tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10602734740080779572024-03-13T07:26:13.582-04:00Developmental Disability in Washington, D.C.Exploring issues of concern to citizens of Washington, D.C. with developmental disabilities and their families. Get the news you need about services and supports, important events, and opportunities for advocacy.Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.comBlogger221125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060273474008077957.post-35807258439308404342024-03-06T13:11:00.003-05:002024-03-06T13:16:51.092-05:00DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AWARENESS MONTH: CELEBRATE…BUT ALSO ADVOCATE!<p>Yes! This is Developmental
Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM), and there’s a host of events that you can
find right here: <a href="https://ddc.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/ddc/page_content/attachments/DDAM%20Calendar%202024_Accessible.pdf">DDAM
2024 calendar</a>. Coming right up, next
week, are two special things to note: </p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">First, get out there and celebrate at Lia’s
near Friendship Heights, at Quality Trust’s annual Better Together reception, starting
at 5:00 on Monday, March 11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s what
you need to know:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="https://qualitytrustforindividualswithdisabilities.networkforgood.com/events/67497-2024-better-together-reception">Better
Together March 11</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DO <i>NOT</i>
MISS IT!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to see you there!</li><li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The very next morning, self-advocates will want
to attend NACDD’s Developmental Disabilities Capitol Hill Resource Fair, where you
can have their say on an open mic about how the federal government and Congress
can help you lead better lives in the community.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">It’s 9-11am on Tuesday, March 12, in the
Rayburn House Office Building.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">More here
</span><a href="https://nacdd.org/ddam1/" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">https://nacdd.org/ddam1/</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> and register
here to speak at the event: </span><a href="https://form.typeform.com/to/K5YhaYae?typeform-source=lnks.gd" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Signup for
March 12 on Capitol Hill</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Have any
questions?</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Contact Erin Prangley at </span><span style="color: #0078d4; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="mailto:eprangley@nacdd.org" target="_blank">eprangley@nacdd.org</a>.</span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Okay, now everybody – self-advocates and others – Get your
advocacy chops on and <span style="color: red;">PLAN TO TESTIFY AT THE DDS BUDGET
HEARING ON MARCH 25</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(At the same
session the committee also will be hearing testimony on the Office of
Disability Rights and the Mayor’s Office of the Deaf, Deafblind and Hard of
Hearing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s where you can learn more:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://dccouncil.gov/event/budget-oversight-hearing-committee-on-facilities-family-services-2/">DDS
budget hearing March 25</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t
yet found signup information, but while you’re getting yourself ready, have a
look at this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.dcfpi.org/all/fiscal-year-2025-budget/">Background on the
FY2025 DC budget</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And for a little
more background in preparation for this hearing, you may also want to listen to
the testimony (including mine!) before the Committee on Facilities and Family
Services in the performance review hearing on February 23:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://dc.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=8731">Video
of Feb 23 hearing</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DDS testimony
starts with Project ACTION! representatives at around minute 1:16:00 of the
video and ends when DDS director Andy Reese concludes just before minute
5:25:00 of the video, with ODR and MODDHH before and after.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Committee chair Lewis George reminded us at the hearing that t</span>his is going to be a tough budget season, so
it’s important to get to the hearing and testify about issues such as cost-of-living
increases to DDA’s personal needs allowance, rent ceiling and grocery
allowances – you can hear me address some of these around minute 1:43:00 of the video,
with other witnesses starting around 3:05:00 addressing these and other
important DDA and RSA issues.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I know you may not have time to listen to all this, and that’s
okay! What’s important to you? Step up and testify! I’ll let you know as soon as I hear where on the
