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National Disability Awareness Month is an opportunity to promote understanding, compassion and respect for Americans of all ages who have emotional, mental or physical disabilities. Not only for the individuals, but for their families who deserve tremendous support for their dedication, we should reflect upon any opportunities we have to lend a helping hand, and we should do so. There is still a long way to go in equalities for people with disabilities, especially within the education sector.
This is a great time for all businesses and individuals to reflect upon ways we can encourage people with disabilities. Either by providing employment opportunities, or by volunteering, or even by donating and supporting organizations such as the Special Olympics, we can all work to make a difference.
The month of March brings several awareness days for individuals to celebrate for individuals with disabilities:
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Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month – Cerebral palsy is a neurological disability where muscle movement and coordination are typically impacted although cerebral palsy impacts everyone differently. The celebratory color for cerebral palsy is green; you can celebrate with a team picture where everyone is wearing green!
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Developmental Disabilities Month was introduced in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan. Developmental disabilities are severe, chronic conditions that impact a person in their formative years, including autism, behavioral disorders and intellectual disabilities.
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Deaf History Month takes place annually from March 13th to April 15th. Deaf History Month is a chance for communities and employers to come together to improve their understanding and support of the deaf community.
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International Wheelchair Day is celebrated annually on March 1st. The celebratory day launched in 2008 for individuals to share the positive impact a wheelchair has on their lives.
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World Down Syndrome Day is on March 21st. You can celebrate by sharing the 2019 campaign to ensure “no one is left behind” and share your bright socks on social with the hashtag #LotsofSocks. Ensure all of your social media campaigns include the hashtag #WDSD19.
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Purple Day for Epilepsy is celebrated on March 26th every year. To show your support, wear purple and host events in support of epilepsy awareness.
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New Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Data
ACL has posted the fiscal year 2017 data for the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman programs work to resolve problems related to the health, safety, welfare, and rights of individuals who live in LTC facilities (i.e. nursing homes, board and care, assisted living, and other residential care communities). In 2017, over 1,300 full-time-equivalent staff and 6625 volunteers provided LTC Ombudsman services to residents. Highlights of the program in 2017 include:
- Resolved 201,460 complaints initiated by residents, their families, and other concerned individuals;
- Provided 402,000 instances of information and assistance to individuals;
- Visited 68% of all nursing homes and 30% of all board and care, assisted living, and similar homes at least quarterly;
- Conducted 4,426 training sessions in facilities on such topics as resident rights;
- Provided 127,068 instances of information and assistance to LTC facility managers and staff; and
- Participated in 21,211 resident council and 1,788 family council meetings.
Click here to learn more about the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program here in Metro Louisville and surrounding counties.
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The LIHEAP Crisis Program continues through March 29 (or until funding is completed). LIHEAP provides financial assistance to help low-income residents of Jefferson County pay utility bills.
This year’s Crisis Program features expanded eligibility allowing residents who received a utility bill with a past due amount to apply, in addition to continuing to serve those who received a disconnect notice. Appointments can be scheduled by phone by calling 502-991-8391 or online at www.louisvilleky.cascheduler.com. Please click here for eligibility and for other information.
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New Resource Available: Emergency Planning Toolkit for Aging & Disability Networks
A new Capacity-Building Toolkit for Including Aging and Disability Networks in Emergency Planning is now available called the Capacity-Building Toolkit.
This resource guides aging and disability networks to increase their ability to plan for and respond to public health emergencies and disasters. This toolkit helps programs that support older adults and people with disabilities, through the emergency planning process of preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities.
The toolkit was written by the National Association of County & City Health Officials and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, in partnership with the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and the Administration for Community Living.
It can help organizations of all types conduct more inclusive emergency planning by facilitating personal preparedness for aging adults and people with disabilities. It can also help expand organizational knowledge of the unique challenges these populations face during emergencies. The toolkit can assist emergency managers and public health officials in understanding the capabilities and expertise of community-based organizations within the aging and disability networks.
Organizations that are new to emergency planning can use this toolkit as an orientation to emergency planning. Those with established emergency preparedness programs can use it as a resource to enhance their capabilities.
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CALL FOR GRANT APPLICATIONS:
Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities, Section 5310 Federal program funds
Transit Authority of River City (TARC) is seeking project applications to award grant funds under the federal “Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities” Section 5310 grant program, which provides federal formula funds for the purpose of improving mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation services and expanding the transportation mobility options available.
Private non-profit organizations, state and local governmental authorities, and operators of public transportation services are eligible to apply. The majority of the project funded must fall within the Louisville Urbanized Area (Clark and Floyd counties in Indiana; Jefferson, Bullitt, and Oldham counties in Kentucky).
Starting on March 7, 2019, you can apply by going online to the website:
https://www.ridetarc.org/doing-business-with-tarc/ and clicking on the button that says “Current Opportunities.”
For more information, or to request a paper application form, contact Russ Greenleaf, TARC Project Manager, by e-mail at rgreenleaf@ridetarc.org or by phone at 502-213-3361.
Applicants are invited to a Pre-Application-Submission Conference on March 28, 2019 at 10:00 am EDT at TARC to learn about this funding opportunity.
Deadline for applications:
3:00 pm EDT April 25, 2019
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Grants to States and Communities:
New Funding Opportunity for Alzheimer’s Disease Programs
A new grant opportunity from the Administration for Community Living has been announced for the Alzheimer’s Disease Programs Initiative (ADPI).
Through the ADPI: Grants to States and Communities opportunity, ACL will fund cooperative agreements to support and promote the development and expansion of dementia-capable home and community-based service (HCBS) systems in States and Communities.
There are two application options contained in this announcement: Grants to States (Option A) and Grants to Communities (Option B). The dementia-capable systems resulting from program activities under either option are expected to provide quality, and person-centered services and supports to help people living with dementia and their caregivers in remaining independent and safe in their communities.
No entity is eligible to apply for both State and Community options.
Please visit the link above for more details about the grant opportunity and application process.
This grant opportunity closes on April 1, 2019.
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