The pandemic has made work and social life more accessible for many. Everything from work to cocktail parties have gone virtual. People with disabilities are wondering whether virtual accommodations will last. Having everything virtual has made it possible for many people to participate in things that they otherwise wouldn't have been able to.

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As the pandemic goes on, many restaurants are creating outdoor dining areas.  The option allows people to enjoy going out to eat safely; however, these outdoor areas often create more barriers for people with mobility limitations.  Many of the outdoor areas block sidewalks that people rely on.  

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Hunting is a popular hobby in Wisconsin.  After an accident left him paralyzed, this man from Rio found ways to do things he still enjoys.  Martinson participates in Wisconsin's deer gun hunt for hunters with disabilities and he hopes he inspires others to find their own strength.

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ACL's National Paralysis Resource Center (managed by the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation) opened the new grant application cycle for the High Impact Innovative Assistive Technology (HIIAT) grants program with applications due September 15. Eligible applicants are restricted to state programs funded through the State Assistive Technology Act, including implementing agencies and agencies subcontracted for Assistive Technology activities.

Launched in 2015 in partnership with ACL, the National Paralysis Resource Center’s HIIAT grant program is a competitive grant program that awards a small number of one-year grants of up to $75,000. These additional grant funds will help state programs expand their reach in the field of assistive technology through new innovations that will impact people living with paralysis in their homes and communities. Funding for this new cycle of grants was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living.

Awarded grant funds support innovative programs or services that:

• Target a specific, well-defined underserved population within the broader disability community in their state;
• Through assistive technology devices or services, increase access to services, increase the independence or inclusion of people within the underserved population within their communities; and
• When complete, will have a demonstrable, direct impact on people affected by the project.

Applications are due September 15.

Previously funded organizations are eligible to apply, however past grantees must submit proposals for new and innovative projects. Past grantees must also be in good standing, having successfully closed out past grant awards with a final report outlining accomplishments and fully expending grant funds awarded.

Please see the Foundation’s HIIAT program webpage for more information and contact the Quality of Life grants staff at QOL@ChristopherReeve.org if you have any questions.

It's well-known that COVID-19 spreads quickly in congregate settings. In May, it was mandated that nursing homes report COVID cases to the government and they had to notify residents and families.  However, despite many outbreaks, no such rules are in place for other types of institutional settings.  

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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many states and local governments have issued mandates for people to wear face coverings when entering businesses such as shops, restaurants, and other establishments. There has been some confusion over these mandates the the ADA as some disabilities make wearing a face covering hard or not possible.  This FAQ from the Northeast ADA Center explains some of the misunderstandings.

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In today's world, in one way or another, technology is part of our daily lives.  Technology helps us with do things quicker and more effectively.  In many cases, technology allows people with disabilities to accomplish tasks independently.  Big tech companies have gone to great lengths to develop accessible features and equipment.  Many have also taken measures to create an accessible workplace.  One company created the ABC's of Accessibility.

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The National Quality Forum (NQF) has announced that the Person-Centered Planning and Practice (PCP) Project final report is now available. NQF members and the public are able to access the final report through the project page.

This report documents the effort to address long-term services and supports (LTSS) that are predicated on a person’s needs, preferences, goals, and desires. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in collaboration with its partners and other federal agencies, states, consumers and advocates, providers, and other stakeholders, convened to generate recommendations to:

• Refine the current definition(s) for Person-Centered Planning;
• Develop a set of core competencies for performing Person-Centered Planning facilitation;
• Make recommendations to HHS on systems characteristics that support person-centered thinking, planning, and practice;
• Develop a conceptual framework for Person-Centered Planning measurement; and
• Conduct an environmental scan including the historical development of person-centered planning in LTSS systems to include a research agenda for future Person-Centered Planning research.

These recommendations will support the continued creation of a sustainable system where older adults and people with disabilities have choice, control, and access to a full array of quality services that assure optimal outcomes including independence, good health, and quality of life.

The multi-stakeholder committee’s goal is to give government agencies and the public a view that finds agreement across different partners and perspectives. This project builds upon previous NQF work with the goal of providing states and other individuals and entities with the guidance they need to develop meaningful systems to support person-centered thinking, planning, and practices.

Please contact the project team with any questions.