|
|
|
Information & Resources |
Printer Friendly |
|
|
|
Arc Publications |
2009 Arc Michigan Annual Report
(posted
6/16/10) |
|
The 2010 Income Tax Guide for Tax Year 2009 -
was
prepared by Thomas F. Kendziorski, Esq., Executive
Director of The Arc of Oakland County. This guide has been
prepared for persons supporting children and/or adults with
intellectual and developmental disabilities and is available
online at no charge in pdf format. The guide may be
printed without permission for use by members and friends of
The Arc Michigan. |
|
Hiring and Managing
Personal Assistants
This manual was developed by The Arc Michigan to promote
self-determination through meaningful consumer direction and control. It is
provided for information only and does not constitute legal, medical,
planning or tax advice. For individualized help with your situation, consult
with your allies, supports coordinator, or professional providers.
(pdf file)
(posted 11/9/07) |
|
Consumer & Family Guide
developed by The Arc Michigan through a grant from The United Way of Oakland County. |
|
The Arc Michigan Focus Newsletter for December 2009 |
|
Other Publications |
Family Guide to Respite for Children in Michigan
while it specifically addresses respite for families of children 0-18 years of age, respite is also available to families of adult consumers.
(funded by Real Choice System Change Grant for Community Living-Respite of Children) |
|
Free
Health Care Coverage Booklet
"Free and Low Cost Health Care
Coverage Available to Michigan Adults, Children, Pregnant
Women and Families" |
|
Alzheimer's
and Persons with Down Syndrome UP Project Manual - The
Arc of New Mexico - Project UP Understanding and Planning - -
"People
with Intellectual Disabilities/Developmental Disabilities (ID/DD or
ID/D) are at the same risk for Alzheimer’s disease as adults in the
general population. Adults with Down syndrome have higher rates of
Alzheimer’s disease. They are often in their mid to late 30s or early
50s when symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease first appear, compared to the
late 60s for the general population. Adults with Down syndrome
experience a more rapid decline and change in cognitive abilities and
behavior and the duration of the disease is shorter. Neither race,
gender, nor ethnic background seems to affect the prevalence of
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the adult with Down syndrome." Go to
www.arcnm.org/products.htm
to download or order copies of the UP Project Manual.
top |
|
Michigan Disability Activity List (rtf)
Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) puts together a monthly list of disability-related activities, meetings, events and conferences.
(click
here for MS Word version). |
|
National Association of State Directors of Developmental
Disabilities Services (NASDDDS)
Guide,
prepared by Charles Moseley, EdD. These guidelines were written to ensure that people with disabilities receive the support and assistance they need to fully contribute to NASDDDS
sponsored activities. |
|
Michigan Participation Project (MPP)
is a new resource for Michigan's nonprofits on voting and voter participation. MPP is a non-partisan initiative to help nonprofits in Michigan encourage voting among their staff, members, clients, and the broader community. General Rules for 501(C)(3) nonprofits can be found in the
Nonprofit Guide.
Other information is available on their Web site at
www.michparticipationproject.org.
top |
|
Accessibility & Assistive Technology |
|
2009 Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Tool Kit
The
DBTAC -
Network of ADA Centers has
announced the release of the
2009
Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Anniversary Tool Kit. Together with its Affiliate Networks and Partners, the
network has accomplished significant results toward
voluntary ADA compliance. The Tool Kit captures the
collective achievements and offers informative materials
designed to help you plan and publicize your ADA activities
during the ADA Anniversary and throughout the year. The Tool
Kit includes:
-
Overview of the Americans
with Disabilities Act and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008
-
ADA - Findings, Purpose,
and History
-
The Americans with
Disabilities Act from a Civil Rights Perspective
-
Americans with
Disabilities Act Resources and Publications
-
Americans with
Disabilities Act and Olmstead Resources
-
ADA Amendments Act of 2008
(ADAAA) Summary and Resources
-
Statistics You Can Use
-
The White House Agenda on
Disabilities
-
Tips on Writing a News
Release
-
Sample Proclamation: ADA
Anniversary
-
National DBTAC Initiatives
The 2009 ADA Anniversary Tool
Kit can be downloaded at
http://adaanniversary.org.
top |
Online Assistive
Technology Directory -
From the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition July
Newsletter
www.copower.org/mdrc/news.htm
Online Assistive Technology Directory
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:
-
Products for Sale
-
Devices to Rent
-
Repair and Maintenance Services
-
Funding and Financing
-
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 |
|
Free cell phone service through SafeLink
This is a U.S.
government-sponsored program that provides a free cell
phone and 68
minutes per month of phone time to income-eligible
folks, including
those receiving SSI, food assistance and Housing Choice
Vouchers. Looks like
the preferred way to enroll is via the
web, but there is also
a phone
number, 800
977-3768.
Over twenty years ago, the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the
Lifeline Program to help guarantee Universal Service in
the US. The Lifeline Program provides discounted
telephone service to low-income families and individuals
that otherwise would find it difficult to pay for
telephone service. To qualify for Lifeline Support,
Families or individuals have to be either enrolled in a
State social service program or qualify under the
U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines. Eligibility varies
by state.
In April 2008, the FCC
approved TracFone, the
provider of the SafeLink program, as an Eligible
Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) to provide Lifeline
Service in 11 states. Subsequently, TracFone has been
approved in an additional 9 states and is currently
providing service in 19 states. Today, there are over
1,700 ETCs providing Lifeline service throughout the
United States.
Instead of receiving a
monthly telephone bill for your traditional
Lifeline service, SafeLink converts the total
amount of discounted service (approximately $13.50 of
discounted telephone service) into minutes (68 minutes)
each month. Through our service you will receive FREE
cellular service, a FREE cell phone, and FREE Minutes
every month! SafeLink Wireless Service does not cost
anything – there are no contracts, no recurring fees and
no monthly charges. The SafeLink service is good for one
year. Participants in the program are subject to annual
verification. The cell phone is NOT
subsidized by the federal government and is provided by
TracFone to the customer at no cost.
Any Minutes
you do not use will roll-over. Features such as caller
ID, call waiting and voicemail are all also included
with your service. If you need additional Minutes,
you can buy TracFone Airtime Cards at any TracFone
retailer Walmart, Walgreens, Family Dollar, etc).
SafeLink Airtime Cards will be available soon.
Your exact benefits,
including the number of free Minutes you will receive,
depend on the state you live in.
The process to qualify for
Lifeline Service depends on the State you live in. In
general, you may qualify if...
- You already
participate in other State or Federal assistance
program such as Federal Public Housing Assistance,
Food Stamps and Medicaid. OR
- Your total
household income is at or below 135% of the poverty
guidelines set by your State and/or the Federal
Government. AND
- No one in your
household currently receives Lifeline Service
through another phone carrier.
AND
- You have a valid
United States Postal Address. In order for us to
ship you your free phone you must live at a
residence that can receive mail from the US Post
Office. Sorry, but P.O. Boxes cannot be accepted.
In addition to meeting the
guidelines above you will also be required to provide
proof of your participation in an assistance program, or
proof of your income level.
SafeLink will only accept one request per mailing
address. This has proven to be a challenge when
requesting phones on behalf of persons
experiencing homelessness
as an assisting
agency can use its
address only one time.
top |
|
Apps for
ASD iPod Touch Project - Resource Guide
Click
here (pdf)
Contents include Apps for:
Social Goals
Communication
Behavior, Relaxation and Structure
Sensory Issues
Functional Issues
Productivity
Organization
Academics |
|
iPhone
applications can help the autistic
Leslie Clark and her husband
have been trying to communicate with their autistic
7-year-old son, JW, for years, but until last month, the
closest they got was rudimentary sign language…
Then a teacher told her about
a new application that a researcher had developed for, of
all things, the iPhone and iPod Touch. Clark drove to the
local
Best Buy and picked up a Touch, then downloaded the
"app" from iTunes.
Total cost: about $500.
Read the whole story by
Greg Toppo in USA Today
here.
top |
|
Web Browser Designed for
Children with an ASD
Here you will find the best
environment on the Internet for children living with various
autism challenges.
Zac Browser
is a totally free software package. It is the first Internet
browser developed specifically for children living with
variants of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), Asperger
syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder,
PDD not otherwise specified and PDD-NOS, also called
atypical autism.
Zac Browser
was designed to offer a pleasant, rewarding and secure
experience. Children sing, play and discover the best that
the Internet has to offer with only a few clicks of the
mouse.
Zac Browser
is software that allows your child to access games (a lot of
games) activities (based on diverse interests) along with
videos (that allow a stimulating experience and encourages
children to talk). All games, activities and videos are
specifically chosen for their positive effect on children
suffering from autism. Click here:
www.zacbrowser.com |
|
Web sites for Accessible Living
-
www.UniversalDesign.com - Design tips, products,
information and resources that demonstrate universal
design and assist visitors in enhancing the built
environment - whether it is a business or home.
-
www.concretechange.org
- this site is dedicated to
making all homes "visitable."
-
www.easylivinghome.org -
EasyLiving Home® is a proven,
successful program conceived and developed cooperatively
by organizations representing the building industry,
government and accessibility advocates. This program
represents
the most successful attempt to date to promote change in
construction practices without adversely affecting
either the builder or the new home buyer. We are
changing the way people think by increasing convenience,
safety and inclusion.
top
|
AT Xchange is a new Michigan-based
Web site where people can buy, sell or give
away assistive technology
Do you have a
used
AT item in storage that could
really help someone who has a disability? It
could be anything from a wheelchair, stair
lift, Braille reader, or reacher! If so,
just post a classified ad
AT Xchange.org. Include a digital
photo. ATXchange is open to vendors who have
used equipment for sale
also. And don’t worry about cost,
ATXchange is a free
service!
Maybe you or
someone you know is looking for
AT? Check out
ATXchange.org! If you can’t
find what you are looking for, you can post
it as an item wanted and receive an email
message telling you if and when someone
posts the item you are looking for. You may
find the
AT you are seeking for a bargain
price – even for free! (posted 2/10/09)
|
|
Wheelchair accessible
seats at U of M Stadium
For more
information on how to obtain tickets
for wheelchair
accessible seats,
contact the University of Michigan's Athletic Ticket
Office at 1-866-296-6849 or
mtickets@umich.edu.
(Posted 1/12/09)
|
|
Education |
‘IEP
Checklist’ iPhone App Aims to Level Playing Field
A new app for iPhone or
iPod Touch organizes the individualized education plan,
or IEP, meeting into categories such as “current
performance” and “annual goals.” When a category is
selected, there is a brief description of the legal
requirements and an opportunity for the user to insert a
goal or notes.
The free app, known as
IEP Checklist, was developed by the Parent
Educational Advocacy Training Center, a Virginia center
that’s part of a
national network
of special education parent information and training
centers funded by the Department of Education.
|
|
Apps for
ASD iPod Touch Project - Resource Guide
Click
here (pdf)
Contents include Apps for:
Social Goals
Communication
Behavior, Relaxation and Structure
Sensory Issues
Functional Issues
Productivity
Organization
Academics
|
|
Autism
Collaborative Center ( ACC)
Comprehensive and Individualized Family and
Community Services
The
Autism Collaborative Center provides accessible,
high quality assessment, intervention and referral
services across the lifespan to enable persons with
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) to achieve their
maximum potential. Their approach is based on hope
and a vision that all persons with ASD can lead
fulfilling lives as independently as possible within
their communities.
The programs are
individualized and services are built around the
needs of each family. ACC is a "one stop shop" that
can provide you with the information and support
services you need to achieve the best possible
outcomes for your family. See
brochure.
(pdf) |
|
Contact information:
Phone: 734.485.2890
Fax: 734.485.2892
E-mail:
autismcenter@emich.edu
Web site:
www.emich.edu/acc |
Autism Collaborative
Center
Eastern Michigan
University
1055 Cornell Street
Fletcher School
Building
Ypsilanti, Michigan
48197 |
|
Web Browser
Designed for Children with an ASD
Here you will find the
best environment on the Internet for children living
with various autism challenges.
