Latest Disability-related News
This section lists information and links to disability-related news articles, press releases, and reports that have been published within the past two months. This information is provided as a public service by the Ohio Legal Rights Service (OLRS). OLRS attempts to verify that the information provided is helpful for people with disabilities. However, OLRS does not guarantee that the information provided is accurate or right for the particular needs of the person.
- Senate bill will eliminate "mental retardation" and "mentally retarded" from federal law books, posted November 19, 2009
- Hearing will be held on November 19 on the status of the Social Security disability claims backlogs, posted November 18, 2009
- H1N1 (Swine Flu) information for people with disabilities, posted November 16, 2009
- Consumer guide helps those dealing with medical debt, posted November 13, 2009
- Active and retired military members and families: Take a survey on improving mental health services in Ohio, posted November 11, 2009
- Let your voice be heard on how to improve transportation, posted November 10, 2009
- Poverty and disability closely linked, according to report, posted November 10, 2009
- Read the Fall Special Edition of the DD Quarterly, posted November 6, 2009
- U.S. Department of Education issues new regulations for post-secondary programs for students with disabilities, posted November 5, 2009
- Service members who are disabled encouraged to apply for Social Security benefits, posted November 5, 2009
- Public hearing for ODJFS' Medicaid reimbursement rules will be held on November 9, posted November 3, 2009
- More Ohioans may qualify for heating assistance through the state's HEAP program, posted November 3, 2009
- Take RSC's needs assessment survey, posted October 30, 2009
- New employment program offered to people with severe mental illnesses, posted October 30, 2009
- Social Security Administration ordered to provide notices in alternative formats to people who are blind or who have low vision, posted October 30, 2009
- Medicare Part D annual enrollment period begins November 15, posted October 30, 2009
- Budget watch update: Money Follows the Person stories featured in Ohio newspaper, posted October 27, 2009
- Voters can now access information online from all County Elections Boards, posted October 26, 2009
- Public Town Hall Listening Sessions on EEOC's proposed regulations under the ADA Amendments Act, posted October 23, 2009
- No payment increase in 2010 for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries, posted October 16, 2009
- Report rates states on health performance; Ohio ranks 27th, posted October 16, 2009
- Disability Medical Assistance medical coverage ends October 31, 2009, posted October 16, 2009
- Health officials say certain medical conditions contribute to severe cases of the H1N1 flu, posted October 14, 2009
- VA recognizes more illnesses that may be related to Agent Orange, posted October 14, 2009
- Disney Segway lawsuit dismissed, posted October 8, 2009
- Landmark housing discrimination case involving a person with a disability settled in Connecticut, posted October 7, 2009
- Social Security will pay back benefits that were unfairly denied from alleged fugitives, posted September 8, 2009
- First Lady Frances Strickland Leads Ohio's Disability Employment Awareness Celebration, posted October 2, 2009
- Online guide allows Ohio voters to learn about judicial candidates, posted September 30, 2009
- Volunteers needed for Annual Ohio Partners in Policymaking gathering, posted September 30, 2009
- Ohio Poverty Law Center Prisoner Reentry Project, posted September 28, 2009
- Senate hearings held on mental health care in prisons, posted September 25, 2009
- National survey seeks input from people about mental health needs in school, posted September 24, 2009
- Complete the U.S. Department of Education Parent Survey, posted September 24, 2009
- ODJFS seeks input on proposed rules about Medicaid level of care, posted September 22, 2009
- Letter to the editor questions the use of binding arbitration in nursing homes, posted September 22, 2009
- Employers: Become a "Ticket Partner" and commit to hiring people with disabilities, posted September 22, 2009
- Latest DD Quarterly newsletter focuses on employment and people with disabilities, posted September 22, 2009
- Breaking the notion that once people have settled into a nursing home, they will be there forever, posted September 21, 2009
Some links in this section are to documents created in Adobe® Portable Document Format (PDF). To view and print PDF documents, you need to have Adobe® Reader®, a free software program, installed on your computer. Download Adobe® Reader®.
November 19, 2009: The term "intellectual disability" will replace "mental retardation" and "mentally retarded" in federal education, health and labor law books if a U.S. Senate bill becomes law. The bill, called Rosa's Law, was introduced on November 18 by U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski. According to Senator Mikulski's press release, the bill does not expand or diminish services, rights or educational opportunities. Instead, the bill makes the "federal law language consistent with that used by the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization and the President of the United States, through his Committee on Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities." People with disabilities and advocacy groups have expressed their support for the bill.
