Time for Transition

Parent Information Center of NH

Mar 24, 2022 6p,m

VR New Hampshire provides pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS) to high school students that are directly related to employment, education and independent living plans for after high school. Students participating in Pre-ETS may be eligible traditional VR services. Determining eligibility for VR services can provide access to combined resources in the final years of high school.

Join this chat as Tina Greco, Transition Coordinator at VR New Hampshire talks about Pre-ETS and the continuum of VR support to students.

Register for this online event: https://bit.ly/PICNHVR

[Image description: Three teenage students smiling in school hallway in front of blue lockers/ Text over navy blue background with event title, details and registration link]

Planning for life after high school

Parent Information Center

If your child is in high school or approaching the age of 14 it’s time to start using the IEP differently to plan life after high school. Often called post-secondary transition planning, new components are added to the IEP. How is it a process? What are the different components and how do they build on each other? Join others for this virtual workshop March 8, 2022 at 6pm to answers to these questions and more! Register at: https://conta.cc/3nLNQMK

[Grid of four smiling young adults of various ethnicity, one using a wheelchair, with white text on brown background "Planning for life after High School, A family-friendly workshop about how to use the transition components of an IEP to plan for life after high school. March 8, 2022 6-8pm Register athttps://conta.cc/3nLNQMK]

NAMIWalk

Join us for A United Day of Hope

Our NAMIWalks event will be a little different than what you might expect from a walk event— while making a lot of difference. It’s going to be “your way,” meaning you choose what you want to do on event day.

Our collective mental health needs are at their greatest now. One in three U.S. adults reported experiencing depression or anxiety since the pandemic began. NAMI’s programs and advocacy are needed more than ever, and with your help, we are pleased to present NAMIWalks Your Way on Saturday, October 9, 2021,

What is NAMIWalks Your Way?

On October 9, 2021, NAMIWalks will be a virtually virtual experience, united with NAMIWalks across the country. NAMIWalks Your Way means instead of putting one foot in front of the other, you get to put one feat in front of the other: participants get to use their creativity, with the main rule that we continue to advance towards our goal by leaps and bounds.

Creativity Rules: What participants are doing on event day

*Walking 7,000+ steps for a 5K their way

*Planning a craft day with their kids

Holding a virtual bake-off with their team

*Practicing self-care with a favorite hobby: yoga, gardening, knitting

*Doing a 5K on the treadmill or stationary bike

*Creating a safe and socially distanced stroll in their neighborhood

Take photos and videos and share your activity on favorite social media with the link to your walk fundraising page and the hashtag #NotAlone. Together we can make a difference for people affected by mental illness,

The only limit of NAMIWalks Your Way is staying safe, healthy, and inspired. Share your ideas with us!

Remember: United, we insist on Mental Health for All.

Mental Illness Awareness Week: Sun. 10/3 - 10/9, 2021

Mental Illness Awareness Week

Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. However, mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends or coworkers. That is why each year, during the first week of October, NAMI and participants across the country raise awareness of mental illness, fight discrimination and provide support through Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW).

We believe that mental health conditions are important to discuss year-round, but highlighting them during MIAW provides a dedicated time for mental health advocates across the country to come together as one unified voice. Since 1990, when Congress officially established the first full week of October as MIAW, advocates have worked together to sponsor activities, large or small, to educate the public about mental illness.

This year’s MIAW is centered around our new awareness campaign, “Together for Mental Health,” where we will focus on the importance of advocating for better care for people with serious mental illness (SMI). Each day throughout the week, we will be raising the voices of people with lived experience to talk about SMI and the need for improved crisis response and mental health care.

