BEINEINU NEWS & NOTES
November 14, 2019
USA
Intensive Behavioral Services Survey
The New Jersey New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is developing a new initiative focused on emergency out-of-home residential services for individuals with IDD who require intensive behavioral support to safely return home. They are asking for input to ensure that the design and delivery of new behavioral stabilization services best reflects the community’s needs. Individuals, families, guardians, I/DD service providers, health care providers, behavioral health experts, advocates, researchers and other interested parties are asked to complete an online Intensive Behavioral Services Survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PLN7DF9, by November 22, 2019.
Accessible Tourism
Disney Cruise Line has announced 46 new accessible shore excursions in 39 ports around the world, making cruise vacations more accessible to people with disabilities. The accessible shore excursions, offered in partnership with Accessible Travel Solutions, are led by professional tour guides and feature accommodations to make the experiences accessible to people with disabilities. Specialized vehicles with wheelchair ramps or lifts are provided, and the tours follow step-free routes to ensure access for people with limited mobility. Accessible itineraries include stops at many of the most popular tourist attractions, historic sites, monuments and museums.
To reserve a spot on an accessible excursion, cruise goers are asked to e-mail Disney Cruise Line's Special Services team at
Medication Warning
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to purchase or drink a product sold online as a medical treatment due to a recent rise in reported health issues. Since 2010, the FDA has warned consumers about the dangers of Miracle or Master Mineral Solution, Miracle Mineral Supplement, MMS, Chlorine Dioxide (CD) Protocol, Water Purification Solution (WPS) and other similar products. Miracle Mineral Solution has not been approved by the FDA for any use, but these products continue to be promoted on social media as a remedy for treating autism, cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and flu, among other conditions. However, the solution, when mixed, develops into a dangerous bleach which has caused serious and potentially life-threatening side effects. The FDA recently received new reports of people experiencing severe vomiting, severe diarrhea, life-threatening low blood pressure caused by dehydration and acute liver failure after drinking these products. For more information see https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-warns-consumers-about-dangerous-and-potentially-life-threatening-side-effects-miracle-mineral
ISRAEL
Bike Riding for Visually Impaired Children
Ofek L’Yaldeinu is opening a program to train family members or counselors in the method developed by Yossi Kat to help visually impaired children learn to ride a bike. There will be six weekly sessions on Friday mornings in HaYarkon Park in Tel Aviv. Bring rollerblades for the escort and a bike for the child. For more information contact
Support Center Survey
A new special needs support center will be opening in the near future. They would like interested parents to fill out a questionnaire so that they can better understand the needs of the families:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfKJ6orI6hcSZwQc_YZJzbCVnFewfLZxTv563Mk3Kq6N2siGA/viewform
Employment
Misrad HaAvodah VeHarevachah has launched a new program called “Taasukah Shavah” (Equal Employment). It is geared for people who are recognized by the Bituach Leumi, with at least 20% nachut (disability). The program offers guidance for employment through referrals to accessible employment opportunities, generous assistance in financing studies and mentoring. Call *3968 to reach the main government employment center in Haifa.
In Beitar, the coordinator is Chemda Tzubari. She’s at the Mafteach Center in the local community center (Matnas) on 2 Breslv Street every Sunday and Tuesday, 8:30 am – 2:00 pm. Calling Mafteach at 02-580-4096 and ask for Chemda.
Social Skills Program
The SHAVIM Social skills program using the PEERS method developed in UCLA is open to individuals diagnosed with high-functioning ASD, or who experience social difficulties. Groups for ages 9-13 and 13-17. Contact Ido Michaeli-Assor, SLP at 050-624-8361,