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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.
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The Interagency Committee on Disability Research (ICDR) is holding public meetings (stakeholder meetings) in August to allow individuals with disabilities and others (family members, organizations, service providers, disability and rehabilitation research and policy groups, advocacy organizations) the opportunity to suggest ways to improve future disability and rehabilitation research to benefit individuals with disabilities. ICDR is also interested in hearing from individuals concerning how well the existing federal research programs are responding to the changing needs of individuals with disabilities. These comments can cover a wide range of research areas, including, but not limited to:
The meetings will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. and Wednesday, August 13, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
To register to attend and/or provide testimony in person, by telephone, or via Webcast, see the ICDR Stakeholder Meeting Web site. For further information, please contact Carol Blachly at cblachly@cessi.net or visit the Web site.
[posted July 18, 2008]
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The latest edition of the Ohio Development Disabilities Council (ODDC) newsletter, DD Quarterly, offers many articles about issues relevant to Ohioans with developmental disabilities. Topics included in this issue cover community integration, self-determination, ODDC announcements, news from OLRS, upcoming events, and more. The DD Quarterly is produced for ODDC by the Ohio Legal Rights Service.
Read the newsletter: DD Quarterly Newsletter - Summer 2008
[posted July 17, 2008]
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The July 11, 2008 Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report highlighted a Wall Street Journal report about an agreement reached between the House and Senate on the policy framework for legislation that would require employers and health insurers to cover mental illnesses at the same level as physical illnesses. Kaiser reported that "negotiators said the agreement would cost about $1.3 billion over five years and $3.4 billion over 10 years, mostly because of lost tax revenue." The terms of the agreement will be set later in July.
Read the Kaiser report: Senate, House Reach Agreement on Policy Framework for Mental Health Parity Legislation
[posted July 15, 2008]
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Findings in a Families USA report show that most states fail to ensure affordable, adequate health care for consumers, according to an article in the Ohio Consumers for Health Coverage (OCHC) June newsletter. OCHC wrote about the Families USA report and highlighted several key issues:
The findings in the Families USA report are based on a survey of all state insurance departments, as well as a compilation of the laws that each state has in place to protect health care consumers. Data is provided for each state.
Read the report: Failing Grades: State Consumer Protections in the Individual Health Insurance Market
Read OCHC's newsletter article: Ohio Gets a Failing Grade in Providing Consumer Protections in the Individual Health Insurance Market
[posted July 14, 2008]
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The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report recommending improvements to states' mortality review process for individuals with developmental disabilities receiving Medicaid home and community based services (HCBS) waivers, including a process for reporting deaths to state protection and advocacy agencies like OLRS. The GAO visited four states, including Ohio, to gather detailed information on how each reviews deaths of individuals with developmental disabilities. Ohio was selected, according to the report, because the state has a well-established mortality review process. OLRS has been a member of the Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Mortality Review Committee since its inception.
[posted July 7, 2008]
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Christine Brown, owner of Brown-Cooley Associations in Self-Determination out of Fairfield County, and Ruben Garcia, an associate of Brown from Lucas County Ohio, are working together to create a statewide Speakers Bureau. They would like to interview self-advocates from throughout the state to become speakers for their speakers bureau.
The mission of the speakers bureau is "to have individuals going out across the state to raise the voice of local, county, state and legislative issues affecting the lives of people with mental retardation and developmental disabilities (MRDD)." Brown and Garcia feel that the voices of people with disabilities in the MRDD system need to be improved and that individuals self-advocates are the best people to have as speakers since they live in the system, and know what it feels like, what is going well, and what needs improved or changed. The speakers bureau is planned to begin this year.
If you are interested in being a speaker, contact Christine Brown by phone at 740-653-2391.
