Click on the following articles:
Tips for Dining Out With Autistic Kids
Read our experts’ tips on how to make the best of your dining experience away from home while accommodating the needs of your autistic child.
Travel Tips for Families With Autism
Read these experts’ advice on how to plan a family vacation that includes an autistic child.
All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) is Atlanta's preeminent resource on developmental disabilities, providing support services to families for more than 55 years. We are often the one place where people with developmental disabilities can go to achieve personal empowerment, family stability and community participation. AADD provides family support; public policy and advocacy; and community engagement.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Free Movies at Georgia State
The Center for Leadership in Disability (CLD) is pleased to announce the GSU disability Awareness Film Series at the Cinefest Theater. The series will feature the diverse lives, stories, and artistic expressions of people with different disabilities.
Film Schedule:
March 11 - Darius Goes West
March 18 - Including Samuel
March 25 - My Left Foot
April 8 - What's Eating Gilbert Grape
April 15 - Mozart and the Whale
April 22 - Her Name is Sabine
April 29 - Autism: The Musical
Bring your unique perspective to share during the discussions following the screenings. We invite you to join us by spreading the word on your mailing list and inviting your friends and family. Admission is FREE for everyone; concessions will be sold. Seating is limited to 140 patrons.
Cinefest is located in the University Center at GSU. A map can be found at the GSU website by clicking here.
Accessible entrance at Decatur St. & Collins St. under the Cinefest sign.
For more information, please contact Jessica Howell at 404-413-1287 or jhowell@gsu.edu.
Film Schedule:
March 11 - Darius Goes West
March 18 - Including Samuel
March 25 - My Left Foot
April 8 - What's Eating Gilbert Grape
April 15 - Mozart and the Whale
April 22 - Her Name is Sabine
April 29 - Autism: The Musical
Bring your unique perspective to share during the discussions following the screenings. We invite you to join us by spreading the word on your mailing list and inviting your friends and family. Admission is FREE for everyone; concessions will be sold. Seating is limited to 140 patrons.
Cinefest is located in the University Center at GSU. A map can be found at the GSU website by clicking here.
Accessible entrance at Decatur St. & Collins St. under the Cinefest sign.
For more information, please contact Jessica Howell at 404-413-1287 or jhowell@gsu.edu.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
UGA is offering a Community Guide Certificate Program--Get hired to assist people with disabilities in self-directing their services.
The NOW and COMP Waivers allow people with developmental disabilities and their families to self-direct their services. Community Guide Services is a new component of the waivers. Community Guides can be hired directly by individuals and families to assist with the responsibilities of self-directing their services and supports.
The Community Guide Certificate Program at the University of Georgia is designed to give qualified, motivated individuals the knowledge and skills needed to serve as Community Guides. The program requires four days of classroom instruction over a four-week period, successful completion of field-based assignments, and the development of a portfolio of work that demonstrates capacity to effectively engage in the major duties of the role. It is estimated to require two months to complete all components. A Certificate is awarded upon satisfactory completion of all program requirements.
Click here for more information and to apply.
The Community Guide Certificate Program at the University of Georgia is designed to give qualified, motivated individuals the knowledge and skills needed to serve as Community Guides. The program requires four days of classroom instruction over a four-week period, successful completion of field-based assignments, and the development of a portfolio of work that demonstrates capacity to effectively engage in the major duties of the role. It is estimated to require two months to complete all components. A Certificate is awarded upon satisfactory completion of all program requirements.
Click here for more information and to apply.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
NOTES FROM THE SENATE BY SENATOR JACK HILL
February 6, 2009
State Revenues Continue to Spiral Downward
Georgia’s January Revenues continued a downward trend coming up short by $262M compared to January, 2008. This dropped the year-to-date revenue collections to a minus 4.8%. The current revenue estimate for FY2009 is based on a -4.4% decrease, so there is a deficit building. This is a serious deterioration that is certainly validated by the doubling of unemployment claims and an 8% unemployment rate.
