January 2010 Newsletter
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NEWSLETTER ◊ J ANUARY 2010 The Arc of Greater Beaumont launches our sixth year of Fun and Fitness Track. This track is designed to help Arc operation with some great new programs in 2010. The members stay in shape while having fun. Events designed year starts off with a bang as we implement four primary to keep members active include fitness activities such as tracks of service for the Arc membership: dance classes, water aerobics, and much, much more! Education and Leadership Development TrackTrack. This track Family Program Track. This track is designed for families is specifically designed to help facilitate the new Self Advo- and/or providers of adults and children with disabilities. cate programprogram. This program, previously The Golden Trian- Programs include a quarterly family event, annual parent gle Self Advocates (GTSA), is for adults with disabilities workshops, parent mentoring, legislative advocacy, and age18 and older. This group is actually managed by its community service programs. own members and promotes self advocacy, leadership and To implement these new programs, The Arc Board of Di- education. Monthly meetings are held on the first Thurs- rectors made some significant staff changes. Caitlin Kruger day of the month and hosts a topic and or speaker that has been hired as the full-time Office/Program Manager. broadens self-awareness and empowers adults with dis- We are also in the process of hiring a part time Program abilities to be active in community leadership. The Self Ad- Assistant. These changes will provide the manpower vocates group also attends an annual conference and par- needed to move our programming forward. We look for- ticipates in community service projects. ward to the expansion of Arc Programs and hope that Arc Recreation and Socialization Track. This track features The members enjoy these new activities. Arc Adult Social ClubClub. Monthly recreational activities, peri- Remember, the Arc isn’t just an organization it’s a move- odic field trips, dances, and community service projects are ment! Together we can improve the quality of life for citi- just some of the many ways Arc members can socialize zens of Southeast Texas who have intellectual and/or de- with peers and experience fun recreational events in a velopmental disabilities! Not a member? JOIN TODAY! safe supervised environment. Self Advocate Spotlight A showcase of the outstanding men and women whose leadership, community service, and positive attitudes exemplify Self Advocates in Southeast Texas Allison Pratt graduated from Hamshire-Fannett Zachary (Zack) Lummus is a junior at Nederland High School in 2001. She currently attends the St. High School. He is actively involved in Special Giles workshop where she likes to shred documents. Olympics where he bowls, swims, and plays bas- While not shredding at St. Giles, Allison enjoys craft- ketball. When not at school or doing sports Zack ing with her friend Summer, watching movies, bowl- enjoys camping, playing the guitar, watching mov- ing, playing Wii games, and listening to country music. Allison ies “especially G-Force,” and watching his favorite team, The was a model in the 2009 Celebrity Style Show, a 2009 Holiday Longhorns, play football. Zack is a member of The Arc Adult So- card artist, and is a member of The Arc Adult Social Club. Her cial Club, was a model in 2009’s Stars of the Arc Celebrity Style favorite Arc activity is learning how to use Facebook. “Facebook Show, a 2009 Holiday Card Artist, and an Arc Summer Camp is really cool and I like to read my wall. I’m glad I’m learning Face- participant. Zack’s favorite part about being in The Arc... “all the book from my friends Brandi, Faye, and Miss Kay.” fun activities...I like doing them with all my great friends.” Medically Dependent Children’s Program (MDCP) FYI on State and Local Funding and MDCP serves children and youth under 21 who have significant medical Service Resources disabilities. For information on how to get on the interest list call (877)438-5658. Information provided by The Arc of Texas and Rosemary Alexander PhD, of the Austin ISD Family and School Support Team. Information was taken from her article Home and Community-based Services (HCS) “Resources Every Parent Should Know About!” HCS serves children and adults who have developmental disabilities and One of the most important, but sometimes one of the most difficult steps, certain related conditions. For information and to get on the interest list a parent with a child with a developmental disability must take is under- call your local Mental Retardation Authority (MRA). To find your local standing what funding and resources are available for their child. Below MRA call (512)794-9268. For information on HCS in Southeast Texas call is some valuable information on different types of funding and resources Spindletop