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       <title>Special Education: What&#039;s New</title>
       <link>http://www.westwarwickpublicschools.com/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=15956</link>
       <description>SchoolCenter News Feed</description>
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       <copyright>2013 - Special Education</copyright>
       <lastBuildDate>Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:35:26 -0500</lastBuildDate>
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       <item>
           <title>New Health Care Provisions Now in Effect</title>
           <link>http://www.westwarwickpublicschools.com/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=15956&amp;viewType=detail&amp;id=3824</link>
           <description>
               <![CDATA[New Health Care Provisions Now in Effect
 

 
This fall, several important provisions of the Affordable Care Act became effective. These reforms, intended to increase access to and quality of health care, include the following (each provision is followed by additional resources, such as Bazelon Center analyses and comments regarding relevant regulations):

Young adults are now able to remain on their parents' insurance plan until age 26. Insurance reform analysis. 
Insurers are now prohibited from denying coverage to children under the age of 19 with pre-existing conditions. Insurance reform analysis; Patient protections comments. 
Insurance companies are no longer able to establish limits on the dollar amount of health benefits that they will cover in a year or over an individual's lifetime. Restrictions are also placed on an insurer's use of annual coverage limits until they are eliminated in 2014. Insurance reform analysis; patient protections comments. 
States now have new options for the provision of home- and community-based services under section 1915 (i) of Medicaid. Medicaid analysis; 1915 (i) State Medicaid Director Letter 
Insurers are prevented from rescinding coverage if you get sick and have previously made an unintentional mistake on your application. Patient protections comments; Insurance reform analysis. 
If you join a new plan: 
You are guaranteed the right to appeal insurance company decisions on to an independent third party. Appeals comments. 
You have the right to choose your own doctor in your insurance network. Patient protections comments. 
Your insurer is banned from charging more for emergency services received from a provider outside of your insurance network. Patient protections comments. 
You have the right to receive a number of preventive services without cost-sharing, including depression and alcohol screening and regular behavioral assessments for children. Preventive services comments; Insurance reform analysis. 
For more information, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has established a new website that will connect consumers to new information and resources, helping them gain access to quality, affordable health care coverage. Consumers can obtain information about options tailored to their unique circumstances and local community. You can also follow breaking health care information on healthcare.gov's Facebook page.

 

###


The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law is the leading national legal-advocacy organization representing people with mental disabilities. It promotes laws and policies that can enable people with psychiatric or developmental disabilities to exercise their life choices and access the resources they need to participate fully in their communities.]]>
           </description>
           <pubDate>Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
           <guid>http://www.westwarwickpublicschools.com/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=15956&amp;viewType=detail&amp;id=3824</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
           <title>Asperger Academy for Parents</title>
           <link>http://www.westwarwickpublicschools.com/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=15956&amp;viewType=detail&amp;id=3826</link>
           <description>
               <![CDATA[Asperger Academy for Parents
         Success after High School for Students with AS or related conditions
    Transition Planning - Supporting College Life - What's Important for Work Success
 
When: Saturday, November 13, 2010
Check in: 8:30 - 9 AM  Workshop 9 AM - 3 PM

Where: UMASS Lowell Inn and Conference Center, 
50 Warren St., Lowell MA 01852
 
Registration
Seating is limited. Advance registration with payment is required by April 30th. 
Non-member fee includes a new one-year AANE membership or renewal. 
AANE reserves the right to cancel if the minimum enrollment is not met by the 
registration deadline. Registrants will be notified by email if the program is cancelled.
If AANE cancels this program, you will receive a refund of fees paid.

Refunds
Refunds, minus a $10 processing fee per person, are available until April 30, 2010. 
No refunds after November 5th. No refunds for no-shows.
 
