Physical Disabilities

This AARP Public Policy Institute fact sheet and report outlines the need for publicly funded respite services for family caregivers and describes the types available. The research concludes that publicly funded caregiver support programs play an important role in sustaining and strengthening the unpaid, informal care provided by families.

This website is a comprehensive evolving resource on information for people with disabilities who need help and also information for those who want to help and need to know how. The page includes numerous links to websites, agencies and experts that can offer assistance.

The National Council on Disability (NCD) released this report on April 15, 2005. This report provides an overview of steps the Federal Government should take to build a solid and resilient infrastructure that will enable the government to include the diverse populations of people with disabilities in emergency preparedness, disaster relief, and homeland security programs.

This disability preparedness website provides practical information on how people with and without disabilities can prepare for an emergency. It also provides information for family members of, and service providers to, people with disabilities. In addition, this site includes information for emergency planners and first responders to help them to better prepare for serving persons with disabilities.

For the last two years, WV Real Choice has worked in collaboration with other agencies and organizations to create improvements in long term support systems so persons with disabilities and/or long term illnesses can make their own choices and have the necessary supports to live and work in their communities. Attached are the program's community outreach materials such as brochures, flyers, postcards and previous and current conferences advertising materials.

Family Voices of North Dakota developed two presentations to assist families in advocacy, navigate the health care system and create collaborative relationships with health care providers and payers. Review the first presentation <i>Getting the Most From Your Health Care Visits</i> for helpful ideas. The second presentation <i>Parent Leadership: Creating Partnerships</i> offers practical tools in care coordination.

Family Voices of North Dakota is a state chapter of the National Family Voices organization and provides health information and education. As part of the Family to Family grant, this chapter has begun to produce <i>Pass It on…Health Care Policy</i>, an e-newsletter that shares resources, information, and activities regarding care for children with special health care needs. Also visit their website for publications, a link directory, and other interactive resources.

Are you a person with a disability interested in the accessibility of medical clinics? The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Health & Wellness is asking people with disabilities to participate in an on-line survey identifying barriers to routine health care. Information gathered will be used to develop a checklist which health care providers can use to assess their accessibility. The survey takes no longer than 15 minutes to complete and must be answered by September 30.

Maine’s ADRC grantee has produded their first official newsletter. This publication is one method of communication for the ADRC between coalition members, state stakeholders, and the technical advisory group. The newsletter keeps everyone updated on the status of the subcommittees and on work at Maine Eastern Agency on Aging's (EAA) ADRC site. Volumne 1, Issue 1

CMS has acted to assure Medicare, Medicaid and State Children's Health Insurance Programs will accommodate emergency health care needs of beneficiaries and medical providers in Hurricane Katrina devastated states. CMS emergency relief activities and information including a detailed explanation of billing and payment policy revisions, and phone numbers for the state medical assistance offices can be found on this website. Frequently asked questions and their answers will be updated daily by 2pm.