
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
A New Kind of Listening

Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The ARC of North Carolina Needs Your Help!
The ARC of North Carolina has decided to take action. Their goal is to get 1,000 stories collected about how the recent budget cuts have affected individuals and families who use MHDDSA services, providers of MHDDSA services, and employees of MHDDSA agencies. Your story is important, and it’s about time that the Governor, members of the General Assembly, the Department of Health and Human Services, and LME Directors hear how their decision have affected the people they serve.
To share your story, please follow these guidelines from the ARC of North Carolina to submit your survey.
- For Individuals and family members of people with disabilities who have lost some or all of their services within the MHDDSA system (includes residential and vocational). For people without Internet access or who may need assistance, advocates/staff can interview them over the phone while they complete the survey on-line for them. If the individual fears losing services but hasn't yet, fill out the survey now and then again if/when the person does lose some or all of their services.
Click here to complete the survey http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=FtqhlyR35b3AZF4BtjcnNg_3d_3d
- For Providers of the MHDDSA system who have cut services, employee rates, benefits, hours, etc.
Click here to complete the survey http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=sQUpoOcdR6aI6GrWef8jnw_3d_3d
- For Employees (current or former employees of MHDDSA providers) who have lost or experienced reductions in hours, salary, benefits etc.
Click here to complete the survey http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=Kxb0NR66Dj3G9IAup3VCBg_3d_3d
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Jingle Bell Jog
This year’s event will take place in Downtown Fayetteville at the Medical Arts Center on Robeson Street. Registration will take place the day of the event starting at 6:30 in the morning, but you can also register online and by mail ahead of time. The registration fee is $25 which includes a long sleeve t-shirt for the event. The run/walk will start at 8:30 am on December 5th and everyone is invited to attend. In addition to the run/walk, the Golden Knights will jump that day around 8 am to kick off the event. The Haven will also be at the event with dogs and cats that are up for adoption. This year there are over $2,000 worth of prizes and raffle items to win!
If you are unable to participate in the run/walk but still wish to help out, the 7th Group Association is looking for volunteers to help with things such as registration, water stations, and route directions. To register or get more information about the Jingle Bell Jog visit their website at http://www.active.com/running/fayetteville-nc/31st-annual-jingle-bell-jog-10k-run-5k-walk-2009.
Participating in the Jingle Bell Jog is a great way to give back to those who have given so much for us.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Special Olympics of North Carolina Winter Games

It is that time of year again! Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) Winter Games are about to begin. The Winter games include ice skating and alpine skiing, the SONC Basketball and Cheerleading Tournament, and of course the SONC Summer Games. The SONC is also having a Bowling Tournament on December 6, 2009. The event will be taking place in Newton and Raleigh for the Western and Eastern tournaments. Over 400 athletes are anticipated to attend! There will also be family members, coaches, and volunteers present to make sure the tournament is a success. All of the volunteer spots for this event have been filled. To get more information about the Special Olympics North Carolina along with local and statewide event information, volunteer information, and athlete information visit http://www.sonc.net/.
Monday, November 2, 2009
The Buddy Club
Trained staff will be on hand to make sure this event runs smoothly. The space for this program is very limited so be sure to stop by F.I.R.S.T to pick up your application. The deadline to have the application returned is November 10, 2009, which is quickly approaching! The actual event will be held on November 13 from 6-8 p.m. at the West Asheville Community Center. F.I.R.S.T. is hoping to make this a monthly event, but they are in need of community groups and organizations to be the Buddy part of the Buddy Club.
If you think you might know a group or organization that would be interested in fulfilling this mission be sure to inform them of the Buddy Club! For more information see the Buddy Club flyer at http://www.westernhighlands.org/images/stories/buddy_club_flyer.pdf
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Search the Internet and Raise Money for Team Daniel Foundation!!

To get started, go to GoodSearch.com. Then, choose which organization you want to do your goodsearch for. Make sure to choose Team Daniel Foundation (Fayetteville, NC). You can then do your internet search as you usually would. Doesn’t it feel great to know that you are helping raise money for Team Daniel Foundation while doing something as simple as searching the internet? Another great thing you could do to assure that you are aiding Team Daniel Foundation when searching the internet is to download the GoodSearch toolbar or make GoodSearch.com your homepage, that way you don’t have to waste time pulling up the website to do your searches. This makes GoodSearch.com and raising money for Team Daniel Foundation quick and convenient!
