VOR's Weekly Newsletter
Past issues of VOR's Weekly Newsletter are available here:
WEEK ENDING: IN THIS ISSUE
March 24, 2023 - End of PHE- Millions could lose Medicaid; Higher Autism Prevalence; Candida auris; New Mexico Gov. to Abusive Caregivers: "W'ere Coming For You!"; NJ Nurses' SC DDSN may be restructured; HHS Inspector General: Danger in GA facilities; MN Staffing Shortages; FL Fed law to close Sheltered Workshop.
March 17, 2023 - Illinos group home care (cntd.); Harmful minimum wage requirements proposed in Minnesota; NM terminates agreements with 4 providers of waiver services; Oregon understaffing leads to unsafe conditions & burnout; GA & PA - Lack of workers create dangerous environment, lead to desparate acts; Michigan - Disabled woman starved to death in group home.
March 10, 2023 - Illinois - Rep, Meier introduces safety & accountability reforms; NM - "Family Voice" must be heard in crafting reforms for vulnerable adults; Indiana bill to create standard training and abuse tracking for disability caregivers.
March 3, 2023 - CMS info on end of PHE; CA - Nursing shortage puts medically fragile kids at risk; GA - Workforce emergency; NH - Staffing shortages put assistance on hold; MN - Services in dire danger; NY State signs with SUNY to create national certification, college credits for DSPs.
February 24, 2023 - GAO recommendations on 14(c) programs; Senators say caregiver shortages ripe for bipartisan compromise; VOR comments to CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization; ME - kids languishing in hospitals awaiting services; NC - "Novody cares if we're shuttled off somewhere"; CT - Kids without autism services; CA - Bill to reform failing DD System; IL to close ICF portion of Choate Center; keep forensic units.
February 17, 2023 - NC - Low pay, no advancement: Why DSPs are leaving; GA - workers need more than a pay hike; Virginia - What's a fair rate for people with disabilities?
February 10, 2023 - Changes to Medicaid when PHE ends; Ohio staffing shortage takes a toll; NV man in hospital for months - nowhere else to go; WVa; TX; NJ; NY
February 3, 2023 - Autism rates for children have tripled, likely undercounted; Glenn Grothman's Bill to protect 14(c); Better Care Better Jobs Act revived; NJ Camera Bill;
January 27, 2023 - MA-Drop in numbers threatens continued existence of State ICFs; TX;NY; ME; OK; CA
January 20, 2023 - Elevator Speech; Mortality rates in HCBS during Covid pandemic; Australia - Thousands of reports of abuse & neglect in group homes; PA - White Haven Center to close; ID - Abuse and neglect; OH; IA; NY;
January 13, 2023 - Federal Staffing Mandates cause concern to providers; The Persistence of Deintitutionalization; IRS increases ABLE Account limits; Amy Lutz on censorship in autism discourse; MN; PA;MA; NY; Canada
January 6, 2023 - Spending bill renews MFP, extends SSI; paves the way to end one controversial form of behavioral therapy; Staff COVID vaccinations lower resident deaths; Sheltered Workshops; SC; PA; MN.
December 30, 2022 - The Last Institutions by John Hirschauer; Judy Woodruff's son with disabilities changed her view of healthcare; Psyschiatric facilities and children w. austism; WV journalist fired for reporting abuse in state facilities; MA; IA; VA
December 16, 2022 - TN - New ER Protocols; TX shooting in group home prompts new legislation; Backlash against "neutral" autism language; Nat. Council on Disabilities wants CMS to make HCBS services mandatory; GA.
December 9, 2022 - Effects of DSP Shortages in MA, WI, CA; WA- partial closure of Rainier School; NJ Advocates demand cameras in group homes; SC; VA; OH
November 25, 2022 - VOR Response to ACL on Family Caregivers; Disabillity Community Supports Sheltered Workshops; PA - Polk Center Jobs; MN Saving 400 clients in 90 Group Homes; Autism Research
November 18, 2022 - Ohio P&A Hearings; Texas - Guns in Group Homes; PA; GA; NY DSPs; Poor Long-term Planning; Private Equity takover of Health Care.
November 11, 2022 - Lois Curtis Obituary (Olmstead v L.C.); Schools using Force & Restraints; Follow up on Talevski case; Follow up on NC Ruling;
November 4, 2022 - NC Judge orders phase-out of State ICFs; KS Families not receviving HCBS services; PUerto Rico facing severe Medicaid Cuts; Disabled kids fighting school placements almost always lose; Special Ed. Requirements not met.
October 28, 2022 - Force & Restraint in Schools; Profound Autism; ABA Therapy under fire; CA - Disability Spending depends on "Race & Place";
October 21, 2022 - ANCOR Survey: DSP Crisis Worsening; Kids' Mental Health Care leaves parents in debt; Autistic Teen spent weeks in ER instead of placement; OIG Recommends Increased focus on Medicaid Managed Care; PA; IA.
October 14, 2022 - Disability Employment should include Vocational Centers and 14(c); Direct Support Professional Crisis' Effect on Economy; NCSA letter to IACC; Talevsky Case; Wrentham Center; NM' VT, IL abuse at Choate Center.
October 7, 2022 - SCOTUS: Health and Hospitals v Talevski case threatens the rights of Medicaid Recipients, others; Illinois needs better oversight of Group Homes; MO changes in DD Services; AR; NY; Russia's war on Ukrainians with I/DD.
September 30, 2022 - NIH awards $100 M for Auitism Research; Senate passes Kevin & Avonte's Law for people w. Autism, Alzheimer's who go missing; DSP Shortage; KS; VT; IA.
September 23, 2022 - Feds to support Family Caregivers; Ed Dept awards grants to states for Competitive Integrated Employment; Texa pays DSPs $8.11 per hour; MO; ME; MA; NY
September 16, 2022 - 10 Thiings about Long-Term Services & Supports (LTSS); Direct Support Professionals Week (several articles); Iowa families face agonizing choices; WI managed care concerns; Pennsylvania - Getting thrown to the Wolves (opinion)
September 9, 2022 - DHS revises "Public Charge" rule; Studies of autism tend to exclude women; IA; ID; AR; MN
September 2, 2022 - VOR's Comments on the platform submitted by the Republican members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee; CMS' change in Dental Care rule; Alabama's IQ-based Qualifications; Florida increases minimum wage for DSPs.
