New Horizons Un-Limited Inc. New Horizons Un-Limited Inc.
On Wednesday, December 15, 2004, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it has decided to open a National Coverage Determination (NCD) process for Medicare's wheelchair benefit. This means that you have an opportunity to review and comment on the Interagency Wheelchair Work Group's (IWWG) recommended changes to Medicare's wheelchair benefit. One concern, not covered in the IWWG report, is the agency's interpretation of the "in the home" restriction, which limits the use of Medicare funded wheelchairs to ones home, thereby limiting access to ones community. As an advocate, family member or as a person with a disability, it is very important that you take the time to review and comment on the IWWG recommended changes. The recommendations can be found online at www.cms.hhs.gov/mcd/viewtrackingsheet.asp?id=143.
Have you ever requested an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act? If so, Ragged Edge Online wants to hear your story. They are seeking participants for their brief online survey. If you would like to share your story of accommodation or lack thereof, please complete the ADA Accommodation Survey online at www.raggededgemagazine.com/adasurvey.shtml.
The UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge, in collaboration with the Westside Center for Independent Living, is conducting an online voter preferences survey to determine why and how people with disabilities voted in the recent presidential election. The survey includes 35 questions and is available via the Living Independently in Los Angeles website. All responses are guaranteed to remain anonymous. To view and participate in this survey, click here.
The Social Security Administration offers a very useful tool to assist potential disability beneficiaries in applying for benefits. The starter kits provide information about the specific documents and the information that the administration will request from you. The kits also provide general information about the disability programs and the administration's decision-making process. Kits are available for adults and for children under age 18. To view the kits online, visit www.ssa.gov/disability/disability_starter_kits.htm.
A message/invitation from Families USA [HealthAction@familiesusa.org]:
Do you know a senior, a child, a person with a disability, or a working family in your state that has Medicaid coverage? If so, we would love to hear from you and them! Please contact Alexandra Zavala, Communications Outreach Coordinator, at (800) 593-5041 ext. 3614 or at azavala@familiesusa.org.
We are embarking on a campaign to protect the Medicaid program from federal cuts. To communicate our message clearly and in a way that resonates with a broader audience--including the news media, state legislators, Senators, and the general public--we need to humanize this debate. And the best way to do that is by enlisting the help of those who depend on Medicaid.
Seniors, children, people with disabilities, and working families in your state can speak on behalf of the thousands of Medicaid beneficiaries across the country who are so vulnerable to program cutbacks. Their voices can and should be heard in Washington, DC by Senators who can put a stop to any attempt to cut Medicaid funds.
We are looking for people who believe that Medicaid is a vital health care lifeline. We are looking for people who can agree to speak to reporters in person and have their pictures taken to better illustrate our message. We are looking for those who can help spread the word that the federal government wants to cut their one and only source of health coverage and that this is not only unfair, it is morally wrong. We are looking for those who can talk about their fears of becoming uninsured and having to choose between paying for rent and food and paying for health insurance. We are looking for hardworking Americans who play by the rules and depend on Medicaid for their health care. We are looking for children, who do not choose to become sick, and seniors, who cannot be blamed for living a long life. We are looking for the faces of Americans across the country.
If you can help, or if you know others who can connect us with people on Medicaid in your state, please contact us. You can reach us through Alexandra Zavala, Communications Outreach Coordinator, at (800) 593-5041 ext. 3614 or at azavala@familiesusa.org.
The American Association of People with disabilities, in partnership with several large corporations, is offering several internships in the Summer of 2005.
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC AMERICA FOUNDATION - AAPD CONGRESSIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation and the American
Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
Congressional Internship Program was created to provide an
opportunity for students with disabilities to work on
Capitol Hill and acquire valuable work experience that will
enrich their academic studies. As congressional interns,
participants gain insight into congressional office
operations, public policy development, and constituents'
roles in the legislative/political processes. Eight students with disabilities will be selected for this full-time 8-week internship. Airfare, summer housing, and a $1500 stipend
will be provided. The submission deadline is
December 15, 2004.
MICROSOFT - AAPD FEDERAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The Microsoft-AAPD Federal Information Technology (I.T.)
Internship Program was created in 2003 to provide
undergraduate students with disabilities, who have a
demonstrated interest in I.T. careers, with the opportunity
to participate and benefit from highly sought-after federal
internships. In 2005, this internship program will provide ten students with disabilities an opportunity to work full-time for a U.S. government agency for eleven-weeks in Washington, DC. Airfare, summer housing, and a $2500 stipend will be provided. The submission deadline is
December 15, 2004.