Do you shop online often? GoodSearch.com also powers GoodShop. There are tons of great online stores that you can do your shopping with, and up to 30% of what you spend will be donated to Team Daniel Foundation! There are also great coupons and deals available through GoodShop so be sure to check it out!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Team Daniel is a Sponsor of the Karen Chandler Beach Music Festival
On October 11, 2009, the Karen Chandler Trust held its 6th Annual Beach Music Festival and Team Daniel, LLC was proud to be one of the sponsors of the event! The event took place at the Sol Rose Amphitheatre at Campbellton Landing on the Cape Fear River. We had several members of the Team Daniel staff who participated in the event and they had a wonderful time spending their day raising money for those diagnosed with cancer in our area.
The Karen Chandler Trust has been doing great things for those with cancer in the Cumberland County area for many years now. The KCT started when Karen Chandler, a local musician, was diagnosed with breast cancer. A group of local musicians held a benefit to aid Karen and her family with the financial burdens she was facing because of her illness. Karen, a single parent of two, lost her battle with breast cancer on August 4, 1999, but her friends and family wanted to continue their giving to those in need. They decided to establish the Karen Chandler Trust as a formal North Carolina Non-profit Corporation. The KTC has continued to grow and aid those in need for several years now. Their first beach benefit was held in September of 2004 and has been quite successful every year. To date, the Karen Chandler Trust has raised and distributed $150,000 to cancer patients in the Cumberland County area. The money given helps patients with expenses such as food, shelter, transportation, and medical treatments.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Focus Group Frenzy
Team Daniel serves individuals with developmentally disabilities across the state of North Carolina. The best way to collect community information is to go visit the community and speak with its members in a facilitated group discussion. You learn a lot through these discussions about the unique needs of the community. For instance, we have found that families we serve in the Charlotte and Lenoir area, have a difficult time finding local dentists who specialize in serving people with developmental disabilities. Many of these families travel 30 miles or more to have their child seen by a specialty dentist who will meet the needs of their child or loved one.
In the most recent issue of EMPOWERED (Fall 2009), we featured an article on Special Care Dentistry. Access Dental is a non-profit mobile dentistry unit that provides dental services to older adults in long-term care settings and individuals with developmental disabilities. They serve several counties within central North Carolina and we need more services like this throughout our state. Communities should come together so that we have enough mobile units to cover all 100 of North Carolina's counties!
Each focus group gives those in attendance a chance to discuss specific needs of the community and share available resources that families may not know exist. These meetings are rich with dialogue and those who come, share their own knowledge and/or learn something they didn't know before.
Where We've Been in 2009
This year we began our focus group tour in Fayetteville, NC. We then visited Lumberton, Raleigh, Charlotte and Lenoir. Our final stop this year will be in Asheville, NC. In 2010, we plan to start the tour all over again.
Let's Catch Up
Does EMPOWERED feel slightly heavier than the last issue? Well it should, because we added eight additional pages of information! Our goal is to keep you informed about topics that impact individuals with developmental disabilities and it's great to be able to do so with more pages.
Please check out the Fall 2009 contents page at www.teamdaniel.info/magazine_events.html and if you don't have a subscription, order one today!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Hendersonville, Tap Your Feet and Snap Your Fingers!
Admission to this event is free and fun for the whole family (minus Fido, leave your pets at home)! Bring your own chair or blanket and relax to the sounds of Tuxedo Junction (variety 1940'-90's). The outdoor concert takes place at:
Visitors Information Center
201 South Main Street
Downtown Hendersonville
7pm-9pm
Hendersonville's County Travel & Tourism describes "Music On Main" as:
"Music On Main Street showcases a diverse lineup of musical talents, from pop, oldies, rock, to contemporary music. Put on your dancing shoes and head to Music On Main Street for some good toe tapping music, where there is a dance area in front of the stage."
Fore more information about this event call 828-693-9708 or email festinfo@bellsouth.net!
Have a wonderful time with your family saying goodbye to the warm summer months and hello to the crisp fall air.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Oh, How Sweet It Is!
Here is an excerpt from the article:
"The colossal cupcake took 12 hours to bake and included 800 eggs and 200 pounds each of sugar and flour.
Slices of the cupcake were served in exchange for donations to the Susan G. Komen for the cure breast cancer organization."
For the entire article go to: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,539878,00.html??test=faces
Donating to charities is always at the top of my list, but this cupcake also makes it a "sweet deal".
Have you seen extraordinary donations or fundraising ideas from other non-profits? Please share!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Hellllloooo Lenoir!
