IN THIS ISSUE:
Public hearings in November
ECI wants input on cost-sharing options.
The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) Early Childhood Intervention Program (ECI) is not immune to the effects of the “growing need—shrinking funds” syndrome. As a result, ECI is considering changes to its cost-share policies, with the hope of providing as many services to as many families as conditions allow.
“Family cost share” is a fee paid by families for certain DARS/ECI services when private or public insurance does not pay. The fee is based on a sliding scale and is determined by family income and other factors.
In November, ECI is holding hearings throughout the state to get recommendations on cost-share proposals. Visit the DARS website 
for the schedule, more information about the issues, and where to submit written comments.
Get next year’s calendar
TEA gearing up for 2010 Special ED input.
As you may know, the Texas Education Agency relies on an annual “continuous improvement process ” to decide how well its special education programs are working and how to make them better. There are several important pieces to the process, not the least of which is getting feedback from the public.
To hear from the public, TEA holds a number of public meetings around the state every year. They agency recently released the schedule for 2010 . The schedule includes contact information for each meeting.
Before you go: Get familiar with the State Performance Plan (SPP)/Annual Performance Report (APR) which is a sort of blueprint for the state’s special ed performance.
HEALTH CARE CAN’T WAIT
(So make it a date!)
Rally for Meaningful Health Care Reform
Saturday, November 14
1:00 - 3:00 PM
Texas Capitol South Steps
For details about the rally,
including sponsors, visit the
Texas Voice for Health Reform website .
If you get Medicare
Open enrollment starts November 15!
If you’re on Medicare, now’s the time to review and adjust your coverage! If you haven’t already received it, you’ll soon get a package of information from Medicare. Look it over carefully to find out what decisions you need to make about doctors, prescription drug services, health care services and more.
There’s a lot of good information on the Medicare website . If you have questions, call the phone number on your paperwork or 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227 or talk with your employer or doctor.
DPC Member News:
Brain Injury Association of Texas
When/Where: November 14—Longwood Gold Club, Houston
BIATX is proud to announce its Inaugural Golf Tournament. Funds raised will help support work with brain injury survivors, family members, advocates and brain injury professionals in Texas. For more information or to register, visit the Brain Injury Association of Texas website .
Texas Advocates
Get the Power! Self-Advocacy is the Key to Independence will be coming to a region near you beginning November 2009. Come to one of the "train the trainer" workshops and learn how this video can help you spread the word about self-advocacy and self-determination. Remember, the power starts with you! For more information, please contact Tanya Winters at 1-800-252-9729, ext. 120 or twinters@thearcoftexas.org.
United Cerebral Palsy of Texas
United Cerebral Palsy of Texas (UCP Texas) has launched Double-Click, a new program to help Texans with disabilities buy newly-restored computers. People with disabilities can buy reasonably-priced, restored computers to help with word processing, personal finances, e-mail and other online communication, and more. The program also offers loans to people who can’t afford a restored computer without financial help.
NEWS YOU CAN USE!
Some DPC members and other advocates are buzzing about Texas Tribune —a new online media site that launched recently. It’s a nonpartisan, nonprofit website devoted to reader-friendly, in-depth coverage of current events and social issues.
We’ve added a couple of links to recent stories that may be of interest to our readers. Check them out and see what you think:
The Texas Technology Access Program and AmeriCorps have joined UCP Texas as partners in this great new program. For more information, call UCP Texas at 512-472-8696 or send e-mail to info@ucptexas.org.
Advocacy, Inc.
The folks at Advocacy, Inc. want to make sure their services match the things that matter most to people with disabilities in their everyday lives. To do that, they survey people with disabilities, their families and friends, disability advocates and others to tell about things that are most important to them. To take the survey, go to Advocacy, Inc.’s website . For help filling out the survey, call 1-888-665-6602 (free). The deadline to turn in the survey is March 31, 2010.
About the Disability Policy Consortium
The DPC is made up of a diverse assortment of disability advocacy groups that have joined forces to advance the rights, inclusion and independence of Texans with disabilities. Each member organization contributes its unique perspective and resources to the collective effort to promote effective public policy for a variety of issues important to people with disabilities and their families.
Let your friends know about the Texas Action Center:
Tell-a-friend!
