News
New research find that the just how much the pandemic has impacted the direct care workforce. Before the pandemic, for decades this workforce has been in despair due to low reimbursement rates. A survey of providers was recently done and the results were very revealing. People are struggling in all aspects of providing care to people. This report suggests that it's time for the federal government to make some major changes.
What's your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Tyler Wigington is 26 years old and has been living in a condo for three years now. He shares it with his brother who provides about five hours per week of support with shopping, cleaning and cooking. He has been working 30 hours per week for a number of years. He currently works at Woodman’s where he prepares online order for groceries. He participates in many activities such as Special Olympics, a bowling league, Best Buddies and events at UW Madison. He also has a chihuahua dog named Pacho.
How are you involved with self-determination?
Tyler has been involved with lobbying members of the WI Congress and Senate to help people with disabilities. He flew to Washington and met Tammy Baldwin and several other politicians. He even got to take a picture on the balcony of the Speaker’s Chamber. He has been trained as a Global Messenger and a Health Athlete leader. He also sits on the Unified Leadership Council for Special Olympics where they try to help others with disabilities learn to speak up for themselves and be their own advocate. He worked with the UW Waismen Center on a study to help include people with disabilities to be included in research studies as well.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
Tyler shares that he continues to work on independent living skills and hopes move out on his own someday—or maybe live with a friend and he can help him be more independent. After five years of working with Woodman’s, he will be leaving. ”It is exciting and a bit scary to leave, but I am ready for a new challenge and hope to work in something related to sports,” he says.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Tyler encourages people should always have someone that cares for you helping you out. “My parents were training me to move out and now I am. I have a very good case manager that cares for me and allows me to choose how to live,” he explains.
What are some of your hobbies?
Tyler enjoys running. He has completed in seven half marathons and his fastest time is one hour and 37 minutes. He’s on USA Paralympics and has traveled to Ecuador, Portugal and Australia for races. He also likes to participate in Special Olympics for bowling, flag football and basketball.
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AGDAILY: AgrAbility Virtual State Fair provides resources for farmers with disabilities
By SD Network, 2021-10-02
During the month of October, AgrAbility projects from 20 states (including Wisconsin) nationwide will join together to participate in an AgrAbility Virtual State Fair online. This is a great opportunity to provide resources and information to farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers who are working in production agriculture with a disability while also raising awareness about the project and the good they do throughout the year. The National AgrAbility Project is involved with farmers who have a disability, functional limitation, or health condition.
Recently, the Biden Administration has leveraged disability rights. In this essay, the author discusses what this could mean for the future of disability advocacy and politics. This piece brings up some very interesting points.
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES: DHS Improves Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Services for Medicaid Members
By SD Network, 2021-09-30
Beginning November 1, 2021, Wisconsin Medicaid members who participate in eligible programs will be working with a new vendor, Veyo, to get transportation to their covered health care appointments. This benefit, referred to as non-emergency medical transportation or NEMT, is available when members lack access to transportation, require assistance because of disabilities, or have their appointments in locations or at times when public transportation is not available. The outgoing vendor, MTM, will continue to provide services through October 31.
On Friday, CDC announced recommendations for boosters of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for people who: are 65 and older, live in long-term care settings, are at high risk for severe illness, or work in a high-risk job. Today’s Policy Roundup includes those details, along with the following:
- CMS guidance: ARP Act funding for Medicaid and CHIP (Coverage of habilitation services, COVID-19 testing and vaccination, and more).
- Input needed: Medicare drug pricing rule
- Input Needed: NQF Rural Telehealth and Healthcare System Readiness Measurement Framework
- Medicare.gov Tool to Compare Nursing Home Vaccination Rates
CDC recommendations for COVID-19 vaccine boosters
On Friday, the CDC recommended booster shots of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for people at highest risk of serious illness and those in high risk occupational and institutional settings. Specifically, CDC guidance now states that people who received their second shot at least six months ago:
Should receive a booster shot if they are:
- 65 years old or older
- 18 years old or older and live in a long-term care setting
- aged 50–64 years and have underlying medical conditions
May receive a booster shot, based on their individual benefits and risks, if they are:
- 18–49 years old and have underlying medical conditions
- 18–64 years year old, and at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting. The CDC website includes a complete list, but it includes front line healthcare workers and congregate care staff.
CDC will evaluate available data in the coming weeks to swiftly make additional recommendations for other populations, as well as for people who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
DISABILITY SCOOP: People With IDD, DSPs May Qualify For COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters
By SD Network, 2021-09-27
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recently approved a booster vaccine for some people. Currently, Pfizer is the only one approved. People who live in congregational settings and those with underlying health conditions are among the people who can get the booster as of now. The CDC didn't specify workers who may qualify, but it is expected that direct care professionals will also qualify.
FORBES: Staff Shortages Are Hammering Long-term Care Facilities, Home Care Agencies, and Families
By SD Network, 2021-09-24
The direct care worker shortage has gone from a problem to a crisis. According to a recent survey, 82% of assisted living facilities and 89% of nursing homes report a moderate to severe shortage of staff. It isn't just facilities either - home care agencies are reporting the same problems. The pandemic just added to this issue. People feel the bottom line is that these workers need better pay.