Weekly Update from Disability Policy Consortium

January 16, 2018

Disability Policy Consortium Weekly Update

We begin this week inviting you to a very important DAAHR forum on ACO's and how they will impact your healthcare. Accountable Care Organizations (ACO's) are health care organizations that work to integrate and coordinate your healthcare needs. MassHealth believes they can slow the rate of growth on healthcare spending.

We want you to be prepared. We encourage you to join us at this useful learning gathering.

We have several great stories for you from across the Internet.

We have a job opening for you as well.

As always happy reading.

John Winske

Disability Policy Consortium

[email protected]

DAAHR Forum: ACO's and Your Healthcare

When: Tuesday, January 23, 2018, 1:30 P.M. - 3:30 P.M.

Where: 89 South Street, Boston, MA 02111

Meeting on ACOs, MassHealth, and What's Ahead in 2018

Will MassHealth's switch to Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) affect your care and services?

Will you have to switch doctors? Will peer supports and PCA services be impacted? Will you be able to see your specialist?

MassHealth is restructuring and consumers may find their care comes through Accountable Care Organizations. Come learn what's happening and what you need to know. And discuss what's ahead down in Washington.

For accommodations please contact Shaya French at BCIL at 617-338-6665.

Net News: NPR Series - Abuses and Betrayed

National Public Radio (NPR) has a strong series of radio broadcasts on what it is calling "the epidemic of sexual assault against people with intellectual and developmental disabilities". You can find the series here.

Net News: Medicaid Work Requirements

This week the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved the request of ten states too impose work requirements on able-bodied recipients of Medicaid. (You can see the letter here.) Governor Baker is opposed to the requirements.

Mike Ervin of Progressive.org thinks plenty of people with disabilities will be negatively impacted.

Net News: Senator Warren Highlights Wage Discrimination Against People with Disabilities

In a hearing recently, Senator Warren questions two witnesses about the law that allows people with disabilities to be paid less than the minimum wage. You can see the video here.

Net News: Ohio and EVV

Although Massachusetts has delayed implementation of Electric Visit Verification (EVV), officials have noted that they will have to meet Federal requirements. Recently, Ohio began rolling out EVV. Here is a blog post by the mom of a child with Autism. You can read it here.

DPC Issue Brief: Substance Abuse

Occasionally, the DPC Research Department will prepare an issue brief on significant public policy issues confronting our community. Here is our latest on substance abuse and a cover letter prepared by Maggie Sheets.

Employment Opportunity: ACB Advocacy and Outreach Specialist

The American Council of the Blind (ACB) seeks a dynamic and engaging individual to join our team at our national office in Alexandria, Virginia. This individual will take on the role of Advocacy and Outreach Specialist, providing valuable service to ACB's affiliates, members, and to national and regional disability rights advocates. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to make a real impact in the lives of Americans who are blind or visually impaired and to be a part of the larger conversation in our country encompassing disability rights.

The job description, can be viewed at: http://acb.org/advocacy-outreach-specialist. In keeping with ACB's mission, we strongly encourage qualified individuals who are blind or visually impaired to apply. Please email your cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Come join us in our Nation's capital and be a part of an exciting team working together for a bright future.

Eric Bridges

Executive Director

American Council of the Blind

1703 N Beauregard Street, Suite 420

Alexandria, VA 22311

(T) 202-467-5081

Calendar: MCDHH Public Hearing

When: Saturday, January 20, 2018, 10 A.M. - Noon

Where: College of the Holy Cross, Hogan Center, Room 320. 1 College Street, Worcester, MA 01610.

MCDHH will hold a public hearing for MCD06, the new contract for American Sign Language Interpreters and Transliterators for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

This contract will replace MCD01 when it ends on June 30, 2018.

This hearing will allow stakeholders an opportunity to comment on the proposed MCD06 contract. Comments and signed videos may also be submitted by email to: [email protected] (deadline for comments: 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 .)

Calendar: 13th Annual "Focus" on Vision Impairment & Blindness Conference

When: Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Save the Date

Where: Four Points by Sheraton

1125 Boston-Providence Turnpike

Norwood, MA 02062

13th Annual "Focus" on Vision Impairment & Blindness Conference: Meeting the Needs of Individuals with Intellectual Disability & Vision Loss

Registration Forms available now from "Training": www.focusonvisionandvisionloss.org/conferences--workshops.html

Meg Robertson COMS MA
Director Orientation and Mobility Department
Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
600 Washington Street 3rd Floor
Boston MA 02111
617-626-7581
[email protected]

In This Issue

DAAHR Forum: ACO's and You

Net News: NPR Series

Net News: Medicaid Work

Net News: Senator Warren

Net News: Ohio EVV

DPC Issue Brief: Substance Abuse

Employment: ACB

Calendar MCDHH Hearing

Calendar Save the Date

Donate!

DPC Needs your Help!!!

The DPC uses the PayPal PayFast system for your tax deductible charitable donations. You do not need to have a PayPal account to use this system because credit card payments are also accepted.

The DPC also uses the Causes program for recurring donations (as well as one time donations). This is a great way to make a smaller monthly donation.

Donate by Mail
Make check or money order payable to:

Disability Policy Consortium
11 Dartmouth Street
Suite 301
Malden, MA 02148