New National Alliance on Mental Illness is offering a FREE CLASS for Parents and other Direct Caregivers of Children and Teens with ADD/ADHD, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and more...
Three classes chock full of valuable information to help parents support children and teens with mental illness while maintaining their own well being. The course is taught by a team of trained NAMI family members who know what it's like to have a child struggling with one of these brain disorders. Topics covered will be the 'no fault' approach, getting an accurate diagnosis, an overview of treatment options, the impact on family, communication, crisis management, the systems involved with your child, record keeping, advocating, and team building for you and your child.
Childcare is provided with advance notice. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Contact Brenda Stacey-Scott at (800) 467-3589 ext. 307 or bstaceyscott@namitn.org.
Next class: March 6, 13, 20, 11:00am - 4:00pm, Aldersgate United Methodist Church at corner of Parkway and Campbell, Jackson, TN.

New Alzheimer's Association presents: New Support Group Facilitator Training. Wednesday March 24, 9:00am - 4:00pm at Trezevant Terrace, 177 N Highland Road, Memphis, TN 38111. A light lunch will be provided! To register, please call 1-800-272-3900.

New Dine Out and Dress Down for Down Syndrome
DSAM will celebrate World Down Syndrome Awareness Day on Sunday, March 21. There are a couple of exciting ways you can celebrate with DSAM. Would your company like to participate in a Dress Down for Down Syndrome Day in March? Want to be one of 21 restaurants to offer a Dine Out for Down Syndrome Day in March? There are still a couple of slots to fill for these March activities! Contact us for more information at (901) 547-7588 or admin@dsamemphis.org.

New Music Therapy Services
Music Therapist Lydia Rakestraw offers therapy services:

• Specializing in helping children with special needs to help restore, improve, and maintain level of functioning
• Promotes socialization and cognitive abilities, enhancing every aspect of life, and making your child better & brighter
• Having fun! Uses a number of different intruments including guitar, congas, shakers, drums of various shapes and sizes, boomwhackers (plastic, colorful tubes that are notes on a piano), etc.

Self-Advocacy for High School Students with Disabilities: New podcast show from the Disability Law Lowdown
The Disability Law Lowdown podcast just posted a podcast about self-advocacy for high school students with disabilities. Jacquie Brennan discusses a new information sheet published by the Pacer Center (www.pacer.org) that provides valuable information for high schoolers about how to plan for their future by taking an active role in IEP meetings and transition planning, whether the transition is to employment, post-secondary education, or independent living. It is so important that students learn to advocate for themselves so that goals that are set, and plans that are made, include the desires of the student and not just those around the student.
The Disability Law Lowdown podcast is available at www.DisabilityLawLowdown.com, as well as on iTunes. People can listen to the podcast directly from a computer or can download it to an MP3 player, like an iPod.
The Disability Law Lowdown provides the latest information about disability rights and obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other disability-related topics. Subscription is free.
The Disability Law Lowdown is a project of the national network of ten ADA Centers across the country, offering technical assistance and training in the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability-related laws. Contact the Center that serves you by calling 1-800-949-4232 v/tty. The Disability Law Lowdown is available in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language. To subscribe or listen to archived podcasts visit DisabilityLawLowdown.com.

CoverKids program will start accepting new applications for enrollment Monday, March 1st, 2010.
Families can apply online at www.CoverKids.com or by calling 866-620-8864 anytime on or after March 1st. It is important to note that families should wait until March 1st to apply as we will not be accepting applications before that date.

'IEP Checklist' iPhone App Aims To Level Playing Field:
Read more about this at http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2010/02/12/iep-app/6989.

Spring Break Camp
The Exceptional Foundation of West Tennessee (EFWT) will be open during the month of March, excluding Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 21. We are happy to host those of you whose Spring Break falls on a different schedule than ours. We are offering a rate of $50.00 for half-day spring break camp (Monday-Thursday 8:00am - 1:00pm or 1:00pm - 6:00pm) and $100.00 for full day spring break camp (Monday-Thursday 8:00am - 6:00pm).  
Prices can be augmented should you need services only a couple of days out of the week. Please remember to register no later than Monday, March 1st if you plan to join us during your spring break.
*Admission interview required for new participants, and everyone attending must pay the $100.00 annual registration fee.
New Registration Open for Vanderbilt Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Workshop
Pre-Workshop Event: A Parent's Journey with AAC, Robert Rummel-Hudson, author of Schuyler's Monster: A Father's Journey with His Wordless Daughter, Friday, March 26, 6:00pm - 7:30pm, Room 204 Mayborn Bldg/Peabody. No fee.