Zac
Browser is a totally free software package. It is
the first Internet browser developed specifically
for children living with variants of autism spectrum
disorders (ASD), Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome,
childhood disintegrative disorder, PDD not otherwise
specified and PDD-NOS, also called atypical autism.
Zac
Browser was designed to offer a pleasant, rewarding
and secure experience. Children sing, play and
discover the best that the Internet has to offer
with only a few clicks of the mouse.
Zac
Browser is software that allows your child to access
games (a lot of games) activities (based on diverse
interests) along with videos (that allow a
stimulating experience and encourages children to
talk). All games, activities and videos are
specifically chosen for their positive effect on
children suffering from autism. Click here:
www.zacbrowser.com |
|
2009 Special Education Directory Available
An updated version of the
Michigan Directory of Service Providers for Infants,
Toddlers, and Students with Disabilities is
now available on the Center for Educational
Networking
Web site. You can download the complete
directory or specific sections in a PDF format.
The directory is intended for parents, educators,
and other service providers seeking resource
information related to the educational needs of
children, students, and clients. The directory
contains contact information about resources for
children ages birth to three with special needs and
their families (Michigan's
Early On®
population) and students ages 3-26 with
disabilities. |
|
Update on Michigan Department of Education Standards
for Extended School Year Services in Michigan - from
Elizabeth W. Bauer
On
August 12, 2008 the State Board of
Education approved the Standards for Extended School
Year Services (ESY) in Michigan.
The Standards will be embedded in Administrative
Rules for Special Education. Michigan Department of
Education submitted a request for rulemaking on June 16, 2008. It is anticipated that
this rule change will be presented for public
comment in the fall of 2008. However, the statute is
already clear that
Extended School
Year Services and supports MUST be considered for
EVERY Student with a disability of any
characteristic or degree at EACH Individualized
Education Program (IEP) Team Meeting. ESY services
must be provided if the IEP team determines that
such services are necessary for the provision of a
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to the
student. Click
here
to read the complete
message. To view The Standards for Extended School
Year Services in Michigan and Guidance for Extended
Year services in Michigan drafts and changes, click
here.
(posted
August 15, 2008) |
|
The Michigan
Alliance for Families, a program of The Arc Michigan, has an
extensive and comprehensive Web site of education and disability
resources. The Web site can be found at
www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org. In
addition, The Alliance lists local
Arc chapters as resources for local
supports.
We hope this Web site will be useful in your work
at the local level serving people with disabilities and their
families. If you have suggestions for improvement, please email Kay
Moler at
kmoler@arcmi.org
(posted 2/01/08) |
|
"Transition"
can
no longer be approached as something "owned" by special education. Effective
transition planning for each and every student promotes successful
participation in the general education system.
|
ACLU and
Human Rights Watch Seek Ban on Physical Discipline at
School
"Students with
disabilities already face extra challenges, and
being hit by teachers only makes it worse," said
Alice Farmer, Aryeh Neier fellow with the ACLU and
Human Rights Watch and author of the report.
"Corporal punishment is abuse, any way you look at
it, and it violates students' rights to a decent
education." In the 70-page report,
"Impairing
Education: Corporal Punishment of Students with
Disabilities in US Public Schools,"
the ACLU and Human Rights Watch found that students
with disabilities made up 18.8 percent of students
who suffered corporal punishment at school during
the 2006-2007 school year, although they constituted
just 13.7 percent of the total nationwide student
population. Read more of this
Human Rights Watch
article.
|
New Web site for Students with Disabilities Interested
in College
This new Web site,
www.going-to-college.org,
contains information about living college life with a
disability. It is designed for high school students. The
site provides video clips, activities, and resources
that can help them get a head start in planning for
college. Video interviews with college students with
disabilities offer a way to hear firsthand from students
with disabilities who have been successful. Modules
include activities that will help students explore more
about themselves, learn what to expect from college, and
equip them with important considerations and tasks to
complete when planning for college. Going to College is funded
by a grant with the U.S. Department of Education, Office
of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (# H324M030099A)
(posted 2/10/09)
|
|
Preparing Students for Success:
A Cultural Shift From Where We've Been
to Where We're Going -
by Michigan Transition Services Assn. (MTSA) and Michigan Transition
Outcomes Project (MI-TOP) - This article explores a
series of historical events in education that have helped bring students
with disabilities out of segregated settings and into the general
curriculum.
(posted 10/26/07) |
|
The Right Stuff:
Understanding Appropriate "Coordinated Education"
- by Michigan Transition Services Assn. (MTSA) and Michigan Transition
Outcomes Project (MI-TOP) - Appropriate support for students
with individualized education programs (IEPs) in transition cannot be
provided in a silo — separate from the general education system.
(posted 10/26/07)
|
|
Parent Friendly Tool Available On State Performance Plan # 8
The Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services has made the following information available to parents whose children receive special education and related services. The information is about meaningful parent involvement, which is reflected in Indicator # 8 of the State Performance Plan (SPP). The SPP indicators are part of federal special education accountability.
This presentation tool has been developed to help parent leaders share information about quality partnerships between families and schools.
The suggested use of the PowerPoint is for parent leaders to share with parents in their community. The attached slides include speaker notes that provide background information. The current information is based on the results of baseline survey data that was used for the SPP update submitted February 1, 2007.
The following three informational pieces are available:
(posted 8/03/07) |
|
Early On®
Public Awareness is pleased to share the
Early On®
Michigan PSA on www.1800EarlyOn.org or
www.michigan.gov/earlyon. (Versions
available in English and Spanish.)
This Public Service Announcement won a national Telly Award, which is one of the highest honors in television media. If you would like a copy of the PSA in a DVD format, contact Victoria Meeder email:vmeeder@edzone.net or
(517)668-0185.
(posted 8/03/07) |
|
Michigan submitted its updated State Performance Plan and Annual Performance Report to the U.S. Department of Education
on February 1, 2007. These documents report Michigan's progress on special education and early intervention targets for the 2005-2006 school year. 2005-2006 district level data are now available to the public. You can find the link to this district level data as well as additional resource information at
http://www.michigan.gov.
If you know of families who do not have Internet access and want to see a print copy of their local district's IDEA public report, please let them know that they can call the
Center for Educational Networking (CEN) at 1 (800) 593-9146 to request a copy.
(posted 7/06/07) |
|
Information Underload:
Florida's Flawed Special-Ed Voucher Program
Students with disabilities have long had the right, under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act(IDEA), to attend private schools at public expense if the public schools in their community are unable to provide them with appropriate special educational services. But less than 1 percent of students with disabilities have such private placements, in part because these placements can be costly, complicated, and time-consuming to obtain under the existing law.
Florida's popular McKay Scholarships for Students with Disabilities Program seeks to tilt the balance in these students’ favor. The program provides parents with an alternative to expensive legal proceedings and complicated bureaucracy—a voucher that they can use at a public or private school of their choice. Florida's legislature approved the program in 1999 and named it after a then-state senator, John McKay, who is also the father of a special-needs child.
(posted 6/29/07) |
|
Parents Don't
Need Lawyer In Ed Cases
by Mark Sherman, The Associated Press
- Washington - Parents need not hire a lawyer to sue public school districts over their children's special education needs, the Supreme Court ruled Monday, overturning the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling. (Case number Winkelman v. Parma City School District, 05-983)
(posted 5/25/07)
top |
|
Employment |
|
Supported
Self-Employment 101
This
handbook is intended to provide direction for
organizations that embrace Supported Self-Employment. It is
hoped this will shape greater self-determined opportunities
for people with disabilities across Michigan. |
Money To
Lend!
The mission of the
Michigan Employment Loan Fund is to reduce or eliminate
barriers to employment through low-interest loans.
Financial loans can be used to buy equipment for
self-employment or to work for an employer from home or
a telework center.
Loan Facts:
- Loans up to
$20,000
- Interest rate is
fixed for the term of the loan
- Current interest
rates are 4.75% to 7.75% depending on credit score
and loan term
- Loan terms can
range up to 5 years depending on the business
equipment purchased and the borrower’s ability to
pay
- Monthly payments
are paid to our credit union partner,
Option 1 Credit Union
Eligibility:
- Michigan residents
with all disabilities, including seniors with
age-related functional limitations, are eligible.
You must be at least 18 and/or your own guardian.
- Loans must be used
to buy business equipment, and related
education/training to use the equipment, needed for
home-based employment as an employee or business
owner on a full or part-time basis.
- You must submit a
Promise Letter to Telework or a Business Plan with
your loan application. MELF staff will help you get
started on these items.
- Click here for a
loan application checklist to find out if you
are ready to apply.
How to Apply:
The Michigan Employment Loan Fund is a loan program, not
a grant, which means you will have to repay your loan by
making loan payments to Option 1 Credit Union. You may
choose the day of the month your loan payments are due.
Payments begin the month after your loan documents have
been signed.
Michigan
Employment Loan Fund c/o United Cerebral Palsy of Michigan 4970 Northwind Drive, Suite 102 East Lansing, MI 48823
|
The goal of ABILITYJobs and JobAccess is to
enable people with disabilities to enhance their
professional lives by providing a dedicated system for
finding employment. By posting job opportunities, or
searching resumes, employers can find qualified persons
with disabilities as well as demonstrate their
affirmative action and open door policies. Click
here
|
|
What Can
YOU Do? - Campaign for Disability Employment
The Campaign for
Disability Employment, a new effort of the American
Association of People with Disabilities, National Business
and Disability Council, Special Olympics and the US business
Leadership Network, has launched a web-based initiative know
as "What Can You Do?" to promote employment of people with
disabilities.
The new
Web site has a public service announcement, videos and
other information about employment issues. There are tabs
for information aimed at the people and youth with
disabilities, employers, family and educators.
In August, people with
disabilities experienced a 16.90 percent rate of
unemployment, which is the highest rate on record since the
U.S. Department of Labor began tracking such statistics in
October 2008. Compare this with an unemployment rate of 9.3
percent for the rest of the population. These numbers are
not seasonally adjusted.
The Web site and campaign are
funded by the Office of Disability Employment Policy at the
U.S. Department of Labor.
top |
|
Self
Employment - Kevin Webb's Business
Here is a
video presentation about
Kevin Webb and the business he started. The project was
funded by the Department of Labor and allows people with
disabilities to start their own businesses. The video was
created by Virginia Commonwealth
University. |
Roadmaps II for
Enhancing Employment of Persons with Disabilities
Through Accessible Technology
Roadmaps II (PDF,
Word) provides an overview of federally
funded AT programs and information on the creation of
the AT Collaborative; a compilation of some of
the barriers impacting the use of AT by individuals with
disabilities regarding employment; and recommendations
to increase and enhance the employment of individuals
with disabilities though AT (including a response to the
Business Dialogue Roadmaps). The official launch date of
Roadmaps II was April 21, 2009, at the
2009 Annual Conference of AT Act Programs in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The LEAD Initiative
LEAD
(Leadership for the Employment of Americans with
Disabilities) is an US
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
initiative to address the declining number of employees
with targeted disabilities in the federal workforce. The
goal for this initiative is to significantly increase
the population of individuals with severe disabilities
employed by the federal government.
The
LEAD initiative is not an employment program.
Rather, LEAD staff is working to encourage federal
agencies to hire and advance more individuals with
severe disabilities. Thus, LEAD is not directly involved
with individual hiring decisions. For information on
current vacancies in the federal government, please
visit
www.usajobs.opm.gov and/or the website of individual
federal agencies. Additionally, job seekers may find
useful information on the OPM Disability Resource page -
http://www.opm.gov/disability/. |
How 1
Autistic Young Man Runs a Business
By
Nancy Shute
–
Fri Apr 3, 12:46 pm ET
from US News and World Report
Joe Steffy
is off to Overland Park, Kan., this week to do a
PowerPoint presentation on his business,
Poppin' Joe's Kettle Korn.
