Victory in the House – November 11, 2005



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e-NEWS March 5, 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

In this month’s issue of Community Connections you will find numerous mental health resources, legislative updates, local upcoming trainings,

support groups, various opportunities and recreational activities.

You are Cordially Invited to Meet and Talk with Your Elected Officials

and Honorary Chairs Mr. Tony & Dr. Alicia Gwynn at the 5th Annual Legislative Breakfast on Friday, March 20th from 7:30-9:00am at the Hilton Mission Valley, located at 901 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego, CA 92108. This is an opportunity to meet with legislators and let them know how the proposed cuts in programs and services will negatively impact the quality life for people with intellectual disabilities and their families. The breakfast is sponsored by the Developmental Disabilities Provider Network, San Diego Regional Center, Area Board XIII & People First. The cost is $30.00. Please RSVP to ddpninfo@

View invitation at  or

RSVP Card at   

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

For event details go to

By clicking on an Event link you may view the event details.

Local:

3/09/09 Sensory Processing – for military

3/09/09 Basic Rights – Mission Valley

3/10/09 Tax & Financial Awareness – Balboa Park

3/12/09 Medication Update - Answers to the most commonly asked

questions about medication used to treat ADHD, anxiety

and/or depression in children & teenagers

3/12/09 Creating a Culture of Inclusion – Kearny Mesa

3/12/09 Transition to Public School

3/13/09 Deaf/Hard of Hearing Conference – Mission Valley

3/14/09 FREE Red Cross CPR Class – Downtown San Diego

3/18/09 National Conference on Inclusion: Innovative strategies

for including all children in out-of-school time programs

3/18/09 IEP Rights & Strategies Spanish

3/19/09 Beyond F.A.T. City - Clairemont

3/19/09 Transition to Public School Spanish – Pt. Loma

3/20/09 5th Annual Legislative Breakfast

3/20/09 Family Relations Conference

3/21/09 Early Childhood Literacy Summit - Carlsbad

3/24/09 250% Working Disabled Medi-Cal Program

5/9-10/09 19th Annual Self Advocacy Conference – Mission Valley

5/30/09 26th Annual Involved Exceptional Parents’ Day Conference

Regional:

3/20/09 Autism Training – Los Angeles

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UPCOMING EFRC SUPPORT GROUPS:

A detailed listing of all local Disability-Related Support Groups can be found at

(click on underlined Title for details)

3/06/09 Grupo de Apoyo 0-5

3/09/09 Grupo de Apoyo de Autismo

3/10/09 Down Syndrome Support - North County

3/11/09 Parent Support

3/13/09 Grupo de Apoyo 5+

3/18/09 Autism Support

3/18/09 Grupo de Apoyo Imperial

3/19/09 Down Syndrome Support – Imperial County

3/19/09 Down Syndrome Support – Central San Diego

3/26/09 Síndrome de Down Apoyo - Español

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LEGISLATION:

California Proposed Budget Cuts - Impacts in the Regional Center System

Information from Area Board V:

In the recently enacted California Budget, providers of services for people with developmental disabilities will be paid 3% less and regional centers will also have a 3% reduction.  In addition, the Budget requires an additional 100 million dollars in savings in the system.  These cuts come on top of “Cost Containment Measures” that have been imposed for the past 6 years, in response to a perception of “out of control” growth in per capita expenditure.   Although at first glance, the growth in expenditures in the system is significantly higher when compared with California’s population growth, a closer look reveals compelling reasons why the expenditures have increased, and demonstrate that the expenditures are not only extremely cost-effective, but also among the lowest per capita in the United States.

 

You need to know….

Some facts about California’s developmental disabilities system

 

Cost Containment measures have already been enacted

·         A freeze in rates - which were already inadequate- for the majority of services paid for by the regional center.  This freeze impacts the quality of services and turnover in staff.  Some programs are receiving the same per capita payment they were receiving 10 years ago.  The rate freeze has been in effect for several years

·         There is no start up funding for new programs.  This impacts the development of new programs including those designed to serve people with autism. This measure has been in effect several years.

·         A 2008 freeze in negotiated rates means that potential new programs will be paid the lowest of the median rate for similar programs in the State or the regional center.  The impact of this, although unknown at this time, will be dramatic for high cost areas, such as the Bay Area.

·         A 10% cut in Supported Employment rates

·         Extension of family cost participation fees to families of children under 3 years of age.