August 26, 2022 - Editorial: Address Abuse in 'Community-Based' Settings, Too (Response to Aug. 5 bill from AZ Legislators); Georgia System for I/DD hits crisis; Staffing shortages in OK & WI; CMS pumps more money into MFP; What happened when private equity company bought a nursing facility (bad outcomes).
August 19, 2022 - 3 great articles supporting 14(c) programs from the Lancaster Patriot (PA); Support DSPs by changing classification at the Labor Board (NY) and creating a career path (SC); Zika Virus - a forgotten generation of children; PA injunction to delay Nov. 30 closing of Polk and White Haven.
August 12, 2022 - Politico: 'People will Die Waiting’: America’s System for the Disabled is Nearing Collapse; Special Ed teacher shortage; CMS 'Health Home' benefit for children with severe needs; Parents quit jobs (NY) or leave states (TX) to look after their loved ones with I/DD; PA Hospital for people w I/DD shutting down.
August 5, 2022 - Arizona Members of Congress introduce bill to investigate abuse and neglect in ICFs (only); DSP crisis in NY and MN; Genetic Autism research.
July 29, 2022 - New Push Underway To Train Doctors, Dentists On I/DD; The Mom Who Invited My Autistic Son To A Birthday Party; AbilityOne Bans 14(c) Certificates; Iowa - Concerns Raised about ‘Aggressive’ Timeline for Glenwood Resource Center Closure; DSP Crisis: Competition for Workers Among Providers is ‘Untenable’.
July 22, 2022 - Provider Groups Decry ‘Chronic Underfunding’ as CMS Introduces HCBS Quality Measures; Oklahoma - DHS Unveils Plan to End 13-Year Waitlist for DD Services; NY - Troubled Residences for Disabled Operate for Years;
July 15, 2022 - "Nothing About Us Without Us" was never meant to be "Only Us"; Sheltered Workshops Build a Stronger Community; Autism Rate Is Still Growing; Texas - Nearly 200,000 on waiting list; Canada - Low Pay Leads to 'Revolving Door' of DSPs; Autism Genetic Research.
July 8, 2022 - American Dental Assn. commits to improving dental training and care for serving people w I/DD; Providers question managed care Denials; Justice Department and P&A investigating 'over-institutionalism' of children in Maine; Provider for people w I/DD in Maine to close group homes; DOJ and P&A launch class-action suit in NY; Minnesota's crisis continues; CA failing people w I/DD; CA underserving LatinX people w I/DD; Georgia still falling short; ND; NJ.
June 17, 2022 - I/DD Children Abandoned in the War in Ukraine; Coronavirus Infection During Pregnancy Linked to Brain Development Problems in Babies; Louisiana Dental Care Bill becomes Law; VT; HI.
June 10, 2022 - Bridging the Gap between Adolescent and Adult Care; Minnesota Group Home System in Ruins; Delaware Day Center Closure; NM; FL;TX.
June 3, 2022 - CMS' New Medicaid Waiver Rule; Families cope with children with Severe Autism & violent behavior; Somalis in MN create new terms to define Autism; Delaware (finally) funds its McNesby Act; NY OPWDD releases five-year strategic plan
May 27, 2022 - New Jersey's I/DD Ombudsman, CMS Proposal to Suppress Hospital Safety Data; Bipartisan Legislation to Reform SSI Limits; AR home aide shortage; CA; PA; IA; AZ; TX;
May 20, 2022 - Oklahoma budgets $200M to Eliminate 13-Year-Long Waiting List for Disability Services; Iowa lawmakers debate how to fund transitions from Glenwood; Californians with I/DD can't get dental care; Minnesota - 11% of State’s Nursing Homes Facing Closure due to staff shortages; MA, RI
May 13, 2022 - Families fight to extend Oregon's Paid Family Caregver Program when Public Health Emergency expires; MN - As Group Homes Struggle to Find Workers, Families Forced to Provide Complex Care for Loved Ones with Disabilities; IN, FL, MD, NY, Medical advances in Joubert Syndrome.
May 6, 2022 - Consequences of ending Public Health Emergency; Sexual abuse of people w. I/DD in Oregon; MA, TN, OH
April 29, 2022 - Profit, Pain, and Private Equity - Abuse and Neglect in Private Equity-owned Group Homes; Minnesota state law threatens work options for people with I/DD; Oklahoma's 13-year waiting list; CT group homes, IA, NJ, MA
April 22, 2022 - Barriers to care for adults with I/DD; Advocates for people with Down syndrome seek access to Alzheimer's drug; CA, NC, MN, CT
April 15, 2022 - Update on Iowa closure; KY Closure of Residential Services; TN Frustration w Katie Beckett Waiver; KS Inspector General Report on problems in HCBS waiver program
April 8 2022 - Iowa to Close Glenwood Resource Center (State operated ICF); CT Personal Care Workers; VT, FL, MO; Neurology - Improving Care for Adults With I/DD.
April 1, 2022 - HHS Gives States $110 Million to Boost Money Follows the Person Program; Iowa's Direct Care Workforce; Michigan Home-Visit Programs save state money; ME Group Homes struggling; DE Funding McNesby Act; OH, VT, Closing centres in the United Kingdom
March 25, 2022 - DSM-5 Update For Autism & I/DD; Staffing Shortages; NE, PA.
March 18, 2022 - DOE Grants for CIE; Biden announces members of President's Comitteefor People w Intellectual Disabilities (PCPID); Waiting Lists Balloon; VA, IN.