[posted July 3, 2008]
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The Massachusetts Disabled Persons Protection Commission (DPPC) is conducting a national needs assessment to learn more about the types of response offered to persons with disabilities when they become crime victims. DPPC is conducting this survey under a cooperative agreement with the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Both DPPC and OVC are interested in learning more about the services available to persons with disabilities throughout the United States. All survey information is voluntarily offered by the completing person or organization and all personal identification information gathered will be kept confidential by DPPC. Once the survey data is gathered and analyzed, aggregate information will be available for public dissemination. If you would like that information, please contact marilee.kenney-hunt@massmail.state.ma.us.
Take the survey: National Needs Assessment/Abuse Reporting for Persons with Disabilities
[posted July 3, 2008]
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The National Council on Disability (NCD) is gathering public input for a study of emerging issues and trends affecting the lives of people with disabilities. Information gathered will be used in the development of NCD's next annual progress report to the President and Congress. NCD is seeking input on disability issues including health, housing, employment, insurance, transportation, assistive technology, recreation, emergency preparedness, early intervention and education. Comments are due by July 22, 2008.
For more information: Emerging Trends and People with Disabilities: Public Consultation
[posted July 1, 2008]
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The following announcement was provided by the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council.
The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC) is currently seeking applicants for membership terms beginning in October, 2008. Council membership must comply with categories listed in the federal Development Disabilities Act. Openings this year will be for the following categories: a) two (2) individuals with a developmental disability, and/or b) two (2) parents or guardians of children with a developmental disability. It is possible that one (1) representative will also be selected from a non-governmental agency or private nonprofit group concerned with services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
All candidates for ODDC membership should have experience serving on committees, boards, or organizations. Such experience concerned with persons with developmental disabilities would be especially relevant. Applicants should have first-hand knowledge about developmental disabilities in Ohio.
It is very important that applicants have time to attend six meetings per year and serve on at least two committees. Each meeting of Council occurs over a two-day period.
Serving as a member of Council provides the opportunity to get involved and work in a collaborative manner with state and federal policymakers, state and local providers, and individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members. Council advocates to improve the system of supports and services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, and it conducts grant activities for the same purpose.
Governor Ted Strickland will appoint members for three-year terms beginning October 1, 2008 and ending September 30, 2011. Application packets are available from the ODDC office and must be completed and returned to the office by August 1, 2008. Applications may be requested:
[posted July 1, 2008]
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The Washington University Program in Occupational Therapy is seeking people with a sensory impairment and/or mobility impairment to participate in a research project. This research aims to understand what people with sensory and/or mobility impairments do in their daily lives, how their environments affect their community participation, and what help they need to complete activities. Eligibility requires that you:
If eligibility is established you will receive a code to log on to the survey site and complete the study. All information will be kept confidential and no connection between you and your survey answers will be made. Participants will be reimbursed by either a personal check or by a gift certificate to either Target or Walgreens, and may choose the method of reimbursement they prefer. The web-based assessment contains a set of two surveys and will take approximately one hour to complete.
Learn more about the study: Screener for Community Participation Study
[posted July 1, 2008]
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House Bill 3195, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Restoration Act, passed the House on June 25 with a vote of 402 to 17. The ADA Restoration Act was originally introduced on July 26, 2007 with the purpose of strengthening the definition of disability so that the "severity test" of determining a disability was not as strict as it has been defined by the U.S. Supreme Court. Since the original ADA was passed in 1990, the Court's decisions have severely narrowed the definition of disability, thus limiting who can use the law to challenge discrimination. Cases have been dismissed on the definition of disability with the courts never addressing the discrimination claim.
Negotiations to accommodate the concerns of both the disability and business community were made on May 23, 2008. The negotiations led to draft language that was included in the House bill that was passed. The bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration.
[posted June 26, 2008]
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The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) issued new regulations under the Air Carrier Access Act which prohibits discrimination by air carriers on the basis of disability. The new rule updates and reorganizes existing regulations which were first issued in 1990 and supplemented and clarified over the years, broadens coverage by applying the regulations to foreign carriers, and includes new provisions that address access for passengers who travel with medical oxygen. The updated regulations will take effect on May 13, 2009.
