I just got word that 12 News is looking to do a story on Early Intervention Services if the funding cuts go through the legislature. They are looking for families willing to interview with their children on camera. If anyone is interested please contact Melissa, her email is
mblasius@12news.com
Let me know if there are any problems with the email link.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Here We Go Again...
Alas, nobody seems to have learned anything from the last ten times they were sued, and a new budget proposal is coming to cut DDD and related programs AGAIN!!!
It boggles my mind, really it does, how do you expect to resolve the budget problems by victimizing the citizens of this state? Is this really necessary? Honestly? Yes we are "broke" (as one Senator so eloquently put it), but this is not the first time the state has had major budget problems, and guess what? Eventually everything resolves itself.
I just don't get this obsession with dollars, money is a funny thing, no matter how much you loose, you will almost always have a future opportunity to make more, it is something that can be replaced.
I don't get why others don't see it this way, granted I am not trying to minimize some of the financial hardships individuals are undergoing at this time, living paycheck to paycheck is not something I'm trying to downplay, but in terms of the State of Arizona, as a whole, let's face it, there will always be people living here, doing business here, and paying taxes here, the federal government will always be giving us grants and other funding too. They will always have some sort of revenue flow in, the amount varies, but nethertheless it is still there and will always be.
What can't be replaced is time. We cannot take the critical time back for those children with disablities to maximize their level of functionig. It has a time limit children at a critical age or stage need therapies NOW, not sometime in the future when or if the legislators figure out how to balance a budget. That is someting that cannot be recouped, neither will the pain of parents knowing that if their children had been treated as human beings and been given the services so they could have the dignity of a functional life being taken away for years if not permanently, just so someone could try to balance a budget on a spreadsheet.
Get out your dialing fingers and your keyboards folks, it's time to call and write yet again, apparently it sounds like they will not take into account our previous efforts, so we have to start from scratch again, maybe we could just forward our old stuff with a new date since things have not changed.
If you don't know your district you can go online to :
www.azleg.gov/MemberRoster.asp
There is a previous template from April of last year posted on this blog as well, just go the the right sidbar under 2009, and click on April, the heading of the post should appear, contact me if you have any questions.
It boggles my mind, really it does, how do you expect to resolve the budget problems by victimizing the citizens of this state? Is this really necessary? Honestly? Yes we are "broke" (as one Senator so eloquently put it), but this is not the first time the state has had major budget problems, and guess what? Eventually everything resolves itself.
I just don't get this obsession with dollars, money is a funny thing, no matter how much you loose, you will almost always have a future opportunity to make more, it is something that can be replaced.
I don't get why others don't see it this way, granted I am not trying to minimize some of the financial hardships individuals are undergoing at this time, living paycheck to paycheck is not something I'm trying to downplay, but in terms of the State of Arizona, as a whole, let's face it, there will always be people living here, doing business here, and paying taxes here, the federal government will always be giving us grants and other funding too. They will always have some sort of revenue flow in, the amount varies, but nethertheless it is still there and will always be.
What can't be replaced is time. We cannot take the critical time back for those children with disablities to maximize their level of functionig. It has a time limit children at a critical age or stage need therapies NOW, not sometime in the future when or if the legislators figure out how to balance a budget. That is someting that cannot be recouped, neither will the pain of parents knowing that if their children had been treated as human beings and been given the services so they could have the dignity of a functional life being taken away for years if not permanently, just so someone could try to balance a budget on a spreadsheet.
Get out your dialing fingers and your keyboards folks, it's time to call and write yet again, apparently it sounds like they will not take into account our previous efforts, so we have to start from scratch again, maybe we could just forward our old stuff with a new date since things have not changed.
If you don't know your district you can go online to :
www.azleg.gov/MemberRoster.asp
There is a previous template from April of last year posted on this blog as well, just go the the right sidbar under 2009, and click on April, the heading of the post should appear, contact me if you have any questions.
Due Process Still Continuing...
The State has not budged, they will not comit to sending a letter, we had another phone hearing, and not only do they refuse to give us a letter stating what their intentions are, they filed to have everything dismissed THE DAY BEFORE OUR CONFERENCE!
Luckily the judge didn't have the paperwork, and did not sound too pleased that nobody mentioned this motion to him or us, so he gave me some time to type a response, which is what I am working on right now, and why I have not had too much time to write much lately.
I will update with any useful info as I get it, I will not write too much about what I'm working on right now because I don't want any confusion if what I submit does not work out, either way I will post what I find out.
Luckily the judge didn't have the paperwork, and did not sound too pleased that nobody mentioned this motion to him or us, so he gave me some time to type a response, which is what I am working on right now, and why I have not had too much time to write much lately.