DC council website <b><span style="color: red;">you can sign up to testify on the
budget on March 25. JUST DO IT!</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">QUESTIONS ABOUT TERMS OR ORGANIZATIONS I MENTION IN THIS
BLOG? CHECK OUT <a href="https://www.ddinwdc.com/p/blog-page.html">Key organizations and terms</a>
– and always let me know in the Comments if I’ve missed one!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060273474008077957.post-18488721441147432832024-02-10T12:58:00.007-05:002024-02-10T14:09:34.825-05:00FEBRUARY 23: SPEAK UP ON DDS PERFORMANCE!<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>In my last blog post of 2023, I reminded readers that the
performance review hearings would be coming up soon.</span><span> </span><span>The one for the Department on Health Care
Finance (DHCF), which handles Medicaid funding issues, took place on February 8
– you can find the videos here, with witnesses testifying in the morning and DC
government officials in the afternoon:</span><span> </span><a href="https://dccouncil.gov/video-archive/">https://dccouncil.gov/video-archive/.</a><span> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The <b>DDS performance review hearing</b> (hybrid, in person
as well as on Zoom) is scheduled for <b>February 23</b>, and it is not too late
to sign up – the easiest way is to <b>contact Sebastian Weinmann In
Councilmember Janeese Lewis George’s office at <a href="file:///C:/Users/cagri/Desktop/sweinmann@dccouncil.gov">sweinmann@dccouncil.gov</a>.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Lewis George chairs the Facilities and
Family Services committee which oversees DDS.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You also should be able to sign up to testify at this location:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://lims.dccouncil.gov/hearings/">https://lims.dccouncil.gov/hearings/</a>,
although the site has not been functioning well so the above email is a more
certain way to get registered to testify.<b><i> Please, do not expect others to
carry your water:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sign up to
testify!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s important to be heard.</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Here are some of the issues that are on the top of my mind
as I begin writing my own testimony:</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
DDERAA law, opening up eligibility for DDA services to people with
developmental disabilities other than an intellectual disability, was passed unanimously
in March 2022 and began implementation in October of that year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(See </span><a href="https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B24-0268"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B24-0268</span></a><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.) DDS now has had over a
year of experience under the new eligibility terms, and I am hoping for a very
complete review of the experience so far – including numbers of applications;
whether any applicants have been declined and if so, why; how long it is taking
from application to initiation of services; whether there are substantive
changes in the needs of people coming through the door, and other issues of
that nature<b>.<i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you or your family
has had any experience with applying for DDA services since October 2022, it
would be especially important for the Council to hear from you!</i></b></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Second,
last year it was DDS’ stated intent to raise the personal needs allowance (PNA)
for people getting residential supports to $150, <i>and also to initiate an
annual cost-of-living increase (COLA) beginning in January 2024. </i>(Listen at
minute 47:00 of this recording: </span><a href="https://dds.dc.gov/node/1654616" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">https://dds.dc.gov/node/1654616</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.) In the end, the PNA
was raised, but there was no COLA instituted in January. It’s clear that
advocates will need to continue raising our voices to ensure the PNA increases
with inflation each and every year starting next January. <b><i>Plan to testify in support of the PNA
COLA on February 23 if you, a family member or friend is receiving residential
supports from DDA.</i></b> </span></span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;"><span style="font-size: large;">*REMINDER:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>IF YOU ARE EVER CONFUSED BY THE TERMS I USE
IN MY BLOG POST, TAKE A LOOK HERE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.ddinwdc.com/p/blog-page.html">DC Disability-Related Terms and
Organizations</a>.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;">Third, there’s been a lot of time and effort by
DDS and advocacy partners (myself included) <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to explore housing alternatives and programs
for people with disabilities in DC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One important