MIAW 2021

Mental Illness Awareness Week runs from October 3–9 and coincides with additional related events:

  • Tuesday Oct. 5: National Day of Prayer for Mental Illness Recovery and Understanding

  • Thursday Oct. 7: National Depression Screening Day

  • Saturday Oct. 9: NAMIWalks United Day of Hope

  • Sunday Oct. 10: World Mental Health Day

Granite State Independent Living - General Overview

Topics to cover

Brief overview of Medicaid programs
Bureau information
Bureau of Family Assistance
Bureau of Elderly & Adult Services
Bureau of Developmental Services

Overview of waiver programs offered by DHHS
Choices for Independence
Developmentally Disabled
Acquired Brain Disorder

Cost of Care
Contact information for the Bureaus

GSIL - General Overview

New Hampshire Family Voices Online Subscription

NHFV and PIC are striving to deliver valuable information and resources to families and the professionals that work with them through a variety of outreach tools. The paper copy of Pass It On serves many purposes and is one of our most valued resources. But reality is…many do their reading and sharing online. The webpage pdf of Pass it On contains live links so that readers may click and get to more in depth information in seconds. We would like to encourage those who are receiving a hard copy to think about this alternative and feel free to switch to the web page newsletter. This is easy to do, just follow these steps!

1. Go to www.nhfv.org and click on Membership.
2. Fill out the form as if you were a new member (please include address information).
3. Add nhfamilyvoices@nhfv.org to your email safe senders list, address book or contact list so that an email notice of a new newsletter is not blocked or filtered into your spam folder.
4. This free resource is intended for sharing so please continue to “Pass It On” to friends, family and professionals you think might find it useful.

Spring 2021 Newsletter

Past Newsletters

Suzanne Keays - smk@nhfv.org

Parent Toolbox for Teen Drivers

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death
and injury in teenagers 15-20 years of age.

“They are the greatest danger your teenager faces.” The most important thing for you to know is that as their parent you have the greatest influence over your teenager’s driving behavior. You are their first driving instructor and the role you play is essential in helping to keep your child safe behind the wheel.

This toolbox is designed to assist you, to provide you with valuable information, guidelines, recommendations, resources and statistics. And to teach you that the best tool your teen driver can have is you. Our goal is to reduce the number of NH teen driver crashes and establish a safe teen driver culture.

Click here to learn more

NH BRAIN INJURY & STROKE RESOURCE DIRECTORY 12th Edition

FEATURING INFORMATION FOR SURVIVORS, FAMILIES, CAREGIVERS, VETERANS AND PROFESSIONALS

The Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire (BIANH) has created this directory with the intent of providing information and resources that are available within the State of New Hampshire. BIANH attempts to maintain current and accurate information and disclaims any implied warranty or representation of accuracy or completeness. Further, it is the discretion of the user to make decisions about appropriateness of services. BIANH neither endorses nor implies a recommendation; BIANH is not liable or responsible for any claim, losses, or damages resulting from its use of the agencies or services listed within this directory. BIANH does not claim that this Resource Directory encompasses all organizations in New Hampshire servicing individuals living with a brain injury.

The Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire maintains updated information and resources in the State of New Hampshire. BIANH is the leading comprehensive source of support, sharing, education, and advocacy for people with acquire brain disorders, their families, and professionals in New Hampshire. We urge you to be in touch with our Family Helpline – 1-800-773-8400.

Click here to download a copy of the Resource Directory

Parent Information Center and NH Family Voices Present Family To Family Chats via ZOOM

The PIC Office is currently closed due to COVID-19.  However, staff are still able to speak with you and answer your questions.  Voicemails are checked multiple times a day, but email is the best way to reach staff.  You may do so visiting the Contact Us page.  Thank you!

Upcoming Virtual Chats Regarding Covid-19

Family to Family Chat: Ready, Set, Breathe!

May 18 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Adjusting to the “new normal” of COVID 19 can be difficult, especially when caring for a family member with a disability and or special healthcare needs. How do you find time for self-care and ensure you are putting your oxygen mask on first? Join a conversation to share your challenges and get ideas and resources to find your oxygen mask. Facilitated by Jenn Pineo at New Hampshire Family Voices – recently appointed remote teacher, mask deliverer, and zoom/google meet expert.

Register at – https://conta.cc/2L95mXN


Family to Family Chat: I NEED my friends!

