Melanie Shaw
Executive Director
New York Association on Independent Living
Monday, March 30, 2009
NYAIL's 2009 health care priority was the increase in access to and use of consumer-directed services. In response to the concrete proposals we brought
to the Governor and the legislature, the budget agreed to by state leaders and printed over the weekend includes $500,000 for expanding participation in
the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, including contracts with peer based programs to assist those eligible, provide education and outreach,
as well as training for discharge planners, LDSS and others.
In addition, the CDPAP statute will be amended when the budget is passed to include county enrollment targets for CDPAP and annual implementation plans
to DOH by counties that promote consistency regarding approved service levels across the state. These requirements will broaden access to the CDPAP program
throughout the state.
These resources and changes to the CDPAP statute would not have come about without your advocacy. Thanks to those of you who came to Albany on March 17th
and who responded to action alerts thereafter. Thanks also to the persistent advocacy of Kevin Cleary, NYAIL's lobbyist.
More on the budget as we review it today...
Melanie
Melanie Shaw
Executive Director
New York Association on Independent Living
One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Ave., Suite 806A
Albany, NY 12210
Ph. 518-465-4650
FAX 518-465-4625
email
mshaw@ilny.org
website
www.ilny.org
Monday, March 30, 2009
In an exclusive interview with Disability Scoop Top White House Aide Talks Disability Policy
In an exclusive interview with Disability Scoop
Top White House Aide Talks Disability Policy
By Michelle Diament
March 24, 2009
In February Vice President Joe Biden announced the selection of Kareem Dale as the first ever special assistant to the president for disability policy.
Now, in an exclusive interview with Disability Scoop - Developmental Disability News, Dale defends the president following his misstep on The Tonight Show recently and talks about what’s next in the administration’s plans for people with disabilities.
To read the article in its entirety goes to:
www.disabilityscoop.com
Top White House Aide Talks Disability Policy
By Michelle Diament
March 24, 2009
In February Vice President Joe Biden announced the selection of Kareem Dale as the first ever special assistant to the president for disability policy.
Now, in an exclusive interview with Disability Scoop - Developmental Disability News, Dale defends the president following his misstep on The Tonight Show recently and talks about what’s next in the administration’s plans for people with disabilities.
To read the article in its entirety goes to:
www.disabilityscoop.com
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
GE Universal Design - Kitchen Design for All Ages, Sizes, and Abilities
Although each of us has a unique profile consisting of height, age, ability, strengths, weaknesses, and preferences, most homes are designed to fit a "standard"
person. As a result, many of us struggle to reach or operate sink fixtures, cabinets, and appliances. GE believes the time has come for kitchens
and homes that fit the real needs of real people—needs that will change over time.
For more information visit:
http://www.geappliances.com/design_center/universal_design/
person. As a result, many of us struggle to reach or operate sink fixtures, cabinets, and appliances. GE believes the time has come for kitchens
and homes that fit the real needs of real people—needs that will change over time.
For more information visit:
http://www.geappliances.com/design_center/universal_design/
Invitation To Join A New NYS Paratransit Forum / Think Tank / Workgroup
Hi All,
I wanted to invite everyone on our NYAIL transportation committee, along with others to a new NYS paratransit forum / think tank / workgroup.
This is going to be an active group where everyone involved all over the state can ask and answer paratransit (and some rural) questions as well as see what’s working out in different areas. Basically, those of us working on paratransit issues for others need to work together to find solutions and share them with the group.
We’ll also be announcing webcasts and audio casts all around the country for people who wish to attend them on these issues. We’ll also keep informed on all the new information and updates coming from the FTA OCR that deal with disability transportation and especially paratransit issues.
There is funding out there for even going BEYOND ADA minimum level paratransit. One issue is how to get our transit agencies in on this funding and using it properly. So from paratransit 101 to beyond ADA paratransit, this group is a must for everyone who works on disability transportation issues.
At some point we may even be able to get someone from DC’s OCR on it or a national advocate or two.
If YOU aren’t interested in it or too busy, consider others - system advocates, social workers and advocates that are dealing with callers with paratransit problems they don’t know how to solve. – or that they HAVE solved! (They can help others).