outcome of DDS efforts is the newly released housing guide (<a href="https://dds.dc.gov/page/dc-department-disability-services-dds-housing-resource-guide">DDS
Housing Resource Guide</a>), on which housing coordinator Pam Johnson gave a
presentation in last month’s Friday forum (<a href="https://dds.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dds/publication/attachments/Intro%20to%20the%20Housing%20Resource%20Guide%20%281.26.24%29_1a.pdf">Pam
Johnson's January 26 presentation</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The work that has gone into producing this resource is impressive, but
the resulting document is very complex and hard to negotiate without
substantial technical advice and assistance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The challenge now is to give much more thought to which aspects of the
guide are especially pertinent for DDS’s core audience of people with disabilities
and their supporters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><i>Are you
trying to find good housing options in DC, whether to rent or purchase?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let the council know on February 23 about the
living situation you’re hoping for and what information you need to achieve it.</i></b></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Finally, in my simultaneous roles as active advocate and the mother of someone receiving supports from DDA, I’m sometimes dismayed to see that new decisions and developments proudly announced in meetings led by senior DDS officials do not “filter down” to provider staff, or even to DDA service providers. I’ve seen more than one example of this over the past year, and I’m confident there are others. Something more needs to be done to get the word out and down – through more thorough in-house training, and better outreach through various means. Have you had the experience that your service coordinator or provider was unaware of new DDS policies or other important changes? Let the council know on February 23!</span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">I’m aware that my concerns are focused on DDA, <b><i>which</i></b>
is only one arm of the Department on Disability Services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of you are more in contact with DDS
through its Rehabilitation Services Administration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b><i>If you have had direct experience with
DDS/RSA over the past year, now is the time to turn up (in person or virtually)
to let the council know what is going well and where improvements are needed.</i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Again, don’t leave it to others – even if you can’t
testify orally, you can submit written testimony – so make sure you raise your
voice to the council on DDS performance over the past year!</span><o:p></o:p></i></b></p>Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060273474008077957.post-428174640115660512023-12-08T14:00:00.004-05:002023-12-08T14:02:37.310-05:00LOOKING OVER THE HILL TOWARD NEXT YEAR'S BUDGET<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>I know that everyone is focused right now on holiday
preparations, but soon after the New Year the DC council will be scheduling
performance review hearings, which set the stage for development of the DC
budget in fiscal year 2025.</span><span> </span><span>We already
know that maintaining the $150 “floor” for the personal needs allowance and
providing for annual cost of living increases in the PNA will be an important
point of advocacy – see </span><a href="https://www.ddinwdc.com/2023/09/dds-personal-needs-allowance-more-to-do.html">September
blog post on DDS PNA</a><span> – but it’s important to start thinking as well about
other issues that deserve DDS attention.</span><span>
</span><span>In preparation for the upcoming budget season, familiarize yourself with
the key actors on DC disability issues at </span><a href="https://www.ddinwdc.com/p/members-of-d.html">blog page on key DC council
members</a><span> and start thinking about changes you would like to see in the
coming year. And - plan to testify!</span><span> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Watch this space, and happy holidays - </span><o:p></o:p></p>Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060273474008077957.post-60629851218278607022023-11-09T12:03:00.001-05:002023-11-09T12:04:40.792-05:00You Have a Date with Quality Trust on November 14!<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">You
know </span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Quality Trust (https://www.dcqualitytrust.org/), the organization that has
been doing so much to support people with developmental disabilities in DC for
over two decades</b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif">You can get a
great meal AND support QT this coming </span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Tuesday, November 14</b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">, from </span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">5:00
– 9:00pm</b><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> at </span><a href="https://blue44dc.com/" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">BLUE 44</a><span face="Arial, sans-serif">, located at 5507
