Your child will be turning 18 in a few months and the school has told you that if you don’t get guardianship you will not be able to participate in your child’s education related decisions in the future. Sound familiar?
Fact: Everyone who reaches the age of majority (18 years old) is a fully emancipated person with all the rights enjoyed by other citizens. Only a court can remove a person’s rights.
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Myth: Parents automatically continue to be the guardians of adult children who are profoundly disabled.
Fact: The impact of disabling conditions on a person’s need for guardianship must be determined in a court.
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Myth: All people with disabilities need to be protected by guardians.
Fact: In a perfect world with perfect supports, no one would need a guardian. However, even as imperfect as things may be, the majority of people with disabilities do not need a guardian.
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Myth: Without guardianship caregivers cannot participate in developing their children’s Individual Education Programs.
Fact: Most schools and students want and respect caregiver input. One simple solution is for caregivers and students to complete “Consent to Authorize Advocacy” forms.
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Visit http://texasprojectfirst.org/Guardianship.html for a sample form and to learn more about alternatives to guardianship.
The Arc of Dallas will be offering a workshop on guardianship and less restrictive alternatives in coming weeks. Keep your eye on the website for dates and locations.
Reminder…Check out “Featured This Week” on The Arc of Dallas home page. You can now view a video tutorial about how to join and use our online Forums. Become part of the conversation!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Monday Update
Major Test for IDEA
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has handed down a ruling that should help families and schools have a clearer idea of the kinds of programs school districts can/will pay for when the district is unable to provide a free and appropriate education for students with disabilities.
Basically, the Court has ruled that, “In order for a residential placement to be appropriate under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), the placement must be:
Essential in order for the disabled child to receive a meaningful educational benefit, and;
Primarily oriented toward enabling the child to obtain an education.”
In other words, the family must prove that the placement’s primary orientation is educational in nature as opposed to being primarily focused on psychological or medical outcomes.
Swine Flu and You
There is a very interesting article about what the feds are saying about children with disabilities and the N1H1 virus. Visit Disability Scoops and read the update.
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has handed down a ruling that should help families and schools have a clearer idea of the kinds of programs school districts can/will pay for when the district is unable to provide a free and appropriate education for students with disabilities.
Basically, the Court has ruled that, “In order for a residential placement to be appropriate under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), the placement must be:
Essential in order for the disabled child to receive a meaningful educational benefit, and;
Primarily oriented toward enabling the child to obtain an education.”
In other words, the family must prove that the placement’s primary orientation is educational in nature as opposed to being primarily focused on psychological or medical outcomes.
Swine Flu and You
There is a very interesting article about what the feds are saying about children with disabilities and the N1H1 virus. Visit Disability Scoops and read the update.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Web site
Hello everyone!
We just realized that a portion our new Web site (which is fabulous!) does not display properly in some older versions of Internet Explorer. Our goal is to make the information on our new site convenient for everyone. If you are having trouble with it - CLICK HERE - to download the newest version of Internet Explorer. It takes a few moments, but you will find our site a bit easier to navigate afterwards.
Thanks, and have a great weekend!
We just realized that a portion our new Web site (which is fabulous!) does not display properly in some older versions of Internet Explorer. Our goal is to make the information on our new site convenient for everyone. If you are having trouble with it - CLICK HERE - to download the newest version of Internet Explorer. It takes a few moments, but you will find our site a bit easier to navigate afterwards.
Thanks, and have a great weekend!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Legislation mixed, sliced, baked and done. Now what?
The 81st Texas State Legislative Session is history. This is the time when we advocates need to discover the good, bad and the ugly accomplished by those fine folks in Austin. We will be living with the results, after all. That’s why it is important to participate in the process. You know what they say about the squeaky wheel…
It is easy to begin getting involved, because The Arc of Texas is doing a great deal of research, relationship building, planning and more, then filtering the critical issues down to us.
I encourage you to visit The Arc of Texas and check out a couple of things:
First, register to receive the free Texas Talk E-Newsletter. This is a fast and simple way to make sure that you remain current on topics of interest and to learn how to hone your advocacy skills.
