Champions for Children Phase 2 Announcement

Easter Seals Georgia Coalition was recently awarded the grant for the Champions for Children with Exceptional Needs Initiative. Included in the Coalition are Easter Seals Southern Georgia, Easter Seals North Georgia, Easter Seals West Georgia, Easter Seals East Georgia, Easter Seals Middle Georgia and Parent to Parent of Georgia. The Champions for Children Program is funded by a $4.87 million five-year grant from The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. This grant was made possible by a one-time 2006 Georgia Legislature allocation.

The Easter Seals Georgia Coalition is pleased to announce the implementation of the Champions for Children Program in multiple counties beginning July 1, 2008. Click here for the list of counties.

The Champions for Children Program is designed to primarily assist children and families that no longer meet the eligibility requirements for the TEFRA/Katie Beckett Medicaid program. The program will provide direct financial assistance and support services for Georgia’s medically fragile and special needs children and their families. An Easter Seals Champions Coordinator will work directly with families to determine eligibility, identify service needs as described by the family and connect them with resources and services.

For more information click here to access the Champions for Children website.

OUR OPINIONS: Doctor knows best

'Watershed' ruling keeps the state from limiting vital care sick children receive under Medicaid
By Maureen Downey
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 06/20/08

Because of strokes she suffered while in her mother's womb, 13-year-old Callie Moore of Danielsville has a host of complex medical problems. They include spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, refractory seizure disorder, mental retardation, gastroesophageal reflux disease, cortical blindness, dysphagia, bone cartilage disease, scoliosis, kyphosis and restrictive lung disease.

Callie's condition mandates round-the-clock care and treatment. Under federal and state Medicaid regulations and policies, she is entitled to screening, diagnostic and treatment services and, because she is medically fragile, skilled nursing care. Medicaid is a joint federal-state matching program that pays for medical assistance for low-income families and for people who would require institutional care if they were not receiving alternative services at home.

Callie's doctor prescribed 94 hours a week of nursing services, but state officials unilaterally reduced the hours to 84 in 2006. Her mother protested that the state had no right to disregard the doctor's order, and last week a court affirmed that under federal law, a Department of Community Health bureaucrat in an office tower cannot overrule a doctor in determining the level of medical care required by a sick child.

"The state must provide for the amount of skilled nursing care which the plaintiff's treating physician deems necessary to correct or ameliorate her condition," wrote U.S. District Court Judge Thomas W. Thrash.

The decision doesn't only help Callie. Georgia has a shameful record of minimizing the services it allows children under Medicaid, for example, by paring down a doctor's call for twice-weekly physical therapy to once a week. Historically, parents have had to fight for every hour of nursing services.

"The advocacy community is looking at this as watershed stuff," says Pat Nobbie, deputy director of the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities. "It puts the state on notice that it doesn't have the discretion it thought it had in deciding what services children eligible for Medicaid should have."

"Having a nurse in our home has kept Callie alive," says her mother, Pam Moore. Yet according to Moore, the state has tried to reduce her daughter's nursing hours about 10 times over the last decade.

"This is a very common story," says attorney Joshua Norris of the nonprofit Georgia Advocacy Office, which represented Callie. "In addition to having to go through the day-to-day grind of caring for a child with complex medical issues, there is the constant battle with a bureaucracy that is not focused on the needs of the child."

Despite laws mandating changes in how it treats children on Medicaid, the state has continued to create barriers to kids getting the amount of care they need. Nobbie hopes that this time, the clarity and vigor of Thrash's ruling will force the state to comply. Her advocacy organization is spreading the news of the decision across the state.

"We hope that prescribing physicians will get the word," she said, "and prescribe what they think kids need and stand up for what they prescribed if the kids are denied by the state."

So should the rest of us.

Click here for the article.

