| Volume 08 | Issue 5 | February 4, 2008 |
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]
[nectac-enotes] NECTAC eNotes - February 1, 2008
Current and past issues of eNotes can be viewed online at http://www.nectac.org/enotes/enotes.asp
One-Stop Toolkit Resources of the Week Technical Assistance Project
ACTION: 2008 Workforce Innovations Call for Presentations
www.WorkforceInnovations.org/CFP2008.cfm
DATES: All proposals must be submitted via the online database at by Friday, February 22, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time).
The Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is issuing a Call for Presentations (CFP) for “Learning Labs” (workshops) for Workforce Innovations. Workforce Innovations, co-hosted by ETA and the American Society for Training and Development, is the premier annual conference promoting collaborative leadership among workforce development, business, economic development, education, faith-based and community organizations, and philanthropy. Over 3,500 participants are expected to attend the conference, which will be held July 15-17, 2008 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
This year, the theme for Workforce Innovations is “Success Decoded.” The conference will bring together local, state, and national-level strategic workforce investment partners to learn from successes to cultivate the talent development solutions needed in today’s global economy. Workforce Innovations will provide an unparalleled opportunity to dialogue with a wide range of practitioners and thought leaders who are forging effective strategies for regionally-driven innovation and talent development.
Access the URL to download the Call for Presentation document for more information, along with the ETA Training and Employment Notice on this process.
ACTION: Solicitation of Nominations for the Secretary of Labor’s New Freedom Initiative AwardDATES: Nomination packages must be received by May 30, 2008.
PURPOSE: To outline the eligibility criteria, the nomination process and the administrative procedures for the New Freedom Initiative Award, and to solicit the Secretary of Labor’s New Freedom Initiative Award nominations.
BACKGROUND: To encourage the use of public-private partnerships, the Secretary of Labor will present the Secretary of Labor’s New Freedom Initiative Award. Initiated in 2002, this award is made annually to individual(s), non-profit organization(s), or business(es), that have, through programs or activities, demonstrated exemplary and innovative efforts in furthering the employment objectives of President George W. Bush’s New Freedom Initiative.
By increasing access to assistive technologies, and by utilizing innovative training, hiring, and retention strategies, the recipient(s) will have established and instituted comprehensive strategies to enhance the ability of Americans with disabilities to enter and advance within the 21st Century workforce and to participate in daily community life.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
Please access the URL to read the full announcement including the nomination submission requirements.
CareerOneStop’s Regional Economic Development
http://maps.servicelocator.org/red)
The CareerOneStop’s Regional Economic Development website represents a blueprint to Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED). This ongoing initiative is the U.S. Department of Labor’s groundbreaking approach to integrate workforce and economic development.
CareerOneStop’s Regional Economic Development website offers free and reliable labor market, economic, and workforce data and information in one convenient location. Economic developers, workforce developers, and business and education leaders can select information unique to their region and compare it with other areas. Also, there are helpful planning models such as WIRED and Six Steps to Regional Success. These models integrate economic and workforce development activities and demonstrate how talent development can drive economic transformation in regional economies across the United States.
U.S. Department of Education: Mapping Educational Progress 2008
http://www.ed.gov/nclb/accountability/results/progress/index.html
Six years after No Child Left Behind's passage, the U.S. Department of Education has collected data about the academic performance of both students and schools. Access the URL to link to an interactive map of the United States to see data -- student achievement in reading and math, high school graduation rates, schools making adequate yearly progress, highly qualified teachers, parents taking advantage of tutoring and choice options, state participation in flexibility options, and more.
The No Child Left Behind Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: A Progress Report
National Council on Disability
January 28, 2008
http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2008/NoChildLeftBehind_IDEA_Progress_Report.html
http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/index.htm (to access links to the PDF and MS Word versions of this report)
[The following is excerpted from the Executive Summary.]
This report by the National Council on Disability (NCD) documents changes in student outcomes, professional practices, and policy around the country.
In 2004, NCD issued a report called No Child Left Behind: Improving Educational Outcomes for Students with Disabilities, which examined the impact of NCLB and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) on improving educational outcomes for students with disabilities. The report drew its conclusions and recommendations from interviews with disability policy, education, and advocacy leaders and identified some changing attitudes and behavioral shifts in K–12 education as a result of the new legislation.
