News
A new documentary on Netflix produced by the Obamas is a popular in the disability community. “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution” tells the story of how in the early 1970s a summer camp for teenagers with disabilities brought together a group of people who would be pivotal in seeking civil rights protections for themselves and others like them. It talks about how the laws that protect and provide people with disabilities rights were formed.
DISABILITY SCOOP: Trump Administration Says Disability No Reason To Deny COVID-19 Care
By SD Network, 2020-03-31
During this time of uncertainty and crisis, there have been reports of health care providers in some states discriminating against people with disabilities. The US Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Civil Rights issued a statement saying that laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act remain in effect making it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities in federally funded program.
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: Supporting Community Living during COVID-19: CARES Act and Civil Rights Protections
By SD Network, 2020-03-31
On Friday, the President signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, into law. The Act provides a total of $2.2 trillion, with $955 million directed to ACL programs. On Saturday, the HHS Office of Civil Rights issued a bulletin to protect people with disabilities from unlawful discrimination in decisions about their treatment during the COVID-19 health care emergency. Together, these will provide significant support to older adults and people with disabilities.
OCR Bulletin: Civil Rights, HIPAA, and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
OCR provided this bulletin to ensure that entities covered by civil rights authorities keep in mind their obligations under laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, and exercise of conscience and religion in HHS-funded programs. The bulletin states that, "…persons with disabilities should not be denied medical care on the basis of stereotypes, assessments of quality of life, or judgments about a person’s relative “worth” based on the presence or absence of disabilities or age. Decisions by covered entities concerning whether an individual is a candidate for treatment should be based on an individualized assessment of the patient and his or her circumstances, based on the best available objective medical evidence."
CARES Act
A total of $955 million will be provided to existing grantees in the aging and disability networks, including State Units on Aging and Centers for Independent Living, as well as to Tribes and tribal organizations. The CARES Act includes:
- $200M for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) under Title III-B of the Older Americans Act (OAA);
- $480M for nutrition programs under Title III-C of the OAA;
- $20M for nutrition and related services for Native American Programs under Title VI of the OAA;
- $100M for the National Family Caregiver Support Program under Title III-E of the OAA;
- $20M for the Ombudsman Program under Title VII of the OAA;
- $50M for Aging and Disability Resource Centers; and
- $85M for Centers for Independent Living under Title VII, Part C, Chapter I of the Rehabilitation Act.
ACL staff currently are developing FAQs and other technical assistance materials. We will share these in the coming days through our resource centers and our COVID-19 page. These will include:
- Programmatic and fiscal FAQs for Centers for Independent Living
- Updates to the FAQs for nutrition services providers, which will address both the provisions of the CARES Act and other questions we have received about how waivers for Daily Reference Intake requirements affect eligibility for the Nutrition Services Incentive Program, working with food banks, contracting with food vendors, coordination with FEMA, and more
- Information on reporting requirements for COVID-19 services
- FAQs related to ADRC funding including timing, eligibility, and how states can use the funds to address COVID-19 needs.
In addition, we will update the Fiscal FAQ (for Older Americans Act programs) to reflect the increase in the allowance for administration costs that went into effect with reauthorization.
CARES Act Highlights
In addition to this supplemental funding, there are many provisions in the CARES Act that will benefit people with disabilities, older adults, and the aging and disability networks. Highlights include:
Section 3222 describes three waivers that will allow (1) 100% of funds to be transferred between congregate and home-delivered meal programs, (2) individuals who are homebound for social distancing purposes to be eligible for home-delivered meals, regardless of state or local policies, and (3) waiver of dietary guidelines, so networks can provide available meals to recipients. (These provisions will be addressed in this week’s FAQs.)
Section 3715 allows direct care workers who provide services under Medicaid waivers (1915 and 1115) to accompany people with disabilities as they enter hospitals to continue to provide services that are not provided by the hospital.
Section 3803 provides an extension of funding for the Medicare Improvements for Patients & Providers Act (MIPPA). Provisions in this section will allow for continued funding to State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs), Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ARDCs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) to help older Americans and people with disabilities enroll in the Low-Income Subsidy for Medicare Part D (which helps pay for the Part D premium) and the Medicare Savings Programs (which helps pay for Medicare Part B).
Section 3811 extends funding for the Money Follows the Person demonstration program through November 30, 2020.
In addition, the CARES Act provides for expanded telehealth options and explicitly includes non-profit organizations in the provisions for small business loans.
