<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
    <title>access to independence</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.a2isd.org/" />
    <link rel="self" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.a2isd.org/atom.xml" />
   <id>tag:www.a2isd.org,2008://28</id>
    <link rel="service.post" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=28" title="access to independence" />
    <updated>2008-03-19T17:02:44Z</updated>
    <subtitle>of San Diego</subtitle>
    <generator uri="http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/">Movable Type 3.2</generator>
 
<entry>
    <title>Alternate Formats</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.a2isd.org/about_us/_alternate_formats/alternate_formats_1.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=28/entry_id=3310" title="Alternate Formats" />
    <id>tag:www.a2isd.org,2007://28.3310</id>
    
    <published>2008-11-29T20:11:29Z</published>
    <updated>2008-03-19T17:02:44Z</updated>
    
    <summary>Access to Independence is proud to provide alternate formats and equal access for consumers, employees, and the public. Informacion en español Please Click on &quot;More&quot; to access guidelines for alternate format material:...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>a2i staff</name>
        
    </author>
            <category term=" Alternate Formats" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.a2isd.org/">
        <![CDATA[<p>Access to Independence is proud to provide alternate formats and equal access for consumers, employees, and the public.  Informacion en español<br />
Please Click on "More" to access guidelines for alternate format material:</p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p><img alt="zoom.jpg" src="http://www.a2isd.org/upload/zoom.jpg" width="118" height="108" align="right"/><br />
<strong>GUIDELINES FOR ALTERNATE FORMAT MATERIAL</strong><br />
Under Section 508 (29 U.S.C. 794d), agencies must give disabled employees and members of the public access to information that is comparable to the access available to others.<br />
Alternate formats are available in a timely manner<br />
<strong>Examples of alternate formats</strong><br />
Braille, large-print, audio-cassette, Spanish<br />
<strong>How to contact us for alternate format material</strong><br />
<strong>Mailing address</strong><br />
A2i (Access to Independence) <br />
Attention: Mark Carlson<br />
1295 University Ave., Ste. #10<br />
San Diego, CA 92103<br />
<strong>Phone numbers</strong><br />
(619) 293-3500 Voice<br />
(619) 293-3508 Fax<br />
(619) 293-7757 TTY/TDD<br />
(800) 300-4326 Voice<br />
(800) 959-9395  TTY/TDD<br />
<strong>E-mail</strong><br />
info@a2isd.org </p>

<p></p>

<p><br />
</p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>a2I SUPPORTS - NO BUDGET CUTS!</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.a2isd.org/alert/community_activity_updates/no_budget_cuts_2.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=28/entry_id=3912" title="a2I SUPPORTS - NO BUDGET CUTS!" />
    <id>tag:www.a2isd.org,2008://28.3912</id>
    
    <published>2008-09-30T16:37:59Z</published>
    <updated>2008-07-01T18:24:39Z</updated>
    
    <summary> &quot; /&gt; a2i Strongly Urges You to Say &quot;NO&quot; to Budget Cuts! Tell the Governor..... Don’t balance the budget on the backs of Families, children, students, seniors and people with disabilities....</summary>
    <author>
        <name>a2i staff</name>
        
    </author>
            <category term="Community Activity Updates" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.a2isd.org/">
        <![CDATA[<p><br /><br />
<img alt="photo of rally" src="http://www.a2isd.org/upload/RALLY%20GROUP.JPG" width="400" height="250<br />
" /><br />
<strong>a2i Strongly Urges You to Say "NO" to Budget Cuts!</strong><br />
                                      Tell the Governor.....<br />
 Don’t balance the budget on the backs of Families, children, students, seniors and people with disabilities.</strong></p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p><img alt="GOV.jpg" src="http://www.a2isd.org/UPLOAD/GOV.jpg" width="300" height="184" /><br />
<br /></p>

<p>To Tell the Governor<br />
NO Budget Cuts!</p>

<p>Don't balance the budget on the backs of Families, children, students, seniors and people with disabilities.</p>

<p>-- Stop subsidizing rich people and Corporations, and have them pay their fair share.</p>

<p>-- Create and expand opportunities, make sure people live dignified lives</p>

<p>-- Create a fair tax policies to fund programs people need</p>

<p>-- We need budget choices, not budget cuts!</p>

<p><br />
Organizations that Participated in the Rally Include:</p>

<p>AARP<br />
Access to Independence<br />
ACORN<br />
Affordable Housing Coalition of<br />
San Diego County<br />
California Partnership<br />
California School Employees Association<br />
Justice Overcoming Boundaries<br />
Latinos y Latinas en Acción<br />
Protection & Advocacy, Inc.<br />
San Diego Disability Action Coalition<br />
SEIU Local 221<br />
SEIU-UHW<br />
Supportive Parent Information Network<br />
United Cerebral Palsy Association of San Diego County<br />
</p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>8885 Rio San Diego Drive, # 131 (new address)</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.a2isd.org/alert/community_activity_updates/moving_1.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=28/entry_id=3956" title="8885 Rio San Diego Drive, # 131 (new address)" />
    <id>tag:www.a2isd.org,2008://28.3956</id>
    
    <published>2008-08-22T20:18:42Z</published>
    <updated>2008-07-01T23:55:27Z</updated>
    
    <summary> A2i on the Move! As a2i continues to celebrate their new name change from The Access Center of San Diego to a2i, Access to Independence, we are very excited to announce another exciting move ahead....</summary>
    <author>
        <name>a2i staff</name>
        
    </author>
            <category term="About a2i" />
            <category term="Community Activity Updates" />
            <category term="Office Locations" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.a2isd.org/">
        <![CDATA[<table>
<tr>
<td><img alt="photo of new building" src="http://www.a2isd.org/upload/small-bldg.jpg" width="300" height="230" />
</td>
<td>
A2i on the Move!
      
As a2i continues to celebrate their new name change from The Access Center of San Diego to a2i, Access to Independence, we are very excited to announce another exciting move ahead.
</tr>
</table>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>A2i will be moving to a new location in August 2008. After 14 years serving the communities of San Diego at the 1295 University Avenue location a2i will move to 8885 Rio San Diego Drive in Mission Valley.  The telephone numbers, fax numbers and web address will be the same.</p>

<p>“We are very excited about our new location. After looking at many sites around San Diego we found our new home right next to the Green Line, a great central location and good Public Transportation with plenty of free parking!” said Louis Frick, Executive Director of Access to Independence.  “Our new office has been designed with all of our client and staff special needs taken into consideration.”</p>

<p>A2i is a not for profit 501 ©3 consumer based organization, serving people of all ages with all types of disabilities. Access to Independence promotes full inclusion by empowering and challenging people with disabilities to achieve their greatest potential.</p>

<p>Stay tuned for more information on the exact date of move in. Access to Independence will be sending out postcards, emails and will have more information available at the front office of their current location, 1295 University Avenue.</p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>It&apos;s Easy to Donate On-line</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.a2isd.org/get_involved/donation_options/ways_you_can_support_a2i_1.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=28/entry_id=2963" title="It's Easy to Donate On-line" />
    <id>tag:www.a2isd.org,2006://28.2963</id>
    
