Articles of interest for our military families:

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“Ed Department Tells States To Step Up IDEA Compliance” dated 25 July 2023 by Michelle Diament from Disability Scoop at https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2023/07/25/ed-department-tells-states-to-step-up-idea-compliance/30472

 

“CDC Finds ‘Significant Increase’ In Kids With Developmental Disabilities” dated 17 July 2023 by Michelle Diament from Disability Scoop at https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2023/07/17/cdc-finds-significant-increase-in-kids-with-developmental-disabilities/30460

 

“Pediatricians Get Guidance On Assessing Kids At Risk For Developmental Disabilities” dated 14 July 2023 by Michelle Diament from Disability Scoop at https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2023/07/14/pediatricians-get-guidance-on-assessing-kids-at-risk-for-developmental-disabilities/30456

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“DoD aims for more consistent support for special needs families” dated 28 June 2023 by Karen Jowers from the Air Force Times at https://www.airforcetimes.com/pay-benefits/military-benefits/2023/06/28/dod-aims-for-more-consistent-support-for-special-needs-families/?fbclid=IwAR085XbsmpiXLCKL4famSoAOr_95ghJsNUNnhQiLdeFGM3ylC4baY8rynwg

 

“2023 Update: EFMP Standardization” dated 27 June 2023 in a press release from Partners in PROMISE at https://thepromiseact.org/2023-update-efmp-standardization

 

“DOD INSTRUCTION 1315.19 EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY MEMBER PROGRAM” dated 23 June 2023 in a press release from the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness at https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/131519.pdf?ver=OfpA9-w3TokcS-NiFZR9Aw%3D%3D

 

“Independent Analysis of Department of Defense's Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration Program” in a press release from the National Academies at https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/independent-analysis-of-department-of-defenses-comprehensive-autism-care-demonstration-program

 

“PEATC's  PCS’ing with an Exceptional Family Member (EFM) Checklist - for families relocating CONUS (Stateside)” at https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/WhctKKXwvpjFWcGxKnXjcSckQDxlGdmnrTThVwgWjJpzwwjRqxtvhVFzjGJgjkMqQCBDSrl.  If you are PCS’ing with an exceptional family member (EFM), this checklist may be helpful to you. Not all of the items in the checklist will apply to all families who are PCS’ing.

 

“Retirees to Get a Second Chance to Enroll In or Opt Out of the Survivor Benefit Plan” dated 23 December 2022 by Amanda Miller from Military.com at https://www.military.com/daily-news/2022/12/23/retirees-get-second-chance-enroll-or-opt-out-of-survivor-benefit-plan.html   (THIS MAY BE A ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY.  PLEASE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT IF YOU NEED TO.)  More info is at DFAS website at https://www.dfas.mil/RetiredMilitary/provide/sbp/SBP-Open-Season-NDAA2023, https://militarypay.defense.gov/Benefits/Survivor-Benefit-Program, https://soldierforlife.army.mil/Documents/static/SBP_Open_Season_Discontinue_Fact_Sheet_Army.pdf, and https://vetsbenefits.net/survivor-benefit-plan-open-season-2023-2024-is-now-t199849.html.

 

Helpful tools and tips: A guide to integrate a child with autism into their new home is at https://www.mymove.com/moving/guides/moving-children-with-autism.

 

”Soldier For Life Podcast on “Special Needs Awareness: Tips to Know” by COL David Grant and Scott Campbell at https://usarmysoldierforlife.libsyn.com/s10e8-special-needs-awareness-tips-to-know

 

“Raising an Autistic Child as Active Duty Military with Rich Davis” from Moms Autism Money at https://momautismmoney.com/military-autistic-child

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Timely Topics...

 

“Life Journey through Autism: A Guide for Military Families”This free guide includes information about services, resources, & support available to active-duty and retired military families. Organization for Autism Research website at https://operationautism.org 

 

State -versus-state comparisons for adults with a disability.   Families should search many sources for information, such as local Autism Societies and Centers for Independent Living. All states have developmental disabilities organizations (like the Virginia DBHDS) where they can find information on the state’s waiver programs.  Using several sources provides a better overall picture of states’ services.  Also, services can differ significantly from locality to locality and county to county in some states. 

