FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2012
Contact: HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343
A Statement from Secretary Sebelius on the Administration for Community Living
All Americans - including people with disabilities and seniors - should be able to live at home with the supports they need, participating in communities that value their contributions - rather than in nursing homes or other institutions.
The Obama administration and my department have long been committed to promoting community living and finding new mechanisms to help ensure that the supports people with disabilities and seniors need to live in the community are accessible.
Today, with the creation of the new Administration for Community Living (ACL), we are reinforcing this commitment by bringing together key HHS organizations and offices dedicated to improving the lives of those with functional needs into one coordinated, focused and stronger entity.
The Administration for Community Living will bring together the Administration on Aging, the Office on Disability and the Administration on Developmental Disabilities into a single agency that supports both cross-cutting initiatives and efforts focused on the unique needs of individual groups, such as children with developmental disabilities or seniors with dementia. This new agency will work on increasing access to community supports and achieving full community participation for people with disabilities and seniors.
The Administration on Community Living will seek to enhance and improve the broad range of supports that individuals may need to live with respect and dignity as full members of their communities. These support needs go well beyond health care and include the availability of appropriate housing, employment, education, meaningful relationships and social participation.
Building on President Obama's Year of Community Living, the ACL will pursue improved opportunities for older Americans and people with disabilities to enjoy the fullest inclusion in the life of our nation.
For more information, please visit
http://hhs.gov/acl
Showing posts with label Independant Living. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Independant Living. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Legislative Reception Update
PLEASE NOTE:
The time for the Legislative Briefing on January 19, 2011 will begin at 2:00 pm instead of 2:30 pm. The briefing will wrap up by 4:00 pm. This will allow a little more time for advocates to go and eat dinner before the Legislative Reception begins at 5:30 pm.
The Community of People with Disabilities of Washington State
Invites You to Attend The 31st Annual
Legislative Reception
Wednesday, January 19th, 2011
5:30 – 7:30
in the Legislative Building’s Columbia Room
Hosted By
The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, The Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment, The State Independent Living Council, Parkview Services & The Washington State Rehabilitation Council
Contributions Go To:
Coni Mackey at coni@parkviewservices.org or 1-206-542-6644
Other Questions:
David.Maltman@ddc.wa.gov or 1-800-634-4473
A brief summary of the most current issues for developmental disabilities will be provided in the afternoon at The United Churches. Go have dinner after the briefing, then join us at 5:30 in the Columbia Room on the first floor of the Legislative Building for the Legislative Reception.
Briefing 2:00-4:00 pm
The United Churches
110 Eleventh Avenue SE
Olympia, WA 98501
Reception 5:30-7:30 pm
Columbia Room
Legislative Building
Capitol Campus, Olympia
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Health Care Reform Information
President Obama is trying to alleviate the fears being spread about health care reform by debunking the myths at a new website
Thursday, July 2, 2009
People With Disabilities Voting In Record Numbers
People With Disabilities Voting In Record Numbers
By Michelle Diament
June 29, 2009
More Americans with disabilities voted in the 2008 presidential election than in any before, a new study reveals.
In 2008, 14.7 million Americans with disabilities cast their ballots. That’s an increase of 3.8 million over the 2000 election.
The numbers come from an analysis of the U.S. Census’ Current Population Survey Voting Supplement conducted by Lisa Schur and Douglas Kruse at Rutgers University.
While people with disabilities continue to vote at a lower rate than the rest of the population, the gap is closing, the research shows. In 2008, 57 percent of people with disabilities voted, while 64 percent of people without disabilities cast ballots.
Meanwhile, the number of people with disabilities who voted in 2008 rivals that of other minority groups, with 15.9 million African Americans and 9.7 million Hispanic voters participating.
“While the voting numbers among people with disabilities in 2008 indicates that they continue to face barriers in registration and voting, the fact that 14.7 million people with disabilities voted shows that they play an important role in the political process,” Schur says.
Copyright © 2009 Disability Scoop, LLC. All Rights Reserved. For reprints and permissions click here.
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/06/29/disabilities-vote/3893/
By Michelle Diament
June 29, 2009
More Americans with disabilities voted in the 2008 presidential election than in any before, a new study reveals.
In 2008, 14.7 million Americans with disabilities cast their ballots. That’s an increase of 3.8 million over the 2000 election.
