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The Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) recruits college students and recent graduates with disabilities to work in the federal government. Up until 2013, more than 450 participants in the program were placed in federal jobs each year. However, in January of 2013, the Office of the Secretary of Defense decided to freeze program funding due to sequestration. It is not known if the WRP will be funded for the 2014 hiring season.
The U.S. Department of Justice has signed an agreement with thecity of Fort Morgan, CO,to improve access to public buildings, programs and sevices for individuals with disabilities. The agreement is part of Project Civic Access,the department's effort to make sure that counties, cities and towns comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.The city will make the animal shelter, cemetery, city hall, library and museum, police department and airport accessible.
The National Disability Institute is accepting entries for its 3rd annual “My American Dream - Voices of Americans with Disabilities” video contest. Contestants with disabilities create a three-minute video telling their story and steps to achieving their American dream. Upload your video onto YouTube and email the URL, your name and phone number. One winner will receive $1,000, a digital tablet and sessions with a mentor. Submit entries by September 10, 2013.
The Health Insurance Marketplace will give you all the options available for health insurance in your area. You can compare plans based on price, benefits, quality and other features. It will also tell you if you qualify for Medicaidor theChildren's Health Insurance Program. While all insurance plans are offered by private companies, the Marketplace is run by either your state or the federal government. Open enrollment starts October 1, 2013.Coverage starts January 1, 2014.
A new report, "A Better Bottom Line: Employing People with Disabilities",outlines the National Governors Association's initiatives to increase employment among individuals with intellectual and other significant disabilities. It describes the role that state government and business can play in assisting and advancing opportunities for these individuals to be gainfully employed. The initiative will provide governors and state policymakers with strategies designed to support this population.
The U.S. Department of Justice has reached a settlement agreement with the city of Henderson, NV under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals who are deaf complained that the city's police did not provide sign language interpreters and other aids and services for effective communication. One of the individuals had been arrested and the other was an alleged crime victim. The city has agreed to train its staff on the ADA.
Rep. Mike Doyle leads team to second highest fundraising total
WASHINGTON, DC (August 6, 2013) -- U.S. Representative Mike Doyle, a Democrat representing Pittsburgh, led his Bike to the Beach team on a 104-mile bike ride from Washington to Dewey Beach, DE, beating its fundraising goal of $25,000for Autism Speaks.
Doyle [center in Pirates' hat], who cofounded the Congressional Autism Caucus 12 years ago with Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), raised $27,708, the second highest totalduring the annual charity event. Doyle's team included his brother Pat, his son Kevin and nephew Cameron.
Bike to the Beach was created in 2007 as a non-profit to raise awareness of biking as a viable transportation alternative. The group chose autism as its fundraising cause andadditionalBike to the Beach events were created in New York and Boston.
Doyle and Smith have helped grow the Congressional Autism Caucus to180 Members of Congress from both parties. "Our caucus is dedicated to raising awareness about autism, providing a forum for policy discussions, promoting research funding, and developing legislative solutions to ease the burden of families affected by autism," Doyle said.
Initiative of Delaware Gov. Markell designed to raise awareness
MILWAUKEE (August 5, 2013) -- The National Governors Association (NGA) issued A Better Bottom Line: Employing People with Disabilities, an initiative by Delaware Gov. Jack Markell to raise awareness of the challenges faced by Americans with disabilities, including autism, in finding meaningful employment.
Markell chose the issue as hisinitiative during his one-yearterm asNGA chair. The report was issued shortly after the U.S. Department of Labor issued July employment data showing that, while unemployment overall dipped to 7.4 percent, the rate for those with disabilities rose from 14.2 percent to 14.7 percent.
“My initiative was designed to raise awareness about how the untapped talents of people with disabilities can contribute to a business's bottom line,”Markell said. “A Better Bottom Line: Employing People with Disabilities looks at ways both state government and businesses can partner to bring opportunities to individuals with disabilities in the competitive labor market.We're making strides on this front, but the work is far from over."
The report's"Blueprint for Governors" was issued at the NGA's summer meeting held here. It wascreated from a series ofevents and meetings held over the past 12 months and recommends practical stepsgovernors can take to advance employment opportunities for people with disabilities in their states.
The final report issued five action items specific to governors:
- Incorporatingdisability employment into astate's workforce development strategy
- Identifying and supportingbusinesses that employ people with disabilities
- Make state governmenta model employer by increasing the number of employees with disabilities
- Prepare youth with disabilities for working careers, providing employers with a pipeline of skilled workers
- Managelimited public resources to best advance employment opportunities for people with disabilities
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has chargedWeirton Medical Center with disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA). The Weirton, WV-based hospital refused to select a long-time employee for a vacant position because of his age and apparent isability. The employee had a back impairment at the time that he applied for the job. This type of conduct violates theAge Discrimination in Employment Act and the ADA.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has chargedKyklos Bearing International, LLC (KBI) with disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Cleveland, OH-based manufacturer allegedly fired an employee based on her status as a cancer survivor. KBI said it fired the employee because she had medical restrictions that limited her ability to lift, but her doctor had cleared her to work without any restrictions.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has released a final rule to replace the term "mental retardation" with "intellectual disability" in its Listings of Impairments. SSA uses the listings toevaluate claims involving mental disorders in adults and children under the Social Security Act. This final rule will become effective September 3, 2013.
The U.S. Department of Justice has settled its lawsuit against the city of St. Peters, MO for allegedly violating the Fair Housing Act(FHA) and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA) when it denied a zoning request to operate a group home for four women with intellectual disabilities. Residents have the right to live in housing of their choice. The settlement requires the city to provide training on the FHA and ADA to city employees.
Veterans filing a FDC for service-connected disability compensation may be entitled to up to one-year of retroactive disability benefits. These retroactive benefits are in effect from August 6, 2013, through August 5, 2015. FDCs can be filed through the joint U.S. departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs online portal,eBenefits. Veterans who cannot file online should work with an accredited Veterans Service Organization that can file claims digitally for Veterans.
The U. S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has reversed a trial court's decision in favor ofDynMcDermott Petroleum Operations Company (DM). The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) had sued DM for alleged discrimination for not hiring an applicant because he was older and his wife had cancer. The Fifth Circuit Court ruled in favor of the EEOC stating that the EEOC's claims were valid under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has chargedMidwest Regional Medical Center of Oklahoma with disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The hospital offered an employee a leave of absence to undergo cancer treatment. The employee decided to keep working, but took two days off after getting sick from the treatment. The hospital then placed her on leave with a return date, but fired her before that date.
July 26 was the 23rd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the U.S. Census Bureau has compiled this information about the number of people with disabilities in the U.S., where they live, how many are working, and more.
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Dr. Hal Brown and Primary Care of the Treasure Coast of Vero Beach, FLfor violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).The doctor and the practice allegedly refused to continue to treat a deaf couple after learning that they had filed a lawsuit against a hospital for not providing sign language interpreter services. It violates the ADA to retaliate against individuals exercising their rights under the law.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is celebrating the 48th anniversary of the signing of Medicare and Medicaid into law with new information showing a strong Medicare program. Under the Affordable Care Act, more than 6.6 million people with Medicare have saved over $7 billion on prescription drugs. Savings average $1,061 per person in the Medicare Part D "donut hole."Also, 16.5 million people have had at least one free preventive service in the first half of 2013.
Cuomo administration eliminates bureaucratic hurdle that frustrated 2011 autism insurance reform law
ALBANY (July 31, 2013) -- After months of pressure from the state's autism community and Legislature, the Cuomo administration has dropped a regulatory requirement that has blocked families from gaining the insurance coverage for applied behavior analysis(ABA) they were promised under New York's 2011 autism insurance reform law.
"The road is now clear for thousands of New York families to finallyaffordABA treatmentfor their children with autism," said Lorri Unumb, Autism Speaks vice president for state government affairs. "Autism Speaks commends Governor Cuomo and our legislative champions, Assemblyman Joe Morelle and Senator Chuck Fuschillo, for working with New York families toovercome this impasse."
ABA, an intensive one-on-onetreatment, can cost tens of thousands of dollars a year, a crushing financial burden for families in the absence of insurance coverage.
The issueinvolvedregulations issued last November just as the state's autism insurance reform law took effect.The state Department of Financial Services (DFS) required that ABA practitionersobtain a state license in order to qualify forinsurance reimbursement under the newlaw.New York has no ABA license.
Autism Speaks, through its Legal Resource Center,urged the state agency to drop the licensing requirement earlier this year, arguing it was in clear violation of the 2011 law whichspecifiedthat national certificationby the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)would be sufficient for ABA practitionersto provide services in New York.
When DFS proceeded with the regulations, Autism Speaks and other advocates, such as the New York State Association for Behavior Analysis(NYSABA) worked withMorelle and Fuschillo to introduce legislation creating a New York ABA license. The two lawmakersmanaged fast passage of the licensing bill through both houses of the Legislature in June.
With the licensing bill about to be presented to Governor Cuomo, DFS, which had continued working with Autism Speaks and other advocates,issued a new regulation making clear that BACB certification, as specified under the original 2011 law, would now be sufficient. The new regulations took immediate effect, enabling families with state-regulated health insurance coverage to now access affordable ABA care for their children with autism.
A recent study in “The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology” finds that people with diabetes face more than a 50 percent higher risk of disability than people without the disease. The odds of someone with diabetes having a mobility disability, such as trouble walking, were 71 percent higher than for someone without diabetes. The study highlights the importance of focusing on disease prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius' statement on the 23rd anniversary of theAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA)highlights the progress made in removing barriers for people with disabilities. People with disabilities are living independently in their communities, and have better access to education, employment, housing, public transportation and health care. In 2014, the Affordable Care Act will make it illegal for insurance companies to deny health coverage to people with pre-existing conditions.
U.S. Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy Kathleen Martinez visited with staff and students on July 19, 2013 at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, MA. Martinez, who has been blind since birth, heads the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy which helps shape policy on employment issues for people with disabilities.
The U.S. Department of Justice, as part of its Barrier-Free Health Care Initiative,has settled withBarix Clinics under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The clinics allegedly discriminated against two individuals with HIV, one at itsLanghorne, PA facility and one at itsYpsilanti, MI facility, by denying them bariatric surgery. Barix has agreed to train its staff on the ADA and begin an anti-discrimination policy.
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the state of Florida for allegedly violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Under Florida's service system, children with significant medical needs are provided services in nursing facilities when they could be served in their family's homes or in community settings. The ADA and the Supreme Court's decision inOlmstead v. L.C.requires states to stop unnecessary segregation of persons with disabilities.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) commemorates the 23rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Actby highlighting its own efforts to carry out the accessibility provisions of the Communications Act. President Barack Obama signed the Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) into law on October 8, 2010. The CVAA makes sure that people with disabilities have equal access to Internet communication and video programming technologies of the 21st century.
Proclamation by President Barack Obama on the 23rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA protects the rights of Americans with disabilities and breaks down barriers to provide more opportunities for people with disabilities in their community, at work and where they live. The Administration is working hard to level the playing field for Americans with disabilities byrecruiting, hiring and retaining workers with disabilities.
The National Council on Disability's new report "A Promising Start: Preliminary Analysis of Court Decisions Under the ADA Amendments Act,"reviews the court decisions that have been made under the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. The report shows that there have been significant improvements in how courts are interpreting protections under the ADA.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kaelan Richards: 202-973-7175, krichards@ucp.org
UCP CELEBRATES ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
Landmark legislation signed into law 23 years ago
Washington, DC (July 26, 2013) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) released the following statement today in observance of the 23rd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), into law. This landmark piece of legislation stated that all Americans, regardless of ability, were afforded the same access rights.
“The signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act was a tremendous step forward for all Americans, and particularly for the disability community, but there is still much progress to be made in achieving the equality in access the law guarantees. In areas such as education, health care and employment, United Cerebral Palsy and many others in the disability community are still working to ensure that Americans with disabilities have the supports, services and access they need,” said Stephen Bennett, President and CEO of UCP. “And so today, twenty-three years after the ADA made history, we urge everyone to keep fighting, advocating and pushing for the fair and full citizenship for people with disabilities.”
Learn more about UCP and how we are working to ensure a life without limits for people with disabilities, and join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
# # #
About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.
TRICARE coverage for active and non-active members is reviewed
WASHINGTON, DC (July 26, 2013) --TRICARE, the healthcare program for military families, yesterday launched itspilot program to improve and expand its coverage of applied behavior analysis (ABA) for non-active personnel. Autism Speaks has analyzed the new program based on available information, and how all military personnel --active and non-active duty--may be impacted.
Here is our summary:
Last year Congress directed TRICARE to launch an ABApilot program to improve and expand its coverage for non-active personnel. TRICARE published its ABA Pilot policy last month for non-active duty family members -- but along with it came significant and drastic changes to existing ABA coverage for all beneficiaries with autism, including active duty military families.
Last week, TRICARE stepped back, but not away, from this ill-conceived change in the policy for ABA. After a tremendous outcry from military families, service providers, and advocacy organizations, Dr. Jonathan Woodson, assistant secretary of defense for health affairs and director of the TRICARE Management Activity, assured military families that services under the TRICARE Basic program and the Enhanced Access to Autism Services Demonstration (ECHO Autism Demonstration) will not change.
As of this writing, however, the new policy itself has not been modified. Oursummary here is based on Woodson's verbal assurances that the ECHO Autism Demonstration and the TRICARE Basic Program will not change.We will update the summary as developments warrant – please check back.
Autism Speaks, meanwhile,remains concerned about the ABA Pilot for non-active duty family members. Specifically, these issues need to be addressed:
- by requiring specific psychometric testing, including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition (ADOS-2), as a baseline measure before services can be provided, access to treatment for children may be delayed, possibly for several months
- by using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, 2nd Edition (Vineland-II), to confirm progress in treatment – a function for which the test has not been validated – needed care could be denied to children who could benefit from ABA
- arbitrary age and duration limits
- discharge criteria
- proper coverage of Assistant Behavior Analysts
TRICARE should fix these and other defects the right way – by working with families and other stakeholders as partners.
Summer heat can be especially dangerous for older people and those with chronic health conditions. Learn the signs of heat-related illnesses and what steps to take to avoid them.
The U.S. Department of Justice has reached a settlement with Louisiana Tech University and the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System over alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The university allegedly violated the ADA by using an online learning product that was inaccessible to a blind student who ended up falling behind and dropping the course. The university has agreed to make its learning products accessible.
The U.S. Department of Justice and the state of New York have entered into a settlement agreement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Under the agreement, New York will offer supported housing to people with mental illness currently living in institutional, segregated settings. The Supreme Court's Olmstead v. L.C. decision states that people with disabilities have a civil right under the ADA to receive services in the most integrated setting suitable to their needs.
This study from the HSC Foundation used telephone and online survey data of people in the disability community to measure political engagement in the disability community. The survey found that people with disabilities and chronic conditions are as politically diverse as the general population. People with disabilities also vote in higher numbers and support candidates that support strengthening services for those with a disability. This link opens a PDF file.
Twenty-three years ago this week our nation established a comprehensive mandate to eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities by enacting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Department of Justice is proud to play a critical role in enforcing the ADA and opening up the gateways to full participation and opportunity for people with disabilities.
Joins 33 states that now require coverage of ABA, other therapies
WASHINGTON, DC (June 4, 2013) --District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray has signed an insurance reform billrequiring coverage for applied behavior analysis (ABA) for autism through small group and individual policies starting next year.The District joins 33 states that have enacted autism insurance reform with a 34th state, Oregon, expected to follow shortly.
