This story appeared in Disability Scoop. After officials in the last holdout state enacted a new rule, all 50 states and Washington, D.C. have mandates that require some level of insurance coverage for the treatment of autism. The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance now requires all individual, small and large group insurance plans issued… Continue Reading Idaho Mandates Insurance Coverage for Treatment of Autism

Now in its 8th year, the Commitment to Community Awards recognize and honor the significant accomplishments of our nominees. This event applauds their commitment and provides visibility and recognition for their leadership and vision. The Western Partnerships Conference seeks nominations to recognize individuals, organizations or businesses that demonstrate three or more of the following criteria:… Continue Reading Nominations for Commitment to Community Awards Now Open!

John Lennon and Paul McCartney once penned a famous tune containing the lyrics “I get by with a little help from my friends.” While the underlying roots of the song focus on human companionship, these lyrics also reference the main elements of one of the hottest buzzwords in the healthcare industry today: Care Coordination. But… Continue Reading What Is Care Coordination?

The presence of art can leave a meaningful impact on human lives. It affects our mood and our views of the world, reducing stress levels and alleviating anxiety episodes in most cases. Having these facts in mind, including art therapy in the process of guiding students with disabilities is a logical and natural decision that… Continue Reading 8 Pieces of Advice: Supporting Kids With Disabilities Through Art Therapy

As Governor Little takes the reigns from former Governor Butch Otter he is making some changes in his cabinet. Little has named Dave Jeppesen as new director for the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare, the state’s single largest agency. Jeppesen has been with Blue Cross of Idaho for the past six and a half… Continue Reading Idaho’s New Health and Welfare Director

“What can I do to IMPROVE my attitude?” This is one of the most asked questions I get. Being positive most of the time allows you to enjoy life more. Here are 20 practical ideas to help you get a positive attitude and keep it. Be Yourself – Do more of the things you love.… Continue Reading 20 Ways To IMPROVE Attitudes

On October 26, 2018 I was fortunate enough to attend a class on Constructive Conversations presented by Abbey Louie and Steve Robertson of Louie Robertson Consulting during the Idaho Partnerships Conference on Human Services. Ms. Louie and MR. Robertson demonstrated true synergy during the presentation. As attendees, we learned to identify our own challenges to… Continue Reading Handle Difficult Conversations With Greater Impact And a Lot Less Stress!

I had an opportunity to attend a session by Jeanne Farr, CEO, National Association of Dual Diagnosis, at the Idaho Partnerships Conference on Human Services. The session was titled “Trauma-Informed Care” (TIC). Ms. Farr presented us with a comprehensive definition and history of TIC indicating reports of traumatic stress as far back in history as… Continue Reading Trauma Informed Care

Today we are taking our youngest daughter to college. There are so many emotions and life changes happening all at once. I have been resisting the urge to retreat into denial. I want to be present to feel all these things despite the overwhelmingness. Painful and joyful, bittersweet. A dear friend gave me a copy… Continue Reading Her Tattered Bear

Music has been with us for thousands of years as a form of entertainment, communication, celebration, and mourning. There are so many different emotions that music can help us to express, and it is a language that we share universally, as well as one that everyone can understand. The style of music that we listen… Continue Reading How Music Helps with Mental Health – Mind Boosting Benefits of Music Therapy