Funding for this publication is provided by the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, Capital Area Human Services District, Louisiana State University and the Office of Public Health J ANUARY ANUARY—MARCH ARCH 2010 2010 In This Issue: FHFGBR Staff and Board 2 Autism Speaker Series 3 Education Station 4 Awards & Recognitions 5 F2FHIC 6 Events & Trainings 7 Events & Trainings cont. 8 Dates to Remember 9 GBR Autism Awareness Walk 10 Check out our website! www.fhfgbr.org You are cordially invited to attend the 2010 Legislative Roundtable Thursday, January 7, 2010 9:30 AM—1:30 PM Louisiana Municipal Association 700 North 10th Street Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Complimentary Lunch Must Register RSVP to [email protected] or (225) 216-7474 Reservations requested by December 31, 2009 Topic: Building Relationships with Legislators and Affecting Change in Community Services Louisiana Medicaid recipients and people on the waiting list for Medicaid services are faced with greater challenges than ever before in obtaining the services they need. Funding for these programs has been cut drastically, as many have already learned firsthand. We are faced with the potential for even more devastating cuts in the upcoming legislative session. Join families from around our region and your legislators at the 2010 Region 2 Roundtable. Lets begin the process of educating our lawmakers about our needs and learn how we may affect change with one unified voice. FHFGBR POST IT is an interactive feature on our website. It allows you to post comments, concerns, questions, etc. If there is a workshop you would like to suggest or other information you need, please post a comment and a FHFGBR staff member will help you in anyway possible!
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Funding for this publication is provided by the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, Capital Area Human Services District, Louisiana State University and the Office of Public Health
Topic: Building Relationships with Legislators and
Affecting Change in Community Services
Louisiana Medicaid recipients and people on the waiting list for
Medicaid services are faced with greater challenges than ever
before in obtaining the services they need. Funding for these
programs has been cut drastically, as many have already learned
firsthand. We are faced with the potential for even more
devastating cuts in the upcoming legislative session. Join families
from around our region and your legislators at the 2010 Region 2
Roundtable. Lets begin the process of educating our lawmakers
about our needs and learn how we may affect change with one
unified voice.
FHFGBR POST IT is an interactive feature on our website. It allows you to post comments, concerns, questions, etc. If there is a workshop you would like to suggest or other information you need, please post a
comment and a FHFGBR staff member will help you in anyway possible!
BOARD MEETINGS WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 21 AND MARCH 18
FROM 11:30 A.M. UNTIL 1:00 P.M. AT OUR CENTER
TO CONTACT OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS, SEND AN EMAIL TO [email protected]
Board of Directors
2
The Capital Area Quarterly
OUR MISSIONOUR MISSION
To provide the individualized services, information, resources and support needed to positively enhance the independence,
productivity and integration of persons with disabilities into the community.
January—March 2010
Every time you search the internet at GoodSearch.com or make a purchase through GoodShop.com, FHFGBR earns money!
GoodSearch is powered by Yahoo! so you get the same great results while it donates about a penny per search. GoodShop.com is a new online shopping mall which donates up to 37% of each purchase. Hundreds of great stores including
Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, eBay, Macy’s and Barnes & Noble have teamed up with GoodShop.
Enter Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge as the charity you want to support at www.goodsearch.com or www.goodshop.com.
2009200920092009 Sunshine Social Sunshine Social Sunshine Social Sunshine Social Christmas DanceChristmas DanceChristmas DanceChristmas Dance
Parents, caregivers, families, and professionals affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are invited to the first annual Baton Rouge Autism Academy. The Academy is the result of a collaborative effort of the Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation, Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge, Junior League of Baton Rouge, Inc., and Our Lady of the Lake Pediatric Residency Program. The 2009/2010 Baton Rouge Autism Academy will provide a series of three, three-hour educational sessions delivered by national experts on ASD. The second training is scheduled for February 6, 2010.
11606 South Fork Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70826
(225) 293-8090/293-8092 phone (225) 293-8091 fax
Friends and Family will assist your loved one with eating, bathing, dressing, personal hygiene and activities of daily living. This service may include assistance with preparation of meals, but does not include the cost of the meals themselves. When specified in the plan of care, this service may also include housekeeping, chores, bed making, dusting and vacuuming. These activities are also essential for sustaining the individual’s health and safety.
