"Enhancing the effectiveness of disability activism by organizing and empowering individuals, families, groups, and organizations!"

Empowerment! Opportunity! Justice!

January-February, 2008

Need this newsletter in an alternative format? Please let us know!

Points of contact:

Stan Kosloski, 860-635-0695 or skosloski03@comcast.net Jayne Kleinman, 203-631-4800 or jjk1009@hotmail.com

For archived Bulletins go to www.ct-dac.org

News from the Collaborative

Improved access to transportation has been identified as the focus of legislative advocacy by the Collaborative in the upcoming session of the state General Assembly that begins February 6. Providing wheelchair accessible taxis are chief among the issues, which also include expanded bus service and expanded paratransit, or Dial-A-Ride, services.

The Collaborative is also planning another Disability Convention and Expo this fall, just before the November Presidential election. Watch for a "Save the Date" flyer once plans are set.

Going Beyond the ADA in Connecticut

The Locally-Coordinated Public Transit-Human Service Transportation Plan (LOCHSTP) is now in their Phase 2 Service Initiative─"Going Beyond the ADA in Connecticut." The State Department of Transportation has been building on the LOCHSTP planning process, which began last year, to develop some new services for state fiscal year 2009 (July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009) as well as providing updates on progress made on the New Freedom Program, Section 5310 and Job Access. $5 million in new funding will be available starting July 1, 2008.

The following list includes the remaining regional planning meetings ConnDOT is holding that cover either LOCHSTP or a combination LOCHSTP and Bus Services Initiative "2":

• January 31, 11:00 AM at the Eastern Workforce Investment Board, 108 New Park Avenue, Franklin
• February 1, 1:00 PM at South Central CT Council of Governments, 127 Washington Avenue, 4th Floor West, North Haven
• February 5, 10:00 AM in the conference room at Greater Hartford Transit District, 1 Union Place, Hartford.

A contact person for the planning process at ConnDOT is Lisa Rivers, Transportation Supervising Planner (860-594-2834 or 860-594-2848 or lisa.rivers@po.state.ct.us ).

For more information and details go to: www.ct.gov/dotinfo/lib/dotinfo/safety/coordplan.pdf .

Disability Advocacy Collaborative Regional Contacts 

To get involved with one of the Collaborative's Regional Advocacy Networks, contact the following:

Northwest -- contact: Bill Knight (lackerman01@snet.net) - meetings are held at the Litchfield Arc                                                                                                                                       Southwest -contact: Carol Kana (pkana@snet.net) - meetings are held at the Norwalk Police Department - next meeting - January 30 - 1 pm                                                                                                                           Danbury Area - contact Dale Brown (WeCAHR) - meetings are held at Ability Beyond Disability in Bethel                                                                                          

North Central -- contact: Candace Low (clow@independenceunlimited.org) - meetings are held at 151 New Park Avenue in Hartford -  next meeting: January 28 at 10 am                                                                                      Waterbury Area -contact: Mike Valuckas (mike.valuckas@independencenorthwest.org) - contact Mike for information about next meeting                                                                   Northeast Area - contact: Carolyn Newcombe (cnewcombe@charter.net) - meetings are held at the Mansfield Senior Center - next meeting: February 12 at 6 pm

Important Update on Charter Oak Plan

Excerpts from 1-20-08 New Haven Register article on the Governor's Charter Oak health insurance plan, to cover the state's uninsured:

"Gov. M. Jodi Rell's proposal to reduce the number of adults without health insurance in the state is off to a rocky start, with legislators questioning the plan's sustainability and target audience. Rell's Charter Oak Health Plan would be funded with $11 million in state dollars but run by a private health insurance firm. State Social Services Commissioner Michael Starkowski said the target population is an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 uninsured single adults in Connecticut. Starkowski said the state has been responsive to concerns, such as boosting the cap on prescription drugs from $2,500 to $7,500 and the cap on medical durable equipment from $2,000 to $4,000. However, the plan does not have parity for mental health benefits.

'Why single out that population?' asked Kevin Lembo, the state's health care advocate, who said there are studies that show parity for mental health coverage does not drive up costs. 'It's so blatantly discriminatory to systemically say this is the one mandate you are not going to follow,' said Alicia Woods­by, public policy director for the state chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 2007 federal mental health parity legislation would increase premiums for group health insurance by a small amount, about 0.4 percent, while this does not take into consideration a potential reduction in hospital stays. Connecticut has a mental health parity policy and fought for the federal policy.

