In the News
PUSD/SELPA CAC February Meeting
The February Pasadena Unified School District/SELPA Special Education Department Community Advisory Committee meeting will provide an update on the search for the next executive director of special education. Speakers will include the PUSD Interim Director Special Education and parent representatives from the Special Education Task Force. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 27, 2012 from 6:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Edison Professional Development Complex, 119 W. Palm Avenue, Altadena. Free childcare and translation. For more information and questions, contact Joy Costello at joycac1@gmail.com.
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Come Read “Potter the Otter” During KYRC Storytime on March 1
Join the Koch-Young Resource Center for storytime on Thursday, March 1, 2012 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. for a reading of "Potter the Otter: A Tale About Water." Sponsored by First5LA, this storytime will be a bilingual adventure for parents and children about Potter the otter and water. Potter says, "I love to drink water and want you to love to drink water too!"
Storytime will be held in the KYRC Library and attendees will receive a free copy of the book to take home. RSVP by February 28, 2012 at 213.252.5600 or kyrc@lanterman.org.
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Tired Eyes Arts Presents a New, Fully-Included After-School Arts Program: Art Attack!
This six-week after-school arts program is an opportunity for teens (ages 13 to 17) with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and their typically-developing peers to explore and create different forms of art in an inclusive environment. Prior to the start of the program on February 28, 2012, Tired Eyes Arts will provide typical peers with training in autism awareness and positive behavior support. The art room and curriculum will be adapted for individuals with ASDs. Each week, students will discuss different art themes and complete new projects. Classes will be held from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Hoover High School and co-taught by the school’s art teacher and Tired Eyes Arts staff. The sessions will focus on the art-making process – so artists of all skill levels are welcome. For more information and to register by February 10, contact info@tiredeyesarts.com or 818.669.9494 or visit www.TiredEyesArts.com.
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ATTENTION SERVICE PROVIDERS - SCAM ALERT
Several residential providers have received a phone call from someone claiming to be with Homeland Security/ Immigration. This is a scam and you should and not provide the caller with any information.
The phone number the caller uses has a strange area code and may have a 63 prefix.
The caller asks for the owner by name, then asks how many employees the provider has. The caller says the owner must complete a form that will be e-mailed to them. The caller says there is a $100 per person fee to process the form and requests a credit card number. The caller says this form must be completed immediately or there is a $10,000 per employee penalty.
Again, this is a scam. Do not provide staff names or credit card information to the caller.
Ongoing Social/Recreational Opportunities
Even though it's winter, we all still need to find the time to enjoy social and recreational opportunities.
Following are links to flyers for various activites and opportunities being offered in and around the Lanterman area. Some of these are organized/planned specifically for adults with developmental disabilities.
Click on the flyer link to view more information.
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- Lanterman's Client Advisory Committee created a list which includes free and low-cost things to do in the Los Angeles area
- The Miracle Project's and The Help Group's Theater and Social Skills Program (October 13, 2011 to March 25, 2012)
- AMC and Autism Society Sensory Friendly Films (Feb 25-The Secret World of Arrietty,Mar 10-Dr.Seuss' The Lorax,Apr 7-Pirates-Band of Misfits)
- Club Maple (February 2, 9, 16 and 23, 2012)
- PazNaz Wheels Basketball (January 28 to March 17, 2012)
- Get Fit (February 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2012)
LA County Announces Activation of 211 LA County Disaster Hotline for Residents to Report Wind Damage
The Los Angeles County Chief Executive Office, Office of Emergency Management (OEM) announced the activation of the 211 LA County Disaster Hotline on December 5 (1.800.980.4990) for residents to report damages caused by the recent wind storm event.
As the recovery efforts continue in the Los Angeles County Operational Area (OA), OEM continues to collect Initial Damage Estimates from County departments, cities and unincorporated areas to determine public and private sector damages throughout the County. OEM will continue to coordinate with the California Emergency Management Agency to secure State and Federal assistance as warranted.
On Dec. 1, Los Angeles County Mayor Michael D. Antonovich declared a state of emergency for the cities and unincorporated areas in the County.
OEM stands ready to ramp up if conditions warrant. In addition, all County departments continue to prepare and be ready to respond to any future emergencies and/or disasters.
Governor Seeks Ballot Initiative for $7 Billion in Temporary Tax Increase for November 2012 Ballot
Proposes Five Year Temporary Income Tax Increase on Wealthy Californians and 1/2 Cent Temporary Increase In State Sales Tax - Funding Would Be Dedicated for Education and Public Safety
Governor Brown will seek to place on the November 2012 general election ballot an initiative that proposes to raise $7 billion through a combination of temporary tax increases on the wealthy and a temporary increase of the state sales tax, targeting the increased revenues specifically for education and public safety and "not to other programs we cannot afford." The Governor did not specify what those other programs were that the State cannot afford.