Read more from the Justice for All blog: Senate Law Seeks to Replace "Mental Retardation" with "Intellectual Disability" - Community Applauds
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November 18, 2009: A Social Security Task Force will present testimony to the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee hearing on Thursday, November 19 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will review the progress in the Social Security Administration's (SSA) hearing backlog and workloads issues. People can also submit comments for the record on SSA's hearing backlog.
For more information, read the notice for the Hearing on Clearing the Disability Claims Backlogs. You can also view the hearing live on the House Ways and Means Committee Web site.
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November 16, 2009: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has added information on its Flu.gov Web site that is specific to people with disabilities. Read more about this resource and others: H1N1 (Swine Flu) information for people with disabilities
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November 13, 2009: Families USA, an advocacy organization for health care consumers, published a guide that details the legal rights and primary actions consumers should take to deal with rising medical expenses. "Your Medical Bills: A Consumer's Guide to Coping with Medical Debt"provides step-by-step instructions on dealing with medical bills, beginning with the importance of reviewing each bill and learning how to appeal charges that may be inappropriate or that should be covered by insurance. The guide also offers advice on finding outside assistance, discusses federal and state protections for individuals dealing with medical debt and what actions can be legally taken against them to collect medical debt. State-specific information and services are provided.
Read the guide: Your Medical Bills: A Consumer's Guide to Coping with Medical Debt
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November 11, 2009: The Ohio Department of Mental Health and the Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural Competence are asking for input on how the State of Ohio can better provide mental health services to active and retired members of the military and their families. This information, along with a series of regional focus groups, will be used to compile a statewide needs assessment report. The survey is anonymous and available online until November 18, 2009.
Take the survey: 2009 Veteran and Family "Learning Your Needs" Survey
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November 10, 2009: The United We Ride National Dialogue is currently underway and seeking suggestions and ideas on how to increase access to affordable and reliable transportation services for people with disabilities, older adults and people with limited incomes. You can post your ideas on the National Dialogue Web site and also rate and comment on ideas already posted. The results of your feedback during this Dialogue will be given to the members of the Federal Interagency Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility to assist them in future decisions related to policies, programs and updates to its strategic plan. All individuals who register and provide email addresses will receive feedback on the results. The Dialogue is open through Friday, November 13.
For more information: United We Ride National Dialogue
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November 10, 2009: The Center for Economic and Policy Research, issued a report that looks at the link between poverty and people with disabilities. According to a press release from the Center, "The share of people experiencing income poverty who have disabilities is far larger than conventionally understood. Nearly half of all working-age adults experiencing poverty during the year have a disability, and more than half of household heads will experience a period of disability by their mid-50s." The report reviews recent research on disability and poverty that finds higher rates of disability over the life cycle and among persons experiencing poverty than earlier research. "This research employs newer, sophisticated data sources and defines disability in a way more consistent with the modern consensus," states the Center.
Read the report: Half in Ten: Why Taking Disability into Account is Essential to Reducing Income Poverty and Expanding Economic Inclusion (PDF file)
Read the press release: Role of Disabilities Ignored for Tens of Millions Experiencing Income Poverty
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November 6, 2009: A special edition of the DD Quarterly newsletter is now available. This issue focuses on the recent health care and employment forums, advocacy awards and a family support publication written by an Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council grantee. The DD Quarterly is the newsletter of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council and produced by the Ohio Legal Rights Service.
Read the newsletter: DD Quarterly - Fall Special Edition 2009
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November 5, 2009: The U.S. Department of Education published rules on October 29, 2009 in the Federal Register for post-secondary education programs and federal financial aid. The regulations affect the ability of students with intellectual disabilities to receive federal financial aid if they enroll in comprehensive transition and post-secondary education programs. Jessica Butler of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) analyzed and wrote an article about the effects of the regulations on students with disabilities.
She states that the new rules enable students to qualify for federal student financial aid under modified standards. The rules also impose specific requirements to establish whether a student has an intellectual disability, making it important for high school students to meet specific requirements and obtain the appropriate documentation. Students with autism, traumatic brain injury and other disabilities now may qualify if they otherwise meet standards for intellectual disability.
