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PLUK eNews April 29, 2005
http://www.pluk.org/eNews/Apr_29_05.htm
Volume 3 Issue 20

Welcome to PLUK's electronic newsletter! 
(Download the printable pdf version at: http://www.pluk.org/eNews/Apr_29_05.pdf )

We are proud to present news of interest for Montana families of children with disabilities and special health care needs, and for the professionals and educators who serve them; however, it does not constitute an endorsement.

Highlights:

Kids at Heart Gala, May 13
The event will be held again at Sheraton Hotel in Billings and is set for Friday May 13th. The 2005 Kids at Heart Gala features the band The Midlife Chryslers (Billings' area doctors who participate in 4 or 5 performances a year for local nonprofits). The Committee is excited about this notable band's involvement and everyone is looking forward to the Gala. In addition to the Chrysler's performance, the event will include heavy hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction, a live auction (featuring auctioneer Bill Holt), and much more. For information on sponsorships or tickets, call PLUK's office at 406 255-0540 or 800 222-7585. Visit the PLUK web site to see a list of auction items, http://www.pluk.org. 

Benefit Concert for PLUK-May 20, Kalispell
Flathead Valley PLUK presents:
Rob Quist and the Great Northern Band with Jack Gladstone in concert, present their newest collaboration May 20th at 7pm at the Kalispell Christian Center. Quist and Gladstone, two of the West's most celebrated entertainers and songwriters, have united in an unforgettable new show, Odyssey West, commemorating Lewis and Clark's epic journey into the western frontier.
Jack Gladstone and Rob Quist bring the West to life with the rich historical content of their original songs and narratives, presented with dramatic live footage, as well as haunting photographic and artistic images of the Old and New West.
Celebrate Our Heritage while supporting local children and adults with disabilities. Proceeds also benefit Special Friends Advocacy. Ticket purchases call 406 756-6159.
http://www.robquist.com/promopage.htm 

The 299 Club-Support for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Billings
The number 299 comes from the first portion of the diagnostic code used to identify Autism Spectrum Disorders. The 299 Club is a parent-to-parent support group designed to offer information sharing, education, and support "to build our community, one piece at a time."
· Explore Innovative Approaches to Autism
· Browse the Resource Library
· Become a Parent Mentor
· Join the "Sunshine Group"
· Check Conference Listings
· Learn from Guest Speakers
· Help Fundraising Activities
· Relax with Moms' Morning Coffee Chat
· Visit the Kids' Gathering
· Enjoy a Christmas Party
WHEN: 3RD Friday, every month
WHERE: Scottish Rite Language Clinic (514 14TH ST W)
CONTACT: Jaime Moran, 406-256-8007 or Jennifer Closson, 406-655-3234

PUBLIC NOTICE: Annual State Application for Part C IDEA, Available for Review

This is Public Notice that the State of Montana has its Annual State Application under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for the Federal Fiscal Year of 2005 available for Public Notice and Comments. The document will be available for a 30-day review and another 30-days for comments. There have been no changes from the application that was submitted for the Federal Fiscal Year of 2004. The application is available at the Regional Offices located at the following addresses:

Region 1 Developmental Disabilities Services
226 6th St S
Glasgow, MT 59230

Region 2 Developmental Disabilities Services
201 First St S Ste3
Great Falls, MT 59405

Region 3 Developmental Disabilities Services
2121 Rosebud Dr Ste C-1
Billings, MT 59102

Region 4 Developmental Disabilities Services
3075 N Montana Ave Rm 108
Helena, MT 59620

Region 5 Developmental Disabilities Services
1610 South 3rd West No 202
Missoula, MT 59801

A copy of the application can also be obtained from:
Disability Services Division
Central Office
111 Sanders P.O Box 4210
Helena, MT 59604

Or by calling (406) 444-2591

Legislative Postcript-Bill Status Updates, C. Briggs
I just wanted to follow up on a few bills I reported last week. I wasn't sure of their status and now I have an update.
· SB 415 (Tester) - A significant bill that drew lots of attention, mandates that utility companies in Montana access a certain percentage of alternative energy sources, such as wind. While seen as progressive energy policy, questions were raised questions whether it could potentially raise costs to consumers (residential and business). The bill was finally approved and has now been transmitted to the Governor for his signature.
· SB 428 (Stapleton) - Establishes the 211 emergency human services system statewide. The House concurred in Governor's amendments and was returned to the Senate. The bill was finally concurred in and has been sent to the Governor.
· SB 526 (Cobb) - Would have exempted bed taxes (such as hospitals and nursing homes), as well as voter approved tax initiatives (such as I-149) from consideration of the spending cap. While the bill passed the Senate, it was sent to the House but no action was taken. The bill is now confirmed as dead. It was no longer necessary, since HB-5, as amended, moved the $75 million in long-range construction of Highway 93 out of HB-2, reducing the total appropriations against the cap.

Please remember this caveat, that all legislation passed by the regular Montana Legislature, now adjourned, is subject to the Governor's veto.