Autism Workshop
The Tennessee Department of Education, in partnership with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Treatment and Research Institute for Autism Spectrum Disorders (TRIAD) is please to provide a free autism-specific workshop for school personnel titled "Awakening the Social Butterfly in Your Middle School/High School Students with ASD."
This will be offered in all three regions of the state:
West TN Tuesday, March 9, 2010, Location: Jackson
Middle TN Thursday, March 11, 2010 Location: Nashville
East TN Tuesday, March 16, 2010 Location: Knoxville

Applications are now being accepted for admission to Next Step at Vanderbilt. Next Step is a 2-year certification program for students with intellectual disabilities, providing individualized programs of study in the areas of education, social skills, and vocational training. Next class of Students begins August 2010. The deadline to apply is Monday, February 15. For admissions requirements and to request an admissions packet, call (615) 343-0822 or visit NextStep.vanderbilt.edu.

Partners in Policymaking Leadership Institute
Partners in Policymaking is a free leadership and advocacy training program for adults with disabilities and family members of persons with disabilities. Over the course of seven, once-a-month weekend sessions (from 12 pm on Friday through 3 pm on Saturday), Partners will attend workshops conducted by national and local experts, on:
          The History of the Disability Experience
          People First Language
          Best Practices in Inclusive Education
          Building Inclusive Communities
          Self-Determination, Self-Direction and Person-Centered Practices
          Living in the Community
          The State and Federal Legislative Processes
          Customized Employment
          Conducting Effective Meetings
          Assistive Technology
          Working with the Media
Weekend sessions take place September through November, and January through April, each year. Partners sessions take place at a hotel in Middle Tennessee. All participants are required to spend the night and attend all seven sessions. There is no cost for hotel rooms and meals during the program times or the trainings. Mileage to and from each session will be reimbursed approximately two weeks after each session.
If you need an application, or have any questions about the program including eligibility, please contact program director Ned Andrew Solomon at (615) 532-6556, or by email at ned.solomon@tn.gov. All applications must be postmarked by April 30, 2010. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

1st Annual Jackson Culley Mito What? 5K and Fun Run presented by The Memphis Area Mitochondrial Disease Support Group. March 27, 2010 at 9:00am. The race will begin at the USA Baseball Stadium in Millington, TN. Mitochondrial disease is the body's inability to turn food into energy to sustain life. Mitochondria exist in nearly every cell of the human body, producing 90 percent of the energy the body needs to function. In a person with mitochondrial disease, the mitochondria are failing and cannot convert food and oxygen into life-sustaining energy.  For many, mitochondrial disease is an inherited genetic condition, while for others the body's mitochondria can be affected by other environmental factors. For more information about how to register, sponsor or volunteer for the race please go to www.mitowhat5k.blogspot.com. Please join us in the fight for life.

Calling All Artists with Disabilities!
The Tennessee Disability MegaConference Steering Committee is proud to announce our 2010 Art Contest! Our conference theme this year is Sharing Our Strength in Collaboration, Innovation, and Resilience. A picture of the winning artwork, a short bio, and picture of the artist will be featured on the 2010 Program Booklet cover and on the Tennessee Disability MegaConference website. The winning artist will also receive a complimentary exhibit table. The winning artist will be notified by Friday, April 2, 2010. All artwork submitted will be displayed in the Exhibit Area June 3-4, 2010 during the MegaConference at the Nashville Airport Marriott. The deadline for entry is Friday, March 19, 2010. High quality digital images (300 dpi) of your artwork must accompany the entry form and be emailed to Lori Israel at lisrael@thearctn.org. If you have any questions, please call Lori at (615) 248-5878 or (800) 835-7077 ext. 22.