To see if you qualify for Long-Term Care, call 1-866-229-5222 To qualify for Medicaid, call 1-800-776-6326
Note: We are licensed for EPSDT, Long-Term Care, MR/DD and Elderly Waivers
MEDICAID AND PRIVATE PAY ACCEPTED
“Taking Effective Strategies Home for Children with
Autism Spectrum Disorder”
February 6, 2010
Presented by: Dr. Cathy Pratt
Director of the Indiana Resource Center for Autism at the Indiana Institute for Disability and Community
• Strategies for assessing problematic behavior with a focus on both decreasing inappropriate behaviors and teaching alterna-tive skills.
• Identify basic strategies to enhance pro-social behaviors • Learn strategies to replace problematic challenges.
TIME: All sessions will be held on Saturday mornings from 9AM—Noon. Check-in and registration begins at 8:15AM. Early arrival is recommended. Sessions will begin promptly at 9 a.m. LOCATION: St. James Episcopal Church in Bishop’s Hall, 204 North 4th Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70801 COST: FREE: Families, Caregivers, Students & Professionals Not Seeking Continuing Education $60: Professionals Seeking Continuing Education Credits You must register to attend this training. To register, visit http://www.brshf.org/br_autism_academy.php
Funding for this publication is provided by the Louisiana State Department of Education. 4
The Capital Area Quarterly
“By learning we teach, by teaching we learn.”
Cynthia Chesterfield— Sr. IEP Facilitator for Inclusive
Education and Therapeutic Recreation Resource
Summer Mizell-Babin— Education Advocate
Transition Parent Facilitator
January—March 2010
Louisiana Policies & Bulletins What are they?
How do they affect students with disabilities?
The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) has the authority to make policies that govern public education in the State of Louisiana. The Board is comprised of both elected and appointed individuals. The Board adopts policies and regulatory rules. These rules become law and are added to the Louisiana Register. These laws affect the way children with and without disabilities are educated in the State of Louisiana. Parents are strong voices when involved in policy making decisions. There are many organizations directed to the efforts of engaging parents as partners in the leadership and development of appropriate and meaningful policy for Louisiana students with disabilities. Parent’s are strongly encouraged to learn about Louisiana Bulletins that are important when advocating for appropriate services. So how do you learn more? Read and research Bulletin 1508 and 1706 to understand how these laws affect decisions in the IEP meeting. Compare your child’s current IEP to the standards outlined in the law so you can ensure appropriate supports and services are being provided in the least restrictive school environment. If you don’t understand all the specific requirements of these bulletins, don’t be afraid to ask for help from local advocacy organizations who can help you better interpret the law. Below are links to some great organizations that promote parental involvement and can provide support to parents who want to learn more student advocacy.
Thanks to Those Who Helped Make This Year’s Thanksgiving Celebration a Success
This year at our 3rd Annual Thanksgiving Celebration, over 200 people gathered at our center for an amazing Thanksgiving feast and an opportunity to relax and celebrate this time of giving. Tables adorned with festive flowers and centerpieces sat outside under an enormous white tent while families and friends gathered around to enjoy turkey with all the traditional Thanksgiving fixings.
While every Thanksgiving Celebration has been successful, this year was very special due to the support and assistance of several businesses and organizations in the Greater Baton Rouge area. Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market on Old Hammond Hwy. stepped n wholeheartedly and organized volunteers and donations from its own employees, Tony’s Chacharies, First Church of the Nazarene, the Celtic Society of Louisiana, River Roads Coffee, Flowers Baking Co. and Community Coffee. Other businesses assisting with in-kind donations and gift cards include Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart, Cole’s Florist, American Health Care and Reeve’s Supermarket. Thank you for your generosity.
The AT Marketplace
To visit The AT Marketplace, visit www.latan.org and click “The AT Marketplace.”
The goal of The AT Marketplace hosted by LATAN is to put Assistive Technology (AT) equipment that is not currently being used into the hands of someone who can benefit from it. The AT Marketplace is primarily for Louisianans, although we do accept entries from neighboring states. The program is designed to facilitate equipment exchange between individuals and is not for the use of vendors or distributors.
Categories of devices listed on The AT Marketplace are:
FHFGBR would like to recognize Mr. John Musser, Grandfather to our own Summer Mizell-Babin.
