Project Leadership RFA, Transition Webinar, & Presidential Q&A

This newsletter was sent October 18, 2016. If you’d like to receive our next bi-weekly digest full of a curated collection of resources, workshops, policy highlights, and action items that affect children and youth with special health care needs, please sign up here.

NEWS

Request For Applications: Training Of Trainers Workshop For CA Organizations Serving Children With Special Needs

Family Voices of California is extending an invitation to California organizations serving families of children with special needs to send one representative to a two-day Project Leadership Training-of-Trainers Workshop in San Francisco or Los Angeles in January 2017. Project Leadership is a parent advocacy training whose overall goal is to increase the number of family members of children with special health care needs who are prepared and supported to become advocates for health care policy and service improvements. Please see the attached application for details. Project Leadership is funded by the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health. To review the request for application, click here.

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Anti-Bullying Series Features Kids With Disabilities For Bullying Prevention Month

As part of October’s National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month initiated by the PACER Center, StopBullying.gov is taking this week to focus on how bullying can impact children and youth with disabilities by featuring youth stories on their blog. For more information on other populations who will be highlighted during this campaign, click here.

Related: Special needs bullying toolkit for parents, teachers, and students

Related: Bullying Often Triggers Fight Response In Kids With Disabilities

Related: October 26 webinar from Second Step: “Mean” Behavior And Aggression In Early Childhood: The Origins Of Bullying. More information and registration here.

Hillary Clinton And Donald Trump Answer Four Key Questions About Children’s Health

Presidential nominees Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have submitted answers to four American Academy Of Pediatrics questions on children’s health as part of the AAP’s #VoteKids campaign. To read their answers, click here.

Related: Snapshot of where nominees stand on seven health care issues

Related: Oct. 28 webinar from the Center For Health Journalism: Future Of U.S. Health Care

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RESOURCES

The Kaiser Family Foundation’s 50-State Medicaid Budget Survey

The Kaiser Family Foundation released its 16th annual Medicaid budget survey which provides an in-depth examination of the changes taking place in Medicaid programs across the country. It focuses on trends in enrollment and spending growth, developments in eligibility and enrollment policies, how states are using managed care, reimbursement rates and prescription drug costs, and payment and delivery system reforms. For the full report, click here, and to watch the recording of a briefing discussing the survey’s key findings, click here

Related: States Increase Cost Controls To Manage Medicaid Growth

State Of Sickle Cell Disease: 2016 Report

The recently-formed Sickle Cell Disease Coalition has released their 2016 report which encompasses four priority areas: access to care in the United States, training and professional education, research and clinical trials, and global issues related to sickle cell disease. To read the report, click here, and to review a list of priorities, click here.

RelatedScientists Correct Mutation That Causes Sickle Cell Disease

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Policy Data Brief: Access To Durable Medical Equipment

This brief from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation identifies the primary barriers to accessing needed durable medical equipment and how to ensure that people can obtain what they need. The brief indicates that lack of insurance is not the primary reason people are unable to access adaptive equipment as 87% of people who reported problems were insured. To read the brief, click here

OPPORTUNITY FOR INPUT

Five ABLE Act Stakeholder Meetings Set For Alameda County, Survey Seeks Input

The ABLE Act allows people with disabilities (acquired before the age of 26) to save up to $100,000 instead of $2,000 while still receiving Social Security Income or other benefits. Prior to the launch of ABLE accounts in California, the CalAble Board needs community stakeholder input. For more information on meeting dates and locations, click here. If you can’t make it to a meeting or live elsewhere, please complete this survey

Related: ABLE Act Q&A for California residents

Related: Proposed Changes To ABLE Act Draw Opposition

WEBINARS

October 18: Opportunities For Employment For Individuals With Down Syndrome

Sponsor: National Down Syndrome Society

More information and registration here.

October 18: Recovery From Schizophrenia With And Without Medication

Sponsor: Brain And Behavior Research Foundation

More information and registration here.

October 19: Inclusion Works—For Business, Opportunity, Innovation, And Health

Sponsor: Association Of University Centers On Disabilities

More information and registration here.

October 20: Parent And School Collaboration For The Dyslexic Student

Sponsor: Learning Ally

More information and registration here.

October 20: Health Care Transition And What It Means For Parents

Sponsor: Family Network On Disabilities

More information and registration here.

October 25: Maximizing Insurance Enrollment In MCH: Strategies To Enroll Hard-To-Reach Populations

Sponsor: Association Of Maternal & Child Health Programs

More information and registration here.