Butler concludes that comprehensive transition and post-secondary education programs are an excellent way for children with intellectual disabilities to receive a post-secondary education and the benefits that this has for employment and that care should be taken to ensure that high school students have their documentation in order, so that they qualify for federal student financial aid if they enroll in these programs.
Read the rules:
To request the complete analysis, contact Jessica Butler at jessicabutler@ymail.com
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November 5, 2009: Military service members, who became disabled while on active military service on or after October 1, 2001, can receive expedited processing of disability claims from the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSA benefits are in addition to those received from the Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application.
SSA recently held a Webinar to increase awareness about these benefits and encourages military service members to apply immediately. You can view the Webinar from the SSA Web site: Social Security for Wounded Warriors. (The Webinar is best viewed in Internet Explorer.)
Information, including an online application, is also available on the SSA's Social Security for Wounded Warriors Web site. Or you can visit your nearest Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 or TTY 1-800-325-0778.
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November 3, 2009: The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is holding a public hearing on Monday, November 9 to consider the amendment of several rules related to Medicaid reimbursement. The following rules are being considered.
Medicaid Reimbursement rules notice (PDF file) includes:
- 5101:3-1-60, Medicaid Reimbursement
- 5101:3-4-21.2, Anesthesia Conversion Factors
- 5101:3-5-02, Dental Program: Covered Diagnostic Services and Limitations
- 5101:3-5-04, Dental Program: Covered Preventive Services and Limitations
- 5101:3-10-05, Reimbursement for Covered Services
- 5101:3-10-26, Enteral Nutritional Products
- 5101:3-12-05, Reimbursement: Home Health Services
- 5101:3-12-06, Reimbursement: Private Duty Nursing Services
Waiver Programs Reimbursement Rates and Billing Procedures notice (PDF file) includes:
- 5101:3-46-06, Ohio Home Care Waiver Program: Reimbursement Rates and Billing Procedures
- 5101:3-47-06, Transitions MR/DD Waiver Program: Reimbursement Rates and Billing Procedures
- 5101:3-50-06, Transitions Carve-Out Waiver Program: Reimbursement Rates and Billing Procedures
The Federal Medicaid Notice and Public Hearing Notice states that the rules are being amended for cost savings measures as prescribed in Amended Substitute House Bill 1 (the state's budget bill). The hearing will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the Vern Riffe Center, 77 South High Street, Room 1948, Columbus, Ohio 43215.
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November 3, 2009: The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Program, administered by the Ohio Department of Development, Office of Community Service, is accepting applications for the 2009-2010 winter season beginning November 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010. The program is designed to help eligible low-income Ohioans meet the high costs of home heating. The household income requirement was changed so that more Ohioans may be eligible for this service. Now, your total household income must be at or below 200 percent (previously 175 percent) of the federal poverty level. The amount of the one-time HEAP benefit depends on federal funding levels, how many people live in your home, total household income and the primary fuel used to heat your home. Emergency assistance is also available.
For more information: Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
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October 30, 2009: People with severe mental illnesses are being offered supported employment services through the Central Ohio Supported Employment Collaborative initiated by the Center of Vocational Alternatives (COVA). The project is funded jointly by the mental health boards of Franklin, Delaware and Fairfield counties and the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission's Pathways II program. The program incorporates evidence-based principles of supported employment into the individuals existing treatment services.
Read more: Partners debut new employment model
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October 30, 2009: Social Security beneficiaries and representative payees who are blind or who have low vision will now have the option of receiving notices and other communications from the Social Security Administration (SSA) in Braille or Word document on a CD. A federal district judge's order in this class action lawsuit puts this into effect no later than April 15, 2010. Other alternative formats, such as large print or audiotape, are not ordered but may be individually requested. The ruling also forbids the reduction or termination of benefits for any person shown on SSA records to be blind or visually impaired unless that person has been notified of their options and has received notice in the format requested.
Source: National Senior Citizens Law Center Advocacy Update
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October 30, 2009: The Medicare Part D annual enrollment period begins November 15, 2009 and lasts until December 31, 2009. New plan benefit packages take effect January 1, 2010. The National Senior Citizens Law Center (NCLC) urges beneficiaries to take the time to review changes to their plan for 2010 because the plan that worked best in 2009, may not work the best in 2010. Read more: Low-Income Advocate Alert
On Medicare Part D
The Social Security Administration announced that while all Medicare beneficiaries can participate in the prescription drug program, some people with limited income and resources also are eligible for extra help to pay for monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. The extra help is worth an average of $3,900 per year. Read more: Changes in the Law Could Make More People Eligible for Extra Help in 2010
For more information about Medicare D, refer to the Medicare Part D Resources section of the OLRS Web site.
