Clear2Connect’s Post

Let’s start our week right ✨ By supporting and empowering individuals with disabilities, we not only enrich their lives but also find greater purpose in our own. Each act of kindness, advocacy, and inclusion builds a more compassionate society. 🩷 Let's celebrate the incredible impact of selfless service and the unique gifts that every person brings to our community. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels valued and supported. After all, a life lived for others is truly a life worthwhile. 💯 🩷🧡🧡 Keywords: lifequotesoftheday, lifequotesdaily, startingmondayright, mondaymantra, mondayinspiration, disabilityinclusion, disabilityrights, disabilitysupport, disabilitycare

🚨 This is a very important Federal Register notice for those in the disability community (defined broadly) and disability advocates.🚨 Please - read it, and submit comments by July 15! Pulling out an excerpt of the questions we pose: 1. Disability can be defined and measured in multiple ways. Federal surveys and administrative data collections use different definitions of disability and measure it in different ways depending upon the goal(s) of data collection. What frameworks for defining and measuring disability or specific considerations should the DDIWG be aware of? 2. In some instances, there are multiple surveys or data collection tools that could be used to collect data about a particular disparity faced by the disability community. In addition to factors like sample size, timeliness of the data, and geographic specificity of related data products, what other factors should be considered when determining which survey or data collection tool would best generate the relevant data? Which surveys or data collection tools would be uniquely valuable in improving the Federal Government's ability to make data-informed decisions that advance equity for the disability community, and why? 3. Are there any Federal surveys or administrative data collection tools for which you would recommend the Federal Government should not explore collecting disability data due to privacy risk, the creation of barriers to participation in Federal programs, or other reasons? Which collections or type of collections are they, and why would you make this recommendation? 4. How can Federal agencies increase public response rates to questions about disability in order to improve sample sizes and population coverage? 5. What barriers may individuals with disabilities face when participating in surveys or filling out administrative forms? 6. Disaggregated data—data about groups separated out by disability, race/ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, geography, income level, veteran status, rural/urban location, and other factors—are essential for identifying and remediating disparities in how the government serves American communities. Which data disaggregated by disability that are currently collected by Federal agencies are useful? Which data disaggregated by disability are not currently collected by Federal agencies and would be useful, and why? 7. How can Federal agencies best raise public awareness about the existence of sources of disability data? How can Federal agencies best communicate with the public about methodological constraints to collecting data or publishing disability statistics? 8. How do individuals and organizations external to the Federal Government utilize data from Federal surveys and administrative data collections? Which practices employed by Federal agencies facilitate access to and use of these data? Are there additional practices that would be beneficial?

2024 Promoting Independence Plan Open for Public Comment HHSC has begun the initial stages of developing the 2024 Promoting Independence Plan (PIP), as required by Senate Bill 367, 77th Legislature, Regular Session, 2011, and Executive Order RP-13. The Promoting Independence Plan realizes the vision of the Olmstead Decision through dedicated efforts that foster successful community living and prevent unnecessary institutionalizations for people with disabilities. HHSC is soliciting stakeholder input about community living barriers and best practices to inform report development. Additionally, HHSC will host a stakeholder event later this year. Details will be circulated via GovDelivery as they are finalized. The open public comment period is from Feb. 12, 2024, to June 1, 2024. Email any comments and questions to HHSCOfficeofDisabilityServicesCoordination@hhs.texas.gov.

As someone who works with young people in a residential setting, this report is a call to action. The ability to complain and raise concerns must be accessible and available through multiple channels so that the voices of the most vulnerable are heard. The findings on inadequate care standards, misuse of restraint, and poor communication highlight systemic challenges that directly affect the well-being of disabled individuals. Rose Wall's call for a consistent quality framework is crucial. This would enhance monitoring and accountability, empowering disabled individuals to voice concerns effectively. Dr. Huhana Hickey rightly emphasises the urgent need for systemic overhaul to ensure quality care and protect the rights of vulnerable individuals. We have a responsibility to advocate for accessible avenues where disabled voices can be heard without fear. We must create safer, more supportive environments where every individual, feels valued and protected.

