The National Advisory Board advocates for the rights of older adults and people with disablities to live healthy, independent lives at home.
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As many Americans dig in for a second week of social distancing, catch up on all the news related to disability, and older Americans as well as a roundup of Coronavirus articles in What We’re Reading
Self isolation from COVID-19 has many Americans staying indoors and getting acquainted with homeschool and telework for the first time. If you are dealing with the isolation blues or just need a little support, here are some Isolation Essentials to help get you through.
thehill.com/changing-america/opinion/490850-for-those-with-autism-and-invisible-disabilities-soci...
thehill.com
How do we help everyone reconnect once this period of social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic is over?www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-stimulus-checks-20200401.html
www.inquirer.com
Democrats and some Republicans criticized the IRS for requiring so many extra hurdles for this vulnerable population to get aid when the government already has their information on file.Coronavirus is scaring older Americans away from medicine. Here's how doctors are helping
www.today.com
Tips to avoid becoming “medically isolated” during the outbreak.U.S. Department of Labor ANNOUNCES NEW PAID SICK LEAVE AND EXPANDED FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE IMPLEMENTATION
Families First Coronavirus Response Act Helps Americans Overcome COVID-19 Workplace Challenges
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced new action regarding how American workers and employers will benefit from the protections and relief offered by the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act, both part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The department's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) posted a temporary rule issuing regulations pursuant to this new law, effective today, April 1, 2020.
FFCRA helps the United States combat the workplace effects of COVID-19 by reimbursing American private employers that have fewer than 500 employees with tax credits for the cost of providing employees with paid leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. The law enables employers to keep their workers on their payrolls, while at the same time ensuring that workers are not forced to choose between their paychecks and the public health measures needed to combat the virus. WHD administers the paid leave portions of the FFCRA.
"The FFCRA reflects a swift response by President Trump and Congress to the impact coronavirus is having on workers," said Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. "The bill provides unprecedented paid leave benefits to American workers affected by the virus, while ensuring that businesses are reimbursed dollar-for-dollar. This is one of a number of important actions being taken to protect and sustain workers and their families during this time of need."
"With so many workers and so many employers struggling with the effects of these unprecedented conditions, this rule provides answers and relief," said Wage and Hour Division Administrator Cheryl Stanton. "We remain committed to providing the information and tools required for employees and employers alike to be fully informed about their rights and protections under this new law."
WHD will post a recorded webinar on Friday, April 3, 2020, to provide interested parties a more in-depth description and help them learn more about the FFCRA.
To view the webinar visit www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic.
WHD offers a number of plain-language compliance assistance materials to explain FFCRA's benefits and requirements. Tools include a Fact Sheet for Employees and a Fact Sheet for Employers, available in both English and Spanish, and an expansive list of Questions and Answers addressing the questions WHD has most frequently received from stakeholders to date. Available guidance also includes two new posters, one for federal workers and one for all other employees, available in both English and Spanish, that will fulfill notice requirements for employers obligated to inform employees about their rights under this new law, Questions and Answers about posting requirements, and a Field Assistance Bulletin describing WHD's 30-day non-enforcement policy.
WHD provides additional information on common issues employers and employees face when responding to COVID-19 and its effects on wages and hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act and job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act at www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic.
For more information about the laws enforced by the WHD, call 1-866-4US-WAGE, or visit www.dol.gov/agencies/whd.
For further information about COVID-19, please visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Date April 1, 2020
COVID-19 and the American Workplace | U.S. Department of Labor
www.dol.gov
The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.“During these challenging times, Anthem stands by our legacy and commitment to living our values and supporting those we serve,” said Anthem President and CEO Gail K. Boudreaux. “By applying our approach for innovation, compassion and inclusion, we are focused on the issues needed most in this time of crisis, including affordability and access to care for those dealing with treatment related to COVID-19. We are also proud to serve as a partner to frontline caregivers and community leaders to meet the evolving needs of our nation.”
