WHAT:  The Latino Alliance Applying Solutions A.L.A.S.’s mission is to promote the independence of persons with disabilities by providing information and support to them, their families, and their service providers in the areas related to but not limited to education and health. 
Upcoming Event!
WHEN:  Friday, February 3, 2012
TOPIC:  Effective Parent Advocacy
TIME:  5:00 – 7:00pm
LOCATION:  ALAS Office 1615 S 22nd Street, Milwaukee, WI
REGISTER:  Please call the ALAS Office at 414-643-0022 to register!

Family Involvement Resources

1. Complementary Learning
   The Harvard Family Research Project offers a definition, overview, description of projects, and access to the research that is being done on the importance of family involvement in early childhood.  To access the project visit:  www.hfrp.org/complementary-learning  
2. Parent Involvement in Children’s Education
   The address below provides access to a research article on the use of telecommunication technologies in supporting parent involvement in middle schools.  Read this article at:  http://www.ncsu.edu/meridian/win2003/involvement/
3. Some Rules of 18
   In Wisconsin, when a person reached his or her 18th birthday, he or she becomes a legal adult.  Unless a guardian has been appointed through a judge in a court of law, all rights and responsibilities that are part of being a legal adult go into effect.  This applies to all people, regardless of their level of disability.    

• These rights include:
  • Giving or refusing medical treatment
  • Making a contract (such as renting an apartment, buying a car or taking out a loan)
  • Making independent decisions free from parental control
  • Applying for credit (including a credit card)
• At age 18, there are certain legal responsibilities, including:
  • Being tried in an adult criminal court if you break the law
  • Self support (parents are not required to support their adult children
  • Being liable for all contracts entered into such as making credit card or loan payments
  • Every male citizen living in the US must register with the military at age 18, even  a male with severe disabilities who could not possibly serve in the military must register

Additional resources on Assisted Decision Making for Young Adults with Disabilities

• The Guardianship Support Center – http://cwagwisconsin.org/elder-law/guardianship-support-center/ or call 800-488-2596 ext. 314
• Frequently asked questions about guardianship of Adults with Developmental Disabilities, developed by Arc Dane County – www.arcdanecounty.org/faq.html
• Guardianship of Adults:  A Decision Making Guide – www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/P2/p20460.pdf
• Advance Directives Forms from the State of Wisconsin for Living Wills and Power of Attorney – www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/advdirectives/index.htm