    <published>2008-07-30T15:26:16Z</published>
    <updated>2008-07-01T23:53:03Z</updated>
    
    <summary> Become a Supporter of Access to Independence. You&apos;ll receive our newsletter, be able to vote for the Board of Directors, attend our annual meeting and receive updates about issues concerning the disability community....</summary>
    <author>
        <name>mj</name>
        
    </author>
            <category term="Donation Options" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.a2isd.org/">
        <![CDATA[<p><img alt="credit card.jpg" src="http://www.a2isd.org/upload/creditcards.jpg" width="250" height="206" /></p>

<p><!-- Start Cut-and-paste Code - DonateNow Button --></p>

<p><a href="https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=13425"><br />
<img src="http://www.groundspring.org/button/yellow_med.gif" border=0 alt="DonateNow -secure online donation form"></a></p>

<p><!-- End Cut-and-paste Code - DonateNow Button --></p>

<p><strong>Become a Supporter of Access to Independence</strong>.  You'll receive our newsletter, be able to vote for the Board of Directors, attend our annual meeting and receive updates about issues concerning the disability community.  <br />
</p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>a2i is classified as a public charity under the 501(c)(3)<br />
 section of the Internal Revenue Code. Contribution to our<br />
 organization are deductible under section 170 of the Code.</em></p>

<p><!-- Start Cut-and-paste Code - DonateNow Button --></p>

<p><a href="https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=13425"><br />
<img src="http://www.groundspring.org/button/yellow_med.gif" border=0 alt="DonateNow -secure online donation form"></a></p>

<p><!-- End Cut-and-paste Code - DonateNow Button --></p>

<p><strong>Become a member of Access to Independence Advocates</strong>, the giving society of donors of $1000 or more each year.</p>

<p><strong>Make a contribution.</strong> Your generous donation enables us to strengthen our direct services, advocacy and community outreach.</p>

<p><strong>Have your employer match your contribution</strong> through a company-sponsored gift-matching program, and invite your colleagues to contribute.</p>

<p><strong>Make a gift of stocks or bonds</strong>.</p>

<p><strong>Include Access to Independence in your will.</strong>  Designate Access to Independence as the beneficiary of your life insurance policy; donate stocks, bonds or real property. </p>

<p><strong>Designate the Access to Independence for your United Way donation.</strong></p>

<p><strong>Make an in-kind donation of supplies and services</strong>:  printing, materials or other professional expertise.  </p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>a2i Video Now Online</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.a2isd.org/media_events/video/a2i_video_1.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=28/entry_id=3215" title="a2i Video Now Online" />
    <id>tag:www.a2isd.org,2007://28.3215</id>
    
    <published>2008-06-29T22:36:47Z</published>
    <updated>2008-07-01T23:54:22Z</updated>
    
    <summary>Click the picture below to the video page, then click the &quot;play&quot; button on the video. For text version of the video script please click below: Download file...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>a2i staff</name>
        
    </author>
            <category term="Video" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.a2isd.org/">
        <![CDATA[<p>Click the picture below to the video page, then click the "play" button on the video.</p>

<p><a href="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=-2351489428399814030&hl=en"><img alt="a2i video image" src="http://www.advocadopress.org/actests/design4/images/a2ividscreenshot385wx284.png" width="385" height="284" /></a><br />
<strong>For text version of the video script please click below:</strong><br />
 <a href="http://www.a2isd.org/upload/Video%20script.doc">Download file</a></p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>Link to Disaboom website</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.a2isd.org/media_events/press_room/link_to_disaboom_website_1.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=28/entry_id=3385" title="Link to Disaboom website" />
    <id>tag:www.a2isd.org,2008://28.3385</id>
    
    <published>2008-04-08T18:20:25Z</published>
    <updated>2008-04-01T15:46:24Z</updated>
    
    <summary> Disaboom is an informative and dynamic site for anyone interested in practical disability related information. Please click on the following link to access site: Disaboom...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>a2i staff</name>
        
    </author>
            <category term="Press Room" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.a2isd.org/">
        <![CDATA[<p><img alt="disaboom_logo_liveforward.jpg" src="http://www.a2isd.org/upload/disaboom_logo_liveforward.jpg" width="298" height="76" /></p>

<p>Disaboom is an informative and dynamic site for anyone interested in practical disability related information.</p>

<p>Please click on the following link to access site:<a href=http://www.disaboom.com> Disaboom</a> <br />
</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>MAP</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.a2isd.org/contact_us/office_locations/map_1.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=28/entry_id=3933" title="MAP" />
    <id>tag:www.a2isd.org,2008://28.3933</id>
    
    <published>2008-03-20T23:07:36Z</published>
    <updated>2008-03-27T17:06:14Z</updated>
    
    <summary> Need Help Finding Our Hillcrest Office? click here and scroll down to map...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>a2i staff</name>
        
    </author>
            <category term="Office Locations" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.a2isd.org/">
        <![CDATA[<table>
<tr>
<td><img alt="map.JPG" src="http://www.a2isd.org/upload/map.JPG" width="148" height="195"=align"left"/>
</tr>
</table>

<p>Need Help Finding Our Hillcrest Office?<br />
<a href="http://www.mapquest.com/maps/1295+University+Ave+San+Diego+CA+92103-3333">click here and scroll down to map </a></p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>Employment Opportunities</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.a2isd.org/resources/job_opportunities/employment_opportunities.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=28/entry_id=3968" title="Employment Opportunities" />
    <id>tag:www.a2isd.org,2008://28.3968</id>
    
    <published>2008-03-07T16:48:18Z</published>
    <updated>2008-05-07T18:19:26Z</updated>
    
    <summary>no openings at this time...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>a2i staff</name>
        
    </author>
            <category term="Job Opportunities" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.a2isd.org/">
        <![CDATA[<p>no openings at this time</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>DISABILITY CAPITOL ACTION DAY</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.a2isd.org/alert/community_activity_updates/disability_capitol_action_day_1.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=28/entry_id=3900" title="DISABILITY CAPITOL ACTION DAY" />
    <id>tag:www.a2isd.org,2008://28.3900</id>
    
    <published>2008-03-04T17:18:57Z</published>
    <updated>2008-03-06T23:11:23Z</updated>
    
    <summary> SAVE THE DATE! You can’t balance the budget with cuts alone. “Cuts Cost More” Disability Capitol Action Day May 15, 2008 10:00AM – 3:00PM Educational Rally, March, Resource Fair, Legislative Visits &amp; Press Conference! Activities will take place on...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>a2i staff</name>
        
    </author>
            <category term="Community Activity Updates" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.a2isd.org/">
        <![CDATA[<p><img alt="Disability Action Coalition graphic"src="http://www.a2isd.org/upload/action%20day.jpg" alt="graphic"width="250" height="70" /></p>

<p><strong>SAVE THE DATE!</strong><br />
You can’t balance the budget with cuts alone. “Cuts Cost More”<br />
Disability Capitol Action Day <br />
May 15, 2008<br />
10:00AM – 3:00PM<br />
Educational Rally, March, Resource Fair, Legislative Visits & Press Conference!</p>

