# OILP Newsletter-September 2023

Dear Colleagues,  

Welcome to the OILP Monthly Newsletter!  We are pleased to share recent updates from ACL, COVID/TA Resources, and other IL resources below.

To improve user friendliness, we have included a Table of Contents with links to each section. 

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***Table of Contents***

***Staffing Updates***

***Reporting and Guidance***

***Conferences, Trainings and Technical Assistance***

***Employment Opportunities***

***Opportunities for Engagement***

***Funding Opportunities***

***Transition Services***

***Sharing Your Stories***

***Resources***

# Staffing Updates

· ***Staff Retirement:***Our friend and esteemed colleague, Veronica Hogan retired at the end of August. Veronica faithfully served in government for 35 years and began working in the independent living field when she served with the late Judy Heumann. Most recently, she was a Program Officer in the Office of Independent Living Programs, serving Regions 4 and 7. She will be greatly missed.

In the interim, individuals in regions 4 and 7 may reach out to Program Officer Jennifer Martin at jennifer.martin@acl.hhs.gov with any questions.

· ***In Tribute to Kimball Gray:***On June 24th, we lost our dear friend, colleague, and esteemed disability advocate Kimball Gray. Kimball was not only a pillar in independent living, but he also endeared himself to so many with his wit and wisdom.******

Kimball was a proud Air Force brat. He was born on an Air Force base and his parents served the next 27 years in the Air Force. Kimball often commented that life as an Air Force brat taught him to get to know people quickly. Kimball lived in five states and in the UK during his father’s service in the Air Force.

Kimball graduated high school in Utah in 1979 and his family moved “home” to Mississippi that summer.

After his spinal cord injury in 1981, due to an auto accident, he returned to college and graduated with a BBA, Finance from Mississippi State University.

While in college, Kimball served on the Mississippi Independent Living Council. Upon graduation, Kimball started as a rehab counselor with the State of Mississippi working with Christine Woodell in Long Beach, Mississippi.  Through Christine, Kimball met Mark Smith.  Kimball worked with Mark to open the first Independent Living Center in Mississippi, where Kimball served as the Executive Director of Living Independence for Everyone (LIFE) in Jackson, Mississippi.

As Kimball realized the need for strong state Independent Living Councils, he relocated to Columbia, South Carolina to serve as Executive Director of the South Carolina Independent Living Council. Several years later, after meeting Marci Roth and Steve Towle, Kimball moved to Maryland to serve as Executive Director of the Maryland Independent Living Council.

Later, Kimball was the Director of Community Services at ECNV – Endependence Center of Northern Virginia before joining the Department of Education working with Sue Rankin-White and Tim Beatty supporting the Independent Living programs.  Then, of course, Kimball moved to HHS when ACL moved to HHS. He loved the independent living philosophy, programs, and enjoyed the community of people he met and worked with over the years. 

Aside from the independent living philosophy, Kimball also loved all sports! He was on a Utah State Championship High School Football Team his senior year. Kimball played wheelchair rugby for several years and really enjoyed the camaraderie and challenge of team sports. He would watch any sport or adventure show, was an avid History Channel and Discovery Channel fan.  

Kimball always enjoyed cooking, starting from first living alone during college. When he got into BBQ smoking, he became a KCBS certified BBQ judge. He enjoyed working in the yard, especially planting trees and watching them grow. 

Kimball is predeceased by his mother, Vera Ruth Gray and his sister, Shawna Ruth Gray.

He is survived by his wife, Michelle Gray; his father, David Gray; brother Todd Gray and his wife Beth Gray; nephew Shawn Gray and his girlfriend Robin Martinez; and niece Nicole Gray.

# Reporting and Guidance

· ***OILP Quarterly Connection Call:***Thank you to all of you who recently attended our Quarterly Connection Call on August 30, 2023. The PowerPoint presentation, zoom recording and webinar transcript are available at https://www.ilru.org/training/quarterly-connection. Training was provided by our fiscal office during the call. If you were unable to attend our August call, we would encourage you to view the recording and other available materials.

