Happy New Year!

We want to wish everyone a very Happy and safe New Year!!  The Arc of North Carolina Policy blog will be celebrating with friends and family the next two days.  We will be back to our normal posting schedule on Friday, January 2.

(If however we get the news about the new NC Secretary of HHS...we will take a break from our Holiday celebration and post about it!)

President-elect Obama's Policy Plan for Americans with Disabilities

Because it is always good to have a plan. Here is President-elect Obama's policy plan that addresses many of the issues facing Americans with Disabilities.

Still waiting...here is more reading

The News and Observer Under the Dome has this great read giving you the bio and campaign wrap up on Governor-elect Bev Perdue. Enjoy the read.

While we wait for Governor-elect Perdue's announcements...some reading material....

Good morning folks.  Still no word on if today is the day that Governor-elect Perdue will announce her cabinet. My guess is no.

So while we wait I thought we would turn our focus to other inaugural excitement, like maybe President-elect Obama's inauguration. This historic event will take place in Washington, DC with multiple events, balls, and of course a parade.  If you had been reading our Election 2008 coverage we posted information on the disability policy plans of both Senator McCain and Senator Obama.  So as we get ready for a new president to take the oath we thought you might want to read Obama's plan again.  Here it is, enjoy!

Monday Quick HIts: Hot Policy Topics for This Week

North Carolina:

All ears are on the announcement of the Governor-elect's cabinet.  Meanwhile at the General Assembly all is quiet.  Committee meetings are not scheduled until the week of January 5th.  

Federal:

US Congress is on holiday break.  The Obama transition team is still at work and preparation for the inauguration are underway.

When Congress returns on January 6th it will not be business as usual. Normally they do the formal swearing ins and then break.  This year they will get down to business.  An economic stimulus plan is first on the agenda with a timeline of being ready for the signature of the new president shortly after he takes office.

Governors are actively putting forth their wish list for how the feds can help with economically helping struggling states.  Included on this wish list are infrastructure money, jobs and Medicaid help.

We will keep you up to date on the happenings and how it will affect our states budget shortfall.

No Announcements Today on Cabinet

Under The Dome is reporting that Governor-elect Perdue will not be making any cabinet announcements today or tomorrow. This is according to statement by David Kochman a spokesperson for Governor-elect Bev Perdue.

Check out Under The Dome.

Waiting on the Announcements

On January 10, 2009 Governor-elect Bev Perdue will take the oath of office and make history as the first woman governor of the state of North Carolina.  As exciting as this is, the real excitement this week is the wait for the announcement of secretary of Health and Human Services.

Who will the pick be? What will be the plan to address the state wide needs of people with developmental and cognitive disabilities? Will the new Governor be hands on?  Lots of questions but few answers.

The rumor mill is churning and we are constantly checking the major North Carolina news sites.  When we know something for sure...you will too.

We Wish You a Very Happy Holiday Season

Thanks for reading the blog.  We will be taking a vacation break to spend time with our family and friends and to celebrate all the joy of the Holiday Season!

We will post a blog again on Monday, December 29th!  Enjoy the holiday!

Governor-Elect Bev Perdue Transition Reports

Governor-elect Bev Perdue held multiple transition team meetings in November. Some of the topics were education, aging, transportation and mental health/developmental disabilities/substance abuse.  All of the reports are now available to the public, we encourage you to check them out at the Governor-elect Perdue website.

Monday Quick HIts: Hot Policy Topics for This Week

North Carolina:

All is quiet here at the North Carolina General Assembly as the Holiday break is underway.  There are no committee meetings scheduled for this week.  There are some news stories however dealing with the revenue collection in our state.

The Upcoming Budget:

News and Observer is reporting that state revenue is down by 6.1 percent.  This supports the information we have been receiving in numerous committees that there will be a lot of need and not a lot of money to go around.  

New Administration:

Governor-Elect Perdue has been slowly rolling out her cabinet and her picks for key secretary positions.  There have been lots of names in the rumor mill for the Secretary of HHS but nothing yet has been confirmed.  Last report was that current Secretary Dempsey Benton would be stepping down but Chris Fitzsimon wrote on NC Policy Watch that maybe Secretary Benton may be having second thoughts.  When we know who it is, you will.

Committee Reports:

So far there have been  few  final committee reports to discuss but with session starting on January 28th we will see a big push soon. 

The Holidays:

We wish you all a very happy holiday season. We will be posting our regular scheduled blogs here starting right after the Holidays.  There will also be some new formats.  We will be keeping the Monday Quick Hits and we will be updating the Friday Wrap Up once the session starts.  Julia's Musings will return once the committee reports start up.  We will also be updating what is included in the Dispatch from Jones Street features.

We appreciate you hanging with us as the new year starts.

Federal:

Economic Stimulus

The Obama Transition team is working with Hill leaders on a new economic stimulus package that seems to grow by the week. The latest estimates put the stimulus in the range of $650 to $850 billion. Escalating unemployment, which could go as high as 9% in 2009, has served to increase the goal of saving or creating 2.5 million jobs over the next 2 years. The stimulus package, in addition to addressing employment, is expected to boost federal support to states, and pump new money into education, health care, infrastructure and energy programs. Aid to the poor and unemployed will also be part of the stimulus. The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), in which The Arc and UCP have key leadership roles, has prepared a number of recommendations pressing for disability related program increases in the stimulus.

111th Congress

Cabinet appointments have expanded the number of interim appointments needed to achieve the full complement of Senators and Representatives in the upcoming Congress. The 111th Congress will begin work on January 6. There are now three Senate seats needing to be filled - Clinton (NY), Obama (IL) and Salazar (CO). In addition, the recount for the still undetermined Senate seat in Minnesota may not be settled until early in 2009. The House seat of Department of Labor Secretary Designate Hilda Solis (D-CA) will also need to be filled.

Health Care Reform

Representatives John Dingell (D-MI) and Henry Waxman (D-CA) have reached an agreement that will place Rep. Dingell as the lead sponsor of the national health reform legislation that the House Energy and Commerce Committee will consider next year. Dingell will be "Chairman Emeritus" and will play an integral role in the health care negotiations with Congress and with the incoming Obama Administration. This arrangement will allow the Committee to focus on two major priorities next year: health care reform and climate and energy legislation.

Monday Quick HIts: Hot Policy Topics for This Week

North Carolina:

After a Thanksgiving break and a hectic last week, we are seeing more committees releasing their recommendations for the 2009 Legislative Session.  The final recommendations for most committees will be voted on this month.  Once we have them we will post them here.  Until then, here are a few meetings of interest for this week.

Monday, Dec. 8
The Child Fatality Taskforce - Perinatal Health Committee meets, 1228/1327 LB.

Wednesday, Dec. 10
9 a.m. | The Joint Legislative Program Evaluation Oversight Committee meets, 1027/1128 LB.

10 a.m. | The 21st Century Transportation Committee meets, 643 LOB.

1 p.m. | The Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee meets, 544 LOB.

Congress:

If you watched any news programs this weekend, it is clear that the big topic in DC is how to manage the economy, jobless rates that keep increasing and the concerns that the big three auto makers are having.  The big three auto makers, Ford, Chrysler and GM are asking for billions in loans to stop them from heading into bankruptcy. As of late Friday night, news channels were reporting a possible deal.  We will keep you up to date.  We are also looking at how a future stimulus package may be shaped. 

All work in DC should wrap up around December 20th.

Today Is the MH DD SA Legislative Oversight Committee Meeting

This committee meeting is in progress right now.  The topics that directly affect people with developmental disabilities and their families will be after the lunch break.  The topics will address the developmental disability centers and the transition to the new CAP waivers.  

The meeting is running approximately thirty minutes behind schedule right now.