I will update with any useful info as I get it, I will not write too much about what I'm working on right now because I don't want any confusion if what I submit does not work out, either way I will post what I find out.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Due Process Hearing Saga Continues
I had a pre-hearing. The judge asked me if he has had services and if they had been maintained, I stated that they had, and that was not the point I was disputing. I was disputing the inital letter that stated that they had made the decision to remove his services due to funding problems, and let him know the only letter I have recieved from the state since then is a letter stating they were only providing services since they were forced to through litigation, and since there are new budget cuts proposed, I still had concerns.
The judge asked point blank if the decision had been reversed, or changed the reply "I don't know if I could say it was reversed" and they didn't know if it had been really changed either, they might just decide to go with that decision at a later point in time.
They also stated that they didn't know if they could give me a letter that would provide me with the "reassurance" that I needed (of course they didn't bother to ask, they assumed, and you know the old saying about assuming things). They did read a proposed draft letter they were thinking about giving to me, it sounded agreeable to me, but I still wanted to see it. They stated that they had to get approval from DES before they could provide me a copy, among some other things, and the judge issued a continuance.
So far, I just got word that they will not provide me with a letter, and as far as some of the other things, not a peep. Just goes to show how far they aren't willing to go for families.
My experience is, basically, in general, if someone is legitamate and following the law in business or otherwise, they have no problem putting things in writing for you. Anything else looks suspicious.
At least that is what consumer watch groups always tell you as well as news stations that do exposes on people getting robbed of their money. They tell you to not even deal with those individuals, and to report them.
Unfortunately we don't have a choice, and we don't really have anyone to report anyone to so we can get answers, or what we need.
I doubt I'll see a letter, I think I would have had an easier time if I had demmanded they pick up South Mountain and move it to Glendale.
The judge asked point blank if the decision had been reversed, or changed the reply "I don't know if I could say it was reversed" and they didn't know if it had been really changed either, they might just decide to go with that decision at a later point in time.
They also stated that they didn't know if they could give me a letter that would provide me with the "reassurance" that I needed (of course they didn't bother to ask, they assumed, and you know the old saying about assuming things). They did read a proposed draft letter they were thinking about giving to me, it sounded agreeable to me, but I still wanted to see it. They stated that they had to get approval from DES before they could provide me a copy, among some other things, and the judge issued a continuance.
So far, I just got word that they will not provide me with a letter, and as far as some of the other things, not a peep. Just goes to show how far they aren't willing to go for families.
My experience is, basically, in general, if someone is legitamate and following the law in business or otherwise, they have no problem putting things in writing for you. Anything else looks suspicious.
At least that is what consumer watch groups always tell you as well as news stations that do exposes on people getting robbed of their money. They tell you to not even deal with those individuals, and to report them.
Unfortunately we don't have a choice, and we don't really have anyone to report anyone to so we can get answers, or what we need.
I doubt I'll see a letter, I think I would have had an easier time if I had demmanded they pick up South Mountain and move it to Glendale.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
SERIOUSLY? DES is at it AGAIN!
I don't get it, I really don't. DES has come out with a proposed budget, granted it is not final or approved, but they are again proposing to reduce or eliminate Early Intervention and a host of other services. I guess they aren't tired of being sued. I'm not sure why they think they can accomplish these things this time around, if they try we are all willing to fight them. This isn't final or over, but we might want to start getting our dialing and typing fingers ready to contact our officials again.
Word is OSEP is planning a visit in November, I would love to meet with them too, as I'm sure many other parents would. Maybe we can organize and show up as a group when they are here, or form a protest outside the DES office. If anyone is interested, let me know.
The link to the "proposed" budget is below it is posted DES's main website page if you have trouble with the link:
https://egov.azdes.gov/cms400min/uploadedFiles/Office_of_Communications/fy2010_budget_review_15_percent_reduction.pdf
Word is OSEP is planning a visit in November, I would love to meet with them too, as I'm sure many other parents would. Maybe we can organize and show up as a group when they are here, or form a protest outside the DES office. If anyone is interested, let me know.
The link to the "proposed" budget is below it is posted DES's main website page if you have trouble with the link:
https://egov.azdes.gov/cms400min/uploadedFiles/Office_of_Communications/fy2010_budget_review_15_percent_reduction.pdf
Friday, October 23, 2009
Our Due Process Hearing is Set...
Well, at least I'm glad they didn't forget about us. The assistant attorney general contacted me and asked me if I wanted to go through with the hearing since "most of them are getting thrown out anyway because services are still in place"
I thought about it, and I realized that the last communication I have from the state in writing was a letter stating that they were providing services due to a court injunction, so I asked if I could get a written statement about what the state's current position is in regards to his services, if they reversed their decision to remove them, and is this a permanent change or temporary. I told them I was willing to drop the hearing if they would just provide me a written statement of their intentions, should be pretty straightforward right? I mean what is wrong with asking for this in writing? If they are legitmate and believe they are doing the right thing, why not put it in writing? Should be no problem right?
WRONG!!!!!
