Measles, Currency Readers, Free Tax Help, Grant Opportunities and more in this issue of Accessibility for All.

Resource Guide for Disability Employment Champions

The Curb Cuts to the Middle Class Initiative - a federal cross agency initiative- is dedicated to coordinating and leveraging existing resources to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities. This resource guide is an example of federal agencies working together to ensure that employers have the tools and resources they need to recruit, hire, retain, and promote people with disabilities. The guide is available here.

2015 Updates to Federal Poverty Guidelines

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently released an informational bulletin regarding the 2015 updates to the federal poverty guidelines. By law these updates are applied to eligibility criterion for programs such as Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The 2015 Dual Eligible standards have also been updated based on the percentage of Federal Poverty Level. Click here to read the complete informational bulletin.

Tax Highlights for Persons with Disabilities

The Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service has released a publication that may be useful in preparing 2014 Tax return documents. To access the document, click here.

Measles & the MMR Shot

Measles is a respiratory disease that is very contagious and can be very serious. The MMR shot is the best way to protect against measles, and is almost 100% effective at preventing measles. Adults may also need an MMR shot. Learn more by clicking here.

10 Things to Know about Social Security Benefits

Last month the Disability Connection Newsletter shared a great article on what you should know about social security benefits. Click here to read it in full.

Free Tax Preparation for Persons with Disabilities

In partnership with United Way Worldwide and Goodwill Industries International and sponsored by the Walmart Foundation, National Disability Institute is proud to be a part of the MyFreeTaxes Partnership. To get FREE online and in-person federal and state tax preparation open to eligible taxpayers with earnings of $60,000 or less in 2014, visit MyFreeTaxes.com.

New Non-Emergency Transportation Vendors

The Agency for Health Care Administration has contracted with two vendors to provide non-emergency transportation (NET) services to Medicaid recipients not enrolled in a managed care plan. To view the counties in which a change is effective, click here.

iBill Currency Reader

The US Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) announced the national roll-out of iBill, a free currency reader for people who are blind or visually impaired. iBill is a key-fob-sized device that reads US currency notes and announced the denomination in voice, tone, or vibration. Individuals interested in receiving the device must complete and application and meet eligibility requirements. BEP also offers free currency reader apps for smart phones.

Housing and Health Care Partnerships Toolkit

The LeadingAge Center for Housing Plus Services is pleased to announce its new Housing and Health Partnerships Toolkit. The toolkit provides resources and guidance to help providers of affordable senior housing and their health care partners work together to improve health, safety, and quality of life for housing residents.

ResearchKit

Apple has announced a new, open source platform for medical research called ResearchKit, which integrates with Apple's previously launched health data exchange HealthKit. For more information, click here.

Get Involved

2015 Disability Policy Seminar

The 2015 Disability Policy Seminar is your best opportunity to cultivate new champions on Capitol Hill and advance the grassroots movement for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This unique event offers the opportunity to come together for two days to lear about current issues, and then a day to speak directly with your representatives. April 13-15, Washington DC. Learn more here.

Survey to Improve Educational Programs for Children with Special Needs

The FL Department of Education is surveying parents of children with an individual educational plan to determine how well your child's school is partnering with you and promoting your involvement in your child's education. All states must collect this data as part of their State Performance Plan. The web-based survey is available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole and can be found by following this link.

Call for Presentation Session Submissions

The National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities has announced the Call for Sessions for the 2015 National Home and Community Based Services Conference, August 31-September 3, 2015 in Washington, DC. To submit your session, click here.

Awards and Scholarships

Florida Developmental Disabilities Council RFP

The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council has funding opportunities available. To join the RFP list serve and begin the process to apply for funding, click here then select RFP from the email lists.

2015 APHA Disability Section Awards
Call for Nominations

If you know someone who has made a significant contribution through scholarship, teaching, practice, and/or advocacy to advance the health and quality of life of people with disabilities, nominate him or her for one of the 2015 APHA Disability Section Awards. The deadline for nominations is April 1, 2015, and the winners will be presented with their awards at the 2015 APHA Annual meeting in Chicago. The nomination form can be downloaded here.