He's a 23-year-old small-business man with a
goal of $100,000 in sales by 2012. Joe also has
autism and
Down syndrome and is nonverbal. When he
gives his talk, he will push buttons on an
augmentative speech device to deliver the words.
His audience will be parents who fervently hope
their own special-needs children will be able to
work, too.
Joe's parents, Ray
and Janet, of Louisburg, Kan., didn't agree with
the assessment of the school district
in which they lived previously, which had
said Joe would never be able to work or live
independently. "I'm
one who can easily get ticked off," says
Ray. "That ticked me off. We saw more in Joe
than that. We set
out to prove to the school that he had
capabilities."
Read the rest of
the story
here.
|
|
Work Incentives Planning and Assistance
Work Incentives Planning and
Assistance projects are funded by the Social
Security Administration. Purpose: To help individuals
with disabilities who are receiving SSI (Supplemental
Security Income) or SSDI (Social Security Disability
Insurance) learn about work incentives and understand
what will happen to their Social Security, Medicaid and
Medicare benefits if they return to work. We will also
tell young people who have disabilities and are leaving
school about working and keeping benefits.
WIPA
projects employ Community Work Incentives Coordinators (CWIC’s)
to advise Social Security beneficiaries how to manage
their income and benefits while working.
|
|
Database of More Than 1,900 Job
Candidates with Disabilities
The U.S.
Department of Labor released to employers nationwide
a free database of more than 1,900 pre-screened
college students with disabilities who are seeking
summer and regular employment opportunities.
Candidates in this database are pursuing degrees in
fields ranging from math and business to IT and law.
“Historically, people with disabilities consistently
have experienced difficulties finding employment
regardless of the economic climate,” said Secretary
of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “Providing an internship or
first job to someone with a disability can provide a
real jumpstart in launching a successful career. The
Workforce Recruitment Program offers top talent
while enabling college students and recent graduates
the opportunity to gain invaluable work experience.”
Federal employers can tap into this ongoing
recruitment resource online through the Workforce
Recruitment Program.
Private sector, other government and
nonprofit employers can request unlimited
searches at
www.earnworks.com/wrp/ or
by calling the Labor Department's Employer
Assistance and Recruiting Network at 866-327-6669.
|
|
More Robust Business Case for Hiring People with
Disabilities -
The Office of Disability
Employment Policy (ODEP)
has published a revised
Business Case for Hiring People with Disabilities,
including returning disabled veterans, features video clips,
research and anecdotal information from businesses and
industry leaders on how hiring people with disabilities
improves an organizations bottom line across six themes:
Return on Investment, Human Capital, Innovation,
Marketing, Diversity, and Social Responsibility. |
Large and Small Employers Have Different Concerns about
Workers with Disabilities
- The
Survey of Employer Perspectives on the Employment of
People with Disabilities is the first of its
magnitude, with responses representing more than 2.4
Million companies nationwide. The survey reveals
that a majority of large businesses hiring people
with disabilities are discovering that costs for
accommodations differ very little from those of the
general employee population. Additionally, the
survey showed that once an employer hires someone
with a disability, they are much more likely to hire
other people with disabilities.
(Posted 1/9/09) |
|
US
Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy
ODEP
has just released three new fact sheets in a new and easy to
read format that provide constructive disability employment
information for parents, youth and employers:
Creating a Path to Employment: Tips for Parents with Children with Disabilities
- Work in the 21st century is more team-based than ever.
Start by exploring the work world together.
www.dol.gov/odep/documents/creating_path_to_Employment.pdf
Essential Skills to Getting a Job:
What Young People with Disabilities Need to Know
- Often referred to as
soft skills,
work ethic, communication, teamwork and critical thinking
are all must have’s for youth in today’s job market.
www.dol.gov/odep/documents/essential_job_skills.pdf
Shaping Tomorrow’s Workforce:
Including Talents of Young People with Disabilities
-
Youth with disabilities bring fresh, new perspectives
that enrich strategies for meeting business challenges and
achieving success.
http://www.dol.gov/odep/documents/shaping_tomorrows_workforce.pd
(Posted 12/1/08) |
|
New Study: What Do Majority of Workers in Sheltered Workshops Prefer?
Source: Migliore, A., Mank, D., Grossi, T., and Rogan, P. (2007) Integrated employment or sheltered workshops: Preferences of adults with intellectual disabilities, their families, and staff. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation. Vol. 26, No. 1, pp.5-19
www.heath.gwu.edu/node/450 |
|
National Center on Workforce and Disability/Adult (NCWD/A)
Archived Web conferences
- Funding Customized Employment - online trainings on Customized Employment. |
|
One-Stop Toolkit - The Office of Disability Employment Policy
has a number of new tools on its Web site to promote customized employment for people with disabilities. For
more information or go to:
www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/custom/index.htm
|
|
Training
Resource Network Disability Update
- October 2008 Edition
In this issue:
-
Study: Supported
Employment 3 Times More Cost-Effective than
Sheltered Work
-
Percent of Unemployed
People with Disabilities Looking for Work: 2005 Data
released
-
DePaul Study: workers
with Disabilities Perform Well
-
Key ADA Employment
Changes for 2009
-
Free Our People
YouTube video,
Free Our People
-
Online Training: Job
Coaching; Orientation to Working with People with
Disabilities; The Disability Industrial
Complex: Ending the Segregation of People with
Disabilities
Go to:
www.trninc.com/update/TRN_Update.html to view.
(posted 10/31/08) |
|
February 2009 Disability Employment
Statistics Released
In February 2009, the percent
of people with disabilities in the labor force was 23.0. The
unemployment rate for those with disabilities was 14.0
percent. Click to view the new
monthly data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
top
(posted
3/04/09) |
|
New Department of Labor Statistics - A new study, which found that the employment rate for people with disabilities has dropped below 20 percent, has attributed the drop to attitudinal barriers and to the misconception that accommodations are costly. |
|
Energy and Emergency Relief |
Energy Efficiency and
Other Home Improvement Loans
MSHDA’s
Property Improvement Program offers low
interest home improvement loans to
single-family homeowners with
low-to-moderate income (up to $65,000, or
$74,750 in certain areas), and landlords
renting to low-to-moderate income
tenants. Eligible improvements must
substantially protect or improve the basic
livability or utility of the property. Eligible
home improvements include but are not
limited the following:
-
Windows;
-
Furnaces
(including geothermal);
-
Insulation;
-
Roof
repair or replacement;
-
Solar
water heating systems;
-
Siding;
Other
improvements include:
-
Kitchen
and bathroom remodeling;
-
Foundation
repair;
-
Garage or
carport (addition or repair); and
-
Other
permanent improvements to homes such
as carpeting or ramps - see brochure.
With the
Property Improvement Program, eligible
homeowners can borrow up to $50,000 for a
single family site-built home. Lower limits
apply to manufactured homes. Because we can
amortize the loan up to 20 years, the
monthly payments are very affordable for
those on a fixed income.
The interest rate for homeowners is
4%, 6%, or 8%, depending upon income.
Eligible
landlords can borrow up to $25,000 per
single-family rental unit, and an average of
$12,000 per unit for multi-family properties
(up to a maximum of $60,000 per property).
Eligible multi-family properties cannot have
more than 11 units. The interest rate is
fixed at 8%. There are no income
requirements for landlords, but the rental
units must meet MSHDA rental limit
guidelines.
You can get
more details about the program at
http://www.michigan.gov/mshda/
top (posted 10/13/09) |
|
DTE Enery
Payment Assistance Programs -
Having trouble managing your
bills? DTE Energy, along with government and private
agencies, offers programs that help keep you warm in the
winter.
Important - Contact DTE
Energy at 800.477.4747 before your energy service is subject to shut off. If
you are eligible for financial assistance, contact a social
service agency prior to entering into a payment agreement
because many agencies will not provide assistance if shut
off is avoided. Notify us of your efforts to obtain payment
assistance.
-
Case Management -
DTE has a team of specialists available to help
low-income customers reduce their unpaid balances by
providing a personal payment plan, agency referrals
and follow-up. To enroll, call 800.545.8046
if you meet these requirements: Unpaid balance greater
than $750; No illegal usage; Household income at aor
below 200 percent of Federal income eligibility
guidelines.
-
Shut Off Protection
Plan (SPP) - available to all residential customers
regardless of income, and provides year-round protection
from shut off. Call 800.477.4747. Requirements:
Monthly budget plan that spreads out your future bills
in 12 equal payments, plus equal monthly payments on
your remaining balance.
-
Credit Counseling -
DTE works with GreenPath, a non-profit consumer credit
counseling service, which helps you develop a budget to
manage your money. For more information, call 888.235.1003.
-
Winter Protection Plan
(WPP) - The plan protects seniors and low-income
customers from service shut off due to non-payment
between Nov. 1 and March 31. During this period,
customers must pay a budget amount that consists of a
portion of their estimated annual bill plus regular
payments on any past-due bills. For more information
call, 800.477.4747
Other Available Programs:
-
Home Heating Credit (HHC)
E-Filing Eligible customers my receive funds from
the State of Michigan Treasury Department to apply
toward their heating bills.
-
Low-Income
Weatherization - Contact your local Community Action
Agency or United Way at 211.
-
The Heat and Warmth
Fund (THAW) - United Way 211 - cell phone users:
800.552.1183 or 800.866.8429
-
State Emergency Relief
Program (SER) - available year-round to assist
low-income households that have a shut-off notice. Call
800.292.5650
-
Medical Emergencies
- Shut off of an account due to non-payment may be
postponed up to 21 days due to a medical emergency. Call
800.477.4747
-
Shut-Off Protection:
Active duty in the Military -
Call 800.477.4747
-
Double-Notice
Protection Plan - This plan is helpful when an
unexpected event, such as an extended vacation or a long
hospital stay, may keep you from paying your bill on
time.
-
Affordable
Rental Housing - Customers may use the free
Michigan Housing Locator.
-
Low Income Home
Interest Loans - for more information or to see if
you qualify, contact the Michigan State Housing
Development Authority at
www.michigan.gov/mshda and click on the Home
Improvement link, or call 517.373.8017
See attached
brochure (pdf)
for more information and phone numbers for DTE and other
energy assistance programs.
(Posted
1/05/09) |
|
Emergency Preparedness for
People with Complex Communication Needs
Disasters (natural or man-induced) and the humanitarian
emergencies that arise thereafter are in the news almost
daily. When there are no warnings or they are late,
absent or unheeded, casualties can be enormous.
People with disabilities/activity limitations are
particularly vulnerable. Often, there needs are not
considered. Community-based entities need to plan and
prepare in advance so the needs of all citizens are
considered.
The Augmentative and Alternative Communications -
Rehabilitation Engineering Research Centers (AAC-RERC)
web site (www.aac-rerc.com)
and click on Disaster Prep) has resources for people
with limited speech, emergency personnel and
augmentative and alternative communications advocates. For example, a checklist for people with limited speech
is available as a PDF file at the web site and
here.
The AAC community has a key role to play in ensuring
that people with limited speech have access to
communication during an emergency or disaster.
While each situation is different and not everything can
be anticipated, planning and preparations ALWAYS result
in better outcomes.
The AAC community needs to help people with complex
communication needs (CCN) and their families prepare AND
we need to increase the awareness among policy makers
and first responders (firemen, policemen, ambulance
drivers, etc.). AAC Advocates need to spread the word
about disaster preparedness and the needs of people with
CCN at the local, regional and national and
international level.
(posted 9/05/08)
top |
|
Health Issues |
|
Dental Services:
Locate
dental services in your area: The Michigan Oral Health Program
Directory
produced by the Michigan Department of Community Health's (DCH) Division of Family and Community Health
lists local oral health programs available, types of coverage and services provided.