Postscript--April 27, 2005
FYI: the Governor vetoed one of the legislative pieces we followed.

SB 153 (Cobb) - would require DPHHS to track certain performance indicators across the entire department. Also, since adjournment the Governor vetoed a similar bill that required all state agencies to develop strategic plans, including performance measures to track their progress toward their identified goals. He offered an explanation that such demands would distract state employees from their duty in serving the public.

I will follow up if additional notices become available regarding legislation we had been tracking.

Charlie Briggs, CEO
CWB Consultation
511 Fifth Avenue
Helena, MT 59601
PH: 406/449-4075/406.431.9732 (mobile)

Legislative Assembly Adjourns-Action Steps Pending, S. Yeakel
MEMORANDUM
TO: Advocates & Interested Persons
FROM: Steve Yeakel
Executive Director
Montana Council for Maternal & Child Health
DATE: Friday, April 22, 2005
RE: End of Session Legislative Update -- Memo #16

Greetings! The 59th Legislative Assembly adjourned its 2005 regular session Thursday, April 21, in 10 o'clock a.m. closing ceremonies.
In the near term, we cannot rest completely until the Governor acts on the bills sent to him from the final days of the session. The Governor has ten calendar days from the date a bill is delivered to him to decide whether to sign it, veto it, or let it take effect without his signature. Should any veto be issued, including a line item veto, that veto would stand without review, unless the bill was approved by at least two-thirds of the legislature. In that instance, legislators would be polled by mail and given the chance to override the veto.
For the longer term, we know that a special session is coming, likely in December, to address K-12 education funding issues more completely. There will be significant pressure to identify additional source of revenue/funding, which may or may not affect health and human services budgets.

The State Budget-House Bill 2
HB 2 was the final bill of the session, as is appropriate and customary. It was adopted in the Senate on Wednesday and, finally, in the House on Thursday morning. On Wednesday, House Republicans held out for $40 million in reductions to be applied to property tax relief and another $20 million to be held for K-12 education in the December special session. House Democratic Leader David Wanzenried spoke to the balance in HB 2 and the reflection of priorities for health, education and human services. After Senate President Jon Tester announced he would not appoint another HB 2 free conference committee, it was time "to fold 'em," as House Republican Leader Roy Brown said, when he voted to break the 50-50 deadlock
Funding for health and human service programs are in good shape. Great thanks are in order for many legislators who, throughout the process from January through April, understood or came to understand particular needs and steadfastly supported them. "Our" programs also benefited from the diligent efforts of leaders at DPHHS and in the Governor's office, as well as key staffers in the legislature and budget office. Stay tuned for our suggested "action steps".
HB 745, sponsored by Representative Gary Matthews (D-Miles City), has been sent to the Governor. It contains the supplemental appropriations for the current FY 2005 budgets, including for the DPHHS:
· Child and Family Services Division $1,669,184 general fund
· Medicaid $2,000,000 general fund
· Child Support Enforcement Division $857,058 general fund.

Other Important Legislation
Improving Children's Access to Quality Care

Strengthening CHIP
Bills Signed by the Governor:
· HB 88, sponsored by Representative Mary Caferro (D-Helena), will allow DPHHS to create a simpler application form for CHIP. Signed by the Governor April 8

Bills on the way to or in the Governor's Office:
· SB 154, sponsored by Senator John Cobb (R-Augusta), would limit the CHIP administrative and reserve costs. A late free conference committee established the maximum rate at 12% and the bill was sent to enrolling April 20.

Bills that Failed:
· HB 663, sponsored by Representative Mary Caferro (D-Helena), would have created a health care reserve fund. Tabled by the House Human Services committee

· SB 156, presented by Senator Mike Cooney (D-Helena), would have allowed the DPHHS to raise the CHIP eligibility up to 200% of the federal poverty level, as funding allows. The bill stalled in the House Human Services committee on a series of 9-9 party line votes.

Medicaid - Redesign & other issues
Bills Signed by the Governor or filed with the Secretary of State:
· HB 183, sponsored by Representative Eve Franklin (D- Great Falls), is a major piece of the redesign package that allows the DPHHS to seek a waiver to serve more "severely emotionally disturbed" (SED) children, at no increased cost per the fiscal note. Signed by the Governor March 24
· HB 452, sponsored by Representative Jonathan Windy Boy (D-Box Elder), implements the Medicaid redesign in the Indian tribes, tribal health care facilities and Indian Health Services care facilities. Signed by the Governor March 30
· HB 556, sponsored by Representative Art Noonan (D-Butte), revises Medicaid fraud provisions. Signed by the Governor April 7
· SB 316, sponsored by Senator Greg Lind (D-Missoula), revises the reporting mechanism for medical malpractice insurers to the commissioner of insurance. Signed by the Governor April 8
· SB 322, sponsored by Senator Kim Gillan (D-Billings), limits the duty of a physician performing a third party medical exam. Signed by the Governor April 15
· SJ 30, sponsored by Senator Dan Weinberg (D-Whitefish), by request of the House Joint Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, urges no federal cuts in the Medicaid program. The resolution passed and was filed with the Secretary of State April 15.