Send this around to other professionals that you know who may be interested in NYS.
I can be contacted in one of the following ways: By replying to this if you’re on the NYAIL committee or by e-mailing advocate@mobilityfreedom.org
Anyway, please let me know if you wish to join it
Donna
Donna Suhor
Executive Director
Capital District
Coalition for Accessible Transportation
P.O Box 685
Troy, NY 12181
(518) 273-1110 (Voice and Relay)
(518) 273-3092
http://www.mobilityfreedom.org
I wanted to invite everyone on our NYAIL transportation committee, along with others to a new NYS paratransit forum / think tank / workgroup.
This is going to be an active group where everyone involved all over the state can ask and answer paratransit (and some rural) questions as well as see what’s working out in different areas. Basically, those of us working on paratransit issues for others need to work together to find solutions and share them with the group.
We’ll also be announcing webcasts and audio casts all around the country for people who wish to attend them on these issues. We’ll also keep informed on all the new information and updates coming from the FTA OCR that deal with disability transportation and especially paratransit issues.
There is funding out there for even going BEYOND ADA minimum level paratransit. One issue is how to get our transit agencies in on this funding and using it properly. So from paratransit 101 to beyond ADA paratransit, this group is a must for everyone who works on disability transportation issues.
At some point we may even be able to get someone from DC’s OCR on it or a national advocate or two.
If YOU aren’t interested in it or too busy, consider others - system advocates, social workers and advocates that are dealing with callers with paratransit problems they don’t know how to solve. – or that they HAVE solved! (They can help others).
Send this around to other professionals that you know who may be interested in NYS.
I can be contacted in one of the following ways: By replying to this if you’re on the NYAIL committee or by e-mailing advocate@mobilityfreedom.org
Anyway, please let me know if you wish to join it
Donna
Donna Suhor
Executive Director
Capital District
Coalition for Accessible Transportation
P.O Box 685
Troy, NY 12181
(518) 273-1110 (Voice and Relay)
(518) 273-3092
http://www.mobilityfreedom.org
Disability Advocate's Visit To A Packed Capitol Tuesday March 17th Was Timely And Effective
On Tuesday March 17th 2009 approximately 100 advocates from independent living centers from across the state converged on the Capital Building in Albany New York to participate in increasing the awareness of the legislature and governor of we as people with disabilities and about our priorities for long term care and community integration in the 2009-10 state budget and state disability policies.
In an email message on March 19th, Melanie Shaw Executive Director of the New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL) said that “our visit to a packed Capitol Tuesday was timely and effective, as leaders of the Assembly and Senate continue negotiations with Governor Paterson towards passing an on time budget April 1st. We gained the support of Sen. Tom Duane and Assemblyman Richard Gottfried for our proposal to increase access to CDPAP.”
She also said that “We are very hopeful there will be no cuts to home care and personal care, nor to SSI benefits for people who live in the community. The negotiations are ongoing however and we will continue to update you.”
According to Melanie, that By 11:30 a.m. there were over 100 disability advocates in neon green shirts with colorful signs gathered in the War Room of the State Capitol.
The following link will take you to some pictures taken at the Albany protest on St. Patrick’s Day, courtesy of the Center for Disability Rights (CDR).
http://www.facebook.com/editphoto.php?aid=69764&id=13882767549#/album.php?aid=69764&id=13882767549
We asked state legislative leaders and the governor to:
· Increase consumer direction in Medicaid-funded long term care through increased access to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), a move which will generate substantial Medicaid savings in a time of state budget crisis.
· Stop cuts to personal care and home care services
· Restore funding to Independent Living Centers that help people with disabilities stay in the community and avoid institutionalization
· Stop cuts to SSI for people with disabilities who live in the community
Melanie continued by explaining, that “in no time, our presence was known and the leadership team met with Joe Baker, Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services for the Governor, Val Grey, Assistant Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Mark Kissinger, Deputy Commissioner for Long Term Care for the New York State Department of Health. Following his discussion with the leadership team, Joe Baker addressed advocates in the War Room, emphasizing the importance of our advocacy to the governor and legislature. Shortly thereafter, Senator Tom Duane, new chair of the Senate Health Committee also addressed the group, assuring those gathered that he will work with people with disabilities in his new role toward full community integration.”
