Thursday, October 18, 2012
Social Security Announces Benefit Increase for 2013
Social Security Announces 1.7% Benefit Increase for 2013
Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for nearly 62 million Americans will increase 1.7 percent in 2013, the Social Security Administration announced today.
The 1.7% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits that more than 56 million Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2013. Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 31, 2012.
Some other changes that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $113,700 from $110,100. Of the estimated 163 million workers who will pay Social Security taxes in 2013, nearly 10 million will pay higher taxes as a result of the increase in the taxable maximum.
Information about Medicare changes for 2013, when announced, will be available at www.Medicare.gov. For some beneficiaries, their Social Security increase may be partially or completely offset by increases in Medicare premiums.
The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. To read more, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/cola.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Transition Workshop in Western MA.!!
Turning 14
An Introduction to the Transition Planning Process; A Workshop for Parents and Professionals
In Massachusetts Transition planning must begin at age 14 and continue throughout the high school years as students prepare to journey into a full and inclusive adult life. Coordinated and continuous transition preparation promotes better post school outcomes for students with disabilities.
This introductory Transition workshop will address:
. Development of self-advocacy and self-determination skills to support the student's vision.
. How Transition Assessments identify students' strengths and interests as well as areas of academic and functional skill development needed to support Transition goals.
. How the Transition Planning Form guides the conversation to develop Transition goals which lead to meaningful opportunities in education, training, employment and independent living.
Hosted by: FCSN
Date: Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Location: Family Empowerment at
The Inclusive Community Center
41 Russell Street
Hadley, MA 01035
Time: 6:30-8:30 pm
Contact Person: Donna Kushi 413-585-8010 x 104 or
kushid@theassn.org to register
Any questions regarding this workshop should be directed to the host/contact individual listed above. A presenter from the Federation for Children with Special Needs will conduct this workshop.
The Federation for Children with Special Needs, Schrafft Center, 529 Main
Street, Suite 1102, Boston, MA 02129
617-236-7210 or 800-331-0688, ext. 0 or
http://fcsn.org/pti/workshops/home.php
The Federation for Children with Special Needs, supported in part by grant #H328M040001 from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs and the Massachusetts Department of Education.
An Introduction to the Transition Planning Process; A Workshop for Parents and Professionals
In Massachusetts Transition planning must begin at age 14 and continue throughout the high school years as students prepare to journey into a full and inclusive adult life. Coordinated and continuous transition preparation promotes better post school outcomes for students with disabilities.
This introductory Transition workshop will address:
. Development of self-advocacy and self-determination skills to support the student's vision.
. How Transition Assessments identify students' strengths and interests as well as areas of academic and functional skill development needed to support Transition goals.
. How the Transition Planning Form guides the conversation to develop Transition goals which lead to meaningful opportunities in education, training, employment and independent living.
Hosted by: FCSN
Date: Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Location: Family Empowerment at
The Inclusive Community Center
41 Russell Street
Hadley, MA 01035
Time: 6:30-8:30 pm
Contact Person: Donna Kushi 413-585-8010 x 104 or
kushid@theassn.org to register
Any questions regarding this workshop should be directed to the host/contact individual listed above. A presenter from the Federation for Children with Special Needs will conduct this workshop.
The Federation for Children with Special Needs, Schrafft Center, 529 Main
Street, Suite 1102, Boston, MA 02129
617-236-7210 or 800-331-0688, ext. 0 or
http://fcsn.org/pti/workshops/home.php
The Federation for Children with Special Needs, supported in part by grant #H328M040001 from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs and the Massachusetts Department of Education.
Friday, January 20, 2012
CAUTION! Procedures Lite
DESE Advises Against "Procedures Lite"
The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) posted an advisory that directs school districts to discontinue the process, called "Procedures Lite," where parents are asked to waive critical rights guaranteed by federal and state special education law.
Procedures Lite has already been adopted by a few school districts around the state. Advocates and parents mobilized against the Proecudures Lite waiver of rights and protections (such as an IEP), and MAC provided key leadership in advocacy efforts at the state level.
Many thanks to Attorney Bob Crabtree for taking the lead and joining with MAC and others to alert the parent community about the dangers of Procedures Lite.
And thanks to DESE for issuing such a clear guidance, ensuring that parents and children maintain legally mandated rights and protections necessary to ensure a level playing field.
