Congress and the administration are responding to the COVID-19 crisis in a variety of ways. It is important in the fast-moving decision process that the various relief and safety efforts meet the needs of people with disabilities. The latest congressional COVID-19 response addressed many of those needs, but more work is needed!
Free coronavirus testing for everyone who needs a test, including the uninsured. Increased paid leave. Enhanced Unemployment Insurance to people unable to work. Increased funding for food security programs.
Allows state Medicaid programs to pay for direct support professionals to assist disabled individuals in the hospital
$13.5 billion available for formula grants to States, which will then distribute 90 percent of funds to local educational agencies to meet needs of all students, including students with disabilities
$85 million for Centers for Independent Living
$50 million for Aging and Disability Resource Centers
Extension of Money Follows the Person and Spousal Impoverishment through November 30, 2020
Waives nutrition requirements for Older Americans Act (OAA) meal programs during the public health emergency related to COVID-19 to ensure seniors can get meals in case certain food options are not available
Package 4
Congress has begun to work on
Your voices are needed to make sure the needs of people with disabilities are addressed!
Plain Language:
Congress is working on bills to support people during COVID-19. They need to hear from you about the needs of people with disabilities.
What this means to you:
More than 105 million Americans - or about 4 in 10 adults - are at heightened risk if infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), including older adults, people with disabilities and those with underlying health conditions. The front-line workers and family caregivers who support these individuals also face increased risks, requiring additional resources and supports to protect their health and well-being.
Call the Capitol Switchboard at: (202) 224-3121 (voice) or (202) 224-3091(tty) and ask to be connected to your Senators.
You can use thiseasy toolto find your members of Congress.
COVID-19 & Disability Stories
Congress is writing the next bill to respond to the needs of Americans in this crisis. In order for the needs of people with disabilities and their families to be addressed in the next bill, members need to hear about the real impacts. Often, a short personal story is helpful for them. Below are tips and tools to share your story.
Important to include:
How services and supports have been impacted by social distancing and how this impacts you.
Examples:
Not being able to go to school, work, community activities, day program
Not being able to have in-home or community support (Direct Support Professionals, aides, personal assistants, nurses)
Medical and other appointments being canceled
What to send in a story:
A picture of you at home; members of Congress need to SEE all of us
Story template
My name is __________________ and I am _______(a person with disability, family member, friend ). I am from _______(town and state). The COVID-19 emergency has ___________ (stopped services - explain which). I am worried about ____________ (explain what the impact is). I know you are working on the fourth relief package for COVID-19. I want to learn more about how you are going to help people with disabilities in this package. Thank you very much for your time.
How to send a story:
AUCD is happy to compile stories and send them to your members of Congress and to Congressional leaders. If you want us to send your story simply email it to [email protected].
If you want to send your story directly to your members of Congress, the best way right now is via email. If you need help locating the right email addresses for your members please email [email protected]
The Executive branch is using its powers to respond to the growing impacts on people and the economy during COVID-19. Many of these policy changes do not require Congressional approval.
Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service announced that Social Security beneficiaries who are not typically required to file tax returns will not need to file a tax return to receive an Economic Impact Payment
Read AUCD Policy Talk's post "I Didn't See This Coming" from Acting Executive Director John Tschida.
Department of Labor
The second COVID bill, Families First Coronavirus Response Act, included paid sick leave. However, it left out caregivers of people with disabilities. It did, though, give the US Department of Health & Human Services, Labor, and Treasury Secretaries the authority to specify any "substantially similar condition" under which employees are eligible for paid sick leave. The Department of Labor is accepting comments on this.
Plain Language:
You have a chance for your voice to be heard by the government about paid sick leave for caregivers of people with disabilities.
What this means to you:
Paid sick leave should be available to caregivers for people with disabilities and older adults who have lost their usual source of care just like it is for parents of children whose schools have closed.
Check out AUCD's new policy resource, a one-page fact sheet to help explain AUCD's policy efforts, and engage with us today!
Tuesdays With Liz:
Kinetic Light and the Disability Arts Movement with Alice Sheppard
Dancing is a way of experiencing the world. Liz interviews 2020 #AUCD4All Gala honoree Alice Sheppard of Kinetic Light on the experience of dance and disability.
A network of interdisciplinary centers advancing policy and practice for and with individuals with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and communities.
Rationing of Care
Department of Labor
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