Anthem Waives Cost Share for COVID-19 Treatment | Anthem, Inc.
ir.antheminc.com
The Investor Relations website contains information about Anthem, Inc.'s business for stockholders, potential investors, and financial analysts.www.nbcnews.com/news/education/i-hate-covid-19-kids-disabilities-struggle-adjust-schools-close-n1...
April is Autism Acceptance Month. Join us as we strive to make our communities more inclusive of everyone and seek to create a world that thrills in the neurodiversity of all of its members. For more information on autistic acceptance or to learn more about how autism is a part of you, your family and community, check out out pals The Autistic Self Advocacy Network or the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network
[Image Description is of a word cloud withth e central message of "autistic acceptance is" including phases like for everybody, helping my child use his AAC devise, inclusion, communication, universal design, respect, treating Autistic people as people, not shaming, diversity, respect, understanding, allowing my child to stim, presuming competence, respecting my rights]
Haven't participated in U.S. Census Bureau Census Day 2020 yet? The Arc of the United States has you covered to help you and your family be included and counted! thearc.org/census/
2020 Census: You Count! Be Counted.
thearc.org
The Arc has developed resources to support individuals and organizations in understanding what the census is, why its important for people with disabilities, and how to complete it.stage2.ncoa.org/public-policy-action/long-term-services-and-supports/
Long-Term Services & Supports | Advocacy & Public Policy | NCOA
stage2.ncoa.org
Long-term services and supports allow millions of individuals to live healthy, secure, and independent. Discover the collaborative effort NCOA is leading.www.nytimes.com/2020/03/28/us/coronavirus-disabilities-rationing-ventilators-triage.html
U.S. Civil Rights Office Rejects Rationing Medical Care Based on Disability, Age
www.nytimes.com
Medical providers must not engage in “ruthless utilitarianism” in deciding who gets lifesaving treatment for the coronavirus, a federal civil rights officer warned.www.justiceinaging.org/life-at-the-intersection-older-adults-need-a-response-to-covid-19-grounded...
Blue Cross names Anthem health exec as new CEO | WRAL TechWire
www.wraltechwire.com
Tunde Sotunde, a physician and a senior executive with health giant Anthem, will be the next chief executive officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.Today we remember the life and legacy of Cesar Chavez, who said “Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot un-educate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore." Learn more about his legacy at ufw.org/research/history/story-cesar-chavez/
www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/03/28/will-social-isolation-have-a-bigger-impact-on-the-brave...
An Aging America Faces Another Epidemic: Isolation
www.politico.com
My mother only has FaceTime to connect with the outside world. And sometimes it stops working.More resources for being a home-school Rock star, helping your kids look after their mental health in the wake of Self Isolation, supporting your aging parents AND the extension of social isolation guidance from the White House in this week’s What We’re Reading
What We’re Reading: March 30, 2020 - Declaration for Independence
declarationforindependence.org
More resources for being a homeschool Rockstar, helping your kids look after their mental health in the wake of Self Isolation, supporting your aging parents AND the extension of social isolation from the White House in this week’s What We’re ReadingAs many Americans lead into week 3 of Social Distancing, you may find you need some more resources for good mental health and Homeschool.
www.appliedselfdirection.com/resources/shelter-place-orders-state
Shelter-in-Place Orders by State
www.appliedselfdirection.com
This resource lists each state with state-wide Shelter-in-Place orders, the state’s current law and executive orders, and how the order affects homecare workers and Financial Management Services (FMS) in self-direction. Currently, the majority of states either directly exempt home-care workers or,...March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month While we may not be able to go out join us and our pals at The Arc of the United States in sharing your words and thoughts about including people with IDD! declarationforindependence.org/march-is-developmental-disabilities-awareness-month/
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month - Declaration for Independence
declarationforindependence.org
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. We sat down with two of our NAB members, to learn about the hurdles individuals with developmental disabilities (IDD) and their parents are still facing and how they navigate education, supports and services.Coronavirus Proposals Leave the Disability Community Behind - Center for American Progress
www.americanprogress.org
The people most vulnerable to the coronavirus struggle as Congress neglects to provide lifesaving resources and supports in stimulus packages.www.forbes.com/sites/carolynrosenblatt/2020/03/25/dealing-with-frustration-you-cant-visit-your-ag...
