| Volume 08 | Issue 27 | July 7, 2008 |
Welcome to Monday Morning in Washington, D.C., published weekly by The Arc of the United States. We will bring to you news of interest to self advocates and their families, volunteers, professionals, and supporters of the disability movement. Please send any comments to mmwdc@thearc.org. You are welcome to reproduce and distribute items from Monday Morning in Washington, D.C., but please credit Monday Morning in Washington, D.C. (The Arc of the United States, 2007).
The Arc of the United States advocates for the rights and full participation of all children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together with our network of members and affiliated chapters, we improve systems of supports and services; connect families; inspire communities; and influence public policy.
[NOTE: Having trouble reading this newsletter? Read it online.] [Past Issues]
Do You Know a Kid Who Needs a Car?
The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), The Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL), and The National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN), in collaboration with Yoshiko Dart, present:
The Disability Rights Auto Fund - http://www.ncil.org/resources/autofund.html
One young person from a rural area (preferred) will be selected to receive approximately $4,500 in order to purchase or modify a vehicle that will make independence and employment possible! If you would like to apply or nominate someone for the award, please complete the attached form. A short (one page) essay on how an accessible vehicle will increase independence is required. For further information or alternative formats, please contact Eleanor Canter by e-mail at eleanor@ncil.org. A winner will be selected collaboratively by representatives from NCIL, APRIL and NYLN. The winning applicant will be announced July, 2008. The application deadline is July 15, 2008. Please send applications to eleanor@ncil.org.
Current and past issues of eNotes can be viewed online at http://www.nectac.org/enotes/enotes.asp
The national Reinventing Quality Conference, this year being held on the beautiful Baltimore waterfront, August 10-12, 2008. This conference features leading edge programs and practices in quality services for persons with developmental disabilities. For the conference brochure, list of speakers, schedule, hotel and registration information, visit our web site at: http://www.reinventingquality.org
ICDR Stakeholder Meeting-Save the Dates
The ICDR is seeking your input/comments about disability research issues. For more information and registration, please visit the Web site at http://www.icdr.us/stakeholders. Feel free to distribute to your listservs or share with colleagues and community members who may be interested.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) is calling for papers for a special issue of the American Journal on Mental Retardation (AJMR) on cognitive neuroscience studies of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Deadline for submissions is December 15, 2008. The AJMR is among top three journals in special education and rehabilitation, according to latest impact factor rankings. Read more about submission requirements here - http://www.aaidd.org/Reading_Room/pdf/AJMRcognitivespecialissue.pdf.
In this issue: www.aaidd.org/FYI/
The Disability Law & Policy e-Newsletter, Vol 5, No. 5
An electronic publication of The Law, Health Policy & Disability Center at the University of Iowa College of Law http://disability.law.uiowa.edu/ and The Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University http://bbi.syr.edu
The Disability Law & Policy Newsletter is a bi-weekly publication that aims to inform disability advocates, scholars, and service providers of the most current issues in disability law, policy, research, best practices, and breaking news.
Below is a topical overview of the items presented in this issue.
A. CIVIL RIGHTS: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Sections 504 & 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and state civil rights law