Connecticut Avenue, NW, WDC 20015. I’ve eaten here many times, the food
is great!</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Quality
Trust will receive 15% of the proceeds of all meals ordered during that time
when the customer mentions “Quality Trust” on take-out, pick-up, delivery, and
meals eaten at the restaurant.</span></b><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> That’s all! Just mention Quality Trust! There also will be some tables reserved for
QT staff and supporters, but make your reservations as soon as possible because
space is limited.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">Even
if you can’t attend in person, you can also order your dinner for pick-up, take
it home and support Quality Trust. </span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Here
is a link to the menu: </span><a href="https://blue44dc.com/washington-blue-44-restaurant-and-bar-food-menu" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Blue 44 Restaurant and Bar - Food Menu (blue44dc.com)</span></a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call
Phyllis Holton on 202-270-1256 or email her at </span><a href="mailto:pholton@dcqualitytrust.org" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">pholton@dcqualitytrust.org</span></a><span face="Arial, sans-serif">.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">Don’t miss this great opportunity to have a fantastic meal
and support an essential DC organization at the same time!</span></span></p>Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060273474008077957.post-62712028871710106122023-10-14T16:44:00.008-04:002023-10-16T10:12:20.398-04:00MAKE ROOM IN YOUR OCTOBER SCHEDULE!<p><span style="font-size: large;">It’s hard to believe that October is already half over! </span><span style="font-size: large;">As you plan the rest of your month, make room on the
calendar for these important events:</span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Quality Trust’s “Envision Endless Opportunities” annual
meeting, Thursday, October 26, 5-7pm</b><span> in the UDC student ballroom at 4200
Connecticut Avenue NW.</span><span> </span><span>QT’s annual
meeting (it’s free! with hors d’oeuvres and refreshments) is always a great
opportunity to catch up on the essential work QT has been doing over the course
of the year on behalf of DC residents with disabilities – and also to meet up
with friends in the community, in person not on Zoom!</span><span> </span><span>Get your free ticket here: </span><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/quality-trust-2023-annual-meeting-tickets-727706478667?aff=odeieiconstantcontact&ctct_id=d8e959c9-d4ae-4677-bfac-dc3fbe6069f1_p2&ctct_c=1grimLaBmXCHi3NscCdEOKAH_fMrIJLT0nJy5X_9Ws8Wn2TCKotkkQ==">QT
annual meeting 2023</a><span>.</span></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>DDS monthly forum, Friday, October 27 at noon, on Zoom</b><span>.</span><span> </span><span>These DDS forums began during the pandemic,
and continue to occur on the fourth Friday of the month.</span><span> </span><span>Covid has been back on the agenda recently,
with presentations last month by DC Health about covid and other fall viruses
and by DDS deputy director Winslow Woodland about a survey DDS conducted on the
lingering effects of the pandemic.</span><span> </span><span>You
can find these presentations here: </span><a href="https://dds.dc.gov/node/1519506">Sept
29 presentations</a><span>.</span><span> </span><span>On October 27</span><sup>th</sup><span>
DDS will be addressing, among other things, the shift away from companion care
and back to other types of day supports as some of the federal pandemic-era
programs wind down:</span><span> </span><span>if you still are
confused about the phaseout of companion care, you’ll want to tune in – </span><b>contact <a href="mailto:Charlisa.Payne2@dc.gov">Charlisa.Payne2@dc.gov</a> to receive the link</b><span>.</span></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Employment issues will also be highlighted on the 27</span><sup>th</sup><span>,
but even more so at the second annual </span><b>Employment First Summit on October 31,
being held again at the MLK library, from 9am-4pm</b><span>.</span><span> </span><span>You don’t need to attend for the entire day,
but whenever you come, you’ll experience a lot of useful information and networking
opportunities.</span><span> </span><span>Register here: </span><a href="https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=8Unkj5SLt0-ZBm-Tnagtc6AsN5mWuFdChT-S2fpIG1FUN0JUVzZOTFBGMURJU1MwWEFIUEZYMkM3Ty4u">Employment
First Summit</a><span>.</span></span></li></ul></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">You probably won’t be able to do all of it, but pick at
