Disabilities / Public News Service

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 />

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

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)

Monday, April 15, 2024

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…

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 …

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 …

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 …

Nationwide, nearly four in 10 state prisoners and three in 10 federal prisoners reported having a disability, compared to 15% of the general population, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. (Adobe Stock/generated with AI)

People with disabilities over-represented in justice system

Nationwide, people with disabilities are overrepresented both as victims of crime and those who are accused of crimes, and advocates believe the …

After lawmakers passed House Bill 1232 in 2021, standardized Colorado Option health insurance was developed with extensive input from consumers, insurers, health providers, rural communities and other stakeholders. (Adobe Stock)

Tracking effectiveness of Colorado’s Public Option health coverage

Colorado's standardized health-insurance plan, known as the Colorado Option, is changing how consumers interact with insurance, according to a new …

States including California and Illinois have passed mental health legislation similar to what Michigan is now considering, without seeing increases to insurance premiums. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

MI legislators push for mental-health care access

A House bill aimed at increasing access to mental health care in Michigan could go to a vote on the House floor at any time. Rep. Felicia Brabec…

The Colorado Avalanche and Xcel Energy are helping fundraise for Energy Outreach Colorado, a nonprofit that in 2023 helped more than 38,289 Colorado households through energy efficiency gains, connecting with community solar gardens and crisis-intervention services. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Avalanche scores an assist on energy bills

The Colorado Avalanche has teamed up with Xcel Energy to generate funds to help people struggling to pay their energy bills this winter. Every time …

A 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics report finds close to 60% of disabled people work in the service industry, a higher percentage than the nondisabled community. A New York bill could help these and many other workers with disabilities remain safe from wage theft. (Adobe Stock)

NY disability rights advocates tackle a mountain of barriers

New York disability rights advocates are working to break barriers in numerous legislative areas, including those in transportation, housing…

In 2018, the City of Reno, Nevada, agreed to allow Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation to work on a decommissioned golf course. (Dominic Gentilcore/Adobe Stock)

AARP NV wants to help improve communities through grant initiative

AARP Nevada wants nonprofits and government agencies to improve communities through quick-action improvement projects made possible through a grant pr…

Minnesota is phasing in a host of election policy changes intended to make voting easier. Administrators also remind voters, especially older populations with physical limitations, that they still can take advantage of curbside voting. (Adobe Stock)

Voting-law changes benefit older Minnesotans

Minnesota's presidential primary is one month from today. As voters prepare to cast their ballot, administrators say new policies are in place in …

In the midst of personal stories of dedication and sacrifice, the fate of family caregiving services now rests on the outcome of a critical public comment period, as Indiana parents strive to secure continued support for the unique needs of their children. (Adobe Stock)

Lt. Gov: Pause funding cuts for 'most vulnerable' Hoosiers

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch asked the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Monday to pause budget cuts that could punish Indiana's "most …

Montana House Bill 393, which would create Educational Savings Accounts for special education students, is scheduled to take effect July 1, 2024. Critics vow to challenge it in court. (Adobe Stock)

MT teachers oppose special-ed voucher program

The union that represents Montana teachers opposes a move to legalize private school vouchers in the state. Educational Savings Accounts, or ESAs…

One goal of President Joe Biden's April 2023

Medicaid waiver programs cover in-home care costs for eligible Nebraskans

Many Nebraskans age 65 and older with health limitations, as well as younger people living with a disability, want to remain in their own homes…

An estimated one-third to one-half of individuals killed in police encounters have some form of disability, according to the Police Brutality Center. (Adobe Stock)

New AL law aims to improve police understanding of sensory needs

Police encounters can be stressful for anyone but especially challenging for people with disabilities. A new state law aims to improve police …

Research shows that among deaf adults, rates of diagnosed depression or anxiety disorder are significantly higher, and occur at an earlier age, compared to hearing adults. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Peer support specialists help deaf Kentuckians access mental health care

Kentuckians who are deaf or hard-of-hearing face many challenges in accessing mental healthcare, and a new program aims to address the problem…

New York has made strides in voter access through the June 2022 enactment of The New York Voting Rights Act. (vesperstock/Adobe Stock)

New York Senate pushes for more ballot access

Just a week into the legislative session, New York lawmakers are moving to uphold democracy and expand voting rights. The state Senate passed a …

One of the five self-driving vans now serving the northern Minnesota community of Grand Rapids. The vans are part of a program called

MN project part of autonomous vehicles movement for people with disabilities

By Tony Leys for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Service Co…

By 2030, more than 1 in 5 Americans will be at least 65 years old and by 2050, the number of people aged 60 and older globally is expected to double to more than 2 billion. (Cala Serrano/Adobe Stock)

Older adults and climate advocacy

While scientists say extreme climate changes are happening more frequently, a new study aims to link aging adults to its risks and their potential to …

U.S. Bureau of Labor data show more than 38% of the disability community ages 16-64 were employed in November 2023, in contrast to 75% of adults without disabilities who were employed. (Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council)

Iowans with disabilities ask lawmakers to protect special-ed funding

The Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council has a wish list for the new legislative session. The group has just released its public-policy agenda…

A report by DataHaven showed health inequities have led to around 14,000 deaths in Connecticut, predominantly among the state's Black population. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Discrimination rampant in CT, US health care

