Latest Blog Entries

Alzheimer’s Association Gives Commissioner Astrue

// March 9th, 2010 // Feature Articles

The Alzheimer’s Association today presented Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, with their 2010 Humanitarian Award. This honor is given each year to a public official who has made a significant contribution to help those who are struggling with Alzheimer’s disease. In recognizing Commissioner Astrue, the Alzheimer’s Association noted, “his exceptional leadership in creating the Compassionate Allowances Initiative and the decision to include early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in that initiative.” Read full release: humanitarian-award-pr-alt

HCBS-SLS Waiver Facts

// March 4th, 2010 // News That Affects You

Frequently Asked Questions regarding HCBS-SLS Waiver Service plan authorization Limits.  Click Here: SLS FAQs

Sensory Processing Disorder- A touchy situation

// March 4th, 2010 // Feature Articles

Clothes feel scratchy, hugs are shrugged off – coping with sensations can be a problem, but is it a disease?

Ana can sit on the couch for only about five minutes before it’s time to move. First she rides her bright blue unicycle a few times around the dining room table. Then she gets on a swing hung from the doorway and pumps until her feet can touch the ceiling. A few minutes later she’s doing laps around the table on her RipStik – a skateboard-like balance board. Then she runs outside and climbs the back fence (more fun than going through the gate), to jump on a trampoline. After mastering a flip, she manages to climb back into the house through an open window.

Life with Ana, who turns 11 this month, is action-packed.

The fifth-grader has sensory processing disorder – her brain doesn’t process information from her five senses in a typical way – leaving her unable to sit still (her muscles just have to move), wear socks (they’re too irritating), concentrate in a busy classroom (so much to look at and hear), or be in the same room with a hot pizza (the aroma is overpowering).

See the full article: http://www.boston.com/news/health/articles/2010/03/01/sensory_processing_disorder_is_real_to_thousands_of_kids/

Social Security Hearings Backlog Falls to Lowest Level Since 2005

// March 4th, 2010 // News That Affects You

Pending Cases Drop Below 700,000; Processing Time Down 72 Days

Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced that the number of disability hearings pending stands at 697,437 cases — the lowest level since June 2005 and down more than 71,000 cases since December 2008, when the trend of month-by-month reductions began. In addition, the average processing time for hearing decisions has decreased to 442 days, down from a high of 514 days at the end of fiscal year (FY) 2008.  Click here for the full release: Social Security Press Release 3-2-10

 

Upcoming Events

// March 4th, 2010 // Workshops and Seminars

PEAK Parent Center March and April Parent Training Opportunities 2010

Click here for the full schedule: Microsoft Word – March and April Parent Training Opportunities 2010

February Achievements

// February 24th, 2010 // What's Happening At Ability Specialists

It was a great month for goals at Ability Specialists with 5 participants receiving awards!  The ceremony at Fazoli’s was great as always and followed by the Sweetheart dance at the Buck Recreation Center.  Pictures of the ceremony and dance are soon to follow so keep checking back!

Upcoming Events

// February 24th, 2010 // Support Your Community

March 21, 2010
World Down Syndrome Day
In celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, Self-Advocates age 18 and older are encouraged to volunteer in the community to share our message of inclusion and showcase their abilities. We are partnering with several organizations in the community for placement with volunteer opportunities.

Please contact Volunteer & Events Coordinator, Melissa Davis for more details. 303-756-6101 melissad@mhdsa.org

Report Outlines Action Plan To Meet Housing Need Of Adults With Autism

// February 24th, 2010 // Feature Articles

Bold steps are needed to increase housing options for a burgeoning population of adults with autism, researchers say in a report out this week.

Currently, nearly 80 percent of those with autism ages 19 to 30 live with their parents, as few other choices exist outside of institutionalization. Meanwhile, about 500,000 children with the disorder are expected to reach adulthood in the next 15 years.

To meet the growing need, researchers are calling for a national network of nonprofits to collect data on the needs of the adult population with autism in the new report titled Opening Doors: A Discussion of Residential Options for Adults Living with Autism and Related Disorders.  Read more: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2010/02/17/autism-adults-housing/7030/

‘IEP Checklist’ iPhone App Aims To Level Playing Field

// February 17th, 2010 // Feature Articles

By Shaun Heasley

February 12, 2010

Forget the pen and paper at your next IEP meeting. A new iPhone app is designed to organize the process, providing legal tips and a place for notes all in the palm of your hand.

The app for iPhone or iPod Touch organizes the individualized education plan, or IEP, meeting into categories such as “current performance” and “annual goals.” When a category is selected, there is a brief description of the legal requirements and an opportunity for the user to insert a goal or notes.  Read more: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2010/02/12/iep-app/6989/

Disabled Coloradans sue state over Medicaid cuts

// February 17th, 2010 // News That Affects You

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