| Volume 07 | Issue 39 | October 1, 2007 |
Welcome to Monday Morning in Washington, D.C., published weekly by The Arc of the United States. We will bring to you news of interest to self advocates and their families, volunteers, professionals, and supporters of the disability movement. Please send any comments to mmwdc@thearc.org. You are welcome to reproduce and distribute items from Monday Morning in Washington, D.C., but please credit Monday Morning in Washington, D.C. (The Arc of the United States, 2007).
The Arc of the United States advocates for the rights and full participation of all children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together with our network of members and affiliated chapters, we improve systems of supports and services; connect families; inspire communities; and influence public policy.
[NOTE: Having trouble reading this newsletter? Read it online.] [Past Issues]
Kaiser Weekly Update
New Fact Sheet Examines the Role of Medicaid and the State
Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) in the Health Coverage of
Children
The new fact sheet, "Health Coverage of Children: The Role of Medicaid
and SCHIP," from the foundation's Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the
Uninsured, summarizes the latest coverage data on the nation's children
and examines the key role played by two public health coverage
programs, Medicaid and SCHIP. It is available at
http://www.kff.org/uninsured/7698.cfm .
Fact Sheet Explores Health Care Costs
Kaiser issued a new fact sheet presenting key statistics about the
growth, level and impact of rising U.S. health care costs. The fact
sheet covers spending on various medical services, sources of health
pending, the cost of employer-sponsored health coverage and the impact
on businesses and people. It is available at
http://www.kff.org/insurance/7692.cfm .
Statehealthfacts.org Updates Data on Children's Health Coverage, and More
Statehealthfacts.org has updated all children's health data based on analysis of the Census Bureau's March 2007 Current Population Survey (CPS) by the Urban Institute and the KCMU. Demographic data and health coverage data, including trends in health coverage among children, have been added and are available for 2005-2006 for all states and the nation. Customized fact sheets including these updated CPS data are also available for all states and the nation through our Children's Health Fact Sheet tool.
Also new on statehealthfacts.org is analysis
from Federal Funds Information for States (FFIS) on the potential loss
of health coverage in FY 2008 if funding for the State Children's
Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) remains at current levels. New 2004
health spending by state of residence data from the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have also been added to the site
and include personal health care spending and per capita estimates of
health spending, both total and by type of service. Other updates
include state-by-state data from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) on breastfeeding rates for 2007 and data from the
Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) on gross state product (GSP) for 2006
for all states and the nation. Updates are available at http://www.statehealthfacts.org/whatsnew.jsp .
PACER eNews
National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week Is Oct. 21 - 27
PACER's second annual National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week includes an expanded effort to reach schools nationwide. Exciting new activities, information, and contests will engage youth, educators, and parents in creating a safer world for children with and without disabilities. Cosponsors are National PTA, National Education Association, American Federation for Teachers, National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education, and School Social Work Association of America. States, schools, and organizations are invited to be partners in the week by contacting bullying411@PACER.org.
The House Education and Labor Committee, chaired by Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), released a staff discussion draft of all titles of the No Child Left Behind Act in early September. The Senate has set a target date of Oct. 4 for releasing its version of the bill. The House draft language is available online. http://edlabor.house.gov/micro/nclb.shtml
DisabilityInfo.gov
Special Education, Parent Resources Update: Yes I Can! Award
Each year the Council for Exceptional Children honors 27 students who have excelled despite their disability. Since the programs inception in 1982, more than 30,000 children and youth have been recognized for their achievements and received the Yes I Can! Award. Nomination deadline is October 16, 2007. This information has recently been updated, and can be accessed by clicking on this link: http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=102
Technology News & Events Update: IDEAS 2007
IDEAS 2007 is the Federal government's annual conference on Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1998, which requires Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. This year's conference will be held on October 31-November 1, 2007 at the Washington, DC Convention Center. This information has recently been updated, and can be accessed by clicking on this link: http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parent FolderId=5015.
Family Voices of North Dakota e-NewsNIMAS has great potential to improve access to the general curriculum and to improve results for children with print disabilities. Thanks to NIMAS, these children will have timely access to textbooks and core instructional materials that they can really use, because those materials will be in the specialized formats they need. For more information on NIMAS and resources for implementation, go to: http://nimas.cast.org/. For the regulations on NIMAS, go to: http://idea.ed.gov or directly to the NIMAS resource page at http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/%2Croot%2Cdynamic%2CTopicalArea%2C10%2C.
Transportation for disabled kids is on Medicaid chopping block.