This report provides both a follow-up and a more detailed reporting of the trends and attitudes about NCLB and IDEA over the past several years. In this study we spoke to dozens of researchers, practitioners, and state administrators from across the country about NCLB and IDEA. In addition, we conducted a study of 10 of the largest states in the nation, representing approximately half the U.S. general population.
This report is divided into four sections. Part I provides a brief overview of trend data regarding students with disabilities. Part II describes conversations with state administrators and representatives about trends and issues related to NCLB and IDEA. Part III describes similar conversations with advocates, federal officials, and other stakeholders. Part IV provides recommendations based on our findings.
National Women's Law CenterWe've developed a set of easy-to-use resources on the family tax credits that you can use as you work with families in your community to claim these credits. http://www.nwlc.org/loweryourtaxes
REFERENCE POINTS:
New Policy Letter from OCR
The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) recently issued a policy letter addressing students with disabilities' access to advanced programs. OCR reaffirmed that section 504 and Title II of ADA require that qualified students with disabilities be given the same opportunities to compete for and benefit from accelerated programs and classes as are given to students without disabilities. The letter can be found at http://www.ed.gov/print/about/offices/list/ocr/letters/colleague-20071226.html
Conference and Workshop Updates Added to the PACER Website
REFERENCE POINTS Conference and workshop updates feature NEW additions to the listing of transition related national and regional conferences maintained on PACER Center's TATRA Project web site. To see our complete calendar of events, please visit us at http://www.pacer.org/tatra/calendar.asp.
Opportunities for Youth
NATIONAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP NETWORK COMMITTEE APPLICATION
The National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN) is a non-profit organization led by young people with disabilities, empowering all young people to reach their maximum potential. NYLN is looking for young leaders to serve on their committees. Applications are due Friday, February 8, 2008. For more information go to http://www.nyln.org/register/index.html
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
DIALOGUE, an international news magazine edited for individuals who are experiencing vision loss or are blind and their friends and families, has released a Call for Submissions for 2008. DIALOGUE publishes articles, personal essays, interviews, news and resources on all aspects of coping with a vision impairment. To review the complete table of contents of past issues as well as sample articles, visit www.blindskills.com/current_past.html. Queries, article submissions and items for the resource column and calendar may be sent to magazine@blindskills.com.
CALLING ALL CREATIVE PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES
In honor of our 31st Anniversary, NCLD is looking for self-portraits that capture what life is like for individuals with learning disabilities. The Portraits of LD Competition, open to children, teens, and adults, is intended to celebrate the unique vision of children and adults affected by LD. Selected submissions will be featured on our Web site and at our Annual Benefit Dinner in New York City this April, and our grand prize winner will have the chance to attend the Dinner, honoring Ted Turner. The deadline is February 8, 2008. For more information go to http://www.ncld.org/content/view/1104/456150 /
PHOTO CONTEST
Are you a person with a disability? Have you been abroad to study, volunteer, teach, intern or research? Do you have photos? Share them with the world! Mobility International USA and the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange want photos for a full-color, 12-month 2009 calendar and screensaver. The deadline is March 31, 2008. More information can be found online at:
http://www.miusa.org/ncde/spotlight/photocontest08.
2008 FILMMAKERS WANTED
Filmmakers are invited to submit their work for the 2008 G. Franklin Fish ASL film festival, which will take place April 13 at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. The event is hosted by NIEVA (National Institute for Education through Visual Arts), a nonprofit dedicated to preserving and showcasing American Sign Language. Eligible films must contain at least half of the dialogue in sign language and include ASL performers, with priority given to native-ASL filmmakers. The deadline for submission is March 31,2008. Interested filmmakers should send an email to info@aslculture.org to request a submission form to include with their DVDs .
MICROSOFT DigiGirlz SUMMER CAMP FOR YOUNG WOMEN, GRADES 9 - 12
Microsoft is once again requesting assistance in getting young women to apply for their DigiGirlz Summer Camps, which were developed to provide girls with a better understanding of what a career in technology is all about. The camp is free of charge to participants..Camps will be held this year in the following eight locations: Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; Fargo, ND; Irvine, CA; Las Colinas, TX; Redmond, WA (corporate)' Stony Brook, NY; and Washington, DC. Application due dates vary by site. For more information go to https://www.microsoft.com/about/diversity/programs/camps.mspx .
