News
brookings institute: Aging with dignity: Providing long-term supports and services at home for our nation’s elders
By SD Network, 2026-04-03
The provided article from Brookings highlights the urgent need for a structured long-term care system as the U.S. population ages, noting that seven in 10 individuals will eventually require significant long-term services and supports (LTSS). Currently, middle-income households face a "collapsed" private insurance market and high costs that exceed average savings, while Medicaid remains restricted to the very poor and often prioritizes nursing homes over preferred in-home care. To address this, authors Richard G. Frank, Sherry Glied, and their colleagues propose a new Medicare home care benefit designed as an entitlement to provide financial protection and allow elders to age with dignity in their own homes.
PHi: A New Federal Proposal Would Further Undercut Home Care Workers’ Labor Rights
By SD Network, 2026-04-03
The U.S. Department of Labor has proposed a rule that simplifies the process for employers to classify home care workers as independent contractors, a move critics argue will lead to widespread misclassification. This change would strip workers of essential labor protections—such as minimum wage, overtime pay, and workers' compensation—costing individual aides an estimated $7,229 to $10,247 annually in lost compensation. By shifting the burden of payroll taxes and insurance to the workers, the proposal risks destabilizing a fragile care system already struggling with high turnover and recruitment challenges. PHI and other advocates are urging the public to submit comments by April 28, 2026, to oppose the rule and protect the rights of this predominantly female and diverse workforce.
ASSOCIATION OF PROGRAMS FOR RAUL INDEPENDENT LIVING: Help Shape Research: Adults with Cerebral Palsy
By SD Network, 2026-04-03
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AAPD: American Association of People with Disabilities Responds to Executive Order Threatening Vote by Mail
By SD Network, 2026-04-03
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) has issued a statement strongly condemning President Trump’s Executive Order titled “Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections,” arguing it creates significant barriers for the more than 40 million eligible voters with disabilities. The AAPD contends that by establishing a “citizenship list” based on potentially inaccurate federal data and imposing a 60-day deadline for eligibility sharing, the order threatens to disenfranchise disabled individuals who rely on the flexibility of voting by mail due to health flares, transportation issues, or living in long-term care facilities. Ultimately, the organization asserts that the President lacks the constitutional authority to unilaterally alter election laws and vows to continue its REV UP Campaign to protect accessible democracy.
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NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO: 'What if I die first?' Making a plan is key for family caregivers. Here's how
By SD Network, 2026-04-02
To help family caregivers navigate the daunting "what if I die first?" scenario, experts emphasize the necessity of creating a formal, evolving contingency plan that prioritizes the wishes of the person receiving care. Key strategies include writing a letter of intent to document daily routines and preferences, identifying a trusted support network beyond immediate family, and maintaining a "have and have-not" list for essentials like housing and government benefits. By proactively addressing these difficult conversations and using resources from organizations like The Arc and the National Down Syndrome Society, caregivers can ensure a smoother transition and long-term stability for their loved ones.
MOTHER JONES: Home Care Wasn’t Ready for the Climate Crisis—Even Before Trump’s Cuts
By SD Network, 2026-04-02
The article from Mother Jones highlights a burgeoning crisis for the 7 million Medicaid recipients who rely on home and community-based services (HCBS) to live independently, as they face the dual threats of escalating climate disasters and systemic federal funding cuts. Experts warn that a combination of GOP-led budget cuts to Medicaid and the dismantling of FEMA’s resilience programs has left under-resourced care providers unable to plan for evacuations or emergency contingencies. This lack of federal-to-local support, compounded by low wages for home care workers, is increasingly forcing disabled and elderly individuals out of their communities and back into more restrictive institutional settings during extreme weather events.
What's your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Daniel’s story began in Burkina Faso, Africa. He shares that when he was 12 years old, he came to America to live with his family as an adoptee. “I knew from a young boy that I wanted to grow to be independent and live out my purpose,” he tells us. He has three older siblings. Like them, he lives in his own house that he shares with his cat, Hank. He has worked at Goodwill for five years and enjoys position there.
How are you involved with self-determination? What advocacy things are you involved in?
Daniel served on the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities for several years and, through that involvement, has participated in Disability Advocacy Day. He also has learned about accessible voting and has been able to use his voice through voting.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms of self-determination?
Daniel explains that he continues to work to be a leader in his community—both through his employment and with his peers. He has been invited to share his story through several advocacy groups. “I hope my experience encourages others to keep advocating and make their needs known,” he says.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Daniel believes that it's important to find a good support system and people who can advocated alongside you. His friend Ashley taught the concept of "nothing about us without us." It's important to find people who will support you and listen; not just tell you what to do.
What are some of your hobbies?
Daniel is involved in Special Olympics. His favorite sports are track and bowling. He also plays the drums on the worship team at his church and serves his community through volunteering. He likes to make tiktok videos and watch shark movies as well!
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