Bills on the way to or in the Governor's Office:
· HB 552, sponsored by Representative Mary Caferro (D-Helena), would prohibit financial criteria (an "assets test") below $15,000 for Medicaid children effective July 1, 2007. The bill appropriates $1,876,316 from the I-149 Medicaid initiatives account in FY 2007 and will open more slots in CHIP. The bill was sent to the Governor April 20.
· HB 738, sponsored by Representative Christine Kaufmann (D-Helena), would establish an advisory commission on provider rates and services in DPHHS, with the bill defining commission membership and factors to be considered in reviewing rates. The bill was sent to the Governor April 19.
· SB 41, sponsored by Senator Bob Keenan (R-Bigfork), puts into law the guiding principles adopted by the interim redesign committee for the funding priorities that should be applied to any changes in Medicaid funding, up or down, with the principles applying to increase or to reduce services and to the elimination or restoration of an entire Medicaid program. The bill was sent to the Governor April 21.
· SB 93, sponsored by Senator John Cobb (R-Augusta), requires the DPHHS to provide monthly and fiscal yearend Medicaid reports to the Legislative Finance Committee on cost estimates and budget status for all programs. The bill was sent to the Governor April 16.
· SB 127, sponsored by Senator Bob Keenan (R-Bigfork), addresses the home- and community-based services component of the redesign including persons 18 years of age or older with chronic mental illness who need supportive services. The bill was sent to the Governor April 12.
· SB 433, sponsored by Senator Greg Lind (D-Missoula), would provide a Medicaid pilot program to allow up to 50 individuals with developmental disabilities receiving community-based DPHHS waiver services to have savings accounts with up to one-half of the money not needed for their basic health and safety services. The fiscal note indicates existing spending authority will be used for the pilot program. The bill was sent to the Governor April 16.
· SB 110, sponsored by Senator John Cobb (R-Augusta), is perhaps the most important new initiative to come out of the redesign effort. This bill allows the DPHHS to seek a Health Insurance Flexibility & Accountability (HIFA) and an 1115(B) waiver, as amended to include only a managed care or access program. The bill was sent to the Governor April 14.
Three other amendments
(1) Clarify that cost sharing amounts for enrollees can not exceed similar charges for categorically or medically needy under the State Medicaid Plan;
(2) Require that the DPHHS present the proposal to the House Appropriations Committee or, during the interim, to the Legislative Finance Committee prior to submission to the feds for final approval; and
(3) Require the department to notice and receive public comment for 60 days before submitting the final proposal to the feds. The bill has a contingency plan if there is a spending cap as a condition of the waiver.

Bills that Failed:
· HB 117, sponsored by Representative Tom McGillvray (R-Billings), perhaps the most controversial of the redesign bills, was to address the "asset transfer lookback" period for Medicaid eligibility, and was proposed by the redesign committee as a potential solution for the conflict between the government expense of long-term care, the out-of-pocket cost of that care to those who need it, and the appropriate way to plan for and fund those costs. The House Human Services committee tabled this bill and a floor motion to bring it out failed 50 to 49.
· HB 336, sponsored by Representative Michael Lange (R-Billings), would have revised services for the developmentally disabled to serve 40 individuals in the DDP each year who will graduate from high school, lose their supportive services without this bill, and who will not be 19 years old the following school year by Sept. 10. The general fund appropriation contained in the bill was $143,560 each year of the 2007 biennium to be used by DPHHS as federal match to pay school districts and to purchase community-based services. The bill was heard in the Senate Public Health, Welfare & Safety committee, passed second reading, and was reheard in the Senate Finance and Claims committee where it languished.
· SB 150, sponsored by Senator Bob Keenan (R-Bigfork), was an important component of the redesign package that would have addressed cost sharing for community-based Medicaid services. The executive budget included an additional $100,000 per year of state special revenue for this bill. The House Human Services committee tabled the bill.