For more information on either of these opportunities or to receive an application visit the AAPD website at www.aapd-dc.org or call (800) 840-8844.
Do you have Medicare? Have you attempted to secure a power wheelchair via Medicare? If so, the United Spinal Association wants to hear your story. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that runs the Medicare program, is in the process of developing new Medicare coverage guidelines for power wheelchairs. Unfortunately, however, during this important revision, the agency does not plan on addressing the problematic statutory language "used in the patient's home". Currently, Medicare will only cover power wheelchairs for beneficiaries who need to use them in their home. If a beneficiary is able to move from room to room in their own house (with or without the assistance of a walker, cane, or walls and banisters), but they are unable to walk to work, school, or even their mailbox at the end of their driveway, then Medicare will not pay for a wheelchair because it is being used outside the home! You need to let CMS know that the "in the patient's home" restriction is harmful to individuals with disabilities by limiting access to wheelchairs and compromises your independence, health and well-being. E-mail your story, with the subject line of Medicare Power Wheelchairs: Request for Stories to: LegislativeAlerts@UnitedSpinal.org.
As an American with a disability you must visit the ADA Game on-line. It is a unique and interesting way for you to learn more about the most important disability law: The Americans with Disabilities Act. The game, which is free and available to play on-line at anytime, simulates how advocacy can promote positive changes in communities. Players take on the role of advocates for disability rights and work together to improve compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in their virtual communities. After earning points by answering a series of questions on the ADA, players can use their points to make changes in accessibility in their community. To play this game, visit www.adagame.org/.
The National Mental Health Association's Internship Program provides an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to gain real-world work experience relevant to their academic and career goals. Internships are available at their Central Office in Alexandira, Virginia in a variety of areas including, Administration, Affiliates, Communications/Media , Executive Office, Healthcare Reform, Marketing/Publications, and World Federation. For more information, visit the Association website at www.nmha.org/intern/internhome.cfm.
The Association also has a number of professional positions available, including Program Director in Prevention and Public Education (Adults), Program Coordinator in Policy and Services, Director of Development and Director of Consumer Advocacy - Adult Mental Health Services. To learn more about these positions, visit the Association's employment web section at http://www.nmha.org/employment/.
Approximately one percent of the United States' population,
an estimated 2.5 million people, have an intellectual
disability. Estimates indicate that only 31 percent of those
with intellectual disabilities are employed. Despite a significant interest in working, many people with intellectual disabilities face seemingly insurmountable physical and attitudinal barriers in entering the workplace. In an effort to break down the myths, fears and misperceptions many employers have on hiring those with disabilities, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has issued a fact sheet addressing a number of employment issues. More specifically the fact sheet focuses on such topics as:
This fact sheet is available on the EEOC website, www.eeoc.gov/facts/intellectual_disabilities.html.
Election laws and regulations can vary significantly from state to state. In an effort to assist voters on, before and after election day, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and the Election Reform Information Project has gathered relevant links and information on many key state election issues. To learn more about your state's election process, visit the National Association of Secretaries of State website at www.nass.org/electioninfo/laws&admin.htm.
MyPollingPlace.com is up and running. It is the only single-database, national poll locator in the United States that also lets voters know the type of voting machine they will use and how to vote on that machine. It's easy to use: enter your street number and name, along with a 5-digit zip code, and click "find my polling place." Voters who go to MyPollingPlace.com now and cannot find results for their zip code can sign up to receive an email or text message with their polling location on Election Day. Visit them on-line at: www.mypollingplace.com/find.php.
United Cerebral Palsy has recently launched Don't Block My Vote, an on-line initiative aimed at urging legislators to fully fund the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). Passed in 2002, the HAVA is designed to eliminate the barriers many Americans with disabilities face at polling places. Despite a promised $650 million budget, a meager $65 million has been distributed, leaving 75% of all counties in the United States using the same old inaccessible voting machines this November. Don't Block My Vote offers an opportunity for you to contact your Members of Congress to urge them to support full funding for HAVA in the fiscal year 2005 budget. Visit the initiative's website at www.dontblockmyvote.org to learn more.
