Disabilities / Public News Service

Most of the buses in Minnesota's rural transportation system are ADA-compliant and equipped with wheelchair lifts for passengers with disabilities. (Arrowhead Transit)

Friday, July 26, 2024

Rural MN communities gain expanded public transportation options

Traveling around rural Minnesota can be difficult but in more than half the state, nonprofit transit systems are helping people get where they need …

President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, 1990. (Wikimedia Commons)

Friday, July 26, 2024

CA advocates raise awareness for Disability Pride Month

July is Disability Pride Month, and today is the 34th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Federal data show that more …

Although the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing barriers to employment for people with disabilities, it created new opportunities through remote work. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, July 26, 2024

34 Years of the ADA

New York disability-rights advocates are celebrating the 34th anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The 1990 …

SEIU members from the across the country met with the Biden-Harris administration at the White House. (Vacclav/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

WA nursing home workers get White House boost in union struggle

Nursing home workers in Washington state have come back from the White House with renewed resolve to fight for their union contract. A delegation of …

The United States has 403 centers for independent living, according to the National Council on Independent Living. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Disability advocates call for more independent living in Nevada

Advocates for individuals with disabilities want the state of Nevada to further embrace what is known as the "independent living" model. Dawn Lyons…

Easterseals' mission is to provide programs and therapies that help remove barriers and foster independent living for people with disabilities. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Nonprofit agency says corporate donations keep programs going

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Century 21 had raised more than $30 million. The correct amount is more than $3…

A $1.25 million Department of Education grant will allow Wayne State University to provide 37 scholarships to train adaptive physical educators over the next five years. (Adobe Stock)

Wayne State adapts physical education program for students with disabilities

Wayne State University has received a $1.25 million grant to prepare adapted physical education specialists to serve students with disabilities…

Health experts recommend people age 50 and older get a hearing test every five years. (Adobe Stock)

Hearing-aid use could reduce risks of dementia

Correcting hearing loss by using hearing aids is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia during aging…

In Colorado, more than 195,000 people work in agriculture across 38,900 farms and ranches. The industry supplies $47 billion to the state's economy annually. (Adobe Stock)

Addressing mental health needs of Colorado farming communities

In the past year, the Colorado AgrAbility Project added four behavioral health specialists to help the state's agricultural producers, workers and …

About 25% of people covered by Medicare in 2023 used a telehealth service that year, according to data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (Jeff Bergen/Adobe Stock)

Clock ticking on Medicare telehealth provisions

Telehealth has been key to health care in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic but some of the flexibilities for this type of care for Medicare patients …

Nearly 60% of people who borrowed medical equipment from Owen's Outfitters in June were enrolled in Medicaid or Medicare, according to data from the organization. Roughly 9% of clients were uninsured. (Eleanor Turner, The Legacy Foundation)

SD medical supply library prepares to go mobile

A lending library for medical and mobility supplies opened in Sioux Falls just last fall and now its parent nonprofit is making moves to go mobile…

Colorado hospitals and clinics have reported sharply increased numbers of uninsured people seeking care. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado posted 2nd-highest loss of Medicaid coverage in nation in May

In May, Colorado ranked second in the nation for the percentage of residents dropped from Medicaid health insurance rolls - including 500,000 who …

Inaccessibility isn't just a huge stumbling block to student learning; it's also against the intent of U.S. law, which requires a free appropriate public education for students with disabilities, according to Utah State University. (Adobe Stock)

Utah State University to open center for digital accessibility within education

A new center coming to Utah State University this fall will provide accessible digital materials to students with disabilities. Cynthia Curry…

The Federal Transit Administration's Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility Pilot Program has supported access to health with $24 million over five years, according to the agency. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Federal grant will upgrade SD rural transit system

The Biden administration announced nearly $8 million in grants to improve public transportation, including a large and rural system in South Dakota…

Roughly 57% of New Hampshire's population with disabilities has at least some college education, compared with 50% nationally, according to the University of New Hampshire.(Adobe Stock)

NH groups push to end 'special' term for people with disabilities

Disability groups in New Hampshire are calling for an end to the word "special" to describe people with disabilities. They said terms like "special" …