Individual Income taxes were down 13.3%. Overall Sales taxes were down 8.4%. Fuel taxes continued to decline with excise taxes falling by 1.7% and fuel sales taxes decreasing by 3.1%. Corporate taxes declined by $30M or117%.
YTD Individual Income taxes are showing a -5% decrease. Sales taxes are down for the year at -4.2%. Fuel taxes in both categories are negative, excise taxes by 7.6% and sales taxes by 3.7%, for a total of $32M.
While the Federal stimulus bill may offer some relief, there are sober decisions to be made concerning the 2009 Amended and the 2010 Budgets as well as revenue outlook. Widespread furloughs and severe service cutbacks or suspensions are now within the realm of possibility.
Senate Action This Week
SB 39: Would provide for a 1% sales tax, subject to voter approval, to be used to fund transportation projects in various transportation districts within the state. This legislation would call for the creation of two types of transportation districts, a Metropolitan Transportation District and a Special Transportation District. The MTD would encompass the geographical area of each Metropolitan Planning and Development Commission activated prior to January 1, 1972. A STD can be created by the governing authorities of two or more contiguous counties or by the governing authority of a single county. The District Board of the Metropolitan Planning and Development Commission would manage the agenda of the MTD. In a Special Transportation District, the cities and counties would meet to develop a list of projects and sign an intergovernmental agreement which would contain each project’s estimated dollar amount and the procedures for distributing and allocating the proceeds. The TSPLOST (Transportation Special Local Option Sales Tax) bill would generate up to $850 million in funding each year for the metro area and up to $1.2 billion for the entire state. SB 39 passed the Senate on February 3, 2009.
SB 83: This legislation would give homeowners a “double” homestead exemption of $4,000. The present exemption is $2,000 and has not been changed since its inception in 1937. This exemption is subtracted from the assessed value of a home before the tax evaluation is computed. This legislation includes an exemption amount increase on a year-to-year basis by a percentage equal to the cost-of-living index. This is estimated to save homeowners 40-50 dollars annually on their property taxes and is subject to a statewide referendum.
HB 143: This legislation would mandate payment of the Homeowner Tax Relief Grant in FY2009 and make it subject to an increase in state revenues by at least the Cost of Living before being paid in future years. HB 143 passed the Senate on February 6, 2009 with a 29-24 vote in favor of the bill.
SB 13: Would change sentencing options for those convicted of murder. Currently in the state of Georgia, a person convicted of murder can receive life imprisonment with the possibility of parole or the death penalty. SB 13 offers an alternative to those sentences by allowing life imprisonment without parole.
SB 61: Would define and establish the oversight and regulation of life settlement contracts. This legislation would prohibit anyone from acting as a provider or broker for an owner without first having obtained a license from the Insurance Commissioner.
Legislation Introduced
Bills of interest that have recently been introduced in the Senate:
SB77: Would impose and levy a special district tax within such districts for the purpose of providing all or a portion of the salaries for police officers and firefighters.
SB 90: Basically a voucher bill that provides the option for parents to enroll their child in another school within their local school system, a school in another local school system, or in a private school under certain conditions.
SB 91: Would impose a surcharge of $5.00 for each customer who enters an adult club.
SB 93: Would enact a High School Principal Incentive Pay Program based on academic performance.
SB 101: States that a manufacturer or seller of drugs and/or medical devices shall be immune from civil liability for any defect in the design of a drug or device if the drug or device was approved for safety and efficacy by the FDA.
I may 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
Georgia State Senator Jack Hill's Webpage
State Revenues Continue to Spiral Downward
Georgia’s January Revenues continued a downward trend coming up short by $262M compared to January, 2008. This dropped the year-to-date revenue collections to a minus 4.8%. The current revenue estimate for FY2009 is based on a -4.4% decrease, so there is a deficit building. This is a serious deterioration that is certainly validated by the doubling of unemployment claims and an 8% unemployment rate.
