Archive | January, 2013

Michigan Social Security January Update

January 2013 marks the 100th issue of Michigan Updates!

This newsletter is packed with new and exciting information about Social Security’s online enhancements. It includes ways to order free posters and educational brochures.

Open it, read it and share it!!! Thank you!

Vonda VanTil
Public Affairs Specialist
Social Security
3045 Knapp St NE
Grand Rapids MI 49525
w. 1-877-322-5883 X 18872
c. 616-304-7642
f. 616-363-5827
vonda.vantil@ssa.gov

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Accounting Aid Free Tax Preparation Sites

FREE TAX PREPARATION SITES

sponsored by Accounting Aid Society

 http://www.accountingaidsociety.org 

 Accounting Aid Society will have 20+ free tax preparation locations in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Livingston counties for the main tax season, beginning in late January 2013 and operating through April 13th (some through April 15th). Six sites are open year-round.

 Find a site: http://accountingaidsociety.org/get-help/full-service-tax-help/ (or see flyer attached)

 http://accountingaidsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/2013-Tax-Help-Sites1.pdf

 Most locations offer walk-in first come, first served service. Some are by appointment-only as noted.

Please note that Midtown resident, Leslie Malcolmson, is a volunteer at the Duffield Library. If you have questions – call her on 313-831-7931.

 Choosing Accounting Aid Society over paid tax preparers who can miss potential deductions and credits, and charge for “rapid refund loans,” will save you $200 to $300 in fees. And because we e-file and offer direct deposit, there is no faster way to get your refund.

 Eligibility for our free full service is based on annual household income:

·       $50,000 or less for families (A married couple or having more than one person in the home.)

·       $35,000 or less for individuals

·       If you pay rent, heating bills, or property taxes but are not working, you may still be eligible for some tax credits.

·       Our Homebound Tax Program can help if you are physically unable to go to a tax site. Call us for details.

NEW OPTION: SelfService Taxes

Make under $57,000? You can do your own taxes online with free software and get free support from our tax hotline. Visit our website for details.

Sites in Midtown and Central District:

Main Detroit Public Library

5201 Woodward, Detroit 48202

Sat. 10 a.m.‐2 p.m., Jan. 26‐April 13

(Closed Feb. 16 & Mar. 30)

Tue. Feb. 5‐Feb.26, 4 p.m.‐7 p.m.

 

Duffield Branch Library

2507 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit 48208

10:30 a.m.‐2:30 p.m., Sat. Jan. 26‐April 13

(Closed Feb. 16 & Mar. 30)

By appointment: 313‐224‐6456

 

Northend Neighborhood Tax Center

7700 Second Ave., Detroit 48202

Tue. & Thur., 12 noon.‐7 p.m.

Wed. & Fri., 9 am.‐4 p.m.;

Sat. 9 am.‐2 p.m. , Jan. 24‐April 15

Appointment preferred: 313‐556‐1920

 

6 SUPER SITES – OPEN 5+ DAYS A WEEK: 

Focus:HOPE

1300 Oakman Blvd., Detroit 48238

Tuesdays through Saturdays , 9 a.m.‐ 2 p.m.

Jan. 24‐April 13 (Closed Mar. 29‐30)

Walk‐in service; first come, first served.

Fills up fast.

 

Northend Neighborhood Tax Center

7700 Second Ave., Detroit 48202

Tue. & Thur., 12 noon.‐7 p.m.

Wed. & Fri., 9 am.‐4 p.m.;

Sat. 9 am.‐2 p.m. , Jan. 24‐April 15

Appointment preferred: 313‐556‐1920.

 

Northwest Neighborhood Tax Center

19556 Grand River, Detroit 48223

Mon./Thur./Fri./Sat. 9 a.m.‐4 p.m.

Tue. & Wed., 12 noon‐7 p.m., Jan. 24‐April 15

Appointment preferred: 313‐556‐1920

 

Oakland County Neighborhood Tax Center

1956 Hilton, Ferndale 48220

Mon./Tue./Fri. 12 noon‐7 p.m.

