On Friday November 13^{th ,} following the USU women’s basketball victory over the U of U, a fantastic group of almost 40 people gathered at the USU Spectrum to pick up trash, sweep, and mop for a good cause.  In just under one hour, $250 was raised to support additional social activities for the participants of the Post Secondary Education, Employment and Research (PEER) project housed at the CPD.

Participating in the cleanup effort were several students from the USU Armenian Students’ Association, Huntsman Scholars from the Jon M. Huntsman Business School and the Society for International Business and Economic Development, students from the CPD’s Interdisciplinary Disability Awareness and Service Learning (IDASL) class, Project PEER participants and family members, personnel from both Logan and Cache school districts, and numerous CPD staff and their family members.

To all those who helped, we extend a heartfelt THANK YOU! We hope to organize similar events for other CPD related projects in the future so stay tuned for the next opportunity to support a good cause.

The latest issue of the Champions for Inclusive Communities Newsletter highlights the results of the 2005/2006 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN). The National Survey provides information about CSHCN in all 50 States and the District of Columbia, focusing on the six core outcomes identified by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) and its partners that promote a community-based system of services mandated for all children with special health care needs.
These outcomes provide a concrete way to measure the progress in making family-centered care a reality.  The six outcomes are:
1.    Families of CSHCN are partners in decision-making and satisfied with services.
2.    CSHCN have a medical home.
3.    CSHCN have adequate public or private insurance.
4.    CSHCN are screened early and continuously for special health care needs.
5.    Community-based service systems are organized for ease of use.
6.    CSHCN youth receive services needed for transition to adulthood.

ChampionsInC staff is especially concerned about Outcome 5, Organizing services for families of children and youth with special health care needs so they are easily accessible.  Based on the 2005/2006 National Survey of CSHCN, Outcome 5 was successfully achieved for 89.1% of families.  But, what does that really mean?

ChampionsInC has recently published a fact sheet that helps readers to gain a better understanding of the issues families face when seeking needed services.  This fact sheet draws data from the National Survey and is easily adapted to specific state results.  It helps readers understand the important factors that pertain to 1) the ability of families to access all needed services, 2) reasons why services were not received, 3) how well services are coordinated and who coordinates them, and 4) the impact on the family as they strive to get their needs met.

To view and/or download the entire fact sheet entitled Drilling Down to Understand Outcome 5: Services Organized so Families Can Use Them Easily, go to the ChampionsInC website.

Dr. Innocenti

Dr. Mark Innocenti was elected to the Council for Exceptional Children Board of Directors as a Member-at-Large this fall.

Dr. Innocenti is the Associate Director of the Early Intervention Research Institute at the Center for Persons with Disabilities at Utah State University. He is a researcher with over 25 years of experience working with children who are at risk and their families.

He is a past president of the CEC’s Division for Early Childhood Board, and he served on the DEC Board for eight years.

“I think having an early childhood perspective on the CEC Board is important,” he said. “I think we need strong organizations to lead the field and CEC is a strong organization.” His appointment is voluntary, and as he serves he plans to continue emphasizing evidence-based practices in early intervention and special education.

His term begins January 1.

As a board member he will be involved in policy making and administration of the CEC. The council is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of individuals with disabilities, gifts and talents.

The CEC works to enhance professional development among its members, who include teachers, administrators, students, parents, paraprofessionals and support service providers. It also publishes cutting-edge information and research.

President Obama has proclaimed November as National Family Caregivers month.

In his proclamation on October 30, 2009, he stated  “The true strength of the American family finds its roots in an unwavering commitment to care for one another. In difficult times, Americans come together to ensure our loved ones are comfortable and safe. Whether caring for a parent, relative, or child, our Nation’s caregivers selflessly devote their time and energy to the well-being of those they look after. During National Family Caregivers Month, we honor the individuals providing essential services to family members who could not otherwise look after themselves.”

Rosalyn Carter said it best: “There are only four kinds of people in the world – those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers.”

Who are caregivers?  Caregivers are family, friends, partners, and neighbors.  Approximately 60% of family caregivers are women.  17% of family caregivers are providing 40 hours of care a week or more. Caregivers provide a vast array of emotional, financial, nursing, social, homemaking and other services on a daily basis.  The value of the “free” services provided by caregivers is conservatively estimated to be $306 billion annually.

During any given year, over 50 million Americans are caring for a chronically ill, disabled, or aged family member or friend according to the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA).  Caregivers are needed for family members of all ages. With appropriate information and support, family caregivers can help their loved ones across the lifespan.

The National Family Caregivers Association offers “Top 10 Ways to Celebrate National Family Caregivers Month 2009” on its website.

During National Family Caregivers month, take an opportunity to thank, support, and celebrate the family caregivers you know.