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In recent years the Social Security Administration has developed a number of programs aimed at assisting people with disabilities to enter or return to the workforce. Unfortunately however, such efforts have done little in decreasing unemployment rates. Either beneficiaries are unaware of these incentives or do not understand how they may affect their benefits and access to health care. In an effort to increase access to these programs the National Council on Disability (NCD) released the report, The Social Security Administration's Efforts to Promote Employment for People with Disabilities: New Solutions for Old Problems, available for download at www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2005/ssa-promoteemployment.htm. This report calls on Congress and the Social Security Administration to make immediate changes that will encourage greater numbers of people with disabilities, who receive Social Security benefits, towards gainful employment.
The National Council on Disability released its annual progress report calling on the Federal Government to be more creative in designing and more efficient in coordinating disability programs. The report provides recommendation on areas such as, civil rights, education, long-term care, health care, employment, welfare reform, transportation, housing, and technology and telecommunication, among other areas. To read the NCD's recommendations, visit: www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2005/progress_report.htm.
On the Thursday, December 7, 2005 Morning Edition of NPR (National Public Radio), Commentator Ben Mattlin, a quadriplegic since birth, reflected on a memorial service for a disabled friend who passed away. He offers a wonderful and thoughtful reflection on what it means to live a successful life, disability or not. To listen to this commentary, visit NPR online at www.npr.org/ and search for Valuing Life, Whether Disabled or Not.
This latest report, Priced Out in 2004, shows that low-income people with disabilities continue to experience a national housing affordability crisis. On average, people with disabilities would need to pay 109 percent of their monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) income to rent a modest one-bedroom apartment and 96 percent to rent an efficiency at fair market value. This percentage can sore higher still in some of the major metropolitan areas. With housing assistance programs having record waiting lists, many people find themselves priced out of the housing market. To read more about this crisis, download the report from the TAC website: http://www.tacinc.org/index/admin/index/_uploads/docs/Priced_Out_in_2004.pdf.
The Disability Policy Collaboration, a partnership of The Arc and United Cerebral Palsy, along with TheArcLink Incorporated, has developed a new online guide aimed at educating individuals who receive both Medicaid and Medicare benefits, their families and caregivers, on the new Medicare prescription drug coverage, called Part D. For those you are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare, Medicaid's prescription drug coverage will end on December 31, 2005, and the new Medicare plan will go into place on January 1, 2006. This guide will help families identify the best plan and will also provide information to ensure that the transition to the new program will not interrupt benefits. To access this guide online, visit: http://thedesk.info/PartD/MedicarePartDBrochureFinal050928.pdf.
With the new Medicare Part D Prescription Benefit program set to launch in January 2006, a number of scams, aimed at bilking beneficiaries out of money, have surfaced over the past few months. AARP has issued following facts to help you steer clear of the scams:
If you think you've been scammed or have been contacted by a potential scammer, contact Your local Medicare office or your state's attorney general.
This article is also translated in Arabic.
Hosted by Robert Redford, New Heroes, is a four hour series that travels the globe to explore the ideas and impact of "social entrepreneurs who measure their bottom line in lives." This series premiered on the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) on June 28th and July 5th 2005. DVD and CD's are available through Oregon Public Broadcasting at 1(800)440-2651.
A particular social entrepreneur, Dina Abdel Wahab, has started preschools in Egypt for that nation's once neglected children of disabilities. As a new innovative activist she is determined to make a long-term systemic change in a society filled with inequality and inhumanity.
Dina Abdel Wahab's son, Ali, was born with Down Syndrome. In Cairo there were no preschools that would meet his needs or were equipped with special education teachers. She decided if Ali were to have a normal life, she would need to improve preschool education in Egypt. She created The Baby Academy, a chain of preschools for children three months to five years old, based in child-centered philosophy. She brought in people with backgrounds in early childhood education and special education and developed a program to meet the children's developmental needs and to help children achieve their potential. The mission of The Baby Academy is to become a leader in early childhood education throughout Egypt and the Middle East. Dina hopes to achieve this by opening more preschools in Cairo and franchising the idea. Dina Abdel Wahab also now advocates with the Egyptian government for inclusion opportunities for special needs children in Egypt's mainstream education system. For more information, visit the PBS website.
