Archive

2019

• In July every year communities across Alaska will celebrate the strengths and contributions of individuals with disabilities in the community. Join us! "Like" or "Follow" Disability Pride Alaska Facebook page​ to stay up to date on Disability Pride Events across the state. This year's Disability Pride events will happen on July 20th - mark your calendars and take part!
  
• May 14, 2019 Council Meeting Agenda and Documents
• In celebration of National Autism Awareness Month, join us for the screening of "Swim Team" sponsored by the Council and Southcentral Foundation. Anchorage | Juneau​
• Would you like to own your own business? 
• Microenterprise grant funds are available for qualifying people with disabilities and their families. Monies may be used for costs associated with starting a new business, expanding a current business or acquiring an existing business. The application deadlines for 2018-2019 is September 26, 2018 & January 30, 2019
• 2019 Inclusive Practice Award/Paraeducator of the Year Award. | Nomination Form | Deadline 5:00 p.m. Friday, January 4, 2019.
• ​​Former GCDSE Council member Dean Gates receives legislative citation at the Anchorage Assembly meeting. 

2018

• Supported Decision-Making Agreements in Alaska (SDMA) Summit 2018. November 15, 2018. Registration
• 2018 Peer Power Self-Advocacy Summit, September 29-30
  Deadline for registration: August 15
• John Cannon was awarded the “Public Policy Advocate of the Year Award” for 2018 from the Association of People Supporting EmploymentFirst
  
• 2018 Inclusive Practice Award to these two exceptional educators, Ben Griese and Nicole Wagner
  
• 2018 Council Position Papers 
  
• 2016-2021 Council State Plan, find out what our focus will be for the next 5 years
• 2017 Annual Report
  
• People First Language. What words define you? The color of your skin or hair? Your age? Your weight? Of course not. When words alone define a person, the result is a label — a label that often reinforces barriers created by negative and stereotypical attitudes. Every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect
• Learn more about the Community First Choice (CFC) option or the Individualized Supports Waiver (ISW)
  CFC Infographic  |  ISW Infographic
  
• Alaska Transition Handbook Pathway to Adulthood & Employment
  Employment is most certainly an achievable outcome for everyone. Many individuals and families are afraid of losing vital benefits or do not completely understand what is available to make employment dreams a reality. This guide has been created to help individuals, families, providers and caregivers understand and navigate the resources and services available in Alaska in order to successfully achieve competitive, inclusive employment.
• Would you like to own your own business?
  Microenterprise grant funds are available for qualifying people with disabilities and their families. Monies may be used for costs associated with starting a new business, expanding a current business or acquiring an existing business. The application period for 2017-2018 is September 27, 2017 – January 31, 2018.
  
• ADA 27th Anniversary March in Anchorage. Disability Rights = Human Rights! Celebrating ADA Day with Access Alaska, Inc.
  
• The DD Systems Collaborative vision for the future of home and community based services for Alaskans who experience a developmental disability
• Health Care Bill: The American Health Care Act
  
• Nominations are being taken for the 2018 Inclusive Practice Awards. Deadline is 5:00 p.m., Friday, January 19, 2018

2017

• GCDSE Annual Report    
• The Alaska Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education is pleased to announce two newly filled staff positions.
• Notice of Proposed Changes — Medicaid Coverage, Home & Community-Based Waiver Services, Person-Centered & Settings Amendments, & General Provisions — Full Public Notice. Deadline for Comments: May 30, 2017. Opportunities for public comment will be held May 9, 1:30-3:30 p.m., at the Frontier Building, Conference Room Number 880, 3601 C St., Anchorage, AK 99503.
  
  Notice of Proposed Changes — Proposed Changes- Rate Changes, Medicaid- Facilities, Hospitals, Professional Services, & Waivers — Full Public Notice. Comments must be received not later than 5 p.m. on June 5, 2017.
• Proposed Changes to Regulations
• Additional Regulation Notice Information
• Adult Day Services Conditions of Participation
• Care Coordination Services
• Day Habilitation Services
• Environmental Modification Services
• Home and Community-Based Waiver Services, Provider Conditions of Participation
• Meal Services
• Residential Habilitation Services
• Respite Care Services
• Residential Supported-Living Services
• Supported Employment Services
• Transportation Services

• March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month. We believe people with disabilities should have control over their lives and be able to make their own choices. We believe people with disabilities should have equal opportunities in: employment, early intervention, education, independent living, healthcare, and inclusion in the community.

2016

• The Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education 2016 Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey
  
• 5/18 Council's draft 5-year State Plan 2017-2021 released for comments through July 5, 2016.
  
• 5/16 Fairbanks Certified Employment Support Professional Examination, June 30, 10am-1pm, Access Alaska, 5236 Gafney Rd, Suite 100, FBX, AK 99701.
• 5/2 Transition to Conflict-Free Care Coordination Website includes FAQ's, deadlines and due dates, and how an agency can claim a rural exception.
• 4/23 Council 5-Year State Plan Draft for Public Testimony ( May 5, 4:30pm)
  
• 2/16 SDS has released their 3rd version of the Alaska Medicaid Transition Plan on Home and Community-Based Settings
• 2/15 Mark your calendars for the Special Olympics Alaska Winter Games! Opening Ceremony March 11, 6:30-8pm. Click here for full schedule.
• 2/9 Governor's Council names Nikiski Middle/High School Life Skills Team as the 2016 Inclusive Practice Award winners!