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The SDFW celebrates diversity and authenticity by offering inclusive recreational facilities, activities, adaptive sports, and educational and cultural resources for the ASU community. These programs demonstrate our commitment to creating a welcoming space for everyone.

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Vocational rehabilitation (VR) professionals are critical members of the team necessary to support the successful transition from college to employment for students with intellectual disability. This publication highlights numerous ways that VR can work with colleges to help students with intellectual disability find and keep jobs they want.

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This video features a State Executive Director of Rehabilitation Services from Oklahoma and a Youth Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor from Indiana, showcasing the impact of inclusive postsecondary education through the "Think Higher. Think College." campaign. Available in multiple versions, including Spanish, the video aims to inspire K-12, VR, and higher education professionals.

Where to start?

Vocational Rehabilitation professionals, college is an effective pathway to employment for students with intellectual disability. Your involvement in helping students with intellectual disability to think college is essential for individual student and college program success! Whether you are new to inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) or have supported many students and programs, we are so glad you're here!

New to IPSE? Check out this resource that introduces IPSE for you and the students you support.

How can VR professionals support college for students with intellectual disability?

Ready to think college for people with intellectual disability? Check out the connection between college and employment in this VR Counselors Can Think College resource.

Hear from colleagues in the field and learn about partnerships between IPSE and VR in this resource.

When VR supports college access, students with intellectual disability are more likely to be employed and earn higher wages! Want to see the data? Check it out here and here.

Have questions?

We have a team of technical assistance providers waiting to answer your questions. Email us at ThinkCollegeTA@umb.edu.

Want to stay informed?

Would you like to get updates about news and products related to vocational rehabilitation? Sign up for our mailing list: tcollege.me/VRupdates.

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Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals | Think Higher. Think College.

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Read, watch, and download resources and materials about college for families and students.

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Located in Tempe and Phoenix (Metro Campus)

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Dignity & Independence Empowering individuals with disabilities to learn, work, and live with dignity and independence. Here’s How We Do It We Serv…

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ADOT Blue Envelope Program for Autistic Drivers

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ADOT Blue Envelope Program for Autistic Drivers

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FAQ's:

What is the purpose of the Blue Envelope?

The Blue Envelope Program is designed to ensure safe traffic stop interactions between law enforcement and autistic drivers by enhancing communication and awareness for all parties involved.

Where can I get a Blue Envelope?

Blue Envelopes will be available at all ADOT MVD offices statewide, starting April 25, 2024. Check back, as additional locations may become available in the future.

Where do I keep the Blue Envelope?

You should keep the Blue Envelope in the glove compartment or other easily accessible location of your vehicle(s).

Do I have to provide any medical information to receive a Blue Envelope?

No, you just need to visit an ADOT MVD office and pick one up.

What if the officer is not familiar with the Blue Envelope?

ADOT, AZDPS, UAPD and UA have collaborated to provide outreach and initial training to law enforcement agencies across the state to ensure awareness of the program. However, there may be situations where the officer is not yet familiar. The driver is still able to hand the Envelope to the officer and let them read it during the traffic stop.

If I have a Blue Envelope will I still be cited for a traffic violation?

Participation in the Blue Envelope Program does not prevent a driver from receiving a citation.

How do we request to be an authorized provider of the Blue Envelope?

Contact Amanda Kindle with ADOT MVD to discuss your request.

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Blue Envelope Program for Autistic Drivers

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The Blue Envelope Program is designed to ensure safe traffic stop interactions between law enforcement and autistic drivers by enhancing communication and awareness for all parties involved. Blue Envelopes will be available at all ADOT MVD offices statewide, starting April 25, 2024. Check back, as additional locations may become available in the future.

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Sun Valley Recovery Services

Competent, Professional, Respectful

About Us

Sun Valley Recovery is dedicated to providing superior individualized home and community-based services to the developmentally disabled, as well as those with behavioral needs in the Southeast valley of Phoenix, AZ.

Our main focus is enhancement of quality of lives for those that choose to remain within the comfort of their homes, rather than being institutionalized, without stress and hardships of interruption in familiar activates of daily living and changes in daily habits. We also provide Home and Community Based Services for members and their families and offer a Day Program open Monday through Friday!

Market research indicates that there is a significant need for quality services within this region and we believe that by employing passionate, competent, well-trained staff and providing them with organized and responsive management, we can become the agency of choice in Maricopa County.

Our Mission

Sun Valley Recovery is dedicated to providing exceptional and effective, family-focused care for DDD member and those with behavioral health needs.

​

It is our goal to employ competent, caring, and well-trained individuals who will be responsive to the needs of our members, their families, and the communities we serve.

Each staff member will meet the State of Arizona educational and training requirements for the services they provide. We encourage and support continued education of each service provider. In turn, our agency provides staff with competitive compensation, an inviting work environment, and knowledgeable, trustworthy management and direction, ensuring the highest level of care for your loved ones.

What We Offer

Sun Valley Recovery operates residential group homes located in communities throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. These homes are permanent residences for persons with disabilities and each provides a home environment for 3 to 6 residents. All properties are designed to accommodate the physical needs of those who reside there.

Sun Valley Recovery housing is licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) and is monitored by the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). Our homes are staffed 24/7 with professional, highly trained employees who support the organization's ongoing effort to encourage independence, improve social interactions and monitor complex medical needs. In addition, each home is equipped with appropriate vehicles to ensure the safe transportation of our members daily.

Through this program, Sun Valley Recovery provides valuable support to adults with disabilities in the convenience, safety and comfort of their own home. Services give much-needed relief for the primary caregivers and are essential in ensuring that members are able to remain in the home setting in lieu of being moved to a long- term care facility.

​

Sun Valley also has a day program for adults that is open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4pm. Our program includes an hour S.T.E.M activity each day (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), Arts and Crafts time, life skills and home economics (meal preparation, baking, cooking and laundry), as well as physical education and vocational time.

Employees delivering care receive extensive classroom instruction and hands- on training in a living situation, in addition to member-specific training prior to placement in the family home. These trainings include First Aid and CPR, Prevention and Support Techniques, Article 9 and members rights, as well as medication administration.

Sun Valley Recovery Services

HabilitationRespite Care
(HAH)

Attendant Care (ATC)

(RSP)

Day Treatment & Training for Adults Curriculum
(DTA)

Transition to Employment Training and
(TTE)

Occupational Therapy
Independent
Providers for Music, Speech and

Individualized Counseling

Recovery Starts Here

Contact Info

Phone

Email

Address

1076 W Chandler Blvd. Ste 113, Chandler, AZ 85224

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Developmental Disabilities | Sun Valley Recovery | United States

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Sun Valley Recovery LLC is dedicated to providing superior individualized home and community based services to the developmentally disabled, those with behavioral health issues and special needs in the Southeast valley of Phoenix, AZ.

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Map of Adult Day Treatment Programs (East Valley)

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Map of Adult Day Treatment Programs (East Valley)

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Adult Day Treatment Programs · Sheila Popovich

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Adult Day Treatment Programs · Sheila Popovich

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Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

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Semiconductor Courses Available Through Maricopa Community Colleges

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Semiconductor Courses Available Through Maricopa Community Colleges

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Interested in working for one of the major technology companies in the East Valley? The Maricopa Community Colleges now have certificate programs that can train you to do just that.

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Semiconductor Technician Quick Start | Maricopa Community Colleges

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We've partnered with major employers to develop our accelerated Semiconductor Technician Quick Start program where you can learn the skills you need.

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Valley Metro is committed to providing safe, convenient transportation options for all Valley residents. ADA Dial-a-Ride complements the existing transit system by providing transportation to people who are unable to utilize local bus service due to a disability.

Dial-a-Ride offers different types of services depending on the city or town in which you live. To find out what type of service exists in your city, view our ADA Paratransit Service Areas page or call (602) 716-2100.

Dial-a-Ride Services

Dial-a-Ride services are operated throughout the region and offer either curb-to-curb or door-to-door shared-ride public transportation service to three distinct groups of customers:

People with Disabilities

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires transit agencies to provide alternative transportation called "paratransit" that mirrors available public transit for people with disabilities who are unable, because of a disability or disabilities, to independently use public transit for at least some trips. To learn more about the process for becoming eligible for ADA Dial-a-Ride service, visit our ADA Paratransit Eligibility page.

In addition to ADA mandated service, several communities offer additional Dial-a-Ride service for people with disabilities, including service on a same-day basis and service in areas where no public transit exists. The rules for these services vary by community, but most require any person with a disability who is not 65 years of age or greater to obtain ADA certification before using local non-ADA Dial-a-Ride.

Seniors Age 65 or More

Some cities in Maricopa County have elected to provide Dial-a-Ride services for seniors age 65 and above. Rules for these services vary by community, but most require the completion of an application and proof of age and residency.

General public

Some communities within Maricopa County provide Dial-a-Ride services to members of the general public. These services generally require proof of residency and are fairly limited in scope. Check with your city's local government for more information about other transportation programs within your community.

Dial-a-Ride Policies

Personal Care Attendants

A Personal Care Attendant (PCA) is an individual who must accompany a passenger in order for the passenger to fulfill the purpose of his or her trip. For an individual to qualify as an attendant, the certified passenger must have established the need for a PCA during the ADA eligibility process. PCAs are always allowed to ride with an eligible passenger and are not required to pay a fare. They must, however, travel from the same point of origin and to the same destination as the ADA-certified passenger.

Companions

A companion is someone riding with a certified passenger, but not as a PCA. One companion is always allowed to ride with the certified passenger as long as a reservation has been made for the companion and the companion travels from the same point of origin and to the same destination. The companion pays the same fare as the certified passenger. More than one companion is allowed if space is available.

Trip Cancellations

Please notify Dial-a-Ride as soon as you know that you will be unable to make a scheduled trip.

Cancellations can be made throughout the day. When calling to cancel, please provide the following information:

Name

Address

Date and time of pickup (specify a.m. trip, p.m. trip, or both)

No Shows

A "no-show" is defined as when the passenger is not present at the prearranged pickup time and location and the passenger has given no notice to the Dial-a-Ride reservations center that they need to cancel their trip.

If the driver arrives for a pickup and is unable to contact you, the driver may notify the dispatcher. The driver will wait no longer than a few minutes (under normal conditions) past the pick-up time. As a result, any scheduled return trip for that day will also be canceled.

What Happens When I'm a No-Show?

No-shows make it difficult to provide services efficiently and cause delays and inconvenience for other riders. All passengers are responsible for calling to cancel trips that are not needed.

A passenger who records more than three no-shows in any 60-day period may be notified by mail of system policies and expectations of passengers. A second series of no-shows may result in a 30-day suspension from Dial-a-Ride services.

Subscription riders may lose their subscription privileges after recording more than three no-shows within a 60-day period.