(Update provided by Terry McLaughlin of the FCSN)
The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) posted an advisory that directs school districts to discontinue the process, called "Procedures Lite," where parents are asked to waive critical rights guaranteed by federal and state special education law.
Procedures Lite has already been adopted by a few school districts around the state. Advocates and parents mobilized against the Proecudures Lite waiver of rights and protections (such as an IEP), and MAC provided key leadership in advocacy efforts at the state level.
Many thanks to Attorney Bob Crabtree for taking the lead and joining with MAC and others to alert the parent community about the dangers of Procedures Lite.
And thanks to DESE for issuing such a clear guidance, ensuring that parents and children maintain legally mandated rights and protections necessary to ensure a level playing field.
(Update provided by Terry McLaughlin of the FCSN)
Friday, September 30, 2011
IMPORTANT STATE HOUSE HEARING
* Reinstate Attorney's Fees to encourage settlement
* Assign Burden of Proof to school districts to promote fair process
WHAT: State House Special Education Legislative Hearings
WHEN: October 11, 2011, 10 a.m.
WHERE: State House, Room A-2,
The Joint Education Committee will conduct a hearing on OCTOBER 11, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in Room A-2 of the State House where testimony will be heard on important special education bills that have been filed this session to reinstate important protections to level the playing field for students with disabilities.
Parents and Advocates are encouraged to come to show support for the bills and visit your legislators.
If you are unable to attend the Oct 11th hearing, please call or e-mail your own state representative and state senator and ask them to support these important special education bills. (If you are not sure who your representative is visit www.wheredoIvotema.com)
PHONE CALLS, LETTERS, E-MAILS ARE EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE!
Ask your representative and senator to please support the following bills:
1) H. 168 An Act Relative to Equal Educational Opportunities for Students with Disabilities
(Lead Sponsor: Rep. Speliotis)
--- Reinstate Attorney's Fees to Encourage Settlement and Reduce Costs:
This bill addresses the right of parents to recover attorney's fees when their special education case settles as a result of their due process appeal. In 2001, a Justice Rehnquist decision by the US Supreme Court (Buckhannon, 2001) effectively created a two-tier system, barring many low and middle-income families from accessing special education rights and services by stating that attorney's fees could not be awarded if they prevail through settlement. This bill would reinstate parents' rights to recover attorney's fees as previously available prior to 2001. This is critical to encourage prompt resolution and settlement of disputes, reduce litigation costs for families and school districts, reduce the lengthy delays which harm children deprived of essential services for months and sometimes years, and help ensure that children of all income levels receive equal educational opportunities.
-- AND --
2) S. 203 An Act to Provide Fair Process for Students with Disabilities ("Burden of Proof")
(Lead Sponsors: Sen. Eldridge, Rep. Wolf )
--- Assign Burden of Proof to School Districts to Promote Fair Process:
This bill establishes that school districts have the burden of proof in special education cases brought to the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA), reinstating Massachusetts procedural practice that was set aside following a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court (Schaffer, 2005). The Supreme Court's decision effectively required parents to carry the burden of proof in the majority of cases under federal law. As emphasized by the dissent, however, districts have significantly greater access to the information, expertise, and resources required for litigation than parents, and placing the burden of proof on parents creates an unfair onus on families trying to achieve equal educational opportunities for their children. The burden of proof should be assigned to school districts as a matter of fairness to level the playing field, and to help deter costly disputes.
Please visit www.massadvocates.org for further information about these and other important bills that will be heard by the Joint Education Committee on October 11, including H. 1950 An Act to Promote Inclusive Transition Programs for Students with Severe Disabilities, S. 193 An Act to Maintain Short Term Objectives for Students with Disabilities, and H. 1040 An Act to Promote Cost-effective, High Quality In-District Programs for Students with Disabilities.
If you have any questions, please contact Johanne Pino at jpino@massadvocates.org or call her at 617-357-8431 x 234
* Assign Burden of Proof to school districts to promote fair process
WHAT: State House Special Education Legislative Hearings
WHEN: October 11, 2011, 10 a.m.
WHERE: State House, Room A-2,
The Joint Education Committee will conduct a hearing on OCTOBER 11, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in Room A-2 of the State House where testimony will be heard on important special education bills that have been filed this session to reinstate important protections to level the playing field for students with disabilities.
