Strong Families. Strong Futures. | |
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Greetings to our VFN Family and Friends.
In Vermont, families with children and youth in need of specialized care often face a daunting challenge: navigating the complex landscape of Home-Based Community Services (HCBS) and Medicaid. Despite these resources being designed to provide crucial support, many families remain unaware of their availability and how to access them effectively. It can be incredibly challenging and time-consuming to navigate the system, and Vermont Family Network is always positioned to help!
HCBS encompasses a wide range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of children and youth with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or behavioral health issues, allowing them to receive care in the comfort of their homes and communities. From skilled nursing to behavioral therapy, these services play a vital role in improving the quality of life for young individuals and alleviating the strain on families.
However, despite the importance of HCBS, awareness among families remains low. Many parents are unaware of the eligibility criteria for Medicaid, which serves as the primary funding source for these services. Parents report feeling overwhelmed by the process and the paperwork. Income guidelines are confusing. The rules are tough to comprehend. As a result, they may struggle to access the support their children desperately need.
Increasing family awareness of HCBS and Medicaid is essential for ensuring that all children and youth receive the care they require. One effective approach is through targeted outreach and education initiatives. Community organizations, healthcare providers, and schools can play a crucial role in disseminating information about available services and guiding families through the application process. VFN is dedicated to providing this support.
Moreover, efforts to simplify the enrollment process and eliminate bureaucratic barriers are also necessary. Reducing paperwork and streamlining eligibility requirements can make it easier for families to access Medicaid and HCBS, ensuring that no child falls through the cracks due to administrative hurdles. VFN follows Medicaid changes and dialogue as part of its Policy & Advocacy work. Read more...
From the heart,
Jacqui
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A summer job is a rite of passage and a step toward independence and maturity. Researchers at Stamford University have found that a summer job for teens can help boost academic performance in the classroom. Working jobs over the course of multiple summers can help students even more by fostering soft skills like time management, perseverance, and self-confidence. But studies show that only 15 percent of youth with significant disabilities work at any point in the summer months, compared to the 60-70 percent of youth without disabilities who have summer jobs.
In response, HireAbility Vermont has developed the Summer Career Exploration Program (SCEP) to provide summer work experience and training for high school youth with disabilities. Watch the VFN-hosted workshop on SCEP, read our Transition Toolkit for Youth with Disabilities or contact our helpline at 802-876-5315 or info@vtfn.org if you have concerns or questions about your high school student with a disability.
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On the Road Again: A Puppets Perspective | |
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Hi! I’m Adam, one of the puppets with Puppets in Education. I’ve been in a lot of puppet shows, but lately my biggest roles have been in the Anxiety and Kindness & Stress puppet programs. It’s a lot of fun meeting kids from all over. But it’s a lot of work, too!
Puppet show days are so busy! We have to get up very early to get to each school. I always have a lot of fun riding in the puppet van. We puppets sit in the back of the van (on top of some suitcases) and we chat about what we’re doing that day.
Natalie gets a little anxious before our shows, but we always remember to take some deep breaths before we go on stage. We love talking with all our new friends and hearing about their worries and what their superpowers are to help them feel better.
At the end of the day, we’re all tired but happy. Coming home to Puppet Headquarters is so nice! We tell our puppet friends all about our day and all the new friends we met. Sometimes, we get letters from schools, and we love that! We read every single letter, and we always write back.
Karen asked me to add that if you’re interested in having me or my puppet friends come to your school in the fall to contact her at karen.sharpwolf@vtfn.org. She says spots for grant-funded and sponsored days will go quickly. For schools already on our waiting list, she says to watch out for a letter containing a link to an online form!
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Register for the 6th Annual Youth Summit | |
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The Youth Advocacy Council, a group of youth and young adults with disabilities, supported by VFN and other partners, are inviting youth and the adults who support them to attend the 6th Annual Youth Summit "Transition, Accessibility, Community." Hear members’ stories around self-advocacy and join in the conversation about transition to adulthood, accessibility, and community!
May 29th, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Hilton Double Tree, South Burlington
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Sign Up for the
VFN Policy & Advocacy Newsletter
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To stay informed about Education, Health, and Mental Health legislation in Vermont and to have your voice heard, sign up for our Policy and Advocacy Newsletter.