least one of these and get it on your calendar!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Carol Grigsby (she/her/hers) is a dedicated advocate, blogging since 2014 on issues affecting people with developmental disabilities in Washington, DC. I am the immediate past chair of the DC Developmental Disabilities Council and the parent of a young man receiving supports from DC’s Department on Disability Services. I strongly support statehood for DC, where I have lived since 1978, since without it no DC resident, disabled or non-disabled, will ever be fully empowered. Opinions in this blog are my own.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060273474008077957.post-17391138000716431592023-09-25T12:16:00.001-04:002023-09-25T12:16:38.530-04:00DDS Personal Needs Allowance: More to Do in the New Fiscal Year!<p><span style="font-size: large;">It was a welcome surprise back in the spring when DDS
announced an increase in the personal needs allowance (PNA) - the amount people
getting DDS residential supports keep to spend as they want (<a href="https://www.ddinwdc.com/2023/03/budget-surprise-and-your-opportunity-to.html">https://www.ddinwdc.com/2023/03/budget-surprise-and-your-opportunity-to.html</a>). At the time, DDS director Andy Reese specified
that the PNA would increase to $150 on October 1 and then get a cost-of-living
increase every January <b>starting with January 1, 2024</b> (listen here at
minute 47:00: <a href="https://dds.dc.gov/node/1654616">https://dds.dc.gov/node/1654616</a>). I have to admit though, that over recent
weeks, with no new announcement and October around the corner, I’ve been
getting apprehensive that all was not quite right.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Well, I was sort of wrong to worry…and sort of right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>At the DD council’s meeting on September
21, Andy finally did announce the October 1 increase to $150, but the following
day, on the DDS community call, he gave a little more detail, clarifying that
the cost-of-living increases are not built into the budget and will require
ongoing advocacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In response to my
direct question as to whether the January 1, 2024 cost-of-living increase would
happen, he said no, no further increase until January 1, 2025</b> – and if I
understood him correctly, even that will depend on advocacy to ensure the money
is in the DDS budget for FY 2025.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Listen
to the recording of last Friday’s forum, which will appear here - <a href="https://dds.dc.gov/node/1470236">https://dds.dc.gov/node/1470236</a> - in
a few days.) This means that <b>advocates – INCLUDING YOU! – will need to turn
out in force at next spring’s DC council hearings to make sure the mayor and councilmembers
know that we want to see the personal needs allowance keep up with inflation from
now on, going into the future!</b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">On a couple of other topics: </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;">Earlier this year I blogged about issues with Medicaid
renewal – if you continue to have questions about this, here is some
up-to-date information from DC council chair Christina Henderson: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyyr5g6wjKo">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyyr5g6wjKo</a>
(presentation by DHCF to ANC commissioners) and <a href="https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Hearings/hearings/93">https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Hearings/hearings/93</a>
(September 11 council hearing on Medicaid renewal).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Also, remember the upcoming Latinx conference on September
30 (see my last blog post - <a href="https://www.ddinwdc.com/2023/09/fall-events.html">https://www.DDinWDC.com/2023/09/fall-events.html</a>
- and <a href="https://dds.dc.gov/event/dc-latinx-conference-disabilities">https://dds.dc.gov/event/dc-latinx-conference-disabilities</a>).</span></li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">Carol
Grigsby (she/her/hers) is a dedicated advocate, blogging since 2014 on issues
affecting people with developmental disabilities in Washington, DC. I am the
immediate past chair of the DC Developmental Disabilities Council and the
parent of a young man receiving supports from DC’s Department on Disability
Services. I strongly support statehood for DC, where I have lived since 1978,
since without it no DC resident, disabled or non-disabled, will ever be fully
empowered. Opinions in this blog are my own.<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060273474008077957.post-54228063438846181912023-09-12T16:42:00.011-04:002023-09-12T16:51:23.725-04:00Fall Events<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Fall is upon us, and
activity is ramping up. Some important
upcoming events:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The Developmental
Disabilities Council (DDC) will hold its quarterly meeting on September 21,
from 3-5pm, at 441 4<sup>th</sup> Street, NW, Suite 729N or via Zoom. Questions, or to get the Zoom link - contact Alison Whyte (<a href="mailto:alison.whyte@dc.gov">alison.whyte@dc.gov</a>).</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">DDS Community and
Provider Forum on Friday, September 22<sup>nd</sup> from 12-1:30 pm via Zoom. Recordings of
past meetings can be found at <a href="https://dds.dc.gov/node/1470236">https://dds.dc.gov/node/1470236</a>
and Power Points of presentations at <a href="https://dds.dc.gov/node/1519506">https://dds.dc.gov/node/1519506</a>.
