NADIA RUNS Floral Park Resident Vies For Legislature Seat - Able News
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
VOLUME 30 NUMBER 11 MAY 2021
NADIA RUNS IN THIS ISSUE
Quality of Care Lacking
Floral Park Resident Vies For Legislature Seat
Physicians’ Services For
IDD Community Scarce
Page 2
State Budget Passes
Funding Mixed Bag
For People With Disabilities
Page 3
Prosthetic Bill Back
Duckworth & Other Senators
Reintroduce Legislation
Page 3
Wage Bill Introduced
NFB Supports Eliminating
Subminimum Pay
Page 5
Delay Aging Out
State Law Would Extend
HS To 23 Years Old
Page 7
Obituary
All-Around Sportsman
Donaghey Dies
N
adia Holubnyczyj, a res- various village committees such and has been active in the com- P age 12
ident of Floral Park for as the Citizens with Disabilities munity for nearly 20 years. She
20 years, is running for Committee, the Nassau County is an outspoken advocate for
Nassau County’s 8th Legislative Chapter of Frontline Foods which people with disabilities and was
District. supplies food for frontline work- active in the campaign to put el-
She announced her candida- ers and food insecure families. evators in the Floral Park LIRR
cy on Facebook and is endorsed Holubnyczyj is the daughter train station.
and supported by both the of Ukrainian immigrants and Holubnyczyj has a rare con-
Democratic and Working Fam- has been married to her husband genital disability called osteo- VISIT
ilies Parties. Marco for 20 years. They have genesis imperfecta. She is small ABLE’S
She has been active in the two sons. in stature and uses a wheelchair WEBSITE
PTA, her local civic association, She is a Floral Park resident full-time. WWW.ABLENEWS.COM
Quality Care For Those With IDD Scarce
ABLE NEWSPAPER - MAY 2021 PAGE 2
ABLE NEWSPAPER
R
P.O. Box 395, Old Bethpage, NY 11804
ecently published data These comments further than those without a disabil- 516 939-2253 FAX 516 939-0540
showed how almost 60 emphasize the need to im- ity. ablenews@aol.com
www.ablenews.com
percent of physicians prove how medical schools Several studies have shown
feel they cannot provide qual- educate their students about that people with IDD have
ity care to people who live the fundamentals of provid- a greater likelihood of get-
with intellectual or develop- ing healthcare for people ting COVID-19 and of dying
mental disabilities (IDD). In with disabilities. “It’s more from COVID. The most re-
fact, a new survey reveals than just learning about how cent study notes that people
details on nurses’ difficult to treat medical conditions with an intellectual disabil- Published By
experiences with physicians commonly seen in people with ity have a 5.9 times greater Melmont Printing
in working to get appropri- IDD like aspiration pneumo- risk of dying from COVID the
Publisher
ate healthcare for the people nia and bowel obstruction,” second, only to age, as the Angela Miele Melledy
with IDD they support. The said Escudé, who conducted greatest risk factor.
study published in EC Nurs- the nursing survey, “Physi- The most recently devel- Editorial Assistant
ing and Healthcare in Feb- cians should be taught about oped program to train cli- Pat Horwell
ruary can be an emotionally the support structure for peo- nicians is the Curriculum Allison Howe
difficult read. ple with IDD, how to facili- in IDD Healthcare. It’s a
“Learning about current tate better communication six-module, online course Staff Writers
Beth Guarino (emerita)
attitudes and perceptions and, most importantly, about that teaches the fundamen- Karin Falcone Krieger
about people with IDD that the often-missed direct rela- tals of IDD healthcare to both
many physicians have is tionship of various adverse medical students and prac- Columnists
heartbreaking.,” said. Craig behaviors to treatable, un- ticing clinicians, alike. “On- Disabled in Action
Escudé, physician and presi- derlying medical causes.” line learning programs make Phil Beder
dent of IntellectAbility. “It’s A survey of 714 practicing it easy to learn from experts Edith Prentiss (emerita)
commonly known by family physicians revealed that only in various fields without hav- Anthony Trocchia
members, nurses, direct sup- about 40 percent of physi- ing to hire new school teach-
port professionals and people cians were greatly confident ing staff or attending live lec- United Spinal Association
with disabilities that finding about their ability to provide tures,” Escudé said. Jim Weisman
a clinician who understands the same quality of care to “When we educate clini-
the unique needs of people patients with a disability and cians, we save lives,” says Production Director
with disabilities is challeng- 56 percent strongly agreed Escudé. “The efforts being Debbie Simko
ing. The experiences of the that they welcomed people made to improve IDD health- Art & Production
nurses related in this survey with a disability into their care education, while over- Jennifer Becker
explains why.” practices. The study pub- due, will undoubtably have Ann Imbrogno
Some of the quotes provid- lished in February also re- a tremendously positive im-
ed by these nurses include: lated that 82 percent of phy- pact on the lives of millions Technical Assistance
“During a consultation with sicians believed that people of people with intellectual Louis Melledy
an ER physician, the doctor with a significant disability and developmental disabili-
stated that people like my have a worse quality of life ties in the US.” Social Media Assistance
Sofie Melledy
patient aren’t meant to live
that long and have no quali-
ty of life;” “Physician uncom- May Is Lupus Awareness Month Office Manager
Fannie Miele (emerita)
fortable with treating indi- People are invited to join the It’s also a time to celebrate
viduals with IDD. Appeared nationwide effort to make Lu- the strength, passion and op- Accounting
either scared or annoyed;” pus visible to raise awareness timism of people with lupus, Margaret Wenzel
and “I’ve had a number of and funds for lupus research and those who love them.
physicians, instead of treat- and education programs in the For information on the Lupus Advertising Rates
Furnished Upon Request
ing our individuals, recom- month of May. Foundation of America people are
mend hospice because of a May is Lupus Awareness invited to follow them throughout Postmaster: Send address changes to Able News
poor quality of life.” May on Facebook, Twitter and
at P.O. Box 395, Old Bethpage, N.Y. 11804. Period-
Month. icals are being paid for at Bethpage, N.Y. post of-
Instagram to receive the latest fice. ©1994 ABLE NEWSPAPER. Able Newspaper
is published monthly by Melmont Printing, 6 Robert
news and resources that impact Court, Bethpage, N.Y. 11714. Able welcomes man-
RICE
Subscribe Today L PRICE
the lupus community.
