Bulletin Board

Stay up-to-date on current news, reports, local research studies, and more.

Bulletin Board:
News to Know

Important Information for IHSS Provider Enrollment
Fall CATS Program Seeking applicants
Research Studies
Teen Recreation Integration Program
New Marin SELPA Director
NEW I.E.P. iPhone App
California High School Exit Exam

IHSS Provider Enrollment -- As a result of changes in the law last year, individuals who provide care for (“providers”) people with disabilities and/or the elderly under California’s In Home Supportive Services program operated in each county, must follow new requirements to enroll in or become a new IHSS Provider. This requirement applies to family members such as parents who are IHSS Providers for their children who are either minors or adults as well as non-relative Providers.

The four main elements of the new provider enrollment process include: a new provider enrollment form with a declaration signed under penalty of perjury; a new provider form acknowledging their understanding of the IHSS program requirements; fingerprinting and a background check; and participation in a program orientation.

The changes require that this enrollment process be completed by or started no later than June 30, 2010. As of June 9th approximately 20,000 Providers have taken no steps to re-enroll and risk losing their provider status.

If you have not started this enrollment process it is very important that you contact the county IHSS case worker for the person you care for. Here is a link to the IHSS Provider Orientation Guide and the IHSS Provider Enrollment Agreement.

Fall CATS Program -- The Collaborative Autism Training & Support (CATS) Program in Sonoma County is currently accepting applications from families for their Fall program in which a student in training works with their child for free during the school year. They are also invited to attend Autism seminars for free, receive lots of free print and on-line resources, and join a parent support group and network list. If the child has a confirmed autism spectrum diagnosis and lives in Sonoma County, a space is guaranteed, until the slots fill up. If the
family lives further away, they will provide a student if possible. [download program description] [download application]

Research Studies:

Parents of Students with Learning Disabilities | Study of the Intel Reader -- The Center for Education and Human Services at SRI International is conducting a study of the intel reader. They are looking to locate students with learning disabilities who are in grades 7-12 and would be interested in participating in the study. See flyer for more information.

UCSF Study: Genes Related to Autism Spectrum Disorders -- Dr. Lauren Weiss, PhD is a geneticist conducting a research study to find genes related to ASD. For more information on the study, including how you and your family can help, click here. You also may contact Keren Messing Guy, PhD, Study Coordinator at 415.476.6988 or email keren.messingguy@ucsf.edu

Parents of Children with Autism | Your participation is needed in a research study about your experience as a parent with your child's repetitive behavior. Answer a brief, anonymous survey composed of questions about your child. Click here to take survey. [download flyer]

Teen Recreation Integration Program (TRIP)
TRIP is a program started by the Marin Coalition and
administered by Lifehouse, that provides normalized social and
recreational activities on evenings and weekends for people with
disabilities aged 13-22. TRIP has recently received grant money from Autism Speaks to expand into the ASD community. If you are interested in this service, or if you have any questions, please contact program coordinator Mike Sus: msus@lifehouseagency.org [download activity calendar for May]

New Marin SELPA Director
Marin County Superintendent of Schools, Superintendent of Larkspur School District, and the Chair of the SELPA Governance Council are pleased to announce the hiring of Penny L. Valentine as the new Marin County SELPA Director, effective July 1, 2010. Penny is currently Senior Director, South County SELPA in San Diego County. Penny brings a record of promoting coordination and cooperation on a SELPA-wide basis that has resulted in maximizing resources to provide quality programs for students. She understands the intricacies in building the capacity of parents, staff development and student academic growth. She has focused on creating inclusion programs and training staff and parents in their implementation. She has created strong partnerships with community and government agencies.

NEW I.E.P. iPhone App
The Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC) has announced the development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) Checklist iPhone application. The IEP is an individualized program designed to support the educational needs of school aged students with disabilities. This new IEP app helps parents of students with special needs become better-informed advocates by making IEP information easier to access. http://sites.google.com/a/region5ptac.org/take-5-jan-2010/home/te/IEP-Checklist-App

CA High School Exit Exam
The California Dept. of Education (CDE) has provided more clarification on the exemption from taking the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) for students with IEPs or 504 Plans. Frequently Asked Questions are answered on the CDE website at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/hs/cahseefaqexempt.asp

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