Every jurisdiction that receives federal financial assistance for the creation of affordable housing must complete a consolidated plan which, according to HUD requirements, must identify priority housing needs by income while also indentifying barriers to affordable housing. A recent notice issued by HUD also requires that jurisdictions consider the needs of persons with disabilities when preparing their consolidated plans. Furthermore, jurisdictions are required to include citizen participation, via public hearings. Do not let your opportunity pass you by, following are some suggestions, as put forth by Steve Gold, a disability rights advocate:
To learn the date and locations of your local public hearings, contact your local Housing Finance Agency.
On August 12, 2005, after six sessions discussing an international treaty for the rights of people with disabilities, the United Nations panel has agreed on draft articles covering such issues as education, accessibility, rights to health and rehabilitation, the right to work, social security and participation in political, public and cultural life. The purpose of the draft articles, according to Committee Chairman Don McKay of New Zealand, is to strengthen the rights of people with disabilities and to set out a more detailed code for the worldwide implementation of the standards set forth in the articles. To learn more about the sessions and draft articles, visit the United Nations Website at www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/rights/adhoccom.htm.
On Tuesday, July 26th, Social Security Commissioner, Jo Anne Barnhart, announced a welcomed change to the approval process for the Disability Benefits program. Under the new approval procedures, applicants who are clearly disabled could be approved for benefits in as little as 20 days. Those whose case are not as cut-and dry will also see less of a wait in the appeal process. The Social Security Administration plans to publish proposed regulations for public comment on Wednesday and issue final regulations by the end of the year. The administration expects it will take a couple years to implement the new system throughout the country. To review the proposed changes, visit the Social Security Administration online at www.ssa.gov/.
The President and others are aggressively promoting changes in Social Security to include private accounts to replace guaranteed benefits. It has recently been brought to light that such a change could reduce benefits received by people with disabilities. The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) is working to increase the visibility of people with disabilities and their families in the debate about Social Security's future. Your story could help protect benefits for you and your family's future! If you or a family member receives Social Security benefits (NOT SSI), the CCD wants to hear from you! To share your story, visit www.c-c-d.org/FactSheets/Storytemplate.pdf, to download the form.
The following article, reprinted here in its entirety, was distributed by DAWN - Disability Advocates - Wisconsin Network
Drug coverage under Medicaid and Medicare is changing and some people with disabilities will be affected. If you currently receive both Medicaid and Medicare coverage, your drug coverage will change. If you only have Medicare coverage, your drug coverage may change.
Starting January 1, 2006 people who receive both Medicaid and Medicare will receive their drug coverage under the new Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefit instead of from Medicaid. Medicare Part D requires that you pay a monthly premium for your drug coverage, pay for each prescription (usually between $1 and $5), and choose a drug plan.
Also under Medicare Part D, prescription drug coverage will be provided by private prescription drug plans. After October 2005 you will have to decide on a drug plan for your coverage. If you do not choose a plan, one will be chosen for you so that you will not have a gap in your drug coverage.
People currently receiving both Medicaid and Medicare [should have received] a letter in June telling them they are eligible for a low-income subsidy or 'extra help' to cover their monthly premium. Keep this letter for your records. You will need it.
Also starting January 1, 2006 for those people who only have Medicare coverage, you are eligible for the drug benefit. If you also have low income, you may be eligible for the low- income subsidy or "extra help" mentioned above. Some people will receive an application in the mail from Social Security for the "extra help", but anyone can apply. To request an application from Social Security call toll-free: 1 (800) 772-1213 (V/Relay).
The following article, reprinted here in its entirety, was distributed by the ARC of the United States Disability Policy Collaboration
Congress is seriously considering recommendations from the National Governors Association to increase cost-sharing - increases in out-of-pocket expenses - for non-institutionalized Medicaid beneficiaries. This is an effort that could cause serious harm to people with disabilities receiving benefits because cost-sharing can potentially result in increased premiums, deductibles and co-pays for all health care services (out-patient visits, prescription drugs, physical, speech and occupational therapies, mobility devices and other durable medical equipment), including home and community based waiver services.