Now I know some of you are asking..."What is a Meet & Greet?" Well, members of the Team Daniel staff want to meet YOU! We want to know what going on with you and your family. If you have questions we want to answer them. If you have problems we want to help with solutions!
If you have any questions about The Team Daniel Foundation or when we will have a "Meet and Greet" scheduled in your area please email lrobinson(at)teamdaniel(dot)com.
See you soon!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Up, Up and Away!
Serena’s song is named after Waldman’s daughter who was born with Cerebral Palsy. As a young girl Serena fell in love with hot air balloon rides….and the idea for Serena’s song was born. Since 1991, Waldman has taken over 20,000 families into the skies for the ride of their lives.
Unfortunately, if you are reading this and hearing of Serena’s Song for the first time, you have missed Waldman’s North Carolina dates for this year. I hope you will forgive me; I couldn’t miss this opportunity to share this information and give you a heads up for next year!
Team Daniel has talked with Gary and he assures us he will be back in 2010. Here is the link to the website…the tour dates are old, but the contact information is current: http://serenassong.com/ .
I will keep you all updated on possible North Carolina dates for next year. Up, Up and Away!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Thank You Charlotte!
Thank you all for sharing your stories, anecdote and time with us! We learned more that day than you'll ever know! Please keep watch for some of the information you shared to pop up in a future issue of EMPOWERED and this blog!
Now that we have met face to face, don't be shy! Please stay in touch, if you would like information on future "Meet & Greets" contact Lauren at lrobinson(at)teamdaniel(dot)com.
P.S.-Thank you Mountain Island Library for your beautiful atmosphere and awesome book sale! :)
Monday, July 20, 2009
I Think It's About Time We Met!
The main topic of discussion will be future improvements for individuals with developmental disabilities, but if you have any other questions...we probably have an answer. This meeting would also be a great chance to talk about any article ideas for EMPOWERED! Plus we will have copies of "They Created Us" for sale.
Think of this as a "low key get together". Come one, come all! Hopefully we will all learn a lot, and possibly make a new friend or two.
Interested in coming?
Here's the address to the library:
4420 Hoyt Galvin Way, Charlotte, NC 28214
But you can always email: lrobinson(at) teamdaniel(dot) com if you have questions or would like to RSVP.
Can't wait to meet you!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
The "Going's On", In Cumberland County
Now, you may ask why I'm posting this so far in advance. My answer to that is, this event is awesome! Now that we have all gotten into the summer groove, this event is the perfect way to take advantage of these picture perfect summer nights. From 7pm-9pm you, ME and hundreds more of your favorite Fayetteville residents will be walking the streets to live music, art exhibitions and tons of yummy food vendors.
Here's what the Fayetteville Downtown Alliance says about "Fourth Friday's":
Fourth Friday is like an old fashioned “Gallery Crawl.” Folks of all ages get a taste of Fayetteville's art and entertainment while enjoying the small galleries, bookstores, bistros and shops with unique items for shoppers. Even the streets become the stage for roaming magicians, puppet shows and drum circles. It’s safe, it's fun and did we mention it's free!
If you're heading down there next Friday, give me a call. See you there!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
It's Amazing What Happens When We All Work Together
Here is their mission statement:
The Autism Foundation of the Carolinas (AFC) is the effort of individuals with an interest in assisting families in the Charlotte area who have children on the autism spectrum or have some type of related developmental/neurological impairment. It is the desire of AFC to help families affected find solutions and provide funding for them. In addition, AFC is dedicated to developing programs to enhance and improve their lives. Below is our mission statement.
Our Mission
Our mission is to assist children with autism spectrum and related disorders to achieve fulfilling, productive and independent lives by:
Providing families and caregivers access to information and resources regarding programs, services, therapies, and alternatives to help their children.
Providing financial assistance to families and the institutions that support the development of these children throughout their lifespan, and
Increasing the knowledge and understanding of these children, their needs and their families’ needs through community awareness and educational programs.
If this has piqued your interest their biographies and detialed information is available on their website: www.autismcarolinas.org
Friday, July 10, 2009
It's True! You Learn Something New Every Day.
Do they have a website with details? Oh course they do: http://www.arcwake.org/teentoadult.html
This support group covers the questions most parents will have when the children start to transition into adulthood. And with most organizations, products and services...the ideas stemmed from a need and I've found the story.