We are excited that Vermont Family Network’s Policy and Advocacy work is back and more dedicated than ever to advocating for public policies that support children, youth, and families in Vermont and beyond. Our primary focus is on supporting children and youth, particularly those with disabilities or special health needs and their families, and we work tirelessly to maximize our impact on policies that affect them. We collaborate with family leaders, self-advocates, and youth with disabilities or special health needs to develop legislative platforms and provide assistance with testimony, whether it's written or spoken.
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Funding for Families is Available! | |
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VFN has two respite funds available to families who are not currently receiving respite funding from other resources. Respite is a planned break for parents or caregivers, which allows time to spend with other children, to schedule necessary appointments, or to have an opportunity to rest and recharge.
VFN’s Family Support Fund is for Vermont families with children up to 21 years of age who have a chronic physical, medical, or developmental condition. A family’s annual income must be at or below 500% of the Federal Poverty Level. They can access up to $1200 per grant year (maximum initial respite request is $600.)
This fund is made possible through a generous grant from the Vermont Department of Health’s Children with Special Health Needs (CSHN) program. It also includes Medically Necessary Supplemental Funding for families who have out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by insurance. Please contact joanne.wechsler@vtfn.org for more information.
Our Vermont Respite Support Program is for Vermont families with children up to 19 years of age who have a chronic physical, medical, mental, or developmental condition OR:
- are experiencing circumstances such as: homelessness, economic hardships, and/or DCF Family Services involvement
- are suspected of a diagnosis and waiting for an evaluation
- require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children and youth generally
You may also be eligible if you are:
- a parent/caregiver with a disability that has a child (up to the age of 19) living at home
- a relative caregiver with a child(ren) living with them
- a parent/caregiver of an adopted child(ren)
Families may access up to $1000 per year through a voucher reimbursement process. This fund is made possible through a generous grant from the Vermont Department of Children and Families-Child Development Division. Please contact laurel.sanborn@vtfn.org for more information.
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Here are some thoughtful ideas on how to prepare for summer in Vermont with special needs children who might require extra planning:
- Research accessible activities, camps, and events in advance.
- Consider your child's sensory challenges and plan accordingly, such as bringing noise-canceling headphones or scheduling movement and brain breaks.
- Ensure you have enough medical supplies and identify nearby facilities.
- Create a visual schedule to provide structure and reduce anxiety.
- Embrace Vermont's natural beauty with sensory-friendly outdoor activities.
Remember, flexibility is key. Communicate openly, prioritize your family's well-being, and be ready to adjust your plans as needed throughout the summer season ahead!
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Upcoming Events - Register today! | |
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Free Workshops
May 14 at 1:00 p.m. Register for "Sharing Information with Siblings"
Join us for a panel discussion with parents and adult siblings about their experiences discussing disability, challenges, benefits, and everything in between! Emily Holl, Director of the Sibling Support Project, will provide tips for sharing key information at different stages of life with young siblings, teens, and adults to create positive outcomes for the entire family. Presenter: Emily Holl - Director of the Sibling Support Project
June 6 at 2:30 p.m. Register for "Supports Intensity Scale-Adult (SIS-A) Assessment Overview"
This workshop includes a review of the current SIS-A referral process, the different sections of the assessment, the questions asked during the assessment, and tips for understanding the rating key and how to read the report. This presentation may be helpful for anyone interested in understanding more about the SIS-A or to feel more prepared for the assessment. The assessment is currently for youth and adults aged 16 and older who receive Developmental Services Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), also known as Waiver services.
Presenter: Jessica Bernard, M.A. - Deputy Director of Payment Reform at DAIL
June 13 at 1:00 p.m. Register for "Health Literacy: Making Communication More Understandable and Accessible"
This workshop will define health literacy, help you to understand why it is important to make communication more understandable and accessible and will share health literacy techniques and resources to help you develop and share information with your audience.
Presenter: Chrissy Keating - UVM Health Network (UVMHN) Health Literacy Specialist
If you are unable to attend, you can still register and we’ll send you a
recording of the workshop which you can watch on your own time.
Registrations are also posted under Upcoming Events on the landing page of our website. In case you missed our last series of workshops, you can find a full list on our VFN website. Stay tuned as we add more workshops to our schedule!
We save workshops on our website and YouTube channel.
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VFN Workshop Topics/Speakers Survey
We want to hear your ideas for our upcoming online workshops. What topics interest you? Are there presenters you would recommend?
Let us know your thoughts.
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Contact Us. We Will Listen! | |
Helping Vermont Families thrive for more than 30 years | | |
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Office
600 Blair Park Rd, Ste 240,
Williston, VT 05495
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