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June 2015

 MMI Collaboration with the state     Title V Program
The Nebraska Title V program recently completed their 5-year needs assessment as federally required. Title V is a federal block grant funded from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau that works to improve maternal and child health and has a special focus on Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs (CYSHCN). Munroe-Meyer staffers, Mark Smith and Sarah Swanson were asked to chair the group representing CYSHCN. The CYSHCN group was composed of many families that have children with special healthcare needs, staff from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, other professionals and faculty from MMI, including Cindy Ellis, M.D. and Wayne Stuberg, PhD. Groups representing Women, Children, Infants, Adolescents and CYSHCN were asked to identify areas of concern, prioritize them and create briefs to describe the need.                                                                        The priorities for the CYSHCN workgroup included:
  • Adequate Health Insurance
  • Families who Partner in Decision-Making Within the Medical Home
  • Mental Health
  • Transition
  • Unmet Family Needs/Support
 All of the priorities have been disseminated for public comment. For a full list of the Title V workgroup priorities and policy-briefs, click here.
 
   The Use of Restraint and Seclusion the Topic of Joint Board Meeting

Earlier this month, members from the Boards of Disability Rights Nebraska, the Nebraska Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities and MMI's Community Advisory Board for the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) Program participated in a meeting which reviewed information on and developed recommendations related to the use of restraint and seclusion in medical, school and community settings. The use of Restraint and Seclusion in schools has

Tim Shaw, CEO of Disability Rights Nebraska discusses the report they issue on Restraint and Seclusion in Nebraska schools (link below).

been a 'hot topic' nationally as well as within the state. Recently, national legislation was introduced which would require schools to implement stricter guidelines on both restraint and seclusion.  In Nebraska, guidelines on the use of restraint and seclusion are developed by each individual school district. Currently there are 2 legislative resolutions which are looking at the use of the use of Restraint and Seclusion in Nebraska's schools.  These include:

LR249 - Introduced by Senator Coash, the study aims to review the use of seclusion in both public and private schools for children with behavioral and special health needs.

LR314 - Introduced by Senator Kowolski, the interim study will examine issues relating to the use of restraint and seclusion techniques in Nebraska schools.

 

 Additional Resources and Reports:

 

Call for Proposals

People First of Nebraska (PFN), Inc. announces the theme of the PFN 2015 Annual convention:

"Never Give Up on Your Dreams"

 

October 16, 17 & 18, 2015 Holiday Inn Kearney, NE

 

In keeping with this theme, People First of Nebraska is calling for presentations and training workshops for the annual convention that focus on helping People First members can achieve their dreams by learning and practicing new and stronger self-advocacy skills. These presentations/workshops should address self-advocacy and self-determination in all parts of individual's daily lives, including:

  •  Finding and keeping employment or starting their own businesses
  •  Living where and with whom they choose (and the skills to live as   independently as possible)
  •  Choosing healthy lifestyles and relationships
  •  Learning how to manage conflicts and stressors
  •  Accessing organizations and services in communities including recreation, transportation, education, community service opportunities, and faith communities.

More information is available here, or by contact Kellie Ellerbusch, People First Support Staff, at (402) 559-4892 or [email protected]

 You Can Make a Difference in Nebraska by Completing this Survey

The Nebraska Planning Council on Developmental Disabilities believes that all people with disabilities should be supported to live in their communities.  To stay focused on their mission, every five years the Council identifies ways to make a positive difference in the lives of those with developmental disabilities and their families.  Please help the Council plan their work supporting people with developmental disabilities to be included and to meaningfully participate in all aspects of life by completing this survey to help identify areas of need. 

 

Please go  online https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DDNeeds2015  or complete the attached survey by June 30th!

 

It should take 15-20 minutes to complete. 

Thanks so much for providing your feedback. 

 

Please contact Barb Jackson [email protected] or Becky Harris [email protected] if you have any questions. 

