News
A prominent disability justice activist, Stacey Park Milbern, will soon appear on quarters issued by the U.S. Mint as part of a special program honoring notable American women.
Many immigrants from countries like Venezuela and Haiti who had work permits for jobs, including nursing, have now had their temporary legal status revoked by the Trump administration. If more families lose that formal support, they may have to take on the role of caregivers directly.
NEWSWEEK: Social Security Rolling Out Major Change in August: What to Know
By SD Network, 2025-08-01
The Social Security Administration announced some big changes coming in mid-August. The re will be a new multi-factor authorization process to talk with an agent over the phone. If people want to contact the Social Security office over the phone, they will have to first go to the office in-person to get a PIN. This will be problematic for older adults and people with disabilities--especially in rural areas.
WISCONSIN BOARD FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES: Families Supporting Families: 2025 Applications Open
By SD Network, 2025-08-01
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WI DOT: Wisconsin Department of Transportation seeks public comment on 2025 ADA Transition Plan
By SD Network, 2025-08-01
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has published the 2025 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan. There is a public comment period open through Sunday, August 31 (approximately midnight, 11:59 a.m.). Your feedback is very important, and we hope you’ll take the time to participate in this opportunity. Visit http://www.wisconsindot.gov/ada to find the plan, along with an overview video presentation and options to comment using the web, email or standard U.S. Mail.
U.S. ACCESS BOARD: Celebrating 35 Years of Americans with Disabilities Act
By SD Network, 2025-07-28
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July 26, 2025 marks 35 years since the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in both the private and state and local government sectors. Under the ADA, the U.S. Access Board develops and maintains accessibility guidelines for the construction and alteration of facilities covered by the law, as well as guidelines for the design of the public right-of-way and transportation vehicles. These guidelines serve as the basis of standards used by other agencies to enforce the ADA’s design requirements. The Access Board celebrates the 35th anniversary of the ADA as it continues to hold trainings, webinars, public events, and engagements with international partners throughout the year. |
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HOME HEALTH CARE NEWS: CMS To Cut Medicaid Workforce Initiatives For Home- And Community-Based Services
By SD Network, 2025-07-28
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it will no longer approve funding for new Medicaid workforce initiatives for home- and community-based services. Medicaid workforce initiatives were intended to "strengthen and build" several industries' workforces, including primary care, behavioral health, dental and home- and community-based services. The initiatives included programs such as student loan repayment and workforce training programs. |
The 2025 edition reveals a rapidly evolving caregiving landscape that now includes 63 million Americans, a nearly 50% increase since 2015. This surge underscores the growing demand for family caregivers who provide essential support to those with chronic, disabling, or serious health conditions. The report outlines key policy areas, such as financial support, workplace protections, and access to services, offering a roadmap to build a more supportive system for family caregivers, who form the backbone of long-term care in the US. For the first time, the 2025 survey includes family caregivers who receive payment for care they provide to an adult family member or friend under Medicaid HCBS self-direction waivers, Veterans Affairs, or other state programs.
WEAU NEWS: UW-Eau Claire student receives national disability advocacy award
By SD Network, 2025-07-28
UW-Eau Claire student, Lily Eisele, received a national disability advocacy award for her dedication to creating a safe and inclusive campus environment. Lily has ADHD and has faced challenges in the classroom. Despite these challenges, Lily has shown resilience. She uses her experiences to help others.
WISCONSIN EXAMINER: Medicaid cuts are likely to worsen mental health care in rural America
By SD Network, 2025-07-28
Across the nation, Medicaid is the single largest payer for mental health care, and in rural America, residents disproportionately rely on the public insurance program. However, the bill signed into law last month put these crucial programs at risk. Cuts over the next several years could force rural low-income families to pay for mental health care out-of-pocket. The fear is that many will forego the care.