|
|
(802) 876-5315
1-800-800-4005
|
|
Strong Families. Strong Futures. |
|
Greetings, VFN family and friends!
We are pleased to share our July/August newsletter from our new space here at 600 Blair Park, where we are settled in after our big move. Our address remains the same and we are open. Due to the rise of the Delta variant of COVID-19, we are now masking in the office and requiring visitors to do the same. As schools approach reopening, we have been advocating alongside pediatric health partners around masking for all in schools, so that students and staff may return to schools as safely as possible. We remain quite concerned about the vulnerability of the unvaccinated, especially those with disabilities or special health needs, as well as the emergence of breakthrough cases and the potential for new variants. We continue to work with the Developmental Disabilities Council, the Vermont American Academy of Pediatrics, the UVM Center for Disability and Community Inclusion, the UVM Children’s Hospital, and other partners to promote COVID-19 vaccination for eligible individuals with disabilities, and look forward to children under twelve being able to access the vaccine in the not too distant future. Feel free to contact us about this collaborative effort to help families make informed decisions.
On other advocacy fronts, we recently submitted responses to Secretary Smith at the Agency of Human Services on their plans for spending American Rescue Plan Act resources and to Secretary French at the Agency of Education on the spending plans for $162M to support Home and Community Based Services. We will keep you in the loop as to Vermont’s next steps in the utilization of these once in a generation funding opportunities. We would love to hear your thoughts as we move forward, guided by family voices, in these ever-changing times.
From the heart,
Pam McCarthy, M.Ed.
CEO/President
|
|
Genetics can be confusing and overwhelming. VFN has teamed up with professionals across VT and New England to bring you this short series of four videos that delivers important information that families may want to know about the world of genetics. If you are curious about genetics, have a child with a genetic condition or are expecting a child that has been prenatally diagnosed with a genetic condition, then this series is for you. Check out this amazing lineup of recorded workshops:
-
The Mystery in Our Genes: Why We Are Who We Are with Ed Kloza, Genetics Consultant, New England Regional Network. This workshop is created to help people understand the role that genetics plays in the development of a human being and the maintenance of health.
-
VT Resources When Navigating the Confusing World of Genetics with Dr. Leah Burke, Clinical Geneticist and Professor Emerita at the UVM Larner College of Medicine. This workshop gives an overview of insurance considerations and the resources that can be found in Vermont when families have questions related to genetics.
-
Newborn Screening and the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program: What Families Need to Know with Linda A. Hazard, Program Director for the VT Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program and Sydney Williamson-White, Nurse Program Coordinator for the VT Newborn Screening Program. In this workshop, families will gain a better understanding of what is screened for at birth, the newborn screening results and if there is a need for follow up.
-
Back To School Tips for Children with Special Health Needs/Disabilities with Karen Price VFN Co-Director of Family Support – Education and Kaitlyn Kodzis, State School Nurse Consultant with the Vermont Division of Maternal Child Health. This workshop will focus on what parents/caregivers can do to help their child start off their school year smoothly.
|
|
Funding Opportunity -
the new Family Support Fund!
|
|
Vermont Family Network received a grant from Vermont Department of Health’s Children with Special Health Needs program to assist families with Respite and/or Medically Necessary costs related to their child’s diagnosis. Respite is a planned break for parents or caregivers, which allows parents or caregivers time to spend with other children, schedule necessary appointments, or rest and recharge. Medically Necessary Funds are for items or services that are not otherwise covered by insurance, including equipment, therapies, provider/hospital bills, medications, and more. Income-eligible families may initially request up to $600 for Respite or up to $1200 for unmet medical expenses. Families that are already receiving Family Managed Respite, Agency Directed Respite or Flexible Family Funding are not eligible. Check out the Family Support Fund flyer for more information or to see if your family is eligible or if you have questions, email Joanne.wechsler@vtfn.org.
|
|
Three New Fact Sheets Available |
|
We are excited to share three new fact sheets. Check out this Fact Sheet on Sibling Support. We know through our work with Sibshops that sibs experience unique joys and challenges, and we answer questions from parents about supporting sibs in their journey.
If you have heard the term ACEs and are curious about what this is, check out this Fact Sheet on Adverse Childhood Experiences and Toxic Stress. We list a lot of great resources and give a general overview of what ACE’s are and how to support children and youth who have experienced adversity.