 

NE State CapitolNebraska Legislation

The first session of the 104th Legislature was completed in May. Any Bills "left on the books" in the first session will carry over into the second session. Disability-related bills included:

LB 16- This is an employment bill that would require the state to purchase from entities who employ people with disabilities.  However, it does not allow for competitive, integrative employment.  (Carry over)

LB 111- This bill would require individuals to present an intellectual disability to vote.  There is a concern that this would limit individuals with disabilities opportunities to vote.  (Carry over)

LB125- Creates a fund from Medicaid fraud settlements to support "health homes" for medically underserved.  (Carry over)

LB163- Creates an Emergency management registry that would allow individuals to self-report medical condition, primary language and emergency contacts.  Information would only be available to emergency management agencies, first responders and public safety agencies.  (Carry over)

LB 320- Establishes an Aging and Disability Resource Center between the Centers for Independent Living, the Area Agencies on Aging and the Munroe-Meyer Institute's University Center Program.  Options-counselors would be available to assist individuals who are aging or who have disabilities to access community resources.  (Passed & Approved by Governor)

LB366- Would increase the personal needs allowance for eligible aged, blind, and disabled individuals eligible for Medicaid from $50 to $75 per month.  (Amended to provide a personal needs allowance of $60.  Passed & Approved by Governor)

LB591- Allows that 529A plans be established in Nebraska for people with disabilities.  Eligible individuals will be allowed to establish ABLE Savings Accounts that will not affect their eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid and other public supports.  (Passed & Approved by Governor)

LB518-  Amends state Medicaid and offers health savings cards with amounts and co-pays based on earning.  It also offers a phone consultation line for screening and calls will be charged to the savings/debit cards.  (Carry over)

LB641- Amends Rules of the Roads statutes to include that any person with a disability operating a manual or motorized wheelchair on a sidewalk or crosswalk shall have the same rights and duties as a pedestrian under the same circumstances.  (Passed and Approved by Governor)

LR32- Continues the Developmental Disabilities Special Investigative Committee insure compliance with the terms of the Department of Justice decree and implementation of the recommendations of the Committee.   (Continued)

LR33- Continues the ACCESS Nebraska Special Investigative Committee and authorizes oversight of the ACCESS Nebraska system.  (Continued)

 The Google Impact Challenge: Disabilities

Google has committed over $20 million  to improve technologies in order for individuals with disabilities to have increased opportunities for independence. In addition, Google is also asking individuals with disabilities to contribute to the discussion of items that need to be improved. To learn more about the initiative click here or contribute your ideas here.  

 For Help Navigating Systems and Information: 

 Contact our family support coordinators:

  

Mark Smith, M.S.

402-559-5744 or

[email protected]

 

 

Sarah Swanson, B.S.Ed.

402-559-4573 or

[email protected]

*This newsletter is intended for informational purposes and does not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Nebraska.

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To Schedule an Appointment, Call:

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Other Statewide Resources:

 

 

Many caregivers are eligible for a respite subsidy and can locate respite providers through the Nebraska Respite Network. Learn more by clicking the logo or calling the number above to be connected to a respite coordinator in your area.

 

 

PTI Logo  

Professional parents of children with disabilities or special healthcare needs teach other parents and help them advocate to improve their child's education and health. Click here for their upcoming trainings and events.

 

 

This is the federally-funded Protection and Advocacy Organization for Nebraska.

They work to safeguard the rights of people with disabilities and their families. Check out their activities here. 

 

 

 

 

 

The Nebraska Planning Council for Developmental Disabilities, a federally funded council (located within DHHS)  works to help improve services and supports for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and their families. Learn more here.

 

 

 

 

  Nebraska's Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is a database of resources, programs and services available for seniors and individuals with disabilities and their families. Click on the compass above to learn more.

 

 

 

 

O Hana Kids  

This is a statewide newsletter featuring information and events for families that have children with disabilities and  special healthcare needs. Go here for more info. 

 

 

 

Necesidad de traduccion al espanol?  1-800-656-3937 ext. 9-5815 

 

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