The coronavirus has resulted in job loses or income changes, which has had an effect on health care. Many people feel that Congress should pass a law--or laws--that would increase access to health insurance through the marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act. This is especially important during a pandemic and severe recession. Congress could make the marketplace plans more accessible and affordable. States that run their own marketplaces did this, and it allowed more people access coverage.

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Although most say they deem product testing by people with disabilities a priority, according to a recent study, most organizations still don't do accessibility testing on their website.  There were many notable points that came from this study. 

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As we've heard about, this pandemic has posed additional challenges for the elderly and those with disabilities. For people in long-term facilities, it would be much safer to live in their own home. People who are fortunate enough to be able to stay at home and have in-home care are finding workers to be less available during COVID. There is an alternative to institutional care that's available under Medicaid and the Veterans Directed Care programs. The self-direction model allows people with disabilities to enjoy living in their own home rather than a facility. Given the scope of this pandemic, many people feel that Congress should step up funding for self-direction programs. 

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Self-advocates Nate Denofre and Don Jokinen are currently paddling the entire length of the Mississippi (over 2,300 miles) to raise awareness for individuals with disabilities. The pair love the outdoors, and are looking forward to the challenge. They want to show others that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to! 

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Google Maps now has a feature that indicates whether or not a place is wheelchair accessible. "Accessible Places" Has an icon that identifies an Wheelchair accessible place. The feature can be turned on and off. Being accessible means the place has an accessible entrance. The feature also indicates if the place offers some degree of accessible, but not an accessible entrance. 

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New guidance from the feds suggest vocational Rehabilitation agencies can continue providing services during the pandemic, but adjustments will be needed. The Department of Education released a Question-and-answer type document detailing how agencies can change their procedures to implement social distancing.. Things like phone or video meetings may be used to provide support. 

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A new round of stimulus checks for people with disabilities and billions for home- and community-based services are part of a $3 trillion relief bill that faces an uncertain future.  The House of Representatives recently passed a bill known as the Heroes Act. It's unlikely to be taken up by the Senate, but disability advocates say it's the only major Coronavirus response from Congress so far that includes the needs of people with disabilities. 

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We're all tired of hearing about the Coronavirus. Everyone has been affected in some way or another. For people with disabilities who are reliant on other people to assist them with all of their basic needs, the virus has brought some additional challenges. Home caregivers come into people's homes to assist them with these daily living tasks. There has been a caregiver shortage for many years. The virus has brought additional challenges to the crisis. People have been forced to go without care and have to move out of their homes because of the lack of help.  Concerns about the lack of personal protective equipment adds to the challenge of finding working. This very well written article discusses how the virus has impacted life of four people with disabilities. 

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