CALL FOR PAPERS: DISABILITY STUDIES IN THE UNDERGRADUATE CLASSROOM
Call for submissions for a special section of Disability Studies Quarterly on the theme "Disability in the Undergraduate Classroom." This section will feature work primarily by student writers, accompanied by two to three scholarly essays by instructors who incorporate DS into their classrooms. Deadline for submissions is March 1, 2008. For more information go to http://www.dsq-sds.org/future_theme_issues.html (scroll down to the second CFP).
2008-2009 NATIONAL SECURITY EDUCATION PROGRAM (NSEP) DAVID L. BOREN SCHOLARSHIP
Created in 1991, NSEP awards undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships to American students for study of world regions critical to U.S. interests (including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East). Boren Scholarships provide up to $20,000 for an academic year's study abroad. Application deadline for the Boren Scholarship is February 12, 2008. For more information go to http://www.iie.org/nsep
EILEEN SWEENEY GRADUATE INTERNSHIP IN DISABILITY POLICY
The National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI), in partnership with the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) is establishing the Eileen Sweeney Graduate Internship in honor and memory of Eileen. Graduate students aspiring to a career in social policy with a focus on disability are urged to apply for this 12-week summer semester internship which provides a $3,000 honorarium. Deadline for application is March 1, 2008. For more information go to http://www.nasi.org/info-url_nocat3815/info-url_nocat_show.htm?doc_id=437729
MARY P OENSLAGER SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Mary P. Oenslager Scholastic Achievement Awards are presented annually to college seniors who are blind or visually impaired. RFB&D awards three Top Winners $6,000 each; three Special Honors Winners $3,000 each; and three Honors Winners $1,000 each. Applicants must: be legally blind, have been registered as an RFB&D member for at least one year. Other qualifications are listed on RFB&D's website. Application deadline is March 3, 2008. For more information go to http://www.rfbd.org/applications_awards.htm
MARION HUBER LEARNING THROUGH LISTENING AWARDS
Marion Huber Learning Through Listening Awards were the first national awards exclusively for high school seniors with learning disabilities. RFB&D annually awards three Top Winners $6,000 each; and three Special Honors Winners $2,000 each. Applicants must have a specific learning disability (please note that visual impairment alone does not indicate eligibility for this award); have been registered as an RFB&D member for at least one year; other qualifications for the award are listed on RFB &D's website. The application deadline is March 3, 2008. For more information go to http://www.rfbd.org/applications_awards.htm
TENTH ANNUAL CHILD WELFARE FUND
The Child Welfare Fund is sponsoring an award to promote a more positive image of New York City foster youth among agency staff, youth workers, and the general public. Fifteen young people will be awarded prize money at a ceremony in June, 2008. Any current or former foster youth in the New York City foster care system born in 1987 or later is eligible to apply for the award. Entrants can be nominated by an adult (including teachers, mentors, agency staff, youth workers, religious leaders, foster parents, biological parents). Application deadline is March 3, 2008. For more information go to http://www.youthcomm.org/PDF/CWF-10th-application.pdf
The Museum of disAbility
This website is presented by People Inc., a non-profit human service agency serving people with special needs, seniors and their families in Western New York. The website contains virtual exhibits documenting various aspects of the history of individuals with disabilities, as well as an extensive bibliography. To access the website, go to http://www.museumofdisability.com/
Virtual Online Job Fair for Disabled College Students Transitioning from School to Work
Coming April 2008 to the Western United States.
Reserve your spot today!
Hi, my name is Diana Corso and I am the Founder/Chairman of disABLEDperson Inc. Do you as an employer want to reach the skilled workforce of disabled college students transitioning to work? Are you proactive in hiring the disabled but have no budget to recruit this skilled workforce? disABLEDperson Inc. can help. This is a preliminary email to inform you that in April 2008, we will be hosting a Virtual Online Job Fair for Disabled College Students making the transition from school to work in the Western United States on our web portal www.disABLEDperson.com and we are offering your company the opportunity to participate, free as a public service. Included States are Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Utah, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. Go to this URL for more information about the Job Fair - http://www.disabledperson.com/articles/westernusjobfair.asp
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 760-420-1269 or email us at disabledpersons@aol.com Thanks!
Call or email us and let us know if you want to participate!
Diana Corso Executive Director, Project Director-Nicholas Corso, disABLEDperson Inc.