By Aurelio Rojas - Bee Capitol Bureau
The Bush administration plans to stop reimbursing states for
school-based Medicaid activities, including transporting disabled
students, a move that would cost California schools more than $100
million a year.
Districts are scrambling to figure out how to pay the bill because
federal law requires schools to provide special services for
disabled students.
"If the money stops, districts are going to have to find the money
somewhere else in their budgets," said Suzi Rader, director of
district and financial services for the California School Boards
Association.
Public comments on the rule change, published Sept. 7 in the
Federal Register, are due by Nov. 7. The cuts will take effect by
the 2008-09 school year unless the administration changes its mind - which is unlikely based on the administration's record.
To read the rest of the article, go to: http://www.aapd.com/News/education/070925bcb.htm
SOURCE: Sacramento Bee
REFERENCE POINTS:
The Economic Value of Family Caregiving
Individuals with disabilities receive a majority of their long-term services from unpaid caregivers. In the past, society has failed to recognize the selfless actions of these individuals when discussing the cost of long-term service and support. The AARP Public Policy Institute examined the financial strain placed upon these caregivers and the economic benefits they provide to society. In 2006, the economic value of caregivers reached $350 million dollars. AARP scrutinized the huge amounts of unpaid contributions and the productivity loss to U.S. businesses from caregiving. Moreover, AARP stressed the important role of caregivers in maintaining the nation's long-term care system.
Full Report: Gibson, Mary J. & Ari N. Houser, Valuing the Invaluable: A New Look at the Economic Value of Family Caregiving, AARP Issue Brief, June 2007, available at
http://www.aarp.org/research/housing-mobility/caregiving/ib82_caregiving.html
FROM: The Disability Law & Policy e-Newsletter
A new State Medicaid Directors Letter from the Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services (CMS) issues guidance on self-directed
personal assistance (PAS) services. This letter is one of a series
that provides guidance on the implementation of section 6087 of the
Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, Public Law Number 109-171. Section
6087, Optional Self-Direction Personal Assistance Services (PAS)
Program (Cash and Counseling), amends section 1915 of the Social
Security Act (the Act) to add 1915(j) as a new subsection.
Under section 1915(j), States have the option to amend their State
plan to provide self-directed PAS to beneficiaries, without regard
to the Medicaid requirements of comparability or statewideness. This provision was effective January 1, 2007. A State plan amendment (SPA)
pre-print is enclosed with this letter to assist in submitting an
amendment.
TOPIC(S): Consumer Direction, Deficit Reduction Act, State/Agency
Information
Source: CMS
MORE INFO: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2038
Annual Report on the Federal Work Force: Fiscal Year 2006
SUMMARY: The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has
released it annual report covering the period from Oct 1, 2005-Sept
30, 2006 and contains selected measures of agencies' progress toward
model equal employment opportunity programs, including workforce
profiles of 59 federal agencies. The report finds that the
participation rate for individuals with targeted disabilities (such
as deafness, blindness, paralysis, intellectual disabilities, and
mental illness) continues to fall.
TOPIC(S): Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Physical
Disabilities, Workforce
Source: U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity
MORE INFO: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2043
Effective Public Policy Through Shared Vision, Shared Knowledge, and
Full Participation of All Stakeholders
SUMMARY: The Oklahoma Department of Human Services Aging Service
Division presents this documentation of the principles and processes
used in supporting its consumer advisory committee for Real Choice
System Change grant and CDPASS grant activities. Building and
documenting a shared vision of effective public policy funded by
public dollars is a fundamental responsibility of grant recipients.
This paper helps explain the stakeholder experience and considers
ways to create a quality process.
TOPIC(S): Consumer Direction, Organizational Change
Source: Grantee produced, Oklahoma, Center for Health Care Concepts of the Long Term Care Authority of Tulsa
MORE INFO: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2032
Massachusetts C-PASS Marketing & Outreach Subcommittee Consumer
Forum Series Report
SUMMARY: The MASS C-PASS Marketing & Outreach Subcommittee (M&O)
created a Consumer Forum Series to gather information on barriers to
self-direction and community integration from a community perspective. Aside from targeting elders, individuals with
disabilities and their families, emphasis was placed on targeting
traditionally underserved and un-served racial, ethnic, and
linguistic minority groups and rural areas. This report is the
narrative account and outcomes from nine consumer forums.
TOPIC(S): Aging Issues, Consumer Direction,
Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Physical Disabilities
Source: Grantee produced, Massachusetts
MORE INFO: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2035
National Institute on Aging Website
SUMMARY: Part of the National Institutes of Health, the NIA website
offers up-to-date information on aging research. Visit the site to
find out the latest research and which clinical trials are
recruiting as well as funding opportunities. Studies are related to
aging issues such as Alzheimer's, muscular diseases, Osteoarthritis,
Insulin Resistance, High Blood Pressure, Caregiver Stress, Mobility
Limitation, Sleep Disorders and more. The site is also now available
in Spanish.
