E-News

Learn How the Health Care Reform Act May Affect People with Disabilities

Although details have yet to be worked out, the recently passed Health Care Reform Act will affect people with disabilities and their families. One provision, for example, includes prohibiting insurance companies from denying coverage to children based on pre-existing conditions; another allows parents to keep adult children on their insurance plans until age 26. PACER’s Family-to-Family Health Information Center and Technical Assistance on Transition and the Rehabilitation Act (TATRA) Project have a list of Health Care Reform Act provisions that may be of interest to families of children and youth with disabilities. More

PACER’s Teens Against Bullying Web Site Featured on CNN

PACER Center’s Teens Against Bullying Web site was shown on CNN in a report by Josh Levs on April 5, 2010. The story featured the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Stop Bullying Now! program and also referred viewers to the resources for middle- and high-school students available at PACERTeensAgainstBullying.org.
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The 2010 Joshua O’Neill and Zeshan Tabani Enrichment Fund Application is Now Available

The Joshua O’Neill and Zeshan Tabani Enrichment Fund offers financial assistance to young adults (18+) with Down syndrome who wish to enroll in postsecondary programs or take enrichment classes that will help them to enhance life through employment, independent living skills, life skills, or another way. Visit ndss.org to download the application, or contact Vanessa Quick at vquick@ndss.org or 800-221-4602 with any questions. Application deadline is July 16, 2010.

Spencer Sieber Wins Fifth Annual Creative Kids Contest

Congratulations to Spencer Sieber, winner of this year’s Creative Kids Contest for kids with disabilities! Ten-year-old Spencer is an artistic and energetic boy who has autism and diabetes. He enjoys being outdoors, particularly at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, which is often the subject of his artwork. He eagerly awaits the release of animated films, and he draws detailed characters from memory. Spencer’s artwork is featured on the 2010 PACER greeting cards. A set of eight greeting cards can be purchased for $10 by ordering online or calling PACER at 952-838-9000. Proceeds go directly toward PACER’s programs to help children with disabilities and their families. Creative Kids extends a special thanks to all contestants; Anthony R. Whelihan, PACER’s artist in residence; and its sponsors: Bloomington Art Center, Gallery Service, and Ideal Printers. More

Social Networking Site Supports Young Adults Living with Mental Health Concerns

StrengthofUs.org is a new online community where young adults living with mental health concerns can provide mutual support as they navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of their transition years. Geared for people from ages 18 to 25, it’s from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). View it here.

“Think College” Newsletter Offers Info to Students with Intellectual Disabilities

Students with intellectual disabilities who seek access to higher education, their families, and professionals may be interested in the monthly “Think College” newsletter. Created by the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Boston, it features college program profiles, upcoming events, and more. Subscribe online or contact Carrie Coslin at cosl0001@umn.edu.

A Thousand Thanks...

… to everyone who made PACER Center’s 28th annual Benefit such a great success. We truly appreciate the efforts and support from the hundreds of volunteers, sponsors, donors, and supporters. Funds raised from the Benefit are used to support various programs that bring free services to Minnesota families who have children and young adults with all types of disabilities.

Free Report: “Caregivers as a Protected Class?”

A recent report details results of a 2009 survey that examined municipal laws prohibiting employment discrimination against people who are also caregivers at home. By including parental or family status or family responsibilities with other protected classes (such as sex, race, religion, and disability), these local laws create a new protected class. The report analyzes these findings and the implications they have for workers, employers, attorneys, advocates, and policymakers nationwide. Titled “Caregivers as a Protected Class?: The Growth of State and Local Laws Prohibiting Family Responsibilities Discrimination,” the report is produced by the Center for WorkLife Law, Hastings College of the Law, University of California. More

Publications

New! “Discover How Assistive Technology Can Help Your Infant or Toddler Learn and Grow”
This new booklet for families and professionals provides information on using assistive technology (AT) with infants and toddlers. It also includes tips on how to find more information about AT. 2010. One copy is free to Minnesota parents of young children with disabilities. For others, it’s $1 per copy; $.50 each for 10 or more copies. Parent Centers should contact PACER regarding bulk orders. Order item STC-21.

Now available in Spanish! “A Guide for Minnesota Parents to the Individualized Education Program” (IEP)
This booklet helps parents work with schools to address each child's special needs through understanding the required components of the IEP. It includes examples from the Minnesota state recommended form. 2010. One copy is free to Minnesota parents of children with disabilities. For others, it’s $3 per copy; $2 each for 10 or more copies. Order item PHP-a12s.

New Brochure! “Minnesota Due Process Options”
This new brochure offers parents information on options for resolving differences through the special education process in Minnesota. 2010. It’s free. Order item PHP-a25.

Programs and Resources

PACER Center is a Minnesota nonprofit organization that provides services to families of children and young adults with any disability. More

New Dispute Resolution Web Resource Available

PACER’s new Web page for dispute resolution is now online. The information can help parents learn how to manage special education disputes with schools in a positive, productive way. Find publications, links, and more that can help parents better advocate for their child with disabilities. More

PACER On-demand Trainings

PACER Center’s on-demand trainings make relevant content available in a convenient, affordable way. Anywhere you have access to a computer and the Internet you have access to more than a dozen archived Webinars on a variety of topics. Interested in learning more about how digital books can help struggling readers? Then check out “All About Digital Books,” a two-hour Webinar presented by Simon Technology Center staff. Interested in early childhood and cultural diversity? Then check out “Engaging and Supporting Culturally Diverse Families with Young Children,” presented by PACER multicultural staff. Never attended a Webinar before? Check out “Webinar 101,” which explains how to do it. More