After we left the War Room, we gathered in small groups near all entrances to the Senate and Assembly Chambers in preparation for session beginning at 3:30 p.m. Flyers with our message were distributed to legislators as they arrived for session and many stopped to discuss the issues with members of our group.
Finally a large group of hardy advocates made their way to the LOB and paid a visit to Assemblyman Gottfried’s office to reinforce the message of the day.
Melanie expresses her thanks to everyone who made the trip to Albany from all across the state to voice their priorities for long-term care and community integration in the 2009-10 state budget including the leadership team, CDR for staffing, planning and funding assistance, our lobbyist Kevin Cleary who was with us throughout the day and CDPAANYS.
Melanie Shaw
Executive Director
New York Association on Independent Living
One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Ave., Suite 806A
Albany, NY 12210
Ph. 518-465-4650
FAX 518-465-4625
Email
mshaw@ilny.org
Website
www.ilny.org
In an email message on March 19th, Melanie Shaw Executive Director of the New York Association on Independent Living (NYAIL) said that “our visit to a packed Capitol Tuesday was timely and effective, as leaders of the Assembly and Senate continue negotiations with Governor Paterson towards passing an on time budget April 1st. We gained the support of Sen. Tom Duane and Assemblyman Richard Gottfried for our proposal to increase access to CDPAP.”
She also said that “We are very hopeful there will be no cuts to home care and personal care, nor to SSI benefits for people who live in the community. The negotiations are ongoing however and we will continue to update you.”
According to Melanie, that By 11:30 a.m. there were over 100 disability advocates in neon green shirts with colorful signs gathered in the War Room of the State Capitol.
The following link will take you to some pictures taken at the Albany protest on St. Patrick’s Day, courtesy of the Center for Disability Rights (CDR).
http://www.facebook.com/editphoto.php?aid=69764&id=13882767549#/album.php?aid=69764&id=13882767549
We asked state legislative leaders and the governor to:
· Increase consumer direction in Medicaid-funded long term care through increased access to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), a move which will generate substantial Medicaid savings in a time of state budget crisis.
· Stop cuts to personal care and home care services
· Restore funding to Independent Living Centers that help people with disabilities stay in the community and avoid institutionalization
· Stop cuts to SSI for people with disabilities who live in the community
Melanie continued by explaining, that “in no time, our presence was known and the leadership team met with Joe Baker, Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services for the Governor, Val Grey, Assistant Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Mark Kissinger, Deputy Commissioner for Long Term Care for the New York State Department of Health. Following his discussion with the leadership team, Joe Baker addressed advocates in the War Room, emphasizing the importance of our advocacy to the governor and legislature. Shortly thereafter, Senator Tom Duane, new chair of the Senate Health Committee also addressed the group, assuring those gathered that he will work with people with disabilities in his new role toward full community integration.”
After we left the War Room, we gathered in small groups near all entrances to the Senate and Assembly Chambers in preparation for session beginning at 3:30 p.m. Flyers with our message were distributed to legislators as they arrived for session and many stopped to discuss the issues with members of our group.
Finally a large group of hardy advocates made their way to the LOB and paid a visit to Assemblyman Gottfried’s office to reinforce the message of the day.
Melanie expresses her thanks to everyone who made the trip to Albany from all across the state to voice their priorities for long-term care and community integration in the 2009-10 state budget including the leadership team, CDR for staffing, planning and funding assistance, our lobbyist Kevin Cleary who was with us throughout the day and CDPAANYS.
Melanie Shaw
Executive Director
New York Association on Independent Living
One Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Ave., Suite 806A
Albany, NY 12210
Ph. 518-465-4650
FAX 518-465-4625
mshaw@ilny.org
Website
www.ilny.org
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Timothy's Law
Urge State Leaders to Make Timothy's Law Permanent!