Individual Income taxes were down 13.3%. Overall Sales taxes were down 8.4%. Fuel taxes continued to decline with excise taxes falling by 1.7% and fuel sales taxes decreasing by 3.1%. Corporate taxes declined by $30M or117%.
YTD Individual Income taxes are showing a -5% decrease. Sales taxes are down for the year at -4.2%. Fuel taxes in both categories are negative, excise taxes by 7.6% and sales taxes by 3.7%, for a total of $32M.
While the Federal stimulus bill may offer some relief, there are sober decisions to be made concerning the 2009 Amended and the 2010 Budgets as well as revenue outlook. Widespread furloughs and severe service cutbacks or suspensions are now within the realm of possibility.
Senate Action This Week
SB 39: Would provide for a 1% sales tax, subject to voter approval, to be used to fund transportation projects in various transportation districts within the state. This legislation would call for the creation of two types of transportation districts, a Metropolitan Transportation District and a Special Transportation District. The MTD would encompass the geographical area of each Metropolitan Planning and Development Commission activated prior to January 1, 1972. A STD can be created by the governing authorities of two or more contiguous counties or by the governing authority of a single county. The District Board of the Metropolitan Planning and Development Commission would manage the agenda of the MTD. In a Special Transportation District, the cities and counties would meet to develop a list of projects and sign an intergovernmental agreement which would contain each project’s estimated dollar amount and the procedures for distributing and allocating the proceeds. The TSPLOST (Transportation Special Local Option Sales Tax) bill would generate up to $850 million in funding each year for the metro area and up to $1.2 billion for the entire state. SB 39 passed the Senate on February 3, 2009.
SB 83: This legislation would give homeowners a “double” homestead exemption of $4,000. The present exemption is $2,000 and has not been changed since its inception in 1937. This exemption is subtracted from the assessed value of a home before the tax evaluation is computed. This legislation includes an exemption amount increase on a year-to-year basis by a percentage equal to the cost-of-living index. This is estimated to save homeowners 40-50 dollars annually on their property taxes and is subject to a statewide referendum.
HB 143: This legislation would mandate payment of the Homeowner Tax Relief Grant in FY2009 and make it subject to an increase in state revenues by at least the Cost of Living before being paid in future years. HB 143 passed the Senate on February 6, 2009 with a 29-24 vote in favor of the bill.
SB 13: Would change sentencing options for those convicted of murder. Currently in the state of Georgia, a person convicted of murder can receive life imprisonment with the possibility of parole or the death penalty. SB 13 offers an alternative to those sentences by allowing life imprisonment without parole.
SB 61: Would define and establish the oversight and regulation of life settlement contracts. This legislation would prohibit anyone from acting as a provider or broker for an owner without first having obtained a license from the Insurance Commissioner.
Legislation Introduced
Bills of interest that have recently been introduced in the Senate:
SB77: Would impose and levy a special district tax within such districts for the purpose of providing all or a portion of the salaries for police officers and firefighters.
SB 90: Basically a voucher bill that provides the option for parents to enroll their child in another school within their local school system, a school in another local school system, or in a private school under certain conditions.
SB 91: Would impose a surcharge of $5.00 for each customer who enters an adult club.
SB 93: Would enact a High School Principal Incentive Pay Program based on academic performance.
SB 101: States that a manufacturer or seller of drugs and/or medical devices shall be immune from civil liability for any defect in the design of a drug or device if the drug or device was approved for safety and efficacy by the FDA.
I may 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
Georgia State Senator Jack Hill's Webpage
Parent to Parent of Georgia is excited to announce a new virtual awards and recognition program
This program is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in supporting families and including children and young adults with disabilities in their communities. Winners will receive a small grant to support his or her work as well as other gifts and prizes.
Community Impact Award – This award recognizes an individual who volunteers in their community to enhance or develop inclusive programs and services available to families of children and youth with disabilities. May also work in the field of disabilities, but nomination should be based upon volunteer work. They individual should demonstrate exceptional collaboration with families to promote improved outcomes for children with disabilities.