March 11, 2022 - Nursing Shortage (Cont.); MA Cannabis Treatment and Autism; DOJ sues on Colorado Nursing Homes
March 4, 2022 - GAO Raises Concerns About Abuse At Residential Facilities; Combined Fed & State Spending on HCBS Totaled $116 Billion in FY 2020; Shortage of Nurses; MN group homes, WA DSPs
February 25, 2022 - Coalition for the Preservation of 14c; People w I/DD living in inhumane conditions at N.J. Nursing Home; Price gouging for hiring nurses; Autism differences in girls and boys; MN group homes closing; Kidney injuries from too many medicatiions
February 18, 2022 - What is the Medicaid Waiver? Mothers of Children who are Black and Autistic; CDC and AAP Have Updated Their Guidelines for Developmental Milestones; Illinois families plead for more residential care options for children with severe I/DD; Groups addressing the DSP crisis
February 11, 2022 - Australian Families in crisis after NDIS cuts funding to people w ID/A; Higher Pay Not a Cure-all for Nurse Retention; Staffing crisis in grop homes in MN, MI, WA; WI, OK, FL
February 4, 2022 - "They don't speak for us"; PA helps people with autism in court system; AXZ bills to improve oversight of group homes; Nebraska Leg. proposes $10,000 per person at-home services; Staffing shortages in various states
January 28, 2022 - Coalition for the Preservation of 14(c) White Paper; TX Shortage of DSPs; MO Shortage of DSPs; Iowa Supports Needed; Georgia Bill Aims to Limit Profits of Medicaid Managed-Care Companies; TN Lawsuit against TennCare; NE, AZ; FL
January 21, 2022 - Supreme Court Rules against Vacc. Mandate; CA-Covid and Medically Fragile Children; PA; NJ; OK; NC Ending 14(c) system.
January 14, 2022 - Does Extra $ Mean Loss of SSI Benefits? Bigger Social Security, SSI Checks On The Way; MD's and People with Disabilities; Disparities in Med and Dental care for People w I/DD; AADMD; KY; MN National Guard assisting Group Homes; NJ.
January 7, 2022 - IRS Raises Limit For ABLE Accounts; MA; KS; NY; FL; National Guard standing in for DSPs in PA
December 30, 2021 - Illinois - Residents in Congregate Care Facilities Face Yet Another Uncertain Holiday Season; New York New State Laws increases ABA Coverage; Missouri Sheltered Workshops
December 23, 2021 - Medical Marajuana and Autism; North Carolna, Nevada; Oklahoma; Pennsylvania; NY; Idaho; Washington
December 17, 2021 - Sister Rosemary Steps down at Misericordia; Profound Autism; No beds available in IL group homes; Attempt to postpone closing of PA ICFs; AR; CT; WI
December 10, 2021 - Lancet Comission calls for DSM-V Category for "Profound Autism"; Future Planning for Loved Ones w Special Needs; DOJ Focuses on Iowa ICFs; Staffing Crises in Group Homes in IA, NY, NE, and MN, National Guard fills in for DSPs in Nursing Homes
December 3, 2021 - 1 in 44 US Children Affected by Autism; HEADs UP Act reintroduced; Oklahoma's Wait List; Missouri Passes Law to Continue 14(c) payments; NC Dental Health; CT; NY; AR Managed Care; CA - What Happened to the State Developmental Centers?
November 26, 2021 - Canada - 'We Can't Hit Pause' - Parents still waiting for services; NY - Hochul allocates $1.5 Billion to Caregivers; TN - 1,000 enroll in new Katie Beckett program; ME Group Homes closing - not due to vaccine mandates; Manged Care problems in AR and MI.
November 19, 2021 - House Passes Build Back Better Act; What's in the bill; Integrated Care for Dual Eligible Individuals; Missouri to Allow Facilities to close for up to 2 years if unable to find staff; Florida Group Home Closures Forcing Some into the Streets; NY - New Curriculum Prepares Nurses to Care for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities.
November 12, 2021 - Amy Lutz Opinion; Ableism and Vaccination - Opinion; PA - Nowhere to Go; NH - Emergency Rooms instead of placements; MA; MI; WI.
November 5, 2021 - Build Back Better Act update; Health Care Workers must be fully vaccinated by January 4; Differences in Autism rates by community; Disability Employment Rights Update; PA; TN; TX.
October 29, 2021 - Build Back Better Act update; Cost to families with loved ones with I/DD; NC; NY; PA; NJ; MI.
October 22, 2021 - AbilityOne Moves To End Subminimum Wage; Private providers and Anti-competitive staffing agencies; Unionization and DSPs; MA; CO; IL; CT ; ME.
October 15, 2021 - 14(c) Wage Cetificates Move Closer to Extinction; Autism Treatments; California's vaccine mandate
October 8, 2021 - Our Voices, Our Stories - Severe Autism Video & Panel Discussion, 5 Myths about Intellectual Disabilities, UK - 'Explosive' Jump in Autism Diagnoses, Canada - 'What We Need Doesn't Exist'; OK, MD, FL, NY, NH, Ending Sheltered Workshops in CA, IL.
October 1, 2021 - Disability Service Providers On The Brink: Long Hours, Low Pay, Loneliness & a Booming Industry; OH, MO, GA, OK, CO, CT, MA
September 24, 2021 - Build Back Better Reconciliation Bill, Low Wages & Pandemic Toll on DSPs, LA, FL, SC, IN
September 17 2021 - Health Care workers deserve better pay, recognition; Congress may cut Biden's $400 Billion for HCBS Services to $200 Billion or less; Abuse in group homes in West Virginia; NY Senate explores "severe" staffing cuts in agency overseeing I/DD svcs; NM, OK, Managed Care in GA and OK, Horse Therapy
September 10, 2021 - Hurrican Ida relief (Louisiana and Pennsylvania); Ntional Direct Support Professionas Recognition Week; Disability Services closing in many states, People with I/DD at higher risk for severe Covid, Tricare cutting autism services for military families
September 3, 2021 - Seeking Parity Funding for ICFs, including higher wages and training for all DSPs; Masking bans and mandatory vaccinations, NJ, VA
August 27, 2021 - lHow Covid pandiemic affected North Carolina DD System, IA, MD, CA, New Covid regulations in various states.
August 20, 2021 - Amy Lutz "What is an Institution?", Pineville Supports and Services Center -100th Anniversary, SSI Ovefrhaul, Vaccine Mandates for Health Care Professionals, TX, MA, ME.. PA
August 13, 2021 - Biden Administration Considers Withholding Funds to Spur Vaccinations, Health Economiists spurring CMS to Mandate COVID Vaccinations, Review of American Rescue Plan Act spending on Home and Community Based Services, More States Requiring Vaccinations among Health Care Workers.
August 6, 2021 - Tennessee and problems with Tenncare services, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, COVID, Increasing infection rates and new vaccination requirements in several states.
July 30, 2021 - More on Better Care Better Jobs and other initiatives, Justice Department will not investigate wrongful deaths from COVID cases in Nursing Homes or Group Homes in NY and other states, Follow up letters to David Axelrod's NY Times editorial, COVID-19 Delta strain updates.