Wed./Thu./Sat. 9 a.m.‐4 p.m., Jan. 24‐April 15

Appointment preferred: 313‐556‐1920

 

Osborn Neighborhood Tax Center

4777 E. Outer Drive, Detroit 48234

Mon./Wed./Fri./Sat. 9 a.m.‐4 p.m.

Tue. & Thur. 12 noon‐7 p.m., Jan. 24‐April 15

Appointment preferred: 313‐556‐1920

 

Southwest Neighborhood Tax Center

8634 W. Vernor, Detroit 48209

Mon./Wed./Fri./Sat. 9 a.m.‐4 p.m.

Tue. & Thur. 12 noon‐7 p.m., Jan. 24‐April 15

Appointment preferred: 313‐556‐1920

Hablamos Español

 

Other DETROIT Sites: 

Neighborhood Service Organization

HarperGratiot MultiService Center

9641 Harper, Detroit 48213

Sat., 9:30 a.m.‐3 p.m., Jan. 26‐April 13

Appointment preferred: 313‐556‐1920

 

State Rep. Rashida Tlaib Office

2101 W. Lafayette, Detroit 48216

Saturdays, 10 a.m.‐4 p.m.

Feb. 2‐April 13 Hablamos Español

 

See attached list for other Wayne County, Macomb County, Livingston County, and Oakland County sites 

Important documents and information you need to bring with you to get your 2012 income taxes and tax credits prepared by Accounting Aid Society (see attached file):

 Identification/Social Security Numbers

·       ID: Driver’s License or State ID

·       Social Security card for yourself, spouse and each dependent

·       Taxpayers filing a joint return must both be present when the tax returns are prepared. Both spouses must sign a joint tax return. 

Income Statements or Forms

·       A copy of last year’s return, if available

·       Wages (all Forms W2)

·       Unemployment (Form 1099G)

·       Pension (Form 1099R)

·       Social Security (Form SSA1099)

·       Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Letter from SSA

·       Interest/Dividends (Form 1099INT or 1099DIV)

·       DHS Assistance (DHS Annual Client Statement)

·       Child Support (Child Support Annual Statement)

·       Gambling/Lottery Winnings (Form W2G)

·       Miscellaneous Income (Form 1099MISC)

·       Any other income documentation you may have 

Proof of Expenses

·       Medical or HMO Premiums paid for self and/or family members

·       Dependent care expenses

·       Student loan interest or tuition and course materials 

Amount of Annual Heating Costs – for the Home Heating Credit

·       The amount you were billed for heating your home from 11/01/2011 to 10/31/2012. This information should be on your utility bill. If you cannot find it, contact your heat provider.

·       The Home Heating Credit is available for homeowners and renters (if rent is included in your rent – you can still get the Credit). 

Homeowners – for the Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit

·       The taxable value of your home

·       A complete copy of your summer and winter property tax bills for 2012 

Renters – for the Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit

·       Your lease or rental contract

·       Rent receipts for 2012

·       Your landlord’s name and address

 

Direct Deposit – Fastest and Safest way to receive your refund

·       Your bank or credit union name

·       Routing number

·       Account number

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Home Safety Workshop by DPD

Learn ways to protect yourself, your family, and your home from crime and health hazards

Wednesday, January 30th

6:00 – 7:30pm

(Doors Open at 5:45pm)

Central District Headquarters

(7310 Woodward)

*Open to the Public*

Light refreshments to be served at 6pm

For more information, contact any of the following:

¨ Central District Community Relations Department (313-596-5110)

¨ 10th Precinct Community Relations Department (313-596-1020)

 

Flyer Attached

 

DALE DORSEY
Police Officer
Central District
Community Relations
(313) 596-5110 Office
(313) 596-5166 Fax

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Recording 3 new AASC resources annually

Last Fall, while I was working on the HUD reports  I read that SC’s have a requirement  to add at least three new resources to AASC each year.   So, whenever I add a new resource on AASC, I am  typing in the notes section the date that I entered it.  Then I print off my copies for the resource directories.  One copy of the new resource goes in my “HUD reporting  folder” where I compile anything I may need for the next HUD report.  Hope this was helpful!

