The
C
enter on
D
isabilities and
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uman
D
evelopment
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Conferences and Presentations
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Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) 2018 -
Special Education Convention and Expo
Pictured from left to right: Julie Fodor and Kalley Malone stand in front of their poster presentation.
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Kalley Malone, a UI grad student, and Julie Fodor, PhD, attended the National CEC conference February 7-10, 2018. Kalley presented a poster on three studies she conducted, Facilitating Inclusion of Students With ID Through Peer Mediation Strategies, Promoting Literacy, and Social Involvement and Academic Engagement.
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Carly Saxe, CDHD staff, sits at the CDHD sponsor table during the IPBN conference.
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Idaho Positive Behavior Network (IPBN) Conference.
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Idaho SESTA staff attended the annual IPBN conference in Boise on January 19th. IPBN's goal is to increase Idaho’s student achievement through creating an integrated system of sustainable support at the school level to meet every student’s needs. This year's conference provided multiple sessions on topics that included; trauma-informed care, PBIS for administrators, families and communities, managing and understanding behaviors, and so much more.
Idaho SESTA is a statewide collaborative project between CDHD, Boise State University, and the State Department of Special Education. Idaho SESTA provides technical assistance and supports to special education teams.
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CDHD Trainees - Collaboration Activities
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Fred Riggers Disability Awareness Day
By Lynsey Fenter
A few trainees and I were lucky enough to fly down and attend Fred Riggers Disability Awareness day at the Capitol on January 24th. We started out our day attending the informational hearing on the Idaho Health Care Plan. It was really interesting to hear about the proposed plan.
After the hearing was over, we made our way up to the Rotunda and met with different organizations and learned more about what they do. We were also able to talk with Scott Hoover from Disability Rights Idaho about accessible voting booths. I loved being able to learn more about the different organizations and how they help individuals with disabilities.
After we had met with everybody, we listened to the proposed rules for the new addition to The Southwest Idaho Treatment Center. We heard Jim Baugh from Disability Rights Idaho address all of the issues with these proposed rules and the amendments he proposed, that I found extremely interesting. I really enjoyed the opportunity to hear from the community about their thoughts and opinions of these rules.
Once everyone had a chance to share their thoughts, we headed to the open house provided by the Independent Living Network Corp (LINC). We were able to look at incredible artwork made by individuals with disabilities. Through this gallery I was able to stumble across an artist that I have come to love. This artist’s name is Non Reyes and he paint’s with his mouth due to an accident that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. Non didn’t allow his injury to stop him from expressing himself.
Overall this was an incredible trip where I was able to learn a lot. I am so thankful that I was given the opportunity to participate in this wonderful day.
DD Network Luncheon
by Laura Hannon
Thursday, February 8, Olivia, Kenia, and I traveled to Boise, ID to attend the Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities (IDCC) quarter
ly meeting and the Developmental Disability Network Healthcare Luncheon. At the meeting we heard from representatives of the DD network (the ICDD, CDHD and Disability Rights Idaho (DRI), learned about the different projects at IDCC, and played team building games with the members.
We also helped serve lunch at a Healthcare Policy luncheon where 25 Idaho legislators came to talk to members of the DD Network about the Idaho Healthcare Plan and the negative effects of block granting Medicaid. It was interesting to hear what legislators thought about Medicaid and to see them learn from the advocates and representatives who will be affected by the healthcare plan. Overall, it was an informative and thought-provoking trip!
Partners in Policy Making-
March Legislative session
Thursday, February 22, the Partners in Policy Making class, sponsored by the ICDD, made visits to their legislators. CDHD staff supported members as they met with their legislators, attended hearings and toured the Capitol building. During the March session Partners learn about the legislative process, how to conduct a one-on-one and committee hearing protocol. Christine Pisani, ICDD states, "This is the class's favorite session. It is an empowering opportunity where they are able to apply newly learned skills and become transformed advocates with the hands on experience".
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Nick Stallings displays a variety of Assistive Technology devices during Fred Riggers Disability Awareness Day.
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From left to right: Trainees Ana Vasquez, Mazie Mose
r, Andrew Martinez, Mia Giglio, Lynsey Fenter taking a group picture before
we headed inside to hear about the Idaho Health Care Plan.
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Scott Hoover from Disability Rights Idaho showing Trainees Lynsey Fenter and Ana Vasquez an accessible voting machine.
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From left to right: Trainee Kenia Ortega, Trainee Coordinator Olivia Lebens, and Trainee Laura Hannon after attending the DD Network Luncheon.
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Above: DD Network Partners pictured left from right - Robin Greenfield, CDHD, Jim Baugh, DRI, and Christine Pisani, ICDD.
Left: The Partners class listens to the tour guide during a visit to the Capitol.
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Adaptive Skiing
By Jessilyn Matthias
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Happy New Year!