NOEWAIT - The National Organization to End the Waitlist through Advocacy, Information and Transformation
Dedicated to ending national waitlists for services for adults with Developmental Disabilities through ADVOCACY within the political system, the sharing of INFORMATION from all sources, and the TRANSFORMATION of the laws, leading to all individuals with Developmental Disabilities receiving appropriate services of their choice within the community.
Waitlists for services for adults with developmental disabilities are a national disgrace. Some states have over 100,000 adults with extreme needs waiting for services. A few states have passed legislation to end the waitlists. Yet, individuals in most states are fighting for services on a person-by-person, state-by-state basis. There seems to be no national awareness nor coordination, yet this is truly a national issue.
The moderator, Denver C. Fox, Ed.D., is a parent of two adult children with profound disabilities. He is the moderator of the Colorado listserv, Parents of Adults with Disabilities.
Dr. Fox and PAD-CO participants have been very active in the Colorado attempt to reduce the waitlists for about 7,000 adults with developmental disabilities in the Colorado system.
This listserv is open to all parents, friends, professionals, politicians and others, and is designed to gather information about the extent of the waitlist in each state, to find out what attempts are being made to solve that problem within each state (and their success), and to develop a national agenda regarding ending the disgraceful waitlists.
PLEASE LET OTHERS KNOW! - http://members.aol.com/dnvrfox
How Effective Are Inspections of Nursing Homes' Deficiencies - Nursing
Facility Residents' 2007 Clinical Characteristics.
Information Bulletin #240 (1/08).
CMS' 2007 Nursing Home Data Compendium was recently released. In the
previous two Information Bulletins # 238 and 239, we looked at the
distribution of people in these institutions by ADLs and cognitive
impairments and by medical care being provided. In this Information
Bulletin, we look at how well States do monitoring nursing home
deficiencies. Go to
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/CertificationandComplianc/12_NHs.asp#TopOfPage and scroll down to Nursing Home Data Compendium 2007 - Part 1 and 2 to see
how your States compares.
CMS has defined "Substandard Quality of Care" (SSQC) to include Resident
Behavior and Facility Practices, Quality of Life, and Quality of Care. As can be seen in the two previous Information Bulletins, deficiencies
reflect what nursing facilities do that injure residents, both
affirmatively and what they do not do which also may result in injury to
nursing facility residents.
CMS ranks deficiencies. ALL of the following deficiencies in this
Information Bulletin either are, at least, widespread in the nursing
facility and cause greater than minimal harm, OR their severity put
residents either in immediate jeopardy or actual harm.
The following percentages reflect the mean number of citations in a state,
not the number of nursing homes.
The deficiency data presented here urgently demand the need for much
stronger enforcement of nursing home standards. This data raises questions
regarding why States are not, based on these and other on-going
deficiencies, imposing severe penalties on violators. Such penalties
could include monetary fines, shut-down, refuse to pay Medical Assistance
for residents in these nursing facilities. What has your State done?
It is unconscionable that States permit nursing facilities to have
repeated health deficiency citations and not either close them down or
take other severe enforcement measures. It is beyond the pale that States
permit nursing facilities to put people either in immediate jeopardy or
actual harm. [See the news story at the end of this Information Bulletin.]
Advocates should be livid that Older Americans and people with
disabilities are being affirmatively harmed by these institutions.
Nursing Facility Deficiencies:
A. Only 8.2% of the States' nursing home surveys had ZERO health
deficiencies' citations. (Table 4.5.(e)).
The following states, in descending order, had the most nursing facility
health deficiencies cited.
NH, 27.8%,
OR, 25.2%,
MA, 18.3%,
WI, 16%,
OH, 14.5%,
IA, 13.2%,
VA, 12.9%,
IL, 12.7%.
B. 18.2% of all States' nursing facilities had surveys resulting in a
health deficiency of "actual harm or immediate jeopardy to residents."
(Table 4.8.(e)).
The following states, in descending order, had the most health deficiency
citations of "actual harm or immediate jeopardy to residents." All had
more than, or nearly, twice the national average.
CT, 43.3%,
CO, 43.0%,
DE, 38.6%,
ID, 35.7%,
IN, 33.7%,
KA, 32.9%.
We are still waiting to hear why nursing facilities that put residents in "actual harm or immediate jeopardy" are not investigated for criminal
wrongdoing.
Advocates might want to contact your local U.S. Attorney offices and
explore why they are not investigating actual abuses. These nursing
facilities are using federal funds to put residents in "actual harm or
immediate jeopardy."