As you surely know, the November 2, 2004 Presidential election is fast approaching. For which candidate will you cast your vote? If you are one of the many undecided voters in this country, make certain you watch the Presidential debates scheduled for Friday, October 8th and Wednesday, October 13th. Both debates should be aired on each of the major network channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, etc.). Don't go to the polls undereducated. Get to know your candidates and decide which will fight for your needs.
ADAPT has compiled a report on the average annual cost of nursing home care on a state by state basis. ADAPT compiled their report from Kiplinger's Retirement Report of March 2004. Their report is published in the Spring 2004 issue of Incitement. To find out more about this report visit their site at ADAPT. ADAPT is an organization that nationally focuses on promoting services in the community instead of warehousing people with disabilities in institutions and nursing homes. Attendant services (help with things like eating, dressing, toileting, moving from wheelchair to bed, etc.) are the cornerstone to community based services for people with severe disabilities. ADAPT is working to get 25% of the Medicaid long term care funds redirected to pay for a national, mandated attendant services program.
U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division recently developed Disability Rights Online News, a monthly update about the Civil Rights Division’s activities in the area of disability rights. To learn how the DOJ is working for you, visit the most recent issue on-line at www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/disabilitynews.htm.
The United States Department of Justice's ADA Business Connection is an initiative aimed at educating the American business community about the enormous business opportunities presented by people with disabilities. The initiative seeks to improve access to goods and services for consumers with disabilities and to promote the benefits of voluntary compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for businesses and customers alike. In support of the initiative the DOJ hosts conferences in cities around the country, bringing together local leaders from corporations, small and medium-sized businesses, trade associations, and organizations of people with disabilities to discuss issues and to establish ongoing connections. If you would like to get involved in this initiative, visit the DOJ ADA Business Connection website at www.ada.gov/business.htm.
On July 22, 2004, President George Bush issued an executive order that directs the federal government to consider, in their emergency preparedness planning, the unique needs of agency employees with disabilities and individuals with disabilities whom the agency serves. Emergency situations may include natural and man-made disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, and acts of terrorism. The executive order is posted on the White House website at www.whitehouse.gov/news/orders/.
The Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation is seeking parents of persons with intellectual disabilities for an intensive, one-year Public Policy Fellowship in Washington, DC. During this one year Fellowship, the successful applicant will learn how legislation is initiated, developed, and passed by the Congress, or how programs are administered and regulations promulgated by federal agencies. The fellowship seeks parents or other family members with outstanding experience in:
Selected fellows must be prepared to live in the Washington, DC area during their fellowship year and to devote themselves full-time to the fellowship. A stipend of $75,000, including relocation expenses is offered. Applicants should submit a 2-4 page letter stating their interest and accomplishments to date, and what they hope to do with the knowledge and experience gained from the fellowship. They should also attach either a résumé (preferred) or a summary of their involvement in the field, and at least three letters of support. Application must be e-mailed or post-marked by September 1, 2004. For more information, call Jill Fosse at (301) 565-5476 or visit the Foundation's website at www.jpkf.org/.
People with epilepsy are encouraged to share their creative talents by participating in the 3rd annual Expressions of Courage Art Contest. The art contest is open to people with epilepsy of all ages and seeks original artwork. Select pieces will be highlighted on the contest website, and will be considered for inclusion in greeting cards, a calendar and a coffee table book. Contest submissions must be received by August 31, 2004. To submit artwork or to find out more about the contest guidelines, call (800) 224-4935 or visit www.expressionsofcourage.com.
Mississippi topped the ADAPT 2004 list of the "Top Ten Worst States for Community Services." This dubious honor of "First Worst" was the result of 87% of its long term care funding being spent on nursing homes and other institutions, while only 13% goes for community services. In addition, Mississippi is last among the states and the District of Columbia in community services for persons with developmental disabilities, and 47th in the nation on overall spending for community services. Following Mississippi, from the 2nd worst to 10th worst, were Nevada, Louisiana, Tennessee, Illinois, Georgia, Alabama, New Jersey, Florida and Washington D.C, respectively.
ADAPT's "Ten Worst" list is based on a combination of statistics the states report to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid which are then collated by the Medstat group; the 2004 National Study of Disability Finance from the University of Colorado Department of Psychiatry; and an informal survey of persons with disabilities, advocates and state personnel on their state's services. The rankings weighed the ratio of institutional spending to community spending, the per capita spending on nursing homes and community and ICFs-MR, and the overall spending on community long term care.