Despite efforts to the contrary, people across Connecticut and the U.S. experienced discrimination in health care. A DataHaven report found between 1…

In addition to reducing the risk of heart disease, studies have shed light on several other potential health benefits associated with vacationing, including decreased depression, less stress and improved productivity. (aanbetta/Adobe Stock)

Heart-healthy holiday travel tips from a cardiologist

AAA is projecting a record 7.5 million air passengers will travel over the next two weeks. Cardiologists and the American Heart Association suggest …

A white-breasted Nuthatch hangs upside in a photo taken during a Christmas Bird Count. Audubon reported more than 79,000 people participated in the count last year, the third-highest number ever. (Kyle/Adobe Stock)

'Birdability' hosts accessible Christmas bird counts in NE, nationwide

Bird-watchers across the country are part of the 124th National Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count between now and early January. One group helps …

After a devastating winter storm, Texas disability-rights advocates found between 75% and 80% of disabled people lost power and water. Some other challenges they faced were spoiled medications requiring refrigeration, and lack of access to critical in-home health-care assistance. (Adobe Stock)

NY disability advocates provide winter weather tips

As winter approaches, New Yorkers with disabilities are preparing to tackle a tough time of the year. One of the biggest challenges is getting …

More than 2,000 patients with intellectual or developmental disabilities have received dental care in group home day center settings across North Carolina, according to Access Dental. (Adobe Stock)

Improving NC access to dental care for people with disabilities

Most people probably never give a second thought to their visits to the dentist, but not everyone can navigate this process with ease. People with …

Sixteen states have Employment First executive orders, and 32 states have State Agency Administrative policies/regulations in place - all in support of Employment First, according to the APSE. (Adobe Stock)

Coalition: Make NV an Employment First state again

A coalition of Nevada groups is behind a statewide effort to make Nevada an Employment First state. That would align the state with a U.S. Labor …

AARP estimates family caregivers in South Dakota provide a total of 74 million hours of unpaid care per year. (Adobe Stock)

Caregiver support in SD likely to receive legislative focus next year

South Dakota's next legislative session is right around the corner, and lawmakers are expected to take a close look at recommendations for enhancing …

A 2023 Air Travel Consumer Report finds that in 2022, U.S. airlines mishandled 11,389 wheelchairs and scooters that were loaded onto planes. (Adobe Stock)

Despite progress, air travel still poses challenges for people with disabilities

Ahead of the holiday season, advocates are calling on Congress to increase disability access in air travel. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics …

Business leaders have reported workers with disabilities bring a strong sense of positivity and ownership of their work. (Adobe Stock)

Diversifying the workforce can change companies for the better

By Ramona Schindelheim for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Wyoming News Service reporting for the WorkingNation-Public News Servic…

Congress averted a government shutdown in September by approving a temporary spending plan. But time is running out to come up with long-term appropriations, and political observers say a lot of uncertainty looms over budget talks. (Adobe Stock)

Wisconsinites warn of negative outcomes if federal programs are cut

Congress has one week to approve a new federal spending plan or risk a government shutdown, and some Wisconsinites are calling on lawmakers to keep …

Each polling place must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the New Hampshire building code, ensuring accessible parking spaces and building entrances as well as tabletop voting screens, which allow a voter to sit at a table and mark a ballot. (Adobe Stock)

NH voters with disabilities encouraged to make a voting plan

Advocates for people with disabilities in New Hampshire are encouraging them to make a voting plan ahead of tomorrow's election, by locating the …

Stroke is ranked as the second leading cause of death worldwide, with an annual mortality rate of about 5.5 million people. (Irina Strelnikova/Adobe Stock)

For World Stroke Day, learn how to spot a stroke

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke - so learning how to spot one can be vital in saving your own life or someone else's…

A Brennan Center for Justice report finds 58% of early voting polling places surveyed didn't have proper signs prohibiting parking in access aisles for wheelchair users to get in and out of their cars at parking spaces. (Adobe Stock)

NY disability advocates want more accessible polling places

New York disability rights advocates are working to make polling places more accessible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds 25% …

Around 8,000 people with disabilities in the state are unemployed, while another 77,000 are currently not in the workforce, according to the State of Nevada. (Adobe Stock)

State works to step up employment for Nevadans with disabilities

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and one Nevada organization says about 70% of people with disabilities who would like to …

Michigan's Voting Rights Act would provide curbside voting and establishes protections for voters with disabilities. It also allows organizers to arrange rides to the polls for voters during elections. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Michigan voting rights advocates push for lifting language, other barriers

Michigan lawmakers are set to consider a new Voting Rights Act for the state by next week. Introduced in June, Senate Bills 401, 402, 403 and 404 …

The Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council is a big part of

'Civics in Action' exhibit honors Iowans with disabilities

The State Historical Society of Iowa has opened a new exhibit in its Des Moines museum. "Civics in Action" focuses on Iowans who've made …

The Healthcare Association of New York State found people with complex care cost hospitals $169 million in unreimbursed costs. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NY can do more for people with complex needs

A recent report found New York State can do more to bolster health care for people with complex needs. The Rockefeller Institute report detailed how …

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Disabilities