www.nytimes.com/2020/03/22/opinion/coronavirus-elderly.html
Opinion | ‘Covid-19 Kills Only Old People.’ Only?
www.nytimes.com
Why are we OK with old people dying?www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/03/23/820138079/education-dept-says-disability...
Education Dept. Says Disability Laws Shouldn't Get In The Way Of Online Learning
www.npr.org
As classes move online, many schools fear students with disabilities could be left behind, in violation of federal laws. The department calls this reading of the law "a serious misunderstanding."Today is World TB Day, marking the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB). Hear from TB surviors about how TB affects people in the US. youtu.be/nXuDvfLrJss
youtu.be
This short montage features tuberculosis (TB) survivors encouraging others to speak up for World TB Day. Comments on this video are allowed in accordance wit...www.law360.com/access-to-justice/articles/1255388/inside-the-fight-to-block-evictions-during-a-pa...
Inside The Fight To Block Evictions During A Pandemic - Law360
www.law360.com
Across the country, tenants and their advocates are demanding a moratorium on evictions for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis, adjusting their tactics on a daily basis to stop visits to crowded courthouses and prevent homelessness.www.npr.org/2020/03/23/820398531/people-with-disabilities-say-rationing-care-policies-violate-civ...
Today is World TB Day, marking the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced the discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB). Dr. Koch’s discovery was the most important step taken toward the prevention and control of this deadly disease. Join us ad the CDC to learn how new tests, shorter treatment regimens, and a focus on latent TB infection will help end TB in the U.S. www.cdc.gov/tb/worldtbday
IOC member says 2020 Tokyo Olympics will be postponed because of coronavirus pandemic
www.usatoday.com
Veteran IOC member Dick Pound told USA TODAY Sports that "postponement has been decided" for the 2020 Olympics, and that it won't start July 24.www.nytimes.com/2020/03/23/opinion/coronavirus-ventilators-triage-disability.html?fbclid=IwAR1AK4...
Opinion | ‘I Will Not Apologize for My Needs’
www.nytimes.com
Even in a crisis, doctors should not abandon the principle of nondiscrimination.As many Americans dig in for a second week of social distancing, catch up on all the news related to disability, and older Americans PLUS a roundup of Coronavirus articles in What We're Reading
What We’re Reading: March 23, 2020 - Declaration for Independence
declarationforindependence.org
As many Americans dig in for a second week of social distancing, catch up on all the news related to disability, and older Americans as well as a roundup of Coronavirus articles in What We're ReadingA parent’s guide to surviving COVID-19: 8 strategies to keep children healthy and happy
www.brookings.edu
Simple strategies can help parents with children under 10 keep accommodate both learning and work during the COVID-19 outbreak.www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/03/20/coronavirus-millions-americans-live-counties-no-icu...
Amid coronavirus pandemic, millions of older Americans live in counties with no ICU beds
www.usatoday.com
Overall, 18 million people live in counties that have hospitals but no ICU, about a quarter of them 60 or older, a Kaiser Health News analysis shows.www.nytimes.com/2020/03/19/opinion/coronavirus-disabled-health-care.html
Opinion | My Life Is More ‘Disposable’ During This Pandemic
www.nytimes.com
The ableism and ageism being unleashed is its own sort of pestilence.Many of us will be dealing not just with the effects of coronavirus on our physical health but also how it affects our well being, personal outlook and mental health. Below are some articles to help set your mind at ease and create healthy behaviors.
