In an effort to increase funding and improve this situation, parents came together and made a presentation at the March ICC meeting. Families came from as far away as Window Rock.

It was very effective. One of the women on the ICC said, "This is the most powerful thing I've seen come out fo the ICC in a long time." Another stated, "This is the largest gathering of parents I've seen in ten years."

We will need to make another presentation to the state legislature when they are in session. We will have assistance to accomplish this task, but most of all, we will need a large parent turn out. There is strength in numbers and the more families we have, the greater the impact.

The Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities is looking into this problem as well as a Public Policy Committee.

Families agreed to send Dianne Renne their letter and personal stories so she can show them to the legislators.

Please mail your letter to:

Dianne Renne DES-AzEIP
P.O. Box 6123 Site Code 801-A-6
Phoenix, AZ 85005

Families need to write their own personal letters requesting more funding for services. Send them to Dianne Renne so she can show them to the legislature.

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To Reach The Editor of This Newsletter:

Ruth Anderson
7320 North Stable Lane
Prescott, AZ 86301
602.776.7556 (Home)
602.771.3129 (Work)

Social Security issued new regulations in Feburary and is now considering making changes as a result of the very critical comments they have received.

The Community Legal Services, a national advocate and resource around the SSI disability program, is advising that we make our voices heard in the Congress and the White House to change the rules to make them less harsh and less ties to the overly strict Listings of Impairments. Children will have to meet or "equal" including "functionaly equal" these Listings of Impairments.

Stories of families being reviewed or terminated should be presented in writing to Congressmen and Senators as well as to newspapers and TV. Copies of stories whould be sent to:

Community Legal Services
1424 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19105-2505

It is important for any child terminated under the redetermination to appeal quickly as benefits will continue through the Social SSecurity Judge hearing level if appeals are made within 10 days. Late appeals will be okay if "good cause" is presented. Community Legal Services is available to take calls for adivce.

Contact:

Jonathan Stein 215.981.3742
or
Mary Noland 215.981.3773.