MH DD SA Legislative Oversight Committee: Agenda

AGENDA
Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on
Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services
November 20, 2008, 10:00 A.M.; Room 643, Legislative Office Building
Senator Martin Nesbitt, Co-Chair, Presiding

1. Greetings and Opening Comments 10:00 – 10:10

Senator Martin Nesbitt, Co-Chair
Representative Verla Insko, Co-Chair


2. Critical Measures LME Performance Matrix 10:10 – 10:30
Shealy Thompson, Ph.D., Quality Management Team Leader
Division of MH/DD/SAS, DHHS


3. Mental Health Leadership Academy Evaluation and Sample Results 10:30 – 11:15
Al Huntoon, Owner, Catalyst Consulting Services
James Johnson, Director, Urban Investment Strategies Center,
UNC Kenan Flagler School

Michael Watson, Area Director, Sandhills Center for MH/DD/SAS (LME)
Foster Norman, Area Director, Five County Mental Health Authority (LME)


4. Local Management Entities 11:15 – 12:15
a. Cumberland County Mental Health Center
Hank Debnam, Area Director

b. (Catawba-Burke) Mental Health Partners
John Hardy, Area Director

c. Onslow Carteret Behavioral Healthcare Services
Daniel M. Jones, Area Director


5. State Psychiatric Hospital Update 12:15 - 12:30
Dr. James Osberg, Chief, State Operated Services, DHHS


Lunch 12:30 – 1:30


6. Status of Items Funded in 2008 Appropriations Act 1:30 - 2:00
Leza Wainwright, Co-Director, Division of MH/DD/SAS, DHHS
Tara Larson, Acting Director, Division of Medical Assistance, DHHS
7. Supports Waiver and Comprehensive Waiver 2:00 - 2:30
Rose Burnette, Tiered Waiver Project Manager, Div. of MH/DD/SAS, DHHS


8. State Developmental Disability Centers Overview 2:30 – 3:00
Dr. James Osberg, Chief, State Operated Services, DHHS


9. Evidence Based Mental Health Treatment for Children 3:00 - 3:30
Dr. Dana Hagele, MD, MPH, Co-Director, NC Child Treatment Program


Adjourn

Tuesday Quick Hits: Hot Policy Topics for This Week

North Carolina:

If you are curious, session starts January 28th.  With that clock ticking in the background the General Assembly is holding multiple meetings over the next few weeks to get its legislative proposals set to go.  The budget is still the most obvious topic.  Budget projects show  short fall between 2.7 billion and 3.5 billion.  Personally, I am thinking 3.5 billion is more likely.  So with a tight appropriation there will be a lot of legislative proposals that will lack appropriation requests.  Here is the list of what we are watching this week:

Tuesday, Nov. 18

10 a.m. | The Joint Select Committee on Arts Education meets, 1228/1327 LB.

This committee has been meeting to create a proposal that would add one art credit requirement to the North Carolina high school graduation requirements.

10 a.m. | The House Select Committee on Compensation for Victims of the Eugenics Sterilization Program meets, 1124 LB.

This committee has been hearing testimony from people who were victims of eugenics and sterilization laws in our state.  Compensation for these victims has been the focus of these meetings.

1 p.m. | The House Select Committee on a Comprehensive Rail Service Plan for North Carolina meets, 1027/1128 LB.

How do we get people from Raleigh to Durham without driving? This committee continues it work on creating a realistic and do able plan to create a comprehensive rail plan for the state. Funding is going to be a topic in all transportation meetings.

2 p.m. | The House Select Committee on the Legal Aspects of Using Lottery Proceeds for Charter School Funding meets, 1228/1327 LB.

Wednesday, Nov. 19
10 a.m. | The Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee meets, 1228/1327 LB.

10 a.m. | The Legislative Study Commission on Children and Youth meets, 1027/1128 LB.

10 a.m. | The 21st Century Transportation Prioritization and Efficiency Subcommittee meets, 643 LOB.
10 am. | The 21st Century Transportation Finance Subcommittee meets, 1124 LB.
1 p.m. | The 21st Century Transportation Committee meets, 643 LOB.

Thursday, Nov. 20
10 a.m. | The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health meets, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse meets, 643 LOB.

1 p.m. | The House Study Committee on Unbanked and Underbanked Consumers meets, 1228/1327 LB.

GA Update: Committee Meeting Cancelled

If you are keeping track at home, the Housing Committee meeting scheduled for 2pm today has been canceled.  We will let you know when the next one is scheduled and what happens at it.

Monday Quick HIts: Hot Policy Topics for This Week

The Election is over and the committee meetings at the North Carolina General Assembly are back in full swing.  As November wraps up we will have a much better view of what legislation each of these committees will propose for the long session.  

North Carolina:

Monday, Nov. 10
10 a.m. | The Child Fatality Taskforce - Unintentional Death Committee meets, 1228/1327 LB.

Wednesday, Nov. 12
10 a.m. | The North Carolina Study Commission on Aging meets, 643 LOB.

Last meeting this committee received reports on the need for keeping and extending dental services for the aging and disability community.

10 a.m. | The House Select Committee on Televising Sessions meets, 1228 LB.

Last committee meeting, members received reports on how legislative sessions are televised in other states and how these models could translate to our state.  Members also received reports from local cable networks and public television discussing implementation of this program.  The Arc of North Carolina is supporting this initiative and did request to the committee that any program proposal must be fully accessible to all citizens of North Carolina.

2 p.m. | The Joint Study Committee on Housing meets, 544 LOB.

During the first committee meeting members received an overview of the Housing Trust Fund presented by the Housing Finance Agency.  Housing for people with disabilities is critical to create a successful independent transition for this community.  Accessible and affordable housing options are also in short supply.  We will be tracking this committee closely for their legislative proposals.

Thursday, Nov. 13

9 a.m. | The Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee meets, 544 LOB.

Options on how to address DOT transition issues and how to improve transportation in North Carolina will be on the agenda again this time.

10 a.m. | The Joint Legislative Commission on Dropout Prevention and High School Graduation meets, 643 LOB.

This committee will again be meeting to hear presentations regarding the issue of keeping kids in school.

National:

Congress will come back in session in a week.  During the lame duck session, Congressional leadership will try to work with the Bush administration to pass a second economic stimulus plan.  Disability advocates will be working to ensure that whatever economic stimulus package is created that Medicaid and Medicare state assistance is included.  There is growing concern across our nation that more Medicaid services to people with developmental and intellectual disabilities will see severe cuts.  We will be tracking all of these national developments and will be sending out action alerts as needed.

What is Happening in DC?

During the presentation today on what is up in Washington DC, Paul Marchand Director of the Disability Policy Collaborative of The Arc and UCP Easter Seals covered the highlights of what has happened and what we might see happen.

So here we go: in the last six months the government has spent 2 trillion dollars on addressing the economic crisis.

So what is up in individual states? Well, thirty-nine states are facing a combined deficit of $40 billion dollars. Most of these states have constitutional amendments that require them to balance the budget. North Carolina is one of those states.

What is up with the federal deficit? Right now we are sitting at a federal deficit of seven trillion dollars.

So what do we think Congress is going to do next? Now that the election is over, there is a planned lame duck session that will begin in two weeks. The first thing on the agenda is to work to pass the second economic stimulus package.

What are we trying to get into this stimulus package to help our community? There will be a push to address the growing concerns in state regarding Medicaid. Lots of states are reporting that there are Medicaid services being cut, the focus of DPC’s lobbying efforts will be to work on how the Medicaid definition are written so that services can be restored.

What do we think we will be working on during the upcoming 111th Congress? Here is what President-Elect Obama will need to tackle right out of the gate. The first two major policy issue that the new administration will need to tackle is how to address the economic crisis and governmental spending. We are hearing more and more about the recession, are we in it or not in it.

So what will the 111th Congress look like? Right now the Senate has 55 Democrats, 2 Independents, 40 Republicans and three races that have not been called yet in Alaska, Georgia and Minnesota. The House will have 254 Democrats, 173 Republicans and six races that have yet to be decided.

What issues will we be discussing when the 111th Congress starts up in January? We will be looking at No Child Left Behind, Medicaid and Medicare, the DD Act, and many other issues that face people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Paul Marchand closed the session by reminding us that we need to get educated on the issues and take action. 

We at The Arc of North Carolina Policy Blog will be gearing up for both the 111th Congress and the 2009 North Carolina General Assembly by posting the issues and why they are important to you right here on the blog. We encourage you to ask questions and get involved.

The Arc of US Conference in New Mexico

Today I presented on Social Networking.  We did a great review of the power of blogs and facebook in messaging, creating a discussion and energizing advocates to be involved.  It was a great experience and the first time that I have ever presented at The Arc of US conference.  

Added bonus...since this is a policy blog, the next plenary during the conference is on policy issues and so we will be doing a little live blogging this afternoon.

Presenting Live From New Mexico

Good Morning Folks! I am live blogging from New Mexico today. We are at The Arc of the US conference. Join us for some reading!

Election 2008: Join Us As We Cover the Day

We will be updating the Election 2008 Blog as needed during the day.  This evening we will be blogging North Carolina election results and the overall National Presidential results.  We will provide a wrap up tomorrow evening of all of todays events.

Please join us today at The Arc of North Carolina Election 2008 blog.

Blogging the Results

We will be blogging the results of the National and State elections tonight.  Join us at The Arc of North Carolina Election 2008 Blog to follow all of the excitement as it happens.  

Most important, and we can not say this enough, Go Vote!!!!

Today Is Election Day! Go Vote!

Today, Tuesday November 4th voters across our nation will chose who should lead our country. People with disabilities will be heading to their polling places to cast important votes. We want you to know that you have laws that protect you in the polling places.

Here is what you need to know:

If I Have Registered to Vote and The Poll Worker Says I am NOT on the Roll:

If you are registered to vote and for whatever reason the poll workers do not find your name on the list of registered voters please ask for a provisional ballot.