TOPIC(S): Aging Issues
Source: National Institute on Aging
MORE INFO: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2037
Nursing Home Diversion Modernization Grants Program – Press Release
SUMMARY: HHS announced an $8.8 million investment to help states
provide more affordable choices to individuals struggling to remain
in their homes and communities as they age. A total of $5.7 million
in federal funding was awarded to 12 states for grants for this
nursing home diversion program that will improve state efforts to
assist individuals avoid unnecessary nursing home placement,
impoverishment and spend-down to Medicaid.
TOPIC(S): Aging Issues, Consumer Direction, Financing HCBS, Money
Follows the Person, Transition/ Diversion from Institutions
Source: AoA, HHS
MORE INFO: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2041
Oklahoma Partnership Manual Handouts
SUMMARY: The fundamental structure to both of Oklahoma's Real Choice System Change grants is an infrastructure that supports a service
delivery system that is accountable to Oklahoma long-term care stakeholders. Grant monies will be used to create and support an
Oklahoma Partnerships consisting of consumers and advocates. This
handout offers an introduction to the system and terms used in the
grant partnership.
TOPIC(S): Long-Term Care
Source: Grantee produced, Oklahoma, Oklahoma Long Term Care Authority
MORE INFO: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2034
Partnership Development: Aging and Developmental Disability
Coalition
SUMMARY: Diverse partnerships ensure that the needs and interests of
all aging and developmental disability client groups are represented.
The Georgia ADRC developed this resource to help organizations build
partnerships between Aging and Developmental Disability groups.
Partnerships often emerge naturally between individuals and
organizations who share a common vision or concern. This resource provides a series of questions and points to consider when
partnering organizations and networks.
TOPIC(S): Aging Issues, Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities,
Resource Center
Source: Grantee produced, Georgia
MORE INFO: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2036
Photo Essay of Oklahoma's Consumer - Directed Personal Assistant
Supports and Services
SUMMARY: This photo essay captures the people behind the design of
Oklahoma's Consumer Directed personal Assistant Supports and
Services (CDPASS) design. The Oklahoma Partnership, organized to support Oklahoma's Real Choice System Change and the CDPASS grants.
It was also designed to engage Consumer stakeholders in an
interactive environment.
TOPIC(S): Consumer Direction, Long-Term Care, Physical Disabilities
Source: Grantee produced, Oklahoma, Oklahoma Long Term Care
Authority of Tulsa
MORE INFO: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2033
The President's New Freedom Initiative: The 2007 Progress Report
SUMMARY: The goal of NFI is to remove barriers to full integration
for Americans with disabilities. This report highlights the
activities in several areas: increasing access through technology,
expanding educational opportunities for youth with disabilities,
integrating individuals with disabilities into the workforce, and
promoting full access to community life. The report describes
initiatives, regulations, grant programs and other efforts to
improve integration for youth and adults with disabilities.
TOPIC(S): Aging Issues, Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities,
Housing, Model Communities, Physical Disabilities, State/Agency
Information, Transition/Diversion from Institutions, Workforce
Source: The White House
MORE INFO: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2039
Recently Updated -
Advocating Through Letter Writing
SUMMARY: When accessing health care for children there is another
level of advocacy and information needed. Learning to advocate,
learning to research and learning how to communicate with multiple systems are all skills to be acquired. Many times families are asked
to “Put your request in writing”; for the parents of children with
disabilities, there are even more reasons. The New York F2F grantee developed this booklet with hints, suggestions or models for
families to use when writing letters. The guide is available in
English and Spanish.
TOPIC(S): Children and Family Services, Resource Center
Source: Grantee produced, New York
MORE INFO: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/1814
Videos to Help People with Disabilities Prepare for Disaster
People with special needs or disabilities may need to make specific preparations for emergencies. A new Homeland Security video provides helpful information on how to do so. http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/disabled.html
DisabilityInfo.gov
Research & Statistics Update: Modernizing Federal Disability Policy
This GAO report examines federal disability programs, how to strengthen partnerships and coordination for modernizing programs, and ways to modernize measures of program success. The report also reviews next steps for achieving a 21st century disability policy. The entire report may be downloaded in .pdf format through this link - http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07934sp.pdf This information has recently been updated, and can be accessed by clicking on this link: http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=5124.