uscripts and suggestions for articles. However, to
assure safe return, manuscripts must be accompa-
P Mail in Subscription PECIA Everyone can use the nied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. No re-
IAL
SPEC
sponsibility is assured for unsolicited manuscripts
S hashtags, #LupusAwareness- or art. Submissions are the author’s warranty that
1 Year $11.00 2 Years $18 Month or #LAM throughout the
the material is not an infringement of the rights
of others and that the material may be published
Please enter my subscription to Able Newspaper month to follow along. without further approval. Editorial material does not
necessarily reflect the view of the editor/publisher
Name _________________________________________________ Social media is also a great of Able Newspaper. Advertisers are responsible for
Address________________________________________________ the content of advertisements. No part of this pub-
way to share one’s story and see lication may be reprinted without the permission
Town _________________________________
how fellow lupus warriors are
Subscribe online of the publisher. Able is not responsible for errors
State ___________________ FREE in advertisements beyond the price of the space
Zip _____________ www.Ablenews.com making lupus visible. occupied by the error. The publisher reserves the
right to decline advertising for any reason.
For mailed subscription make check or money order payable to Able News, Their website www.lupus.
Mail to P.O. Box 395, Old Bethpage, N.Y. 11804 org/LAM is a way to find all The Deadline For The
VISA MASTERCARD AMERICAN EXPRESS the tools and tips needed to
raise awareness and help bring June Issue of
Acct#______________________________________Exp Date _______________
Signature ___________________________________ Security Code __________ greater attention to the fight to Able Newspaper
Allow 6-8 weeks for first issue end lupus. Will Be May 11
State Budget Mixed Bag For PWD
PAGE 3 MAY 2021 - ABLE NEWSPAPER
G
ov. Andrew Cuomo re- website, minimum thresholds the existing nursing-home- Fair Pay for Home Care
cently signed a $212 have been established which quality pool for further invest- Despite a strong grass roots
billion New York state mandate 70 percent of reve- ments for facilities to meet effort, Fair Pay for Home Care
budget for fiscal year 2021- nues must be spent on direct high quality standards. was not included in the final
2022, which includes some resident care and 40 percent Ombudsman Program budget, resulting in no salary
increases that will fund pro- be spent on resident-facing The Long-Term Care Om- increase for personal assis-
grams for the disabled, but also staffing, capping profits at five budsman Program received an tants. The Senate passed the
excludes or underfunds sever- percent. increase of $250,000, but ac- measure, but the assembly did
al other key initiatives that ad- “It would have been helpful cording to statements from the not. Disability advocates have
vocates have been pushing for. to get even more funding for Center for Independence for the been fighting for a pay hike,
Nursing Homes nursing homes, but this is a Disabled New York (CIDNY) claiming that the current rate
The budget will address the step in the right direction,” and the New York Association of $12.50 per hour for aides
need for improved patient care said Richard Mollot, executive of Independent Living (NYAIL), has caused consumers great
at nursing homes through sev- director of Long Term Care this amount was sharply lower difficulty in finding and hold-
eral reforms, including $64 mil- Community Coalition. than advocates hoped for in or- ing on to staff.
lion for increased staffing. Ac- Excess revenue recouped by der to sufficiently serve people “There has been a big push
cording to the Governor’s the state will be deposited into in long-term-care facilities. Continued on page 4
The Arc Supports Biden’s Jobs Plan
For years, the service system bridges, the administration rec- These direct care workers to receive in their homes and
that people with intellectual and ognizes, that the home- and com- are mostly women of color; they community.
development disabilities (IDD) munity-based service (HCBS) are denied a living wage due to The plan includes a perma-
and their families rely on has fall- system, a central part of the care underfunding of the Medicaid nent reauthorization of the Mon-
en short of meeting their needs. infrastructure, needs and de- HCBS system that pays their ey Follows the Person program,
The COVID-19 pandemic has serves the same critical invest- wages. A well paid, well trained a federal program that supports
magnified this problem and ex- ments. Now, it is in the hands of workforce that can grow with people with disabilities and ag-
posed the cracks and gaps in Congress. and meet the increasing need is ing adults to move out of large
the care infrastructure when it Growing the direct care work- critical to recovery and to provid- congregate settings and back to
comes to supporting people with force, expanding access to ser- ing people with disabilities and their homes and communities.
disabilities. The Arc is encour- vices, and supporting family their families’ quality supports The Arc has been advocating for
aged by the Biden Administra- caregivers are key to economic and services they need and want these advances for years.
tion’s announcement that the recovery. The administration’s
American Jobs Plan includes a plan to provide more funding for
$400 billion investment to sup- HCBS, create jobs and increase Norris Celebrates 40th With New Music
port and grow the direct care wages and benefits for direct care
workforce, expand service de- workers addresses the rising lev-
livery and eliminate waiting el of need for these services. It
lists so that people with disabil- also targets the longstanding
ities and unpaid family caregiv- inequities experienced by the
ers can return to the economy. direct care workforce that were
Like crumbling roads and made worse by the pandemic.
Prosthetic Device Bill Reintroduced
Sens. Tammy Duckworth with limb loss and limb differ-
(D-Ill,) and Marsha Blackburn ence never receive a prosthetic
(R-Tenn.) and Reps. G.K. Butter- device, but there is little analysis
field (D-N.C.) and Brett Guthrie to explain why.
(R-Ky.) have reintroduced the Ac- The Triple A Study Act solves
cess to Assistive Technology and that problem by directing the
Devices for Americans Study Act non-partisan Government Ac-
or the Triple A Study Act (S.1089/ countability Office to study bar-
H.R.2461). riers to care for assistive tech-
It will identify the best care nologies, including prosthetic
practices for people living with devices, and evaluate how those
limb loss or limb difference so affect patient outcomes by com-
they can be replicated across paring results across Medicare,
health systems to improve the the VA and private insurers. It
health of our community. examines specific challenges,
Legislation needs to pass both including the affordability of de- Namel “TapWaterz” Norris recently released some new mu-
chambers of Congress, so having vices, how often people are as- sic “Picture Me Rolling” in honor of his 40th birthday. Norris, who
the Triple A Study Act reintro- sessed or denied coverage and was paralyzed due to an accidental shooting, is a member of the
Hip Hop Group 4 Wheel City.
duced in the Senate and House if patients can return to work. Visit https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/tapwaterz/piture-me-roll-
shows strong support for those The bill sponsors request that cit- ing-2 to learn about the release and https://distrokid.com/hyper-
policy priorities. izens ask their Senators and Rep- follow/tapwaterz/picture-me-rolling-2 to download and stream it.