·         A higher case manager-client ratio

·         Tightening of eligibility requirements

·         Extension of time for eligibility determination from 60 to 120 days

 

The following issues impact the growth in per capita expenditure in the Developmental Disabilities system:

 

People are served throughout a life time

• Developmental disabilities, by definition, last a lifetime.  This system is unique because services and supports are provided from birth to old age. 

• The needs found in each age group are also unique.  Early childhood, school age, adulthood and aging all have different needs with different related costs.

• Whereas service emphasis may be preventive in early childhood, supportive in adulthood and ameliorative during aging, they are all needed to assist people with developmental disabilities to live as independent, productive and inclusive lives as possible.

 

Population is getting older

• The costs by age group are significant different because the service system for developmental disabilities must rely on other services offered to the general population.

• Children tend to be served by the school system and thus the average cost of services for a person 3 to 21 years of age (without autism) is $6,389 compared with $18,061 for adults aged 42-61 (without autism). Almost 3 times as much!

• When a student becomes an adult, the regional centers become responsible for most services for the individual with associated increase in costs.

• The number of adults served in the developmental disabilities services system grew by 37% from 1996-2006, from 66,810 to 91,855.   As young people become adults, the costs to the system will rise dramatically.

• As parents age, they become less able to care for their adult children in their home with an associated cost increase to the system.

 

There is an autism epidemic:

• The rate of autism nationally has skyrocketed from one in 2,500 births in the 1970s to 1 in 150 today.  

• The number of people with autism in the California DD system has more than quadrupled in the last 10 years, from 7487 in 1996 to 23,502 in 2006.

• Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. Children and adults with autism typically have serious difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, self-care, and leisure or play activities often requiring individualized and intensive supports. 

• The increase in autism cannot be explained by a shift in interpretation of diagnostic criteria or by immigration into California.

• Eighty two percent of people diagnosed with autism who are regional center clients are under the age of 22. 

• Over 50% of new intakes into the regional center system are people with autism.

• It costs more to serve people with autism than other developmental disabilities.    The average cost to serve adults (42 -61 yrs. old) with autism in the community is $36,614 per year compared to $20,633 for those other disabilities.

• The proportion of adults with autism will continue to escalate as the children who are currently served by schools turn 21.

• The long-range implication of the autism epidemic is a profound and enduring impact on the affected children, their families, public services, the state budget and the overall health status of California citizens.

 

We must realize that

Community-based services have saved the State millions of dollars annually

• The population of State-run developmental centers continues to decline dramatically.  Agnews Developmental Center will close its doors this year.

•  Costs to serve these individuals in the community are significantly higher than average community costs, but they are significantly lower than the cost to serve the same individuals in a State-run facility.  

• The community has been successful in serving more and more individuals with significant needs in spite of the fact that there have been no cost of living adjustments to rates paid to providers since 1998. 

• California’s per capita spending for people with developmental disabilities ranks 37th in the nation.

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RESOURCES:

Bright Futures/Family Matters Obesity and Disabilities



Bright Futures wellness guides for families of children with special needs, but also the AAP has nutrition/physical activity guides for professionals at   

A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities will help women with

disabilities improve their general health, self-esteem, and abilities to care for themselves and participate in their communities.

Un manual de salud para mujeres con discapacidad



Headbands for children with bone conduction hearing aids (not designed for regular behind the ear aids) .

Changing Destructive Adolescent Behavior

A Parenting course for parents of strong-willed or challenging children ages 11 and older. Parent Project is a comprehensive, award-winning and activity-based parenting skills program focusing on prevention and intervention of the most destructive of adolescent behavior. Classes are for ten Tuesday nights starting date, March 24, 2009 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Pre-registration highly recommended. Location: Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave., Carlsbad. Total fee for materials and class: $25.00 for individual registration or $35.00 per couple. No Cost for Active Military Families. To register and for more information, Contact Penny Velazquez at the GUIDE counseling office at (760)931-2167. View flyer or topics.

Depression and Bipolar Supports Alliance

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance has launched a new Spanish language website. Mejorando las vidas de individuos viviendo con trastornos ànimo.

