Posted on Wed, Aug 25, 2010
If you have never heard of or attended the Provider Fair (previously also known as the Provider Expo), you are missing out on many great resources. The Developmental Disability (DD) Provider Fair brings together community partners and AZ Division of Developmental Disabilities qualified providers in:
This year's DD Provider Fair will be held at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix, AZ on Saturday, November 13, 2010 from 10am to 2pm. Metro Care Services will be there to assist families in receiving information about Habilitation, Respite, Attendant Care, Housekeeping, and Behavioral Health Services. Not only will there be great resources, there will be a trackless train, bouncy houses, and more fun and food available to those in attendance! This event is completely free so bring out the family! V
isit the official 4th Annual Provider Fair website at www.azproviderfair.com
Posted on Wed, Aug 18, 2010
Recently a mother, Tracy Neil, posted a great video that shows some of the applications available on the Apple iPad that can be beneficial to individuals diagnosed with Autism and Asperger's Syndrome. Tracy has a son that was diagnosed with Autism and is high functioning. We happened to come across her YouTube video and it shows various applications that are beneficial to those diagnosed with Autism and Asperger's. She also runs a product review website called Book Room Reviews and on her website, she has an extended list of applications that assist in the follow areas:
- Adults Diagnosed with Autism and Asperger's
- Behavioral Applications
- Social Skills
- Communication
- Music and Art
- Interactive Books
Here's the video Tracy put together to highlight some of the best apps she and her son found:
Click here to read Tracy's full list of applications
If you read through to the bottom of the list, Tracy currently has a contest on her page to win a Toy Story app, a book and CD, and a $20.00 iTunes gift card by leaving a comment on the page of which app you would like to try!
The iPad is a great resource and a cheaper option than some of the other devices available to assist those with developmental disabilities that can cost thousands of dollars, while the Apple iPad only costs around $400. Do you know of any other applications for the Apple iPad or iPhone that are beneficial to individuals with developmental disabilities? Tell us if you do!
Posted on Mon, Aug 09, 2010
Arizona State University has a very unique research program that is trying to find the cause of, prevention of, and how to better assist people diagnosed with Autism. The research program is headed by Professor James B. Adams who has a daughter that was diagnosed with Autism in 1994. Professor Adams has been deeply involved with the Autism community, including being the Founder and President of the Autism Assistance Fund of Arizona and the President of the Greater Phoenix Chapter of Autism Society of America since 2000.
When research studies are being performed, they usually seek individuals to assist with the studies. Currently there is an Autism Gut Bacteria study being promoted for and there are a few spots left for a few male controls, ages 3-17, diagnosed with Autism, needed to assist with the study. If you are interested in finding out more information about this and future studies, or just general information about the ASU Autism and Asperger's Research Program, you can visit http://autism.asu.edu
Posted on Wed, Jul 28, 2010
This past weekend Ronni Mattern and Jennifer Rice from the Metro Care Services Prescott office location hosted the monthly SNAP (Special Needs Activity Program) dance put on by the City of Prescott. Each month the City of Prescott holds a dance for children and adults with disabilities who come from the Prescott and surrounding areas. There is a different theme each month and really gives the children and adults something fun to look forward to every month to see their friends and let loose on the dance floor! Metro Care Services declared a "Western" theme and here's a photo of the amazing turnout:
There were around 150 participants who enjoyed some line dancing, homemade BBQ sandwiches and potato salad, and free pictures at the Grace Sparkes Activity Center in Prescott! Metro Care Services' very own Robert Martinez and Chelsa even came to help out and get into the Western attitude:
The SNAP Dance was a success and Metro Care Services looks forward to hosting future SNAP Dances.
Make sure to "like" Metro Care Services on Facebook to get updated information on upcoming events!
Posted on Tue, Jul 20, 2010
This is an amazing story we recently came across that you might of heard last year. Carly Fleischmann was diagnosed with Autism early on in her life, and as early as 3 years old was having receiving early intervention one on one therapies 40-60 hours a week. She was unable to speak but about 4 years ago when she was 11 years old, she began to spell out words on the computer. Her first words typed were "help" and "hurt" and later that day ended up becoming sick. After a few months she began typing more and more, communicating with others beyond her parents.
Carly writes about her experiences with Autism and how it feels, giving a detailed experience of what she feels is happening when she has outbursts, etc. Carly now has conversations through her computer and has a blog online and even uses Twitter and Facebook to respond to questions. Carly describes herself as a normal teenager stuck in an Autistic diagnosed body.
Her details are descriptive and amazing, giving a greater insight to what triggers sensory issues, outbursts, etc. related to Autism and developmental disabilities. Her story is amazing and we encourage you to take time to see some of the coverage she has received on 20/20, ABC News, and other media sources.