Families often ask us about Early Intervention services and what they can expect for their family and child. If you or someone you know has questions about Early Intervention please share this Fact Sheet on the Children’s Integrated Services Early Intervention program. We answer some of the most frequently asked questions we have received on our helpline.
|
|
Vermont Youth Advocacy Council Application |
|
Would you like to BE A LEADER AND A CHANGE MAKER? We are seeking young people, ages 14 to 24 years old (both in and out of school), who have a disability or special health need. Vermont Youth Advocacy Council (YAC) members participate in leadership training and opportunities that impact how Vermont prepares students with disabilities for life after high school. Members connect with other students in Vermont, advocate for youth resources, and lead while providing community service. The Council is supported by a steering committee coordinated by Vermont Vocational Rehabilitation. Council members plan and run an annual Youth Summit – an event driven by youth for youth! Youth Advocacy Council members are compensated for their time. Apply here today!
Self-advocacy, the ability to speak up and advocate for your own needs, is a key ingredient to the success of students with disabilities transitioning to adulthood. Given a chance and time to practice, students can learn to become good self-advocates and to help themselves throughout their lives. Encourage your teen or young adult to apply to the YAC!
|
|
Flutie Funding Still Available! |
|
Vermont Family Network still has Flutie Funds available! This generous grant was awarded to VFN from the Doug Flutie Jr., Foundation for Autism. These funds provide direct financial support to families with children (from birth to age 22) who have an autism diagnosis. Families may request up to $200 for needed equipment, respite, camp, therapies, emergency childcare, or to attend a conference related to their child's diagnosis. We encourage families from Essex, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans and Windsor counties to apply. One grant per household. Visit our website to fill out an application. Contact Laurel.sanborn@vtfn.org or call us with questions.
|
|
NEW Virtual Support Training -
Down Syndrome Cohort
|
|
Are you a parent to a child or adult who has a diagnosis of Down syndrome? Would you like to support other parents, including new and expectant parents? Please consider joining our Down syndrome Support Parent Training Cohort!
This two-part training will take place on Saturday October 2nd and Saturday October 16th, both from 9:00 - noon. In Part 1 of the training, Parent-to-Parent VT Coordinator, Molly Lawney, will describe the Parent Match program and processes, active listening and communication skills, and what is expected of the Support Parent Role. In Part 2 of the training, VFN Family Faculty Coordinator and parent to a child with Down syndrome, Jenny Norris, will provide information specific to Down syndrome and focus on how to support new and expectant parents.
|
|
NEW Sibshop Schedule for 2021-21 |
|
Calling all sibs! We are excited to be able to return to in-person Sibshop activities starting this fall. Sibshops are for children 6+ who have a brother or sister with a disability or special health need. They provide an opportunity to connect, share a snack, and discuss the ups and downs of being a “sib,” all while doing a fun activity at VFN or in the community. From Get Air to MetroRock, we’ll be doing lots of cool outings and activities this year - check out our Activities Description List to see what, where, and when each Sibshop will be. If you’d like to get to know your Sibshop facilitators, check out our Facilitator Bios page.
If your child wants to join us this year, please fill out our Sibshop Registration Form. If you are not ready to commit but want to keep a pulse on our activities and updates for the year, you can email molly.lawney@vtfn.org to be added to our Sibshop email distribution list. Please also mark your calendar for a virtual Parent Information Session on Monday, September 13 at 5:30 pm (Zoom link will be emailed to you upon Sibshop registration.) We will share what to expect, answer any questions, and discuss COVID-19 precautions. Note that masks will be required for indoor activities this year and we will adjust activities as needed if anything changes with Vermont guidelines/mandates related to COVID. We look forward to seeing your kiddos soon!
|
|
Summer is a time of reflection and planning for VFN’s Puppets in Education (PiE) Team. Mental Health was the focus in 2020-2021, and it will be again this fall. We are working hard on details for scheduling, yet being flexible and responsive to the ever-changing COVID landscape. Stay tuned to the website for regular updates on programming and scheduling.