Report from GAO on Young Adults with Serious Mental Illness and Transition

The transition to adulthood can be difficult for young adults who live with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. When these individuals are unsuccessful, the result can be economic hardship, social isolation, and in some cases suicide, all of which can pose substantial costs to society. Due to concerns about young adults with serious mental illness transitioning into adulthood, GAO was asked to provide information on (1) the number of these young adults and their demographic characteristics, (2) the challenges they face, (3) how selected states assist them, and (4) how the federal government supports states in serving these young adults and coordinates programs that can assist them. See details at highlights/d08678high.pdf  

Children's Perspectives of their Mental Health Services

This literature review attempted to summarize research examining foster children's perspectives of child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). Given the dearth of information on this topic, the authors instead reviewed the literature on children's and youth's perspectives of mental health services. The review can be found at /rtc.pdx.edu/PDF/dt158.pdf

from rtcUpdates for October, 2008

Community Integration of Transition-Age Individuals: Views of Young Adults With Mental Health Disorders

This study sought to examine what community integration means to young adults with mental health disorders. More specifically, it examined their definitions of community integration, the ways in which they strive to achieve community integration, and the barriers and supports they encounter. Visit

from rtcUpdates for October, 2008

Mental Health Issues Often Undiagnosed in Those With Disabilities

As many as half of all children with developmental disabilities may also have mental health issues, which often go undiagnosed, experts say. In many cases, outside issues like anxiety, depression or obsessive tendencies are attributed to the person's disability rather than identified as a separate diagnosis. What's more, if a person is nonverbal or unable to communicate it can be difficult to identify mental health concerns. But a movement is Canada is working to better identify those with "dual diagnosis" to improve treatment. Read more at servlet/story/RTGAM.20090127.wldual27/BNStory/lifeFamily/home

from News From Disability Scoop January 30, 2009

National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health - This national family-run organization is dedicated exclusively to helping children with mental health needs and their families achieve a better quality of life. The Federation has published a guide to systems of care for families, "Family Guide to Systems of Care for Children with Mental Health Needs" to inform caregivers and families about how to seek care for children with mental health needs. The content and format were determined by families across the country. The report can be found   

from The Champions for Inclusive Communities Newsletter

Guide for Self-Directed Public Mental Health Care

The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law and UPENN Collaborative on Consumer Integration has released "In the Driver's Seat: A Guide to Self-Directed Mental Health Care". The guide contains a description of self-directed care, offers advocacy strategies and tactics, and offers an in-depth look at how self-directed care initiatives work and how they are funded. The appendices include a series of fact sheets, such as "Financing Self-Directed Care" and "State Initiatives on Self-Directed Care," designed for state policymakers and others and can be copied and distributed. The guide can be found at

Do you know someone who is in need of accessing community food resources? Feeding America San Diego food bank can be reached at 858-452-3663 or .

New Website for College-bound Students with Disabilities

A new website has been developed to help high school students learn about living college life with a disability. The site provides video clips, activities, and resources that can help students get a head start in planning for college. going-to-

Making Workplace Accommodations: Reasonable Costs, Big Benefits

The U.S. Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has released a full color, downloadable fact sheet that summarizes a recent survey conducted by the Job Accommodation Network on the costs of providing accommodations to employees with disabilities. Some of the findings:

80% of employers using JAN wanted to provide accommodations so they could retain a valuable employee.

46% reported that the accommodations they implemented cost absolutely nothing. Similarly, 45% experienced a one-time cost.

The median one-time expenditure for employers was only $500.

75%  of  employers reported that the accommodations they implemented were either "very effective" or "extremely effective."

Companies reported a number of indirect benefits: improving colleague interaction (67%); increasing overall company morale (58%); and increasing overall company productivity (56%).

To download the fact sheet:

IMPACT is the statewide organization that supports families with deaf and hard of hearing children. They are recruiting parents throughout the state to become Key Parent Link Volunteers to mentor families with children who have recently been diagnosed with a hearing loss (deadline is March 15). Visit

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OPPORTUNITIES:

Are you aware of the Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling Program (RCP) at San Diego State University/Interwork Institute? They have several new specializations, and are strongly identified with the principles and practices that are crucial to doing effective work with and for individuals with disabilities. The RCP degree program has ranked in the top ten in the nation for over a decade, and the Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling is a valued and versatile degree. Many people, both young and older, are drawn to work where they can make a real difference in someone’s life. They may see psychology and social work as the only possible paths to a career working with people who have disabilities. Rehabilitation counselors are the only profession that has always supported the success of others through employment.

To learn more about the program, please contact Marjorie F. Olney, Ph.D., CRC, CPRP Associate Professor of the Rehabilitation Counseling Program at (619) 594-6883 or molney@mail.sdsu.edu. View details. RCP is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2009 semester. For full consideration, apply by May 1, 2009. Late applications accepted through July 1st.

