When it comes to a child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), there are no shortcuts, easy answers, or one-size-fits-all solutions. Each program is as unique as the individual for which it’s designed. A new school year can be a time of uncertainty and anxiety for parents of students with developmental and other disabilities, and now that students have settled into their routines, it’s a good time for parents to determine if their child’s IEP is meeting his or her needs.
Time is used to measure many things; however, some things are not bound by the constraints of time. A mother’s love is timeless and doesn’t cease once her children become adults. Regardless of age, she will always be “mom.”
Working in a fulfilling career and achieving economic independence can give one a sense of pride and self-worth. However, many DES clients who seek employment face barriers such as prior convictions, disabilities, education, homelessness, and more.
If you were to ask 100 individuals to define success you will probably receive 100 different viewpoints of what success looks like. For many, success represents new status, a new environment and a new way of thinking. However, others see success as an opportunity to make an impact in the lives of others.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the color is purple. We wear purple. We pin on purple ribbons. We hang purple lights. We eat purple doughnuts. Why purple? Purple is a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honor and dedication to ending violence. But can sporting a particular color really help save the life of someone living in a dangerous situation at home? It can. And here’s why.
The belief that you should not judge an individual until you have walked a mile in his or her shoes is the central driving force for Deva Taylor, Division of Benefits and Medical Eligibility (DBME) Program Case Auditor Supervisor. She knows first-hand life does not always go as planned.
The work of a Direct Support Professional (DSP) takes a special kind of person. The hours can be long, and the work emotionally draining as these professionals care for some of Arizona's most vulnerable citizens. Yet, each day, hundreds of DSP's around the state are invested and engaged in helping individuals with physical and/or intellectual disabilities work toward independence and integration into his/her community.
Oletha Hall was familiar with the Arizona Department of Economic Security. A single mom who raised three kids—with one still at home—she’d had to call for assistance a few times over the last four years since moving from Chicago. They weren’t calls she liked to make. Not because of the response she received from DES, but because she had to accept assistance in the first place.
September is the month during which we recognize aging adults. With special dates honoring grandparents, older workers and fall prevention, the entire month is dedicated to the many aspects of healthy aging. Healthy Aging Month is a national health initiative established more than 15 years ago to bring awareness of the benefits of caring not only for our aging bodies, but also focusing on the positive mental, social and financial aspects of aging.
A Thank You Letter From a Grateful Mom: The Eric Myers Story
In this compelling "Thank You Letter", a mother reflects on how devastated she felt after her son Eric was diagnosed with autism as a toddler. However, with support from Arizona DES's Early Intervention and Developmental Disabilities Services, Eric worked hard, graduated high school and is now about to start college.
You spoke. We listened. Check out the 2016 – 2020 DDD Strategic Plan!
The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) has determined that, in order to more effectively deliver services to its members, a strategic plan is a critical step in DDD's transformation to an organization that is highly effective in all aspects of its operations. This Strategic Plan builds on DDD's planning efforts over the last several years and sets forth objectives that will enhance the fulfillment of its mission.
The weekly claim filing process (also referred to as weekly certification) is used to verify that you were unemployed during the week and are eligible to receive benefit payments (provided that you qualify monetarily and are determined eligible to receive benefits). Weekly claims are filed by individuals who have applied for Unemployment Insurance (UI) Benefits and/or have an existing Arizona Unemployment Insurance Claim with a monetary balance (meaning, you still have money remaining in your total benefit entitlement).
