On Target is a monthly publication
of the Indiana Governor's Council for People with Disabilities.
We welcome your suggestions for newsletter content and
ideas concerning the actions of the Council. On Target is made available
in accessible formats upon request.
Suellen Jackson-Boner
Executive Director
Christine Dahlberg
Associate Director
Paul Shankland
Grants Manager |
Advocates focus on upcoming session
Disability advocates across the state are gearing up for a battle on two fronts
in the 2003 legislative session - to push for new legislation and to defend the budgets
of existing programs in a tough economy.
The major focus of new legislation is expected to be on home and community-based care for people with disabilities"We want funding to follow the individual rather than the specific program," said Cris Fulford, ATTAIN executive director and COVOH director of governmental affairs/public policy. "And we want home and community-based care to be the state's first choice. Now, institutions are the first choice."
To support people with disabilities living in the community, advocates are also pushing for personal care services legislation.
Additionally, advocates will push legislators to add spousal impoverishment protection to Medicaid waivers and to raise the financial eligibility cap on waivers to 300 percent of Social Security Income (SSI).
The Council will focus on election reform,and the ARC of Indiana will support an as-yet-unnamed bill making it easier to apply for Medicaid, allowing people to fill out the application in their homes rather than in their local Division of Family and Children office. ATTAIN will focus on visitability standards for new single-family housing. COVOH also plans to focus on issues surrounding accountability standards in special education.While disability advocates move forward with new legislation, they also will be working to protect existing program budgets.
"We are concerned that potential budget cuts would erode the progress that has been made with regard to home and community-based services," said Council Executive Director Suellen Jackson-Boner. "We are in the midst of moving and supporting people with disabilities and their families, and any budget cuts could jeopardize our success."
To influence legislators concerned about the state budget, advocates plan to position home and community-based care as a cost-effective solution with positive economic development opportunities for the state.
"We know the session is going to be difficult, but we want to do our part to support
economic development," said Kim Dodson, ARC of Indiana director of government
relations and development.Still, advocates caution that it will be difficult to pass any legislation that requires funding given the state's current budget crisis.
"Hold onto your hats. It's going to be a bumpy ride," Dodson said.
Media award reminder
Each year the Council, along with Ball State University and Indiana University, recognize excellence in reporting on people with disabilities and disability issues. And the Council needs your help!
Monitor your local newspapers, television and radio stations for entries that focus on a need for change in public policy for people with disabilities or that increase awareness of disability issues. The entries should be published or broadcast in Indiana between April 1, 2002, and March 31, 2003. A panel of judges from Ball State University, Indiana University and the Council will evaluate the entries based on readability, effectiveness, accuracy and completeness, relevance to disability issues, and resourcefulness of the
reporter. Entries can be submitted at any time.
To nominate an individual or organization, submit a letter with the article/program title, date of publication/air date, reporter/news organization, and reason for the nomination. As the nominator, include your name and contact information.
Award entries can be mailed c/o Jamy Schuler, Borshoff Johnson Matthews, 47 S. Pennsylvania St., Suite 500, Indianapolis, IN 46204, or (317) 631-6499 (fax). For more information, call Jamy at (317) 631-6400 (voice).
Medicaid Select improves Hoosier health care
Starting Jan. 1, many people with disabilities in Indiana will become part of a new managed care program, Medicaid Select. The program is designed to centralize and improve the quality of health care without changing covered services.
The Medicaid Select program, managed by the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), is a result of legislation passed during the 2002 legislative session. In all, about 100,000 people are expected to be eligible.
"The intent is to give people in the program a 'medical home,' meaning they will have
one primary doctor who manages their care and refers them to other doctors," said FSSA
Managed Care Director John Barth. "This process increases the quality of care people will receive."
Many people with disabilities, including those enrolled in M.E.D. Works, are eligible for Medicaid Select. However, the program excludes those who are living in institutions or are on waiver programs.