<p>Activities will take place on the north steps of the Capitol </p>

<p>For additional Information go to <a href=http://www.cfilc.org>CFILC website</a><br />
or contact Christina at <a href="mailto:christina@cfilc.org">christina@cfilc.org</a>, (916) 325-1690 ext. 333</p>

<p>En Espańol</p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>Guarda la fecha!<br />
Los recortes no son la solución para balancear el presupuesto. “Los recortes costaran mas!”<br />
Dia de Acción para Personas con Discapacidades en el Capitolio <br />
Mayo 15, 2008<br />
10:00AM – 3:00PM<br />
Conferencía educativa, Marcha, Feria de recursos,<br />
Visitas a los Legisladores y conferencia de prensa </p>

<p>Las actividades se llevarán a cabo<br />
al lado norte de el Capitolio </p>

<p>Para informacion adicional visite el sitio <a href=http://www.cfilc.org>CFILC website</a> o contacte a Christina Mills at <a href="mailto:christina@cfilc.org ">christina@cfilc.org </a>,<br />
(916) 325-1690 ext. 333<br />
</p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>BUY AND SELL USED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.a2isd.org/resources/links/use_dme.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=28/entry_id=3993" title="BUY AND SELL USED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT" />
    <id>tag:www.a2isd.org,2008://28.3993</id>
    
    <published>2008-03-04T17:13:19Z</published>
    <updated>2008-07-01T23:57:37Z</updated>
    
    <summary>usedHME.com: a FREE listing service where people can buy, sell, or donate &quot;Used Home Medical Equipment&quot;. We are zipcode driven so usedHME.com is local for everyone. Equipment that can be found: mobility scooters, powerchairs, stairlifts, liftchairs, wheelchair accessible vans and...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>a2i staff</name>
        
    </author>
            <category term="Links" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.a2isd.org/">
        <![CDATA[<p>usedHME.com: a FREE listing service where people<br />
can buy, sell, or donate "Used Home Medical Equipment".<br />
We are zipcode driven so usedHME.com is local for everyone. Equipment that can be found: mobility scooters, powerchairs, stairlifts, liftchairs, wheelchair accessible vans and much much more.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.usedhme.com/">BUY AND SELL USED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT</a><br />
</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>NEW LOCATION FOR IMPERIAL VALLEY OFFICE</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.a2isd.org/contact_us/office_locations/new_location_for_imperial_vall_1.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=28/entry_id=3898" title="NEW LOCATION FOR IMPERIAL VALLEY OFFICE" />
    <id>tag:www.a2isd.org,2008://28.3898</id>
    
    <published>2008-03-04T16:36:32Z</published>
    <updated>2008-03-19T22:31:31Z</updated>
    
    <summary>a2i&apos;s Imperial Valley office has moved from El Centro to Calexico ACCESS to INDEPENDENCE (a2i) 400 Mary Ave.,Ste. D, Calexico,CA 92231 NEW PHONE NUMBERS: (760) 768-2044 Voice (760) 768-0466 TDD (760) 768-4977 Fax...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>a2i staff</name>
        
    </author>
            <category term="Office Locations" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.a2isd.org/">
        <![CDATA[<p><strong>a2i's Imperial Valley office has moved from El Centro to Calexico</strong></p>

<p><strong>ACCESS to INDEPENDENCE (a2i)<br />
<strong>400 Mary Ave.,Ste. D,<br />
 Calexico,CA 92231</strong><br />
NEW PHONE NUMBERS:</p>

<p>(760) 768-2044 Voice</p>

<p>(760) 768-0466 TDD</p>

<p>(760) 768-4977 Fax<br />
</p>]]>
        
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>SELF ADVOCACY TRAINING</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.a2isd.org/alert/community_activity_updates/self_advocacy_training.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=28/entry_id=3894" title="SELF ADVOCACY TRAINING" />
    <id>tag:www.a2isd.org,2008://28.3894</id>
    
    <published>2008-02-28T17:51:40Z</published>
    <updated>2008-06-02T17:23:42Z</updated>
    
    <summary> Self-Advocacy Trainings Sponsored by Access to Independence Workshops will • Be interactive • Provide effective leadership skills • Empower advocates to create change for themselves and others Requests for equal access (ASL interpreter, large print, Braille,audiotape) Should be made...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>a2i staff</name>
        
    </author>
            <category term="Community Activity Updates" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.a2isd.org/">
        <![CDATA[<p><img alt="logos for accessible housing, health care, transportation" src="http://www.a2isd.org/3-part%20advo.JPG" width="400" height="150" /><br />
<strong>Self-Advocacy Trainings Sponsored by Access to Independence</strong></p>

<p>Workshops will<br />
•         Be interactive<br />
•         Provide effective leadership skills<br />
•         Empower advocates to create change for themselves and others</p>

<p>Requests for equal access (ASL interpreter, large print, Braille,audiotape) Should be made no later than 7 working days prior to the meeting.  Attendees are requested to refrain from wearing perfume or other scented products.  <br />
Please RSVP by March 7, 2008 to: <br />
Connie Soucy - csoucy@a2isd.org<br />
619-293-3500 Voice    619- 293-7757 TDD    <br />
Thank You!<br />
<a href="http://www.a2isd.org/UPLOAD/self%20advocacy%20trainings%20-%20Hillcrest1.doc">Download file</a> HILLCREST (MSWORD DOC)<br />
<a href="http://www.a2isd.org/upload/Imperial%20County2.doc">Download file</a> IMPERIAL VALLEY (MSWORD DOC)<br />
<a href="http://www.a2isd.org/UPLOAD/VISTA.doc">Download file</a> NORTH COUNTY (MSWORD DOC)</p>

<p>Click below to see text version of the schedule, and instructions:</p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>Requests for equal access (ASL interpreter, large print, Braille,audiotape) Should be made no later than 7 working days prior to the meeting.  Attendees are requested to refrain from wearing perfume or other scented products.  <br />
Please RSVP by March 7, 2008 to: <br />
Connie Soucy - csoucy@a2isd.org<br />
619-293-3500 Voice    619- 293-7757 TDD    <br />
Thank You!</p>

<p></p>

<p></p>

<p>Self-Advocacy Trainings</p>

<p>Sponsored by Access to Independence</p>

<p></p>

<p>Workshops will<br />
*         Be interactive<br />
*         Provide effective leadership skills<br />
*         Empower advocates to create change for themselves and others<br />
Topics:</p>

<p>1. Housing – Wednesday,March 19,2008</p>

<p>2. Transportation – Thursday,March 27,2008 </p>

<p>3. Healthcare – Thursday,March 20,2008</p>

<p>Location: 1295 University Avenue, Ste. 10<br />
San Diego, CA 92103<br />
    Time: 10 am to 2 pm</p>

<p><br />
Please RSVP by March 7, 2008 to:<br />
Connie Soucy</p>

<p>csoucy@a2isd.org <br />
619-293-3500 Voice    619- 293-7757 TDD </p>

<p>Requests for equal access (ASL interpreter, large print, Braille,audiotape) Should be made no later than 7 working days prior to the meeting.  Attendees are requested to refrain from wearing perfume or other scented products.<br />
  Thank you<br />
Self-Advocacy Trainings</p>

