Advocates

Family responsibilities discrimination (FRD) occurs when workers are unfairly penalized based on family responsibilities, such as caring for a family member that is older or disabled. Despite the growing number of workers with such responsibilities and the dramatic increase in FRD lawsuits, policies in most states do not yet address it. Find here more information on FRD, a summary of proposed and existing state laws, and resources for further research.

Through advocacy and support services, the Arc of Spokane promotes independence, choice, and improved quality of life for people with developmental disabilities and their families in Eastern Washington. This edition of their newsletter discusses state and county advocacy and politics, words from staff, tax advice, upcoming events, and program information. Check their website regularly for additional issues and news.

Recessions deliver a one-two punch to Medicaid by undercutting available public funds and increasing demand for services. This policy brief presents several options for strengthening Medicaid during these periods. Options outlined include: directing federal funding support; quickly reauthorizing SCHIP; simplifying enrollment; easing burdens imposed by the process of proving citizenship; and expanding coverage to those hit hardest by recession.

Investing in the workforce has more benefits than improving the quality of care. The long-term care industry employs more people than nearly any other in the U.S. Direct-care jobs are the employment core of this industry and are among the nation’s fastest-growing occupations. Improving the quality of these jobs is not only vital to our social infrastructure, but has the potential to drive economic growth, particularly within low-income communities.

The Older Americans Act (OAA) gave rise to important HCBS programs such as the Choices for Independence initiative, ADRCs, and Nursing Home Diversion grants. Here is a concise summary of the legislation, its reauthorization in 2006, and data on the types of support provided under these programs, recipients, and expenditures.

This summary of demographic and economic statistics from 2007 on the non-institutionalized population with disabilities is meant for policy makers, advocates, reporters, and the public. Data include information on the population size and disability prevalence for various demographic subpopulations, as well as statistics related to employment, earnings, and household income. Comparisons are made to people without disabilities and across disability types.

Here is a one stop resource of documents and history related to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA). In addition to the text, summary, and legislative history of the laws, you can find advocacy resources, news and analysis. The attached article serves as a general summary of the history of the ADA and the effort to restore its original intent of achieving full civil rights for people with disabilities through the ADAAA.

NASHP produced this report and webinar to help states provide Medicaid and SCHIP coverage to youth involved with or exiting foster care and juvenile justice systems. The report focuses on simplifying enrollment, enhancing retention through transitions, and integrating services with partners. The webinar slides present the report findings in brief and highlight programs in New Mexico and Washington that focus on the juvenile justice system and youths released from incarceration.

The author of this policy brief presents his perspective on the future challenges of long-term care (LTC) in the U.S., with a focus on family caregivers, public policy, and funding. Noting the strain placed on caregivers and the market dynamics that discourage the purchase of LTC insurance, he encourages a broader role for the public sector. These include more funding for the National Family Caregiver Support Program and expanding Medicare to cover comprehensive LTC services.

These short documents provide information on common health concerns for elderly people that can be caused or exacerbated by environmental factors. Elderly people, caretakers, and educators can use these resources to identify and prevent potential health threats. The fact sheets are available here in English and Spanish. They are available in 13 additional languages as well as large print and easy to read formats on the EPA website provided.