Care for Your Corona Virus Anxiety - Resources for anxiety and your mental health in a global climate of uncertainty. - www.virusanxiety.com/
Here's how mental health professionals are approaching the anxiety around COVID-19 with their clients. www.huffpost.com/entry/therapists-advice-patients-coronavirus-anxiety_l_5e6fb44ac5b6125e095b4134?...
How to Deal With Coronavirus If You Have OCD or Anxiety (VICE) - www.vice.com/en_us/article/k7exqm/how-to-deal-with-coronavirus-if-you-have-ocd-or-anxiety?utm_sou...
Coronavirus Is Wreaking Havoc On Our Mental Health (Rolling Stone) - www.today.com/health/how-survive-coronavirus-anxiety-8-tips-mental-health-experts-t175092
How to survive coronavirus anxiety: 8 tips from mental health experts (TODAY) - www.today.com/health/how-survive-coronavirus-anxiety-8-tips-mental-health-experts-t175092
Managing the Stress and Uncertainty of Coronavirus hbr.org/podcast/2020/03/managing-the-stress-and-uncertainty-of-coronavirus
Legal Assistance for Older Americans & COVID-19 ncler.acl.gov/getattachment/Resources/Covid-19-ACL-doc.pdf.aspx?lang=en-US&eType=EmailBlastConten...
Plain Language Information on Corona Virus for people with disabilities
www.nacdd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Plain-Language-Information-on-Coronavirus.pdf
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These grocery store chains have special hours for older Americans
www.cnn.com
Grocery store chains across the United States are hosting special hours for the elderly and people with weakened immune systems so they can safely shop for essentials during the coronavirus pandemic.While many are working from home, some of us are supporting young people out of school . If you have found yourself an unexpected Dean of your Home School, here are some things to do to support educational development while you watch out for Delta House.
Curriculums and Learning Websites for Kids
Scholastic – Lessons and Plans www.scholastic.com/teachers/lessons-and-ideas/
Clever - clever.com/
Zearn - www.zearn.org/
Pebblego - pebblego.com/
Raz Kids www.raz-kids.com/
Prodigy - www.prodigygame.com/
Unite for Literacy - www.uniteforliteracy.com/
Virtual Museum Tours - bit.ly/2Qrd4zE
Corona Virus Schedule –
images.app.goo.gl/hRDStzdJw2LQZKQH9
Art Class with Kennedy Center Artist-in-Residence Mo Willems
www.kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems/
Here’s the Entire List of Education Companies Offering Free Subscriptions Due to School Closings | Kids Activities Blog - kidsactivitiesblog.com/135609/list-of-education-companies-offering-free-subscriptions/
Home Resources for Parents and Caregivers | National Federation of Families - www.facebook.com/NationalFederationHomeResources/?modal=admin_todo_tour
Erika's Lighthouse - secure.qgiv.com/event/springgala2020/
Anyone can set up their laptop on their kitchen table and call it a home office, but how you make working from home an effective endeavor takes a little more effort. Here are some helpful articles on working from home.
"How Working Parents Can Prepare for Coronavirus Closures" hbr.org/2020/03/how-working-parents-can-prepare-for-coronavirus-closures
How to Actually Work...When You’re Working from Home hbr.org/video/6140518023001/how-to-actually-workwhen-youre-working-from-home
Disabled people have worked remotely for years, and they’ve got advice for you and your bosses | the Washington Post
www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/disabled-people-have-worked-remotely-for-years-and-they...
Productivity Advice from Dr. Aisha Ahmad
twitter.com/ProfAishaAhmad/status/1240284544667996163
Anyone can set up their laptop on their kitchen table and call it a home office, but how you make working from home an effective endeavor takes a little more effort. Here is some guidance from our friends who telework full time bit.ly/3a9kM98
March 20th is National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness DayExternal (NNHAAD), a time to raise awareness about the presence of HIV and AIDS in our Native communities, which include American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.https://www.cdc.gov/features/nativehivaids/index.html
Social distancing due to COVID-19 has many Americans staying indoors and getting acquainted with homeschool and telework for the first time. If you are dealing with the COVID-19 blues or just need a little support, here are some social distancing essentials to help get you through.