Public Health Infrastructure & Health Care "System Issues"
Bills on the way to or in the Governor's Office:
· HB 438, sponsored by Representative Rosie Buzzas (D-Missoula), will expand Braille literacy services for blind or visually impaired children, with the Board of Public Education establishing standards for the cooperative services that will be provided by the School for the Deaf and Blind, OPI and local school districts. General fund appropriations in the bill are $244,273 in FY 2006 and $195,731 in FY 2007. The bill was sent to enrolling April 18.
· HB 704, sponsored by Representative Jonathan Windy Boy (D-Box Elder), would provide timeframes for decisions by the DPHHS on surveys and dispute resolution for long-term care facilities. Although the cost was projected to be about $29K general fund each year, plus 87.5% federal match, the legislature amended the bill to state its intent that existing funding be used. The bill was sent to the Governor April 20.
· HB 737, sponsored by Representative Walter McNutt (R-Sidney), would revise provisions governing licensing and practice of physician assistants. The bill was sent to the Governor April 19.
· HB 749, sponsored by Representative Rick Ripley (R-Wolf Creek), will revise the nursing home bed tax in order to fund the 2007 biennium budgets. The bill was sent to the Governor April 19.
· SB 82, sponsored by Senator John Cobb (R-Augusta), would revise the definition of an intermediate care facility to include the mentally retarded in compliance with federal standards for Medicaid participation and increase the utilization fee to 6% of quarterly revenue divided by resident bed days. The bill was sent to the Governor April 16.
· SB 120, sponsored by Senator Bob Keenan (R-Bigfork), would extend for two more years the utilization fee on hospital facilities for inpatient bed days, adding a critical access hospital to the provisions. The bill provides that after January 1, 2007, the utilization fee will be based on a new administrative rule to be developed by the Department of Revenue, up to $50. Section 15-16-102(3)(b), MCA, states, "A hospital may not place a fee created by this chapter on a patient's bill." The fiscal note says this provision is already included in the Executive Budget and is worth about $43 million per year. After the bill was heard in the House Appropriations committee March 30, the Governor announced his opposition to the bill as a "large tax increase." A governor's amendment to the bill was proposed that (1) removed the requirement that funds collected from the fee must be deposited in a DPHHS special revenue account, and (2) halted the collection and distribution of the funds if a final order were issued by a state court declaring that state spending exceeds the statutory cap on state spending. After considerable work by all parties, a free conference committee adopted language pertaining to the second issue, with Senator Keenan not signing the report. The bill was approved by both houses with the amendment and was sent to enrolling later on April 20.
· SB 275, sponsored by Senator Trudi Schmidt (D-Great Falls), would expand and enhance the voluntary genetics program in the DPHHS by raising the fee on health insurance from $0.70 to $1.00, generating almost $287,000 more per year for the program, at a general fund cost of about $37,000 per year. The bill was sent to the Governor April 16.
· SB 428, sponsored by Senator Corey Stapleton (R-Billings), would provide 211 - disaster, emergency, safety, health, and human service, referral phone service. The bill was developed over the interim by a public-private consortium appointed by the Governor and, as amended, has a general fund cost of about $30,000 each year of the 2007 biennium. The bill was passed and sent to the Governor, who returned it April 19 with amendments. On April 20, The Senate rejected those amendments. Later that day, the House failed to pass a do not concur motion. In this peculiar situation, my reading of the rules is that the bill is returned to the Governor for review, without his amendments.

Bills that Failed:
· SB 101, sponsored by Senator Trudi Schmidt (D-Great Falls) would have required registration of youth residential therapeutic programs. A fiscal note on the bill shows zero impact. The House Education committee heard and tabled the bill.
· SB 203, sponsored by Senator Greg Lind (D-Missoula), would have required insurance policies to cover contraception, with no fiscal impact to the state. The bill was heard and tabled in the House Business and Labor committee. An April 4 effort to blast the bill out of committee was attempted and failed.
· SB 273, sponsored by Senator Corey Stapleton (R-Billings), would have authorized plans for a school of rural medicine at MSU-Billings with a biennial $250,000 general fund appropriation and matching money of $750,000 to be raised. The bill was heard and tabled by the Senate Finance and Claims committee.
· SJ 15, sponsored by Senator Carol Williams (D-Missoula), urged support for the use of alternatives to PBDEs in manufactured products. The bill was heard by the House Human Services committee and languished there.

Children's Mental Health
Bills Signed by the Governor:
· SB 42, sponsored by Senator Bob Keenan (R-Bigfork), clarifies the new system of care and service area authority for children's mental health. The Governor signed the bill April 8.
Bills on the way to or in the Governor's Office:
· SB 385, sponsored by Senator John Esp (R-Big Timber), would revise the duties of the mental health ombudsman to include families in the child protective services system and to make the ombudsman a health oversight agency with access to confidential records. The general fund cost will begin at $31K per year. The bill was sent to the Governor April 16.
· SB 499, sponsored by Senator Bob Keenan (R-Bigfork), would revise laws pertaining to the mental health system and correct the service-area authority statutes, with opposition from MACo to the SAAs and to local crisis response planning. The bill was sent to the Governor April 21.

Bills that Failed:
· HB 294, sponsored by Representative Tom Facey (D-Missoula), was to require a community mental health center that receives 33% of its funding or $2 million in state or federal funds to have legislative representation on its board of directors. The House Human Services committee tabled the bill.
· HB 773, sponsored by Representative Penny Morgan (R-Billings), would have appropriated $500,000 general fund to the DPHHS for mental health drop-in facilities in each of the four mental health regions. It was heard by the House Appropriations committee and languished there.

