Announcement/Press release

IL NET of Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) will present a three-week distance learning course. The online program is designed to help CIL and SILC leaders manage organization finances more effectively. Upon completion, participants will be able to identify key components of sound fiscal management, develop fiscal reports, prepare and deliver agency and program budgets, identify fiscal risk management controls, and define appropriate roles for board and staff financial oversight.

It is necessary for organizations working with vulnerable people to recruit and advance promising leaders as well as further renew and encourage existing leaders. This specialized five-day event prepares the next generation of leaders as the present baby boomers begin to leave the field of advocacy, academia and governmental services. Participants will develop a proposal that identifies key leadership issues that each believes their organization ought to pursue. The event is in March 2006.

As part of the New Freedom Initiative, 17 states have been awarded Real Choice System Changes grants. The $25.8 million in grants is to help people of all ages with disabilities or long-term illnesses live in their homes and participate fully in community life. Review the list of Systems Transformation Grant Awardees and Family to Family Health Information and Education Center Awardees.

Dr. Margaret Giannini, Director of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office on Disability needs our help to locate hurricane survivors who were placed in nursing homes and other restrictive facilities. HHS is enlisting our help so they can work with HUD to get these folks back out of the nursing homes and into temporary housing in the community. The attached memo details ways you can send specific information about survivors.

Organizations interested in applying to become Employment Networks (EN) can now do so directly with the Social Security Administration, no longer having to process requests through MAXIMUS. All Request for Proposal (RFP) applications can be downloaded from the Federal procurement web site. This press release provides detailed instructions and contact information.

The CT Real Choice statewide conference will be held September 16, 2005. Participants will spend the day in meaningful dialogue and discussion around one central question: “How can I help build a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive community that supports all its residents to be full participants?” The Keynote address will serve as a catalyst for an “Open Space Marketplace of Ideas” on building inclusive communities. Bring your ideas, passions, concerns and questions to share and explore.

CMS announced that a certificate of medical necessity is no longer required for power wheelchair and power operated vehicle claims. This is another step to streamline and ensure appropriate access for people with Medicare to power operated vehicles. In an interim final rule with opportunity to comment that went on display at the Federal Register, CMS clarified the requirements for prescribing, supplying, and receiving payment for these vehicles. Review the interim final rule and fact sheet.

A new report finds that the Senate Appropriations Committee’s HUD funding bill would do a better job than the comparable House bill of repairing recent damage to the housing voucher program. The report shows how each of the bills would affect state and local housing agencies across the nation. There are differences between the two bills, however both would change the way voucher funds are divided among housing agencies and both would increase voucher funding for 2006.

The Children with Special Health Care Needs Program developed the outreach materials in October and November of 2004. You will find the radio scripts and sample radio ads for many of the outreach campaigns including: Clinging to Hope, Aphasia, Cleft Lip, PKU, Severe Burns, Heart Defects, Newborn Screenings, Basic 800 info spot, and the Covering Kids and Families Health Care Project. The program aired in both English and Spanish in cooperation with the Nevada Broadcasters Association.

On August 18, 2005 CMS Administrator Mark B. McClellan, and Administration on Aging Assistant Secretary Josefina Carbonell announced $15 million in grants to 19 states to create a single source of information and assistance for families navigating the often confusing array of long-term care services. Part of the New Freedom Initiative, the ADRC grants are jointly administered by CMS and HHS’ Administration on Aging. A complete list of grantees and award amounts are included in the press release.