Important Dial-a-Ride Travel Tips

Remember, exact fare is required. Drivers do not carry change.

Be ready to go at the scheduled pick-up time. The driver can only wait a few minutes without inconveniencing other passengers.

Allow plenty of time to get to and from your destination. Dial-a-Ride vehicles will probably stop to pick up and drop off other passengers on the way to your destination.

When possible, avoid traveling during peak weekday hours: 7-10 a.m. and 2-6 p.m. Also bear in mind that the first five working days of the month are the busiest travel days.

If you can't make your trip, please call to cancel at least two hours before the scheduled pickup time. This will help the driver avoid making unnecessary stops.

Drivers are not allowed to enter a passenger's residence for any reason.

Smoking, eating and drinking (except when drinks are in authorized containers) are not allowed in Dial-a-Ride vehicles.

Seat belts are required for all passengers riding in Dial-a-Ride vehicles. Please notify the driver if you require assistance with the seat belt.

Information on Dial-a-Ride schedules, fares and services is subject to change.

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Valley Metro is committed to providing safe, convenient transportation options for all Valley residents. ADA Dial-a-Ride complements the existing transit system by providing transportation to people who are unable to utilize local bus service due to a disability. Dial-a-Ride offers different types of services depending on the city or town in which you live.

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The 411 on Disability Disclosure Workbook

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The 411 on Disability Disclosure Workbook

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A helpful, interactive guide that lists many statewide resources for transition.

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Check out or print the brand new Transition Resource Guide here! Ahora también disponible en español.

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A helpful, interactive guide that lists many statewide resources for transition.

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Check out or print the brand new Transition Resource Guide here! Ahora también disponible en español.

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Handbook containing general resources and eligibility information.

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Ride Chandler Flex – the
smartest, easiest way to
get around Chandler.

Get affordable, on-demand rides to commute or get to school without breaking the bank. All rides are FREE during the promotional period!

Price:

All rides are FREE during the promotional period!

Single ride: $2

Extra passengers: $1 each

Middle and high school students (13-18 years old) with a valid student ID ride for free.

Seniors (65+) and wheelchair accessible riders ride for $1 per ride.

--
Service Hours:
Monday - Friday | 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

--
Accessibility:
Wheelchair accessible vehicles are available on demand. Tap the accessibility icon in your profile to be able to request wheelchair vehicles.

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Chandler Flex's service is powered by Via. Via has a strict Zero Tolerance policy. Driver partners are prohibited from driving on the Via Platform while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and riders are prohibited from consuming alcohol or drugs inside the vehicle.

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Going to college is a rite of passage for most young adults. It marks a time of transition into adulthood; of gaining more independence, developing friendships and forging your own path. The college experience, as a whole, allows students to:

Discover their passions

Gain important life skills

Learn about the world around them

However, the opportunity to experience college can be non-existent for many, especially for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Until now.

An Inclusive Postsecondary Education Experience

The L.O.P.E.S (Learning Opportunities for Participation and Engagement in School) Academy at the Cardon Center was inspired by Don and Kim Cardon to invite participants with intellectual and developmental disabilities to experience college life at Grand Canyon University (GCU). GCU is a private, Christian university, located within a gated community in Phoenix, AZ.

Mission

The mission of L.O.P.E.S. Academy at the Cardon Center is to provide an inclusive, immersive Christian university experience for individuals with moderate intellectual disabilities focused on finding personal purpose through academic, social and job skills development for successful, independent living.

Our Academic Program

L.O.P.E.S. Academy partners with Grand Canyon University (GCU) to provide a two-year program in a fully inclusive, Christian environment.

Each course in the L.O.P.E.S. program is seven weeks, with participants taking two courses per 15-week semester (fall and spring). Each class meets twice a week for one hour.

L.O.P.E.S. participants can look forward to taking foundational courses designed to provide the knowledge and skills they need for more independent living. These courses include:

Gaining the College Experience

As we know, college is not all about academics. In fact, the skills and experiences students gain outside the classroom is just as important for their development and independence.

As part of the L.O.P.E.S. Academy program, participants are able to dive deeper into the typical college experience based on their individual interests and skills. Here are some fun activities and opportunities participants can anticipate in our program:

L.O.P.E.S. Buddies: Each L.O.P.E.S. participant will be matched with a GCU student as a guide and support partner throughout the program. Depending on the participant's interests and needs, these mentors can serve as a lunch buddy, workout partner, academic tutor and/or event planner.

Chapel Events: GCU holds weekly chapel services for participants to come together to worship and hear from God's Word. Our Worship Team engages participants in music, and speakers from across campus and throughout the Phoenix area come to share truth as they teach from the Bible.

Clubs: GCU offers over 90 clubs and organizations with the goal of providing participants with an unforgettable college experience. We encourage all our Lopers to visit a club with their buddy.

Guest Speakers and Workshops: L.O.P.E.S. Academy will provide regular hands-on workshops and guest speakers to help participants learn about various topics, such as career exploration, health and wellness, life skills and more.

Sporting Events: If you love sports, GCU has something for every fan. From basketball and baseball, to soccer, swimming, tennis and volleyball, you can cheer on the GCU Lopes throughout the school year.

Future Looks Bright

We understand that young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have just as much to gain from the college experience as their peers. The L.O.P.E.S. Academy is here to help you get started on your journey toward more independent living.

For further questions about the L.O.P.E.S. Academy program, please contact Heidi Boldway, director of L.O.P.E.S. Academy at the Cardon Center, at [email protected] . To apply to the program, please submit your application below and our program manager will follow up with you shortly.

Although the Lopes Academy at the Cardon Center is a non-credit and non-degree program, it prepares participants for successful independent living.

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Going to college is a rite of passage for most young adults. It marks a time of transition into adulthood; of gaining more independence, developing friendships and forging your own path.

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Chandler Recreation champions everyday experiences that encourage the community to discover, imagine, and grow. The cornerstone of every neighborhood, our innovative events, programs, and services strengthen community vitality and foster healthy, enriched lifestyles. Whether you're searching for an abundance of outdoor adventures, looking to flex your fitness goals, or hoping to learn a new hobby Chandler Parks & Recreation has something for everyone.

Flip through our quarterly recreation guide, to find classes, activities, special events, and more ways to #GoPlayChandler. Use the codes listed in the latest edition of Break Time to find and register for your activities.

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Chandler Recreation champions everyday experiences that encourage the community to discover, imagine, and grow. The cornerstone of every neighborhood, our innovative events, programs, and services strengthen community vitality and foster healthy, enriched lifestyles. Whether you're searching for an abundance of outdoor adventures, looking to flex your fitness goals, or hoping to learn a new hobby Chandler Parks & Recreation has something for everyone.

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DSNetwork Arizona | Down Syndrome Network Arizona

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More Ways Than Ever To Support DSNetwork!

You can have an extraordinary, positive impact on our Down syndrome community. When you help DSNetwork, you help us fulfill our mission, enhance communities and celebrate the extraordinary lives of people with Down syndrome. However you choose to support DSNetwork, we are deeply grateful.

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More Ways Than Ever To Support DSNetwork! You can have an extraordinary, positive impact on our Down syndrome community. When you help DSNetwork, you help us fulfill our mission, enhance communities and celebrate the extraordinary lives of people with Down syndrome. However you choose to support DSNetwork, we are deeply grateful.

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NTACT Side-by-Side View: Transition Services

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NTACT Side-by-Side View: Transition Services

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What is TRIO?

TRIO is designed to identify and provide services for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

TRiO includes eight programs targeted to assist low-income, first-generation, and students with disabilities successfully from middle school through postbaccalaureate programs.

The eight TRIO Programs are

1. Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC)

2. Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement (McNair)

3. Student Support Services (SSS)

4. Talent Search (ETS)

5. Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs Staff (TRIO Training Grant)

6. Upward Bound (UB)

7. Upward Bound Math-Science (UBMS)

8. Veterans Upward Bound (VUB)

Are You Eligible?

Applicants must be currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment at MCC.

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or National of the United States or meets the residency requirements for federal student financial assistance (FAFSA).

You must demonstrate academic need; and have at least ONE of the following apply to you:

You are a first-generation college student
(neither parent nor guardian has a bachelor's degree)

You are in financial need - See federal guidelines below

You have a documented disability and are enrolled with the Disability Resources and Services (DRS) Office at MCC

All services are provided at no cost to accepted program participants.
Federal Guidelines for Family Size and Income Level

Click here for more information

Size of Family Unit

48 Contiguous States, D.D., & qualifying Jurisdictions

Alaska

Hawaii

For family units with more than eight members, add the following amount for each additional family member:

$6,720 for the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia and outlying jurisdictions

$8,400 for Alaska

$7,725 for Hawaii

The term "low-income individual" means an in individual whose family's taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level amount.

The figures show under family income represent amounts equal to 150 percent of the poverty level amount.
Download a pdf version of the above chart here.
TRIO Tutoring

Do you need extra help with a class you are currently enrolled in?

TRIO tutors can help!

You must utilize campus resources prior to requesting a one-on-one TRIO tutor

TRIO also offers an open tutoring lab every semester. This open lab provides an opportunity to "drop in" and get some quick help and is a good way to get consistent weekly help.

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TRIO is designed to identify and provide services for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRiO includes eight programs targeted to assist low-income, first-generation, and students with disabilities successfully from middle school through postbaccalaureate programs. The eight TRIO Programs are Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) Ronald E.

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If you are a senior who will be attending ASU next year, check out the TRIO program.

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Succeed inside and outside of the classroom

TRIO is a set of federally-funded college opportunity programs designed to motivate and support first generation, low-income, students with disabilities and veterans in pursuit of a college degree.

Since its establishment by Congress in 1965, TRIO has served over 850,000 students in more than 2,800 TRIO programs across the country. Arizona State University is home to nine Federal TRIO Programs including four pre-college programs for high school students and veterans and five college programs for ASU Students.

The Talent Search, Upward Bound, Veterans Upward Bound pre-college programs inspire and assist participants with improving academic and personal skills as they prepare for college. Supporting ASU undergraduate students with achieving academic and career success, Student Support Services college programs provide academic support, mentoring, financial guidance, career and professional development.

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TRIO | Educational Outreach and Student Services

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Succeed inside and outside of the classroom TRIO is a set of federally-funded college opportunity programs designed to motivate and support first generation, low-income, students with disabilities and veterans in pursuit of a college degree. Since its establishment by Congress in 1965, TRIO has served over 850,000 students in more than 2,800 TRIO programs across the country.

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The college for students who learn differently. Putney, VT

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Landmark College for Students with Learning Disabilities, ADHD & ASD

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Fully accredited college exclusively for students who learn differently and home to LCIRT, the leading institute for learning disabilities research & educator training.

