As Alaskans with disabilities celebrate progress this month, they say there's still a lot to do, and they’re advocating for policy changes to further empower them to have more control about the services they receive. via AlaskaBeacon
home and community-based waiver and state services by nearly 8% at the beginning of the month.
He said his biggest goal is to get the Legislature to pass a bill that would allow people with disabilities to have “budget authority” — the right to hire their own direct service providers, set the rate they pay them, and waive certain trainings if they’d like to get care faster. Maggie Winston, the program director of the Independent Living Center on the Kenai Peninsula, said the push for budget authority is part of a bigger effort toward what’s called “participant directed services.” In that model, certain people with disabilities could decide which services they need to help them work and have a full life.
The idea of participant directed services is about agency, and allowing people with disabilities to live lives that accommodate their limitations. Winston said Disability Pride Month addresses what she calls the “social model of disability,” a way of thinking about disability that doesn’t cast the person as a problem.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Reading the ancestors: 4 Black LGBTQ+ writers you should knowMuch solace can be found in the words of Black queer writers. Here are four Black Queer ancestors to know, via BlackJoyReckon:
Read more »
Legally Blind Singer Lachi Releases “Lift Me Up” to Raise Disability AwarenessThe song pays tribute to Judy Heumann, special advisor for disability rights under Obama, and illustrates a music career that embraces her partial blindness as a superpower: 'Hiding my disability is not how I’m going to be bold.'
Read more »
Meet the N.J. man who stands on corners, tirelessly advocating for disability rightsDiagnosed at a young age with a rare disease, he's been an advocate for inclusion nearly his whole life.
Read more »
Alleged underpaid workers for disability services company blast boss’s designer outfits, overseas tripsEx-workers have lashed out over their employer’s lives of luxury after claiming they were underpaid and overworked.
Read more »
Evanston Pride Picnic is back in Ridgeville ParkEveryone is invited to come out and enjoy food, games, and entertainment - including live music and a drag story hour.
Read more »
Montana judge temporarily lifts ban on drag performances ahead of major Pride eventThe ruling will allow Montana Pride to advertise and hold some of its events in public places.
Read more »