The numbers come from an analysis of the U.S. Census’ Current Population Survey Voting Supplement conducted by Lisa Schur and Douglas Kruse at Rutgers University.
While people with disabilities continue to vote at a lower rate than the rest of the population, the gap is closing, the research shows. In 2008, 57 percent of people with disabilities voted, while 64 percent of people without disabilities cast ballots.
Meanwhile, the number of people with disabilities who voted in 2008 rivals that of other minority groups, with 15.9 million African Americans and 9.7 million Hispanic voters participating.
“While the voting numbers among people with disabilities in 2008 indicates that they continue to face barriers in registration and voting, the fact that 14.7 million people with disabilities voted shows that they play an important role in the political process,” Schur says.
Copyright © 2009 Disability Scoop, LLC. All Rights Reserved. For reprints and permissions click here.
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/06/29/disabilities-vote/3893/
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
2009 Disability Policy Seminar
The Arc of United States Disability Policy Seminar information, the Federal Legislation, Fact sheets, etc. are available Here
Take a Look!
Take a Look!
A Guide to Social Security Benefits
The Institute for Community Inclusion (ICI) has released a booklet entitled Going to Work: A Guide to Social Security Benefits and Employment for Young People with Disabilities. The purpose of this booklet is to give young people with developmental disabilities, their families and the professionals working with them some practical, hands-on information about work incentives. The booklet includes chapters on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), how the two programs are impacted by earned income, the Ticket to Work, and other guidance for young people managing Social Security benefits.
FMI: The booklet is available at http://www.communityinclusion.org/article.php?article_id=211.
Changes Proposed For Medicaid Waiver
By Shaun Heasley
June 22, 2009
Public comment is now being sought on proposed changes to the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services Waiver.
The Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services is proposing two regulatory changes to the way the waiver program is administered. The public has until August 21 to submit comment on the issue.
The waiver is the major vehicle by which people with disabilities receive funding for support services to live within the community. The proposed changes would impact the way people are identified as qualifying for waiver services and where they are allowed to live while receiving waiver money.
The proposal comes following the launch of President Barack Obama’s initiative, “The Year of Community Living,” earlier Monday in honor of the tenth anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in the case Olmstead v. LC and EW. In that decision, the court determined that states have an obligation to provide community-based living options for people with disabilities.
Information about the proposed changes and instructions for commenting on them can be found by clicking here.
Copyright © 2009 Disability Scoop, LLC. All Rights Reserved. For reprints and permissions click here.
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/06/22/waiver-changes/3810/
Monday, April 13, 2009
Washinton Stimulus Information
Click HERE for The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act: Washington State Program Summary.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Independant Living Day Rally
Hundreds Expected to Assemble on the Capitol Steps at Independent Living Day Rally
Advocates from around the state will gather Wednesday to urge legislators, governor to support people with developmental disabilities and their quest to live independently in their communities.
OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Developmental Disabilities Council will join approximately 500 people, donned with blue scarves and Develop Abilities buttons, as they gather on the Capitol steps Wednesday, March 11 to support independent living for people with developmental disabilities. The Independent Living Day Rally will start at 11 a.m. Advocates for independent living want to ensure their message reaches the legislature and the governor: that all people with disabilities should live in their local communities with the support of community-based programs rather than live in residential habilitation centers (RHC) and institutions.
United under the theme, “Nothing About Us, Without Us,” advocates will speak in support of independence and the Governor’s Proclamation will be read, proclaiming March 11, 2009 as Independent Living Day. In addition, special guests, The Raging Grannies, will lead rally participants in songs of celebration.
Self advocates and advocates will focus their day’s efforts on encouraging the legislature to maintain the community service systems that are currently available. They also will urge lawmakers to support the governor’s budget for people with developmental disabilities. In addition, advocates will ask state leaders to begin to consolidate and close the five state institutions for people with developmental disabilities. Cost comparisons show that the closure of the institutions will allow people to live in their local communities and will save the state money. The average annual cost for one person with developmental disabilities to live in the community is $101,000, whereas the average annual cost for that same person to live in an RHC is $205,495.
The Independent Living Day Events are sponsored by PAS-Port for Change, The Arc of Washington State, Developmental Disabilities Council, Association of Centers for Independent Living and Disability Rights Washington. The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council ensures that people with developmental disabilities receive the support, treatment and other services necessary to enable them to achieve their maximum potential. The Council also develops public policy recommendations, which promote the values of self-determination, independence, inclusion, integration and productivity for people with developmental disabilities. The 33-member organization consists of self-advocates, family members, service providers and government agency representatives.
