Coronavirus, has been the subject of intense media attention for the past several weeks. Along with that attention comes the possibility of misinformation that results in unease and panic.
Please join us in Celebrating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month on March 11, 2020
The Kentucky DD Network Partners invite you to complete the 2020 Joint Needs Assessment. Every few years, we look at the needs of people with developmental disabilities in Kentucky. We know the needs vary by place, so we ask people across the state to help. We invite you to give your opinion about the issues affecting people with disabilities. It can take up to 20 minutes to complete this survey and it is available online at the link below.
Legislative advocacy – changing public policy to improve people’s lives – is important for health and mental health professionals, consumers, family members, and advocates. The legislative process and ways to make policy change happen through advocacy will be described from the perspective of an experienced lobbyist/psychologist, legislators and others who know Frankfort well. Questions to be addressed: “How can I make my voice be heard? Why get into the game? How can I become a player? How can I influence the outcome?” Skill Level: Beginning
The Department for Medicaid Services (DMS) wants to share some important updates with stakeholders of the 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs.
The CCDD complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate, exclude or treat people differently in employment or its programs. The CCDD prohibits harassment and discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, veteran status or any other protected category. The CCDD additionally supports federal regulations and Commonwealth Executive Order 13166 ensuring meaningful access to Limited English Proficiency persons to all programs and activities. Prohibited activities include unwelcome verbal, written, physical conduct, or electronic communication that either degrades or shows hostility or aversion towards a person.
This past weekend the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities hosted it's a third session of the first inaugural class for Kentucky Partners in Policymaking (KPIP) with 22 engaging participants. This past session, our focus was on assistive technology and smart homes for people with disabilities. On the second day, information was geared toward Person-Centered Planning.
1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers - October 2019. The federal Medicaid program allows states to “waive” certain Medicaid requirements when they create 1915(c) HCBS waiver programs. This means the elderly or individuals with disabilities who wouldn’t typically qualify for Medicaid receive the services they need to live in the community as independently as possible.
This past weekend the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities hosted it's a second session of the first inaugural class for Kentucky Partners in Policymaking (KPIP) with 22 engaging participants. “This past session, our focus was on lifelong education and how the right supports can drive independence. Participants were able to experience disability from many perspectives, such as the need for a source of communication for all.” says Katie Bentley, KPIP co-facilitator.
Halloween is probably second only to Christmas on the list of favorite holidays. It’s full of candy, costumes, and more candy, so what person wouldn’t like it? But for people with disabilities, it might not have the same allure. As a person with a disability or parent of a child with a disability, your brain may have to work in overdrive to problem-solve issues like how to make the perfect, functional Halloween and where the accessible Trick-or-Treat route is. But the clock hasn’t struck midnight, so don’t turn into a pumpkin just yet. Let us help you create a healthy, fun, and fully inclusive Halloween for everyone to enjoy!
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Labor has announced "The Right Talent, Right Now" as the theme for the 2019 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).
The 2019 theme emphasizes the essential role that people with disabilities play in America's economic success, especially in an era when historically low unemployment and global competition are creating a high demand for skilled talent. The Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) administers NDEAM.
This past weekend the Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities launches the first session of the first inaugural class for Kentucky Partners in Policymaking (KPIP) with 22 engaging participants. “After a successful first session we are excited to see what lies ahead for Kentucky disability advocates,” says Nicole Maher, KPIP co-facilitator.
The CCDD is happy to announce the launching of our Summer/Fall 2019 – Exceptional Family Magazine! This magazine highlights independence, integration, and inclusion of Kentuckians with developmental disabilities and is also available in Spanish. Stay up to date on current news, projects, and opportunities. Since first publishing in 2009 Exceptional Family Magazine has kept and in-depth resources list. Dive into this free experience!
The Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities released its Annual Report, which highlights the major work that the Council has carried out over the year to ensure that positive changes are happening for people with developmental disabilities and their families with Kentucky. The report outlines the major work that has been done through the CCDD’s various programs, special projects the Council undertook, and funding that the Council provided for innovative independent projects which benefit people with developmental disabilities in Kentucky The report also serves as an overview of the CCDD, its overall goals, and its mission to those who may not be familiar with its role within the state.
The Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities and the Human Development Institute at the University of Kentucky are offering monthly Learn & Learn informational sessions on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m. Each session is offered in-person at HDI’s Coldstream Campus, 1525 Bull Lea Road, Suite 100, Lexington, and online through ZOOM. Presenters are experts in their field. Sessions are interactive with time for questions. Participants are invited to bring their lunch to each session. “Knowledge is so powerful. It sets us free and moves us forward,” said Katie Bentley of the CCDD. “It provides us with the power to help ourselves and others. When you attend our Lunch and Learns, you are building power as you network with experts.” An ASL sign interpreter will be available at each session. Register by 5 p.m. the day before.
Currently, high school students are participating in a wonderful, inclusive opportunity! Kentucky students with and without disabilities are participating in a learning field trip of our nation's capital funded by the CCDD! Close Up is the nation’s leading non-profit, civic education organization and has had more than 850,000 students and teachers take part in its unique educational experience over the past 45 years.
The Commonwealth Council on Developmental Disabilities released its Annual Report, which highlights the major work that the Council has carried out over the year to ensure that positive changes are happening for people with developmental disabilities and their families with Kentucky. The report outlines the major work that has been done through the CCDD’s various programs, special projects the Council undertook, and funding that the Council provided for innovative independent projects which benefit people with developmental disabilities in Kentucky The report also serves as an overview of the CCDD, its overall goals, and its mission to those who may not be familiar with its role within the state.
The Department for Medicaid Services (DMS) has released its formal response to public comment on the amended 1915(c) HCBS waiver applications. The public comment period took place from March 15 to April 15, 2019. You can find the formal response on the DMS Division of Community Alternatives (DCA) website. DMS is also releasing additional educational materials ahead of its statewide town hall tour, which begins tomorrow. On the DMS DCA website you will find documents on the following topics:
