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Friday Mail News
July
30,
2010
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New Information
Events:
Other items:
o Governmental Affairs
Update (pdf) rtf or doc 12/21/09
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The Arc Michigan 2009 Annual Report is Posted on the Web
site at:
http://www.arcmi.org/pdf/2009.Annual.Report.pdf
top (posted
6/16/10) |
U.S. Disabilities Act 20th Anniversary Marked
Excerpt from
The State News
With magic tricks,
blues music, free food and speeches from a variety of Michigan’s
advocates for disability rights, the 20th anniversary of the enactment
of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, was celebrated
Monday on the Capitol steps in Lansing.
The ADA provides
disabled citizens with civil protections that provide equal
opportunities in education, communications, transportation and
employment
Read more
here.
top (posted
7/30/10)
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The Urgent Need for Better
Care
Health reform is law, but the hard work of fixing our health care system is
just beginning. For those with
multiple health problems, our current health care system can be a huge
challenge.
Consider this: 78% of Americans age 55 and older are dealing with at least
one chronic health condition like diabetes, heart disease or arthritis. And
older adults with five or more chronic health conditions have an average of
37 doctor visits, see 14 different doctors, and get 50 separate
prescriptions each year.
If
we can make our health care system work for them, we can make it work for
everyone. Doctors should work together as a team, medical records should be
at our fingertips, and patients and families should not be left to fend for
themselves.
We get it. There is a better way. It's what the Campaign for Better Care is
all about.
Learn more »
(pdf) or
(rtf)
The
Arc of the United States is a member of the Campaign's National Consumer
Coalition.
top (posted
7/30/10) |
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The Arc
has launched a National Disability Needs Survey - FINDS (Family and
Individual Needs for Disability Supports)
Finds - A meaningful way to involve individuals with intellectual and
developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families in understanding
services needed, provided and desired.
Help us spread the word: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TheArcFinds2010
The Art FINDS (Family and Individual Needs for
Disability Supports) is a free, online survey designed to tap into the
knowledge and perspectives of individuals and families within the I/DD
community, including self-advocates.
Results from this confidential survey will provide greater understanding
about what services are available, what gaps exist and what new supports are
needed.
top (posted
7/30/10) |
"Why I Love My Grandparents" Essay Contest
The
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) of Michigan is sponsoring
the "Why I Love My Grandparents" essay contest for all students (in
public, private and home schools) enrolled in grades 1-12 residing in
the state of Michigan. There is no cost to enter the contest. Students
must submit essays on or before the contest due date, August 20, 2010.
The top three entries in each division
will receive gifts and qualify for the $500 grand prize. One first-place
winner will be selected as the overall winner of the $500 grand prize.
The second-place winner will receive $250; and the third place winner
$100. All participants will receive a certificate of participation and
special AARP gift.
For essay rules and additional
information, click
here.
top (posted
7/30/10)
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Justice Department
Cracking Down On ADA Violators
From
Disability Scoop
Federal officials are adding two more states to their
list of targets in a string of legal actions to ensure community living
options for people with disabilities.
Briefs filed this
week in Illinois and California bring the number of actions to 18 over
the last year alleging that states are failing to provide community
living options as required under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Specifically, in a
brief filed supporting a lawsuit against Sacramento County, Calif., the
Justice Department says that planned cuts to outpatient mental health
services will put people at risk of institutionalization.
Meanwhile in
Illinois, the Obama administration is supporting efforts to gain class
action status for a group of young adults with severe disabilities who
lived in the community until age 21, but are facing forced
institutionalization because of more limited adult options in the
community.
Under the Obama
administration, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has made
enforcement of the Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead v. L.C. — which
favored the option of living in the community whenever possible — a top
priority. The government has filed suit against Georgia, Arkansas and
New York on such matters. In addition to the briefs filed this week, the
administration has also supported cases in Connecticut, North Carolina,
Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
“Unnecessary institutionalization deprives individuals of
the opportunity to live their lives as they choose,” said Thomas E.
Perez, assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division. “The
department is committed to ensuring that community-based services are
provided to enable individuals with disabilities to live fully
integrated lives in their communities.”
The moves come ahead of the 20th anniversary of the ADA
on Monday.
top (posted
7/23/10)
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ACLU Sues Over Medicaid Waiver,
Food Stamp Dispute
From
Disability Scoop
An Indiana man with autism says the state illegally cuts
his Medicaid benefits anytime his food stamp allocation increases. And
he’s probably not alone.
In a lawsuit
brought by the American Civil Liberties Union earlier this month,
Michael Dick’s family alleges that the practice is widespread and seeks
class action status for those affected.
Dick, 26, has
autism and is nonverbal, functioning at the level of a first or second
grader, his family says. He relies on support from Medicaid and food
stamps to survive. But last year, when he received a $1.25 per day
cost-of-living increase in food stamps, Dick’s family says the state
Medicaid program docked his payments by the same amount, leaving Dick no
better off financial despite rising costs.