<p>Sponsored by Access to Independence</p>

<p></p>

<p>Workshops will<br />
*         Be interactive<br />
*         Provide effective leadership skills<br />
*         Empower advocates to create change for themselves and others<br />
Topics:</p>

<p>1. Housing – Thursday,March 20,2008</p>

<p>2. Transportation– Thursday,March 13,2008</p>

<p>3. Healthcare – Friday,March 21,2008</p>

<p>Location: 209 East Broadway, Ste. A, Vista,CA 92084<br />
        Time: 10 am to 2 pm</p>

<p><br />
Please RSVP by March 7, 2008 to:<br />
Connie Soucy</p>

<p>csoucy@a2isd.org <br />
619-293-3500 Voice    619- 293-7757 TDD </p>

<p>Requests for equal access (ASL interpreter, large print, Braille,audiotape) Should be made no later than 7 working days prior to the meeting.  Attendees are requested to refrain from wearing perfume or other scented products.<br />
  Thank you<br />
Self-Advocacy Trainings</p>

<p>Sponsored by Access to Independence</p>

<p></p>

<p>Workshops will<br />
*         Be interactive<br />
*         Provide effective leadership skills<br />
*         Empower advocates to create change for themselves and others<br />
Topics:</p>

<p>1. Housing – Friday,March 21,2008</p>

<p>2. Transportation– Thursday,March 20,2008</p>

<p>3. Healthcare – Wednesday,March 19,2008</p>

<p>Location: 400 Mary Ave.,Ste. D,<br />
 Calexico,CA 92231<br />
            Time: 10 am to 2 pm</p>

<p><br />
Please RSVP by March 7, 2008 to:<br />
Connie Soucy</p>

<p>csoucy@a2isd.org <br />
619-293-3500 Voice    619- 293-7757 TDD </p>

<p>Requests for equal access (ASL interpreter, large print, Braille,audiotape) Should be made no later than 7 working days prior to the meeting.  Attendees are requested to refrain from wearing perfume or other scented products.<br />
  Thank you<br />
SAN DIEGO (HILLCREST)<br />
MARCH 2008<br />
SUN<br />
MON<br />
TUE<br />
WED<br />
TH<br />
FRI<br />
SAT</p>

<p></p>

<p>Sponsored By Access To Independence</p>

<p></p>

<p><br />
1<br />
Workshops will:</p>

<p>*         Be interactive</p>

<p>5<br />
6<br />
7<br />
8<br />
*         Provide effective leadership      skills</p>

<p>12<br />
13</p>

<p>14<br />
15<br />
*       Empower advocates to create change for themselves and others<br />
19<br />
HOUSING<br />
10 AM-2 PM<br />
20<br />
HEALTHCARE<br />
10 AM-2 PM<br />
21<br />
22<br />
Location: 1295 University Ave # 10 <br />
San Diego, CA 92103<br />
Time: 10 am to 2 pm<br />
26<br />
27 <br />
TRANSPORTATION <br />
10 AM-2 PM<br />
28<br />
29/30</p>

<p><br />
NORTH COUNTY (VISTA)<br />
MARCH 2008<br />
SUN<br />
MON<br />
TUE<br />
WED<br />
TH<br />
FRI<br />
SAT</p>

<p></p>

<p>Sponsored By Access To Independence</p>

<p></p>

<p><br />
1<br />
Workshops will:</p>

<p>*         Be interactive</p>

<p>5<br />
6<br />
7<br />
8</p>

<p>*         Provide effective leadership skills</p>

<p>13<br />
TRANSPORTATION<br />
10 AM-2 PM<br />
14<br />
15<br />
*       Empower advocates to create change for themselves and others</p>

<p>20<br />
HOUSING<br />
10 AM-2 PM<br />
21<br />
HEALTHCARE<br />
10 AM-2 PM<br />
22<br />
Location: 209 East Broadway – A<br />
	    Vista,CA 92084<br />
    Time: 10 am to 2 pm<br />
27<br />
28<br />
29/30</p>

<p>IMPERIAL VALLEY (CALEXICO)<br />
MARCH 2008<br />
SUN<br />
MON<br />
TUE<br />
WED<br />
TH<br />
FRI<br />
SAT</p>

<p></p>

<p>Sponsored By Access To Independence</p>

<p></p>

<p><br />
1<br />
Workshops will:</p>

<p>*         Be interactive</p>

<p>5<br />
6<br />
7<br />
8<br />
*         Provide effective leadership skills</p>

<p>12<br />
13</p>

<p>14<br />
15<br />
Location: 400 Mary Ave – D<br />
 Calexico,CA 92231<br />
       Time: 10 am to 2 pm<br />
19<br />
HEALTHCARE<br />
10 AM-2 PM<br />
20<br />
TRANSPORTATION<br />
10 AM-2 PM<br />
21<br />
HOUSING<br />
10 AM-2 PM<br />
22</p>

<p>Requests for equal access (ASL interpreter, large print, Braille,audiotape) Should be made no later than 7 working days prior to the meeting.  Attendees are requested to refrain from wearing perfume or other scented products.  <br />
Please RSVP by March 7, 2008 to: <br />
Connie Soucy - csoucy@a2isd.org<br />
619-293-3500 Voice    619- 293-7757 TDD    <br />
Thank You!</p>

<p></p>

<p><br />
A2I’S SELF-ADVOCACY TRAINING</p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>Free Support Seminars for Parents</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.a2isd.org/alert/community_activity_updates/free_support_seminars_for_pare.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=28/entry_id=3463" title="Free Support Seminars for Parents" />
    <id>tag:www.a2isd.org,2008://28.3463</id>
    
    <published>2008-02-08T00:53:39Z</published>
    <updated>2008-02-13T00:47:16Z</updated>
    
    <summary> The COMPASS Family Center at USD will be offering FREE IEP Support Seminars for parents preparing for their child’s first IEP....</summary>
    <author>
        <name>a2i staff</name>
        
    </author>
            <category term="Community Activity Updates" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.a2isd.org/">
        <![CDATA[<p><img alt="compass.jpg" src="http://www.a2isd.org/upload/compass.jpg" width="250" height="69"<img </p>

<p><strong>The COMPASS Family Center at USD will be offering FREE IEP Support Seminars for parents preparing for their child’s first IEP. <br />
</strong></p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>The COMPASS Family Center at USD will be offering FREE IEP Support Seminars for parents preparing for their child’s first IEP.<a href="http://www.sandiego.edu/compass/transitionsupportprogram.php">website</a></p>

<p>To view a list of classes, dates and times visit: http://www.compassfamilycenter.org/events/events </p>

<p>Please pass this information along to any parents, teachers, case workers or others that might be able to spread the word.  COMPASS also offers a seminar for professionals that can be offered to groups of 7 or more.</p>

<p>Sharna Langlais<br />
Director of Development and Community Relations<br />
 <br />
COMPASS Family Center at USD<br />
5998 Alcala Park, MRH 215-H<br />
San Diego, CA 92110<br />
 <br />
P: (619) 260-7667<br />
F: (619) 849-8125<br />
</p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>Public Transportation</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.a2isd.org/alert/community_activity_updates/public_transportation.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=28/entry_id=3449" title="Public Transportation" />
    <id>tag:www.a2isd.org,2008://28.3449</id>
    
