bi county july/august observerthe apprise program is comprised of counselors who help you understand...
TRANSCRIPT
Published six times a year to inform persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and the community about intellectual
disability services in Lehigh and Northampton Counties.
Dear Families, Friends and Colleagues:
As we move into the new fiscal year families, individuals with disabilities, and service providers are waiting to see how the next budget will affect programs and services. One thing this year’s budget process has taught should be how much we need to pay attention to politics. It may be useful to recall the words of John F. Kennedy from a speech in 1962 where he said: “In a time of turbulence and change, it is more true than ever that knowledge is power.” Though spoken over 50 years ago, President Kennedy’s words are just as important today as they were then. Learning about policies and promoting advocacy efforts at the state and national levels are vitally important. Most people are concerned about how much we pay in taxes and where the money is spent. Politicians at the state and national level won’t know about your situation or concerns unless you tell them. They need to hear from you about how their decisions affect you and your families. Without your input on the importance of human service programs, it is possible they will continue to use budget cuts in an effort to reduce deficits.
BI-COUNTY OBSERVER: Lehigh County Edition
The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties . Telephone: 610 -849-8076
www.arcof lehighnorthampton.org
July/August 2017
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
COMMITTEE
Noon—1:30 PM
Second Wednesday in January, April, July,
October
The Clubhouse 1437 Gordon Street
Allentown, PA
July 12, 2017 October 11, 2017 January 10, 2018
April 11, 2018
For updates on any budget information in the county or the state.
Consumers, parents, and anyone interested in the care and welfare
of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities are
welcome to attend.
FD/FSS Information
2
Local Training 3—4
Best Buddies Club 5
Conferences 6—7
Things to Do 8—9
News to use 10—11
Inside this issue:
FD/FSS Information Page 2 Vo. 17, Issue 4
If you or someone in your family participates in the Lehigh County FD/FSS program, you will receive participation agreements and guidelines for the upcoming fiscal year (2017/2018) soon. The new fiscal year starts July 1, 2017 and goes through June 30, 2018.
Important Features
1) Easter Seals cannot pay invoices received more than 180 days (6 months) past the date of purchase or service.
2) Funds left over from one fiscal year do not carry over to the next year.
3) Receipts showing the amount spent, date of purchase and vendor must accompany all invoices, except for family aide and respite services.
4) Activity logs must accompany invoices for respite and family aide services.
5) A contact person or the FSS participant must sign every invoice. Easter Seals cannot process invoices that are not signed.
6) Respite and family aide caregivers are paid directly by Easter Seals. Caregivers must sign every invoice and provide their Social Security Number for those services.
The IRS considers all income related to providing family aide or respite service reportable income.
If a person earns less than $600 in a calendar year, he or she is responsible to report the income.
If a caregiver earns more than $600 in the calendar year, Easter Seals will send the person a 1099 form showing earnings for income tax.
7) Request for Innovative Service: If you need services beyond normal limits of the FD/FSS program (like family aide service more than 4 times in a month), you will need an approved request for innovative service.
Contact your Support Coordinator to begin the process for innovative service requests.
There is no guarantee all requests for innovative services will be approved. Each request is reviewed individually and may be approved or denied, based on the regulations.
Requests for innovative services must be reviewed and approved before you make a purchase or use a service.
8) Appeals: Lehigh County Administrative Entity developed a process to make an appeal when a request or invoice is denied. You can access the appeals process through your supports coordinator.
Deadlines
In addition to the 6 month deadline mentioned above, the FD/FSS program has another deadline, connected to the transition between fiscal years.
The deadline to submit invoices for the 2017/2018 fiscal year is July 9, 2018.
To observe deadlines, invoices must be received by the Easter Seals office during normal business hours Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM—except holidays or other office closures. Call Easter Seals office at 610-289-0114 if you have questions about office hours, bad weather or holiday closures.
Invoices are logged into Easter Seals based on the date they arrive in the office.