Parents and Advocates are encouraged to come to show support for the bills and visit your legislators.
If you are unable to attend the Oct 11th hearing, please call or e-mail your own state representative and state senator and ask them to support these important special education bills. (If you are not sure who your representative is visit www.wheredoIvotema.com)
PHONE CALLS, LETTERS, E-MAILS ARE EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE!
Ask your representative and senator to please support the following bills:
1) H. 168 An Act Relative to Equal Educational Opportunities for Students with Disabilities
(Lead Sponsor: Rep. Speliotis)
--- Reinstate Attorney's Fees to Encourage Settlement and Reduce Costs:
This bill addresses the right of parents to recover attorney's fees when their special education case settles as a result of their due process appeal. In 2001, a Justice Rehnquist decision by the US Supreme Court (Buckhannon, 2001) effectively created a two-tier system, barring many low and middle-income families from accessing special education rights and services by stating that attorney's fees could not be awarded if they prevail through settlement. This bill would reinstate parents' rights to recover attorney's fees as previously available prior to 2001. This is critical to encourage prompt resolution and settlement of disputes, reduce litigation costs for families and school districts, reduce the lengthy delays which harm children deprived of essential services for months and sometimes years, and help ensure that children of all income levels receive equal educational opportunities.
-- AND --
2) S. 203 An Act to Provide Fair Process for Students with Disabilities ("Burden of Proof")
(Lead Sponsors: Sen. Eldridge, Rep. Wolf )
--- Assign Burden of Proof to School Districts to Promote Fair Process:
This bill establishes that school districts have the burden of proof in special education cases brought to the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA), reinstating Massachusetts procedural practice that was set aside following a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court (Schaffer, 2005). The Supreme Court's decision effectively required parents to carry the burden of proof in the majority of cases under federal law. As emphasized by the dissent, however, districts have significantly greater access to the information, expertise, and resources required for litigation than parents, and placing the burden of proof on parents creates an unfair onus on families trying to achieve equal educational opportunities for their children. The burden of proof should be assigned to school districts as a matter of fairness to level the playing field, and to help deter costly disputes.
Please visit www.massadvocates.org for further information about these and other important bills that will be heard by the Joint Education Committee on October 11, including H. 1950 An Act to Promote Inclusive Transition Programs for Students with Severe Disabilities, S. 193 An Act to Maintain Short Term Objectives for Students with Disabilities, and H. 1040 An Act to Promote Cost-effective, High Quality In-District Programs for Students with Disabilities.
If you have any questions, please contact Johanne Pino at jpino@massadvocates.org or call her at 617-357-8431 x 234
Friday, September 23, 2011
TRANSITION WORKSHOP
The following information is from Terri McLaughlin of the Federation for Children with Special Needs.
"Planning a Life, Making the Most Out of High School"
High school is a time when all students need to be actively involved in planning for their future. At this critical juncture, students and families must be informed, proactive, involved and hopeful. The process can be overwhelming for families because resources and information about Transition planning, Transition assessments and Transition services are often difficult to find.
We are pleased to announce the FIRST Planning a Life conference for the 2011 - 2012 school year!
NOVEMBER 4TH & 5TH (FRIDAY & SATURDAY)
SEVEN HILLS FOUNDATION
81 HOPE AVENUE
WORCESTER, MA
"Planning a Life: Making the Most out of High School" is a two day conference packed with Transition planning information and resources for and about students in special education ages 14-22. Transition planning, needs to be on schedule to ensure a systematic, purposeful, and individualized educational experience.
Plan now to attend to find out about "what you need to know, when you need to ask, and who you need to go to for answers." Our goal is to establish a statewide network of proactive knowledgeable parents working in partnership with their local school districts to develop individualized Transition goals in the IEP.
This conference is open to everyone. Registration is free for families in Boston, Worcester and Springfield, through Transition Works! a grant in partnership with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.
Additionally you can apply for scholarships through the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) Call 617-770-7676 or go to Council Empowerment Funds Program but, you MUST register first!
Go to http://fcsn.org/pti/workshops/transition.php and download the conference brochure.
Send your registration with payment today to the Federation’s Boston office, attention: Wanda.
If you need additional information, contact Terri McLaughlin 617-236-7210 x336 or tmclaugh@fcsn.org
Avoid the waitlist and register TODAY!