Our nation's Governors argue that beneficiaries should be encouraged to take "personal responsibility" for their health care and that increasing co-payments will not dramatically impact beneficiaries. However, many Medicaid beneficiaries with disabilities with chronic health conditions requiring many medications, therapies and other health care services, are barely surviving on minimal SSI benefits and cannot afford even a minimal increase. Extensive research documents how cost-sharing increases as low as $1.00 per prescription prevent many Medicaid beneficiaries from accessing much needed services.
ACTION NEEDED:
We need stories about how Medicaid beneficiaries with disabilities are already spending a significant portion of out-of-pocket expenses - not reimbursed by Medicaid - on health and other disability related services. This is the topic of a recent study which shows that out-of-pocket expenses for SSI recipients is about eight times more than the average of what middle-class privately insured adults spend.
Time is of the essence. Help us put a human face on this statistic.
Please share your story by completing this easy-to-use form and returning it (via mail, fax or e-mail) to:
The Disability Policy Collaboration
Attn: Richard Price
1660 L Street, NW, Suite 701
Washington, DC 20009
Fax: 202-783-8250
E-mail: price@thedpc.org
Millions of Americans who are elderly and/or have disabilities depend on Medicare coverage to pay for essential medical supplies and equipment, including mobility devices such as wheelchairs and scooters. You would think that Medicare would cover such equipment with no hesitation. This is not the case. Medicare will only cover the cost of a mobility device if you are "bed or chair confined" and need a wheelchair for use only "in-your-home." If you want to leave your home to go to say your pharmacy, grocery store, bank, place of worship, or even your physician's office, you're out of luck. The rationale behind this policy is unclear, though one thing is for certain; this outdated policy is only fueling the perception that less-than-perfect people should not participate in life outside their homes.
An effort to change this outdated policy has been gaining energy. Just recently, 34 Senators signed a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Michael Leavitt asking him to modify Medicare's in the home restriction. Do not let this effort lose its steam, visit the United Spinal Association website http://rightwheelchair.org to share your story and to contact your senator.
This article is reprinted as it appeared in a May 13, 2005 U.S. Newswire release.
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the President's Social Security plan, which the White House acknowledged yesterday, would drastically cut benefits to Americans with disabilities:
"Just two weeks ago, President Bush assured Americans that disability benefits would not be cut under his privatization plan. Yesterday, a White House spokesman said disability cuts are still on the table. Either disability benefits will be cut or they won't be. Which is it, Mr. President?
"The White House also confirmed this week that benefits would be cut for the middle class and for survivors.
"Social Security has given millions of Americans the opportunity to live with dignity and independence, and Democrats will not walk away from our commitment to ensuring that families receive the benefits they have earned.
"In order to push through his risky privatization plan, the President has proposed slashing benefits for middle-class families, cutting benefits for widows and children, and trillions of dollars in additional debt. Despite the high cost of privatization, the President's misleading plan makes the challenge facing Social Security worse, not better.
"Democrats stand ready to strengthen Social Security on a bipartisan basis as we did in 1983 when Speaker Tip O'Neill joined with President Reagan for the common good. In that spirit, we urge the President to begin considering proposals that strengthen Social Security in a way that does not gut benefits for middle-class families and does not jeopardize the economic security of those struggling to make ends meet when faced with disability or death."
The Muscular Dystrophy Association has published a new, comprehensive guide for people who are living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease). "Everyday Life With ALS: A Practical Guide" addresses the unique lifestyle and health issues that accompany an ALS diagnosis. The book, which was created with the input of many ALS experts and therapists, gives readers the real answers they'll need to maintain the highest quality of life while facing this disease, and will provide valuable assistance to therapists and other professionals who work with them. More specifically, the guide offers information on equipment for daily living, home modification, respiratory issues, mobility equipment, ALS-specific exercises, and more. The book also features helpful photos of assistive equipment, explanatory graphics, and a complete list of resources specific to ALS and the needs of people with disabilities. The guide is available for $15 in book form or $10 for a CD-ROM. Both can be ordered from MDA's Publications Department by calling (520) 529-2000, ext. 6299, or e-mailing publications@mdausa.org.