The plan is expected to be the subject of hearings once bids are submitted in March.

Advocates argue that statements by the governor over the past year pitched Charter Oak to a broader audience. But advocates say Charter Oak is aimed at healthy, uninsured adults, contrary to her statement that the 'most vulnerable all need and deserve access to quality, affordable medical care.'

A study by the state Office of Health Care Access in 2006 found 222,600 residents were uninsured on the day they were interviewed, while 346,700 reported they lacked insurance at some point during the preceding year. The state hopes the plan will have premiums no greater than $250 a month, a cost that could go as low as $75 a month for low-income individuals. The state's $11 million investment could rise to an estimated $35 million to $44 million in the third year, when the 8,700 residents the state hopes will enroll in Charter Oak in 2008-09 are projected to grow to 32,800, less than 10 percent of the uninsured.

In an analysis done by Jennifer Jaff, executive director of Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness, a family of four earning over 300 percent of the poverty level, or $61,950, would pay $6,000 for premiums for two adults, a cost that increases to $9,500 when the $1,750 deductible is added, as well as $1,750 maximum out-of-pocket costs. Jaff, who suffers from Crohn's disease, said she would pay $14,100 for drugs, far exceeding the $7,500 Charter Oak cap. She said sufferers of multiple sclerosis, psychiatric conditions, arthritis and AIDS would have similarly high bills."

- New Haven Register January 20, 2008

The Disability Advocacy Collaborative has joined a coalition supporting changes to the proposal, and urges any concerned citizen to contact Attorney Sheldon Toubman to stay informed on progress made to address the issues noted above; he can be reached at stoubman@nhlegal.org .

Disability and Medical Decision Making

The Developmental Disabilities Network (the UConn Center on Disabilities, the Office of Protection and Advocacy, and the Council on Developmental Disabilities) will sponsor a unique workshop on March 19 entitled "Disability and Medical Decision Making: Ethical Issues in Policy and Practice". Keynote presentations will be made by Judith Heumann, veteran disability rights advocate, and Adrienne Asch, PhD, Director of the Center for Ethics at Yeshiva University in New York City. A panel including a physician, clergy, individuals with disabilities, parents, and an attorney will share their thoughts following the presentation. The workshop will be of particular interest to medical professionals, including hospital ethics committees and patient advocates, individuals with disabilities, and families. There is no fee to attend.

In recent years a number of controversial issues have surfaced that have challenged our thinking about the value of children and adults with disabilities. These issues include the Ashley X case, physician assisted suicide, selective abortion, organ harvesting, vegetative state, and quality of life. It behooves all of us to carefully think through the implications of these issues.

Individuals interested in attending should phone in their reservation to 679-1500 or toll free 1-866-623-1315. The event will be held from 9:30 am - 1 pm at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Meriden.

Connecticut's Presidential Primary is Tuesday, February 5!

You can participate - BUT you must be registered as a Democrat to vote in Democratic primary and as a Republican to vote in Republican primary. It's too late to switch parties but new voters and unaffiliated voters can still register with a party.

Registration deadlines:
Thursday, January 31 - if you register by mail, new voter registrations must be postmarked or received by the Registrar of Voters in the town in which you reside; the same deadline applies for registered but unaffiliated voters' mail-in applications to enroll in a party must be received by the Registrar of Voters.
Monday, February 4 - noon - if you register in person, new and unaffiliated voters can register and enroll in a party at their Town Hall.

The polls will be open from 6 am to 8 pm on February 5.

State Rehab Council Seeks New Members

The State Rehabilitation Council (SRC) partners with the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) to help improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities. SRC members provide advice and guidance to BRS so that persons with disabilities have a voice in planning and designing the services that lead toward self-sufficiency and independence. The Governor appoints members to the SRC following an application process.

The SRC rotates meetings around the state approximately six times per year. Members are asked to join at least one subcommittee that will meet as needed to achieve goals. Standing subcommittees include Business Partnership; Consumer Satisfaction; Inter-council Coordination/Nominations; and Legislation, Policy, and Planning.