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October 30, 2009: The Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission (RSC) is seeking input as it develops the agency's strategic plan and state plan to improve services to Ohioans with disabilities and Ohio employers. The survey is part of the Comprehensive Statewide Needs Assessment required by the Code of Federal Regulations and is used to assist RSC in establishing priorities. This year's survey is a cooperative effort between RSC, the Ohio State Independent Living Council, and the Brain Injury Program.
Take the survey:
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October 26, 2009: All 88 Ohio county boards of elections now have their own Web site to provide voters with county-specific information including hours of operation, the location of board offices, information on board operations and election results. A link to each Web site is available from the County Boards of Elections Directory of the Secretary of State's office Web site.
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October 23, 2009: The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division will hold a series of joint Town Hall Listening Sessions on EEOC's proposed regulations under the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA). These proposed regulations make changes to the definition of disability as a result of the ADA Amendments Act that went into effect January 1, 2009. These sessions will be held throughout the country to obtain direct input from the business/employer communities and the disability and disability advocacy communities on the proposed regulations. Although none of the sessions will be held in Ohio, individuals and organizations can submit comments in writing to the Regulations.gov Web site (ID number to use is 3046-AA85). Written comments can also be submitted to Stephen Llewellyn, Executive Officer, Executive Secretariat, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 131 M Street, NE., Suite 4NW08R, Room 6NE03F, Washington, DC 20507. The Commission will accept comments of six or fewer pages by FAX at 202-663-4114. Comments must be submitted on or before November 23, 2009.
For more information, read the EEOC's question and answer guide: Questions and Answers on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the ADA Amendments Act of 2008
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October 16, 2009: The Social Security Administration (SSA), since 1975, automatically applies a Cost-of-Living Adjustment to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. However, because of the decline in the Consumer Price Index, there will be no adjustment for 2010.
For more information: Cost-Of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
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October 16, 2009: Ohio ranked 27th on the Commonwealth Fund's State Scorecard on Health System Performance, dropping from 26th on the 2007 Scorecard. The Commonwealth Fund uses the Scorecard to assess states' performance on health care relative to achievable benchmarks for 38 indicators of access, quality, costs and health outcomes. The Commonwealth Fund states, "The 2009 State Scorecard paints a picture of health care systems under stress, with deteriorating health insurance coverage for adults and rising health care costs." Focused on identifying opportunities to improve, the Scorecard includes state-specific rankings and results compared to benchmarks, and provides information about the number of lives and dollars each state could save by achieving benchmark levels of performance. For Ohio, the dollars that would be saved from reducing Medicare readmissions would be $162,254,116.
Read the report: Aiming Higher: Results from a State Scorecard on Health System Performance, 2009
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October 16, 2009: Ohio's budget bill included a provision to end the Disability Medical Assistance (DMA) program on October 31, 2009. If you received DMA services, you might qualify for other benefits. Inform your county Job and Family Services caseworker of any changes, such as:
- If you are now 65 or older,
- If there has been a change in the number of people living with you,
- If you are pregnant,
- If your medical condition has changed,
- If you receive other benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability or Medicare,
- If your income has changed.
You can call 2-1-1 (if available in your county), your local United Way or the Ohio Benefit Bank at 1-800-648-1176 to find out more about other help that may be available. If you are a veteran, call 1-877-OHIOVET (1-877-644-6838) to see if you are eligible for medical services.
Call the ODJFS Medicaid Consumer Hotline for questions about DMA program changes or for a listing of Prescription Assistance Programs at 1-800-324-8680 or TDD 1-800-292-3572. For prescription drug assistance, you can also check with Ohio Best Rx or Rx for Ohio.
People who have been denied Medicaid, Social Security or other public benefits should seek help at their local legal aid office. To locate your local legal aid organization, call 1-866-LAW-OHIO (1-866-529-6446) or go to the Ohio Legal Services Web site.
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October 14, 2009: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), based on an analysis in 10 states of people hospitalized with H1N1, states that asthma is the most common underlying condition associated with severe cases of H1N1. Children predisposed to life-threatening effects of the virus are those who have chronic health conditions, especially associated with respiratory issues, such as sickle cell anemia, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy. Although those who are at high risk are first in line for the vaccine, the CDC advises them to wait for the injection form rather than the nasal form.