According to the
lawsuit, federal law prevents food stamps from being considered as
income. The ACLU is asking a judge to prohibit Indiana officials from
including food stamp funds when computing a person’s benefit for the
Indiana Developmental Disabilities Waiver Program.
State officials insist they’re just acting as good
stewards of taxpayer dollars, reports 6News, the Indianapolis ABC
affiliate. To read more click
here.
top (posted
7/23/10)
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Cuts in Home
Care Put Elderly and People with
Disabilities at Risk
Excerpted from
The New York Times
As states face severe
budget shortfalls, many have cut home-care services for elderly
or people with disabilities,
programs that have been shown to save states money in the long run
because they keep people out of nursing homes.
Since the start of the
recession, at least 25 states and the District of Columbia have
curtailed programs that include meal deliveries, housekeeping aid and
assistance for family caregivers, according to the
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a research organization.
That threatens to reverse a long-term trend of enabling people to stay
in their homes longer.
Read more
here.
top (posted
7/23/10)
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US Labor Department
seeks public input to strengthen disability regulations
The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of
Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) is seeking input from the
public on ways to strengthen its regulations requiring federal contractors
to take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified
individuals with disabilities. In an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
to be published in the Federal Register July 23, the agency invites the
public to help revise the regulations implementing Section 503 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Topics on which comment is requested
include:
- What employment practices have been
effective in recruiting, hiring, advancing and retaining qualified
individuals with disabilities.
- What data are available that could be
used to establish hiring goals and conduct utilization analyses of
individuals with disabilities.
- How linkage agreements between federal
contractors and organizations that focus on the employment of qualified
individuals with disabilities can be strengthened to increase
effectiveness.
Comments must be received by OFCCP within 60 days of the ANPRM's
publication. To read the ANPRM or submit a comment, go to Federal
eRulemaking Portal at
www.regulations.gov. The deadline for receiving comments is September
21, 2010.
top (posted
7/23/10) |
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The Arc Michigan Supports
House Bill 6195
Numerous senior and disability rights groups,
including The Arc Michigan, are
urging the Michigan Legislature to pass House Bill 6195. The bi-partisan
bill would strengthen options for more than 60,000 Michigan seniors and
persons with disabilities who receive care in their own homes as an
alternative to institutionalized care.
The Arc
Michigan supports this important legislation for three main reasons:
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It will strengthen homecare and allow
seniors and persons with disabilities to remain healthy and independent
in their own homes instead of forcing them into expensive nursing homes.
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It will strengthen background checks,
rigorous screening and training to ensure that seniors and persons with
disabilities receive safe, high-quality care.
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It will save taxpayers millions of dollars
each year by avoiding expensive nursing home costs.
The Arc
Michigan played a crucial role in creating the Michigan Quality
Community Care Council, a pilot program that oversees a cutting-edge
registry that matches Medicaid recipients who require assistance with
qualified homecare providers in their area. These providers undergo
background checks and rigorous screening. They also have access to critical
training on issues such as first aid, CPR,
how to lift properly, nutrition, and working with those who have Alzheimer’s
and dementia.
House Bill 6195 would transform this
successful pilot program into a permanent program.
The Arc Michigan supports this critical legislation because it will
provide choice for seniors and persons with disabilities, strengthen
background checks and training for homecare providers, and save taxpayers
money.
To read the bill, visit
www.tiny.cc/MQC3.
top (posted
7/16/10) |
Employment Works!
The Michigan
Department of Community Health and the Michigan Association of Community
Mental Health Boards
present Employment Works!, a series of three different 1-Day
events focused on increasing employment.
·
August 9, 2010
at Otsego Club & Resort, Gaylord
Keynote: Erin Riehle,
Project SEARCH
·
August 30, 2010
at
Kellogg Hotel & Conference Ctr, East
Lansing
Keynote: Deb Russell,
Walgreens
·
September 13, 2010
at DoubleTree Hotel, Dearborn
Keynote: Cary Griffin,
Customized Employment & Leadership
Registration fee is $49 for person with disabilities and family members
or $99 for agency staff. For more information, go to this
Web site. You may
register online or download this
form.
top (posted
7/16/10)
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On Social Security and Want to Work? Get WISE!
Are you (or someone
you know) receiving Social Security disability benefits and interested
in exploring your work options?
Do you have questions
about work like these...
·
Can I work and keep my
Social Security benefits?
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Can I work and keep my
health care benefits?
·
Who can help me
understand how working will affect my benefits?
·
Who can help me find a
job?
If you or someone you
know is on Social Security and wants to work but isn’t sure how to get
started, the WISE (Work Incentive Seminar Event) is the place to be!