    <published>2008-02-05T19:03:14Z</published>
    <updated>2008-03-19T15:30:12Z</updated>
    
    <summary> a2i Wants to Encourage your Participation in Joining Together To Effect A Positive Change In The Way Public Transit Is Perceived, Funded And Managed In The San Diego Region....</summary>
    <author>
        <name>a2i staff</name>
        
    </author>
            <category term="Community Activity Updates" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.a2isd.org/">
        <![CDATA[<p><img alt="citizens.jpg" src="http://www.a2isd.org/upload/citizens.jpg" width="275" height="50" /></p>

<p><strong><br />
a2i Wants to Encourage your Participation in Joining Together To Effect A Positive Change In The Way Public Transit Is Perceived, Funded And Managed In The San Diego Region.</strong></p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>We are joining together to effect a positive change in the way public transit is perceived, funded and managed in the San Diego region.</p>

<p>We believe that public transit is a basic necessity for many San Diegans.</p>

<p>We believe that a viable and affordable transit system is essential for a good quality of life in San Diego.</p>

<p>We believe that a viable and affordable transit system is essential to the economic health of the region.</p>

<p>Our Mission is to work cooperatively with other organizations to become informed on all sides of the issue, to educate and connect with elected officials, to organize ridership advocacy, and to work on issues of legislation</p>

<p><br />
I/We would like to be a part of the cooperative effort to make the transit in San Diego County fully funded, high quality and efficient.</p>

<p>I/We would like to be a part of the following goal groups:</p>

<p>	Research</p>

<p>	Education and Advocacy</p>

<p>	Ridership Organizing</p>

<p>	Legislation</p>

<p>Name:		_______________________________________________________</p>

<p>Position:	________________________________________________________</p>

<p>Group:		________________________________________________________</p>

<p>Signed:		________________________________________________________</p>

<p>E-Mail:		_________________________________________________________</p>

<p>For information, please e-mail:<br />
<a href="mailto:citizenstransportation@gmail.com  ">citizenstransportation@gmail.com  </a><br />
</p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>
<entry>
    <title>a2i SUPPORTS CALIFORNIA DISABILITY COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK</title>
    <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="http://www.a2isd.org/alert/community_activity_updates/a2i_supports_california_disabi_1.html" />
    <link rel="service.edit" type="application/atom+xml" href="http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-atom.cgi/weblog/blog_id=28/entry_id=3401" title="a2i SUPPORTS CALIFORNIA DISABILITY COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK" />
    <id>tag:www.a2isd.org,2008://28.3401</id>
    
    <published>2008-01-17T18:17:49Z</published>
    <updated>2008-01-31T00:20:58Z</updated>
    
    <summary> CALIFORNIA DISABILITY COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK (CDCAN) ACTION ALERT: ATTEND BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE HEARINGS NEXT TWO WEEKS IT IS ABOUT RIGHTS - AND ABOUT LIVES THAT MATTER...</summary>
    <author>
        <name>a2i staff</name>
        
    </author>
            <category term="Community Activity Updates" />
    
    <content type="html" xml:lang="en" xml:base="http://www.a2isd.org/">
        <![CDATA[<p><img alt="image of CDCAN logo" src="http://www.a2isd.org/upload/CONNIE.jpg"width="112" height="142"align="left"/><br />
<strong>CALIFORNIA DISABILITY COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK (CDCAN) </p>

<p>ACTION ALERT: <br />
ATTEND BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE HEARINGS NEXT TWO WEEKS</strong></p>

<p>IT IS ABOUT RIGHTS - AND ABOUT LIVES THAT MATTER</p>

<p></p>

<p><br />
</p>]]>
        <![CDATA[<p>CDCAN  ALERT<br />
California Disability Community Action Network <br />
Advocacy Without Borders:  <br />
News Impacting People With Disabilities, Mental Health Needs, Seniors <br />
Goes out to over 45,000 people, organizations, policy makers across California <br />
Marty Omoto -  martyomoto@rcip.com   website:   www.cdcan.us <br />
 <br />
 <br />
IT IS ABOUT RIGHTS - AND ABOUT LIVES THAT MATTER<br />
 <br />
WHY - MAJOR SPENDING CUTS:<br />
Proposed spending cuts to current State Budget including those impacting Medi-Cal, SSI/SSP, and cuts proposed for the state budget that takes effect July 1, 2008 impacting In-Home Supportive Services, regional centers, education, SSI/SSP, Medi-Cal, mental health services, CalWORKS, CAPI (Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants) public health, community care and more (see CDCAN reports for list of cuts, etc) <br />
 <br />
WHO - PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS, SENIORS, PEOPLE WHO PROVIDE SUPPORTS, LOW INCOME FAMILIES & OTHERS<br />
Children and adults with disabilities (including those people with developmental disabilities including autism), mental health needs, seniors, people with traumatic brain and other injuries, people with MS, Alzheimer's and other disorders, their families, support workers (including IHSS), community organizations, low income families and others across California.  <br />
 <br />
These proposed spending cuts impact all of us, whether we are children or adults with autism, with other disabilities, with other developmental disabilities, with mental health needs, with MS, Alzheimer's, with a traumatic brain or other injuries, whether we are seniors, or family members, or low income families, whether we people special needs new to this country, whether we are people who provide supports or community organizations and groups who provide services.  We are one community and we need to practice that with unified action not to protect spending to a program, but fight for our rights for the simple reason that a life matters.  <br />
 <br />
WHAT:  GET PEOPLE TO ATTEND HEARINGS NEXT TWO WEEKS<br />
There will be several other actions that people can take, including visiting and calling your local legislator in their local offices, writing letters to them and to your local newspapers, radio stations, TV news stations, writing comments to your own blogs, or to others, or to other internet sites, participating in CDCAN townhall telemeetings.  In all instances, we urge you to treat everyone with respect, whether a legislator, a legislative staffer, a department director or staffer or someone from the Governor's office. We can be absolutely strong, uncompromising and consistent in our advocacy and our fight, in our protests and demonstrations,  without treating people with disrespect. <br />
 <br />
CDCAN will be issuing later today sample letters and sample comments and a list of people to consider contacting and suggested local community events and action steps.  <br />
 <br />
We are looking at organizing (in some cases with others) a series of rallies and demonstrations not only at the Capitol before these hearings, but elsewhere in the State.  </p>