If You Are Interested: If you are interested in becoming a member of the SRC, ask a BRS staff person or a current or former SRC member. You may also contact Evelyn Oliver Knight, SRC Liaison: 860-424-4871; 1-800-537-2549 (toll-free); 860-424-4839 (TTY); or by e-mail at evelyn.knight@ct.gov .

Supportive Housing Lobby Day Tuesday, March 4, 2008

On March 4, 2008 a Supportive Housing Lobby Day will be held at the State Capitol in Hartford. Join housing advocates from across the state to advocate for funding for 650 new units of supportive housing in the upcoming legislative session! Supportive Housing Lobby Day is co-sponsored by the Reaching Home Campaign, CT Coalition to End Homelessness (CCEH), Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), NAMI-CT, Keep the Promise Coalition, and Connecticut AIDS Resource Coalition (CARC).

Questions? Contact Kate Kelly, Reaching Home Campaign Manager, by e-mail at kate@ctpartnershiphousing.com or 860-244-0066. Reaching Home is a campaign to create 10,000 new units of supportive housing across Connecticut over the next 10 years.

Autism and Safety Issues

The Connecticut Autism Spectrum Resource Center, the Dept of Developmental Services, Division of Autism Spectrum Services, and Central CT State University will sponsor a workshop on "Autism and Safety Issues" on Saturday, February 9, 2008 (Snow Date May 17^th) from 9 am - 1 pm at Central CT State University Campus in New Britain. Dennis Debbaudt, a professional investigator and journalist for 28 years who is the father of a young man with autism, will be the main presenter. Over the past 11 years he has trained and developed training materials for law enforcement, first responders and criminal justice professionals throughout the U.S., Canada and the U.K.

The registration fee is $45. For more information or to register contact the Autism Spectrum Resource Center at 203-265-7717 (web site: www.ct-asrc.org)

Related Autism Workshops

The Connecticut Autism Spectrum Resource Center (ASRC) and the Division of Autism Spectrum Services within the Department of Developmental Services, have announced a series of workshops to be held at the ASRC offices, 101 North Plains Industrial Road Harvest Park, 1A in Wallingford. The series is for young adults and older adults on the autism spectrum.

The workshops dates, times, and presenters are as follows:

■ HOW TO STAY SAFE

Presenter: Dennis Debbaudt

Date: February 8, 2008

Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

■ SEXUALITY TRAINING

Presenter: Lisa Mitchell -

Cody Center, NY

Date: March 22, 2008

Time: 9:30am - 12:30am

■ SELF ADVOCACY TRAINING

(2 Part Training)

Presenter: Zosia Zaks

Author, Life & Love

Dates: January 12, 2008 & March 8th

Time: 9:30am - 12:30am

There is limited space for each of the workshops so register early! For more information, call ASRC at 203-265-7717 or visit www.ct-asrc.org.

People First Meetings

Jean Bowen, Advisor for People First of Connecticut, has reported on the winter and spring meeting schedule for People First. The Board meetings are held at The Arc of Southington from 6 - 8 pm, and the State meetings are in different locations throughout the state from 7 - 9 pm:

February 28 State meeting March 27 Committee meetings April 24 State meeting May 22 Board of Directors June 26 State meeting

For more information contact Jean at advozealot @aol.com.

Public Hearing Announcement

A public hearing on amendments to the state Building Code and Fire Safety Code will be held on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 10 am in Room 245 of the Department of Public Safety Headquarters at 1111 Country Club Road in Middletown. All interested parties are invited to attend and provide written or verbal comment on the proposed amendments. Persons attending the hearing should arrive approximately 15 to 20 minutes early due to the security check-in procedure at the building's front entrance.

KTP Update

The Keep the Promise Coalition meets from 10 am - 12 pm on the third Wednesday of the month in the Region 2 Conference Room in Shew Hall at CVH in Middletown. The next meeting will be on February 20 and anyone interested in mental health issues is invited to attend.

To sign up to get KTP e-mail alerts as well as their newsletter send a request to: keepthepromise@namict.org.

The Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach

The Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach is introducing the Connecticut Mission of Mercy (CTMOM). CTMOM will be a large scale, multi-chair dental clinic that travels around the state annually to underserved areas. The concept is simple: to create a multi-day dental clinic in a large facility and then open the clinic door to the community. Dental services will be provided to anyone (children, adults, and the elderly) who is without dental insurance and in a low income situation and they are available for free. Patients will be screened and treated based on their most urgent dental needs. CTMOM will be staffed by volunteer dentists, UCONN dental students, dental hygienists and dental assistants. They will provide cleanings, fillings and extractions at no cost.

This year's event will be held at the former Tolland High School, 1 Eagle Hill Drive, Tolland on Saturday, April 12 from 5 am to 5 pm and Sunday, April 13 from 5 am to Noon.

For more information, go to www.csda.com/ctmom/ctmom1.html or call Kerry Fair, 860-336-9377 or Patti Sue Brown 860-303-9954, SPAN Facilitators.

Gaylord Ski Club 2008 Trips to Vermont

Gaylord Hospital is sponsoring a series of ski trips to Vermont this winter, and anyone with a physical disability is invited to take part. The cost of the trips includes transportation from Gaylord Hospital to the mountain, specialized ski equipment use, lift ticket and 2 1/2 hour individual lessons. Standard ski equipment rentals are an extra expense and are paid directly to the mountain rental.

Ski trips dates include: Saturday, February 2-Bromley ($55), Saturday, February 9-Pico ($30) and Sunday, March 2-Pico ($30). You must call the Monday prior to the trip to sign up. For more information contact Todd Munn, Sports Association Coordinator, Gaylord Hospital, call 203-284-2772, TMunn@Gaylord.org or go to www.Gaylord.org.

CDHI Bill to be Proposed

The Commission on the Deaf and Hearing Impaired (CDHI) will submit a legislative proposal entitled "An Act Concerning the Availability of Qualified Interpreter Services" in the 2008 session of the State General Assembly, which begins February 6. The purpose of the bill is to insure that deaf and hard of hearing ASL (American Sign Language) users who are victims, witnesses, suspects or parents of minor children in police matters or court proceedings are granted their right to the services of sign language interpreters when they are in these situations.

CDHI invites all interested persons to a "drop-in" session on Monday, January 28, 2008 from 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM to discuss the proposal and address any questions or concerns associated with it. CDHI is located at 67 Prospect Ave. - 3rd. Floor - Hartford, CT 06106-2980.

Self Advocacy: The Journey

The Mainstream Center, affiliated with Clarke School for the Deaf in Northhampton, Massachusetts, is offering a workshop on self-advocacy on Friday, February 1 from 9:00 am - 2:30 pm at the Holiday Inn in North Haven (21 Washington Avenue). The workshop is geared to addressing the major issues facing students with hearing loss in the mainstream who need to be effective self-advocates. The issues include communication, the complexities of groups, understanding differences, and the importance of balance. The intended audience is school professionals and parents of children in all age groups.

Call Barbara Rochon for info at 413-587-7313 (V-TTY) or e-mail brochon@clarkeschool.org.

There's Still Time to Apply for YLF 2008!

Karen Halliday, Executive Director of the Connecticut Youth Leadership Program, has announced that the application deadline for students to apply for the 2008 Youth Leadership Forum has been extended to February 8.

The Forum, in its 10^th year, will bring together forty high school students with disabilities from throughout Connecticut for a four-day forum focusing on enhancing their leadership skills. YLF is open to current high school sophomores and juniors. It will be held July 21 - July 24, 2008 at the University of Connecticut, Storrs campus.

YLF delegates will explore personal leadership skills, define career goals and leave the forum with a very specific action plan that describes what they will do back in their local communities to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. Students who are accepted to YLF will be required to attend follow-up sessions after the forum to implement their Community Action Plans.

It is the goal of the YLF planning committee to select students from all regions of Connecticut, who represent a wide range of disabilities and ethnic backgrounds. Copies of the 2008 application can be down loaded by logging on to the YLP website - www.ctylp.org .

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Karen Halliday at (860) 633-8403 or KarenH1203@aol.com or Kathleen Kabara at (860) 424-5068 or Kathleen.kabara@ct.gov.

