New Bipartisan Bill Would Advance Economic Security for Disabled Americans

Washington, DC – The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program was designed to combat poverty among people with disabilities, but the program’s outdated rules do just the opposite—forcing people to live in poverty to qualify for monthly assistance. Today, The Arc celebrates the introduction of the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act by Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), […]

DSP Recognition Week: Betty Davis’ Story

People with disabilities want to live in their own communities and make their own choices about their lives – just like everyone else. For millions, Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) like Betty Davis make that independence possible. Betty has always had the innate ability to create a safe space for disabled people. As a child, she […]

Medicaid Eligibility Renewals: A Message From CMS Office of Minority Health

States are aggressively evaluating their Medicaid enrollments following the end of the public health emergency, and many are losing coverage. Here’s everything you need to know about the unwinding and what to do if you are a Medicaid beneficiary – direct from Dr. Aditi Mallick, Acting Director of the CMS Office of Minority Health. Health […]

Barbara Advocates for Her Son Jake Because His Life Depends on It

Barbara’s son Jake is a medically complex young adult living at home with his parents. Jake relies on Medicaid to provide the services he needs to be medically safe and supported at home, including continuous skilled nursing and personal care assistance (PCA). To be eligible for these services, Jake undergoes an annual assessment. This determines […]

Seclusion and Restraint: A Mother and Teacher’s Perspective

Cassie is a mother, former educator, and co-founder of Michigan Advocates to End Seclusion and Restraint (EndSaR). She is a passionate advocate against the use of seclusion and restraint in schools, fueled by a lifetime of personal and professional experiences with these practices, which she hopes others can learn from. Cassie’s first experience with seclusion […]

Behavioral Health 1915(c) HCBS Waivers Renewal Feedback Sessions

The Behavioral Health 1915(c) HCBS Waivers – which includes the Habilitation Supports Waiver (HSW), Children’s Waiver (CWP) and Serious Emotional Disturbance Waiver (SEDW) – expires on September 30, 2024, and is up for renewal. With this renewal, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is looking for feedback from Medicaid Beneficiaries on these waivers, […]