Moore v. Medows

Court Rules Georgia Medicaid Agency Must Provide Prescribed Services to Child

A 12-year-old girl from Madison County has won a significant victory in a federal lawsuit against Dr. Rhonda Medows, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Health, the state’s Medicaid agency. On June 9, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas W. Thrash rejected the Department of Community Health’s claim that it had the discretion to refuse to provide healthcare that had been prescribed by the girl’s treating physician.
The child, known as “Callie” to her friends and family, has many complex medical conditions that require nursing care. Callie is eligible for Medicaid and receives some Medicaid-funded nursing services in her home. Her doctor prescribed 94 hours of private duty nursing care for her, but the Department of Community Health approved only 84 hours of this service.
The Georgia Advocacy Office filed suit on Callie’s behalf to enforce her rights under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment services (“EPSDT”) provisions of the Medicaid Act [42 U.S.C. §1396d(r)]. EPSDT requires states participating in Medicaid to ensure that Medicaid-eligible children under age 21 receive all of the health care services and treatments that their treating physicians determine to be necessary to “correct or ameliorate” any physical or mental illness or condition.
In ruling in Callie’s favor, the federal district court found that states participating in the Medicaid program do not have the discretion to deny funding for treatments and services listed in the Act when prescribed by a treating physician for a Medicaid-eligible child.
Joshua Norris, the director of legal advocacy at the Georgia Advocacy Office, said the decision has implications for the more than 700,000 children in Georgia who are eligible for Medicaid.
“The court is simply making Georgia comply with Congress’ intent that all children who are eligible for Medicaid actually receive the services and treatment that will help them be in the best health possible. This decision affirms that treating physicians, and not the state, should make those decisions and that Georgia’s Medicaid agency must provide children eligible for Medicaid
what the doctors have prescribed for them.”

Walk, Run & Roll, Resource Fair and Silent Auction

Saturday, June 21, 2008, 9AM-2PM

WHERE: Old Home Depot, 2581 Piedmont Rd, NE., Atlanta, GA (across from the Target, behind Quick Trip (QT) on Sidney Marcus, 3 ½ blocks from Lindbergh Train Station)

RACES:
-Every runner gets a free t-shirt
-Children and adult categories
-2 main divisions: wheels and feet, wheels, power and manual wheelchairs, feet, adult and children
-Prizes for the winners
-Entry and pledges can be brought the morning of the races

Donations may also be sent to:
Long Road Home Campaign
c/o People First of Georgia
755 Commerce Drive, Ste 105
Decatur, Georgia 30030

Make all checks out to People First of Georgia, a 501 c 3, all donations are tax deductible.

For more information contact Kate Gainer (404)657-2125 or Cheri Mitchell (678) 755-6015

Transportation Forum - FRI, JUNE 20th

Rides for All Georgians
Public Forum on Transportation

When: Friday, June 20, 2008 from 6:00pm-8:00pm
Where: Manual Maloof Administration Building and Auditorium
1300 Commerce Drive
Decatur, Georgia 30030

All Welcomed!

Why: To discuss public transportation from the riders’ point of view, your input is needed!!!!!

The Manual Maloof Administration Building and Auditorium is located in walking distance from the Decatur Marta Station.

There will be forums held all over the state. If you do not live in the Atlanta Metro area, please continue to watch for the announcement of when Rides for All Georgians will be in your area!

Plan Seeks More Access for Disabled--Article in the NY Times

By ROBERT PEAR
Published: June 16, 2008

WASHINGTON — The Bush administration is about to propose far-reaching new rules that would give people with disabilities greater access to tens of thousands of courtrooms, swimming pools, golf courses, stadiums, theaters, hotels and retail stores.

The proposal would substantially update and rewrite federal standards for enforcement of the Americans With Disabilities Act, a landmark civil rights law passed with strong bipartisan support in 1990. The new rules would set more stringent requirements in many areas and address some issues for the first time, in an effort to meet the needs of an aging population and growing numbers of disabled war veterans.

More than seven million businesses and all state and local government agencies would be affected. The proposal includes some exemptions for parts of existing buildings, but any new construction or renovations would have to comply.

The new standards would affect everything from the location of light switches to the height of retail service counters, to the use of monkeys as “service animals” for people with disabilities, which would be forbidden.

The White House approved the proposal in May after a five-month review. It is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, with 60 days for public comment. After considering those comments, the government would issue final rules with the force of law.

Already, the proposal is stirring concern. The United States Chamber of Commerce says it would be onerous and costly, while advocates for disabled Americans say it does not go far enough...

Click here to read further.