Families can mail invoices; US Postmark will not be used to determine cooperation with deadlines.
Please contact Bob Madden, Lehigh County FD/FSS Coordinator if you have questions or concerns about the new guidelines or other parts of the program. Phone: 610-849-8076 (ext. 317) or [email protected]
Page 3 Vo. 17, Issue 4 Local Training
Free Medicare 101 Workshop August 9, 2017 10:00-11:30 AM
Hosted by The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties
2299 Avenue A, Bethlehem PA Presented by
Denise Musselman, Lehigh County Apprise Coordinator, Lehigh County Office of Aging Delores Miller, Northampton County Apprise Coordinator, Northampton County Office of Aging
The Apprise Program is comprised of counselors who help you understand health insurance options. This federally funded program is designed to answer questions about Medicare, Medigap, Medicaid, long-term care insurance and preventive care. The intended audience is older adults (65 and older) & also families with younger members who are Medicare-eligible.
Presentation Includes:
Introduction to Medicare & Overview of Original Medicare Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage Plans Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage & Low-income Programs like PACE/PACENET Medicare Preventative Services & Medicare Fraud
Family members under the age of 65 but with a loved one on Medicare are welcome to attend.
Please RSVP to Ramona at [email protected] or 610-849-8076, ext. 325. Email
registration is preferred. Seating limited to 20.
EDUCATIONAL CHAT AND CHEW
Join presenters Patti Mertz and Kelly Nelson from the Eastern Pennsylvania Down Syndrome Center as they explore inclusion and the IEP process in an in-depth series. Each session will consist of a presentation followed by an open discussion panel led by experienced parents and professionals. Come with questions and learn what is possible when you are passionate about inclusion. Location: Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest Time: 6:30 PM Dates and Topics:
September 21st—Supporting Positive Behaviors October 19th—Assistive Technology in the Classroom
Sessions are FREE but you must register. Email Patti Mertz, [email protected] for registration or information.
Page 4 Vo. 17, Issue 4 Local Training
Back to School Special Education Presentation
Hosted by The Arc 2239 Avenue A, Bethlehem PA
Saturday, August 12, 2017
9:30-3:00 with Lunch Provided (Registration is 9:30-10:00 a.m.)
Presenters:
Diane Perry, PEAL Trainer & Parent Advisor Robyn Oplinger, Parent Advocate
Interested in advocating for your child? Find out what WORKS and what does NOT. Learn strategies that focus the IEP team on the student, not the personalities at the table. Special education law & dispute resolution will be included in the presentation. Join us for solid facts and great advice from experienced presenters. Time allowed for audience interaction and Q&A. This event is open to families who are new to special education as well as to families who have been “in the system” for a while. A summer workshop often means low registration. With this topic and these presenters, that won’t be the case! Early registration highly recommended. Seating limited to 24. Please contact Ramona at 610-849-8076, ext. 325 or [email protected]. Email preferred. Please register by Aug. 1st.
Best Buddies Page 5 Vo. 17, Issue 4
Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one chapter to almost 1,900 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Best Buddies clubs and programs engage participants in each of the 50 United States, and in 50 countries around the world. Best Buddies’ formal programs positively impact nearly 900,000 individuals with and without disabilities worldwide.
Best Buddies is a chance for college students to learn about, and become friends with community members that have intellectual and developmental disabilities. College students and community buddies learn responsibility, respect and friendship through the club.
The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties has the privilege to act as Host Site Coordinator for chapters at Muhlenberg College, DeSales University, Lehigh University and Lafayette College. Individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities who want to join a college chapter must be 18 years or older. Everyone must complete a 2017-18 application, even if they were in the club last year. Individuals who are 18, but still in high school can participate at the college level if their high school does not have a Best Buddies chapter.
Buddies who do well in the club have good social skills, are able to enjoy group activities and have a good support system at home. Buddies are responsible for their own transportation to and from activities/events. Please know that clubs are not staffed by professionals; if your family member requires more than social support, you will need to provide the extra attention. More information on the Best Buddies club is available at www.bestbuddies.org.
