New federal bills introduced to make voting more accessible, NYS Governor considers kneecapping CDPAP, Amy Schumer show lovingly depicts life with an autistic husband and more developmental disability news for the week ending Feb. 23, 2024.
Spotlight
Half of New York direct support professionals experience housing or food insecurity, report shows The report lays bare the punishing result of paying this critical, committed workforce a non-living wage. This is an exclusive from Crain’s, which has a tough paywall, but you can also find it on the New York Disability Advocates (NYDA) Facebook page. NYDA commissioned the report, which I hope helps move legislators to finally do the right thing and include an 8.5% COLA increase for the I/DD service sector. (Crain’s New York)
New York
Gov. Kathy Hochul recently released amendments to her proposed 2024-25 budget. The annual occurrence is meant to consist of mostly technical fixes, but instead, it went for the jugular. Among other things, “the Governor proposed 15 pages of new changes that would, in many cases, fundamentally change CDPAP,” or the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, writes CDANY executive director Bryan O’Malley in a statement. And not for the better.
If you’re interested in CDPAP, I strongly recommend you read this CDANY update.
Outside of New York
Arizona moms of children with disabilities can now get paid as full-time caretakers Gov. Katie Hobbs has expanded a program called KidsCare for up to 10,000 children and officially secured a federal government waiver for the expansion, all thanks, of course, to some relentless moms. (12news.com)
In Kansas, People With Disabilities Score Equal Pay It joins 14 other states in banning a practice that lets companies pay people with disabilities way below minimum wage. (The Lever)
Pennsylvania Classroom Converted Into Simulated Apartment To Boost Life Skills (Disability Scoop)
Autism
Which States Are Most Supportive for Raising a Child with Autism? Autism Parenting Magazine created a guide of the most supportive, and least supportive states.
Study Finds Widely Available Drug May Lower Anxiety In Those With Autism (Disability Scoop)
Employment
Son’s autism inspires Chicago dad’s custom cookies bakery This is lovely, but as usual, it’s unfortunately up to parents to do what’s right for the I/DD community. (Chicago Sun-Times)
Federal Legislation
Two Dem Senators Introduce Bills to Make American Democracy More Accessible to People with Disabilities Casey, Klobuchar intro the Accessible Voting Act, the Removing Access Barriers to Running for Elected Office for People with Disabilities Act and the AID (Accessibility and Inclusion to Diversify) Local Government Leadership Act. (Casey.senate.gov)
Studies
How Common Is Intellectual Disability Among Adults? I take studies with a grain of salt, but this one is important in that it “offers policymakers and other stakeholders a snapshot of the need for resources.” (Disability Scoop_
Intellectual Disabilities Linked With Worse Cancer Survival A small study, but it speaks to a larger issue: How difficult it is to find good medical care for people with I/DD. (Medscape.com)
Tech
The Evolution of Smart Home Technology for People With Disabilities Tech has advanced for people with physical and cognitive impairments. (Home Care Mag, via Disability Thinking)
First Person
I am medically fragile and use a wheelchair. Here’s what makes college possible for me. I love the main takeaway here: None of us are independent. (Chalkbeat)
Entertainment
Amy Schumer on Autism, Antisemitism and Pulling From Her Marriage for ‘Life & Beth’ Season 2 I recommend this show on Hulu, at least, Season 2, which follows the lead character’s relationship with a man eventually diagnosed with ASD, who is based on Schumer’s husband, Chris Fischer. (Hollywood Reporter)