The new law amends the District's American Health Benefit Exchange that starts operation in 2014under the Affordable Care Act. One of the changes is a requirement that all small group and individual plans cover habilitative services, including "applied behavior analysis for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder."
Small groups are employer health plans with fewer than 50 members.
Gray submitted the amendments to the District Councilin the Better Prices, Better Quality, Better Choices for Health Coverage Act of 2013.The changes, including ABA coverage, were recommended by the District of Columbia Health Benefit Exchange Authority in March.
All individual and new small group health plans sold in the District starting in 2014 will have to operate through thenew health benefit exchange. Existing small group plans will be required to provide the Exchange's benefits in 2014, then operate through the Exchange in 2015.
Minnesota last month became the 33rd state to enact autism insurance reform and the Oregon legislature has sent Gov. John Kitzhaber a bill that would make that state the 34th to enact reform.
'Doing miracles' say some, others call it a 'dead end'
SALT LAKE CITY (July 21, 2013) -- In a series of interviews with Utah parents, The Salt Lake Tribune has found mixed reviews for the state's autism treatment pilot program. The Legislature created the Medicaid program to provide applied behavior analysis (ABA) treatment for up to 300 children with autism chosen through a lottery, rather than enact legislation requiring state-regulated health insurers to cover the therapy.
In "Free autism treatment 'doing miracles' for some rural Utahns," the Tribune profiled Owen Kartchner, a three-year-old with autism with autism who lives with his parents ina remote section of southeastern Utah.Owen'sdiagnosis and the ABA pilot program are "doing miracles,"said his mother, Robyn Kartchner.
"We have to be realistic," Kartchner said, referring to their life in a remote area. "We have this great opportunity, and I'm going to do as much as I can to make it successful."
Other families, however, cited less positive experiences in "Utah families question quality of care in autism experiment."
Jason Kava, a single dad caring for his three-year-old son with autism, JJ, said he was dropped by the ABA service provider after he questioned the quality of its care. He said the provider used inexperienced, unsupervisedtherapists, one of whom drove JJ 30 miles to her house without informing Kava.
Another parent, Angela Vasquez, said she fired her provider thenput together her own plan for her daughter by downloading materials from the Internet.Thein-home tutor, Vasquez said,took personal phone calls, often left early or called in sick.
Families meet in Virginia Beach to petition Congress for better TRICARE coverage
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (July 21, 2013) -- Military families gathered in Virginia Beach over the weekend to start a petition drive urging Congress to require better insurance coverage for applied behavior analysis (ABA) treatment for autism. WAVY, the NBC affiliate in Hampton Roads, VA, reported on the rally.
The rally was in response to new policies announced by TRICARE imposing restrictions to ABA care under a pilot program for retired and non-active personnel. The policies, which take effect July 25, originally would have applied to all TRICARE coverage, including the ECHO program for active duty members, but was revised after an uproar from military families and members of Congress.
Legislation that would have required ABA coverage for all military members passed both houses of Congress last year, but was amended down to the pilot program in conference committee. Similar legislation this year has passed the House and awaits action in the Senate.
Military health care plan drops changes for active duty members
WASHINGTON, DC (July 18, 2013) -- The Department of Defense announced today it's new restrictions on applied behavior analysis (ABA) for the nation's 23,000 militarykids with autism will not be applied to active duty members covered under the ECHO program or TRICARE Basic. The changes will apply only to a pilot program for the families of non-active and retired personnel.
The proposed changes, scheduled to take effect July 25, aroused a storm of protest from military families and led U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Patty Murray (D-WA) and Mark Warner (D-VA) to demand answers from the Pentagon.
The proposed policy changes would have requiredparents to arrange standardized testing every six months for their children in order to continue receiving care, and demonstrate "measurable progress." Continued care after two years of therapy and after age 16 would require a waiver, and new discharge criteria would be put in place.
"Beginning July 25, 2013, the Department is greatly expanding services available to non-active duty family members with introduction of the ABA Pilot," TRICARE announced. "The pilot will provide non-active duty family members, including retirees, with access to additional areas of ABA reinforcement."
TRICARE was orderedby Congress last year to start the ABA pilot program within 90 days, but the launch has been delayed for months.
"There are no changes in the TRICARE Basic program or the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) Autism Services Demonstration providing ABA to active duty family members," the DoD announced.
Earlier this week, a U.S. Air Force officer asked Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel at Fort Bragg about the policy changes. See the exchange below:
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has chargedMPW Industrial Services of Philadelphia, PA with disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act. A new employee to the company revealed that he has animplanted Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) unit in his lower back for his back impairment. Shortly afterwards, the company allegedly fired the employee because it could not guarantee a place for him to charge his TENS unit.
Virginia Senator asks TRICARE to explain rationale behind changes
WASHINGTON, DC (July 17, 2013) -- U.S. Senator Mark Warner of Virginia has added his voice to the protest over changes proposed by TRICARE to its coverage for applied behavior analysis (ABA) for military kids, issuing a letter to the military's health insurer to explain changes scheduled to take effect July 25. Military families in Virginia Beach, meanwhile, are planning a rally against the changes this Sunday.
"After hearing from many of my constituents, I believe that this decision will delay and interrupt direct services for thousands of military children, making it harder for families to care for their children," Warner wrotein a July 17 letter to TRICARE Director Dr. Jonathan Woodson. "This new policy has the potential to put thousands of military children with development disabilities at risk of losing critical behavioral treatment and care."
Under the proposed policy changes, parents would have to arrange standardized testing every 6 months for their children in order to continue receiving care, and demonstrate "measurable progress." Continued care after two years of therapy and after age 16 would require a waiver, and new discharge criteria would be put in place.
In addition to Warner,Senators Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY) and Patty Murray (D-WA)haveasked foranswers from TRICARE.
Meanwhile, military families from across the nation continue to raise their voices in the media over the changes and the potentially harmful effects on their children with autism. An estimated 23,000 military dependents have autism.
In Virginia Beach, families are planning a demonstration against TRICARE this Sunday (July 21) at 1535 Amberly Forest Road in Virginia Beach. Similar reports have come out of Elgin Air Force Base in Pensacola, Fl., San Diego, Kingsland, GA, andColorado Springs.
Media coverage shows military families frustrated with TRICARE proposals
WASHINGTON, DC (July 16, 2013) -- Military families from around the nation are raising their voices overpolicy changesproposed by TRICARE, the military health insurance plan, that would restrict their access to applied behavior analysis (ABA)therapy for their children with autism. The changes, whichwould take effect July 25, have already drawn a protest from U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY).
"Military families deserve better," Karen Driscoll, Autism Speaks' associate director for federal government affairs and military relations, told Stars and Stripes. The article noted Autism Speaks' ongoing efforts with Congress and TRICARE to improve coverage for the nation's 23,000 military kids with autism.
"It's as if someone in Tricare who doesn't understand autism wrote this policy,"Jeremy Hilton, a veteran and Air Force spousewhose daughter has autism, toldMilitary.com.The online news site said TRICARE's Facebook page "exploded" with questions from concerned parents and that customer service representatives were unable to answer or responded inaccurately to phone requests for information.
Under theproposed policy changes, parents would have to arrangestandardized testing every 6 months for their children in order to continue receiving care, and demonstrate"measurable progress." Continued care after two years of therapy and after age 16 would require a waiver, and new discharge criteria would be put in place.
Kathryn Sneed, whose husband is stationed at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, called the requirement to have their three-year-old son with autism re-evaluated every six months "ridiculous." Sneed said she is concerned they will have to drive two hours to Atlanta to find the specialists required to perform the proposed testing.
At Fort Stewart, a U.S. Army installation also in Georgia, families whose children receive ABA therapy posed for a group picture andmessage that they represent "just a fraction"of the military families at risk of being impacted by the changes.
WVEC in Norfolk, VA reported on the controversy, and in Seattle, military spouse Dena Radclifferaised concerns over how the changes would affect her three-old-son with autism in an interview with KING 5 News.
The threat of losing her son's ABA coverage, she said, would feel "like I'm losing the ability to connect, in a way, with my child.”
Staffmark Investment LLC has settled a disability discrimination lawsuit with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act. Staffmark assigned an employee to temporary work at a facility in Romeoville, IL to inspect televisions. The employee was soon removed from her position and terminated because the facility managers did not want anyone to bump into her. The EEOC alleged that the employee was told she'd be given another position, but this never happened.
The National Council on Disability honors the life of Michael Winter, a long-time disability advocate and employee of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) who passed away on July 11, 2013. He was born in 1951 withosteogenesis imperfecta and was a lifetime wheelchair user. He became a strong advocate for accessible transportation. AT DOT, he wasresponsible for federal civil rights responsibilities as they applied to the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act and other issues.
The National Spinal Cord Injury Association will host free webinars in July. Disaster Preparedness for People with Disabilitieswill be held on July 16, 2013. The Americans with Disabilities Act & It's Impact on Civil Rights (ADA) will be on July 25, 2013. Both are from 3 - 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Register by clicking on the title link for each webinar.
The National Research and Training Center for Personal Assistance Services (PAS) will hold a free webinar as part of its emergency preparedness project. “Emergency Preparedness in PAS Users” will be held on July 23, 2013, from 2 – 3 p.m. Eastern Time. This session will present the results of an online survey and follow-up interviews with individuals who lived through an emergency or disaster that required evacuation or shelter in place. Sign in before start time.
The U.S. Department of Justice has settled a lawsuit against Erie County, NY for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by discriminating against an employee with a vision impairment. The county allegedly refused to promote an employee with monocular vision because he did not have a commercial driver's license, even though other employees without a commercial driver's license had been promoted.The county is required to provide ADA training to its staff.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has chargedMidcontinent Independent Transmission System Operator with disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). An employee at the Carmel, IN office had postpartum depression and requested a reasonable accommodation of leave. Her request was denied and she was then fired her for lack of attendance. The company has agreed to train its employees on the obligations under the ADA.
The U.S. Access Board has released new guidance on how to makeprescription drug container labels accessible to people with vision impairments or who are elderly. The information on drug container labels is often inaccessible to people who can't read print or small type, including dosage, side effects and expiration dates. The guidance covers different ways of making labels accessible, including Braille, large print, auditory technologies such as "talking bottles" and radio frequency identification tags.
Modeled after Amber Alert, program protects adults with development disabilities who go missing
JUNEAU (July 12, 2013) -- Alaska has enacted a law adopting the "Silver Alert" rapid response and notification system that can be activated when vulnerable adults, including those withdevelopmental disabilities, go missing.
Sponsored by Rep. Max Gruenberg and Sen. Johnny Ellis, the new law makes Alaska the 39th stateto adopt the "Silver Alert" system which is modeled after the "Amber Alert:" system for missing children.In addition to adults with developmental disabilities, the law's protections would apply tosenior citizens with dementia,veterans suffering from PTSD, and other disabled adults.
Gruenberg said Alaska has a particular need for a “Silver Alert” program because of the state's harsh weather and vast wilderness, coupled with its large number of active military members and veterans, as well as a growing senior population. TheAlaska Department of Public Safety, in cooperation with the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, will design the program to enlist the voluntary cooperation of media outlets in notifying the public of missing vulnerable adults through television, radio, and social media.
Senators Gillibrand, Murray question new TRICARE restrictions
WASHINGTON, DC (July 11, 2013) -- In a strongly worded letter to the Department of Defense, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Patty Murray (D-WA) demanded to know the reasoning behindnew policy changes that severely restrict access to applied behavior analysis (ABA) for the nation's 23,000 military kids with autism.
"The apparent lack of understanding of the needs of children with developmental disability, including autism,...is astounding," the Senatorswrote in their letter to Dr. Jonathan Woodson, director of TRICARE, the military health insurance program. Gillibrand [below] and Murray [right] expressed "complete frustration and dismay" with the policy changes which became public in late June.
Murray chairs the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee; Gillibrand chairs the Senate Armed Services' personnel subcommittee.
"Given the impact family health care plays on military readiness, it is essential military families have assurances of continued health care. Policies inconsistent with good clinical practice only serve to limit, restrict, delay, and deny care," the letter continued. "Before these new policies are in effect, we strongly urge you to consult with experts in developmental disabilities such as autism and ABA treatment practices."
The Senators were responding to policy guidance issued on June 25 by TRICARE affecting ABA coverage for all TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries.The changes are scheduled to take effect July 25.
TRICARE will now require:
- standardized testing every 6 months in order to continue receiving care
- evidence of "measurable progress" as indicated by standardized testing results to receive continued therapy
- waivers to continue care beyond two years of treatment and after age 16
- new discharge criteria for failure to make progress, sustainable gains, or a parent's inability to participate in the treatment
The new policies require the use of psychometric testing (VBS-II every 6 months; ADOS-2 annually) to showprogress in order to continue receiving ABA. Gillibrand and Murray questioned whether those tests are valid or reliable for measuring progress with ABA and directed TRICARE to cite the authoritythey used to require them.
Imposing that condition to continue receiving care "is a significant shift in how TRICARE covers all other medical services," the Senators said. "Military children with developmental disabilities, such as autism, often experience periods of regression due to life events (such as deployment, relocation, change in school, change in medications, etc.).
"Coming back from those periods of regression often takes significant time and effort (months and sometimes years), and sometimes progress may be simply the absence of regression," they continued. "During these challenging times of need, discharging an individual from care is inappropriate and will have longlasting results on patient outcomes."
The Senators also directed TRICARE to identify any other chronic health condition thatrequires standardized testing to authorize care or evidence of progress in order to continue receiving coverage underits policies. TRICARE wasdirected to explain why it will require parents year after year to obtainnew assessmentsreconfirming their child's existing autism diagnosis.
“Autism Speaks commends Senators Gillibrand and Murray for their commitment to the thousands of military families raising kids with autism and other developmental disabilities,” said Karen Driscoll, Autism Speaks' associate director for federal government affairs and military relations.“Access to consistent healthcare services is essential to the physical and mental well-being of our military families.We greatly appreciate their leadership to ensure TRICARE policies provide the care our military families have earned and deserve.”
GM voluntarily offers benefits nationwide, Chrysler pilots plan in Michigan
DETROIT (July 11, 2013) -- GM and Chrysler have begun to voluntarily offer expanded health insurance benefits for autism, including applied behavior analysis (ABA), to their employees and efforts are underway to convince Fordto also improve its coverage. GMoffers the benefits nationally; Chryslerhas begun by offering benefits to its Michigan-based workforce.
Information regarding foreign automakers operating US manufacturing facilities was not readily available.
The Autism Alliance of Michigan, which helped enact the state's 2012 autisminsurance reform law, worked to recruit the automakers to voluntarily offer autism benefits and is educating other employers in the state which self-insure their health plans to do the same, said Colleen Allen, PhD, the alliance president and CEO.
Employers that self-insure their health plans are governed under federal law (ERISA), which does not require autism coverages,and therefore are exempt from state autism insurance reform laws. Increasing numbers of ERISA employers, however,are voluntarily offering autism benefits, often following the enactment of state autism insurance reform laws.
GM on July 1 began offering autism coverage to its active salaried employees nationwide for children through the age of 18. The benefits include ABA; speech, physical and occupational therapy; nutritional counseling; and other mental health and medical services.
Chrysler launched a one-year pilot programfor its Michigan-based workforce on July 1. Salaried employees who reside in Michigan are eligible for ABA coverage for their dependents through 2014. In addition, coverage for speech, physical and occupational therapy was expanded for dependents with autism through age 6.