In 2009 Mr. John Musser was recognized by East Baton Rouge Parish and Mayor-President “Kip” Holden with the prestigious “Golden Apple Award.” Mayor Holden issued a proclamation naming April 23rd “JOHN MUSSER DAY.”
For over 15 years Mr. Musser has worked closely with East Baton Rouge Parish schools and libraries, teaching the game of Chess to children in the community.
Congratulations! Thank you for your dedication to the children in our community and your outstanding efforts in volunteerism.
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS…! No more drowning in piles of Paper. Let’s get Organized
By Karen Scallan, LA Family to Family Health Information Center
It’s time for New Year’s resolutions and a great time to think about getting your child’s health records organized. Organized records help you
review a history of your child’s care, appeal insurance decisions and provide a resource for answering doctors’ questions. As a parent, you are your child’s first health care provider. In order to completely participate in decision-making for your child, being organized is a necessary New Year’s resolution for 2010. In choosing a record keeping method, figure out what works best for you. Each child should have their own separate set of records. Some families prefer
electronic records, while others use notebooks or binders. For some, a combination might work. Whatever system you choose, consider keeping notes on phone calls, emails, important papers, contact and insurance info, questions for the doctor, medical/vaccine history, allergies and medications with dosages, IEPs and evaluations, home-school communication, information on medical equipment, and therapy notes, etc. For some families, it will be difficult to separate educational and medical records if, lets say, they have a child with mental health issues. There may be a lot of overlap in the records you’ll need for doctors and educators. If medical records are significant, consider a separate notebook, binder or electronic thumb drive for information the doctor will need. Our Medical Diary includes forms you can use to document a wide variety of medical information as well as tips for questions to ask the doctor at various stages of your child’s care. You can find our Medical Diary at http://www.blfhf.org/f2fhic/docs/Medical%20Diary.pdf. Or, take a look at the American Academy of Pediatrics Care Notebook. You can see how it works by watching their tutorial at http://www.medicalhomeinfo.org/CareTour/tutorial.htm Wrightslaw suggests educational papers be kept in chronological order in binders separated by tabbed sheets that are numbered and indexed. This is a good method of document maintenance. But not everyone will be able to maintain it. One difficulty with this method is that if your child has complicated medical issues as well as educational, the system can be burdensome and difficult to use when visiting the
doctor. Consider scanning copies of home-school communication daily or weekly or making copies on an inexpensive home copier for your paper files. When scanning, be sure to name your documents and save them in an organized way so that you can easily retrieve them. Use a telephone call log to keep track of telephone calls. There are forms available for handwriting or typing in your information on the computer in our Medical Diary. Or, you can make a telephone log using the “tables” in Microsoft Word. When documenting conversations, include promises made or deadlines on the call. You may also use a student planner. Be sure to get one with not only the month-at-a-glance page, but pages behind that to enter notes for each date. When you take a call, note it on the monthly calendar (“Telephone Call to/from Dr. Jones”) and write notes of what was said in the section for that day. Enter dates of behavior problems, mental health issues, doctor appointments and lab tests that were taken or are scheduled. To keep track of contact information, use our Medical Diary forms to record insurance and provider contact information. Consider purchasing a few business card sheets made for binders and include those in with your Medical Diary. Write down questions for doctors or educators in advance in a spiral notebook with pockets. Note at the top the date/time and reason for the meeting or appointment. Leave room for yourself to write down the doctor’s or teacher’s answers so that you can refer back to them later. If your child has a lot of medical equipment you’ll want to keep track of dates received, expiration dates, supplier names and contact information, maintenance needed and contacts for repairs, as well as where loaner or temporary equipment should be returned. Use either the forms you find at one of the links below or start your own on your home computer. If you have to get rid of old information, scan them in for backup and keep them electronically. Shred old documents so personal information cannot be sto-len. Consider putting all important information on a portable thumb drive with folders for each member of the family. Put a copy with emergency evacuation information. When storing your medical records, never box up documents without inventorying them. Keep copies of the indexes of each binder and indexes of the box on your computer for easy review. Number and log in the boxes so you know where to find items when or if you need them.
