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On Tuesday, March 26, 2013 Former U.S. Ambassador to RMI Mrs. Martha Campbell was invited by Northwest Arkansas Community College to talk about the RMI Compact of Frees Association between the U.S. and the R.M.I Governments and other topics about the Marshall Islands. Her visit is one of many events sponsored by Northwest Arkansas Community College Marshallese Theme Semester program.
What is Compact of Free Association? It defines the relationship that each of three sovereign states the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) and the Republic of Palau. It is very unique in many ways. Martha explained the history of the Compact of Free Association and what is the right of each nation under the Compact. According to Martha, “Marshallese citizens can live; study and work in the U.S. without obtain visas.” In return U.S. government has access to RMI land and water. The first Compact was from 1986 to 2001 but before it was suppose to come to an end. “RMI government was not financially ready” explained Martha. RMI government asked for 2nd Compact which was signed to law and accept by both nations on June 30, 2004. The Compact Amended or the Compact II will end on 2023. “It applies only to the financial assistance” stated Martha. Also in the Compact II the U.S. government gave them access to many U.S. domestic programs, including Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Weather Service, the United States Postal Service, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Federal Communications Commission, and U.S. representation to the International Frequency Registration Board of the International Telecommunications Union. Is there any financial assistance for Marshallese citizens living in the U.S.? According to Martha “There is an annual 30 million dollars that goes to Guam, Hawaii, Northern Islands and American Samoa to help pay for Micronesia health.” “Arkansas doesn't have any of them because during the time of the Compact II negotiation, the Marshallese population was not very high in Arkansas.” The Marshallese were eligible for Medicaid before The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 was passed by the Congress. In the state of Arkansas, Marshallese children with disabilities and Marshallese elders who have diabetes are not eligible for Medicaid and are not entitled to access to any Compact II funding. This brings us to the question: is it right for us to live, study, and work here, but only have limited access to health care? Marshallese pay taxes, but are not eligible for any federal health assistance in Arkansas. - Albious Latior, Marshallese Family Outreach Coordinator
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This week's FAQ Friday comes from Wrightslaw.com.
"You want an evaluator who is skilled at interpreting test results and completing a report that offers a rich and complex understanding of your child. Armed with information from a comprehensive assessment, you will be able to make good decisions that support your child’s development and growth." Go here to read the full article: http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/assessment.part3.khan.htm 
My name is Irene Clark and I am the Family Services Specialist and Educational Advocate here at Community Parent Resource Center, Arkansas Support Network. It is FAQ Friday time and this week’s focus is Autism.
Handling the intricacies of Autism is a bit like a dance: You have to know where to step, be in tune with what is going on, and take a breather when you need to…if that is even possible. Dealing with Autism all the time can become a strain on the family, so having a few tricks up your sleeve, in my opinion, is important. So here are some tips: 1. When your child becomes loud and acts fearful or stressed, always keep calm. If his actions are elevated and you become loud and elevated, it just proves to your child that there is a reason to be panicked and life becomes even more complicated! 2. Have a picture schedule of their day or any responsibilities in the house. Look at it this way; most of us use a calendar on our phones or hard copy. Having a ‘path’ to follow is so very helpful to our children 3. Don’t try to hurry your child. If that works for you then you are the odd one out, but for most of us that makes every situation worse. Our kids and their need for pattern and consistency is extremely important!! There are so many helpful sites out there regarding Autism now and we have a fabulous support group here in Northwest Arkansas. If you have questions are want more information, please contact me at [email protected]! - Irene Clark |
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