respite care overview - mccs hawaii
TRANSCRIPT
Respite Care Overview
The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) initiated the
Respite Care Reimbursement Program in 2008 to support the
impact of a high operational tempo and the particular impact to
families who support a family member with exceptional needs.
The Respite Care Reimbursement program is intended to reduce
stress on a sponsor’s families by providing temporary rest periods
for family members who care for those with special needs.
Respite care is intended to be used as a short break or rest
period for the primary care provider. Some examples would be for:
date night, lunch with a friend, haircut, to take a nap or go to
the gym, etc.
If you have questions about the Respite Care Reimbursement
Program or want to know if you are eligible, call your Family Case
Worker or the EFMP Office at 808-257-0290 or join us on Adobe
Connect on 12 May.
When we practice ‘Imi ola as a personal value, we create
and fulfill our own destiny. ʻImi ola is to seek the
highest form of our well-being. This is not selfish,
but expressive: To ‘Imi ola is to define and celebrate
your gifts as you breathe best working form into your
actions, growing into the person you’re meant to be
— the person you can most generously share with
others through your Aloha Spirit.
In this issue:
Respite Care Overview
New D.O.T. Rule for Emotional
Support Animals
Service Animals vs. Therapy
Animals
PCSing with a Service Animal
Relocating Soon?
To Learn more about Respite Care
Join us on Adobe Connect 12 May at 11:00-11:30am for discussion and Q & A.
Link: https://meeting.marinenet.usmc.mil/r7xqzne0kflr/
Service Animals vs. Therapy Animals
What is the difference between a Service Animal and a Therapy Animal?
Neither service animals, nor therapy animals are considered “just pets”.
Sometimes people may confuse therapy animals with service animals. There
are differences between how they are viewed when it comes to American
with Disabilities Act Rules and civil rights laws.
A service animal is defined as a dog or miniature horse that has been
individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a
disability. The task performed by the dog or miniature horse must be directly
related to the person’s disability.
A therapy animal, also referred to as a comfort animal or more popularly
known as an emotional support animal, is a term used to describe an animal
that provides comfort just by being with a person. The animal has not been
trained to complete a specific job or task. Therapy/emotional support ani-
mals still play an important role in the life of their partner. Both the ADA and
Hawaii State law specifically state they are not service animals, and do not
have the same access to public establishments as service dogs do; however,
therapy/emotional support animals that provide support for individuals with
disabilities are also not considered “just a pet”.
Housing providers must comply with the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which does
provide for access of therapy/emotional support animals. While it is not
necessary to submit a written request, or to use the words “reasonable
accommodations”, or “assistance animal”, or any other special words to
request a reasonable accommodation under the FHA, persons making a re-
quest are encouraged to do so in order to avoid miscommunication. You may
also want to keep a copy of the supporting documentation in case there is a
later dispute about whether a reasonable accommodation request was made.
To learn more about this topic, join EFMP on WebEx on 21 May at 2:00pm.
To Learn more about Service Animals vs. Therapy Animals
Join us on WebEx 21 May at 2:00pm
Link: https://meetingsamer23.webex.com/meetingsamer23/j.php?MTID=m79d80c284cdca86229d0632b55b65f58
Meeting number: 126 343 9787
New D.O.T. Rule for Emotional Support Animals
In December of 2020 the Department of Transportation revised its rules around flying with emotional support
animals. Only service animals are required by law to be allowed to fly with passengers on commercial airlines.
The revised rules of the Air Carrier Access Act define a service animal as “a dog that is individually trained to
do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability.”
Individual airlines will set policies
to conform to the DOT rules, which
will be effective 30 days after the
final ruling is published in the
Federal Register.
This is a change from the previous
DOT guidance that was in effect
last year, which stated that the
airlines could not restrict
passengers from traveling with
emotional support animals, or ban
specific breed or species of support
animals. The airlines currently are
prohibited from refusing service
dogs based on their breed, which
will continue under the new rules.
Many disability advocates and
airline personnel alike are in favor
of the new rules. Source: http://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/new-dot-rule-paves-the-way-for-airlines-to-ban-emotional-support-animals-on-flights/ar-BB1bzeNw?ocid=ientp
PCSing with a Service Animal
Your service animal may accompany
you on flights
Your service animal may stay in hotel
lodging without accruing additional
pet fees. However, if the animal
causes damage, the hotel is permitted
to charge for damages.
Prior to OCONUS travel, review
requirements to qualify for
exemption from quarantine.
Check specifications with all airline
and lodging locations prior to
departure.
Tis the season of families on the move!
Whether it be a PCS move or a transition out the military, preparation is key!
Your EFMP Family Case Worker can be an invaluable resource in preparing for your move. Both the losing
and gaining installations collaborate for a seamless transfer for your family. If you are expecting orders
(or already have them), it is vital to ensure that the information on-record with EFMP is current and
accurate, so that HQMC EFMP can screen for needed services.
PCS Workshop
Many of your questions can be answered at the PCS Workshop. The workshop is designed for those leaving
Hawaii. This class will explain the departure process, share tips to save time and money, and provide
resources and tools to create a moving plan suitable to individuals and families. Both Sponsors and Spouses
are encouraged to attend. The PCS workshop is virtual, and is offered twice a month during PCS season.
You DO NOT need orders to attend, and attendance is recommended at least 4 months prior to PCSing.
Interview Skills Workshop
Military Spouses– Are you prepared for your next interview? Be prepared for your next job at
your new location. We invite spouses to check out Interview Skills Workshop and get prepared for
the big day! Discover research techniques, best practices before the interview, how to respond
tactfully to common interview questions, proper etiquette, and how to follow-up. Be prepared and
feel confident to ace your next interview! There are is also a class on Civilian Resume Writing.
Register online for the PCS Workshop, Interview Skills Workshop and more, at
http://mccshawaii.com/TRPworkshops
Can’t find the information you’re looking for with a call or click? If you are unsure who to contact,
please reach out to our installation Information & Referral Specialist at 808-257-7786. Utilizing the
I&R Specialist is an efficient way to find information and services.
Military OneSource is another resource to assist families before, during and after a move as you
settle into your new community. This resource is available to you 24/7 by visiting their website at
http://www.militaryonesource.mil or by calling 1-800-342-9647 to speak with a consultant.
Build a custom PCS checklist at https://planmymove.militaryonesource.mil/
Checkout EFMP’s Facebook page on
May 14 for upcoming video post on
Successful PCS Transitions!