Support the Preventing Harmful Restraint and Seclusion in Schools Act!
In one week, Congress will come back in session. We are asking you to join us for a National Call-In Day on Thursday, January 21 (and to invite your friends, family, and other networks to do the same!) to tell your members of Congress to support H.R. 4247/S.2860 introduced last month by Representatives George Miller (D-CA) and Cathy McMorris-Rodgers (R-WA) as well as Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT). This legislation would provide students with and without disabilities vital protections against abuse in schools.
What you can do:
Call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 on Thursday, January 21 and ask for your congressional representative to co-sponsor H.R. 4247 and your senators to co-sponsor S. 2860. Encourage your friends, family, and coworkers to participate too!

• To find out the names of your US Senators and Representative, visit www.congress.org and type in your zip code. 
• Dial 202-224-3121 and ask for the offices of your US Senators and Representative. 
• Ask to speak to the person working on education issues. 
• Identify yourself as a constituent and the organization that you represent (if any).

WebAIM is conducting a study on how to make the web more accessible for students with cognitive and learning disabilities and they need your help! WebAIM is looking for students with an IEP from ages 12-18 (7th grade to 12th grade). There will be compensation for those willing to participate. If you know a student who is willing to participate, please visit the website at http://webaim.org/projects/steppingstones/invitation or contact Dr. Cyndi Rowland.

Disability Days on the Hill
This is your opportunity to meet with state legislators at the Capitol in Nashville to talk about issues that are important to you and your family. Dozens of disability organizations from across the state will be participating and with your help we can ensure that every legislator gets to hear from a constituent with a disability or a family member.
The Arc of the Mid-South is providing accessible bus transportation from Memphis for this event. Additional stops in Arlington and Jackson may be available upon request. For more information please contact Megan Long at (901) 507-8568 or mlong@arcmidsouth.net. There are limited seats available and they will go fast, so call ASAP to reserve your spot!


2010 Through the Looking Glass Scholarship Announcement
Through the Looking Glass and its National Center for Parents with Disabilities and Their Families are pleased to announce new scholarships specifically for high school seniors and college students who have parents with disabilities. A total of ten $1000 scholarships will be given out Fall 2010. There are separate scholarship awards for high school seniors and for college students, and each has separate eligibility requirements:

1. High School Seniors. To be eligible, a student must be a high school graduate (or graduating senior) by Summer 2010, planning to attend a two-year or four-year college in Fall 2010 in pursuit of an AA, BA or BS degree, and have at least one parent with a disability.
2. College Students. To be eligible, a student must be currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year college in Fall 2010 in pursuit of an AA, BA or BS degree, be 21 years of age or younger as of March 1, 2010, and have at least one parent with a disability. All application materials must be postmarked by March 1, 2010. Individuals may submit only one application per award period.

Job Posting : STEP, Inc.
West TN Parent Training Center Project Assistant
STEP is accepting resumes for a job opening in Memphis, TN. The Project Assistant position will include working with families who have children with disabilities regarding special education issues. Assistance will be provided by phone, individual assistance in person, and IEP planning and IEP meeting attendance. Successful applicant will participate in training activities, outreach and assisting the West TN Coordinator. Some travel required. This is a part time position and will be based out of STEP's Memphis office.
STEP is actively seeking to give employment opportunities to persons who experience disability, minority status, and/or are parents or family members of persons with disabilities. Send resume along with a cover letter explaining your interest and any advocacy, training, and mentoring experiences (including personal experiences) that you feel would qualify you for this position. Send to jobs@tnstep.org.

The Future Is Now: A Futures Planning Workshop for Families. This 5-session workshop is designed for families who have a family member with a disability. It will assist families in drafting a Letter of Intent, which clarifies expectations for the future and identifies potential supports. Families will work with their adult relative with a disability to plan for the future. The Workshop will include discussions on:

• Purpose and benefits of Future Planning
• Building relationships and identifying supports
• Understanding housing options
• Work, leisure, and retirement
• Legal, financial, and guardianship information
• Self-advocacy and community involvement

Save the date for TABS:
April 16-17, 2010--2nd Annual Tennessee Adult Brothers and Sisters Conference in Nashville, TN. TABS is an information, support, and networking group for adult siblings of individuals with disabilities. For more information, please contact Courtney Taylor, M.Div., Associate Director of Communications and Dissemination, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center at (615) 322-5658.