If you are interested in the Best Buddies club as a new or returning community member, please contact Bob Madden at 610-849-8076, ext. 317 or [email protected].
Would you like an E-mail pen pal? Best Buddies Pennsylvania is currently recruiting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to be matched in a one-to-one E-mail friendship through e-Buddies. e-Buddies matches people with IDD in a one-to-one E-mail friendship with a peer who
does not have a disability. For more information about the e-Buddies program, visit www.ebuddies.org
2017/2018 Organizational Meeting for Best Buddies
When: August 21, 6 —7:30 PM Where: The Arc, 2289 Avenue A, Bethlehem, PA
We encourage anyone interested in the Best Buddy club to attend this organizational event with a family member. We’ll have information about clubs connected to Lehigh University, Lafayette College, Muhlenberg College and DeSales University; we can help you register or renew your registration for the upcoming school year. All members must register every year. If you are a returning member and would like help registering, please feel free to attend the meeting
We hope this informative meeting will set the tone for a fun and satisfying experience for both community buddies and college students. Contact Bob Madden at 610-849-8076, ext. 317 or [email protected] to register for this event.
Page 6 Vo. 17, Issue 4 National Autism Conference
July 31 – August 3 ,2017
Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel State College, PA
Conference Mission
The Autism conference provides comprehensive, evidence-based information to assist educators, other professionals, and families in developing effective educational programming for all students with autism spectrum disorders.
Who Should Attend
Family members, physicians, speech-language pathologists, administrators, higher-education faculty, general and special education professionals, early-intervention staff, related service personnel, behavioral health analysts/professionals, and anyone interested in autism spectrum disorders.
National Autism Conference Outcomes
1. Cite specific research findings concerning autism spectrum disorders and relate them to assessment, instruction, and progress determination, including specific communication.
2. Describe appropriate interventions, materials, and progress-monitoring practices based on continuous instructional evidence in the areas of cognition, language, social skills, and motor skills.
3. Identify, analyze, and apply evidence-based practices for the treatment of students with autism spectrum disorders in cognition, communication, and social and motor skills.
4. Formulate practical and evidence-based instructional plans for students with autism spectrum disorders in order to have them progress in the general education curriculum with specific accommodations in language, cognition, and social and motor skills.
5. Incorporate the use of instructional technology and visual-graphic organizers into the instruction of students with autism spectrum disorders in order to increase organizational skills and improve achievement.
6. Relate specific assessment and intervention procedures to the general education curriculum and academic standards and benchmarks, including specific applications to communication-based approaches.
Conference Logistical Information
1. Handouts, from presenters who provide permission, will be available on this website (http://autism.outreach.psu.edu/) just prior to the conference. You may download and print the handouts prior to attending the conference.
2. Wireless Internet access at The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel will be complimentary in the meeting rooms.
3. Brochures are not being printed for the conference. All information pertaining to The National Autism Conference is available on this website: http://autism.outreach.psu.edu/
Conference Registration
Register online by visiting http://autism.outreach.psu.edu/registration.htm. You can call 814-867-4973 for assistance or other information. Deadline is 4:00 PM (ET) on July 21, 2017. After this date, walk-in registration is available for an additional fee.
Page 7 Vo. 17, Issue 4 Transition Conference
Advocates Agency Administrators Assistive Technology Professionals Business/Employers Career & Technology Educators Child Welfare Workers Direct Support Providers Drug & Alcohol Program Workers Education Administrators Family & Caregivers Family Health Representatives Foster and Adoptive Parents Guidance Counselors Health Professionals Higher Education Professionals Independent Living Staff Job Coaches Juvenile Justice Affiliates Local Service Providers
Local Youth Councils Medical Health Services Workers Mental Assistance Program Staff Occupational Therapists Paraprofessionals Partnerships for Youth Affiliates & Staff Physical Therapists Psychologists School Nurses Secondary Educators Social Workers Special Educators Speech/Language Therapists Transition Coordinators Vocational Evaluators Vocational Rehabilitation Staff Youth & Young Adults Youth Served in Foster Care
The primary focal points of this year's conference are:
2017 Penn Stater Conference Center
and Hotel
August 9—11
Certificates of Attendance for continuing education credits for professionals with CRCC (will be available after the conference).