Sources: H1N1 and asthma and H1N1 Striking Children With Disabilities Hard, Officials Say
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October 14, 2009: Three illnesses — hairy cell leukemia; Parkinson's disease; and ischemic heart disease — have been established as service-connected illnesses to exposure to Agent Orange, according to a press release from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Veterans who served in Vietnam during the war when Agent Orange was used and who have a "presumed" illness don't have to prove an association between their illnesses and their military service. For information about Agent Orange, possible health problems and related VA benefits, see Agent Orange.
Read the press release: VA Extends "Agent Orange" Benefits to More Veterans
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October 8, 2009: A judge rejected a proposed settlement and dismissed a case involving a complaint against Walt Disney World Company. The plaintiffs filed their original complaint (Ault v. Walt Disney World Co.) alleging that Disney violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act by failing to modify its policy banning Segways from the four Walt Disney World theme parks in Florida. The judge stated that the use of a Segway was a preference and was not essential to accessing Disney's parks since other mobility devices were already offered at the parks.
Read Bloomberg article about the case: Disney Wins Segway Suit Dismissal; Settlement Voided
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October 7, 2009: The Connecticut Fair Housing Center and the State of Connecticut Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities settled a landmark housing discrimination case against an apartment complex, New Horizons, that provides independent housing for people with severe physical disabilities. Under the consent decree, New Horizons cannot require tenants to open their private medical records for review and to show that they can live independently. New Horizons was also order to pay damages and attorney's fees of $600,000 to the former tenant who brought on the lawsuit. The case involved a women who lived at the apartment complex and, after a brief hospital stay, was considered "too disabled" to return to her apartment. New Horizons based their decision on the tenant's medical records, which was a part of their "independent living policy" that required tenants and applicants to disclose medical records — a violation of the Fair Housing Act.
Read more from RealEstateRama Connecticut: $600,000 Settlement Ends Discriminatory Policies at Housing Complex for Persons with Disabilities
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September 8, 2009: On September 24, 2009, a U.S. District Court granted final approval to a settlement that ends Social Security Administration's (SSA) policy of denying or suspending benefits based on an arrest warrant alone. As of April 1, 2009, no one applying for benefits will be denied benefits because of a felony warrant unless the applicant is in fact "fleeing." SSA will pay $500 million in back benefits withheld from 80,000 people since January 1, 2007. Those whose benefits were denied or suspended between 2000 and 2006 and who are not receiving benefits will be notified so that they can re-establish eligibility.
For more information about the settlement: Martinez Settlement
For more information about the notice to class members and the fairness hearing: Class Action Notice (PDF file)
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October 2, 2009: Ohio's First Lady Frances Strickland will lead Ohio's celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness month on the west lawn of the Ohio Statehouse on Thursday, October 8, 2009, from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The theme for this year's celebration, sponsored by the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission (RSC) and the Governor's Council on People with Disabilities, is "Ohio Workers with Disabilities: Diverse, Reliable, Good for Business." The event will recognize Ohio's American Recovery & Reinvestment Act Stimulus Projects and local Pathways Partners that are strengthening Ohio's statewide network of disability employment services. This free event is open to everyone and will also showcase RSC's new Administrator Michael Rench, the School for the Deaf signing the pledge of allegiance, Ohio workers with disabilities and their employers, assistive technology on display and artwork from the Hattie Larlham Creative Arts School, Akron Ohio. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held inside the Statehouse in the Atrium.
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September 30, 2009: An online Ohio Judicial Voter Guide is available from the Secretary of State Web site for Ohio voters to learn about judicial candidates running for municipal court seats across the state. The Ohio Judicial Voter Guide, developed by the Supreme Court of Ohio, the state Legislature and the Ohio State Bar Association, allows people to search for candidates and view their submitted personal statement, education information and employment history.