I've just commenced two productive days of advocacy in Albany with NYDA, IAC, and other provider coalitions. NY1 captured the essence of our efforts in a comprehensive report (link below), detailing our rally, financial requests, and the challenges we face. A key point highlighted in the report is the significant disparity in cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) between state-operated programs and voluntary providers. This has resulted in a wage gap of $7-$8 per hour between state-employed direct support professionals (DSPs) and their counterparts in our organizations. This difference poses a significant obstacle to our ability to attract and retain qualified staff, ultimately impacting the quality of care we can deliver. https://lnkd.in/eNN6NWz4

Advocacy for Inclusion acknowledges and welcomes the Barr Government's 2024 Budget, which addresses some key priorities for people with disabilities and vulnerable Canberrans. However, significant gaps remain, including no provision for a new system of Foundational Supports or discrete funding for the Disability Royal Commission response. The Federal NDIS Amendment Act also risks reducing supports, potentially increasing pressure on homelessness, prison, or hospital systems. While we welcome new health initiatives, funding for the University of Canberra Hospital, and improved access at Canberra Hospitals, we still seek comprehensive case management services across CYPS, housing, justice, and health care. The focus on cost of living support and equitable enrolment in schools is appreciated, but more is needed for the Inclusive Education Strategy and timely housing maintenance. Justice investments are positive, but we advocate for reducing the overrepresentation of people with disabilities in the justice system and reviewing public trustee fees. Municipal investments must include accessibility and universal design, and transport equity needs addressing through accessible buses, a diverse wheelchair taxi fleet, and better regulation of rideshare. We will continue to monitor these measures and advocate for necessary changes ahead of the ACT election. For detailed analysis, visit: https://lnkd.in/gPEqxN5A or join our briefing at 1pm today here: https://lnkd.in/gUzj66RA

Repost from NCIL NCIL Regional Listening Session Series Starting April 2024. Registration links below. The National Council on Independent Living will be hosting a series of Regional Listening Sessions to gather feedback and input on systemic issues affecting the Independent Living and disability communities. NCIL will use this information to help inform our advocacy priorities for the upcoming year, identify opportunities for regional and peer collaborations, and to inform our March and Rally to the Capitol in July. Examples of issues to share feedback on: Barriers to expanding CIL capacity in your state Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), self-direction, and consumer control Access to Durable Medical Equipment Transportation issues Housing issues Disability and disaster response We want to hear it all! The Regional Listening Sessions will also be an opportunity to meet your NCIL Region Representatives and members of our Advocacy and Public Policy Committee. Please note that this is a listening session to gather information to identify systemic advocacy issues. We will not be to respond to individual cases / issues at this event. We kindly ask you to only register for the session in your region. Schedule and Registration for Region 9 and 10: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington April 18; 12:30- 2:00 p.m. Pacific Register for Region 9 and 10 Listening Session at the link below https://lnkd.in/gWEYuAVB

Here are three ways hiring people with disabilities can be beneficial... 💼💪 Agnes Iwaye, MPP, CSPO. shares some proven benefits for businesses, individuals, and even the country. 🇺🇸 -- Higher Retention Rates People with disabilities tend to stay longer in their roles, which means organizations don’t need to spend as much on recruiting new employees. -- Increased Revenue for the Government When people with disabilities are included in the workforce, they contribute more through taxes, which helps generate revenue that benefits everyone. -- Tax Reductions With more revenue generated from their employment, the government can invest in infrastructure that everyone can use, and this could potentially reduce personal taxes in the long run. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month! There are many ways you can get involved and show your support for the community. Support BDI's Give2Empower campaign at https://lnkd.in/efZdK_TD 💫 Or volunteer with us—send an email to agnes.iwaye@bobbydodd.org for volunteering opportunities. #NDEAM #DisabilityEmployment #BDIEmpower #BDIEmploys #Give2Empower

Mothers caring for children with disabilities demonstrate immense strength and resilience in facing complex challenges. Society must recognize their dedication and provide robust support. Access to specialized healthcare, educational services, and respite care can alleviate pressures. Community understanding and inclusion are crucial for fostering environments where these mothers feel valued and connected. Advocating for accessibility policies and offering emotional support empower these mothers to thrive. Strengthening this support network enriches lives and builds a more inclusive community. What actions are you taking to support them?

It's disability pride month! As a chronically (ch)ill person, here are the things that I appreciate from an employer: - Remote or hybrid work. Absolutely the number one thing.  - Sick time! Not just having it, but having leadership who are vocal about people resting when they are sick instead of working through it.  - A clear covid policy. We're now in the fifth year of the pandemic, and it means so much when employers (like mine!) still ask people to not come into the office if they're sick with anything or have tested positive for covid. Seems pretty basic, but in 2024, it isn't. Everyone deserves to be safe from infection and further illness at work, and this is an important part of accessibility. When it comes to celebrating any awareness month, a company's policies are where it begins and ends for me, more than anything else. What would you add? Extra <3 to all my disabled, chronically ill, immunocompromised friends this month and always.