· ***OILP Monthly Newsletters Posted on Website:***The OILP newsletters from May 2023—present are now available on our website here under the heading of Office of Independent Living Programs Monthly Newsletters. 

· ***FY21 CIL PPR Data Posted on Website:***The FY21 CIL PPR data is now available on our website here under the heading of Annual Performance Data and Outcomes. 

· ***CARES Act, CDC, and Public Health Workforce Funding Programmatic Performance Reports (PPRs)***: Reports were due on 3/31/2023 for Cares Act, CDC, and Public Health Workforce Funding. All PPR instruments and instructions are found under the Program Performance Reporting tab located at https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/centers-independent-living#.

No PPRs are to be submitted in Grant Solutions. We ask that if you receive these funds directly, you submit the required reporting as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. To those who have submitted, thank you! The Program Officers will follow up if they have any questions.

· ***CIL Fact Sheet Now Available on Website:***The CIL fact sheet has been published on ACL’s website here.

· ***SPIL Instrument and Instructions Posted on Website:***The updated SPIL instrument and instructions are now available on our website here under the heading of Submitting State Plans for Independent Living.

· ***IL Grant Applications:***Several of you have reached out to us at ACL wondering where this year’s grant application packets are, so we wanted to share the good news. This year, you will automatically receive your annual CIL awards near the end of September and will no longer have to submit paperwork each year from this year on to all future years. In addition, the project awards will be granted with a 2-year project period (i.e., 9/30/2023 – 9/29/2025) and it is equivalent to an automatic, one-year no-cost extension for those who are unable to spend their funds in one year. In September, you will receive notification regarding your FFY 2023 annual awards. Notices of Award (NoA) document will continue to be issued and saved in GrantSolutions.

· ***Audit Confirmation Requests:*** Many Centers for Independent Living have reached out to request verifications for their independent fiscal audits. Please be advised that audit confirmation requests should be sent to pmsoigaudit@psc.hhs.gov. 

· ***Indirect Cost Rates:***For questions regarding indirect cost rates, contact information can be found at https://www.hhs.gov/about/agencies/asa/psc/indirect-cost-negotiations/index.html.

· ***Allowable Expenses:***OILP has recently received questions from our grantees regarding allowable costs. For additional guidance, please consult 45 CFR 75.403 and contact the fiscal officer listed in your notice of award.

·  ***Public Health Workforce Funding:***The Public Health Workforce funding was released for both CIL and ILS Programs in March 2022.  The guidance is available here under Guidance for ACL Programs, subheading of Public Health Workforce Grants.  

· ***FY2024 SPIL Extension Reminder:***OILP disseminated guidance in October 2022 about the FY2024 SPIL extension.  As a reminder, SPIL amendments were due to your Program Officer by ***June 30th***. Please see the guidance available on our webpage at https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/statewide-independent-living-councils.  

# Conferences, Trainings and Technical Assistance

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· ***50th Anniversary of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: Past, Present and Future of Disability**Rights in Housing on September 12th at 1 P.M. Eastern Time:***Please join the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) for his event will feature a panel discussion with disability rights leaders to examine the early days of the disability rights movement, successes, emerging issues, and the continued need for vigorous enforcement of fair housing and civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination against disabled people and ensure equal opportunity. Speakers include: disability rights attorney John Wodatch, who was the principal author of the first federal regulations implementing section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Regina Blye, Chief Policy and Program Officer for the Dana and Christopher Reeve Foundation; Sean Barrett, Program Analyst, Compliance and Disability Rights Division, HUD FHEO; and Jeanine Worden, Associate General Counsel for Fair Housing at HUD.  

Please register in advance to participate virtually.   