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Virtual resources for individuals.

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Asperger / Autism Network (AANE) We are here for you!

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Information, education, community, and support for individuals, families and professionals. Empowering Individuals, Building Community

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Post-Secondary Employment for individuals with ASD.

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Post-Secondary Employment for individuals with ASD.

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Companies who are changing hiring and training practices to help support individuals on the Autism spectrum.

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According to research, performing job-related activities helps to reduce symptoms and increase daily living skills for those with autism; however, only about half of autistic adults are employed.﻿﻿ There's no doubt that employment is elusive for adults on the spectrum. This reality, however, is changing fast.

A January 2019 article in Forbes, "Effective Autism (Neurodiversity) Employment: A Legal Perspective."﻿﻿ would have been nonexistent a decade prior. The article pointed to major initiatives by top tech employers, such as SAP and Microsoft, and the beneficial impact of their workplace inclusion programs.

Why More Autism-Friendly Employers?

The reasons for this rapid expansion of opportunities aren't absolutely clear, but it seems clear that there are at least four:

The awareness of autism is vastly increased. A huge increase in diagnoses (for whatever set of reasons) means that 1 in 54 American children has autism.﻿﻿

The increase in diagnoses is, at least in part, the result of much broader diagnostic criteria for autism. Instead of including only severely disabled individuals, the autism spectrum now includes individuals with high intelligence and significant skills.

There is an increasing need for workers with the skills, thought patterns, and work ethic that are common among people on the autism spectrum.

People with autism often prefer repetitive work and may not have a strong desire or need for novelty. This can be an asset in many jobs and can be hard to find within the general community.

Autistic adults are, in general, dependable, routinized, focused, detail-oriented, and passionate about their work. Many have outstanding technical and/or math skills. And quite a few are able to find unique solutions to problems that have eluded their more conventional colleagues.

Knowing that autistic workers are increasingly in demand, where are the best jobs? Here's a run-down of some of the top opportunities for adults on the spectrum.

As you'll see, some of these companies are open to people with a wide range of abilities; others are looking specifically for high-functioning individuals with particular skill sets.

Some see autism as just one of many disabilities, while others are focused on autism because of the skills most prevalent among folks on the spectrum. In every case, however, these companies are more than willing to hire people with an autism spectrum diagnosis.

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Top 10 Employers Seeking Autistic Employees

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According to research, performing job-related activities helps to reduce symptoms and increase daily living skills for those with autism; however, only about half of autistic adults are employed.﻿﻿ There's no doubt that employment is elusive for adults on the spectrum. This reality, however, is changing fast.

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Arizona Talking Book Library

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*NEW* Adult Day Program on the Chandler/Gilbert border!

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Turning 18: Legal Options - Encircle Famlies

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Learn about the legal options available for families of children with disabilities when their child turns 18 and becomes an adult. Discover how parents can

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OUR MISSION -To provide individuals with developmental disabilities a welcoming place where they can improve the quality of their lives by interacting with peers, enjoying recreational activities and working on critical life skills so they may become the best versions of themselves.

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To provide individuals with developmental disabilities a welcoming place where they can improve the quality of their lives by interacting with peers, enjoying recreational activities and working on critical life skills so they may become the best versions of themselves.

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Select Image To View A Larger Map

Discounts of up to 50% off on rides to and from designated bus stops south of Pecos Road are now available through a new partnership between the City of Chandler and the rideshare platform Lyft.

The First-Mile, Last-Mile program expands public transit access to an area of the City with limited availability, providing more convenience to bus riders while at the same time saving Chandler taxpayers the high cost of

To benefit from the First-Mile, Last-Mile program, participants must first download the Lyft mobile app and enter the promo code " ChandlerTransit " in their Lyft app. After it has been entered, the discount will apply to any eligible ride throughout the life of the pilot program. Lyft prices vary based on a number of factors, including distance, traffic and time.

Discount applies to the fare, prime time charges, service fee, tolls, and taxes only. Valid until Aug. 31, 2021. Cannot be combined with other offers. Subject to Lyft's terms of service.

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Chandler & Lyft: First-Mile, Last-Mile Program

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Discounts of up to 50% off on rides to and from designated bus stops south of Pecos Road are now available through a new partnership between the City of Chandler and the rideshare platform Lyft.

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Whether you are an established Chandler business, looking to start a business here, or want to move your business to our community, here are quick links to some of the most requested online resources the City of Chandler provides to support your success.

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Arizona Division of Developmental DIsabilities (DDD Services)

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The Division of Developmental Disabilities is actively working to support the health and safety of members, families, and the professionals in our system during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please visit the DDD Actions Related to COVID-19 webpage to view resources and learn more about the actions we are taking to ensure the continuation of necessary services for our members and to support the financial viability of our providers.
Our Mission

The Division of Developmental Disabilities empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to lead self-directed, healthy and meaningful lives. DDD provides supports and services for eligible Arizonans. DDD provides supports and services to individuals diagnosed with one of the following developmental disabilities:

Autism;

Cerebral palsy;

Epilepsy;

Cognitive / Intellectual Disability; or

Are under the age of six and at risk of having a Developmental Disability

DDD serves more than 40,000 people with development disabilities and their families throughout Arizona each year.

News and Announcements

Initiatives

Supports and Services

The Division provides supports and services that help enable individuals with opportunities to exercise their rights and responsibilities of independent decision-making and engagement in the community.

Upcoming DDD Events

Note: The Department of Economic Security provides language assistance free of charge to those with Limited English Proficiency to ensure meaningful access to programs, services, and activities. Please contact your DES office or call 1-855-432-7587 for program assistance provided in your preferred language.

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The Division of Developmental Disabilities is actively working to support the health and safety of members, families, and the professionals in our system during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please visit the DDD Actions Related to COVID-19 webpage to view resources and learn more about the actions we are taking to ensure the continuation of necessary services for our members and to support the financial viability of our providers.

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Youth & Young Adults:
Are You Ready to Transition to Adult Care?

Take the Quiz

Parents & Caregivers:
Is Your Child Ready to Transition to Adult Care?

Take the Quiz

Stay Connected with Got Transition!

Keep up to date on transition-related news and resources with our quarterly transition newsletter.

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Got Transition® aims to improve transition from pediatric to adult health care through the use of new and innovative strategies for health professionals and youth and families.

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Professional Skills

Arizona business and industry and educational leaders defined skills needed in the Arizona workplace - Academic Skills, Technical Skills, and Professional Skills for the workplace (formerly known as Employability Skills) that are critical to getting and keeping a job, as well as advancing in a career. Please see below for information about Professional Skills including definitions, conceptualization, standards, and rubrics.

Professional Skills: Standards, Rubrics, Resources

Complex Communication

Thinking and Innovation

Initiative and Self-Direction

Organizational Culture

Legal and Ethical Practices

Self-Assessment

http://www.azcis.intocareers.org/

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Arizona business and industry and educational leaders defined skills needed in the Arizona workplace - Academic Skills, Technical Skills, and Professional Skills for the workplace (formerly known as Employability Skills) that are critical to getting and keeping a job, as well as advancing in a career.

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College & Career Competencies FrameworkOverview

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The College and Career Competency Framework, developed by Drs. Gaumer Erickson and Noonan, supports educators in systematically embedding intrapersonal, interpersonal, and cognitive competencies into course content. In this way, educators support students to develop into career-equipped, lifelong learners who are socially and emotionally engaged.

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"Skills to Pay the Bills: Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success," is a curriculum developed by ODEP focused on teaching "soft" or workforce readiness skills to youth, including youth with disabilities. Created for youth development professionals as an introduction to workplace interpersonal and professional skills, the curriculum is targeted for youth ages 14 to 21 in both in-school and out-of-school environments. The basic structure of the program is comprised of modular, hands-on, engaging activities that focus on six key skill areas: communication, enthusiasm and attitude, teamwork, networking, problem solving and critical thinking, and professionalism.

Introduction Materials

Soft Skill #1: Communication

The activities in this section will not only help participants practice and recognize how they provide information to others, but also help them consider how others may prefer to receive information. It is important to reinforce with participants that communication skills involve give and take - and they can, indeed, be learned and strengthened over time.

Soft Skill #2: Enthusiasm & Attitude

The activities in this section seek to teach participants about the importance of enthusiasm and a positive attitude in the workplace. Participants will hear strategies for turning negative thinking into positive thinking and displaying and discussing enthusiasm during an interview and on the job.

Soft Skill #3: Teamwork

The activities in this section seek to teach participants about the importance of teamwork to workplace success and the specific role each individual on a team may play. Participants will learn about positive teamwork behavior and discover how their own conduct can impact others on a team.

Soft Skill #4: Networking

The activities in this section focus on the process of networking and its relevance and importance to career development. Participants will learn about taking initiative and overcoming fear, informational interviewing, as well as potential guidelines to consider when using social networks, texting, and email for networking purposes.

Soft Skill #5: Problem Solving & Critical Thinking

The activities in this section focus on learning how to solve problems in a variety of ways in the workplace. Participants will hear about how to properly tell the difference among criticism, praise, and feedback and reacting appropriately. The section will also review strategies for making ethical decisions, solving problems on a team with others, and learning how to take into account others' perceptions when assessing actions or statements in the workplace.

Soft Skill #6: Professionalism

The activities in this section focus on each of the five individual soft skills presented in this publication (communication, enthusiasm/attitude, teamwork, networking, and problem solving/critical thinking), but in a broader framework. This is because professionalism, is not one skill but the blending and integration of a variety of skills.

Additional Materials

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"Skills to Pay the Bills: Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success," is a curriculum developed by ODEP focused on teaching "soft" or workforce readiness skills to youth, including youth with disabilities. Created for youth development professionals as an introduction to workplace interpersonal and professional skills, the curriculum is targeted for youth ages 14 to 21 in both in-school and out-of-school environments.

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Detailed descriptions of the world-of-work for use by job seekers, workforce development and HR professionals, students, developers, researchers, and more. Individuals can find, search, or browse across 900+ occupations based on their goals and needs. Comprehensive reports include occupation requirements, worker characteristics, and available training, education, and job opportunities.

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Special Olympics Arizona | Explore Capabilities

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Special Olympics Arizona aims to empower the over 180,000 Arizonans with intellectual disabilities to be healthy, productive, and respected members

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Registration for ALL males ages 18-25.

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Almost all male U.S. citizens and male immigrants, who are 18 through 25, are required to register with Selective Service.

It's important to know that even though he is registered, a man will not automatically be inducted into the military. In a crisis requiring a draft, men would be called in a sequence determined by random lottery number and year of birth. Then, they would be examined for mental, physical, and moral fitness by the military before being deferred or exempted from military service or inducted into the Armed Forces.

A CHART of who must register is also available in PDF.

