The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced that they are accepting public comment through April 8, 2024 on a proposal to create American Sign Language (ASL) video alerts for emergencies. The proposal would also simplify the process of sending non-English language alerts over television and radio using the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The proposal was announced in an FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM).An NPRM is an official document that announces and explains a federal government agency's plan to address a problem or accomplish a goal.
Comments can be submitted through the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System and must reference PS Docket No. 15-94.
People with disabilities who need assistance to file comments online may request assistance by email at FCC504@fcc.gov.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is proposing new rules to improve safety for passengers with wheelchairs under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA).Similar to the ADA, the ACAA is the federal law that protects passengers with disabilities during air travel. The proposed rule would require enhanced training for airline employees and contractors who physically assist passengers with disabilities and handle passengers’ wheelchairs. The rule will also outline actions airlines must take to protect passengers when a wheelchair is damaged during transport.
Comments must be submitted by May 13, 2024 through Regulations.gov, Docket DOT-OST-2022-0144.
New Report: Supportive Services for Individuals with Autism
At the end of 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a report to Congress that described supportive services, in addition to healthcare, that would be beneficial for improving outcomes for individuals with autism and their families.
Medicare and Medicaid: A New Model for Behavioral Health Integration
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have announced a new model called The Innovation in Behavioral Health (IBH) Model. The goal of the model is to improve the quality of care for adults with mental health conditions or substance use disorder and promote health information technology (health IT).
Employment Discrimination Charges Based on Neurodiversity Continue to Rise
Since 2016, the percentage of EEOC charges under the ADA based on neurodiversity-related conditions has continued to increase. Charges related to autism more than doubled, going from 0.4% in 2016 to 1.2% in 2022. Additionally, anxiety increased from increased from 7.6% to 12.3% over the six-year period.
Improve the Lives of Children with Special Healthcare Needs
The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Division of Specialized Care for Children is seeking input from caregivers and people who work with children and youth with special healthcare needs. Input can help shape statewide priorities and programs to meet these needs. The short four-question survey is available in English and Spanish. Survey respondents can also sign up for a focus group session with a chance to get a $50 gift card! For more information, contact Title V Needs Assessment Coordinator, Dr. Ebonie Zielinski, at ewrigh6@uic.edu.
Disability Takeaways from the Governor's 2024 State Budget Release
Overall, the Governor’s proposed budget for 2024 seeks to preserve a wide range of services for people with disabilities. However, this budget will need to be debated and approved by state legislators. Here are a few key takeaways:
In response to the projected billion-dollar Medicaid funding shortfall in Indiana, the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) said it would begin removing families from the attendant care program. This led to weekly protests by parents of children with severe medical conditions. In response, lawmakers approved legislation to require new transparency and oversight rules of FSSA and a full accounting of what led to the forecasting issue so it can be avoided in the future. The legislation also requires the FSSA to set a minimum reimbursement level for families transitioning away from the attendant care program.
Guardians for Parents with Intellectual Disabilities in the Adoption Process
Senate Bill 16 has been passed and will establish a "guardian ad litem" pilot program in LaPorte County, Marshall County, and Starke County. It requires a court in these counties to appoint a guardian to represent the best interests of a parent with an intellectual disability in adoption cases. The cost of appointing a guardian in these cases is paid by the county. This pilot will end on July 1, 2026.
Kalamazoo County Businesses: Apply for an Accessibility Audit to Drive Tourism
Discover Kalamazoo is using a $57,500 Accessible Traveler Grant from the state to fund a community accessibility audit of the county. Sites will be selected based on their connection to the tourism sector and will include attractions, lodging, restaurants, and transportation facilities. Following each audit, the business will receive a report identifying its accessible offerings and ways to enhance accessibility for guests. Local businesses that wish to participate can request a form here.
Ford Airport Uses Sign Language Boards Powered By Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The Grand Rapids airport was one of the first in the nation to try the new AI sign language technology. The service is created by working with an interpreter who signs a vocabulary of terms such as destination names, airline names, numbers, and times of day that are then pieced together by AI to provide accessible notifications about flights. The test ended in 2023 but the airport is working to continue developing the software
Beyond the ADA: Building Inclusive, Accommodating Communities
Several cities across Minnesota have embraced ADA requirements and are making important strides in enhancing inclusivity around residents and employees with disabilities. Accessibility benefits everyone, making it easier for strollers or carts with wheels to navigate sidewalks, deliveries to be made to buildings, and more. To create inclusive cities and workplaces, cities can start by talking to individuals who have the lived experience.
Minneapolis Housing and Support for Clients with IDD and Mental Illnesses
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has purchased a 48 unit apartment building with plans to provide residential and support services in an integrated setting for clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental illness. DHS plans to reserve 24 units for its clients, with 24 available to the public.
2024-2025 Executive Budget: Support for Ohioans with Disabilities
Ohio’s biennial Executive Budget for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025 will create a positive impact by:
Bill to Keep Youths with Mental Illness and Treatment in the State of Wisconsin
There is an absence of treatment options in Wisconsin for young people living with serious mental illness. As a result, children are sent out of state for residential treatment if a facility has space. It can take up to six months to find long-term treatment in another state. Senate Bill 913 would authorize the Department of Health Services (DHS) to certify psychiatric residential treatment facilities in Wisconsin. Gov. Tony Evers already set aside $1.79 million in the 2023-25 biennial budget for a facility, should the bill pass next session.
Unseen Autism: Lack of Care When Kids Need It Most
Undiagnosed autism leads to preschool-aged children being kicked out of day care for perceived behavioral issues just when they need the support the most. Parents, child care centers, and service providers recognize that Wisconsin has this hidden problem. State reported data indicates autistic children were expelled, suspended or otherwise removed from classrooms 1,695 times during the 2021-22 school year.
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