Paralysis Resource Center Grant Funding

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) has announced new funding opportunities for a paralysis resource center to improve the health and quality of life of individuals living with paralysis, their families, and caregivers. Applications are due April 27, 2015. To learn more, click here.

Best,

Florida Disability and Health Program

Disclaimer: These links are provided for informational purposes, not to solicit donations to an organization nor to promote one organization or resource over another.

http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/people-with-disabilities/disability-and-health-program/index.html

http://fodh.phhp.ufl.edu

Upcoming Events

National Task Group Education and Training Workshops on Dementia and Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
March 31-April 1, 2015; Ft. Lauderdale, FL
What: This two day evidence-informed, interactive workshops are instructed by NTG Master and Lead Trainers, and are designed for staff/caregivers with direct or ancillary care responsibilities for supporting older adults with intellectual disability at disability, health care, and aging-related agencies or home settings. Registration ($250 fee) and schedule are available here.

Stop the Stigma
April 25, 12-4 pm; Kanapaha Park, Gainesville, FL
What: This event works to stop stigma related to mental illness. The event is geared for children and multiple groups hold booths. There will be food, fun activities, face painting by O2B, bouncy balls, etc. KISS 105 will be broadcasting live, ensuring a good attendance. Click here for more info.

25th Anniversary SportsAbility Event
April 9-11, 2015
What: Baseball, indoor day and EXPO, banquet and outdoor day activities, brought to you by the Florida Disabled Outdoors Association. For more info and to register, click here.

National ADA Symposium
May 10-13, 2015; Atlanta, GA
What: This comprehensive conference on the ADA will feature 72 break-out sessions, advanced discussion groups, exhibits, hands on learning activities, and a celebration of the ADA at 25. Register at http://www.adasymposium.org/

Webinars

Addressing Preparedness Challenges for Children in Public Health Emergencies
March 17, 2015, 2-3 PM
This national call featuring family leaders and families from within the Family Voices network will discuss the needs and roles of families in disaster/emergency planning. Call 866-951-1151, code 7307522 to join, or click here for more info.

Accessible Technology: What is Speech Recognition Software and How is it Used
March 19, 2015, 2 PM
This presentation will describe what speech recognition is and the people who use and benefit speech recognition. It will cover what is available on different platforms such as Windows, Mac, and mobile platforms. To register, click here.

Guardianship for Individuals with Intellectual Disability: Trends and Issues
April 29, 2015
Dr. Susan Marks will present an overview of the history of guardianship policies for individuals with intellectual disabilities and an overview of national policies. The purpose of the presentation is to share how the history of guardianship policies are changing. Register here.

Florida Center for Inclusive Communities 2015 Webinar Schedule:
March 18, 2015: A parent employment and parenting a child with IDD
April 15,2015: Traveling by air for business or pleasure
May 20, 2015: Transportation Disadvantage-getting to and from work
June 17, 2015: Transition to adulthood: essential Skills to getting a job
August 19, 2015: Navigating the Workplace with Invisible Disabilities
September 16, 2015: Coping with the employment process: Effective relaxation and stress management techniques.
Click here for more information

NCBDDD Webinar Uncovering the Power of Data: Disability and Health Data Systems
Now Archived!
Learn what Disability and Health Data System is and how to find data on the health of adults with disabilities. To view, click here.

AUCD Webinar: Positive Supports and Cross Systems Crisis Intervention Planning
Now Archived!
This webinar will address positive behavior supports for people with I/DD, and approaches to cross system crisis intervention planning. Click here to view webinar.

AUCD Webinar: CMS Guidance and Autism Spectrum Disorders
Now Archived!
This webinar featured presenters from AUCD, Easter Seals and the Autism Society, and provides perspective on how Connecticut responded to the CMS guidance document related to services for those on the autism spectrum. Click here to view webinar.

About the DHP

The Disability and Health Program (DHP) is funded through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Formerly the Florida Office on Disability and Health, the DHP is housed under the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Chronic Disease Prevention in Tallahassee, FL with partnership from the University of Florida.

Accessibility for All

by the Disability and Health Program