NON-CITIZENS

With very few exceptions, all males between ages 18 and 25 must register with the Selective Service System (SSS) within 30 days of arriving in the United States. This includes U.S. born and naturalized citizens, parolees, undocumented immigrants, legal permanent residents, asylum seekers, refugees, and all males with visas of any kind which expired more than 30 days ago. The few individuals who are exempt from this requirement are those on current non-immigrant visas. A complete list of acceptable documentation for exemption may be found here.

The Selective Service System has not now, or in the past, collected or shared any information which would indicate a man's immigration status, either documented or undocumented. Selective Service has no authority to collect such information, has no use for it, and it is irrelevant to the registration requirement. Consequently, there is no immigration data to share with anyone.

The general rule is that if a male non-citizen takes up residency in the U.S. before his 26th birthday, he must register with Selective Service. For a more detailed list of which non-citizens must register, see WHO MUST REGISTER - CHART in PDF.

DUAL NATIONALS

Dual nationals of the U.S. and another country are required to register, regardless of where they live, because they are U.S. citizens. See also U.S. NON-CITIZENS AND DUAL NATIONALS - LIABILITY FOR SERVICE.

If a man is placed in a hospital, nursing home, long-term care facility, or mental institution on or before his 18th birthday, had no breaks of institutionalization of 30 days or longer, and remained institutionalized until his 26th birthday, he is not required to register.

If he is confined to home, whether his own or someone else's (including group homes), on or before his 18th birthday and cannot leave the home without medical assistance (for example, by ambulance, or with the help of a nurse or EMT), and remained homebound until his 26th birthday, he is not required to register.

For further explanation, see our website for the following:

Men with disabilities that would disqualify them from military service still must register with Selective Service. There is a difference between exemption of the requirement to register, and classification of ability to serve in times of National emergency. Selective Service does not presently have authority to classify men for National service, but even men with obvious handicaps must register now, and if needed, classifications would be determined later. The criteria for exemptions from registration are:

If a man is placed in a hospital, nursing home, long-term care facility, or mental institution on or before his 18th birthday, had no breaks of institutionalization of 30 days or longer, and remained institutionalized until his 26th birthday, he is not required to register.

If he is confined to home, whether his own or someone else's (including group homes), on or before his 18th birthday and cannot leave the home without medical assistance (for example, by ambulance, or with the help of a nurse or EMT), and remained homebound until his 26th birthday, he is not required to register.

For further clarifications, see our website for the following:

CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS

Men, who would be classified as CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS if they were drafted, must register with Selective Service. If a draft begins and they are called, they would have the opportunity to file a claim for exemption from military service based upon their religious or moral objection to war.

OPM notes that "transgender" refers to people whose gender identity and/or expression is different from the sex assigned to them at birth (e.g. the sex listed on an original birth certificate). The OPM Guidance further explains that the term "transgender woman" typically is used to refer to someone who was assigned the male sex at birth but who identifies as a female. Likewise, OPM provides that the term "transgender man" typically is used to refer to someone who was assigned the female sex at birth but who identifies as male.

NOTE: Transgender students are welcome to contact Selective Service regarding their registration requirements if they are unclear about how they should answer Question 21 or Question 22 on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or need a status information letter from Selective Service that clarifies whether or not they are exempt from the registration requirement. This can be done by calling our Registration Information Office on 1-888-655-1825. Individuals who have changed their gender to male will be asked to complete a request form for a status information letter and provide a copy of their birth certificate. One exemption letter may be used in multiple school financial aid processes.

*NOTE: If a man failed to register with Selective Service, Section 12(g) of the Military Selective Service Act allows non-registrants to receive benefits under specific conditions. As a veteran, or part-time National Guard or Reservist, the man satisfies those conditions with his DD Form 214 showing the dates of his military service, or a current military ID card if still on active duty or a member of the National Guard and Reserves. These documents serve as evidence that the man's failure to register was not knowing and willful. Therefore, men who served on full-time active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces should not be denied student financial aid, loans, or grants; vocational training under WIA; government employment; and security clearances, on the basis of their failure to register with Selective Service. As long as the man has proof of his active duty military service, such as his DD 214, or current military ID card if still on active duty or a member of the National Guard or Reserves, his subsequent failure to register should not be a bar to any benefits or programs, contingent upon registration compliance, for which he is otherwise qualified.

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Selective Service System > Registration > Who Must Register

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Almost all male U.S. citizens and male immigrants, who are 18 through 25, are required to register with Selective Service. It's important to know that even though he is registered, a man will not automatically be inducted into the military.

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What is Travel Training?

Valley Metro does its best to make getting around on local bus routes and light rail a smooth process. But we take it a step further by providing free training for passengers with disabilities who need help navigating routes.

How Does It Work?

Qualified trainers work one-on-one with passengers and go over everything from planning trips to recognizing stops to understanding our fares.

How Can Travel Training Help?

One-on-one training is free and does not affect your ADA certification.

Training is simple for riders of all ages.

Training helps you navigate local bus and light rail routes and saves you time and money.

Testimonials

How have our passengers liked using this service so far?

"I'm so grateful for having this training. I probably wouldn't have used the bus. Thank you so much."
--Diana, new transit rider

The best part of using public transportation and the training is proof of my independence."
--Jon, new transit rider

Contact Information

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Valley Metro does its best to make getting around on local bus routes and light rail a smooth process. But we take it a step further by providing free training for passengers with disabilities who need help navigating routes. Qualified trainers work one-on-one with passengers and go over everything from planning trips to recognizing stops to understanding our fares.

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Announcement

To recognize the positive impacts of Registered Apprenticeships on Arizona's economy, Governor Doug Ducey signed a proclamation declaring Arizona Apprenticeship Week to coincide with the National Apprenticeship Week on November 14 -20, 2022. View Arizona's Apprenticeship Week proclamation.

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To recognize the positive impacts of Registered Apprenticeships on Arizona's economy, Governor Doug Ducey signed a proclamation declaring Arizona Apprenticeship Week to coincide with the National Apprenticeship Week on November 14 -20, 2022. View Arizona's Apprenticeship Week proclamation.

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Monster Jobs - Job Search, Career Advice & Hiring Resources | Monster.com

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www.indeed.com needs to review the security of your connection before proceeding.

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Job Search for Hourly & Local Jobs Hiring Now

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Search for hourly and local jobs hiring in your area with Snagajob. Find your next full-time, part-time, gig, or shift fast.

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The Leader in Disability Employment | GettingHired.com

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Getting Hired provides disability employment by removing barriers and connecting them to our employers, partners, and resources.

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WINTAC will host a discussion on Data Integrity Strategies During COVID-19 on Tuesday, May 19, from 3:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. Eastern Time.

COVID-19 has created a situation where VR agency staff (as well as many other service providers) must work remotely. Agencies are developing policies and procedures specifically around providing services remotely while maintaining data integrity and confidentiality.

This webinar will feature discussion on the following topics:

1. Data Integrity - both collecting and reporting -- in a remote service environment;

2. Lessons learned that will inform Data Integrity policies and procedures moving forward; and

3. Plans for possible additional pandemic waves and future opportunities for remote working.

Four State VR agencies will share information in a Q&A format about how they are addressing this change in service model and maintaining data integrity. Attendees will have an opportunity to share their approaches and pose additional questions to the panel with the time available.

The panel, facilitated by WINTAC's Nikki Powis, includes Mariah Krueger (Alaska Division of Vocational Rehabilitation), Alicia Kucharczyk (Connecticut Department of Rehabilitation Services), Allison Flanagan (Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation) and Dacia Johnson (Oregon Commission for the Blind).

To attend this event, click this link to register.

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WINTAC | Working together with Vocational Rehabilitation programs and their partners to effectively implement the requirements of WIOA

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WINTAC will host a discussion on Data Integrity Strategies During COVID-19 on Tuesday, May 19, from 3:00 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. Eastern Time. COVID-19 has created a situation where VR agency staff (as well as many other service providers) must work remotely.

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The Opportunity Centers at RISE Services, Inc. provide adults with developmental disabilities the benefit of spending time with other adults who are in similar situations. Not only do they get to share their day, but they also have the opportunity to learn life skills that will help them lead full, productive, and independent lives.

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Opportunity Centers For Adults With Disabilities in Arizona

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RISE Services, Inc. provides the facilities for adults in similar situations to spend time together in Arizona. Call (480) 497-1889 today.

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PATHWAY TO WORK

OUR MISSION

We are a nonprofit organization that prepares adults with developmental disabilities for sustainable, integrated work opportunities through the provision of individualized support, training, and resources.

OUR VALUES

Each individual holds worth and dignity, and should be afforded an equal chance to develop self-reliance and personal responsibility to function individually and as a member of society.

OUR GOALS

Promote employment outcomes consistent with an individual's talents, knowledge, and abilities.

Provide training for work and life skills.

Prepare participants for work experiences aligned with strengths, preferences, and interests.

Develop and coordinate resources to provide opportunities for integrated work experiences.

Educate the community and businesses regarding the mutual benefits of employing people with developmental disabilities.

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OUR MISSION We are a nonprofit organization that prepares adults with developmental disabilities for sustainable, integrated work opportunities through the provision of individualized support, training, and resources. OUR VALUES Each individual holds worth and dignity, and should be afforded an equal chance to develop self-reliance and personal responsibility to function individually and as a member of society.

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Guthrie Mainstream Services LLC, established in July of 2003 by a group of experienced professionals dedicated to educating, enlightening, and enriching the lives of those they serve so well. We are contracted with the State of Arizona as a Qualified Vendor to provide Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) to the Developmentally Delayed population as identified by DES/DDD.

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Guthrie Mainstream Services LLC, established in July of 2003 by a group of experienced professionals dedicated to educating, enlightening, and enriching the lives of those they serve so well. We are contracted with the State of Arizona as a Qualified Vendor to provide Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) to the Developmentally Delayed population as identified by DES/DDD.

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"Every single thing you do matters. You have been created as one of a kind. You have been created in order to make a difference. You have within you the power to change the world." ~ Andy Andrew ~ Our special needs are the hands by which we take hold of heaven. Each moment with each individual is a chance to make a difference in their lives . . . and, by doing so, a difference in our own. "No act...

We currently have three TRANSITIONS Day Treatment and Training Adult (DTA) programs. Two are located in Tempe, AZ and one is located in Glendale, AZ. At all three DTA programs, we aim to build upon the knowledge our attendees have to promote self sufficiency in a fun way. We focus on health, safety and encourage pride through responsibility and we strive to create experiences that facilitate social confidence and...

