Disability Service Providers Raise Concerns about DOL Overtime Exemption Rule

Representatives from providers of community-based disability services from across the country converged in late April on Capitol Hill to meet with their legislators and express concerns about unintended consequences of the Department of Labor’s forthcoming Overtime Exemption Rule. The rule would update the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to more than double the salary threshold at which workers are exempt from overtime requirements, with the salary level increasing automatically over time. The rule was sent […]

10 Things to Know about Housing

1. Equal Access to Housing. Fair housing ensures access for everyone – under the Fair Housing Act, it doesn’t matter what race you are, what religion you practice or whether or not you have a disability. The Act protects you from discrimination when you are renting, buying or getting financial help for any housing. When it’s time to rent or buy a home, you should know your rights and signs of possible discrimination. The U.S. […]

Assistive Technology Information And Funding

Independent Living Centers These centers provide information and referrals on how to get funding in your area. There are approximately 400 independent living centers around the country. For the name of the one nearest you, contact the National Council on Independent Living Centers by following the link or call voice or TTY, 713.520.0232. Most states have a state independent living council (SILC) that can give you a referral. See the Directory of Centers for Independent Living. (Click […]

National Count of Special Education Students Shows Uptick

By Christina A. Samuels After years of steady decline, the nationwide count of school-age students covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has shown an upswing since the 2011-12 school year based on the most recently available federal data, driven by rapid growth in such disability categories as autism. The count of students ages 6-21 with disabilities fell to a low of 5.67 million in fall 2011, but had risen to 5.83 million by […]

A GPS for Families of People with Special Needs – Part 7

BY LAUREN AGORATUS INTRODUCTION I wrote this manual to help other families of individuals with special needs and the professionals who work with them. My daughter now has five life-threatening conditions, and autism just to keep things interesting. We have been through everything from early intervention to currently going through transition to adult care. I hope this helps you on your journey. Part VII follows; to review Parts I – VI, see the September through […]