In addition, while some states provide better independent living services, they may be lacking in special education services and vice-versa. Please read: http://caseforinclusion.org. 

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Special Needs Trusts Information

The DOD Policy letter, dated 31 Dec 15 on "Enabling Payment of Survivor Benefit Plan Annuities to a Special Needs Trust (SNT)" and a copy of the "Template for Special Needs Trust Certification" have been uploaded.  You will need to get it filled out by the attorney or agency who wrote the Special Needs Trust for your child.  The Special Needs Trust Certification, a copy of the whole SNT, and a cover letter is mailed to Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), U.S. Military Retired Pay, 8899 E 56th Street, Indianapolis IN 46249-1200.  The letter must list their relationship to the beneficiary (the child), state their decision to make direct payment to an existing SNT, and include the beneficiary's SSN. Please call DFAS at 800 321-1080 for more information.  More DFAS info on this option can also be found at https://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/provide/sbp/special-needs-trust.html. 

If you need help or would like a copy of these documents, please reach out to director@asnv.org

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Military Families have a list of "what to do before and when their child turns 18". 

"Enabling Payment of Survivor Benefit Plan Annuities to a Special Needs Trust (SNT)" and a copy of the "Template for Special Needs Trust Certification" need to be filled out by the attorney or agency who writes the Special Needs Trust for your child.  The Special Needs Trust Certification, a copy of the whole SNT, and a cover letter is mailed to Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), U.S. Military Retired Pay, 8899 E 56th Street, Indianapolis IN 46249-1200.  The letter must list their relationship to the beneficiary (the child), state their decision to make direct payment to an existing SNT, and include the beneficiary's SSN.  If you have questions about where to send it or anything else, call DFAS at 800 321-1080.  More DFAS info on this option can be found

at https://www.dfas.mil/retiredmilitary/provide/sbp/special-needs-trust.html. 

If you need help or would like a copy of these documents, please reach out to director@asnv.org

 

 

What's near you?

 

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia EFMP upcoming events or other ones in their area:   None at this time

 

Fort Belvoir, Virginia EFMP upcoming events or other ones in their area:   None at this time

 

Exceptional Family Member Program Contact for more information is Marlo Keller at marlo.b.keller2.civ@mail.mil or 571-231-7020.

 

Marine Corp Base, Quantico, Virginia EFMP upcoming events or other ones in their area:

Activities and workshops are open to all military connected families enrolled in EFMP or with children with special needs- active duty or retired all branches or service. You can register to attend any of the above listed events by emailing the Quantico EFMP mailbox at quanticoefmpoffice@usmc-mccs.org or by calling the Quantico EFMP office at 571-931-0524. 

 

Naval Support Activity- Bethesda, Maryland & NSA-Washington EFMP upcoming events or other ones in their area:  None at this time.

For more info, contact Walkidia “Walky” Fradera, EFMP Case Liaison, Naval Support Activity Bethesda, Military and Family Support Center (Fleet and Family Support Center) at 301 319-4406 or walkidia.l.fradera.ctr@health.mil.

 

 

Fort George G. Meade, Maryland EFMP upcoming events or other ones in their area:   None at this time

 

For more info, contact Meritta Dawson, Soldier and Family Assistance Program Manager, 4550 Parade Field Lane Room Ste 241 A at 301-677-7060 (Office), 443-683-0282 (Cell), Toll Free 877-220-2522, or at Meritta.r.dawson.civ@mail.mil.

 

 

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, DC EFMP upcoming events or other ones in their area:   None at this time

USAF Exceptional Family Member Program and Special Needs Identification & Assignment Coordination, daily Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 4:30pm at MFSC/JBAB Bldg. 13, 118 Brookley Ave, SW, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, DC 20032. Call this number for more information or to register at 202-767-0450. The EMFP and SNIAC are two separate yet related functions working together to enhance the quality of life for Air Force Families. The programs support and identify active-duty sponsors who have EFM’s with special educational or medical needs. 

