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House OKs COVID-19 Relief Plan With More Payments For People With Disabilities

5/19/2020

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As published in Disability Scoop  -May 18, 2020
​by Michelle Diament | May 18, 2020
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A fresh round of stimulus checks for people with disabilities and billions for home- and community-based services are part of a $3 trillion relief bill that faces an uncertain future.

The bill known as the Heroes Act, or H.R. 6800, passed the U.S. House of Representatives Friday by a vote of 208 to 199. The measure is unlikely to be taken up in its current form by the Republican-led Senate, but it is seen as a first step in negotiating another relief package to address the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.

Significantly, advocates say, this is the only major COVID-19 response from Congress so far to consider the needs of people with disabilities who have been deeply affected by the pandemic.


“The Heroes Act is the first time in the COVID-19 legislative response that the disability community is being recognized,” said Nicole Jorwic, senior director of public policy at The Arc.


The legislation includes an estimated $10 to $15 billion in additional federal funding to states to pay for Medicaid home- and community-based services for a full year beginning in July. The money could be used to cover services for anyone with a disability who qualifies for the program — including those currently on waiting lists — and pay for recruitment and retention of direct support professionals, among other needs.


The bill also recognizes the direct support professionals that people with disabilities rely on for day-to-day needs as essential workers so that they can access personal protective equipment, qualify for hazard pay and other extra benefits.


Sarah Meek, senior director of legislative affairs for the American Network of Community Options and Resources, or ANCOR, a national trade group representing disability service providers, called the legislation a “game changer.”


“There is really a recognition that this money for home- and community-based services providers is kind of a must-have in whatever package is next, so I’m optimistic,” she said.


Meanwhile, the measure retroactively grants $500 cash payments to adults with disabilities who are claimed as dependents. These individuals were excluded from receiving stimulus checks in the last relief package which was approved in March.


And, the legislation includes a new round of direct cash payments of $1,200 per person — up to a maximum of $6,000 per family — for many Americans earning less than $75,000 annually, with tiered amounts beyond that. People with disabilities would qualify for the automatic payments even if they are counted as a dependent or if they receive benefits like Supplemental Security Income.


There is also $200 million in dedicated funding for disability housing in the bill as well as a change to allow siblings and grandparents to qualify for expanded paid leave if they need to take time off from work to care for an adult with a disability due to coronavirus-related closures.

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PA 211 Links

4/8/2020

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United Way of Pennsylvania COVID-19 Resource Page
https://www.uwp.org/pacovid/
One-stop shop for resources most relevant and helpful to the general public during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Updated daily.
 
Online search of PA 211 Resources Database:
https://www.uwp.org/211gethelp/
A way for anyone to search for the resources they need, when they need them, in their community. This self-guided search is tied to the 211 resource database and is the most up-to-date information 211 has.
 
COVID-19 Nonprofit Resources Hub
https://www.uwp.org/covid19nonprofithub/
United Way of Pennsylvania has created a resource hub which is tailored to nonprofits and organizations responsible for providing health and human services. This information is curated on a daily basis, with the goal of helping all people-serving organizations be aware of directives from federal and state government throughout the pandemic, and to share other helpful information which may assist with business and mission continuity. Some information is for local United Ways only, but most is open for everyone.
 
Text PACOVID to 898-211 to sign up to receive texts from PA 211, to include:
Access to resources that can help you meet your basic needs (bills, food, housing), breaking news, and guidance on federal and state relief legislation. 
​20 Erford Rd., Suite 215 Lemoyne, PA 17043
717.238.7365 tel • 717.238.7414 fax •
uwp.org/programs/2-1-1

GET CONNECTED.
​
GET HELP.
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Cleaning and Disinfecting Recommendations

4/8/2020

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Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations
 
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html
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Person Directed Services (PDS) Free Webinars

4/8/2020

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TITLE: Build a Virtual Community
DATE: APRIL 9, 2020 Thursday

TIME: 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Stay at Home order got your down?
Join us for this FREE webinar where we will talk about tips for staying connected with your community, even when we need to self-isolate.

SPEAKERS:
Jamie Ray-Leonetti, Associate Director of Policy, Institute on Disabilities at Temple University
Marian Frattarola-Saulino, MSW, Executive Director, Values Into Action

REGISTER HERE:
CLICK THIS LINK FOR REGISTRATION

TITLE: Basic Employment Law
DATE: APRIL 27, 2020 Monday

TIME: noon - 1:00 PM
Are you a common law employer (CLE) or managing employer (ME) in Pennsylvania?
Do you or someone you support direct your own waiver services?
If you answered "yes" this webinar is for you!

SPEAKER:
Rachel Milano-Davis, MSW, Director of Culture and Talent, Values Into Action
REGISTER HERE:
CLICK THIS LINK FOR REGISTRATiON
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Family Forum April 8, 2020

4/8/2020

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Deputy Secretary Ahrens is joining us this Wednesday April 8th from 7 pm to 8 pm.  Get the latest on the efforts of ODP to address COVID-19 and ask your systems questions related to the topic.

We respectfully ask you to Please stick to the topic. We will ask Deputy Secretary Ahrens to join us again, after this crisis has passed, to address other topics.
Wednesday night Family Forums are going on each Wednesday at 7 PM!

Join other families and individuals with disabilities through April to discuss the current impact of the Corona Virus in our lives. This is an opportunity to share questions and concerns, as well as get the latest updates. At the participant's request, specific questions and concerns can be shared with the Office of Developmental Programs in an effort to meet the needs of our community. Guest speakers may be invited in response to concerns aired in previous sessions”


Francine Hogan is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: FAMILY FORUM with PA Family Network

Time: Mar 25, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Wed, until May 6, 2020, 7 occurrence(s)
Mar 25, 2020 07:00 PM
Apr 1, 2020 07:00 PM
Apr 8, 2020 07:00 PM
Apr 15, 2020 07:00 PM
Apr 22, 2020 07:00 PM
Apr 29, 2020 07:00 PM
May 6, 2020 07:00 PM


Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Weekly: https://zoom.us/mee…/v5UucuCorTstPeb0Ki3V2etiGVys8FNsvQ/ics…
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/213590307…
Meeting ID: 213 590 307
Password: 435643

One tap mobile
+16465588656,,213590307# US (New York)
+13126266799,,213590307# US (Chicago)

Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 301 715 8592 US
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US
Meeting ID: 213 590 307

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/aT31bQtkD

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Election Schedule Change

4/8/2020

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Due to Stay-at-Home orders and self-isolation guidelines, Governor Tom Wolf has signed an order postponing the primary election until June 2, 2020. Other deadlines, such as for registration and mail-in ballots, have also changed.

Last Day to Register Before Primary
May 18th


Last Day to Apply for a Mail-In or Absentee Ballot
May 26th


Last Day to Submit Mail-In and Absentee Ballots
June 2nd (by 8:00 PM)


Primary Election
June 2nd

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