<p>However IF you have the resources and ability to come to Sacramento in the next two weeks to testify at several different budget subcommittee hearings covering different programs and services targeted for spending cuts, please do so.  If you cannot, then try to get others to consider coming up.  <br />
 <br />
Please understand that people will ALSO be needed to come to Sacramento on other dates - in March and April and possibly early May for hearings. But people are needed NOW in the coming weeks as the cuts being considered, if passed, could take effect as early as June 1.  <br />
 <br />
Decisions are made by those who show up.  We will work to help you "show up" in different ways in your own community - or if you cannot easily leave your own home, or if you are in a facility, there are things you can do from there.  We'll help with that.  CDCAN Townhall Telemeetings and conference calls are one way.  <br />
However if you can "show up" at one or more of these upcoming hearings, please do so.  We need to show policymakers at every level  that we are not invisible and that a life matters in considering any of these proposals. <br />
 <br />
WHEN: NEXT TWO WEEKS<br />
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services has scheduled a series of hearings focusing on each of the Governor's proposals for spending cuts not only for the current year budget (meaning cuts, if passed, that take effect this year), but also proposed spending cuts to next year's budget (2008-2009) that take effect sometime on or after July 1, 2008.  The series of hearings, while difficult to spread out resources and time for people, does allow for a more detailed review of the impact of the proposed cuts.  There has been no official schedule released on what the other Assembly Budget Subcommittees (covering other issues including education, housing, transportation, etc) - but we will get word out as soon as something is released.  Those areas also have tremendous impact.  <br />
 <br />
In addition to these scheduled hearings, there will be Senate Budget Committee hearings likely in the coming weeks. It is not certain if the Senate will hold a series of hearings held by the Senate Budget Subcommittees or one or more hearings by the full committee.  Information on that should be available soon.<br />
 <br />
Also, both houses will schedule regular budget subcommittee hearings later for March and April and early May that advocates will also need to attend - those hearings will focus on the State Budget for 2008-2009 (the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services hearing in the next two weeks will cover that too - but will continue review of those proposed cuts for the next budget year, in March, April and early May).  <br />
 <br />
Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health and Human Services Hearings<br />
Note: rooms still to be determined.  The schedule for each of hearings might extend beyond 5 PM each day depending on how the first couple of hearings go.  There will only be limited time for very brief testimony (not more than a minute or so). But numbers of people, faces and a few words can make a difference.  <br />
 <br />
JAN 21, 2008 (MONDAY<br />
State & Federal Holiday - Martin Luther King Jr Birthday observance<br />
 <br />
JAN 22, 2008 (TUESDAY)<br />
1:30 to 5:00 PM  State Capitol - Room to be determined<br />
Budget Issue/Topic:  <br />
Human Services and Health<br />
Departments/Programs:  <br />
* Department of Developmental Services at 1:30 PM<br />
* Department of Mental Health at 3:30 PM<br />
PRIORITY: CRITICAL<br />
CDCAN Comment: important hearing for advocates as it will cover special session proposals including those impacting regional centers, developmental centers, mental health.  Will also cover proposed cuts to the 2008-2009 State Budget (there will more hearings on those cuts in March and April).<br />
 <br />
JAN 23, 2008 (WEDNESDAY)<br />
1:30 to 4:00 PM  State Capitol - Room to be determined<br />
Budget Issue/Topic: <br />
Health<br />
Departments/Programs:<br />
* Department of Health Care Services - Medi-Cal Part I<br />
* Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board (MRMIB)  - Healthy Families<br />
PRIORITY: CRITICAL<br />
CDCAN Comment: important hearing for advocates because it will cover many of the Medi-Cal proposed special session cuts (possibly provider rate reductions, optional benefits,quarterly status reports, etc either at this hearing or on January 31. Also proposed reductions to the children's health program (Healthy Families) will also be heard. Will also cover proposed cuts to the 2008-2009 State Budget (there will more hearings on those cuts in March and April)<br />
 <br />
Also Note: CDCAN is holding at 10:00 to 11:45 AM this same day on January 23, a CDCAN Townhall Telemeeting focusing on regional center and developmental center proposed cuts featuring the Department of Developmental Services director Terri Delgadillo and other department officials.  The townhall telemeetinng is open to the public and can be accessed via toll free lines, and also the internet. Additional townhalls are being scheduled to cover other issues including IHSS, SSI/SSP, special education, housing, transportation, and employment.  <br />
The toll free line is: 1-800-608-4143 (there is NO passcode  <br />
See CDCAN website at www.cdcan.us for more information.  <br />
 <br />
JAN 24, 2008 (THURSDAY)<br />
1:30 to 4:00 PM  State Capitol - Room to be determined<br />
Budget Issue/Topic: <br />
Human Services<br />
Departments/Programs:<br />
* California Department on Aging<br />
* Department of Social Services - Adult Programs (CalWORKS, In-Home Supportive Services and SSI/SSP)<br />
PRIORITY: CRITICAL<br />
CDCAN Comment: important hearing for advocates because it will cover proposed IHSS cut (18% reduction in non-medical domestic related hours for persons receiving IHSS services) and also proposals for reductions to SSI/SSP with suspending the state cost of living increase for the SSP portion of the grant scheduled for June 2008 and June 2009, and also new requirements and reductions to the CalWORKS that impacts low income families and children - many with special needs and disabilities. Will also cover proposed cuts to the 2008-2009 State Budget (there will more hearings on those cuts in March and April)<br />
 <br />
JAN 28, 2008 (MONDAY)<br />
1:30 to 4:00 PM  State Capitol - Room to be determined<br />
Budget Issue/Topic: <br />
Human Services<br />
Departments/Programs:<br />
* Department of Social Services - Child Welfare Services, Automation, Food Programs<br />
* Department of Child Support Services<br />
PRIORITY: Important<br />
 <br />
JAN 29, 2008 (TUESDAY)<br />
1:30 to 4:00 PM  State Capitol - Room to be determined<br />
Budget Issue/Topic: <br />
Health<br />
Departments/Programs:<br />
* Department of Public Health<br />
* Emergency Medical Services Authority<br />
* CMAC<br />
PRIORITY: Important<br />
 <br />
JAN 30, 2008 (WEDNESDAY)<br />
1:30 to 4:00 PM  State Capitol - Room to be determined<br />
Budget Issue/Topic: <br />
Human Services<br />
Departments/Programs:<br />
*  Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD)<br />
* Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs<br />
* Department of Rehabilitation<br />
* Health and Human Services Agency<br />
* Department of Community Services and Development (CSD)<br />
PRIORITY: Important<br />
 <br />
JAN 31, 2008 (THURSDAY) <br />
1:30 to 4:00 PM  State Capitol - Room to be determined<br />
Budget Issue/Topic: <br />
Health<br />
Departments/Programs:<br />
* Department of Health Care Services - support and Medi-Cal Part II<br />
PRIORITY: CRITICAL<br />
CDCAN Comment: This is an important hearing for advocates because it will cover many of the Medi-Cal proposed special session cuts (possibly provider rate reductions, optional benefits,quarterly status reports, etc either at this hearing or on January 23).  Will also cover proposed cuts to the 2008-2009 State Budget (there will more hearings on those cuts in March and April)</p>

<p> <br />
From: CDCANreportlist01@rcip.com [mailto:CDCANreportlist01@rcip.com] On Behalf Of Marty Omoto, Director - California Disability Community Action Network (CDCAN)<br />
Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2008 1:55 PM<br />
To: CDCANreportlist01@rcip.com<br />
Subject: Re: CDCAN REPORT #14-2008: Senate to Hold Full Committee Hearings Beginning Next Week on Special Session Spending Cuts & Cash Flow Problem</p>