Lunch
Registration fee includes continental breakfast and lunch. 
Membership
You are a member of AANE if you have a current paid membership on file. If you are unsure of your membership status, please call AANE at (617) 393-3824, ext. 10, to check. You will not be registered if you pay the incorrect fee. 
 To Register Online or by mail
Discount given for on-line registrations 


Asperger's Association of New England

85 Main Street, Suite 101

Watertown, MA 02472

Phone: (617) 393-3824 Fax: (617) 393-3827

Email: info@aane.org

www.aane.org]]>
           </description>
           <pubDate>Wed, 06 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
           <guid>http://www.westwarwickpublicschools.com/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=15956&amp;viewType=detail&amp;id=3826</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
           <title>Social Security Fast-Track Disability Processes Get Even Faster</title>
           <link>http://www.westwarwickpublicschools.com/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=15956&amp;viewType=detail&amp;id=3848</link>
           <description>
               <![CDATA[URL=http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pressoffice/pr/fast-track-disability-process-pr-alt.pdf]]>
           </description>
           <pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
           <guid>http://www.westwarwickpublicschools.com/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=15956&amp;viewType=detail&amp;id=3848</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
           <title>Special Education Parent Advisory Committee Meeting Dates</title>
           <link>http://www.westwarwickpublicschools.com/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=15956&amp;viewType=detail&amp;id=3850</link>
           <description>
               <![CDATA[TOWN OF WEST WARWICK
West Warwick Public Schools
SPECIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Miriam A. Duffy Administration Building
10 Harris Ave. West Warwick, RI 02893
Paul Vigeant                                                                      Phone -822-8432		
Special Education Director	                                                           Fax-823-8390


October 18, 2010

Dear Parent

The first Special Education Parent Advisory Committee meeting of the 2010-2011 school year is scheduled for Wednesday, November 3, 2010. The meeting will be held. in the library of Deering Middle School from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Your voice is an important one as the West Warwick School Department continues to develop and enhance its continuum of services to students with special education needs. The topics that will be addressed during the November meeting include:

1. West Warwick’s IE. P. Process
a) The First I.E. P.
b) Student-Led I.E.P.’s

2. Update: Parent Mentoring Program

3. New District Programs – 2010-2011 school year.


4. Topics for future meetings.

Please note: The other meeting dates for the 2010-2011 school year are January 12th, March 9th, and May 17th.


Sincerely, 

Paul Vigeant

Paul Vigeant
Director of Special Education]]>
           </description>
           <pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
           <guid>http://www.westwarwickpublicschools.com/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=15956&amp;viewType=detail&amp;id=3850</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
           <title>IEP: Blueprint for Success</title>
           <link>http://www.westwarwickpublicschools.com/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=15956&amp;viewType=detail&amp;id=3851</link>
           <description>
               <![CDATA[Please read the attachment. Excellent and free workshop. This step by step walkthrough provides an overview
of the major components in Rhode Island’s newly designed IEP form for students 14 years and older. The foundation of a child’s special education program is the IEP which is developed by a team of individuals that includes parent(s). Parents, students and professionals are encouraged to attend.]]>
           </description>
           <pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
           <guid>http://www.westwarwickpublicschools.com/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=15956&amp;viewType=detail&amp;id=3851</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
           <title>Planning For The Financial Independence</title>
           <link>http://www.westwarwickpublicschools.com/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=15956&amp;viewType=detail&amp;id=3852</link>
           <description>
               <![CDATA[Planning For The Financial Independence
and Security of A Disabled Child


Philip H. Mondschein, Esq 
As an elder law attorney, I am often asked by a parent of a disabled child “How can I provide for my child’s financial needs when I am no longer alive?” People are concerned that, by leaving an inheritance directly to their disabled child, this will usually disqualify the child from most means tested public assistance programs. If the parents make an outright gift to another sibling can they be assured that this child will properly look after the disabled child? 

The solution to the problem is to create a trust known as a “supplemental needs trust” for the benefit of the disabled child. The purpose of the trust is to preserve eligibility for public assistance programs, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI). In most states, eligibility for SSI automatically creates eligibility for Medicaid, which may be the only health insurance the disabled child is able to receive. In addition to maintaining public assistance eligibility, assets held in the supplement needs trust may be used to substantially improve the disabled child’s quality of life by providing goods and services above those provided by federal and state agencies.