VOTER ACCESS:
The North Carolina Board of Elections site states the following on Voter Accessibility for people with disabilities:

Voting Accessibility: The Laws that Protect Me As A Voter With A Disability.
North Carolina boards of elections are committed to ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). Most polling places in the State are accessible to all voters.

Unfortunately, some localities do not have the available structures or adequate funding to alter them. Contact your county board of elections to learn more about your particular voting facility. Note the “reassignment of polling place” provision should your polling place not be accessible in the near future.

Adaptive technology and ballots in accessible media are available upon request. Contact your County Board office and make them aware of your voting needs.

When a voter with a disability appears to vote at his or her precinct on election day, he or she may take advantage of the provisions in G.S. 163-155 and G.S. 163-152(a).

REASSIGNMENT OF POLLING PLACE:

If a disabled voter does not wish to vote curbside, and the polling place is not sufficiently equipped to allow comfortable or adequate entrance to the building, there is another option in G.S. 163-130:
"G.S. 163-130. Satellite voting places. A county board of elections may, upon approval of a request submitted in writing to the State Board of Elections, establish a plan whereby elderly or disabled voters in a precinct may vote at designated sites within the precinct other than the regular voting place for that precinct. The State Board of Elections shall approve a county board's proposed plan if:

All the satellite voting places to be used are listed in the county's written request
The plan will in the State Board's judgment overcome a barrier to voting by the elderly or disabled persons;
Adequate security against fraud is provided for; and
The plan does not unfairly favor or disfavor voters with regard to race or party affiliation.

CURBSIDE VOTING:

"G.S. 163-166.9. Aged and disabled persons allowed to vote outside voting enclosure. In any primary or election any qualified voter who is able to travel to the voting place, but because of age, or physical disability and physical barriers encountered at the voting place is unable to enter the voting place or enclosure to vote in person without physical assistance, shall be allowed to vote either in the vehicle conveying such person to the voting place or in the immediate proximity of the voting place. . ."

VOTING ASSISTANCE:

"G.S. 163-166.8. Assistance to voters in primaries and general elections. In a primary or general election, a registered voter qualified to vote in the primary or general election shall be entitled to assistance in getting to and from the voting booth and in preparing his ballots in accordance with the following rules:

Any voter shall be entitled to assistance from a near relative of his [her] choice.

Any voter in any of the following four categories shall be entitled to assistance from a person of the voter's choice, other than the voter's employer or agent of that employer or officer or agent of the voter's union:

1. One who, on account of physical disability, is unable to enter the voting booth without assistance;

2. One who, on account of physical disability, is unable to mark his ballots without assistance;

3. One who, on account of illiteracy, is unable to mark his ballots without assistance;

4. One who, on account of blindness, is unable to enter the voting booth or mark his ballots without assistance."

IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY PROBLEMS WITH ACCESS: REPORT IT!

The NC State Board of Elections at 866-522-4723.

Democracy North Carolina at 888-OUR-VOTE.

The Election Protection National Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.

North Carolina Republican Party - 1-919-828-6423 Extension 146

North Carolina Democratic Party 1-919-394-0403.

Election 2008: Tuesday, November 4th is Election Day

Good Morning Everyone!  This is it.  We are counting down to the most important Tuesday on our calendar, Election Day 2008! 

Tomorrow, Tuesday November 4th is Election Day!  We will be posting a comprehensive voter information update today.  You will not be able to register to vote and vote on Election Day.  

If you are already registered you can vote tomorrow if you have not already voted.

Monday Quick HIts: Hot Policy Topics for This Week

North Carolina

Election Day 2008:

The biggest event of the week is Election Day 2008 on Tuesday, November 4th.  Thanks to Early Voting options we have seen 2.6 million registered voters make their choice on who will be the next leaders of our state and nation.  We encourage you if you have not yet voted to vote.  We will be posting on this blog and on our Election 2008 Blog voting information later today.

After the Election the General Assembly will be back in full swing with committee meetings.



Wednesday, Nov. 5

10 a.m. | The 21st Century Transportation Committee -- Finance Subcommittee meets, 544 LOB.

1 p.m. | The Child Fatality Task Force - Unintentional Death Committee meets, 1228/1327 LB.

1 p.m. | The Gov Ops Subcommittee-Education/Health and Human Services meets, 421 LOB.

1 p.m. | The Gov Ops Subcommittee-Statewide/Capital/Gen. Gov. meets, 544 LOB.

Thursday, Nov. 6
9 a.m. | The Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations meets, 643 LOB.

1 p.m. | The House Select Committee on Compensation for Victims of the Eugenics Sterilization Program meets, 1124 LB.

National

Congress is on the campaign trail.  The US Senate will be returning for a lame duck session after the election is over.  The hot topic on the Hill is an economic stimulus plan.

IMPORTANT ELECTION NEWS: Correction on Early Voting Hours

Important Correction to Early Voting Hours for Saturday, November 1st. NOT ALL of the Counties are going to be doing extended hours on Saturday!!!

Please check the North Carolina State Board of Election Website for where your Early Vote Site is and what time it will close on Saturday!

You can see more information at WRAL!

Election 2008: Special Announcement-Early Voting Hours Extended for Saturday

WRAL news is reporting that all Early Voting locations will be open four extra hours on Saturday, November 1st.

This announcement is from the North Carolina State Board of Elections and does cover all 100 counties.

Read More at WRAL News.

Election 2008: Early Voting Ends November 1st

Quick reminder: It is not to late to vote early! That is right, while you are running around doing that last minute Halloween costume purchase or last minute Halloween candy purchase please consider stopping to vote!

We encourage you to vote early.  The lines on Tuesday, November 4th are expected to be long and we do not want you to miss out on casting a ballot in this important election.

Early Voting sites are open until this Saturday, November 1st.

Find out more at The Arc of North Carolina Election 2008 Blog.

Election 2008: Problems at the Polls? Here is Who to Call

If you are a person with a disability and you experience any problems at your polls that limit your right to vote, we need you to report it.  There are three organizations that are open and ready to take your calls.

Please report barriers to voting to the following organizations:

The NC State Board of Elections at 866-522-4723.

Democracy North Carolina at 888-OUR-VOTE.

The Election Protection National Hotline at 866-OUR-VOTE.

Election 2008: Your Voting Rights!

We encourage you to use Early/One Stop Voting sites that are now open around the state to cast your vote! We also encourage you to know your rights as a voter! If you are a person with a disability voting in this election there are two laws that protect your rights, one is the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines the other is the Help America Vote Act (HAVA)

The North Carolina Board of Elections site states the following on Voter Accessibility for people with disabilities:

Voting Accessibility
North Carolina boards of elections are committed to ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). Most polling places in the State are accessible to all voters.

Unfortunately, some localities do not have the available structures or adequate funding to alter them. Contact your county board of elections to learn more about your particular voting facility. Note the “reassignment of polling place” provision should your polling place not be accessible in the near future.

Adaptive technology and ballots in accessible media are available upon request. Contact your County Board office and make them aware of your voting needs.

When a voter with a disability appears to vote at his or her precinct on election day, he or she may take advantage of the provisions in G.S. 163-155 and G.S. 163-152(a).

REASSIGNMENT OF POLLING PLACE

If a disabled voter does not wish to vote curbside, and the polling place is not sufficiently equipped to allow comfortable or adequate entrance to the building, there is another option in G.S. 163-130:
"G.S. 163-130. Satellite voting places. A county board of elections may, upon approval of a request submitted in writing to the State Board of Elections, establish a plan whereby elderly or disabled voters in a precinct may vote at designated sites within the precinct other than the regular voting place for that precinct. The State Board of Elections shall approve a county board's proposed plan if:

All the satellite voting places to be used are listed in the county's written request
The plan will in the State Board's judgment overcome a barrier to voting by the elderly or disabled persons;
Adequate security against fraud is provided for; and
The plan does not unfairly favor or disfavor voters with regard to race or party affiliation.

CURBSIDE VOTING

"G.S. 163-166.9. Aged and disabled persons allowed to vote outside voting enclosure. In any primary or election any qualified voter who is able to travel to the voting place, but because of age, or physical disability and physical barriers encountered at the voting place is unable to enter the voting place or enclosure to vote in person without physical assistance, shall be allowed to vote either in the vehicle conveying such person to the voting place or in the immediate proximity of the voting place. . ."

VOTING ASSISTANCE

"G.S. 163-166.8. Assistance to voters in primaries and general elections. In a primary or general election, a registered voter qualified to vote in the primary or general election shall be entitled to assistance in getting to and from the voting booth and in preparing his ballots in accordance with the following rules:

Any voter shall be entitled to assistance from a near relative of his [her] choice.

