News
It's pretty well known that Wisconsin has a shortage of direct care workers. A conducted survey of those who rely on direct care services revealed that 85% of respondents said that they don't have enough people to cover all shifts and 95% reported that it's hard to find workers. Some suggest solutions might include better pay and an increase to Medicaid rates. In southwest Wisconsin, high schools are offering students paid apprenticeships which come with college credits.
Thanks to a new law which recently took effect, people with disabilities can now create their own special needs trusts. Previously, these trusts could only be setup by a parent, grandparent, guardian, or a court. The Special Needs Trust Fairness Act was approved by the Senate awhile ago and passed by the House in September; however, due to some differences in the House version, it was returned to the Senate, and bundled into the 21st Century Cures Act which was recently signed by the President.
A recent report found that the percentage of people with disabilities staying in hotels has remained steady and that there has been a noticeable decline in obstacles reported during those stays. In addition to physical accessibility improving, the report also revealed that "customer service/personnel obstacles" are improving.
We thank the Great Lakes ADA Center for providing us with information about new ADA guidelines for transportation vehicles. The guidelines address things such as boarding access, fare devices, interior circulation, seating and securement, signs, lighting, and announcement systems.
U.S. Access Board Updates ADA Guidelines for Buses and Vans
The U.S. Access Board has issued a final rule updating sections of its accessibility guidelines for transportation vehicles covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The rule revises provisions in the guidelines that apply to buses and vans to enhance accessibility and to address industry trends and improvements in design and technology. The guidelines, which the Board originally published in 1991, apply to new or remanufactured vehicles (they also include provisions for rail vehicles that the Board will update separately).
The guidelines for buses and vans address boarding access, fare devices, interior circulation, seating and securement, signs, lighting, and announcement systems. The rule reduces the maximum slope for vehicle ramps because low floor buses are now ubiquitous in fixed route systems. New provisions also address level boarding systems and incorporate updated standards for wheelchair securement systems. The rule improves communication access by requiring that buses in fixed route systems with at least 100 buses have automated stop and route announcements that are visual as well as audible. Further, access to over-the-road buses, which are typically used in commuter and long-distance bus lines and charter services, is more comprehensively addressed. In addition to these substantive changes, the rule features a new format and numbering system. An assessment of the costs and benefits is included with the rule.
"The Board is eager to issue this update which will improve usability aboard buses and vans by building upon the significant engineering and technological advancements that have occurred over the years," states Access Board Executive Director David M. Capozzi. "We will now turn our attention to updating the sections on rail vehicles."
The Board previously issued versions of the rule in draft and proposed forms for public comment and has finalized the rule based on the feedback received. At a later date, the Board will propose updates to sections of the guidelines covering vehicles in fixed guideway systems, including rapid, light, commuter, and intercity rail, according to recommendations from an advisory committee it chartered, the Rail Vehicles Access Advisory Committee, which submitted its report to the Board last year.
The Board's vehicle guidelines serve as the basis for mandatory standards issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT) under the ADA. Compliance with the updated requirements for buses and vans will become mandatory once specified by DOT in a future update of its ADA standards.
For further information, visit the Board's website or contact Scott Windley at (202) 272-0025 (voice), (202), 272-0028 (TTY), or windley@access-board.gov.
New ABLE for ALL Savings Plan helps individuals with disabilities secure greater financial and personal freedom and is available nationwide to aid families and people with disability in saving for a better life. Until now, people with disabilities couldn't save money without risk of losing their government benefits. People can use these accounts for expenses associated with living with a disability. There are certain qualifications and stipulations for these accounts, but it's available nationwide and people can sign up online.
TRAVEL WEEKLY: DOT proposes to improve airplane restroom access for disabled
By SD Network, 2017-01-04
The Department of Transportation is aiming to improve accessibility of airplane restrooms for people with disabilities. Airplane restrooms are currently too small for people who use wheelchairs. While the change wouldn't be immediate, under the proposal, beginning with airplanes delivered three years after the rule takes affect, airlines would have to take certain measures to make restrooms accessible.
The rule proposal would also improve in-flight entertainment for passengers who have hearing and visual impairments. It recommends that carriers be required to offer in-flight entertainment in closed-captioned and audio-described versions.
The Department of Transportation is expected to begin the rulemaking process for the proposal in July.
Virginia recently launched its program for ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). In Virginia, the program is known as "ABLEnow." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life. These accounts are open to both residents in Virginia as well as across the country.
Kentucky recently launched its program for ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). In Kentucky, the program is known as "STABLE Kentucky." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life. These accounts are available to Kentucky residents only.
Oregon recently launched its program for ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their benefits). In Oregon, the programs are known as "Oregon ABLE Savings Plan" (which is specifically for Oregon residents) and "ABLE for ALL Savings Plan" (which is available to people who qualify nationwide). Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life.
DISABLED WORLD: TellMe TV: World's First Netflix-like Service for the Blind Debuts in US and Canada
By SD Network, 2017-01-04
Over the last decade or so, online entertainment services, such as Netflix, have become increasingly popular. People who have visual impairments can now enjoy many tv shows and movies thanks to TellMe TV. TellMe TV fully described video on-demand service delivers a wide selection of rich entertainment experiences to US and Canadian blind and vision-loss community. It's available on any device that has Internet connection.