Jo Wiggijo from Pixabay
In this week’s edition we have multiple states cutting disability supports, New Jersey lawmakers working to institute hefty fines for abuse in group home settings, and New York making changes when it comes to the use of motorized devices on public land.
The state cut a program that supports people with disabilities in disasters. Advocates are alarmed
By: Erin Stone, LAist
According to the story, a program designed to help Disabled Californians prepare for emergencies has had its funding cut. The story underscores the importance of the Disability Disaster Access and Resources program, which was created in response to a 2018 Northern California wildfire that killed 85 people. The program provides backup power batteries and emergency planning support for Disabled people, allowing them to continue relying on electric devices such as medical equipment and refrigeration for medications. Since 2023, the program—nicknamed DDAR—has responded to hundreds of situations in which public power was shut off. Before the cuts, DDAR was allocated $2 million annually through 2027.
From the story: “When we drop off a battery, we don’t drop off a battery…We go into the house, we help set it up, we teach the people how to use it, how to make sure it’s charged, how to recharge. And then we spend time to set up an emergency plan.” — Larry Grable, executive director of The Service Center for Independent Life
N.J. just made history with law protecting people with disabilities in group homes
By: Susan K. Livio, NJ.com
This reporting focuses on New Jersey, where lawmakers have proposed legislation aimed at protecting Disabled people from abuse in group homes. The bill, S3750, would impose a $10,000 fine for second and subsequent health and safety violations and create a new offense—“administrative neglect”—when operators fail to properly supervise staff or ensure the safety of residents. Because of the heightened risk of abuse in group homes, many incidents go unreported, particularly when Disabled people are unable or afraid to report harm themselves.
From the story: “New Jersey’s top appointed disability advocate has described abuse and neglect in state licensed group homes as ‘rampant,’ with some providers ‘doing all they can to prevent abuse and neglect’ and others ‘not doing enough to prevent or stop’ it.” — Susan K. Livio
New York DEC drafts new policy for improved disabled access on state lands
By: Staff, Outdoornews.com
New York state is considering policy changes to improve accessibility on state lands for Disabled people who use mobility devices. The proposed changes highlighted in the article would expand understanding and support for the use of durable medical equipment, including motorized wheelchairs and other electric mobility aids. In many parts of North America, accessibility policies have not kept pace with technological advances, and devices such as golf carts, battery-powered scooters, wheelchair attachments, and e-bikes are often lumped into the same category as motorcycles and cars—creating unnecessary barriers and accessibility concerns for Disabled people.
From the story: “Golf carts, scooters, e-bikes, and other personal mobility devices, powered by both fuel and battery, are all part of the discussion about to take place as DEC opens a public comment period for a recently released draft Commissioner Policy to improve access to the outdoors for people with mobility disabilities.” — Outdoor News
Az School for the Deaf & the Blind board votes to move Tucson campus
By: Mia Kortright, Tuscon Sentinel
This story focuses on a school in Tucson—the Arizona School for the Deaf and the Blind—that is slated to close one of its campuses, a move that has angered local advocates, parents, and teachers. Under the plan, students would be transferred either to a new consolidated campus or to local schools, part of an effort to create a more “central” space for Deaf students and separate, specialized settings for Blind students within the district. Some families and educators worry that students will not receive the supports they need in new educational settings, particularly because many have complex disabilities and there is little clarity about what services will be provided after the transition. The school board has cited budget concerns, declining enrollment, and aging facilities as reasons for the closure. Parents are exploring legal options, and the meeting where the relocation vote occurred was, by multiple accounts, contentious.
From the story: “It truly breaks my heart to see this is happening,” said Catherine Sienko, president of the Arizona Association for the Deaf and a former member of the ASDB board. “This has a detrimental impact to the quality and service of education to deaf and blind students. You can do better.” — Catherine Sienko, president of the Arizona Association for the Deaf
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