For more information, go to:
http://www.michigan.gov/oralhealth. |
|
Dental Services Expand to Serve More than 280,00 Michigan
Children
-
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and the Michigan Department of
Community Health (MDCH) announced an expansion of the
state's Healthy Kids Dental program to include 80,000
children in Genesee and Saginaw counties, bringing the total
number of Michigan children covered to more than 280,000
children.
(July 2008)
Healthy Kids Dental, a public-private partnership between the State of Michigan and Delta Dental Plan of Michigan
is a dental benefits program for Medicaid beneficiaries under the age of 21. It is available in
61 counties and covers basic dental health benefits such as X-rays, cleanings, cavity fillings, root canals, tooth extractions and dentures. For more information or call 1 (800) 482-8915. Additional information is available at:
www.deltadentalmi.com |
|
For dental services in your area contact Michigan Department of Human Services office at (888) 988-6300 or
go to:
http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/ |
|
Health
Insurance Programs - Michigan Department of Community
Health On-Line Application Service -
You can find out in 30 minutes
or less if you or your children are eligible for health care
coverage.
Click here to apply.
MI Child -
MIChild is a
health insurance program. It is for uninsured children of
Michigan's working families. MIChild services are provided
by many HMOs and other health care plans throughout
Michigan.
Healthy Kids -
Health and dental care for pregnant women & Children age 18
and under, administered by the Michigan Department of Human
services (DHS)
Call 888.988.6300 or (TTY)
888.263.5897 for more information. |
|
March 2, 2009 -
Testimony at
House Community Health Appropriations Subcommittee -
Public Comment on Medicaid
Message from Dohn Hoyle...
"I am forwarding Arlene
Gorelick's testimony on the Governor's proposed budget for
the Department of Community Health. Arlene is the President
of the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan. Her testimony
eloquently represents our concerns regarding the proposal to
create savings by adding behavioral health medications and
anti- convulsants to the Preferred Drug list, subjecting
them to prior authorization."
Click to read testimony: (pdf),
(rtf)
or (MSWord) |
|
Opportunities for Michiganians who
have lost their healthcare coverage -
Although the findings in a
report just released by Families USA, a national
nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, are particularly
grim, there are some new opportunities for Michiganians
who have lost their healthcare coverage or do not have
access to healthcare coverage:
-
Adult Benefits Waiver
–
An ambulatory
program for low income persons without children. An
open enrollment period from March 1,
2009 through May 31, 2009 is underway. Applications
can be submitted to the Department of Human Services
(Customer Help - 1(800) 642-3195);
-
MIChild -
the
reauthorization of federal funding for the
continuation of the MIChild program was approved in
February (Information on the program
1 (888) 988-6300 or at
www.michigan.gov/mdch/1,1607,7-132-2943_4845_4931---,00.html);
-
Resources are also
available on the Department of Community Health’s
new Web site Help Finding Health Care at
www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-2943_52115---,00.html.
top (posted (3/9/09)
|
|
AARP Launches
New On-line Resources to Answer Health Reform Questions
April 7, 2010 Release
WASHINGTON—As a part
of its efforts to help older Americans understand
the impact of the recently enacted health reform
package, AARP has launched new on-line resources for
people with questions about the new law.
The AARP Bulletin’s
new “Health Care Reform Explained” column –
available at
www.aarp.org/getthefacts – provides practical
answers to questions submitted by visitors. Each
week, AARP is answering the top questions about the
new health care reform law emailed by readers to
hcrquestions@aarp.org
“Older Americans have
a lot at stake as the new health reform package
rolls out, and they’re having a hard time getting
complete or consistent information about how it will
affect them,” said AARP Senior Vice President Drew
Nannis. “This new resource is just the latest part
of our efforts to make sure they have
straightforward, reliable information to make the
best decisions for themselves and their families.”
AARP’s Get the Facts
website hosts a user-friendly guide to understanding
the benefits of the new health care law, as well as
fact sheets in plain language on various topics
including prescription drugs and long-term care. The
page offers information both for people in Medicare
and for those with private health insurance.
The new “Health Care
Reform Explained” column follows the model of the
AARP Bulletin’s “Ask Ms. Medicare” column, which has
become the go-to consumer information resource for
millions of people who navigate the ins and outs
of the Medicare program. Since announcing the new
effort in an email to members late last week, more
than 30,000 people have visited the page and
submitted hundreds of questions.
Read more
here
|
|
MDCH Web site Now Offers
Help Finding Free or Low Cost Health Care
During these difficult economic times, Michigan's health care safety net is more vital
than ever to the well-being of our residents.
However, many people in need may not be aware of how
to access safety net services available to them at
low or even no cost. With the release of the "How
Can I Get Free or Low Cost Health Care for Me & My
Family?" Website, the Michigan Department of
Community Health (MDCH) is helping to raise that
awareness.
The Webpage is located at
www.michigan.gov/healthcarehelp and acts as
a portal for finding free or low cost health care
resources available throughout Michigan. The site links to pages with
information on a variety of programs including:
community health centers, free clinics, community
mental health service programs, community dental
care programs, assistance with prescriptions, breast
and cervical cancer screening and treatment
programs, local public health departments, family
planning, information on Medicaid enrollment, and a
number of other resources. In many cases, the site
links to directories or lists by Michigan County to help people locate nearby help
with health care.
The "How Can I Get Free or Low Cost Health Care for
Me & My Family?" Web page is a part of the
commitment of MDCH to assist all
Michigan
residents in finding and accessing affordable,
quality health care. For additional information, or
for suggestions to improve the site, feel free to
contact the MDCH Health Planning and Access to Care
Section at (517) 241-2966 or
HPAC@michigan.gov |
|
Free Health Care
Coverage Booklet The Michigan Family-to-Family Health Information and Education Center (F2FHIEC) has produced a 20-page booklet) called "Free and Low Cost Health Care Coverage Available to Michigan Adults, Children, Pregnant Women and Families". This booklet provides information on numerous free and low cost health care coverage programs available in Michigan.
It can be viewed by clicking on the following link:
http://bridges4kids.org/f2f/mdch.ins.booklet.pdf
If you are interested in ordering free copies,
go to :
http://www.bridges4kids.org/f2f/cshcsorders.pdf
If you would like to learn more about F2FHIEC visit our website at:
www.bridges4kids.org/f2f (posted 8/17/07) |
|
The PPA, a nationwide
effort sponsored by America’s pharmaceutical research
companies, provides a single point of access to more
than 475 patient assistance programs that help those who
are uninsured or struggling financially. Nearly 200 of
the programs are provided by pharmaceutical companies.
“The PPA, so far, has
helped well over 202,500 Michigan residents find out if
they may qualify for free or discounted medicines and as
we move forward into 2009, the assistance is still
available,” said PhRMA President and CEO Billy Tauzin.
“That’s good news for the citizens of Michigan, where
there are more than 681,742 people out of work.”
Patients who qualify for
help from the PPA’s participating patient assistance
programs have access to more than 2,500 brand-name and
generic prescription medicines. In addition, the PPA
provides information on more than 10,000 free health
care clinics in America and has connected more than
281,000 patients with clinics and health care providers
in their communities.
Patients seeking help from
PPA can call 888.477.2609 (888-4-PPA-NOW)
to talk to a trained operator or access the PPA Web site
(www.pparx.org).
It only takes 10 to 15 minutes to find out if someone
may qualify for free or discounted medications.
The Partnership
for Prescription Assistance will help you find the
program that’s right for you, free of charge.
Remember, you will never be asked for money
by a PPA Call Center representative
top
|
|
AARP Rx Snapshop Resource for Managing Your Medications
Older adults take more
medicines than any other age group. Rx
Snapshot is an
easy way you can help family members, friends, and neighbors
manage their medications safely and effectively. Rx
Snapshot is a simple and easy way to record medications
on a special form. It also provides tips and ideas on
encouraging effective communication among patients, doctors,
and pharmacists.
Click
here to download the medication record form.(pdf)
AARP Create the GoodSM
encourages everyone to make a difference in the lives of
others. Share your experiences with this activity and find
other ways to help in your community at
www.AARP.org/CreateTheGood |
World Medical Relief's Prescription Program Available in
Southeastern Michigan
Do you need help with
prescription drugs?
Safe: State-licensed pharmacy
Affordable: $8.30 per Rx
Convenient: Mailed directly to your home.
You may qualify if you:
Are 18 years of age or older.
Earn $19,000 or less per year
if you are an individual; $31,000 for a couple. (Add $300
for each additional dependent.
Are not currently enrolled in
Medicaid.
You may still qualify if you
have a discount prescription card or a are a senior on
Medicare Part D.
World Medical Relief, Inc.
11745 Rosa Parks Blvd,
Detroit, MI 48206
Phone: (313) 866-5333
Fax: (313) 866-5588
|
|
top |
|
Housing |
My First Michigan Home - A first time
home buyer experience second to none
March 26, 2009 - The
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was just
signed into law. One of the major provisions provides an
$8,000 tax credit to qualified First Time Home Buyers (as
well as those who have not owned a home in the last three
years). For more information, call 248.757.0926 or visit
www.MyFirstMichiganHome.com
top |
Energy
Efficiency and Other Home Improvement Loans
MSHDA’s Property
Improvement Program offers low interest home improvement
loans to single-family homeowners with low-to-moderate
income (up to $65,000, or $74,750 in certain areas), and
landlords renting to low-to-moderate income
tenants. Eligible improvements must substantially
protect or improve the basic livability or utility of
the property. Eligible
home improvements include but are not limited the
following:
-
Windows;
-
Furnaces (including
geothermal);
-
Insulation;
-
Roof repair or
replacement;
-
Solar water heating
systems;
-
Siding;
Other improvements
include:
-
Kitchen and bathroom
remodeling;
-
Foundation repair;
-
Garage or carport
(addition or repair); and
-
Other permanent
improvements to homes such
as carpeting or ramps - see brochure.
With the Property
Improvement Program, eligible homeowners can borrow up
to $50,000 for a single family site-built home. Lower
limits apply to manufactured homes. Because we can
amortize the loan up to 20 years, the monthly payments
are very affordable for those on a fixed income.
The interest rate for homeowners is 4%, 6%, or
8%, depending upon income.
Eligible landlords can
borrow up to $25,000 per single-family rental unit, and
an average of $12,000 per unit for multi-family
properties (up to a maximum of $60,000 per property). Eligible multi-family properties cannot have more than
11 units. The interest rate is fixed at 8%. There are
no income requirements for landlords, but the rental
units must meet MSHDA rental limit guidelines.
You can get more details
about the program at
http://www.michigan.gov/mshda/
|
|
Don't Become a Victim of Mortgage Scams -
message from HUD
Foreclosure
scams are destructive, deceptive, and devastating to
families who are fighting to survive. We have families
on the edge of foreclosure that are being offered relief
too good to be true, and we at HUD will take every
possible measure to educate and protect consumers and
homeowners, bring these scams to light, and prevent con
artists from exploiting the housing crisis. There are
legitimate people, places, and agencies that American
families can turn to when they are facing foreclosure,
and many of you are working on these efforts.
Homeowners
NEVER have
to pay to participate in the President’s Making Home
Affordable program. Visit the Making Home Affordable Web
site at
makinghomeaffordable.gov. Homeowners can also call
the Homeowner’s HOPE Hotline at 1-888-995-HOPE for free
foreclosure counseling assistance.
April is
National Fair Housing Month. It’s important, in that
context, to recognize that the economic and housing
crises, including foreclosure scams, have
disproportionately impacted minority populations across
the country. Unscrupulous financial institutions,
brokers, and others have broken their trust as lenders,
cheating and lying to families fighting to make their
way through this crisis. HUD is using new tools,
including the SAFE Act and RESPA, to protect American
families. HUD will ensure that all Americans,
particularly those in areas previously victimized by
unscrupulous practices, are protected and will enforce
our laws against those who prey upon them.
See the
attached
flyer about the President’s Making Home Affordable
plan.
(Posted 4/10/09)
top
|
Requests for Exception Payment
Standards for Persons with Disabilities as a Reasonable
Accommodation - Notice PIH 2008-13 (HA)
from
U.S.
Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, Public and Indian
Housing
-
The purpose of this notice is to facilitate
the process for review and approval of special payment
standards under the Housing Choice Voucher program as a
reasonable accommodation for a family with a person with
disabilities. It clarifies the calculation of the payment
standard and the type of supporting documentation that
should be included in the waiver request. The notice was
issued March 10, 2008 and expires March 31, 2009. Click
HERE review.
(posted 6/27/08)
top |
Successful Funding Sources for
Integrated, Affordable, and Accessible Community Housing
Guide,
"Funding Sources Successfully Used by States to
Support Development of Integrated, Affordable, and Accessible
Community Housing"
from Independent Living
Research Utilization offers a quick reference on housing
resources that can be used to create integrated, affordable, and
accessible housing and basic information on how to use these
resources. Included are community strategies that increase the amount
of integrated, affordable, and accessible housing units that usually
fall into three general categories: development of housing units;
access to existing housing units; and asset development. Click
here for MS Word version.
(posted 1/11/08)
top |
|
Down Payment Assistance Available -
The Community Housing Network, Inc.
is currently seeking first time home buyers in Oakland county who have a household family member with a disability or special needs. Click
for flyer
and
application
(MS Word) www.communityhousingnetwork.org
top |
|
Priced Out in 2006
Report Underscores Housing Crisis Facing People with Disabilities
From 2004-2006, people with disabilities who relied on SSI as their source of income descended further into poverty. In 2006, the average annual income of a single individual receiving SSI payments was $7,584 - equal to only 18.2 % of the national median income. State
Arc chapters and affiliates are strongly encourage to use the report in their housing advocacy.
(posted 6/15/07)
top |
The Arc Michigan's Position on
Housing
The Arc
Michigan board of directors
has adopted the
Howell Group's housing position paper as its
position on housing for persons with developmental
disabilities. The
document
(rtf)
calls for non-segregated inclusive community housing
options. (posted
8/08/08)
top
|
|
Medicaid |
|
Taking the Long
View: Investing in Medicaid Home and Community-Based
Services Is Cost-Effective
Research Report March
2009
The current fiscal crisis is causing
most states to make deep budget cuts. In this
climate, many state policymakers are targeting
Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS)
because they are optional Medicaid benefits.
However, this approach may be shortsighted. Recent
evidence indicates that expanding HCBS can be
cost-effective in the long run when combined with
efforts that reduce reliance on nursing home care.
Moreover, states that shift their mode of service
delivery away from institutional services and toward
HCBS can serve more beneficiaries with available
dollars. With declining revenues, states should take
the opportunity to focus on longer-term and more
cost-effective reform options for their long-term
care (LTC) systems, such as promoting HCBS over
institutional care. Doing so has the dual benefit of
not only slowing the growth in Medicaid LTC spending
but also improving consumer choices. Click
to read the
report (8 pages,
PDF)
Robert L. Mollica, National Academy
for State Health Policy
Enid Kassner, AARP Public Policy
Institute
Lina Walker, AARP Public Policy
Institute
Ari N. Houser, AARP Public Policy
Institute
Pub ID: I26
top
(posted 3/24/09) |
Myths about the
Medicaid Program and the People It Helps -
written by
Jean Accius, AARP Public Policy Institute, Research Report
November 2008
This fact sheet
addresses common misconceptions about Medicaid, a program that
serves as an effective safety net for those who are unable to pay
for health and long-term care.
A
look at the facts about Medicaid shows common misconceptions about
the program are simply myths. Go to:
www.aarp.org to read the 10 myths.
(posted 12/12/08)
|
|
Home Help Services in Workplace Michigan's
Medicaid State Plan has been revised to allow Home Help Services in the
workplace effective December1, 2007. The
Adult Services Manual policy change states:
"Home Help Services (HHS) may now be provided for the specific
purpose of enabling the client to be employed. The
current assessment process for personal care services remains
unchanged. A separate assessment for the workplace is not required. The
hours approved may be used either in the home or the workplace.
Additional hours are not available as a result of employment. The
client determines where services are to be provided, whether in the
home or the workplace." (2/29/08) |
Medicaid Home and Community-Based Service Programs: Data
Update. Developing home and community-based service (HCBS) alternatives
to institutional care has been a priority for many state Medicaid
programs over the last two decades. While the majority of Medicaid
long-term care dollars go toward institutional care, the national
percentage of Medicaid spending on HCBS has more than doubled from
15 percent in 1992 to 36 percent in 2004.This Kaiser Family
Foundation report presents a summary of the main trends to emerge
from the latest (2004) expenditure and participant data for the
three Medicaid HCBS programs:(1) optional 1915(c) HCBS waivers, (2)
the mandatory home health benefit, and (3) the optional state plan
personal care services benefit, as well as findings from a survey of
policies, such as eligibility criteria and waiting lists, used on
Medicaid HCBS programs in 2006.
(posted 1/11/08) |
|
Expanding The
“Registry” Concept: Creating Access To Care For Consumers &
Employment For Care Workers
As part of the January 2008 Monthly Aging
and Disability Resource
Center Technical
Assistance Exchange
call, Dorie Seavey and Hollis Turnham presented the idea of worker
registries. Supporting materials offer an overview of the concept
and state examples
(including the Michigan Quality Community Care Council).
Also included is a two-page hand out that lists worker registry
websites and offers and example of the database potential
functionalities.
|
|
Persons with Disabilities and Prescription Drug Coverage -
Dual Eligibility Contact information and answers to questions about prescription drug coverage for those who are
dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare and those who receive Medicare.
Click here:
MS Word or
pdf version. |
|
The Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services - Dual Eligibility
Overview,
Dual Eligibility Categories
and
Model Application for Medicare Savings Programs |
|
State officials have created a new Web site that consumers now can search the prices of 150 prescription drugs.
A new feature gives driving directions to the pharmacies on the site and lets users file complaints with the state when they believe pricing information is incorrect or price gouging may be occurring. The Web site is located at:
www.michigandrugprices.com |
|
Need Help Paying For Medicine? The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) is a one-stop resource to apply to get your medicines free or nearly free if you do not have prescription drug coverage. The Web site is sponsored by major drug manufacturers, which all have programs that cover medicines for free or at low cost to people who qualify. Each program is unique and working people, people without jobs, seniors, student, families and single people may all qualify.
To find out if you qualify, go to
www.pparxmi.org or call
1 (888)477-2669. The toll-free number has operators who speak several different languages. If you go to the Web site, you can provide information once and then print out an application for each medicine you need. |
|
Long-Term Care Spending for Older People
and Adults with Physical Disabilities in Michigan and U.S.,
2006 - Compared to the U.S. Average, Michigan
allocates a greater percentage (85 percent) of its Medicaid
long-term care spending for older people and adults with
physical disabilities to nursing homes, even though most
people prefer to remain in their own homes and communities.
In 2006, Michigan spent 4 percent on waiver services and 11
percent on personal care services. See AARP Public Institute
Analysis
(posted 8/1/08) |
The Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman has put together "Stand Up, Speak Out: An Advocate's Quick Guide to Medicaid"
 |
|
Medicaid Eligibility -
Citizenship Documentation: |
|
For more information about the citizenship documentation requirement, go to:
Medicaid Eligibility and Proof of Citizenship
Read
Letter from CMS to State Medicaid Director
The Kaiser Family Foundation's Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured (KCMU) has released a
Fact Sheet and
Report examining New York's experience with requiring citizenship documentation from their Medicaid applicants.
Medicaid Hurdle for Immigrants May Hurt Others - New requirement that Medicare beneficiaries prove U.S. citizenship may hurt citizens who cannot produce records. NY
Times, April 16, 2006
top |
|
Medicare |
|
CMS Announces Medicare
Premiums, Deductibles for 2009
The standard Medicare Part B monthly premium will be
$96.40 in 2009, the same as the Part B premium for 2008.
This is the first year since 2000 that there was no
increase in the standard premium over the prior year.
The 2009 Part B premium of $96.40 is the same as the
amount projected in the 2008 Medicare Trustees Report
issued in March. This monthly premium paid by
beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part B covers a
portion of the cost of physicians’ services, outpatient
hospital services, certain home health services, durable
medical equipment, and other items.
By
law, the standard premium is set to cover approximately
one-fourth of the average cost of Part B services
incurred by beneficiaries aged 65 and over. The
remaining Part B costs are financed by Federal general
revenues. The income to the program from premiums and
general revenues are paid into the Part B account of the
Supplementary Medical Insurance trust fund, and Part B
expenditures are drawn from this account.
Normally, the Part B premium increases at the same rate
as average Part B expenditures from year to year. A
number of factors explain why the premium can be kept
level for 2009.
Growth is expected in 2009 for most areas of the
Medicare Part B program, including growth in the cost
and use of physician and outpatient hospital care, home
health services, physician-administered drugs,
ambulatory surgical center services, durable medical
equipment, independent lab and physician’s office lab
services, as well as growth in the Medicare Advantage
program. In most years, this would result in the need
for an increase in the Part B premium and general
revenue financing.
To
view this Fact Sheet in its entirety go to:
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/fact_sheets.asp
top
|
Increase Access for Medicare Part D Coverage to
Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries
At a
time when the industry trend is to provide markedly
less coverage for low-income beneficiaries, the 2009
AARP-branded Medicare Part D plans will qualify to
acquire and serve more such beneficiaries next year.
A
recent study found 308 stand-alone drug plans
nationwide are eligible to serve low-income
residents next year, down about 200 from this year.
The analysis, reported by
USA Today,
was by Avalere Health, a for-profit research firm in
Washington.
While the report indicates prescription drug
coverage to this population is declining, the AARP
MedicareRx Saver plan, insured through
UnitedhealthCare, is able to acquire and serve
low-income beneficiaries in 38 states in 2009, up
from 28 in 2008.
To
acquire and serve the auto-assigned low-income
Medicare beneficiaries, Part D plan sponsors must
keep their premiums below a government-set
benchmark. To meet this standard, explains David
Mathis, Senior Vice President, AARP Services Health
Products and Services. “United took a thoughtful and
disciplined approach when developing its bids this
year. They focused on balancing broad access to
drugs covered by Medicare and keeping premiums below
the low-income regional benchmark premiums.”
Medicare open enrollment runs from Nov. 15 to Dec.
31. Information on the new 2009 AARP MedicareRx
Plans is available at
www.aarpmedicarerx.com
(posted 10/31/08)
top |
|
UCP Medicare Part D Guide
-
"Navigating
the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage Program" |
|
Persons with Disabilities and Prescription Drug Coverage -
Dual Eligibility
Contact information and answers to questions about prescription drug coverage for those who are
dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare and those who receive Medicare.
Click here:
MS Word or
pdf version.
top |
|
The Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services - Dual Eligibility
Overview,
Dual Eligibility Categories and
Model Application for Medicare Savings Programs |
|
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
(CMS) has established a Special Election Period (SEP)
to address situations where an individual has enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan based on misleading or incorrect information provided by plan employees, agents or brokers.
Call 1 (800) 633-4227 or 1 (800)MEDICARE.
Click
HERE (pdf file) (posted 7/20/07)
top |
|
Medicare Part D Appeals Manual
The Medicare
Rights Center has created a free, comprehensive,
easy-to-understand Medicare Part D appeals
manual for advocates who help people with Medicare get the drugs
they need.
This 25-page
manual offers a complete overview of the entire appeals process,
real-life case examples from our Client Services department, a glossary
of important Part D appeals terms, a sample appeals protocol for
advocates, and links to important resources and documents. All in the
consumer-friendly language you have come to expect from the Medicare
Rights Center.
(posted 2/15/2008)
top |
|
Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program
at
www.mymmap.org
has an online learning course,
"How to Enroll In
Medicare's Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D) using
Medicare's Online Tools" |
|
State officials have created a new Web site that consumers now can search the prices of 150 prescription drugs.
