Physical Disabilities

States are confronting challenging budgets along with the need to implement health reform. Many are looking to improve long-term care as a way to control costs and serve seniors and people with disabilities in settings they prefer. This newsletter describes provisions in the Affordable Care Act that assist states in expanding HCBS, the growing movement to improve facility-based care, and innovative programs in three states that seek to provide consumer-directed long-term care.

The ADRC program’s purpose is to help people of all ages, disabilities, and income levels more easily access LTSS through single points of entry, make more efficient use of care options, and maximize the services available. This publication provides background on the evolution of ADRCs, their functions and implementation, grants to states, and state and federal evaluation efforts. It also points to selected issues in continuing ADRC implementation.

Wisconsin was one of four state based projects authorized by the SSA to begin testing a proposed benefit offset feature for the SSDI program. The pilot program was able to organize and implement its activities much as had been planned, however there were serious implementation problems at the Social Security Administration, according to this report which presents findings from both a process evaluation and the analysis of participant employment related outcomes.

The percentage of individuals with disabilities in the federal government has not increased since 1994, according to this report. Read highlights of a forum where participants, by prioritizing practices offered by subject matter experts, identified eight steps that agencies could take to help the federal government become a model employer for people with disabilities.

DB101 provides online tools, resources and information on health coverage, work and benefits for people with disabilities and those supporting them. Four states (California, Minnesota, Michigan and New Jersey) have their own sites, which include benefits calculators to help individuals understand how a job may affect total income and health coverage, or whether they may qualify for specific state programs. The resource is a product of the Employment and Disability Benefits Initiative.

How are states educating Disability Services providers and other project stakeholders on their MIG plans? Attached are two diagrams of the components and status of MIG projects and activities used in the District of Columbia during planning meetings. These graphic descriptions may be replicable by other states looking to present similar information.

How can we raise awareness that hiring individuals with disabilities makes good business sense? The mission of the DC Metro Business Leadership Network is to engage and inform regional businesses about the benefits of and resources available for active employment outreach to qualified individuals with disabilities. Attached are outreach materials created by this network.

There are wide variations in the incidence of disability among different groups of the population. A higher rate of disability means an increased likelihood of needing long-term services and supports. “Reducing disability among disadvantaged groups would result in more equal health outcomes and substantial savings in long-term care costs,” according to this report. Read this analysis on the trends of disability among different population groups.

While caregivers of veterans face similar situations as family caregivers in general, they also have unique challenges. The study reveals how providing care affects these caregivers’ lives, what organizations and information sources have been helpful to them, and what programs and services would support and assist them. Attached are links to the Full Report, Executive Summary in English and Spanish, Press Release, and a Key Findings Fact Sheet.

Help preserve an individual's right to make decisions about their life. Find the least restrictive ways to provide them with care, supervision and support they need. This resource is both a course and a reference guide to help people learn about guardianship and its alternatives to help make informed decisions. While geared towards friends and family, care coordinators, support staff, case managers and attorneys may find the information useful as a review and reference for their clients.