Low-Income Family Stability
Bills Signed by the Governor:
· HB 555, sponsored by Representative Mary Caferro (D-Helena), creates a parents scholars program in the DPHHS using TANF funds effective July 1, 2006. The Governor signed it April 8.
· SB 29, sponsored by Senator Trudi Schmidt (D-Great Falls), will exempt drug offenders if they are in treatment or compliance and make them eligible for Food Stamps or TANF, consistent with other offenders. The Governor signed the bill April 15.
· SB 365, sponsored by Senator Jon Ellingson (D-Missoula), extends the Universal System Benefit charge rate consumers pay at 2.4% through Dec. 31, 2009. The USB is used primarily to aid Montanans through weatherization and energy bill assistance and this is the only surviving bill. The Governor signed the bill April 15.

Bills on the way to or in the Governor's Office:
· HB 332, sponsored by Representative Rosie Buzzas (D-Missoula), would authorize a general fund supplemental appropriation of $903,255 for FY 2005 to fund low-income energy assistance. The bill was sent to the Governor April 18.
· HB 550, sponsored by Representative Jonathan Windy Boy (D-Box Elder), would appropriate $100K to the DPHHS for a youth leadership forum for students with disabilities. It was sent to the Governor April 20.
· HB 476, sponsored by Representative Dave McAlpin (D-Missoula), would increase marriage license fees by $13 to fund domestic and sexual violence victims' services. An amendment coordinates the bill with SB 67 (signed by the Governor March 24 and also raised marriage fees), so the maximum fee increase cannot exceed $23 if both bills are approved. The bill was sent to the Governor April 20.
· HB 529, sponsored by Representative Christine Kaufmann (D-Helena), provides for a child support pass-through payment and income disregard for those on TANF, using block grant funds effective July 1, 2005. The bill was sent to enrolling April 19.

Bills that Failed:
· HB 387, sponsored by Representative Carol Juneau (D-Browning), would have restored TANF cuts and restricted future cuts. The bill failed second reading and a motion to reconsider failed.
· HB 611, sponsored by Representative Jonathan Windy Boy (D-Box Elder), would have increased penalties for partner or family member assault. The bill failed in the Senate Judiciary committee.
· HB 695, sponsored by Representative Joey Jayne (D-Arlee), would have funded representation for indigent victims of domestic violence. The bill passed Senate Judiciary committee and second reading 47 to 3, and was referred to the Senate Finance and Claims committee, where it languished and a motion to take it from the committee failed to get the 3/5 vote required.
· SB 34, sponsored by Senator John Cobb (R-Augusta), to extend and revise the Universal System Benefit charge on utility bills passed second reading and then failed third reading.
· SB 267, sponsored by Senator Trudi Schmidt (D-Great Falls), would have established a TANF low-income housing support and shelter allowance via grants to prevent homelessness. The DPHHS supported the policy but opposed the increased benefits because Montana benefits are about average, with six western states higher and six other states lower. The Senate Finance and Claims committee tabled the bill.
· SB 307, sponsored by Senator Ken Toole (D-Helena), would extend and revise the Universal System Benefit charge on utility bills. The Senate Energy & Telecommunications committee tabled the measure.
· SB 371, sponsored by Senator Dan Harrington (D-Butte), to extend and revise the Universal System Benefit charge on utility bills, failed second reading and then was indefinitely postponed by the Senate.

Early Childhood
Bills Signed by the Governor:
· HB 68, sponsored by Representative Joan Andersen (R-Fromberg), would prohibit daycare personnel from providing medicine without parental consent. The Governor signed the bill April 19.
· SB 6, sponsored by Senator John Esp (R-Big Timber), revises the Safe Haven for New Born Protection Act by request of the Children, Families, Health and Human Services Interim Committee. The Governor signed the bill March 24.

Bills that Failed:
· HB 449, sponsored by Representative Gail Gutsche (D-Missoula), appropriated $500,000 general fund for the 2007 biennium to fund at home infant care as provided in 52-2-710, MCA. The bill was heard in House Human Services committee and languished there.
· HB 462, sponsored by Representative Rosie Buzzas (D-Missoula), appropriated $350,000 general fund each year of the 2007 biennium for early childhood school readiness initiative. The DPHHS would have instituted and managed a school readiness program of coordination, training and grants for the purpose of training child care providers, family members and caregivers, and early childhood educators in the preparation of 3- and 4-year-old children and their families for the children's attendance at kindergarten. The bill was heard and tabled in the House Human Services committee.
· HB 578, sponsored by Representative Veronica Small-Eastman (D-Lodge Grass), would have restricted food and beverage machines in schools. This bill was heard and tabled in the House Education committee.
· HB 696, sponsored by Representative Joey Jayne (D-Arlee), would clarify in the Montana Youth Court Act the ethnic, cultural, and religious maintenance in child removal from the home. The bill was sent to the Governor April 19.
· SB 426, sponsored by Senator Corey Stapleton (R-Billings), would revise the laws regarding confidentiality and information sharing of youth court records. The bill was sent to the Governor April 16.