Social Distancing Essentials for COVID-19/Corona Virus - Declaration for Independence
bit.ly
Self isolation from COVID-19 has many Americans staying indoors and getting acquainted with homeschool and telework for the first time. If you are dealing with the isolation blues or just need a little support, here are some Isolation Essentials to help get you through.Anthem Issues Updates Regarding COVID-19 Testing and Care to Support Affiliated Health Plan Members
finance.yahoo.com
Today, Anthem’s affiliated health plans announced additional updates and resources that can help provide increased access to care, while eliminating costs and helping alleviate the added stress on individuals, families and the nation’s healthcare system. These actions are intended to support the...All About The Newly Updated Older Americans Act
www.forbes.com
Why should you care? For one thing, the Older Americans Act’s efforts assist 11 million people each year all around the country.This 8-page booklet about the Coronavirus is written in plain language. It was created by and for people with developmental disabilities. It focuses on “need to know” information (not “nice to know” information). Please share it widely. Our goal is to keep people with disabilities healthy during this national crisis. Let us know if you have suggestions on how to improve this booklet.
selfadvocacyinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Plain-Language-Information-on-Coronavirus.pdf
Disabled people have worked remotely for years, and they’ve got advice for you and your bosses
www.washingtonpost.com
Employees with accommodations are offering tips for working at home, avoiding isolation and more.Mindset Matters: The Coronavirus, Disability, The Lessons Learned From Resiliency
www.forbes.com
The column explores the lessons of the lived experience of disability and resiliency in these uncertain times of the coronavirus.March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month! In this month's blog, our NAB members Kathy Brill and De La Rosa-Aponte Berthy share some of the lessons learned and challenges faced as families inclusive of IDD. declarationforindependence.org/march-is-developmental-disabilities-awareness-month/
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month - Declaration for Independence
declarationforindependence.org
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. We sat down with two of our NAB members, to learn about the hurdles individuals with developmental disabilities (IDD) and their parents are still facing and how they navigate education, supports and services.At a time of uncertainty let us also take today to wrap ourselves in the Irish spirit of resiliency, family, and tradition. Wishing you a day be full of rainbows, pots of gold and lots of Irish cheer to last the whole year.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Max Brooks on Twitter“A message from me and my dad, @Melbrooks. #coronavirus #DontBeASpreader t.co/Hqhc4fFXbe”
www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-disability-cuts-social-security_n_5e6bb096c5b6bd8156f68c4d?guccounte...
New Trump Rule Would Deny Disability Benefits To People Who Can't Work Full Time
www.huffpost.com
If someone can work 30 hours per week, the proposed regulation says, then they aren't disabled enough for benefits.Your Stories
“Disability doesn’t make you exceptional, but questioning what you think you know about it does.”
-Stella Young
Join us and declare your independence!
Together we can make a difference in health – our care, supports and services, and how we access and navigate between them. Join the movement for independence, and the ability to choose our own health solutions so that we and the ones we love can age gracefully and healthfully.
Join the National Advisory Board (NAB) on Improving Health Care Services for Older Adults and People with Disabilities in its effort to modernize the health care infrastructure in America and drive long-term supports and services to the forefront of health care transformation. Declare your independence!
Sign our Declaration to give older adults and people living with disabilities the right to health independence at home.
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Declaration for Independence
Six Principles to Modernize the Health Care Infrastructure
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Enhanced Self-Care, Improved Coordination
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Encourage Community Integration and Involvement
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Expand Accessibility of Services and Supports
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Uphold Personal Preference
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Empower People to Participate in the Economic Mainstream
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Investment in Improved Technology
SIGN OUR DECLARATION
to give older adults and people living with disabilities the right to health independence at home.