The University of Illinois at Chicago is looking for parents and caregivers of children aged 12 - 18 with special needs to complete an internet-based survey on the lifestyle and environment of adolescents with disabilities. This survey can be accessed at and entering the access code:  ECP3

For more information, or if you experience any difficulty accessing the survey, please contact Brienne Davis (bdavis7@uic.edu), Department of Disability and Human Development, University of Illinois at Chicago. You may also reach Ms. Davis by telephone at (312) 355-4054.

Sun Valley Research Center (in Imperial County) is currently looking for participants for the following research studies: Alzheimer’s Disease, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), Child and Adolescent Depression and Schizophrenia. If you would like to participate in one of the upcoming research studies, please contact us at 760-355-0176 or svrcresearch@. Compensation is available to qualified participants for all research studies.

The Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County announces the availability of scholarships for the 2009-2010 academic year. The awards range from $250 to $2000. Two categories of eligibility are available:

1. A student being treated for epilepsy who is or will be enrolled in a college, university or trade school for Fall 2009. The student must show satisfactory academic performance and demonstrated financial need.

2. Any full-time college or university student involved in an epilepsy research project in the field of health or social science who has a GPA of at least 3.0 for all work completed. Demonstrated financial need is required.

Applicants must have a permanent residence in San Diego or Imperial Counties; however, they may be enrolled in a school outside the area. For more information and an application, visit . Deadline: Applications must be postmarked and sent to the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County by May 29, 2009 and received by June 12, 2009. Contact Sasha Clifton at (619) 296-0162 or sasha@.

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RECREATION:

EFRC’s listing of local recreational programs can be found at

Miracle League Baseball Spring 2009 Season Sign Ups. The season will run from March 21 through May 16, with all games being played on Saturdays at Engel Family Field, a Little Padres Park, at San Dieguito County Park.. The Miracle League of San Diego provides children with mental or physical challenges an opportunity to play baseball as a team member in an organized league. Visit , call (619) 231-8852 or email signup@.

Poway TOPS Soccer is looking forward to having a new Challenged League soccer program in March. Kids will be playing within their ability level, so it will be more fun for everyone. View details at

3/14/09 82nd Thursday Club Rummage Sale benefiting Home of Guiding Hands and other San Diego Non-Profits. Saturday, March 14 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday, March 15 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. location: 2145 Park Blvd ~ Activity Center in Balboa Park.

3/12/09 Airtime DSA social event for families of school age children.

10:30am – 1:00pm in Spring Valley. Must RSVP. View flyer.

3/22/09 Kid Zone Play Day 12:00 - 3:00pm

Program instills play & recreation skills and fosters socialization for children ages 3 - 12 of all abilities. Come play games and do crafts.

3/28/09 San Diego Race for Autism – Balboa Park

4/18/09 DSA’s 4th Annual Dinner Dance Gala and Silent Auction featuring guest speaker Karen Gaffney, who will share a video about her amazing experiences swimming across the English Channel and Lake Tahoe. Enjoy a lovely dinner, an inspirational evening with Karen, auction and raffle opportunities, and dance the night away.  Bring your co-workers, neighbors and friends for an incredible evening. View flyer

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SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Down Syndrome Association of San Diego Buddy Walk

Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park

We will keep you posted on the details as they become available!

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REFERENCE POINTS:

Help Your Young Adult Learn About Accessing Accommodations After High School

Although accommodation rights are provided to adults with disabilities

through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation

Act of 1973, services are not provided automatically. This handout

discusses methods to advocate for accommodations in postsecondary education and training, employment and for independent living.



For other PACER Center handouts for parents specifically on the

Americans with Disabilities Act and other transition issues, visit



Paper Compares Experiences of Pre- and Post-SSI Youth 

The results of a new study, summarized in the paper "Changing Circumstances: Experiences of Child SSI Recipients Before and After Their Age-18 Redetermination for Adult Benefits," provide an analysis of the dynamics of the transition of child Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients into adulthood. Findings suggest that youth with mental and behavioral disorders are much less likely to receive SSI benefits after turning 19. A major concern is that these youth are not sufficiently prepared for life without SSI. The report may be found at

REFERENCE POINTS was launched with the initial support from the National Center on Secondary Education and Transition . REFERENCE POINTS is administered by the TATRA Project at PACER Center , and funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration.

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