July 23, 2021 - Concerns regarding the Better Care Better Jobs Act's exclusion of ICF services for funding. South Dakota, South Carolina, Connecticut,
July 16, 2021 - David Axelrod letter to the NY Times, "When It Comes to People Like My Daughter, One Size Does Not Fit All", Federal Autism Committee to reconvene after two years dark, Health effects on parents of children with Medically Complex Conditions, Guardianship in the wake of the Britney Spears' case. Massachusetts electric shock ruling, Elimination of work centers and 14(c) in Minnesota & Hawaii
July 2, 2021 - VOR's new Board of Directors, New Ohio law allows state to review the activites of its Protection and Advocacy agency, Disability Rights Ohio.
June 25, 2021 - The Better Care Better Jobs Act, Reconciliation Bill, Biden’s HCBS Expansion Plan Could Harm ICFs, OH, NY, CT, NY, KS
June 18, 2021 - COVID-19 Outcomes for People with I/DD, Australia Hospitalisation Rates 4.5 times Higher for People with I/DD, OH Bill would oversee state's P&A, OR, AZ
June 11, 2021 - Sleeping in Shifts, Hoping a Nurse Shows Up, Untrained Clinicians Pose Risk to People with I/DD, MA - Colleen Lukevitch to retire from COFAR, PA - Tom Kashatus, MO, NC.
June 4, 2021 - Chiquita Brooks-LaSure New CMS Commissioner, CT DSP Strike Averted, AR, DE, OK, MO, NY, VA, MA, ME, KS
May 28, 2021 - Congress Urged To Increase Spending On Autism, Push to End Organ Transplant Discrimination for Developmentally Disabled, DE - McNesby Act Funding, Seclusion and Restraint in Illinois Schools, NY Staffing Crisis in group homes
May 21, 2021 - Editorial: Why Do Good For Some? Why Not Everyone? Biden Admin favors HCBS funding, 500 CEOs commit to disability inclusion, Abuse and Neglect in Sequel group homes, IL, AZ, ME OK
May 14, 2021 - CMS' Issues New Rules about COVID vaccines and reporting at ICFs, Wage Disparities for DSPs, Shortage of Behavior Therapists, W VA Abuse and Neglect Report, NY, SC, FL
May 7, 2021 - Stimulus Funds for DD Services Remain in Limbo, US Prisons hold more than 550,000 people with I/D, NJ, NV, Telemedecine
April 30, 2021 - Biden American Families Plan, Louisiana Dental Task Force, IA, NY, OK
April 23, 2021 - VOR Comments on Proposed HCBS Access Act, Toll of COVID on people with I/DD, MA., W. VA, NJ, KS, TX
April 16, 2021 - New Push to Eliminate Subminimum Wage, Vaccinations Lag for Home Health Workers, Horse Therapy, Texas 25 People removed from unlicensed group home,
April 9, 2021 - Assessing the Biden Plan for LTSS, Study Finds Poor Physician Interactions with People with I/DD, IL, NY
April 2, 2021 - Race between Vaccines and Variants, Difficulty for People with I/DD in Attaining Vaccines, $2 Trillion Jobs and Infrastructure Plan, Nebraska - Future of the Beatrice Center, AL- Organ Transplant Discrimination, PA, NY, WI
March 26, 2021 - PA - the fight to save White Haven Center, MA Drop in Pre-COVID Employment for DDS Clients, TX, NJ,
March 19, 2021 - HCBS Access Act of 2021, COVID Cases Plummet for I/DD's with Vaccines, Fed proposed changes to Vocational Centers and 14(c), Why We Need the Term :"Profound Autism", FL, TX, NY,
March 12, 2021 American Rescue Plan includes 10% FMAP Increase only for people with I/DD in HCBS Settings, I/DD is Second Greatest Risk Factor for Death from COVID-19, GAO: Problems in Managed Care for Medicaid Long-Term Services & Supports, Organ Transplant Discrimination, Missouri - Vocational Centers get support from Congressman, OH, AR, TN. MN, TX, HI, CT
March 5, 2021 COVID-19 Vaccine Access for People with Disabilities, Splitting the Autism Spectrum, HHS Inspector General Report: NY Did Not Comply with Reporting Critical Incidents Involving People with I/DD, NY, NC, NV, WA
February 26, 2021 American Rescue Plan should cover all people with I/DD, not only HCBS services, CMS Guidance on Visitations, CA, NY, KY, MD, SC, WI
February 19, 2021 Misericordia 100 Years, Difficulties Accessing COVID Vaccine for people with I/DD, South Carolina, Wisconsin,Missouri, Minnesota, Georgia, Colorado
February 12, 2021 Senate Asks Biden to Expand HCBS Services, Florida, North Carolina, Oklahoma, New Mexico, California.
February 5, 2021 Weaponizing "Ableism" in the World of Autism, Supporting Vocational Centers and 14(c), OR, NY, MA, NJ, Coronavirus Updates
January 29, 2021 Biden I/DD Policies, Massachusetts, California, Pennsylvania, Coronavirus updates
January 22, 2021 Alison Barkoff to head ACL, Biden I/DD Policies, CDC sees increase in I/DD, Disability Discriminatiion in Healthcare, Coronavirus Variants.
January 15, 2021 Cats for people with Autism, Puppies for peoplle with Disabilities, Vaccine Updates, Respite Care, Tennessee opts for Medicaid Block Grant, IL lawmakers want to end Medicaid Managed Care.
January 8, 2021 Coronavirus Vaccine Update, In support of Vocational Centers and 14(c) Wage Certificates, The need to use the term "Profound Autism", Pay Hikes for DSPs.