Get the Zoom link by contacting Charlisa
Payne (<a href="mailto:Charlisa.Payne2@dc.gov">Charlisa.Payne2@dc.gov</a>). With covid again in the news, this session will share important updates. </span></li><ul><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>NOTE: In</span><span> my last blog post (<a href="https://www.ddinwdc.com/2023/08/keeping-peoples-rights-at-forefront.html">https://www.ddinwdc.com/2023/08/keeping-peoples-rights-at-forefront.html</a>): I mentioned the presentation last March on people’s rights during the pandemic - t</span><span>hat Power Point can't be found on the main page at </span><a href="https://dds.dc.gov/node/1519506">https://dds.dc.gov/node/1519506</a><span>, but you can get to it by clicking on the link “Covid Data for Forum 12.02.2022 – 02.24.23,” which will open </span><span> </span><a href="https://dds.dc.gov/node/1655841">https://dds.dc.gov/node/1655841</a>, and you'll find it there.</span></li></ul></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">5<sup>th</sup> Annual Latinx Conference on Saturday, September 30, from
10am – 4pm, at the Columbia Heights Educational Campus, 3101 16<sup>th</sup>
St, NW. Contact Mark Agosto (<a href="mailto:mark.agosto@dc.gov">mark.agosto@dc.gov</a>) or Alison Whyte (<a href="mailto:alison.whyte@dc.gov">alison.whyte@dc.gov</a>).</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As announced by DDS director Andy Reese in the
community forum on March 24 and in his testimony before the DC council on March
29, the personal needs allowance (PNA) for people receiving residential supports
from DDA will increase from $100/month to $150/month on October 1, with further
cost-of-living increases on January 1 of each year. I’m sure DDS will be making a more formal announcement
about this before the end of this month.</span></li></ul><p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>
<p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span> </span> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060273474008077957.post-40343410428623614502023-08-31T16:10:00.000-04:002023-08-31T16:10:03.127-04:00Keeping People's Rights at the Forefront<p><span style="font-size: large;">This has turned out to be a different type of year from the
one I expected. Many of you may share that feeling, given that we’re all still
going through a period of adjustment in the wake of our long pandemic. I launched into this year in full confidence about
the areas in which my advocacy could make a difference, but I’ve found myself
drawn by personal experience and serendipity in a new direction.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Early in the pandemic I served on a working group examining how
DDS and partner agencies should balance the desire to protect people from contracting covid-19 with the need to respect people’s rights to make their own individual
decisions. Tiffani Johnson, rights and advocacy
specialist at DDS, and Sandy Bernstein, legal director at DRDC/ULS, delivered a
much-needed refresher on those issues at the DDS Friday forum this last February.
(Recordings and presentations from the Friday forums can be found here: <a href="https://dds.dc.gov/page/dds-covid-19-community-and-provider-forums">https://dds.dc.gov/page/dds-covid-19-community-and-provider-forums</a>,
although I wasn’t able to find the Power Point for their February presentation and
I’ve asked DDS to post that.)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Obviously, though, such thorny issues arise not only in the
context of a pandemic but in other day-to-day situations too, and recent developments
have made me appreciate just how important it is for people to have advocates in
their corner when the hard cases come up.