Under the Michigan autism reimbursement law enacted as part of last year'spackage of reform bills, both GM and Chrysler will be reimbursed by the state for the costs of covering all employees who are Michigan residents.
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for June, the automotive industry employs 806,000 workers in vehicle and parts manufacturing nationally, up 40,000 from June 2012. Michigan had the largest state share with 148,000 workers, up about 4,500 from a year ago.
A study on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has found that pre-school children diagnosed with ADHD tend to have the disorder throughout childhood. The study also found that a treatment with low doses of Ritalin was effective on children over the short term, but that more research is needed on medication effects over the long term.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has announced $150 million in grants to 1,159 health centers nationwide to enroll uninsured Americans in new health coverage options under the Affordable Care Act. Consumers will get help understandingtheir coverage options through the new Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program and enrollment in the best plan that fits their needs. Find a health center near you.
The Smithsonian Institution has a Web exhibit of the history of people with disabilities in America shown through photos. From the 1800s through the present day, these photos of people, places and technology show that people with disabilities have always been an important part of American life. You can download and print disability history posters for classrooms, offices, dorms or presentations.
The National Council on Disability (NCD) will hold“Five Years Later - The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Amendments Act of 2008: Impact on Disability Discrimination” on July 23, 2013 from 1 - 2:30 p.m. in Washington, DC. The event will celebrate the ADA and the fifth year following passage of the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) with remarks by congressional, civil rights and business community champions of the ADAAA.
State agency, workers agree to create fund to reimburse out-of-pocket costs wrongfully denied under mental health parity law
SEATTLE (July 9, 2013) -- Washington State employees whose insurance claims for applied behavior analysis (ABA) for their children with autism were wrongfully denied may soon be eligible for$3.5 million in reimbursement.
In aclass action suit brought on behalf of all Washington state workers, the plaintiffs and the Washington State Health Care Authority(HCA) have announced they have agreed to a preliminary settlementcreating a special fund to reimburse familiies for their out-of-pocket ABA expenses.
King County Superior Court Judge Susan Craighead has scheduled a Sept. 5 hearing to finalize the settlement.A $3.5 million commonfund would be created for current and former state workers enrolled in the Uniform Medical Plan to seek reimbursement for their out-of-pocket expenses for ABAfrom January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2012.
Craighead ruled last year that HCA had wrongfully deniedABA benefits underthe state's 2006 mental health parity law.
“This settlement will enable hundreds of Washington families to obtain reimbursement for the ABA therapy that they provided for their children, since the Washington Mental Health Parity Act took effect,” said Arzu Forough [left], parent of two named plaintiffs and chief executive officer of the Washington Autism Alliance & Advocacy.
“Many families went into debt, liquidated their pensions, or gave up paying for other important basic needs, just to ensure that their children with autism received this essential therapy," she said. "We hope that this fund will be an example for other insurers as to the right way to redress improper insurance company exclusions of ABA therapy.”
Craighead originally ruled for the families in July 2012, resultingin a partial settlement requiring coverage of medically necessary ABA therapy to treat autism.
“I am pleased that the Health Care Authority was able to respond positively and make this important ABA benefit available to 200,000 Uniform Medical Plan members as well as 1.2 million Medicaid clients,” said HCA Director Dorothy Teeter.“Thousands of Washington families dealing with autism will benefit from these changes.”
The Medicaid settlement is being handled separately by another court.The HCA class action isone of seven pending class action lawsuits over Washington insurers' limitations or exclusions of autism treatment, including lawsuits against Premera Blue Cross, Regence Blue Shield, and Group Health Cooperative.
First bill on way to Governor, others nearing final action
SACRAMENTO (July 9, 2013) -- The California Legislature has sent one autism bill to Governor Jerry Brown for his signature and moved seven others towards final passage. Six of the bills were recommended by the Autism DiversityTask Force created last year by Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg.
Autism Speaks is sponsoring one of the bills, SB.126, which would extend California's 2011 autism insurance reform law, due to expire next summer, until 2019. Sponsored by Steinberg, the bill has been approved by the Senate 37-0 and the Assembly Health Committee 18-0, and is now before the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
The bill sent to Brown, AB.1232, would require the state Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to account forissues of diversity and equity when assessing the quality of services provided by regional centers. The bill is sponsored by Assemblyman V. Manuel Perez.
The bill is one of six that emerged from the task force, which was co-chaired by advocate Areva Martin [left], co-founder of the Special Needs Network,andSergio Aguilar-Gaxiola, M.D., Ph.D, founding director of theUC Davis Center for Reducing Health Disparities.Steinberg created the task force after a Senate Select Committee heard testimony suggesting inequities in the provision of services.
The other task force bills include:
- SB.158, sponsored by Sen. Lou Correa, which would establish an autism demonstration program to improve linguistic and cultural competency in Regional Centers. The bill has been voted out of the Senate and the Assembly Human Services Committee and is now before the Assembly Appropriations Committee
- SB.208, sponsored by Sen. Ricardo Lara, which would require Regional Centers to evaluate the ability of outside vendors to provide culturally and linguistically competent services before awarding contracts. The bill also has cleared the Senate and the Assembly Human Services Committee and is before the appropriations committee
- SB.367, sponsored by Sen. Marty Block, which would require Regional Centers to develop annual strategic plans addressing issues of linguistic and cultural competency. The bill has passed the Senate and is scheduled for a hearing before the Assembly Human Services Committee on Aug. 13
- SB.468 , sponsoredby Sen. Bill Emmerson, whichis designed to give particpants and their families in Regional Centers more flexibility and choice in choosing services under their Individual Program Plan (IPP). Emmerson's bill has cleared the Senate and awaits a hearing before the Assembly Human Services Committee
- SB.555 , sponsored byCorrea, which would establish guidelines for Regional Centers in providing IPPs in a culturally and linguistically competent manner. The bill also awaits a hearing before the Assembly Human Services Committee after being voted out of the Senate
The eighth bill, AB.131, sponsored by Perez, would require DDS to facilitate the use of telehealth and teledentistry services in the Regional Center system. The bill has passed the Assembly and two Senate committees, and is now befiore the Senate Appropriations Committee.
TheAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will have its 23rd anniversary on July 26, 2013. The ADA National Network and its 10 regional ADA Centers located throughout the United States are celebrating the ADA and invite you to check out theirAnniversary Tool Kit. The tool kit will help with ideas onhow you can celebrate the progress made by the ADA in your workplaces, schools and communities.
The 33rd National Veterans Wheelchair Gameswill be held July 13 - 18, 2013 in Tampa Bay, FL. The event isa sports and rehabilitation program for Veterans who use wheelchairs for sports competition due to spinal cord injuries, amputations or certain neurological problems. Over 600 participants are expected to attend this year's event. The games allow newly disabled Veterans to gain sports skills and get to know the other athletes. Learn more about the event.
Despite state assurances, coverage is lost in move out of Healthy Families
LOS ANGELES (July 8, 2013) -- The Los Angeles Times reported on the transition of 900,000 California children from the Healthy Families program into Medi-Cal which has led to a cutoff of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy, despite assurances fromstate officials there was to be no loss in services.
Rene Mollow, a deputy director at the California Department of Health Care Services, told the newspaper thatsome children could get ABA"through a federal program" or their school, but acknowledged thatnot all children will be served.
"We're coming out of a significant deficit," she said. "We're just looking to be prudent with the dollars that we have."
SenatePresident pro TemDarrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) sought to restore the coverage in the state budget, but the necessary funding was not includedby Governor Jerry Brown.
"The administration promises us a resolution, but we don't have one yet," Steinberg told the Times.
ECHO, Interim Basic and Pilot plans all affected
WASHINGTON, DC (July 5, 2013) -- Autism Speaks has developed a Frequently Asked Questions guide for military families to better understand the changes in coverage for applied behavior analysis (ABA) announced in late June by TRICARE. The changes affect all ABA policies.
To download the FAQs, go here
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has chargedRiviera Consulting & Management Consulting, LLC with disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The San Jose, CA-based company denied an employee a reasonable accommodation and fired him. The employee, a bookkeeper, hasretinitis pigmentosa and was asked to drive to deliver paychecks and pick up mail, which he couldn't do due to his eye condition. The lawsuit requires the company to prevent future discrimination.
TheNational Council on Disability's letter to the Chair of the Federal Commission on Long-Term Care gives recommendations for developing a framework forlong-term services and supportsfor all people with disabilities. The letter indicates that with the aging of the baby boomers, increasing life expectancy, and rising disability rates in people under 65, the need for long-term services and supports will significantly increase.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) will hold a Twitter Town Hall chat on Veterans' employment programs for Veterans with disabilities on July 10, 2013 from 2 - 3 p.m. Eastern Time. The chat will include participants from DOL's Veterans' Employment and Training Service, the Office of Disability Employment Policy, several national Veterans service organizations, employers, representatives from local American Jobs Centers, and experts from the armed services.Submit questions using the hashtag #VetsJobsChator by email.
NISH has changed its name toSourceAmerica. The nonprofit creates employment opportunities for people with significant disabilities. It isanAbilityOne-authorized agency thatfills jobs for commercial businesses and government contractors with workers with signfiicant disabilities. SourceAmerica also provides services in business development,contract management, legislative and regulatory assistance, communications and public relations materials, information technology support, engineering and technical assistance, and professional training.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has reached a settlement agreementwith the Housing Authority of Baltimore City for violating the Fair Housing Act(FHA). The housing authority allegedly denied a request for reasonable accommodations for a mother and son with disabilities to be moved to a larger unit closer to family support. Under FHA, housing providers must make reasonable accommodations to provide persons with disabilities an equal opportunity to use or enjoy a dwelling.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has announced nearly $32 million in grants to identify and enroll children eligible for Medicaid andthe Children's Health Insurance Program.The "Connecting Kids to Coverage Outreach and Enrollment Grants" are part of the Affordable Care Act and range from$190,000 to $1 million. They were awarded to41 state agencies, community health centers, school-based organizations and nonprofit groups in 22 states; two grantees are multistate organizations.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) kicks off its new "Accessibility & Innovation Initiative Speaker Series" on July 16, 2013 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.in Washington, DC. This series focuses on innovation in accessible communications technologies that will benefit people with hearing and speech disabilities.ColoradoProfessor Clayton Lewis will present "The Future of Inclusive Design Online" on July 16, which will be followed by a demonstration of accessible technology solutions.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has chargedLifecare Medical Services, Inc. with disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Ohio-based company allegedly denied an employee a reasonable accommodation of requested leave to accommodate his multiple sclerosis. Instead, the employee was disciplined for absences due to his disability. When the employee requested points under the company's no-fault attendance policy, the company fired him.
Existing insurance coverages, new health exchanges not affected
WASHINGTON, DC (July 3, 2013) -- The Obama administration's decision to delay certain reporting requirements under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by private employersis not expected to have any measurable impact onexistingautism coverages, according to an initial analysis by Autism Speaks.
A one-year delay announced by the U.S. Treasury Departmentis limited toprivate employers with more than 50 workersthat do not offer any health insurance. Private and publicemployers of any sizethat do offer health insuranceas well as the new health benefit exchanges created under the ACA are not affected.
The announcement by the Treasury Department delayed until 2015 a provision under the ACA requiringfines onlarge employers that fail to provide health insurance coverage to their workers.The delaywas attributed to difficulties implementing reporting procedures.
For further insight, read: 'Delay in health insurance law won't affect many, experts say'
The U.S. Department of Labor has announced that Benefits.gov has released a mobile-compatible version of its website. Benefits.gov, the U.S. government's official benefits website is accessible for visitors using mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. A new feature is the "Benefit Finder," a search tool that asks questions to better help users find the government programs they may be eligible to receive. The website is available in English and Spanish.
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the owners and managers of rental homes in the Kelso and Longview, WA areas for violating the Fair Housing Act.The lawsuit alleges that the homeowners and managers discriminated against people with disabilities by eliminating the $1,000 "pet deposit" for service animals with specialized training, but not for other assistance animals, including emotional support animals.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has chargedRockTenn CP, LLC, formerly known as Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation, with allegeddisability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act.Smurfit-Stone, in Latta, SC allegedly denied an employee areasonable accommodation to take medical leave when the employee was hospitalized with a severe back condition. The company then fired the employee because he could not return to work on a deadline set by Smurfit-Stone. The employee was given a medical release to return to work the week after the company's deadline, but the company did not accept that.
If you receive Social Security disability benefits and want to make more money through work, theTicket to Work (TTW) programcan help. Register for a free webinar on July 24, 2013, from 3 – 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. You will learn about the basics of TTW, the U.S.Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's role in enforcing employment laws and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Register online or call1-866-968-7842 (V)or1-866-833-2967 (TTY).
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has chargedChipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. with disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The restaurant chain allegedly fired an employee at its Franklin, MA location after she arrived at workwith a shunt in her arm for the intravenous treatment of cystic fibrosis. Firing an employee because of a disability or perceived disabilty is against the law.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has chargedDetroit Community Health Connection with disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Detroit medical services provider allegedly denied an employee a reasonable accommodation of medical leave to accommodate herrheumatoid arthritis. The company then fired her because of her disability. Under the lawsuit, the company must provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities in the future.
Purdue University'sInstitute for Accessible Science (IAS) allows college students with disabilities to be members of research teams using adapted and assistive technologies. TheIAS Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program matches students with a researcher and program of their interest. Study areas includeanimal sciences, biological sciences, food science, biomedical engineering, and medicinal chemistry and molecular pharmacology. The program encourages students with disabilities to pursue science careers.
Approved unanimously by the Legislature, bill would make Oregon 34th state to enact reform
SALEM (July 1, 2013) -- The Oregon House of Representatives voted 56-0 for autism insurance reform and sent the bill to Governor John Kitzhaber (below). If signed, the bill would make Oregon the 34th state to enact autism insurance reform.
Both houses of the Legislature approved the bill, SB.365, sponsored by Sen. Alan Bates (D-Medford), unanimously.
The bill would require state-regulated health plans to cover up to 25 hours per week of applied behavioral analysis (ABA). A seven-member Behavior Analysis Regulatory Board would be created within the Oregon Health Licensing Agency to license providers. The new coverage would start in 2015 for public employees and in 2016 for state-regulated health plans.
The Legislature also has sent KitzhaberSB.414, sponsored by Sen. Chip Shields (D-Portland), which would enable the state Insurance Division to order health plans to pay restitution to consumers if they violate the law or their contracts.State regulators currently have very limited enforcement powers over the insurance industry which has an exemption from Oregon's anti-fraud laws.
Kasich signs bill creating certification process to enable insurance coverage
COLUMBUS (July 1, 2013) -- Gov. John Kasich has signed the state budget bill, which includes an amendment establishinga state certification process for providers of applied behavior analysis (ABA). With this resolved, ABA will be reimbursable when the state's new autism insurance coverage takes effect in 2014.
The issue arose earlier this year when Governor John Kasich signed an order requiring that ABA for autism be included in all insurance plans issuedthroughOhio's new health benefit exchangecreated under the Affordable Care Act.Under the amendment, the Ohio Board of Psychology will be responsible for certifying Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) as "certified Ohio behavior analysts."
The amendment was produced by a working group of stakeholders and provider groups to assure no disruption in existing services while expanding access to quality ABA providers.