NOTES FROM THE SENATE

BY SENATOR JACK HILL,
4th DISTRICT
June 12, 2008

With only one month left in the Fiscal Year, Georgia’s revenues have dropped to a virtual “no-growth” figure that practically guarantees the state will have to use the “Rainy Day” Reserve Fund to balance the books on June 30.
May’s revenues, at -31.1%, showed a sharp drop, but even when held up and matched with April’s sharp increase 34.5% reflect that the state’s revenue growth has slowed to a trickle.
Individual income tax, 50% of state revenues, was at -41.89% or ($607) million compared to May, 07 although April’s individual income tax showed an increase of 96.7% or $464 million. So between the two months, revenues were negative at -$142 million.
Sales tax collections continue to be lethargic and were negative between the two months by $38 million.
The clearest picture of Georgia’s slowing economy comes in examining Year to Date figures. Overall, Revenues (gains this year over last) stand for the first time at a negative 0.1%. So, as of May, we have taken in about $21 million dollars less than the first 11 months of 2007.
Individual income taxes are only $11 million over 2007, July-May or about 0.1%. One year ago, individual income taxes were up 45.4% or $453 million for the eleven months.
The state portion of Sales Taxes YTD is down 0.7% or $37 million. Interestingly, local sales tax collection, the 3% that local governments receive, is up $59 million or 16.4%. Of course local sales taxes include food and would take advantage of higher current food prices.
Corporate taxes are off by $24 million year to date, a decrease of 3.0%.

What a Difference a Year Makes:
One year ago, year to date total revenues were up $1.1 billion or 7.6% and individual income taxes were up 9.9%.
Inside the sales tax categories year to date, all categories are negative except food at a 5.0% increase, miscellaneous services at 1.7% and utilities at 2.1%. The largest decrease is in lumber which dropped 12.9%.
Fuel taxes like prices are a matter of deep concern to all Georgians. Fuel tax revenues do reflect decreasing purchases. Excise taxes, 7 ½ cents per gallon are down $20 million or -4.5% through May. Sales taxes on fuel have increased by $57 million or 13.2% YTD.
Of course June revenues are not accounted for yet but because June of 2007 was such a huge month ($110 million increase, or 7.0%). It is hard to believe June of 2008 can show a very large increase.

What These Numbers Mean:
With the FY08 Budget based on 2.78% growth exclusive of fuel taxes, the state could dip into the $1.5 billion reserve fund by $200 million to $500 million.

What’s Ahead in FY 2009?
With the FY 2009 Budget beginning in July, state leadership will have to act quickly if revenues continue to drag along with no growth. Reducing FY 2009 Budget expenditures would definitely be an option. Combining the year end reserve funds needed with the mid-year education adjustment of $190 million, the Reserve Fund could be decreased to one half or less, before any deficits in the FY 2009 Budget are addressed. Of course, oil prices don’t help our economy recover and are a drag on consumer and business spending.
In the longer term, you have to feel positive about Georgia’s ability to overcome these adversities. The military and civilian growth in Hinesville and Columbus, double digit growth in ports activity, unprecedented construction of warehouse space in Savannah and along I-16, and other commercial and manufacturing construction from the coast inland are all positive developments, indicate a quick recovery.
Additionally, the job announcements associated with the Kia plant in Troup County continue to grow and are at approximately 6,000 jobs at this writing. Obviously the homebuilding industry will be spotty in its recovery, focusing on areas of growth that may start to be affected by commuting distances to jobs.

Jack Hill can be reached at:

234 State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334
(404) 656-5038 (phone)
(404) 657-7094 (fax)
E-mail at Jack.Hill@senate.ga.gov
Or Call Toll-Free at 1-800-367-3334 Day or Night
Reidsville office: (912) 557-3811

Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation Public Policy Fellowships

The Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation is seeking outstanding professionals working in the field of inclusive services and supports for people with mental retardation, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and outstanding leaders who are parents or family members of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for an intensive one-year Public Policy Fellowship in Washington, D.C. During this one year Fellowship, the successful applicant will learn how legislation is initiated, developed, and passed by the Congress, or how programs are administered and regulations promulgated by federal agencies. The purpose of the Fellowship is to prepare emerging leaders or experienced professionals to assume leadership in the public policy arena, in their home state and or nationally. The coming year promises to be an exceptional opportunity to participate in the policy development process as we go through both the Presidential and congressional election processes and begin the 111th Congress.

Click here for more information and the application.

The deadline is August 15, 2008.

Please share these announcements broadly with your networks. These are fantastic opportunities to work on Capitol Hill or in a federal agency.

ACTION ALERT: URGE CONGRESS TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR FAMILY SUPPORT

Summary:

Beginning right now and throughout the summer, Congress will be deciding how much money federal programs will receive for the coming year. There are several key programs that provide family supports (see below) but they are seriously underfunded. We need your help to educate Members of Congress about why it is important to provide more money for family support programs.

Action:

Contact members of the House and Senate Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittees. Urge them to provide additional funding for family support programs at the levels recommended below, which are consistent with recommendations from the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD).