Kathy Snow Coming to Connecticut

Kathie Snow is coming to Connecticut April 7, 8 and 9 in a program co-sponsored by STAR, Lighting the Way..., www.starinc-lightingtheway.org and SPED*NET New Canaan and is supported by the CT Down Syndrome Congress and the New Canaan public schools. The workshops have been endorsed by WE BELONG. For more info on Kathie Snow, check www.disabilityisnatural.com.

The program is as follows:

April 7 - 7 - 9 pm ─"Disability is Natural and Other Revolutionary Common Sense" (Kathie's "signature" presentation) at Saxe Middle School, 468 South Avenue, New Canaan.

April 8 & 9: Full days at Chatham Manor, 493 Connecticut Avenue, Norwalk 06854, (203) 838-8598, www.chatham-manor.com. Please register ahead of time. Registration and breakfast: 8 to 9 am . Presentation: 9 am to 3 pm.

- Morning Session─"Disability is Natural and Other Revolutionary Common Sense."

- Afternoon Session─"Best Hopes; Worst Fears"

This workshop is for general education and special education teachers, administrators, therapists, related services, families, and direct service providers that work with individuals with developmental disabilities. Anyone who cares about someone with a disability will benefit from this conference. For more info check www.spednet.org/conferences.htm or www.starinc-lightingtheway.org. For more information on Kathie Snow go to www.disabilityisnatural.com.

AFCAMP Parent Leadership Training Series

The African/Caribbean American Parents of Children with Disabilities organization (AFCAMP) is offering a series of workshops designed to develop parent leaders. The series includes:

Board and Civic Training - January 29 Legislative Training - February 5 Juvenile Justice - February 19 DCF/Child Welfare - February 26 Mental Health - March 4 Special Education - March 8 & 15

All workshops will be offered at the Office of Protection and Advocacy - 60-B Weston Street - Hartford from 9:30 am - 1:00 pm. Call the AFCAMP office to make reservations at 860-297-4358 or 860-548-9959. Transportation and refreshments will be provided, but not child care.

Supporting organizations include the Office of Protection and Advocacy, the Department of Children and Families, Hartford Public, Schools, CT Parent Trust, the CT Health Foundation, and the Tow Foundation.

Fifth Year of Long Walk

The Collaborative would like to acknowledge the three years of incredible support it has received from Communitas, Inc. and asks readers to consider donating to this year's "Long Walk". 2008 marks the fifth year of Communitas' commitment to walk two half-marathons a year. These walks have become a source of funds (about $2,500 a year) for the work of Communitas and a living metaphor for the long walks they are on with many folks in the Greater Manchester area.

This year they are going further than they have ever gone before. A Board member, Anne O'Bryan from Bath, England, will welcome them as they participate in the "Bath Half" on Sunday, March l6. They will be joined on the 13.1 miles of the half marathon by two friends, Tom and Paula Edmondson. For the second half marathon they will be returning to the Black Hills of South Dakota on June 8.

The request from Communitas: "Once again we dedicate our marathons to all with whom we have walked and those with whom we continue to walk. We are convinced more than ever of the importance of circles of support to share difficult journeys. You are all members of our circle. Your support is most appreciated!"

Please pledge or contribute your tax-deductible donation today, encourage one friend to do the same and register your support for George, Pat and other Communitas walkers and rollers as they continue the Long Walk to freedom and participation.

One dollar (or more, if you can) a mile will go a long way. Please make checks payable to Communitas, Inc. and mail to P.O. Box 358 -Manchester, CT 06045.

NIB Fellowship Deadline is Approaching!

If you are legally blind and have a passion to be a business leader, the NIB Fellowship for Leadership Development may be what you've been looking for. Sponsored by the National Industries for the Blind (NIB), the Fellowship is a two-year, salaried program combining business-focused, on-the-job experience with management training. Legally blind individuals who have an undergraduate degree, work experience, desire to travel and passion to become a business leader are invited to apply. Fellows are selected by a committee based on academic achievement, experience, motivation, references, personal interviews and other supporting data.

Applications will be accepted until February 15, 2008. For more information, visit the NIB Web site at www.nib.org, or contact Karen Pal, Business Leaders Program Director, at 703-310-0515 or kpal@nib.org.