Two-thirds of people living resentatives to cosponsor the bill.
Rescue Plan Delivers for Disabled
ABLE NEWSPAPER - MAY 2021 PAGE 4
O
ne year after the well as other funding and pro- with disabilities, surviving marketplace through expand-
COVID-19 pandemic visions to help the disability the rest of the pandemic. ing and extending available
began, Congress has community. It includes extensions of subsidies.
passed and the president has The American Rescue Plan tax credits and public assis- It also includes $4 billion
signed into law a pandemic also includes adult depen- tance increases, which can in funding for programs that
relief package with funding dents in covid relief stimulus enable Americans to weather provide mental health ser-
that will specifically benefit payments, which will ensure this economic and health cri- vices and supports, including
people with disabilities and that people with disabilities sis. greater support for mobile
help our communities sur- are not excluded from this At a time when access to af- crisis units and for children’s
vive. critical financial relief. fordable healthcare could not mental health programs.
The American Rescue Plan Additionally, this COVID-19 be more important, the new The plan also provides $3
includes nearly $13 billion in relief bill includes other pro- law also bolsters the Afford- billion for programs under
funding for home- and commu- visions that will support all able Care Act and improves the Individuals with Disabili-
nity-based services (HCBS) as Americans, including people affordability of the healthcare ties Education Act.
NEW YORK STATE BUDGET PASSED
Continued from page 3
to pay aides a living wage to them, angering and confound- is estimated that more than ers was restored in the final
make it easier for people to ing,” said Joe Rappaport, exec- 100,000 individuals per year budget.
hire and retain qualified staff,” utive director of the Brooklyn will benefit from crisis in- Health Care Costs
said Meghan Parker, direc- Center for Independence of the tervention at these centers. The budget reduces health
tor of advocacy at NYAIL. “It Disabled. “But we’re pleased The centers will be open 24 care costs for low-income New
was very disappointing that it that the Senate fought hard hours per day, 365 days per Yorkers by eliminating essen-
wasn’t passed. It has already for an increase and know that, year. They will accept all ad- tial plan premiums and out-
caused so many care assistants in the end, we’ll convince the missions without referral, in- of-pocket expenses, including
to leave the field.” assembly and the governor to cluding direct drop-offs by law dental and vision benefits.
“As the pandemic showed, keep New Yorkers living at enforcement and other first re- Broadband
nursing institutions are among home, not in a home.” sponders. It also includes a require-
the most perilous places on the Urgent Care Centers COLA ment that every broadband
planet, which makes Alba- The launch of urgent care Also included is $46.2 million provider offer service with
ny’s decision not to raise the centers for mental health and to provide a one percent cost of speeds of at least 25mbps, at
wages for home-care aides, addiction services have been living adjustment (COLA) to the discounted rate of $15, for
so that people can stay out of authorized. On average, it nonprofits that are licensed, every household that is eligible
certified or otherwise autho- for SNAP, reduced-price school
rized by the Office of People lunches, Medicaid benefits, se-
with Developmental Disabili- nior citizen rent increase ex-
ties, the Office of Mental Health emptions or affordability ben-
and the Office of Addiction efits from a utility.
Services and Supports. The Education
budget also provides $5.6 mil- Randi Levine, policy direc-
lion for a one percent COLA tor of Advocates for Children
increase for other human of New York, stated that there
services agencies, including will be positive and negative
the State Office for the Aging, outcomes in regard to educa-
the Office of Temporary and tion in the new budget.
Disability Assistance, and the “We are very pleased that
Office of Children and Family the final New York state
Services. budget includes a three-year
Pharmacy Benefits phase-in of the Foundation
In addition, the budget tran- Aid funding, long owed to our
sitioned the Medicaid pharma- schools, on top of the full fed-
cy benefit from managed care eral COVID-19 relief funding
to fee-for-service in order to for schools,” said Levine. “This
increase transparency, max- much-needed funding will help
imize rebates and reduce ad- schools serve all students, in-
ministrative costs. This will cluding students with disabil-
delay the transition by two ities. We also appreciate that
years, until April 1, 2023. the final budget rejects the
Independent Living Centers special education waiver that
The $500,000 proposed cut had been proposed by the gov-
Look for our Magazine DESIGNS 4 LIVING to independent living centers ernor.
(ILC) was restored, with an “We are disappointed that
coming out this July. Read our Contributors Stories, additional $500,000 included, the proposal to provide pre-
Accessible Home Design and So Much More. giving the network a modest school special education pro-
funding increase. In addition, grams with an increase in pay-
Visit us and view our E-Magazine at
the one percent across-the- ment rates on-par with school
BRICKHOUSEDESIGNS.NET board cuts to Medicaid provid- Continued on page 15
Law Has Improvements for Deaf, Blind Students
PAGE 5 MAY 2021 - ABLE NEWSPAPER
S
ens. Edward Markey hard of hearing, blind, visually Sullivan Macy, Helen Keller’s blind, visually impaired, and
(D-Mass.) and Shelley impaired, and deaf-blind. famous teacher. deaf-blind students, provided by
Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), The legislation would also If passed, the Cogswell-Macy trained personnel.
and Reps. Matt Cartwright enhance reporting and evalu- Act would require states to identi- Finally, it would establish the
(Pa., Dist.8) and David McKin- ation measures for special ed- fy and evaluate children who are Anne Sullivan Macy Center of Vi-
ley (W.Va.,Dist.1) have rein- ucation in each state, increase visually- and hearing-impaired sion Loss and Educational Excel-
troduced bipartisan legislation training for teachers and other so that appropriate services can lence within the Department of
that would strengthen the Indi- special education professionals be delivered to each student, and Education to function as a nation-
viduals with Disabilities Educa- and reaffirm the Department of report instances when they fall al resource.
tion Act (IDEA) to ensure that Education’s mission and respon- short. It would also help parents This bill has been introduced
visually- and hearing-impaired sibility to ensure an accessible and educators stay informed and to both the U.S. House of Repre-
students receive the best educa- and quality education for all up to date through written policy sentatives and to the U.S. Senate.
tion possible. students. guidance released regularly from The bill sponsors encourage citi-
The Alice Cogswell and Anne This bill is named after Alice the Department of Education and zens to call or email their elected
Sullivan Macy Act would improve Cogswell, the first deaf student encourage states to plan for and representatives and ask them to
services and educational opportu- that was formally educated in commit to specialized instruc- support the Alice Cogswell and
nities for students who are deaf, the United States, and Anne tion for all deaf, hard of hearing, Anne Sullivan Macy Act.