Garret Frey was honored with the Lifetime Advocacy Award from the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council in 2023. (Courtesy of Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council)

Iowan with disability wins federal support

The U.S. Office for Civil Rights has issued a ruling ensuring that an Iowa man with disabilities is able to live in his home and receive round-the-…

Utilities are shutting off power in an effort to keep downed and damaged power lines from sparking blazes and fueling the West's more frequent and intense wildfires. (Adobe Stock)

CO Nursing homes left in dark as utilities cut power to prevent wildfires

By Kate Ruder for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Service…

Of the 17 states that have enacted music therapy legislation, 11 have placed the law in its own statute chapter, and others have grouped it with other forms of therapy. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Group aims to get music therapy licensure in Wyoming

Advocates in Wyoming trying to get music therapy licensure recognized in the state are hitting roadblocks. Members of the Wyoming Music Therapy …

The living wage for a person in Maine who lives alone with no dependents is $22.04, or $4.65 more than the median wage for a home health aide, according the MIT Living Wage Calculator. (Adobe Stock)

Low wages, burnout cited for ME direct-care worker shortage

A critical shortage of direct care workers in Maine is leaving residents without needed health services, according to a new report. It showed more …

Around 67% of LGBTQ+ people reported needing a mental health service over the past two years, compared with 39% of non-LGBTQ+ people, according to KFF. (Chris Allan/Adobe Stock)

WY theater company talks health care on stage

As Pride Month winds down, health advocates want members of the LGBTQ+ community to know about health care options, despite any challenges to …

The Summer Earn and Learn program in Texas helps thousands of students with disabilities jumpstart their careers and gain familiarity with different working environments. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

TX students with disabilities gain workforce training through summer internship

Teens and young adults in Texas who have disabilities have an opportunity to get a paid internship this summer. The Texas Workforce Commission …

Over the past two decades, 5,329 patients in the United States have utilized medical aid-in-dying laws, while at least 8,451 patients received a prescription, according to the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. (Adobe Stock)

MA could become 11th state with medical aid-in-dying law

Lawmakers in Massachusetts are considering legislation to allow medical aid in dying as an option for mentally capable, terminally ill adults…

The classroom was the most common location bullying occurred at school in 2019-2020, according to the Pew Research Center. (Adobe Stock)

NV parent speaks out on bullying, zero-tolerance school policies

About a third of U.S. parents with children younger than 18 say they worry their children might be bullied at some point and it became a reality for …

Ohio's Area Agency on Aging District 5 helps older adults by providing clients with transportation, helping them get caregivers and encouraging them to get out of the house more often. (Nattakorn/Adobe Stock)

Experts say Ohio’s older adults need mental health support

By Mara O'Malley for Kent State News Lab.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. …

SEIU 775 workers at Aegis Living gathered for a rally at the company's new facility earlier this month. (SEIU 775)

Assisted living workers at WA facility call for higher wages

Workers for an assisted living facility are calling for higher wages in their union contract negotiations. Aegis Living is a Seattle-based company …

States are increasingly dropping high school standardized exit exams in favor of alternative assessment methods. In 2014, 24 states required students to pass a standardized test to receive their diploma. Now, only eight maintain the requirement. (Adobe Stock)

MA ballot measure would end MCAS graduation requirement

Massachusetts voters could face a possible ballot measure this November to end the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System graduation requiremen…

In 2023, more than a third of Colorado high schoolers with major depression received no treatment, according to a recent Mental Health America report. (Adobe Stock)

More residential care coming for children with acute mental health needs

Colorado lawmakers are investing more than $15 million to ensure children experiencing complex behavioral challenges, including trauma, major …

Unpaid family caregivers provided more than 920 million hours of care to senior family members. (Adobe Stock)

Event cites VA family caregivers’ work, reviews supports

For Older Americans Month, AARP Virginia is hosting an event today about family caregivers. Virginia caregivers provided $14 billion of unpaid care …

The nonpartisan Votebeat organization says in measuring their use, ballot dropboxes have been embraced by both Republican and Democratic voters in various jurisdictions around the United States. (Adobe Stock)

WI Supreme Court takes up ballot dropbox case

The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Monday took up arguments in a highly watched case concerning ballot dropboxes. Supporters of lifting a near-total ban …