<p><br />
CDCAN DISABILITY RIGHTS NEWS REPORT<br />
California Disability Community Action Network <br />
Advocacy Without Borders:  <br />
News Impacting People With Disabilities, Mental Health Needs, Seniors <br />
Goes out to over 45,000 people, organizations, policy makers across California <br />
Marty Omoto -  martyomoto@rcip.com   website:   www.cdcan.us <br />
Report #014-2008  -  January 17, 2008  Thursday<br />
 <br />
California Budget Crisis:<br />
* Senate Budget Committee Will Hold More Hearings <br />
* Full Senate Committee Will Hold 4 or 5 Hearings<br />
* Assembly Budget Subcommittee Hearings Next Week<br />
* Major State Cash Flow Problem Highlighted As Issue<br />
* Major Impact to People With Disabilities, Seniors<br />
 <br />
SACRAMENTO  (CDCAN)  - The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee, chaired by Sen. Denise Ducheny (Democrat - San Diego) held its first hearing this morning (January 17) on the Governor's proposed State Budget and also proposed cuts in spending to the current year budget, and announced that it would hold a series of full committee hearings to review the details of mid-year spending cuts and related issues beginning next week on the following dates (in addition to the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services hearing dates (see below for full details):<br />
 <br />
* Jan 22 (Tuesday) and Jan 24 (Thursday)<br />
* Jan 29 (Tuesday) and Jan 30 (Wednesday)<br />
* Feb 4 (Monday)<br />
 <br />
The Governor's Department of Finance Deputy Director Vince Brown provided the committee grim news on the State's finances, including major problems of cash flow this year that could - if not addressed and resolved - cause serious delays in the State's ability to pay its bills.  That issue is separate - though related to - the Governor's proposed cuts to the current year State Budget, his proposed State Budget for next year (that begins July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.  <br />
 <br />
The Assembly Budget Committee meets later this afternoon at 1:30 PM to hear a similar overview.  <br />
 <br />
The Governor, on January 10th, declared a "fiscal emergency" under the State Constitution, that requires the Legislature to meet in special session to consider proposed spending cuts to the current year State Budget and to send to the Governor a bill or bills that address the emergency.  If the Legislature fails to do so within 45 days of January 10th, it cannot adjourn or take up action on any other bill.  This provision was added to the State Constitution was passed by voters in 2004 as Proposition 58 and has never been used before<br />
 <br />
Proposed Spending Cuts Impact Medi-Cal, IHSS, Regional Centers<br />
With a $14.5 billion State budget deficit projected by the end of the 2008-2009 State Budget year, the Governor proposed sweeping spending cuts not only to next year's budget, but to the budget that California currently is operating under (as passed by the Legislature last August).  <br />
 <br />
Some of those proposals by the Governor include:  <br />
* Proposal to suspend the State cost of living increase scheduled to take effect June 2008 and also June 2009 for the state portion (SSP) of the SSI/SSP grants to the lowest income people with disabilities, seniors and the blind, <br />
* Proposed major cuts to Medi-Cal, including a 10% rate cut to Medi-Cal providers, elimination of several Medi-Cal optional benefits, that would take effect June 1 this year, assuming the Legislature passes the Governor's proposals by March 1.  [Note: CDCAN held a townhall telemeeting yesterday, January 16th, featuring top officials from the Department of Health Care Services, which oversees the Medi-Cal program, who provided updates and answered questions on the proposed spending cuts.  Over 300 people with disabilities and seniors and other advocates participated. See separate CDCAN Report today for details on that townhall]<br />
* Other proposed cuts that the Governor wants passed before March 1 (though would not take effect until July 1, 2008) is a proposed 18% reduction in non-medical domestic hours for those people with disabilities and seniors receiving In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS).  <br />
 <br />
State Budget Process Complicated This Year<br />
The State  budget process this year is complicated because it covers four areas that while connected, are moving in different processes or have different deadlines in terms of urgency of making a decision:<br />
* Cash flow problems of the State that needs to be addressed immediately in order for the State to continue to pay its bills. <br />
* Proposed cuts to the current year State Budget that need to be passed or otherwise addressed by March 1<br />
* Proposed cuts and the actual proposed State Budget for 2008-2009 for the budget year that begins July 1 which will be addressed in the "normal" budget process that usually begins with subcommittee hearings in March, April and early May.<br />
* Reforms to the State Budget process, that includes a proposed constitutional amendment to cap, prioritize spending and to allow for automatic spending cuts when a budget shortfall occurs that will likely be a part of the regular budget process and does not require immediate action in the special session.<br />
 <br />
Senate and Assembly Hearings Set for Special Session<br />
Unlike in the Assembly, the full Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee will hold a series of hearings that will focus on the State's cash flow budget problems, and also the proposals by the Governor that call for cuts in spending to the current State budget (or proposals that require passage before March 1, 2008 in order to be effective by July 1). The Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee hearing schedule is as follows (no exact times were announced yet, nor a room, though presumably it will be at the State Capitol in Room 4203 where budget hearings are usually held):<br />
 <br />
As previously reported yesterday, the Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health and Human Services, chaired by Assemblymember Patty Berg (Democrat - Eureka) has scheduled a series of hearings, beginning January 22 (Tuesday) to hear the Governor's proposed special session spending cuts and reductions, including those cuts impacting the current State budget as passed last August and also the Governor's proposed cuts to the 2008-2009 State Budget.  <br />
 <br />
Assembly Budget  Subcommittee staff say that no actions are planned to be taken at any of these hearings, though the hearings are important in focusing on the impact of each spending proposal.<br />
 <br />
Both houses have not yet scheduled hearings for the regular budget process, that normally begins in March.   <br />
 <br />
Impact to People with Disabilities, Seniors, Mental Health Needs, Low Income Families & Workers<br />
* These hearings represent the first opportunity for people with disabilities, mental health needs, seniors, their families, low income workers and families to provide public testimony on proposed cuts that impact them.  CDCAN has issued an action alert urging advocates and others to come to these hearings.  <br />
* While no actions will be taken at the full budget committee hearings on January 17 or the Assembly budget  subcommittee hearings beginning next week, given the fast track nature of the major proposed cuts - some that the Governor is asking to be effective on March 1, 2008  - it is important that the subcommittee hears about the impact of each proposal on the lives of real people. <br />
* CDCAN will issue a report on what the State Senate will do as soon as information becomes available.  In addition, as other Assembly Budget Subcommittees (including on education) release their schedules, CDCAN will issue reports on that too.  As of Thursday morning (January 17) no information on those hearings have yet been announced.  <br />
 <br />
Special Session Hearing Schedule<br />
* Rooms for the Assembly hearings still to be determined.  <br />
* The Senate did not announce the room, though presumably it will be in Room 4203 at the State Capitol.<br />
* Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Committee hearing times have not yet been announced, nor has the specific agendas for the week of January 28.  <br />
