Disabilities / Public News Service

Adults with disabilities report experiencing frequent mental distress almost five times as often as adults without disabilities. Telehealth appointments can help make mental-health resources more accessible. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Supporting New Yorkers With Disabilities Facing Mental-Health Challenges

The pandemic has had a devastating impact on people across the country. For people with disabilities, who already face a lot of social isolation to …

A January ruling from the Waukesha County Circuit Court held nearly all ballot drop boxes are illegal, with a narrow carve-out for boxes at clerks's offices and in other specific scenarios. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Advocates Call on WI Supreme Court to 'Unlock the Drop Boxes'

The Wisconsin Supreme Court will soon hand down a decision on whether absentee ballot drop boxes are permitted under state law. Ahead of that …

Recognizing a stroke early can save a person's life and prevent disabilities. (elenabsl/Adobe Stock)

For Stroke Awareness Month, Doc Advises People 'BE FAST'

May is stroke awareness month. People need to act quickly to avoid lasting damage when they happen - and remember the acronym "BE FAST." 'B' stands …

In a recent survey, 69% of Minnesota nursing homes and 29% of assisted living locations placed limits on new admissions because of staffing shortages. (Adobe Stock)

MN LTC Workers: Hero Checks Help, But More Support Needed

Minnesota officials announced this week that frontline workers can likely start applying for hero checks sometime in June. As those plans take shape…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Rural Hospitals Up Their Care Game for Stroke Patients

Despite a more challenging environment, rural hospitals still are finding ways to provide critical care. That includes stroke patients, and South …

According to the World Health Organization, more than 1.7 billion people suffer from musculoskeletal issues worldwide. (Adobe Stock)

Working From Home? Experts Say to Keep Healthy Habits in Mind

Health experts are urging folks to ensure they're ergonomically up to snuff while working from home. A 2016 report by the United States Bone and …

Senate Bill 154 would require assisted facility owners to check Colorado's Adult Protective Services Data System prior to hiring an employee who is responsible for the care and welfare of residents. (Adobe Stock)

Measure to Protect Assisted-Living Residents Advances

Colorado residents in assisted-living facilities could soon have the same protections in place under federal law at nursing homes. Senate Bill 154 …

More than 400 personal-care homes in Pennsylvania that served low-income clients, or 46% of the statewide total, have closed since 2006. (Adobe Stock)

PA Health Officials Want More Funding for Personal-Care Homes

Pennsylvania officials visited a personal-care home in York County on Wednesday to highlight the need for continued investment in the state's long-ter…

It's estimated that 85% of individuals with intellectual disabilities are not working, or are under-employed, despite their willingness and ability to contribute to the workforce. (Adobe Stock)

Disability Measures Aim to Expand Access to Higher-Education, Reduce Poverty

Two bills making their way through the Colorado General Assembly would make it easier for people with disabilities to access college and other public …

Missouri does not have enough Direct Support Professionals, among other direct-care workforce shortages. (Adobe Stock)

MO Launches Apprenticeships for Direct-Support Professionals

Missouri is launching an apprenticeship program to expand talent pipelines for Direct Support Professionals, who work with people with developmental …

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities shares artwork created by people with disabilities during DD Awareness Month. This year's logo features artist Calvin "Sonny" Clarke.(NACDD)

Advocates Seek to Spotlight Developmental-Disability Issues Year-Round

As Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month comes to a close, advocates say the work to secure equal rights and independence for people with …

In 2015, federal officials began investigating North Dakota for alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The state was scrutinized for unnecessary use of institutionalized care, but state officials say they are working to boost community care. (Adobe Stock)

In Wake of Disability Settlement, ND Promotes Community Care

In 2020, North Dakota reached a federal settlement regarding institutionalized care for people with disabilities. As they carve out a newer vision…

Fewer than four in ten low-income renters in Michigan live in affordable units, and many are also inaccessible. (cunaplus/Adobe Stock)

MI Report: Invest Rescue Plan Funds in Affordable, Accessible Housing

A new report found older Michiganders and people with disabilities face some of the greatest barriers to housing, and systemic racism has led to …

There were about 4.6 million job openings nationwide at the end of 2021. (wachiwit/Adobe Stock)

Worker Shortage Hits MT Nonprofit World Hard

The country has a worker shortage - and it's leading to hard times for nonprofits. Liz Moore is the executive director of the Montana Nonprofit …

Eight in 10 Nebraska voters support increasing funding for the respite care program which provides short-term help from a home health aide or adult day-care program so family caregivers can take a break. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Eight in 10 Nebraska voters support increasing funding for the respite care program which provides short-term help from a home health aide or adult day-care program so family caregivers can take a break. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska Lawmakers Urged to Support Family Caregivers

The strain of unpaid family care-giving is pressing down hard on many Nebraska residents, according to new AARP research. Nearly half of people …

Individualized Education Programs are written plans that outline services for children with disabilities. (insta_photos/Adobe Stock)

Montana Center 'Empowers' Parents of Children with Disabilities

Navigating education can be difficult for parents of children with disabilities. An organization in Montana is dedicated to assisting families in …

