Disabilities / Public News Service

The unpaid care provided by more than 580,000 Wisconsin caregivers is valued at $9.2 billion, according to AARP. (Adobe Stock) <br /><br />

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

More support needed for over half-million WI family caregivers

More than 580,000 Wisconsinites are unpaid family caregivers and they serve as the backbone of the state's long-term care system, and one …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the wastewater viral activity level for COVID-19 is currently high in Arkansas. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

New relief for Arkansans suffering from long COVID

The aftermath of COVID-19 infections has left many with unexplainable fatigue or memory loss. A new study revealed a prescription drug used for …

Medical site Medline Plus indicates Metformin helps people with diabetes control the amount of sugar (or glucose) in their blood. It decreases the amount of glucose absorbed from food and increases the body's response to insulin. (Adobe Stock)

Diabetes drug could help IN residents ease COVID symptoms

The aftermath of COVID-19 infections has left many with unexplainable fatigue or memory loss. A new study reveals a prescription used for another …

The holidays can be hard for Texans dealing with loss or depression

The holiday season is not merry and bright for everyone. If you have experienced the loss of a loved one, lost your job or if you're going through a …

Ohio's inadequate family leave policies and systemic gaps contribute to high rates of infant mortality (7.06 per 1,000 births) and maternal mortality (18.8 per 100,000 births) both above the U.S. average). (Best/Adobe Stock)

Report: Paid family leave and what it could mean for Ohio

Ohio is among the many states where a majority of workers lack access to paid family leave. A new report by Groundwork Ohio finds three in four …

Eligible Hoosiers can access additional benefits beyond doctor visits and prescriptions with a Dual Special Needs Plan. (Adobe stock)

Dual health plans offer extra support for low-income Hoosiers

Nearly 13 million people nationwide, including thousands of Hoosiers on Medicare and Medicaid, may qualify for additional coverage through a Dual …

A Department of Veterans Affairs report found 41% of veterans nationwide were found to have a potential need for mental health care. (Adobe Stock)

NY group establishes new veterans' direct care program

A New York group has a new program to help veterans. The Center for Independence of the Disabled New York's Veteran Direct Care program helps …

Every major insurer increased its number of Dual Special Needs Plan offerings between 2018 and 2024. <br />(fotofabrika/Adobe Stock)

Missourians may qualify for health plans with extra benefits

As we roll into the final weeks of Medicare's open enrollment, some Missourians may not realize they qualify for a specific type of health insurance …

According to the Meals on Wheels website, more than 1 million meals were delivered in Northern Illinois during the pandemic, and volunteers contributed 52,000 hours of their time. (Adobe Stock)

Older IL population has options for healthy meals

The number of older Americans who live alone, because of self-isolation or losing a spouse, is increasing. These factors can prevent them from …

Passage of Massachusetts Question 2 eliminated the requirement students pass the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System tests in English, math, science and technology to receive a high school diploma, although educators will still use the test as a diagnostic tool. (Adobe Stock)<br />

MA educators, parents celebrate end of MCAS graduation requirement

Parents and educators in Massachusetts are celebrating an end to the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System graduation requirement. Nearly 60%…

Idahoans can register to vote on Election Day at their polling place with proof of residency and a photo ID. (Annap/Adobe Stock)

Voter guide available for Idahoans who might face barriers at polls

Election Day is tomorrow and resources are available for people who might face challenges at the polls in Idaho. The American Civil Liberties Union …

While the early voting deadline in Ohio has passed, you can still turn in an absentee ballot by mail as long as it is postmarked by the fourth. (Laura/Adobe Stock)

Ohio voting law changes raise accessibility concerns

By Mariah Alanskas for Kent State NewsLab.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration…

Roughly 120,000 Montana families receive some form of public assistance. Many are caregivers or single parents and 97% are employed. (Adobe Stock)

New report shows who gets Montana public assistance and why

A new report from the Headwaters Foundation in Montana showed at least half the people who receive public assistance are only enrolled for one year…

