New details emerge on autism treatment mandate (Disability Scoop, Sep. 26)
Federal officials are taking steps to clarify new requirements surrounding Medicaid coverage of autism treatments.
Senators: Widen Medicaid program for frail seniors Sep. 25)
More than a dozen U.S. senators from both parties are calling on the Obama administration to broaden [the Program for All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)]… The program run by Medicaid, the state-federal health insurance program for the poor, allows seniors to stay in their own homes and receive coordinated care from a team of doctors, nurses and social workers usually at an independently operated day center.
Feds look to boost disability employment (Disability Scoop, Sep. 23)
A new advisory committee is in the works that will be tasked with helping government officials improve job prospects for people with developmental disabilities across the country… The group will focus on ways to enhance competitive, integrated employment opportunities.
As run-ins rise, police take crash courses on handling mentally ill (NPR, Sep. 23)
Romo says demand for CIT training classes has increased. But he notes that the greatest need appears to be not in cities but in rural areas, where mental health services often are scarce.
Judge OKs ending 30-year-old mental health suit (Associated Press, Sep. 22)
A Maricopa County judge [Judge Edward Bassett] signed off on an agreement that increases housing, employment and other services for the seriously mentally ill. [Judge Bassett]‘s action came as he dismissed a lawsuit filed more than 30 years ago challenging the state’s funding of mental health services.
Less physical restraints used in treating mental illness (WTNH Connecticut, Sep. 22)
There’s new information about the impact of using less restraints on people with a mental health illness.
Report: Type of therapy kids receive for ADHD depends on where they live (RAND, Sep. 22)
About one quarter of commercially-insured children who are treated with medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder also receive psychotherapy, and the percentage is far lower in many parts of the country.
HHS announces $99 million in new grants to improve mental health services for young people
Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced $99 million to train new mental health providers, help teachers and others recognize mental health issues in youth and connect them to help, and increase access to mental health services for young people.
New app helps monitor daily mental health (CBS Philly, Sep. 21)
A new mobile app can help monitor your daily mental health. Its call “whatsmym3” and it’s a test that can be taken daily to indicate signs of depression and other mental issues that could lead to suicide.
Social Security’s strict disability rules (Wall Street Journal, Sep. 20)
Projections that the Social Security Disability Insurance fund will run dry in two years, coupled with high-profile fraud cases, have many thinking that SSDI beneficiaries are milking the system while they lollygag on Jet Skis and pilot helicopters. Think again.
Fight over digital accessibility (Insider Higher Ed, Sep. 19)
Advocates for students with disabilities and groups representing colleges and universities are sparring over federal legislation that would set new standards for accessible technology on campuses.
How people with disabilities can overcome money challenges (U.S. News & World Report, Sep. 17)
The report[, released in July from the National Disability Institute,] found that people with disabilities are less likely to have emergency funds, less likely to have planned for retirement and more likely to have lower levels of financial literacy.