A photograph of the Iowa state capitol taken by Adam Reynolds, an aspiring photographer and Des Moines resident who has cerebral palsy. (Adobe Stock)

From Poetry to Photography, Iowans With Disabilities Show Creative Side

"Worlds Imagined" is the theme of this year's campaign for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month - which is March. Iowans with disabilities and …

Voting machines are particularly important for some people with disabilities, including those with sight or dexterity issues. (Lisa F. Young/Adobe Stock)

Disability Rights Champion Spotlights Need for Accessible Housing, Voting

It is Developmental Disability Awareness Month, and groups are spotlighting housing and voting as two major areas of concern. To mark International …

Missouri groups are working to increase access to vote-by-mail, curbside voting and accessible voting machines. (Sharkshock/Adobe Stock)

Disability Advocates: Focus on Accessibility in Voting Reforms

Experts say Missouri ranks low among states when it comes to steps it has taken to improve accessibility in voting. Denise Lieberman, director and …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in four New Yorkers lives with some sort of disability, and 7% of adults in the state face serious difficulties doing errands alone. (Adobe Stock)

NY Governor Appoints New Chief Disability Officer

More than 3.7 million people with disabilities live in New York, according to the federal government, and they just got a new advocate in the …

The legislation would allow terminally ill, mentally capable adults in Connecticut who have six months to live, as diagnosed by two separate physicians, the chance to administer lethal medication. (Adobe Stock)

Aid In Dying Advocates in CT Hope for Another Push This Legislative Session

As the legislative session in Hartford kicks off this month, advocates are hopeful that the General Assembly will pass a medical aid-in-dying bill …

As a case about Florida election-law changes that went into effect in 2021 is heard in federal court, state lawmakers are advancing even more voting restrictions. (Trimmel Gomes)

FL Lawmakers Double Down on Voting Restrictions

Florida Republicans are proposing yet another sweeping change to state election laws. The new bill would establish an Office of Election Crimes and …

The expanded death with dignity bill made its way to the Senate Committee on Health and Long Term Care at the beginning of the session. (Rex Wholster/Adobe Stock)

WA Bill Opens Up Access to Medical Aid-in-Dying Law

Washington state's Death with Dignity Act has been on the books for more than a decade. Proponents says it's time to update the law so that more …

AARP Nevada is asking the state to ensure that nursing homes make public their rate of vaccinations for staff and residents. (Freeograph/Adobestock)

Senior Advocates Call for Vaccine Requirements in Nursing Homes

Advocates for older Americans are calling on the state to require booster shots for people who live and work in nursing homes. AARP Nevada recently …

Early childhood educators in Minnesota say in order for the state's economy to thrive, a robust and accessible childcare system is needed. (Adobe Stock)

Childcare Access Gets Renewed Push at MN Legislature

Minnesota's new legislative session is underway. Even in an off-budget year, spending will be a main focus, thanks to a projected $7 billion surplus…

Nearly 11,000 Montanans have been hospitalized because of COVID-19. (rost9/Adobe Stock)

Despite Relaxed Attitudes, COVID Still Threatens High-Risk Montanans

The Omicron variant of COVID-19 has led to the greatest spike of the virus in Montana since the start of the pandemic. While some might consider …

In Montana, a service animal is a dog or miniature horse trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. (Africa Studio/Adobe Stock)

Service Animals: A Common Discrimination Topic in MT Housing

The most common housing discrimination issue in Montana is landlords not making accommodations for service and assistance animals, according to Pam …

Iowa lawmakers are being asked to make a host of investments, including tax cuts for direct support professionals, to ensure that people living with disabilities have more access to caregivers. (Adobe Stock)

Iowans with Disabilities: Key Support Areas Need Investment

Groups advocating for Iowans with disabilities say 2022 is a crucial year to lay groundwork for individuals to gain more independence and live stronge…

A bill in Olympia would more than double the amount of money people with long-term Medicaid care could keep for other basic living expenses. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

WA Bill Would Increase Allowance for People Receiving In-Home Care

As the cost of living skyrockets in Washington state, people needing in-home care are being squeezed, a state Senate bill would increase the amount …

According to AARP, New York ranks 39th among states for the amount of money the state spends on nursing home oversight per resident. (Adobe Stock)

More Funds Requested for NY Nursing-Home Oversight

Advocates for older New Yorkers say Gov. Kathy Hochul's proposed executive budget leaves people living in nursing homes behind, by not addressing a …

Thousands of qualified caretakers are needed to provide services for Utahns with developmental and intellectual disabilities. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Provider Shortage Triggers Access-to-Care Crisis for Disabled Utahns

Advocates say Utah has a shortage of qualified workers to deliver home and community-based services to people with developmental and intellectual disa…

The federal voting-rights legislation failed 52-48, as Democrats on Capitol Hill failed to carve out an exception to the Senate filibuster. (Adobe Stock)

WI Group Sees New Path Forward for Voting Rights

After a defeat on Wednesday, Democrats in the U.S. Senate say they'll keep trying to pass voting-rights legislation, and one Wisconsin group wants …