Audio Accessible ATMs to be Available in More Than 250 Locations

HSBC Bank has announced the availability of audio-enabled or "talking" ATMs in more than 250 locations across the U.S. The talking ATMs provide spoken instructions in English and Spanish and allow individuals with visual impairments to hear on-screen information when conducting banking transactions. The audio-enabled ATMs offer visually impaired individuals, or individuals who have difficulty reading standard on-screen print, a convenient and secure way to use ATMs and create a better banking experience overall.

The talking ATMs are equipped with an audio jack on the front of each machine and accept most standard audio headsets. Once plugged in, the ATMs feature a recorded voice which prompts consumers through the needed steps to conduct banking transactions including deposits, balance inquiries, cash withdrawals and transferring funds. Customers can control the volume on the ATMs and the machines also offer a spoken tutorial providing step-by-step instructions for individuals using the ATM for the first time or anyone who would like extra help with the ATM. In addition, the tutorial provides a verbal description of the machine's layout, including the location of the opening to insert ATM cards and deposit envelopes as well as openings to receive cash and transaction receipts.

Those wishing to obtain additional information about talking ATMs, including the complete list of locations, can call 1-800-975-HSBC. A complete list of the 250 locations of the talking ATMs is also available at www.us.hsbc.com

Website Offers Closed Captioned Presidential Debates

Taudiobook, a software company that syncs transcripts to videos, is posting the entire presidential debate series with closed captioning on their website as a public service. The list is available at: www.taudiobook.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=page&id=20&chapter=0.

Update on Community Choice Act

The House Energy and Commerce Committee's Health Subcommittee Hearing on the
Community Choice Act and related issues on January 16 was very successful. Fourteen Committee Members were present and all but three made an opening statement for the record.

These statements, their questions after the witnesses testified, and the tone of the whole hearing were in sharp contrast to ten years ago when the Subcommittee held the first hearing on MiCASA. In the past ten years it is clear that the members' understanding of the issues has grown.

The panel of individuals testifying all spoke in support of ending the institutional bias. Diane Rowland, Executive Director of the Kaiser Commission opened with an overview of Medicaid; Stephanie Thomas testified for ADAPT speaking mainly on CCA but also ending the institutional bias and fixing the Case Management new rule debacle; ResCare President & CEO Ralph Groenfeld spoke on the need for better wages and benefits for direct care workers and on ways to economize on service delivery; Celine Fortin of the Arc of NJ talked about negative CMS rule changes as well as the CLASS Act, Community Choice Act Direct Support Professionals Fairness and Security Act; Aileen McCormick President and CEO of AmeriGroup Texas talked about how her company was working on long term care and promoting community services and told the story of a man, Henry, whom AmeriGroup and ADAPT had helped to get out of a nursing home after he got stuck in one after Katrina; she also said AmeriGroup and AHIP support CCA! Julie Becket, Policy Director of Family Voices spoke about Medicaid options to help transition to work, and buying-in to Medicaid and against limits to EPSDT and targeted case management. All of the testimony is available in the archives section of the Energy and Commerce Committee hearing.

Tell CMS 60 Days for Community Transitioning Isn't Enough!

According to a recent Action Alert, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued an "Interim Final Rule" which will limit federal reimbursement for "transitioning to a community setting" (Targeted Case Management services) to 60 days from the current 180 days. Advocates have noted that CMS has offered no explanation for the reduction and offered no examples of States' abusing the 180 days or any other reason for the reduction. While it would be terrific if all the work could be accomplished in 60 days and the person transitioned to the community within 60 days, in many cases that is not possible.

Comments may be made in writing to the Department of Health and Human Services. Don't delay. This must be done ASAP. This CMS rule was issued on 12/4/07 and the comment period ends on 3/3/08. You can electronically submit comments to www.cms.hhs.gov/eRulemaking. Click on the link "submit electronic comments on CMS regulations with an open comment period." Use Word format. Remember to cite correct CMS file number or by regular mail to: Department of Health and Human Services, Attention CMS -2237 -IFC, P.O. Box 8016, Baltimore, MD 21244-8016 . Re: Case Management Services' Interim Final Rule".

CMS Proposes New Rule on PAS Services

A proposed rule that would allow more Medicaid beneficiaries to be in charge of their own personal assistance services, including personal care services, instead of having those services delivered by an agency, was announced January 18 by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS is seeking public comment on how states could allow Medicaid beneficiaries who need help with the activities of daily living to hire, direct, train or fire their own personal care workers rather than working with personnel employed by an agency. Beneficiaries could even hire qualified family members who may already be familiar with the individual's needs to perform personal assistance (not medical) services.