Any voter in any of the following four categories shall be entitled to assistance from a person of the voter's choice, other than the voter's employer or agent of that employer or officer or agent of the voter's union:

1. One who, on account of physical disability, is unable to enter the voting booth without assistance;

2. One who, on account of physical disability, is unable to mark his ballots without assistance;

3. One who, on account of illiteracy, is unable to mark his ballots without assistance;

4. One who, on account of blindness, is unable to enter the voting booth or mark his ballots without assistance."

NORTH CAROLINA TASK FORCE ON ELECTIONS ACCESS

In 1999, disability advocacy leaders, along with local election officials developed the North Carolina Task Force on Elections Access. The Task Force's primary goal is to seek solutions to the issues faced by both voters with disabilities and election officials. The elections community is committed to issues involved in all voters exercising their right to vote and in doing so with dignity and pride.

Election 2008: The Arc of Wake County-Candidate Forum

Wednesday is the date! We have a good list of candidates who will be participating. Please come prepared with your questions!

Wednesday, October 22nd 7 - 9 pm
Raleigh Council Chambers
222 W. Hargett St. Room 201 Raleigh, 27601

Dont miss your chance to ask questions and find out where our candidates stand in the upcoming election.

Monday Quick HIts: Hot Policy Topics for This Week

It is going to be a very busy week at the North Carolina General Assembly. With under 16 days to go until the election, committee meetings are scheduled for every day this week. Planning ahead we see a big decrease in meetings for next week. There are some meetings of great interest to our community this week. There is a Health Care Oversight meeting on Tuesday and then on Thursday the House Select Committee on Compensation for Victims of Eugenics Sterilization Program meets.
As always, all of these meetings are open to the public.

North Carolina:

Monday, Oct. 20
10 a.m. | The Child Fatality Taskforce meets, 1228/1327 LB.

Tuesday, Oct. 21
10 a.m. | The Health Care Oversight meets, Joint Legislative Committee meets, 1228/1327 LB.

10 a.m. | The House Select Committee on Televising Sessions meets, 1425 LB.

10 a.m. | The Agency Review Sub-Committee of Joint Legislative Committee on Domestic Violence meets, 421 LOB.

Wednesday, Oct. 22
10 a.m. | The Legislative Study Commission on Children and Youth meets, 1027/1128 LB.

1 p.m. | The Joint Select Committee on Arts Education meets, 1228/1327 LB.

Thursday, Oct. 23
10 a.m. | The North Carolina Study Commission on Aging meets, 544 LOB.

1 p.m. | The House Select Committee on Compensation for Victims of the Eugenics Sterilization Program meets, 1124/1224 LB.

1 p.m. | The House Study Committee on Unbanked and Underbanked Consumers meets, 1228/1327 LB.

Same Day Voting/Early Voting Begins in North Carolina Today!

Beat the rush and vote today.  If you head over to The Arc of NC Election 2008 blog you will find information regarding Same Day Voting/Early Voting.  

We encourage you to learn about the candidates. We have many sites listed on the Election Blog to help you with that.

Also remember that the judicial races and many others are non-partisan.  

Remember also to turn over your ballot! The other candidates are on the back of the ballot!

The Coalition Announces: Presidential Candidate Forum

The Coalition has been contacted by the Obama/Biden Presidential campaign with an offer to speak with North Carolina mental health, developmental disability and substance abuse advocates about the campaign's position on these issues and to hear from advocates about their concerns. The campaign will be sending a representative to speak with and answer questions from Coalition members and the public. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear from and educate a Presidential Candidate’s policy committee on the important SA/DD/MH issues that need to be addressed at the Federal level.

This is not a debate event between candidates; only one candidate’s campaign will be present. Please note that the Coalition has contacted the McCain/Palin campaign with a similar offer, and are doing the same with the NC Republican Party. Should they respond with interest, a similar event will be held to speak with them on these same issues.

The forum is open to the public and we encourage individuals, families, providers, advocates, and anyone concerned with developmental disabilities, addiction, and mental health to attend.

Date: Tuesday, October 21st
Time: 6 p.m. with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Meredith College Chapel, Raleigh NC

Snacks & beverages will be served beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Spread the word and plan to attend!

Please come with QUESTIONS!

For directions to 3800 Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC visit www.meredith.edu. Our thanks to Meredith College and the Meredith College Democrats for their sponsorship of the event.

Joint Legislative Oversight Committee Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, Substance Abuse: Agenda

The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse will meet on Thursday, October 16, 2008. The meeting will be in room 643 of the Legislative Office Building. The meeting is open to the public and can be heard on line at the North Carolina Legislative website.

Agenda:

1. Greetings and Opening Comments 10:00 – 10:15
Representative Verla Insko, Co-Chair
Senator Martin Nesbitt, Co-Chair

2. Local Management Entities 10:15 – 11:15

a. Albemarle LME
Charlene Allen, Finance Officer
Dr. Hunter Thompson, Medical/Clinical Director

b. Johnston LME
Dr. Janis Nutt, Area Director

c. Critical Measures: LME Performance Matrix
Shealy Thompson, Ph.D., Quality Management Team Leader
Division of MH/DD/SAS, DHHS

3. State Facilities 11:15 – 11:45
a. State ADATC Facility Update
Helen Wolstenholme, ADATC Team Leader, Div. of MH/DD/SAS, DHHS

b. State Psychiatric Hospitals
Michael Lancaster, MD, Co-Director, Div. of MH/DD/SAS, DHHS

4. Community Support Services 11:45 – 12:30

a. Snapshot of Published Monthly Reports
Leza Wainwright, Co-Director, Div. of MH/DD/SAS, DHHS

b. Overview of Legislative direction
Gann Watson, LOC staff

c. Update on Appeals Process
Tara Larson, Acting Director, DMA, DHHS

Lunch 12:30 – 1:30

5. Program Evaluation Division 1:30 – 2:00
a. Evaluation of the MH/DD/SAS System
Yana Samberg, Program Evaluation Division, NCGA
Dr. Carol Ripple, Program Evaluation Division, NCGA

6. NC Council on Developmental Disabilities Summit 2:00 – 2:45
a. Review and Recommendations
Valerie Bradley, President,
Human Services Research Institute

7. CAP MR/DD Services Provided by Family Members 2:45 – 3:00
Leza Wainwright, Co-Director Div. of MH/DD/SAS, DHHS

Adjourn 3:00

Election 2008: It's Debate Night!!

Please check out the Election 2008 blog for information on two important debates that are happening this evening!

Joint Legislative Oversight Committee Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, Substance Abuse: Meeting

The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse will be meeting on Thursday, October 16, 2008. The meeting will begin at 10:00am in room 643 of the Legislative Office Building. This meeting is open to the public. If you are unable to attend you can listen on line at the North Carolina General Assembly webpage.

We will update this post later today with the agenda.

Election 2008: Sample Ballot Information (Edited for Clarification See Bold)

Before you head out to vote....take a moment to familiarize yourself with your local ballot. This year the ballot has four parts. So here they are:

1. Vote for the Presidential Candidate of your choice.

2. Vote for the party of your choice. Democrat, Republican or Libertarian straight party ticket are your choices here. If you vote for a straight party ticket you can skip the Partisan Race section of the ballot. But...you will still NOT have voted for the Judicial races and Non Partisan candidates.

3. Partisan Races are next on the ballot. These include your choice for United States Senate and House of Representatives as well as your choice for North Carolina Senate and House. In addition you will find all state offices, such as commissioner of insurance or labor, in this section.

4. Non Partisan Races are the last on the ballot. These are your judicial candidates.

Want to see a sample ballot here is an example.

Election 2008 Important Information.

The election is quickly coming up and we want to encourage you to take the opportunity to learn more about how to vote in North Carolina.  To help with this we have been blogging the election and voting information on our Election 2008 blog.

We have an interesting article up now from the Huffington Post discussing the disability vote.  We also have links up that will help you access early voting options in our state.

This election is important.  Your vote will matter. Take the time to read up on your rights at the polling places and learn more about the candidates.

Monday Quick HIts: Hot Policy Topics for This Week

North Carolina:

The election is under thirty days away but the General Assembly is still in full swing with its interim committee meetings. Here is your list of meetings of interest for this week.


Mon, October 13, 2008
10:00 AM Child Fatality Taskforce - Unintentional Death Committee 1228/1327 LB

Tue, October 14, 2008
10:00 AM Education Oversight Committee, Joint Legislative 643 LOB
10:00 AM NC Study Commission on Aging Public Hearing - Lake Lure


Wed, October 15, 2008
9:00 AM Local Social Services Issues, Joint Study Committee on 421 LOB
9:00 AM Joint Legislative Education Oversight 643 LOB
2:00 PM Information Technology, Joint Select Committee on 421 LOB

Thu, October 16, 2008
10:00 AM Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse, Joint Legislative Oversight Committee 643 LOB

North Carolina Disability History and Awareness Month

In North Carolina, October is Disability History and Awareness Month.  This month we will take a look at the many contributions that people with disabilities have made to our nation.  We will also be doing a new series of poll questions to test your Disability History aptitude.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2008-Presidential Proclamation

National Disability Employment Awareness Month, 2008
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America


White House News
During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that our Nation's promise extends to all our citizens.