TRANSITIONS provides Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS) which include Respite, Habilitation and Attendant Care for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. These services provide temporary relief for the primary caregivers, one-on-one life skills training and assistance in maintaining a safe and healthy living condition. TRANSITIONS also provides physical, mental, and emotional support, training, and...
OUR TRANSITIONS FAMILY

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TRANSITIONS | Your support team through life's transitions

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"Every single thing you do matters. You have been created as one of a kind. You have been created in order to make a difference. You have within you the power to change the world." ~ Andy Andrew ~ Our special needs are the hands by which we take hold of heaven.

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October is Down Syndrome Acceptance Month at GiGi's Playhouse Phoenix/Scottsdale and Career Development Center. We celebrate our families as we begin our 2019 Annual Friends of GiGi's Annual Giving Campaign. Individual Teams set up their personal fundraising page telling their story and inviting friends and family to donate to GiGi's Playhouse Phoenix/Scottsdale and The Career Development Center in their name.

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Welcome to GiGi's Playhouse Phoenix! GiGi's Playhouse is a one-of-a-kind achievement center for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community-providing free therapeutic and educational programs that advance literacy, math skills, motor skills and more. Friends of GiGi's October is Down Syndrome Acceptance Month at GiGi's Playhouse Phoenix/Scottsdale and Career Development Center.

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At The Arc of Tempe, we strive to empower and enrich the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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NEW program in Chandler- The Bogle Center

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The Bogle Center is a fun, enjoyable, interactive day program designed to encourage our members to socialize and interact with their peers. Our goal is to see each individual reach their maximum potential through experiencing tasks of everyday living. We enjoy going out in the community and participating in various activities.

Ages: High School graduate and older

Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00am-4:00pm

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The Bogle Center is a fun, enjoyable, interactive day program designed to encourage our members to socialize and interact with their peers. Our goal is to see each individual reach their maximum potential through experiencing tasks of everyday living. We enjoy going out in the community and participating in various activities.

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Welcome to Smiles for Special Needs! We are so glad you found us. Our company provides services to individuals with intellectual and developmental delays. Our staff has over twenty years of combined experience in providing Respite, Habilitation and Attendant Care. Our goal at Smiles for Special Needs is to provide the best care possible with an emphasis on promoting independence. We are located in the East Valley, and currently serve all of Maricopa County.

Services We Provide

Respite, Habilitation, and Attendant Care.

Day Treatment for Adults with transportation in Mesa and Chandler.

After School Program with transportation for kids still in school in Mesa and Chandler.

Summer program and transportation for kids still in school during summer months in Chandler.

Group Supported Employment.

Group Supported Employment

Group supported employment provides entry level employment opportunities for individuals who have been approved by DDD. This program is designed to teach basic on the job training such as learning to work with others, and following directions. Individuals learn how to complete the necessary paperwork required to be paid. Each member is paid minimum wage and works about 10 hours per week. Transportation is provided for individuals participating in this program.

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Welcome to Smiles for Special Needs! We are so glad you found us. Our company provides services to individuals with intellectual and developmental delays. Our staff has over twenty years of combined experience in providing Respite, Habilitation and Attendant Care. Our goal at Smiles for Special Needs is to provide the best care possible with an emphasis on promoting independence.

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The goal of this service is to provide specialized, sensorimotor, cognitive, communicative, social interaction and behavioral training to promote skill development for some portion of a 24-hour day. We can provide transportation.

Service Requirements and Limitations:

1. This service shall not be provided in a group home or a developmental home (child or adult).

2. This service shall not be provided when the consumer is hospitalized.

3. This service shall not be provided to consumers living in skilled nursing facilities, non-state operated ICFs/MR, or Level I or Level II behavioral health facilities.

4. This service is not intended to provide daycare relief to caregivers, but to actually provide a habilitative opportunity for the consumer.

5. After-school program services are provided in a Qualified Vendor owned, leased, or a publicly available setting, where the children participating have been identified as participating in a supervised program. The setting must be inspected by the Department's Office of Licensing, Certification, and Regulation and approved by the Division.

6. This service is designed to allow children to participate in habilitative activities in an appropriate structured after-school program. In assessing the need for this service the ISP team should consider whether there are age-appropriate integrated structured programs available.

7. This service in no way should be construed to discourage a child from participating in an integrated after-school program. When a member child is participating in an integrated program (appropriate habilitative goals must be developed, implemented, and achievable) and other child participants do not have developmental disabilities, the applicable hourly rate will be assumed to be at the 1:2.5 to 1:4.5 staff to member ratio. Billing requirements pertaining to documentation of staff-to-client ratios are waived to the Qualified Vendor under these circumstances.

8. Service is considered to be habilitation.

Read more: Day Treatment and Training- Child (After School)
Day Treatment and Training - Child (Summer)

A service that provides specialized sensory-motor, cognitive, communicative, social interaction and behavioral training to promote skill development for some portion of a 24-hour day.

We can provide transportation.

Service Requirements and Limitations

1. This service shall not be provided in a group home or a developmental home (child or adult).

2. This service shall not be provided when the consumer is hospitalized.

3. This service shall not be provided to consumers living in skilled nursing facilities, non-state operated ICfs/MR, or Level I or Level II behavioral health facilities.

4. This service is not intended to provide day care relief to caregivers, but to actually provide a habilitative opportunity for the consumer.

5. Day program services are provided in a Qualified Vendor owned or leased setting or a publicly available setting, where the children participating have been identified as participating in a supervised program. The setting must be inspected the Department's Office of Licensing, Certification, and Regulation.

6. This service is designed to allow children to participate in habilitative activities when a school program is not available for a summer furlough. If a summer school program is available the Individual Support Plan (ISP) team should assess most beneficial option for the consumer.

7. This service in no way should be construed to discourage a child from participating in an integrated summer program. When a consumer child is participating in an integrated program (appropriate habilitative goals must be developed, implemented, and achievable) and other child participants do not have developmental disabilities, the applicable hourly rate will be assumed to be at the 1:2.5 to 1:4.5 staff to consumer ratio. Billing requirements pertaining to documentation of staff to client ratios are waived to the Qualififed Vendor under these circumstances.

8. Service is considered to be habilitation. Since this service is typically provided in a planned and structured manner, if the consumer does not intend to consistently and fully participate on a daily basis as the program is scheduled, the ISP team may want to determine if this service is appropriate.

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DTA - Day Treatment and Training - Odyssey Services Corporation - Odysseyservicescorp

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The goal of this service is to provide specialized, sensorimotor, cognitive, communicative, social interaction and behavioral training to promote skill development for some portion of a 24-hour day. We can provide transportation. Service Requirements and Limitations: This service shall not be provided in a group home or a developmental home (child or adult).

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Proactive Planning for Special Needs through Vocation, Recreation and Socialization

Founded as an "independent non-profit agency" in January of 2006, Nobody's Perfect Inc. was established to support the choices of people with developmental disabilities and their families. These are valued individuals involved and participating in the community, making decisions for themselves. We assist with qualifying for programs that would benefit them and their desire for productive independent living and financial success.

WE HELP YOU BECOME SUCCESSFUL

Recognizing people's strengths, promoting self-reliance, enhancing confidence and building on community resources are the building blocks that Nobody's Perfect Inc. utilizes to establish indiviuals with special needs as successful employees and entrepreneurs.

We started in January of 2006 with a goal to provide vocationally based support for adults with developmental disabilities. At that time, with a staff of one and donated space set in a Guthrie Mainstream Services building, we began pre-vocational training programs for 3 to 4 individuals working in our first retail snack store and light janitorial service. Our workers earned a minimum wage of $5.15 per hour for 1 to 2 hours per week. By the end of spring 2008 we applied for and received approval as a Qualified Vendor for the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) to provide supported employment services directly to their members. Our first Group Supported Employment (GSE) enclave did scanning; shredding and operated a larger snack store that also has a reverse osmosis water system to vend purified, healthy drinking water to the community. In 2009 D Williamson stepped out of her position as board president and became Chief Operating Officer, bringing with her ideas, programs and social enterprises that have proven extremely beneficial to our purpose. In 2010 we proceeded with plans to extend farther out into the community. That is how we landed our Day Training Program (DTA) and Work Center in Queen Creek in September of that year. Identified as an area of need by the DDD, we leased three suites and with 100% of our own funds, completed the build out of our current home on San Tan Boulevard. Our Thrift Store was established at the same location later in 2011 as a response to the decision not to do anymore yearly rummage sales as a fundraiser. We still had so many of our supporters who wanted to continue to donate items, so the thrift store gave us a venue to sell them and again "put more people to work". We added additional space to the thrift store in 2012. Today in three separate suites, our thrift stores in Queen Creek employ 12 GSE workers daily with a support staff of 6. The community response has been wonderful. We have regular customers who purchase and donate items and appreciate exactly what our purpose is because they are telling their friends. In 2016 we purchased property on the corner of Power Road and Main Street in Mesa. That location contains our 5000 square foot "Barry's Bargains" Thrift Store, named in memory of our dear friend and first DTA member Barry. The store is staffed with our GSE members and their support staff.

Transportation is a very important part of our service. Many who attend our Vocationally Based Day Program or work in certain enclaves would not be able to do so without appropriate transportation. In 2010 and 2011, with the assistance of the Maricopa Association of Governments, the City of Phoenix and the Arizona Department of Transportation, we were granted three new minivans and one new twelve passenger wheel chair lift van as part of a federally funded, multimodal transportation plan. These vehicles have been a necessary asset to our fleet of 13 non-emergency transportation vans and 3 support vehicles . As part of the MAG requirement that encourages collaboration, we set up a vehicle usage exchange with Guthrie Mainstream Services to get the maximum effectiveness from our lift van. We believe we have taken a leadership role in the community with this exchange program.

As of January 31, 2018 our staff of 25 full-time, part-time and administrative personnel support 55 individuals, with 52 of them in some type of community based employment receiving real pay for real work. You can see our organization continues to grow and of course with any growth we will experience many needs going forward. Thank you for taking the time to read through the following pages to see what we do, where we are headed, and for giving thought to how you can participate in advancing our mission.

The Queen Creek Thrift Stores were opened specifically to provide jobs for the people we serve who would like to work in a community based environment. We now have three separate thrift store suites in the same business plaza as our Day Program at 18911 E San Tan Boulevard, Queen Creek AZ 85142. The clerks who are assisting you have been or are being trained to make your visit both pleasant and professional. We appreciate your patience with our process and your support with your donations or purchases.

Donations may also be dropped off during regular store hours in Queen Creek seven days a week except holidays from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm,

or at Barry's Bargains Thrift Store at 6838 E Main Street Mesa AZ 85207; Monday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.

We also have a work group that can pick up your items by appointment.