Check out the Exceptional Foundation's new website:
www.exceptionalfoundationwesttn.org.

Do you know a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who struggles with moodiness, irritability, tantrums, or aggression? Vanderbilt University is studying a new medication to help with these behaviors in children and teens with ASD. Baclofen has been used successfully for 30 years with other groups of people. The purpose of this study is to find out if STX209 (R-Baclofen) is well-tolerated by people with ASD. We also want to know if it is helpful in treating the irritable behavior that goes along with ASD. All volunteers will have the medication at some point. Current participants have reported improvements on the medication. The study lasts 10 weeks. It involves 6 visits to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. We need you to give blood at 3 of those visits. There is no cost to you for being in this research study. You will get evaluations with Cassandra Newsome, PhD, neuropsychologist, study visits with Dr. Kevin Sanders, psychiatrist, and study medications at no cost. You will also get money back for your transportation costs and time. Sponsored by Seaside Therapeutics.

Participant Criteria:

• children and teens with ASD
• ages 6-17
• have trouble with moodiness, irritability, tantrums, or aggression

Compensation: yes
Visit Requirements: 6 visits to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN

Download the brochure here. For more information, contact Gina Murfree, RN at (615) 936-3288 or Gina.Murfree@vanderbilt.edu.

What is YLF?
The Youth Leadership Forum is a leadership and self-advocacy training for high school students with disabilities from across the state, sponsored by the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.

• What will the selected students do?  Attend sessions by local and national presenters on a variety of topics, including leadership, self-advocacy, planning for life after high school, employment, college resources for students with disabilities, and the legislative process.
  Students will also participate in:
  *several small group discussions about their lives, hopes, dreams and plans following high school
  *a photography workshop
  *a drum circle  
  *a talent show
  *a tour of the Capitol, including a conversation with a legislator
• When will the forum take place?  Monday-Thursday, July 5-8, 2010
• Where will it take place? On the campus of Vanderbilt University
• Where will the students stay? In an accessible dorm on Vanderbilt University campus
• What does it cost? There is no cost for the training, sleeping rooms, or meals. Students or their families will be reimbursed for mileage to and from the Forum approximately two weeks after the event.
• Who can attend?  Rising tenth graders through students that will graduate in 2010. Students do not attend with family members.
• Who will supervise the forum?  8-10 adult counselors and coordinating staff, mostly adults with disabilities themselves, family members of persons with disabilities, and returning YLF graduates
• How many students will be selected? Twenty. An effort will be made to select a diverse group, based on type of disability, ethnicity, gender, school year, and region of the state the student lives in.
• How does a student apply? Please contact Ned Andrew Solomon at (615) 532-6556 or by email at ned.solomon@tn.gov for an application. All applications must be postmarked by March 1, 2010.

The Family Support Program has started a new support group. DSP (Daughters Supporting Parents) will be meeting on December 18 at 12:00pm. The meeting will be held at SRVS, 3592 Knight Arnold Road, Memphis, TN 38118. Guest speaker will be Lamar Frizzell with Delta Medical Group. Anyone that is 60 or older or anyone that is caring for someone that is 60 or older is eligible to attend. Lunch will be served.

New Contact for West TN STEP office. Parents and professionals that need assistance or information from the West TN STEP office, please email Jacqueline Sakho at jacqueline.sakho@tnstep.org. The phone number for the West TN STEP office is (901) 726-4334. To get in touch with STEP's Executive Director, Karen Harrison, please email karen.harrison@tnstep.org or call (423) 639-0125 ext. 11.
Thank you for contacting STEP. We believe Empowered Parents = Successful Kids and our mission is to provide support, training, and information to families across TN. Please visit our website for additional information regarding STEP services or to be added to our mailing list.

Looking for unique holiday gifts? The DSAM exclusive "TwentyOne x 3" t-shirts make great teacher gifts or gifts for family and friends! They come in several colors and fits and include a gift card explaining the meaning of the design. You can view the colors and sizes and purchase online at www.dsamemphis.org/dsammarketplace.

IDEA Training Curriculum Now In Spanish. Building the Legacy/Construyendo el Legado: A Training Curriculum on IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) 2004. The online curriculum is intended to help all those involved with children with disabilities understand and implement IDEA 2004.


