ANCOR calls for distinct classification for direct support professionals.
DD SUBCOMMITTEE 1/31/23
Budget Presentations 2/22/23
Thanks to All Who Attended Our Recent Legislative Meet & Greets
Please continue conversations with your legislators on the critical need for adequate funding for DD community services.
Here is the link to our Advocacy one-pager.
ADAP Submits Letters to Governor Ivey and Dr. Harris Regarding COVID-19 Guidelines
Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program has submitted two letters urging clarification and modification to existing COVID-19 healthcare guidelines.
The letter to Gov. Kay Ivey requests that the language in the Crisis Standards of Care (CSC) Guidelines be adjusted to develop transparent and clear guidance on how to implement the non-discrimination requirements in the event that rationing of ventilators becomes necessary.
The letter to Dr. Scott Harris asks for an exception to the “No Visitors” rule in hospital environments that allows persons with disabilities to have a support person present if needed to ensure adequate access to care.
Both letters were endorsed by various organizations in the disabilities service community.
$1, 200 Economic Impact Payments to SSI Recipients Will Not Count as Income
FROM SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION COMMISSIONER ANDREW SAUL APRIL 10, 2020
The Treasury Department launched a new web tool allowing quick registration for Economic Impact Payments for eligible individuals who do not normally file a tax return, and also announced that it would begin making automatic payments. However, for some people receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration—specifically those who have dependent children under the age of 17—it is to their advantage to go to this portal to ensure they also get the $500 per dependent Economic Impact Payment. I encourage them to do this as soon as possible…read full statement here.
Legal Services Alabama Webinar: Alabama’s COVID-19 Safety Net
Legal Services Alabama produced a webinar about recent changes to the law due to the COVID-19 crisis. This webinar covers SNAP/Food Stamps and Other Benefits, Healthcare Access/Options, and Consumer Issues Related to Stimulus Payments, Garnishments, etc.
Alabama Medicaid is Taking Action to Help During the Health Emergency
View the Alabama Medicaid Agency's One-Pager to find out what recipients should know about Medicaid changes for the Coronavirus Emergency.
How to Make Your Own Face Covering with Items Around the House—No Sewing Required
Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams, shares ways to create your own face covering in a few easy steps. Comments on this video are allowed in accordance with ou...
TEMPORARY Waiver of TB Skin Testing for New Employees through 4/30/20
From the Alabama Medicaid Agency on April 7, 2020:
“Due to a difficulty accessing providers that will provide and read TB skin tests, the Agency is issuing a temporary waiver of TB skin testing for new employees […] through 4/30/20.
“For new and initial employee testing: Complete TB skin test if possible. Otherwise, conduct TB screening using the TB Baseline Screening Assessment. It is imperative that employees whose skin tests are deferred be tracked and required to complete the skin testing as soon as reasonably possible.
2020 Census Day has Arrived!
Although the in-person Census Day events have been canceled due to health concerns, there will still be an ONLINE Disability Counts Census Day rally! Hear from several familiar faces on why the census is critical to our state and especially our disability community. Check out the Disability Counts Facebook page for more details!
Make sure to complete your census as soon as possible! For more information on how to complete the census, or any other questions, check out the US Census Website!
Important information regarding the dramatic expansion of SBA loans in the CARES Act
The SBA loans are now available to Medicaid providers, and, in certain circumstances, forgivable.
ASPA Supports the 2020 Census!
Alabama Counts! Participate in the 2020 Census - It is vitally important that all Alabama citizens participate in the 2020 census to maintain congressional representation, improve roads and bridges, health care and so much more. Go to www.census.alabama.gov for more information.
Be sure to like Disability Counts on Facebook.
#AlabmaCounts
COVID-19 Live Tracker
Alabama Political Reporter has created an interactive map for viewing real time reportings of COVID-19 in the state of Alabama.
ACL shares recommendations for protection against COVID-19 in community living settings
People who are 65 or older are more likely to have serious COVID-19 illness. This may be because immune systems change with age, making it harder to fight off diseases and infection. Older adults also are more likely to have underlying health conditions that make it harder to cope with and recover from illness.
In addition, people of any age who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility are at higher risk.
Other people who may be at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19, regardless of age or disability, include:
People with chronic lung disease or moderate-to-severe asthma
People who have serious heart conditions
People with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
People with diabetes
People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis
People with liver disease
People who are immunocompromised. Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications including people receiving cancer treatment.
Reducing exposure is especially important for people at higher risk of complications!