In addition to Ohioans who will start getting their insurance through the health benefit exchange in 2014, state employees have accepted Kasich's offer to have the benefit included in their health plans. Autism Speaks is committed to gettingthe coverage extended to all state-regulated health plans in Ohio.
AccessibilityOnline is anonline training program run bythe Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) National Network and the U.S. Access Board. The program offers a series of free webinars and audio conferences aboutaccessibility as it relates to the built environment, information and communications technologies and transportation. Presentations on other accessibility topics are in the site's archives section.
The U.S. Access Board has releases proposed guidelinesfor passenger ships. The guidelines provide design information for the construction or modificaion of large vessels that carry more than 150 people to make sure that they are accessible to people with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. A public hearing on the guidelines will be held on July 10, 2013 from 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. in Washington, DC.Comment deadline is September 12, 2013.
The ADA National Network will hold a session on August 20, 2013 from 2 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time on athletic opportunities for students with disabilities, with a focus on colleges and universities. The session will provide advice on how to integrate students with disabilities into mainstream athletic programs and how to create adapted programs. Registerand choose to attend either by telephone or webinar.
Health plans would be required to pay restitution
SALEM (June 28, 2013) -- The Oregon House has approved and sent Gov. John Kitzhaber a bill which would empower the state Insurance Division to order health plans to pay restitution to consumers if they violate the law or their contracts. Sponsored by Sen. Chip Shields (D-Portland), the bill(SB.414) was approved 47-13.
Oregon state regulators currently have very limited enforcement powers over the insurance industry which has an exemption from Oregon's anti-fraud laws.
Final legislative action on Oregon's autism insurance reform bill, SB.365B, is expected shortly strating with a Senate vote Saturday. If signed by Kitzhaber, the bill would make Oregon the 34th state to enact autism insurance reform.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebeilus calls on all Americans to be aware of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) this month and throughout the year. PTSD is a severe anxiety disorder that can occur when people experience a traumatic event. If you or someone you care about has PTSD, call1-800-273-8255 (press “1” if you are a Veteran, Service Member, or calling about one), or visit the Veterans Crisis Line.
Disability.gov has launched the"What's Your Connection?" initiative to celebrate the website's 10th anniversary. The initiative was developedto highlight disability as a natural part of life and to promote inclusion.Most people either know someone who hasa disability or have a disability themselves. People are asked to submit a captioned photograph or video that answers the question "What's your connection with disability?" Submission deadline is July 31, 2013.
The American Council of the Blind's (ACB) 52nd annual conference and convention will be heldJuly 4 - 12, 2013 in Columbus, OH."Discovering New Worlds" will feature seminars, workshops, programs and technology. Suscribe to the ACB convention email listto receive convention information announcements.
Raleigh station profiles debate over HB.498
RALEIGH (June 28, 2013) -- WRAL-TV reported on the fight for HB.498 which has been voted out of the House of Representatives and supported by Governor McCrory, but can't get a hearing in the Senate. See the video below and read the online story here
June is Post Traumatic Stress Awareness (PTSD) Month. In observance, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Center for PTSD invites the public to participate in its “Take the Step”.The campaign highlghts different topics so visitors can learn more about PTSD, challenge their beliefs, explore the treatment options available, and reach out to make a difference.
Policy changes restrict ABA under ECHO, Basic and pilot programs
WASHINGTON, DC (June 27, 2013) -- Military families will face new restrictions and cutbacks obtaining applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy for their children with autism under new policies made public this week by TRICARE, the Department of Defense health benefits program.
"These policies drastically change how ABA is covered under TRICARE and will impact all beneficiaries and service providers," said Karen Driscoll, Autism Speaks' associate director for federal government affairs and military relations. "Autism Speaks is very concerned about the imposition of age and duration limits, threatened cutoffs for treatment, and the administrative hurdles to access care.
"Military families deserve better,"she said. “Our clinical science and advocacy teams are working on a report and plan of action to address. Please stay tuned for policy updates.”
See TRICARE's released policies here:
Special committee weighs enforcement issues with 2010 law
FRANKFORT(June 27, 2013) --A special legislative committee heard complaints of denials and delays under Kentucky's 2010 autism insurance reform law at a hearing here.
"I want to get fixed whatever is not working correctly,”Rep. Jeff Greer, co-chair of the InterimJoint Committee on Banking and Insurance, told the Floyd County Times. Last year, the state Department of Insurance had to intervene with health plans to provide appropriate coverage.
Lorri Unumb, Autism Speaks' vice president for state government affairs, told the committee that insurershad failed to recognize applied behavior analysis (ABA) asmedically necessary treatment while fighting the bill in the Legislature, but that the issue should have been resolved now that measure has been law for over two years. She said implementation issues are not uncommon when autism insurance reform laws are put in place.
Read theFloyd County Times coverage here
Oregon on track to become 34th state to enact autism insurance reform
SALEM (June 27, 2013) -- The Oregon Legislature's Joint Ways and Means Committee has released the autism insurance reform bill, SB-365, to the Senate and House floors for final action. If signed by Gov. John Kitzhaber, Oregon would become the 34th state to enact reform.
Sponsored by Sen. Alan Bates (D-Medford), the bill would require state-regulated health plans to cover up to 25 hours per week of applied behavioral analysis (ABA) for children through age 8.Aseven-member Behavior Analysis Regulatory Board would be created within the Oregon Health Licensing Agency to license providers.
Meanwhile, a final House vote is expected on SB.414, sponsored by Sen. Chip Shields (D-Portland) which would enable the state Insurance Division to order health plans to pay restitution to consumersif they violate the law or their contracts.The Senate passed the bill 19-10. State regulators currently have very limited enforcement powers over the insurance industry which has an exemption from Oregon's anti-fraud laws.
The U.S. Department of Education has issued a guidance letter to states and public agencies on the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to provide Braille instructions to students who are blind or visually impaired. The letter stresses that Braille instruction is an important literacy tool for these students. The letter responds to parent and advocate complaints that Braille instruction has gone down significantly over the years. This link opens a PDF document.
The Obama administration has launched the Health Insurance Marketplace to prepare Americans for open enrollment and sign up for private health insurance. On the updatedHealthCare.Govwebsite, consumers can put in information about their health coverage needs and get information on the choices available. A consumer call center is also available to help consumers understand the choices so that they can choose what best suits their needs. The site is available now. Open enrollment in the new Health Insurance Marketplace will not begin untilOctober 1, 2013.
ABA, other medically necessary treatment would be included
BOSTON (June 24, 2013) -- Massachusetts would expand benefits under its2010 autism insurance reform law tothe state's Medicaid program, under a billbefore the Legislature.
Sponsored by Rep. Danielle Gregoire (D-Marlborough), the bill, H.1026,would require MassHealth to cover medically necessary treatments for autism, including applied behavior analysis (ABA). MassHealth is the state agency that manages Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in Massachusetts.
The bill is before the Legislature's Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. The bill has 22 co-sponsors.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released two settlements on wireless hearing aid compatibility casesinvolving Airadigm Communications, Inc. dba Airfire Mobile, and TeleGuam Holdings,LLC. The hearing aid compatibility rules make sure that individuals with hearing loss can access wireless phone service without excessive background noise. The settlements will help wireless consumers who live in many rural areas and in Guam, where the companies do business.
The National Council on Disability (NCD) celebrates the 14th anniversary of the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision that ruled that Americans with disabilities have the right to participate in community life and live outside of institutions. NCD also honors the late Justin Dart, a disability rights pioneer and former vice chair at NCD who was instrumental in the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The LEAD Center has two upcoming webinars to help promote employment among people with disabilities. On June 26, 2013 from 3 - 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time,Group Discovery: An Alternative Assessment Tool for Workforce Centers and Community-Based Providerswill feature a process called Group Discovery. On July 31, 2013 from 3 - 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time,Promoting Employment - Discovering Your Potential: Using Discovery to Identify Your Employment Goalswill feature an assessment tool that can identify the strengths of job seekers.
The ADA National Network is holding a webinar, “Transition Planning: The Dynamic Process for Parks, Recreation and Tourism,” on July 10, 2013, from 2-3:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Federal and state accessibility specialists will discuss legal requirements for making public places and programs accessible to people with disabilities. Registration is free. Learn requirements for attending webinar by computer or mobile device.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has chargedAmericold Logistics, LLC with disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA). Americold allegedly refused to allow an employee with chronic back pain withradiculopathy in her legs to return to work from medical leave because she had medical restrictions. The company also refused to provide reasonable accommodations and fired her for failing to return to work. Americold has agreed to train its staff on the ADA.
Bates' bill emerges from committee with amendments
SALEM (June 21, 2013) -- The Oregon autism insurance reform bill, SB.365-9A, has been voted out of a subcommittee and lined up for final action by the Legislature and Governor John Kitzhaber.
Sponsored by Sen. Alan Bates, the bill yesterday was voted out of the Human Services subcommittee of the Legislature's Joint Ways and Means Committee. The full Joint Ways and Means Committee is scheduled to vote Monday on the amended bill, which would then go to the Senate and House of Representatives for final legislative approval.
The final version of the bill is available here.
This webinar will be held on June 27, 2013 from 2 – 3 p.m. Employers will learn about creating an inclusive business culture and how to build awareness among all employees about the talents and contributions of people with disabilities in the workplace.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has created an online application called eBenefits that processes disability claims faster. The VA urges Veterans to use the new application process to receive faster decisions on their applications and to help reduce claims backlogs. eBenefits also lets Veterans electronically submit copies of records and supporting evidence for their claims, and to choose representatives to help them.
The National Council on Disability (NCD) has asked the U.S.Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to make sure that people who commit hate crimes and injure people with disabilities are fully prosecuted. On June 10, 2013, the mother and godmother of a 14-year old male with autism, his caregivers, murdered the teenager because of his disability. The NCD urges local and federal prosecutors to prosecute hate crimes against people with disabilities.
Thousands of children lose ABA in transition out of Healthy Families
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released theNational Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease: 2013 Update. The update reports on progress made toward the goals set in 2012, and new and revised action steps. The plan includes finding ways to prevent and treat Alzheimer's disease by 2025, improving care for Alzheimer's patients, increasing support for people with dementia and their families, increasing public awareness, and tracking data.
The National Council on Disability (NCD) joins in the yearly celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month-June. NCD celebraties its commitment to advancing the rights for all Americans, including LGBT Americans and LGBT Americans with disabilities.
Legislature and governor could not reach an agreement which would expand autism therapies to more people through Medi-Cal
Medicaid-funded pilot project helps serve 18,000 diagnosed children
SALT LAKE CITY (June 18, 2013) -- The state of Utah, which has the highest autism rate in the nation, will add 35 slots to a Medicaid-funded ABA program offered through a lottery, according to The Salt Lake Tribune.The Utah Autism Coalition has estimated over 18,000 children in the state have been diagnosed with autism.
The pilot program was enacted in 2012 after the Legislature abandoned an autism insurance reform bill. Because the pilot program was slow to start,funding became available to provide for the 35 additional slots. In addition, the age of eligibility was raised from 5 to 6.
The 35 slots will be distributed statewide on the basis of population and chosenthrough a lottery, rather than first-come, first-serve basis.
A new studyhas foundthat adult day care centers offer people with Alzheimer's disease opportunities to be active, and give family members a break from caregiving. Researchers found that caregivers had lower levels of stress on the days when care centers were used. Visit the Alzheimer's Foundation of Americawebsite for more information and resources for caregivers.
There are nearly 57 million individuals with disabilities in the United States, and they are all connected to the people around them in some way. To celebrate our 10th anniversary, Disability.gov has created the "What's Your Connection?" initiative, a grassroots movement emphasizing the connections among all people. Tell us what your connection is.
The U.S. departments of Justice, Education and Health and Human Services have sent a letter to the nation's medical, dental, nursing, and other health-related schools about hepatitis B discrimination. The letter expresses concern that some schools may be making enrollment decisions based on an incorrect understanding of the risk and frequency of hepatitis B transmission in this environment. The letter informs schools on the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Autism Speaks, NYSABA cheer passage of bills fixing 2011 insurance reform law
ALBANY (June 17, 2013) -- Autism Speaks and the New York State Association for Behavior Analysis (NYSABA) today commended the New York Legislature for voting to eliminate a hurdlethat haskept families from accessing ABA care as promised under the state's 2011 autism insurance reform law. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, whose office helped work on the legislation, is expected to sign the measure.
The bill will create a New York state license for applied behavior analysis (ABA) practitioners that the Board of Regents demanded after the 2011 law was enacted.Without state licensure, ABA providers could not be reimbursedfor their services under the law, which covers state-regulated health benefit plans.
The legislation was sponsored by Assembly Majority LeaderJoseph Morelle (D-Irondequoit) and Senator Chuck Fuschillo (R-Merrick), the same two lawmakers who championed the 2011 autism insurance reform law.
“Autism Speaks commends Assemblyman Morelle for delivering once again for New York's autism community,” said Judith Ursitti, Autism Speaks' director for state government affairs. “The passage of this licensure bill will fulfill the promise of New York's autism insurance reform law for thousands of families and Assemblyman Morelle made it happen. We thank Assemblyman Morelle for going the extra mile for our community.”
Ursitti said, “New York's autism community has come to depend on Senator Chuck Fuschillo for providing the help families need.Autism Speaks thanks Senator Fuschillo for his instrumental role in getting this licensure bill through the Senate. Chuck Fuschillo would not rest until New York families received the access to care they were promised under the autism insurance reform law.”
NYSABA President Deborah Napolitano said her organization applauded"Assemblyman Morelle and Senator Fuschillo for their continued and unwavering support to ensure that individuals diagnosed with autism have access to treatment and appropriately credentialed providers.This bill protects consumers and provides access. Assemblyman Morelle and Senator Fuschillo deserve high praise for striking this balance."
The bills, S.4862 and A.6963, will create a state licensing process for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). A new seven-member State Board for Applied Behavior Analysis will be appointed by the Board of Regents and include three licensed behavior analysts, one certified behavior analyst assistant,one licensed psychologist and two public members.
When the licensure demand was finalized in January, Autism Speaks accused state regulators of ignoring the 2011 law which provided that existing national certification for ABA practitioners would be sufficient. The Autism Speaks Legal Resource Center became involved in the dispute, promising to"use all available means at its disposal" to resolve the issue.
New law eliminates age cap for autism insurance benefits
AUSTIN (June 15, 2013) -- Gov. Rick Perry has signed a bill expanding autism insurance benefits in Texas by eliminating anyage caps forstate-regulated health plans.In 2007, Perry signed legislation thatmade Texas just the third state nationally to enact autism insurance reform, then in 2009 signed another bill that raised the age cap from 5 to 9.
The new law eliminates the age 9 cap, but limits annual ABA benefits to $36,000 a year for children aged 10 and above.Under current law,state-regulated health plans are required to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism, including behavioral health treatment, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), as well as speech, occupational and physical therapy.
Perry signed the bill without comment at the conclusion of the state's regular legislative session.
Sponsored by Senators Kirk Watson of Austin, Wendy Davis of Forth Worth and Eddie Lucio, Jr. of Brownsville, SB.1484 will take effect in September.To qualify for the extended coverage,children must be diagnosed with autism by the age of 10 to gain the coverage.
The House champions for the bill included Rep. Larry Gonzales of Round Rock, Rep. Ron Simmons of Carrollton, and Rep. Senfronia Thompson of Houston.
Texas is one of four states with existing autism insurance reform laws that has considered bills to expand coverage this year. A fifth state, New Mexico, earlier enacted a new law expanding its coverage to public employees and Kansas, by regulatory action, has made coverage for its state employees permanent. Last year, Louisana, Vermont, Virginia and Rhode Island all expanded coverage under their existing laws.