If you live in any of the "Ten Worst" states, it is time to get active. Speak to your representatives. Let them know how you feel about their dismal performance. Better yet, get out and vote during this year's election. Make sure you and the issues most important to you are represented over the next four years.
A new study by the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured traces the progress made in the U.S. five years after the landmark Olmstead V. L.C. ruling of 1999 by the U.S. Supreme Court. This ruling required states to move away from investing in long term care institutions, such as nursing homes, and instead invest in more community based long term care choices, such as in-home support services. The report finds two critical changes are still needed: the modernization of Medicaid and increased incentives for investments in community services. Read Olmstead at Five: Assessing the Impact at www.kff.org/medicaid/7105a.cfm.
Mattie Stepanek, poet and disability advocate, passed away at the age of 13 on Tuesday, June 22, 2004. He had been hospitalized since early March for complications related to the disease that had weakened his body since birth. In his brief, yet inspired life, he was known as much for his work as a muscular dystrophy association National Goodwill Ambassador as he was for his writing. Through his "Heartsongs" series, Mattie offered an introspective look at life, love and personal strength. A promising young leader, he will be missed by all. To learn more about Mattie's life, and now his legacy, visit his personal website at www.mattieonline.com/.
On June 24, 2004, the National Organization on Disability released its national survey of Americans with disabilities, conducted every four years by the Harris organization. The N.O.D./Harris Survey of Americans with Disabilities has been commissioned by the National Organization on Disability since 1986. It is the most comprehensive survey of its kind, looking at key issues impacting quality of life while also measuring the gaps in responses between individuals with, and without, disabilities.
The survey found that Americans with disabilities continue to be at a critical disadvantage compared to other Americans in ten key areas of life, which include employment, income, education, health care, access to transportation, entertainment, socializing, religious and political participation, and life satisfaction. Key findings include:
To view additional findings visit the N.O.D. website at www.nod.org/.
Due to controversy concerning the reliability of recently approved accessible electronic touchscreen voting machines, many polling places are removing the machines, while others have cancelled plans to offer accessible voting. Referred to as the "paper trail debate," critics are concerned that the electronic touchscreens will not provide a sufficient paper back up in the event that the electronic tallying of votes is inaccurate. According to an article from the American Association of People with Disabilities, "instead of accessible touchscreens, counties and states have purchased inaccessible optical scan machines," even though these machines could present the same problem. This decision will only make voting all the more difficult for the millions of Americans with disabilities of voting age. To learn more about this issue and to learn how you can advocate for equal access during this year's elections, either call Jim Dickson of AAPD at (800) 840-8844 or visit the following web blog: http://equalvote.blogspot.com/.
A new study, published in the June 2004 issue of the journal Mental Retardation, reveals the smallest reductions in state institution residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 30 years. This study implies that despite the introduction of President Bush's New Freedom Initiative in 2001, relative to past years, fewer people with developmental disabilities are being moved out of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and into community based care. Read the study titled "States' Initial Response to the President's New Freedom Initiative: Slowest Rates of Deinstitutionalization in 30 Years" at www.aamr.org/Reading_Room/pdf/deinstitutionalizationJune04MR.pdf.
How's Your News, an 83-minute film, directed by Arthur Bradford, follows five people with mental and physical disabilities, enlisted to interview everyday people on everyday topics. After making a handful of entertaining and well-received How's Your… video's with Camp Jabberwocky campers, Bradford gathered five of the most enthusiastic and dynamic campers and formed a news team. After assembling the team, they drove throughout New England to interesting spots like a Maine State Fair, Harvard Square, and a little league baseball game. The trip culminated with a voyage to New York City. Everywhere they went, the quartet of reporters interviewed people asking whatever questions seemed to come to mind. One reporter liked to talk about food, especially fried chicken, while others loved to talk about celebrities and politics. After producing a 30-minute pilot, they set off on a cross-country journey. The documentarty chronicling their journey is expected on DVD this summer. For more information, visit the How's your News website.
Verizon recently announced the expansion of their Oxnard Center for Customers with Disabilities to a total of 25 states. The center, utilizing specially trained representatives, assists consumers with disabilities in identifying ways in which Verizon products and services can be used to enhance their lives. Consumers will also be informed of various telephone services, available text telephone discounts, and alternative format billing, such as large-print or Braille. In addition, representatives may also be able to assist consumers in identifying sources of various adaptive devices, such as amplified telephones and teletypewriters. For more information on this service, call the Center at (800) 974-6006 (Voice/TTY). You may also visit their informative website at www.verizon.com/disabilities.