FEMA: Accommodating Individuals With Disabilities Disaster Mass Care
FEMA: Accommodating Individuals With Disabilities In The Provision Of Disaster Mass Care, Housing, And Human Services - (http://www.fema.gov/oer/reference/index.shtm)
National Women's Law Center - Advocacy Network - http://www.nwlc.org/NWLC's annual nationwide report and analysis of state child care assistance policies reveals that low- income families continue to struggle to access high-quality child care, despite some modest improvements made by states.
The analysis, State Child Care Assistance Policies 2007: Some Steps Forward, More Progress Needed, compares child care assistance policies in 2007 to 2006 and 2001 in four key policy areas: reimbursement rates for providers, income eligibility, waiting lists for assistance and copayment requirements. States have made some progress since 2006 in the areas of income eligibility and waiting lists, the report found, but less progress was made in copayments, and almost no progress was made in reimbursement rates. Most states also continue to be behind where they were in 2001.
Click here to access the full report and see how your state measured up - http://www.nwlc.org/pdf/StateChildCareAssistancePoliciesReport07Web.pdf
[FCTD] 2007 Online Institute on Assistive Technology
Featuring two discussion strands, Transition and AT and Autism and
AT,the FCTD Institute runs from Monday October 8th through October 28th.
The Institute website will be available 24/7 throughout the course of
the Institute. At any time participants may post questions or read the
discussion. Our discussion moderators check into the discussion
regularly and post daily.
The FCTD AT Institute is offered entirely online, so that you can
participate when and where it is most convenient for you. Learn from
our experts as well as your colleagues from around the country.
Participants can apply for and receive Continuing Education Units (CEUs), issued by RESNA. There is no fee for the Institute, as it is
supported by the Department of Educations Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
To register, please visit
http://www.fctd.info/institute/oct2007/register.php. If you are
interested in receiving additional information about CEU credits, please
check the appropriate box on the registration form.
Registered participants receive additional information and resources
before the start of the Institute. At the conclusion of the Institute,
youll receive a Certificate of Participation, a copy of the FCTDs 2007 Assistive Technology Resources CD-ROM, and the FCTD Family Information
Guide to Assistive Technology.
If you have questions, please don't hesitate to call FCTD Director
Jackie Hess at (202) 884-8217.
Family Center on Technology and Disability (FCTD), 1825 Connecticut Ave. NW,
Suite 700S,
Washington, DC 20009,
email: fctd@aed.org,
web:www.fctd.info
thearcleadershiplist
NISH Survey on the AbilityOne Program
NISH is conducting an online survey to obtain feedback on the AbilityOne Program - http://www.abilityone.gov/jwod/index.html (formerly Javits-Wagner-O'Day) within the disability community.
You may wish to take a few minutes to answer 11 brief questions at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=xZB5seGvfyekj1FXwNY1LA_3d_3d. This survey will help NISH modernize the AbilityOne program and improve customer service to the nearly 48,000 individuals with significant disabilities working in the AbilityOne Program.
This is a valuable opportunity to provide critical input in the future direction of the AbilityOne Program. We thank chapters of The Arc and affiliates of UCP in advance for taking the time to complete the NISH survey.
If you have any questions about the future direction of the AbilityOne Program, please feel free to contact Larissa Timmerberg, Director, Workforce Development at (571) 226-4521 or ltimmerberg@nish.org
Submitting a Successful NIH Grant Application (teleconference)
October 29, 2007, 2 pm eastern
AAIDD free teleconference. Speaker: Dr. Brett Miller, Director of the Reading, Writing, and Related Learning Disabilities Program at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). To register, email Main Wang at mwang@education.ucsb.edu
Rae M. Sonnenmeier, Ph.D., CCC-SLP,Clinical Assistant Professor, Communication Sciences and Disorders,
Interdisciplinary Training Director, NH LEND Program,
University of New Hampshire,
55 College Road, 103 Pettee Hall,
Durham, NH 03824,
603-862-1860 (voice) 603-862-0034 (fax) Visit us on the web: Institute on Disability: http://iod.unh.edu/ Seacoast Child Development Clinic: http://www.seacoastclinic.unh.edu/
Another handle? One U.S. Attorney's Lawsuit Against A Nursing Home. Information Bulletin # 225 (9/07).
Recently, a United States Attorney's Office filed a very interesting
federal lawsuit against a nursing home. While many disability advocates
have tried, unsuccessfully, to have State Health Departments to rigorously
conduct and enforce inspections of nursing homes, this lawsuit provides
another handle.