C. 9.8% of all States' nursing facilities were cited for a deficiency
for using restraints on residents. (Table 4.17(e)).
The following states, in descending order, had the most citations for use
of restraints. All had more than, or nearly, twice the national average.
WY, 23.5%,
MN, 20.6%,
HI, 20%,
CA, 18.7%,
NV, 17.8%,
AK, 17.1%,
CN, 16.9%.
Why are States' MA officials reimbursing nursing facilities that receive
such deficiencies? Why are they using Medicaid's federal and state funds
to pay for nursing facilities using restraints?
D. Nearly 18.3% of all states' nursing facilities had surveys
resulting in a citation for failure to treat or prevent residents'
pressure ulcers. (Table 4.18.(e)). What follows is the percent of all
nursing facilities by state that were cited for "Failure to Treat or
Prevent Pressure Ulcers." As in the previous year, there is a very wide
spread among the States.
Let's remember, these are "Failures to Treat or Prevent" pressure sores!
Such failures can result in death of persons with disabilities. These
deficiencies aren't the result of accidents or forgetfulness. Obviously,
behind these percentages are large number of nursing residents (all of
whom are Older Americans and/or younger persons with disabilities), who
are being unnecessarily injured and harmed, and many may not recover.
Click on this URL to see how your State nursing homes are doing - ttp://www.stevegoldada.com/stevegoldada/archive.php?mode=A&id=240;&sort=D
Following is a news story we just received. The link is
http://www.local6.com/health/15104379/detail.html?taf=orlpn - Man Found With Maggots In Eye Dies. Cause Of Death Not Known
DELTONA, Fla. -- "A Volusia County nursing home resident who was found
with maggots in one of his eyes, an infected breathing tube, a partially
inserted catheter and bed sores has died, according to his family.
Hmm. Is this enough to push the Older American and disability advocates
into action?
Steve Gold, The Disability Odyssey continues
New Products added to the Quality Mall
"Quality improvement organizations: Recognizing workers' role in nursing home quality improvement" - http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4403
"Health Insurance Vital to Job Retention" - http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4404
New Items added to Quality Mall's Funding News
Education, Training and Enhanced Services to End Violence Against and Abuse of Women with Disabilities
http://www.qualitymall.org/funding/fundingdetail.asp?postingid=451
Adult Literacy Grants -
http://www.qualitymall.org/funding/fundingdetail.asp?postingid=452
Inclusion of People with Disabilities -
http://www.qualitymall.org/funding/fundingdetail.asp?postingid=453
Qualified faith-based and other organizations may submit a concept paper for Education, Training and Enhanced Services to End Violence Against and Abuse of Women with Disabilities Grant Program. Successful applicants will provide training, consultation, and information on domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking against individuals with disabilities, and enhance direct services to such individuals.
Concept papers must address activities that fall within at least one of the following statutory purpose areas: to provide personnel, training, technical assistance, advocacy, intervention, risk reduction and prevention of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking against disabled individuals; to conduct outreach activities to ensure that disabled individuals who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking receive appropriate assistance; to conduct cross-training for victim service organizations, governmental agencies, and nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations serving individuals with disabilities about risk reduction, intervention, prevention and the nature of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking for disabled individuals; to provide technical assistance to assist with modifications to existing policies, protocols, and procedures to ensure equal access to the services, programs, and activities of victim service organizations for disabled individuals; to provide training and technical assistance on the requirements of shelters and victim services organizations under federal anti-discrimination laws; to modify facilities, purchase equipment, and provide personnel so that shelters and victim service organizations can accommodate the needs of disabled individuals; to provide advocacy and intervention services for disabled individuals who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking; or to develop model programs providing advocacy and intervention services within organizations serving disabled individuals who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
A total of 6-15 grants will be awarded with individual award amounts of up to $600,000 for a three-year project period. Letters of intent are due January 31, 2008 and concept papers are due February 28, 2008. The program announcement is at
http://apply07.grants.gov/apply/opportunities/instructions/oppOVW-2008-1732-cfda16.529-cidDISCRETIONARY-instructions.doc.