December 23, 2020 MFP Renewed for 3 Yrs, Christmas Cards in Connecticut, State by State guide to Vaccine Rollouts, GAO: Medicaid Managed Care in Long-term Care needs oversight, VT, OR, PA
December 18, 2020 Vaccinations Begin, Disability Advocates Urge People To Get Vaccinated, Missouri Workshops, AZ DD System Falliing Apart, NJ Group Homes to install cameras, FL, Telehealth
December 11, 2020 Got An Extra Christmas Card? Vaccine Distribution, Training more Doctors and Nurses to understand people with IDD, TX, NY
December 4, 2020 About the Coronavirus Vaccines, Mentor Group Homes fail in Oregon & Iowa, OK., PA, MI
November 25, 2020 The Holidays Without My Brother, Hug Tents, SC, MA, NY, MA - Remembering Fernald, ❤️ DSPs ❤️
November 20, 2020 COVID -19 affects DSPs and people with IDD, PA, IA, MO, NH, OH
November 13, 2020 Developmental Disorders Heighten Risk of Dying from Covid-19, Online Support Group for DSPs in COVID Crisis, 1st Person with Down Syndrome to Complete Iron Man Competition, TX, CA, NJ, MA
November 6, 2020 CMS to Priotize Community Services in States, Arizona Falls Short of Providing Community Services, Tennessee's Katie Beckett Program
October 30, 2020 "Against Community" by Amy Lutz, CMS & C'OVID-19, States Struggle with Vaccine Plans, PPL w. Down Syndrome and COVID-19, OH, CA, TX, NJ
October 23, 2020 NCD Wants to end Vocational Centers & 14(c), Death by Severe Autism - Lee Wachtel, MO, KY, TX, FL, Murray Center Video 5
October 16, 2020 ABLE Accounts, SSI Increase, Telehealth, Heart, Lung, Diabetic Conditions More Common In Adults On The Spectrum, OH, OK, Book Review - Amy Lutz' We Walk, Murray Center Video 4
October 9, 2020 VOR remembers Bill Anderson, VA, AR, OR, Murray Center Videos
October 2, 2020 VOR remembers Feda Almaliti, Homelessness and People with IDD, Fed. Autism Council Goes Dark, FL drops Covid testing, .NY-CT-NJ Class action suit, CA, NY Group Homes in Crisis, Murray Parents Assn. Video 2
September 26, 2020 VOR remembers Ruth Bader Ginsburg, CMS adds $165M in funding for MFP, Living Wage for DSPs?, TX, CT, OR, FL, NJ Murray Parents Assn. Video 1
September 18, 2020 COVID-19 Relief Needed, The movement to close Work Centers and eliminate 14(c) wage certificates, TX, AR, NY, SD
September 11, 2020 COVID Vaccine for people with IDD, TX, SC, MD, ME, Police and the autism, IDD population.
September 4, 2020 Nat'l Law Review on Guardianship & SDM, Ending Census early could hurt IDD population, NJ, OK, CT, GA, AZ, AR, NY
August 28, 2020 COVID-19 may shut programs for good, State actions to sustain Medicaid LTSS programs, DSPs: More people of color & immigrants lost to COVID, Disability leaders decry Cancel Culture at NY Times, Delays in Autism Dx among African American Kids, KY, CT, MN, OR, MA, NY
August 21, 2020 COVID-19 Seven Months Later, PPE shortages, Racial Disparities in IDD community, "Disabiliity Bias", NJ to pay DSPs more, CA Intentional Community, FL mulls vists without testing
August 14, 2020 "If positive, but asypmtomatic, keep working", Community Spread and new spike in COVID0 Cases, COVID-19 and DSPs, PA: 41 Kids with IDD reported sex assaults at Philly non-profit, Arkansas HDC sees spike in COVID cases, VA, NY, RI, State Medicaid Programs
August 7, 2020 Coronavirus Relief Funding Bill, Stop Canceling Options, Telemedicine, Health Care Workers of Color more likely to get COVID-19, AZ, NY, FL, MA
July 31, 2020 Coronavirus Funding Bill, Autism not covered in ADA, Medicaid pushe to the brink in CO, IA providers not happy with privatized Managed Care, Arizona inequities.
July 24, 2020 30th Anniv. of ADA, What an increase in FMAP will mean to you, FEMA sends faulty PPE, CT, MA, SC.
July 17, 2020 CMS delays Settings Rule, Coronavirus in AK HDCs & TX SSLCs, FL, MO, OR, Puerto Rico
July 10, 2020 VOR Response to ACLU=/SEIU Petition, CMS FAQ for ppl w disabilities during pandemic, States fail to implement IDEA, Amy Lutz: "Dear NYT Madeline", ME, FL, GA, SC, NY,
July 2, 2020 Hollowed-Out Public Health System Faces More Cuts Amid Virus, Post-COVID State Budgets Cut IDD Funding: KS, GA, TN, NY, NH, NC; No COVID Test Kits for FL Group Homes; MA, PA, OK, IL, DE
June 26. 2020 Thse w. IDD in group homes more likely to die from COVID; Florida Gov. opens budget to New ICFs & orders increased testing in group homes, NJ Assembly Hearings on COVID in Dev. Ctrs & group homes; Minnesota Disability Service Providers on the brink of collapse from COVID-19; Amy Lutz on "Partial Advocacy", OH "No group homes in our back yard"
June 19, 2020 VOR Board of Directors - New Members and Officers; CDC New COVID Testing Recommendations; Family Caregivers; CT, VA, PA, OR, OK, NY
June 12, 2020 (Mislabeled as June 5) Hospitals allow visitors for patients w IDD; Higher Infection rates for people w IDD; HHS releases $15B COVID Relief funds to Disability Providers; NY, OH, GA, PA, IA, CA
June 5, 2020 Biden Campaign IDD Policy; Need for COVID Tracking, MA - IDD COVID Rates Higher than Gen. Pop.; ME - Group Homes Have Higher Infection Rates, MO Need More DSPs; CA
May 29, 2020 Study: People w. IDD more likely to die from COVID-19, Coronavirus threatens autiistic people in group homes, Texas to expand testing to all ICFs - not group homes, Ohio to re-open June 8,
May 22, 2020 VOR Submits Testimony, Language to Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor HHS on MFP, IDD Hospital Admissions Form; D.C., Illinois, NY. NJ, ME, DSP Heroes
May 15, 2020 COVID-19: Information resources, Lack of tracking of cases of Coronavirus; Lfe with an Autistic Child, PA, AZ, NY, NJ, MA,
May 8, 2020 COVID-19: High toll on people w. IDD, Hospital No-Visotors Policies Endanger people w. IDD, Private Providers Struggle to Stay Afloat; NJ, SC, MA
May 1, 2020 Ohio - Settlement of Ball v. Kasich Class Action Suit, New Jersey - COVID Saliva Tests for State ICFs, Hospital Visits for People with I/DD, Iowa - Further Staff Changes at Glenwood