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: Funding Opportunities: Lifespan Respite Care Program
By SD Network, 2020-03-31
Lifespan Respite Care Program Funding Opportunities
ACL has opened three new funding opportunities under its Lifespan Respite Care Program. Lifespan Respite Care programs are coordinated systems of accessible, community-based respite care services for family caregivers of children and adults of all ages with special needs. Such programs reduce duplication of effort and assist in the development of respite care infrastructures at the state and local levels.
Lifespan Respite Care Program: Grants to New States
Informational conference call: April 2, 2020 at 2:00 PM ET
Applications due: May 28, 2020
Grantees will be expected to use funds to plan, establish and expand/enhance Lifespan Respite Care systems in their states, including new and planned emergency respite services, training and recruiting respite workers and volunteers and assisting caregivers with gaining access to needed services.
Lifespan Respite Care Program: Technical Assistance and Resource Center
Informational conference call: April 7, 2020 at 1:00 PM ET
Applications due: May 12, 2020
The primary objectives of this funding opportunity are to: (1) further identify, develop, and disseminate training and Technical Assistance resources to ACL's Lifespan Respite Care Program grantees (past, present and future) that address the role of respite as a means to supporting families in their own development of natural supports; (2) strengthen the national capacities at the federal, state and local levels to provide respite services as an essential family support across the age and disability spectrum; and (3) support activities and innovations to develop an evidence base for respite care and related services.
Lifespan Respite Care Program: State Program Enhancement Grants
Informational conference call: April 7, 2020 at 2:00 PM ET
Applications due: May 26, 2020
Grantees will be expected to focus on providing all of the required services (and the optional services as deemed appropriate by the state) as outlined in the Lifespan Respite Care Act, doing so in ways that will ensure increased capacity to meet the objectives of the Act by the end of each grant year.
The Coronavirus has shaken the world to its core. Everyone is affected by it in one way or another. People with disabilities and health conditions are at a higher risk. From "social distancing" to losing income, people with disabilities have the same concerns as everyone else with perhaps a few more. This article explains some of the additional concerns people may have.
FORBES: Accessible Websites Are Better for Everyone (And Better For Business Too)
By SD Network, 2020-03-20
Website accessibility is a must these days. Most people are stuck in their homes. That means that more people are using the Internet for literally almost everything. This Article discusses why it's so important to make websites accessible to everyone.
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: New Funding Opportunity for Research on Technology for Expressive Communication
By SD Network, 2020-03-20
The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) at ACL has opened a new funding opportunity for the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) on Technology for Expressive Communication.
The purpose of the DRRP program is to plan and conduct research, demonstration projects, training, and related activities (including international activities) to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technology that maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities.
DRRP on Technology for Expressive Communication: Under this particular DRRP priority, NIDILRR aims to sponsor research and development activities to generate new knowledge and technology products that can be used to improve the use of expressive language by people with developmental, adult-onset, or acquired communication disabilities, thereby improving community living outcomes.
View more details and application instructions.
Please visit the link above for more details about the grant opportunity and application process.This grant opportunity closes on May 18, 2020.
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: New Funding Opportunity for Projects on Technology to Promote Independence and Community Living and Knowledge Translation for Employment Research
By SD Network, 2020-03-15
The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) at ACL has opened a new funding opportunities for the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRP) on Technology to Promote Independence and Community Living and Knowledge Translation for Employment Research.
The purpose of the DRRP program is to plan and conduct research, demonstration projects, training, and related activities (including international activities) to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technology that maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities.
DRRP on Technology to Promote Independence and Community Living: Under this particular DRRP priority, NIDILRR aims to sponsor research and development activities toward technologies that support community living and independent living of people with disabilities – particularly people who are aging with disabilities. With these DRRP grants, NIDILRR has a particular interest in funding research and development toward technologies that support people with disabilities in rural, frontier, or tribal communities.
View more details and application instructions.
Please visit the link above for more details about the grant opportunity and application process.This grant opportunity closes on May 26, 2020.
DRRP on Center on Knowledge Translation for Employment Research: Under this particular DRRP priority, NIDILRR has adopted the framework of knowledge translation (KT) to help promote the effective use of research findings by people with disabilities, policymakers, service providers, and other important research stakeholders. The objective of the funding opportunity is to identify and promote the use of relevant findings and products that can be used to improve employment outcomes of people with disabilities.
View more details and application instructions.
Please visit the link above for more details about the grant opportunity and application process.This grant opportunity closes on May 26, 2020.
March 2020
Connect | Share |Learn | http://sdnetworkwi.org/
Disability Advocacy Day is CANCELED!
