Contact Information
Paula Connolly
(515) 243-1713
f2finfo@askresource.org
Ann Riley
(319) 353-6523
ann-L-riley@uiowa.edu
Family Voices of Iowa (FV of IA) is one of many programs within Access for Special Kids (ASK) Family Resource Center. Services include a broad range of information, advocacy, support, training and navigation help for families of special kids and youth in Iowa through:
- individualized support
- family mentoring
- support groups for diverse populations
- training workshops through multimedia access
- advocacy activities using listservs, focus groups, surveys, and newsletters
ASK is a non-profit 501(c)(3) receiving funding supports from a variety of state, and local grants as well as private donations.
HIGHLIGHT: Health Care Financing
During a recent legislative session, FV of IA advocated for the passage of an Iowa
Medicaid buy in program under the FOA for children and youth with special health
care needs. This will provide families expanded flexibility and give families more
options to meet the health care needs of their children. In January, 2007, IA received
a “money follows the person” CMS grant. FV of IA is actively involved in stakeholder
workgroups and subsequent sub-committee groups that are defining how this grant is
implemented within the state.
DEVELOPING FAMILY LEADERSHIP
FV of IA, in collaboration with the
Dept of Education, provides a
statewide leadership training called
“Parents as Presenters. ” Families of
CYSHCN learn skills on how to
effectively share their unique stories
with policymakers and professionals.
When they complete the training,
participants join a statewide Speakers
Bureau.
WORKING TOGETHER FOR CYSHCN:
FV of IA is in the initial planning stages of identifying roles of family advocates and
various partner organizations to help achieve the MCHB six core performance
measures to achieve access for all children/youth with special health care needs
within community based systems of care. A template helps identify:
- what each group is doing,
- service gaps or needed system changes,
- response roles groups can assume, weaving a statewide network together into an effective “change template. ”
Useful Links
- Iowa Protection & Advocacy Services
- Parent Training and Information Center of Iowa
- Iowa Compass - Iowa's statewide information and referral service for people with disabilities, their families, their service providers and other members of the community.
- Governor's Developmental Disabilities (DD) Council