April 24, 2020 Why some people get sicker with COVID-19, Higher Death Rates from COVID-19 for People with IDD, CT, NY, FL, CA, CARES Act Funding
April 17, 2020 Aging Parents Haven't Finalized Plans for Disabled Children, New York - People with Disabilities in Group Homes Contracting Coronavirus at Five Times the City Rate, D.C, NJ, VS, CT, TX, FL, CO
April 10, 2020 Providers, "We need more PPE & Testing, States Depend on Medicaid in COVID Fight, NEw York - Homes for the Disabled See A Surge of Covid-19, IL, CT, NJ, CA, MA, MI, Medical Ethics
April 3, 2020 Stimulus Plan Falls Short For People With Disabilities, Disability No Reason To Deny COVID-19 Care, Telehealth, New York Group Homes & COVID-19 Crisis, Texas - Denton Center, CT, AZ, OK, MA
March 27, 2020 People With IDD Denied Lifesaving Care \as Coronavirus Spreads, Members of Congress Seek Protections for People w IDD, Allocating Ventilators, Autism among 8-year olds measures 1 in 54, TX - Covid at Denton SSLC, CO Outbreaks
March 20, 2020 Coronavirus Updates, TeleHealth, Special Ed at home, SC, NE
March 13, 2020 Coronavirus Updates, In Memoriam: Bill Sherman, Autism Parents at risk for PTSD, MN, NJ, WV, OH, GA
March 6, 2020 Hassan Bill to Help Recruit More Professionals to Care for Disabled, FDA Bans Shcok Devices, AR , GA MN, NJ, NY
February 28, 2020 Screening for Autism, Evaluating Persons with I/DD, Bill to Expand Respite Care, OR. NJ, NY, WV, IA
February 21, 2020 CMS Preadmission Rules Change, CDC: I/DD more Prevalent in Rural Areas, Opinion: Trump Support for Mentally Ill, New York After Willowbrook, ME, PA, NC, MD, CA
February 14, 2020 Trump, Sanders Platforms for DD Services, PA Gov. Vetoes Bill to Prevent Closing Polk & White Haven, AZ, NC ,OR, NJ, TN, CA
February 7, 2020 National Waitlists for Waiver Services Growing, Prevalence of I/DD in Children Rising, PA Families File Lawsuit, NY, CO, VA, TX, Medicaid Cuts
January 31, 2020 Medicaid Block Grants, Bills to provide for DSPs during Hospitalization, Imprisonment of persons with I/DD, PA, AK, NY, ME, CA, Ireland
January 24, 2020 Special Edition - Pennsylvania
January 24, 2020 Genes linked to Autism, Work Centers & 14(c), Opinion - Amy Lutz, IL, ME, OH, AZ, FL, IA, LA, NY
January 17, 2020 Chemicals may cause I/DD, 1/4 of Children w Autism undiagnosed, Changes to Social Security, Seclusion, and Disability Hiring. PA, MA "Nicky's Law" passed, AZ, NJ, RI
January 10, 2020 Saliva Test For Autism, Congress Increass Funding for Special Ed, 5 month extension for MFP, CMS crackdown on Medicaid Payments, FL, IA, MA, TX
January 3, 2020 Projections for Disabilities in 2030, Autism Symptoms Vary Greatly Among Identical Twins, Illinois Waitlists, NC - ‘What Happens When We Die?', WI, IA, MO, Australia
December 27, 2019 Florida Dental Program Draws Concerns for People with Disabilities, New Mexico, Georgia
December 20, 2019 Ohio - Judge rejects DRO Settlement, PA Bill for moratorium on closure of Polk & White Haven passes House, Maine Waitlists, GA, NC, W.VA, WA
December 13, 2019 Managed Long-Term Services & Supports Falling Short for Adults w I/DD, Shortage Of Autism Therapists, Fact Sheet on Subminimum Wages for People with Disabilities, NY, MN, OH, VA, TN, PA
November 29, 2019 Update on Money Follows the Person, Ob-Gyn services fall short for women w.I/DD, MO, KA, MA, OH
November 22, 2019 Olmstead & Choice; NY Audits on Abuse & Neglect; Illinois Isolating Students w I/DD & Autism; Medicaid changes cut care in MN, WA & NC; PA Moratorium passes Senate; Behavioral Interventions decrease need for drugs.
November 15, 2019 VOR & Together For Choice in D.C., NJ Group Homes v. ICFs, NJ DSP's, Iowa Work opportunities disappear, LA Lawsuit, NC, NY
November 8, 2019 First Responders, Disability Housing, MI, ME, MA, FL, TN
November 1, 2019 Acetominephen in pregnancy leads to Autism? Down Syndrome & Aging with Dementia, ME Man's Death shows crack in Safety Net, FL, CA NY, TX Dentist
October 25, 2019 PA Hearings, Shortcomings In Autism Screening, MI, TN, CA, MO, PA, Ruth Bader Ginsburg
October 18, 2019 Improving Data on People with I/DD, Special Ed Chief Johnny Collette quits, Increase in foreign-born caregivers, PA Sen. Call for Probe of DHS Decision to Close State Centers, VT, WI, MA
October 11, 2019 Editorial: Institutions are Bad? Abuse & Neglect update, Gaps In Medicaid Waivers, AR Judge Holmes
October 4, 2019 Adults with I/DD 'Invisible' in National Data, Autism Insurance in 50 states, Down Syndrome research funding down, PA Closure Moratorium Bill, NY $6M Settlement at "Bronx Zoo", FL, MI, MO, CA
September 27, 2019 CDC sees spike in DD, Erasure of Severe Autism, PA Closures,. TN Block Grants, MO waitlist, SC vacancies, AK, AR. WI
September 20, 2019 PA Closures. Autism CARES bill, VT overhauls DD services, NE, NJ, NY. GA
September 13, 2019 Direct Support Professionals, Disability Advocates Sue to Stop Charge Rule, PA Protests, SC PSA, WA, NM, NY. IL
September 6, 2019 Medicaid Managed Care, MA, AR, Living in "The Community", Dental Students Train for Special Needs Patients
August 30, 2019 Georgia-Deaths & Lack of Housing Continue, Autism Perspecitives, National Background Checks, TX. CA, Sister Rosemary
August 23, 2019 Public Charge Rule affects families of people with I/DD, PA Closures, GA, TX, CA, FL, MA, Ohio DSPs
August 16, 2019 Pennsylvania Governor to close two state ICFs, ACL failed to monitor its programs, Abuse and neglect in WA & OR, problems in NY, MA, NE
August 9, 2019 Managed Care, Missouri's 50% DSP turnover rate, AZ, OR, MA
August 2, 2019 DOJ failure to enact Autism Wandering Laws, Puerto Rico loses funding from ACL, Utah's Medically Fragile, Ilinois' 911 Notification Law, NY Justice Center Fail, Abuse cases in Indiana and Missouri
July 26, 2019 Sue Jennings speaks at IACC meeting, House passes Autism CARES Act, Senators Slam Abuse in Nursing Homes, NY, VA, D.C.
