News
TECH CRUNCH: Accessibility awareness is on the rise, but is it turning into action?
By SD Network, 2022-01-11
In recent years, accessibility awareness has become more and more prevalent. Everything from TV ads, to video games, to websites, accessibility is usually brought up some how in conversations. As great as that is, it's not turning into action. There are gaps in accessibility because more training needs to be done. Accessibility awareness needs to be part of the culture.
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Launches the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
By SD Network, 2022-01-11
On December 31, the FCC launched the ACP. This program, created by Congress in the Infrastructure and Jobs Act, is a longer-term replacement for the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. This investment in broadband affordability will help ensure households can afford the internet connections they need for work, school, health care, and more.
The FCC also launched a toolkit of materials for partners to download and customize to meet their needs. More materials will be added in the coming weeks.
The ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
Enrollment in the ACP is now open for households with at least one member qualifying under any of the following criteria:
- Has an income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
- Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline.
- Participates in tribal-specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
- Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision.
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income program.
The 9 million households fully enrolled in the EBB program as of December 31, 2021 will continue to receive their current monthly benefit until March 1, 2022. More information about steps current EBB recipients must take to continue receiving the ACP benefit after March 1, 2022 will be available in the coming weeks.
For application questions, email ACPSupport@usac.org or call 877-384-2575.
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES: Rate Increase for Long-Term Care Services Approved
By SD Network, 2022-01-11
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DISABILITY SCOOP: Labor Department Cracking Down On Mistreatment Of Caregivers
By SD Network, 2021-12-22
Federal officials are working to make sure that paid caregivers aren't being taken advantage of. The Department of Labor recently launched an initiative to protect the wages and rights of professional caregivers. The agency said it plans to educate these workers about rules related to minimum wage and overtime pay and how to file a complaint if their rights have been violated.
APPLIED SELF-DIRECTION: 2022 National Self-Direction Conference: Register During Early Bird Registration!
By SD Network, 2021-12-22
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WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES: Home and Community-Based Settings Rule: Statewide Transition Plan
By SD Network, 2021-12-22
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has submitted the updated statewide transition plan for final approval to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
The HCBS settings rule requires states to develop a transition plan for reaching and maintaining compliance with the rule. Wisconsin's current plan for meeting the rule's requirements was last posted for public comment in March 2017 and submitted to CMS for review and approval. CMS gave initial approval of the statewide transition plan in July 2017. CMS then requested that updates and revisions be made and that DHS repost the updated plan for public comment. The updated statewide transition plan now reflects the updates and revisions CMS requested along with public comments from July 2021.
Find more information about the statewide transition plan on the DHS website.
ADMINISTRATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING: Resources for Connecting Safely this Winter
By SD Network, 2021-12-16
To help programs support safe holidays and a healthy winter experience, here are select resources from ACL’s Senior Nutrition Program and its Nutrition and Aging Resource Center.
Real Program Practices
Local senior nutrition programs share their creative practices for engaging participants.
- Sullivan Senior Center's Grab & Go – Connecticut program offers holiday smiles and meals.
- Georgia's Senior BrushStrokes – Camden County Senior Center fosters creative connection.
Program Reopening Resources
- Reopening Considerations
- Safety Signage and Communication Materials
- Reopening Resources List
- Reopening Experiences Network Discussion
For more on staying well this season, check out CDC’s Strategies for a Healthy and Safe Holiday Season.
U.S. ACCESS BOARD: U.S. Access Board Commends Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History for New Accessible Routes
By SD Network, 2021-12-16
On December 15, 2021, the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the installation of new sloped walkways for accessible entry on the National Mall side of the 111-year-old building. On behalf of the U.S. Access Board, Training Coordinator Bill Botten attended the ceremony and recognized the importance of providing compliant and accessible routes and entrances, stating “the Access Board commends the museum for this accessible design and ongoing commitment to removing barriers. It allows easier and more dignified access to the museum for people with disabilities, older adults, strollers users, and others. These sloped walkways are a great example for other museums and historic buildings on the National Mall to follow in providing more accessibility for the American public.”