Survey of statewide needs for services in developmental disabilities. Researchers from the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (VKC) in collaboration with the Tennessee Developmental Disabilities Network are investigating the need for disability services in Tennessee. VKC wants to learn what is most important to the disability community and about needs across Tennessee. They will use your ideas to shape their work for the next five years. Filling out the survey is a good way to report on how well your community is doing and how much aid may be needed. The survey should take about 15 minutes. VKC invites you to complete our survey if you are:

• a person with a disability
• a family member of a person with a disability
• a person who works with individuals with disabilities
• a member of a disability organization

* Join the launch of 15 Hands for Kids with a Special Screening of The Horse Boy! 15 Hands for Kids is a new non-profit organization established to teach adaptive riding techniques that allow children with a variety of disabilities to learn horsemanship skills and experience the equine environment.

The event will be at Malco Paradiso on Thursday, November 5th at 6:30pm. A Meet & Greet with Rupert Isaacson will follow at 9:00pm. Tickets are $25 for the screening only or $50 for the screening and reception. For tickets and information call (901) 240-6350 or (901) 850-9543 or email15hands@comcast.net.

• About The Horse Boy: When his son Rowan was diagnosed with autism, Rupert Isaacson was devastated. But when Isaacson, a lifelong horseman, rode their neighbor's horse with Rowan, Rowan improved immeasurably. Encouraged by Rowan's affinity for horses, Isaacson sets out to heal his son. The Horse Boy chronicles a family's journey to help their son's autism and a boy learning to connect with the world for the first time.

* Please find information about SSA's Ticket To Work for students with disabilities pasted below from http://www.cessi.net/ttw/faqs/index.asp. You can sign up for the New Ticket Express E-mail List at http://www.cessi.net/ttw/index.htm. Enjoy!

* Tennessee Respite Coalition National Caregiver Award. The TN Respite Coalition has nomination forms available to celebrate National Family Caregiver Month in November. If you know an outstanding caregiver and want to nominate them for this year, please fill out and submit the nomination form, available by contacting Tammy DeNiro at (901) 522-0090 or tammy.deniro@tnrespite.org. Form must be completed and returned to Loretta Rhodes by October 28, 2009. The fax number is (901) 353-5464 or email Lrhodes@ccnmemphis.org.

*Special Recreation activities are for all people with intellectual or physical disabilities, their friends, and families. For information, contact Michelle McDonnell at (901) 757-7382 or mmcdonnell@germantown-tn.gov. Here are the upcoming activities: 

• Dance Lessons on Thursday, 7:00pm - 8:30pm, Oct. 1, 29, and Nov. 5 at the Pickering Center, 7771 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN. Join the fun by learning basic dance steps taught by volunteers from the Memphis dance community.
• Dances with a Theme on Friday, 7:00pm - 9:00pm, at the Pickering Center, 7771 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN. Come dance the night away at this free event and enjoy free pizza, snacks, and soft drinks.
• Challenger Kickball on Monday, September 28th, 6:30pm - 7:30pm at Riverdale Park, 7345 Neshoba Road, Germantown, TN. These free pick-up style games offer a perfect recreational opportunity.

*Last week Governor Bredesen unveiled FindHelpTN, a web-based eligibility screening tool designed to connect Tennesseans with social service programs and resources. FindHelpTN offers a centralized source of information for state and federal government assistance programs that includes eligibility screening, application instructions, and localized information for the administering agency. When the user completes the process, FindHelpTN generates a printable report that lists programs for which each member of the household may be eligible along with detailed information on how to apply and where to learn more.

Support The Arc of the Mid-South when you shop at Schnucks!
The Arc of the Mid-South is now participating in the eScrip program with Schnucks. Every time you use your Schnucks card, 3% of your purchase will be donated to The Arc. This is a great way to support The Arc of the Mid-South and our mission to empower people with disabilities to achieve their fill potential in life.

The best part is that it couldn't be easier. First, you'll need to get a customer card from your local Schnucks store. If you are already a Schnucks shopper, you can use your existing card.

After that, you just need to register your card with escrip. There's two ways to do that:

• Call (800) 931-6258 and provide your card number, the 12-digit number below the bar code on the back of the card. You'll also need to provide our group ID number: 500022601.
• You can also sign up online. Click on "Register Online Now" and enter either the agency name - The Arc of the Mid-South - or our group ID number: 500022601. Again, you'll need to enter the12-digit card number located below the bar code on the back of the card.