Minnesota Gov. Mark Daytonlast month signed a bill that made Minnesota the 33rd state to enact autism insurance reform.Oregon and North Carolina are nearing final action on bills to enact reform, and the District of Columbia is moving forward with reform covering individual, small group andhealth benefit exchange plans.
The U.S. Department of Justice has reached an agreement with the state of Rhode Island and the city of Providence to resolve violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Providence and the state were segregating people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) into sheltered workshops and day programs instead of receiving employment services in integrated settings. People with disabilities have the right to receive services in the most integrated settings possible.
The U.S. Department of Labor has stopped allowing Training Thru Placement, Inc. (TTP) based in North Providence, RI to pay less than the current federal minimum wage to its workers with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The law allows employers to pay wages less than the federal minimum wage, but only when certain conditions are met. The company failed to determine the appropriate sub-minimum wage to be paid under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act and also falsified documents to mislead investigators.
The U.S. Department of Justice (Justice) has reached a settlement withDeCamp Bus Lines Inc. to make sure that the bus company provides equal transportation services to people with disabilities. DeCamp allegedly violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by requiring passengers with disabilities to provide 48 hours advance notice to get a wheelchair-accessible bus. The company has agreed to train its staff on the ADA.
Wounded warrior amputees at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center have been sharing the wisdom and experience gained through rehabilitation and prosthetic fittings with a man who lost a leg during the Boston Marathon bombings. A visit to the Military Advanced Training Center gave him the opportunity to learn about the latest medical and surgical advances in amputations and prosthetics, while getting support from fellow amputees.
Pilot insurance program created under 2010 law becomes permanent
TOPEKA (June 14, 2013) -- A pilot autism insurance benefit created for state employees under a 2010 law has been made permanent by the Kansas State Employee Health Care Commission.
The decision avoidsthe possibility of Kansas becoming the only state to eliminate autism insurance coverage and sets the stage for renewed efforts to enact broader autism insurance reform.
The state employee benefit was created under a 2010 law as a "pilot project" to determine whether insurance coverage for essential autism therapies should be extended to more families across the state.According to 2012 claims data,the annual cost to the statewas $266,077, or 24 cents per member per month.
Larson, Rooney amendment to NDAA would require TRICARE coverage
WASHINGTON, DC (June 14, 2013) -- The U.S. House of Representatives has approved an amendment to the new defense bill that would require the Pentagon to cover ABA care for all military families raising children with developmental disabilities, including autism, at medically prescribed levels.
The bipartisan amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) was sponsored by Reps. John Larson (D-CT) and Tom Rooney (R-FL) and approved by voice vote. Although the full NDAA still requires House approval, passage of the ABA amendment was the critical step.
TRICARE, the military's healthplan,covers ABA only for active duty personnel under its ECHO program with benefits capped at $36,000 per year. Military families and their champions in Congress have fought for several years to get uncapped ABA benefits through TRICARE for all military members regardless of their duty status or their branch of service. About 23,000 military dependents have autism.
"Our military families have waited too long for a permanent solution to the problems accessing behavioral health treatment under TRICARE," said Larson. "It's hard enough being on the battlefield away from home to have the extra burden of worrying about your kids' care."
Larson [left] said he first learned of the issue several years ago at anAutism Speaks forum in his district where he met the family of aConnecticut Army National Guard officer whose daughter has autism.
“Telling our troops that their kids can get the treatment they need this year, but maybe not next year, just isn't good enough,” Rooney [right] said. “How can we expect our troops to re-enlist when we can't even guarantee that their kids will get health care treatment a year from now? Our troops and their families deserve a long-term assurance that their children will receive the care they need.”
In addition to Rooney and Larson, the issue has been championed by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon (R-CA), Ranking Member Adam Smith (D-WA) and Reps. Joe Courtney (D-CT), Walter Jones (R-NC) and Mike Doyle (D-PA).
A similar ABAamendment was approved by both houses of Congress last year, but in conference committee the provision wasrewritten into a one-year pilot program that TRICARE was directed to start by April 2 of this year. TRICARE has yet to start the pilot program, citing budget cuts, and has yet to alert military families or medical providerswhen it will begin or how it will operate.
If you are unsure where to go for help with a mental illness, there are many places that can help. Get more information about places to go and people to talk to who can connect you with mental health services.
The U.S. Department of Labor has launched an online retirement planning toolkit. The toolkit helps workers identify what they need to consider in making smart decisions before retiring. It includes information about how to estimate your retirement benefits; what women need to know about Social Security; Medicare parts A & B; and getting help with prescription drug costs.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has updated itsVideo Relay Service (VRS) program that lets Americans with disabilities make a phone call. The VRS program allows people with hearing and speech disabilities to use American Sign Language to communicate with others using a broadband connection. The program uses a video link and a communications assistant. This link opens a PDF document. This information is also in Word format.
A federal district court has denied United Parcel Service's (UPS) motion to appeal an earlier ruling in favor of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC had alleged that UPS violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by allowing 12-month leaves of absence, failing to provide employees with disabilities reasonable accommodations, and firing them if they went beyond these conditions. The court's ruling allows the EEOC to pursue employment discrimination claims without identifying these former employees.
Search more than 7,000 scholarships, fellowships, loans and other types of student financial aid. You can also filter your search results to find scholarships specifically for students with disabilities. For more information about this tool read the frequently asked questions.
USA.gov's Health Services in Your Community connects you to information about home health care, mental health services, long term care, caregiving and many other health resources. You'll also find tools you can use to compare the quality of care provided by hospitals, nursing homes and home health agencies near you.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has charged Trinity Protection Services, Inc. and CSI Corporation of Washington, DC with disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The EEOC initially charged DTM Corporation of Maryland, but after DTM filed for bankruptcy, the EEOC alleged that Trinity and CSI were liable as successor companies. DTM had allegedly discriminated against a pregnant employee by suspending her, forcing her to get medical clearances and retaliating against her.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has chargedFidelity Engineering Corporation with disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA). Fidelity in Spark's, MD failed to assign a vacant position as a reasonable accommodation to an employee after he returned to work following heart surgery. Fidelity fired the employee and refused to rehire him because of his disability and in retaliation for filing a complaint. The company has agreed to train its staff on the ADA.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has reached anagreementwith Bank of America and Fannie Mae to settle allegations that the lenders violated the Fair Housing Act. The lenders allegedly denied a borrower's application to change her mortgage loan because she did not provide enough information about the nature of her disability. Bank of America and Fannie May will pay the applicant's closing costs and train its employees on fair lending practices.
SALT LAKE CITY (June 12, 2013) -- Autism Speaks volunteer Rollin Cook has been named Utah's new director of the Department of Corrections. The oldest of his four children has autism.
Read his Salt Lake Tribune profile here
Read about common childhood cancers and the National Institutes of Health's cancer research programs. Learn about the new therapies available, as well as the types of supports available for families, from finding health care services to managing the emotional and physical challenges.
A new study published in the journal Health Affairsshows that families did not spend as much on health care for their children with special medical needs as a result of the recent recession. The families hardest hit are low income to middle income families with private health insurance. Learn more about children with special health care needs.
New law assures new diagnostic criteria does not impact insurance coverage
HARTFORD (June 5, 2013) -- Governor Dannel Malloy has signed a bill, SB.1029, that shields anyone diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder prior to the release of the new DSM-V from losing theirbenefits under the state's 2009 autism insurance reform law.
The bill was championed by SenatorsJoseph Crisco,Martin Looney andRob Kane, and RepresentativesCathy Abercrombie andTony Hwang.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that the unemployment rate last month was little changed at 7.6 percent. Disability employment statistics for May show an unemployment rate among people with disabilities that increased to 13.6 percent. The percentage of people with disabilities in the labor force was 20.7 percent, and the percentage of people with no disability in the labor force was 69.1 percent. A year ago the unemployment rate among people with disabilities was 12.9 percent.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has chargedProfessional Freezing Services in Chicago with disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA). The company allegedly refused to hire an applicant after learning that he had prostate cancer. Professional Freezing violated the ADA and should have determined if the applicant needed a reasonable accommodation to do the job.
A free, lifetime entry pass is available to U.S. residents who have apermanent disability to visit more than 2,000 federal park and recreation sites. Many sites also give the pass holder a discount on related fees(camping, swimming, boat launching, and guided tours). Learn more about requirements and how to get your pass. You can also download this PDF document that lists federal recreation sites where you can get a pass.
The U.S. Department of Justice has reached a settlement agreement with SuperShuttle to resolve a complaint that the company discriminated against an individual who is blind and uses a service animal. The Arizona-based company violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by forcing a blind individual who uses a service animal to ride in a separate van and charging a higher fare. SuperShuttle has agreed to train its staff on the ADA.
DoD given another chance to remove its restrictions on ABA coverage for military families
WASHINGTON, DC (June 7, 2013) -- Autism Speaks expressed disappointment with a federal judge's unusual decision to partially reverse his2012 ruling directing TRICARE, the Department of Defense (DoD)healthcare program, to cover ABA forall military families.
U.S. District Court Judge Reggie Walton said he overreached last yearby orderingTRICARE to change the policy, and that he should have just remanded the case back to the agency to reconsider its policy. Walton's ruling came on a motion by the DoD to reconsider his July 2012 decision in Kenneth Berge v United States of America, a class action suit brought on behalf of military families.
"Military families need to be assured that this litigation is continuing and that we are committed to reaching our ultimate goal of universal coverage for all military families at medically prescribed levels," said Karen Driscoll, Autism Speaks' associate director of federal government affairs and military relations and a Marine Corps spouse. "This may delay, but will not deny us from reaching that goal.”
In the meantime, Driscoll said Autism Speaks is working with its champions in Congress to permanently change TRICARE's policy by statute. Congress last year ordered TRICARE to set up a one-year ABA pilot program by April 2, but the agency has yet to announce when the program will start or how it will operate, leaving families without appropriate care.
Dave Honigman, who brought thecase withGerard Mantese, said the plaintiffs will review Walton's decision further and decide on their next steps.While the litigationcontinues, TRICARE's "interim" policy to reimburse ABA careprovided by BCBAs through its Basic program remains in effect.
In his July 2012 ruling, Walton called TRICARE's policy of covering ABA for active duty employees while denying it to retirees"arbitrary and capricious and not in accordance with the law." He ordered the DoD to change the policy.
"After renewed reflection," Walton said in his new ruling, "the Court agrees that it committed 'clear error' in its ruling that remand to the Agency was an 'unnecessary formality,' and that the Court should have remanded the case to the Agency for further action."
Walton rejected the plaintiffs' argument that TRICARE was merely seeking "repeated, entirely duplicative remand opportunities in order to keep coming up with new reasons for denying coverage." Instead, he cited the courts'policy of permitting reconsideration"to allow agencies to cure their own mistakes.”
Read the McClatchy Newspapers coverage here
Lights, Camera, Access! Join the US Business Leadership Network's 16th Annual Conference in Los Angeles, CA onSeptember 30 - October 3, 2013 for a discussion on including people with a disability in the workforce. Registeronline.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is encouraging public housing agencies and HUD-assisted housing providers to partner with state and local governments to provide more community-based housing. This new guidance supports state and local efforts to comply with the Olmstead decision. Olmstead makes it illegal to have individuals with disabilities living in institutions when they can receive services in their own communities.
Appointed panel considers Georgia autism insurance reform bill
ATLANTA (June 5, 2013) -- The Special Advisory Commission on Mandated Benefits held its first hearing on Ava's Law, hearing from supporters and opponents of the Georgia autism insurance reform bill.The bill was sent by the Legislature to the unelected panel for hearings earlier this year.
The bill (HB.309/SB.191) is named after Ava Bullard, a Lyons child with autism whose mother, Anna, has been one of the leading grassroots advocates for insurance reform.
See the NBC 11 coverage here
Get mental health information and resources from several federal agencies in one place. Find information on signs of common mental health disorders, treatment options and how to start a conversation around the topic of mental health. You'll also find information about where to get help right away.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration and Office of Disability Employment Policy are conducting a survey onservices to youth with disabilities in the public workforce system. The survey results will be used to take a closer look at the services provided and how youth with disabilities are being served in the system. Send an email or call 1-(855) 295-5528 to receive a survey. Survey deadline is June 28, 2013.
The U.S. Government Accounting Office (GAO) has released a report on the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) and the results of the nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). GAO found that IPAWS has the capability to reach more people, but improvement is needed in guidance, testing and reaching the public. During the 2011 nationwide test of EAS, 82 percent of broadcasters and cable operators received the alert, but only 61 percent of operators were able to redistribute the alert due to technical failures.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policywill hold a webinar on June 6, 2013 from 2 - 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time on the recently released Disability Employment Tabulation 2008-2010. The tables provide detailed information on people with disabilities in the workforce during those three years. The data are collected from the American Community Surveyto further education, research and policies to improve job opportunities and outcomes for people with disabilities.Register online.
Pending mayor's signature, District of Columbia will require ABA coverage
WASHINGTON, DC (June 4, 2013) -- The District of Columbia Council today unanimously approved an insurance reform bill that will require coverage for ABA for autismthrough small group and individual policies starting next year. Once signed by Washington Mayor Vincent Gray, who requested the bill,the District will join 33 states that have enacted autism insurance reform.
The District Council byvoice vote approved changes toits American Health Benefit Exchange that starts operation in 2014 as part of the Affordable Care Act. One of the changes is a requirement that all small group and individual plans cover habilitative services, including "applied behavior analysis for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder."
Small groups are employer health plans with fewer than 50 members.
The change is part of the Better Prices, Better Quality, Better Choices for Health Coverage Act of 2013, which Gray requested the council to approve. The changes, including ABA coverage,were recommended by the District of Columbia Health Benefit Exchange Authority in March.
All individual and new small group health plans will have to operate through theDistrict's new health benefit exchangein 2014. Existing small group plans will be required to provide the Exchange's benefits in 2014, then operate through the Exchange in 2015.
Minnesota last month became the 33rd state to enact autism insurance reform. In addition to the District of Columbia, North Carolina, Oregon and Nebraska are advancing bills that would require coverage of autism therapies.
CONTACT:
Kaelan Richards: 202-973-7175, krichards@ucp.org
UCP OF GREATER CHICAGO, SEGUIN SERVICES TO MERGE
Local adults and children with disabilities will have more access to services and supports
Washington, D.C. (June 4, 2013) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is pleased to announce that one of its affiliates, UCP of Greater Chicago, and Seguin Services are merging to create one non-profit organization dedicated to serving people with disabilities: UCP-Seguin of Greater Chicago.
For the past three years, UCP of Greater Chicago and Seguin Services have worked together in a collaborative relationship to provide the best supports and services to people with disabilities in the Chicago area. The merger, effective as of July 1, 2013, will make a wider range of services and programs available, particularly in the areas of technology and family support.
John Voit, President and CEO of Seguin, will become president of UCP-Seguin of Greater Chicago. Paul Dulle, PhD, President and CEO of UCP of Greater Chicago, will continue to be involved, providing ongoing consultation and becoming chairman of a new foundation under consideration by both organizations. UCP of Greater Chicago and Seguin plan to maintain their current staff and facilities.