Links
Prepared binder with divider tabs for medical records – about $15.00 online http://www.onlineorganizing.com/ProductsPage.asp?name=Childs_Records_Binder_Tabs_Kit Build your own medical Diary with a variety of forms from the American Academy of Pediatrics Medical Home Page complete with tutorial and links to variety of forms from across the country. Choose the ones that work best for you, complete the forms and save them to a thumb drive. http://www.medicalhomeinfo.org/CareTour/tutorial.htm MedicTagLLC Emergency medical Information on keyring http://www.medictag.com/
EarlySteps is offering New Family Orientation classes for parents and caregivers whose children are enrolled in
the EarlySteps Program. .This class will cover all of the basics of EarlySteps, including parents roles and responsibilities, provider’s roles, and many other aspects of the program. Classes are free and help you become a better participant on your child’s IFSP team. Children are welcome to attend.
January 15, February 19 and March 19 at 11:30AM and 6:00PM BREC Independence Park, 7500 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806, Room 137
If you have any questions, please contact Doris Glass-Heckert (225) 216-7474.
Come join our bowling league! Friends of St. Andrew’s Village is a great group of kids (and some of their parents!) who enjoy bowling in a fun atmosphere with lots of friends. All ages are welcome! This league is inclusive for individuals with and without disabilities. When: Winter league begins on Tuesday, January 5th at 4:00PM Where: Circle Bowl (corner of Florida and Airline) Cost: $9 for three games that includes your shoe rental Questions and/or info on registration: Call Rachel Howell at (225) 343-4194 and leave a message.
New Roads, La. 70760 For info. contact Cherie Cazayoux (225) 638-5907
In his role as an advocate, Mr. Jones is a public speaker on the issues and topics that range from education and employment to Health Care and Home and Community Based Services Intersection of Community Business and Public Policy Disability Rights and Inclusion. Most recently Mr. Jones has been featured in two critically acclaimed documentaries: Dan Habib’s “Including Samuel ” and Maggie Doben’s “Labeled Disabled .”
• This conference will include a screening of the DVD “Including Samuel.”
• Conference also includes a special presentation titled “Virtual Family-Friendly Schools” by Marlon Cousin, Title I Coordinator of Parent Involvement for EBR Parish School System
Featuring Keith Jones Featuring Keith Jones Featuring Keith Jones Featuring Keith Jones
Inclusion Education
Instructional Research Center Veranda Room
1022 S. Foster Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70806
9 AM—3 PM Lunch Included
Must Register to Attend as Must Register to Attend as Must Register to Attend as Must Register to Attend as Seating is LimitedSeating is LimitedSeating is LimitedSeating is Limited
To register or for more information,To register or for more information,To register or for more information,To register or for more information,
Inaugural Greater Baton Rouge Autism Awareness Walk
Goodwood Blvd. at Chevelle Drive Toni Peters (225) 216-7474
March 23 10 AM—12 PM
1:30 PM— 3:30 PM
West Feliciana: Information and Resource Workshop for Parents
East Feliciana: Information and Resource Workshop for Parents
Location TBA Cynthia Chesterfield (225) 216-7474
March 27 10 AM—12 PM
IEP Bootcamp FHFGBR 778 Chevelle Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Summer Mizell-Babin (225) 216-7474
March 31 10 AM—12 PM
Special Education Evaluations-Where to Start Louisiana Municipal Association 700 N. 10th Street., Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Summer Mizell-Babin (225) 216-7474
Jan. 15 11:30 AM—
6 PM
earlySteps New Family Orientation Class BREC Independence-Mtg. Room 137 7500 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA
70806
Doris Glass-Heckert (225) 216-7474
January—March 2010
778 Chevelle Drive Baton Rouge, LA 70806
NONPROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE PAID BATON ROUGE, LA
PERMIT NO. 125
Make a Difference!
Help raise awareness about Autism Spectrum
Disorders while raising funds for the Resource
Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder: a new
program that will serve the Greater Baton
Rouge area.
Registration
On-line registration and donations
are encouraged!
www.fhfgbr.org or visit:
Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge 778 Chevelle Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70806 (225) 216-7474
Sponsorship Opportunities
Still Available.
Proceeds from this walk will assist in the startup cost for the Resource Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, a program of Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge. A portion of the proceeds also benefit the Autism Society
Greater Baton Rouge Chapter.
Inaugural
Greater Baton Rouge
Autism Awareness Walk Paving the way for a brighter future!