NFB Supports Bill Eliminating Subminimum Wages
The National Federation of the ward competitive integrated em- us dignity, purpose, and the op- Chairman Scott for rejecting over
Blind (NFB), the transformative ployment. portunity for a better life. I look eighty years of entrenched but
advocacy organization of blind “It is long past time for Con- forward to continuing to work in false thinking about the capacity
Americans, supports the intro- gress to phase out the submini- a bipartisan fashion to ensure of people with disabilities,” Mark
duction of the Transformation to mum wage for workers with dis- more people - who are ready, Riccobono, NFB president, said.
Competitive Integrated Employ- abilities and expand access to ful- willing and able to work- find “We strongly urge his colleagues
ment Act (H.R. 2373) in the Unit- filling employment and economic employment.” in both chambers of the Unit-
ed States House of Representa- self-sufficiency,” Scott said. “By “The National Federation of ed States Congress to transition
tives by Education and Labor fostering collaboration between the Blind and our partners, rep- from an ineffective employment
Committee Chair Bobby Scott (D- employers and services providers, resenting the 55 million Ameri- model to a policy that recognizes
Va.) and Representative Cathy this bipartisan legislation makes cans with disabilities, seek only the individuality, interests and
McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.). clear that it is not only possible, the kind of meaningful, remuner- skills of workers with disabilities
This legislation gradually but beneficial to invest in fully in- ative work that other Americans and allows them to live the lives
eliminates the payment of sub- tegrated and competitive jobs for take for granted. We applaud they want.”
minimum wages to people with people with disabilities. We must
disabilities over a four-year peri- take this next step to ensure that
od and prohibits the issuance of every worker can succeed in the We Are Pleased to Announce That Our
new special wage certificates un- workplace and earn a fair wage.” Clients Have the Option of Visiting Us
der Section 14(c) of the Fair La- “Disability employment is the At Any 1 of 3 New Locations!
bor Standards Act of 1938. The next policy frontier to empower
legislation also incentivizes em- people with disabilities to live full
ployers to transition away from and independent lives,” Rodgers
a segregated workplace model for said. “A job is so much more than
just a paycheck, it’s what gives
We Are Offering
people with disabilities and to-
50% Off
Impact of Virus on PWD Studied Initial Fees For Telephone or
Brandeis University is do- you self-direct your services and Video Skype Consultations
ing a study to learn about the supports?; In other words, do
experiences of people receiving you control who you hire to pro- We Provide Planning for Families & People with Disabilities
home- and community-based vide services or control a budget Supplemental Needs Trusts,
services and self-directing those for services?; Do you live in the Guardianships, Elder Law Planning,
services. United States? Wills, Trusts and Real Estate
Researchers are interested in Those who answered yes to
learning how people with dis- each of the questions above Melville Location Riverhead Location
abilities are staying safe, how might be eligible to participate. 445 Broad Hollow Road, Suite 25 21 East 2nd Street
they are keeping their personal Participation includes one inter- Melville, NY 11747 Riverhead, NY 11901
care attendants safe and how view over the telephone or video- (Office & Mail Service) (Not for Mail Service)
they are accessing critical ser- conference. The interview will be Garden City Location
vices and supports. Information about one hour. 600 Old Country Road, Suite 328
from this study will be used to Participants will receive a Garden City, NY 11553
advise government agencies and small gift card for their time. If in-
(Not for Mail Service)
providers. terested in participating, contact
Participants will be asked, Miriam Heyman, senior research Or, we can come to you in the convenience of your home!
Are you a person with a disabil- associate at the Lurie Institute Contact us today at
ity who receives Medicaid home for Disability Policy, by email at (631) 675-2540
and community-based services?; miriamheyman@brandeis.edu or Or visit our website at www.brandowlaw.com
Are you above the age of 18?; Do call 1-781-736-8415.
UNITED SPINAL
ABLE NEWSPAPER - MAY 2021 PAGE 6
5 Reasons to Use Summit Express
The Catheter Company NOW
Gaps in Coverage and Care
1. RECEIVE FREE SAMPLES
2. SPEAK WITH A LIVE PERSON
BY JAMES WEISMAN
NOT A VOICEMAIL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
3. NO UP FRONT COST TO YOU
When I started at Eastern Para-
4. MINIMAL PAPERWORK lyzed Veterans Association in 1979
(I had been a disability rights law-
5. ALL SUPPLIES SHIPPED DISCREETLY yer for two years), the very first
client I spoke to was a quadriple-
gic man from Duchess County who
called and said, “My check didn’t come. My home attendant
u’ re N ot H ap py With Your Current didn’t come, and there’s hair in my shower drain.” I respond-
If Yo
Call.
Provider Give Us A ed that I knew I could do something about the hair, but the
other two issues were much tougher.
We Can Help!! He told me that since he’d broken his neck, his wife and
children had left, he had no income but Social Security Dis-
ability Insurance, and he spent down to Medicaid eligibility
every month, so that he could receive homecare. When he
Summit Express Medical Supply was employed, he said, he was a safety engineer for an in-
info@summitexpressmed.com surance company. He assessed risk. When I asked him why
Phone: 888-269-6605 he didn’t have long-term care insurance or private disabili-
ty insurance, he said, ironically, “Because I knew the odds.”
Fax: 631-269-6230
Forty-two years later, the situation isn’t much better for
www.SummitExpressMed.com most people needing long-term care. Of course, in assessing
risk, most people worry about disability even less than they
do death. We know because far more people buy life insur-
ance to protect their family than buy disability or long-term
care insurance. Nevertheless, the people United Spinal As-
sociation represents, and many of you reading this now, rely
on personal care assistance to live effectively in the commu-
Get Connected.
d Get Answers. nity.