Education Impact Award – This award recognizes a professional working with individuals with disabilities in schools, Babies Can't Wait, other early care and education settings, and/or post-secondary programs who demonstrates exceptional collaboration with families to promote inclusion and inclusive practices. May have developed or implemented a program or practice which helps build the capacity of families to promote improved outcomes for children and youth with disabilities.
Six regional winners for each category will be selected by committee and one statewide winner will be selected by public on-line voting.
Nominations may be completed on-line by clicking here. You may also download a hard copy of the nomination form by clicking here and mailing it to:
NOMINATION DUE DATE: March 13, 2009
For more information, visit www.parenttoparentofga.org,
email Jennifer@parenttoparentofga.org
or call 800-229-2038 or 770-451-5484.
Community Impact Award – This award recognizes an individual who volunteers in their community to enhance or develop inclusive programs and services available to families of children and youth with disabilities. May also work in the field of disabilities, but nomination should be based upon volunteer work. They individual should demonstrate exceptional collaboration with families to promote improved outcomes for children with disabilities.
Education Impact Award – This award recognizes a professional working with individuals with disabilities in schools, Babies Can't Wait, other early care and education settings, and/or post-secondary programs who demonstrates exceptional collaboration with families to promote inclusion and inclusive practices. May have developed or implemented a program or practice which helps build the capacity of families to promote improved outcomes for children and youth with disabilities.
Six regional winners for each category will be selected by committee and one statewide winner will be selected by public on-line voting.
Nominations may be completed on-line by clicking here. You may also download a hard copy of the nomination form by clicking here and mailing it to:
Parent to Parent of Georgia
3805 Presidential Parkway Suite 207
Atlanta, GA 30340 or fax 770-458-4091
NOMINATION DUE DATE: March 13, 2009
For more information, visit www.parenttoparentofga.org,
email Jennifer@parenttoparentofga.org
or call 800-229-2038 or 770-451-5484.
Governor Perdue Introduces Legislation to Restructure the Department of Human Resources
Legislation will create stand-alone agency for mental health, addictive disease programs
Governor Sonny Perdue announced that Rep. Mark Butler has introduced HB 228, the Governor’s legislation to restructure the Department of Human Resources (DHR).
“This legislation reorients our approach to healthcare from inputs to results,” Governor Perdue said. “Georgia spends $3.8 billion within DHR every year – an agency that hasn’t undergone major change since it was formed over three decades ago.”
The legislation would form a new Department of Behavioral Health to oversee the mental health and addictive disease programs currently housed in DHR. The new department would report directly to the Governor and increase fiscal transparency.
The reorganization plan would also merge the Department of Community Health with the public health and health regulation programs of DHR to create the Department of Health. Current DCH Commissioner Dr. Rhonda Medows would lead the new Department of Health. Merging the two departments will streamline the health related activities currently residing in two separate departments and establish a lead agency to focus on improving Georgians’ health.
The remaining social services under DHR would become the Department of Human Services. Programs included in this department include Developmental Disabilities, Aging, Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) and Child Support. Current DHR Commissioner B.J. Walker would lead the new Department of Human Services.
The legislation is based on recommendations by the Health and Human Service Task Force. Governor Perdue appointed five members of the task force who were joined by Senators Jack Hill and Renee Unterman, and Representatives Ben Harbin and Mark Butler. If the legislation is adopted, the transition to the new agencies would begin on July 1, 2009.
“This is a move in the right direction toward correcting our mental and public health systems,” Rep. Butler said. “It is a huge step for this administration to pull these fragile lives out of this larger mix to get them the help and attention they need and deserve. I truly believe that this reorganization will lead to greater efficiencies and more accountability to the taxpayers of this state.”
Governor Sonny Perdue announced that Rep. Mark Butler has introduced HB 228, the Governor’s legislation to restructure the Department of Human Resources (DHR).