Millions of Americans live with disabilities, and many other Americans will become disabled at some point in their lives. To integrate people with disabilities more fully into every aspect of life, our country is working to advance greater freedoms at work, in schools, and throughout communities. By expanding employment opportunities and fighting false perceptions that hinder people living with disabilities from joining the workforce, we can uphold America's moral values, strengthen our economy, and make America a more hopeful place.

More than 7 years ago, my Administration announced the New Freedom Initiative, which expanded upon the landmark reforms of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Since then, the Initiative has increased access for people with disabilities through technology, provided additional educational opportunities for youth, and integrated more Americans into the workforce. My Administration remains committed to empowering all people to reach their full educational, social, and professional goals. To learn more about the Federal Government's disability-related programs, please visit DisabilityInfo.gov.

To recognize the contributions of Americans with disabilities and to encourage all citizens to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce, the Congress has designated October of each year (36 U.S.C. 121) as "National Disability Employment Awareness Month."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 2008 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. I call upon Government officials, labor leaders, employers, and the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

# # #

Breaking News: Senate Passes Bailout Bill

With a vote of 74 yes and 25 nayes the Senate has passed their version of the Bailout Bill.  The Senate version included several "sweeteners" including Mental Health Parity.

Why Mental Health Parity? The Senate needed to attach their bailout bill to an existing legislation and this pick is a good one.

Here are the "sweeteners" as presented by CNN News:

• An increase in the amount that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation will insure in bank accounts: to $250,000, up from $100,000
  
• A fix that would prevent middle-class taxpayers from paying the alternative minimum tax
  
• A number of tax extensions favored by either Republicans or Democrats
  
• Tax exemptions for renewable energy
  
• A measure that would require health insurers to treat mental health issues the same way they treat physical illnesses

So how did the Senators from North Carolina vote?

Senator Dole voted No.  Senator Burr voted Yes.

National Action Alert: URGE YOUR SENATORS TO ACT ON BILL TO DELAY MEDICAID OUTPATIENT RULE

URGE YOUR SENATORS TO ACT ON BILL TO DELAY MEDICAID OUTPATIENT RULE
Take Action!

Help us Block Cuts in Services for People with Developmental Disabilities

The Arc is asking for your help in making one last legislative push to address one of our most important unresolved issues before Congress adjourns for the election.

Yesterday, September 30, Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and five other senators introduced the Preserving Access to Healthcare (PATH) Act of 2008 (S. 3656). This bill would delay for six months cuts to Medicaid outpatient payments.

Background

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the Proposed Outpatient Rule in September of 2007. This regulation would narrow the definition of outpatient hospital and clinic services and limit Medicaid reimbursement under the hospital outpatient benefit to only those services covered by Medicare.

Importing Medicare concepts into the Medicaid program does not recognize the inherent differences between programs, which serve very different populations. Some of these key differences and their resulting impact under the proposed regulation are summarized in the table below.

Service

Medicare Coverage

Impact of Outpatient Rule on Medicaid

Day Treatment

Medicare does not pay for day programs for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Medicare does not pay for day treatment such as intensive psychiatric rehabilitation.
No funding for day treatment programs for persons with psychiatric or developmental disabilities.

Comprehensive primary care and ancillary services.

Medicare does not recognize clinics that provide comprehensive primary care and ancillary services. Therefore it reimburses them as if they were visits to private physicians.
No funding for some clinic services, such as lab and radiology services.

Select Services

Medicare does not pay at all for certain services such as vision, psychiatric and dental services
No funding for clinics that specialize in mental health services or services for individuals with developmental disabilities.


Take Action

Call your Senators TODAY. While time for legislative action is running short, there is still an opportunity to build support before Congress leaves for the election!

(Do not call the Capitol Switchboard - all circuits continue to be busy. Use your Senators' office numbers provided when you enter your zip code in the "Call Now" window).

Blind Advocates Protest Against the Movie "Blindness"

Hollywood is experiencing yet another protest against a new film release. "Blindness" a film about Blind people who are quarantined in a mental asylum is the second film of the year to be protested by disability rights activists.  

This film depicts people who are Blind in the worst of stereotypes, depicting people who have become recently Blind as "depraved and as monsters" stated Marc Mauerer-President of the National Federation of the Blind.  

Earlier this summer the movie "Tropical Thunder" depicted people with intellectual disabilities in a negative and demeaning manner.  This film was protested by people with developmental disabilities throughout the country.  The Arc of the United States and Special Olympics both released statements regarding the disrespectful and harmful use of the R-word and the hurtful characterization portrayed by actor Ben Stiller of a person with an intellectual disability.

These films cause serious issues for people with disabilities.  Media plays an integral role in our society and the constant barrage of negative imaging of people with disabilities creates real barriers to our communities full acceptance in society.  These films need to be held accountable for the messages that they are delivering. 



Associated Press Article: Blind Activists Plan Protest of Movie "Blindness"

Blind activists plan protest of movie 'Blindness'
By BEN NUCKOLS – 23 hours ago
BALTIMORE (AP) — Blind people quarantined in a mental asylum, attacking each other, soiling themselves, trading sex for food. For Marc Maurer, who's blind, such a scenario — as shown in the movie "Blindness" — is not a clever allegory for a breakdown in society.
Instead, it's an offensive and chilling depiction that Maurer fears could undermine efforts to integrate blind people into the mainstream.
"The movie portrays blind people as monsters, and I believe it to be a lie," said Maurer, president of the Baltimore-based National Federation of the Blind. "Blindness doesn't turn decent people into monsters."
The organization plans to protest the movie, released by Miramax Films, at 75 theaters around the country when it's released Friday. Blind people and their allies will hand out fliers and carry signs. Among the slogans: "I'm not an actor. But I play a blind person in real life."
The movie reinforces inaccurate stereotypes, including that the blind cannot care for themselves and are perpetually disoriented, according to the NFB.
"We face a 70 percent unemployment rate and other social problems because people don't think we can do anything, and this movie is not going to help — at all," said Christopher Danielsen, a spokesman for the organization.
"Blindness" director Fernando Meirelles, an Academy Award nominee for "City of God," was shooting on location Thursday and unavailable for comment, according to Miramax. The studio released a statement that read, in part, "We are saddened to learn that the National Federation of the Blind plans to protest the film `Blindness.'"
The NFB began planning the protests after seven staffers, including Danielsen, attended a screening of the movie in Baltimore last week. The group included three sighted employees.
"Everybody was offended," Danielsen said.
Based on the 1995 novel by Nobel Prize winner Jose Saramago, "Blindness" imagines a mysterious epidemic that causes people to see nothing but fuzzy white light — resulting in a collapse of the social order in an unnamed city. Julianne Moore stars as the wife of an eye doctor (Mark Ruffalo) who loses his sight; she feigns blindness to stay with her husband and eventually leads a revolt of the quarantined patients.
The book was praised for its use of blindness as a metaphor for the lack of clear communication and respect for human dignity in modern society.
Miramax said in its statement that Meirelles had "worked diligently to preserve the intent and resonance of the acclaimed book," which it described as "a courageous parable about the triumph of the human spirit when civilization breaks down."
Maurer will have none of it.
"I think that failing to understand each other is a significant problem," he said. "I think that portraying it as associated with blindness is just incorrect."
The protest will include pickets at theaters in at least 21 states, some with dozens of participants, timed to coincide with evening showtimes. Maurer said it would be the largest protest in the 68-year history of the NFB, which has 50,000 members and works to improve blind people's lives through advocacy, education and other ways.
The film was the opening-night entry at the Cannes Film Festival, where many critics were unimpressed.
After Cannes, Meirelles retooled the film, removing a voice-over that some critics felt spelled out its themes too explicitly.
Meirelles told The Associated Press at Cannes that the film draws parallels to such disasters as Hurricane Katrina, the global food shortage and the cyclone in Myanmar.
"There are different kinds of blindness. There's 2 billion people that are starving in the world," Meirelles said. "This is happening. It doesn't need a catastrophe. It's happening, and because there isn't an event like Katrina, we don't see."

Monday Quick Hits: Federal Update for this Week

Federal Update:

Bailout Legislation:

As promised we are now ready to give you this weeks Federal update.  We have been waiting for the official vote to happen in the House regarding the economic bailout plan.  The House just voted and the bailout plan was soundly rejected.  Representatives on both side of the aisle expressed serious reservations about this legislation.  With the news of the failure to pass this legislation our of the House, the Dow took a plunge.  Negotiations are happening right now on the Hill to try and get this bill back on track.  