May 1: Sunday's Extreme Makeover Home Edition features accessible home for blind resident
(St. Petersburg, Florida, April 26, 2005) - Be sure to tune in for a special two-hour broadcast of Extreme Makeover Home Edition this Sunday, May 1, from 7 PM to 9 PM EDT, featuring an accessible home for a blind Florida resident.
The highly-rated ABC TV series focuses on the construction of the house for Jamie Dolan, a St. Petersburg resident who was blinded in a November 24 shooting. Several companies, including Freedom Scientific, contributed products, time, and labor to the community-wide effort. Freedom Scientific contributed JAWS®, the SARA™ Scanning and Reading Appliance, a PAC Mate™ QX440, the StreetTalk™ accessible GPS, and the FSReader DAISY player for both PAC Mate and Desktop.
Because of public interest and the broad content of this show, ABC has extended the usual one-hour broadcast to two hours. The national broadcast will be preceded at 6 PM EDT by a one-hour pre-show, aired only in the Tampa Bay area by the local ABC affiliate. The pre-show will spotlight the local volunteers and companies that contributed to the home.
After the May 1 air date, clips from the series and product information can be viewed on the Extreme Makeover Home Edition Web site. Freedom Scientific's participation is highlighted in an article on the ABC Action News Tampa Bay Web site.
On Monday, May 2 at 8 PM EDT, the Dolan home again will be featured on the one-hour ABC series, How'd They Do That? The broadcast will go behind the scenes to show more about building the home's accessible features.
Blind/Low Vision Group
800-444-4443 or 727-803-8000
www.FreedomScientific.com 

Graduate Scholarships Available for Women With Disabilities Deadline: June 1, 2005
(From Monday Morning in Washington, D.C.)
The mission of the Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation ( http://www.ela.org/  ) is to "Change the Face of Disability on the Planet." As part of this mission, the foundation offers scholarships to women graduate students with physical disabilities who are enrolled in a college or university in the United States. Scholarships range between $500 and $2,000.
To be eligible, an applicant must be a woman with a physical disability who is currently accepted into a graduate program working toward a Masters degree or above at an accredited college or university in the United States. In addition, the applicant must be active in a local, state, or national disability organization-either in person or electronically-which is providing services and/or advocacy for people with disabilities.
Visit the ELA Foundation Web site for complete program details and application materials. RFP Link: http://fconline.fdncenter.org/pnd/1632/ela 

O'Neill and Zeshan Tabani Enrichment Fund offers Scholarship Opportunity for students with Down Syndrome
(Courtesy of Monday Morning in Washington, D.C.)
http://www.ndss.org/content.cfm?fuseaction=NwsEvt.Article&article=1160 
The National Down Syndrome Society is excited to announce a new postsecondary scholarship program, The Joshua O'Neill and Zeshan Tabani Enrichment Fund. This fund was established by Zeshan Tabani to honor his friend, Joshua O'Neill. Joshua was fortunate to participate in a postsecondary education experience and he benefited greatly from this opportunity. Financial aid for postsecondary education is rarely available to individuals with Down syndrome, and while many young adults want to continue to enrich their lives through further education after high school, they frequently do not have the financial means to do so. The Joshua O'Neill and Zeshan Tabani Enrichment Fund will offer financial assistance to young adults with Down syndrome who wish to continue to enrich their lives by taking postsecondary enrichment courses to obtain employment and other important life skills.
The fund will award five (5) grants of up to $1,000 to individuals with Down syndrome who wish to take a postsecondary enrichment course at their local community college or other educational institution. We encourage all individuals who meet the eligibility criteria to apply for this grant. The applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria: the individual has Down syndrome; is 18 years old or older; demonstrates a desire to continue their education; and should intend to enroll in a postsecondary class that will enrich their life, through employment, independent living skills, life skills or another way. Completed application packages must be returned to NDSS by June 10, 2005. If there are any questions, please feel free to contact Erin Geller at egeller@ndss.org. 
Download the Scholarship Application in Microsoft Word Format (.doc) at http://www.ndss.org/media/pdf/ScholarshipApplication.doc. 

"So, You Need A Ride!", for Native American communities
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has proudly published a new series of publications. "So, You Need A Ride!" encourages Native American communities to work together, moms, dads, and children of all ages, to improve mobility within rural and Federal Land areas.
By using available equipment and resources, communities can work together to provide a ride for those who need a ride. This motivational and educational literature provides a realistic rural definition of 'Transit' and gives examples of alternative transportation resources that can be pooled together to improve mobility. Schools are encouraged to use the colorful literature to teach youngsters about transit, alternative transportation, and sharing and caring for others.
For copies, contact: Federal Lands Highway, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room 6311, Washington, D.C. 20590, telephone (202) 493-0426, or E-mail: Cynthia.Hatley@fhwa.dot.gov. 