The Pikes Peak Challenge helps provide support to brain injury survivors, including stroke victims, in Colorado, one of just two states in the nation with a brain injury organization. (Adobe Stock)

Brain injury survivors aim to defy the odds climbing Pikes Peak

Several hundred hikers are expected to climb to a summit of over 14,000 feet for this year's Pikes Peak Challenge in Colorado Springs, an annual …

An estimated 17.4 million adults with disabilities nationwide report frequent mental distress. (Adobe Stock)

Classes help NY psychologists understand disabled people’s mental health

New continuing education classes can help New York psychologists better work with disabled patients. The courses center on understanding …

The Atlanta Public Safety Training Center will be on an 85-acre plot of forested land owned by the City of Atlanta. Once completed, the campus will be the nation's largest police training complex, equipped with military-grade facilities and a mock city for urban police training. (Adobe Stock)

Disability advocates join efforts to halt Atlanta's 'Cop City'

By Marianne Dhenin for Yes! Magazine.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for Georgia News Connection reporting for the YES! Media/Public News …

The number of people over 65 with Alzheimer's disease has risen slightly in 2024 to 6.9 million, from 6.7 million in 2023. The number of younger-onset AD cases remained roughly the same. (Pixabay)

Rising Alzheimer's rates prompt renewed focus on end-of-life planning

The 2024 Alzheimer's Association annual report forecasts a doubling of Americans age 65 and older living with dementia - from 7 million to 14 million …

A typical New Hampshire child care worker earned roughly $32,500 in 2023 while the federal poverty guideline for a family of four last year was $30,000, according to the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Burnout, low wages leave NH child care centers short staffed

A persistent child care worker shortage across New Hampshire is leaving families with few options. The state is currently short more than 7,000 …

Approximately one child in 36 in the United States has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, with one in six children having at least one developmental or intellectual disorder. (Photographee.eu/Adobe Stock)

NE rolls out new disability support for 850 families

As the country observes Autism Acceptance Month, Nebraska families raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder are among those learning they will …

The Texas Diversity Council works with various groups to foster environments where people from marginalized groups feel seen and heard. (Ana Baraulia/Adobe Stock)

Texas Diversity Council remains steadfast in face of adversity

Since 2004, April has been designated "Celebrate Diversity Month," a time to recognize, understand and honor the differences between people. One …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported one in 36 children around the U.S. has autism spectrum disorder. (Adobe Stock)

Creating a supportive classroom for students with ASD

April is Autism Acceptance Month and as rates grow, support organizations in South Dakota hope more children on the spectrum get the tools they need …

Family caregivers provide an estimated $600 billion of unpaid care every year. (Mediteraneo/Adobe Stock)

NE family caregivers, advocates hope for passage of Caregiver Tax Credit Act

As Nebraska's 2024 legislative session draws to a close, family caregivers and their supporters are closely watching the progress of Legislative Bill …

Older Coloradans who may have never been issued a birth certificate because they were born at home qualify for assistance getting vital documents, including identification cards but many cannot access Colorado's Necessary Documents Program. (Adobe Stock)

Cutting red tape to access IDs and other vital documents

Advocates are urging Colorado lawmakers to make key improvements to a state program seen as critical to helping people fleeing domestic violence or ex…

This week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services finalized the calendar year 2025 rate announcement for the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug programs. CMS's final ruling from 2022 will lead to the new Highly Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan in Michigan. (Flamingo Images/Adobe Stock)

MI HealthLink pilot program to transform by 2026

Michigan's HealthLink pilot program is planning to transition into a new Highly Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan. The new program will …

Massachusetts residents can call the MassHealth Service Center to speak with a counselor and determine if they qualify for a dual-eligible special-needs plan at 800-841-2900. (Adobe Stock)<br />

MA seniors encouraged to take advantage of dual-use special needs plans

Health care advocates in Massachusetts said special health care plans are available for seniors and people with disabilities to help ensure they get t…

Nearly 13 million Americans receive health coverage through unique plans under both Medicare and Medicaid. They are known as Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans. (Adobe Stock)

Unique government health plans try to find an audience

Medicare and Medicaid are key sources of health coverage for many Americans and some people qualify for assistance under both programs. With lagging …

