Autism Society NWPA provides access to a community that offers comfort and essential information to families living with an autism spectrum disorder.
RESOURCES: Future Horizons, founded in 1996, was created to meet the needs of teachers, therapist, and family members who face the challenge of autism. Use code: ASE to receive a 15% discount on your order.
Autism Society NWPA's primary concern is that individuals with autism have access to the resources and services they need. Click here to see current issues.
First Responder Resources
For first responders and families living with an autism spectrum disorder
Education and resources are important to give individuals with an autism spectrum disorder an opportunity to be prepared for an emergency situation. Participating in a Community Day with First Responders gives individuals an opportunity to meet and interact with First Responders in a non-emergency setting. It is important to prepare for an emergency situation.
Autism Society NWPA encourages families to display a notification sticker to let first responders know an individual with an autism spectrum disorder lives in the house or is a passenger in the vehicle. Please utilize the stickers in your home or vehicle. Additional stickers may be purchased at nwpa-asa.org.
Families are encouraged to download the CRITICAL MEDICAL INFORMATION forms. Complete a form for your vehicle and one for your home. If you are unable to download the form, please contact the (814) 455-3540 for a copy.
Autism Society – Northwestern Pennsylvania (ASA-NWPA) is also providing a First Responder social story to help prepare your child or young adult for an emergency situation.
Whether you are a parent, relative, or friend to a child with an autism spectrum disorder, we are glad to have you with us.
RESOURCES:
ToysRUs Toy Guide for Differently-abled Kids
What is the Toys"R"Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids?
As a company that loves all kids, Toys"R"Us, Inc. has a long history of supporting the special needs community. For nearly two decades, we have published the annual Toys"R"Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids, an easy-to-use resource featuring specially selected toys that encourage play for children with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities.
During the past several years, Toys"R"Us has worked with various personalities who have served as the "face" of the Guide. Among the many celebrities are Eva Longoria, Holly Robinson Peete, Whoopi Goldberg, Meredith Vieira, Maria Shriver, Marlee Matlin and John Ritter. This year's cover features mom, TV host and philanthropist Nancy O'Dell. for a gallery of past Guidecovers.
This complimentary, one-of-a-kind resource speaks to a child's individual needs and offers qualified toy recommendations based on research from the National Lekotek Center, a nonprofit organization that evaluates all of the toys featured in the Guide.
What does "differently-abled" mean?
We use the term "differently-abled" to stress that all children have unique skills and abilities.
Why was the Guide created?
Toys"R"Us founder Charles Lazarus heard from customers and store employees about the challenges of finding appropriate toys for the special needs children in their lives. As a result, in 1994 Mr. Lazarus spearheaded the creation of the Toys"R"Us Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids. Since then, Toys"R"Us, Inc. has published the Guide every year, distributing it in stores and, since 2006, making it available online.
Who uses the Guide?
Anyone who knows and loves a child with special needs will find the Guide to be a valuable resource. Since its inception, thousands of parents, relatives, friends and professionals have relied on the Guide to help them determine which toys are suitable for a child's particular abilities.
The Guide also offers the National Lekotek Center's "Top Ten Tips for Buying Toys," which encourages relatives and caregivers to ask pertinent questions before purchasing a toy for differently-abled kids, such as, "Will the toy provide a challenge without frustration?" and "Can play be open-ended with no definite right or wrong way?"
What do the symbols represent?
Because all kids are unique regardless of ability, toys are not categorized by disability; nor are they categorized by age. Instead, symbols are assigned to each toy so parents can find those that promote different skills, such as Auditory, Language, Social, Creativity and more. In this way, the Guide helps parents of all children choose toys that help build or reinforce a variety of skills. All toys in the Guide have been designated with at least two or more symbols. There is also an easy-to-use toy selection index that lists toys according to the skills they help develop, so parents can quickly find toys that most benefit their child's development and learning.
How are toys selected for inclusion in the Guide?
Toys"R"Us works with the National Lekotek Center, a nonprofit organization that evaluates hundreds of toys based on specific criteria during therapeutic play sessions to identify those items that best contribute to the development of children with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities. The National Lekotek Center carefully reviews hundreds of products, selects those with exceptional qualities and writes descriptive copy highlighting the features that make the items suitable for children with special needs. Toys featured in the Guide are everyday playthings suitable for children of varying skills and abilities.