Launch dates for the program vary by region as follows:
Jan. 1 - Marion County
April 1 - Central Indiana
July 1 - Northern Indiana
Oct. 1 - Southern Indiana
Those who are eligible will have 60 days after the program launches in their area to select a Primary Medical Provider (PMP). Those who do not select a PMP will be automatically assigned to one at the end of the 60-day period. Participants may switch to a new PMP if they wish to do so.
For more information, contact John Barth at (317) 233-0237 (voice) or jbarth@fssa.state.in.us (e-mail). Or contact FSSA policy analyst Kristy Bredemeier at
(317) 233-2127 (voice).
M.E.D. Works enrollment continues to climb
As of Oct. 1, more than 1,300 people with disabilities have enrolled in the state's new Medicaid buy-in program, M.E.D. Works, which was launched July 1. The program allows people with disabilities to keep Medicaid coverage when they enter the workforce.
Indiana's Medicaid buy-in legislation was passed last year in response to the federal Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. Prior to that
legislation, people with disabilities who were employed often lost their Medicaid
coverage because their earnings exceeded the income cap. With M.E.D. Works, these
individuals can now buy into Medicaid by paying monthly premiums.
The maximum monthly premium for those earning more than 350 percent of the federal poverty level is $187 per individual or $254 per couple. People making less than 150
percent of the federal poverty level do not pay a premium.
Although people with disabilities are concerned about state budget cuts, M.E.D. Works officials say the state's budget situation will not affect the program's ability to provide services.
"This is an entitlement program, so the scope of services can't be narrowed," said Janice Simonelli, program director in charge of the medical review team. "If someone
joins the program, they're entitled to full Medicaid benefits."
For more information, visit www.in.gov/fssa/healthcare/med or contact Andrea Vermeulen at (317) 234-2129 (voice) or avermeulen@fssa.state.in.us (e-mail).
Increase in affordable rental housing a must
The U.S. House of Representatives is considering a bill that would increase the availability of affordable rental housing over the next 10 years.
The Housing Affordability for America Act of 2002 (H.R. 3995) and an amendment to that bill, the National Housing Trust Fund Act, would create a permanent federal funding source for building, refurbishing and preserving rental housing for people with low incomes, including people with disabilities.
Such a bill is especially important as states implement the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision. As people with disabilities move into the community, the demand for affordable rental housing is expected to increase.
According to "Priced Out in 2000," a report published by the Consortium for Citizens
with Disabilities Housing Task Force (CCD)and the Technical Assistance Collaborative,
SSI payments could not even cover rent for an efficiency apartment in any U.S. housing
market in 2000. To get a copy of the CCD report, call (202) 783-2229 (voice) or visit www.c-c-d.org.
You can track HR 3995 on the Web at http://thomas.loc.gov.
Disability Awareness Month - order now!
Every March, the Council sponsors Disability Awareness Month to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in the community.
The 2003 theme is "ABILITY - No matter how you spell it." Posters, bookmarks, buttons and stickers with the 2003 campaign theme are available from the Council at no charge, as are a variety of information packets to help teachers, advocates, businesses and others plan Awareness Month activities. Mugs and T-shirts are available for a fee.
To order Disability Awareness Month 2003 materials, complete the order form included with this mailing of On Target. You can also obtain a form at www.in.gov/gpcpd, or by contacting Kim Dennison at (317) 631-6400 (voice) or kdennison@bjmpr.com (e-mail).
Media award winners
The 2002 media award winners were recognized at the Indiana Conference for People with Disabilities Awards Luncheon on Nov. 20.
Jennifer Boen, health and social services reporter for The Fort Wayne News-Sentinel, won in the print media category - circulation 40,000 or greater - for her article, "Fighting to stay in her home: Rules may force Tara Sheley into a nursing home," which ran Feb. 26, 2002.
Doug Wilson, a reporter for Bloomington Herald-Times, was the winner in the print media category - circulation 40,000 or less - for his article, "Diverse class offers new
lessons: Inclusion of special needs students can enrich learning experience for all," which ran Dec. 7, 2001.
NBC 33 in Fort Wayne was the winner in the broadcast media category. Its special report, "On a roll," dealt with the city's transportation issues for people with disabilities.
