Developmental/Intellectual Disabilities

This document provides guidance to state policymakers on developing more inclusive telework policies and programs. It includes an overview of workplace protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) pertaining to telework; details the components of state telework programs; and indicates how each component can be modified to better accommodate all employees. This brief also offers best practices states are using to advance inclusion in their telework programs.

The AARP Public Policy Institute recently launched a three-year initiative which aims to transform long term care in the United States. LTSS Choices will be a series of reports, blogs, videos, podcasts, and virtual convenings that seek to catalyze reform and spark ideas to modernize LTSS, long term services and supports. The goal is a long-term care system that provides a wide range of choices to meet the dynamic needs and preferences of consumers and their families.

CMS released an update to the COVID-19 Vaccines Toolkit that was released on 10/28/20 and first updated on 11/23/20. This update includes more information on vaccine administration reimbursement and outlines a streamlined review process available to states looking to quickly adjust vaccine administration reimbursement rates in state plans. The toolkit also provides more clarification on managed care network adequacy and the phased distribution and administration approved COVID-19 vaccines.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is approving Nebraska’s fourth submission to amend the following 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers with the Emergency Preparedness and Response Appendix K in order to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The amendments that the state has requested in the Appendix Ks are additive to those previously approved and are effective from March 6, 2020 through March 5, 2021.

The Aging and Adult Services Agency at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has announced the launch of CV19 CheckUp in Michigan, a free, anonymous, personalized online tool that evaluates someone’s risks associated with COVID-19. BellAge developed the tool to help people be safer & healthier, and ensure their individual needs are met during the pandemic. CV19 CheckUp uses artificial intelligence to analyze data each person provides by completing an online questionnaire.

APS TARC recently released an issue brief to address approaches and benefits to quality assurance (QA) as well as considerations in developing a QA program. The brief describes the QA process for documentation, supervisor review and approval, case reading, performance management, and program evaluation. Additionally, the brief provides explanations in who to include in establishing a QA process, why it is important to conduct a QA process, what should be reviewed, and other questions.

ACL recently released the Annual Report on Centers for Independent Living for program year (PY) 2019. CILs offer support for individuals with disabilities who want to live independently in their communities. The CIL program provides financial assistance to local CILs and other CBOs. This annual report includes data from CIL annual program performance reports, federal program staff oversight and compliance activities and publicly available information on grantee websites between 9/30/18 - 9/29/19

AUCD recently released an FAQ document to support state and local disability leaders advocate for the role of individuals with disabilities in the allocation and distribution plans for a COVID-19 vaccine. The FAQ includes information on the approval, manufacturing, allocation, and distribution processes for a COVID-19 vaccine, AUCD network vaccine resources, and links to addition federal, state, and local public health resources.

CMS recently provided an update to the 2021 SSI and Spousal Impoverishment Standards. Spousal impoverishment standards are adjusted in January to reflect changes in the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) federal benefit rate (FBR) and the Consumer Price Index (CPI). These new standards will become effective on January 1, 2021.

Providing telephone reassurance and check-in calls is one key strategy that is being widely used across the country. Programs are engaging volunteers and pulling in staff to meet the need for an increase in such check-in calls. Recognizing that certain conversation skills can help to build trust and deepen engagement, ADvancing States partnered with Emergency Design Collective to create a Conversation Tips Toolkit designed to support reassurance and check-in programs.