NEW YORK TIMES: Amid Affluence, a Struggle Over Special Education
(From The New York Times)
Amid Affluence, a Struggle Over Special Education
By ALISON LEIGH COWAN
Published: April 24, 2005

WESTPORT, Conn., April 20 - "Legal Issues in School Health Services," all 662 pages of it, is a popular read among school administrators in this wealthy town on the Long Island Sound. Parents, however, are more likely to be poring over Gary Mayerson's "How to Compromise With Your School District Without Compromising Your Child," or "Wrightslaw: Special Education Law," by Peter W. D. Wright and Pamela Darr Wright.
Special education is a hot topic here, with school board meetings exploding into shouting matches over what services children are entitled to under federal law and parents spending thousands of dollars on appeals to force the school district to provide those services for their children.
The parents say they have no choice: the district, one of the state's most affluent, is fighting just as hard to hold the line on skyrocketing special education costs.
"The sign outside Westport should say: 'Don't Move Here. We Don't Take Care of Special Ed,' " said Stanley Alintoff, a parent who said he has spent more than $100,000 challenging Westport's decision to revoke special accommodations his daughter was receiving because of a digestive disorder.
With an estimated 5.7 million children in the United States qualifying for special education, similar struggles are playing out around the country. Federal laws aimed at protecting the disabled entitle those who qualify to a free and "appropriate" education tailored to their needs. But the definition of "appropriate" differs from town to town, leaving much to quarrel about.
The battle is particularly intense in the suburbs, where wealthy, educated parents no longer see special education as a stigma or trap. They are pressing hard for services and accommodations to address their children's learning needs, from extra time on tests to tuition for private schools. But many suburban school districts are aggressively challenging some of the requests as indulgent interpretations of the law.

Read Alison Leigh Cowan's entire article (RSS Feed) for the New York Times at http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/24/education/24westport.html?ex=1271995200&en=934ba25460c28b6e&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss. 

Circle of Security Project: Early Intervention for Parents
(Coutesy of Circle of Security)
The Circle of Security Project is an innovative, first-of-its-kind early intervention program designed to alter the developmental pathway of parents and their young children. Glen Cooper, Kent Hoffman, and Bert Powell from Marycliff Institute in Spokane, Washington and Robert Marvin from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia are currently designing this unique, cost-effective program.
The COS is a user-friendly, visually based (utilizing extensive use of both graphics and video clips) approach to helping parents better understand the needs of their children. It is based extensively upon attachment theory (from the work of John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth) and current affective neuroscience.
COS is also a basic protocol that can be used in a variety of settings from group sessions (20 weeks) to family therapy to home visitation. The common denominator is that all of the learning is informed around the following themes:
· Teaching the basics of attachment theory via the Circle of Security
· Increasing parent skills in observing parent/child interactions
· Increasing capacity of the caregiver to recognize and sensitively respond to children's needs
· Supporting a process of reflective dialogue between clinician and parent to explore both strengths and under developed capacities (i.e. being Bigger Stronger Wiser and Kind, supporting exploration, and supporting attachment)
· Introducing parent to a user-friendly way to explore defensive process and how best to work with it
The Circle of Security Project integrates over fifty years of attachment research into a video-based intervention to strengthen parents' capacity to observe and improve their parenting. The use of videotaped interaction allows each parent to focus on specific personal strengths and limitations, rather than relying on the traditional "one-size-fits-all" approach to parenting education. Attachment theory, taught in this user-friendly way, gives each parent an individualized parenting "road map," a clear pathway to providing a secure relationship for her/his child.
Learn more about COS, explore resources, and read FAQs to discover the difference between COS Attachment Theory and "Holding Therapies" at http://www.circleofsecurity.org/index.html. 

2004 N.O.D./Harris Survey of Americans with Disabilities
(Courtesy of Monday Morning in Washington, D.C.)
The National Organization on Disability and Harris Interactive issue its 2004 N.O.D./Harris Survey of Americans with Disabilities©. This quadrennial survey measures the status of people with disabilities in America, and finds that they are at a critical disadvantage compared to other Americans in ten key areas of life. The N.O.D., in cooperation with the Harris Poll, provides timely survey research data on the participation of people with disabilities in American life. The latest survey covers the participation gaps between Americans with and without disabilities in ten major life activities. In addition, www.nod.org  offers the disability community, policy-makers, media and others easy access to an assortment of other disability-related surveys and studies.
Visit http://www.nod.org/  (scroll down to the link to "Order the 2004 N.O.D./Harris Survey of Americans with Disabilities") to order the survey, and to review some documented trends and statistics.

Micro-Sized Gadgets Creating Barriers-One Size DOESN'T Fit All
(From of Wired News)
Associated Press, 08:29 AM Apr. 24, 2005 PT
As technology has evolved, it has become lighter, smaller and more portable. For most people, that makes it more convenient. For millions of blind and vision-impaired people, it's anything but.
Jay Leventhal, who is blind, still fumbles with the tiny controls on his iPod but has given up on the kiosk in his New York office building that lists all the tenants. For Leventhal, even laundry has become a task requiring the help of a sighted person. The washers he uses now take smart cards instead of quarters, issuing instructions on a digital screen that he can't read.
"The biggest barrier for blind people is access to information, and more and more information is being made available through different machines that aren't designed for people who can't see," says Leventhal, editor in chief of AccessWorld: Technology and People with Visual Impairments.
Blind people need a way to communicate with the machines that surround them, he says, from automated tellers to ticketing machines at train stations and airports.
Leventhal and other experts on assistive technology say there's no reason that can't happen. The technology exists in voice chips, image processors, cell phones, cameras and personal digital assistants.
Someone just needs to put it all together.