The primary purpose of this conference is to expand the capacity of schools, agencies and communities, in partnership with youth, young adults and families, in promoting the successful transition of youth/young adults with disabilities to post-school outcomes of employment, post-secondary education and training, community participation and healthy lifestyles. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about effective practices to assist youth/young adults with disabilities to explore possibilities, take advantage of their opportunities, and actively advocate for their future.
Who Should Participate: Stakeholders who support post-school outcomes of youth with disabilities, such as….
Accommodations & Assistive Technology
Collaborative Partnerships
Employment
Effective Educational Practices
Independent Living & Community Participation
Post-Secondary Education/Training
Promoting Youth Development & Youth Leadership
Transition & Career Assessment
Youth Family Partnership Collaborative Sessions
The conference will feature:
Keynote and feature presentations
Approximately 80 breakout sessions
Sessions and activities designed for youth and young adults
Family engaging sessions and networking opportunities
Accommodations and Supports Expo, featuring hands-on assistive technology exhibits, vendor displays and resource tables
Pathways to Success: Transitioning into
Tomorrow Together
Registration and Fees:
Register after May 15 on the PATTAN Web Site: www.pattan.net.
For information regarding registration, please contact Patty Panuccio at PaTTAN-Pittsburgh, 800-446-5607 x6841 or [email protected].
A per person registration fee will be charged for this year’s conference
A limited number of scholarships will be available to family and youth who need support in order to attend the conference. The scholarship will cover the registration fee and hotel (one room up to a maximum of 3 nights).
All presenters must register for the conference and pay the registration fee.
Additional information regarding scholarships and the conference registration fee will be available online after May 15, 2017 at www.secondarytransition.org and www.pattan.net.
Hotel Information
A block of rooms at various hotels have been held for individuals who will be attending the conference. Participants are responsible for calling the hotel directly and making their own reservation. Participants will be responsible for the cost of their hotel rooms and must be billed directly. A list of hotels will be available at
www.pattan.net
Available Credits
Act 48,
CRCC
Page 8 Vo. 17, Issue 4 Things to Do
Mikayla ’s Voice
4th Annual
Tri for Inclusion
This year’s Tri for Inclusion will be held on September 17 at Parkland High School!
Mikayla’s Voice Tri for Inclusion is much more than a race. It is a priceless opportunity for all kids and young adults, and an important message for our entire community.
Visit the Tri for Inclusion website for photos, stories and information : www.triforinclusion.org.
Save The Date
AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL – THE NATIONAL PARKS AND FEDERAL RECREATIONAL LANDS ACCESS PASS
About the Access Pass: The Access Pass is a free, lifetime pass available to United States citizens or permanent residents, regardless of age, that have a permanent disability. The Pass can be used at over 2000 Federal recreation sites across the nation, including National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges, and many National Forest lands. The Access Pass admits the Pass owner and any passengers traveling with him/her in a non-commercial vehicle at per-vehicle fee areas or the Pass owner and three additional adults where per-person fees are charged. The Access Pass may also offer a discount on some expanded amenity fees, such as camping. Discounts offered by the Pass vary widely across the many different types of recreation sites. Pass owners are encouraged to check with sites they plan to visit before obtaining a pass to verify that their Pass will be accepted. Anytime a Pass is used, photo identification will be requested to verify Pass ownership. Obtaining a Pass Through the Mail To obtain an Access pass through the mail you must complete an application, provide a photocopy of proof of citizenship or residency, documentation of disability and pay the processing fee. The cost of obtaining an Access Pass through the mail is ten dollars ($10) for processing the application (the Pass is free). Obtaining a Pass in Person If you apply for an Access Pass at a Federal recreation site you do NOT need to fill out an application. When you arrive at the recreation site, the officer selling the pass will verify your documentation of disability and that you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident by checking your ID. You will then be issued the Pass. The Pass is free if obtained in person, there is no processing fee. Before making a trip to obtain a Pass, be sure to contact the site to ensure that they have passes available. Visit www.store.usgs.gov/pass/access_pass_application.pdf for information and a copy of the application form. Contact any Federal recreation site for information or visit the National Park service web sit and search “Access Pass” to follow the links.