Health insurance – even under the Affordable Care Act
Nassau and Suffolk Counties
(ACA), also called Obamacare – leaves a huge gap in cover-
Free comprehensive Linea completa de age for people needing durable medical equipment (DME)
informa�on on local programs informacionon gra�
g s de pro- or supplies. Obamacare requires insurers to meet minimum
and referrals to available gramas locales y referencias dee coverage requirements, and of course, eliminates pre-exist-
services by phone. serrvicios disponibles por telefo-
telef
efo
o- ing conditions, exclusions and waiting periods.
Call 7 days a week or no. Llamas 7 dias de la semana The elimination of pre-existing condition hurdles, when
online 24/7. o en internet 24/7. viewed as a policy change could, in fact, be an “Emancipa-
tion Proclamation” for some people with disabilities. Those
2-1-1 or 1-888-774-7633 unwilling to risk leaving Medicaid and/or Medicare to go
2-1-1
2-1 1 sservice
1-1 ervice is
is available
available iin
nmmore
ore tthan 200
han 200 llanguages
anguages to work, because their pre-existing conditions would not be
covered, are no longer plagued by this problem.
However, those who use durable medical equipment, like
wheelchairs, and those who need medical supplies (diabetic
We’ve been there, so you can.... supplies, catheters, bandages, etc.) are still subject to caps in
private insurance policies and in the Obamacare plans that are
Know Before You Go!!!! publicly available. If a motorized wheelchair cost is $30,000,
and an employer’s health plan caps DME at $2,500 a year,
Accessibility information of leisure locations which is perfectly lawful, the wheelchair user is out of luck.
for people with mobility challenges
Medicaid would pick up the cost of the chair, but private
insurance will not. The need for coverage for medical sup-
plies and DME to be covered by insurers is acute, but unmet
• parking conditions • rest rooms and still keeps people with disabilities out of the labor force.
• ease of navigation • seating Consider these two issues together, i.e. the difficulty in
• food services • grounds obtaining adequate home- and community-based services,
and other import details coupled with the unaffordability, for some of adequate sup-
• theaters • museums • restaurants • parks & kid friendly venues plies and equipment and the promise of the Americans with
Disabilities Act and the Affordable Care Act is somewhat
www.destinationaccessible.com undermined.
(917) 693-3420 Continued on page 15
FCC Proposes Strengthening Alerts
PAGE 7 MAY 2021 - ABLE NEWSPAPER
T
he Federal Communica- warned of an incoming ballis- the state level or to review the Finally, to require and en-
tions Commission has tic missile and highlighted the composition and governance sure that Emergency Alert
proposed rules to im- need to improve these systems. of existing committees and re- System participants can repeat
prove the way the public re- The FCC made several pro- quire these committees to cer- certain alerts over television
ceives emergency alerts on posals. tify that they held a meeting in and radio when the government
their mobile phones, televisions One, is to combine the cur- the past year. alert originator requests it.
and radios. rent Presidential Alerts cate- The third, is to provide a check- The commission adopted a
The nation’s Emergency gory, which is non-optional on list of information that should be Notice of Inquiry to explore the
Alert System and Wireless devices that receive Wireless included in annual submissions technical feasibility delivering
Emergency Alerts help keep Emergency Alerts, with alerts of state Emergency Alert System Emergency Alert System alerts
the public safe and informed from FEMA. The new non-op- plans and amend the process for through the internet, including
and are of ever-increasing im- tional alert class would be FCC review of those plans. streaming services, and wheth-
portance given the emergencies called National Alerts.” The fourth, is to specify that er it is feasible for Emergency
and disasters Americans have Another, is to encourage all government agencies may re- Alert System participants to
faced in recent years. In 2018, states to form State Emergency port false emergency alerts to leverage the internet to offer
however, a false emergency Communications Committees the FCC’s 24/7 Operations Cen- advanced alerting capabilities
alert in Hawaii mistakenly to help administer alerting on ter. to the public.
Emergency Response Users To Get Refunds
Thousands of New Yorkers who unsuccessfully tried to center, typically through ac- months of service, in addition
locked into illegal contracts exercise certain cancellation tivating a pendant or brace- to upfront fees and a shipping
have a way out, thanks to an rights in the past. The agree- let worn by the consumer. charge (typically $198) for a
agreement with Life Alert ment resolves an investigation Consumers signing up for total payment ranging from
Emergency Response Inc., ne- into Life Alert’s failure to in- Life Alert’s service are required $1,996.20 to $3,436.20 over the
gotiated by New York Attorney clude mandatory cancellation to sign a 36-month monitoring- 36-month term.
General Letitia James. provisions required by New service agreement and pay a To protect consumers who
New York consumers may York law into its contracts. monthly service monitoring fee, want such services from rush-
cancel their current contracts Best known for its adver- plus upfront programming and ing into agreements, New York
with the company before the tising slogan, “Help! I’ve installation fees. Depending on state adopted a law that spe-
end of the 36-month contract fallen, and I can’t get up!” the specific service they choose, cifically deals with these types
they signed. Additionally, the company offers personal consumers pay between $49.95 of contracts. The law requires
James has negotiated for Life emergency response systems and $89.95 per month for 36 Continued on page 14
Alert to provide refunds to more to consumers, which allow
than 700 New York consumers them to notify a response
Law Would Delay Aging Out “Such a
In New York State, students turn to high school in 2021-22, it Pretty Girl”
have the right to attend high is up to districts whether to fol-
A Story of Struggle,
school to work toward a diploma low this guidance and give older
until the end of the school year in students more time. Empowerment and
which they turn 21 years old. The State Assembly and Sen- Disability Pride
Students with disabilities ate have introduced legislation
also have a legal right to transi- that would require school dis-
tion services – such as hands-on tricts to provide educational
job training or support learning and support services to students
independent living skills, like with disabilities until they turn
using money and traveling on 23. The bill covers students who
the subway – as part of their ed- would otherwise age out this year
Available at NYU
ucation to help them prepare for or next year, as well as students Press, Amazon.com
life after high school. who turned 21 during the 2019- & Local Book Stores
As a result of the pandemic, 20 school year, giving students
many older youths with disabil- with disabilities more time to
ities have been unable to access earn a high school diploma or
the special education supports meet their transition goals con-
they need to finish their course- sidering COVID-19.
work. Many have also missed out Citizens who support this
on opportunities to participate in move should contact their state
vocational and community-based representatives and other lead-
activities that they need to suc- ers in Albany and ask them to Nadina LaSpina, a disability rights activist tells
cessfully transition to adult life. support legislation (A.1201A/ the story of her liberation from oppressive stan-
Although the New York State S.2994A) extending school eligi- dards of normalcy, showing that freedom comes
Education Department recent- bility for students with disabili- not through cure, but through organizing to end
ly issued guidance strongly en- ties from age 21 to 23 during the
school years disrupted by the
exclusion from public and social life.
couraging districts to allow stu-
dents aging out this year to re- pandemic.