Queen Creek Thrift Store hours are Sunday through Saturday 8:00 am to 3:45 pm

Barry's Bargains Thrift Store hours are Monday through Saturday 8:00 am to 3:45 pm

PICKUPS CAN BE ARRANGED by calling 480 -840-9351

or emailing us at admin@nobodysperfectinc.org and will be scheduled Monday through Friday between 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

NOTE: We certainly appreciate your donation but p lease be considerate of what you are donating as we are reselling what you donate. We do not pick up trash.

ITEMS WE DO NOT ACCEPT: Mattresses or Box Springs, Broken, Torn or Heavily soiled furniture, Entertainment Centers or Wall Units, Office Equipment or Large Desks, Heavy Fitness Equipment; (Treadmills, Elliptical Machines etc.) BBQ Grills, Televisions, Liquids or Hazardous and Flammable Materials.

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Founded as an "independent non-profit agency" in January of 2006, Nobody's Perfect Inc. was established to support the choices of people with developmental disabilities and their families. These are valued individuals involved and participating in the community, making decisions for themselves.

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AFLS Assesses 17 Skill Areas:

Money Skills

Time Skills

Phone Skills

Health and Safety and First Aide Skills

Basic Communication

Social Awareness and Manners

Cooking Skills: Kitchen/Lunch Room

Meals at Home

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Adult Day Treatment Program (DTA) Our Adult Day Treatment Program (DTA) is a program funded through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) for adults with disabilities age 18 and over. Our Adult Day Treatment Program (DTA) is a program funded through the Division of Developmental

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DAY TREATMENT ADULT (DTA) Honora Healthcare Services (HHCS) Day Treatment Adult (DTA) program provides specialized sensory-motor, cognitive, communicative, social interaction and behavioral training to promote skill development for some portion of a 24-hour day. We provide training and supervision for our members to increase or maintain his/her socialization and adaptive skills to live and participate in the community.

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Vocational Program

Meaningful Day Program

HCBS Program

2009 - Tempe and Casa Grande Locations Opened

2012 - Chandler Location Opened

2015 - Bubbas BBQ Pit Opened

To support the choices of individuals with developmental disabilities by promoting and delivering flexible, quality, consumer-driven services, supports and employment within communities.

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Vocational Program Meaningful Day Program HCBS Program 2009 - Tempe and Casa Grande Locations Opened 2012 - Chandler Location Opened 2015 - Bubbas BBQ Pit Opened To support the choices of individuals with developmental disabilities by promoting and delivering flexible, quality, consumer-driven services, supports and employment within communities.

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Serving members of the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) community through good, healthy living environments and stimulating day programs.

Enabling members to thrive as independently as possible in a loving and caring environment

Providing a structured and safe atmosphere to participate in daily activities within the community to meet objectives and build confidence

Helping members to learn, improve, and retain skills and functioning for daily living

We foster a culture where people express understanding , tenderness, caring, and compassion for one another.

All staff are trained and current with essential safety and state required training. Hatch Haven also provides functional training on subjects such as Seizures, Medication Administration, and Reporting Protocol.

We are committed to the growth of our employees. This allows them to perform better and prepares them for greater responsibilities. Cross training staff provides continuity for members to really know and be comfortable with staff as they are present both in the home and during the day.

Our staff help our members, their families and coworkers. They are committed, responsible and reliable. We pride ourselves on the level of staff we employ. Hatch Haven compensates staff better than other agencies allowing selection of the best talent available.

Hatch Haven centers provide Day Treatment for Adults (DTA) including individualized goal setting and tracking. We also provide community interaction and involvement, life skill training, and social interactions.

I wanted to find a program for my daughter that was a good fit for her. She was in a program but it wasn't meeting her needs and she was a little lost in the shuffle there. Then we found Hatch Haven. They accepted my daughter into the DTA program with open arms and made my daughter and me feel like family. Now I can say we are family. They take such great care of the members, including their families and gave us a place to call Home. I only feel love for them and feel lucky and blessed to have found them.

I just want to say that "The Staff" at Hatch House aren't employees to myself and my family, they ARE family!!! And we couldn't ask for for better examples for my son!!

Our Story

Hatch Haven is different than most Day Programs for Adults with Disabilities in Arizona because of the love we have for all of our members. We desire for everyone to live their lives as happy and healthy as they possibly can. It is not a job, it is a blessing. At Hatch Haven you won't find a big corporation with multi-layers of clinical bureaucracy. We're just a family run business that is focused on loving and improving the lives of each of our cherished members.

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Hatch Haven | Empowering Individuals through Love, Care and Respect.

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Serving members of the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) community through good, healthy living environments and stimulating day programs. Enabling members to thrive as independently as possible in a loving and caring environment Providing a structured and safe atmosphere to participate in daily activities within the community to meet objectives and build confidence Helping members to learn, improve, and retain skills and functioning for daily living ­We foster a culture where people express understanding , tenderness, caring, and compassion for one another­.

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Cody's Corner provides training and services for members who have various developmental disabilities in order to achieve a quality of life which supports and enhances a member's independence, self esteem, self worth, mutual respect, value, and dignity while building bridges and enhancing relationships within the communities we service.

Cody's Corner offers a "second home" philosophy to its members (individuals with various developmental disabilities) in a respectful and dignified approach which does not restrict the member's individual rights and freedoms. We want to make certain the members and staff feel a sense of family when they spend their days with our company.

Daily program for members to learn how to integrate with society and build relationships with others. Transportation services offered. Weekly outings scheduled.

Servicing and Licensing provided for individuals seeking to provide a safe and loving home for disabled children and adults. It takes a big heart!

Expert staff members will work with members who are capable of entering the workforce to gain and maintain meaningful employment by providing the skills necessary to succeed.

We provide services for individual providers who need temporary relief from care of a member who they service.

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Cody's Corner provides training and services for members who have various developmental disabilities in order to achieve a quality of life which supports and enhances a member's independence, self esteem, self worth, mutual respect, value, and dignity while building bridges and enhancing relationships within the communities we service.

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Chandler Gilbert Arc is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing teaching and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

First conceived in 1975 as "Chandler Arc", by a group of parents who wanted to provide life options for their (8) adult children with disabilities, CGArc now proudly serves over 500 individuals per year with specialized community-based employment, housing, and adult day programs.

Our mission is to facilitate growth for people with disabilities through choice, experience, guidance, and respect.

Chandler Gilbert Arc is licensed and funded by the State of Arizona Department of Economic Security Division of Developmental Disabilities and State of Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration and other private funding sources. At the national level, we are affiliated with The Arc of the United States. At the state level, we are affiliated with The Arc of Arizona.

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Chandler Gilbert Arc is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing teaching and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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Adult Services Programs

Program activities are structured in three levels to best assist individuals who have developmental disabilities, to meet individual needs and interests depending on their abilities, and allow them to lead a life of dignity and self-worth.

"The focus on positive re-enforcement and building her up has been so huge for her. Also, the availability of adaptive recreational equipment (bikes) and the accessibility of the campus has been so great for her. I think she feels successful because she can do things without extra modifications and frustration that she commonly has when she was with typical peers and she couldn't do anything without help."

"My daughter is new to this sort of school, but failed at many other public schools that thought they could handle her. Finally they understood that Alyssa is who she is and there wasn't anything they could do to change her, giving me the right to place her in a school of my choice. I am so glad I found this school! Alyssa thrives here and I no longer get calls all day from a school that couldn't handle her temper. ;-)"

"ACCEL has such a comfortable friendly atmosphere... They make the parents as welcomed as the kids. My son has flourished at this school and is even telling more jokes. He's excited about going every day, loves learning and is excited to show me what he's done. I love the way they treat my son like everyone else... the communication is awesome ... even the tiniest things they acknowledge and work on with him...good or bad days .. they are always happy to see him the next day and he listens to them. For my son to be this happy at school makes me one happy proud mama and very grateful and thankful for this school!"

"When I first met with someone from ACCEL their 1st question to me was What does your child need? in her previous schools they said this is what we can do for her but at ACCEL they want to meet the needs of the child, they think of the child 1st. We struggled in the other schools trying to get our daughter's needs met. We are so thankful for ACCEL because their focus is where it should be."

"So happy! My child has been at ACCEL for 2 years now from a public school that could not meet her special needs. She was hurt from their mistakes. I fought to get her in ACCEL. We won and during the time she has been at ACCEL she has learned so much with her tobi/talker and new skills."

"My child attended another school since he was 5, but I wish they had sent him to ACCEL then. He has opened up so much and is willing to learn . He has always loved school but at ACCEL, it's different. He lights up and he had no meltdowns at all this year ... NONE !! You have no idea how amazing and wonderful and exciting that is. It means he is comfortable, even when he is challenged! He stays his path! Words cannot express how much his brother and I love the staff."

"ACCEL doesn't give up on their children. There've been multiple places that have turned my son away, and to know he finally has a place where he is accepted, words could not explain how happy it makes me. I say thank you."

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Program activities are structured in three levels to best assist individuals who have developmental disabilities, to meet individual needs and interests depending on their abilities, and allow them to lead a life of dignity and self-worth. Group Supported and Individual Supported Employment prov ...

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National Technical Assistance Center on Transition

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National Technical Assistance Center on Transition

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https://transitionta.org/

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NTACT:C | National Technical Assistance Center on Transition

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The Collaborative (NTACT:C) Supporting you to improve opportunities and outcomes for students and youth with disabilities

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evit.edu

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Interested in free vocational training? Check out Phoenix Job Corps

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Whether you're a parent or guardian, school counselor or mentor, we know you want the best for the young person in your life. Job Corps helps them reach their goals, find their purpose and guide them along their journey to a better future.

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Find your ideal career path with free training in a number of fields at the Phoenix Job Corps Center

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What Are Pre-ets (Pre Employment Transition Services)? 

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What Are Pre-ets (Pre Employment Transition Services)? 

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Information from the Arizona Department of Economic Security

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The Rehabilitation Services Administration Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program is offering Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to students with disabilities statewide.

What are Pre-ETS?

Pre-ETS are specific career exploration and job readiness services that help students with disabilities prepare for future employment. Pre-ETS are provided via workshops that are short in duration and related to the following topic areas:

Job Exploration Counseling;

Work-Based Learning;

Counseling on Post-Secondary and Training Opportunities;

Work Readiness Training; and

Instruction in Self-Advocacy

For additional explanation of Pre-ETS and possible workshop topics that may be offered, please read the Pre-ETS Overview.

Who can receive Pre-ETS?

'Students with disabilities' can receive Pre-ETS. Here in Arizona, a 'student with a disability' is an individual who is between 14-22 years of age, participating in an educational program (e.g. public, private or charter schools, home school, vocational programs, college, GED programs, etc.), and has a documented disability (this includes students who qualify for a 504 plan or who have an Individualized Education Plan or IEP). It is important to note that these students do not have to apply for VR services or be clients of the VR program.

How do I request Pre-ETS?