For nearly 30 years, the National Lekotek Center has provided therapeutic play services to thousands of children in dozens of centers across the United States. As a result of this expertise, the organization has become the leader in determining appropriate toys for children with unique abilities. You can learn more about the National Lekotek Center by visiting .
Are there Safe Play Tips specifically for children with special needs?
At Toys"R"Us, nothing is more important than the safety of your children. Included in the Guideare "Safe Play Tips," created with guidance from leading safety and special needs organizations to help parents and caregivers avoid playtime injuries.
Where can I buy the toys in the Guide?
All toys featured in the Guide are available at Toys"R"Us® stores nationwide and online at . Additionally, the microsite offers a selection of items that are only available online.
Where can I get a copy of the Guide?
Copies of the Guide are available at all Toys"R"Us® and Babies"R"Us® locations nationwide. If you represent a special needs organization or are a special needs educator or therapist, you may e-mail to receive copies in bulk free of charge for redistribution. A "flippable" digital version, as well as a downloadable version in both and , can be found by .
How can I get on the mailing list to receive the Guide next year?
The latest version of the Guide is available every September. You can e-mail to be added to next year's mailing list. If you are already on our mailing list, you will automatically receive a copy of the latest edition upon release. For a more environmentally friendly option, to receive an e-mail alert when the latest digital Guidebecomes available online.
Social Stories
Why use social stories? A social story teaches social skills to children with autism in a variety of settings. The story should be a simple description of event, situation, or skill. Social Stories may be used to prepare for changes in routines, appropriate social interactions, or annual events. The story should be used ahead of time to prepare the individual. The goal is for the individual to use the story to help guide his or her behavior when the situation actually occurs.
Here are some of the social stories we have written:
Medical Access Changes in Pennsylvania
MEDICAL ACCESS CHANGES: NEW WEST ZONE – Health Choices Expansion
PLEASE NOTE: The coverage changes effect PHYSICAL MEDCINE ONLY (WHICH INCLUDES PRESCRIPTION COVERAGE). Coverage for Behavioral Health/Mental Health Services is NOT changing. Consumers will continue to get all their behavioral health service through the BH-MCO chosen by their county:
Community Care Behavioral Health Organization in Erie
Value Behavioral Health in Crawford, Venango, and Mercer
ATTENTION: If you currently have ACCESS Plus or you are enrolled in the United HealthCare Community Plan* and you live in Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Venango, Warren, Forest, Clarion, Jefferson, Elk, Mckean, Cameron, Clearfield, and Potter Counties, you need to join a Medicaid managed care plan by September 6, 2012! If you don’t, you’ll be assigned to a plan and that plan may not cover the doctors you see or the medications you take. To be sure you can continue to see your doctors and get your medicine after October 1st; you need to join one of these plans:
NEW MANAGED CARE PLAN OPTIONS*
Gateway Health Plan
UPMC for You
Coventry Cares
AmeriHealth Mercy Health Plan
*United HealthCare Community Plan will no longer be doing business in the New West Zone effective as of 10/1/2012.
1) Who has ACCESS Plus or a Voluntary Managed Care Program?
a. All Medical Access participates have ACCESS Plus or Managed Care unless you are a HIPP family. HIPP family means = the state is reimbursing you for the cost of private health insurance through your employer. If you are reimbursed for private insurance, you will not have ACCESS Plus and are exempt for the Health Choices Expansion.
b. Still not sure if you have ACCESS Plus? Call PA Enrollment Services to confirm(800) 440-3989
2) What is next?
a. Department of Welfare (DPW) is mailing packets to all families affected by the cancellation of ACCESS Plus. The packets are being mailed between August 9 and August 15, 2012. PLEASE REVIEW AND ACT! If you do not choose a managed care plan by September 6, the DPW will choose for you. This could make your current physicians or medications out of network which means no coverage.
b. Please note: the packet will be addressed to ONE NAME ONLY. If you have multiple family members with ACCESS, you will only receive ONE packet. The packet applies to all household members covered under Medical Access.
WHAT IS HEALTH CHOICES?
• Health Choices is what DPW calls mandatory managed care for MA consumers
• In Health Choices, all MA consumers must be enrolled in a Physical Health Managed Care Plan (MCO) and get all their care through that plan unless they fall into an exempt group.
WHO IS EXEMPT OF HEALTH CHOICES?
