Social Security Administration’s Ending the Use of the “R-word”

from The Arc:
In an historic change for people with intellectual disabilities (ID), the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced its intent to stop using the phrase “mental retardation” and start using “intellectual disability” in its official Listing of Impairments.
This change, which The Arc and many other organizations advocated for, comes a little over two years after President Barack Obama signed Rosa’s Law.  In 2010, The Arc was very involved in efforts to end the use of the “r-word” and worked to enact Rosa’s Law, which substituted the stigmatizing word with the terms “intellectual disability” and “individual with an intellectual disability” in federal health, education, and labor policy statutes.  While the legislation did not cover programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, it was an important stepping stone for shaping future legislation and efforts that will transform these outdated terms in all federal laws.  The Social Security Administration’s actions are a welcome result of the success of Rosa’s Law.
“Changing how we talk about people with disabilities is a critical step in promoting and protecting their basic civil and human rights.  This is an important moment for people with disabilities because Social Security is a lifeline to so many – it allows people with ID to live in their communities and be as independent as possible.  And now, the language the agency uses will reflect the respect people with ID deserve,” said Peter Berns, CEO of The Arc.
The proposed regulation published today has a 30 day comment period, and we encourage people to submit comments in support of the proposed regulation online by February 27, 2013.

the Arc & Inclusion International's 2012 National Convention and International Forum

Achieving Inclusion Across the Globe
Join The Arc and Inclusion International at the 2012 National Convention and International Forum to connect with members of the intellectual and developmental disability community from across the globe.

This four-day event offers informative and inspiring sessions from experts in the field, fun social events, networking opportunities and The Arc’s annual business meetings. This year we're partnering with Inclusion International, a global federation of family-based organizations advocating for the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities worldwide.

Our program will offer a international perspective on living and being included in the community starting with a pre-conference dedicated to leadership and self advocacy sessions, a variety of thought-provoking plenary and concurrent sessions, a film festival, closing dance event and more. Enjoy the event's international flavor at the Grand Hyatt in downtown Washington, D.C. and explore everything our vibrant capital city has to offer.

Date & Location
October 25-28, 2012
Grand Hyatt Washington
Washington, DC

What is the National Convention & International Forum?
This event is a multi-day gathering of the intellectual and developmental disability community consisting of informative sessions, fun social events, The Arc's annual business meetings, awards presentations and opportunities to network, engage with and learn from people with I/DD and their families, professionals and experts in the field and people connected to The Arc and its chapters. In 2012, the event will take on a global perspective with the presence of Inclusion International and guest from the international I/DD community.

Who usually attends?
This event is generally attended by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families and caregivers, members of The Arc, staff and volunteers from The Arc and its chapters, professionals and experts in the field, supporters of The Arc's mission, and others connected to the I/DD community through their work, research or personal experiences.

What are the dates of the National Convention & International Forum?
The 2012 National Convention & International Forum will take place Thursday, October 25-28, 2012.

Where will the National Convention & International Forum take place?
The 2012 National Convention & International Forum will take place at The Grand Hyatt Washington, located at 1000 H Street NW, Washington, DC.

Obama To Disability Advocates: ‘I’ve Got Your Back’

from Disability Scoop by Michelle Diament:

Some 150 disability advocates from across the country headed to the White House Friday for a day-long powwow with administration officials and they got a surprise visit — from the president himself.

The group of advocates included individuals with disabilities, their families and professionals affiliated with The Arc who were invited to meet with Obama administration officials.

The event was part of the White House Community Leaders Briefing Series, a weekly initiative designed to establish direct dialogue between local leaders and top federal officials.

President Barack Obama surprised the group by stepping in for a short, late-morning talk in the South Court Auditorium.

“I want you all to know that I’m going to keep fighting everyday for an America which lives up to our most basic values, not just for some, but for us all. But I need your help,” Obama told the group.

The president praised the advocates for speaking up last summer during a series of tough budget talks about the importance of Medicaid and said that continued advocacy of that kind is needed.

“People with disabilities deserve the chance to build a life for themselves in the communities where they choose to live,” Obama said, adding that he supports high education standards and employment opportunities for those with disabilities.

“I’ve got your back and I’m looking forward to working with you for many years to come,” he said.

In addition to Obama, the group also heard from top officials at the Justice Department and the Medicaid program, among others.

U.S. Supreme Court to hear case regarding Medicaid rate cuts

from The Arc:


Medicaid – U.S. Supreme Court to hear case regarding Medicaid rate cuts

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case on Monday, October 3, that The Arc and the disability community are watching very closely.  The case, Douglas v. Independent Living Center of Southern California,concerns whether individuals and providers can sue states to block cuts to Medicaid rates.  California maintains that only the federal government can enforce the portion of the law concerning payment rates.  The case began in California when the state planned to cut provider rates, some as much as 10%.  The Justice Department and National Governors Association filed briefs taking the side of the state in the case, while House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Representative Henry Waxman (D-CA), both from California , have sided with the respondents.

Medicaid law requires states to keep their payment rates high enough to attract an adequate supply of providers.  The argument in the case before the Supreme Court involves whether individual beneficiaries and providers have the right to enforce that mandate while overriding the state law reducing provider rates.  The respondents argue that under the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, individuals have the right to sue a state to ensure that provider rates are adequate.  The 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in their favor in 2008, blocking the cuts.

If the Court finds that individuals do not have the right to sue a state to enforce the payment provision of Medicaid law, The Arc and other disability organizations fear that the federal government alone would not have the capacity to monitor over 51 different Medicaid programs to make sure that provider rates are adequate to ensure an adequate supply of providers.  A decision could come at any time during the Court’s term, which runs until June 2012.

The Arc's New Medicaid Reference Desk

from The Arc:

Today, The Arc of The United States is announcing the launch of the new Medicaid Reference Desk. This resource is intended to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families as they navigate the complexities of Medicaid benefits, services and supports.

The Medicaid Reference Desk is an accessible, detailed, state-by-state information source about Medicaid benefits, which includes a glossary of terms, answers to frequently asked questions, person-centered planning resources and a blog from The Arc’s training specialist about issues related to Medicaid, self-advocacy and person-centered planning.

“This website helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and others access and gain knowledge about Medicaid, which is an essential lifeline for millions of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. As the largest organization defending the civil rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we are excited about the opportunities the Medicaid Reference Desk can provide to families across the country,” said Peter V. Berns, CEO of The Arc.

For people with disabilities and for those who provide their care, Medicaid serves as a valuable safety net. Often the only source of financial assistance for health care, Medicaid plays a critical role for people with disabilities in providing coverage and access to care. At least half of the funds for Medicaid programs come from the federal government with the remainder coming from state funds. Federal law contains detailed requirements and limitations on eligibility, services, and financing, but state laws vary.

This project was made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Developmental Disabilities (Grant No. 90 DN0215). You can explore the Medicaid Reference Desk on The Arc’s Website: www.thedesk.info.

The Arc advocates for and serves people with I/DD, including Down syndrome, autism, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, cerebral palsy and other diagnoses. The Arc has a network of over 700 chapters across the country promoting and protecting the human rights of people with I/DD and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes and without regard to diagnosis.