Through the Looking Glass (TLG), a national, non-profit organization, is now accepting applications for their 2005 College Scholarship Fund from graduating high school seniors who have a parent with a disability. Up to four separate $1,000 awards will be given out in the Summer of 2005 to high school seniors who:
All application materials must be completed and postmarked by May 1, 2005. Completed applications must include:
For more information and to download the application form, visit the TLG website at http://lookingglass.org/scholarships/.
The May 2005 edition of Fortune Magazine features an article entitled No Limits!, which highlights the approaches of several successful business owners (some of whom have disabilities themselves) that have developed plans to target the large disability consumer market. The article highlights the experiences of a paralyzed owner of Coulours Wheelchair, a designer and distributor of high-performance wheelchairs, the founder of Kurzweil, a distributor of software for those who are blind or dyslexic, and the owner of an employment agency that locates jobs for disabled job seekers, among others.
The National Council on Disability is seeking people with disabilities to share their stories of how the Americans with Disabilities Act has impacted their lives. The NCD is hoping to learn the extent to which the ADA has achieved its goals of equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for people with disabilities. More specifically, comments are being sought on:
The information received will be shared with the President and Congress in a report to be published in fall 2005. Please send your written comments on or before May 15, 2005, to Julie Carroll, National Council on Disability, 1331 F Street, NW, Suite 850, Washington, DC 20004 or via e-mail to jcarroll@ncd.gov.
Living Independently in Los Angeles (LILA), a California Center for Independent Living, has released a report that details the voting preferences of Americans with disabilities in the 2004 Presidential Election. The "unscientific" poll was completed by 483 participants from across the United States via the LILA website. While previous polls, conducted by other agencies, suggested a break from traditional voting patterns among people with disabilities, the LILA poll shows differently. The vast majority of the participants stated that they are Democrats, 260 vs. 90 Republicans and 71 “Others”. Similarly, the actual vote tally was heavily for Kerry-Edwards (326) over Bush-Cheney (99). 6 voted for Nader-Camejo and 13 for “Someone else.” The most important issues that determined their votes were various, though a candidate's disability platform did not appear to be a primary issue in deciding to vote for one candidate over the other. To read more, visit the LILA website and click on What's New.
Democracy for America, a political action committee dedicated to supporting fiscally responsible and socially progressive candidates, has launched an initiative aimed at gathering personal stories from people throughout the United States that have relied on Social Security. Your story will help ensure that our political leaders enact a Social Security reform that will work for all citizens. To share your story or to read the stories of others, visit www.democracyforamerica.com/socialsecurity/.
Social Security provides benefits to 47 million Americans, including more than 7 million people with disabilities and their families. For many of these people, it is their only financial certainty, their only source of income.
As you have undoubtedly heard, thanks to projected shortfalls, big changes have been proposed for the Social Security System. More specifically, the President has suggested the creation of Private Accounts. The debate has been intense. One voice, however, has been missing from this debate, your voice, the voice of the disability community. As such, when most people talk about Social Security changes, they only discuss how privatization will impact retirement benefits. Why, because the voice of the Senior Community has been heard loud and clear. This should be a very serious concern for you as an American with a disability, because changes in the program could have a huge impact on everyone who gets benefits – including you! It’s up to you to ensure that people with disabilities are included in the debate. In an effort to educate the disability community on how proposed changes to Social Security could impact benefits, the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has developed a series of Fact Sheets on Social Security. The Fact Sheets will answer the following questions:
The CCD has also developed a checklist that can help you evaluate how proposed changes could impact your benefits. To download the fact sheets, visit CCD online at www.c-c-d.org/FactSheets/index.htm.
In support of President Bush's New Freedom Initiative, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development has issued a Notice to Public Housing Agencies to ensure that people with disabilities receive the assistance needed in their search for housing under the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The Notice also clarifies issues related to special purpose vouchers for disabled families. Suggestions include:
This is a document that can be used by people with disabilities and their advocates to ensure that people with disabilities receive the services to which they are entitled. To read the full document, visit www.hud.gov/offices/pih/publications/notices/05/pih2005-5.pdf.