If a state adopts a self-directed personal assistance services state plan option, beneficiaries could receive a cash allowance to hire their own workers to help with such activities as bathing, preparing meals, household chores and other related services that help a person to live independently. Allotments could also be used to purchase items that help foster independence such as a wheelchair ramp or microwave oven. The beneficiaries also have the option to have their cash benefit allotment managed for them.

The proposal would put into place a provision of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 that allows states to elect a state plan option to provide care in ways that previously required "waivers" of previous Medicaid laws. Such waivers are subject to certain budgetary requirements and are temporary in nature. Before a state could request this change to its state plan, the state must have an existing personal care services benefit, or be operating a home or community-based services waiver program. Furthermore, enrollment in this new state plan option is voluntary and the state must also provide traditional agency-delivered services if the beneficiary wishes to discontinue self-directed care. States choosing this option must have necessary quality assurances and other safeguards in place to assure the health and welfare of participants. States must also train potential participants in ways to manage their budgets and assess their personal care needs.

The notice of proposed rulemaking was published in the January 18, 2008 issue of the Federal Register, and there is a 30-day comment period. Comments are due February 19, 2008. To view the proposed rule visit: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicaidGenInfo/Downloads/CMS2229P.PDF.

April 15 is Looming ─ It's Tax Time

The IRS has free publications to answer just about any tax question you have. Publications on a variety of tax-related topics, including issues relating to people with disabilities, are available by phone or the Internet at http://www.irs.gov/. To find what you're looking for, access the IRS Web site. Click on the Forms and Publications resource page to find what you need. There's a search feature you can use if you know the topic but not the number of the form or publication. You'll also find information about accessing tax materials, filing options, tax publications and tax education and assistance programs.

If you know the name or number of the form or publication you need, you may call the toll-free Forms and Publications telephone line at 800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676) to place your order. If you still can't find the information you need, call the IRS toll-free customer service line at 800-829-1040. Remember that for the genuine IRS Web site be sure to use .gov. Don't be confused by internet sites that end in .com, net,.org or other designations instead of .gov.

Tax information is also available in Spanish at http://www.irs.gov/espanol/index.html.

How to Appeal a Decision on Your Social Security Disability Claim Online‏

Denials of Social Security Disability applications may be appealed on line. There are two parts to the process: (1) an Appeal Request Internet form and, (2) an Appeal Disability Report that gives the Social Security Administration more information about your condition. Go to: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/iAppeals/ap001.jsp to learn how to begin the process.

Celebrate ADAPT's 25th Anniversary in Washington, DC

April 26 through May 2, 2008

April 27th
Fun Run for Disability Rights

April 28th - April 30th
Grassroots Actions

May 1st
25th Anniversary Dinner, Exhibition and Show

For information: 512-442-0252, 303-733-9324

Food, Music, Exhibits, History, Multi-media, Faces from ADAPT's past

Contact info@adapt25.org or go to www.adapt.org/ for more information.

Bulletins from Steve Gold, Esq.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture for Housing: Many housing advocates for people with disabilities look only to HUD or the IRS (Low-income housing tax credits) for housing. Don't overlook opportunities at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). While the USDA provides funding for home owners and single family housing, we're going to look only at rental housing for multiple-family housing.

The USDA funds both capital costs to construct or rehabilitate housing and also rental assistance, so that low income persons can afford to rent the units. The USDA "Rental Assistance" program provides rental subsidies - "housing vouchers" - to those units that it has funded with capital funds. These rental subsidies are just like HUD's project-based vouchers; they go with the USDA rental unit, not with the individual. If a person is lucky enough to reside in a USDA multifamily "rental assistance" unit the person pays only a portion of the rent and the USDA "rental assistance" subsidizes the rest. In FY 2006, the USDA provided new Rental Assistance awards for nearly 42,000 units, which was in addition to the many existing units that also receive USDA Rental Assistance. As of 9/30/07, nearly 60% (266,228) of the USDA total multifamily rental units (441,534) receive "Rental Assistance" subsidies.

