ADDP
Federal Shutdown Into Second Week
Washington PostThe ten  most painful impacts of a government shutdown


1) More than 2 million federal workers will see their paychecks delayed - and 800,000 of them might never get repaid.

2) Millions of veterans may not receive benefits if the shutdown lasts more than two weeks.

3) The CDC will halt its flu program just as flu season gets underway.
 
4) Some food-safety operations would cease.

5) Nutritional programs for women, infants and children could be disrupted after a week.

6) Financing for small businesses could be hampered.

7) The tourist trade would take a hit.

8) Head Start programs for hundreds of kids will slowly start closing.

9) Disability benefits could be interrupted.

10) Kids with cancer could get turned away from treatment.


Gary's note:  Massachusetts Impact will be delayed as long as the Commonwealth can shift fiscal resources around, essentially borrowing from reserves;  but this will become more problematic if the shutdown goes into more and more weeks.  The federal government has promised to repay states that shift funds to continue critical and essential services.  All states, but Arizona, are following this option.
DDS Moving in Change Direction for Employment Programs
Elin Howe

This October, Change is in the air.  And of course it's not just about leaves turning from green to orange or brilliant red.

Though little noticed, Department of Developmental Services Commissioner Elin Howe issued an important Employment First Policy Update on October 3, 2013.

Key excerpt from Howe's statement follows:

Today I am announcing another important step to be taken to support our Employment First Policy direction:  As of 1/1/2014 no new referrals will be made to center-based work/sheltered workshop programs.  If there is an exception needed, the case will be reviewed for potential approval by the relevant Regional Director and Larry Tummino, Deputy Commissioner.

 

Though some are viewing Howe's statement as a new change of direction in state policy, it actually reflects a five year effort by the department to close sheltered workshops, expand Community Based Day Support (CBDS) programs, and increase both supported and competitive employment opportunities.

Five years ago, providers were put on notice by DDS to prepare transition plans to close their sheltered workshops as a condition of their employment contracts with the state.  Over the course of the last five years, many providers expressed a range of concerns including concerns about continuity of service and supports to all individuals currently in sheltered workshops, stability of funding for more inclusive employment and day service opportunities, impact to current system operations and how will families and consumers react to these changes.

To address these concerns,  DDS has been meeting with both The Arc of Massachusetts and ADDP to address service delivery design; and conducting outreach with stakeholder organizations including self advocates, family members and a variety of other organizations.

Disability Employment Awareness The DDS/Arc/ADDP study group is expected to share its' recommendations for how to proceed at the ADDP  2013 Member Meeting and Employment mini conference, to be held from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Bentley College in Waltham, on November 1, 2013.  Few seats remain available for participants to learn about, critique and offer recommendations on the developing plan.

To register visit the ADDP Website.