A new feature gives driving directions to the pharmacies on the site and lets users file complaints with the state when they believe pricing information is incorrect or price gouging may be occurring. The Web site is located at:
www.michigandrugprices.com
top |
|
Need Help Paying For Medicine? The
Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA) is a one-stop resource to apply to get your medicines free or nearly free if you do not have prescription drug coverage. The Web site is sponsored by major drug manufacturers, which all have programs that cover medicines for free or at low cost to people who qualify.
Each program is unique and working people, people without
jobs, seniors, student, families and single people may all
qualify.
To find out if you qualify, go to
www.pparxmi.org or call
1 (888) 477-2669. The toll-free number has operators who speak several different languages. If you go to the Web site, you can provide information once and then print out an application for each medicine you need. |
|
top |
|
Newsletters & Publications |
|
Amenities Trusts for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities or Mental Illness - by
Joshua R. Find and Joel S. Welber |
|
The Arc Michigan Focus Winter Newsletter
(posted 1/5/09) |
|
Michigan Diriectory of Service Providers for Infants,
Toddlers, and Students with Disabilities is now
available on the Center for Educational Networking Web site.
(posted
6/4/09) |
|
The Beach Center on Disability's archive
of quarterly issues. |
|
Disability is Natural E-Newsletter
from Kathie Snow
disabilityisnatural.com
top |
www.ABILITYmagazine.com is offering a free digital
subscription to Arc members. On their Web site, click on
the Subscribe tab and enter ARC as the
coupon code during check out.
|
Disability Scoop - www.disabilityscoop.com - focuses on
five core coverage areas:
Education:
Everything from IEP’s to transition, college
opportunities and life-long learning.
Health: Big
picture topics like research and Medicaid
down to the everyday nitty-gritty like
hygiene, medication and dealing with doctors
and therapists.
Law: Tackling
IDEA, ADA, Medicaid waivers and more. Plus,
we’ll focus on your legal rights and
advocacy.
Life: From
dealing with a diagnosis and social
acceptance to relationships, independent
living and finding support.
Money: Examining
how to pay for treatments, Social Security,
finding employment and estate planning.
(Contact
Disability Scoop to tell
them what topics and issues
are important to you.)
top
|
|
EQUITY e-newsletter Current & Past Issues
(posted 2/4/09) |
|
Inclusion Daily Express - disability rights news service -
http://www.InclusionDaily.com |
|
The Learning Disabilities Association of Michigan's Healthy Children Project issue of the Healthy Children's Project's Monthly e-News.
To subscribe
send blank email to:
healthychildrenproject-subscribe@yahoogroups.com |
|
The Michigan Developmental
Disabilities Council has restarted its monthly newsletter.
Click
here for the July issue. (pdf) Click
here for previous issues of
the DD Community Update.
(PDF) |
|
Michigan Partners for Freedom Newsletter - Spring 2009
Edition |
|
Michigan Public Health Update
-
Current and Previous Issues
This monthly newsletter contains important information in following areas: preparedness and planning, exercises, pandemic preparedness, communications, surveillance, hospital preparedness, training and education, upcoming events, regional news and other news.
top |
|
Monday Morning Memo - January 5, 2009
(pdf) or
RTF |
|
Nonprofit Advocacy:Michigan Primer - Advocacy vs
Lobbying |
|
Perspectives - Serving the
Nation's DD Community for 30 Years - U.S. Senate Passes 2008 Budget Resolution, rejecting many of the steep cuts to domestic programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. Click
HERE to read the
May 2007 issue (Vol 13, No. 5)
(posted 6/8/07)
Perspectives, published by the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disability Services, covers national/state and local policy and program news concerning individuals with developmental disabilities.
Perspectives is available by subscription
at:
www.nasddds.org/Publications/index.shtml
top |
|
The Riot! - National E-Newsletter from the Self-Advocate
Leadership Network
(PDF)
- April 8 - Guardianship Issue
The Riot! Self-Advocate Leadership Network E-Newsletter
- past issues |
|
Training Resource Network Disability Update
www.trninc.com |
|
Washington Watch - Current and Previous Issues |
|
top |
|
Online Courses |
|
Free Online Course on The
Americans with Disabilities Act
Visit
www.adabasics.org to register free for the
ADA Basics Course developed for you by your regional Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers. The course is designed to provide you with the basic principles and core concepts of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The 12-topic course may be accessed at any time using a computer or mobile device with an Internet connection. Each topic contains relative information and real-life examples to help increase your understanding of the ADA!
top |
|
The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities offers their newest online resource,
"Parallels in Time, Part 2",
which is packed with hundreds of photos, videos and documents associated
with the important societal and legislative milestones from 1950 through
2005. Sections include A Place to Call Home, Definitions and Perspectives on
Disability, A Place to Learn, Real Work and more.
"Partners
in Living"
-
a free self-study course created to help people with developmental disabilities, their family and friends explore four important elements that, together, can help them create a meaningful life: Self-Determination, Family Support, Community Living and Assistive Technology.
"Partners in Time"
Is the history of people with developmental disabilities.
Other study courses
include "Partners in Education", "Making Your Case",
and "Partners in Employment"
For more information go to
www.partnersinpolicymaking.com/online.html
top |
|
The Advocacy Institute Webinar,
The Advocacy Academy designed to meet the training needs of special education advocates nationwide. For more information, go to:
www.advocacyinstitute.org/academy/ |
|
Online Forums |
|
New Epilepsy Online Support Group - A new
free online
Epilepsy Support Group is now available for "patients,
family members and friends dedicated to dealing with
Epilepsy". It is part of the MDJunction.com Web site:
http://www.mdjunction.com/epilepsy |
|
What is Neighbors4Neighbors?
Neighbors4Neighbors is an
online discussion forum that helps people help each other
deal with unemployment. People can get and give advice on
things like job searches, health care and finances. It is
not a classified ads system to advertise jobs, business
opportunities or programs for the unemployed - but rather a
place where people who have lost a job can connect with
others that are, or have been, in the same boat.
To learn more about the
Neighbor4Neighbors project, visit
www.n4nMichigan.org
top |
|
Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program at
www.mymmap.org
has an
online learning course,
"How to Enroll In
Medicare's Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D) using
Medicare's Online Tools"
top |
|
Online Resources |
|
The Origins of Some
of Our Major Contemporary Service Patterns
An Interpreted Pictorial Presentation on the History
of Human Services
The Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental
Disabilities has posted online a two day
presentation given at Millersville University in
1998 by Wolf Wolfensberger and Susan Thomas. This
online presentation is the result of a cooperative
agreement with Professor Wolfensberger, Betsy
Neuville from Keystone Human Services and Thomas
Neuville from Millersville University in
Pennsylvania.
www.mnddc.org/wolfensberger/index.html
top (posted
8/10/09)
|
|
Training
Resource Network Disability Update
- October 2008 Edition
In this issue:
-
Study: Supported
Employment 3 Times More Cost-Effective than
Sheltered Work
-
Percent of Unemployed
People with Disabilities Looking for Work: 2005 Data
released
-
DePaul Study: workers
with Disabilities Perform Well
-
Key ADA Employment
Changes for 2009
-
Free Our People
YouTube video,
Free Our People
-
Online Training: Job
Coaching; Orientation to Working with People with
Disabilities; The Disability Industrial
Compex:Ending the Segregation of People with
Disabilities
Go to:
www.trninc.com/update/TRN_Update.html to view.
(posted 10/31/08)
top |
|
Autism Self Advocacy Network starts online group for
teens with Autism
A new yahoo group has just been created to be open
exclusively for adolescents and teens on the autism
spectrum, offering an opportunity for autistic
adolescents and teens to interact in a supportive,
autistic-friendly internet environment. It is sponsored
by the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, an international
non-profit organization run by and for autistic adults
and youth, working to advance neurodiversity, disability
rights and autistic culture.
Group Rules:
1. To join you must be on the autism spectrum
(self-diagnosed individuals are welcome) and at least 13
years of age.
2. Be respectful of your fellow list members.
3. Do not repost messages outside of the list.
4. If you have a question, feel free to ask.
5. Do not engage in personal attacks against other list
members.
The list will be closely moderated by adults from the
Autistic Self Advocacy Network to ensure that all list
content remains legal, age-appropriate, free of spam and
solicitation, and in compliance with the group rules.
To join the group, visit
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ASANTeens
, click the "Join this group" button, and follow the
instructions.
For more information, contact list moderator Dora
Raymaker at
dora@aaspireproject.org
(posted 10/30/08)
top |
|
A Web-Based Resource, the AblePlay Rating System, created by the National Lekotek
Center, is available to provide professionals who serve
children with special needs and their parents with the
information they need to make the best toy choices. |
|
National Center on Workforce and Disability/Adult (NCWD/A)
Archived Web conferences
- Funding Customized Employment - online trainings on Customized Employment.
top |
|
Our Rights |
On
the Origin of Our Rights and Our Struggle
by Ari Ne’eman
Ari
Ne’eman is the founding president of the
Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, a nonprofit
organization of adults and youth on the autistic
spectrum. He is currently a Sondheim scholar of public
affairs at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
He delivered the luncheon address at the Jacobus
tenBroek Law Symposium on April 17, 2009. This is what
he said:
The past half century has seen a great proliferation in
new kinds of conversation about rights. Once primarily
relevant in the context of criminal justice and property
disputes, rights-based discourses have expanded their
scope throughout our society. We have civil rights,
human rights, gay rights, women’s rights, disability
rights, immigrant rights, commercial rights, social
rights, privacy rights, animal rights, children’s
rights, student rights, parental rights, and countless
more. Though we may not all agree on the extent or even
legitimacy of them, it cannot be disputed that we have
broadened our global conception of the role for this
concept called rights in our social, legal, economic,
policy, and societal frameworks. Yet, at the same time
as we have updated the role of rights-based
conversations in our society, we remain with some very
obsolete ideas about where rights come from. That holds
us back.
We go out to the world and tell them in many ways that
it is time for our rights to be realized. We talk about
inclusion, we talk about integration, we talk about
access, but when we are asked why, our answers are
typically phrased in the language of either cost-benefit
or desperate need. The one turns our civil rights
struggle into a conversation on policy technicalities;
the other evokes the very charity-oriented model of
disability support that we have been trying to escape.
Neither type of response brings the understanding and
the knowledge necessary to communicate both the nature
and the urgency of our priorities because both talk
about rights without talking about where they derive. To
legitimize our rights, we have to explain where they are
from and so show that they do exist in the ways we talk
about.
Read
the rest of
Ari Ne’eman’s presentation in the July 2009
edition of the Braille Monitor, published by the
National Federation of the Blind.
|
|
Other Issues |
|
Open For Questions
is an opportunity to open up the White
House to all Americans.
Submit your own question about the
economy, health care, education, veterans and other
subjects that are important to you.
Sign in to vote on questions and suggest your own,
or read some of the questions already submitted.
www.whitehouse.gov/OpenForQuestions |
|
The
Michigan League for Human Services has released a new
report on the economy and Michigan's budget called
Keeping the Lights on in Michigan: How a Federal Stimulus
Package and Smart State Choices Will Help.
Also, see the December 2008
version of the
Economic Security Bulletin. Earlier bulletins are
located at:
milhs.org/information
(Posted
1/13/09) |
|
Advocacy vs. Lobbying
Do you want to know the
difference between advocacy for your cause or
issue as opposed to lobbying officials about
your cause or issue? Go here www.mnaonline.org/lobbyinfo.asp and
download Nonprofit Advocacy: Michigan Primer
This handbook, answers
the most frequently asked questions related to
lobbying by nonprofits. What is lobbying? What are
the reporting procedures for lobbying in Michigan
and the IRS? Can you use funding from a foundation
to work on public policy? Regardless if you know the
answers to the above questions, you and your
organization need to read this book.