Read the entire AP article at http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,67322,00.html?tw=rss.TOP. 

Disabled Program Changes Decried: Former RSA Chief Faults Consolidation
(From the Washington Post), By Brian Faler, Special to The Washington Post, Monday, April 25, 2005; Page A17

The woman who, until recently, led the federal government effort to get the nation's disabled into the workforce is lashing out at the Bush administration, saying it is quietly attempting to "dismantle" programs critical to helping the blind, deaf and otherwise disabled find jobs.
Joanne Wilson, who left her job as commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration on March 1, now says she quit in protest of what she said were the administration's largely unnoticed efforts to gut the office's funding and staffing.
"Programs for people with disabilities are being dismantled, and nobody is crying out and saying, 'Look what's happening,' " said Wilson, who, as RSA commissioner, was one of the government's highest-ranking disabled officials.
Wilson said the Department of Education, which has jurisdiction over the office, is pushing to allow governors to combine RSA programs with a number of other job placement programs that serve both the disabled and the able-bodied. The net result of such a move, she said, would be less money and fewer services dedicated to helping those with disabilities. Wilson said the agency is also cutting RSA staffing by about half while pushing to downgrade the authority of the commissioner who runs it.

Read more of Faler's Washington Post article at
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/04/24/AR2005042401066.html. 

NEW POLICY ANNOUNCED FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES UNDER NCLB
(Courtesy of Monday Morning in Washington, D.C.)
On Thursday, April 7, 2005, Secretary of Education Spellings announced a new policy affecting accountability for students with disabilities under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). This policy would offer states additional flexibility with respect to how many scores of students taking non-grade level assessments could be counted towards Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). AYP is the measure, using test scores and other factors, that determines whether schools, school districts and states are doing an acceptable job educating their students or whether they "need improvement." A variety of escalating steps must be taken when a "needs improvement" designation has occurred.
Currently, regulations under NCLB provide that the only students who can have their proficient and advanced scores from non-grade level assessments (alternate assessments on an alternate achievement standard) counted toward AYP are students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. These are students who, even with the best instruction, are unlikely to reach grade-level achievement. The number of these scores that can be used toward AYP is capped at 1% of the total tested population. This adds up to approximately 10% of students with disabilities who are tested. A waiver can be obtained by the school districts and states to increase the cap if they can justify their request. The cap does not apply at the school level.
The new policy announced by Secretary Spellings would permit the creation of a new category of students whose advanced and proficient scores on non-grade level assessments could be used towards AYP. The number of scores from this category would be capped at 2% of the total tested population or approximately 20% of students with disabilities. This would bring the total percentage of students with disabilities who would not have to attain grade level for AYP purposes to approximately 30%. This is a very large percentage when you consider how many students with disabilities are on diploma track and should be on grade level. In fact, depending on the assessment, the level set for proficiency and the standards for a diploma, students in many states who will not earn a diploma can still demonstrate proficiency on grade level assessments for NCLB. This is currently true for some students with Down syndrome and their numbers would increase if they received appropriate instruction in the general education curriculum and were given assessments that were developed to accommodate the widest range of accommodations (universally designed assessments) and that these were available in various formats (alternate assessments on grade level standards).

For more information on the general rules of NCLB see the NDSS policy brief at http://capwiz.com/ndss/issues/alert/?alertid=5771676. 

Youthhood, An Online Research-Based Transition Curriculum
(Courtesy of Monday Morning in Washington, D.C.)
Between childhood and adulthood, there's Youthhood, a new online research-based transition curriculum for use by students, parents, teachers, and others who work with transition-aged youth. Check it out at www.youthhood.org  it's well worth the visit!

Statehealthfacts.org: health data on all 50 states
Statehealthfacts.org is a project of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation and is designed to provide free, up-to-date, and easy-to-use health data on all 50 states. Statehealthfacts.org provides data on more than 450 health topics and is linked to both the Kaiser Family Foundation website ( www.kff.org  ) and KaiserNetwork.org (www.kaisernetwork.org).
The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation is a non-profit, private operating foundation focusing on the major health care issues facing the nation. The Foundation is an independent voice and source of facts and analysis for policymakers, the media, the health care community, and the general public. The Foundation is not associated with Kaiser Permanente or Kaiser Industries.
Data Collection
Data presented on statehealthfacts.org are a selection of key health and health policy issues collected from a variety of public and private sources, including: original Kaiser Family Foundation reports, data from public websites, and information purchased from private organizations. http://statehealthfacts.org/ 

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