***********************************************************
The Arc of Washington State will have information for each legislator on the consolidation and closure of state institutions and the need to provide services in the community. If you would like to volunteer and help deliver the information, contact Emily Rogers at (888) 754-8798 or see her after the rally at the bottom of the capitol stairs.
We have bright blue scarves for advocates to wear with a button that says “Develop Abilities”. In addition, please wear bright blue colors to help identify the presence of our group to legislators. It will be cold out so remember to dress warmly.
Advocates from around the state will gather Wednesday to urge legislators, governor to support people with developmental disabilities and their quest to live independently in their communities.
OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Developmental Disabilities Council will join approximately 500 people, donned with blue scarves and Develop Abilities buttons, as they gather on the Capitol steps Wednesday, March 11 to support independent living for people with developmental disabilities. The Independent Living Day Rally will start at 11 a.m. Advocates for independent living want to ensure their message reaches the legislature and the governor: that all people with disabilities should live in their local communities with the support of community-based programs rather than live in residential habilitation centers (RHC) and institutions.
United under the theme, “Nothing About Us, Without Us,” advocates will speak in support of independence and the Governor’s Proclamation will be read, proclaiming March 11, 2009 as Independent Living Day. In addition, special guests, The Raging Grannies, will lead rally participants in songs of celebration.
Self advocates and advocates will focus their day’s efforts on encouraging the legislature to maintain the community service systems that are currently available. They also will urge lawmakers to support the governor’s budget for people with developmental disabilities. In addition, advocates will ask state leaders to begin to consolidate and close the five state institutions for people with developmental disabilities. Cost comparisons show that the closure of the institutions will allow people to live in their local communities and will save the state money. The average annual cost for one person with developmental disabilities to live in the community is $101,000, whereas the average annual cost for that same person to live in an RHC is $205,495.
The Independent Living Day Events are sponsored by PAS-Port for Change, The Arc of Washington State, Developmental Disabilities Council, Association of Centers for Independent Living and Disability Rights Washington. The Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council ensures that people with developmental disabilities receive the support, treatment and other services necessary to enable them to achieve their maximum potential. The Council also develops public policy recommendations, which promote the values of self-determination, independence, inclusion, integration and productivity for people with developmental disabilities. The 33-member organization consists of self-advocates, family members, service providers and government agency representatives.
***********************************************************
The Arc of Washington State will have information for each legislator on the consolidation and closure of state institutions and the need to provide services in the community. If you would like to volunteer and help deliver the information, contact Emily Rogers at (888) 754-8798 or see her after the rally at the bottom of the capitol stairs.
We have bright blue scarves for advocates to wear with a button that says “Develop Abilities”. In addition, please wear bright blue colors to help identify the presence of our group to legislators. It will be cold out so remember to dress warmly.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Employment/Day Services Information
If you receive Employment/Day Services paid for by state-only dollars, you may be offered the choice to enroll in a Home and Community Based Waiver Services (HCBS) Program. The attached flyer tells more about why this is occurring and what you need to know if you are contacted (or want) to transfer onto a waiver. The bulletins are also located on the informing families website
Ed Holen
Executive Director
Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council
A new and improved Informing Families website is coming soon!
Ed Holen
Executive Director
Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council
A new and improved Informing Families website is coming soon!
INDEPENDENT LIVING DAY RALLY March 11th
Independent Living Day Rally
Sponsored by
PAS-Port for Change
Developmental Disabilities Advocacy Day
Association of Centers for Independent Living
Disability Rights Washington
10:30 Legislative briefing in the Columbia Room
11:00 Gather on Capitol Steps
Songs by The Raging Grannies
11:05 Rally Welcome
11:15 Independent Living Day Proclamation
11:20 “Nothing About Us, Without Us”
Advocates from Around the State Speak Out
For Independence!
11:50 Messages for Your Legislators
12:00 Rally Closing Song by The Raging Grannies
Go forth and Advocate
12:00 - 3:00 The Columbia Room available to us all day
Bring your lunch, pick up information and meet advocates from around the state. Go to appointments with your legislators (Be sure to make these ahead of time)
2:30 Evaluation and informal information sharing
Let us know how your day of advocating went and turn in your green evaluation forms at the Columbia Room.
~~Thank you.
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