IRIS Media, Inc. is a research based organization creating educational materials for educators, families and adults with developmental disabilities. They are currently looking for participants in a research project on future planning. Participants should have a child aged 18 or older with a cognitive or intellectual disability. For this study they have developed a video and workbook to assist parents with future planning for their child in areas such as housing, work and leisure, and financial planning. Participants will receive either the video or workbook for their review. IRIS will contact participants by phone five times over six months to answer questions about their future planning and their satisfaction with the materials. Parents will be paid $100 for their full participation. For more information, parents can phone Lisa Cassidy toll free at (877) 343-4747, ext. 204. If you would like to sign up to participate, visit the IRIS website at www.lookiris.com/concern.html.
With sponsorship from the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) of the U.S. Department of Labor, The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars (TWC) has created a new internship program, which seeks to recruit qualified college students with disabilities to intern in the executive, legislative, or judicial branches of the federal government. A total of fifty (50) students will be selected to participate in this program in 2004. The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) will offer technical guidance and support to implement this initiative. Tuition scholarships are also available, and students will receive academic credit while gaining valuable work experience in Washington, DC. Applications for the 2004 Fall semester are due May 3, 2004. For more information or to obtain an application, please visit The Washington Center on-line or call (202) 336-7569 (Voice).
The U.S. Department of Justice, which regulates and enforces the accessibility requirements set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act, has issued an accessibility checklist for polling places. This checklist is designed to help voting officials determine whether a polling place has basic accessible features needed by most voters with disabilities. With the checklist, users can identify barriers to access and determine how best to address them. The checklist focuses on those areas of a facility that are important to voting, including parking for voters, a drop off or loading area, the entrance to the polling place, and the pedestrian routes (both exterior and interior) that voters use to get to the voter check-in and voting area. The checklist can be downloaded from the DOJ's website at http://www.ada.gov/votingck.htm. Print copies can be ordered through its ADA information line at (800) 514-0301 (voice) or (800) 514-0383.
A new research center on accessible public transportation has been established at Oregon State University. According to an article published by the Access Board, "the National Center for Accessible Public Transportation will explore improving access to inter-city modes of travel (air, rail, and bus) for people with mobility, agility, and hearing disabilities. The Center will focus on wheelchair transfer in confined spaces, such as aircraft aisles, and a survey-based study on existing and potential access solutions. This latter study will collect feedback from travelers with and without disabilities, airline and airport employees, bus and rail operators, and vehicle and aircraft manufacturers on access solutions." For further information, visit the Center's website at http://ncat.oregonstate.edu/ or call (800) 916-0099.
The Epilepsy Foundation is committed to doing all it can to encourage effective communications between people with epilepsy (or their parents in the case of children with epilepsy) and their health care providers. As part of that effort, the Foundation is inviting web visitors to respond to a series of questions about experiences with doctor/patient communications. This questionnaire is confidential and participant identities will NOT be shared with any other person. To complete this short survey, visit the Foundation's website at www.epilepsyfoundation.org/programs/survey.cfm.
The President's New Freedom Initiative for People with Disabilities: The 2004 Progress Report is now available on-line. The progress report offers an Executive Summary, Initiative Background and four chapters: Chapter 1. Increasing Access Through Technology; Chapter 2. Expanding Educational Opportunities for Youth with Disabilities; Chapter 3. Integrating Americans with Disabilities into the Workplace; and Chapter 4. Promoting Full Access to Community Life.
To read the Progress Report visit www.whitehouse.gov\nf2004.
Lighthouse International invites applications for their 2004 Scholarship Awards Program. The awards are designed to reward excellence, recognize accomplishments and help students who are blind or partially sighted achieve their career goals. There are four categories: College-bound Award, Undergraduate Award I, Undergraduate Award II and Graduate Award, and each carries a $5,000 prize. Applicants must be legally blind (i.e., have a best corrected visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye, and/or a visual field of less than 20 degrees), registered with their State Commission for the Blind and must be US citizens. Awards are based on scholastic and other achievements. Candidates are not required to demonstrate financial need. Applicants must reside and attend school in any of the following states: CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VA and VT, or Washington, DC. Each candidate must submit the following six items:
The deadline for applications is Wednesday, March 31, 2004. For more information or to download the application form, visit Lighthouse International's website. You may also call (212) 821-9428 or e-mail kboyle@lighthouse.org.