· ***RIC Webinar on Promoting Person-Centered Communication and Care Coordination:***Please******join Resources for Integrated Care (RIC) for "Promising Practices for Promoting Person-Centered Communication and Care Coordination” on ***September 13, 2023 from 12:00—1:00 P.M. Eastern Time.***This webinar will highlight key takeaways from discussions among health plans that participated in the Integrated Care Community of Practice focused on care coordination of dually eligible individuals. Health plans will share their promising practices for promoting person-centered care coordination with an emphasis on communication-focused strategies that health plans and providers serving dually eligible individuals can use to overcome common barriers to care coordination. Communication strategies highlighted in this webinar will address both accessible member communication, as well as impactful communication across care coordination staff and team members.

To register, please visit this link.

· ***Let’s Commemorate the Rehabilitation Act of 1973: The Power of Independent Living & Employment:***The month of September marks the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Rehab Act). As we commemorate the milestones that have been achieved,  please join us for a webinar on ***September 19, 2023, from 3:00 P.M. — 4:00 P.M. Eastern Time***which will focus on the power of the Independent Living movement in advancing employment. 

The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) and the RAMP Center for Independent Living will jointly reflect on successful strategies they adopted over the years to move people with disabilities out of institutions and to help them obtain and retain competitive, integrated employment. 

To register, please visit this link. 

· ***Save the Date: Webinar Series: Improving and Expanding Community Living Options for People with I/DD:***Please join ACL on ***September 22, 2023, from 1:30 P.M. —3:00 P.M. Eastern Time.***Please join ACL as innovators share Strategies to Advance Inclusive & Integrated Housing & Supports for People with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities. 

· ***Exploring the past, present, and future of independent living: A two-part webinar series:***The first webinar will focus on the origins, evolution and current-day implications of the Rehab Act by highlighting the stories of key leaders who took part in the advocacy and direct actions that made its passage possible.  The second webinar will envision the future of the independent living movement by understanding the work of the next generation of youth and young leaders and how their voices and experiences are shaping its future.   

***Part 1:****The Rehab Act at 50: Origins, Evolution, & Current Day*September 27 at 3:30 P.M. Eastern Time | Register for Part 1 of the ACL webinar series

**Part 2:***The Rehab Act at 50: Our Future — Youth and Young Adult Engagement and Involvement in Disability Advocacy*September 28 at 4 P.M. Eastern Time | Register for Part 2 of the ACL webinar series

· ***Save the Date: 2023 APRIL Annual Conference:*** Registration is open for the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living’s (APRIL) 2023 Annual Conference on ***October 12—14, 2023***in Orange County, California. This year’s theme is *The Magic of IL.*For more information and to register, please visit here.

· ***HSRC Webinar Materials Available:***Webinar materials from "Partnerships to Increase Housing Stability Through Assistive Technology (AT), Home Modifications, and Repairs" are now available here. 

· ***2023 Rural Conversation Series: 3rd Wednesday of the Month at 1:00 p.m. Eastern***

The Rural Conversation Community series is provided by ILRU's IL-NET National Training and Technical Assistance Center for Independent Living and facilitated by APRIL, the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living. There are no presenters or designated speakers in these conversations; they are an informal time and space to gather with your peers and share about current events and ask your peers questions. Captioning and ASL are provided. Bring your questions for your peers and updates on your CIL’s creative solutions and activities to share.Click this link for more information.

· ***Youth Coordinator Connect Meetings: 1st Tuesday of the Month at 2:00 p.m. Eastern***

Join us to begin building a community of peer support and sharing for Youth Program Coordinators. Come share your experiences and tips and tricks and problem solve barriers to growing and implementing youth programs in your Center for Independent Living. Meet and learn from your colleagues throughout the country who are working towards the common goal of improving services for youth with disabilities.

Each month we will discuss a topic as it relates to youth programs and services.  These topics are chosen as a group.  We will also brainstorm solutions for barriers that may come up in your programs.Click Here for more information.