Continuing Resolution:

Fiscal Year 2009 Appropriations

Both Houses of Congress passed legislation that would keep most of the federal government operating under a Continuing Resolution (CR) until March 6, 2009. Specific appropriations for the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs and Military Construction are included in the bill. Virtually all human service programs would be frozen at FY 2008 levels. Further, the CR does not provide additional funding for the administrative costs of the Social Security Administration. This will have a substantial impact on SSA’s ability to reduce the disability hearing backlog and provide services to the public because the agency would need $457 million above the FY ’08 level just to keep pace with inflation in FY ’09. This bill now awaits action by the President.

Tax Extenders/Parity/Medicaid
The House-Senate impasse over tax policy continued as the House brought up, and then withdrew, four tax relief bills that a senior senator said the Senate would not pass. These actions throw into doubt passage of two bills which the disability community has sought to include in the tax entenders bill - mental health parity and a moratorium on the Medicaid outpatient rule. The House is scheduled to adjourn Monday after voting on the financial bailout legislation.

Housing
Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Charles Schumer (D-NY) introduced the Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2008 (S.3593), which will reform the Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities Program. This legislation is identical to the bill the House of Representatives passed last week (H.R. 5772).

Transportation
On Wednesday the House of Representatives passed on a voice vote a bill authorizing $13 billion for Amtrak. H.R. 2095 includes rail safety provisions and the Amtrak reauthorization. The language requiring Amtrak to report on their plans for meeting the ADA deadline of station accessibility by 2010 remain in the bill. The Senate will begin consideration of the bill today. While the White House had threatened to veto the House version of the bill (HR 6003), they have yet to offer a view on the compromise bill. If it passes the Senate today it will likely have a veto proof majority.

Special Announcement: The Arc of North Carolina Election 2008 Blog Has Text of Speeches Available Now!

Both Lt. Governor Bev Perdue and Mayor Pat McCrory addressed a crowd of over 100 conference attendees on Friday, September 26, 2008.

Both of their campaigns provided us the full texts of their speeches.  We extend our gratitude to both of these campaigns and to both the candidates for taking time to speak to the real needs and concerns of people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Their speeches are available at The Arc of North Carolina Election 2008 blog.  We encourage you to visit this blog and see what the candidates had to say.

Monday Quick Hits: Hot Policy Topics for This Week

North Carolina:

Here is what is happening at the General Assembly this week. A couple of things to think about during this interim committee process; first the Governor has requested all departments to make 2% cuts within their units. This is a sign of the time folks..the economic downturn is starting to affect how we are dealing with budget needs for this year and the upcoming long session. Second, committee meetings are looking now how to address this economic situation and its affects in North Carolina.

Monday, Sept. 29
10 a.m. | The Child Fatality Taskforce - Intentional Death Committee meets, 1228/1327 LB.

Tuesday, Sept. 30
10 a.m. | The Joint Legislative Commission on Dropout Prevention and High School Graduation meets, 643 LOB.
This committee will again begin the work of listening to presentations and designing effective means to deal with the dropout rates and graduation rates in North Carolina.


1 p.m. | The Autism and Public Safety Committee -- Subcommittee on Alternative Testimony meets, 1228 LB.
This committee will be looking at distance technology that will permit testimony to be given without the person being physically present in the courtroom.


Wednesday, Oct. 1
10 a.m. | The Joint Study Committee on Autism and Public Safety meets, 544 LOB.
This committee will begin the process of formulating its recommendations for the upcoming long session. Last session one of the important recommendations that came out of this committee was removing the age limit on the SilverAlert system.

Thursday, Oct. 2
11 a.m. | The House Select Committee on Televising House Sessions meets, 1228 LB.
This committee will begin to review the financial and technological feasibility of live streaming and televising the House sessions in North Carolina.

Federal:

**Federal Updates will be Coming Later Today...There is a lot happening on the Federal Level and we are currently gathering the most up to the date information.**

Lt. Governor Perdue Discussed Financial Issues for Families with Children with Disabilities

During Lt. Governor Perdue's remarks at The Arc of North Carolina annual conference, she referenced findings in a recent study that address how the economic downturn is directly affecting families with children who have disabilities. Here is a recent posting on our blog by Chris Egan:

"LT. Governor Bev Purdue specifically referenced the article "Material Hardship in U.S. Families Raising Children with Disabilities" Parish, S. L., Rose, R.A., Andrews, M.E., Grinstein-Weiss, M., & Richman, E.L. (in press – Fall 2008). Material hardship among U.S. families raising children with disabilities. Exceptional Children, 75, 71-92.This important research added great weight to the comments of our Lt. Governor. The lead researcher is one of NC's own, Susan Parish, PhD. Dr. Parish is an assistant professor with the UNC School of Social Work, serves as a member of the board of directors of The Arc of Orange County and is the Principal Investigator for the Developmental Disabilities Training Institute (DDTI) with the UNC School of Social Work."

We thought you might want to read the whole article again, especially in light of the recent bailout legislation that Congress is voting on this week and the recent stimulus bill that was passed in the US Senate last week. So here it is....

UNC study: 'chilling' hardship rates among families raising disabled children
MONDAY, AUGUST 18, 2008
Families with disabled children are struggling to keep food on the table, a roof over their heads, and to pay for needed health and dental care. But according to a new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, these challenges are now falling on middle-income households and not just on poor families as previous research has found.
These latest findings show that long-held federal standards for identifying the nation’s poor are not capturing everyone in need and should be re-evaluated, especially for the financial effects on disabled children, said Susan L. Parish, Ph.D., the study’s lead investigator and an assistant professor in the UNC School of Social Work.

“The bottom line is that U.S. families raising children with disabilities are reporting severe hardships at rates that are chilling, including families that are solidly middle-class,” she said. “We were shocked to find such high rates of hardship among upper-income families.”

The study, which is based on 2002 data from the National Survey of American Families, is being published in this month’s journal “Exceptional Children.” The survey analyzed 28,141 households.

The UNC study found that overall, families across all income levels who are raising disabled children are significantly more challenged by food, housing and health issues compared to families without disabled children. Many also struggled to pay their phone bills.

Most surprising, Parish said, was data indicating that a significant percentage of those struggling are higher-income households. Yet based on federal poverty guidelines – which have remained unchanged since the 1960s and are used to determine eligibility for many income, food, health and disability-related programs – those same households would not be classified as “poor,” she said. They also would not qualify for assistance, despite the higher costs of raising children with disabilities, Parish noted. In 2002, the federal poverty level for a family of four was $18,100.

According to the study, 40 percent of the surveyed families with disabled children who earned between two to three times the federal poverty level (between $36,200 and $54,300 for a family of four, for example) experienced at least one food hardship, including worrying that food would run out or skipping meals because of a lack of money. Fifteen percent of families with incomes at three or more times the federal poverty level ($54,300 and up for a family of four) experienced housing instability, meaning they were unable to pay their rent or had to move in with others.

“These results suggest that state and federal policies that are in place to help families with disabled children are not going nearly far enough,” Parish said. “They are not eliminating deprivation. And these findings are particularly troubling now when the nation’s economy is struggling. Families raising children with disabilities are likely to be hardest hit during this economic downturn.”

Though the study found that children with disabilities were more likely to have health insurance and a usual source of care, they were 61 percent more likely than non-disabled children to have postponed necessary medical care and 83 percent more likely to have postponed needed dental care. The study didn’t examine the causes for those results, but Parish said they likely are related to the expenses of obtaining care – even with health insurance – and other issues, such as limited transportation.

The research results offer a compelling reason to expand eligibility standards for federal programs designed to assist families with disabled children, Parish said. Though more study is needed to determine how best to assist these families, UNC researchers suggest that increasing the income limits for food stamps, housing assistance and federal Supplemental Security Income, which assists low-income people with disabilities, would probably be a good start. Raising the asset limit for Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid, the federal insurance program for the poor and disabled, so that families are not penalized for saving money in case of a hardship would also help, Parish said.

“These families struggle to provide adequate care for their disabled children,” Parish said, “and stronger supports are vital.”

School of Social Work contact: Michelle Rogers, (919) 962-1532, michrog@email.unc.edu
News Services contact: Patric Lane, (919) 962-8596, patric_lane@unc.edu

Day Two at The Arc of North Carolina State Conference

Today is day two of The Arc of North Carolina's state conference. Yesterday members and attendees heard some exciting presentations. We even took an evening cruise on the Henrietta III and were serenaded by the percussion ensemble from the Enrichment Center in Winston Salem.

Today we continue the conference with presentations. Tomorrow will be a special Sunday Edition of the blog showing some interesting numbers regarding the state of developmental disability services in North Carolina.