July 19, 2019 House votes to end 14c wage certificates, EPA won't ban Chlorpyrifos (Pesticide Tied to Children’s Health Problems), SC, MD, ME, MA
July 12, 2019 Medicaid changing reporting requirements, Schools unprepared for student IEP's, NY, TN, AZ residents forced to leave Hacienda
July 5, 2019 VOR's New YouTube Page, Washington, D.C. Texas, CA, AZ, IA, KY, Alaska cuts dental benefits
June 28, 2019 Olmstead, Ireland, CA, KY, TX-Lubbock SSLC 50th Anniversary, Critique of the Disability Integration Act
June 21, 2019 20th Anniversary of Olmstead, MFP, Overuse of restraint & seclusion, CA, WV, AZ, PA, OH managed care
June 14, 2019 VOR Conference Report! I/DD training for MD's meets resistance, NCD anti-guardianship for most people with I/DD, NY Times - Abuse in Bronx IRA, MO Parents want to record IEP meetings
June 7, 2019 Autism insurance after 21, PA, VA, AR, DE, CA
May 31, 2019 Labor Dept. Seeks Input on 14(c), Disability Integration Act, OH, TX, NC, MA, NJ
May 24, 2109 Autism w. I/DD neglected in studies, WA man awarded $8M in abuse settlement, NJ-Bellwether license revoked, NC closure in PeeDee, Texas' 10-year wait list, MI, MA.
May 17, 2019 Gaps in autism employment, Hearings on Transition Age Gaps, Safety Net Hospitals, OR, AR, CA, MA, MI
May 10, 2019 HEADs UP Act, Autism, Managed Care Denying Services?, TN, NM, IL, Jean Vanier passes.
May 3, 2019 Pennsylvania Legislature Hearing on Opening Doors in ICFs, Medicaid changes, OH, AK, TN, MA
April 26, 2019 CMS: States need better Background Checks, CA - Abuse unchecked, WA, AZ, TX
April 19, 2019 Medicaid distribution unfair to people w I/DD, CDC numbers on Autism rising, Safety Net Hospitals (Disproportionate Share Hospitals - DSH) in danger, LA, NM, TENN, FL, ILL.
April 12, 2019April 12, 2019 Anti-ICF in Iowa & Utah, PA group home death, Texas hining DSPs, Ohio DSP shortage, Minnesota, Tennessee, Nevada
Apr 5, 2019 Medicaid Wait Lists; US Senate Investigation Of Group Home Provider; GA asks DOJ to end oversight; NC Wait List; FL Medicaid Cuts;
Mar 29, 2019 Special Olympics Funding; The New R-Word; Jobs Bill would exclude many with I/DD, Austism; NJ - Escaped Group Home Residents; KY; CA; NY;
Mar 22, 2019 Severe Autism Overlooked; Proposed Cuts to State Medicaid Budgets in NY, VA, KY & AK; Iowa Evacuates in Flood; TN; MD
Mar 15, 2019 Fed budget proposes severe cuts to Medicaid & Disability programs; NJ; WA; ID; TN
Mar 8, 2019 Getting rid of the R-Word, Expanding ABLE, Aging with I/DD, NJ, VA, AZ, Bill Watch
Mar 1, 2019 VOR Conference Info, Capped Medicaid Risks, When Safety Net Fails, Dentists must treat people w. IDD, MI, TX, RI, NY
Feb 22, 2019 Crisis: Kids w. Autism Grow Up, Equine Therapy, AZ, MA, W. VA, WA, DE
Feb 15, 2019 Lack of ABA Therapy, CT - Southbury Training School, COFAR Legislative Agenda, DSP Crisis, ME - Impact of conversion from work centers to integrated employment
Feb 8, 2019 Work Center closures, Bills to Watch in 116th Congress, AZ updates on Hacienda, VA, OR, CA
Feb 1, 2019 VOR's Letter to 116th Congress, Remembering Mary McTernan VOR's past President, AZ followup, VA, ND
Jan 25, 2019 Disability Integration Act reintroduced, Govt. Shutdown affects services for IDD community, AZ Hacienda DSP arrested, CA, NJ
Jan 18, 2019 Nat'l Council on Severe Autism, Medicaid Block Grants, Girls on the Spectrum, Sheltered Workshops
Jan 11, 2019 UN Convention, ANCOR campaign against ICF, AZ Hacienda Facility: IDD Woman in Coma gives birth, KY ASD Student dragged, NY DSP's
Jan 4, 2019 116th Congress Sworn in, CA Sonoma Ctr. Closes, NJ Missing man w IDD found dead, WA Man w. IDD left in ER
Dec 28, 2019 Money Follows the Person, Fundraisining Appeal
Dec 21, 2018 Money Follows the Person, Shock Device Ban, AZ Coolidge Ctr., OK, CT, NY
Dec. 14, 2018 Ball v. Kasich update, Stop MFP Action Alert, NY Justice Center, CA Failing, MD, AR, WA, OR, TX
Dec. 7, 2018 George H W Bush Remembered, NY fails the mentally ill, MA - Judge Tauro passes, IA, TX, TN
Nov. 30, 2018 New Congress - new concerns, 1 in 40 births have autism, SC Mom Charged, TN Families devastated
Nov. 23, 2018 VA In-home care for people displaced from ICFs?, MI fails on Special Ed., IL, IA, MA, CT
Nov. 16, 2018 Increase ABA Therapy,. Test for Autism, 500,000 w Autism enter workforce?, DSP wages, AR Holiday Train, MA, SC, KY.