Use the guide: Ohio Judicial Voter Guide 2009
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September 30, 2009: Volunteers are needed on Friday, October 9, 2009 and Saturday, October 10, 2009 for the 5th Annual Ohio Partners in Policymaking Gathering being held at the Hyatt Capitol Square in downtown Columbus. The gathering is an opportunity for Ohio graduates of Partners in Policymaking to come together for networking, update on best practices and issues and pending state and federal legislation. The event organizers need volunteers who are able to work with a diverse group of people and be comfortable helping self-advocates. Volunteers will assist the group from the hotel and throughout the Capitol Building, work at the registration table, help facilitate interactive discussion and guide participants to breakout session rooms. For more information, contact Renee Nemeth by email at renee.nemeth@yahoo.com or by phone at 330-225-2574 by Wednesday, October 7, 2009
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September 28, 2009: The Ohio Poverty Law Center (OPLC) launched a two-year Equal Justice Works Fellowship project focusing on adult and juvenile prisoner reentry in Ohio. According to OPLC, "post-release individuals are negatively effected by many legal issue areas, including housing, employment, child custody, domestic violence, education and job training, health care, public benefits and expungement." The project aims to make changes in services and supports to help reduce Ohio's recidivism rate of nearly 2/3 within three years of release. Currently, OPLC is compiling a comprehensive list of re-entry programs in Ohio and would like to hear from organizations that are familiar with re-entry programs in their service areas or are working on re-entry issues. The organizations should contact Melissa Lindsay at 614-221-7201 ext. 113 or by email at mlindsay@ohiopovertylaw.org.
For more information: Ohio Poverty Law Center Prisoner Reentry Project information sheet (PDF file)
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September 25, 2009: A Senate judiciary committee subcommittee recently held a hearing on mental health care in prisons. Read the witness testimonies on the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary Web site: Human Rights at Home: Mental Illness in U.S. Prisons and Jails
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September 24, 2009: The REACH Institute, an organization that works to improve the mental health of American youth with emotional and behavioral challenges, is conducting a survey to gather comments about how to improve mental health services in schools. The deadline to complete the survey is October 2, 2009.
Take the survey: REACH Institute Survey of School Mental Health Needs
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September 24, 2009: The US Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is visiting the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) for a verification visit on October 26, 2009 to learn how the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act and the Ohio law is working for families and their children. To determine this, OSEP has asked parents to take a brief online survey to share their experiences. Responses are confidential, names will not be used and results will be presented in summary form. Deadline to complete the survey is September 30, 2009.
Take the survey:
Source: Ohio Coalition for the Education of Children with Disabilities
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September 22, 2009: The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is conducting a "Medicaid Level of Care Survey." The Front Door Stakeholder Group, formed from Ohio's Money Follows the Person Grant, recently completed work to revise pre-admission screening and resident review policy. The Stakeholder Group is preparing for its next phase of work which involves short term changes to Ohio's Level of Care Criteria and Process. The survey originally ended on July 27, but was re-opened in order to gain more input.
Read more about he survey: ODJFS Medicaid Level of Care Survey
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September 22, 2009: Read a letter to the editor in The Columbus Dispatch about binding arbitration in nursing homes and the proposed Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act.
Read the letter: Binding arbitration favors nursing home
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September 22, 2009: Employers can take advantage of a new option offered through the Ticket to Work program, an employment program for people with disabilities, by participating as a Employer Partner. CESSI, the Ticket to Work Program Manager for Recruitment and Outreach, on behalf of the Social Security Administration, said that "partners get a leg up on the competition in recruiting qualified individuals with disabilities to join their workforce." Additional benefits of becoming an Employer Partner include:
- free posting of the company logo, a link to the company's careers Web site or job postings, and the company's diversity hiring statement on CESSI's Ticket to Work Web site;
- the possibility of being eligible to claim the Work Opportunity Tax Credit for every Ticket Holder hired;
- assistance in meeting diversity hiring goals; and,
- increased visibility to Employment Networks and other local service providers who will refer qualified job candidates.
For more information: Ticket to Work: Employer Partners - Because Diversity Works!
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September 22, 2009: The latest issue of the DD Quarterly newsletter is now available. This issue focuses on employment issues and information, and employment rights for people with disabilities. The DD Quarterly is the newsletter of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council and produced by the Ohio Legal Rights Service.
Read the newsletter: DD Quarterly - Fall 2009
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September 21, 2009: The New York Times published an article about how programs in many states are disproving "the notion that once people have settled into a nursing home, they will be there forever." The article highlighted individuals who live in Philadelphia who were successfully moved back into the community and reported that 29 states have coordinated with the federal Medicaid program to "finance such programs, enabling the low-income elderly and people with disabilities to receive many services in their own homes."
Read the article: Helping Elderly Leave Nursing Homes for a Home
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