The ADAPT Community -
www.adapt25.org
Wanted - Comments on Case Management rules
The Case Management rules that CMS has just released will reduce
reimbursement for "Transition Services" from 180 days to 60 days for folks in
facilities more than 6 months. For those under 6 months you can only be
reimbursed for 14 days. This will have a direct NEGATIVE EFFECT on the
implementation of the Money Follows the Person projects now being started in
31 states around the country and for existing state MFP programs. Deadine for
comments are Feb 4th. Please let CMS know:
1) Keep Transition Services reimbursement for Case Management at 180 days for
those in facilities over 6 months;
2) For those in facilities less than 6 months the 14 days need to be
increased to up to 180 days;
3) Allow reimbursement to be received by community organizations for each 60
days of Transition Services provided up to 180 days.
You can send comments:
www.cms.hhs.gov/eRulemaking or
HHS,
CMS-2237-IFC,
P.O. BOX 8016,
Baltimore, MD 21244-8016
Be Part of Disability History, Celebrate ADAPT's 25th Anniversary
ADAPT will be celebrating it's 25 anniversary in Washington, D.C. April 26-May2, and you're invited! Go to http://www.adapt25.org/ for more information.
hcbs.org > Clearinghouse CLIPS: January 30, 2007
Empowerment of Native Americans with Disabilities Conference
Summary: The Montana Medicaid Infrastructure Grant held the Empowerment of Native Americans with Disabilities Conference on November 2, 2006. Some of the topics addressed included: barriers to employment, social security benefits planning and vocational rehabilitation. Conference materials (flyer, brochure, agenda and evaluation) are included as an example.
Topic(s): Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Employment, Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, State/Agency Information, Workforce
Source: Grantee produced, Montana
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2133
Increasing Options for Self-Directed Services Initiatives of the FY 2003 Independence Plus Grantees
Summary: This report describes the activities of 12 Grantees that received Independence Plus (IP) grants in FY 2003 and are using them to increase self-directed services options for persons of all ages with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Grantees encountered a range of issues while implementing. This report provides information for states and stakeholders planning, implementing, or expanding self-direction programs, whether through solely state-funded programs or the Medicaid program.
Topic(s): Consumer Direction, Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Long-Term Care, Physical Disabilities, State/Agency Information
Source: RTI - Systems Change Evaluation
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2134
Long-Term Care Financing: Policy Options for the Future
Summary: This report explores options for a new public-private partnership for long-term care financing. All the proposals presented try to move the partnership away from reliance on out-of-pocket financing by people needing long-term care and their families, toward insurance, through which costs are spread across a broad population at risk of needing service, users and nonusers alike. They all rely on government rules or resources to promote that move and assume a mix of public and private financing.
Topic(s): Financing HCBS, Long-Term Care
Source: Georgetown University Long-Term Care Financing Project
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2141
Medicaid and State Budgets: Looking at the Facts
Summary: Since Medicaid is funded by states as well as the federal government, it has a considerable impact on state budgets. When considering Medicaid’s impact on state budgets and other state spending priorities, it is important to distinguish between total spending on Medicaid and spending with state funds. Often this distinction is not made. This brief examines the different measures and provides data on how much each state spends on Medicaid.
Topic(s): Financing HCBS, Long-Term Care
Source: Georgetown University Health Policy Institute
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2138
NASHP's 20th Annual State Health Policy Conference Presentations
Summary: Over 25 speaker presentations from 20th Annual State Health Policy Conference in Denver are available. Workshop Sessions include State Children’s Health Insurance Program, Health Care Reform, Early Childhood Development, Managed Long-Term Care, Quality Improvement and Measurement, Patient Assessment, State Initiatives on Nursing Homes and Increased Community Care, and Medicaid Funding. Review the presentations and other hot topics in state health policy.
Topic(s): Aging Issues, Children and Family Services, Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Financing HCBS, Long-Term Care, Physical Disabilities, Quality, State/Agency Information
Source: Rutgers/NASHP
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2140
National Consortium for Health Systems Development (NCHSD) Website
Summary: The NCHSD is a technical assistance partnership providing flexible, state-tailored technical assistance to states developing comprehensive health and employment service systems for people with disabilities who want to work. Serving people with disabilities, providers, state agencies, research institutes, advocates and businesses, NCHSD is a project of Health & Disability Advocates (HDA). Visit the Resource Exchange and Library for the latest information, events and reports.
