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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The Grand Insight of We: Participation is Vital Because It Involves Others
Participation is more than simply engaging in a life activity. It is an important aspect of social involvement that influences self-esteem, identity and well-being. Charles Christiansen; Sep. 29, 2015 Years ago, I was motivated by the desire to make the world a better place by helping others. As a young occupational therapist, I focused mostly [...]
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There Are Faces I Remember
Lillie Brannon, an 80-year old former cotton picker in Arkansas, tells of how she escaped from a nursing home four times. In describing why she chose to manage her own personal care supports and services (also called self-direction, participant direction or consumer direction) she quickly answered: “I’m the boss. If I want to hang my [...]
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Wrap-up, Response to the 2015 White House Conference on Aging
“We have to ensure that every older American has the resources and the support they need to strive.” President Barack Obama, July 13 Dr. Yanira Cruz; Aug. 13, 2015 The White House Conference on Aging, which took place July 13, was inspiring for us at the National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA) and for all those working on [...]
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