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Professional Development Opportunity for Poets in Southern California
VerseAbility is an effort to create a writers group for aspiring poets who share the experience of disability and who live in Southern California. With a professional development focus, poets meet once a month (in person and/or online) to share experiences, read work, offer criticism and provide peer support. VerseAbility will be facilitated by a professional writer/poet. VerseAbility is a poetry group NOT therapy. VerseAbility is looking for up to a dozen aspiring poets. If you are interested participating or would like more information, contact Martin Sweeney at mlsla@sbcglobal.net or call 626.796.1402.
Optional Adult Dental Services for DDS Regional Center Clients Restored
Effective January 13, 2012, the Medi-Cal Dental Program (Denti-Cal) will begin processing dental claims for regional center clients (also known as DDS beneficiaries or clients of DDS) age 21 and over, who have Medi-Cal and do not reside in a licensed health facility (Intermediate Care Facility or Skilled Nursing Facility). Services may be provided effective January 1, 2012; however providers should not submit claims for regional center clients to
Denti-Cal until January 13, 2012.
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Join HaMercaz and Chaverim on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at Disneyland
Join HaMercaz and Chaverim on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at Disneyland. Tickets are offered at a discounted rate of $40 per person. All tickets for children over 3 and adults are $40 (Regular admission to Disneyland is $80 per person). Limit 6 tickets per family. Come on your own and meet HaMercaz in Tommorowland for lunch. Details will follow. A limited number of tickets are available and must be purchased by December 6, 2011. Pre-payment is required. Tickets will be mailed following purchase. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact Sarah at HaMercaz at 866.287.8030 or e-mail hamercaz@jfsla.org. These tickets are made available through Disney's Community Involvement Day and scholarships are not available for this.
Cold and Flu Season is Upon Us: Check out Lanterman’s Fast Facts for More Info About Colds and Flu
Many of us have already had our first cold of the season, or know someone who has, and that means the flu is lurking out there too. Check out Lanterman's fast facts sheet about colds and the flu for more information about signs and symptoms, what to consider to prevent getting sick and what to do if you or someone you're caring for is sick, and for links to even more information about colds and the flu.
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New Medicaid Resource Available from The Arc
The Arc is excited to announce a valuable new resource available at www.thearc.org to help guide people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through the complexities of Medicaid benefits, services and supports. The Medicaid Reference Desk offers detailed, state-by-state information about Medicaid benefits, a glossary of terms, answers to frequently asked questions, person-centered planning resources and a blog from The Arc’s training specialist about issues related to Medicaid, self-advocacy and person-centered planning.
Medicaid is the largest source of financing for disabilities services in the United States. For people with disabilities and for those who provide their care, Medicaid serves as a valuable safety net. Often the only source of financial assistance for health care, Medicaid plays a critical role for people with disabilities in providing coverage and access to care. Medicaid is, however, extremely complicated. At least half of the funds for Medicaid programs come from the Federal government with the remainder coming from state funds. Federal law contains detailed requirements and limitations on eligibility, services, and financing. But, state law varies widely.
This project was made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Developmental Disabilities (Grant No. 90 DN0215). Explore the Medicaid Reference Desk via the Resources section of www.thearc.org or www.thedesk.info.
Richard Koch, M.D. – 1921-2011 – A Man Who Made Things Possible
Dick Koch was truly an original. His charm, dedication and humor engaged anyone who worked with him. His deep commitment to his patients made them feel more like family members than clients – and his vision and determination changed society.
Described as a man of “passionate empathy,” Dick Koch exemplified the art of the possible. He lived in a world of “Why not? Let’s try” – and that made all the difference in the lives of literally thousands of people.
Most individuals are fortunate if they have even one area of endeavor where they make a mark. Dick had several – as renowned pediatrician and PKU researcher, as a pioneer in the field of improved services for individuals with developmental disabilities, as teacher and as social justice activist.