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World Medical Relief Services

World Medical Relief is frequently able  to provide a variety of medical supplies for local non-profit agencies that offer these items to their patients. These include dressings, kerlix bandages, ostomy supplies, liquid nutritional supplements, and other  related items. A referral from a social service agency or prescription  from a licensed health care professional is required for acceptance into the program. WMR charges a low fee for this service.

WMR also provides basic home health care supplies (adult diapers and bed pads) to low-income people of all ages.  No referral is necessary for this service.

Durable Medical Equipment Program – Through the DME program, low-income clients  can obtain canes, walkers, hospital beds, over-the-bed tables, commodes,  tub benches, and similar items. A doctor’s prescription is needed to  receive durable medical equipment. All items must be picked up from WMR’s warehouse. A small handling fee is assessed.

Prescription Program can Save You Hundreds of   Dollars Each Month – If you make less than $21,780 per year(Single) or $29,420 per year (couples) and have no prescription insurance coverage, you may be eligible for our new prescription assistance program. Through this program, you will receive your medications for only $8.30 per prescription per month mailed  right to your home.
Just call 2-1-1 (or call 1-800-552-1183) and answer eight brief questions  to pre-qualify. Then, you’ll complete a one-page application listing your medications and the physicians who prescribe them for you. We do all the rest!
You will pay  $8.30 per prescription per month delivered right to your home in 30-day  supplies, saving you hundreds of dollars and several trips to the doctor or pharmacy. We’ll stay in touch with you and your physicians to track your refills.

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Educational Flyer Contents

I’ve been seeing a flurry of educational workshop flyers this week and some of the elements that I consistently see on your flyers that are helpful for members and that should be included on all flyers include:

Title of event (should be both descriptive and engaging)

Speaker name, title and organization (At a minimum include the organization the speaker is from. It helps members know the source of the information, develop a connection with the organization as a potential resource, increase trust in the content, and inform members that it is a non-profit or governmental entity. ie Registered Dietician Jane Smith from Wunderbar Community College will be presenting on….)

Short descriptor of what members may learn by attending

Location (ie Community Room at “X” Co-op)

Day, Date, and Time (ie Wednesday, January 16th, at 1:00-2:00pm)

Event coordinator (ie Program sponsored by “X” Co-op Service Coordinators and Education Committee; For more information contact Service Coordinator Rachel Jacobsen at 313-833-1300 or Room #312)

Other pertinent information, including “Light Refreshments”

Finally, have fun with graphics and print on colored paper!

If you have other suggestions, please share with the team. Some of you have been generously posting your flyers on SCoop, which I really appreciate. It helps other SCs get ideas for their own educational event topics, speakers, and flyer lay out. If you are looking for ideas, visit SCoop for these postings!

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CSI Holiday Closures

CSI will grant holiday time off to all employees on the holidays listed below:

* New Year’s Day (January 1)

* Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (third Monday in January)

* Memorial Day (last Monday in May)

* Independence Day (July 4)

* Labor Day (first Monday in September)

* Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November)

* Christmas (December 25)

This is from the employee manual.

They have traditionally closed on Christmas eve and New Year’s eve.

Co-op offices typically close for the same days that the CSI offices close.  Information provided by Sheila Friedrich.

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CSI Monthly SC Report – Slight Changes

I’m attaching the slightly revised monthly report format for you to submit. The only change is:

SC Responsible for posting educational flyer this month:_________________
Date upon which educational flyer posted: ____________________________
Method of posting flyer at co-op: _____________________________________________________________

The other change is that we would like you to submit your report to your liaison as well as Sheila and me. You can cc us all on the same email.

Reports are due the first week of each month and cover the previous month’s services. If you have any questions or want me to see your report prior to sending it on to CSI, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Thanks for all your hard work.

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Winter AASC Webinars Hosted at CSI Co-ops

WEBINARS HOSTED AT CSI CO-OPS WINTER 2013

Per Rachel: We are encouraging you to watch the webinars together in order to promote discussion, get to know each other’s co-ops, be visible in each other’s co-ops, and foster healthy support for each other (you are all too important to get burned out!) Even if you aren’t the host for the webinar, please list the program on your training tracker (you won’t receive CEUs for it, but it is important for you and me to be able to track your professional development with or without CEUs). All webinars on 2-3:30pm. The webinar dates, subjects, hosts, and attendees are as follows (note, if you haven’t committed to attending, but want to, you are invited to contact the host and let them know you are attending).

