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Learn about giving through outright gifts, gifts in-kind, planned giving and Hope's Endowment.
Past employees and board members are invited to learn more about the Alumni Network.
Speak for Change:
Advocates Unite
Speak for Change is comprised of people who experience disabilities who desire to eliminate societal oppression by bringing awareness of disability related issues that stifle their rights as American citizens. Originating with Hope, Speak for Change has expanded its membership to any community member who experiences a disability. All that is required is the desire to make a positive impact on the lives of people who experience disabilities.
Key Campaign XXV
The Largest Advocacy Effort for Disabilities in Alaska
Through unity and advocacy, we shall achieve community for all.
Anyone who is concerned about the rights, dignity and dreams of individuals who experience disabilities is encouraged to join in the efforts of our Key Coalition. The Key Campaign will be held in Juneau on Wednesday, February 22 and Thursday, February 23, 2012, with similar advocacy rallies across the face of urban and rural Alaska taking place on Thursday, February 23.
In addition to joining the rallies, you are asked to contact your legislator personally by sending an email or submitting a Public Opinion Message (POM): Submit POM Online or Download the POM Form.
Or contact your legislators directly. Find contact information on the Alaska State Legislative website by putting in your address.
For regular updates regarding issues and the latest proceeding, join Hope’s Online Community and select Legislative Alerts. For more information please call Hope Community Resources, 907-433-4910 or email info@hopealaska.org.
Key Coalition Priorities
The Key Coalition has identified four major priorities to be addressed during this year’s Key Campaign:
Alaska Complex Behavior Collaborative Consultation and Training (CBC)—Establish a high-level consultation group that would provide intensive support and intervention services to individuals with complex behaviors who are at risk of being institutionalized or sent to facilities out of state.
Wait List Reduction—Continue the reduction of the wait list “until no one waits.” Currently the State of Alaska has approximately 850 individuals waiting to receive services. We are urging the State of Alaska to continue to draw people from this list and provide necessary services for that individual.
Autism Insurance Reform—Alaska law currently does not require insurance coverage for autism services. Families who do not qualify for Dept. of Health and Social Services (DHSS) services are paying out of pocket. Families who cannot obtain treatment go without critical intervention. Autism is treatable: The earlier the diagnosis, the more effective treatment is.
Infant Learning Program—Requesting that the State provide additional services needed to support children under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). Children under age three who are removed from their home are referred to the Infant Learning Program.
In addition, the Key Coalition is supporting HB198, which would allocate funds to the Special Education Service Agency (SESA). SESA provides critical expertise to school districts in regards to educating students with significant disabilities.
The Key Coalition is also monitoring issues surrounding the Community Developmental Disabilities Grant (CDDG) and wages for Direct Support Professionals. The CDDG provides funding for individuals who are not eligible for Medicaid Waivers and it may be undergoing changes in the near future that could directly impact this population. There is also a desire to bring the wages of all service providers to the state average, allowing them to make a livable wage.
Raise Your Voice in Your Community
As we rally throughout the state, a unified voice is heard. The message is clear: all Alaskans deserve access to quality community services. The Key Campaign will be held in Juneau on February 21-23, 2012, with similar advocacy rallies across the face of urban and rural Alaska taking place on Thursday, February 23.
Anchorage
12:00 p.m.: Meet at Town Square downtown between 5th and 6th avenue. A celebration sponsored by Costco will follow at Hope Community Resources' Learning Center behind the main building at 540 W. International Airport Rd.
Fairbanks
12:00 p.m.: Veterans Memorial Park
For information on this event, contact the Fairbanks Resource Agency at eva@fra-alaska.net or at 456-8901.
Juneau
11:30 a.m.: Meet at the Goldbelt Hotel and march to the steps of the State Legislative Office Building.
Kodiak
12:30 p.m.: Meet at the Kodiak Post Office and march to the Legislative Information Office.
Kenai/Soldotna
12:00 p.m.: Meet at the Legislative Information office in Kenai. Afterward, there will be a celebration at the Hope Community Recreation Center at 47202 Princeton Ave.
Mat-Su Valley
11:00 a.m.: Meet at the Wasilla Legislative Information Office. After the rally, coffee and cookies will be available.