The March 2004 issue of the American Journal on Mental Retardation (AJMR) will focus on the issue of aging and mental retardation. As Dr. Marsha Seltzer, guest editor of the special issue of AJMR points out, "It is well-recognized that developmental disabilities last a lifetime and that the aging process is as relevant to this population as it is to society at large." The special issue features articles on dementia among persons with mental retardation, especially Down syndrome, and ways to enhance fitness, health, and quality of life for the elderly. Other highlights include an article on aging among persons with the FMR1 mutation and a report on the newly discovered neurological disorder FXTAS. The AJMR special issue will be made available shortly online at www.aamr.org/Periodicals/index.shtml.
Ragged Edge Online, the progressive disability-rights magazine, is planning an investigation into the real-life problems people face when they try to vote. Do you still encounter steps at your polling site? Or ballots you can't fill out independently? Have you encountered poll workers who don't want to accommodate you? Ragged Edge is looking for your story. In November 2000, Ragged Edge ran stories of people who ran into trouble voting. You can read their stories online at www.raggededgemagazine.com/1100/1100votestory.htm. Now, four years later, they want to know: have things changed? If you have a story to share, or know of someone who does, email Ragged Edge at editor@raggededgemagazine.com. If you don't want to (or can't) write out your story in e-mail and would prefer that they interview you, e-mail them with your phone number and the best time to call. Be certain to include a brief sentence about the barrier you encountered.
Phoenix, Arizona has won the third annual Accessible America Contest, awarded by the National Organization on Disability (N.O.D.). The contest, which in 2003 considered applications from 63 other American cities, recognizes the efforts of those cities where citizens with disabilities have opportunities for full and equal participation in the life of their community, including access to education, jobs, voting, transportation, housing, religious worship, and a full range of social, recreational, cultural, and sports activities. As the 2003 winner Phoenix is being heralded as a model for its focus on disability issues and its successful design of programs, services and facilities that are accessible for citizens and visitors with disabilities. Phoenix is the nation's sixth largest city and according to the U.S. Census, more than 17 percent of the city's 1.3 million residents have a disability. The contest award of $25,000 can be used by Phoenix to recognize and encourage comprehensive disability accessibility and opportunity. To learn more about the Accessible America Contest, visit the National Organization on Disability website.
National Organization on Disability recently released a new Harris Poll which focused on the State of the Union. The poll asked a thousand people nationwide whether they felt "good about the state of the union." The poll concluded that "only 45 percent of respondents said they did, down from 69 percent two years earlier. Positive responses fell from 58 to 38 percent among those who have disabilities. This survey reflects anxiety in our nation, particularly for the more than 54 million citizens who have disabilities. The N.O.D./Harris survey asked respondents if they "felt good about" five related items: their health; their financial security for the future; their job, if they had one; the quality of their life overall; and their children's future. Positive responses declined for people with disabilities in all categories except overall life quality, where modest improvement was noted."
Social Security Administration recently announced efforts to dramatically overhaul the nation's disability insurance program, streamlining an infamously slow process that leaves many newly disabled struggling to make ends meet. Jo Anne Barnhart, head of the Social Security Administration, has proposed reforms that could include everything from electronic forms to units of medical experts that could advise decision-makers throughout the process, providing faster service for those who are "obviously significantly disabled." While streamlining has failed in the past, Barnhart believes she can make it happen. Barnhart says she is committed to staying in her job through January 2007 to oversee the reform process.
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is available to people who work but do not earn substantial income outside of their govenment benefits such as SSI. You may be eligible even if you are not required to file a tax return. To claim the EITC on your 2003 tax return you must meet the following requirements:
For more information on EITC, call the IRS at (800) 829-1040 or visit them on-line at http://www.irs.gov/eitc.
The IRS offers the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, which offers free tax assistance to low and moderate income individuals. Trained volunteers can assist individuals in identifying special tax credits for which they may qualify. In addition to free tax preparation assistance, some sites may also offer free electronic filing, which can cut the wait for your refund in half. To find a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program in your area, call the IRS toll-free at (800) 829-1040.
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