–          1/16/13, Aging and Sexuality, hosted by Victoria at Labelle, attendees include Diane

 

–          11/30/13, Assessing Functional Communication Skills in Older Adults, hosted by Renee at Flat Rock, attendees include Victoria, Jane, Alexa and Matt

 

–          2/6/13, Storytelling as a Therapeutic Tool, hosted by Maryanette at Wyandotte, attendees include Andrea and Harriet

 

–          2/13/13, Consumer Scams Affecting Medicare Beneficiaries, hosted by Alexa at Hazel Park, attendees include Adrienne

 

–          2/20/13, Seniors Helping Seniors, hosted by Renee at Flat Rock, attendees include Andrea

 

–          2/27/13, Living Alone, Driving and Home Safety, hosted by Dearborn Heights SCs

 

–          3/6/13, Information on the Affordable Care Act, hosted by Dearborn Heights and Flat Rock, All SCs should attend (since it is free you are able to register and watch from your office, but are encouraged to attend at DH or FRT in order to discuss with other SCs)

 

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CSI SC Meeting Notes for 1 10 13

CSI SC Meeting Agenda, 1/10/13, Draft

12noon-1:30pm; Hannan House; Ellen Kayrod Gallery

Soup provided. Bring sack lunch or goodies to share.

 

  1. Happy New Year!: Announcements from SCs

–          Matt has successfully advocated for a permanent SC Office at Belleville.

–          Labelle SCs are starting to produce a quarterly SC Publication. It will be team reviewed at their monthly meetings to get input from their co-op leadership and liaison.

  1. Hannan Updates
    1. a.      Documentation Guidelines for Service Coordinators and Updated Case Management Procedures.

– RJ handed out the guidelines and case management procedures. Please review in preparation for 1/24/13 SC Conference Call discussion.

  1. b.      Collect usernames and passwords for work stations
  2. c.       Additional: Secure Fax Line:

–          Michelle Minter’s secure fax line is 800-928-8001. Please use this only for two important things:
1. It is a very good way to send her any personal information she may request of you for payroll or benefits.
2. If you make an APS (Adult Protective Services) or CPS referral, you should let both CSI (Sheila) and me know the same day. You can fax the written APS/CPS referral to Michelle’s secure line and she’ll forward it to me.
Please continue to use our traditional fax line for all other documents. If, however, you feel a document is confidential, please do use Michelle’s fax and send her a note indicating that it is for me.

 

  1. CSI Updates
    1. New “Liaison” Sheila Friedrich

–          RJ met with Sheila on 1/11/13. Notes as follows:

–          We have a new date for our Team Building Day with the CSI Liaisons.
We will be meeting on Friday, March 8th, so save the date! This should be easier for the Washington Square folks and the new hires to attend!
You know longer need to hold the date for January 23rd. We will not be meeting on that date.

–          Service Coordinators who are CPR Certified (with current certification) can perform CPR as needed after calling 911. Please just don’t move the body or involve members (unless they are doing something lower impact like placing a blanket over another member or holding their hand). CSI just doesn’t want members to accidentally hurt others or themselves in the process of trying to help.

–          CSI is going to be creating “sign in” books for the SCs. They are similar to the sign in books some co-ops utilize for other contracted employees and will be located by the entrance. More information to follow. Please note that this is no reflection on their level of trust for the work you are doing at the co-op. They simply need a way to demonstrate to HUD and their Board that you are working since there is no traditional level of oversight (like an Administrator).

–          The CSI Liaison staff meeting is the first Wednesday of each month. Hence, if you have questions or feedback for CSI, please note that you can get it to me in advance of this meeting and I’ll work to get the information to Sheila in time for the meeting.

–          Sheila will be on PTO the week of February 10th.

  1. Monthly reports
    1.                                                                                        i.      Reporting terminology for activities that impact CSI
    2.                                                                                      ii.      Who is posting flyers and when
    3.                                                                                     iii.      “accept changes”

–          As per RJ’s meeting with Sheila, please start to submit your monthly SC report to your liaison as well as Sheila and myself.