To find the city and street address of the USDA properties in your State with both the specific number of units and the specific number that receives rental assistance, go to www.nhtinc.org , click on subsidized housing data, then go to your State and click on USDA Section 515. These USDA units must comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and must have at least five percent of their units accessible for people with a mobility disability and another one percent for visual and for hearing disabilities. People who require the accessible features should be residing in those units.

Increasing Affordable, Accessible, Integrated Housing: One State's Strategy to Increase LIHTC units: The Disability Law Center in Boston (Massachusetts' "P&A"), nine Independent Living Centers throughout Massachusetts, and the Statewide ILC recently filed their recommendations to the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) regarding the MA 2008 allocation of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits to increase the number of units for persons on SSI.

These recommendations were submitted as part of the federally-mandated Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) process, with which States must comply each year. Because LIHTC is the largest growing federal housing program in the country, we want other advocates to know what the Massachusetts advocacy community is requesting. Throughout the country, the extremely competitive demand for LIHTC exceeds the supply by nearly 3 to 1, which means that Housing Finance Agencies throughout the country could do exactly what the Massachusetts advocates are requesting.

Here's a summary of their recommendations:

First, according to the most recent data available, nationally only 7% of LIHTC were targeted to households with incomes at or below 30% of the Area Median Income. Even though the Massachusetts LIHTC program had exceeded the national average by requiring, as a threshold, that 10% of all LIHTC units had to be already targeted to households whose incomes are at or below 30%of the Area Median Income, Massachusetts advocates recommended that the 2008 QAP have an additional threshold requirement for another10% of the units to be targeted to persons with "very low incomes"(i.e., on SSI) with disabilities through project based vouchers - well below 30% of the AMI.

Second, the advocates recommended that developers who are awarded LIHTC as a result of the competitive process be required to submit a plan to ensure that the additional 10% of the units will be made available to "very low-income" persons with disabilities.

Third, to ensure people with disabilities are integrated, the advocates recommended that Massachusetts alter its policy so that LIHTC projects will assure integration by not having more than 15% of the total units in a project occupied by people with disabilities (absent a compelling programmatic reason for intensive specialized services that cannot be provided in an integrated setting).

Fourth, the Massachusetts advocates recommended that "visitability" should be a threshold requirement for ALL new construction and renovation of existing housing units. This is in addition to DHCD's current extra points for developers that provide Universal Design.

For a full copy of the recommendations, go to http://www.dlc-ma.org/QAP_Comments.doc.

New VA Rules for Specially Adapted Housing Grants‏

Before a recent change in federal law, eligible veterans and service members could receive special adaptive housing grants of $10,000 or $50,000 from VA only once. Now they may use the benefit up to three times. VA has mailed more than 16,000 letters to eligible veterans, reaching out to those who used only a portion of their grant or who decided not to use the grant even after initially qualifying.

For more information about grants and other adaptive housing programs, contact a local VA regional office at 1-800-827-1000 or local veteran service organization. Additional program information and grant applications can be found at www.homeloans.va.gov/sah.htm.

Disability Coalition Urges FCC to Respond to Industry Wireless Petition

The Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology (COAT) filed comments at the Federal Communications Commission on December 17, 2007 that argues for a different and interoperable communication means of transporting text conversations as data (rather than tones) over Internet Protocol networks. This is to ensure that TTY users are not left out and left behind as more and more phone services use the Internet. TTY devices generally use Baudot tones and are becoming a legacy technology. However, the industry generally has not addressed how to replace TTY-based text phone conversation using Internet and wireless technologies.

Read COAT's comments on the FCC website at http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_document=6519819556

Related Development: Telephone and TV Access Bill Proposed in Congress

On December 21, the Energy and Commerce Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives released proposed legislation that seeks to ensure telephones and television programs are accessible to people with disabilities. Known as the "Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act," the draft legislation is being hailed by the disabilities community as a dramatic and comprehensive step forward for consumers with disabilities. Check out the Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology's press release for more details:
www.afb.org/Section.asp?DocumentID=3765

For three years the Bulletin was supported by a grant that the Disability Advocacy Collaborative has received from the Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities. In addition, in-kind support is being provided by the UCONN Center on Disabilities, and Communitas, Inc. serves as the project's fiscal agent. To all three we extend our deep appreciation.