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The Chronicle Newsletter:

News Highlights

March 2024
Volume 17 Issue 5


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In Focus

New Rules Proposed:
ASL and Multilingual Emergency Alerts


Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Old TV displays the Emergency Alert System logo, a graphic of a tornado, and an ASL interpreter

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.




New Rules Proposed:
Safe and Accessible Air Travel


U.S. Department of Transportation Logo. Image of wheelchair user waiting at an airport gate while a plane takes off

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.





National News


Cover page of the 2022 Report to Congress on Supportive Services for Individuals with Autism

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.


Circular 3-part model with two people assisting a person with behavioral health need

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).


Graphical representation of neurodivergence. Different colored sections inside a person's mind

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.






Regional News


Illinois state outline

Illinois News Highlights


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:

  • The Illinois Home Services Program would see an increase of $116 million
  • The Illinois Community Care Program (senior homemaker services) would see an increase of $109 million
  • Funding for Centers for Independent Living in Illinois is proposed to remain flat
  • The $7.5 million for the new statewide Home Modification program would be spread across at least two years


Indiana state outline

Indiana News Highlights


New Oversight Rules for FSSA


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.


Michigan state outline

Michigan News Highlights


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


Minnesota state outline

Minnesota News Highlights


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.


Ohio state outline

Ohio News Highlights


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:

  • Supporting Ohioans with disabilities to earn higher wages
  • Boosting credential attainment for in-demand and well-paying jobs
  • Expanding Ohio College2Careers
  • Increasing services for high school students with disabilities
  • Supporting Accessible Ohio
  • Increasing support for the Community Centers for the Deaf
  • Supporting Disability Services Partners
  • Enhancing Penalties for Hate Crimes Against Individuals with Disabilities

Wisconsin state outline

Wisconsin News Highlights


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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