HISTORY
When Kathy Honeyman moved to Raleigh five years ago, she went about identifying community resources for her teenage daughter, Rebecca. Having been assisted in many ways by The Arc of Monmouth County in New Jersey, she decided to contact The Arc of Wake County. There she was advised to start planning for her daughter’s future. Kathy began to realize that as children with disabilities become teenagers and young adults, a new set of issues emerges in every area of development and lifestyle. Social, emotional, safety, recreational, financial, housing, vocational and advocacy concerns needed to be addressed. Eventually, the idea for monthly meetings, where parents and professionals could come together to talk about some of these transitions, came to light. “Teen to Adulthood” was born.
With the help of other parents and area professionals the meetings started to take shape. Today, Teen to Adulthood boasts over 400 people on its mailing list. The group has covered issues including SSI, Vocational Rehabilitation, CAP services and registering our teens/young adults to vote in upcoming elections. The program is free of charge and offers a casual, friendly and supportive atmosphere for networking with other parents and professionals, while learning valuable information from community providers and experts in their areas.
I am very excited to learn more about this support group and the families they help educate thoughtout the state.
Monday, July 6, 2009
From One Mother, To Another.
Here is the link to the feature: http://www.trianglemom2mom.com/content/meet-jess
We hope you enjoy Jess' story as much as we did! If you don't live in the Triangle and are looking for similar websites they are out there. If you live close to Fayetteville or in one of the surrounding counties 910 Moms (http://www.910moms.com/) is a great place to start.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Clearly the best thing since sliced bread.
His blogging has empowered children and their parents to stand up against bullying in their communities. Recently, Jaylen was featured on CNN. Here is a link to the video (provided by their local news channel) : http://bit.ly/v2j6b
Jaylen lets us into his daily life through his words and video. Since the response has been so overwhelming every now and then we hear from his parents.
"The CNN news clip reached thousands of you and for that we are so grateful. We had NO IDEA his story was on CNN until you all told us via emails! We knew our local station ran the story but had no idea it would go national. Jaylen has received hundreds of emails from you and your children. It is absolutely amazing! It's wonderful to see that so many people stand behind our little guy. It also lets us know just how global and what a huge problem bullying is ~ especially for disabled children."
Every day his witty one-liners make their way to my browser, and thank goodness.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Busy Schedule Getting In the Way? Online Support Groups May Help
The Wake County Autism Society has two online groups for parents of children and teenagers with Asperberg's Syndrome. They are both "parent support networks" that share information and resources concerning young children, teens and young adults with HFA/AS who are in high school, college or have recently begun employment.
Here is the link to the Wake County Autism Society support group website.
http://www.wakecountyautismsociety.org/events.htm
Here you will also find information for monthly support groups, as well as meeting times and locations. If you have any questions, contact Laura Graham, lgraham@nc.rr.com.
Are you current a part of an online support group? Let us know what you think?
Friday, June 19, 2009
Straight From the House's Mouth
This is what they say:
"House Bill 687 creates a new tax credit for parents of children with special needs who choose to educate those children in a nonpublic school (including home schools) or in a public school at which they must pay tuition. The credit amount is set at $3,000 per semester, up to two semesters per year (a maximum of $6,000 for a full academic or taxable year). The credit is refundable and is capped at the associated tuition cost. Initial eligibility depends on spending a year in public school. "
This information is available to the public, so please contact your Representatives with any questions.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Feeling More Empowered Lately?
We are currently working on our September issue, so anything you tell us will be just in time for print!
If you didn't get a call from us today, don't worry we'll chat tomorrow.
Monday, June 15, 2009
More News on the Budget...
http://www.wral.com/news/state/story/5322164/
"Much of the DHHS funding would restore money cut from public health and mental health programs. The Smart Start preschool program would get back $20 million, and cuts to Medicaid programs like physical, occupational and speech therapy were dropped altogether."
Friday, June 12, 2009
Let's Put Our Heads Together
We don't want to just talk about the problems, we want to work together to find solutions!
Do you live in the Triangle? See you on the 23rd!
Raleigh,NC- June 23rd, 2009
North Regional Library:
7009 Harps Mill Road
Raleigh, NC 27615
More upcoming locations:
July: Charlotte/Gastonia
September: Lenoir
October: Asheville/Hendersonville
If you have any questions about our focus groups call our Communications Manager, Lauren at 910-987-0272
CAP MR/DD Updates (6/1/2009)
- For families that receive oral nutritional supplements billed through Medicaid, in addition to the Local Management Enitities having specific B codes that need to be listed, it is noted that "Prior approval is not required for payment; however an order is required from a
physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner."
