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News -- Articles of interest to Area 1 or Statewide



NEW APPOINTMENTS TO THE AREA 1 FAMILY CARE COUNCIL

In June Florida Governor Charlie Crist announced the appointment of three members to the Area 1 Family Care Council. The appointees are listed below:

  • Michelle Gross of Milton (Santa Rosa County), appointed for a term beginning June 16, 2009, and ending June 15, 2012.
  • Mary Thomas of Pensacola (Escambia County), appointed for a term beginning June 16, 2009, and ending June 15, 2012.
  • Daniel Parker of Pace (Santa Rosa County), appointed for a term beginning June 18, 2009, and ending June 17, 2012.

In July Florida Governor Charlie Crist announced the appointment of one additional member to the Area 1 Family Care Council:

  • John Collins of Pensacola (Escambia County), appointed for a term beginning July 22, 2009, and ending July 27, 2012.

Gross, Thomas, Parker, and Collins join incumbent members of the local Council Sue Stamps, Patty Houghland, Gaye Wambles, Valerie Vance, Lynn Carper, and Joy Frazier.

The Family Care Councils work to advocate, educate, and empower individuals and their families. The councils partner with APD to ensure quality services for people with developmental disabilities.

For more details, visit http://www.fcc-area1.org/

 


Area 1 Family Care Council Elects Officers for 2009-2010

New officers for the Area 1 Family Care Council were elected at the July 22, 2009, monthly meeting. The newly elected officers for the 2009-2010 fiscal year are listed below:

For more details, please contact Danny at FCC1-info@fcc-area1.org.

 


Financial and Life Planning for People with Developmental Disabilities

Financial and Life Planning

Financial and Life Planning

When parents have a child (adult or underage) with disabilities, one of the most important questions they ask themselves is, "What is going to happen to my child when I am no longer here?" Children with disabilities are living longer, making it essential for parents to plan for their child's long term support and well being.

There are several different types of trusts that can be established?self-funded trusts, 1st and 3rd party trusts, pooled trusts, etc. It can be quite complicated and overwhelming. Furthermore, an improperly created trust could comprise the individual's eligibility for public benefits.

An attorney who specializes in estate planning for families with a child with special needs can help families establish a special needs trust and life plan. Insurance agents, financial planners, and other financial professionals who specialize in needs planning, guidance counselors and other parents of children with special needs also are good resources.

The following resources provide more information about life and financial planning for people with disabilities. Talk to families that receive services from your affiliate and make sure they are aware of this most important topic.

Resources:

For more items from UCPeople, click on this link -- UCP Newsletters.

Article reprinted from the May 28, 2008 edition of UCPeople, a weekly journal for UCP affiliates. Updated: Thursday, May 29, 2008


Grants Available for Families Struggling with Child Health-Related Costs

The United Healthcare Children's Foundation has announced that new grants are available to help children who need critical health care treatment, services, or equipment not covered or not fully covered by their parents' health benefit plans.

UHCCF provides grants to families to help pay for child health care services such as speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy sessions, prescriptions, and medical equipment such as wheelchairs, orthotics, and eyeglasses.

Parents and legal guardians may apply for grants of up to $5,000 each for child medical services and equipment by completing an online application at the UHCCF Web site.

To be eligible for grants, children must be 16 years of age or younger. Families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the United States, and be covered by a commercial health benefit plan.

For further information on the grants, go to www.uhccf.org to be taken to their website.

Updated: Wednesday, May 14, 2008


 


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