May 20 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Teens and young adults crave socialization! Do you have questions about how you (or your teen/youth) with a disability and or chronic illness can stay safe AND socialize during these new times of social distancing? Are you worried about what COVID-19 looks like in a young person? Want to talk about some creative ways to live during the current state of affairs? Or do you have other concerns? Join our Zoom chat to have a discussion about these concerns with Dr. Lisa Plotnick (specializing in pediatrics and internal medicine) and Cate, a YEAH council member.

Register at – https://conta.cc/2WDVeeL


Taking your child to the hospital during Covid-19

May 27 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Do you have questions and/or concerns regarding taking your child to the hospital right now? Wondering how you should prepare them or be prepared yourself? Are you concerned with how your child will be kept safe but also concerned with your reluctance to
make a trip to the hospital?

Dr. Erik Shessler, Vice-Chair of the NH Pediatric Society, NH’s American Academy of Pediatrics chapter, and a practicing pediatrician will be available to talk about your questions and concerns.

Register at – https://conta.cc/3fQMD14

A confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting will be sent to you.


Ground Hog Day Anxiety and Self-Care

May 28 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

We wake up each day and it seems like the day before. It’s monotonous, it’s repetitive and it is creating a LOT of anxiety. Anxiety in kids who already had high anxiety, anxiety in kids who didn’t have anxiety and so much anxiety in parents.

How do we cope? What techniques are working to ease the anxiety in the home and what can family members do for self-care?

Join our Zoom chat to have an interactive discussion with staff from NAMI New Hampshire (National Alliance
on Mental Illness) on Ground Hog Day Anxiety and Self-Care ideas.

Register at – https://conta.cc/2Wwwoir

A confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting will be sent to you.


Bouncing Back: Building Resilience in Families with Young Children after COVID 19

June 3 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

The power to bounce back after a traumatic event doesn’t come easy – it takes resilience. However, in this time of uncertainty, many families with young children are concerned about how to develop and promote resilience as we enter a new normal. Sometimes promoting resilience can be as simple as observing, listening, and providing a sense of structure and stability.

Join Sandy Hogan, a PTAN consultant and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor who is also credentialed as an Early Childhood Master Professional/Allied Professional, and other NH families to talk about simple strategies you can use with your child to build resiliency.

Register at – https://conta.cc/35Zj7Si

A confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting will be sent to you.


Groundhog Day Anxiety and Self-Care

June 4 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

We wake up each day and it seems like the day before. It’s monotonous, it’s repetitive and it is creating a LOT of anxiety. Anxiety in kids who already had high anxiety, anxiety in kids who didn’t have anxiety and so much anxiety in parents.

How do we cope? What techniques are working to ease the anxiety in the home and what can family members do for self-care?

Join our Zoom chat to have an interactive discussion with staff from NAMI New Hampshire {National Alliance on Mental Illness) on Groundhog Day Anxiety and Self-Care ideas.

Register at – https://conta.cc/2X1M4t4

A confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting will be sent to you.

The Parent Information Center is not a legal services agency and cannot provide legal advice or legal representation.  The information in this presentation is provided as a public service for general information only and is not a substitute for legal advice about the facts of your or your child’s particular situation.  In addition, the law is always changing, through actions of the courts, legislature and public agencies.  If you have a problem or issue that requires legal advice, such advice should be obtained from an attorney.

Protect Yourself from Social Security Scams

WARNING

Be on the lookout for fake calls and emails

Scammers are pretending to be government employees. They may threaten you and may demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or other legal action. Do not be fooled!

Be Alert

Social Security may call you in some situations but will never:

  • Threaten you

  • Suspend your Social Security number

  • Demand an immediate payment from you

  • Require payment by cash, gift card, pre-paid debit card, or wire transfer

  • Ask for gift card numbers over the phone or to wire or mail cash

If you receive a suspicious call

  1. Hang up

  2. Do not give money or personal information

  3. Report the scam to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG)

SUBMIT A REPORT

What to look for

  • The caller says there is a problem with your Social Security number or account.

  • Any call asking you to pay a fine or debt with retail gift cards, wire transfers, pre-paid debit cards, internet currency, or by mailing cash.