(posted 1/28/09)
|
|
Public speaker, Kim Rosario II,
Teaches Others to Focus on the Best
By Erin Chan Ding, Free Press Staff Writer
Kim Rosario II, a 20-year old
who has all of his life, dealt with a disease,
arthyrogryposis, that stunts growth on his arms and legs
joined a program at Community Living Services of Oakland
County after graduating from Clawson High School. He speaks
to young people and thier parents about a crucial transition
period for people with disabilit8ies, usually ages 18 to 26.
He advocates for not letting disabilities hind the direction
of people's lives. Click
here to read the
March 24, 2009 Free Press article.
top |
|
Violence Against Vulnerable
Adults - The
altogether too frequent response of Adult Protective
Services is to seek guardianship. Their screen, discuss
it with a medical doctor.
This article by Tammy Lemmer, Senior Program Manager,
Michigan Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
appears in the State Bar of Michigan
Disabilities Project Newsletter,
Volume 4, Issue 4, October 2008.
(posted 10/17/08) |
Awareness Day Simulations: On A
Roll Without A Clue
(Submitted by
ErikaJ to Disability
Nation)
In one
way, I understand why schools and businesses
continue to do disability-awareness day simulations.
It can be difficult to talk about disability, and it
seems that many non-disabled people are fascinated
by our shiny assistive devices, so a day spent
playing crip-for-a-day could only be in good fun,
right?
At least, that's what I heard about the one I went
to as a teenager. But I'm older now, and more
political, so the idea that someone could learn what
my life is like from strapping into a wheelchair for
a few hours seems as ridiculous to me as trying on
the male experience by gluing on a cut-hair mustache
and calling myself "Hank'. Maybe I would even learn
some tiny superficial truths about how guys relate
to their world by doing that, but it wouldn't be
like experiencing life as a guy. Tying on a
blindfold and being shocked by sudden darkness is
not like being blind either.
But I guess I could put it in a box with other
related behavior such as people passing my
wheelchair and cheerily asking "What's the speed
limit on that thing?" or the urge people seem to
have to try on each other's glasses. Dorky and
incomprehensible, but harmless. Except everybody in
the newspaper article acts like they learned so
much.
Valerie Brew-Parrish, in her excellent series of
Ragged Edge articles says that the stuff people
learn from simulating disability is the wrong stuff.
Because they are placed in a situation where they
have not learned the lessons many of us have about
coping in our environments, it would be easy for an
able-bodied simulator to come away with the message
that disabled people can't do many of the things
that Sally Simulated can. This might make Sally feel
really lucky, but how is she going to treat the next
disabled person she meets (besides the
familiar-to-most-of-us "Wow, I had no idea!"
conversation, in which she discovers barriers in
much the same way that Columbus discovered
America...by pointing out stuff that a whole lot of
people already know.)
Brew- Parrish argues that this creates pity, which
is ultimately dehumanizing and conflicts with the
stated goal of disability awareness presentations of
highlighting diversity in the school or workplace.
Add to that the fact that anyone could do anything
if they knew it was for a day and the lack of social
context, and it leads to a distasteful practice.
Some Alternatives
to Simulation Exercises
A staple of 'Awareness Days' is the simulation exercise:
Put a nondisabled person in a wheelchair. Tie on a
blindfold. But these tactics are often criticized as
sending
the wrong message.
What are the alternatives? Chapman University's Art
Blaser has a few
suggestions.
top
(posted 3/27/09) |
We are not inspirational nor are
we "special". We are PROUD PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Read Bob Kafka's
response to the new handle, "special needs" people,
a description used by the Republican Vice-Presidential
candidate. Mr. Kafka continues... "Our struggle for
equality must continue beyond the election regardless of
who gets elected. Families of, advocates for and
those of us with disabilities can and will make a
difference. Not by being "special" but by advocating for
our equal place in our communities."
(posted 10/30/08)
top |
|
Hiring and Managing
Personal Assistants

This
manual was developed by The Arc Michigan to promote
self-determination through meaningful consumer direction and
control. It is provided for information only and does not
constitute legal, medical, planning or tax advice. For
individualized help with your situation, consult with your
allies, supports coordinator, or professional providers.
(posted 11/9/07) |
Improving Income for Direct Care Workers -
Earn, Keep, Save, MORE
is PHI Michigan’s new initiative to improve the income of
all direct-care workers serving Michigan residents using
long-term care supports and services. The initiative
focuses on the federal earned income tax credit (EITC) and
the new Michigan earned income tax credit (EITC) beginning
in the 2008 tax season.
For
tax year 2008, a working family may be entitled to as much
as $4,824 for the federal EITC and as much as $482 in state
EITC. In tax years 2009 and beyond, the Michigan EITC will
be 20% of the family’s federal EITC refund.
PHI
Michigan will work intensively with Michigan’s existing
regional and state tax assistance coalitions (www.michiganeic.org)
and the broad long-term care community to insure that all
money belonging to the LTC workforce is claimed.
For
more information about the Earn, Keep, Save MORE
initiative, please contact Tameshia at 517-372-8310 or
tbridges@phinational.org.
(revised
August 22, 2008)
top |
Personal Assistance Services Cooperatives: Final Report
This report by The Center on
Personal Assistance Services presents case studies of seven
cooperatives (including Michigan's
Partners in Personal Assistance), describes advantages of
consumer-run cooperatives, identifies funding issues and sources,
and presents considerations for those contemplating starting. It
contains a review of the literature which reveals only a few
examples of successful consumer-directed PAS cooperatives in the US,
however, they show promise.
(posted 1/11/08)
top |
|
National Support for Reuse of Assistive Technology - Under the Assistive Technology Act, The U.S. Dept. of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) is promoting, encouraging, and funding the reuse of AT. To find a program, visit:
www.resna.org/taproject/at/statecontacts.html Download
flyer or contact Jeremy Buzzell at (202) 245-7319 or Jeremy.Buzzell@ed.gov |
|
Steve Eidelman Talks to AAIDD (American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
(formerly AAMR) - This is part of a series of interviews with members of AAIDD)
Go to: www.aaidd.org/FYI/interview_Eidelman.shtml |
|
From Inclusion Daily Express -disability rights news service -
"Another Vermont Assisted Suicide Measure Dies; California Bill Moves Ahead"
- by Dave Reynolds, March 29, 2007. www.InclusionDaily.com
(posted 4/06/07)
top
|
|
Visit Joel Smith's Web site
about autism and advocacy - or, about a way of life that is a bit different but just as valuable as anyone else's.To read his response to prejudice, "I am not...", go to: thiswayoflife.org/iamnot.html |
|
TASH IN ACTION, August 17,
2007 - Equity, Opportunity and Inclusion for People with Disabilities since
1975 -
Click here to read:
www.tash.org/dev/TashAdmin/PDF/TIAAugust24.doc
(posted
8/31/07) |
|
The National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) condemns recommendations by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
(ACOG).
(1/23/07) |
|
Fact Sheet:
A Snapshot of Michigan Poverty, Income and Health Insurance, 2006
On Aug. 28, 2007 the Census Bureau released 2006 data regarding poverty, income, and health insurance coverage in the United States. Overall poverty is determined using the Current Population Survey while all other measures are determined using data from the American Community Survey -- Aug 2007
www.milhs.org
(posted 9/7/07) top |
|
Michigan League for Human Services
Full Report:
Holidays ringing hollow for more Michigan Families
Michigan's Changing Face of Poverty: More
Families Slide Into Troubled Times, documents the growth in economic
woes with a 21 percent jump in the state's family poverty rate since
2001. Click
HERE
for a summary. (posted 12/14/07)
top |
|
Low-Income Workers Can't Meet Basic Needs
Even as Michigan’s minimum wage increased to $7.15 an hour in July
2007, many workers still will find it difficult to stretch their earnings to cover the basic needs of their families.
A new study by the
Michigan League for Human Services finds that in order to meet the basic requirements of their families, lower-income workers must have help in the form of housing subsidies, food assistance, day care or tax relief. Click
HERE to read the August 2007 release. (From Michigan League for Human Services -
WWW.MILHS.ORG)
“Economic Self-Sufficiency in Michigan: A Benchmark for Ensuring Family Well-Being,’’
estimates the costs of seven major household expenses: housing, food, child care, health care, transportation, personal and household items, and taxes. “This is what it really takes to live, and it underscores the importance of programs such as day-care assistance,’’ said Ann Marston, president and CEO of the Michigan League for Human Services. “Lots of folks are not able to find jobs paying self-sufficient wages.”
Click
HERE
to order copies of "Economic Self-Sufficiency in Michigan"
at $5.00 each (6 or more, $4.00 each) plus shipping &
handling. (Contact: Sharon Parks or Ann Marston - (517) 487-5436)
(posted 8/03/07)
top |
|
Disabled People and Poverty in 2007, Information Bulletin # 197 A
-
Steve Gold, The Disability
Odyssey continues. There are about 10 million people between 18 and 64 who are disabled and received either SSDI and/or SSI. It's important to break down these numbers to understand the extent of poverty these people face. Click
HERE to read.
(posted 3/2/07) |
|
Estimated Michigan population data through 2005 from the
official 2000 census data
(posted 3/23/07)
|
|
Who is the
Senior Resource Alliance of Greater Michigan? -
is a diversified group of professionals
working together to help you with your future as you age.
Their mission statement is: "Ethics, Competency and
TRUST". Visit their Web site at
www.SRA-MI.com
(posted
8/08/08) |
|
Robert and Martha Perske are proud to announce the new home for
Perske Prints
at
www.perskeprints.com -
Click
here
to read announcement.
top |
|
Social Security |
|
New Food Benefits for SSI
Recipients
As many as
80,000 Michigan senior citizens and adults with
disabilities could automatically get help with their
food budgets this
year under a new
federal pilot project.
The U.S. Department
of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service granted
Michigan a series of waivers allowing the state to
implement the Michigan Combined Application Project
(MiCAP). Under the project, adults who receive
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), no other income,
and who live independently could receive at least
$60 each month in food assistance.
Currently The State of
Michigan is mailing outreach applications to those
who pre-qualify by standard mail. Read
the application carefully
and keep page
2 as
it may answer most of the questions you may have
about applying for food benefits from assistance
with MiCAP. MiCAP
is different from traditional food stamps or Food
Assistance Program (FAP).
MiCAP benefits
take up to 30 business days to process. If you have
questions you may call the MiCAP phone number
1-877-416-4227. Phone hours are
Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and
1:00 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. No holidays and weekends.
To find out more go to
DHS Pub-50,
Michigan Combined Application Project.
top |
|
Go direct - Safer. Easier. More control
for Social Security payments
Go direct deposit is the best way to get your
Social Security and other federal benefit
payments. Direct deposit offers:
- One less thing
to worry about because it is the safest
way for you to receive your money
- An easier and
more convenient way to access your money
- More control
over your money and your time because it is
predictable and dependable
|

No bank
account? No Problem.
Sign up for the
Direct Express® Debit MasterCard®
– a prepaid debit card that offers another safe and
convenient alternative to paper checks for Social Security
and SSI payments.
For more information click on
image or go to:
http://www.godirect.org/index.cfm |
|
October 27, 2008 - Social
Security Announces Nationwide Launch of Compassionate
Allowances - Process will Fast Track Applications for
People with Cancers and Rare Diseases -
Michael J. Astrue,
Commissioner of Social Security, today announced the
national rollout of the agency's Compassionate
Allowances initiative, a way to expedite the processing
of disability claims for applicants whose medical
condition are so severe that their conditions obviously
meet Social Security's standards. Click
here for news release from www.ssa.gov.
(10/27/08)
top |
|
Social Security Administration (SSA) Red Book a general reference source about the employment-related provisions of Social Security Disability Insurance and the Supplemental Security Income Programs for educators, advocates, rehabilitation professionals and counselors who serve people with disabilities.
top
|
|
SSI Payment Amounts
(2008 and
2009) from www.socialsecurity.gov |
|
New
SSI Rates, effective January 1, 2009, reflecting the
5.8% COLA increase for Social Security and SSI benefits.