• Full Dual eligible’s (those with Medicare & Medicaid)
• Those enrolled in the PDA waiver
• Those enrolled in the LIFE program
• Those in HIPP (Health Insurance Premium Payment Program)
• Women on MA through the BCCPT Program
STEPS FOR CHOOSING A PLAN:
1) Make a list of all your health care providers and medications a. Check the plan(s) website or www.enrollnow.net to see which of the four plans they take b. Contact the plan(s) that work with your doctors to check if your medications are covered. The medications will no longer be covered under the DPW formulary list. Each managed care plan has their own drug formulary list.
2) After you’ve decided what play you want to join, you can contact PA Enrollment Services to enroll in a plan and to choose a Primary Care Provider (PCP). If you’re not ready to pick a PCP when you choose a plan, you have 14 more days after you join a plan to pick a PCP. If you don’t pick a PCP within 14 days, the plan will pick up for you.
a. PA Enrollment Services: (800) 440-3989 OR www.enrollnow.net
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER OCTOBER 1, 2012? (This only pertains to coverage under the Medical Access program. This has no affect on your private insurance coverage or rules)
Managed Care plan sends the member a card that may or may not indicate PCP
Consumers uses plan card – NOT ACCESS card (the yellow card) when obtaining health care beginning 10/1/2012
Managed Care plan sends Member Handbook describing how to obtain services from the plan, co-pays, member rights, and appeal information
Consumer gets all of their physical health services, and all prescription meds, through the plan
Consumer must obtain all care from providers in their plan’s network
Consumer can only go to providers outside of the plan’s network if the plan approves an out-of-network referral IN ADVANCE!
Consumer can only go to network specialist if they have a referral from their PCP except for: vision, dental care, OB/GYN Services
Please see attachments for more information:
1) New West Zone – Health Choices – Tips for Choosing a Medicaid Managed Care Plan
2) Managed Care – Denied Service
3) Health Choices Comparison Chart – 4 plans
4) Provider Quick Tips – The Health Choices New West Zone
5) Pre-Enrollment Brochure
6) Brochure: Appeals
Websites:
http://www.enrollnow.net/PASelfService/home.html
http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/foradults/healthcaremedicalassistance/healthchoicesgeneralinformation/index.htm
Questions, please contact our office (814) 455-3540 or via email: [email protected] OR: The Pennsylvania Health Law Project at (800) 274-3258; www.phlp.org * PHLP is a non-profit law firm dedicated to helping low-income families, older adults, and persons with disabilities access public health care coverage and services.
TSA Announces Launch of TSA Cares Toll Free Helpline for Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Needs
Press Release
December 22, 2011
Contact:
TSA Public Affairs
(571) 227-2829
WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the launch of TSA Cares today, a new helpline number designed to assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions, prior to getting to the airport. Travelers may call TSA Cares toll free at 1-855-787-2227 prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint.
“TSA Cares provides passengers with disabilities and medical needs another resource to use before they fly, so they know what to expect when going through the screening process,” said TSA Administrator John Pistole. “This additional level of personal communication helps ensure that even those who do not travel often are aware of our screening policies before they arrive at the airport.”
Since its inception, TSA has provided information to all travelers through its TSA Contact Center and Customer Service Managers in airports nationwide. TSA Cares will serve as an additional, dedicated resource for passengers with disabilities, medical conditions or other circumstances or their loved ones who want to prepare for the screening process prior to flying.
When a passenger with a disability or medical condition calls TSA Cares, a representative will provide assistance, either with information about screening that is relevant to the passenger’s specific disability or medical condition, or the passenger may be referred to disability experts at TSA. TSA recommends that passengers call approximately 72 hours ahead of travel so that TSA Cares has the opportunity to coordinate checkpoint support with a TSA Customer Service Manager located at the airport when necessary.
Every person and item must be screened before entering the secure area of an airport and the manner in which the screening is conducted will depend on the passenger’s abilities and any specific equipment brought to the security checkpoint.
TSA strives to provide the highest level of security while ensuring that all passengers are treated with dignity and respect. The agency works regularly with a broad coalition of disability and medical condition advocacy groups to help understand their needs and adapt screening procedures accordingly. TSA holds quarterly meetings with this coalition to inform them about current training and screening procedures used in airports. TSA recently hosted a teleconference with members of these groups to announce the long-standing plans to implement TSA Cares for travelers and inform them of the upcoming launch.
All travelers may ask to speak to a TSA supervisor if questions about screening procedures arise while at the security checkpoint.