MHMR at (409)784-5481. provided by the state of Texas. Community Based Alternatives (CBA) First Considerations CBA serves individuals over the age of 21 with physical disabilities. Indi- viduals must meet medical necessity for nursing home care. For informa- The first thing one must consider while looking at State and local funding tion and to get on the interest list call (512)438-4882. is the eligibility requirements. Most state and local funding and services resources are based on disability and income. In particular: family’s in- Deaf-Blind Multiple Disabilities Program (DB/MD) come and assets before the person with a disability is 18; person’s income DB/MD serves individuals ages 18 and older who are deaf and blind and and assets after age 18; and disability based on school evaluations and have additional disabilities. Individuals must meet functional eligibility agency intake process. It is important to note that after a child turns 18 he requirements for group homes. For information and to get on the interest or she is usually eligible for services associated with poverty, such as food list call (877)438-5658. stamps, and section 8 housing. For help linking to low income services Texas Home Living (TxHmL) call 211. TxHmL serves children and adults with developmental disabilities. Indi- When working with agencies to gain funding and resources it is impor- viduals offered this program must be on the HCS interest list. tant to note that most agencies have an appeal process. If you get turned Still have questions? down the first time, go back and try again Remember to write down eve- For more information and a comparison of Medicaid Waiver Programs visit rything at every encounter including the name of the person you are www.dads.state.tx.us/providers/waiver_comparisions/ talking to, the date, the phone number, and what you have been told. This will give you the means to appeal. Another form of Funding... SSI (Supplemental Security Income)/Medicaid The Arc of Texas Master Pooled Trust Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is designed to help aged, blind, and Information provided by The Arc of Texas disabled people who have little or no income. The program provides cash to meet basic needs including food, clothing, and shelter. SSI provides a The Arc of Texas Master Pooled Trust serves any Texas resident who meets monthly check plus Medicaid (health services, medications) through the the definition of a person with a disability under the Social Security Act. It Social Security Administration. The eligibility is based on disability and provides for the needs of people with disabilities while allowing them to family income, if the child is under 18, or an individual’s income after age remain eligible for government benefits. It offers an affordable alterative 18. To be considered for SSI the family or individual must have less than to traditional bank trusts. It has no minimum or maximum funding re- $2,000 in assets. SSI may allow a person to save money over the $2,000 quirements, low enrollment costs, low annual consultation fees for funded limit if the money would allow a person to reach work goals. For more accounts and no annual fees for non-funded accounts. It is managed by information on SSI call 1-800-722-1213 or visit ssa.gov/disability/ The Arc of Texas and can be funded with the person’s own money or with money from a friend or family member. All trusts are managed by JP Mor- Medicaid Waiver Programs gan Chase Bank. There are four types of trust accounts available through The purpose of these programs is to keep persons with disabilities in Texas this Master Pooled Trust: living in the community instead of in a nursing home or other institutional Trust I & II Supplemental Trusts: These trusts are ideal for people with setting. They are the best long-term support for people with disabilities in disabilities who expect to receive government benefits throughout their Texas. Medicaid Waiver programs have an eight to ten year interest list. lives. The Arc will ensure that the person remains eligible for those bene- Eligibility is based on child’s income, not the parents. Services include but fits by approving disbursements only for the beneficiary’s “supplemental” are not limited to nursing care, attendant care, respite, therapies, adaptive need. “Supplemental” needs include most items other than food, housing, aids, medical equipment, home modifications, service coordination, pre- and clothing. vocational services, community living supports, supported employment, and assistive technology. All services may be used in a variety of commu- Trust III & IV Discretionary Trusts: These trusts are designed for individuals nity settings. In order to be placed and kept on the interest list families with disabilities who may sometimes need government assistance and at MUST keep their contact information current, and respond to any letters other times may not.