In 2020, 42% of New York's direct care workers lived in or near poverty. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates Push NY to Increase Home-Care Workers' Pay

Advocates for New Yorkers with disabilities are calling on state lawmakers to take action on policies that would raise earnings for home-care workers…

Emergency managers' CMIST checklist helps ensure that all communications, medical, independence, safety and transportation needs can be met in times of crisis. (Adobe Stock)

Marshall Fire Tests Emergency Response for Disabled Community

People with disabilities often are left out of conversations about disaster preparedness, and the recent Marshall Fire put Colorado's emergency …

Among extremely low income households in Montana, about nine in 10 spend more than 30% of their income on housing. (BillionPhotos.com/Adobe Stock)

Build Back Better Act Could Help Address MT Housing Crisis, Advocates Say

Like many states across the country, Montana is facing a housing crisis. One organization says policies in the Build Back Better Act, still in …

The 2022 legislative session in Iowa kicks off January 10th and is scheduled to carry over into April. (Adobe Stock)

Disability Advocates: You CAN Navigate the Policy Maze

In a few weeks, Iowa lawmakers return for the 2022 legislative session. Disability advocates say there are ways to rise above the divisive nature of …

Fewer than one-in-five workers in the United States has access to paid family leave. (Adobe Stock)

MD Paid Leave Supporters: It's Time for the Time to Care Act

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Advocacy groups say a paid leave proposal in Maryland would provide peace of mind for workers, especially those with disabilities …

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits discrimination based on disability. (Adobe Stock)

All Eyes on New Douglas County School Board Over Masks

DENVER -- Students with disabilities in Douglas County won some time after a federal judge ruled last week a new county health department order making…

According to a new AARP report, rural New Yorkers are more likely than urban residents to die prematurely from heart disease, cancer, unintentional injury, chronic lower respiratory disease and stroke. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Older, Rural New Yorkers Need Greater Healthcare Access

ALBANY, N.Y. -- A new report showed rural New Yorkers face disparities in access to healthcare, and advocates for older residents said it underscores …

Last year, according to U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, people with disabilities were more likely to work in service occupations or be self-employed, and less likely to work in management occupations compared to those without a disability. (Adobe Stock)

As Disability Employment Awareness Month Ends, NY Efforts Continue

NEW YORK -- National Disability Employment Awareness Month is nearly over, but advocates in New York said there is more progress to be made beyond …

Many states have laws that require guardians of adults with disabilities to file reports on how they are caring for their wards. (hakinmhan/Adobe Stock)

Calls for Greater Accountability for Missourians Under Guardianship

LIBERTY, Mo. - Advocates for people with disabilities are looking for more accountability in Missouri for enforcing people's rights under …

Advocates for Iowans with disabilities say the caregiver shortage could erase decades of progress in self-advocacy. (Adobe Stock)

Caregiver Shortage Puts Iowans with Disabilities in Tough Spot

WATERLOO, Iowa -- Advocates for Iowans with disabilities are sounding the alarm over what they describe as a caregiver crisis, pleading with …

Advocates say people with Down syndrome are engaging in more activities, including sports and exercise, thanks to better intervention programs and forms of therapy. (Adobe Stock)

Down Syndrome: Focus on Accomplishments, Not Assumptions

FARGO, N.D. - People with Down syndrome are having a bigger impact on society, and their advocates in the Dakota region say it's time for the public …

People living with disabilities make up roughly 30% of the U.S. workforce, while their unemployment rate is more than double the overall rate. (Kaspars Grinvalds/Adobe Stock)

Disability Advocates Urge More Inclusive Work Environments, Hiring Practices

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- As businesses across Illinois and the nation work to fill open positions, advocates for people with disabilities say they should …

Valley-Wide provides medical, dental, behavioral-health, physical-therapy and pharmacy services at 15 primary health-care centers, nine dental clinics, and four physical therapy clinics, strategically located throughout multiple rural counties in Southern Colorado. (Adobe Stock)

Wheelchair-Accessible Van Connects San Luis Valley Residents to Health Care

ALAMOSA, Colo. -- The Valley-Wide Ride, a transportation service introduced last year to help San Luis Valley residents get to health centers…

More than 600,000 New York state residents are SSI recipients, according to 2019 data. (Adobe Stock)

NY Suit Contests Social Security Closures, Changes

NEW YORK -- Disability advocates and other groups are suing the federal government over the Social Security Administration's practices during the pand…

People living with disabilities make up roughly 30% of the U.S. workforce, although their unemployment rate is more than double the overall rate. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa Companies Could Do More to Close Disability Hiring Gap

DES MOINES, Iowa - October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and advocates for people with disabilities are calling on employers to …

Many people with developmental disabilities couldn't receive meaningful day services during the pandemic. (Adobe stock)<br /> — Many people with developmental disabilities couldn't receive meaningful day services during the pandemic. (Adobe stock)

COVID Prompts Rethinking Group Work for Marylanders with Disabilities

BALTIMORE -- Spurred on by COVID challenges, a grant from the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council to two human services providers is …

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Disabilities