Medicaid Recipients Won’t Get Tax Form
ABLE NEWSPAPER - MAY 2021 PAGE 8
I
RS Tax Form 1095B will fying health coverage, which matically mailed one or more longer needs the information
no longer be automatically satisfies the individual’s IRS Form 1095-B and an ac- contained on IRS Form 1095-B
mailed to Medicaid consum- shared responsibility provi- companying cover letter to all to compute federal tax liability
ers. sion of the Affordable Care Act individuals who are enrolled in or file an income tax return.
Child Health Plus (CH- (ACA). The original ACA leg- Medicaid or with Minimum Es- To request IRS Form 1095-
Plus), or Essential Plan (EP) islation required consumers to sential Plan Coverage (MEC). B one can call 1-800-541-2831,
IRS Form 1095-B will only use Form 1095-B to compute Because the individual email a request to 1095B@
be mailed to those who re- their federal tax liability and shared responsibility payment health. ny.gov., or send a re-
quest a copy of the form. file their income tax return. for health coverage was re- quest via postal mail to NY
IRS Form 1095-B provides Prior to tax year 2020, the duced to zero beginning in tax State of Health. P.O. Box
proof of an individual’s quali- Department of Health auto- year 2019, an individual no 11.774, Albany, NY 12211.
People with Down Syndrome Need Physical & Brain Exercise
BrainHQ, the brain training and brain exercise,” said Henry and to improved performance Similarly, studies of Brain-
app from Posit Science, will be Mahncke, CEO of Posit Science. on both cognitive and physical HQ exercises have shown not
used alongside physical exer- “It’s well-established that phys- measures. just gains on standard cognitive
cise in a new study of people ical exercise improves physical The brain training used in assessments, but also in stan-
with Down syndrome. abilities, and that brain exer- the study was the Greek ver- dard measures of basic physi-
The study aims to measure cise improves cognitive abilities sion of BrainHQ. The physical cal abilities, including balance,
the impact of physical and cog- in most people. There’s no rea- training consisted of aerobic, gait, and even heart rate vari-
nitive exercise on physical and son to think it’s different among flexibility, strength, and bal- ability.
mental abilities. The study is members of the Down syndrome ance exercises. BrainHQ is offered, without
sponsored by the Canadian community.” Numerous other studies charge, by leading health plans
Down Syndrome Society (CDSS) In a prior small pilot study have shown that physical exer- and by hundreds of libraries
and is being led by researchers conducted by researchers at cise can drive not just physical and communities. Consumers
at Anglia Ruskin University. Aristotle University of Greece, gains, but also gains on some may try BrainHQ for free at
“I love that this study directly researchers announced they cognitive measures. www.brainhq.com.
confronts a prevailing prejudice found that a 10-week combined
that – as a genetic condition – protocol of physical exercise
the abilities of people with Down and brain training in people
syndrome are not susceptible to with Down syndrome led to Islip Career Center Trains Baristas
improvement through physical a reorganization of the brain
Shawn, from Connetquot Central School District, prepares a car-
amel Frappuccino at the new coffee café at Islip Career Center.
Food Prep Teacher Lauren Daquet recently launched it, along
with the new barista training, for her second-year students.
Students trained in the use of commercial-grade coffee equip-
ment take phone orders and create and package a large variety
of custom and seasonal drink orders. Completed orders are de-
RUNNING VITRUALLY | APRIL 29–MAY 5, 2021 livered to classrooms and offices. The ICC Carpentry class fabri-
cated the large menu board on the wall and the school’s Graphics
programs designed the custom drink sleeves, menus, and fre-
REELABILITIES.ORG/NEWYORK quent buyer cards.
Islip Center offers special education programs, providing skills
Film pictured: Not Going Quietly For Special Discount Use Code Able 21 training to students with special education needs.
AAPD Publishes ‘Disability in the Age of Covid-19’
PAGE 9 MAY 2021 - ABLE NEWSPAPER
W
hile COVID-19 has had American Rescue Plan by the the pandemic, which made it even Time of COVID-19” can be read
an impact on the lives of House and Senate provides criti- harder to employ them since last through the interactive web-
every American, the pan- cal and overdue funding to support March. page or as a pdf document at www.
demic has amplified and exacerbat- HCBS, this funding is time limited. The stories and insights from medium.com/disability-in-the-
ed existing disparities faced by peo- Long-Term Systemic the storybook “Disability in the time-of-covid-19.
ple with disabilities, communities Solutions are needed
of color, women, communities lack-
ing adequate internet and more, of-
Sustain and expand the Emer-
gency Broadband Benefit estab- MHAW Has COVID Hotline
ten with dire consequences. lished under the CARES Act. The Association for Mental “The Emotional Support
The American Associa- When the world moved online Health and Wellness (MHAW), Helpline will connect you with
tion of People with Disabilities at the start of the pandemic, too Suffolk County’s largest not-for- someone who has been trained
(AAPD) has conducted inter- many people with disabilities were profit provider of programs, ser- to hear what you are saying and
views with disability advocates left behind by inaccessible digital vices, and advocacy for people give you the kind of support that
and captured stories of peo- infrastructure and a lack of access facing mental health challenges, works best for you during the
ple with disabilities affected by to broadband internet and assis- is offering an emotional support pandemic,” said Tara Freder-
COVID in the book, “Disabili- tive technology. helpline staffed by trained cri- icks, MHAW’s director of special
ty in the Time of COVID-19.” Reform public benefits to pro- sis counselors who help callers projects who is also overseeing
Interviews with disability advo- mote financial security and resil- talk through their emotions and Project Hope for MHAW. “They
cates revealed many gaps in sys- ience not poverty. The restrictive find resources to help them cope can offer coping strategies, sup-
tems and policies that have left structure of Supplemental Secu- with challenges associated with portive resources, or simply a
people with disabilities behind rity Income (SSI) limits recipients COVID-19. chance to talk.”
