ECNV's Be in the Know: December 2024
Here is news of interest for the disability community!
Stay Informed: Monthly Awareness Highlights
While the official dates may have passed, these initiatives continue to impact our communities and serve as a reminder to advocate for change, celebrate diversity, and support those in need year-round.
December 3, 2024: International Day of the Disabled Person (United Nations)
December 10, 2024: Human Rights Day (United Nations)
Bienvenidos Todos Webinar Series
Bienvenidos Todos will host webinar presentations about disability resources and services especially for Latinos with disabilities, their families, caregivers, advocates, and those who serve Latinos. Monthly webinars will cover disability topics especially as they pertain to Latinos and their different residency statuses.
These webinars will be held the second Thursday of the month from 1:00 – 2:00 pm in English only and from 7:00-8:30 pm in Spanish only. We will ask you for optional demographic information so we can report to the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities as our funding source. Once registered, we will send you email updates as reminders for each webinar.
Register Today for Bienvenidos ››
Transportation News:
Blue, Orange and Silver Metro Lines Close for Maintenance Project
Starting December 20, 2024, Blue, Orange, & Silver Line stations in the downtown area will close for major maintenance projects. Free shuttles will replace trains. Construction is planned to end on December 30, 2024.
wmata.com/majorconstruction ››
Metro to Return to Automatic Train Control
Metro plans to return to automatic train operation (ATO) for the first time in 15 years by the end of the year, which the transit agency says will offer a smoother, quicker ride.
After years of upgrading equipment and training operators, Metro says it is “operationally ready to use this system on the Red Line by the end of the year.”
New Omniride Western Express Routes
On December 9, 2024, OmniRide inaugurated two new Express commuter routes along the I-66 corridor. The current 611 route will be extended to originate in Front Royal to become the Front Royal/Gainesville – Washington route.
The first stop on the current 612 route will operate from Warrenton as the Warrenton/Gainesville – Pentagon/Navy Yard route. Both routes will retain their route numbers and they will stop at the University Commuter Lot in Gainesville before getting on the I-66 Express Lanes.
Riders can transfer between three routes at the University Commuter Lot:
611 Front Royal/Gainesville – Washington
612 Warrenton/Gainesville – Pentagon/Navy Yard
Free Local and Paratransit Bus Services in Loudoun County
Beginning January 2, 2025, Loudoun County Transit bus services will be free for all local and paratransit services. The Board of Supervisors approved the fare-free initiative during the Board’s May 29, 2024, Transit Summit to promote transit ridership and ensure accessibility for all Loudoun County residents.
Free Bus Local and Paratransit for Loudoun County ››
More News to Explore:
DOL Proposed Rule Ending 14(c) Subminimum Wages
On Tuesday, December 3, 2024, which was also International Day of Persons with Disability, the Department of Labor announced a proposed rule to phase out subminimum wage certificates under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, representing a critical step toward ensuring equity and dignity in the workplace for individuals with developmental disabilities.
The proposed rule would include stopping the practice of issuing new 14(c) certificates to employers and phasing out the use of existing 14(c) certificate holders over three years upon the finalization of the rule.
For decades, Section 14(c) certificates have allowed some employers to pay workers with disabilities wages below the federal minimum wage.
Public Comment Opportunity
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the White House Office of Management and Budget are asking the public to comment on a new rule on Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act. Section 14(c) allows employers to request a certificate from the DOL’s Wage and Hour Division to pay less than the federal minimum wage to disabled workers. The new rule would make it so that the Wage and Hour Division can no longer issue Section 14(c) certificates, thereby ending the practice of paying disabled people subminimum wages.
The proposed rule and comment submission box can be accessed through the Federal Register. Comments must be submitted by January 17, 2025.
Social Security Announces Big Changes for Disability Benefit Recipients as of January 1
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced major updates effective January 1, 2025. These changes aim to address inflation and ensure financial stability for over 70 million beneficiaries. Whether you are retired, living with a disability, VA, or rely on Social Security benefits, understanding these updates is crucial to planning your financial future.
Beneficiaries with disabilities, who may have limited resources or are unable to work, will receive increased financial support to cover essential needs.
SSA Disability Benefit Update ››
ABLE Tomorrow Act
Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) introduced the bipartisan ABLE Tomorrow Act to protect and strengthen tax-advantaged 529A savings accounts for people with disabilities. This legislation builds on the landmark Stephen Beck, Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014, which continues to give individuals with disabilities the opportunity to save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for certain public benefits programs, like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
NCIL Releases New Website!
NCIL (National Council on Independent Living) recently unveiled their new website! Its new features include:
A searchable map of Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs): https://bit.ly/4iac5PE
An Advocacy & Action Center that allows you to contact your elected officials about the most pressing concerns of the Independent Living Movement: https://bit.ly/4g8sx0X
A Member Center that provides NCIL members the ability to participate in exclusive training opportunities, committee participation, and the opportunity to vote on NCIL leadership and priorities: https://bit.ly/495U54J
They are also asking for feedback from visitors!
Map Your Future!
Are you or someone you know in school and starting to think about career options? Be sure to consider DARS' Map Your Future event in 2025, designed to help students plan for a successful future and explore their career paths. This program is for students in high school who are deaf, hard of hearing or blind.
Registration deadline is June 2, 2025. Contact Traci Branch for questions.
Map Your Future Register today! ››
Sign the Petition for Disability Funding Now!
Medicaid funds many of the vital services that keep people with disabilities in their communities. But there's a lack of funding and a real risk of additional cuts. This means access to home and community-based services can be unpredictable, unaffordable, and often unavailable.
The Arc of the United States need immediate action, including:
More money for programs that allow people with disabilities to live at home, without having to wait years to get the help they need.
Paid leave for all, so workers don’t have to risk losing their jobs when taking time off to care for a loved one.
Better pay for direct care workers, who perform a critical job but don’t earn a living wage.
Sign our petition now to show your support! ››
Advocating While Black Project
Are you an African-American parent raising a child with disabilities? The Advocating While Black Project wants to hear from you. It's a movement. It's a chance for your voice to be heard, your experiences to be shared, and your wisdom to pave the way for change.
MedStar Health Urinary Research Study
Does your bladder bug you?
Do you have a neurogenic/neuropathic bladder and use indwelling or intermittent catheterization for bladder management? If so, we would like to invite you to participate in a study using a probiotic to decrease urinary symptoms.
For more information, please contact: Chris Riegner christopher.r.riegner@medstar.net or 202-877-1560
MedStar Health is looking for participants for a urinary symptoms study (#NCT05230511).
Events for Learning, New Opportunities and Advocacy
January
DMV Connect, (in-person), 1/13/25, 9:30am - 2:45pm, The Arc of Northern Virginia, 3060 Williams Drive, Suite 300, Fairfax, VA 22031.
Quarterly Bus Travel Training, (in-person), 1/15/25, 11:00am - 1:00pm.
January Chat with an Attorney about Special Education, (virtual), 1/22/25.
Social Skills Group Therapy (in-person), 1/29/25, 5:00pm - 6:00pm, 601 Catoctin Circle NE, Leesburg, VA, 20166