  • Scammers pretend they are from Social Security or another government agency. Caller ID or documents sent by email may look official but they are not.

  • Callers threaten you with arrest or other legal action.

  • Keep up to date on scams and fraud by reading our blog.

Be Active

Protect yourself, friends, and family!

  • If you receive a questionable call, hang up and report it at oig.ssa.gov

  • Do not return unknown calls

  • Ask someone you trust for advice before making any large purchase or financial decision

  • Do not be embarrassed to report if you shared personal information or suffered a financial loss

  • Learn more at oig.ssa.gov/scam

  • Share this information with others

Protect Yourself from Social Security Scams Handout

Granite State Independent Living Advocacy Alert

Granite State Independent Living

Advocacy Alert

 

 April 2, 2020

In This Issue

 ·         COVID-19 Resources

·         SILC Public Input Sessions Moved On-line

·         Census 2020: Information and Resources

·         PWDs Need Additional Resources to Protect from COVID-19

·         ILRU Report on Stimulus Package

  

Granite State Independent Living
Advocacy Program
21 Chenell Drive
 Concord, NH 03301
Phone: (603) 228-9680 or (800) 826-3700
Visit our website at:
www.gsil.org
E-mail:
advocacy@gsil.org

COVID-19 Resources

 Governor’s Office
For additional information on the Governor’s “Stay at Home Order” go to: https://businesshelp.nheconomy.com/hc/en-us/categories/360003398073-GOVERNOR-S-EXECUTIVE-ORDERS

 NH Legislature Suspended - http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/

 Small Business Development Center

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides highly individualized, advising and education, to NH businesses at no cost.  SBDC’s team of advisors can help businesses apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans, prepare for relief measures as they are introduced, and discuss concerns related to cash flow, staffing, marketing, accounting, supply chain interruptions, and more. Visit SBDC’s COVID-19 Assistance page for best practices and guidance from business advisors.    https://www.nhsbdc.org/covid-19-assistance

 The State of New Hampshire DHHS - Covid-19 info website can be found here: https://www.nh.gov/covid19/

 Granite United Way Launches COVID-19 Relief Fund - Granite United Way has launched the Granite United Way COVID-19 Relief Fund, with 100% of the proceeds going directly to those impacted by the pandemic.

 Volunteer Efforts in NH from Governor Sununu

NHResponds.org: This effort will serve as a secure online registration system for medical and non-medical volunteers who can quickly mobilize if needed. NHResponds is part of a nationwide volunteer management system that was established after 9/11 to get medical professionals quickly, and properly deploy them during a public health emergency or disaster.

 VolunteerNH.org: New Hampshire is blessed to have many amazing non-profits which do critical work 365 days a year – and especially in times like these. Individuals interested in volunteering for a local non-profit can visit volunteernh.org to be connected with an organization in their area.

 NHEconomy.com/PPEHelp: This portal will allow for all businesses to see what products the State needs,  and reach out to offer assistance. The State has already heard from nearly 100 companies who are ready to adapt and adjust their operations to provide the protection, equipment, and knowledge base to stop the spread of COVID19 by either donating or producing PPE.

 In-Depth NH Article - http://indepthnh.org/2020/03/31/covid-19-cases-continue-to-climb-tuesday-in-nh-to-367/

 Administration on Community Living Resources on COVID-19: - https://acl.gov/COVID-19

 National Association of the Deaf COVID-19 Resources: https://www.nad.org/coronavirus/

 Independent Living Research Utilization Resources on COVID-19: https://www.ilru.org/resources-covid-19

 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/summary.html

 SILC Public Input Sessions Moved On-line to Zoom

 The Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) is in the process of creating its 2021-2023 State Plan for Independent Living (SPIL). The purpose of the SPIL is to describe how the state’s network of Independent Living (IL) programs and services will meet the independent living needs of persons with disabilities in the state. The plan must address how federal, state and other funds will be used within the state to develop and maintain IL programs.