· ***Advocacy Committee Meetings: 1st Wednesday of the Month at 4:00 p.m. Eastern***

APRIL is a national membership organization dedicated to advancing the rights and responsibilities of people with disabilities in rural America.

APRIL is committed to an aggressive and culturally appropriate advocacy strategy tied to its Vision statement: “APRIL is the unified voice of independent living in rural America.” In furtherance of that Vision, APRIL has engaged hundreds of members and dedicated many hours aimed at developing a mission-focused system-change agenda to further the civil rights of all people with disabilities regardless of age, disability, income, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, or nationality.

Equally important to us, is ensuring that young people with disabilities are integrated into all facets of program development and delivery. We are truly committed to the mantra “Nothing About Us, Without Us.”  The advocacy committee works to address APRIL’s advocacy priorities.Click Here for more information.

· ***Emergency Prep Committee: 2nd Monday of the Month at 3:00 p.m. Eastern***

APRIL began this committee to support CILs and SILCs in their efforts on emergency preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. 

We are in a constant climate crisis. Disasters and emergencies are increasing in intensity and frequency. Persons with disabilities are 26% of the US population. Disabled people are disproportionately impacted by disasters and emergencies. We are 2-to-4 times more likely to die or be injured during a disaster. 

We are all first responders when disasters strike in our localities. Let’s get together to share good practices and strategies, information and resources, and peer support before, during, and after disasters and emergencies. 

Click Here for more information.

# Employment Opportunities

· ***NADTC/USAging Seeking a Transportation Training and Technical Assistance Specialist:***NADTC/USAging******is seeking a Transportation Training and Technical Assistance Specialist who will be a key player on the transportation team! Click here for more information and how to apply.

# Opportunities for Engagement

· ***CeKTER Seeks Policymakers and Directors of Disability Employment Services for a Study:***The NIDILRR-funded Center on Knowledge Translation for Employment Research (CeKTER) seeks policymakers and directors of disability employment services for a study to help researchers learn the best way to communicate disability employment research findings. Participants must be 18 years old or older and employed in a position that involves policy or state direction of services for employment of people with disabilities. Participants will watch a video, read a research brief, or watch a one-hour webinar and will complete a brief survey. Participants will receive a formal certificate acknowledging their participation. For more information or to volunteer, visit the study recruitment page linked above.

· ***Identifying Excellence in Person-Centered Practices in HCBS:***The NIDILRR-funded Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Person-Centered Outcomes and Measurements is conducting a study to learn about and improve the implementation of person-centered practices in HCBS. As part of the study, the project seeks nominations of organizations that do an excellent job in delivering person-centered services, either in a specific area or way, or overall. Individuals who receive services from or work for an organization can submit a nomination through the nomination form. 

Individuals may nominate more than one organization by filling a separate form for each nominated organization. For more information, contact Niveda Tennety at ntennety@sralab.org. 

· ***2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule:***CILs are included in the following proposed rule around physician billing codes and services addressing health-related social needs. The rule is open for public comment:

2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule. For CY 2024, CMS is proposing coding and payment changes to better account for resources involved in furnishing patient-centered care involving a multidisciplinary team of clinical staff and other auxiliary personnel. Specifically, they are proposing to pay separately for Community Health Integration (CHI), Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Risk Assessment, and Principal Illness Navigation (PIN) services to account for resources when clinicians involve community health workers, care navigators, and peer support specialists in furnishing medically necessary care. CHI and PIN services involve a person-centered assessment to better understand the patient’s life story, care coordination, contextualizing health education, building patient self-advocacy skills, health system navigation, facilitating behavioral change, providing social and emotional support, and facilitating access to community-based social services to address unmet SDOH needs. Comments due by 5pm on ***September 11, 2023***. For more information: 2023-14624.pdf (federalregister.gov). 

· ***HHS Proposes to Strengthen Protections Against Discrimination Based on Disability:*** Please see the information below.

