BEINEINU NEWS & NOTES
October 11, 2012
INTERNATIONAL
Parent match needed—parents of a 2 year old girl in Israel are looking for another family anywhere experienced with bilateral macrostomia. They are interested in discussing treatment options. Contact Shira at
USA
Email list serve for New Jersey families—Jewish families dealing with special needs in Bergen County, New Jersey may be interested in joining a Yahoo group for special needs in their area,
Liberty Science Center—Liberty Science Center in New Jersey is sponsoring special days of learning about the world through science for children with special needs and their families and caregivers. For more information, see http://lsc.org/for-educators/special-needs-day/
IEP tips for parents & teachers—Tips for before, during, and after an IEP meeting. See http://www.wrightslaw.com/blog/?p=8071
New Jersey DDD Changes--There are a lot of upcoming changes at the Division of Developmental Disabilities. DDD is in the development stages of a new program called the Supports Program, which will provide needed supports and services for adult individuals, 21 and older, living with their families or in their own unlicensed homes. After it is up and running, employment and day services as well as family support services, will run through the Supports Program. Below are links that include additional details.
DDD Supports Program Fact Sheet: http://bit.ly/Ut9vly
DDD Supports Program Frequently Asked Questions: http://bit.ly/PVKLm1
Building Awareness in Accessible Transportation: Transit Assessment Guide for Students, Families and Educators--New Product (click link in title)
This online guide can be used as a tool to raise awareness about the ways people with different abilities and preferences can use public transportation as well as the pedestrian environment around public transportation. The guide contains an accessibility checklist for students, families and educators who would like to increase their understanding of transit systems and the ways people with disabilities can use public transportation. Individual students, class groups or families can use this guide to take a snapshot view of accessibility features and identify areas for improvement while sampling their local transit system.
ISRAEL
News for equipment users—AHAVA has announced that beginning in 2013, families will see significant relief when purchasing equipment for their children with special needs. The maximum amount payable will be 10% rather than the current 25%. There will no longer be income requirements to receive the discount.
Rights of foster care parents—KESHER has informed us of the following rules for foster care parents: Since the foster parents receive between 3700-4700 NIS monthly, they are not entitled to the child’s Kizbat Nachut stipend, which is transferred to the Misrad HaRevacha to cover the child’s expenses. They are also not entitled to Mas Hachnasa (IRS) benefits. However, they may receive Kizbat Nayadut (transportation stipend, though not a car), a handicapped parking permit, and BezeK and Arnona discounts (if they have Bituach Leumi approval). For information in Hebrew, see http://makom-m.cet.ac.il/pages/item.asp?s=0&id=-1&defid=-1&page=1&item=3154&str1=%EE%F9%F4%E7%FA+%E0%E5%EE%F0%E4
Bituach Leumi Rights—KESHER has informed us about the following information regarding Bituach Leumi for families dealing with special needs: A child who receives a kitzbat yeled neche (handicapped child’s stipend) is exempt from paying taxes*, visits to medical centers and specialist doctor consultations. Information about these benefits should be received directly from the bituach leumi. If that was not done, parents should contact them.
As of August 1, 2012, changes have been made to the kitzbat yeled neche laws, and entitlement to the stipend has been broadened. Starting from the August 2012 stipend (paid on Aug 28, 2012), an additional 424 NIS was to be paid even for children who are not learning. Until now, this sum was paid only for children who are learning (as an addition to their stipend or as part of their basic stipend). From now on, this sum was to be paid to all children receiving the kitzbat yeled neche, and there is no need to bring in documents proving the child's education.