Under President Bush's proposed FY 2006 Budget, the Section 811 program, the only program at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that still produces housing for non-elderly people with disabilities, would suffer unprecedented cuts. The program's budget would be cut in half to just $120 million. The remaining budget, rather than being used to produce new housing, would be used for the renewal of existing rent subsidies, leaving very little for new rent subsidies. The budget does propose a $1.079 billion increase for the Section 8 voucher program for FY 2006. Given ever-increasing rents, however, this addition is barely, if at all, enough to renew existing vouchers. This potential shortfall could be passed on to tenants, with housing authorities requiring voucher recipients to pay a higher percentage of their rent. What's more, the budget also proposes a move to “budget-based” funding for the Section 8 program. Such a move would cap funding to housing agencies at a fixed amount that would not account for increased rents or changes in tenant income. This too would increase a voucher recipient's out of pocket cost.
On January 19, 2005, eleven of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies banded together to launch The Together Rx Access Card, a free savings program that helps qualified individuals and families save anywhere from 25%-40% on over 275 brand-name prescription drugs and other prescription products. This program was launched in response to the crisis that many uninsured Americans are facing in obtaining necessary medications. To be eligible, you must not be eligible for Medicare and have no other prescription drug coverage (public or private). Your household income must be equal to or less than $30,000 for a single person, $40,000 for a family of two, $50,000 for a family of three, $60,000 for a family of four, $70,000 for a family of five. You must also be a legal US resident. For more information, visit the Together RX Access Card website at www.togetherrxaccess.com or call (800) 444-4106.
Low income Medicare beneficiaries must act now to take advantage of the full $600 credit offered by the Medicare 2005 prescription drug benefit. In 2005, the value of the drug benefit is reduced by $150 on April 1st, July 1st and October 1st. To get the full $600 those who are eligible must apply before April 1, 2005. For more information on the Medicare-Approved Prescription Drug Discount Card, call (800) 633-4227 (Voice), (800) 486-2048 (TTY) or visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services website at www.cms.hhs.gov/medicarereform/drugcard/.
The United Spinal Association, a national disability rights organization, launched a new web site dedicated to reversing Medicare's in-the-home policy, which greatly restricts access to needed wheelchairs and scooters. According to Rightwheelchair.org, "Medicare policy dictates that people with disabilities who depend on Medicare be prisoners in their own homes, rather than active participants in their communities. If you are “bed or chair confined” and need a wheelchair for use only “in-your-home” between your bedroom, bathroom or kitchen, Medicare may buy you a wheelchair or scooter. But if you want to go to your pharmacy, grocery store, bank, place of worship, or your physician’s office, or travel to work or school, you’re on your own." This website serves as the vehicle to make your story known. If this policy has impacted you or someone you care about, visit Rightwheelchair.org to learn how you can join the effort to change this harmful policy.
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is available to people who work but do not earn substantial income outside of their government benefits such as SSI. You may be eligible even if you are not required to file a tax return. To learn if you qualify, visit the IRS EITC webpage at http://www.irs.gov/eitc or call the IRS at (800) 829-1040.
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.
RWF Talking Software, a company based in the United Kingdom, is offering, for a limited time, a free Software CD for their Talking Dictionary, a speech enabled 250,000 word English dictionary and thesaurus. This program offers such features as a spell checker and the ability to quickly scroll through various word definitions and synonyms. The software will run on computers with Windows 95 or greater. Your computer must also have a soundcard and speakers. To order, please visit the RWF Talking Software website at www.rwfts.com.
A poll commissioned by the National Organization with Disabilities (N.O.D.) shows Americans with disabilities broke away from past voting tendencies toward Democratic candidates. The survey shows that a clear majority of voters with disabilities chose George W. Bush over Sen. John Kerry in the November 2004 Election. According to a survey conducted by telephone between October 29 and November 1, 2004 by Harris Interactive, likely voters with disabilities preferred President George W. Bush over Senator John Kerry by 52.5 percent to 46 percent. N.O.D. President Alan Reich attributes the shift in voting patterns for people with disabilities in this election in part to concerns over terrorism and over personal and national security — issues that were not factors in past elections. Further data shows that about 11% more people with disabilities voted in this election than in 2000.
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.
Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for more than 51 million Americans will increase by 2.7 percent in 2005. Information about the changes in 2005 can be found at the Department of Health and Human Services website.
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