ECNV’s Be in the Know: December 2023
Here is news of interest for the disability community!
Gratitude Post!
“Tracee is an extremely knowledgeable professional in the field of Social Security benefits. Whether it is through her informative and engaging seminars or her kind and thoughtful personal encounters, people like Tracee are the reason ECNV is so highly regarded in the field of social and economic justice for people with special needs and disabilities. I’m so grateful to Tracee for all her help. Thank you for your time and consideration.” -Mother of ECNV Consumer
Thank you, Tracee, and all of ECNV team members that engage and make a real difference in the lives we serve!
If you’ve found value in what we do and believe in our cause, we invite you to consider making a donation.
Are you (in)clusive?
Everyone wants independence and control over their own life.
We all thrive when everyone belongs!
Head over to YouCanBeInclusive.org to take the pledge and find out how YOU can be more inclusive!
Open Comment Opportunity: Exploring the Future of Public Transportation Research
The US Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) are hosting the “Exploring the Future of Public Transportation Research” national dialogue. Register and have your voice heard on how to improve public transit for all, including people with disabilities. The Online Dialogue will close January 5, 2024.
2024 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Campaign: Call for Artwork!
The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities is seeking artwork by artists with a disability for its 2024 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month Campaign. The theme for 2024 is “A World of Opportunities”. If you would like to submit artwork, please email rrolon-muniz@nacdd.org - Deadline for Submission: Wednesday, January 10, 2024. (Artists with selected work will be paid for their art.)
Developmental Disabilities Rally: 1/17/24!
Hundreds of Virginians with developmental disabilities, their families, caregivers and allies will gather to join voices in advocating for shared legislative priorities in the Commonwealth. The Arc of Virginia is hosting a developmental disabilities rally on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at Virginia State Capitol, from 10:30am - 11:30am. If you plan to attend, the Arc asks that participants arrive early, 10:15am at the Bell Tower. Parking is available in 9th and Franklin Street Parking Deck, $5/hour or $20/day. Registration is required.
If you have any questions, call (804) 389 - 5338. Wear orange and or/bring your own orange scarf!
The National Council on Independent Living 2024 Conference
The National Council on Independent Living recently announced the theme for next year’s conference: 2024 - Back to the Future. With this theme, NCIL invites everyone to revisit their foundational values and look to a future that embraces disability justice – loving all bodies and leaving no one behind. The deadline is January 22, 2024.
Transportation Services for Seniors
● Shepherd’s Center of Northern Virginia (SCNOVA), a 501(c)(3) offers two different transportation services: medical and companion.
Medical Transportation: Volunteers drive their clients to medical appointments (including therapy sessions). Drivers must be notified at least four business days in advance to provide this service, and rides are never guaranteed.
Companion Transportation: Drivers accompany clients to the grocery store, pharmacy, bank, library, or other nearby locations. Volunteers can also take clients to social meetings or educational functions. A minimum of four business days’ notice is also needed for this service, which is also never guaranteed.
Call SCNOVA today at (703) 291-0067 to learn more about their transportation services.
● The National Hispanic Council on Aging recently started a FREE rides program. Their transportation service will help get you to where you need to go, whether it is a doctor's appointment, or a trip to the grocery store. Call via What’sApp at (202) 658 - 8664 to request your free ride.
● Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers also recently started a transportation service. Email or call 703-779-8617 for more information.
● The Eldercare Locator can connect you to a mobility counselor familiar with the range of transportation options available. Call 1-800-677-1116 or visit eldercare.acl.gov to learn more.
Metro’s budget proposal includes massive layoffs, cuts in service — along with fare increases
Metro released a proposed budget for its next fiscal year that, without additional contributions from Metro’s funding partners, would necessitate fare increases and drastic cuts to service and to Metro’s workforce, a worst-case scenario for the region’s economy, quality of life, and environment.
What accessible services might be affected?
MetroAccess
Service area reduced to align with reduced Metrobus and Metrorail service area, in accordance with federal law
320,000 annual trips negatively impacted
Fares
Increase all fares by 20 percent, including Metrorail, Metrobus, MetroAccess, and discounted fare products
Customers pay more for much-degraded service
Metro Eliminates $2 Smartrip Card Fee For Seniors
On Friday, December 15, 2023, Metro’s Board of Directors approved the elimination of the $2 fee on Senior SmarTrip® cards. Beginning Tuesday, January 16, 2024, Senior SmarTrip cards will be issued at no cost to customers age 65 and older.