Once your card is registered, all you have to do is shop. There's no catch, no hidden fees. Every time you shop at Schnucks, you're supporting The Arc of the Mid-South.

The Disability Coalition on Education is a Statewide alliance of family members, educators, State and advocacy organizations, focused on bringing about positive change in the education of students with and without disabilities. DCE has monthly meetings in Nashville, which are open to anyone who has an interest or stake in issues related to the education of Tennessee's children. There is no cost to join DCE. If you or someone you know is interested in joining DCE, please let us know by sending your contact information, including phone number, mailing address and e-mail address to members@dce-tn.org. There are many possible levels of participation, and there is absolutely no obligation ever to do anything more than receive updates from DCE about educational initiatives that we believe are important to any family with a school-aged student, with or without disabilities.

CaringBridge® is a free, non-profit web service that connects family and friends to share information, love and support during a serious medical condition, treatment, and recovery. It takes just a few moments for you to create your own personal and private CaringBridge website. Click here to see sponsors within the state of Tennessee.

Day Program @ The Exceptional Foundation of West Tennessee: The Exceptional Foundation of West Tennessee offers a day program from 8:00am -6:00pm Monday-Thursday during the school year.  Participants can come and enjoy social and recreational activities all day, half day, or for after-school hours.  The activities that participants at The Exceptional Foundation engage themselves in are fun and entertaining, but the ultimate goal of any sport, craft, or field trip is to teach the participants social skills and cognitive skills, thus enabling the participants to attain the greatest level of independence that they have known.  

We serve a wide age range of individuals, young adults- adults for our DAY PROGRAM, SUMMER CAMP, and WEEKEND EVENTS, as well as children and young adults for our AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM, SUMMER CAMP, and WEEKEND EVENTS.  Call 387-5002 to inquire about being a participant at The Exceptional Foundation.  All individuals must complete an interview, and meet criteria before beginning the program.

CSA TOP Soccer- Sign up now for the Fall Season! The goal of CSA TOPSoccer is to provide all children with special needs the opportunity to play, learn and benefit from the game of soccer. Join us if: You are at least 5 years old through high school; You have physical and/or cognitive disabilities; We have playing opportunities for those athletes over 18; You have desire to get off the sidelines and into the game! To Register or learn more about us, visit us at www.colsoc.co or contact our office at: (901) 854-8724 or email: colsoc1@aol.com. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

* National Summit on Disability Policy 2010
The National Council on Disability (NCD) is seeking people with disabilities, individuals representing grassroots organizations, and others to help shape disability policies and programs for the next decade. This Summit commemorates the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with a reception, an ADA retrospective and a series of working meetings. The results of the meetings will help shape disability policy and programs for the next decade.The National Summit is an invitation-only event. If you are interested in attending, please review the participant information and complete an application.



* Updates in Family Support: Check out the new Tennessee Family Support Alliance website. The purpose of this Alliance is to voice our endorsement of one of Tennessee's most valued and effective statewide programs serving persons of all ages with a variety of severe disabilities, and providing essential support to their families and caregivers. This site should serve as the primary portal for communication throughout our network of volunteers and friends. There is a "Discuss" section on the site for you to add ideas and share information with others about the Family Support Program. Encourage family members and other interested individuals to join the Alliance. We will begin to send periodic e-news blasts to the membership list shortly. There have been many reports in the media throughout the state about threats to the Family Support Program. These are documented in the News section of the website. Please continue to keep Family Support in the news and forward all press releases and stories to include on the site.

* Tennessee ranks #43 (out of 51) in the quality of Medicaid Services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. See how other states fared according to a United Cerebral Palsy analysis released last week. The full ranking of the 50 states and Washington, DC is here. You can click here to view the full analysis, entitled "A Case for Inclusion."
A Student's Guide to the IEP from the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY).

* United Health Care Grants
Families struggling with the medical bills of children with special needs may get help from the United Health Care Children's Foundation (UHCCF). The nonprofit offers grants of up to $5,000 to families whose children need special services - including [but not limited to] speech language treatment, audiology, and hearing aids -not fully covered by health insurance. UHCCF is accepting applications for 2009 grants. There are some age, income, and residential qualifiers. For more information, please visit their website www.uhccf.org.