and put them at risk during the to having $2,000 or less in assets MHAW is serving as a Suffolk In addition to the emotion-
pandemic and will continue to do and provides no more than $794 County partner agency in the al support helpline, NY Project
so during future disasters unless per month, which only worsened helpline initiative hosted by NY Hope helps New Yorkers under-
addressed. Certain key recom- poverty for people with disabilities Project Hope, a program of the stand their reactions and emo-
mendations have emerged. during the pandemic. New York State Office of Mental tions during the COVID-19 pan-
Increase Funding for Home- Provide Personal Protective Health. demic through digital education-
And Community-Based Services Equipment (PPE) and secure The helpline is at 631 471- al materials, a supportive social
HCBS funding is needed to en- higher wages for direct support 7242 ext. 1800. Trained crisis media presence and a website
sure that people with disabilities professionals who provide criti- counselors are available Monday with resources and relevant ma-
can access needed care from direct cal services and support to people through Friday between 9 a.m. terials at www.nyprojecthope.
support professionals, at home, with disabilities. Many receive low and 7 p.m. All helpline conver- org. NY Project Hope can also
rather than in nursing homes. wages and were not prioritized for sations are free, confidential and be followed on Facebook, Insta-
While the recent passage of the PPE and other protections during anonymous. gram and Twitter.
Able-Ride is Proudly
Serving Nassau County
Providing quality transportation
for the disabled community.
To apply for service or to find out
more information, please call 516.228.4000
or visit us at www.nicebus.com
TM
Able-Ride is a service of NICE, which is owned by Nassau County and operated by Veolia Transportation
Autonomous Vehicle Talks Are Online
ABLE NEWSPAPER - MAY 2021 PAGE 10
S
elf-driving or auton- hicles: A Public Dialogue” with clusive of everyone, including with hearing, visual or cogni-
omous vehicles (AVs) the U.S. Department of Labor’s passengers with physical, sen- tive disabilities; and ideas for
stand to revolutionize Office of Disability Employ- sory, or cognitive disabilities. future research needs and next
transportation in the U.S. and ment Policy, the U.S. Depart- The board is interested in de- steps required to ensure acces-
around the world. ment of Health and Human sign and development of AVs sible design and development
It’s important that they’re Services’ Administration for to ensure accessible entering, of AVs for those with disabili-
designed to be inclusive of ev- Community Living and other exiting, onboard maneuvering ties.
eryone. To promote accessibil- federal agencies. and securement for individuals The public may join
ity for people with disabilities This national online dia- with mobility disabilities; ac- the dialogue at any time
in the design of AVs, the U.S. logue is open to the public. All cessible ride hailing, on-board through May 5. Visit www.
Access Board is holding “Inclu- are invited to share their ideas communication and interact- transportationInnovation.
sive Design of Autonomous Ve- for designing AVs that are in- ing with AVs for passengers IdeaScale.com to participate.
Games for Visually Impaired Rated
Lenstore has taken an in- merous people are turning to However, most video games as possible and they accom-
depth look at the top rated playing games. and board games available plished this by providing 60
and most accessible video The most popular games of are designed for those with accessibility settings.
games and board games to 2020 were also analyzed to perfect vision in mind. The The game has accessibility
reveal how well the industry find out how equipped they small text, flashing images presets that include recom-
supports visually-impaired are for disabled players and and colors that don’t support mended settings for vision,
gamers. to highlight the lack of acces- those with color deficiency hearing and motor, however
The variety of features sibility for those with disabil- are often overlooked in the players can modify these so it
available like adjustable font, ities in the gaming industry. gaming community. fits their individual needs.
color deficiency filters and A study by DFC found After the best accessible The game is also one of
text-to-speech make “The that as of August 2020 more games were rated, 2020’s very few in the industry with
Last of Us 2” one of the most than 3 billion people around “The Last of Us Part II” native support for text-to-
accessible video games of all the world were playing vid- proved the best for people speech and offers several spe-
time. eo games and with the next with a visual impairment. cific gameplay features - skip
The global pandemic has gaming generation such as The publisher, Naughty Dog, puzzles, avoid falling, and
meant that many have spent the PS5 and Xbox Series X fi- set out to create a game ac- hide from enemies - that are
time indoors and at home nally here, this number is set cessible for as many players Continued on page 14
with not much to do. Nu- to grow.
Addiction Services Get Grant
Long Island Network, com- tington and lead applicant for
PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT prising 12 human service and the Long Island Network.
WHAT YOU HAVE TO OFFER behavioral health organiza- The Long Island Network is
tions from Nassau and Suf- a regional association of Ad-
folk counties, has been award- vanced Health Network and
ed a New York State grant of Recovery Health Solutions
ABLE HAS ONLINE ADS AND $5,745,233 in support of addic- (AHN-RHS), which consists of
PRINT/ONLINE COMBINATIONS tion prevention, treatment, and 50 NYS Office of Mental Health
recovery programs. (OMH) and Office of Addiction
The Long Island Network Services and Supports (OA-
LET US ADVISE YOU ON YOUR is composed of Bridge Back to SAS) licensed agencies.
Life Center, Inc., CSEDNY, Expanding behavioral health
BEST ADVERTISING OPTIONS Central Nassau (CN) Guidance services will break down barriers
& Counseling Services, Fam- to treatment and connect people
We Can Accommodate Every Budget ily & Children’s Association seeking services to resources.
(FCA), Family Service League, New Yorkers struggling with
DON’T MISS OUT ON Inc. (FSL), Hispanic Counsel- an addiction, or whose loved
ing Center Inc., Mercy Hos- ones are struggling, can find
OPPORTUNITIES IN ABLE’S pital, Northwell Health-Long help by calling the State’s toll-
NEXT ISSUE Island Jewish Medical Center, free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week,
Outreach Development Cor- HOPE line at 1-877-8-HOPENY
The Deadline for Each Issue poration, South Shore Child (1-877-846-7369), or by texting
Of Able Newspaper is Guidance/EPIC Long Island, HOPENY (Short Code 467369).
