Articles

Extended School Year Facts

The article explains the process and laws for  students qualifying for an extended school year schedule. By Laura Athens, Special Education Attorney, Hearing Officer, Parent, and Member of The Arc of Oakland County.
Extended School Year Facts

Residential Options

The article explains all the residential options available for people with intellectual impairments and related developmental disabilities
Residential Options.

The Challenges of Hearings and Grievances

This article covers types of appeals and complaints, with several government programs.
The Challenges of Hearings and Grievances

Historical Perspective and Purpose of Organization

This article covers the history of The Arc of Oakland county in detail.
Historical Perspective and Purpose of Organization

Home Help Services Benefits

This article explains the program Home Help Services, also sometimes called "Chore Services."
Home Help Services Benefits

Social Security Changes for 2008

This includes updated SSI rates for 2008 as well as several other changes.
Social Security Changes for 2008

The Transition of Dual Eligibles

A discussion of the transition risks for people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. There are 6.4 million people who fall into this category.  Nearly half a million of them are people with developmental disabilities. Dated June 2005
The Transition of Dual Eligibles

Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004

After a long and oftentimes contentious legislative battle, the IDEA 2004 was passed by Congress and signed by the President December 3, 2004. The earlier version, IDEA 1997, remains substantially in place; however this particular re-authorization of the statute contains many new provisions that take effect July 1, 2005.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004

Guardianship

Article discussing Guardianship issues. Once a child reaches the age of majority the parents’ status as guardian terminates automatically by law. This is true for any child including those with mental retardation or other developmental disability. Only through appointment as guardian by a probate court, where a judge declares someone legally incompetent, can this formal legal relationship continue.
Guardianship Issues

Wills, Trusts and Estates

This covers inheritance considerations for individuals on SSI.
Wills, Trusts and Estates

Ability to Pay

The privatization of our local mental health system a couple of years ago caused an increasingly stricter enforcement of the Michigan Mental Health Code. Namely, the “ability-to-pay” rules of Chapter 8 of that Code, especially against families with minor children using respite care, in-home staffing, supports coordination, or other mental health related services.
Ability to Pay