| March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. How Can I Get Involved?
Nationwide, approximately 4.6 million Americans live with developmental disabilities. As the nation's deficit must be brought under control, budget cuts could hamper essential services for individuals with special needs. March is a time to reflect and participate in Developmental Disabilities Awareness month. President Obama recently announced his revenue and spending plan that will begin on October 1 of this year. Some of the bright spots include increasing the funding for the Early Intervention Part C program for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. But other programs such as the Supportive Housing for People with Disabilities were cut by 10 percent. The President's budget is just a start for the yearly budget and we could see other budgets and bills from Congress. It is important to remember that many people with special needs depend on public services to function to their highest potential. Government services provide access to necessary housing, medical, financial, and educational resources that they depend on. The Arc, a leading advocate for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, has a campaign to show our leaders to "Don't Cut Our Lifeline." Read more...
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How Can I Learn More About Getting VA Health Benefits Faster?
When returning from deployment, military service members now have an online application to enroll in VA health benefits. This makes enrolling easier and cuts down the process from ten to three days. Service members can use the VA Form 1010EZ to apply online. The VA is currently rolling out the new service at demobilization sites throughout the nation.
The VA also recently started sending updated Health Benefits handbooks to veterans. Each handbook personalizes the benefits and specific eligibility for veterans and their immediate family. It also gives recipients contact information for local VA medical care, how to make appointments and contact a clinical team, and co-pays. The VA currently has 152 medical centers and 800-plus community outpatient clinics.
To learn more about Veteran's benefits, click here.
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Upcoming Professional Events
Littman Krooks is an active participant in professional events throughout the area. For more information about these events and speaking engagements, please click here.
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