Alex Watters works at Morningside University in Sioux City, Iowa. He says he's had to turn down promotions and other opportunities to keep his income below the threshold that allows him to receive benefits as a quadriplegic. (Alex Watters/IDDC)

Iowans with disabilities see employment gains but challenges remain

State data show more Iowans with disabilities are employed. And advocates with the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council point out that - during …

The Americans with Disabilities Act, adopted in 1990, helped usher in a wave of acceptance and new standards. But officials in states like North Dakota say there's still some outdated language used in public institutions that serve these populations. (Adobe Stock)

In ND, disability language is on the ballot this fall

Ballot questions, like one dealing with property taxes, are getting attention this election season in North Dakota. But another gets to the heart of …

A rest stop along Interstate 80 near Adair, Iowa, was one of the first in the state to include an adult-size changing table. (Tony Leys/KFF Health News)

Iowa interstate rest stops equipped with adult changing tables

By Tony Leys for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Big Sky Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Service Collabor…

Voter turnout has surged among citizens with disabilities, with a 5.9% point increase in 2020 compared to the 2016 elections, according to the American Association of People with Disabilities. (Adobe Stock)

How Nevadans with disabilities can vote in this year's election

Advocates in the Silver State want to ensure all Nevadans can cast their ballot this election, including those with disabilities. Dora Uchel-…

When someone experiences a stroke, 1.9 billion brain cells are lost during every minute, according to Jefferson Health. (Adobe Stock)

'Time is brain': New program streamlines stroke care in SD

When it comes to stroke care, experts say, "time is brain." Now, a program launching in South Dakota will coordinate and strengthen stroke care …

Provider organizations said companies leaning too much on algorithms and artificial intelligence to scan resumes might be excluding people with disabilities from being hired and establishing a successful career. (Adobe Stock)

Improvements still sought as jobs outlook brightens for people with disabilities

North Dakota is above the national average in seeing individuals with disabilities as part of the workforce but the people tracking the numbers said e…

Voters with disabilities who are unable to leave their home or facility where they are residing, may be able to obtain assistance from a Special Elections Board to assist them in voting, according to Disability Rights Arizona.(Adobe Stock)

Last day to register in AZ focuses on voters with disabilities

Today is the last day in Arizona to register online to vote in next month's election. And that means voting rights advocates in the battleground …

The Center for Research on Disability reported of the 444,000 people with disabilities in Connecticut, only 114,000 (25%) of them were employed. (Adobe Stock)

CT disability rights advocates worry about employment barriers

Connecticut disability rights advocates are concerned about state and federal barriers to employment. At the state level, Medicaid is the only …

New York State has 700 home health agencies, independent living centers and other businesses acting as providers for the state's Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). (Adobe Stock)

NY disability rights advocates worry about assistance program changes

New York disability rights advocates are voicing concerns about changes to what's known as the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program…

The Fair collaborated with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) and other local organizations to devise ways to make Sensory-Friendly Mornings beneficial and fun. (State Fair of Texas)

State Fair of TX hosts Sensory Sensitive Mornings

Big Tex is up and the Ferris wheel is spinning at the 138th State Fair of Texas. And again, this year the Fair is making special accommodations for …

In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature set aside $500,000 for local election offices to improve voting access for those with disabilities. (Adobe Stock)

Volunteers sought as early voting kicks off in MN

Early voting begins today in Minnesota and the state has implemented policy moves with the intent of making voting easier. Nonpartisan civic …

NV Energy's proposal sought to increase its rate of return to investors from 9.5% to 10.4%. The Public Utilities Commission approved a 9.65% return, according to the Nevada Conservation League. (Adobe Stock)

Utility regulators deny NV Energy rate change for northern NV customers

Nevada leaders and community groups are pleased with this week's decision by state utility regulators to reject NV Energy's request to raise its basic…

Around 2,250 adults with serious mental illness each year, on average, receive psychiatric treatment at the University of Louisville Hospital. (Adobe Stock)