Posted on Wed, Jul 07, 2010
People might not be familiar with terms Habilitation, Respite, and Attendant Care but many have done one or more of these services in some capacity without even realizing it. These are some of the most important daily tasks that can help develop and increase independence for everyone, especially children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Habilitation
Habilitation enhances skills in the areas of self-care, home-living, community use, communication, social, health, safety, leisure, self-direction, and functional academics. The caregiver should follow choices made by families in determining what outcomes and goals are set. Arizona DES/DDD places these goals in the Individual Support Plan (ISP) and the family expressed expectations to develop habilitation objectives and outcomes directed at realizing personal goals.
Looking for a Habilitation provider?
Respite
Respite services are designed to provide relief for the primary caregiver. Respite provides short-term care and supervision in accordance with person's Individual Support Plan. This service is provided in the community, consumer's home, or the home of the caregiver if it has been properly certified by the state of Arizona as respite-certified.
Looking for a Respite provider?
Attendant Care
The focus of attendant care is to maintain a healthy and safe environment and respond to a consumer's personal care needs. This service is based on specific needs, as identified in the Individual Support Plan and Attendant Care agreement. Attendant care can also include housekeeping duties so the consumer has a safe and clean living area.
Looking for an Attendant Care provider?
Posted on Tue, Jun 22, 2010
I recently came across FAQAutism.com and began listening to the podcasts Cathy Knoll has been posting every day since June of 2007. Each podcast addresses a different issue or situation that relates to Autism and once you get started listening, it's hard to stop! I asked Cathy Knoll to talk about FAQAutism.com in her own words and she was kind enough to do so:
A Practical Resource Addressing Everyday Challenges Related to Autism
Sometimes a big boulder to drops down into the path of individuals with autism. Do we just sit and look at the boulder, try to move the giant rock, shout at it, climb over the top, blow it up with dynamite, or build a new path around it? As a long-time friend of dozens of children, teens, and adults with autism and their families, I've learned that daily life holds some interesting challenges that demand attention. And, because of the complexity of autism, there are no pat answers for dealing with these often puzzling issues that require our exploring different options and solutions for each individual situation. The blogosphere is filled with research and debates about various approaches to education, therapy, medical interventions, and other large issues related to autism, but my brief, daily, to-the-point podcasts and posts on http://faqautism.com/ tackle the little potholes that arise every day and the giant boulders that occasionally crash down into our lives. I cut to the chase, sharing ideas based on my experience since 1974, options proven successful in dealing with every day challenges related to sensory issues, school, self-reliance, interaction with others, behavior in public, toileting, bedtime, eating, communication, explosive behavior, inflexibility, stimming, inattention, and all the other big and little issues that arise daily. My son, Dwight, and I produce FAQautism.com as a free, no-obligation service for individuals of all ages and stages of autism as well as families, teachers, therapists, medical professionals, residential staff, job coaches, and anyone else interested in the well-being of a friend with autism. Don't try to navigate all those potholes or move huge boulders alone. Instead, subscribe to our free, succinct, 4-minute daily podcasts or the short daily e-mails and search just under 800 archived posts on our blog http://faqautism.com/. See you there!
Cathy Knoll
Posted on Wed, Jun 16, 2010
The second annual Arizona Together We Care Caregiving Conference will be held at the US Airways Center in Phoenix on Friday, August 6, 2010. Instead of a conference put on like last year, there will be a Caregiving Resource and Job Fair that is open to the public and will be followed by a Phoenix Mercury game against the San Antonio Silver Stars. There will also be a variety of workshops going throughout the day before the game that will address different issues and aspects with caregiving. The Resource and Job Fair starts at 3pm and some companies will be giving away tickets to the game starting at 7pm. If you have ever considered becoming a caregiver, this is a great chance to learn and possibly start a new career (or continue and move forward!).
Many companies will be available to inform you about what caregiving services they provide and how to apply. Companies with all aspects of caregiving will be present inlcuding developmental disabilities, elder care, etc.
If you are a company that would like to participate:
Click here to see sponsorship levels
Click here for the sponsorship application
The deadline for applications is June 30
Hosted by the Phoenix Mercury in collaboration with the Advisory Board of the ‘Together We Care' Caregiver Training & Development Program at GateWay Community College & YOU!
Posted on Mon, Jun 07, 2010
There's a new article in The Arizona Republic that spotlights the need for more caregivers over the next decade. As millions of Baby Boomers age, there will be an increase in the demand for caregivers both medical and non-medical. The current caregiving workforce is also aging and will eventually leave the field, leaving more openings that need to be filled. There is going to be a large demand, which is expected to be over 1 million new caregivers needed over the next decade according to the Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute (PHI). The need could increase significantly while the caregiving workforce might not be able to keep up with the demand.
Specifically the need for caregivers in the areas of elderly and disabilities will be the largest in demand over the next decade. With a shortage in caregivers this will eventually lead to what PHI is calling a care gap.
Arizona is very vocal on acknowledging the need for caregiving and caregiving resources. There are many resources available to find out more about how to become a caregiver, what the expected outlook for caregiving will be, and support for current caregivers.
Click here to read the full Arizona Republic article referenced above