The winners were chosen from more than 40 nominations statewide.
Of Note
Community Living Workshops
The Indiana Safeguards Initiative (ISI) will conduct five workshops on "Creating the Adaptive Mind-Set: New Training in the Realities of Community Living" Jan. 21-24 & 27, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Workshops are designed to support participants in developing and strengthening an adaptive mental approach or mind-set toward issues affecting vulnerable people, and a better understanding of the reality of negative mind-sets. All workshops will take place at Easter Seals Crossroads in Indianapolis and cost $50 each. Discounts are available for groups and those attending multiple workshops. Scholarships are available for service recipients and family members.
The registration deadline is Jan. 15. To learn more about individual workshops, contact Joe Osburn at (317) 264-0423 (voice).
Election Reform Passed
The U.S. House of Representatives and Senate passed the Election Reform bill, which President Bush said he would sign. Under the bill, first-time voters who registered by mail would have to provide some type of identification when they cast their ballots. The newest version of the bill retains accessibility requirements for voting sites and ensures voters with disabilities will be able to cast secret ballots.
Energy Assistance Program
Indiana's Energy Assistance Program provides financial assistance to low-income households to maintain utility services during the winter heating season. The program began in November and ends May 31, unless funds are depleted sooner. Benefits are provided on a first come, first serve basis. This is not an entitlement program. For more information contact your local Community Action Agency or visit www.in.gov/fssa.
2002 Indiana Conference for People with Disabilities
November 19 - 20 at the Westin Hotel, Indianapolis
Conference Review
Opening session sets stage for "power of one" theme
With commanding presenters such as Governor Frank O'Bannon and John Sanford, J.D.,
it was hard to mistake the theme of the 2002 Indiana Conference for People with Disabilities - The Power of One: Creating a Change Reaction.
In addition to a stirring speech, O'Bannon awarded Sagamore of the Wabash awards to three Council Board Members who are ending their service to the Council. Herb Grulke, Janna Shisler and Alice Tinsley were all available to accept the highest honor the Governor of Indiana can bestow.
Sanford's fiery address energized Conference attendees. Current chairperson of National Family for the Advancement of Minorities with Disabilities, Sanford has spent more than 20 years using his legal expertise to actively battle for the civil rights of people with disabilities.
"The change that will take place in the future will start with the power of one," he proclaimed. "One person can make a difference. One person can make change. You can do more than you believe you can do."
To support his point and motivate the crowd, he told three stories about individuals who used the power of one to create change, including Rosa Parks, the then unknown Montgomery, Alabama, seamstress who refused to give up her seat on the bus in 1955.
"Everyone here is just an ordinary person, but because of the power of one, you are capable of doing extraordinary things. Believe in yourself, and believe in the power
of one," Sanford said in closing.
Citizen Advocacy: Power Through Community Connections
As more people with disabilities enter community-based settings, citizen advocacy groups are being created to foster relationships between people with disabilities and community members. The workshop "Citizen Advocacy: Power Through Community Connections" explained the purpose and principles of such organizations.
"Many people with disabilities end up in situations where almost all of their relationships are with paid experts," said presenter Tom Doody, executive director of North Quabbin Citizen Advocacy in Massachusetts.Citizen advocacy groups act as matchmakers, pairing a person with disabilities with another member of the community who serves voluntarily as an advocate and friend. In general, citizen advocate relationships are most needed when a person with a disability has few family supports in his or her community.
Gal Chifron, coordinator of Citizen Advocacy of South Central Indiana, presented a report on the progress of that organization, while Cindi Skoog and Anita Gooser described first-hand the advocacy relationship. In addition, Michelle Persinger
reported on the progress of the new Indianapolis Citizen Advocacy. Both of these organizations are supported financially by a grant from the Council.
Power Play
The most basic policy change can have a profound impact on the lives of people with disabilities. The "Power Play" workshop provided an overview of legislation, Supreme Court rulings and policy changes over the past year that affect people with disabilities.