For more information: Access Currents Newsletter
[posted June 23, 2008]
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Negotiations between the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have reached an agreement for a final full mental health parity bill, in particular agreement on three key issues:
The compromise is expected to move quickly through both chambers.
For more information: Historic Agreement Reached on Mental Health Parity
[posted June 23, 2008]
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The Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation seeks outstanding leaders who are parents or family members of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to participate in its 2009 Public Policy Fellowship Program in Washington, D.C. 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 purpose of the Fellowship is to prepare emerging leaders or experienced family advocates to assume leadership in the public policy arena, in their home state and/or nationally. The program includes a stipend and modest relocation expenses. 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. The application deadline for 2009 is August 15, 2008.
For more information: The Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation Parent/Family Public Policy Fellowship Program 2009
[posted June 18, 2008]
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The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) has announced that, with the exception of Rule 3301-51-11, the updated special education rules will be effective on July 1, 2008. At ODE's May board meeting, the State Board adopted a Resolution to Refile Rule 3301-51-11, and this rule is scheduled for adoption in June.
For more information:
[posted June 18, 2008]
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People receiving Social Security payments and other federal benefits now have the option to receive their payments in a prepaid debit card, according to an announcement from the U.S. Treasury. The debit card, called the Direct Express® Debit MasterCard® card, is currently being used in 10 southern states and will be rolled out nationwide this summer. The Treasury states that the debit cards are:
For more information: Direct Express
Read the Treasury's press release: U.S. Treasury Introduces Direct Express® Debit Card for Social Security Payments
[posted June 12, 2008]
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The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced that proposed regulations for the Ticket to Work Program were published in the Federal Register on May 20, 2008 and will go in to effect on July 21, 2008. The SSA states that the proposed changes were, "based on lessons learned and issues arising from SSA's experience in implementing the prior rules.
Read more from the SSA Web site: New Ticket to Work Regulations
[posted June 12, 2008]
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The Department of Justice is seeking public comments on proposed amendments to its regulations implementing Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The proposed regulations will establish specific requirements for the design of accessible public facilities such as courtrooms, and recreation facilities including playgrounds, swimming pools, amusement parks, and golf courses. Comments must be received by August 18, 2008.
To read rules and submit comments: Regulations.gov
Read the Department of Justice press release: The Department of Justice Proposes New Rules to Implement the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
[posted June 6, 2008]
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The TBI Family Caregiver Panel of the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center is holding a meeting to hear from people who provide care or know someone who provides care to a service member who has a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from military service in Iraq or Afghanistan. The group wants to use information they get from caregivers to help create an educational curriculum, which will assist families in providing care. Although the meeting to gather information is being held in Maryland on June 17, comments in writing will be accepted on or before June 30 and can sent by email to mhollman@dvbic.org or by mail to TBI Family Caregiver Panel, Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, 8484 Georgia Avenue, Suite 950, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
For more information: Contact Maraquita Hollman at (301)589-1175 ext. 12 or by email at mhollman@dvbic.org.
[posted June 3, 2008]
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Ohio, as part of a three state consortium that includes Oregon and Minnesota, has a grant from the Office for Special Education Programs of the U.S. Department of Education. The grant is for the development of an alternate assessment based on modified achievement standards. The consortium is working with the American Institutes for Research in developing the test and has developed a draft Eligibility Guidelines and a Decision Flowchart which will assist educators in determining whether the modified assessment would be appropriate for a particular student with a disability. The Office for Exceptional Children of the Ohio Department of Education is requesting comments on these two tools through the use of a Web survey. The survey will be available until August 8, 2008.
Take the survey: Alternate Assessment Based on Modified Achievement Standards (AA-MAS) Survey
[posted June 3, 2008]
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The Unified Long Term Care Budget (ULTCB) workgroup of the Ohio Department of Aging released its final report and recommendations on May 30, 2008. The workgroup was established as required by Am. Sub. H.B. 119 of the 127th General Assembly to assess how to best provide long-term services and supports to the growing population of Ohioans with disabilities and aging Ohioans. The report states that the recommendations are designed to:
The report, over 100 pages long, focuses on the need for Ohio to have a "comprehensive strategy to address the future need of its citizens for long-term services and supports ... in order to create an effective unified long-term care budget."