Shortly after her presentation with Sandy, in April Tiffani invited
people attending the Friday forum to volunteer as members of the RCRC (Restrictive
Control Review Committee, primarily responsible for reviewing restrictions contained
in behavior support plans) or the HRAC (Human Rights Advisory Committee, responsible
for broader protections of people’s rights under DDS programs). These groups include self-advocates, family
members, and other advocates. (See the link above for the April recording and Power Point.)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">For as long as we’re around, my son will have his father and
me to advocate for him and to help him ensure his rights are being respected,
but it’s also good to know there are people conducting an independent review of
whether DDS and its partners are adequately protecting individuals’ rights through
the programs they administer. I also
know there are people getting DDA services who, for lack of family or other
supports, have to depend entirely on this independent review process. Tiffani’s
presentation came at the right time for me as I weighed the most effective use
of my advocacy skills at this time, so I’ve joined the HRAC to see if I can
help make an important difference in a few people’s lives. Maybe you want to see this process in action
for yourself, and if so I’d encourage you to reach out to <a href="mailto:tiffani.johnson@dc.gov">tiffani.johnson@dc.gov</a>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Carol A. Grigsby is a disability rights advocate and the
parent of a disabled young man receiving supports from D.C.’s Department on
Disability Services.</span><o:p></o:p></i></p>Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060273474008077957.post-51893887929718417892023-05-25T14:50:00.001-04:002023-05-25T14:50:31.063-04:00Medicaid Recertification Happening Now!<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Over the past couple of months you’ve probably been hearing
and reading about the process of Medicaid renewal (recertification) that’s
taking place now the pandemic emergency has ended. This is going to be a very challenging
process. In DC, the process is being
managed by the Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF), which is sending out
renewal forms that will need to be returned by July 31, 2023. Everyone should be on alert and watching for
this form in the mail. The name of the
form is “Conversion Renewal Form,” which creates immediate confusion. Here is the information from the DHCF
website, along with a sample form posted online:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://dhcf.dc.gov/medicaid-renewal"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://dhcf.dc.gov/medicaid-renewal</span></a></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://dhcf.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dhcf/page_content/attachments/__50B_Conversion%20Renewal_Form_Last-Generated_on_01312023.pdf%20-%20Updated%20Sample%20Application.PDF">DC
DHCF Renewal Form</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">The form itself is 62 pages long, although most people will
only need to fill out selected sections. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Winslow Woodland, DDS deputy director (<a href="mailto:winslow.woodland@dc.gov">winslow.woodland@dc.gov</a>), has
clarified in a number of meetings that agencies providing residential supports
in DC will be responsible for seeing that these forms are completed and
submitted to DHCF. Unfortunately, from
what I can tell, anyone else receiving waiver services in DC will be
responsible for completing the form with the help of friends of family, or at
one of the assistance centers listed in the form.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">DHCF has been invited to attend the DDS community form (contact
<a href="mailto:Charlisa.Payne2@dc.gov">Charlisa.Payne2@dc.gov</a> to get the
invitation) tomorrow, May 26, at noon.
Come with your questions!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060273474008077957.post-68025874815818079302023-03-25T11:29:00.001-04:002023-03-25T11:30:20.771-04:00Budget Surprise - and Your Opportunity to Show Up!<p><span style="font-size: medium;">In my last blog post - <a href="https://www.ddinwdc.com/2023/03/its-budget-time.html">March 22 blog post</a>
- I said I’d be listening to see what was said about the personal needs
allowance (PNA) for people getting residential supports from DDS. So I was surprised (and pleased!) to learn, in
DDS director Andy Reese’s budget briefing yesterday, that the mayor’s proposed
FY24 budget includes $745,000 to allow DDS to increase the monthly PNA from its
current level of $100 to $150, starting in October 2023. The increase is intended to make up for 15
years without any cost-of-living increase in the PNA. He also said that DDS intends to ensure, beginning
in January 2024, that the PNA will receive the same annual cost-of-living
increase that the Social Security Administration makes in its yearly January
SSI payments.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">This was astonishing news!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But remember – this is a <i>proposed budget,</i> and as Colby King reminds
us in his Washington Post article today, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/03/24/dc-budget-home-rule-bowser-council-congress/">Colby
King on DC budget</a>, DC is even more under the Congressional microscope (<i>thumb</i>)
than usual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s important to come
together as residents and responsibly express our priorities for the life of