Review the Pre-ETS Contractor Directory for information on Pre-ETS providers.

Complete the Pre-ETS Request Form in full and submit it to the [email protected] mailbox. Please note that additional documentation may be required when submitting the Pre-ETS Request Form. Examples include:

Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan;

Medical or psychological documentation with diagnosis by a licensed professional;

Proof of acceptance/enrollment into a post-secondary educational program; and

Proof of legal guardianship if the student has a legal guardian

If you have any questions regarding Pre-ETS, please email [email protected] .

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The Rehabilitation Services Administration Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program is offering Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to students with disabilities statewide. Pre-ETS are specific career exploration and job readiness services that help students with disabilities prepare for future employment.

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MCC partners with Boeing to train future workforce | Alumni Association | Mesa Community College

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Boeing Mesa Employee works on electrical cable harness wiring in the Electrical Center of Excellence. Mesa Community College partners with The Boeing Company to identify and train future electrical cable harness wirers. Registration is open now for summer Cable Harness Wiring Boot Camps.

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Questions to Ask When Visiting an Adult Day Center

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Questions to Ask When Visiting an Adult Day Center

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Preparing for a life after death: A guide for parents of adult children with special needs

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Preparing for a life after death: A guide for parents of adult children with special needs

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More than 40 million Americans had a disability in 2016, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. For some, physical and cognitive impairments can hinder their ability to make decisions, live independently and provide for themselves financially. While parents may be accustomed to stepping in, every family should prepare for the day they no longer are around to do so.

"The fear that we have as parents is that our loved one is going to outlive us," says Brian N. Rubin president of the Special Needs Alliance, an organization of attorneys that specialize in disability and public benefits law. 'Special needs' is a term used to describe those who need extra support because of a medical, emotional or learning disability, such as Rubin's 37-year-old son Mitchell, who has autism.

"We don't expect anybody else to do what we do for our child, so while we're still here, we want to try and have some peace of mind that everything will be OK," Rubin says.

Here is how to achieve that goal:

Step 1: Consider the Financial Implications

"When you plan for people with disabilities, everyone's goal is the same - to provide security for their family member," says John Nadworny, a partner with Special Needs Financial Planning, a specialty practice of Winchester, Mass.-based Shepherd Financial Partners.

Government services such as Social Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Medicaid will provide much of that security. Families can also supplement government resources with their own funds or purchase a life insurance policy to provide income for their child after they pass away.

Creating a financial plan also means making sure the parents have enough for retirement, says Michael Berry, head of the Advanced Planning Team for Voya Financial in Des Moines. "It's really important to do a complete life plan for not only for the individual (with special needs), but also for the advocate," Berry says.

Step 2: Put Legal Protections in Place

Many government services have income and asset limitations. For example, to qualify for SSI, you must have less than $2,000 in assets. A child who is left an inheritance or designated the beneficiary of a life insurance policy may inadvertently be disqualified from receiving benefits, says Jay Robert, a New York-based attorney with Kassoff, Robert & Lerner, who specializes in special needs planning.

Depending on the state, that could cost the adult child hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, says Benjamin Rubin, an attorney and Mitchell's brother. "This is an astronomical sum that most families cannot afford for the rest of that child's lifetime," Benjamin says. The Rubins estimate that Mitchell receives approximately $90,000 per year for such services as his day program, job coaches and housing.

A special needs, or supplemental needs, trust is a legal vehicle that will hold the assets of a person with disabilities without costing them their government benefits. "Those trusts will essentially protect any assets held for the benefit of the children," Robert says.

There are two types of special needs trusts - first-party and third-party trusts. First-party trusts have a payback provision, meaning that when the beneficiary dies, any money left in the trust will first be used to repay the states that paid out benefits on their behalf. With third-party trusts, any money left in the trust could pass back to family members.

Another financial vehicle is an ABLE Account, a tax-advantaged savings account that lets you save up to $100,000 without losing government benefits. Like first-party trusts, ABLE accounts have a payback provision.
More: More: More: Break the taboo of talking money with our partners Tax prep: 7 things to ask before hiring a tax professional Let go of these items to hang on to more cash
Step 3: Gather Your Support Team

Identify those who will support your loved one after you're gone. For example, a guardian would have the legal ability to make decisions for the adult child if he or she is unable to do so, while a trustee would oversee the special needs trust.

Involve the person with disabilities in the planning process if possible. "A lot of people with mental health concerns absolutely can say who they want and who they don't want involved in their lives," says Cynthia R. Haddad, a partner with Special Needs Financial Planning.

Create a letter of intent that will let people know what you want to happen once you are gone. This detailed set of instructions should include everything from an overview of the benefits the child receives to who you want - or don't want - playing a role in your child's life.

"The goal in the advocacy community is for every individual with disabilities to live a full life in a community," Benjamin says. With the right financial resources and legal protections in place, an adult with special needs can thrive.

Resources:

Experts recommend working with professionals who specialize in special needs planning. Here are some organizations that can help you find the professional help that you need.

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Preparing for a life after death: A guide for parents of adult children with special needs

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More than 40 million Americans had a disability in 2016, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. For some, physical and cognitive impairments can hinder their ability to make decisions, live independently and provide for themselves financially. While parents may be accustomed to stepping in, every family should prepare for the day they no longer are around to do so.

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Who Will Care for My Special Needs Adult Child?

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Who Will Care for My Special Needs Adult Child?

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Who Will Care For My Special Needs Adult Child?

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Most of us think about taking care of our aging parents or spouse when they're older, and not our kids. They're grownups, right? But when you have a special needs adult child that care never stops. Nor does the worry.

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Arizona Department of Education: Exceptional Student Services

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Arizona Department of Education: Exceptional Student Services

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https://www.azed.gov/specialeducation/

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ESS ensures that public education agencies in Arizona have special education programs, policies, and procedures that comply with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and its implementing regulations, and that eligible children and youth with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE).

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2019 ADOT- This is a Free Drupal Theme Ported to Drupal for the Open Source Community by Drupalizing, a Project of More than (just) Themes. Original design by Simple Themes.

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http://www.arizonaselfhelp.org/

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What Arizona Self Help can do:

It can be tough to get the help your family needs. Arizona Self Help is a free and easy way to find out if your family can get help from 40 different health and human services programs. This website provides convenient, one-stop access to:

Try this website to find out if your family might qualify for helpful benefits. Arizona Self Help does not ask who you are and we do not share your information with anyone. Arizona Self Help is a project by Arizona Community Action Association and is not affiliated with any state agency.

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Welcome to Arizona Self Help - Arizona Self Help

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It can be tough to get the help your family needs. Arizona Self Help is a free and easy way to find out if your family can get help from 40 different health and human services programs. This website provides convenient, one-stop access to: Try this website to find out if your family might qualify for helpful benefits.

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https://www.understood.org/en

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How can we help?

I am a parent or caregiver and want help with behaviors , learning , and everyday skills

We are Understood.
We are the lifelong guide for those who learn and think differently. In the past year, we've helped more than 20 million people discover their potentials, take control of their lives, and stay on positive paths.

We support the 1 in 5 Americans who learn and think differently.

Learn more

We believe difference is our greatest strength.

Learn more

When we shape the world for difference, we all thrive.

Learn more

Discover what's possible when you're understood.

We'll email you our most helpful stories and resources.

We just launched our "Be the Reason" stigma campaign. Learn more here.

Helpful guidance from Understood

Essential resource spotlight

Are you wondering why your child is struggling?

We're here to help if you're feeling overwhelmed. Take N.O.T.E. (Notice. Observe. Talk. Engage.) is a simple step-by-step tool that can help you figure out if the struggles you're seeing might be signs of a learning and thinking difference.

"I have a hard time focusing, mostly in school. When I do my homework, I kind of feel stressed out because it feels like so much even though it's not too much."

Emperor Kaioyus, Grade 4

Wunder The first community app for parents and caregivers of children who learn and think differently.

Available on Android and iOS
Learn more

Copyright © Understood for All, Inc.

Understood is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization (tax identification number 83-2365235). Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Understood does not provide medical or other professional advice. The health and medical related resources on this website are provided solely for informational and educational purposes and are not a substitute for a professional diagnosis or for medical or professional advice.

Use of this website is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Copyright © 2014-2023 Understood For All Inc.

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Understood - For Learning and Thinking Differences

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Understood.org is the resource that helps the 70 million people with learning and thinking differences anticipate the challenges, barriers, or opportunities in life and confidently reach their potential.

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12 Questions to Ask About a College's Disability Services

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12 Questions to Ask About a College's Disability Services

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How do you evaluate a college's learning disability services?

In today's blog post I'm sharing some questions that parents and students should ask when visiting a school (or contacting a disability office by phone.) , a college consultant in Houston, who was my source for yesterday's post on learning disabilities, provided the questions that you'll see below.

Like other college-bound students, those with learning differences or ADHD should make a point of visiting colleges before applying. However, in addition to visiting the admissions office, these students should also make a beeline to the Office of Disability Services to look for another type of match: support services with the appropriate accommodations for their needs.

Although all colleges are required by law to offer support services and accommodations, the level of support and types of accommodations available to students with learning differences varies widely from campus to campus, ranging from basic to comprehensive.

A visit to the Office of Disability Services is an opportunity to ask about the availability of support and accommodations that will help the student be successful in college by putting him or her on a level playing field with peers.

Questions to Ask a Disability Office

Here are important questions to ask:

1. How current must my testing be to to apply for accommodations?

2. How many students use your services?

3. What Assistive Technology (AT) services do you offer? Do you have an AT expert on staff?

4. What accommodations do you offer? What are the procedures and timelines to receive them?

5. How many Disabilities Support counselors do you have on your staff? Do they act as liasions?

6. If a professor is not in compliance regarding the student's needed accommodations, how is the situation resolved?

7. What is the procedure to get extended time on exams? How much notice is required? Do students arrange extended time with professors or through the Disabilities Services Office?

8. Where do students take exams? Who proctors?

9. What do you consider the most difficult majors/classes for Disabilities Support students on this campus?

10. Will I have both an advisor in the Disabilities Services Office and a regular academic advisor? If both, how will the two advisors work with each other?

11. What is the four-year graduation rate for students with learning disabilities similar to mine?

12. Do you track students who have used your services after graduation? If so, what do your findings show about their success after graduation?

LD Red Flags

Two red flags to watch out for when evaluating campus disabilities services:

The personality of the director or staff member is off-putting. This is paramount since she/he represents the personality of the department.

The college Disabilities Services Office website is not user friendly or is difficult to locate.

As with admissions meetings, students should prepare ahead of time for their meeting with the Disabilities Services Office. Practicing the questions they want to ask with a parent or other adult beforehand can be helpful, so that they avoid having to read questions from a script. It is perfectly fine for the student to take notes.

