DMRS’ funding cuts threaten stability of the entire community service system.

• DMRS cut funding to community service providers by 6 percent forcing providers to make cuts in staffing and take other budget reducing measures
• DMRS changed how the ICAP is scored in order to lower individual service scores
• DMRS is reviewing already approved ISPs looking for places to cut services
• DMRS is planning even more reductions in service with their new proposed waiver definitions and protocols.

What: You are invited to testify about how the DMRS funding cuts are affecting you, your family member, friend or someone you serve.

Where and When: 6pm-9pm

Knoxville – Wed, March 5, Cherokee Health System, 2018 Western Ave, Knoxville,
TN (phone for directions only 865-544-0406).

Nashville – Monday, March 10, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3900 West End
Ave., Nashville, TN. (phone for directions only 615-292-5526).

Memphis – Tues, March 11, Home Builders Assoc, 776 N. Germantown Pkwy.,
Cordova, TN (phone for directions only 901-756-4500).

Registration to testify will be at the door. First preference will be given to individuals
served and family members. Written testimony will also be accepted. Testimony will be
transcribed and made available on a public Web site. For special accommodations, please contact Donna DeStefano, Disability Coalition at 615-383-9442.

Public Forums Sponsored by:

The ARC of Tennessee

People First of TN

TN Disability Coalition

Middle TN Advocacy Center

Disability Law & Advocacy Center

For more information on this issue visit: http://www.preventdmrscuts.com/

STEP is a statewide family-to-family program in Tennessee, established in 1989 by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The purpose of STEP is to support families by providing free information, advocacy training, and support services to parents of children eligible to receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) who reside in Tennessee.

WEST TN: Project Assistant - 20 hours per week

To provide parent training activities and to work directly with parents of children with disabilities. The job entails providing information, training, and support to parents to meet the purposes of the project.

Middle TN: Outreach Planning/Training Coordinator - Full time position with Benefits

A management/administrative position working with all project staff and STEP staff to support the project. This position provides parent training activities and works directly with parents of children with disabilities. Provides recruitment, selection, and supervision of District Parent Trainers and Community Resource Volunteers. The position also entails providing information, training, and support to parents to meet the purposes of the project, and statewide planning and coordination of outreach activities.

STEP is actively seeking to give employment opportunities to persons who experience disability, minority status, and/or are families members of persons with disabilities. Send resume along with a cover letter explaining your interest and any advocacy, training, and mentoring experiences (including personal experiences) that you feel would qualify you for any of these positions.

Send to: jobs@tnstep.org (attachments in MS Word, PDF, or WordPerfect only).

Are you or a family member without health insurance?

 

Call toll-free and talk with Cover Tennessee experts on Sat., March 1, 2008, 10 AM to 2 PM Central time: 1- 866-576-0028

 

The Tennessee Health Care Campaign believes in and work for affordable, quality, continuous health care for all? For this reason, there are some serious flaws about the four Cover Tennessee programs.

 

 

However, it is the only choice for many people. You may be one of the few whom it may help.

 

Let’s start with children (CoverKids) and pregnant women: http://www.thcc2.org/cover_tennessee/cover_kids/cover_kids.html

 

Is your family income below $35,000 for a family of 2 people? $44,000 for a family of 3? Or $53,000 for a family of 4? If so, your children below the age of 19 are likely eligible. Check it out. Call 1-866-576-0028 this Saturday, March 1.

 

 

Next: Adults with a pre-existing medical condition (AccessTN): http://www.thcc2.org/cover_tennessee/access_tn/access_tn_index.html

 

Do you work part time, make less than $900 month, and have a serious medical condition, such as diabetes, heart disease?

 

If you are under the age of 30, with premium assistance, your premium would be less than $40/month. If you are 60 years old, with premium assistance, your premium could be less than $77/month if you are within your weight range and are a non-smoker. Check it out. Call 1-866-576-0028 this Saturday, March 1.

 

 

Next: CoverTN, coverage for employees of small employers with fewer than 50 employees: http://www.thcc2.org/cover_tennessee/cover_cover/cover.html

 

This is a defined benefit plan with a maximum pay out of $25,000/year, for employees of small employers or for self-employed persons. Please go to the link above for information on eligibility, premiums and benefits. You have to sign up on line. Check it out. Call 1-866-576-0028 this Saturday, March 1.

 

 

Next: CoverRx, prescription drug program: http://www.thcc2.org/cover_tennessee/cover_rx/cover_rx.html

If you have diabetes and are cannot afford health insurance. This program may be very helpful. This is better than what is offered by WalMart because it helps you with many of the diabetic supplies and insulin and this is not on many of the discount plans at WalMart, Traget, Kroger, etc. Check it out. Call 1-866-576-0028 this Saturday, March 1.

 

 

 

Camp Hickory-Wood 2008 will be here before we know it! We look forward to our 12th year of providing a camp for TBI survivors.

 

This year’s camp dates are as follows:

Youth/Adult Weekend Camp- May 30-June 1, 2008

Youth Weeklong Camp-June 29-July 4, 2008

Adult Weeklong Camp-July 27-August 1, 2008

 

(All of the above listed camps will be at Clyde York 4-H Center in Crossville, Tennessee) For questions regarding the change in location, please call the 800 number listed below.

 

There will be a $50 application fee per camp. Scholarships will be available through the State TBI program. All applications will be handled by the Easter Seals Camp, not the state TBI program.

Applications can be obtained through Easter Seals at: (615) 444-282 9 or through your area TBI service coordinator and the state TBI program at: 1-800-882-0611

We look forward to seeing you there!

Camp Background:

Each year the TBI Program in collaboration with Easter Seals Tennessee Inc. sponsors a weekend and a weeklong camp for adult and youth survivors of brain injury. These camps focus on providing a unique social and recreational opportunity to persons with brain injury. The camp offers great outdoor fun. All cabins are fully accessible, air conditioned, and include accessible shower facilities. Camp activities include arts and crafts, swimming, hiking, games, boating, and a Saturday evening dance.

 

For more information online visit the TBI Program page and scroll down to the section on Camp Hickory Wood: http://health.state.tn.us/TBI/index.htm