Representative Beverly Earle Recevies Legislator of the Year Award for the House

Representative Earle's award will be presented in October, time and place will be announced on this blog.

Senator Linda Garrou Thanks The Advocates

Senator Linda Garrou on receiving her award stated that she was so honored to be chosen to receive this award. She expressed deep gratitude to the families and advocates who have worked so hard to serve people with developmental disabilities. She then encouraged the attendees to write letters to their Senator to let them know how bills that they passed affect their lives. She encouraged people to get call or email their legislators with their stories. Senator Garrou stated that it is important that there elected officials listen to the stories of their constituents. Senator Garrou showed all of us today why she deserved this award.
Congratulations Senator Garrou.

Breaking News: US Senate Passes Stimulus Bill - FMAP

The Senate voted on the $56 billion economic stimulus package which included $19.6 billion (a 4% increase) for FMAP, the federal government's share of Medicaid. The Senate voted in favor of the stimulus package by a margin of 52-42. However, it failed to reach the 60 votes needed to override the President's expected veto. Therefore, the Senate withdrew the measure. It may or may not be reconsidered sometime before the Congress adjourns. See roll call below.

The House vote has not yet taken place. The House bill includes $13 billion for FMAP.

Senator Linda Garrou Receives The Arc of North Carolina Legislator of the Year Award

The Arc of North Carolina annually recognizes the outstanding leadership of a member of the House and the Senate. This year The Arc of North Carolina presents its awards to Senator Linda Garrou and Representative Beverly Earle.
Due to a previous commitment Representative Earle was unable to attend this years luncheon.

During this years short session, Senator Linda Garrou was a champion for people with developmental and cognitive disabilities. During the budget appropriation process, she recognized the need to fund the new tier one support waiver slots. As the co sponsor of Senate Bill 1850 DD Service Funds she advocated for support funding dollars for inclusive housing options in our state. In addition Senator Garrou has supported the funding of the Housing 400 Initiative. This important program provides independent, inclusive housing options for people with developmental disabilties. Often during the session Senator Garrou would meet our advocacy team in the halls of the General Assembly and ask if there was anything she could help with, if we were receiving the attention to our issues and funding requests that we needed. This constant support did not go unnoticed. We applaud Senator Garrou for her leadership on issues that have a dramatic effect of our families, and people with developmental and cognitive disabilities.

Video Address by Mayor Pat McCrory On DD Issues

Due to a previous commitment, Mayor Pat McCrory could not attend this conference. He did send us a video address. In the video Pat McCrory touched on the following policy points; he addressed the need for more housing and transportation options for people with disabilities. On the topic of education, he stated that parents deserve an opportunity to have their children receive the best education possible. He highlighted his campaign platform on creating scholarships for students with disabilities to attend the school that best serves their needs. He also addressed issues on creating job opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. He closed out with the need for better accountability.

Keynote Speaker Norman Kunc Excites the Crowd

Norman Kunc was the keynote speaker for this years conference. He spoke about inclusion of children with developmental disabilities in the classroom. His humorous and poignant stories hit home for all of us. Kunc stressed that we learn by experiencing. That children with developmental disabilities learn skills for life by living and by being with their peers.

On the topic of segregating children in the school environment, Kunc stated "We segregate kids because it is administratively easy. Out of site - out of mind. Once we get them out of our site, we are doing what is easiest and we are claiming what we are doing is best. There is a simple rule when it comes to segregation.....no matter how good the swimming instructor is, you can not teach someone to swim in the parking lot of the swimming pool. We are trying to give them the skills of living outside the construct of life, the things I learned about living in the community were taught through simple interactions"

Who is Norman Kunc:

Norman Kunc and Emma Van der Klift have spent the last 25 years working to ensure that people with disabilities are able to take their rightful place in schools, workplaces, and communities. Although they are well known advocates within the disability rights community, they prefer to think of themselves as modern day storytellers, continuing the long held tradition of using humor and narrative to initiate self-reflection and social change.

Norman and Emma are co-directors of Broadreach Training and Resources Ltd. They provide in-service and training in the areas of inclusive education, employment equity, conflict resolution, and other disability rights issues. They travel extensively throughout North America and abroad working with school districts, human service agencies, employers and advocacy groups

Emma and Norman have collaborated on a number of writing projects, including one chapter discussing the underlying power dynamics in a helper/helpee relationship, and another chapter challenging the perspective of disability as a deficiency. Currently they are working on a book which contends that the field of rehabilitation tyrannizes people with disabilities in the same way that the diet industry tyrannizes women.

Lt Governor Perdue Speaks to the Differences Between Developmental Disability Needs and Mental Health Needs

Bev Perdue addressed the packed room of families, people, and advocates in the developmental disability community by addressing her knowledge that there is a difference between the needs of people with mental illness and the needs of people with developmental disabilities.

"There is a huge difference between mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse needs. To see these three pieces lumped together needs to be fixed. Nothing makes me sadder. There are different treatment options, different family options, different needs. We need to make distinct differences."

Perdue went on to tell the story of her twelve year old granddaughter Rachael. "Rachael is a beautiful girl with brown hair and brown eyes who is 100% special needs. 100% cerebral palsy. My family and my grand daughter is special to me just like your families are special to you."

Bev Perdue then addressed the need to have 24-7 care opportunities available for families in all 100 counties. She stated that her family is committed to keeping Rachael in our home and getting as much support from Mediciad as possible.

Perdue also addressed the need to expand economic and educational opprortunities. "Every kid in North Carolina deserves a change to have a good education. Every child in our system have the opportunity to communicate and when possible get a job."

Bev Perdue also made a pledge to the audience..."you should not be limited to services based on your zip code-there needs to be a safety net in all 100 counties-with flat services for all of your folks-same basic safety net of services."

On transportation-Perdue said we need to figure out a way to move folks that is accessible and affordable.

On housing-Housing Trust Fund-must give housing critical importance. People with disabilities often live on only $670.00 per month. We have housing challenges and the Housing Trust Fund must be a top priority.

Lt. Governor Bev Perdue

Lieutenant Governor Bev Perdue, Democratic candidate for Governor, opened her remarks by stating that she has a long relationship with The Arc of Craven County. She stated it was a privledge to be asked to speak at The Arc of North Carolina state conference.

Bev Perdue connected to audience by saying "As I look at the system, and I read the papers, I am a regular citizen too. I get as mad as you do with what i see in the headlines." Stressing that you can not fix the system overnight, Perdue set out to establish that there will be accountability and hands on action in her administration. "I will hold all the systems up to quality outcomes." "No neglect will be tolerated."

Bev Perdue stated that is she becomes the next governor of North Carolina, "there is going to be a new boss in town. When bad stuff or good stuff happen I will get the credit or I will get the blame. Accountability for individual outcomes is critical."

Lt. Governor Bev Perdue Talks About Issues Facing People with Developmental Disabilities

Executive Director Dave Richard, is introducing Bev Perdue right now!

The Arc of North Carolina State Conference Live Blogging!

Good Morning Everyone! The Arc of North Carolina Policy Blog will be updating the minute to minute events during the 2008 State Conference.

Great things happening this morning....first Lt. Governor Bev Perdue will be addressing the attendees this morning at 9:30am.

Next up will be a presentation by Norman Kunc.

Right now we have the new executive director of The Arc of the US Peter Bernes meeting attendees for a cup of coffee and discussions on the future of The Arc!

This is an exciting conference and we encourage you to check back often for updates.

NC Legislative Update: Upcoming Legislative Oversight Committee Meeting MH/DD/SA

Tomorrow, Thursday September 25, the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, Substance Abuse Services will meet at 10:00am in room 643 of the Legislative Office Building. As always this meeting is open to the public. If you can not attend the meeting you can listen in on line by visiting the North Carolina General Assembly's website at www.ncleg.net.

Updated Agenda: Joint Legislative Oversight Committee Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Abuse Services

Greetings and Introductions 10:00 – 10:15
Senator Martin Nesbitt, Co-Chair
Representative Verla Insko, Co-Chair


Reports from LMEs 10:15 – 11:00
Daniel Hahn, Executive Director, Alamance-Caswell-Rockingham LME
David Swann, Executive Director, Crossroads Behavioral Healthcare LME


State Facilities 11:00 – 11:45
a. Update on State Psychiatric Hospitals
Michael Lancaster, MD, Co-Director, Division of MH/DD/SAS, DHHS

b. Suspension of Medicaid Benefits for Incarcerated Recipients and Recipients in
Institutions for Mental Diseases
William Lawrence, Jr., MD, Acting Director, Div. of Medical Assistance, DHHS


Services in the Community
a. Update on Community Support Services 11:45 – 12:00
William Lawrence, Jr., MD, Acting Director, Div. of Medical Assistance, DHHS


Lunch 12:00 – 1:00


Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Services 1:00 – 1:30
Leza Wainwright, Co-Director, Division of MH/DD/SAS, DHHS


Substance Abuse Services: Comprehensive Area Service Providers 1:30 – 2:00
Flo Stein, Chief of Community Policy Management, Division of MH/DD/SAS, DHHS
Trish Hussey, Executive Director, Freedom House Recovery Center



Public Comment Period 2:00 – 3:00


Adjourn 3:00

Legislative Oversight Committee Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Abuse Thursday Agenda

Joint Legislative Oversight Committee Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Abuse-Agenda-Thursday September 25, 2008. This meeting will take place in room 643 of the legislative office building.