 

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, DC EFMP: 

USAF Exceptional Family Member Program and Special Needs Identification & Assignment Coordination, daily Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 4:30pm at MFSC/JBAB Bldg. 13, 118 Brookley Ave, SW, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, DC 20032. For more information or to register, please call 202-767-0450. The EMFP and SNIAC are two separate yet related functions working together to enhance the quality of life for Air Force Families. The programs support and identify active-duty sponsors who have EFM’s with special educational or medical needs.  For more info, contact Adreinne Barnett, M.Ed, EFMP Family Support Coordinator for Joint Base Andrews at 301 981-7088/7087 or adreinne.barnett@us.af.mil.

Joint Base Andrews, Maryland EFMP upcoming events or other ones in their area:   None at this time

 

Langley Air Force Base, Virginia EFMP upcoming events or other ones in their area:  None at this time.

 

1. 'Hampton Roads (VA) EFMP Special Needs Families (Retired/Active) est. 2005' Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Hamptonroadsefmp  

2. 'Virginia Military Special Needs Family Support' Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/663908243652397

3. 'Military Special Needs Family Support (Worldwide)' Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/361765527275172

4. 'USAF EFMP Family Support' Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/237346392971057  

5.  Disability Community of Hampton Roads - Virginia Facebook Page at https://m.facebook.com/hamptonroadsspecialneeds.  Sharing events and information for all cities of Hampton Roads for all disabilities and all ages.

6.  TACA Autism Virginia at https://www.facebook.com/tacavirginia

 

Virginia Autism Foundation contact info at www.virginiaautismfoundation.com or  https://www.facebook.com/virginiaautismfoundation

Virginia Autism Project's Facebook group page at https://www.facebook.com/virginiaautismproject

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Partners in PROMISE at https://thepromiseact.org and https://www.facebook.com/PartnersinPROMISE.  Partners in PROMISE (PIP) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that serves as a representative voice for our Exceptional Military Family Members (EFMP). PIP was founded in January 2020 by four mothers to Protect the Rights Of Military children In Special Education (PROMISE). Focusing on a strategy of educating, advising and advocacy, Partners in PROMISE is the link between special needs families, established military service organizations, the Department of Defense, and legislators, working towards collaborative solutions to complex problems.

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Past Articles of interest:

“Delays For Autism Diagnosis And Treatment Grew Even Longer During The Pandemic” dated 30 March 2022 by Andy Miller and Jenny Gold from Kaiser Health News at https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2022/03/30/delays-for-autism-diagnosis-and-treatment-grew-even-longer-during-the-pandemic/29779

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“Tax Breaks for Families With Special Needs” dated 6 January 2022 from Military OneSource at https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/special-needs/adults-with-special-needs/tax-breaks-for-families-with-special-needs/?utm_campaign=ea-enews-winter2022&utm_content=html&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

 

“Life Journey through Autism: A Guide for Military Families”. See the Organization for Autism Research website at https://operationautism.org for a free guide includes information about services, resources, & support available to active-duty and retired military families. 

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"Consumer Review Site Takes on Adaptive Products,

8 February by Shaun Heasley from Disability Scoop at https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2022/02/08/consumer-review-site-takes-on-adaptive-products/29693

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“Feds Warn Health Providers About Denying Care To Those With Disabilities” 

7 February 2022 by Michelle Diament from Disability Scoop at https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2022/02/07/feds-warn-health-providers-about-denying-care-to-those-with-disabilities/29691

 

“Military kids face delays, inequities in getting special education services”

3 February 2022 by Karen Jowers from the Military Times at https://www.militarytimes.com/pay-benefits/2022/02/03/military-kids-face-delays-inequities-in-getting-special-education-services

 

“Intrusive, Irrelevant, Invasive, Inappropriate, and...”

3 February 2022 by Jeremy Hilton on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/intrusive-irrelevant-invasive-inappropriate-jeremy-hilton/?trackingId=GUOyeIEeSa6DLLtLrLSV0g%3D%3D or https://www.dropbox.com/s/9ise4ixs1i3eo2x/DoD%20Provision%20of%20ABA%20History%20FINAL.pdf?dl=0

 

“Tax Breaks for Families With Special Needs”

6 January 2022 from Military OneSource at https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/special-needs/adults-with-special-needs/tax-breaks-for-families-with-special-needs/?utm_campaign=ea-enews-winter2022&utm_content=html&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

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