Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recently announced the managed care organizations selected to serve Family Care members and the IRIS consultant agencies that intend to serve participants in the IRIS program in Dane County.  This expansion will end the wait list for more than 450 people in Dane County with long-term care needs.  

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It's no secret that advances in  technology have completely changed the world we live in.  People can do anything from make doctor appointments to get groceries or prepared meals delivered with just a click of a button.  While these  services were primarily designed for people on the go, there are benefits for older people and people with disabilities.  One of the biggest benefits is the potential to deliver important supports to people with mobility issues.  However, these services often come with some limitations.  This article discusses some of the benefits and risks of three services which include ride sharing, grocery delivery, and on-demand medical services.

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The  International Code Council recently released an update to 2009 ICC A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities standard that provides greater accessibility to buildings for persons with physical disabilities and incorporates new elements of building design.  The ICC A117.1 standard helps achieve uniformity in the technical design criteria in building codes that allow a person with a physical disability to independently get to, enter and use a facility. The standard is intended for adoption by government agencies and organizations.

Learn what the new standards include

Public transportation notoriously causes difficulty and stress for people with disabilities. However, modern technology firms are working to change this. Uber, for example, has introduced the UberWAV app that allows users in New York City to request a wheelchair accessible vehicle, such as a Caravan or a Ford minibus. Their UberASSIST app trains drivers to accommodate assistive technologies, including scooters and wheelchairs.

Another company, Wayfindr, helps people with visual impairments navigate subway stations through use of audio technology. The CEO of Wayfindr has stressed the goal of inclusiveness and collaboration in developing the app, and thus the company worked to develop an open standard for this type of technology, which they hope would increase the development of other similar products.

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Even with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and federal legislation to protect the people  with disabilities, studies find that too many American citizens are restricted in where they can go or live due to lack of handicap-accessible accommodations.  Oftentimes, things such as sidewalks, office buildings, and public transportation are inaccessible. There are many interesting examples and statistics in this article.  Many people blame it on the  lack of  funding available.

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Louisiana recently launched its program for ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their  benefits).  In Louisiana, the program is known as "LA ABLE." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life.  LA ABLE is available to people with disabilities nationwide.

Read about Louisiana's program 

Georgia recently launched its program for ABLE accounts (accounts that allow people with disabilities to have a savings account without jeopardizing their  benefits).  In Georgia, the program is known as "Georgia STABLE." Accounts can be used for disability-related expenses that will increase and/or maintain a person's health, independence, or quality of life.  Georgia STABLE is available to people with disabilities nationwide.

Read about Georgia's program