20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act & 2010 Independent Living Symposium
For generations, millions of people with disabilities lived as second-rate citizens in a society based on the promise that “All men are created equal” and where “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” are considered unalienable rights. People with disabilities were routinely sterilized and institutionalized. There were no laws to ensure access to or a benefit from the →
ADA — A Little History
In 1986, the National Council on Disability issued a statement, "Toward Independence," recommending that a law requiring equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities be enacted. The council drafted the first version of the ADA, which was introduced in 1988 during the 100th Congress. The Task Force on Rights and Empowerment of Americans with Disabilities, under the energetic chairmanship of →
Health Care Reform & People with Disabilities
Like it, Love it, or Hate it…now that Health Care Reform has passed, let’s take a look at some of the provisions that pertain to people with disabilities. First, we are pleased to announce the inclusion of the Community First Choice (CFC) Option that we worked hard with lawmakers and other advocates all year long to get included in →
Do You Need Help Filling Out Your 2010 Census Form?
Have you returned your Census form yet? April 1, 2010 is Census Day but if you have not yet returned your Census form, don’t worry, you still have time. Your 2010 Census form should have arrived in March but if your Census form was lost, damaged, or you never received one, you can contact the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance center after April →
“You Have the Power…Live the Dream”
July 26, 2010 will mark the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA, signed into law by President George H.W. Bush, is a comprehensive civil rights law that aims to eliminate discrimination towards people with disabilities. The ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with Disabilities by reducing barriers, changing perceptions, and increasing full participation in community life. On →
2010 Social Security Changes
There will be no cost of living increases for SSI and SSDI recipients for 2010. The 2010 amounts for Social Security are: SSI Individual - $674/month Couple - $1,011/month Substantial Gainful Activity Non-Blind - $1,000/month Blind - $1,640/month Trial Work Period Month $720/month The Montana Medicaid Medically Needy spend-down threshold will remain at $645 after income exclusions. The Montana Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program is slated to begin →
A Glance at the ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the most comprehensive civil rights law protecting people with disabilities. The ADA prohibits discrimination in: Title I: Employment Title II: State and local government Title III: Privately owned businesses Title IV: Telecommunications Title V: Miscellaneous Provisions Since the ADA’s passage in 1990, people with disabilities have gained access to a wider variety of services, programs and activities across America. A →
Healthcare Reform for People with Disabilities
Health Care Reform in America means a lot of different things for a lot of different people. For people with disabilities, though, it means a lot of different things…and a whole lot more. Disability spans every race, gender, ethnic group, socio-economic status, political affiliation, you name it...in other words, disability doesn’t discriminate. However, in the diverse pool of America’s vast →