October 26: How Social Determinants Of Health Impact Care Delivery

Sponsor: Children’s Hospital Association

More information and registration here.

October 26: Engaging Men And Dads In Children’s Lives

Sponsors: California WIC Association and First 5 Alameda County

More information and registration here.

October 27: Navigating The Criminal Justice System For People With Disabilities

Sponsor: USC University Center For Excellence In Developmental Disabilities

More information and registration here

October 28: Clinton VS. Trump: The Future Of U.S. Health Care

Sponsor: Center For Health Journalism

More information and registration here.

November 1: Empowering People With Disabilities To Recognize And Report Abuse

Sponsor: California Foundation For Independent Living Centers

More information and registration here.

November 2: Obesity And Failure-To-Thrive Concerns In Children With Autism

Sponsors: Johnson Center For Child Health And Development and Autism Research Institute

More information and registration here.

ARTICLES

Cities Named Most Disability-Friendly

The Doctor Isn’t In: Medi-Cal Patients Struggle To Find Primary Care

What Life Is Like For Twins Living With Cystic Fibrosis

In Crisis, Out Of Room: Kids With Mental Illness Forced To Wait For Care

SF Police Officers To Team With Mental Health Workers In Crisis

Autism Speaks No Longer Seeking Cure

UC Davis Joins Large-Scale Effort To Identify Environmental Influences On Child Health

Miracle Makeovers: Rooms Of Hope Gives Dream Spaces To Sick Kids

Early Ed, Crucial For Latino Children With Learning Disabilities

CBS Launches Casting Diversity Initiative

Dismal Dental Care Access For Low-Income Californians Prompt New Solutions

Scarcity Of Mental Health Care Means PatientsEspecially KidsLand In ER

First Cohort Of Colorado Students With Down Syndrome Starts College This Fall

Obama Extends Controversial Program For Rare Pediatric Drugs

Education Department Aims To Improve Transition Outcomes

The Parents Who Jump-Started Autism Research In California

Zika ‘Syndrome:’ Health Problems Mount As Babies Turn 1

Family Engagement Grant, Autism & Melatonin, & A Blueprint For Children

This newsletter was sent October 4, 2016. If you’d like to receive our next bi-weekly digest full of a curated collection of resources, workshops, policy highlights, and action items that affect children and youth with special health care needs, please sign up here.

NEWS

FVCA Project Leadership Program Awarded 2-Year Grant To Continue Family Advocacy

We’re thrilled to share FVCA has been awarded a grant from Lucile Packard Foundation For Children’s Health to continue Project Leadership, our advocacy training program that equips families with skills to engage in all levels of public policy on behalf of children and youth with special health care needs. Project Leadership will transition into its fourth year, continuing expansion of statewide trainings as well as ongoing mentorship and support to graduates in their advocacy and leadership roles. To learn more about Project Leadership goals, click here.

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Governor Brown Signs SB 586, California Children’s Services Redesign Bill, Into Law

SB 586 (Hernandez) impacts thousands of children in California with special health care needs who will be transitioning into Medi-Cal managed care plans no sooner than July 2017 under the Department Of Health Care Services’ Whole-Child Model. The state hopes this model will streamline care, and SB 586 ensures children will be protected. Governor Brown signed the bill on Sept. 25.

Related: Gov. Brown Signs Bill Allowing Fragile Children To Keep Doctors For 1 Year

Related: Sen. Hernandez’s press release announcing passage of SB 586

Registration Open For 15th Annual FVCA Health Summit & Legislative Day, Feb 27-28

Our annual Health Summit & Legislative Day brings together families, youth, providers, policymakers, advocates, and other stakeholders to identify the issues that affect children and youth with special health care needs. Join us in Sacramento for panel presentations on California Children’s Services, mental health, and more. Build relationships with families and professionals, and learn how to address legislators to implement change. Free for families, $50 suggested donation for professionals. To register, click here, and to view photos from this year, click here

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State Seeks Public Comment On Plan To Evaluate Two California Children’s Services Pilots

The Department Of Health Care Services‘ proposal for evaluating two CCS pilot programs, Health Plan Of San Mateo and Rady Children’s, is available for public comment until Oct. 19. The draft proposals are under review by the Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services, and results of the pilots could carry weight for the future structure of CCS. To learn more and provide comment, click here.

RESOURCES

California Ranks #6 In United Cerebral Palsy’s 2016 “Case For Inclusion” Report

In United Cerebral Palsy‘s 2016 “Case For Inclusion” report, California ranks #6 (same as last year) for overall service for people with disabilities and their families. In addition, the state is one of only 15 offering family support to keep individuals with disabilities living at home, and we meet a “top-performing” 90% home-like setting standard. To read the full report and see how other states ranked, click here.