  1. QA Member and Mgmt Satisfaction Surveys

– Please let Cheryl and I know as soon as possible what the process for survey announcement, dissemination, and collection will be at your individual co-op. Include precise wording about the procedure for Cheryl to attach to every survey. Note any additional support you will need from Hannan.

  1. Meeting Schedule
    1. Conference Calls
      1.                                                                                        i.      Odd Thursdays (Peer Support Calls, Optional); 12:30-1:30pm (peer facilitated)
      2.                                                                                      ii.      4th Thursdays (Mandatory); 12:30-1:30pm (peer facilitated)
      3. Team Meetings
        1.                                                                                        i.      2nd Thursdays (in conjunction with Professional Dvpt, Mandatory)

– Professional development workshops are scheduled 9:30-11:30am, followed by a ½ hour mini-training (either peer to peer or review of case mgmt procedures), and a team meeting from 12noon-1:30pm.

  1. Supervision
    1.                                                                                       i.      Hannan Guidelines for SC Supervision, 2013
    2.                                                                                     ii.      Site Supervision Form
    3. Quarterly Mtgs with CSI

– Dates and times TBD. To be held in conjunction with team meetings on professional development days.

  1. Professional Development Schedule
    1. Hannan Trainings
      1.                                                                                        i.      Schedule – 2nd Thursdays, except August and December
      2.                                                                                      ii.      Joint “Peer to Peer” training and SC meetings in conjunction with mandatory trainings
      3.                                                                                   iii.      Program Evaluation Form

– Please remember to fill out a Program Evaluation Form for every professional development program and webinar you attend. Hopefully it will help you reflect on what you learned. It also helps us discover what is helpful for the SC team to learn and who are the good presenters in the area.

  1. Webinars – sign up

–          Jane presented on what she and Alexa learned regarding self care and burnout. Please take care of yourselves and each other! SCs shared strategies that worked well, including taking short walks and finding a window to observe the outdoors throughout the day.

–          SCs signed up to host webinars at their co-ops. Each host is responsible for registering for the webinar. Please send Rachel your Invoice and Check Request for the webinar. Only the host will receive CEUs for the webinar. Please let the host know if you would like to attend with them at their co-op. If you would like to attend a webinar, but don’t have the capacity to visit one of the host locations for the webinar, let Rachel know and we can make arrangements for you to watch at your own co-op. We are encouraging you to watch the webinars together in order to promote discussion, get to know each other’s co-ops, be visible in each other’s co-ops, and foster healthy support for each other (you are all too important to get burned out!) Even if you aren’t the host for the webinar, please list the program on your training tracker (you won’t receive CEUs for it, but it is important for you and me to be able to track your professional development with or without CEUs). All webinars on 2-3:30pm. The webinar dates, subjects, hosts, and attendees are as follows (note, if you haven’t committed to attending, but want to, you are invited to contact the host and let them know you are attending).

–          1/16/13, Aging and Sexuality, hosted by Victoria at Labelle, attendees include Diane

–          11/30/13, Assessing Functional Communication Skills in Older Adults, hosted by Renee at Flat Rock, attendees include Victoria, Jane, Alexa and Matt

–          2/6/13, Storytelling as a Therapeutic Tool, hosted by Maryanette at Wyandotte, attendees include Andrea and Harriet

–          2/13/13, Consumer Scams Affecting Medicare Beneficiaries, hosted by Alexa at Hazel Park, attendees include Adrienne

–          2/20/13, Seniors Helping Seniors, hosted by Renee at Flat Rock, attendees include Andrea

–          2/27/13, Living Alone, Driving and Home Safety, hosted by Dearborn Heights SCs

–          3/6/13, Information on the Affordable Care Act, hosted by Dearborn Heights and Flat Rock, All SCs should attend (since it is free you are able to register and watch from your office, but are encouraged to attend at DH or FRT in order to discuss with other SCs)

  1. AASC Annual Conference
    1.                                                                                       i.      AASC Conference Application for Attendance
    2.                                                                                     ii.      Self and Supervisor Appraisal
    3. MASC Meeting 1/18/13 at 9:30am at Williams Pavillion

–          You are encouraged to attend! Parking is in the church lot by Hannan.

e. Excel Training by Operation Able

– Trainings are optional, but RSVPs will be required

– “Intro to Excel” will be 3/14/13, 1:30-4:30pm, Operation ABLE computer lab at Hannan (this will be directly following our 3/14/13 team meeting).