Total Children’s Mental Health Programs & Workshops 2020-2021
- 73 puppet shows
- 17 workshops
- 22 sites (see map below)
- 4,328 kids
- 514 adults
- 4,842 total people
|
|
Back to School State Guidance |
|
Here is a list of state resources regarding the reopening of Vermont schools in the fall:
If you have any questions about your child’s IEP, please call us here at 802-876-5315 to speak to one of our VFN Family Support Consultants.
|
|
Family impact and advocacy! |
|
Working alongside families, we’ve been busy this summer engaging state leaders on important issues to educate decision makers on family needs. Summer actions include the following:
-
Spending $162M in HCBS funds. Dozens of VFN families have worked this summer to educate the Agency of Human Services leaders about how to best spend the one-time funding of $162M, dedicated to Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) as a part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Working in partnership with Developmental Disabilities Council and the Coalition of Disability Rights, President and CEO, Pam McCarthy, is continuing discussions with AHS to emphasize the need for a family-centered spending plan that yields results.
-
Addressing long waits in the emergency departments. For years children and young adults have endured long waits in our emergency departments across the state and the pandemic has put a spotlight on the need for immediate changes in how we support children and young adults with mental health needs. VFN has joined NAMI, Vermont Families for Children’s Mental Health, ACLU of Vermont, and Mental Health First for Burlington to urge the Department of Mental health to take immediate action.
-
Protecting all of Vermont’s school children. VFN has worked throughout the summer to educate the Agency of Education about the need to ensure that all of Vermont’s students are protected from COVID 19. We called for statewide guidance that mandated masking when children are indoors at schools and in childcare. We are pleased that the Vermont Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics has also called for mandatory, universal masking. We will continue to monitor and support families in elevating their concerns for the health and safety of their children.
-
Educating Senator Sanders about the needs of Vermont families. VFN acted fast when we learned that Senator Sanders was being called on by other U.S. senators to support a cut in funding for Home and Community Based Services from $400B to $140B. (These funds outlined in the reconciliation bill currently being deliberated in Washington, so the funds are not secured.) President and CEO Pam McCarthy reached out to Sen. Sander’s health staff and submitted a formal letter highlighting the needs of Vermont families with children who have disabilities and special health needs, citing the importance of maintaining the current level of dedicated funding. Sen. Sander’s office communicated that the Senator is working to protect the funds.
There’s always so much more on advocacy, but these are the highlights. For more information or if you want to raise awareness about an important issue that impacts your family, please let us know by emailing Robyn Freedner-Maguire at freednermaguire@gmail.com.
|
|
Upcoming Events - Register today! |
|
SAVE THE DATE!
Save the Date for our 2022 Annual Conference - April 14, 2022
We are excited to announce that we will be bringing Pete Wright from Wrightslaw to present on special education law and advocacy for a full day! We plan to hold an in-person conference at the Delta Hotel in Burlington and registration will be coming out early this fall.
Free Workshops
August 25 from 1:00 - 2:00 pm - "Getting Support for Your Child with Significant & Unmanageable Emotional Challenges"
Your child experiences significant emotional disturbance or other issue that has created an environment in which your child, you, or other siblings are at significant risk. You have sought services from a variety of agencies, but the situation has not gotten better. Now you are faced with a decision that no parent wishes to face - either your child must be removed from the home or someone will be hurt. What supports are there when your child is unmanageable? Larry Crist, Executive Director Vermont Parent Representation Center, Inc will be presenting information about navigating this complex system of care. Register here.
September 30 from 1:00 - 2:00 pm - "SSI, SSDI and Medicaid: What You Need to Know to Help Your Child Get and Keep Disability-Based Benefits"
Mark Hengstler and Barb Prine work at Legal Services Vermont and its sister organization, Vermont Legal Aid, helping people who have low incomes or disabilities navigate benefits programs. They will discuss:
- What is SSI and SSDI?
- Who is eligible and how do you apply?
- How are these programs related to Medicaid?
- What are the work incentives that allow people with disabilities to work and not lose benefits?
- Can people on SSI who lose their jobs get Unemployment Compensation?
In case you missed our last series of workshops, you can find a full list on our VFN website. Stay tuned as we add more workshops to our fall schedule!
|
|
Contact Us. We Will Listen! |
|
Helping Vermont Families thrive for more than 30 years |
|
(802) 876-5315 / 1-800-800-4005
|
|
Office
600 Blair Park Rd, Ste 240,
Williston, VT 05495
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