There are two main types of trusts. The third party "supplemental needs trust" and the self-settled "special needs trust." The third party supplemental needs trust is a trust which is usually created with the assets of a parent or grandparent for the benefit of the disabled child. The trust may be created while the parent is alive or at death through a testamentary trust under the parent’s will or revocable trust. As long as the child cannot revoke the trust or compel distributions, assets held in the trust will not be considered an available resource and will not disqualify the child from receiving public assistance.

During the child’s lifetime, depending on the laws of your particular state, the trustees may be granted broad discretionary authority to use trust assets to purchase goods and services not otherwise available from governmental programs. These may include supplemental medical, dental, diagnostic work and treatment, nursing and attendant care, travel and entertainment, supplemental housing, support and transportation. In drafting the trust, the attorney will have to take into consideration both federal and state law. In some states the mere existence of the trustee’s ability to use trust assets to provide food, clothing or shelter will disqualify the child from receiving public benefits. However, in other states direct payments to third parties for food, clothing or shelter known as "in-kind support and maintenance" will only cause a reduction in the disabled child’s SSI for the month. 

Upon the death of the disabled child, assets held in the third party supplemental needs trust may pass to other family members and the trust is not required to reimburse the state for public assistance furnished to the disabled child under the state’s Medicaid program. 

What happens when a parent fails to create a supplemental needs trust, during lifetime or at death, and the disabled child receives their inheritance outright, or the child receives funds as a result of a personal injury award? Fortunately, all is not lost. Under the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1993 ("OBRA ‘93") Congress specifically authorized the transfer of assets to a self-settled special needs trust, also known as a "1396p(d)4(A) trust," as a means of preserving public benefits. Under OBRA ‘93, the trust must be funded with the assets of a disabled individual under 65 years of age, by a parent, grandparent, legal guardian or the court. As with the third party supplemental needs trust, the trustee may be granted authority to provide benefits over and above those provided by public or private financial assistance. 

The major drawback to the self-settled special needs trust is that, at the death of the beneficiary, the state will have to be reimbursed for Medicaid benefits provided to the disabled child prior to distribution of trust assets to other family members. 

In choosing a trustee to administer the trust, the family should consider the size of the trust assets, the financial ability of the individual and the expected duration of the trust. Where the assets of the trust are small the appointment of a family member who has some investment experience to serve as trustee may be the only practical solution. However, where the assets of the trust are substantial and the trust is anticipated to last for twenty or thirty years, the appointment of a corporate trustee to serve along with other family members is preferable. 

Whether the trust is created as a third party trust or a self-settled trust the advantages are many. The disabled child is able to secure immediate eligibility for public assistance such as SSI or Medicaid. While on Medicaid, the child is able to obtain services at significantly lower cost than the private pay rate. Some programs and services are only available through the Medicaid program. Even if the state Medicaid program has to be reimbursed once the trust is terminated, the availability of public assistance will permit the funds held in the trust to go further in improving the child’s quality of life. 

The attorney who drafts the supplemental needs trust must take into consideration a broad range of both public and private benefit programs, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid, as well as income, gift and estate taxes issues. In addition to peace of mind, the greatest flexibility is achieved when the trust is set up by a parent or other third party either during lifetime or at death, rather than passing the funds on to the disabled child. As in many endeavors, the most successful outcome is achieved by planning ahead.]]>
           </description>
           <pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
           <guid>http://www.westwarwickpublicschools.com/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=15956&amp;viewType=detail&amp;id=3852</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
           <title>Great Resource for Students!</title>
           <link>http://www.westwarwickpublicschools.com/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=15956&amp;viewType=detail&amp;id=3853</link>
           <description>
               <![CDATA[Please read the attachment.]]>
           </description>
           <pubDate>Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
           <guid>http://www.westwarwickpublicschools.com/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=15956&amp;viewType=detail&amp;id=3853</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
           <title>November Webinar: Challenging School Policies &amp; Practices to Help Students with Disabilities Stay in School</title>
           <link>http://www.westwarwickpublicschools.com/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=15956&amp;viewType=detail&amp;id=3858</link>
           <description>
               <![CDATA[November Webinar Presentation 

Time for Change: Challenging School Policies & 
Practices to Help Students with Disabilities Stay in School
presented by
 Kathleen Boundy, Esq., and Lili Garfinckel
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
2:00 to 3:30 PM ET 
(1:00 to 2:30 PM CT, Noon to 1:30 PM MT, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM PT)



ABOUT THE WEBINAR:

This presentation examines how students who are at greater risk for suspension, expulsion and referral to the juvenile justice system because of behaviors associated with their disabilities, are targeted by school push-out policies and practices that systemically exclude these most vulnerable students from school and deny them their education. 

