medicaid
Did you know that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 does not ensure civil rights for people with disabilities? The Act “outlaws discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin.” The Civil Rights Act does not outlaw discrimination based on disability. So how then are people with disabilities
101-series
Today, June 22, 2024, marks the 25th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark case, Olmstead vs. L.C., which affirms the right of disabled people to use their state Medicaid benefits to live in their communities, rather than in institutions. The suit was brought by Lois Curtis
101-series
The U.S. Supreme Court’s Olmstead Decision, a landmark civil rights case for people with disabilities, marks its 25th anniversary this year! In 1999, the Court upheld the right to community integration in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Our disabled loved ones have the right to
101-series
This week marks the 50th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which opened doors to jobs, education, independent living, and much more for people with disabilities. The Act also established standards for accessible communication and information technology. The Rehab Act (as it’s often called) is the foundation for
101-series
My son Rob is a 25-year-old artist and activist. He’s survived and thrived in his community because he has had access to enteral (or “tube”) feeding for all of his nutrition, hydration, and medication needs since the age of two. Tube feeding isn’t shameful; it’s just another
101-series
Rob Stone is an active member of Little Lobbyists. Rob’s goals upon leaving high school were to become a health care and disability rights advocate, and an artist with his own art website. Rob has a rare disease, dystonia 16. Due its complications, Rob uses a wheelchair to get
101-series
In 1998, when my son Rob became disabled at the age of one, I knew nothing about disability services or advocacy or rights. I just knew that I wanted Rob to live at home with us, where any child belongs. Rob was a busy toddler who loved going to the
101-series
What happens to disabled young adults after high school? Many families don’t know what to expect when school ends. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) makes education an entitlement for students with disabilities, ensuring them a place in their communities. However, families quickly learn as high school draws
hcbs
In 1981, President Ronald Reagan learned about a 3-year-old girl with complex medical needs and disabilities named Katie, who was forced to live in an institution because federal rules governing Medicaid prevented her from getting the care she needed at home. President Reagan knew this was wrong, so he created
101-series
The Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives have voted to allow legislators to begin drafting President Biden’s $3.5 trillion “human infrastructure” package through budget reconciliation. The Biden Administration has asked for $400 billion for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), which are part of the federal Medicaid
reflections
I still remember my first event with Little Lobbyists, a family-led group advocating for kids with complex medical needs and disabilities. My son Rob wasn’t with me that day--he was enjoying one of his last precious days of public school, which he loved. I’d gone to Capitol Hill
reflections
As parents of children and young adults with disabilities, we should always work to be better allies. Being an ally means empowering our kids and asking ourselves some challenging questions: Are we letting our children speak for themselves? Are we giving them the means and the platform to become their