Well, it’s that time again in the great Pacific Northwest when people go on vacations and into the mountains for cold winter fun and skiing. I remember how my dad used to wax his skis in our garage and talk about how much fun he would have on Mount Spokane. He doesn’t ski much anymore, but there are many people who do and need specialized gear to enjoy the sport. The website
http://adaptiveskiing.net/ is a great go-to for information on gear, resort amenities, organizations, foundations, and numerous opportunities to network with other adaptive skiers and staff. In the Treasure Valley, Recreation Unlimited provides
http://recreation-unlimited.org/ equipment and lessons at Bogus Basin.
Many assistive technology options exist for physically impaired skiers, including skis and snow boards with seats and built-in handles. These devices accommodate individuals who have trouble walking or balancing. For wheelchair users, there are tow-behind options that can attach to the wheelchair and another vehicle. There are also carts designed to hold a wheelchair/skier combination.
Competitive individuals can even enjoy races, biathlons and Paralympic clubs. There are also special programs for veterans, training centers, and resources for grants and scholarships to buy equipment for people who have disabilities.
It is awesome to know that activity and sports businesses are increasingly aware of accommodations and allowing everyone to use their products and have fun.
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ABLE Accounts
by Ryan Locke
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ABLE Accounts are savings accounts for people with disabilities and their families. ABLE accounts provide the opportunity to save up money without losing disability benefits. The account does not count against the resource limits for SSI, Medicaid and other state and federal benefits. Money in the account is also exempt from federal taxes (though not Idaho state taxes). The savings can be used to pay necessities such as for health care, food, utilities and housing.
The program was created by the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE Act) of 2014. The state of Idaho subsequently passed its own legislation in 2017 making state benefits are also protected by law. Idaho is not large enough to support a program of its own, but Idaho residents can enroll in programs in other states. This process is assisted by the State Independent Living Council (SILC). Anybody interested in signing up for this program should contact Jerry Riener at
[email protected]
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ABA Autism Treatment and the Fight for Private Health Insurance Coverage in Idaho
By: Jessilyn Matthias
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A young boy is observed working with a teacher and his support aide. Photo courtesy of Autism Speaks website.
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For a parent, a diagnosis of their child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often heartbreaking and uncertain. There are questions about what caused ASD to occur and how to successfully treat it. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has emerged as a treatment that effectively teaches new, more functional behaviors to enhance quality of life for someone who has ASD. It is also evidence-based and can be delivered in a variety of settings to keep the client comfortable. In an effort to make ABA more affordable, new Idaho insurance reform will be proposed that requires private insurance coverage for individuals with the diagnosis of ASD.
At the moment, Idaho is one of four states that does not provide private insurance coverage. Consequently, Idahoans who qualify for children’s DD Services can benefit, putting a substantial pressure on the state’s budget. More coverage and better services could be provided if it was covered through private insurance companies.
Another hurdle that ABA in Idaho has to overcome is the shortage of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) who are trained in specific ABA treatment. Since the current Idaho service system does not require BCBAs, The Developmental Disabilities Agency cannot get an adequate reimbursement rate to afford these highly qualified professionals. Thus, the standard of care and treatment is lowered due to funding issues.
According to the draft language of the Autism Insurance Reform, private insurance companies in Idaho could not terminate or refuse coverage to an ASD individual based on their diagnosis or treatment. Additionally, coverage could not limit the number of therapeutic visits or the costs of ABA usage. These insurance reforms would ensure that the client get valuable treatments, as well as take the burden off Idaho’s state budget.
Learning a child may have ASD often creates uncertainty for parents and caregivers. Fortunately, ABA and treatment best practices may soon be covered by private insurance. That is good news for both parents and their children, and the entire state of Idaho.
Special thanks for information in this article provided by the Autism Speaks website:
https://www.autismspeaks.org/
and Colleen Sisk, a private provider and habilitative intervention professional.
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CDHD News and Upcoming Events
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MARCH
3: artAbility workshop- UI Lionel Hampton School of Music
5&6: Tools for life- Moscow Best Western
6: Social & Emotional Development for Children and Teens- Moscow, CDHD
7: CAC meeting- Moscow, CDHD or Zoom
7: Temple Grandin presentation- Clarkston WA
12-16: UI Spring Break
23: SALN Disability Film Festival- Moscow, Kenworthy Theater
31: artAbility workshop- UI Lionel Hampton School of Music
APRIL
20: artAbility Showcase- Moscow, 1912 Center
22: Courageous Kids Climbing- Moscow, UI Rec Center
NEXT NEWSLETTER
March/April 2018
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DISCLAIMER
The CDHD Insider is a newsletter for CDHD staff, partners, and community. It is a tool used by the Center to keep everyone informed on the day to day work that is being performed and things to look forward to in the near future.
Be sure to check out the
CDHD Facebook page to stay updated on upcoming events at CDHD.
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