“This legislation reorients our approach to healthcare from inputs to results,” Governor Perdue said. “Georgia spends $3.8 billion within DHR every year – an agency that hasn’t undergone major change since it was formed over three decades ago.”
The legislation would form a new Department of Behavioral Health to oversee the mental health and addictive disease programs currently housed in DHR. The new department would report directly to the Governor and increase fiscal transparency.
The reorganization plan would also merge the Department of Community Health with the public health and health regulation programs of DHR to create the Department of Health. Current DCH Commissioner Dr. Rhonda Medows would lead the new Department of Health. Merging the two departments will streamline the health related activities currently residing in two separate departments and establish a lead agency to focus on improving Georgians’ health.
The remaining social services under DHR would become the Department of Human Services. Programs included in this department include Developmental Disabilities, Aging, Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) and Child Support. Current DHR Commissioner B.J. Walker would lead the new Department of Human Services.
The legislation is based on recommendations by the Health and Human Service Task Force. Governor Perdue appointed five members of the task force who were joined by Senators Jack Hill and Renee Unterman, and Representatives Ben Harbin and Mark Butler. If the legislation is adopted, the transition to the new agencies would begin on July 1, 2009.
“This is a move in the right direction toward correcting our mental and public health systems,” Rep. Butler said. “It is a huge step for this administration to pull these fragile lives out of this larger mix to get them the help and attention they need and deserve. I truly believe that this reorganization will lead to greater efficiencies and more accountability to the taxpayers of this state.”
Obama releases agenda for disability concerns
President Barack Obama released his agenda for ensuring equal rights for Americans with disabilities.
The plan addresses four issues:
Education: Obama and Vice President Joe Biden call to fund the IDEA, early intervention for children with disabilities and universal screening. They "will also authorize a comprehensive study of students with disabilities and issues relating to transition to work and higher education."
Health care: Obama and Biden seek to restore and enforce the ADA, fund the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007, improve mental health care, and provide "affordable, accessible health care for all."
Employment: The administration intends to impose new laws "that require the federal government and its contractors to employ people with disabilities," offer accommodations to private-sector employees to hire people with disabilities, support small businesses owned by people with disabilities, and encourage "employers to use existing tax benefits to hire more workers with disabilities."
Residences: Obama and Biden intend to enforce the Community Choice Act of 2007, streamline the Social Security approval process, and create a "national insurance program to help adults who have or develop functional disabilities to remain independent and in their communities."
Obama and Biden also specifically addressed autism and provided three key points of action:
Boost funding for autism research, treatment, screenings, public awareness and support services.
Improve lifelong autism treatments, interventions and services.
Enforce universal screening of all infants and rescreening for all 2-year-olds.
For more information, click here.
The plan addresses four issues:
Education: Obama and Vice President Joe Biden call to fund the IDEA, early intervention for children with disabilities and universal screening. They "will also authorize a comprehensive study of students with disabilities and issues relating to transition to work and higher education."
Health care: Obama and Biden seek to restore and enforce the ADA, fund the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2007, improve mental health care, and provide "affordable, accessible health care for all."
Employment: The administration intends to impose new laws "that require the federal government and its contractors to employ people with disabilities," offer accommodations to private-sector employees to hire people with disabilities, support small businesses owned by people with disabilities, and encourage "employers to use existing tax benefits to hire more workers with disabilities."
Residences: Obama and Biden intend to enforce the Community Choice Act of 2007, streamline the Social Security approval process, and create a "national insurance program to help adults who have or develop functional disabilities to remain independent and in their communities."
Obama and Biden also specifically addressed autism and provided three key points of action:
Boost funding for autism research, treatment, screenings, public awareness and support services.
Improve lifelong autism treatments, interventions and services.
Enforce universal screening of all infants and rescreening for all 2-year-olds.
For more information, click here.
NBC Local News Story
6,700 Georgians with Developmental Disabilities Wait for Help
By Tuquyen Mach
Reporter
Published: January 22, 2009
Click here for the video.