The hours of operation for the TSA Cares helpline are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. EST, excluding federal holidays. After hours, travelers can find information about traveling with disabilities and medical needs on TSA’s website. To learn more .
All travelers can contact TSA using , a web-based tool that allows passengers to reach out to an airport Customer Service Manager directly, and the TSA Contact Center, 1-866-289-9673 and , where travelers can ask questions, provide suggestions and file complaints.
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How To Get An iPad (or other AT/AC device) Funded
December 16, 2011
By Holly Bortfeld from TACA
iPads and other technology “touch devices” are a wonderful new tool and may benefit children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) greatly. The iPad can speak for the nonverbal, aid functional speech, soothe, educate, teach skills to and entertain all. It’s really amazing what this little machine can do! Unfortunately, they range from $500 to $1000 with all the “bells and whistles” and warranties and that doesn’t include apps. For parents of ASD kids who are already financially strapped due to the enormous out-of-pocket expenses autism treatments incur, that’s more than many families can come up with.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways to get an iPad funded.
Insurance
Contact your insurance company to find out about applying for one as part of their DME – Durable Medical Equipment. There will be special forms and processes unique to your Insurance plan. The insurance company can direct you to get the forms, what coverage you may have for DME and how to apply.
HSA
If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) check to see if it will cover an AT device, as I know several people who have gotten it paid by their HSA. More on HSAs here
Letters of Necessity
My Insurance and Medicaid filing required 3 letters of recommendation, one each from his primary care pediatrician, the speech pathologist that performed the Assistive Technology evaluation and provides ongoing therapy and State Medicaid asked for a letter from his behaviorists. I sent all three along with a cover letter in my request. (See below of samples)
Medicaid
If you have both private insurance and Medicaid, you MUST apply to your private insurance and be denied before you can apply to Medicaid because Medicaid is always payer of last resort. If you only have Medicaid, you will likely only be required to provide letters of necessity from your Medicaid-provider speech and primary care physicians. Your Medicaid caseworker can walk you through the process of applying for a AT/AC device under Durable Medical Equipment (DME).
Grants to get an iPad from National Organizations
This list will change on a regular basis. This information is updated as of December 2011. *Please note the application deadlines for each grant as they all seem to be different. Funding availability can also change.
The following resources are listed for your convenience. The listing does not imply an endorsement by the Autism Society Northwestern Pennsylvania.
Act Today!
Apps for Children with Special Needs
Babies with iPads
Conover Company
Danny’s Wish
HollyRod Foundation
The iTaalk Autism Foundation
Let’s Chat Autism
Loud Mommy
Small Steps in Speech
Zane’s Foundation
Sample Letters of Necessity Below are sample letters you can model when applying for Private insurance or Medicaid to cover an AT/AC device.
Letter sample from Speech Therapist:
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing on behalf of Johnny Jones. Johnny is a 15 year old male, with diagnoses of autism and apraxia that has been involved in speech therapy at our facility since 2004. Focus of therapy includes increasing functional communication through verbal and cognitive tasks. Johnny is a delightful young man and participates well in therapy. His verbal expression is characterized by 1-2 word responses to questions with very limited initiation. He is able to speak in complete sentences, however typically needs prompting or a verbal model to do so. Given this communication level and Johnny’s interest and motivation with electronic devices, it was decided Johnny would benefit from an augmentative and alternative communication assessment. Over the course of treatment sessions, I have evaluated Johnny with several different forms of augmentative communication. The PECs system (low-tech), a Dynavox high-tech device and most recently Apple’s iPad (high tech) with Tap to Talk communication application.
Given Johnny’s functional gross motor and fine motor coordination, Johnny was able to manually access the electronic devices without difficulty. He manipulated a 6-cell screen independently and was able to communicate wants/needs instantly with both devices. For example, when given ‘Wh’ questions (i.e. What would you like for lunch today? He accessed the food page and made his selection among a field of 6 with 100% accuracy). Johnny was able to utilize the touch screen keypad on both the Dynavox and the iPad to spell 5-10 letter words independently and to produce structured sentences with cues. After typing the words or sentences he is able to independently press the prompt cue to have the words spoken on the devices.
Johnny benefitted from both of the high tech devices over the low tech PECs system because of the ability of the high tech devices to produce verbal output based on Johnny’s selection. Johnny verbally repeated the devices output messages which is exciting to watch this type of cueing unfold. I was impressed with Johnny’s ease and ability to manipulate the Apple iPad with very little instruction. His inquisitive mind and familiarity with electronic devices assisted in his ability to work the device without difficulty.