As part of Metro’s ongoing commitment to expand access and affordability to public transit, the Senior SmarTrip program will now join all other Metro reduced fare programs in offering SmarTrip cards at no additional cost. Today, customers must pay $2 to receive the card.
The elimination of the $2 fee removes the need for a third-party payment collection, which is currently a barrier to participation for social service agencies and other organizations to distribute the card.
DOT Launches Public Awareness Campaign for Air Travelers with Disabilities
In preparation for the busy holiday travel season, and in celebration of the 37th anniversary of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has launched a campaign, #AccessibleAirTravel, to raise awareness about the right of air travelers with disabilities to safe, dignified, and accessible air travel. An estimated 5.5 million Americans use a wheelchair, and many encounter barriers when it comes to air travel.
The #AccessibleAirTravel campaign will promote DOT’s Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights through a quick and informative video that empowers individuals with disabilities to understand and assert their right to safe, dignified, and accessible air travel.
Order to Show Cause Issued by Federal Judge
Over a decade ago, the Commonwealth of Virginia entered into a multiyear settlement agreement, also known as a consent decree, with the United States Department of Justice. The settlement agreement requires the state to overhaul and improve its system of care for Virginians with developmental disabilities. Unfortunately, Virginia has struggled to reach full compliance with the settlement agreement. The federal judge overseeing the case recently issued an Order to Show Cause, requiring the Commonwealth to show why it should not be held in contempt of court for failing to comply with the settlement agreement through the Compliance Indicators. You can read the judge's order, which includes a history of the case and what is coming next.
Governor Youngkin Announces Additional Funding and Waiver Slots for Virginians with Developmental Disabilities, Enhancing Support
On Wednesday, December 13, 2023, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced an additional $300 million over the biennium to fund enough priority one waiver slots for every Virginian with a developmental disability on the waitlist today. There are currently over 3,400 Virginians on the priority one waiting list for Medicaid Home and Community-Based Developmental Disability (DD) waiver slots, meaning these individuals urgently need the services and support offered by the waiver in a year or less.
Disability Surveys
Through the Looking Glass (TLG) wants to find out about the current strategies and supports that are used and needed by parents and caregivers who have physical disabilities or are blind or have low vision. If you would like to take the survey over the phone, call Stacy Frauwirth at (510) 225-7519.
The University of Kansas Institute for Health and Disability Policy Studies — funded by ACL's National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) — is seeking adults with disabilities to complete the 2023 National Survey on Health and Disability. For more information, please call 855-556-6328 (Voice/TTY) or email healthsurvey@ku.edu. Participants may complete the survey by phone.
Supreme Court Dismisses Disability Activist’s Case as Moot
On Tuesday, December 5, 2023, the Supreme Court threw out a dispute over whether a self-appointed “civil rights tester” has a legal right to file a lawsuit under the Americans with Disabilities Act alleging that a hotel had failed to provide information about its accessibility on its website. The court unanimously agreed that the case was moot – that is, no longer a live controversy – because the plaintiff in the case, Deborah Laufer, had voluntarily dismissed her lawsuit in the lower court.
Home Test to Treat Program Extends Nationwide
The federal government has expanded the Home Test to Treat program, an entirely virtual community health program that offers free COVID-19 health services: at-home rapid tests, telehealth sessions and at-home treatments, to eligible participants nationwide.
Any adult (18 years and older) with a current positive test for COVID-19 or flu can enroll to receive free telehealth care and, if prescribed, medication delivered to their home. Adults who do not have COVID-19 or flu may enroll and receive free tests if they are uninsured or are enrolled in Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs health care system, or the Indian Health Services. If recipients test positive at a future time, they can receive free telehealth care and, if prescribed, treatment.
Visit Home Test to Treat for more information.
Free Decision-Making Resources from the Arc of the United States
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) must make many daily and major life decisions, just like people without disabilities. This can include decisions about buying things they need, managing a budget, and talking with doctors about their health care. There are many ways people with IDD make decisions, both on their own and with support. But a person’s ability to make decisions can change throughout their life.
The Arc's Center for Future Planning has created free resources to help.
Download the documents below to:
MedStar Health Urinary Research Study
MedStar Health is looking for participants for a urinary symptoms study (#NCT05230511). Read more on their website.
Events for Learning, New Opportunities and Advocacy
January
IEP University, (virtual), 1/8/24 - 1/29/24, 8:00 am - 11:45 pm.
Supported Decision Options when your child with a disability turns 18, presented in Spanish, (virtual and in-person), 1/10/24, 11:00am - 12:30pm.
Families of Visually Impaired Individuals Support Group, (virtual), 1/17/24, 6:00pm.
