Information

CPAD Information (June 2015)

Safety Fair held by Eastern Los Angeles Family Resource Center


Safety Fair

 

Plese click / view: CPAD June 2015 eNewsletter

 

 

CPAD Information (April 2015)

Legislative Connection

“We Speak With One Voice”    Letter Writing Campaign Day – April 13th
WHY? Because our Developmental Disabilities System is in Crisis

Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center is collecting letters and emails from our community regarding experiences with service limitations and reductions experienced in recent years. Our service system is in crisis and we need your support in sending a message to your California Assembly member and Senator that reform needs to happen now.

When: Monday, April 13, 2015    Time: All Day
Where:  Eastern Los Angeles Regional Center offices (Whittier & Alhambra)
Who should write:  Parents, individuals served by regional center, family members, service providers, and friends.
What:  Letters and emails will be hand delivered to California State Senators and Assembly Members in Sacramento on April 15th…..We need your letters and stories!!

Letters should have a personal message about why regional center services, and service provider services are important to you and your family. Your letter should also include the 3 key points listed below.

Key Issue 1 - 10% in the Current Year
 The developmental services system is in crisis. Service providers are being pushed to the brink. Where new programs once opened, long-serving ones now close, their budgets unable to be balanced with state-mandated rates. Regional centers’ service coordinators are carrying caseloads larger than California has assured the federal government they would. Individuals with developmental disabilities now face a shortage of needed services and case management support. For both service providers and the regional centers, the 10% across-the-board increase for developmental services funding will serve as a stopgap measure that will mitigate the damage long enough for real reform to occur.
Key Issue 2 – 5% Annual Investment
 Real reform is a complex process that will require the input of many stakeholders, and the careful review of volumes of data. It cannot be rushed. But inflationary pressures will not grant us such courtesy. California’s service system needs the assurance of 5% annual increases while work is ongoing to prevent the temporary gains of the 10% increase from being eroded.
Key Issue 3 – Reform
 Most service provider rates have been frozen for over a decade. Similarly, most salary levels in the “core staffing formula” used to create regional centers’ budgets have not been updated since 1991. Service provider rates and the core staffing formula must be reformed to guarantee that future funding levels are both adequate and sustainable. Through that comprehensive funding reform, California’s developmental services will avoid collapse and be able to serve a changing population.

To find your California representatives, letter sample, and where to send letter, e-mail, deadlines and etc., please visit ELRC web at: http://www.elarc.org/Home/Components/News/News/1179/17?backlist=%2fnformation

To view2015 April Newsletter, please click: CPAD 4-15 eNewsletter

CPAD Information (January 2015)

 

Challenge Air

Since 1993, Challenge Air has enriched the lives of children and youth with special needs through its unique aviation programs. Challenge Air’s mission reflects the life-changing impact the flight experience has on children, families, donors, sponsors and communities as a whole. With a network of nearly 3,500 volunteers nationwide, volunteers serve as pilots, ground crew, fundraisers, planning committee members and in numerous other capacities. As Challenge Air continues to grow and add more programs across the country, its mission will remain true..... and continue to provide an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to special needs children and youth through the gift of flight.  Challenge Air is coming to San Diego, free to children ages 7-17 with special needs! (Detailed information)

Challenge Air's program Goals:

1) To improve the quality of life for children/youth and families with special needs

2) Arouse children/youth with special needs to be excited about learning and inspired about their future

3) Educate children/youth about the aviation industry and encourage them to consider occupational roles other than the customary ones to which they are generally directed

4) Involve and promote civic and community engagement

5) Create an environment for peer interaction for children/youth with special needs.

6) Promote local organizational resources to families with special needs.

                                  < >   < >   < >   < >   < >   < >   < >   < >

The Academic Autism Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education (AASPIRE), in collaboration with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, has created a new interactive toolkit to help improve healthcare services for adults on the autism spectrum, now available at www.autismandhealth.org.

For patients on the autistic spectrum and their supporters:

Patient materials include checklists and worksheets to help patients:
•schedule appointments
•prepare for visits•describe symptoms, and
•follow-up on provider recommendations

The toolkit also includes detailed information about topics including:

•navigating the healthcare system
•staying healthy, and
•patient rights.

The centerpiece of the AASPIRE Healthcare Toolkit is the Autism Healthcare Accommodation Tool, an online tool that allows patients or their supporters to create a customized accommodations report for their providers. Research has highlighted that a lack of access to knowledge by both providers and their autistic patients has resulted in great gaps in healthcare for autistic adults. The AASPIRE Healthcare Toolkit offers a set of tools to help patients receive high-quality, patient-centered care. The Toolkit is free to use. More info about AASPIRE and its ongoing research activities is available at www.aaspire.org.

To view all Information article, please click: CPAD 1-15 Information

To view January Newsletter, please click: CPAD 1-15 eNewsletter

 

 

CPAD Information (November 2014)

Key Earthquake SafetyTips for People with Disabilities
& Other Access or Functional Needs

During earthquakes it is critical to protect yourself. When shaking begins: 

  • Drop down to the floor.
  • Take cover under a tale or desk, or cover your head and neck with your arms.
  • Hold on to the leg or other part of the furniture until the shaking stops. 

If you are unable to Drop, Cover, and Hold on:

  • Get as low as possible and move away from windows or other items that can fall on you.
  • Do not try to transfer from your wheelchair.  Recline, or bed during the shaking.  Wait for the shaking to stop before transferring.
  • If you use a wheelchair, lock your wheels and remain seated until the shaking stops.
  • Always protect your head and neck with your arms, a pillow, a book, or whatever is available.

People with Physical Disabilities or Movement LimitationsThe shaking motion may increase difficulties for those with mobility or balance issues. Get to the floor in a seated position and against an inside wall. Protect your head and neck with your arms.

People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Prior to an earthquake,identify and test multiple ways to receive warnings and evacuation information.

People who are blind or have Low VisionEarthquakes can cause items to fall and furniture to shift. Regular sound clues may not be available afterwards. Move with caution.

People with Developmental/Cognitive/Intellectual DisabilitiesIf you have difficulty understanding, remembering, or learning. Keep a simple list of what to do and important information with you and in your kits. Practice your plan in advance. If you use augmentative communication supports, include these in your planning.  (View Additional Guidance at: www.earthquakeocuntry.org/disability)

To view ‘Information’ article, please click: CPAD 11-14 Information

To view CPAD Newsletter, please click: CPAD 11-14 eNewsletter


CPAD Information (September 2014)

Announcing The Inclusion Institute's 2014 Speaker Series

Sponsored by

State Council on Developmental Disabilities
 Westside Family Resource and Empowerment Center

“Staying Safe! Strategies to Prevent Abuse”

Speaker:  Stuart Haskin, Founder and Director of GET SAFE 

Date:  September 20, 2014, 10am to 12 noon
Place:  Veteran's Memorial Complex - Rotunda Room
4117 Overland Ave.,
Culver City, CA 90230

The seminar will help family members learn how to teach your children (Youth or Adults) with developmental disabilities the skills to maximize their safety, avoid danger and prevent abuse, as well as teach you to recognize the sign of abuse and what to do if you suspect it. Workshop is free of charge, but RSVP's are require.  Please call 818-543-4631 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and provide your name, email address, phone number and any language translation needs by September 12, 2014.

To view ‘CPAD September eNewsletter’ , please open the following PDF file:  CPAD 9-14 eNewsletter



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