Our presenters will describe the array of such policies and practices - retention, academic sanctions, ineffective interventions, including those used for bullying and harassment, abusive use of zero tolerance, criminalization of disability related behavior and referral to law enforcement. Presenters will also identify and discuss concrete strategies for parents and advocates to use to help students protect their rights to remain in school and receive a high quality education. 

Time is provided for questions from participants. 

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS:

Kathleen B. Boundy, Esq., is co-director of the Center for Law and Education (CLE) and has an extensive background in education law. An attorney with CLE for more than 30 years, Ms. Boundy has played a significant role through legislation, policy development and litigation in implementing and enforcing the rights of students with disabilities, including improved educational outcomes under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, as amended, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and No Child Left Behind. 

Lili Garfinkel is Project Coordinator for the Juvenile Justice at the PACER Center in Bloomington, MN. Ms. Garfinkel has coordinated PACER's Juvenile Justice Project since 1994 and prior to that served as the coordinator of PACER's Child Abuse project. From 1999-2006 she was also the Assistant Director of the National Center on Education Disability and Juvenile Justice or EDJJ, a unique partnership that provided research, training and technical assistance as well as parent advocacy in this emerging field. Ms. Gar­finkel has written more than 10 publications on youth with disabilities and juvenile justice, and is a frequent presenter at national conferences. 

COST: $50.00 
Price includes toll-free phone and web access to the 90 minute presentation, presentation handout and unlimited access to the event archive in both web and audio formats. 


Secure online purchasing >>>

 

 

______________________________________

 


The Advocate Academy® is a Webinar service designed to meet the needs of special education advocates nationwide by providing on-going training and professional development. Delivering critical information that prepares and supports individuals working with families and organizations on behalf of children with disabilities in a convenient and affordable manner, Advocate Academy® Webinar training sessions can be accessed from the comfort of your office or home. Participation requires access to a phone and the Internet. 

Here's what people say about the Advocate Academy® Webinar service: 

"Just as children need highly qualified teachers, parents need knowledgeable and well-prepared advocates to assist them in negotiating for the services their children need to succeed in school. As an advocate working on behalf of children and their families in western Pennsylvania for almost 20 years, I have appreciated the AdvocateAcademy's affordable training programs by respected leaders in the field of special education. The AdvocateAcademy makes it easy to stay abreast of special education law and research-based practices - all via webinars in the comfort of my office!"

 

 

Pam Cook

, M.Ed.

Education Consultant

 

ABC Consulting Services

 

Pittsburgh]]>
           </description>
           <pubDate>Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0500</pubDate>
           <guid>http://www.westwarwickpublicschools.com/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=15956&amp;viewType=detail&amp;id=3858</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
           <title>Transition 101 For Parents</title>
           <link>http://www.westwarwickpublicschools.com/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=15956&amp;viewType=detail&amp;id=3877</link>
           <description>
               <![CDATA[This conference is intended as an introduction to the transition process in Rhode Island schools. This conference is for families of students with disabilities ages 14-21 who are entering or involved in transition.]]>
           </description>
           <pubDate>Tue, 09 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
           <guid>http://www.westwarwickpublicschools.com/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=15956&amp;viewType=detail&amp;id=3877</guid>
       </item>
       <item>
           <title>Three Support Groups for Autism Spectrum Disorders</title>
           <link>http://www.westwarwickpublicschools.com/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=15956&amp;viewType=detail&amp;id=3890</link>
           <pubDate>Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0600</pubDate>
           <guid>http://www.westwarwickpublicschools.com/education/components/whatsnew/default.php?sectiondetailid=15956&amp;viewType=detail&amp;id=3890</guid>
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