Read the report: Unified Long-term Care Budget Planning
[posted June 3, 2008]
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Young people with disabilities will soon have an opportunity to receive training for high-tech employment opportunities. Computing Technology Industry Association, through a grant from the NEC Foundation of America, plans to launch an online training program for this purpose for free services to 65 students in the next year. The trainings will be adjusted to the abilities of each student. The online training program is part of the first phase of the grant's national online IT training, mentoring, certification and job placement assistance program.
Read more: Disabled Teens to Access IT Career Training Online
[posted June 2, 2008]
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The United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio has approved a comprehensive settlement of a case brought by a class of children who are detained in facilities owned or managed by the Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS). (S.H. v Stickrath, No. 2: 04-CV-1206) The settlement is based on comprehensive findings by a monitoring team, and includes specific terms to allow for improvement in mental health and special education services to children with disabilities who are ordered to DYS facilities by juvenile courts. The parties were able to overcome a last minute attempt by the U.S. Department of Justice to intervene under its CRIPA (Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act) authority to reach a final settlement.
Read the stipulated judgment: S.H. v. Stickrath (PDF file)
[posted May 21, 2008]
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On May 20, 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled that the U.S. Treasury Department discriminates against people who are blind or who have low vision because they are unable to distinguish the value of paper money. The lawsuit was filed by the American Council of the Blind who asked that the Treasury Department redesign the U.S. paper currency. Different sizes of bills, embossed dots, and raised printing were some of the suggestions offered by the Council. The court agreed that these accommodations were reasonable, effective, and feasible. The Treasury Department has the option to appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Read the American Council of the Blind press release: The U.S. Treasury Department discriminates because it has failed to design and issue paper currency
[posted May 21, 2008]
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The Ohio Disability Vote Coalition (ODVC) will hold a presidential forum in Columbus this summer, to celebrate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The non-partisan event, which will focus strictly on disability policy, will be the only one of its kind in the country, according to Sue Hetrick, ODVC co-chair, and director of advocacy at The Ability Center of Greater Toledo. "This unique opportunity lets voters with disabilities learn firsthand from the candidates themselves what their positions are on disability issues and national policy that affect so many today," said Hetrick. "We are expecting 1,000 people, hopefully most coming from Ohio but likely from other states as well. This is not an Ohio event but rather one with national significance and interest," added Hetrick.
ODVC is partnering with national organizations to produce the event, including their primary partner, the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). AAPD sponsored the first national, cross-disability presidential candidate forum, held in New Hampshire last November, and webcast to a live audience around the country. To read transcripts of the forum, visit the 2008 Presidential Election Action Center. Links to the transcripts are found near the bottom of the site's home page.
Other partners include the National Council on Independent Living, The Arc of the United States, United Cerebral Palsy, Self Advocates Becoming Empowered, Association of University Centers on Disabilities, Disability Rights, Education and Defense Fund, ADAPT, National Coalition of Mental Health, National Spinal Cord Injury Association, and VSA Arts., Inc.
The event is Saturday, July 26, 2008, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial in Columbus, Ohio. Admission is free, however registration is required. For information, contact Sue Hetrick by email at shetrick@abilitycenter.org.
[posted May 21, 2008]
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Public comments are being accepted for the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration's (RSA) strategic performance plan for the vocational rehabilitation (VR) program. The strategic plan will focus on program performance, performance improvement, and outcomes for individuals with significant disabilities. RSA will use the plan to assist state VR agencies to focus their mandated planning activities on practices that will assure progress in providing high quality services for individuals with significant disabilities.
For more information: Comments Invited on Draft Measures to RSA's VR Strategic Performance Plan Goals and Objectives
[posted May 19, 2008]
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