“The entire UCP family is excited about this merger and how it will benefit the Chicago community. Both UCP of Greater Chicago and Seguin have provided excellent services and supports for years, and together they will be able to do even more to ensure a life without limits for people with disabilities,” said Stephen Bennett, President and CEO of UCP. “This merger is a smart, forward-thinking move that will expand and enhance the good work already being done, and we look forward to all of its positive impacts.”
“From our first collaboration, we recognized a natural synergy between our organizations and saw many potential advantages to joining forces,” said Dulle. “This merger is a win‐win for both teams and especially for the population we serve with advanced technologies, family support, as well as programs and services.”
“This merger will position the combined organizations for considerable growth, enabling us to offer a broader scope of services and enhanced programs to children and adults with disabilities,” said John Voit, President and CEO of Seguin. “Because we serve similar populations, we anticipate achieving this growth while reducing overall costs.”
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About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.
About UCP of Greater Chicago
United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Chicago (UCP) is a nonprofit human services agency. UCP Chicago's mission is to advance the independence of people with disabilities, enrich their lives, provide support to their families, and advocate for their inclusion in every facet of community life. For more information visit www.ucpnet.org.
About Seguin Services
Seguin Services is a charitable not‐for‐profit agency serving metropolitan Chicago, always striving to integrate, enrich, and empower people with disabilities. Seguin creates job opportunities and housing options that lead to greater independence, so that men and women with developmental disabilities can live, work, and socialize as their neighbors do. In addition, Seguin provides safe and loving homes for children who have disabilities and serious medical or emotional conditions. For more information visit www.seguin.org.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policywill hold a webinar on June 6, 2013 from 2 - 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time on the recently released Disability Employment Tabulation 2008-2010. The tables provide detailed information on people with disabilities in the workforce during those three years. The data are collected from the American Community Surveyto further education, research and policies to improve job opportunities and outcomes for people with disabilities.Register online.
The U.S. Department of Justice has decided that the use of solitary confinement on prisoners with serious mental illnessat the Pennsylvania State Correctional Institution at Cresson in Cambria County, PA is unconstitutional. The department also found that Cresson's long-term and harsh forms of solitary confinement violates the rights of prisoners with mental illness and intellectual disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The Social Security Board has released its annual report on the long-term financial outlook of the Social Security Trust Funds. The Old-Age and Survivors Insurance, and Disability Insurance (DI) Trust Funds are expected to be used up in 2033, unchanged from last year, with 77 percent of benefits still payable at that time. The DI Trust Fund will be used up in 2016, also unchanged from last year's estimate, with 80 percent of benefits still payable at that time.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policywill hold a webinar on June 6, 2013 from 2 - 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time on the recently released Disability Employment Tabulation 2008-2010. The tables provide detailed information on people with disabilities in the workforce during those three years. The data are collected from the American Community Surveyto further education, research and policies to improve job opportunities and outcomes for people with disabilities.Register online.
The U.S. Department of Justice has signed an agreement with theCity of West Columbia, SC,to improve access to community buildings, programs and sevices for individuals with disabilities. The agreement is part of Project Civic Access,the department's effort to make sure that counties, cities and towns comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The city will make parking, building entrances, service areas and counters, restrooms, public telephones and drinking fountains accessible.
This paper was written for and by directors and staff UCEDDs and LENDs with the aim of promoting a dialogue among key stakeholders and facilitating their engagement in pursuing a more comprehensive, coordinated, supportive, and successful transition process for youth with disabilities from adolescence to young adulthood. See AUCD's press release for additional information.
Lautenberg remembered for strong support for IDEA, autism research
WASHINGTON, DC (June 3, 2013) -- Autism Speaks today mourned theloss ofU.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey, citing his consistent leadership in Congress for a strong federal funding role forautism research and services.
"We mourn the loss of Senator Lautenberg, a dependable champion for the Combating Autism Act and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, arguably the two most impactful pieces of legislation for our community,"said Autism Speaks President Liz Feld.Lautenberg played a lead role in securing federal research funding for autism through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, and was a strong advocate for improved transportation servicesfor all Americans with disabilities.
Specter, 89, died Monday from complications of viral pneumonia. Lautenberg was first elected to the Senate in 1982, retired in 2000 and then was re-elected in 2002. He was the oldest member of the Senate and its last surviving World War II veteran at the time of his death.
Autism Speaks extends its condolences to the Senator's family, friends and colleagues.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policywill hold a webinar on June 6, 2013 from 2 - 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time on the recently released Disability Employment Tabulation 2008-2010. The tables provide detailed information on people with disabilities in the workforce during those three years. The data are collected from the American Community Surveyto further education, research and policies to improve job opportunities and outcomes for people with disabilities.Register online.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policywill hold a webinar on June 6, 2013 from 2 - 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time on the recently released Disability Employment Tabulation 2008-2010. The tables provide detailed information on people with disabilities in the workforce during those three years. The data are collected from the American Community Surveyto further education, research and policies to improve job opportunities and outcomes for people with disabilities.Register online.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policywill hold a webinar on June 6, 2013 from 2 - 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time on the recently released Disability Employment Tabulation 2008-2010. The tables provide detailed information on people with disabilities in the workforce during those three years. The data are collected from the American Community Surveyto further education, research and policies to improve job opportunities and outcomes for people with disabilities.Register online.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policywill hold a webinar on June 6, 2013 from 2 - 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time on the recently released Disability Employment Tabulation 2008-2010. The tables provide detailed information on people with disabilities in the workforce during those three years. The data are collected from the American Community Surveyto further education, research and policies to improve job opportunities and outcomes for people with disabilities.Register online.
If you receive Social Security disability benefits and want to make more money by working, Social Security's Ticket to Work (TTW) program can give you the support you need to become financially independent. Join the next free webinar on June 12, 2013 from 3 - 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. You will hear from disability benefits experts about the TTW and Work Incentives programs. Register online or call 1-(866) 968-7842 (V) or 1-(866) 833-2967 (TTY).
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission had chargedLuminant Mining Company LLC, of Dallas, TX with disability discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA). Luminant allegedly fired an employee after receiving information from a doctor indicating that the employee had a clubfoot and recommending a reasonable accommodation. The employee was fired when he requested an accommodation for his disability. Luminant has agreed to train its staff on the ADA.
No one diagnosed prior to release of new manual would lose coverage
HARTFORD (May 31, 2013) -- The Connecticut Legislature has sent Gov. Dannel Malloy a billguaranteeing that anyone diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder prior to the release of thenew DSM-V will not lose their benefits under the state's 2008 autism insurance reform law.
The bill, S.B.1029, clarifies that any changes in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), published May 18 by the American Psychiatric Association, would not affect coverages under Connecticut's autism insurance reform law for anyone already diagnosed with an ASD.
The DSM-V folded the previous subcategories of Asperger syndrome, PDD-NOS, childhood disintegrative disorder and autistic disorder into the single broad category of "autism spectrum disorder." Autism Speaks has determined that the DSM-V changes should not affect any existing insurance coverages.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policywill hold a webinar on June 6, 2013 from 2 - 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time on the recently released Disability Employment Tabulation 2008-2010. The tables provide detailed information on people with disabilities in the workforce during those three years. The data are collected from the American Community Surveyto further education, research and policies to improve job opportunities and outcomes for people with disabilities.Register online.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policywill hold a webinar on June 6, 2013 from 2 - 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time on the recently released Disability Employment Tabulation 2008-2010. The tables provide detailed information on people with disabilities in the workforce during those three years. The data are collected from the American Community Surveyto further education, research and policies to improve job opportunities and outcomes for people with disabilities.Register online.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kaelan Richards: 202-973-7175, krichards@ucp.org
Obama and Romney campaigns send representatives to speak to Americans living with disabilities
Washington, DC (September 28, 2012) – More than 500 people attended the only national event for the presidential campaigns on disability issues with more than 1,000 people watching online, reported United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), one of the more than 80 sponsors of the National Forum on Disability Issues, hosted in Columbus, OH today.
The non-partisan forum featured President Barack Obama's campaign surrogate Edward M. Kennedy, Jr., a disability rights advocate and son of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy, and former Governor Mitt Romney's campaign surrogate U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA). Also participating in the forum on behalf of U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) was Ohio State Representative Nancy Garland (D-New Albany), and Senator Brown's opponent, Ohio State Treasurer Josh Mandel.
Each participant presented the policy positions of the respective campaigns and responded to questions posed by the moderator, Frank Sesno, director of the School of Media and Public Affairs at the George Washington University. Many of the questions were submitted by the disability community, and focused on employment, health care, long-term care, education, and housing issues.
“United Cerebral Palsy is very excited to be a part of the National Forum on Disability Issues, which has helped engage the presidential campaigns on issues that are critical to the disability community. With more than 57 million Americans living with disabilities today, people with disabilities are not a ‘minority' constituency but a real and powerful voice in the electoral process,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of UCP. “While we are disappointed that President Obama and Governor Romney were not able to participate, we applaud all of those who contributed to today's success and look forward to continuing to work together in advocating for the public policies that ensure fair and full citizenship for people with disabilities.”
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About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Alicia Kubert Smith: 202.973.7168,akubertsmith@ucp.org
Nationwide campaign will take place in October
Washington, DC (October 1, 2012) – United Cerebral Palsy today announced its participation in National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities.
The history of NDEAM traces back to 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with a spectrum of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
"Employers who ensure that inclusive workplace policies and practices are woven into the fabric and culture of the organization create an environment that encourages all workers — including those of us with disabilities — to work to their full capacity and contribute fully to the organization's success," said Kathy Martinez, assistant secretary of labor for disability employment policy when announcing this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month theme, which is "A Strong Workforce is an Inclusive Workforce: What Can YOU Do?" The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) leads National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
“United Cerebral Palsy is proud to support National Disability Employment Awareness Month. It is important to break the preconceived notions that often hinder creating an inclusive workforce. Individuals with disabilities bring many contributions to the workplace and together we can help break down barriers to employment. A diverse workforce is advantageous to both the employees and the employer,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of UCP.
Employers and employees in all industries can learn more about how to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month and ways they can promote its messages — during October andthroughout the year — by visiting the ODEP website atwww.dol.gov/odep/. Additional employment resources can be found on theUCP website, and throughout the month special events and webinars will be promoted on the UCP's TwitterandFacebookpage.
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About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kaelan Richards: 202-973-7175, krichards@ucp.org
National Council on Disability's report highlights vulnerabilities, flaws in current system
Washington, DC (October 5, 2012) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) issued the following statement today in response to the National Council on Disability (NCD)'s new report, “Rocking the Cradle: Ensuring the Rights of Parents with Disabilities and Their Children.”
NCD's report examines the challenges faced by the more than 4 million parents living with disabilities in raising their families. The report identifies parents with disabilities as the “only distinct community of Americans who must struggle to retain custody of their children,” and that removal rates run as high as 80 percent among parents with a psychiatric or intellectual disability. The report details the hardships faced by parents struggling to keep their children, adopt children, or even accessing reproductive assistance and makes recommendations for how to both states and the federal government can address each.
Specifically, the NCD report recommends Congress pass legislation similar to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) of 1978, which was enacted to help keep American Indian children with their families, and would help to protect the rights of parents with disabilities and their families. Alternatively, the NCD suggests an amendment to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other laws relating to child welfare, custody, adopted and reproductive technologies.
“This report highlights an awful truth: parents with disabilities are facing tremendous challenges and discrimination as they try to raise their families. The situation is appalling, and action needs to be taken,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of UCP. “We commend the National Council on Disability for this report and for their efforts to bring this unfair and unjust treatment to an end. UCP looks forward to working together with NCD and other organizations to transform our laws and ensure that the rights of all American families are protected.”
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About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.
NORTH CAROLINA ATTORNEY TAKES HELM AS NEW CHAIR
Washington, DC (October 15, 2012) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) has elected four new members of its national Board of Trustees, and has elected four leaders to serve as officers of the Board.
The Board of Trustees plays a critical role at UCP, helping to guide the organization and its efforts to educate, advocate and provide support to people with disabilities across the country. With 18 members, including four officers, the Board is a diverse and active group that works together to move UCP forward toward its goal of creating a life without limits for people living with disabilities.
Selection of Officers
Edward G. “Woody” Connette, an attorney in Charlotte, North Carolina, will lead the organization's Board of Trustees as its new Chair, replacing outgoing Chair Bruce Merlin Fried, the DC-based Managing Partner of law firm SNR Denton. Connette has long had an interest in public policy and litigation related to disabilities, health care and mental health. In his legal work, he has fought to protect the rights of people living with disabilities and challenged the living conditions and institutionalization practices in North Carolina and Tennessee. He is involved in several professional organizations and has also served on the Executive Board and as President of the National Patient Advocate Foundation. Connette's volunteer work with disability groups stretches back more than twenty years, and he played a critical role in the merger of UCP and Easter Seals affiliates in North Carolina and went on to become Board Chair for the newly created Easter Seals/ UCP North Carolina and Virginia.
“On behalf of United Cerebral Palsy, and all of our affiliates, I am delighted to welcome Woody as our new Chair for our Board of Trustees,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of United Cerebral Palsy. “Woody has been a valued part of UCP for more than two decades, and his commitment and dedication to bettering the lives of people living with disabilities is inspiring. We look forward to his leadership in the years ahead.”
“It is an immense privilege to be selected for this position with such a great organization,” said Connette. “United Cerebral Palsy is internationally recognized as a leader in the disability community, and I will do my best to help create a better day for those living with disabilities every day.”
Connette is joined by three other volunteer leaders, including:
· Ian Ridlon, who has been selected as the organization's new vice chair. Ridlon is general counsel and director of Legal Services at the Rhode Island Interlocal Risk Management Trust. Mr. Ridlon has been involved with United Cerebral Palsy on the state and national level for over 15 years. On the state level, he has been the Board Chair for several terms and has also chaired two other non-profit organizations created by the affiliate that provide independent living facilities for low income individuals with developmental disabilities.On the national level, he has previously served on the Board of Trustees and is a recipient of the 2004 Chairperson's Award. He has also served on numerous committees and was previously the chair of the nominating committee and the by-laws committee. and has served as a Board member for UCP of Rhode Island
· Mark Boles will serve as the organization's treasurer. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation at Frisco (Texas). With nearly 30 years experience as a healthcare executive, he has been involved with United Cerebral Palsy on the local, state, and national levels for more than 20 years, having received the Ethel Hausman Volunteer of the Year Award in 2003 and the UCP Chairman's Award in 2004.
· Pamela Talkin will serve as secretary of the Board of Trustees. Talkin was sworn in on July 16, 2001 as the tenth Marshal of the Supreme Court of the United States. Talkin is the first woman to hold the position. She was elected to UCP Board of Trustees in 2011.
New Members
These new leaders are joined by five new distinguished Trustees who were elected at UCP's international conference this past April. They include:
· Michael Burke Jr., a co-founder and principal of Thrive Office, an innovative, shared workplace community based in New York City.
· Ruth Gullerud, who retired in May as the Executive Director of UCP of West Central Wisconsin, in Eau Claire, where she has worked since 1977.
· Melvin “Chip” Hurley, an executive with Berkeley Research Group, LLC, and former chair of the board of UCP of Central Maryland.
· Linda Maguire, co-founder and consultant with Maguire Associates, a research-based consulting firm that has served educational clients around the world for the past 29 years.She is currently the vice chair of UCP MetroBoston and has received much recognition for her work with the UCP network.
· Rob White, the Chief Executive Officer of Cerebral Palsy Alliance in Sydney, Australia, who has decades of leadership experience in global civil rights movement for people with disabilities.