· **Fact sheet** from the HHS Office for Civil Rights (available in multiple languages) 

· **Press Release**: *HHS Issues New Proposed Rule to Strengthen Prohibitions Against Discrimination on the Basis of a Disability in Health Care and Human Services Programs*

· **Federal Register notice**: Full text of the proposed regulations

· **About the Rehabilitation Act of 1973**

· ***Joint Meeting of Advisory Committees on Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities and Disasters:***The Administration for Strategic Preparedness & Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is hosting the next virtual joint meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Seniors and Disasters (NACSD) and the National Advisory Committee on Individuals with Disabilities and Disasters (NACIDD) on ***September 19, 2023, from 1:00 P.M. — 3:00 P.M. Eastern Time.***The NACSD and NACIDD will provide expert advice and guidance to HHS and discuss recommendations regarding the specific needs of older adults and people with disabilities, respectively, related to disaster preparedness and response. 

To register, please visit this link. 

· ***Maternal Mental Health Task Force is Seeking Non-Federal Members:***The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is soliciting applications from qualified individuals or organizations to be considered for non-voting representative positions on the Maternal Mental Health Task Force subcommittee of the Advisory Committee for Women's Services (ACWS) (ACWS Subcommittee), as authorized in Section 1113 of Pub. L. No. 117-328 (Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023).  This current notice solicits additional representatives. 

Non-Federal members to include representatives of the following with expertise in maternal, mental health, and/or substance use: professional medical societies, professional nursing societies, and/or health paraprofessional societies, nonprofit organizations, relevant industry representatives, individuals with lived experience, and other representatives, as appropriate. Please visit this link to the FRN. Nominations are open until ***September 22, 2023.***

· ***Ongoing Recruitment of CILs and SILCs for COVID Test Distribution:*** CILs and SILCs are encouraged to participate in the Administration for Community Living and the HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) which provides COVID 19 tests to be distributed freely in your communities. For more information, please contact Ed Ahern.   

· ***Seeking your Public Health Work Force funding ideas!***The Office of Independent Living Programs (OILP) is working to compile information on how Public Health Workforce funding is being utilized as a resource in developing programs for Centers and we would love to hear from you! 

If interested, please contact Ed Ahern with your experience on new programs, promising practices, obstacles, or other issues related to using this funding. 

# Funding Opportunities

· ***National Paralysis Resource Center Quality of Life Grant Opportunities Open:***The National Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) - operated by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation- is announcing two grant funding opportunities through its 2023 second cycle Direct Effect and Priority Impact Quality of Life (QOL) grants initiatives.

# Transition Services

# 

· ***New DOL Dialogue on Transition to Adulthood for Youth with Disabilities:***The Department of Labor (DOL), in collaboration with partners across federal agencies, has launched an ePolicyWorks dialogue, Our Future Matters: Informing the Federal Interagency Strategy, to gather ideas and experiences that may improve policies and practices leading to a smooth transition to adulthood for youth with disabilities. These young people face unique challenges that may complicate their educational trajectories as well as their plans for school, training, and work. As a result, they may have poorer adult educational and employment outcomes than their peers without disabilities and may have difficulty achieving maximum independence. Anyone with a personal or professional interest in supporting the aspirations of youth and young adults with disabilities to live, work, and thrive in their communities is invited to participate in this virtual public engagement event. Registration is free but required to submit ideas or to vote or comment on submitted ideas.

· ***Blog on Transition Aged Youth:***Please see this blog post from Mathematica on employment opportunities for youth with disabilities.

· ***Center on Youth Voice Youth Choice:***The Center on Youth Voice Youth Choice recently published *Georgia’s Youth Mentorship Strategy: Using Mentors to Support**Youth Ambassadors.*The publication is available here. In addition, we invite you to read Trina's story which demonstrates the impact of supported decision making. 