Thank you to Thomas F. Kendziorski, Esq., Executive
Director of The Arc of Oakland County for providing this
SSI rate information.
(rtf)
(posted 10/17/08)
|
Social Security has
published an overpayment fact sheet in English and Spanish.
(posted 12/7/07) |
|
Federal Poverty Level Guidelines
 |
|
Employment Rates for People With and Without disabilities
2005 data show that people with disabilities in the U.S. are consistently less likely to be working than their non-disabled counterparts. The rate is calculated by dividing the number or people who are employed by the sum of people who are employed, unemployed, and not in the labor force.
This data is on Institute for Community Inclusion's Web site,
www.communityinclusion.org.
(posted 6/8/07)
top |
|
Tax Information |
|
Working households urged to file for
credits, deductions -
“Money Back in Michigan”
details seven ways to put more in your pocket
The 2009 edition of
Money Back in Michigan by the Michigan League for
Human Services,
encourages households to take advantage of seven federal
and state tax credits
and deductions. The packet also encourages
tax-filers to use free tax preparation services and skip
expensive “rapid refund” centers.
New this year is the
Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit, aimed at helping
low-income working
families. Other credits are the federal Earned
Income Tax Credit, the federal Child Tax Credit, the
federal Child and Dependent Care Credit, the
state Child Deduction, the state Home Heating Tax
Credit and the state Homestead Property Tax
Credit.
The Money Back in
Michigan packet also encourages tax-filers to use
IRS-trained volunteers for
help in filing taxes
or to file online for free. Visit
www.michiganEIC.org,
or call 2-1-1 (or 1-800-552-1183 if no answer),
to find the closest Volunteer Income Tax
Assistance site.
Finally, taxpayers can
also find forms at post offices, libraries or by calling
1-800-TAX FORM to file their own taxes.
top
(posted 3/05/09) |
|
The
2009 Income Tax Guide for Tax Year 2008 - was
prepared by Thomas F. Kendziorski, Esq., Executive
Director of The Arc of Oakland County. This guide has been
prepared for persons supporting children and/or adults with
intellectual and developmental disabilities and is available
online at no charge in pdf format. The guide may be
printed without permission for use by members and friends of
The Arc Michigan.
(posted 12/19/08) |
|
Free
Tax Preparation Sites in Michigan - Don't pay to
get your taxes done! Use a free VITA site near you and keep
fll of your earned income credit refund!
Michigan has a variety of Free
tax preparation services available to assist you with your
taxes.
Click here for a list of free tax preparation sites in
your county. (This list is updated as information becomes
available, so check back often.) You can also call
2-1-1 (1-800-552-1183 if 2-1-1 is unavailable in
your area) for help locating the free tax site nearest you.
Senior Citizens also have a
number of AARP sponsored free Tax-Aide preparation sites
available (Operational from February 1, 2009 through
mid-April). To locate the one nearest you, visit
https://locator.aarp.org/vmis/sites/tax_aide_locator.jsp
(posted 1/5/09) |
|
Free Tax Preparation Sites in Detroit, Wayne County Suburbs,
Livingston, Macomb and Oakland Counties sponsored
by the Accounting Aid Society.
http://www.accountingaidsociety.org/pages/2009sites.cfm
A
Homebound Tax Program
is available for seniors and those physically unable to
visit a tax site. This is a mail-in service. Call the
Accounting Aid Society at (313) 647-9620 to see if
you qualify and to request that a Homebound packet be
mailed to you.
top
|
|
New Treasury
Web site on Taxes The Michigan Department of Treasury has
activated a new Web site devoted to the new taxes that have recently
been enacted (Michigan Business Tax, personal income tax increase,
and expansion of the sales tax to select services).
The Web site
provides information, guidance, forms, instructions, withholding
tables, filing dates, FAQs, and other forms and documents to help
business taxpayers with these new taxes.
The Web site,
and its subject pages on each of these taxes, may be updated so we
encourage you to check the site regularly.
From -
Wiener Associates,
10/29/07
top
|
|
Economic Stimulus Payment
-
Those who missed the Oct. 15 deadline to file for
the Economic Stimulus Payment (tax rebate) will not miss
out. The
one-time rebate will still be available next year,
except it will be based on 2008 income instead of 2007
income.
The IRS set the
original October 15 cutoff deadline in order to give the
federal government enough time to process returns and
send out checks by December 31, 2008. Those who are
eligible for the rebate but have not yet filed can do so
next year during the regular January through April 15
tax season.
Clarification of this
rebate "extension" is especially important for
low-income workers, seniors and retirees who don't
usually file a federal tax return, but whose financially
struggling households can benefit from the $300 basic
rebate (or $600 rebate, in the case of a joint return,
plus $300 for each qualifying child under age 17).
To get the rebate, a
simple 1040 federal tax return must be filed in 2009,
based on "qualifying income" received in 2008.
Qualifying income must be at least $3,000 and can
included earned income from work, Social Security
benefits, Veterans' benefits and certain Railroad
Retirement benefits (Supplemental Security income, or
SSI, is not qualifying income). The credit can also be
claimed based on net tax liability regardless of the
type of income.
Are you eligible for an
Economic Stimulus Payment?
You qualify if you are an
individual with
annual household income of $20,000 or less.
You qualify if your
family
has an annual household income of $42,000 or less.
The
Accounting Aid Society urges all low-income
households - including seniors and retirees - to apply
for the Michigan Property Tax Credit and the Michigan
Home Heating tax credit, which are both available to
renters as well as home owners. Important federal
credits include the Federal EITC and the Federal Child
Tax Credit. New in 2009 will be a Michigan Earned Income
Tax Credit.
Click here for more information on the rebate.
Click here for tax site locations in Macomb,
Livingston, Oakland and Wayne Counties
(posted 10/29/08)
top
|
|
The Michigan Statewide Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition, which is now convened and staffed by the Michigan League for Human
Services, has a useful Web site,
www.MichiganEIC.org that we believe you will
find very useful. This Web site has information about local outreach
coalitions and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites. It also
provides access to the Michigan Poverty Law Program’s
I-CAN! E-File,
a free Web-based e-filing system for taxpayers with household income
under $50,000.
The League urges you to share this information with your clients and
with those in your community who work with low-income individuals
and families. Further, because so many low-income filers pay
commercial tax preparers for expensive ‘‘rapid refund’’ loans,
please emphasize the importance of using free VITA services or
filing online for free with I-CAN!E-File. By sharing this
information you will be helping to put money back into low-income
households.
Money Back in Michigan
can be downloaded from
http://www.MiLHS.org, and is also available
by calling the League at (517) 487-5436.
(posted 1/25/08) |
Looking for information about Michigan taxes? Michigan Tax Truth provides citizens, policymakers, elected officials, and the media with accurate and true information about state government taxes and spending in Michigan. Check
out their
brochure
about 10 facts that can hurt you if you don't know them.
(posted 9/21/07) |
|
Travel and Transportation |
New Air Carrier Access Act Rule
The Department of
Transportation is amending its Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)
rules for passengers
with disabilities to apply to foreign carriers.
The final rule also adds new provisions concerning
passengers who use medical oxygen and passengers who are
deaf or hard-of-hearing. The rule also reorganizes and
updates the entire ACAA rule. The Department will
respond to some matters raised in this rulemaking by
issuing a subsequent supplemental notice of proposed
rulemaking.
The new rules that became
effective on May 13, 2009 and Frequently Asked Questions
can be downloaded from
here as
Word or PDF files.
top
|
|
Association for Airline Passenger Rights (AAPR) - Educates
Policymakers -
The
purpose of the
AAPR shall be to educate policymakers on travel-related
information important to airline passengers, improve
accessibility for passengers with disabilities and protect
the consumer rights and responsibilities of airline
passengers. Prior to AAPR, every aspect of the airline
industry was represented in Washington, DC except for the
people who pay the bills – airline passengers! The airlines,
pilots, flight attendants, service crews, and air traffic
controllers are all represented, and now AAPR will level the
playing field by representing the interests of airline
passengers.
www.flyfriendlyskies.com
top |
|
Allies for Transportation 24/7 - Our Goal: Public
Transportation is available 24/7 everywhere in Michigan
Through a
grant from the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council,
UCP Michigan is developing and compiling information to
teach people about transportation issues and services.
This is an effort to gain
community support of common problems people with
disabilities face while riding on public transportation.
Have you had problems
getting to the bus because of snow drifts by the road? Is the path
clear from the sidewalk or bus stop to the bus? Or the curb cut
blocked because of snow piled in the way by the snow plow? Does your
transportation system have holiday hours? When does it run? Click
HERE to check out the site and
post your comments.
http://www.transportationallies.net |
|
When
Self-Service puts you out of reach - you're not alone.
From
www.disabilitygas.com
As the petroleum industry
shifted from a full service to a self service industry, they
forgot about us. Many of us drivers with disabilities
actually need help getting gas into our vehicles and by law
they are required to pump our gas if there is more than one
employee on duty.
The two
basic problems with this are:
1) We
don't know how many employees are inside.
2) We
have no consistent way of letting them know we need
assistance when we get there.
There are millions of us
drivers out there and we need to let our voices be heard.
We need you
to do 5 things!
1) Watch
these news videos about how drivers all over the
country can't get gas in their car.
2) Fill
out the survey (takes about 5 minutes).
3) Write
legislators on Federal, State and local levels to share
your frustrations.
Visit our document library to see model legislation
to fix this problem.
4) Share
this site with other drivers with disabilities.
5) Write
to the Department of Justice and let them know your
thoughts about the
current guidelines (PDF) that they are giving the
petroleum industry. They are the enforcement arm of the
ADA
(Americans with Disabilities Act) and if they don't hear
from you - then they won't know it's a problem. Here is
the address:
United
States Department of Justice
Disability Rights Sections
PO Box 66738
Washington, D.C. 20035-6738
top |
|
People
living with severe disabilities, especially
wheelchair-users, must often find creative solutions to
life's everyday obstacles.
"The Pump Guide" is a collaboration between
the nonprofit sector, business, and government that
solves a problem created by the growth of self-serve gas
stations. For the disabled driver, fueling a car or van
can be difficult if not impossible. That mechanical
process can intimidate drivers who choose not to travel
in Michigan due to "fear of fueling".
Developed
by the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA)
through a partnership with the members of the
Michigan Petroleum Association,
"The Pump Guide" is a free site that gives
those drivers new confidence and independence. It lists
over 800 Michigan gas stations that submitted info with
the message
"We're
ready to help".
With this information, a driver can plot a route
throughout the state knowing that there is a friendly
fill-up waiting anywhere from Monroe to Marquette. (posted
1/30/09) |
|
Volunteer Opportunities |
|
Volunteer in Michigan Today!
Are you
looking for ways to give back to your community, support a cause you
believe in, develop new skills, or make new friends? Whatever your
reason, you can put your time and talents to good use by volunteering.
On Monday, June 22,
2009, a new summer service initiative launched at the this past year's
National Conference on Volunteering and Service. The initiative,
called United We Serve,
aims to put volunteers on a path to sustained service.
The United We Serve effort
focuses on four broad issues:
1. Promoting clean energy, energy efficiency, and public land restoration
2. Supporting education and literacy for all Americans
3. Increasing health care access, public health awareness, and prevention
4. Providing community renewal to areas hit hardest by the economic crisis
Come participate in
an opportunity to share your thoughts on how to expand service and
volunteerism to help address our state's biggest challenges - such as
hunger, homelessness, unemployment, illiteracy, high school dropouts, and
the environment. Stops will include Benton harbor, Cadillac, Detroit,
Flint, Grand Rapids, Houghton, Lansing, Muskegon, Saginaw and Sault Ste.
Marie.
Learn more here.
Register here. top (posted 04/09/10) |
|
The Arc Michigan Past Conferences
2009 Arc Michigan Conference Presenters and
Presentations - includes Key Issues Update presented by Mike
Head and information about speakers and presenters. |
|
top |
|
|