Page 9 Vo. 17, Issue 4 Things to Do
Macungie Memorial Park
50 Poplar Street, Macungie, PA
Come out for 2 days packed with fun. Proceeds benefit the Ben Yorgey Foundation, providing scholarships to Special Education Students graduating in Lehigh and surrounding counties.
The Ben Event is a family event held the 3rd weekend in July at Macungie Memorial Park in Macungie, PA. The purpose of The Ben Event is to generate funds for the Ben Yorgey Foundation. Since the first Ben Event held in July 2010, the foundation has given 98 awards to graduating high school students with intellectual disabilities totaling over $84,000.
All forms and additional information available at: www.heyiknowyou.org or The Ben Yorgey Foundation, 5771 Buckeye Road, Macungie , PA 18062
Ben Event July 14 & 15, 2017
SAVE THE DATE
Art: The Universal Language Art Contest
This year’s theme is Visions of Pennsylvania
Artists of all ages are encouraged to share their vision and interpretation of Pennsylvania, whether they show their rendering of its natural beauty, city streets, its people, or any other aspect of the commonwealth.
Artists can submit images of their paintings, drawings, photos, 3-D items, or multi-media pieces. A team of judges will choose winners based on originality, imagination, visual interest, and skillful use of materials. The art contest is a collaboration between the Department of Human Services (DHS), The Arc of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers' Association, Pennsylvania Statewide Independent Living Council, and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.
Last year artists submitted more than 440 works of art, including paintings, drawings, photos, 3-D items, and mixed media pieces. Information, contest entry form, and winning artwork from previous contests can be found by visiting: http://www.dhs.pa.gov/citizens/artcontest/#.VyucaoQrKUk Deadline for submitting materials is July 14, 2017. Winners will be honored at a ceremony on September 25, 2017, in the Capitol Rotunda. For more information, visit www.dhs.pa.gov. MEDIA CONTACT: Rachel Kostelac, 717-425-7606 ARTISTS’ CONTACT: Devon Grant, ar [email protected] or 717-783-4287
Page 10 Vo. 17, Issue 4 News to Use
STOPPING TICKS
Reduce your chances of getting a tickborne disease by using repellents, checking for ticks, and showering after being outdoors. If you have a tick bite followed by a fever or rash, seek medical attention.
Gardening, camping, hiking, and playing outdoors – when enjoying these activities, don't forget to take steps to prevent bites from ticks that share the outdoors. Ticks can infect humans with bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause serious illness.
Before You Go Outdoors
Know where to expect ticks. Ticks live in moist and humid environments, particularly in or near wooded or grassy areas. You may come into contact with ticks during outdoor activities around your home or when walking through leaf litter or near shrubs. Always walk in the center of trails in order to avoid contact with ticks.
Products containing permethrin kill ticks. Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and remain protective through several washings.
Use a repellent with DEET on skin. Repellents containing 20% or more DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) can protect up to several hours. Always follow product instructions. Parents should apply this product to their children, avoiding the hands, eyes, and mouth. For detailed information about using DEET on children, see recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics web site.
For detailed information about tick prevention and control, see Avoiding Ticks (https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/index.html). Detailed information for outdoor workers can be found at NIOSH Safety and Health Topic: Tick-borne Diseases (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/tick-borne).