“We are grateful to these new officers and Trustees for agreeing to serve United Cerebral Palsy in such an important leadership role,” Bennett said. “Our Trustees are one of the main reasons that UCP is able to serve hundreds of thousands of people with disabilities each year, and we are excited to begin a new year with their leadership contributions.”
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UCP: CONGRESSIONAL REPORT SHOWS NEED FOR IMMEDIATE CHANGE
Office of Compliance highlights inaccessibility of Capitol buildings
Washington, DC (October 19, 2012) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) released the following statement today in response to the Office of Compliance's Biennial Report on the 111th Congress, “Americans with Disabilities Act Inspections Relating to Public Services and Accommodations.”
The report, which is required by the Congressional Accountability Act and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), examined the accessibility of the House Office Buildings, as well as bathrooms throughout the Capitol complex. The findings show that while progress has been made in making the buildings more accessible, there are still significant problems:
· 93% of curb ramps on the sidewalks are not in compliance with ADA Accessibility Standards.
· 54% of the total exterior pathway barriers are a safety risk for people with disabilities.
· None of the bathrooms inspected met ADA standards.
“For the 57 million Americans living with disabilities today, this is more than just a report— this is stark reminder that 22 years after the passage of the ADA, the fight for basic civil rights is not over. All Americans should have the ability to access their representatives and attend and testify at hearings, but it is clear that this is not the case. We urge Congress to act immediately to correct the safety issues, and work to ensure that all of the problems are fixed,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of UCP. “The findings in this report are very disappointing, and show how much progress is still needed to ensure that all Americans have the same rights and opportunities.”
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About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.
International fundraising and fitness event raises over $700,000
More than 5,800 people vote for World CP Day ideas to change the world
Washington, DC (October 17, 2012) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) has announced the final results from the first annual World CP Day and the World CP Challenge, an international awareness and fundraising campaign for people living with cerebral palsy.
World CP Day, held on September 4, marked the beginning of a month dedicated to ideas to make the world a better place for people living with cerebral palsy. 461 ideas were submitted to the “Change my world in 1 minute” contest, which challenged people to come up with ideas that would help individuals with cerebral palsy through improved mobility, independence, accessibility, communication or social connection. Over 5,800 votes were cast, and the World Cerebral Palsy Day Panel is now reviewing the proposals. The winners will be announced in March, 2013, and researchers, innovators and inventors will be given grants to turn their ideas into reality.
World CP Day also served as the kick-off for the World CP Challenge, a month-long event to raise awareness, encourage people to exercise, and raise money to support individuals living with cerebral palsy. Throughout September, teams from around the world exercised and raised donations to help people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. A total of 6,999 people, including 2,183 in the United States, formed teams and entered their activities and fundraising efforts on the World CP Challenge website—and raised a total of $774,399 worldwide.
“The success of our first World CP Day and the World CP Challenge is an incredible achievement, and I am so proud of the efforts of all of those who participated. From innovative ideas submitted to the “Change my world in 1 minute” campaign, to the amount of donations raised, the dedication and commitment throughout the entire month of September was extraordinary,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of UCP. “I applaud the efforts of our teams around the world, and look forward to the exciting work to be done as we continue to strive to ensure that people living with cerebral palsy can live their lives to the fullest.”
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About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kaelan Richards: 202-973-7175, krichards@ucp.org
UCP CALLS FOR COULTER APOLOGY
Responds to pundit's insulting and inexcusable comments on Twitter
Washington, DC (October 23, 2012) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) released the following statement today from President & CEO Stephen Bennett in response to pundit Ann Coulter's offensive comments on Twitter over the last 24 hours:
"Ann Coulter's use of an outdated and insulting term for people with disabilities is outrageous and inexcusable,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of UCP. “She should apologize publicly, and she should be ashamed of herself."
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kaelan Richards: 202-973-7175, krichards@ucp.org
UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY URGES PRESIDENT OBAMA TO MAKE DISABILITY ISSUES A PRIORITY
Washington, DC (November 7, 2012) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) issued the following statement in response to President Barack Obama winning the presidential election.
“We are pleased to have reached the end of this campaign, and congratulate President Obama. While there are many topics to be addressed in the next four years, we urge President Obama to work towards achieving real progress on issues that have an impact on Americans with disabilities. Particularly in critical areas such as accessibility, civil rights, education, Medicaid, employment and health care, there are serious concerns to be addressed— and we urge President Obama to make them a priority,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of United Cerebral Palsy. “There are more than 57 million people in this country living with a disability today. We are a strong, diverse community and we look forward to working with President Obama as we continue our efforts to ensure that people with disabilities can live their lives to the fullest.”
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About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.
Measure fell short in Senate vote today
Washington, DC (December 4, 2012) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) issued the following statement in response to the vote in the U.S. Senate today on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The treaty was defeated by a vote of 61-38.
The CRPD is an international treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2006, and signed by the United States in 2009. However, in order for the treaty to be implemented, it must be ratified by the U.S. Senate. The treaty would serve as an important link between the United States and the international disability community, and ensure that American citizens living and traveling abroad would have the same protections and access as they do in the United States. UCP and a broad coalition of advocacy groups have been working together to urge the Senate to ratify the treaty.
“United Cerebral Palsy is very disappointed that the Senate did not ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) today. The CRPD is a critical step forward for the international disability community, but also for the estimated 57 million Americans living with disabilities—it would help to increase accessibility, opportunity and independence on a global scale,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of UCP. “We will continue to work together with our partners in the disability community to push for the ratification of the CRPD and to ensure a life without limits for people living with disabilities around the world.”
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Three ideas chosen to help “Change my world in 1 minute” for people living with disabilities
Washington, DC (December 10, 2012) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) has announced the winning ideas for the World Cerebral Palsy Day “Change my world in 1 minute” contest, which challenged people to submit ideas that would help improve mobility, independence, accessibility, communication or social connections for people living with cerebral palsy.
Nearly 500 ideas were submitted to the “Change my world in 1 minute” contest, and more than 5,800 people voted for the ideas they thought would make a difference in lives of people with disabilities. The World Cerebral Palsy Day Panel carefully reviewed each proposal and has selected three innovative and dynamic ideas. The next phase of the contest will enable anyone to build the three final ideas and compete for a share of the $25,000 prize money and the opportunity to see their ideas brought to life.
The winning ideas from the contest are:
Solar-powered wheelchair:
Submitted by an individual with cerebral palsy, this idea would enable individuals who rely on motorized wheelchairs to charge their chairs on the go with solar energy and eliminate current battery life limitations.
Fold-up motorized wheelchair:
This idea proposes developing a motorized wheelchair that could be easily disassembled to fit into a regular car or SUV, instead of a specially modified vehicle. An individual who relies on a motorized wheelchair but does not have an adaptive van submitted the idea, stating that getting to work each day is a challenge, and a fold-up wheelchair would “make life with CP so much easier.”
Documentary: Cerebral Palsy in the 21st Century:
This idea proposes a documentary focused on the successes of people with cerebral palsy and would work to develop role models for the millions of people living with disabilities around the world.
With the final selections made, the World Cerebral Palsy Day Panel now invites researchers, innovators and inventors to create these three products. The resulting inventions will be judged on April 19, 2013, and the winners will be eligible for a share of the $25,000 prize.
“We are thrilled that so many creative and diverse ideas were submitted to the World CP Day “Change my world in 1 minute” contest. The panel reviewed each entry carefully and the final three exemplify the innovative and groundbreaking designs we think will make a real difference in the lives of people living with cerebral palsy,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of UCP. “UCP wishes every inventor the best of luck in their work, and we are looking forward to next step in this process and bringing these ideas to life.”
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About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kaelan Richards: 202-973-7175, krichards@ucp.org
UNITED CEREBRAL PALSY RESPONDS TO FISCAL CLIFF VOTE
Washington, DC (January 2, 2012) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) issued the following statement in response to the passage by Congress of legislation to avert the so-called ‘fiscal cliff' of tax increases and spending cuts.
“We applaud Congress's action to prevent harmful tax increases and cuts to vital services and supports for millions of Americans. The deal passed by Congress protects Social Security benefits and Medicaid— but most importantly, the individuals and their families who depend on these safety net programs, and particularly those living with disabilities.
“However, we are very disappointed that the CLASS Act, which offered a framework for funding long-term services and supports, was repealed in the ‘fiscal cliff' legislation. We are hopeful that the replacement Commission that was created in its place will be successful in helping our country to address these critical issues.
“United Cerebral Palsy urges Congress and President Obama to continue to work together to ensure that the programs and services that help so many Americans with disabilities and their families are protected in our ongoing budget debates.”
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About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kaelan Richards: 202-973-7175, krichards@ucp.org
UCP ANNOUNCES $25,000 INNOVATION CONTEST
Challenges inventors to bring three ideas to life and help better the lives of people with disabilities
Washington, DC (January 9, 2013) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) has announced $25,000 in prize money to anyone who can create one of the three winning ideas submitted to the World Cerebral Palsy Day's “Change my World in 1 Minute” contest.
Estblished in 2012 as an international day of awareness about cerebral palsy, World CP Day is focused on change and innovation that can make a real difference for people living with disabilities. To jumpstart this change, World CP Day's “Change my World in 1 Minute” contest challenged people to submit ideas that would help improve mobility, independence, accessibility, communication or social connections for people living with cerebral palsy, offering $25,000 in prize money to who ever can bring these three ideas to life.
Solar-powered wheelchair:
A solar-powered wheelchair would enable individuals who rely on motorized wheelchairs to charge their chairs on the go with solar energy and eliminate current battery life limitations.
Fold-up motorized wheelchair:
This idea proposes developing a motorized wheelchair that could be easily disassembled to fit into a regular car or SUV, instead of a specially modified vehicle.
Documentary: Cerebral Palsy in the 21st Century:
A documentary focusing on the successes of people with cerebral palsy and work to develop role models for the millions of people living with disabilities around the world.
The “Change my world in 1 minute” contest identified these three ideas as the best of nearly 500 global submissions. Inventors from around the world are invited to join the contest and compete for a share of the $25,000 in prize money. Submissions are due on March 31, 2013, and the winners will be announced on the next World Cerebral Palsy Day: September 2, 2013. Find out more about the contest and get involved today!
“We're challenging the world to bring these three innovative ideas to life—and to help people living with disabilities become more independent, increase accessibility, and raise awareness,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of United Cerebral Palsy. “We invite everyone, including universities, engineers, companies, inventors, hackers and makers to bring their best thinking to the contest. This is a chance to use the best of humanity's gifts to change the lives of others. Let's get started!”
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About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Michael Hill: 202-973-7144,mhill@ucp.org
MetLife hailed for its commitment to people with disabilities,families at UCP International Conference in San Diego
Washington, DC (April 17, 2013) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is proud to announce that MetLife and the MetLife Center for Special Needs Planning will receive the 2013 Chair Award as part of the Awards for Excellence celebration at UCP's 2013 International Conference, to be held in San Diego, California from April 25-27,2013.
The Chair Award is given to an individual, organization or company whose impact and support for UCP and its mission is deemed exemplary by the Chair of UCP's National Board of Trustees.
“MetLife has been a strong partner in educating our families about the need to plan for the future,” said Woody Connette, Chair of UCP's National Board of Trustees in announcing the award. “As a partner in UCP's public education programs, through presentations to our affiliates at national and regional meetings and in your ongoing stewardship of so many of our families, MetLife and the MetLife Center for Special Needs Planning exemplifies the best of our mission to help people with disabilities lead a life without limits.”
MetLife, though the work of its Center for Special Needs Planning, has been a pillar of UCP's corporate partnership program since the inception of UCP's public education and outreach programs. By linking its expertise with the needs of the families that UCP serves, the company has been an instrumental advocate for UCP.
"I am honored and humbled to accept the 2013 Chair Award on behalf of the MetLife Center for Special Needs Planning," said Kelly Piacenti, Assistant Vice President of the MetLife Center for Special Needs Planning. "MetLife is proud to stand with United Cerebral Palsy in our continuing efforts to support the special needs community. It is our privilege and passion to assist families with special needs--helping families build financial freedom and also providing greater peace of mind to caregivers in planning appropriately for the future of their special needs dependents. We look forward to continuing to partner with United Cerebral Palsy in the years to come."
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About the MetLife Center for Special Needs Planning and Special Needs Planners
Special Needs Planners are knowledgeable about many facets of special needs financial planning, and are enabled to work with local non-profit organizations and service providers to give support and to secure the highest level of independence for the special needs individual. National non-profit partners include The Arc, Autism Society, Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA), National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC), National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), TASH, Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance (TS Alliance), and United Cerebral Palsy (UCP).
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife) is a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), a leading global provider of insurance, annuities and employee benefit programs, serving 90 million customers. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com. MetLife is not affiliated with United Cerebral Palsy.
About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kaelan Richards: 202-973-7175, krichards@ucp.org
UCP RELEASES NEW REPORT ON STATES SERVING AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES
New format highlights states' successes with managed care and employment initiatives
Washington, DC (May 2, 2013) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) released the 2013 Case for Inclusion today, an annual report that tracks the progress of community living standards for Americans living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD).
The 2013 report, in addition to data from all previous reports since 2006, is available on UCP's website using a robust new web module and design athttp://www.ucp.org/the-case-for-inclusion/2013/.
Each state and the District of Columbia (DC) is analyzed and ranked based on five key outcome areas: promoting independence, tracking quality and safety, keeping families together, promoting productivity, and reaching those in need. Since 2006, these rankings enable families, advocates, the media and policymakers to fully understand each state's progress or lack of improvement, and help to protect programs and services against unwise funding cuts, as well as guide future reforms to promote inclusion and enhance the quality of life for these, and ultimately all, Americans.
This year's report highlights the progress that has been made, including:
· 38 states now meet the 80/80 Community standard, a dramatic increase from just 14 states in the 2007 report.
· As of 2011, 13 states have no state institutions to seclude those with ID/DD. 10 states have only one institution each.
· Since 1960, 209 of 354 state institutions have been closed, leaving just 149 remaining.
· 21 states now meet the 80% Home-like Setting standard (80% in settings with 1-3 residents). This is up from just 17 states in the 2007 report.
· 34 states participate in the National Core Indicators, an increase from 24 in the 2007 report.
· 15 states were supporting a large share of families through family support, up from just 10 states in the 2007 report.
The report also identifies problems, such as:
· All states still have room for improvement, but some states have consistently remained at the bottom since 2007, Arkansas (#50), Illinois (#48), Mississippi (#51) and Texas (#49).
· Just ten states have at least one-third (33%) of individuals in competitive employment. This is a downturn from 2007, when 17 states met this standard.
· Waiting lists for residential and community services are high and have grown from 138,000 people in 2007 to 268,000. At this level, a growth of 44 percent would be needed to meet the need for services.
New in the 2013 Case for Inclusion is highlights of three case studies—two that examine trends in managed care for those with ID/DD with reforms in Kansas and Massachusetts, and one outlining the success of Washington State in promoting competitive employment through its Employment First policy and practices.
· KanCare represents one of the most aggressive and comprehensive Medicaid reforms affecting those with ID/DD, directly integrating work, health and community; broadening the scope of benefits; and prioritizing competitive employment and improving health outcomes.
· As of January 1, 2014, individuals with ID/DD will be able to chose from the three private plans currently offered to Medicaid enrollees, all of which fully integrate medical and behavioral health benefits and home and community-based services.