Attend the WISE on
Tuesday, August 24, 2010 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Capital Area
Michigan Works!, 2110 South Cedar Street, Lansing, MI 48910.
Space is limited, so
please call this toll free number, 1-877-743-8237 (voice or TTY),
or
register online today!
Please ask for a sign
language interpreter or materials in alternate formats five days in
advance, either by phone or at the online registration site.
top (posted
7/16/10)
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From May 2010 through June 2010, people
with disabilities, family members, and advocates in Michigan had the
opportunity to report how well they felt their communities were doing in
implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act. They were asked to
"grade" their communities and also to point out areas where there was
need for more progress in coming into compliance with the ADA.
See the
full report card
here
(pdf)
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Schools Slow To Take Special Education Stimulus Funds
School districts across the country have claimed less
than half the federal stimulus money allocated for special education as
the program reaches its midpoint, amid concerns about how to use the
one-time cash infusion.
So far, just 39
percent of the $11.3 billion in federal stimulus dollars tagged for the
benefit of students with disabilities has been scooped up by school
districts, a scenario that’s surprising disability advocates.
While some say slow
allocation of funds could merely be a product of the process working
itself out, some districts are apparently wary of tapping funds that
will expire after just one year. Moreover, school officials say they
have also struggled to understand exactly what the special education
funding can and can’t be used for.
Despite the slow
start, federal officials say they expect all of the allocated money will
eventually be spent and that the funds will help save valuable teacher
jobs, reports The Denver Post. To read more click
here.
top (posted
7/13/10)
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SSI Payments Prone
To Error
From
Disability Scoop
Human error is leading
Social Security to overpay or underpay a significant number of
beneficiaries with disabilities, an inspector general’s report
indicates.
In a review of
so-called manual computation practices at the Social Security
Administration, federal officials found that mistakes are frequent when
staffers manually calculate the benefits a person should receive from
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, a benefits program for those with
disabilities.
Manual computations
can be triggered when a recipient’s situation changes. For example, if a
person moves and their living expenses are altered or if they experience
a change in income.
However,
a report from the Social Security Administration Office of the
Inspector General found major flaws in the manual computation process.
As a result, they project that more than 14,000 beneficiaries were
overpaid and over 18,000 were underpaid between July 2006 and June 2008.
What’s more computations often were not reviewed by a second staffer, as
is mandated.
Basic monthly payments
for a single SSI recipient are $674 monthly or $1,011 monthly for a
couple.
top (posted
7/13/10)
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Many Kids Are
Eligible for Free or Low
Cost Health Insurance Coverage and Their Families Don’t Even Know It
Most parents would do whatever it takes to help their child thrive and
succeed in life, but are Michigan’s children falling behind in the fight
to stay healthy?
Each year,
thousands of children in the Michigan go without health insurance.
Families across the state are eligible for children’s health insurance
programs, which provide low‐cost
health insurance for their kids, but many don’t even know it.
There are many reasons a child might not have health insurance – a
parent or guardian lost a job, they don't have health insurance at work
or the cost of insurance is simply out of reach.
Whatever the reason, the Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA) may be
able to help by linking your family with Michigan’s free and low-cost
insurance programs- HealthyKids and MIChild. In 30 minutes or less our
Community Outreach Specialists can tell you what programs your child
qualifies for, help you apply and give you the resources you need to
locate a health care provider and other services in your community.
Check…
to see what low-cost health insurance is available for your child. Start
by visiting us online at
www.mpca.net/enroll.html. Even if you’ve been turned down in the
past, your child may be eligible now.
Protect…
your children with regular check-ups, dental care, immunizations and
prescription drugs, which are all available to children enrolled in a
children’s health insurance program. You’ll also gain peace of mind
knowing you have coverage when you need it. To find a health care
provider in your community visit
www.mpca.net/locator.html.
Expect…
to re-enroll every year. Keeping your coverage means keeping your child
healthy, but you have to renew yearly. Mark your calendar for the month
you started coverage so you will be ready to renew when your State
office contacts you.
Research shows children with health insurance are more likely to get
preventive care, receive treatment for chronic illness and take
prescription medications. Children with health insurance are less likely
to miss school because they are sick. It boosts their performance in the
classroom and means fewer lost work days for parents or guardians.
Oftentimes, families think they cannot get health insurance coverage for
their kids because they make too much money. However, in Michigan a
family of four making up to $44,000 may still be eligible!