I am recommending the Apple iPad with TapToTalk and Prologuo2 augmentative communication application for Johnny. This device will benefit Johnny’s communication as detailed above as well as academically through the many education applications available for download to the device. The iPad is superior to Dynavox and the PECs system for Johnny’s needs, in the diversity of the device, the growth potential through a variety of applications available as Johnny’s abilities and interest change. The iPad 64GB 3G (so that Johnny can utilize when he travels as well) runs approximately $899 versus the Dynavox devices that run between $6000-$8000. I strongly believe that the iPad will enhance Johnny’s expressive and receptive language skills and home programs and significantly improve Johnny’s quality of life through a valuable communication approach and educational opportunities.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 717-555-1212 or via e-mail at
Sincerely,
Licensed Speech-language Pathologist
Sample letter from behaviorists:
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is in reference to Johnny Jones. Johnny is currently involved with Youth Behavioral Services, Inc. and works in five general goal areas. Johnny is supported with his Environmental Comprehension, Social/Communication skills, Self-help/Awareness skills, Safety, and Behavioral Management skills. Two of the most prominent barriers we are facing are constant self-talk and limited communication skills (both receptively and expressively). Through utilization of an iPad, Johnny can enhance in all goal areas and overcome the barriers that impeded his progress.
The user-friendly applications and the immediate response time the iPad provides are big motivating factors that increase the success of the iPad in comparison to other devices. With the ability to download almost unlimited programs, we are not committed to the use of one single program which may or may not meet all of Johnny’s needs. The recommendation is for the use of an iPad 3G, so it can be used out in the community, that has 64gb to support the applications needed for his goals. With this device, we can address all goal areas and gain generalization and cohesion with our goals.
Through the use of the iPad, Johnny will have the ability to appropriately communicate with those around him, both expressively and receptively. He will enhance his quality of life and he will be able to participate in his community as a functional member.
If you have any questions or would like more information please feel free to contact me at 717-555-1212 or via e-mail at
Sincerely,
Behavioral Specialist
Sample letter from Pediatrician (who is also a Medicaid Provider if you are going to apply for an iPad through Medicaid if insurance denies):
Re: Johnny Jones
DOB: 8/24/95
Cigna Insurance
ID#U444111999
I am writing to request authorization for payment for an augmentative/alternative electronic communication system (AAC) for Johnny. Johnny has Autism and Apraxia, which has caused a severe disability affecting his speech and language. I recently had the pleasure of seeing Johnny following an extensive Augmentative Communication Evaluation at Speech Therapy Center Inc. This evaluation was conducted to examine some of Johnny’s communication impairments related to Autism and Apraxia. A copy of the AAC evaluation recommendation is included with this letter.
Johnny has never used an AAC device in the past. Several different AAC devices were tried with Johnny as part of the evaluation and one device was found to be the most appropriate for him in order to improve his communication ability. The recommended device is the Apple iPad, a speech output communication system. Johnny has sufficient receptive language skills and the use of this device will help him further his expressive language abilities.
This AAC device is medically necessary in order for Johnny to be able to indicate his physical and health status (such as giving details about how he is feeling when he is ill or in pain), letting others know of his personal needs and wants, and to request help (especially in emergency situations when Johnny is in the community or with caregivers who may not be familiar with Johnny’s poor and limited speech).
The Apple iPad device is durable medical equipment. This and similar devices have been classified as such by many insurance carriers in most states, such as Blue Cross-Blue Shield, Aetna, and Medicaid. It is a Speech Generating Device in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services classification system. Cigna’s HCPC Code for this device is E2500-2511. Specifically, the iPad is medical equipment because: it is directly related to Johnny’s medical diagnosis; replaces the abnormal functioning of a body function (verbal speech); is expected to be used for a long-term; and, it is appropriate to improve Johnny’s current and future language to assist him in his activities of daily living both at home and at school (or other programs). (See report from the Augmentative Communication Evaluation).
Thank you for your assistance in making this equipment available to Johnny and his family and helping to improve his health care and functional abilities and independence. Please call me at (717) 555-1212 if I can provide any additional information or contact me by email or regular mail.
Sincerely,
Name of doctor, M.D.
Small Town Pediatrics
FAX: 717-555-1213
Phone: 717-555-1212