DOJ report finds Louisville overuses its psychiatric hospitals

A U.S. Department of Justice investigation has found Kentucky is failing to provide access to community-based mental health services for people who …

Income, location and trust issues can contribute to health disparities in the Latinx community. (Krakenimages.com/Adobe Stock)

TX nonprofits address health disparities in Latino community

Nonprofits across Texas are coming together to address disparities in health care for the Latinx community. A report by the Commonwealth Fund shows …

The Commonwealth Fund finds personal care attendants are facing nationwide shortages driven by low wages and retention, high turnover, and recruitment challenges. (Adobe Stock)

CT home health care workers still facing payroll issues

Despite a changing of the guard, Connecticut home health care workers still face payroll issues. Personal care attendants dealt with late paychecks …

Disability health-care costs in Pennsylvania are more than $41 billion per year, or up to 37% of the state's health-care spending, according to the CDC. (Maria Vitkovska/Adobe)

Access for all: Making voting easier for Pennsylvanians with disabilities

Disability Voting Rights Week is an annual call to action that occurs during the second week of September. It focuses on advocacy, celebrating …

At least one-third of schools are fully accessible in eleven of New York City's 32 community school districts. Once the projects currently in the pipeline are done, at least one-third of schools will be disability accessible. (Adobe Stock)

NYC public schools still not fully ADA compliant

Although classes are back in session, all New York City public schools still aren't entirely disability accessible. Reports find more than two …

Around 19% of students with disabilities attend four-year colleges and universities, compared with 40% of students without disabilities. Students with disabilities are more likely to attend two-year colleges or vocational schools, according to the Iris Center. (Adobe Stock)

NV secures $10 million grant to enhance outcomes for students with disabilities

A Nevada program is aiming to centralize transition services and improve outcomes for children with disabilities. It will help create a centralized …

Project ECHO is a lifelong learning and guided practice model providing professional development and offering best practices. (Adobe Stock)

Utah State University looks to improve early identification of autism in children

Utah lags behind the national average of identifying children for autism. In an effort to improve the state's standing, the Institute for Disability…

Colorado is investing in key infrastructure to power and maintain electric vehicles, including connecting new solar canopies to the electric grid, and adding more charging stations. (Adobe Stock)

Clean buses coming to Colorado transit systems

The Colorado Department of Transportation is investing nearly $32 million to help local governments and other stakeholders transition to electric vehi…

The objective of the Health Connector program is to ensure enhanced and equal access to healthcare options for all residents, according to Dallas County officials. (Dallas County Health Department)

Iowa transportation program aims to reduce missed health appointments

County health officials in rural Iowa are using a new app to connect people to their doctors and cut down on missed appointments. The Health …

A new transportation tool will help people find ride options in Seattle and surrounding areas. (IanDewarPhotography/Adobe Stock)

Fed grant supports transportation planning tool in WA

A grant from the federal government is helping improve transportation planning options in the Puget Sound region. The nonprofit Hopelink received a $…

The US Census Bureau says in a couple of decades older Americans will outnumber children for the first time in history. (WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

Poll shows sheer numbers of older caregivers in U.S.

One in four people over age 50 is taking care of at least one person with a health issue or disability, according to a new poll. In Virginia…

SEIU 775 represents more than 50,000 caregivers in three states, including Washington. (ake1150/Adobe Stock)

WA home care workers push for better wages, benefits

Washington home caregivers are negotiating with the state on wages and benefits. The caregivers' union, SEIU 775, is in talks with the Consumer …

TennCare offers medical coverage to roughly 1.3 million Tennessee residents. (Dmytro/Adobe Stock)

TN offers free diapers through Tenncare, CoverKids

Some Tennessee parents now have access to monthly supplies of free diapers under the state's Medicaid program. TennCare provides coverage for …

Graduates of the 2024 Youth Leadership Academy. (Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council)

Iowa mints new disability advocacy leaders

Thirteen students, ranging in age from 14 to 21, have just graduated from the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council Youth Leadership Academy…

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

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)

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 …

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

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 …

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

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 …

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

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…

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

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…

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 …

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