* The TN Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Planning and Policy
The Regional Council wants your involvement in planning services for persons with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. Your voice can be heard in many ways.

1) Contact Your Regional Council Chair (See contact information below)
2) Attend a Council Meeting in Your Area
3) Become a Council Member
         
REGION VI
Chair - Rhonda Ewing (Acting Chair) (731) 984-8599
Counties: Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Tipton, Weakley
REGION VII
Chair - Harry Diament (901) 527-1455  
County: Shelby

* The University of Connecticut is requesting help from wheelchair users. They are conducting research on wheelchair user's opinions pertaining to wheelchair technology and services. The survey is about 40 questions, takes 10 minutes to complete, and includes a chance to win a $50 Amazon.com gift card. Your participation in this survey will directly contribute to an increased awareness of problems faced by wheelchair users. The survey will be available for the next two weeks, so if you wish to  participate or know someone who might like to participate, time is short. Please click here to take survey.

* Volunteer Opportunities Available at MIFA
The Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA) is seeking volunteers for its Long-Term Care Ombudsman program. Volunteer Ombudsman Representatives advocate for residents of nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, and residential care homes throughout Shelby, Tipton, Fayette, and Lauderdale counties. Through weekly visits to facilities, volunteers will investigate complaints and monitor the residents' quality of life, care, and rights. Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age and complete a 12-hour training and certification program slated for August 18, 19, and 20 from 8:30a.m. to 12:30p.m. at the MIFA headquarters, 910 Vance Avenue. The application process also requires references, an interview, and background check. To volunteer or for more information, contact Rick Finkey, volunteer coordinator, by email, or call him at (901) 527-0208, x230.

* STEP UP for Down Syndrome (SUDS) - Registration is open!
Each October, for the past 11 years, the Buddy Walk has grown, allowing us to support and empower individuals with Down syndrome and their families. This year, the event is on Sunday, October 18th from noon 12:00pm to 4:00pm at Memphis Botanic Garden.

In an effort to continue our positive outreach to the community, our Board of Directors has joined with other affiliate groups across the country to rename the annual awareness event. STEP UP for Down Syndrome is our redirected effort to include Down syndrome in the event name as well as initiate a positive call-to-action for the entire Mid-South community. You can help us to make strides for all individuals with Down syndrome by joining a team or starting your own! Ask your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to join you and be a part of the largest disability awareness event in the Mid-South.

Registration is now open! Go online to register and learn more.

* On July 27, 2009 the U.S. Department of Labor today launched its new site Disability.gov redesigned federal Web site that connects the more than 50 million Americans with disabilities to thousands of trusted resources on disability-related issues, programs and services. Formerly known as DisabilityInfo.gov, the site has been completely redesigned and updated with new social media tools, such as a blog and a Twitter feed, to encourage feedback and interaction among visitors. Disability.gov is not just for Americans with disabilities, but also for parents of children with disabilities, employers, workforce and human resource professionals, veterans, educators, caregivers and many others. 

* Be sure to check out this CNN report on restraint and seclusion in schools 
 
* TN Voices for Children will be offering informal parent training on Special Education/504 and Behavior Plans 101 starting in August. The first training is August 13th and August 20th. You may choose between a 9:00am - 11:00am session or a 1:00pm - 3:00pm session. Located at 239 North Parkway Suite C, Jackson, TN 38305. Trainings in other parts of West TN coming soon. Space is limited so please register by contacting Rhonda Ewing by email or (731) 984-8599.

* The University of Memphis is conducting a study designed to better understand parents' needs directly related to raising a child with Down syndrome. They are specifically trying to understand coping styles and personal experiences post diagnosis. It is important that you are as honest as possible as you think back to receiving the diagnosis. All responses will be confidential. No identifying information will be linked to responses. Participation is not mandatory and you may stop the survey at any point. The information provided will be used as part of a research study conducted at the University of Memphis to better serve parents and children living with Down syndrome. This study has received approval from the institutional review board at the University of Memphis. If you need additional details, please contact Laura Casey. To participate in the survey, please click here.