Disability Advocacy Day is canceled for this year due to concerns about containing the spread of Coronavirus. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is recommending that large meetings and gatherings be canceled or held remotely as a strategy to slow the spread of the virus in Wisconsin. Keep an eye on the InControl Wisconsin Facebook page for updates.
Check Out The Latest Videos!
The Self-Determination Channel is a YouTube channel by and for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Unlike other channels, the Self-Determination Channel stands stand out from other channels on YouTube because self-advocates host the videos, and decide and create the content.
The theme of the channel is: Self-Determination is Empowerment. It’s a place where self-advocates can be seen and heard, connect with others, and mentor each other. The hope is that the channel can be used as a teaching tool and show examples of what is possible.
Videos are posted weekly on a variety of topics self-advocates care about such as technology, employment, caregivers, independent living, and advocacy.
Check out the newest videos on the channel:
We encourage you to subscribe to the Channel (you can do by clicking the red Subscribe button on any of the video pages).
If you want to be notified every time we post a new video, click on the bell that is next to the subscribe button on Channel homepage.
Then, click the "All" bell.
That's all there is to it. You will now get an email notification every time a video is posted.
The Self-Determination Network includes some very talented members and we want to help you to get to know each other a little better. Member Spotlight is a great way for us to get to know each other better.
This month, we're shining the spotlight on Lisa. When she's not reading or styling women in her boutique, she’s helping veterans get appropriate services. She encourages people to ask for the services they need to lead a self-determined life. Stop by this month's Member Spotlight to get to know Lisa.
Who should we shine the spotlight on next?
"It’s Friday night and it’s been a long week. Some friends are meeting up for dinner and invited you to join. Without knowing or caring where, you accept the invite. You’re excited to kick back and relax. You get ready to go and you text a friend asking where they are meeting. The friend responds with the name of a popular restaurant in town. Suddenly, you cringe and rethink your decision to go out. The place they chose is definitely a really cool and fun place; however, accessibility is less than ideal." In this month's entry, Stacy discusses the accessibility of restaurants. Do you find restaurants vary in terms of accessibility? What are some of the experiences you've had?
We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences as well.
Take five minutes to check out what's happening on the Self-Determination Network:
- Respite Bill Moves Forward: Legislators are planning to expand federal funding to support respite care for families of those with special needs. Learn how much money is being allocated for the program.
- Public Comment open on Proposed Rules for Aircraft Accessibility and Service Animals: The Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued two proposed rules for public comment on air travel and accessibility for passenger with disabilities. Find out what they are. Public comment due April 16th.
- New Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Contract Awarded: The Department of Health Services awarded a new contract for non-emergency medical transportation to a new company. Learn which company got the contract.
- Transportation Grant Opportunity: The National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) at ACL has opened a new funding opportunity for the Rehabilitation Engineering and Research Centers (RERC) Program on Physical Access and Transportation. This grant opportunity closes on April 28th.
- People Helping People: Art is becoming more and more popular among people with disabilities. Read this cool story about how a sculptor with challenges of his own is helping others be creative regardless of their limitations.
- Supporting Family Caregivers: As the aging population continues to grow, the concern over the caregiver crisis increases. Learn about how a roundtable discussion created an opportunity for people to share their stories with leaders.
Here's a sample of upcoming events listed on the Self-Determination Network:
- Advocacy For Change 2020: March 12th, 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m., Concourse Hotel, Madison WI
- ADA Audio Session: Accessible Polling Facilities And The ADA: March 17th, 1p.m. to 2:30p.m., Online
- Webinar: "The ADA And Religious Institutions": March 18th, 1p.m. to 2:30p.m., Online
- Webinar: Empowering Adults Through Supported Decision Making--The Role Of Families, Guardians, Caregivers, And Others In Supporting Individuals Receiving HCBS: March 19th, 2p.m. to 3:30p.m., Online
- Webinar: Accessible Social Media: March 21st, 12p.m. to 1:30p.m., Online
- Webinar: Building Block Requirements In ADA And ABA Standards: April 2nd, 1:30p.m. to 3p.m., Online
Post your event on the Self-Determination Network and it can be included in future Network News emails to members! Questions? Suggestions? Contact Stacy Ellingen.
The Self-Determination Network is powered by InControl Wisconsin and supported financially by our members and Sponsors. We couldn't keep this Network going with you! Find out how you can help support the Network.
Recently, the Wisconsin Department of Health held a roundtable discussion about family caregivers in Baldwin. As the ago aging population continues to grow, the concern over the caregiver crisis increases.. Families worry about who will take care of their loved ones. It was an opportunity for the Department to hear personal stories.