 The key ingredient to this plan is your input! In order to be sure that the SPIL reflects and properly responds to the needs of NH’s citizens with disabilities, we need to hear from you about what your goals are, what barriers you face, and what resources would best meet your needs.

 For your convenience the SILC has scheduled public On-line Zoom info sessions to receive your input.

 April 14, 2020

Time: 10:00am-12:00pm
ZOOM Meeting Information
Link: https://zoom.us/j/4102417006
Call-In Number: 1-301-715-8592
Meeting ID:  410 241 7006

 April 15, 2020

Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
ZOOM Meeting Information
Link: https://zoom.us/j/4102417006
Call-In Number: 1-301-715-8592
Meeting ID:  410 241 7006

 April 16, 2020

Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm
ZOOM Meeting Information
Link: https://zoom.us/j/4102417006
Call-In Number: 1-301-715-8592
Meeting ID:  410 241 7006

 Inquiries for all three sessions may be directed to Jennifer.beaulieu@gcd.nh.gov or call (603) 271-2773 and ask for Jennifer Beaulieu. For alternative communication needs contact Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services at (603)224 1850 (Voice) or (603)968-5889 (VP).

 Census 2020: Information and Resources

 (from the American Association of People with Disabilities):

 Happy Census Day!

What matters to you? Schools? Transportation? Employment? Data from the Census helps inform planning efforts for all these important community resources. To learn how census data impact you and your community. For the first time, you can respond to the census online. Responding by mail will still be an option. Get more information: 2020census.gov.

 Resources

Historically, there are communities that are consistently undercounted and missed during the census, and these omissions can mean inadequate resources for things like education and healthcare. Today, a number of factors, including high levels of distrust in government, has reduced confidence in the census and may lead to unprecedented levels of undercounts in these communities that are historically missed. Therefore, it is important to bolster confidence in census data protection in order to facilitate a successful 2020 Census.

 Why the Census Matters for People with Disabilities

The Census Bureau has identified people with disabilities as a hard-to-count population, which means they are at a greater risk of being under-counted in the census. The reasons for this include accessibility challenges and wider systemic inequalities. People with disabilities are also over-represented among other groups that are considered hard-to-count, such as people of color people with low incomes, and people experiencing homelessness. .

 An Accessible Get Out The Count Plan

The Census Bureau has stated that the 2020 Census will be fully accessible to everyone. The Bureau has stated that it will be conducting checks to ensure that all of its electronic and information technology systems comply with the law, including Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

 Update on the 2020 Census for College/University Student Housing Administrators

The Census Bureau has been closely monitoring the national situation with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic and has noted that a number of colleges and universities have closed their campus housing temporarily. In light of this change, the Census Bureau wanted to convey that we are still planning to enumerate college students, but need to make adjustments in light of the closings, and to protect the health of our staff and your students, while ensuring an accurate enumeration.

 Promotional Materials and Guidelines

The United States 2020 Census Brand Guidelines is a new guide that introduces the 2020 Census logo and tagline, a key messaging tool for the decennial census outreach effort. This guide is to be used for all externally focused communications materials.

 Language Resources

For the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau will provide video language guides, print language guides and language glossaries in 59 non-English languages.

 2020 Census: Mobile Questionnaire Assistance Operation, Project Plan

The Census Bureau proposed a Mobile Response Initiative in response to the Joint Explanatory Statement accompanying the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 (P.L. 116-6). The Mobile Response Initiative proposes to incorporate the use of technology to provide readily accessible ways for people to respond to the Census. The highly mobile locations gave way to naming the operation “Mobile Questionnaire Assistance” or MQA.

 Census Protection Hotlines

The Lawyer's Committee, Arab American Institute, Asian Americans Advancing Justice and NALEO have created a multilingual census hotline to help the communities you serve -- 888-Count20!

 The Census is Safe and Protected

It's important that the people you serve know about and trust in the strong protections in place to protect themselves and their data. Check out this document on the census and confidentiality.

 How Census Makes an Impact

From housing to healthcare, education to jobs -- the census is a crucial way to ensure communities get what they need. Here's a quick guide to help answer the big "WHY?" while in the field.