"Planning a Life, Making the Most Out of High School"
High school is a time when all students need to be actively involved in planning for their future. At this critical juncture, students and families must be informed, proactive, involved and hopeful. The process can be overwhelming for families because resources and information about Transition planning, Transition assessments and Transition services are often difficult to find.
We are pleased to announce the FIRST Planning a Life conference for the 2011 - 2012 school year!
NOVEMBER 4TH & 5TH (FRIDAY & SATURDAY)
SEVEN HILLS FOUNDATION
81 HOPE AVENUE
WORCESTER, MA
"Planning a Life: Making the Most out of High School" is a two day conference packed with Transition planning information and resources for and about students in special education ages 14-22. Transition planning, needs to be on schedule to ensure a systematic, purposeful, and individualized educational experience.
Plan now to attend to find out about "what you need to know, when you need to ask, and who you need to go to for answers." Our goal is to establish a statewide network of proactive knowledgeable parents working in partnership with their local school districts to develop individualized Transition goals in the IEP.
This conference is open to everyone. Registration is free for families in Boston, Worcester and Springfield, through Transition Works! a grant in partnership with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission.
Additionally you can apply for scholarships through the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council (MDDC) Call 617-770-7676 or go to Council Empowerment Funds Program but, you MUST register first!
Go to http://fcsn.org/pti/workshops/transition.php and download the conference brochure.
Send your registration with payment today to the Federation’s Boston office, attention: Wanda.
If you need additional information, contact Terri McLaughlin 617-236-7210 x336 or tmclaugh@fcsn.org
Avoid the waitlist and register TODAY!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Talia's Story -- Life with Dravet Syndrome
Please check out this short video about one of my clients living with Dravet Syndrome, which is a life threatening seizure disorder. I will be participating in a "walk" to raise money for research on Oct 2, 2011 in Simsbury, CT.
Go to:
teamtalia.org
learn more about Dravet Syndrome & the Oct 2nd walk.
To contribute go to:
https://sna.etapestry.com/fundraiser/DravetSyndromeFoundation/nationalwalk/loginExec.do
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Transition Planning - Workshop
SAVE THE DATE for the Federation’s Transition Conference “Planning A Life”. Planning A Life is two full days of Transition information, resources and strategy.
For those of you with children approaching 14 years of age or between 14 and 22 years old, transition planning is key for future success. The Federation For Children With Special Needs offers a two day conference on this topic. I can attest to it's usefulness as I attended in April 2010 in Springfield.
This conference is held 3 times each school year, on the first Friday and Saturday in November, February and April, the first will be held November 4 & 5, 2011 from 8:30 – 4:30 in Worcester at the Seven Hills Foundation.
The brochure with registration is available online at http://www.fcsn.org/pti/workshops/transition.php
Space is limited to 65 so please sign up early. Register today.
For more information, contact:
Terri McLaughlin
Information Specialist
Transition Projects
Parent Training and Information (PTI)
Federation for Children with Special Needs
1135 Tremont Street, Suite 420
Boston, MA 02120
617-236-7210, ext. 336
tmclaugh@fcsn.org
Web: http://fcsn.org
Youtube: http://youtube.com/fcsnvideos
Twitter: http://twitter.com/fcsn
Donate: https://fcsn.org/giving_events/donate.php
For those of you with children approaching 14 years of age or between 14 and 22 years old, transition planning is key for future success. The Federation For Children With Special Needs offers a two day conference on this topic. I can attest to it's usefulness as I attended in April 2010 in Springfield.
This conference is held 3 times each school year, on the first Friday and Saturday in November, February and April, the first will be held November 4 & 5, 2011 from 8:30 – 4:30 in Worcester at the Seven Hills Foundation.
The brochure with registration is available online at http://www.fcsn.org/pti/workshops/transition.php
Space is limited to 65 so please sign up early. Register today.
For more information, contact:
Terri McLaughlin
Information Specialist
Transition Projects
Parent Training and Information (PTI)
Federation for Children with Special Needs
1135 Tremont Street, Suite 420
Boston, MA 02120
617-236-7210, ext. 336
tmclaugh@fcsn.org
Web: http://fcsn.org
Youtube: http://youtube.com/fcsnvideos
Twitter: http://twitter.com/fcsn
Donate: https://fcsn.org/giving_events/donate.php
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