Timothy's Law, New York's landmark statute mandating comparable coverage for mental health treatment expires this year. In addition, although this was a huge victory for us all, the law did not include PTSD.
Timothy's Law has increased access to treatment for thousands of New Yorkers with psychiatric disabilities. In the absence of swift legislative action the landmark victory that people with psychiatric disabilities and their families won in 2006 will come to an end!
We need to ensure that Timothy's Law does not expire. It's time to take this message directly to state leaders; we need to end the discrimination!
Call your legislative leaders and urge them to pass S.1646/A.5659 AND S.185/A.4572, acts to make Timothy's Law permanent and add PTSD.
Call
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver - 212-312-1420
Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith - 718-528-4290
Leave the following message:
"I'm a registered voter from (your locality) calling to urge you to make Timothy's Law permanent and add PTSD! Pass S.1646/A.5659 AND S.185/A.4572 Now!”
Timothy's Law, New York's landmark statute mandating comparable coverage for mental health treatment expires this year. In addition, although this was a huge victory for us all, the law did not include PTSD.
Timothy's Law has increased access to treatment for thousands of New Yorkers with psychiatric disabilities. In the absence of swift legislative action the landmark victory that people with psychiatric disabilities and their families won in 2006 will come to an end!
We need to ensure that Timothy's Law does not expire. It's time to take this message directly to state leaders; we need to end the discrimination!
Call your legislative leaders and urge them to pass S.1646/A.5659 AND S.185/A.4572, acts to make Timothy's Law permanent and add PTSD.
Call
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver - 212-312-1420
Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith - 718-528-4290
Leave the following message:
"I'm a registered voter from (your locality) calling to urge you to make Timothy's Law permanent and add PTSD! Pass S.1646/A.5659 AND S.185/A.4572 Now!”
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Proposed Cuts To SSI
Governor Paterson’s proposed Executive Budget for 2009-2010 does NOT preserve the safety net for SSI beneficiaries.
Although there has been no increase in the state supplement for 20 years, this year, Governor Paterson is proposing to cut the state supplement to SSI payments for New Yorkers who are aged, blind or have a disability by over 25% for individuals and couples living alone in the community and 45-70% for those living with others.
In June 2009, the monthly state supplement would be reduced:
for individuals living in the community: from $87 to $63 for couples: from $104 to $77 for individuals living with others: from $23 to $7 for couples living with others: from $46 to $25.
Despite the expected cost of living increase to the federal benefit, individuals who depend on their SSI income in order to pay their rent or buy their groceries cannot afford the proposed cuts to state benefits.
Now more than ever we need to preserve the safety net for SSI beneficiaries.
Now is the time to urge the Governor to rescind his proposal to cut critical SSI benefits of vulnerable New Yorkers!
CALL THE GOVERNOR'S PUBLIC LINE AT 518-474-8390 AND LEAVE THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE:
"I'm a registered voter from (your locality) calling to urge Governor Paterson: Not to balance the budget on the backs of SSI beneficiaries: restore the SSI cut!"
Although there has been no increase in the state supplement for 20 years, this year, Governor Paterson is proposing to cut the state supplement to SSI payments for New Yorkers who are aged, blind or have a disability by over 25% for individuals and couples living alone in the community and 45-70% for those living with others.
In June 2009, the monthly state supplement would be reduced:
for individuals living in the community: from $87 to $63 for couples: from $104 to $77 for individuals living with others: from $23 to $7 for couples living with others: from $46 to $25.
Despite the expected cost of living increase to the federal benefit, individuals who depend on their SSI income in order to pay their rent or buy their groceries cannot afford the proposed cuts to state benefits.
Now more than ever we need to preserve the safety net for SSI beneficiaries.
Now is the time to urge the Governor to rescind his proposal to cut critical SSI benefits of vulnerable New Yorkers!
CALL THE GOVERNOR'S PUBLIC LINE AT 518-474-8390 AND LEAVE THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE:
"I'm a registered voter from (your locality) calling to urge Governor Paterson: Not to balance the budget on the backs of SSI beneficiaries: restore the SSI cut!"
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