B. EDUCATION: Special education & youth transition to successful postsecondary outcomes
C. TECHNOLOGY / TELECOMMUNICATIONS: Assistive, information, and communication technologies
D. HEALTHCARE / BENEFITS: Social Security Income / Social Security Disability Income / Medicaid & Medicare
E. WORKFORCE: Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act (TWWIIA), & Vocational Rehabilitation
F. INDEPENDENCE: News for and about the Independent Living Movement
G. EMERGENCY RESPONSE / PREPAREDNESS: Disaster mitigation and preparedness news
H. INTERNATIONAL: News for and about disability topics outside the U.S.
To read this issue click here: http://disability2.law.uiowa.edu/
Medicaid: CMS Needs More Information on the Billions of Dollars Spent on Supplemental Payments. GAO-08-614, May 30
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-614 Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08614high.pdf
Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waivers: CMS Should Encourage States to Conduct Mortality Reviews for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. GAO-08-529, May 23.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-529 Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08529high.pdf
REFERENCE POINTS:
Financial Planning Tools for Families of Children with Special Needs
The "Special Needs Planning Guide: How to Prepare for Every Stage of Your Child's Life" is written by authors who also have family members with special needs (John W. Nadworny & Cynthia R. Haddadis). Also included is a CD-Rom which contains a helpful Financial Planning Timeline and a printable Letter of Intent that lets parents communicate key information, concerns, and desires to future caretakers. The book is available through Brookes Publishing. For more information go to http://www.brookespublishing.com/store/books/nadworny-68028/index.htm
DisabilityInfo.gov News & Events Update:
NCD Seeks Public Input for Next Report
The National Council on Disability (NCD) is gathering public input for a study of emerging issues and trends affecting the lives of people with disabilities. Information gathered will be used in the development of NCD's next annual progress report to the President and Congress. The Council is seeking input on disability issues including health, housing, employment, insurance, transportation, assistive technology, recreation, emergency preparedness, early intervention and education. Suggestions should be sent to NCD by July 22, 2008 via email - ncd@ncd.gov. Type "Emerging Trends" in the subject line.
This information has recently been updated, and can be accessed by visiting this link: http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=10.
DisabilityInfo.gov Ticket to Work Program Update:
SSA Training on New Ticket to Work Regulations
In preparation for the implementation of the New Ticket to Work Program regulations on July 21, 2008, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be conducting several national training sessions throughout the month of July to review changes to the program. Interested parties are being asked to save these training dates and participate in the appropriate teleconferences or webinars.
This information has recently been updated, and can be accessed by visiting this link: http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=173.
News from The Advocacy Institute
July 2008 Newsletter - http://www.advocacyinstitute.org
AAP: Medicaid and SCHIP Monitor - July 2, 2008
Report Examines State Medicaid Flexibility
A new Urban Institute report, "State Responses to New Flexibility in Medicaid," - http://www.milbank.org/860202.html published in The Milbank Quarterly provides a summary of the many changes made to state Medicaid programs since 2001, brought about by flexibility offered through Section 1115 waivers, Health Insurance Flexibility and Accountability (HIFA) waivers, and State Plan Amendments (SPAs). The report shows that 35 states have made changes to their Medicaid programs through 1 of the above processes since that time. While many of these have been modest changes, others are more fundamental and represent sizeable alterations to the administration and financing of state Medicaid programs. The report examines trends in benefit flexibility, cost sharing, coverage expansions, enrollment caps, the growth of market principles into Medicaid, and restructuring of Medicaid financing. The report indicates that most states have not made full use of the flexiblity granted them through waivers or SPAs, but that the policy groundwork for states to do so has been laid.
SABE 2008 Conference--please distribute to self advocates and self advocacy organizations
Don’t miss out on attending the largest gathering of self-advocates in the country! Register by July 15 and SAVE $75 on your conference registration! To register or find out more information on the conference, visit www.sabe2008.org.
hcbs.org - Clearinghouse CLIPS: July 3, 2008
Nursing Home Diversion Modernization Grant including a Special Funding Opportunity to Serve Veterans: Grant Announcement
On July 1, 2008, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Aging Josefina G. Carbonell announced the availability of $13 million to support state efforts to help individuals with long-term care needs to avoid unnecessary nursing home placement.
This includes $10 Million for an AoA Nursing Home Diversion Modernization Grants Program and a special $3 Million funding opportunity being made available by the Veterans Health Administration to help veterans of any age to remain living in their own homes and communities.
Only State Units on Aging are eligible to apply, but must involve AAAs and community-based organizations in projects. The application deadline is August 14, 2008. The deadline for submission of letter of intent is July 18, 2008. An open information teleconference for applicants of this solicitation will be held July 10, 2008 at 2:00 p.m., EST. The toll-free teleconference phone number will be 888-396-9185, pass code: 2043392. More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2296
Modeling the Impact of Declining Occupancy on Nursing Home Reimbursement
Summary: This paper models the effect of occupancy rates on nursing home reimbursement. It surveys nursing home methodologies generally and specifically models the rate setting systems of California, Indiana and Pennsylvania. The modeling indicates that much of “the fixed costs” would not get calculated back into the rates. The costs that do would be allocated across all resident days used in rate setting regardless of payer source, including Medicare and private pay, limiting the Medicaid impact.
This paper is a creative analysis that directly supports Money Follow the Person and Nursing Home Transition efforts. Out of the numbers and complexity comes important policy conclusions.
Topic(s): Financing HCBS, Long-Term Care, Money Follows the Person, Olmstead
Source: Rutgers/NASHP
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2288
Accounting for Sources of Projected Growth in Federal Spending on Medicare and Medicaid
Summary: This budget analysis compares the degree to which the aging of the population and rising health care costs, as well as the interaction of the two factors, will contribute to an overall increase in the federal spending on Medicare and Medicaid as a portion of the GDP. Using four different scenarios, it finds that a significantly larger portion of this increase will come from rising health care costs rather than aging.