# Sharing Your Stories

# 

· ***Western Sky Community Care Partners with National Council on Independent Living to Improve Accessibility for People with Disabilities:***Please see this article for more information.

· ***Ensuring ballot box access for people with special needs, Pennsylvania:***Bucks County Center for Independent Living in Pennsylvania is partnering with the League of Women Voters of Bucks County in two events offering students and young adults with disabilities the opportunity to experience the voting process, giving them the confidence to vote at the polls. For the full article, please visit here. 

· ***Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands holds 3rd Annual Disability Sports Festival:***Articles are available here and here.

· ***Lionel's Journey, Independence Now, Maryland:***Independence Now, a Center for Independent Living in Silver Spring, Maryland recently shared a consumer success story from one of their Public Health Specialists below.

Lionel's story began when he moved to Rockville. Living on his own was his goal, but his eyesight made it tough, and that's where Independence Now came into the picture. He was referred to our agency through his social worker. As a Public Health Specialist, I was ready to help him as much as I could to fulfill his goal.

First, Lionel needed to see a doctor, but his health insurance was a bit tricky, and many doctors didn't accept it. I did some research and started making calls to find a doctor who would work with Lionel's insurance. It took some time, but I was able to do it. Lionel now had a Primary Care Physician.

Additionally, Lionel needed to see some special doctors for his eyes and other health issues. Finding them was hard, but Lionel and I didn't give up. We had a meeting in person, and during this meeting, we called Lionel's insurance company together. We asked for a list of doctors who would take Lionel's insurance. Success! The insurance representative and I found the right doctors and set up appointments.

As we continued working together, Lionel told me about his transportation troubles. I helped Lionel apply for Metro Access.  Upon approval of his application, it will be much easier for him to get around. I found information about bus routes that Lionel could use to get to his doctor's appointments, which would give Lionel more freedom.

Lionel informed me that he had a device that could help him read, but he didn't know how to use it. So, I connected him with our Assistive Technology Specialist, to teach him how to use it. Furthermore, I helped Lionel get important papers, like his social security benefit letter, which he needed for extra help from another organization. I even found a lawyer to help Lionel with his immigration issues and provided the phone number to the IRS to assist with his tax file.

Finding a stable and affordable place to live was also important to Lionel. I guided Lionel on how to get on the HOC list for housing and I told him about the Affordable Connectivity Program, where he could get the internet at a good price. I also gave Lionel a phone number to call a local agent who could help him sign up for Medicaid.

Then again, it wasn't just about health and housing. I also encouraged Lionel to join an online event called "Lighting your Path." This will help him become more social and connect with his community. As Lionel's story continued, he felt more independent and confident. With each step, we found new opportunities, made Lionel more independent, and helped him feel supported. Lionel's journey with Independence Now is a lesson in what public health is all about—helping people in every way, giving them tools not just to take care of their health but also their well-being. 

· ***ARPA funding granted to Disability Network for home modifications, Michigan:***Please view this link. 

· ***OILP is Seeking Success Stories:***The Office of Independent Living Programs wants to highlight examples of the amazing work of our CIL and ILS colleagues! Therefore, we are asking you, our colleagues, to help us share your stories by copying your Program Officer on any press releases that are distributed. Please visit our website at https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/centers-independent-living# to view the contact list for the Office of Independent Living Programs. We appreciate your support!

· ***CILs and the Caregiving Community:***We want to hear about the roles CILs are playing in the caregiving community and how you might be helping to integrate Independent Living philosophy into caregiving. If you have any resources or previous experience, please reach out to Ed Ahern.  