Topics of discussion included Indiana's Medicaid buy-in program, M.E.D. Works; the new MedicaidSelect managed care program; Public Law 221 in special education; the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999; and the Governor's Commission on Home and Community-Based Care Services.
The Power of Magic
Rob Chalmers, founder of PeopleMagic, used magic in his presentation, "The Power of Illusion," to show how people are deceived by what they perceive. To illustrate his point, he did several magic tricks with audience members and challenged audience members to guess how he did his tricks.
After his magic, Chalmers indicated that all of his magic tricks were done before audience members' eyes, but they couldn't see his magic because they put themselves in a "box." His final parting message was that people with disabilities need to remove the boundaries (box walls) they put around themselves.
The Power of Technology
Ray Kurzweil, a cutting-edge inventor and founder of Kurzweil Technologies, intrigued audience members by demonstrating some of his inventions and providing insight into the future.
Kurzweil predicts that by 2010 computers will disappear. We will have electronics embedded in our clothing and interaction with virtual personalities will be our primary interface. He also predicts we will be teleporting to distant locations as holograms and will be fully immersed in visual-auditory virtual reality.
Although his predictions were fascinating, his primary message was that we all have disabilities and technology allows all of us to expand our capabilities. To check out some of his inventions and meet his virtual personal assistant Ramona, visit www.kurzweilai.net.
Power to the People
This session recapped the 2002 legislative session and discussed upcoming legislation for the 2003 session.
Cris Fulford, ATTAIN executive director and COVOH director of governmental affairs/public policy, discussed significant legislation - such as the property tax increase -considered in the 2002 session. She highlighted several upcoming bills including M.E.D. Works; the Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS) Program; personal care services; and visitability standards.Kim Dodson, director of government relations and development for ARC of Indiana, focused on the state budget, Medicaid waivers, and the state of caregivers in Indiana. She specifically noted the fact that caregivers are underpaid and need more supports.
Steve McCaffrey, J.D., executive director of the Indiana Mental Health Association, discussed several pieces of legislation that directly affect mental health. He covered substance abuse health insurance; revenue enhancement for mental health and addictive services, specifically promoting an alcohol tax increase; and the role of Medicaid in paying for mental health drugs.
Don Blinzinger, chief of staff to the Republican Caucus, focused on the economic state of Indiana and the nation and how that will affect what legislation gets passed in 2003. He
suggested that everyone who depends on the state government should be
advocates or have advocates to represent their opinions in the legislature.
To track state legislation, visit www.in.gov/legislative.
Change is focus of second plenary session
Powerful presenters spoke about politics, legislation and getting out the vote.
Jim Dickson of the American Association of People with Disabilities commended Indiana on being well organized, and then focused the rest of his attention on voting issues. He stressed that contacting legislators before the primary is important to get disability issues on their agenda, and working to get others to vote is the only way to make a real difference. "Vote as if your life depends on it - because it does," said Dickson.
Bob Kafka, a national organizer of ADAPT, spoke about a variety of legislation, but spent most of his time on housing issues. He said that subsidized housing has been a
problem since the Reagan era, but the targeting of Section 8 vouchers is a victory for people with disabilities. He stressed that local communities are not taking advantage of
the available housing vouchers.
Robin Jones, director of the Great Lakes Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center, concentrated on recent developments in the ADA, citing specific cases that have had great impact on its reach and effectiveness.
Bobby Silverstein, director of the Center for the Study and Advancement of Disability Policy at George Washington University Medical Center, provided an up-close look into the national legislature to see what was done in 2002 and what to look for in 2003. He emphasized the importance of finding out who supports disability issues in the legislature and contacting them.
To track committees, bills and other important legislation at the national level, visit http://thomas.loc.gov. Please note that this site will not be updated until January 2003.
Indiana Governor’s Planning
Council for People with Disabilities
150 West Market Street, Suite 628
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
(317) 232-7770 voice
(317) 232-7771 TT
E-mail: GPCPD@gpcpd.org
Web site: www.state.in.us/gpcpd
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