– “Application of Excel to SC” will be 3/21/14, 12noon-2pm, Operation ABLE computer lab at Hannan (this will be directly preceding the LLMSW licensing supervision, which is held from 2-4pm)

– RJ will follow up with additional information

  1. Team Development
    1. Regional Peer Support

– Continue to utilize each other for support! UM School of Social Work interns Monika George and Aleia Mayes will be contacting each of you for a short interview in order to produce a SC Biography for each member of the team. Just one more tool you can use so that you know each other’s strengths and can contact each other with vital questions.

  1. Program Outcome Teams
    1.                                                                                        i.      Sign up for teams to meet prior to March meeting

– Shifted to 1/24/13 Agenda

  1. Bus Tour(s)

– Starting in May 2013, we will conduct 2 Metro area bus tours for the full CSI/PVM Hannan SC Team to get to know each other’s Co-ops and Villages. More to come!

  1. Client Scenarios
    1. Brainstorm alternative terms for “frail” and “at risk” to use with members

– Shifted to 1/24/13 Agenda

  1. Service Log Subcategories (Alexa)

– Shifted to 1/24/13 Agenda

  1. Additional Items
  2. Next Meeting Agenda Items
    1. Draw names for Valentine’s Day Celebration!
    2. Next Meeting: The 1/17/13 SC Conference Call has been cancelled in order for you to optionally attend Patti Mayes’ retirement party at OSM at 12noon on 1/17/13. Please RSVP to Brenda by Wednesday to attend Patti’s Party. Remember that it is a surprise party, so don’t spill the beans!
    3. The 1/24/13 will be our next SC Conference Call at 12:30-1:30pm. It is a joint call with PVM and is mandatory.

 

 

Please note the following additional information about upcoming AASC Webinars being hosted by your fellow SCs:

Wednesday, January 16
Aging and Sexuality: Older Adults Behaving Sexually
Presenter: Ruben Rivera-Jackman, MNPL, GMHS, PSC, King County Housing Authority, Seattle, WA
Myths and stereotypes of older adults and sexuality are pervasive in nearly every aspect of our society. Aging service providers are subject to myths and attitudes of sexuality and aging and may be insensitive to older adults needs. Many older adults may not  know how to manage sexual health issues, or experience discomfort in managing sexual issues.

In good health, a person may continue to be sexually active into the seventh, eighth, and even ninth decade. In addition, HIV cases among older adults in the United States is increasing, with approximately 25% of infections occurring in adults over the age of 50 years. It is therefore essential that not only older adults, but also aging service providers and caregivers, be educated about STD risk in the elderly.

Sex can be an important part of a person’s life, no matter what their age. It’s important that everyone learn how to engage in it safely so that it enhances their health rather than damaging it.

Learning Objectives:

  • Discuss the continuing sexual interests of older adults.
  • List barriers and challenges to sexual health in the aging population.
  • Plan an effective environment to promote the sexual health of older adults

Wednesday, January 30
Assessing Functional Communication in Older Adults
Presenter: Kathryn Kilpatrick, MA CCC/SLP, Speech-Language Pathologist and Geriatric Communication Consultant, Hudson, OH
When older adult have difficulties communicating effectively, it may impact their safety, connection with others and their overall quality of life.  This webinar will provide service coordinators tools to maximize their interactions with individuals who have receptive or expressive communication deficits. You’ll learn how to assess an individual’s comprehension skills and ways to modify your presentation of verbal and written information to optimize their communication potential based on their strengths.

Learning Objectives:

  • Gain an understanding of the value of meeting a person at their current level of communicative functioning.
  • Learn how to assess a person’s level of expressive skills (verbal expression and writing) and receptive language skills (listening and reading).
  • Learn strategies to enhance interactions utilizing person’s strengths.

 

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