MPCA can help you
enroll online, in the mail or over the phone, without having to take
time off work. It is easy to see if your family is eligible, contact us
today!
top (posted
7/9/10)
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Online Assistive
Technology Directory -
From the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition July
Newsletter
www.copower.org/mdrc/news.htm
Have you ever wished you could find information about where to find
various types assistive equipment, funding sources, and more all in one
place? Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC) is developing an
online directory of resources for all types of assistive technology. The
Assistive Technology (AT) Directory will include information about:
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Products for Sale
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Devices to Rent
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Repair and Maintenance Services
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Funding and Financing
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Evaluation/Assessment Services
If
you provide any of these resources,
please take a few minutes to complete the form to be listed in the
directory. If you know of local AT businesses and other AT resources,
please let them know about the Directory and
ask them to fill out the online form. We'd like to focus on Michigan
businesses and professionals! Thank you for helping make the AT
Directory a valuable resource!
top (posted
7/9/10)
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AARP Health Care Law
Webinars
Don't miss these free, 60-minute webinars
hosted by AARP Education & Outreach. All you need to participate is a
computer with Internet access and audio capability. (An audio bridge
will be provided for Mac users.)
Coming Soon
Key
Improvements to Your Insurance
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Registration begins July 29, 2010.
Getting Coverage Through High-Risk Pools
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Registration begins August 26, 2010.
Deciding What to Do This Medicare Open Season
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Registration begins September 29, 2010.
Improvements to Long-Term Care
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Registration begins October 28, 2010.
Registration Information
Pre-registration is required for
participation. After you register by following the registration links,
you will receive instructions on how to join the online event. Each
webinar will include a question-and-answer period with experts. In
addition, you can download resource materials and take online polls. For
more information about the New Health Care Law webinar series, e-mail
newhealthcarelaw@aarp.org.
Health Care Law Fact Sheets
Download printable information about a
variety of topics related to the new health care law.
More
A whole lot more information is available
about the new Patient Protection & Affordability Care Act! Go to
www.aarp.org/getthefacts
top (posted
6/29/10)
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Spectrum Training Systems, Inc.
Upcoming Workshops in Lansing
- The Inclusive
Classroom - Wednesday, September 29, 2010 with Paula Kluch, Ph.D.
Click
HERE for details and registration
-
Preventing
Special Education Due Process through Effective Educational
Collaboration - Thursday, September 30, 2010 with Patrick
Schwarz, Ph.D. -
Click
HERE for details and registration
- Disobedient,
Disruptive, Defiant, and Disturbed Students: Behavioral Interventions
for Challenging Students - Tuesday, November 22 - 23, 2010 with
Howard Knoff, Ph.D. - Click
HERE for details and registration
Spectrum Training Systems
920.749.0332
top
(posted 6/25/10) |
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TASH
2010 Symposium for Change - October 12, 2010 - Washington, D.C.
Celebrate the 20th Anniversary
of the Americans with Disabilities Act with TASH as we interview those at
the forefront of the disability rights movement in a special ADA 20th Anniversary
Video Series. Every two weeks, TASH will release a video interview from a
leading figure in the movement. This is part of a year-long celebration that
also includes the 2010 Symposium for Change, October 12, in Washington, D.C.
Click here to view the videos!
In an effort to expand
our advocacy efforts, the 2010 Symposium for Change has been moved to
October 12, 2010, in Washington, D.C. The move allows TASH to gain broad
participation from the disability community, families, advocates,
professionals and policy makers. We hope you'll join us on October 12 as we
explore and tackle the rising challenge of disparities for people of color
with disabilities!
Be part of the advocacy in Washington
as we discuss the latest research and best practices in health, employment
and education for people of color with disabilities. Hear from leading
researchers, advocates and decision-makers on the policies and practices
that can help bridge and eliminate these disparities. The 2010 Symposium for
Change also includes a legislative briefing and office visits to policy
makers on October 13 on Capitol Hill.
Join TASH in this important work and
make the voice of the disability community heard in Washington!
Download the 2010 Symposium for Change
brochure and registration form!
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Save the Date!!! - October 13th & 14th
Person Centered Planning and
Self-Determination:
Practical Tools for Achieving
Independence
Time:
10:00 - 5:00pm (Wednesday, October 13th)
9:00 am - 3:00 pm (Thursday, October 14th)
Location:
Causeway Bay Hotels
682- S. Cedar Street
Lansing, MI 48911
Registration opens July 1st. For more
information, call Elaine Taverna at 734.722.6035 or log onto
www.centerforself-determination.com
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Michigan Academy on
Self-Determination 2010 Sessions Announced
The Michigan
Academy is an enterprise that was started several years ago with DD council
funding. The purpose of the Michigan Academy is to promote the principles
of self determination and to help participants to come together to learn
about how to use tools of self determination to organize support for a
meaningful life. What makes this learning experience somewhat unique is
that participants learn about these tools by using the tools for their own
real planning and action.
This year in
addition to the traditional sessions for teams to come and learn about the
tools and then use them in practice, there will be a special two day
session on relationships and belonging and a two day session on
facilitating process that leads to full lives.
- Michigan Academy for
Self-Determination – Oct
& Nov (Dates to be determined)
top (posted 02/010/10)
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