 People with Disabilities Need Additional Resources to Protect from COVID-19

 (from the United Spinal Association):

 Earlier today, President Trump signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a $2.2 trillion bill that will provide some economic relief for Americans as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.  Thank you for all your advocacy - United Spinal advocates in 41 states and DC have contacted their members of Congress.

 The SCI/D community achieved important priorities in this bill including: increased funding for Aging and Disability Resource Centers, Administration for Community Living Aging and Disability Services Programs, and an extension of Money Follows the Person funding through November 30, 2020 (see attached for more information).

 We have another opportunity to focus Congress’ attention on critical issues for the disability community and you can take action here: Action Alert

 What we need:

 

  • more funding for Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS).

  • increased availability and protections for personal care attendants and other caregivers.

  • to extend funding for Money Follows the Person program permanently and get as many people as possible out of nursing homes, where there is a clear risk of COVID-19 infection.

  • advocate strongly against discrimination against people with disabilities in the provision of health care.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: We are creating a Coronavirus Storybank

 Please send the United Spinal Advocacy & Policy staff your stories at advocacy@unitedspinal.org and we will make sure Congressional leadership hear us and hear about the challenges our community is facing.

 Our community is strong.  We will get through this together. THANK YOU.

 ILRU Respectability Report: Stimulus Package Becomes Law

Here's What It Means for People with Disabilities

 (from the Independent Living Research Utilization program):

 The IL-NET National Training and Technical Assistance (T&TA) Center at ILRU is providing support to centers for independent living and statewide independent living councils as we all navigate the unprecedented times of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We are sharing this resource below in support of the communities you serve. Please email us at ilru@ilru.org with examples of how you are communicating with consumers in your communities and the resources you have found helpful. Visit the ILRU Resources on COVID-19 webpage for daily updates.

 The following is a summary of how the stimulus law will affect persons with disabilities and disability organizations. The report was published last Friday, March 27, by Respectability’s policy lead, Philip Pauli. The Respectability website describes Respectability’s role as “…ensuring children and adults with disabilities receive the education, training and employment opportunities they need to succeed.”

 The hard news reporting comes from a disability rights perspective, which many readers will accept and appreciate. The below report includes a call to action. CILs, SILCs, and other recipients of federal funding are cautioned to observe prohibitions against the use of federal funds for lobbying.

 The text of the Respectability report is included below.

 Stimulus Package Becomes Law – Here’s What It Means for People with Disabilities

 Washington, D.C., March 27 – President Trump signed into law today the $2 trillion-dollar emergency stimulus aimed at propping up the economy during the current crisis. This law is unprecedented in its scope and is meant to help our nation respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even now, government agencies are going to work to implement the new law.

 Millions of Americans living with disabilities are wondering what this new law means for them and whether they will see any benefit. The short answer is yes, but how far the law will go to help people with disabilities who are uniquely at-risk to the impact of the virus remains an open question.

 Checks for Individuals With and Without Disabilities

 Individuals with and without disabilities who are struggling right now will be receiving a Recovery Rebate. This rebate will be a one-time cash payment sent from the government to all U.S. residents with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 ($150,000 if you are married), with a phaseout for incomes between $75,000 and $99,000 ($150,000-$198,000 if you are married), who are not a dependent of another taxpayer and have a Social Security Number.

 The amount of that check will be $1,200 for eligible individuals and $2,400 for people who are married, plus $500 per dependent child. This is being characterized as a rebate, which means it will NOT be counted against the asset limits faced by people with disabilities if spent within 12 months of receipt.

 However, people with disabilities who are on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will have to file their taxes. This could create a major burden for many of the poorest people with disabilities and other low-income communities, many of whom may find access to filling out the forms a challenge.

 Unemployment Support for More Workers

 This bill includes major changes and supports for the unemployment insurance (UI) system under the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Unemployed workers with and without disabilities will receive $600 increase in their weekly checks. The bill also creates a Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) that expands UI coverage. Critically that coverage has been expanded to include self-employed workers, gig workers, and independent contractors.