Second, get “legislatively de-briefed” by visiting the two parts of the “Legislative Wrap-Up” that are linked to The Arc of Texas homepage. You will see the great work your advocacy efforts achieved and get a leg-up on where you need to focus your efforts between sessions.
Discover Partners Resource Network.
Another perspective on the session can be found at Partners Resource Network’s website. Here you can discover what happened to many of the bills designed to address education issues.
(Partners Resource Network (PRN) is a non-profit agency that operates the statewide network of federally funded Parent Training and Information Centers (PTI's) in Texas. The PTI Projects are: PATH, PEN, and TEAM.)
“The programs and services of PRN are based on the concept of parents helping parents. Our mission is to empower parents of children and youth with disabilities in their roles as parents, decision makers, and advocates for their children and to promote partnerships among parents and professionals.”In their own words, “Our web site is designed to provide timely information and to link the visitor with other resources in Texas and the nation. Our goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of infants, toddlers, children and young adults with disabilities and their families who live in the great State of Texas.”
And now a word to Self-Advocates…
Self-advocates, you will really appreciate a great book that helps you understand some really important issues. The name of the book is “We Have Human Rights: A Human Rights Handbook for People with Developmental Disabilities.” (click title to view) The handbook covers topics ranging from respect to inclusion to politics.
Texas State Legislature and the Basics
One more thing that I always find helpful is to visit Texas State Legislature On-Line . Here anyone can re-visit “How a Bill Becomes Law.” This is a site that you can share with newbie advocates as well as seasoned ones. The site also helps you help friends who are wondering how to figure our the name of their government representatives. A simple “fill in the blanks” and “bam” approach creates one less barrier to advocacy.
What’s standing in your way now? Let me hear from you.
It is easy to begin getting involved, because The Arc of Texas is doing a great deal of research, relationship building, planning and more, then filtering the critical issues down to us.
I encourage you to visit The Arc of Texas and check out a couple of things:
First, register to receive the free Texas Talk E-Newsletter. This is a fast and simple way to make sure that you remain current on topics of interest and to learn how to hone your advocacy skills.
Second, get “legislatively de-briefed” by visiting the two parts of the “Legislative Wrap-Up” that are linked to The Arc of Texas homepage. You will see the great work your advocacy efforts achieved and get a leg-up on where you need to focus your efforts between sessions.
Discover Partners Resource Network.
Another perspective on the session can be found at Partners Resource Network’s website. Here you can discover what happened to many of the bills designed to address education issues.
(Partners Resource Network (PRN) is a non-profit agency that operates the statewide network of federally funded Parent Training and Information Centers (PTI's) in Texas. The PTI Projects are: PATH, PEN, and TEAM.)
“The programs and services of PRN are based on the concept of parents helping parents. Our mission is to empower parents of children and youth with disabilities in their roles as parents, decision makers, and advocates for their children and to promote partnerships among parents and professionals.”In their own words, “Our web site is designed to provide timely information and to link the visitor with other resources in Texas and the nation. Our goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of infants, toddlers, children and young adults with disabilities and their families who live in the great State of Texas.”
And now a word to Self-Advocates…
Self-advocates, you will really appreciate a great book that helps you understand some really important issues. The name of the book is “We Have Human Rights: A Human Rights Handbook for People with Developmental Disabilities.” (click title to view) The handbook covers topics ranging from respect to inclusion to politics.
Texas State Legislature and the Basics
One more thing that I always find helpful is to visit Texas State Legislature On-Line . Here anyone can re-visit “How a Bill Becomes Law.” This is a site that you can share with newbie advocates as well as seasoned ones. The site also helps you help friends who are wondering how to figure our the name of their government representatives. A simple “fill in the blanks” and “bam” approach creates one less barrier to advocacy.
What’s standing in your way now? Let me hear from you.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
A word about The Word...
It is always interesting to watch trends develop. The faith based community has always been a major player in providing services to people with developmental disability. For example Mosaic, Evergreen, CHAI and Joni and Friends have been part of our community for many years. However, the trend we are seeing now is faith based groups are changing to include people with disabilities as part of their fundamental flock. The questions we hear now do not revolve around the how-to’s of providing separate programs, but rather how to be successful when everyone stays together. Have faith! Times are changing.
