The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) celebrated its 26th anniversary on July 26th. While there has certainly been progress, there is undeniably more work to be done. Several weeks ago, something happened that catapulted this issue into the global spotlight.
Read MoreTags: Inclusion, Provider Agencies, ID/DD News, Advocacy, Technology
It’s official. The Department of Labor’s Overtime Final Rule goes into effect on December 1st. Get a refresher about what’s involved here https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/get-there/wp/2016/05/17/millions-more-workers-would-be-eligible-for-overtime-pay-under-new-federal-rule/
Read MoreTags: Compliance, Best Practices, Audits
There are a lot of sad things happening in our world at the moment, but there are some positives too - and we wanted to offer a big congratulations to our friends in Ohio who have just won federal approval to give more than 36,000 people with disabilities in their state more choices for community-based services.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services signed off on Ohio's preliminary plan, which was initially submitted in March.
This approval made Ohio the third state (after Tennessee and Kentucky) to meet the new federal requirements designed to move people with disabilities away from the more institutional-based services and toward truly community-based options.
Ohio is ahead of the game,as they faced a 2019 deadline to implement the new rules. If they hadn't they could have faced the loss of federal funding, which covers 60% of all funds spent on programs for the disabled and seniors.
While this is a big step in the right direction, the true test comes once all of the changes are implemented and we can determine how many opportunities individuals really have to be involved in their communities. Some are concerned that changes are more focused on the settings where the services are delivered than they are on acheiving the best outcomes - and it's a valid concern.
Yet, progress is progress and its something to be celebrated for sure! So, kudos to Ohio on their approval - and being ahead of the game!
Just keep in mind, the entire country is watching.
Tags: 2016
New York is interested in helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families live more independently - and this weekend there's a conference happening to highlight the State's efforts and educate people on the possibilities, so that anyone who wants to can make it happen.
The name of the conference is "The Roadmap to Self-Direction: Exploring Your Options, Creating Opportunities" and it's all about Self-Direction, the model of care that gives participants the decision-making authority and allows them to manage their own supports and services with help where needed.
Tags: Self Direction