The 15th of The Month Prior to Publication and Sun River Health. Available addiction treatment
“Working together under including crisis/detox, inpatient,
this unified grant helps our community residence, or outpa-
CALL US NOW network of Nassau and Suffolk tient care can be found using the
agencies provide a wider selec- NYS OASAS Treatment Avail-
516 939-2253 tion of services for those most ability Dashboard at www.find
OR EMAIL vulnerable,” said Karen Boor- addictiontreatment.ny.gov or
amelledy@ablenews.com shtein, president and CEO of through the NYS OASAS web-
FSL, a nonprofit based in Hun- site.‘Still Judy’ Gets Arbus Awareness Grant
PAGE 11 MAY 2021 - ABLE NEWSPAPER
L
isa Denker has won the dream of becoming filmmakers, tially increases the number of “It’s been important to show
Loreen Arbus Disabili- but this grant in and of itself people who will think about ad- that beyond Judy’s living with
ty Awareness Grant from raises awareness since it’s of- vancing people with disability M.S. there exists a whole layered
the New York Women in Film fered through organizations that through their art.” complex person,” Denker said.
& Television (NYWIFT) for have a vibrant membership,” In addition, “Still Judy” re- Both films will receive promo-
her documentary feature “Still Loreen Arbus said. “NYWIFT ceived an in-kind post-produc- tional support from ReelAbilities
Judy.” Alyscia Cunningham is a preeminent organization tion grant for audio description Film Festival, the largest festival
took an honorable mention for in the entertainment industry. for blind and low vision audienc- in the US dedicated to promoting
her documentary feature “I Am My seven grants have visibility es, provided by Michele Spitz, awareness and appreciation of
More Than My Hair.” The film throughout the entire country who has provided this support the lives, stories and artistic ex-
completion grant, now in its 14th and reach different members of to the NYWIFT Loren Arbus pressions of people with different
year, is provided by longtime dis- organizations which exponen- grantees since 2016. abilities.
ability rights advocate Loreen
Arbus and awards $7,500 to a
woman filmmaker for a film on
physical- or developmental-dis-
ability issues; the honorable
mention winner receives $1,500.
“Still Judy” is an hour-long
documentary about Judy Finel-
li, who transcends the burden
of living with multiple sclerosis
by connecting to the circus arts
and her family and regains the
will to live anew. “I Am More
Than My Hair” is a documen-
tary film and photography book
that brings awareness to alope-
cia and dispels the myth of what
beauty is supposed to look like,
by featuring women who have
experienced hair loss and how
they empower themselves to see
beauty beyond the media’s stan-
dards.
“Not only is it important to
give incentive to people with dis-
ability who are pursuing their
Book for Young
Readers Released
“Rolling Warrior: The Incred-
ible, Sometimes Awkward, True
Story of a Rebel Girl on Wheels
Who Helped Spark a Revolu-
tion” by Judith Heumann is the
fast-paced story that introduces
young readers to the disability
rights movement and shows
them that they have the power
and strength to demand equal
access in an unequal world.
Heumann is featured in Net-
flix’s Oscar nominated “Crip
Camp,” the documentary
about the summer camp for teens
with disabilities that laid the
groundwork for the Disability
Rights Movement.
Heumann was named 1977’s
Woman of the Year by “TIME
Magazine.” She has also served
in the Clinton and Obama ad-
ministrations, and was the World
Bank’s first adviser on disability
and development.SPORTS
ABLE NEWSPAPER - MAY 2021 PAGE 12
SCENE
OBITUARY
All-Around Athlete ‘Paddy D’ Dies
Al Youakim coaches Donaghey at third base.
that traveled to Italy and the
P
By Tony Fitzgerald
atrick John Donaghey world.
known to his teammates “Paddy was the ultimate and man could he push that chair softball, where he domi-
and friends as “Paddy competitor and fantastic chair. He was always about the nated the short fielder position
D” died unexpected on March athlete,” said John Ham- team.” and won numerous awards.
25. He is known by friends re, president of the Wheel- His domination spread to He had the game winning hit
and family for his versatility chair Sports Federation, “He the tennis courts. In 1997 he to propel the EPVA Mets to
and achievements in adaptive competed at the highest levels and Jose Perez won the nation- the 2003 Division II national
sports and life. in wheelchair basketball, al championship in doubles. In championship in Minnesota.
Donaghey was born and tennis and softball with great August 2020 he won the Cin- He was involved in many orga-
raised in the Bronx in a big success. More importantly, cinnati Ohio Men’s Single “A” nizations including the USTA
Irish family of seven. On Hal- he was a great teacher and Wheelchair Tennis Champion- Mid-West Wheelchair Tennis
loween night 1987 at the age of introduced adaptive sports to ship. At the beginning of 2020 Association, the Wheelchair
25 while at work he was para- thousands of kids and injured he was ranked ninth in the Sports Federation, and the
lyzed by a robbers bullet. veterans and helped them see country, which was challeng- Wounded Warrior Project in
Donaghey played wheelchair what great things one can ing considering he had to fight New York. He was also the as-
basketball and was a member achieve in life. back from multiple health is- sociate director of the Veter-
of the U.S. National Wheel- He was our friend, mentor sues. ans Association in New York.
chair Basketball Team in 1996 and inspiration to start the He was a tennis instruc- Donaghey participated in the
Wheelchair Sports Federa- tor at the YMCA of Kanawha 1996 Paralympics and founded
Aviator tion. He was fun loving, but Valley for nine years and ab- the YMCA Wheelchair Basket-
also fiercely competitive. You solutely loved teaching young ball team.
Softball Starts didn’t want to be up against and old alike. He loved music A celebration of his life is be-
This Month him.” and singing and incorporated ing planned for this summer.
Starting Monday, May 3 Eddie Lopez one of his best it into his lessons, telling one Donaghey is survived by
and every Monday through friends who tried out for Team student “Don’t Go Chasing Wa- his daughter, Michelle Pul-
the end of September play- USA Basketball with him said, terfalls” referring to a lyric by cino (Justin); sisters Mary-
ers will meet at 5:30 p.m. in ”We owned the 1990’s. Paddy Hip Hop group TLC, to get her ann Cipollone (Domenic) and
parking field 4 at Eisenhower was the point guard that led to stop going after a bad toss on Theresa Curry and many
Park in East Meadow. the N.J. Nets to 11 conference her serve. grandchildren and nieces and
Call Drew at 917 709-5394 championships, Paddy made In 2000 he took up wheel- nephew.
for more details. everyone around him better.
He could pass, pick and shoot, MORE SPORTS PAGE 16You can also read