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Community Special Program Partners Starts New Session October 8
CSPP in partnership with Ed Reyes, 1st District Councilman, Lincoln Heights Tutorial Program and Lanterman Regional Center is starting a new program session on October 8. The program's mission is to provide a program which will enhance socialization opportunities and increase self-esteem of students with developmental disabilities (program cannot accomodate individuals with severa behavorial and/or medical problems) in a positive, and learning environment so that they will eventually be mainstreamed into regular programs in the community. Classes include music, arts and crafts, computer, taekwondo, sing aong and other activities. The fee is $100 per session and the classes are hedl on Saturdays from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Grace Hall at Young-Nak Presbyterian Church, 150 N. Avenue 18 (Crossing street is Pasadena Ave), Los Angeles, CA 90031. For more information contact Peter Choh at 310.710.0757 or pychoh@yahoo.com.
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Participate in the Collaborative Family Study
The Collaborative Family Study (CFS) is a joint-project between researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and the University of California, Riverside (UCR). The CFS is supported by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. They are studying adolescents with mild intellectual disability as well as those with typical development. The CFS has already enrolled 180 families who have participated from child ages 3 through 12 years. They are now focusing on the development of youth from ages 12 through 15 years, and are currently enrolling additional families of youths at age 12. The study assesses developmental issues of early adolescence for youths and their families. The Principal Investigators are established researchers with extensive prior work involving children and their families.
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Halloween Events for Children, Teens and Families with Special Needs
Pasadena Child Development Associates Halloween Socials
Monday, October 24, Wednesday, October 26 and Friday October 28 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
PCDA clients between the ages of 3-12 years old are invited, children under 4 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
For more information contact PCDA at 626.793.7350 or pcda@pasadenachilddevelopment.org.
KiDA's 3rd Annual Spook-tacular Halloween Carnival
Friday, October 28, 2011 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Join KiDA for an afternoon of ghoulish games, spoky snacks, face painting, balloon art and trick-or-treating.
Space is very limited, RSVP today at 949.222.2214 or kcoates@kida.com.
The Help Group's Club LA Teen Halloween
Sunday, October 30, 2011 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
13164 Burbank Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91401
Join Club LA Teen for an afternoon of fun at the club's first ever social event for teens ages 13 to 17. Admission to this first event is free and the event will feature a costume contenst, music, interactive video games, raffles, games and prizes, food and karaoke.
RSVP and registration required. RSVP by October 26 to nwebb@thehelpgroup.org or 818.779.5188.
Community Connections: A Back to School Event by SNN
The Special Needs Network is hosting a Back-to-School Event for families and kids with special needs and their peers on August 28, 2011 at the Junior Blind of America. The event consists of a resource fair, medical sreenings, health seminars, food, games, pony rides, free gadgets and school supplies. Contact Special Needs Network for more information. Contact information is available at www.specialneedsnetwork.net/contactus.html.
Recommend an Artist for the Wynn Newhouse Awards
If you know an artist of exceptional merit with a disability and would like to submit his/her name for consideration for the Wynn Newhouse Award, please fill out and submit the online application at http://wnewhouseawards.com/Pages/Recommendations.html.
To be eligible for nomination, a candidate must be a US resident and a fine artist of professional standing with a disability as recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act. All candidates must have a dedicated website displaying examples of their works. If the artist is selected for consideration, he or she will be contacted directly to submit a complete application package. The recommendations deadline is October 1, 2011. For more information visit http://wnewhouseawards.com/.
I Am, I Can, I Do PSA Seeking Individuals with Disabilities to Appear in PSA
The USBLN® is seeking individuals from Southern California to star in a 30 second PSA, themed, “I am I Can, I Do.” The PSA will feature real people with disabilities (PWD) who represent a diverse range of ethnicities, disabilities and genders. There will also be a diverse representation of professional backgrounds ranging from executives to interns. The project is nonunion and nonpaying; however individuals who make it into the final PSA will be paid a stipend of $100 and will be exposed to hundreds of thousands of moviegoers across the country. Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a short bio and if available, a head shot to icanpsa@bellsouth.net by August 18, 2011 or contact Jill Houghton at 954.461.4726. The filming will take place in City of Orange located in Orange County, California on August 24 and 25, 2011.
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Settlement Agreements Executed Between DMHC and Blue Shield of California and Anthem Blue Cross
On July 11 and July 15, 2011, Settlement Agreements were executed between the Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) and Blue Shield of California and Anthem Blue Cross, respectively. At this time, there are Agreements with only these two (2) health plans.
The purpose of these Agreements was to implement an interim solution now so that ABA services would be covered, under certain conditions, while the legal and policy issues continue to be debated. The initial “Recitals” contained in the Agreements and paragraphs I-L towards the end of the Agreements, essentially set forth the parties’ various legal positions and contain typical legal recitations.
The Agreements are intended to improve and resolve five (5) major areas relating to the coverage for ABA for those enrollees diagnosed with ASD or PDD.
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