1. Greetings and Introductions 10:00 – 10:15
Senator Martin Nesbitt, Co-Chair
Representative Verla Insko, Co-Chair


2. Reports from LMEs 10:15 – 11:00
Daniel Hahn, Executive Director, Alamance-Caswell-Rockingham LME
David Swann, Executive Director, Crossroads Behavioral Healthcare LME


3. State Facilities 11:00 – 12:00
a. Update on State Psychiatric Hospitals
Michael Lancaster, MD, Co-Director, Division of MH/DD/SAS, DHHS

b. Suspension of Medicaid Benefits for Incarcerated Recipients and Recipients in
Institutions for Mental Diseases
William Lawrence, Jr., MD, Acting Director, Div. of Medical Assistance, DHHS


Lunch 12:00 – 1:00


4. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Services 1:00 – 1:30
Leza Wainwright, Co-Director, Division of MH/DD/SAS, DHHS


5. Public Hearing 1:30 – 3:00


Adjourn 3:00

Monday Quick Hits: Hot Policy Topics for This Week

Well the interim committee meetings are now in full swing at the General Assembly. Here is the list of what is happening and where.

On Thursday there will be a meeting of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/Substance Abuse. The agenda for this meeting will be posted in a separate blog post.


Tuesday, Sept. 23

10 a.m. | The Joint Select Committee on Arts Education Meets, 1228 LB.


1 p.m. | The House Study Committee on Unbanked and Underbanked Consumers meets, 1228 LB.

Wednesday, Sept. 24

10 a.m. | The North Carolina Study Commission on Aging meets, 1228 LB.

10 a.m. | The Joint Legislative Health Care Oversight Committee meets, 643 LOB.

10 a.m. | The Legislative Study Commission on Children and Youth meets, 544 LOB.

Thursday, Sept. 25
10 a.m. | The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse meets, 643 LOB.

Breaking News: House Passes ADA Amendment Act-

On the heels of the Senate having done so last week, yesterday (9-17-08) the House of Representatives unanimously passed the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (S. 3406). This clears the way for the legislation to be sent to the President to become law. At this time it is unclear exactly when the President will sign the legislation into law, but the White House has said he will sign the bill.

the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA, which on a personal note could be one the hardest acronyms I have ever seen) specifically overturns Supreme Court decisions that have caused too many people with disabilities whom Congress intended the ADA to cover to lose important protection. The ADAAA makes it clear that Congress intended the ADA’s coverage to be broad, to cover anyone who faces unfair discrimination because of a disability. The legislation also clarifies the current requirement that an impairment must substantially limit a major life activity in order to be considered a disability. S. 3406 prohibits consideration of mitigating measures in the determination of whether an individual has a disability, with the exception of ordinary eyeglasses and contact lenses. Finally, the bill affords broad coverage for individuals regarded as having a disability under the ADA, but includes a provision to make it clear that accommodations need not be made to someone who is disabled solely because he or she is regarded as having a disability.

This legislation was crafted in an extraordinary collaboration between the disability and business communities and Members on Capitol Hill. This is a huge victory for those seeking to restore the original intent of the ADA, and is a good opportunity to thank all elected representatives for their support for the legislation (since it passed unanimously in both the House and Senate).

(Special Thanks to National Protection and Advocacy List Serve for this Breaking News Alert)

Election 2008 Lt. Governor Candidates Debate Tonight

UNC-TV will host a debate on the issues with the candidates for lieutenant governor.  The candidates are Democratic Walter Dalton, Republican Robert Pittenger and Libertarian Phillip Rhodes.  The debate will air at 7:30pm on UNC-TV.

We will have updates as always on our Election 2008 Blog.

News Story Links for DNRC Law Suit

WRAL News and the News and Observer both have articles regarding the filing of a law suit by Disability Rights North Carolina.  Disability Rights North Carolina is the protection and advocacy organization for people with disabilities.

Here are the story links:

News and Observer

WRAL

Breaking News NC: DRNC Files Suit to Enforce Access Rights

Raleigh, NC-

Today, the Protection and Advocacy agency for North Carolina, Disability Rights North Carolina (DRNC), filed a federal lawsuit against the Wake County Board of Education and its Director of Special Education Services, Robert Sturey, in order to gain access to a classroom in which abuse is alleged to have occurred and to obtain the names and contact information for parent and guardians of students in a self-contained classroom for children with autism. This court action is in furtherance of DRNC’s investigation into allegations that school staff improperly restrained children in the class, including a claim that one of these children was placed in handcuffs.
The Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) supports fully the right of DRNC to investigate these allegations, including its right to obtain contact information for the parents of the children in the classroom, and to interview students, staff and school administrators concerning these claims. “This is a situation which requires an independent investigation to ensure that children with disabilities are not being improperly restrained,” said Tracey Sheriff, the Interim Executive Director of ASNC. “The treatment of children with autism that has been raised by these allegations should be regarded with utmost seriousness, and should be investigated accordingly.”
DRNC, as North Carolina’s federally designated Protection and Advocacy agency, is charged with the duty to investigate complaints of abuse and neglect of children and others with disabilities. “We are disappointed that the Wake County Public School System has chosen to hinder DRNC’s efforts, and call upon the Superintendant and the School Board to resolve this matter by pledging their cooperation with DRNC’s investigation,” stated Vicki Smith, Executive Director of DRNC.  

Press Release Provided to The Arc of North Carolina by Disability Rights North Carolina.

Two Political Events of Importance Today in NC

Today we were present at two political events.  The first was a press conference hosted by Action for Children.  The second was a gubernatorial forum hosted by the North Carolina Coalition for Ethics and Government Reform.  We will be posting articles on both of these events on our Election 2008 blog.

Now is the time to learn about what our gubernatorial candidates are saying on multiple topics.  

Quick reminder: as always The Arc of North Carolina is a non-partisan organization. We do not endorse any candidates and we do not endorse any party.

Monday Quick Hits: Hot Policy Topics for This Week

North Carolina:

Election:
Election 2008 is in full swing with both gubernatorial candidates making campaign stops and opening offices. If you missed our coverage of the last gubernatorial debates please visit The Arc of North Carolina Election 2008 Blog.
The Arc of North Carolina state conference will be held in Wilmington on September 26-27, 2008. On Friday, September 26, 2008 Bev Perdue will be addressing the attendees during our morning session and Pat McCrory will be addressing the attendees via video tape during our lunch session.

General Assembly:
The General Assembly interim committees are also meeting at a rapid pace. This week we will have the first meeting of the newly appointed Housing Study Commission. Foreclosure rates continue to rise in North Carolina. There is also a concern regarding sustainable, affordable accessible housing options in our state.

This weeks meetings:

Monday, Sept. 15
2 p.m. | The Employee Hospital and Medical Benefits Committee meets, 421 LOB.

Tuesday, Sept. 16
1 p.m. | The Joint Study Committee on Hospital Infection Control & Disclosure meets, 1425 LB.

2 p.m. | The Joint Select Committee on Governmental Immunity meets, 1228 LB.

2 p.m. | The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Information Systems meets, 421 LOB.

Wednesday, Sept. 17
2 p.m. | The Joint Study Committee on Housing meets, 544 LOB.



Federal:

Breaking News: Senate Passes ADA Amendments Act

September 11, 2008 - Breaking News from DPC and The Arc of the United States

Thanks to all of your grassroots support, the Senate just passed The ADA Amendments Act (S. 3406) by unanimous consent. The bill included over 77 bipartisan co-sponsors.

Because the Senate bill differs slightly from the House version (HR 3195), the House will need to take up the ADA Amendments Act again. Given limited time, it is likely the House will vote on the Senate version as early as next week. Once both houses pass identical bills, we anticipate the President will sign the bill shortly thereafter.

The ADA Amendments Act will correct narrow court interpretations that have restricted ADA coverage in the workplace, and weakened coverage for individuals with developmental disabilities, diabetes, epilepsy, serious heart conditions, and cancer. The act will also clarify responsibilities for employers. It enjoys wide support on both sides of the aisle, as well as among employers, civil rights and disability advocates, who have formed an uncommon alliance to support this legislation.