Topic(s): Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, Physical Disabilities, Workforce
Source: Health & Disability Advocates (HDA)
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2136
Opportunity Partnership & Empowerment Network: A Case Study of an Effective Employee Retention Project
Summary: This report was authored by PHI for the Health Field Collaborative (HFC) in Michigan to bring attention to its approach to improving retention of entry-level workers in health care and direct-care workers in the long-term care industry. The study explains how HFC created the Opportunity Partnership & Empowerment Network (OPEN) to address a critical local need. It outlines components of the program, reviews outcomes for the pilot phase, and identifies factors for sustaining it in the future.
Topic(s): Employment, Sustainability, Workforce
Source: Health Field Collaborative
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2135
Since You Care: Hiring An Independent Caregiver
Summary: This consumer guide from MetLife is one in a series of guides called "Since You Care" done in cooperation with the National Alliance for Caregiving. It provides information for family caregivers about locating potential home care aides, screening applications, conducting interviews, running background checks and administering payroll, including social security and other taxes. It also provides helpful resources, including books, publications, websites and a sample contract.
Topic(s): Consumer Direction
Source: MetLife
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2137
The State of Disability in America
Summary: The publication is an evaluation of the disability experience in America by the Life Without Limits Project, formerly known as the Big Sky Project. The primer, an examination and consolidation of current and existing research on the overall state of affairs for individuals with disabilities, includes chapters on disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, housing, and organizing for change. It also includes personal stories and quotes from disability rights advocates and trail blazers.
Topic(s): Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Physical Disabilities
Source: UCP National
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2139
Earlier this month, Education Secretary Margaret Spellings unveiled the "National Dashboard," an online mapping tool that allows the public to view Education Department data about state progress on various indicators, including graduation rates, reading proficiency, and participation in supplemental tutoring.
Information about 21 states plus the District of Columbia is available, with more states to be added. The full data map is available online - http://www.ed.gov/nclb/accountability/results/progress/index.html
Center for Self-Determination - http://www.self-determination.com/
The International Conference on Self-Determination
is a wonderful work in progress. Each day, enticing information unfolds. Until May 27, 2008, a monthly update with links and contacts will come to you as a subscriber to the Alliance for Freedom News . We encourage sharing this link and letting everyone you know follow the exciting development underway. This conference is designed to go beyond just talking about what a good idea self-determination is for people. It’s designed to create opportunities for in depth discussions about how people – across disability groups and national boundaries - can learn from each other and work together to identify better strategies to make more significant progress toward self-determination for all. http://www.communitydrive.org/Conference.html
DisabilityInfo Connection -
The Newsletter of DisabilityInfo.gov
Visit the following link to read the entire newsletter:
http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=6002
Employment News & Events Update: U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Calls for 2008 New Freedom Initiative Award Nominations
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao has called upon nonprofit organizations, small businesses, corporations and individuals that have demonstrated exemplary and innovative efforts in advancing the employment and workplace environment of people with disabilities to submit entries for the 2008 Secretary of Labor's New Freedom Initiative Award. The deadline for receipt of nominations is May 30, 2008. Information on eligibility criteria and application procedures may be downloaded here - http://www.dol.gov/odep/regs/fedreg/notices/20080129.htm
This information has recently been updated, and can be accessed by visiting this link: http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=10.
Employment Opportunity at the Congressional Research Service
Analyst in Disability Policy -
Congressional Research Service, Washington DC
The analyst prepares objective, non-partisan analytical studies and descriptive and background reports on issues of national or international significance; provides personal consultation and assistance to congressional committees, Members, and staff on public policy issues throughout the legislative process; and participates in or leads team research projects and seminars. The analyst is also expected to develop over time the skills necessary to provide public policy and legislative analysis and consultation to congressional committees, Members, and staff at increasingly sophisticated levels. This position is being offered at the GS-13 level ($82,961- $107,854). To apply online (preferred), visit http://www.loc.gov/crsinfo or call 202.707.5627 to request an applicant job kit. Please refer to vacancy #080018 in all correspondence. Applications must be received by February 28, 2008. CRS is the public policy research arm of the U.S. Congress and is fully committed to workforce diversity.
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Until Next week
The Arc of the United States,1010 Wayne Avenue, Ste. 650,Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301-565-3842, Fax: 301-565-3843, Email: mmwdc@info.thearc.org, Web: www.thearc.org
Disclaimer: MMWDC publishes information about issues and events that we believe to be important and likely to be of interest to advocates and others interested in inclusion of persons with disabilities in all parts of society. However, MMWDC and The Arc of the United States and TheArcLink Incorporated do not necessarily endorse all events, sponsoring organizations and reports which appear.