By Tuquyen Mach
Reporter
Published: January 22, 2009
State lawmakers continue looking for ways to cut two billion dollars in spending, as Georgia faces a historic budget shortfall.
The Governor’s proposed budget includes cutting $428 million to lower property taxes, $350 million dollars in cuts to education, plus cuts to transportation, prisons, and healthcare.
One area facing critical cuts is special needs service programs for the developmentally disabled, specifically developmental disability waivers. The waivers help families with providing special services and care—like mental health benefits, wheelchair ramps, and at-home caretakers— for their loved ones.
Jennifer Lanier, 37, lives with disabilities most of us can’t imagine. “Mental health status, and disability status… I had back surgery, and I suffer with schizophrenia… a developmental disability also,“ says Jennifer.
Jennifer lives with a family friend but spends most of her time confined indoors.
“Either go to doctor’s appointments, or stay at home and put puzzles together,“ she says.
Jennifer has qualified for a developmental disability waiver from the state that would help her in a number of ways.
“Transportation, that’s a big thing I have a big problem with, because you have to call 3 days in advance to get the Medicaid van,“ she explains.
But advocate Nina Dasher says Jennifer is one of 6,700 hundred Georgians and their families on a waiting list for this assistance.
“When you have a developmental disability, your functioning is that of a child most of the time, and that takes constant care for a lifetime,“ says Dasher, who herself cares for an 18 year-old granddaughter with developmental disabilities.
Dasher says Governor Perdue’s current budget includes no money for the program.
“It’ll be at least 18 months before anybody else with a developmental disability will get on that waiver, and as the population that has the waivers when they die, that money is not being left in the budget,“ she says.
Joyce Arnsdorff says she’s happy to open her home to Jennifer but wishes the government could do more to help.
“It’s like they say, ‘Well, you know you need to be taken care of, so we’re going to take care of you, but we’re not going to do as much as you need,‘“ she says.
Advocates for Georgians with developmental disabilities have started a campaign called Unlock the Waiting Lists to try to reduce the number of people waiting for these services.
Click here for the video.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Training Announcement: Georgia's "New" DD Waivers -Informational sessions for Families & Others
PLEASE FORWARD THIS LINK TO FAMILIES AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN DD SERVICES.
Waiver participants, families, representatives, support networks, and advocacy groups are invited to attend an informational session about Georgia's "New" DD Waivers.
Three sessions will be held (click on the location for the flyer), one in Rome on the evening of Tuesday, February 10, 2009, one in Augusta on the evening of Tuesday, March 17, 2009, and one in Savannah on the evening of Tuesday, March 24, 2009.
Please help us to reach families throughout Georgia by emailing this link. The announcements are also be posted on the Division of MHDDAD training website at http://mhddad.dhr.georgia.gov/training where they can be printed or downloaded.
Registration online is quick and easy at www.cviog.uga.edu/training/dhr and the announcements include details about how to do this. Because refreshments will be provided, please encourage registration so that we will know how many people to expect.
Information about how to request special accommodations are included in the announcements. Questions can be emailed to: RegistrationMHDDAD@dhr.state.ga.us
Waiver participants, families, representatives, support networks, and advocacy groups are invited to attend an informational session about Georgia's "New" DD Waivers.
Three sessions will be held (click on the location for the flyer), one in Rome on the evening of Tuesday, February 10, 2009, one in Augusta on the evening of Tuesday, March 17, 2009, and one in Savannah on the evening of Tuesday, March 24, 2009.
Please help us to reach families throughout Georgia by emailing this link. The announcements are also be posted on the Division of MHDDAD training website at http://mhddad.dhr.georgia.gov/training where they can be printed or downloaded.
Registration online is quick and easy at www.cviog.uga.edu/training/dhr and the announcements include details about how to do this. Because refreshments will be provided, please encourage registration so that we will know how many people to expect.
Information about how to request special accommodations are included in the announcements. Questions can be emailed to: RegistrationMHDDAD@dhr.state.ga.us
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