Other issues addressed in the update include:
- Peer Support Specialist Curriculum Standards
- CAP MR/DD Update
- New Email & Mail Address for NEA Withdrawals
- CST: Increasing Request Volume
- Fax Confirmation Update
- Updated Outpatient Prior Authorization Form
- MMIS Diagnosis Code Update
"Don't knock the weather. If it didn't change once in a while, nine out of ten people couldn't start a conversation." - Kin Hubbard
Friday, June 5, 2009
New Full Time QP for Team Daniel
For our families who love their current QP in that region, there is no need to worry as those QPs will remain with Team Daniel to conduct training and fill in as needed. Team Daniel understands that change is not always the easiest pill to swallow. However, as Team Daniel grows we want to ensure constant and consistent attention is given to our participants and their family members. The addition of a full-time QP to this area of North Carolina will assist with this goal.
Denise, the CEO for Team Daniel, and Robin, the QP Director, have spent time reviewing applications and interviewing the candidates in person to choose the person who is the most qualified and who exemplifies the values of Team Daniel.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Quick - Make 3 Phone Calls!
For Families who utilize the following Medical Assistance, the proposed budget could effect you with the following cuts:
- Community Support Services, including EPSDT (#122)
- Durable Medical Equipment (#126)
- Dental (#127 and #143)
- Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy (#129)
- Freeze on CAP slots (#134)
- Reduction of Personal Care Services (#149)
Don't Wait For Someone Else To Call! Make 3 Calls Today!
Speaker Hackney 919-733-3451
Majority Leader Holliman 919-715-0873
Minority Leader Stam 919-733-2962
In addition to CAP MR/DD Funds the proposed budget also effects other programs such as: the Partnership for Children(#10), Local Management Entities, Special Olypics (#72), Child Support Offices (#93), Vocational Rehab (#109-113).
In a message from the Arc of North Carolina's Executive Director, Dave Richard, here are a few of the worst cuts:
Reducing the budget for state-funded services by over $150,000,000
Cuts all Medicaid service rates by 4% causing salary reductions and layoffs
Cuts Medicaid Personal Care Services by over $50,000,000...reducing the services by over half. This is the only direct service other than case management that is a Medicaid entitlement for people with developmental disabilities
Eliminates continuation increases in Medicaid of over $500,000,000. This cut means serious reductions because any increases in CAP plans implemented during the last fiscal year will be eliminated
Cuts case management services by over $50,000,000 by "consolidation"
Eliminates the Medicaid service called Community Support which is the one Medicaid service that is designed to support people with mental illness in the community.
Monday, June 1, 2009
CAP Services - What are they?
"CAP C" provides cost-effective home care for medically fragile children (through age 18) who would otherwise require long-term hospital care or nursing facility care.
"CAP DA" provides a package of services to allow adults (age 18 and older) who qualify for nursing facility care to remain in their private residences.
"CAP MR/DD" consists of two waivers: the Supports Waiver and the Comprehensive Waiver. Both waivers provide community services to individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, or intellectual disabilities/mental retardation who live in their own home or reside with their family.
In addition to the CAP waivers, a special Federal program is available to all North Carolina children with special needs that have a Medicaid card. EPSDT (Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis & Treatment) is the Federal program that is available to children under the age of 21 that have a Medicaid card and require medically necessary services and supports. These medically necessary services and supports include, but are not limited to:
- Personal Care Services
- Home Health Services
- Hospice Care
- Physical Therapy and related services
Friday, May 29, 2009
What does the Team Daniel Foundation do?
The Team Daniel Foundation produces a quarterly publication, EMPOWERED. In each issue there is information about Medicaid Waivers, community activities that promote inclusion for people with disabilities, and so much more!
Denise Mercado is the author of They Created Us. The book details her family's journey through the disability world that begins with her second son's encounter with Hflu meningitis at six months of age. Through this journey, you will learn the complexities of the bureaucracy along with strategies to maneuver through a sometimes unresponsive system. Special Education, Medicaid Waivers, EPSDT, and Independent Case Management are all part of a family's world when their child experiences disabilities. This family's journey uncovers injustices and allows the opportunity for basic rights to be realized throughout systems that were put in place to help children with disabilities.
Through the sales of both of these publications the ability to support Respite services has become a reality. The Team Daniel Foundation accepts applications for Respite funds from individuals in North Carolina who do not receive services or are on the waiting list for CAP services.
Contact our office for more personalized information.