Nov. 9, 2018 Editorial: The 'R' Word & the 'I' Word, Medicaid cutting Transport Funding, NY-Non-fatal Strangulations, DSP's, Special Ed, Music Therapy
Nov. 2, 2018 Brothers with I/DD killed in Pittsburgh Synagogue shooting, Notes on Misericordia/Together for Choice Conference, NY Sex offenders in Group Homes, MA Rotenberg Ctr. and Abuse
Oct. 26, 2018 Housing for Sr's with I/DD Children, Reaching Minorities, WI Noncompliance OIG Report, IA, NJ, MD, MT lawsuit settlement
Oct. 20, 2018 Amy Lutz' DSP's are our Friends, CMS hires Mary Mayhew, TX, KY, KS
Oct.12, 2018 DSP Crisis, Aging with Down Syndrome, NJ-Kominos Law, IL, FL TN
Oct. 4, 2018 NY State Putting Sex Offenders in Group Homes, MO, AR, Special Ed
Sept. 28, 2018 CMS, I/DD & Immigration, GA's Separate & Unequal Special Ed, NJ, AR, OH
Sept. 21, 2018 Ohio Families file countersuit, Puerto Rico, NH, IA, OK, MA, Australia
Sept. 14, 2018 H.R. 6786, Forensic I/DD Population, Iowa, WA, ME, TX, SD, Military Families
September 7, 2018 Action Alert on MFP, Delaware, Maine, Kentucky, W. Virginia, Autism Blood Test
Aug 31, 2018 Report on IDD among childrenunder 5 in 195 countries 1990-2016, TX, FL, Iowa, Montana, PA
August 24, 2018 Indiana Disability Task Force, Arkansas, W. Virginia, Illinois, Texas, New Jersey
August 17, 2018 Treatment Incentives, Diplomats' families, PA Hamburg Ctr. Closed, Montana, Maryland, TX Water Park
August 10, 2018 Press contacts needed, NJ Group Home Provider, Texas, Iowa, New York
August 3, 2018 Reminder- The Importance of Medicaid, Federal Disability Policy Office, EVV Delayed, NJ, OH, Abuse in LA
July 28, 2018 ACL Controversy, Delaware DD Council Misconduct, Behavioral Health, Direct Support Professionals
July 20, 2018 Illinois Auditor General report on DHS Oversight, ACL's Mary Lazare's comments cause stir, OH, SC, MI, CA
July 13, 2018 Congregate Care Facilities reports: MT, TX, CA, PA, NY. DOE sued over delay of Special Ed Rule. ME, MA, NJ
July 6, 2018 AR 4th of July, Sesame Place Autism Certified, DOE delays IDEA Equity Compliance, Ohio DSP Turnover Rate
June 29, 2018 Feds to Make Group Homes Safer, Preventing Sexual Abuse, CA Tragedy, NJ Budget, MA Shock Therapy
June 22, 2018 Autism Blood Test, PA Hamburg Ctr., MT Budget Cuts, Sheltered Workshops (MA, IN), DSP Crisis (NJ, OH)
June 15, 2018 News from VOR's 2018 Conference, CMSLTSS Expenditures, Low Medicaid Rates, NE, OH, MN
June 8, 2018 Texas (Preventable Tragedy), Autism Seizures, HI (ARC $7M Theft), NY, OH, MA, GA (Marijuana)
June 1, 2018 MO man died in 'Fight Club' buried in concrete, VA, OH, CA, OK, NJ, In Memorium Virginia Carraway
May 25, 2018 WY new buildings at WLRC, RI restores IDD funding. MD DSP rate increase, MN, DE McNesby Act, MA.
May 18, 2018 Device Predicts Autism Aggression, Electronic Visit Verification, HR 5658, Ohio-Abuser Registry, DE, MA
May 11, 2018 Crisis in Louisiana, Govt urged to improve I/DD system, Med Care for Autisitic Adults, NJ, OK, CT, DEL
May 4, 2018 CBD Research, Autism Testing, Alaska ARC overbilled $2.4 Million, DSP Crisis in Ohio, WI employment rights
April 27, 2018 Iowa's Managed Care Problems, Special Ed Funding Problems, Autism on the Rise, GA, CT, MA, TX, MO
April 20, 2018 Amy Lutz' Letter to HHS, Curbing DR Iowa, FL Abuse & Neglect, VA-Save CVTC, NJ, CA
April 13, 2018 NJ - $1.4M Settlement, Budget Problems in AZ, CA, LA, AZ, CA, CT, MA Sealed Investigation
Apr 6, 2018 HR620, OH, GA, MA, NM, Sheltered Workshops, Intentional Communities
Mar 30, 2018 HR4547, PA (Hamburg Closing), CT, CA, RI, Dental Care
Mar 23, 2018 Money Follows the Person, Guardianship & SDM, AK, MN, VA, TX, Dental, Barber
Mar 16, 2018 CA (Sonoma PHA), Medical Research, Dental, NJ, ME, NJ
Mar 9, 2018 VOR-House Judiciary Hearings, HHS Strategic Plan, VA, CT (Op-Ed), MA, TX, SC, AHCA
Mar 2, 2018 Autism Coordinator, IDEA Delayed, IL, NC, ME, MN Sheltered Workshops
Feb 23, 2018 IL, Money Follows the Person, MIlitary Behav. Therapy, ME, AR, CA, GA, KY, PA, OR
Feb 16, 2018 ADA, Fed Report on DSP's, HI, OH (Safety), CT (Safe Relationships, NY (DSP's)
Feb 9, 2018 Opinion: Lee Wachtel, VA, NJ, OH, FL, MI, NM, WA, Gerber's Down Syndrome Baby
Feb 2, 2018 Medicaid Transportation at risk, HCBS Expenditures Down, TX, ME, IN, DE, D. Vitkus
Jan 26, 2018 RAISE Act, HCBS Report, I/DD Preschool Suspensions, VA, NC, ID, NY, UT, Dental Svcs
Jan 19, 2018 Joint Statement by ACL, HHS warns of Group Home Dangers, Abuse & Neglect, Utah Class Action Lawsuit, TX, CO, OR, OK, MA, Opinion: 2014 Final Rule a Barrier To Appropriate Care
Jan 12, 2018 I/DD & Sexual Assault, Tax Law & ABLE Accounts, TX, SC, TX, ME, NJ, MA, KA, NE
Jan 5, 2018 CT - Autistic Man Abandoned to ER; PA, NJ, Canada's Shelltered Workshops
Dec 26, 2017 CT - Autistic Man Abandoned to Emergency Room for 5 Months; CO, NJ, WI
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