Education

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Education

Arizona Funds Day Programs and Transportation for Adults with Disabilities

By Jodi Dougan, CEO of Ascend Academy of Arizona

2ND ANNUAL FIRST RESPONDER’S CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

Did you know there is state funding for disabled individuals after high school to continue a productive daily program?

To qualify for the state reimbursement, your loved one must meet the following criteria for the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD): a person or guardian must voluntarily apply; be an Arizona resident; be diagnosed with a developmental disability which arose before the age of 18 and is likely to continue indefinitely; and there must be significant limitations in daily life skills related to the disability. Qualifying diagnoses include: cerebral palsy, epilepsy, intellectual/cognitive disability, down syndrome, and autism spectrum disorder.

The state-funded programs have a list of qualified vendors and will submit your application through the state server for the contracted qualified vendors to view. This allows the vendors to contact you. Doing your own research via social media or your local chamber of commerce is also a great start. In addition, most Valley high schools have a transition counselor that can refer you to a productive daily program serving your area. It is crucial to choose a program that provides an education to meets your loved one’s needs. Make sure the academy you choose is not just a daycare and the aid assigned speaks the native tongue of your student to ensure appropriate communication. It is important to be cautious during your search because there are many programs that place all students at the same level. This only provides a holding place without the interaction and high-level learning that can help a student reach their full potential and accomplish their adult goals.

Another aspect to look for is an intimate setting. It is beneficial when the program offers no more than a four to one ratio. This maximizes the attention to each individual’s needs and provides extra precautions with current pandemic concerns. Also, many qualified programs provide transportation services to help families that are concerned with travel restrictions. Transportation services also open up your search options to find a better fitting program without the concern of travel constraints.

For more details on these programs, visit the DDD website at des.az.gov.

This article was written by the owner of Ascend Academy of Arizona, who is not employed by the state of Arizona but holds a current contract as a qualified vendor.

VICE MAYOR MICHAEL FINN

Education

DVUSD Recognizes Teachers and Rookies of the Year

The DVUSD Governing Board recently began recognizing the 2019-20 Teachers and Rookies of the Year and will honor additional teachers during future Board Meetings. Deer Valley Education Foundation (DVEF) Board President Charly Filipek presented the honorees.

Each year, the Deer Valley Education Foundation holds an extensive nomination, application, and interview process to identify the DVUSD Teachers of the Year. The recipients are awarded with a check for $500 and a trophy. The program is sponsored by: Discover Financial, McCarthy Building Companies, Valley Schools, Chasse Building Team, Gary and Diana Feldman on behalf of Jonah Feldman, DKG, and Grad Photography. The remaining DVEF Teachers of the Year will be honored at upcoming DVUSD Governing Board Meetings.

THE FOLLOWING TEACHERS WERE HONORED AT A RECENT DVUSD GOVERNING BOARD MEETING:

Chef Ryan Mattheis has taught Culinary Arts at Barry Goldwater High School for seven years. Part of Chef Mattheis’ philosophy is, “When you become a teacher you sign up to be in the business of human beings. Teaching requires you to become a part of a student’s life and you make connections no other profession experiences.” Vicky Muñoz has graced the halls of Barry Goldwater High School for the last 13 years teaching Spanish. She notes, “My personal beliefs about teaching are to provide to all my students a positive and safe environment, achievable challenges, intentional teaching and reflection. These beliefs stand out in my personal teaching style.”

Christine Rowlan has taught for six years at Canyon Springs STEM Academy and is currently teaching fourth grade math. Her philosophy is, “I try to follow a STEM mindset in the math classroom by building rich tasks with many entry points. I believe students learn best when they are interested, challenged, and find their own path to success.” Rookie of the Year Annie Ramos has started her career at Copper Creek teaching Developmental Preschool. She shares, “As an educator, we have the ability and the responsibility to help create a successful future for our students, and I will strive to achieve this success with honor, motivation and love.”

Another Rookie of the Year, Jordan Schwab, is a special education teacher at Terramar. She shares, “My purpose on Earth was to become a special education teacher. At the end of the day, children whose basic human needs go unmet will not be able to thrive within instruction.”

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