Advocacy Needed, AJC Article and more

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***************************Heidi J. Newsletter # 6January 28, 2008*******************************

Dearest Advocates:

As you know, the legislators are in session and we need to "help" them understand the need for support and services for individuals with disabilities. Please take a moment and read the update from Unlock the Waiting Lists on the need for additional waivers AND rate increases for providers that provide those services within the system. Our legislators need to hear from us in order to impact change in Georgia. Dave Blanchard makes it easy to voice our opinion.

In addition in this issue, please see the wonderful opportunities Parent to Parent of Georgia has on training available to parents. Only thru educating ourselves are we going to be able to advocate for our children!

I've also included information on Governor Perdue proclaiming Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week on February 14 (Valentine's Day!) at the State Capitol. Many of our children have been impacted by heart defects (including my son, ). See more information below on how you can get involved and bring awareness to this important issue!

Also, there was an excellent article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution today from reporter, Gracie Bonds-Staples. Once again, helping to educate the general population on the possible services needed for our children. Please take a moment to say thank you to Gracie for continuing to write informational articles regarding the disability community. Her email address is: gstaples@... .

Hope you find this information helpful.

UNITED- WE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Heidi J.

(Proud Mother to - 8 yrs old with Down syndrome and - 6yrs old)

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From Unlock the Waiting Lists:

WE NEED YOU TO CONTACT HOUSE MEMBERS RIGHT NOW!http://www.unlockthewaitinglists.com/advocate.html

Right now, the state budget only includes 500 Developmental Disability services, 150 Independent Care Waiver slots, and NO rate increase for disability supports. We have made so such progress in unlocking the waiting lists for community supports the past â€" now is not the time to lose our way.

Your response is critical because the House is reviewing the budget RIGHT NOW. It is very important that they hear from you this year!

Please go to http://www.unlockthewaitinglists.com/advocate.html

Respectfully ask the House to continue their past commitment to people with disabilities at a level that moves Georgia forward. We ask that they fund an additional 2,500 Developmental Disability services, a total of 500 Independent Care Waiver slots, and a 7% rate increase for disability supports so that people with disabilities can live to their full potential.

Simply go to http://www.unlockthewaitinglists.com/advocate.html to take six steps to a better future for Georgia. With just six easy steps, you will send 3 e-mails: one to your own State Representative and two other e-mails to key legislators serving on important subcommittees of the House budget committee reviewing the budget right now.

Because of people like you, Georgia’s General Assembly has made a difference in the past: please make sure that Georgia continues to move forward.

Once you have made a difference, forward this e-mail to family or friends who will take these six steps for people with disabilities with us.

Thank you for all that you do,

Dave BlanchardUnlock the Waiting Lists Campaignwww.unlockthewaitinglists.com# # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #

From: Parent to Parent of Georgia

Parent to Parent of Georgia's PTI

Training Descriptions

Around the School in 180 Days! The IEP Process: Every child with a disability who receives special education services must have an Individual Education Program. Learn about the federal and state requirements for IEPs, and the mandate that parents participate as equal partners in IEP development. Learning the language and knowing what to expect can help. A step-by-step overview of the IEP process will demonstrate how the families can and should participate as equal partners in th

e process. A great training for both families and professionals!

Duct Tape and Megaphones, Tools for Positive Partnerships: This workshop offers collaborative communication skill building for all members of the IEP Team. Partnerships take work and trust. Learn ways to build better working relationships through communication: from effective listening and effective hearing to problem solving barriers and roadblocks. Families will learn how to be an effecti

ve communicator and contributor on your child's IEP team and throughout your child's school experience; and professionals can learn easy ways to ensure families feel valued and supported.

Tales from the Crib! An Early Childhood Journey: As a parent, you don't have to be afraid if your young child needs early intervention! Every child develops at his or her own rate. And research shows that birth to five is the most critical time to maximize development, so Babies Can't Wait! This workshop provides an overview of Georgia's system for infants and toddlers with disabilities, its importance in your child's development, and information about creating an Individual Fam

ily Support Plan (IFSP). Every child has a gift to contribute to the world, early intervention can provide great tools to ensure this gift can be shared.

Exit 504: The Ramp to Another Law to Improve Student Outcomes: The system says your child is not eligible for special educations services under IDEA - then you may be eligible for services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Then again, the system may tell you your child may be eligible for both so you'll need to decide which one you want. What is this law and how can it benefit my child? This workshop will clarify the difference between IDEA & 504 laws, how

they are implemented, and what rights parent have.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road-To Resources!: Parent to Parent of Georgia, and Georgia's PTI Georgia's Parent Training Information Center (PTI), has a wealth services to provide parents of children with disabilities with the training and information they need to enable them to participate effectively in helping their children with disabilities to meet goals and be prepared to lead productive lives. Come learn all about these services, discuss what is available locally, and brainstorm ways of improving support systems for fam

ilies and individuals with disabilities.

Other Topics available upon request

Workshops are FREE to Georgia Parents.

For more information or to discuss scheduling a training, call Parent to Parent of Georgia:

770-451-5484 or Toll Free in Georgia 800-229-2038

or visit us online at:

www.parenttoparentofga.org

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From Kids at Heart- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta:

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week - February 7 to 14, 2008

Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue will again sign a proclamation declaring February 7th - 14th as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week throughout the state of Georgia! There will be a signing of the proclamation by the Governor and a photo op on Thursday, February 14th at 10:30am on the North Wing Steps of the Capitol building. These steps can accommodate approx. 300 people so let's pack the steps! I hope you will help spread the word to family and friends.

This is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness and honor the over one million people affected by CHD. Raising awareness about CHDs is important on many levels - it will provide hope for families of CHD survivors and comfort to those whose loved ones who have lost their battles; it will inform the general public about the symptoms of CHDs and possibly save lives; and it will affirm the need for increased funding to researchers and medical professionals so they can continue their work to improve the outlook for CHD patients.

The below link has directions and parking information for the Capitol. If you enter the Capitol at the Washington Street entrance, the North Wing steps are located to the Left directly past security.

http://sos.georgia.gov/museum/map_directions_access.htm

Please join us at the Capitol on February 14th at 10:30am! Your support is greatly appreciated!

Chapman, CCLS

Program Coordinator, Kids at Heart

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

Sibley Heart Center

office 404.785.1822

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From Atlanta Journal Constitution Newspaper on 1/28/08:

Canine caregivers help autistic kidsChild's best friend: Some are staying calmer, safer with specially trained dogs by their side. The expense, though, is a hurdle for some parents.

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/gwinnett/stories/2008/01/27/autism_0128.html

--Heidi J. (Proud Mother to - 8 years old with Down syndrome & - 6 years old) For more information about how Heidi can help you maximize your child's potential, please go to www.heidijmoore.com "Help The Children Now, So They Can Help Themselves Later!" The material contained in this e-mail is for general information only. It is not intended in any way to provide or offer legal advice. To obtain legal advice, please consult with your attorney or a qualified legal representative. For previous advocacy email's, please go to the following website: http://www.lgtinc.org/authors/41/Heidi-J.-. To see how you can advocate for your child go to www.kidshealthcarega.org.