Ideally, the student should also meet with a successful current DS student while on campus. Rest assured this process gets easier with each campus visit.

Learn More:

If you missed yesterday's post on this topic, here it is:

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12 Questions to Ask About a College's Disability Services

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
How do you evaluate a college's learning disability services? In today's blog post I'm sharing some questions that parents and students should ask when visiting a school (or contacting a disability office by phone.) , a college consultant in Houston, who was my source for yesterday's post on learning disabilities , provided the questions that you'll see below.

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https://www.cusd80.com/page/999

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Chandler Traditional Academy - Humphrey Campus

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Chandler Education Foundation volunteer opportunities

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Privacy Policy

1. What Information Do We Collect? When you visit our website you may provide us with two types of information: personal information you knowingly choose to disclose that is collected on an individual basis and website use information collected on an aggregate basis as you and others browse our website.

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4. How Do We Use the Information That You Provide to Us? Broadly speaking, we use personal information for purposes of administering our business activities, providing service and support and making available other products and services to our customers and prospective customers. Occasionally, we may also use the information we collect to notify you about important changes to our website, new services and special offers we think you will find valuable. The lists used to send you product and service offers are developed and managed under our traditional standards designed to safeguard the security and privacy of all personal information provided by our users. You may at any time to notify us of your desire not to receive these offers.

5. What Are Cookies? Cookies are a feature of web browser software that allows web servers to recognize the computer used to access a website. Cookies are small pieces of data that are stored by a user's web browser on the user's hard drive. Cookies can remember what information a user accesses on one web page to simplify subsequent interactions with that website by the same user or to use the information to streamline the user's transactions on related web pages. This makes it easier for a user to move from web page to web page and to complete commercial transactions over the Internet. Cookies should make your online experience easier and more personalized.

6. How Do We Use Information Collected From Cookies? We use website browser software tools such as cookies and web server logs to gather information about our website users' browsing activities, in order to constantly improve our website and better serve our users. This information assists us to design and arrange our web pages in the most user-friendly manner and to continually improve our website to better meet the needs of our users and prospective users. Cookies help us collect important business and technical statistics. The information in the cookies lets us trace the paths followed by users to our website as they move from one page to another. Web server logs allow us to count how many people visit our website and evaluate our website's visitor capacity. We do not use these technologies to capture your individual email address or any personally identifying information about you.

7. Notice of New Services and Changes Occasionally, we may use the information we collect to notify you about important changes to our website, new services and special offers we think you will find valuable. As a user of our website, you will be given the opportunity to notify us of your desire not to receive these offers by clicking on a response box when you receive such an offer or by sending us an email request.

8. How Do We Secure Information Transmissions? When you send confidential personal information to us on our website, a secure server software which we have licensed encrypts all information you input before it is sent to us. The information is scrambled en route and decoded once it reaches our website. Other email that you may send to us may not be secure unless we advise you that security measures will be in place prior to your transmitting the information. For that reason, we ask that you do not send confidential information such as Social Security, credit card, or account numbers to us through an unsecured email.

9. How Do We Protect Your Information? Information Security -- We utilize encryption/security software to safeguard the confidentiality of personal information we collect from unauthorized access or disclosure and accidental loss, alteration or destruction. Evaluation of Information Protection Practices -- Periodically, our operations and business practices are reviewed for compliance with organization policies and procedures governing the security, confidentiality and quality of our information. Employee Access, Training and Expectations -- Our organization values, ethical standards, policies and practices are committed to the protection of user information. In general, our business practices limit employee access to confidential information, and limit the use and disclosure of such information to authorized persons, processes and transactions.

10. How Can You Access and Correct Your Information? You may request access to all your personally identifiable information that we collect online and maintain in our database by emailing us using the contact form provided to you within the site structure of our website.

11. Do We Disclose Information to Outside Parties? We may provide aggregate information about our customers, sales, website traffic patterns and related website information to our affiliates or reputable third parties, but this information will not include personally identifying data, except as otherwise provided in this privacy policy.

12. What About Legally Compelled Disclosure of Information? We may disclose information when legally compelled to do so, in other words, when we, in good faith, believe that the law requires it or for the protection of our legal rights.

13. Permission to Use of Materials The right to download and store or output the materials in our website is granted for the user's personal use only, and materials may not be reproduced in any edited form. Any other reproduction, transmission, performance, display or editing of these materials by any means mechanical or electronic without our express written permission is strictly prohibited. Users wishing to obtain permission to reprint or reproduce any materials appearing on this site may contact us directly.

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Chandler Education Foundation : Get Involved : Volunteer

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Privacy Policy What Information Do We Collect? When you visit our website you may provide us with two types of information: personal information you knowingly choose to disclose that is collected on an individual basis and website use information collected on an aggregate basis as you and others browse our website.

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Contact your high school's Athletic Director for more information on joining CUSD Unified Sports.

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Chandler Traditional Academy - Humphrey Campus

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Please Don't Feed The Wildlife

Provided by the National Park Service

Most people know that hunting and trapping are not allowed in City parks. However, the City recommends that people refrain from approaching or feeding animals in City Parks. These actions can be harmful to both animals and people. When you approach wildlife too closely, you may cause them stress and interfere with behaviors necessary for their survival. Animals that are fed by people become dependent on human food, and may lose their natural fear of humans and their ability to forage for natural foods. There is a lot of truth to the saying, "a fed animal is a dead animal." In addition to losing their foraging ability, feeding animals puts everyone in potentially hazardous situations. People who feed animals may be bitten or otherwise injured by the animal they are feeding. Other visitors are at risk as they may be harmed by aggressive animals that have previously been fed.

Seemingly tame animals are still wild and may behave unpredictably. Animals may use their teeth, claws, hooves, antlers, or horns to defend themselves. View wildlife from a safe distance. Leave animals enough room to make an escape if they feel threatened. You are too close to an animal if your presence causes them to move.

There are other serious hazards associated with wildlife. Numerous species, including rodents, squirrels, coyotes, foxes and bats may carry infectious diseases such as Hantavirus, rabies, or plague. In some situations, these diseases may be transmitted through simple contact, such as touching or feeding wildlife.

By treating wildlife with respect and not approaching or feeding them, you are aiding their chance for survival. By keeping wildlife wild, you are protecting their safety and yours.

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With more than 60 parks in Chandler, a variety of park programs to participate in and the option to rent fields and pavilions for life celebrations, residents and visitors have plenty of options to get out and enjoy the outdoors.

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tools and information on health coverage, benefits, and employment. You can plan ahead and learn how work and benefits go together.
https://az.db101.org/

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arizona disability benefits 101 db101 ssi ssdi social security medicare medicaid ahcccs eitc freedom to work health coverage aca obamacare healthcare.gov

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Use DB101's online benefits planning Estimators to get ready for a change in your work or benefits, or to learn how benefits rules might apply to you.

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Ability360 continues a 35-year tradition offering and promoting programs to empower people with all disabilities to take personal responsibility so that they may achieve or continue independent lifestyles within the community.
https://ability360.org/

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About Ability360 - Ability360 | Phoenix, AZ

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Empowering People with Disabilities for Over 40 Years 1981 - Present Ability360 advocates personal responsibility - by, and for, people with disabilities - as a means to independence. To help consumers achieve self-sufficiency, Ability360 offers comprehensive programs including: * Independent Living Skills Instruction * Information and Referral * Peer Support * Advocacy * Home Modification*...

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Encircle Families (Formerly Raising Special Kids)

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Encircle Families (Formerly Raising Special Kids)

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Encircle Families (Formerly Raising Special Kids) exists to improve the lives of children with the full range of disabilities, from birth to age 26, by providing support, training, information and individual assistance so families can become effective advocates for their children.

https://raisingspecialkids.org/

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Individual consultation

Individual problem-solving support to understand and access the programs, health plans, and services your child may need.

Parent-to-parent support

Connections with a trained parent "mentor" who has a child with a similar diagnosis and is skilled at providing information and support.

Training & workshops

Increase advocacy skills, and improve your ability to work with professionals on your child's educational and medical needs.

Amellaly (Ally) Martinez knows firsthand the value of connecting with other parents whose children have...

I hope you are all enjoying the cooler temperatures that September and October bring to...

Parents might think their children won't be disciplined, suspended or expelled if they receive services...

Throughout Conor's school years, his behavior frequently interfered with his ability to successfully participate in...

"RSK helped me navigate a world I knew nothing about at one of the lowest...

As Cristina Renteria prepared to send her son Atlas to developmental preschool, she ran into...

I'm so grateful to learn that Raising Special Kids is truly here to offer support. There is no catch, no gimmick, and no charge. I have found emotional support from people who understand what it is like to have a child with special needs.
- Parent

Get started

Raising Special Kids Family Referral Form

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Individual consultation Individual problem-solving support to understand and access the programs, health plans, and services your child may need. Parent-to-parent support Connections with a trained parent "mentor" who has a child with a similar diagnosis and is skilled at providing information and support.

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Official website of the U.S. Social Security Administration.

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Vocational Rehabilitation and Department of Developmental Disabilities

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Vocational Rehabilitation and Department of Developmental Disabilities

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Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) oversees several programs which are designed to assist eligible individuals who have disabilities to achieve employment outcomes and enhanced independence by offering comprehensive services and supports.

Vocational Rehabilitation Program (VR, Voc Rehab)
The Vocational Rehabilitation program provides services and supports in order to assist persons with disabilities to meet their employment goals.

Business Enterprise Program (BEP)
The Business Enterprise Program provides opportunities for individuals in the VR program who are blind and visually impaired to operate merchandising businesses, including vending machines and food service facilities, in public and private buildings under Federal and State agency management.

Older Individuals who are Blind Program (OIB)
The Older Individuals who are Blind program provides evaluation and instruction to persons with blindness or vision impairments in the areas of orientation and mobility, communication skills, and personal home management.

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Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) oversees several programs which are designed to assist eligible individuals who have disabilities to achieve employment outcomes and enhanced independence by offering comprehensive services and supports. Vocational Rehabilitation Program (VR, Voc Rehab) The Vocational Rehabilitation program provides services and supports in order to assist persons with disabilities to meet their employment goals.

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Degrees and Certificates

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Maricopa Community Colleges | 10 colleges. Unlimited opportunities.

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Reach your goals with Maricopa Community Colleges. Start a bachelor's degree, earn an associate degree, or get workforce training - we're here for you.

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Chandler Unified high school graduation credit requirements

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Secondary Education / Graduation Requirements

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Note: Students are required to complete specific courses in the certain core content areas in order to meet graduation and/or college entrance requirements. Please see the course catalog for additional information. Courses taken at the junior high level (7th or 8th grade) do not satisfy high school graduation credit requirements.

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Infinite Campus Parent/Student Portal log in