AUCDigest
October 24, 2006 • Volume 6, Number 66
Forging New Partnerships for New Challenges Through Research, Education and Service
Current and past editions of AUCD Legislative News In Brief are posted through the AUCD Website. These weekly 1-2 page updates are intended to keep association members informed about federal legislative and regulatory issues affecting people with disabilities, their families and the network of AUCD programs and centers.
Recent Policy Issues and Events
Report Voting Access Problems to DOJ. The US Department of Justice (DOJ) is collecting voting access problems before Election Day, Tuesday, November 7th. The DOJ has set up a system to collect information and complaints when voters with disabilities have access problems voting. You can contact DOJ at 800-253-3931. The 800 number is live and functioning now. The DOJ Voting Section Home Page is also currently functioning. Please circulate this notice.
Social Security Benefits Increased by 3.3 Percent. The Social Security Administration announced that monthly benefits for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security beneficiaries will be increased by 3.3 percent, beginning January 2007. In addition, the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level will increase from $860 to $900 per month for people who are disabled and from $1,450 to $1,500 per month for people who are blind. The maximum monthly federal SSI benefit level will be $623 for an individual and $934 for couples. The amount needed to earn a "quarter of coverage," or work credit, will rise from $970 to $1,000.
Department of Justice Issues Five-year Report Highlighting Successes in Enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Justice Department released "Access for All: Five Years of Progress," a status report highlighting the Administration's successes over the last five years in enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The report cites specific cases illustrating access and compliance successes in areas ranging from health care to employment to emergency services.
President Bush issued a proclamation recognizing October as National Disability Employment Awareness. In his proclamation, he asks that we "pay tribute to the accomplishments of the men and women with disabilities whose work helps keep America's economy strong and we underscore our commitment to ensuring equal employment opportunity for all of our citizens."
Labor Department Awards Nearly $5 Million in Grants to Advance Self Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities. "Self-employment and entrepreneurial pursuits could provide many individuals with disabilities good opportunities to optimize their talents and earn a good living for themselves and their families," said Secretary Chao. "These $5 million in grants further President Bush's New Freedom Initiative goal of helping workers with disabilities pursue their career dreams and give our nation the benefit of their participation in the workforce."
States Receive Federal Grants to Help People with Disabilities Live in the Community. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced nearly $20 million in Real Choice Systems Change Grants for Community Living to states in order to develop programs for people with disabilities or long term illnesses. These grants will help states and territories "rebalance" their long-term support programs to help people with chronic illness or disabilities reside in their homes and participate fully in community life. The eight states receiving 2006 awards are California, Virginia, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Kansas.
TSA Changes in Allowances for Persons with Disabilities at Security Checkpoints. The DHS Transportation Security Administration outlines changes related to the ban on liquids, gels, and aerosols at security checkpoints and how they affect the disability community.
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