Big Dollars for Disability Programs

GREAT NEWS-- In the new Economic Stimulus Package, a substantial amount of the new spending will protect and expand disability services. Among the most critical increases to disability programs are:

• $500 million for the Vocational Rehabilitation State Grant program


• $87 billion for an increased federal Medicaid match (FMAP)


• $13 billion for IDEA State Grants


• $600 million for IDEA Early Intervention


• A one time $450 (individuals)/$630 (couples) payment to all SSI recipients($4.2 billion total)


• $900 million to improve the Social Security Administration claims processand computerization upgrades


• $6.5 billion for several low income housing initiatives

A more complete summary of disability related provisions can be found at:http://www.thearc.org/NetCommunity/Document.Doc?id=1464

First Disability Inaugural Ball

National Disability Advocacy Group gathered in Washington DC on January 18th for the first Disability Power and Pride Inaugural Ball. The black-tie event celebrated President Barack Obama’s commitment to the disability community, and honored community members whose work has been influential in disability legislation and policy. The event’s spokesperson, Karen Lee says, “Obama has taken up their (people with disabilities) cause”, while Andrew Imparato, head of the American Association of People with Disabilities says, “Obama see us as part of the political landscape”. Hopes are high, and the party is on!

SOURCES
Balls for a Cause, Dresses for Less http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gBRuxctWyhmUQ1XhYtWGjXFQw3aA
Disability Community Holds First Ever Inaugural Ball http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=ind_focus.story&STORY=/www/story/01-15-2009/0004955271&EDATE=
RELATED
Videos from the Ball, from Talk Radio News:
1. http://talkradionews.com/2009/01/author-of-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-appears-at-disability-pride-ball/
2. http://talkradionews.com/2009/01/disability-activists-host-inaugural-ball/http://talkradionews.com/2009/01/disability-activists-host-inaugural-ball/

Michelle Obama Focuses on Military Families, Impact of Service Related Disabilities

WASHINGTON, DC— New First Lady Michelle Obama is deeply interested in working with military families, as evidenced by her numerous pre-election interviews highlighting her commitment to military families and their unique needs. She has specifically referenced the challenges associated with returning from military service with mental and/or physical disabilities. The new First lady herself grew up in a household impacted by disability; her father had Multiple Sclerosis. In a Reader’s Digest interview, Mrs. Obama said, "Seeing a parent with a disability moving through the world and living life as if that disability didn't matter," was highly and positively influential on her personal approach to life. Will Mrs. Obama bring new attention to service-related disabilities? To disability studies and rehabilitation generally? Perhaps now is the time for our community to leverage a potential new champion…
SOURCES:
Michelle Obama Interview: Her Father’s Daughter
http://www.rd.com/content/printContent.do?contentId=98945&KeepThis=true&TB_iframe=true&height=500&width=790&modal=true
Michelle Obama: Normal is Now Relative
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Inauguration/story?id=6690058&page=1
Who Is Michelle Obama (Katie Couric Interview Article) http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/08/25/eveningnews/main4383429.shtml
RELATED:
Bella Online Forum for Women with Disabilities
http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=468543
Transcript of Michelle Obama’s Speech at the Democratic National Convention, in which she mentions her father and his disability. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2008/08/25/2008-08-25_text_of_michelle_obamas_speech_at_the_de-1.html?page=0