# Resources

· ***CDC Resource—Places:***PLACES (**P**opulation **L**evel **A**nalysis and **C**ommunity **Es**timates) has expanded its local-level data to include disability status and type for the first time. Places captures the entire U.S. population to provide county-, place-, census tract-, and ZIP Code Tabulation Area-level data about health risk behaviors (e.g., smoking), health outcomes (e.g., asthma), health status (e.g., mental health), and prevention practices (e.g., mammography use). ******

This new **PLACES** data provides local-level disability estimates alongside other community health data for the first time.  The latest data include 36 health-related measures, including (7) new disability measures: hearing, vision, cognition, mobility, self-care, independent living, and any disability. For more information or if you have questions, please e-mail PLACES@cdc.gov.

· ***Disability Vaccine Access Opportunities Center Resource Hub Launched:***Resources and toolkits are available to serve people with disabilities before, during and after public health emergencies at this link.

· ***Crisis Services Map for Indigenous People:***

The THRIVE suicide prevention project at Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, in partnership with the Indian Health Service (IHS), has developed an interactive **Crisis Services for Indigenous People**map by IHS regions in the United States. For access to the map, go to  https://www.npaihb.org/thrive/crisis-intervention-services/. This map was developed to prevent people, especially those from indigenous communities, from needing more restrictive care, such as psychiatric hospitalization or emergency detention. 

· ***New Issue Brief & Fact Sheet—HCBS Equity Framework:***Justice in Aging developed an HCBS Equity Framework to support policymakers, payers, providers, advocates, and consumers in making equity a primary focus at every stage of HCBS program design and implementation.  

Their new issue brief,******An Equity Framework for Evaluating and Improving Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services, describes how inequities can be embedded in various aspects of program design, provider availability, program awareness and enrollment, assessments and authorization of services, and provision of HCBS. It includes examples of how these inequities show up in existing HCBS programs and offers tips for stakeholders to begin to evaluate and improve programs in their state.

A companion Fact Sheet can also be found here.

· ***A Partnership Guide between CILs and Local Public Health Departments Released:***The CDC Foundation has released a *Partnership Guide for Centers for Independent Living and State and Local Health Departments*. This publication is designed to help disability-led organizations and health departments understand each other’s structures and goals while providing tips and best practices for creating strong partnerships to better serve the needs of people with disabilities. The CDC Foundation produced the guide in partnership with Centers for Independent Living. 

· ***Visual Disabilities in the Workplace and the ADA:***The Equal Employment Opportunities Commission (EEOC) released updated guidance, Visual Disabilities in the Workplace and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), that addresses how the ADA applies to job applicants and employees with visual disabilities. Using a question-and-answer format, the guidance addresses when an employer may ask about visual disabilities, how to treat voluntary disclosures, types of reasonable accommodations, handling safety concerns, and preventing or addressing harassment or discrimination due to a visual disability. The publication includes example scenarios for each question.

· ***Department of Education Strengthens Guidance to Improve Equal Educational Opportunity for Children with Disabilities:***The Department of Education recently released updated policy guidance, accompanied by a Dear Colleague Letter, to ensure and strengthen the rights and protections guaranteed to children with disabilities and their families under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

· ***OILP Program Officers:***The Office of Independent Living Programs has recently undergone a realignment of our regions. To verify the current name and contact information for your Program Officer, please view the OILP staff list on ACL’s website.

· ***HHS Launches Office of Long COVID Research and Practice:***For more information and to view the announcement, please visit here.

· ***Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL):***Several of our CILs have raised concerns around long COVID testing, diagnosis, and treatment. To educate our federal partners on the impact of long-COVID on the disability community, consumers impacted by long COVID are encouraged to contact the Disability Information & Access Line (DIAL) so that data may be collected. DIAL will also connect the consumer to local information and resources, where available.  For any consumers who may have questions about Medicaid flexibilities and other issues that have arisen because of the end of the public health emergency may reach out to DIAL. Information on DIAL with contact info is here:  https://acl.gov/DIAL. 

· ***Disability, Diversity, and Intersectionality in CILs:***For research, training, and technical assistance resources, please visit ILRU’s website at https://www.ilru.org/projects/cil-diversity. 

As always, please feel free to contact our office if you have questions.

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