 This is great news for many people with disabilities who engage in the gig economy, drive for ride-share services or run their own small businesses.

 Support for Teachers and Students With Disabilities

 Teachers and special educators are facing significant challenges around how to provide a free, appropriate public education to students with disabilities when you can only connect through a computer screen. The bill will give states more than $30 billion dollars to provide Emergency Education Relief grants to help teachers and students with and without disabilities to make the switch to online learning and virtual classrooms.

 These grants will specifically help teachers meet the needs of students with disabilities in these trying times. Likewise, some of those funds can be used to provide summer learning, supplemental after-school programs and online learning for students with disabilities.

 Disability advocates had been very concerned that the original bill included several provisions waivers from the explicit requirements of laws such as Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The new version of the bill requires the Secretary of Education to report to Congress within 30 days about where, how and why waivers are being used and students with disabilities are accessing online learning.

 The Stimulus Package Helps Organizations Serving the Disabilities Community

 The bill will distribute $955 million for Aging and Disability Services Programs under the mandate of the Administrative on Community Living (ACL). That money will support nutrition programs providing people with disabilities and older Americans with food deliveries as well as direct support for family caregivers.

 That amount also includes $50 million dollars for aging and disability resource centers across the country as well as $85 million dollars for Centers for Independent Living (CILs). Further, the bill invests $15 million dollars to support housing specifically for people with disabilities.

 Addressing the critical issue of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) who help people with disabilities, the CARES Act will now allow state Medicaid programs to pay for DSPs to help people with disabilities who end up in the hospital. This should provide some reassurance for people with disabilities who need support for activities of daily living, but many other needs regarding DSPs and maintenance of the DSP workforce through this crisis remain undressed.

 What Is Missing From The Bill?

 The CARES Act does not address the life or death issue of medical rationing facing the disability community in this moment of crisis. As the crisis intensified in Italy, the government rationed healthcare away from people with disabilities. This approach already is illegal under American law, but it still happens, nonetheless. In this time of crisis, the state and local leaders making on the ground decisions need to hear a clear message about treating people with disabilities equally.

 The Stimulus Package Leaves Out Paid Sick Leave

 Unfortunately, this bill does not include any additional provisions to help workers who do not already receive paid sick leave or who are now receiving sick leave through the earlier Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

 People with disabilities must know they are secure in this time of crisis. Thus, further advocacy is needed to cover these gaps in coverage and ensure that family members who need to take leave in order to meet the critical needs of their loved ones are covered.

 The Stimulus Package Does Nothing for Immigrants and People in the Justice System

 Lastly, the bill does nothing to support some of the most vulnerable people with disabilities in America today. The bill contains no mention whatsoever about immigrants (with or without disabilities) or people who are incarcerated. Census Bureau data shows that there are more than 44 million immigrants living in the United States and out of that number, up to 6 million are probably living with a disability. How are they going to be helped or harmed by this bill? There are no clear answers yet. Likewise, there is no relief or support for the estimated 750,000 people with disabilities who are currently imprisoned.

 If you would like to know more about how COVID-19 is impacting the disability community, we encourage you to review and make use of the following resources and materials:

 https://www.respectability.org/covid-19/

 https://acl.gov/COVID-19


Ryan Donnelly
Advocacy Coordinator
Granite State Independent Living
Tools for Living Life Independently

Home Care • Community Supports • Employment Services
21 Chenell Drive| Concord, NH | 03301
Office: (603) 228-9680 x1125 | (800) 826-3700 (V /TTY)
Visit our website at: www.gsil.org

Family Support Conference

Save the Date: April 24-26, 2020

The NH Family Support Conference is a state-wide conference organized by volunteers benefiting families and caregivers who have a family member with a developmental disability, acquired brain disorder or special medical needs. 

Our conference has over a 30 year history building knowledge, friendships and shared experiences. It continues to bring together over 500 families, care givers, support professionals, and many human service professionals each year to participate in educational workshops and opportunities for families to share their experiences with one another. 

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