Click for:
Members of Senate Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee
Members of House Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee
You can contact members of Congress by calling the Capitol switchboard:
(202) 224-3124.
You can also click here to send your members of Congress a prepared e-mail message.

Background:

*While over 80% of all long-term services and supports are delivered informally, little funding is provided to support family and other informal caregivers.

*Investing in family support is fiscally wise:

-The economic value of informal caregiving is over $350 billion a year.
-American businesses lose between $17.1 and $33.6 billion annually in lost productivity costs due to family members providing informal supports.
-Respite and other supports contribute to the well-being of caregivers and can reduce undesirable, costly placements in nursing homes and other institutions.

*Funding for key family support programs has not kept pace with growing demands and pressures on families. Three important programs are:

1.National Family Caregiver Support Program:
The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) is authorized under Older Americans Act. It is intended to provide a variety of supports to caregivers of older individuals and older caregivers of children and adults with disabilities. Funding for the NFCSP has not kept pace with an aging population and actually received a slight cut last year. It is currently funded at $153.4 million; it is recommended that Congress increase funding to $250 million for FY 09.

2.Lifespan Respite Care Act:

The Lifespan Respite Care Act was signed into law on December 21, 2006.
It is intended to provide competitive grants to assist states in developing statewide respite systems to make quality respite available to family caregivers regardless of age or disability. However, it has not yet received any funding to be implemented. It is recommended that Congress provide funding at the full authorization level of $53.3 million for FY 09.

3.Family Support Program:

Title II of the Developmental Disabilities Act authorizes the Family Support Program to promote and strengthen systems of family support services to families with relatives with developmental disabilities.
Currently, only 21 states receive grants and funding is provided through a different section of the Act. It is recommended that funding for family support be increased from approximately $7.2 million to $17 million for FY09 to allow every state and US territory to receive grants. It is also recommended that this funding be provided through Title II without negatively impacting funding for other initiatives within Projects of National Significance.

YOUR OPINION COUNTS!!

NOTICE OF PUBLIC FORUM AT THE GAO

PLEASE MAKE PLANS TO COMMENT ON THE PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH MENTAL ILLNESS PROGRAM OF THE GEORGIA ADVOCACY OFFICE, INC.

TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2008
3:00 – 4:00 PM

Georgia Advocacy Office
Conference Room
150 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Suite 430
Decatur, GA 30030

This Public Forum is being hosted in conjunction with a federal site visit by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration U.S. Department of Mental Health and Human Services.

Each person will have three (3) minutes to present his or her comments.

If you need accommodations due to a disability to participate in the public forum please contact Donna Champion at 404.885.1234, 800.537.2329, or dchampion@thegao. org by June 10th.

If you cannot attend the forum in person, you can provide your comments:
1) by calling in during the forum – 404.885.1234 or 800.537.2329, voice or TDD;
2) by writing to the Georgia Advocacy Office – via email (info@thegao. org) or US Mail (Georgia Advocacy Office, 150 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue, Suite 430, Decatur, GA 30030) to be received by June 17th;
3) by writing directly to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – via email (Karen.Armstrong@ samhsa.hhs. gov) or US Mail (Karen Armstrong, SAMHSA – Division of Grants Management, Room 7-1091, 1 Choke Cherry Road, Rockville, MD 20857) to be
received by June 17th.

The GAO looks forward to hearing your comments on the work of the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Program.

Now Taking Applications

Partners in Policymaking is an innovative leadership training opportunity designed to involve and empower people with developmental disabilities, parents of young children with disabilities and other family members. The Partners program is the most comprehensive educational program on disability issues in Georgia.

How You Will Benefit:
Understand best practices
Connect with national experts
Network with other advocates
Be a part of creating positive change

What You Will Cover:
Community Organizing
Inclusive Education
State/Federal Government
Employment
Housing
History of Disability
Community Building

Who Should apply:
People with developmental disabilities, and parents of children with developmental disabilities, and family members are the primary target groups of the Partners program. We are looking for individuals who are seriously interested in developing their advocacy skills for the benefit of strengthening their families and being a part of local and statewide advocacy efforts.

For more information or to apply online, go to aadd.org contact Rita Young 404-881-9777 ext 220 or rita@aadd.org. The deadline for Applications is July 7, 2008.

To apply online, click below:
http://www.aadd.org/2008/newsite/programs/partners.html

To request a hardcopy of the application or to schedule a phone interview to assist in completing the application, call 404-881-9777 x 220.