The U.S. Attorney stated "This is a life and death issue. All previous
efforts to bring this [nursing] facility into compliance have failed and
we are taking this step in an attempt to ensure the safety of the residents."
The nursing facility, like nearly every other one in the country, received
Medicaid funds and was therefore subject to the federal statutory and
regulatory requirements.
Here are some of the violations the U.S. Attorney alleged:
Throughout the country, most nursing facilities do not meet the CMS recommended minimum ratio of RN's to residents.
Disability and Older American Advocates:
Steve Gold, The Disability Odyssey continues
Back issues of other Information Bulletins are available online at http://www.stevegoldada.com with a searchable Archive at this site divided into different subjects. To
contact Steve Gold directly, write to stevegoldada@cs.com or call 215-627-7100.
WordLogic Predictive Keyboard software provides a powerful entry system that adapts to a user's vocabulary and tendencies to predict the next most common letters, words or phrases. The software makes text entry fast, efficient and simple - saving time and improving productivity whether at home, in the office, or on the go. WordLogic can be used in any application where you enter text. Unlike many others, it does not require typing in a dedicated window. Type as usual, and use WordLogic only when needed it. For more information, visit www.wordlogic.com.
In a virtual environment, Edheads lets learners explore a variety of hands-on activities. Perform a hip resurfacing procedure, manipulate the weather, or learn about simple machines. Edheads activities are free. Visit it online at www.edheads.org.
Apply Now for U. of DE Winter Leadership Institute
Apply now for the 2008 Winter Leadership InstituteApplications are now being accepted for the Winter Leadership Institute at the University of Delaware. Faculty include: Derrick Dufresne, Steve Eidelman, Jim Gardner, Renee Pietrangelo, Julie Petty, Tim Quinn, Lynne Seagle, Michael Smull, Nancy Thaler, Nancy Ward, Nancy Weiss, and more. Some Scholarships & Fellowships are available!Disability Awareness Day in Nevada - October 5th
Starting with Disability Awareness Day on October 5th - http://www.tmcc.edu/drc/downloads/documents/events/DRCDisabilityAwareness.pdf, we have also organized an Art Contest where the theme is "See ABILITY in disABILITY."
All the art work has been entered into a Virtual Art Gallery, where judges, even with significant disabilities will contribute. Check out the art, some of which leave a profound message - http://gallery.mac.com/m_nez_j#100073
Scott W. Harrington, Ph.D. BCBA, Youth Transition Director, Research and Educational Planning Center, UNR College of Education, Office: (775) 682-9059, Fax: (775) 784-4997
Application Available for 2008 Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program
Washington, D.C. - The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation is accepting applications for the 2008 Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program. This opportunity is for college seniors and recent college graduates who have a strong interest in addressing racial and ethnic health disparities, or who are themselves a member of a population that is adversely affected by racial and ethnic health disparities. The application deadline is 5:00pm ET on December 14, 2007.
During their nine-week experience, the Scholars work in congressional offices in Washington, D.C., obtaining first-hand experience in the policy-making process. They participate in seminars and site visits enhance their practical knowledge of health care issues and gain first-hand knowledge of the federal legislative process. Each Scholar also writes and presents a health policy research paper in one of the following areas: Medicaid and the uninsured, Medicare, or HIV/AIDS.
"The Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program is a chance for motivated students to learn about the policy-making process on Capitol Hill and immerse themselves in the substance of a health policy issue. Barbara Jordan would be proud to see these students grapple with difficult health policy issues and work to address disparities," Foundation President and CEO Drew E. Altman said.
Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens who will be seniors or recent graduates of an accredited U.S. college or university in the fall of 2008. Individuals with an advanced degree, and those individuals currently enrolled in an advanced degree program are not eligible to participate. Candidates are selected based on academic performance, demonstrated leadership potential, and interest in health issues that disproportionately affect racial and ethnic minorities or underserved communities. Scholars receive roundtrip transportation to Washington, a stipend, and housing at Howard University for the duration of the program.
The Kaiser Family Foundation established the Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program to honor the legacy of former U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Jordan-the first African American elected to Congress from Texas and a much-admired member of the Foundation's board of trustees. Barbara Jordan had a distinguished career exemplified by her tireless advocacy on behalf of vulnerable populations. She brought this passion to her work, inspiring others to become involved in addressing challenging health policy issues.
The Kaiser Family Foundation operates the program in partnership with Howard University. Application materials and more information are available online at www.bjscholars.org. For questions, please contact pogram director Cara James, Ph.D., at (202) 347-5270 or cjames@kff.org or program manager Jomo Kassaye at (202) 238-2385 or jzkassaye@howard.edu.
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