Ability Specialists Blog

Karoke Night

// September 30th, 2009 // What's Happening At Ability Specialists

Due to weather and the dreaded flu bug, Ability Specialists’ Friday evening activity turned into an impromptu karoke night.

Participants showed off their vocal talents, but more importantly, built self-confidence and developed peer relationships.

After all, nothing builds a bond like performing a duet in front of a group! It was tons of fun…looks like more karoke in our future…Do you have any activity ideas? Please let us know!

Major Autism Study Focuses On Adults

// September 30th, 2009 // News That Affects You

The first ever major study into adults living with autism was published 22nd September by the NHS Information Centre. The report, entitled ‘Autism Spectrum Disorders in adults living in households throughout England 2007′ was written by Professor Terry Brugha, a Consultant Psychiatrist with Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust and Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Leicester with a team of UK researchers This ground-breaking study shows for the first time an estimate of how many adults are living with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in England. The study into the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders among adults shows that one in every hundred adults living in households has the condition – broadly the same rate as that cited for children.

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/164936.php

Step Up for Down Syndrome

// September 30th, 2009 // Support Your Community, What's Happening At Ability Specialists

Perfect weather and over 50 ALIVE! Team parents and others contributed to the success of the Step Up for Down Syndrome walk. The MHDSA drew over 3,000 total! Great Job Everyone!

Obama: ‘We cannot wait’ on health care

// September 30th, 2009 // News That Affects You

President resumes reform push at speech to Congressional Black Caucus

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama on Saturday resumed his push to overhaul the health care system, telling a Congressional Black Caucus conference that there comes a time when “the cup of endurance runs over.”
“We have been waiting for health reform since the days of Teddy Roosevelt. We’ve been waiting since the days of Harry Truman,” he said in remarks at the caucus foundation’s annual dinner. “We’ve been waiting since Johnson and Nixon and Clinton.”
“We cannot wait any longer,” Obama said.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33041469/ns/politics-white_house/

Arc Bucks

// September 30th, 2009 // What's Happening At Ability Specialists

Ability Specialists is excited about a new reward for the Volunteer Day program participants! Arc bucks are earned by reaching goals and hard work by volunteers. The Arc Bucks are redeemed for $5 gift certificates from Arc Thrift Stores. Thank you Arc Thrift for making our volunteer experience even better. Let’s get shopping!

Administration of Trusts in Jeopardy

// September 22nd, 2009 // News That Affects You

The 10th circuit court of appeals recently rendered a decision that could significantly impact special needs trust administration in Colorado, if it is followed by Colorado Medicaid, or if it is not overturned.

Obviously, the case is wrongly decided. Its affect would force families to forego any form of payment for rendering assistance or housing for their DD adult child, and would force them to hire outside caregivers, at higher rates, who might render lesser quality care.

The case is Hobbs v. Zenderman, 10th Cir., Sept. 1, 2009 and to read the actual case go to http://www.ca10.uscourts.gov/opinions/08/08-2099.pdf

Goofy Glasses Galore

// September 22nd, 2009 // What's Happening At Ability Specialists

Last Friday was the Goofy Glasses Dance, held at the Buck Rec Center. All Ability Specialists’ participants gathered at Fazoli’s before the dance to extend kudos and congratulate their fellow peers for reaching their goals! Josealfredo C, Sarah H, and Brad S earned their first level pins – the Bronze Pin. Alex M, Janice G, and Ryan S earned their second level pins – the Silver Pin. After the awards, you will notice from the photos, we all had a great time at the Goofy Glasses Dance! Remember, this monthly DD Community Dance is an open event. You must provide your own transportation if you are not a part of our Evening Program. The Buck Rec Center is on Littleton Blvd., and the cost of the dance is $6 at the door.

Save Our State, No More Cuts

// September 22nd, 2009 // News That Affects You

Colorado can’t cut its way back to prosperity, nor can Colorado families continue to shoulder the burden of the state’s broken budget. That was the message on September 8th at the State Capitol, as an estimated crowd of more than five hundred Coloradans gathered to voice their concern about recent budget cuts. To read the rest of this article, go to http://www.thearcofco.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22&Itemid=110

AD/HD Awareness Week

// September 22nd, 2009 // News That Affects You

September 14-20 is designated as a time to raise awareness and change perceptions of AD/HD. This year we focus on the reasons why early diagnosis is crucial. Be sure to read the top ten reasons submitted by CHADD members from across the country. Did you know both TJ and Rick have AD/HD as well as a large portion of the Ability Specialists’ participants? For ideas to help others become aware, visit http://www.chadd.org/AM/Template.cfm Section=Home&CONTENTID=12061&TEMPLATE=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm

Social Security

// September 22nd, 2009 // News That Affects You

There is new attention being paid to a portion of the recent Social Security Trustees report that indicates the possibility of no cost of living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries for 2010. The Associated Press and member news outlets have recently reported the possibility of no COLA. Annual Social Security benefits increases are, by law, based on the rate of inflation in the third quarter of the previous year; the law prevents benefits from being reduced based on negative inflation. Since it is predicted that this years’ third quarter (July through September) will show no increase in inflation, the expectation is that there will be no COLA for benefits in 2010. Advocates for Congressional intervention point out that an automatic increase in Medicare prescription drug program premiums will result in reduced funds available to meet beneficiaries’ monthly expenses. The Social Security Administration typically reports on the up-coming COLA amounts in mid-October. Source for this article: The Capital Insider, August 28, 2009