Topic(s): Aging Issues, Financing HCBS, Sustainability
Source: Congressional Budget Office
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2284
In the Driver’s Seat: A Guide to Self-directed Mental Health Care
Summary: Here, consumers and advocates can find information and tools needed for effective self-directed mental health care. The guide summarizes the goals of self-directed planning and the rights of the consumers. It also lists strategies by states to support these services. Fact sheets and questions-and-answers provide further information on financing, eligibility, evaluation, planning, and support brokerage.
Topic(s): Consumer Direction, Financing HCBS, Mental Health
Source: Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2285
Invisible Care Gap: Caregivers without Health Coverage
Summary: This resource presents ten key facts showing the economic and health insecurity of the direct care workforce. It can be used to advocate for improved public policies and increase public awareness of the needs and importance of caregivers. The figures presented also illustrate the linkage between quality of care available to the growing population of older Americans, recruitment and retention of workers, and wage and benefits levels.
Topic(s): Long-Term Care, Quality, Workforce
Source: PHI
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2289
Knowledge and Skills Needed for Dementia Care: A Guide for Direct Care Workers in Everyday Language
Summary: This guide identifies special skills needed specifically in the care for patients with dementia. The document is organized by competency areas, allowing direct care workers or trainers to focus on areas of improvement. Additional resources are also listed by competency areas as well as in alphabetical order and are complemented by a glossary and notes for trainers and supervisors.
Topic(s): Aging Issues, Long-Term Care, Mental Health, Workforce
Source: Michigan Dementia Coalition
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2290
Oregon Youth Transition Trainings
Summary: The first of these two presentations is for volunteer partners who help persons with disabilities and their families integrate employment transition into individual education plans (IEP). It is broad in scope, touching on the rights of the individual and family, employment and training resources, and state supports available. The second training focuses on the policy level and describes the goals, participants, outcomes, and keys to success of a statewide youth transition program.
Topic(s): Consumer Direction, Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Employment, Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, Transition/Diversion from Institutions
Source: Grantee produced, Oregon
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2283
The CMS Medicaid Targeted Case Management Rule: Implications for Special Needs Service Providers and Programs
Summary: This issue brief reviews how new rules issued by CMS governing Medicaid coverage of targeted case management (TCM) services would affect people with complex health needs receiving home and community-based services. The author finds that the availability of several important services and strategies used in TCM would be significantly reduced. New record keeping requirements would also increase administrative burdens and costs.
Topic(s): Deficit Reduction Act, Financing HCBS, Waiver
Source: Center for Health Care Strategies; CHCS
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2286
The NIC Compendium Project: A Guide to Long-Term Care Projection and Simulation Models - 2007
Summary: This publication presents lessons from financing projection models of long-term care (LTC). It describes the methods, conclusions, strengths and weaknesses of several models. It “also explores what such models can and cannot tell us, what research is needed to get better projections, and the key issues that must be addressed by any proposal to deliver and finance care for the baby boomer resident of the future.” This book can be ordered in hard copy or as a pdf via the links.
Topic(s): Financing HCBS, Housing, Long-Term Care, Sustainability
Source: RTI - Systems Change Evaluation, National Investment Center; NIC
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2287
Variation Analysis by Location and Understanding Efficiency (VALUE) Project
Summary: These resources come from a CMS-funded pilot program where four participating quality improvement organizations (QIOs) test interventions designed to understand and change health care cost and quality patterns that differ between regions. The CARE tools ensure quality maintenance during health care transitions by assessing and recording key data. The archived weekly learning sessions cover a variety of topics related to transitional care and include handouts and audio recordings.
Topic(s): Quality, Transition/Diversion from Institutions
Source: Colorado Foundation for Medical Care
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2292
Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities – Websites
Summary: These free websites connect employers and college students with disabilities. The first site features only federal sector employers, while the EARN site includes non-profit and other private sector employers. Students and recent graduates can participate by interviewing with accredited recruiters on campus in January or February. Visit the website for more information on how a school can participate.
Topic(s): Employment, State/Agency Information, Transition/Diversion from Institutions
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2291
Until Next week
The Arc of the United States,1010 Wayne Avenue, Ste. 650,Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301-565-3842, Fax: 301-565-3843, Email: mmwdc@info.thearc.org, Web: www.thearc.org
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