After You Come Indoors
Check your clothing for ticks. Ticks may be carried into the house on clothing. Any ticks that are found should be removed. Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors. If the clothes are damp, additional time may be needed. If the clothes require washing first, hot water is recommended. Cold and medium temperature water will not kill ticks effectively.
Shower soon after being outdoors. Showering within two hours of coming indoors has been shown to reduce your risk of getting Lyme disease. Showering may help wash off unattached ticks and it is a good opportunity to do a tick check.
Check your body for ticks after being outdoors. Conduct a full body check upon return from potentially tick-infested areas, which even includes your back yard. Use a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body. Check these parts of your body and your child's body for ticks:
Under the arms
In and around the ears
Inside belly button
Back of the knees
In and around the hair
Between the legs
Around the waist
Page 11 Vo. 17, Issue 4 News to Use
What to Do if You Find an Attached Tick
Remove the attached tick as soon as you notice it by grasping with tweezers, as close to the skin as possible, and pulling it straight out. How To remove a tick:
1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible.
2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don't twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the mouth-parts with tweezers. If you are unable to remove the mouth easily with clean tweezers, leave it alone and let the skin heal.
3. After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.
4. Dispose of a live tick by submersing it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag/container, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet. Never crush a tick with your fingers.
Watch for signs of illness such as rash or fever in the days and weeks following the bite, and see a health care provider if these develop. Your risk of acquiring a tick-borne illness depends on many factors, including where you live, what type of tick bit you, and how long the tick was attached. If you become ill after a tick bite, see a health care provider.
Reduce Ticks in Your Yard
Modify your landscape to create Tick-Safe Zones[6.82 MB]. Regularly remove leaf litter and clear tall grasses and brush around homes, and place wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas to keep ticks away from recreational areas, and keep play areas and playground equipment away from away from shrubs, bushes, and other vegetation.
Consider using a chemical control agent. Effective tick control chemicals are available for use by the homeowner, or they can be applied by a professional pest control expert, and even limited applications can greatly reduce the number of ticks. A single springtime application of acaricide can reduce the population of ticks that cause Lyme disease by 68–100%.
Discourage deer. Removing plants that attract deer and constructing physical barriers may help discourage deer from entering your yard and bringing ticks with them.
Prevent Ticks on Animals
Use tick control products to prevent family pets from bringing ticks into the home. Tick collars, sprays, shampoos, or “top spot” medications should be used regularly to protect your animals and your family from ticks. Consult your veterinarian and be sure to use these products according to the package instructions.
To reduce the chances that a tick will transmit disease to you or your pets:
Check your pets for ticks daily, especially after they spend time outdoors.
If you find a tick on your dog, remove it right away.
Ask your veterinarian to conduct a tick check at each exam.
Talk to your veterinarian about tickborne diseases in your area.
Reduce tick habitat in your yard.
Talk with your veterinarian about using tick preventives on your pet.
Note: Cats are extremely sensitive to a variety of chemicals. Do not apply any insect acaricides or repellents to your cats without first consulting your veterinarian!
Thank you for choosing e mail delivery of the newsletter! If you know someone who may want to receive the newsletter, please contact Bob Madden at The Arc of Lehigh & Northampton Counties The newsletter is available by e mail or through the regular mail. Phone: 610-849-8076 (ext. 317). E-mail: [email protected]
BI-COUNTY OBSERVER: Lehigh County Edition
Published six times a year for persons receiving services from the Intellectual Disabilities Departments in Lehigh and Northampton Counties.
Bob Madden, Editor 610-849-8076 (ext. 317)
[email protected] Funded by Lehigh & Northampton Counties’ MH/ID Departments under contract with The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties, Inc.
The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties, Inc. 2289 Avenue A Bethlehem PA 18017
Vo. 17, Issue 4 Page 12 The End
SAVE THE DATE
2017 PAR Solutions Conference
This year’s theme:
Think Big!
October 23—25, 2017 Harrisburg Hilton, Harrisburg, PA