InVision Human Services’ Post

Its that time of year again! 💹 The Budget for 2024/25 has been delivered! So what does that mean for our participants? Check out Maple's summary of how this budget positively and negatively affects the disability community. I'm keen to start an important conversation, what are your thoughts on the Budget delivered? https://lnkd.in/exXWcKWw

🌟 Advocating for Equal Opportunities in Love and Family 🌟 In the land of opportunity, it's disheartening to think that some of our fellow Americans face an uphill battle to experience one of life's most beautiful moments: marriage and family. Let's talk about the challenges that disabled couples or couples with disabled children can encounter in the United States. Medical care is a critical necessity for many disabled individuals and their families, often with exorbitant costs reaching up to $200,000 a year in some cases when opting for private pay. Yet, what's often overlooked is the fine line between access to these life-saving services and financial stability. Most insurance through the workplace doesn't cover essential services such as speech, occupational, and physical therapy, nor does it provide assistance with child care for disabled children or help with medical equipment and supplies. This leaves countless families grappling with financial burdens that can be overwhelming. Consider this: if a family's annual income surpasses $40,000, they may find themselves ineligible for some state assistance programs. This puts immense pressure on the shoulders of parents who are already grappling with the unique challenges that disability can present. For many, this financial burden can have dire consequences. In some cases, disabled children are removed from their homes, becoming wards of the state. It's a heartbreaking situation for both the parents and the children involved, and it underscores the urgent need for change. What's even more tragic is that some married couples with disabled children have had to make the painful decision to divorce in order to meet the needs of their child, as the combined income disqualifies them from much-needed assistance. This is a call to action. We need to collectively raise our voices, advocate for change, and strive for a more inclusive and compassionate society. Disabled couples and families should not be denied the opportunity to experience love, marriage, and family due to financial hurdles or bureaucratic red tape. Let's work together to create a more equitable future for all, where every individual, regardless of their abilities, can pursue happiness, love, and family without fear of financial ruin. #EqualOpportunities #DisabilityRights #InclusionMatters #FamilyFirst #AdvocateForChange

There are so many barriers keeping us from getting the support we need. These programs demand time, money, and flexibility that many disabled Americans don't have. I've tried to navigate SSDI and it was incredibly ableist and demeaning. There are so many hidden obstacles that I never knew people with disabilities had. While my illness progresses, so too, do the challenges I face with housing, accommodations, educational discrimination, public transport inaccessibility, and receiving public services. This systematic ableism is invisible to able-bodied individuals. I work hard to build devices that help people live more affordable and accessible lives without the shame and fear of being vulnerable. I can't change the world alone, but I will do everything I can to help people overcome obstacles. https://lnkd.in/e-MpzZeE

Discover why budget cuts to disability services may seem like a quick fix but ultimately lead to higher long-term costs. Explore the ripple effects of neglecting support for the disabled community and learn why investing in equality is not just a moral imperative but also a sound fiscal decision.

As participants were selected for UpLift- The Central Iowa Basic Income Pilot, Disability Rights Iowa's Work Incentives Planning & Assistance team talked through the potential impacts of a $500 monthly income on public benefits, such as food assistance, housing, and child care. Here is what the team shared about that process: “We can’t just cookie cutter ‘here’s what is going to happen.' For each family, it depends on what their household make up looks like and how they are receiving benefits and how long they have received benefits. There are so many variables for each case.” - Mistie Johnson, CWIC and Project Supervisor “Our goal was to help avoid any pitfalls of someone participating and then realizing it actually was not going to be financially beneficial." - Jenny Lynes, CWIC Read more about how partners have helped inform the design and implementation of the pilot: https://lnkd.in/g2RC9_vZ

As a leader in the healthcare industry, it's crucial to address the concerns raised in this article regarding the ongoing funding challenges for group homes serving individuals with disabilities in Connecticut. Ensuring adequate financial support for these essential services is paramount to upholding the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities. We must advocate for sustainable funding solutions and collaborate with policymakers to safeguard access to quality care and support for vulnerable populations. #DisabilityRights #HealthcareAdvocacy #ConnecticutFundingChallenges

🚨 Important Advocacy Alert: The National Council on Disability is urging Congress to revise the outdated asset limits for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and other programs. 📊 Did you know? The asset limits for SSI have not been updated in 34 years, despite the rising cost of living. This stagnation is severely limiting the ability of individuals with disabilities to achieve financial independence and stability. 🔍 The Council's report highlights a critical issue: these unchanged limits force people with disabilities to remain below the poverty line to access necessary supports. It's time for a change. 👉 It's essential for us as professionals, advocates, and community members to support this push for reform. Updating these limits is not just a policy change—it's about empowering individuals with disabilities to live more independently and securely.

📢 Urgent Call for Action: Political Crisis Endangers Disabled People's Services and Representation in Northern Ireland The political crisis in Northern Ireland is taking a severe toll on disabled individuals. The austerity budget, imposed due to the lack of government, is slashing funding and services vital to our community. 💔 Disability Action, along with 61 health-related organisations, will no longer receive core grant funding from the Department of Health starting September 30, 2023. This decision will have severe impacts on essential regional information and advice services relied upon by thousands. It also marks the end of vital public engagement and representation work that has been ongoing for over two decades in partnership with the Department. ⚠️ We urgently call on the Department of Health to reconsider this decision and maintain these essential services. The lack of functioning political institutions is creating a governance and accountability gap with severe consequences for disabled individuals and service delivery. 🙏 We also call on all political parties to demonstrate collective leadership and immediately restore the Executive and Assembly. This is crucial for the well-being of all the people of Northern Ireland. Nuala Toman, Head of Policy at Disability Action, states, "This is a sad day for disabled people and Disability Action. We deeply regret that we can no longer deliver information and advice services that thousands rely on. The current political and economic crisis is having a devastating impact on disabled people. Urgent action is required before it's too late." Join us in advocating for change, and let's work together to protect our community's rights and well-being. 💪 #DisabilityRights #NorthernIreland #PoliticalCrisis https://buff.ly/48udKKX

Advocacy Alert! On Tuesday, 1/16/2024, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Editorial Board published an important piece: "Another budget, another chance to help Pa's struggling disability care system. https://ow.ly/GrmH50QseAl As Governor Shapiro's budget announcement nears, The Provider Alliance TPA, PAR - Pennsylvania Advocacy and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disability, and other provider associations from across the state are advocating for the inclusion of increased rates for direct support professionals (DSP). "The best news Pennsylvania’s disability advocates received in years came last September, when Mr. Shapiro ordered an early review of the state’s DSP reimbursement rates. And we urged — and continue to urge — that the review take into account not just inflation, but the wage rates needed to maintain a robust, sustainable system of care." - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Editorial Board Visit the websites of provider associations to learn more and take action: The Provider Alliance: https://ow.ly/crzK50QseAq PAR: https://ow.ly/5FpQ50QseAp #MainstayPA #EnrichingLivesUnlockingPotential #Advocacy #Pennsylvania #Disability