News
MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL: Tony Evers signs bill to remove voting requirement that has turned away people with disabilities
By SD Network, 2019-11-23
Governor Evers recently signed a bill into law that removes the requirement for people who are unable to say their name and address because of a disability. Instead, poll workers will rely on the voter's identification card and allow another person accompanying the voter to say the voter's name and address. It's hoped because of this new law that more people with disabilities will have the opportunity to vote
More characters with disabilities are set to appear on prime-time TV this season than ever before; however, a new report finds that people with disabilities are still underrepresented. Of the 879 characters expected on broadcast programming this season, only 3.1% have disabilities.
DISABILITY SCOOP: Online Matching Service Pairs Adult Roommates With Developmental Disabilities
By SD Network, 2019-11-19
An online service that's believed to be the first of its kind is helping people with developmental disabilities find compatible roommates and settle into homes independent from their families. All of the roommates have some type of physical or developmental disability. They are matched in two- or three-person housing arrangements, with some needing an extra bedroom for a full-time caregiver. Others need a few hours of outside support each week.
DISABILITY SCOOP: Disability-Related Hate Crimes Up Sharply, FBI Data Shows
By SD Network, 2019-11-19
Recently released data indicates that hate crime incidents targeting people with disabilities are on the rise. In 2018, 177 hate crime offenses based on disability bias were reported compared to 128 the year before. According to the report, of the disability-related offenses logged, 110 targeted those with mental disabilities while 67 affected those with physical disabilities.
When the annual cost of living (COLA) increases, there's usually an increase in the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit amount. Recently, it was announced that the COLA will increase in 2020, so Social Security benefits will increase by 1.6% beginning in January.
MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL: Wisconsin voters with disabilities face a variety of barriers. A state report on the problems is two years late.
By SD Network, 2019-11-18
Every adult should be able to vote, but various barriers continue to prevent people with disabilities from doing so. Everything from not being able to verbally state their name, to building access issues, to not being able to use the actual voting machine... Numerous problems continue to be reported across the state. Many organizations and advocacy groups are working on getting these issues addressed.
FORBES: Is It Too Late That The Impact Of Climate Change On People With Disabilities Is Getting Discussed Only Now?
By SD Network, 2019-11-18
Climate change effects everyone, but some say the disability community is the most vulnerable to things such as wildfires, hurricanes and air pollution. This article talks about the impact it has and things that could be done to help.
A draft report on Person-Centered Planning has been released nationwide. It is open for public comment until December 2, 2019. The report seeks to define person-centered planning and describe ways to strengthen person-centered planning for individuals who use long-term supports and services.
The federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is working with partners, self-advocates, caregivers and providers to build a stronger long-term supports and system in the United States that works better for everyone. The goal is for people with disabilities and older adults to have more choice, control and access to quality services that support independence, good health, and quality of life.
National Quality Forum (NQF) put together a multi-stakeholder committee to draft this report. The committee is made up of individuals with lived experience with disabilities, family members, and professionals who have extensive experience with person centered planning.
NQF PCP Draft Interim Report pcpp_interim_draft_report_for_comment (1).pdf, 287KB ∞
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: Expanding Access to Transportation for Older Adults and People with Disabilities
By SD Network, 2019-11-17
Last week, ACL represented the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at the Access and Mobility for All Summit hosted by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). In addition to speeches and panel discussions, the summit featured technology demonstrations by local Assistive Technology Act programs and the approval of a strategic plan for the Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM) - an interagency partnership to coordinate the efforts of federal agencies funding transportation services.
Of particular significance to ACL's grantees and partners, the summit included an announcement of new funding to promote inclusive transportation and a discussion about harnessing ACL and HHS program funds to meet "matching" requirements for several grants from the USDOT's Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
New Funding Opportunity
FTA has announced the Mobility for All Pilot Program. The $3.5 million grant program is available to states and tribes who can partner with community-based organizations as sub-applicants, The program will fund projects that enhance transportation connections to jobs, education, and health services for older adults, people with disabilities, and people with low income.
Applications are due January 6, 2020. For more information, see FTA's notice of funding.
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: Input Needed on Person-Centered Planning Draft Report
By SD Network, 2019-11-17
In 2019 the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Administration for Community Living (ACL) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requested that the National Quality Forum (NQF) convene a committee of experts with lived and professional experience in long-term services and supports (LTSS), and with the acute/primary/chronic care systems. This committee aims to provide ACL, CMS, federal and state entities, and the general public with a consensus-based, multistakeholder view of multiple areas of person-centered planning.
The committee drafted a report as an interim summary of the its efforts to develop the following:
- A functional, person-first definition of person-centered planning;
- A core set of competencies for persons facilitating the planning process, including details of foundational skills, relational and communication skills, philosophy, resource knowledge, and the policy and regulatory context of person-centered planning; and
- Systems characteristics that support person-centered planning such as system-level processes, infrastructure, data, and resources, along with guidance on how to maintain system-level person-centeredness.
This report represents an interim summary of the Committee’s efforts to date. A future final report with Committee feedback will address the history of person-centered planning, a framework for quality measurement within person-centered planning, and a research agenda to advance and promote person centered planning in long-term services and supports, which includes home and community-based services and institutional settings such as nursing homes, and the interface with the acute/primary/chronic care systems.
Feedback is needed on the interim report by 6:00 pm ET on December 2. Registration is required for submitting comments.
Contact pcplanning@qualityforum.org with questions, concerns, or accessibility difficulties for reviewing the report and submitting comment.