The 2008 Case for Inclusion was released June 16th, ranking all 50 States and the District of Columbia for the Medicaid services they provide to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The report finds that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities being served by Medicaid are not getting the community-based supports they need in every State. At the top of the list are: (1) Arizona, (2) Vermont, (3) Alaska, (4) Massachusetts, and (5) California. At the bottom are (51) Mississippi, (50) Texas, (49) Illinois, (48) District of Columbia, and (47) Virginia.
The findings indicate a positive trend toward more community inclusion with mixed results in some areas. Some of the report's key findings include:
» Positively, more people are leaving large institutions, but still 41 states have 173 large state institutions (more than 16 beds) housing 37,700 Americans;
» Positively, now 19 states up from 16 last year - have more than 80 percent of those served living in home-like settings;
» Positively, 15 states up from 10 last year report helping a significant number of families remain together through robust family support programs;
» Positively, 39 states up from 33 last year support individuals going to work and maintaining their Medicaid benefit through a Medicaid Buy-In program;
» Negatively, a smaller portion of adults participated in competitive employment; and
» Consistent with last year, 15 states report very large and long waiting lists for services.
NFL Superbowl Champion Spends 30 Days in a Wheelchair
On June 10th, the FX Television Network show, "30 Days" by Morgan Spurlock (best known for his film Supersize Me) featured a story about a former NFL player who spends 30 days in a wheelchair and reports on his experience through the eyes of a person with disabilities.
Ray Crockett played football for Baylor University from 1984-88 before his NFL draft in 1989. He won two Super Bowl rings in 1998 and 1999 as a starting player for the Denver Broncos. During his 14 years in the NFL, he also played for the Detroit Lions and the Kansas City Chiefs.
In 1991, Ray was on the field with the Detroit Lions when his teammate and friend, Mike Utley, was involved in a play that left him paralyzed from the chest down - an event that left a stong impression on Crockett. In fact, it is this incident that made him want to participate in the 30 Days.
For 30 Days, Crockett lived in a wheelchair and relied on his mental discipline to keep his legs immobile. His home and his car was retrofitted to accommodate his needs. He kept up with his coaching duties for his son's football team and he also joined the Texas Stampede, the wheelchair rugby team featuring players made famous in the documentary film Murderball. He attended a weekly support group for paraplegics at the Baylor Institute of Rehabilitation and met with a physical therapist to monitor any potential side effects. Throughout his 30 Days experience, Crockett was also under the medical supervision of Dr. Robert Bruce in order to track any muscle loss, blood clots, pressure sores or other side effects that could occur while wheelchair-bound.
To view more about the 30 Days television series, please visit the episode guide, view selected scenes on the FX Television Network Web site or check your local listings for an airing of the program.
BBC’s Ouch! Reports: How’s Your News? Coming Soon to MTV
BBC's Ouch Web site recently reported that the unusual news production troupe from How's Your News?, who produced a funny and poignant trilogy of films featuring people with disabilities on a roadtrip across America, are about to get their own show on MTV.
The group is a production team composed of a cadre of reporters with disabilities that including Down Syndrome and cerebral palsy that put together newscasts featuring interviews with celebrities, politicians and the average public. Their man-on-the-street style has gained a cult following including South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone among others.
These videos were originally produced with friends and family in mind, according to the New York Times. Adding to their success, one of their films had the opportunity to screen at the Toronto Film Festival in 1999.
Be sure to watch the clip below of this group in action during the 2004 election season. This short clip features Peter Jennings, Ben Affleck, Rob Cordary, Hillary Clinton and G. Gordon Liddy among others.
2008 Believable Hope Conference Coverage Now Available
Our coverages spans amazing stories from the inspirational speech and videos during the closing plenary to a vision of the future of healthcare with former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich.
We invite you to comment on these stories as well as create conversations about your experience in response to these articles.
Founded in 1948 to help people with cerebral palsy, today United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is a pivotal advocate for the rights of all people with disabilities. As one of the largest health charities in America, UCP is dedicated to advancing the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities.
Stilt man finishes walk Associated Press USA 6/29/08 You may of seen him walking on three-foot stilts. He certainly wasn't hard to miss.
House Votes to Expand Civil Rights for Disabled New York Times New York,NY,USA 6/26/08 The House passed a major civil rights bill on Wednesday that would expand protections for people with disabilities and overturn several Supreme Court decisions issued in the last decade.
Affordable housing advocates discuss challenges, opportunities Dothan Eagle Dothan,AL,USA 6/26/08 The slowing economy is forcing more people from home ownership to rentals, putting even more stress on the affordable housing market, according to a newly-formed coalition hoping to provide housing for extremely low income residents in Alabama.
Stilt-walker says trek has shown him Michiganders at their best Detroit Free Press Detroit,MI,USA 6/24/08 The 25-year-old has nearly completed his 800-mile trek across Michigan, a journey through the state's small towns, down its dusky back roads, up its busy highways ... on stilts.
Cerebral palsy school closing in Parkville Northeast Reporter Baltimore,MD,USA 6/23/08 The Delrey School, which serves children with cerebral palsy and other disabilities, is closing its Parkville location in an effort to consolidate its facilities.
Mississippi is last in UCP disabilities report Sun Herald Biloxi,MS,USA 6/20/08 Mississippi is cited by United Cerebral Palsy as one of the states that tends to institutionalize people with intellectual and developmental disabilities rather than integrate them into the community.
Sky is the limit for campers with disabilities Cincinnati.Com Cincinnati,OH,USA 6/11/08 Some leave wheelchairs behind. Some grip the balloon supports in a mixture of excitement and fear. The balloon ride is a challenge. A test of courage. An act of faith. A celebration of freedom that they only feel once a year - at the Stepping Stones Summer Camp at Camp Allyn.
Judge backs e-bingo; play allowed to continue Sacramento Bee Sacramento,CA,USA 6/5/08 Local charity halls will still be able to use e-bingo machines, as a result of a temporary injunction issued late Thursday by a federal judge.
Autistic and Proud: A Movement Takes Hold National Public Radio USA 6/2/08 (Audio) As its name suggests, the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network aims to help people with the disorder represent themselves, instead of relying on families and care providers to speak for them. They share a credo with other disability groups: "Nothing about us without us."
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