CURRENT HAPPENINGS AT DRMS - THINGS YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT:

As you may recall, last summer was a whirlwind of activity as DRMS staff toured the state in an effort to receive feedback from as many Mississippians as they could.  Even though the information received guided DRMS in creating a 3 year plan,  we intend on doing a follow-up each year in an effort to bridge gaps and make needed adjustments. This summer, the plan is to have 3 events, Oxford, Gulfport, and Jackson.  And as an added attempt to create a more inclusive and educated Mississippi for citizens with disabilities, these events will be jointly hosted by the MS Council on Developmental Disabilities, and the Institute for Disabilities Studies.  Please see dates for events:

Friday August 6,  2010 -             BILOXI MS:  at 1:30pm at the MSU Extension Services Office on Popps Ferry Road

Tuesday  August 10,  2010 - BRANDON MS:  at 2:30pm at the Region 8 Mental Health Center on Marquette Road

Thursday August 12, 2010 - OXFORD MS - at 1:30pm at the Oxford Conference/Convention Center on Ed Perry Blvd

WE HAVE MOVED! 

DRMS has moved downtown and the physical and mailing address is now: 210 E. Capitol St., Suite 600, Jackson  MS 39201.   The toll free number 1-800-772-4057 has remained the same but the  local and fax have changed so please make a note of it!  The new numbers are as follows: Phone (601) 968-0600 and Fax (601) 968-0665.

In addition to the address changes you will also see that our web-site address has changed and is now simply www.drms.ms.  And now all staff may be reached via email by using the first letter of their first name, the full last name then @drms.ms.  For example, to reach our Executive Director, Ann Maclaine, you would type This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .   We hope these changes will be more user friendly in the long run.   We thank you in advance for your patience as we all make the adjustments to the new space and changes.    If you would like to come visit our office and use any type of assistive mobility equipment, please note that the accessible entrance is on Amite Street at the Chick-fil-A and the elevators will be around to your right.

 ONGOING  PROJECTS:

*The investigations and monitoring of Personal Care Homes continues to be a focus for advocates at DRMS.  The copy of the report can be requested by anyone who is interested by calling the office or emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

 *Also, the report on A Study in Contrasts has been delayed slightly due to the move, but part one is in the final stages of completion and will be released very soon.  If you would like to request this you may also use the contact info mentioned above. 

*DRMS continues the work in the Jatran case and is looking forward to a favorable and appropriate resolution. Representatives from the Department of Justice will be meeting with plaintiffs and attorneys in the state next week.  

*In a collaborative effort with MSCDD and IDS, DRMS is in the process of helping create a joint newsletter.  Look for it soon!  It is going to be called FUSE:  News you can use!  And the goal is to create a useful, inspiring newsletter that provides information you can utilize in your self-advocacy efforts, your work as a parent or as a service provider. 

*The Representative Payee program continues to do investigations and has a couple of intense case evaluations coming up.  

*The Education Team at DRMS is now working on completing several systemic projects. In addition, advocates continue to work with parents on numerous individual cases. 

*There are general and special elections happening on November 2nd.  Call our toll free number if you exepience or notice any problems when casting your vote!  Don't forget to register to vote one month prior to these elections if you are not already registered, or have moved. If you have questions about registering to vote you can call us for assistance!