Besides, if you have participated in The Arc’s My LIFE program, enjoyed a night of respite or attended a workshop, you have probably discovered many are located in facilities of worship. The good news is that many congregations believe that meeting the needs of families and individuals can begin as simply as opening the door and providing space for helpful community programming. It would be almost impossible for The Arc to offer many of our programs without the help of donated community space. Besides, we believe services should be available in local neighborhoods and communities. We are always looking for more community partners, so if you feel “called” to offer space…give us a call at 214.634.9810. Our genuine thanks and sincere appreciation go out to all who recognize that souls don’t have disabilities.
One of the newer activities to come to my attention is “Dallas Yachad”. This is the Dallas affiliate of the only Jewish organization in the world whose mission is to promote and facilitate the inclusion of all children, teenagers and adults with special needs. And in their own words, “Equally important, Yachad’s programs strengthen the Jewish community, by increasing awareness and understanding of individuals with special needs.” For more information visit http://www.njcd.org/. Thank you, Rabbi Jay Weinstein for introducing me to this group.
I look forward to us sharing ideas and information. In the coming weeks we are hopeful that the “forum” area will become increasingly dynamic with questions, answers, thoughts, successes and grumps. Take just a moment to visit the forum area on The Arc's Web site. Registering only takes a nanosecond, and once it is done, you are ready to go live!
Well, I have kept you long enough. Come back soon for a visit.
Besides, if you have participated in The Arc’s My LIFE program, enjoyed a night of respite or attended a workshop, you have probably discovered many are located in facilities of worship. The good news is that many congregations believe that meeting the needs of families and individuals can begin as simply as opening the door and providing space for helpful community programming. It would be almost impossible for The Arc to offer many of our programs without the help of donated community space. Besides, we believe services should be available in local neighborhoods and communities. We are always looking for more community partners, so if you feel “called” to offer space…give us a call at 214.634.9810. Our genuine thanks and sincere appreciation go out to all who recognize that souls don’t have disabilities.
One of the newer activities to come to my attention is “Dallas Yachad”. This is the Dallas affiliate of the only Jewish organization in the world whose mission is to promote and facilitate the inclusion of all children, teenagers and adults with special needs. And in their own words, “Equally important, Yachad’s programs strengthen the Jewish community, by increasing awareness and understanding of individuals with special needs.” For more information visit http://www.njcd.org/. Thank you, Rabbi Jay Weinstein for introducing me to this group.
I look forward to us sharing ideas and information. In the coming weeks we are hopeful that the “forum” area will become increasingly dynamic with questions, answers, thoughts, successes and grumps. Take just a moment to visit the forum area on The Arc's Web site. Registering only takes a nanosecond, and once it is done, you are ready to go live!
Well, I have kept you long enough. Come back soon for a visit.
Welcome!
The Arc has a whole new mindset about advocacy and the website.
A few weeks ago, Marty, who has been working her phone and internet fingers to the bone correcting and adding to The Arc’s listing of community resources, did an analysis of the “old website.” Much to our surprise she found that “advocacy” was the most searched item on The Arc of Dallas’ site.
This would be great news if, well frankly, the advocacy web page hadn’t been so sorry. We are making a pledge to work a lot harder to meet your expectations and needs. Not to beat the preverbal dead horse, but Arc staff will never be as successful in our advocacy efforts as we will if you work with us to communicate with decision makers.
Please visit HERE where you will see a snap shot of the first few months of this year’s advocacy initiatives. Then take the link to “Advocacy” and check-out some info-hot-links.
Until Next time.
A few weeks ago, Marty, who has been working her phone and internet fingers to the bone correcting and adding to The Arc’s listing of community resources, did an analysis of the “old website.” Much to our surprise she found that “advocacy” was the most searched item on The Arc of Dallas’ site.
This would be great news if, well frankly, the advocacy web page hadn’t been so sorry. We are making a pledge to work a lot harder to meet your expectations and needs. Not to beat the preverbal dead horse, but Arc staff will never be as successful in our advocacy efforts as we will if you work with us to communicate with decision makers.
Please visit HERE where you will see a snap shot of the first few months of this year’s advocacy initiatives. Then take the link to “Advocacy” and check-out some info-hot-links.
Until Next time.
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