· KanCare will focus on specific outcomes to determine success, including: increased competitive employment; improved life expectancy; integration of physical health, behavioral health and home and community based services; and improved health.
· The first state to implement a statewide pilot program (called a demonstration) for all dually eligible individuals, including those with ID/DD, Massachusetts aims to improve coordination of care, actual health outcomes, and overall quality of life for Americans with developmental disabilities.
· Individuals with ID/DD will have new benefits available through the ICO plans, including restorative dental services, expanded personal care assistance, and greater access to durable medical equipment, and the program defines its success on actual outcomes.
· Although the actual outcomes tracked have yet to be determined, some of the possible measures to be included include access, person-centered care, integration of services and enrollee outcomes.
· Washington State's Employment First policy supports employment and day program funds targeted for working-age adults and ensures that after nine months of employment services the individual may choose community access programs.
· By focusing its efforts on this narrow window of time, Washington's leaders and advocates addressed the difficult goal of finding a job directly through leadership, training and innovation, and clearly defined goals.
· The impact of this was profound: in seven years, the number of individuals competitively employed rose from 4,440 in 2004 (before the policy) to 5,562 by 2011.
“The Case for Inclusion is a valuable tool for United Cerebral Palsy and advocates across the country to use as we work to advance the civil rights protections and public policies that help support individuals living with disabilities, ensuring fair and full citizenship for all Americans. This year's report shows in great detail the states are able to provide services and supports that result in better outcomes for people with disabilities, as well as three case studies that can serve as road maps to success,” said Stephen Bennett, President & CEO of United Cerebral Palsy. “It is our hope that the Case for Inclusion can be used to strengthen the efforts of states and advocates to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities.”
Using the interactivewebsite, users can:
· Compare state & national data.
· View state scorecards.
· Interact with the ranking map.
· Seehighlightsof the 2013 report, thetopandbottom 10 states, most improved states and those with biggest drops, and facts about the best performing states.
· Learn how to use the report toadvocatefor areas needing improvement in states, and promote achievements that maintain high quality outcomes, like eliminating waiting lists and closing large institutions.
· View in-depth information about each of the states feature in the case studies:Massachusetts,KansasandWashington State.
· Users can pull individual state outcomes and measures, track each state's performance over time, and compare states among one another and to the U.S. average. The Case for Inclusion data, tables and graphs are exportable and printable as needed for personal and professional use.
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About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kaelan Richards: 202-973-7175, krichards@ucp.org
UCP PRESENTS 2013 AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
Awards recognize exceptional achievements, activities and dedication to UCP's mission
Washington, DC (May 2, 2013) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) has announced the honorees for the 2013 Awards for Excellence, which recognize UCP affiliates, individuals and companies whose exceptional activities, achievements and dedication exemplify the UCP mission to educate, advocate and provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities.
The 2013 Awards for Excellence were presented at UCP's 2013 International Conference, “Redefining Family: Supporting the New Caregiver Community,” which explored how families have evolved and expanded above and beyond the traditional definition and the ways in which UCP and its affiliate network can best continue to provide and adapt to the needed supports and resources people with disabilities and their families need.
More than 150 affiliates, partners and allies participated in this year's conference, which featured UCP's Celebrity Ambassadors, Emmy-nominated actress Cheryl Hines and actor RJ Mitte, known for his role as Walter White Jr. in the Emmy-nominated AMC drama Breaking Bad. Actress Meredith Eaton, known for her breakout role in the ABC hit series Boston Legal, and granddaughter of one of UCP's founders, Nina Eaton, also helped to present the awards.
“UCP is thrilled to recognize so many extraordinary leaders who are striving each and every day to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities,” said Stephen Bennett, President and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy. “The Awards for Excellence honor our affiliates and partners who are committed to advancing the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with a spectrum of disabilities—and we are proud to stand with our honorees today.”
The eight 2013 UCP Awards for Excellence were presented to the following recipients at the Opening Reception and the Awards for Excellence dinner and presentation during UCP's International Conference, held last week in San Diego, CA.
The Kathleen O. Maul Leadership Award is presented to an exceptional executive director in memory of Kathy Maul, a remarkable executive director at UCP of Suffolk who died young and left a legacy of leadership ability and strong commitment to UCP.
Edward R. Matthews, Chief Executive Officer of UCP of New York City, was recognized with the 2013 honor for his dedication and long history working to improve the services and supports provided to people with disabilities, including: part of the Medicaid Redesign Team, responsible for overhauling New York State's massive Medicaid system; serving on the Steering Committee to implement the People First Waiver, a partnership between New York State and the federal government to reconstruct the Medicaid funding system for New York's citizens with developmental disabilities, to provide them greater choice and access and reduce costs; leading the InterAgency Council (IAC) in New York City, a coordinating body and trade association consisting of over 150 agencies providing services for people with developmental disabilities; and serving as CEO of UCP of NYC since 1989, during which the affiliate has grown to a budget size of more than 107 million and provides services to more than 14,000 children, adults and their families throughout New York City.
The Employer of the Year Award recognizes a business or agency that has made an outstanding contribution to employing people with physical disabilities or has supported the training and hiring of people with disabilities, and created an improved work environment. Employees with disabilities must be fully integrated into all aspects of the workplace.
Nominated by UCP of Central Florida in recognition of their long relationship with the company, Publix Supermarkets in Lakeland, Florida has demonstrated a commitment to diversity and helping people reach their full potential through meaningful employment. Publix sets a precedent for all workers to respect diversity and to be mindful of disabilities, including requiring all managers to attend diversity workshops entitled “Developing Cultural Competence.” In addition, diversity training and disability awareness are incorporated into new associate trainings, creating an inclusive and understanding community where everyone is valued. Publix offers an inclusive work environment that only sees abilities, not differences.
The Ritter Legacy Award recognizes an affiliate that has produced exemplary communications through a variety of media that increases public awareness about people with disabilities, the programs of the affiliate and the national UCP brand. The award also recognizes the affiliate's appropriate use of the official UCP logo, colors and messaging. The 2013 Ritter Legacy awardee is UCP of the North Bay for its 2012 Annual Report, “Season of Gratitude Holiday” Ask Program, which reached out to donors in a way that emphasizes personal impacts that each individual can make in supporting UCP programs, and the Who We Are & Where We are Going PowerPoint Presentation, which is a quick and effective way to share information about all of the affiliate's programs. UCP of the North Bay consistently develops communications that convey their mission, vision, and many facets of their services, and is honored for their innovative communications and powerful promotion of their programs.
The Outstanding Youth Award is designed to honor a young person who has significantly enhanced the lives of people with disabilities through caregiving, volunteerism, advocacy, innovation or fundraising. This year's awardee is Katy Fetters, nominated by UCP of Orange County. Fetters is an ambitious and motivated young woman. Her blog, Teen Cerebral Palsy, connects young people living with CP. She creates a safe space for people to share their experiences and get support from one another. Her honesty and positivity make her a wonderful role model for young people who are learning to be self-advocates. Fetters is also an active volunteer and ambassador for UCP of Orange County, and inspires teens to embrace their disabilities and challenge themselves to live a life without limits.
The Nina Eaton Program of the Year award recognizes a program of a UCP affiliate that has made an extraordinary contribution to the quality of life of people with disabilities, enabling them to become more independent, productive, or integrated into the family or community through a particular program. The 2013 award is presented to Ability Connection Oklahoma for their New Voices program.
New Voices is an assistive technology program that pairs non-verbal children (and some adults) with an Apple iPad with comprehensive language software that fosters communication efforts. One of the unique aspects of the program is that the iPad is theirs to keep, which facilitates more growth and progress in their ability to communicate.
New Voices is making it possible for children and adults to gain more independence and confidence. Some children are learning to speak for the first time or communicate with teachers, family and friends. Enabling communication through technology allows children to participate in school and other activities with greater ease, and promotes inclusion. Thanks to the digital technology, voices that were once silent are now heard, with one recipient of an iPad writing “you have made the possibilities limitless for me.”
The Ethel Hausman Volunteer of the Year award recognizes an exceptional individual who, through volunteering, has made an outstanding contribution to UCP. This year's award is presented to Jay Kapp, nominated by UCP of Georgia. His dedication to advancing UCP's mission extends the legacy of his father, the late Charles Kapp. Charlie was a senior sales executive with Miller Brewing Company, and his daughter Dana had cerebral palsy. Charlie was a long-time supporter of UCP and fostered Jay's involvement with UCP. Jay wishes to instill these same values in his two children. Kapp is an exemplary leader that has proved an excellent ambassador for UCP of Georgia, and has served on the Board of Directors for his affiliate since 2001. As the owner of the company Kapp Koncepts, Kapp utilizes his marketing, design, and management expertise to increase the visibility of UCP of Georgia on the local and state levels. Additionally, he attends the Miller Coors-Charlie Kapp Golf Challenge held each year by UCP of Southeast Wisconsin; the event is now in its 17th year.
Kapp's personal commitment to UCP is evident in the hundreds of hours he volunteers annually and his work to help UCP of Georgia expand its services, and he truly embodies UCP's mission through his service.
The Universal Accessibility Design Award recognizes an individual, business, government or governmental agency that has provided leadership developing a universally accessible environment by creating new tools modifying the environment, enhancing independent living or achieving a barrier-free environment.
Gina Hilberry, from Cohen Hilberry Architects in St. Louis, Missouri, represents UCP as its delegate to the ICC ANSI 117.1 Standards Development Committee and serves as Vice Chair of the Wheeled Mobility Task Force. The ICC, or International Code Council, was created in 1994 to develop a single set of comprehensive and coordinated national model construction codes and standards. Section 117.1 addresses access for people with disabilities. The specifications in this standard make sites, facilities, buildings and elements accessible to and usable by people with such physical disabilities as the inability to walk, blindness and visual impairment, deafness and hearing impairment, reaching and manipulation disabilities and reacting to sensory information. The intent of the 117.1 Standard is to allow a person with physical disability to independently get to, enter, and use a site, facility, building, or element. This section deals with the details of design and construction that can have a profound impact on the ability of people with disabilities to live and work in the community.
In 2012, the ICC began a multi-year process to update 117.1. Hilberry, as UCP's delegate, has shepherded the Wheeled Mobility Task Group in the critical job of applying recent research on the expanding size and variety of wheelchairs and scooters to the basic building blocks of accessibility that have been the U.S. standards for over 30 years. Thousands of buildings across the country will not require individual advocacy because the state requirements for access will already be in place, thanks largely to Hilberry's work. And, if history is any guide, the ADA's federal accessibility standards will, over time, incorporate equivalent expanded requirements. Hilberry has spent her architectural career dedicated to improving the standards and policies that enable people with disabilities to move freely and independently in their homes and community. It is the job of architects to make the built environment work for all of us, and Hilberry has truly brought honor to her profession, using the tools of architecture to persuade the powers that be to do what is right.
The Life Without Limits Award honors an individual with disabilities who has demonstrated leadership and achievement of such caliber as to be a significant role model to people with and without disabilities. This year, UCP honors Geri Jewell, nominated by UCP of Tampa Bay.
Throughout her life, Jewell has consistently broken barriers for people with disabilities. While best known as “Cousin Geri” on the NBC sitcom “The Facts of Life,” Jewell's life is symbolic of breaking many barriers for people with disabilities. She was the first person with a disability to have a regular role on a prime time series, and her portrayal was not one to be pitied but one that placed people with disabilities on par with other “typical” characters.
She was among the first comics with a disability to have her own regular stand-up routine, paving the way for Josh Blue and the many others that have come after her. She went on to appear in Emmy Award-winning movies, on Sesame Street and most recently on the HBO hit series, “Deadwood.” In 2011, Jewell released her autobiography, I'm Walking As Straight As I Can: Transcending Disability in Hollywood and Beyond. This candid memoir details her experiences from her traumatic birth in Buffalo, New York, to her rise to stardom as a stand-up comic to becoming a television star and documents the harsh realities of show business by recounting the relentless discrimination and abuse she suffered at the hands of people she trusted, and how she rose above it all. It has recently been recorded as an audio book, making her story even more accessible to others.
Beyond her roles on TV and screen, she is a tireless advocate for people with disabilities, speaking to corporations, government agencies and the media about the importance of treating people with disabilities the same way we all want to be treated. Jewell is famous for her uncanny ability to captivate the hearts of her audiences by using humor to facilitate attitudinal change. She brings to her presentations her personal experiences in life, which in turn allow people to gain insight into the prospect of seeing disability in a totally different light, creating hope where there is none, and joy where there is pain. We are honored to present Geri Jewell with the 2013 Life Without Limits Award for the many ways she has served as a pioneer for the civil rights movement for people with disabilities.
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About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kaelan Richards: 202-973-7175, krichards@ucp.org
UCP HONORS EDWARD R. MATTHEWS WITH LEADERSHIP AWARD
Maul Award Recognizes Exceptional CEOs at United Cerebral Palsy
Washington, DC (May 2, 2013) – United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is pleased to announce that the 2013 Kathleen O. Maul Leadership Award has been awarded to Edward R. Matthews, Chief Executive Officer of UCP of New York City.
The Kathleen O. Maul Leadership Award is presented to an exceptional chief executive of a UCP affiliate in memory of Kathy Maul, a remarkable executive director at UCP of Suffolk who died young and left a legacy of leadership ability and strong commitment to UCP. It was presented as part of UCP's Awards for Excellence, which are given annually to UCP affiliates, individuals and companies whose exceptional activities, achievements and dedication exemplify the UCP mission to educate, advocate and provides support services to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities.
Matthews recognized the 2013 honor for his dedication and long history working to improve the services and supports provided to people with disabilities, including: part of the Medicaid Redesign Team, responsible for overhauling New York State's massive Medicaid system; serving on the Steering Committee to implement the People First Waiver, a partnership between New York State and the federal government to reconstruct the Medicaid funding system for New York's citizens with developmental disabilities, to provide them greater choice and access and reduce costs; leading the InterAgency Council (IAC) in New York City, a coordinating body and trade association consisting of over 150 agencies providing services for people with developmental disabilities; and serving as CEO of UCP of NYC since 1989, during which the affiliate has grown to a budget size of over 107 million and provides services to more than 14,000 children, adults and their families throughout New York City.
“I am so pleased to honor Ed Matthews with the 2013 Kathleen O. Maul Leadership Award for his extraordinary efforts to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities,” said Stephen Bennett, President and CEO of UCP. “For more than 20 years, Ed has served as the CEO of UCP of New York City, leading and growing that affiliate into one of the strongest in the country—and a shining example of UCP's mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with a spectrum of disabilities. Congratulations Ed, and we look forward to your continued successes.”
“The Kathy Maul Award is very meaningfully personally and professionally. To me, it represents the values that Kathy & UCP have always stood for,” said Ed Matthews, CEO of UCP of New York City. “I am honored to join my distinguished friends and colleagues who have been recipients.”
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About United Cerebral Palsy
United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) educates, advocates and provides support services through an affiliate network to ensure a life without limits for people with a spectrum of disabilities. Together with nearly 100 affiliates, UCP has a mission to advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities by supporting more than 176,000 children and adults every day—one person at a time, one family at a time. UCP works to enact real change—to revolutionize care, raise standards of living and create opportunities—impacting the lives of millions living with disabilities. For more than 60 years, UCP has worked to ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in every facet of society. Together, with parents and caregivers, UCP will continue to push for the social, legal and technological changes that increase accessibility and independence, allowing people with disabilities to dream their own dreams, for the next 60 years, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.ucp.org.