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New School-Based Asthma Management Program From The American Academy Of Allergy, Asthma, And Immunology

Seeking to standardize recommendations for school-based asthma management, this program provides useful resources and includes an individualized asthma action plan. Emphasis is placed on care coordination between families, clinicians, and school nurses to improve outcomes. To learn more and read the full report, click here.

Blueprint For Children: How The Next President Can Build A Foundation For A Healthy Future

A new report from the American Academy Of Pediatrics provides recommendations for the next administration on improving the health and well-being of our kids—several of which relate to children and youth with special health care needs. A suggested policy agenda is divided into four subsections: healthy children, secure families, strong communities, and leading nation. In addition, there are separate recommendations for specific federal agencies and departments. To read the report, click here

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Melatonin And Sleep Problems In Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Guide For Parents

This toolkit from Autism Speaks provides parents with introductory information on melatonin, a common supplement prescribed by doctors to help improve sleep quality in children with autism. The guide explains why melatonin is prescribed, its associated risks, how you can tell if it’s working, and more. To download the toolkit, click here

RESOURCE OPPORTUNITY

Individuals With Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Needed For Online Survey Participation

Researchers at the Indiana University School Of Medicine are recruiting individuals ages 5-25 (and their parents) for a study to develop a health-related quality of life instrument for NF1 to better understand and measure how the disease affects patient well-being. Participants must answer online surveys and will be given a $10 gift card for their time. For more information, email research associate Kavitha Nutakki at knutakki@iupui.edu or call 317-278-0534.

WEBINARS

October 5: Advocating For Your Child With Autism

Sponsor: SPARK

More information and registration here

October 6: Supporting People With Disabilities To Identify Appropriate Housing

Sponsor: The Arc

More information and registration here.

October 6: Parents’ And Students’ Rights In Special Education

Sponsor: The Johnson Center For Child Health And Development

More information and registration here.

October 10: Rights And Responsibilities As A Parent Of A Child With Disabilities

Sponsor: Family Network On Disabilities

More information and registration here

October 11: Population Health–Why It Matters 

Sponsor: Children’s Hospital Association

More information and registration here.

October 12: Income And Health Inequalities And Their Relationship To Population Health Delivery Systems–Research In Process

Sponsor: Systems For Action

More information and registration here

October 12: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Progression And What To Expect

Sponsor: Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation

More information and registration here

October 12: Environmental Toxins And Autism Spectrum Disorder

Sponsor: Autism Research Institute

More information and registration here.

October 13: Emergency Evacuation Planning For People With Disabilities

Sponsor: ADA National Network

More information and registration here

October 13: Roles Of Families And Skills For Serving On Groups That Make Decisions

Sponsor: Statewide Parent Advocacy Network

More information and registration here.

October 14: Epilepsy And Autism Seen Through The Brain

Sponsor: Autism Speaks

More information and registration here.

October 18: How To Reach And Engage With Hispanic Communities

Sponsor: Child Trends

More information and registration here.

October 19: Prophylaxis, Teens, And Adherence

Sponsor: National Hemophilia Foundation

More information and registration here.

ARTICLES

How The ACA Is Helping Children With Special Needs And Their Families

Report: Voters With Disabilities Are Treated Like “Second-Class Citizens” At The Polls

Complex Child’s October Edition: Accessibility

East Texas Children Lose Therapy Services In Budget Cut Fallout  

Governor Signs Bills To Curb Psych Drugs To California Foster Youth

For Non-English Speaking Families, Getting Health Help At School Proves Elusive

FDA Approves First Drug To Treat Rare Form Of Muscular Dystrophy

What’s ALD? A New Genetic Test Will Identify California Newborns With Disease

Young Boy’s Struggle To Survive Sparked Widespread Push For Drugs For Terminally Ill

When Should Children Take Part In Medical Decisions?

In Mental Health Care, Are We Treating The Symptom But Not The Cause?

With Little Funding And Lots Of Effort, Communities Find Ways To Combat Childhood Trauma

Medicaid Transition Causes Hardship

Texas Supreme Court Allows Medicaid Cuts To Children’s Therapy to Proceed

Children’s Mental Health Directors Face Challenges, Study Finds

Opioid Epidemic’s Youngest Victims Are A Growing Group, New Data Shows

How High Blood Pressure May Hurt Children’s Brains

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