Here is a copy of the correspondence:
Them:
I have discussed your concerns regarding documentation with my clients at>> AzEIP.>>>> Their file shows that a letter was mailed to you dated March 23, 2009,>> with your son's name on it, indicating that services would continue per>> the IFSP.>>>> Did you receive this letter, and if so, is it sufficient documentation?>>
Me:
No, it is not. The letter states that services are going to continue > because> of a court injunction, and "The Department will of course comply with the> Court's ruling, but does intend to appeal the decision and ask the court > to> stay the injunction. Your services and supports will be continued as long > as> the preliminary injunction remains in effect">> I interpet this as to meaning that they can and do intend to remove > services> when the order is stayed (and I believe it has been), I want something > else> in writing expressing their intentions at this point and time, and whether> or not they have kept the decision to remove services or they have > reversed> their decision to remove services, and if the services are going to stay > in> place, is it permanent or is there a timeline? I can fax you a copy of the> letter if you need me to. Thanks!>
Them:
Thank you for your reply. I think that I have a copy of that letter in > the file. I understand your position, but am not able to commit the > department to any other communication at this time.
Me:
I guess that means we will go through with the hearing then, can you forward me the instructions? Thanks!
Them:
I don't set the instructions for the hearing. I think that the DES Appeals office includes instructions with the letter that they send out setting the date and time for the hearing. I suggest that if you need more information that you contact them regarding the specific procedures.
-I guess we will go through with the hearing, I'll write a post after it is over. If anyone has any info that can help me, tell me about their experience or advice, it would be greatly appreciated : )
I thought about it, and I realized that the last communication I have from the state in writing was a letter stating that they were providing services due to a court injunction, so I asked if I could get a written statement about what the state's current position is in regards to his services, if they reversed their decision to remove them, and is this a permanent change or temporary. I told them I was willing to drop the hearing if they would just provide me a written statement of their intentions, should be pretty straightforward right? I mean what is wrong with asking for this in writing? If they are legitmate and believe they are doing the right thing, why not put it in writing? Should be no problem right?
WRONG!!!!!
Here is a copy of the correspondence:
Them:
I have discussed your concerns regarding documentation with my clients at>> AzEIP.>>>> Their file shows that a letter was mailed to you dated March 23, 2009,>> with your son's name on it, indicating that services would continue per>> the IFSP.>>>> Did you receive this letter, and if so, is it sufficient documentation?>>
Me:
No, it is not. The letter states that services are going to continue > because> of a court injunction, and "The Department will of course comply with the> Court's ruling, but does intend to appeal the decision and ask the court > to> stay the injunction. Your services and supports will be continued as long > as> the preliminary injunction remains in effect">> I interpet this as to meaning that they can and do intend to remove > services> when the order is stayed (and I believe it has been), I want something > else> in writing expressing their intentions at this point and time, and whether> or not they have kept the decision to remove services or they have > reversed> their decision to remove services, and if the services are going to stay > in> place, is it permanent or is there a timeline? I can fax you a copy of the> letter if you need me to. Thanks!>
Them:
Thank you for your reply. I think that I have a copy of that letter in > the file. I understand your position, but am not able to commit the > department to any other communication at this time.
Me:
I guess that means we will go through with the hearing then, can you forward me the instructions? Thanks!
Them:
I don't set the instructions for the hearing. I think that the DES Appeals office includes instructions with the letter that they send out setting the date and time for the hearing. I suggest that if you need more information that you contact them regarding the specific procedures.
-I guess we will go through with the hearing, I'll write a post after it is over. If anyone has any info that can help me, tell me about their experience or advice, it would be greatly appreciated : )
Saturday, October 10, 2009
IDEA Act Survey, Here's a Chance to Give Feedback
Please fill out the surveys, and/or share them with other families. They are brief and quick. I believe that Raising Special Kids was appointed to gather the data for the Department of Education apart from the state.
Here are urls for the Raising Special Kids Parent Survey for Part C (AzEIP, early intervention) and Part B (ADE--preschool and school-aged special education). Please share these links with any families you know who have children who may have recieved or are currently receiving special education services in Arizona. Here are the actual URLs (website addresses) that can be pasted into a browser (or email or facebook entry or blog or….whatever) to navigate to the online survey:
Spanish Part C
http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2kysj5ffzvp3zw4/start
Spanish Part B
http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2l8143zg0761858/start
English Part C
http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2kzrbyhfzwv9ngq/start
English Part B=0 A
http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2l80sdfg075u9ic/start
Here are urls for the Raising Special Kids Parent Survey for Part C (AzEIP, early intervention) and Part B (ADE--preschool and school-aged special education). Please share these links with any families you know who have children who may have recieved or are currently receiving special education services in Arizona. Here are the actual URLs (website addresses) that can be pasted into a browser (or email or facebook entry or blog or….whatever) to navigate to the online survey:
Spanish Part C
http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2kysj5ffzvp3zw4/start
Spanish Part B
http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2l8143zg0761858/start
English Part C
http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2kzrbyhfzwv9ngq/start
English Part B=0 A
http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e2l80sdfg075u9ic/start
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