction was excellent news, but keep making those calls & writing those letters!

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.

Good info for families re: finding out about restoration of services

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.