Contact Information
Susan Colburn
(334) 293-7041
susan.colburn@rehab.alabama.gov
waregfam@aol.com
Gerald Oveson
(251) 438-1609
oveson@bellsouth.net
“At first, the world of disability is so overwhelming. Thank you for taking the time to help me learn about agencies in our state that I never even knew existed. Knowing that there is help to pay for some of the medical services my child needs has helped me to relax and lets us enjoy just being a family.” - a parent
HIGHLIGHT: Families and Policy-Makers
Last year, Family Voices of AL led a grassroots effort to increase state funding for their Title V
program for CSHCN by coordinating and funding a statewide letter writing campaign
from families to state legislators. This resulted in the agency receiving the largest onetime
increase in funds it has received and prevented the discontinuation of important
services to children and families.
Working Together for CYSHCN:
Last year, Family Voices of Alabama
increased their involvement in many of
the emergency preparedness efforts
in AL, both at the local and state
level. This included serving on a
Department of Public Health task
force focused on Special Populations
and another workgroup focused on
meeting the needs of children who
come to the newly created network of
Medical Needs Shelters, as well as
helping to develop a plan for
accessible transportation in the case
of a mandatory evacuation from the
coast.
BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS: Families and 2010 Performance Measures
FV of AL, in partnership with the AL Title V CSHCN program, continues to provide a
mechanism to financially support family involvement in each of the six workgroups
for the national performance measures for CSHCN. These workgroups are made
up of partners from many agencies across the state all with an interest in CSHCN.
Highlights include:
- Screening: Serving on newly appointed State Newborn Screening Advisory Committee
- Transition: Serving on steering committee to develop and implement Transition Expo events being held in communities across AL
- Family/Professional Partnerships: Working with new partners and expanding opportunities for family involvement in Emergency Preparedness efforts
- Adequate Insurance/Medical Home: Member of Covering AL’s Kids and Families Coalition
Useful Links
- ADAP - Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program
- ADAP Resource Database
- Alabama Autism Society
- Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities
- Alabama Department of Education - Special Education
- Alabama Department of Mental Health & Mental Retardation
- Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services
- Alabama Family Trust
- Alabama Medicaid
- Alabama STAR: Statewide Technology Access and Response System for Alabamians with Disabilities
- Alabama's Early Intervention System
- All Kids - State Children's Health Insurance
- Children's Rehabilitation Service
- Civitan International Research Center
- Home & Community Based Waiver Programs
- SEAC - Special Education Action Committee
- STAR Information and Referral Service
- STAR Equipment Loan Program
- State of Alabama - Ala Web
- State of Alabama - Department of Insurance