* The schedule for each of Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services hearings might extend beyond 5 PM each day depending on how the first couple of hearings go.<br />
 <br />
JAN 21, 2008 (MONDAY<br />
State & Federal Holiday - Martin Luther King Jr Birthday observance<br />
 <br />
JAN 22, 2008 (TUESDAY)<br />
 <br />
SENATE BUDGET & FISCAL REVIEW COMMITTEE<br />
Time: not yet announced, State Capitol - Room not yet announced<br />
Budget Issue/Topic:<br />
* State's cash problem crisis<br />
* State revenues<br />
 <br />
ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE #1 ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES<br />
1:30 to 5:00 PM  State Capitol - Room to be determined<br />
Budget Issue/Topic:  <br />
Human Services and Health<br />
Departments/Programs:  <br />
* Department of Developmental Services at 1:30 PM<br />
* Department of Mental Health at 3:30 PM<br />
CDCAN Comment: important hearing for advocates as it will cover special session proposals including those impacting regional centers, developmental centers, mental health.  Will also cover proposed cuts to the 2008-2009 State Budget (there will more hearings on those cuts in March and April).<br />
 <br />
JAN 23, 2008 (WEDNESDAY)<br />
ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE #1 ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES<br />
1:30 to 4:00 PM  State Capitol - Room to be determined<br />
Budget Issue/Topic: <br />
Health<br />
Departments/Programs:<br />
* Department of Health Care Services - Medi-Cal Part I<br />
* Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board (MRMIB)  - Healthy Families<br />
CDCAN Comment: important hearing for advocates because it will cover many of the Medi-Cal proposed special session cuts (possibly provider rate reductions, optional benefits,quarterly status reports, etc either at this hearing or on January 31. Also proposed reductions to the children's health program (Healthy Families) will also be heard. Will also cover proposed cuts to the 2008-2009 State Budget (there will more hearings on those cuts in March and April)<br />
 <br />
Note: CDCAN is holding at 10:00 to 11:45 AM this same day on January 23, a CDCAN Townhall Telemeeting focusing on regional center and developmental center proposed cuts featuring the Department of Developmental Services director Terri Delgadillo and other department officials.  The townhall telemeetinng is open to the public and can be accessed via toll free lines, and also the internet.  See CDCAN website at www.cdcan.us for more information.  <br />
 <br />
JAN 24, 2008 (THURSDAY)<br />
SENATE BUDGET & FISCAL REVIEW COMMITTEE<br />
Time: not yet announced, State Capitol - Room not yet announced<br />
Budget Issue/Topic:<br />
* Education - Proposition 98 and higher education<br />
* Correctional & Rehabilitation issues (prisons)<br />
Departments/Programs:<br />
* Department of Education<br />
* Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation<br />
 <br />
ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE #1 ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES<br />
1:30 to 4:00 PM  State Capitol - Room to be determined<br />
Budget Issue/Topic: <br />
Human Services<br />
Departments/Programs:<br />
* California Department on Aging<br />
* Department of Social Services - Adult Programs (CalWORKS, In-Home Supportive Services and SSI/SSP)<br />
CDCAN Comment: important hearing for advocates because it will cover proposed IHSS cut (18% reduction in non-medical domestic related hours for persons receiving IHSS services) and also proposals for reductions to SSI/SSP with suspending the state cost of living increase for the SSP portion of the grant scheduled for June 2008 and June 2009, and also new requirements and reductions to the CalWORKS that impacts low income families and children - many with special needs and disabilities. Will also cover proposed cuts to the 2008-2009 State Budget (there will more hearings on those cuts in March and April)<br />
 <br />
JAN 28, 2008 (MONDAY)<br />
ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE #1 ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES<br />
1:30 to 4:00 PM  State Capitol - Room to be determined<br />
Budget Issue/Topic: <br />
Human Services<br />
Departments/Programs:<br />
* Department of Social Services - Child Welfare Services, Automation, Food Programs<br />
* Department of Child Support Services<br />
 <br />
JAN 29, 2008 (TUESDAY)<br />
SENATE BUDGET & FISCAL REVIEW COMMITTEE<br />
Time: not yet announced, State Capitol - Room not yet announced<br />
Budget Issue/Topic:<br />
Health or human services (not yet determined)<br />
CDCAN COMMENT: Depending on which area will be covered on this date (health or human services), the hearing will cover the Governor's proposed cuts to current State budget including Medi-Cal optional benefits, provider rates, SSI/SSP cost of living suspension (SSP part of the grant) that would take effect June 1, also IHSS reduction of non-medical domestic hours of 18% that while proposed to take effect July 1, 2008, would need approval by March 1 this year to institute needed changes to make it happen). Other issues - including Healthy Families, regional centers, etc could also be on the agenda.  <br />
 <br />
ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE #1 ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES<br />
1:30 to 4:00 PM  State Capitol - Room to be determined<br />
Budget Issue/Topic: <br />
Health<br />
Departments/Programs:<br />
* Department of Public Health<br />
* Emergency Medical Services Authority<br />
* CMAC<br />
 <br />
JAN 30, 2008 (WEDNESDAY)<br />
SENATE BUDGET & FISCAL REVIEW COMMITTEE<br />
Time: not yet announced, State Capitol - Room not yet announced<br />
Budget Issue/Topic:<br />
Health or human services (not yet determined)<br />
CDCAN COMMENT: Depending on which area will be covered on this date (health or human services), the hearing will cover the Governor's proposed cuts to current State budget including Medi-Cal optional benefits, provider rates, SSI/SSP cost of living suspension (SSP part of the grant) that would take effect June 1, also IHSS reduction of non-medical domestic hours of 18% that while proposed to take effect July 1, 2008, would need approval by March 1 this year to institute needed changes to make it happen). Other issues - including Healthy Families, regional centers, etc could also be on the agenda.  <br />
 <br />
ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE #1 ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES<br />
1:30 to 4:00 PM  State Capitol - Room to be determined<br />
Budget Issue/Topic: <br />
Human Services<br />
Departments/Programs:<br />
*  Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD)<br />
* Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs<br />
* Department of Rehabilitation<br />
* Health and Human Services Agency<br />
* Department of Community Services and Development (CSD)<br />
 <br />
JAN 31, 2008 (THURSDAY)<br />
ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE #1 ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES<br />
1:30 to 4:00 PM  State Capitol - Room to be determined<br />
Budget Issue/Topic: <br />
Health<br />
Departments/Programs:<br />
* Department of Health Care Services - support and Medi-Cal Part II<br />
CDCAN Comment: important hearing for advocates because it will cover many of the Medi-Cal proposed special session cuts (possibly provider rate reductions, optional benefits,quarterly status reports, etc either at this hearing or on January 23).  Will also cover proposed cuts to the 2008-2009 State Budget (there will more hearings on those cuts in March and April)<br />
 <br />
FEB 4, 2008 (MONDAY)<br />
SENATE BUDGET & FISCAL REVIEW COMMITTEE<br />
Time: not yet announced, State Capitol - Room not yet announced<br />
Budget Issue/Topic:<br />
Not determined yet<br />
 <br />
ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE #1 ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES<br />
1:30 to 4:00 PM  State Capitol - Room to be determined<br />
Budget Issue/Topic: <br />
Open Issues<br />
Departments/Programs:<br />
Open <br />
 <br />
</p>]]>
    </content>
</entry>

</feed> 

