Written by: Christina Mills, Sr. Director of Inclusive Policy & Advocacy When Dorothy repeatedly tapped her heels and said, “There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home,” and then woke up surrounded by her family in her comfy bed back at home I can’t help but think of all my peers, people with […]
Mental Health Awareness Month
We can’t help people with mental illness until we destigmatize it By: Carol Glazer, President, National Organization on Disability Throughout history society has struggled with how to treat those with mental illness. There have been short, staccato measures of time where we have made strides, but for the most part, we have ignored the issue, […]
Autism Acceptance Month: Reflections From Jonathan Kratchman, Policy Analyst, Anthem Inc.
Growing up, people had lower expectations of me. No one expected me to go to college or start a career analyzing new and innovative ideas and proposals at one of the largest health insurers in the United States. I was told that since I was Autistic, I would not be afforded these opportunities, which usually […]
A New, Determined Generation of Rare Disease Advocates
Young adults with rare diseases all have unique experiences; in recognition of Rare Disease Day, we call upon advocates everywhere to help in the advancement of equitable access to care.
Benefits of Medicaid Expansion for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder
On March 28, 2016 the Department of Health and Human Services published a brief on the benefits of Medicaid expansion for mental health and substance use disorder drafted by the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. An excerpt of that brief is published below and the full brief can be found here: https://aspe.hhs.gov/pdf-report/benefits-medicaid-expansion-behavioral-health By: Judith Dey, [...]
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The Most Innovative Initiatives Start with Relationships
The most innovative projects in the country to support people with disabilities actually arise from common sense. All people need relationships with family, friends and extended community to be productive, engaged, and live safely in their homes and communities. How do we support this engagement in a service system that has incentivized payment for services and [...]
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When Care Comes Home: Supporting the Caregiver in Your Life
How should we begin to think about meaningful support to caregivers in our lives? Let’s start by better understanding caregiving. Kathy Brill; Nov. 24, 2015 Caregiving in America has changed its complexion in the last few decades, thanks to so many previous advocacy efforts (e.g., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and theOlmstead decision). We [...]
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Generation ADA, We Are Leaders Today!
A hotel suite jam packed with Disabled and Deaf youth, of all different backgrounds and identities, from all across the country, prepping for the largest national celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Youth Caucus Chair Maddy Ruvolo and I stood on our toes, toppling over furniture, just to ensure [...]
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Part II – Beyond NDEAM: Employment and People with Disabilities as a National Priority
Lisa Mills is a 26-year disability advocate, employment subject matter expert, a former Public Policy Chair for TASH, a former Ruderman Fellow and Senior Technical Advisor for the Coalition to Promote Self-Determination. Dr. Mills’ focus on advancing integrated employment dates back to 1999 when she became involved with the Wisconsin self-advocacy movement and assisted a [...]
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Part I – Beyond NDEAM: Employment and People with Disabilities as a National Priority
Lisa Mills is a 26-year disability advocate, employment subject matter expert, a former Public Policy Chair for TASH, a former Ruderman Fellow and Senior Technical Advisor for the Coalition to Promote Self-Determination (CPSD). Dr. Mills’ focus on advancing integrated employment dates back to 1999 when she became involved with the Wisconsin self-advocacy movement and assisted [...]
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