Research showed between 10% and 30% of county residents in the state of New York had a dual-use special-need plan in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

NY senior advocates see advantages to dual-use special needs plans

Senior and older adult advocates in New York find certain healthcare plans are helping people get the best bang for their buck. Dual-eligible …

Dalton (left) and Dawson, together after being adopted in 2017. (Dave Thomas Foundation)

A Florida family's inspiring adoption journey

As siblings in foster care, the fear of being separated is daunting. But thanks to a loving family in Jacksonville, Fla., for two brothers in Ohio…

Nearly eight in 10 Coloradans say they want to age in place in their communities, rather than entering assisted living facilities. (Adobe Stock)

Community-based services for older Coloradans at risk in Legislature

Advocates for people age 65 and older urged Colorado lawmakers to fully fund a program helping people remain in their homes and avoid placement in ass…

The average rent for an almost 900-square-foot apartment in Las Vegas is $1,457 a month, according to RentCafe. (Adobe Stock)

NV's housing crisis heavily impacts disability community

Like many states across the West, Nevada faces challenges with supply and demand for housing. One advocate for the disability community describes the …

Aaryn's husband Ken, Samantha, Aaryn and Amy, a Wendy's Wonderful Kids recruiter. (Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption)

Ohio mom finds reward in raising adopted daughter with special needs

This month is National Disability Awareness Month, and in Ohio, parents who've adopted kids with special needs say living with a disability isn't …

Iowa lawmakers are considering legislation that would raise income and asset limits for people with disabilities who still need to qualify for Medicaid benefits. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates for Iowans with disabilities push for higher income limits

Iowa lawmakers are being asked to make changes to the income laws for people with disabilities. Disabilities advocates are hold an event at the …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - July 26, 2024

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Disabilities

Rural MN communities gain expanded public transportation options

CA advocates raise awareness for Disability Pride Month

34 Years of the ADA

WA nursing home workers get White House boost in union struggle

Disability advocates call for more independent living in Nevada

Nonprofit agency says corporate donations keep programs going

Wayne State adapts physical education program for students with disabilities

Hearing-aid use could reduce risks of dementia

Addressing mental health needs of Colorado farming communities

Clock ticking on Medicare telehealth provisions

SD medical supply library prepares to go mobile

Colorado posted 2nd-highest loss of Medicaid coverage in nation in May

Utah State University to open center for digital accessibility within education

Federal grant will upgrade SD rural transit system

NH groups push to end 'special' term for people with disabilities

Iowan with disability wins federal support

CO Nursing homes left in dark as utilities cut power to prevent wildfires

Group aims to get music therapy licensure in Wyoming

Low wages, burnout cited for ME direct-care worker shortage

WY theater company talks health care on stage

TX students with disabilities gain workforce training through summer internship

MA could become 11th state with medical aid-in-dying law

NV parent speaks out on bullying, zero-tolerance school policies

Experts say Ohio’s older adults need mental health support

Assisted living workers at WA facility call for higher wages

MA ballot measure would end MCAS graduation requirement

More residential care coming for children with acute mental health needs

Event cites VA family caregivers’ work, reviews supports

WI Supreme Court takes up ballot dropbox case

Brain injury survivors aim to defy the odds climbing Pikes Peak

Classes help NY psychologists understand disabled people’s mental health

Disability advocates join efforts to halt Atlanta's 'Cop City'

Rising Alzheimer's rates prompt renewed focus on end-of-life planning

Burnout, low wages leave NH child care centers short staffed

NE rolls out new disability support for 850 families

Texas Diversity Council remains steadfast in face of adversity

Creating a supportive classroom for students with ASD

NE family caregivers, advocates hope for passage of Caregiver Tax Credit Act

Cutting red tape to access IDs and other vital documents

MI HealthLink pilot program to transform by 2026

MA seniors encouraged to take advantage of dual-use special needs plans

Unique government health plans try to find an audience

NY senior advocates see advantages to dual-use special needs plans

A Florida family's inspiring adoption journey

Community-based services for older Coloradans at risk in Legislature

NV's housing crisis heavily impacts disability community

Ohio mom finds reward in raising adopted daughter with special needs

Advocates for Iowans with disabilities push for higher income limits