our future state(!) in DC council hearings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Particularly in light of the many empty downtown buildings, DC cannot
count on the level of resources it has enjoyed in recent years, so we have to
be selective and targeted in what we advocate for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For this reason, I will tell you
transparently that I can’t favor the DC council’s push for free bus service at
this time – I fear a sweeping change like that will come at the expense of
other lower-cost, but very important priorities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I say this as someone who initially favored
this move, when it seemed we would continue to run substantial surpluses.)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">You may not agree with my views, and that’s okay!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a look at these:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.dcfpi.org/all/a-residents-guide-to-the-dc-budget-2023/">FPI
guide to the DC budget</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.dcfpi.org/all/four-ways-residents-can-influence-the-dc-budget/">Influencing
the DC budget</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://cfo.dc.gov/budget">Proposed FY24 DC budget</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://cfo.dc.gov/node/1651111"><span style="font-size: medium;">Proposed FY24 DC
DDS budget</span></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">and then sign up to testify on Wednesday<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8WYEWk_apDcsKz_k-NBYOUCkXTgggPX1pmOheVO6OD7qRhQ/viewform">March
29 signup</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hearing is on Zoom,
so you can participate from home, or from anywhere!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or if you can’t testify “in person” (on
Zoom), then plan to submit written testimony.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Advocates will be testifying about the personal needs allowance, making
sure DSP wages are increased to the agreed 117.6% of the DC living wage, ensuring
that wait times for DDA applications aren’t keeping newly-eligible applicants
from getting services, promoting affordable housing and employment for DC
residents with disabilities, and more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your voice is essential to make sure the views of people with
disabilities and their supporters are clearly heard!</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And one more thing:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
coming Thursday, March 30, the day after the budget hearing, DDS will host (at
250 E St SW) the final program in a full month of Developmental Disability
Awareness Month (DDAM) events - <a href="https://dds.dc.gov/node/1584116">DDAM
March 2023</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be an art
show/sale from 3-4, then the program from 4-6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And this year, Mayor Bowser herself will be in attendance, so be there
if you can, to show her our enthusiasm and determination!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span>Curious about some of the terms I use? Check here: </span><a href="https://www.ddinwdc.com/p/blog-page.html">Terms and organizations</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060273474008077957.post-55837392289643847892023-03-22T17:08:00.002-04:002023-03-22T17:15:05.473-04:00IT'S BUDGET TIME!<p><span style="font-size: large;">The mayor’s FY 2024 budget appeared today, and on Friday
March 24 at noon, Director Andy Reese will be briefing the community about the DDS
budget – </span><a href="https://cfo.dc.gov/node/1651111" style="font-size: large;">https://cfo.dc.gov/node/1651111</a><span style="font-size: large;">
- so log on here at noon Friday to hear what he has to say at the Friday forum:
</span><a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83742444051%23success" style="font-size: large;">DDS community forum
link</a><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">I will be listening especially for two things:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Plans to implement cost-of-living increases for the monthly
personal needs allowance received by people getting residential supports, which
has been stuck at $100 a month for 15 years with no increases;</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">How wage increases for the indispensable DSP workforce under
the DSP Payment Rate Act, passed 3 years ago, are going to be assured going
forward.</span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>I hope you’ll tune in to hear what Andy has to say on
Friday, and then go to this site<span style="font-family: georgia;"> -</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8WYEWk_apDcsKz_k-NBYOUCkXTgggPX1pmOheVO6OD7qRhQ/viewform">March
29 signup</a> -</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif"> </span></span><span> and sign up to
testify before the DC council’s Committee on Facilities and Family Services on
Wednesday, March 29.</span><span> </span><span>If you can’t
deliver testimony, at least make sure that you submit written testimony, which
usually is due by one week following the hearing.</span><span> </span><i>We were successful last year at getting revised eligibility criteria for disability supports passed by the council – make sure that new committee chair Janeese
Lewis-George knows that we remain an active and determined constituency!</i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Also, take a few minutes now to enjoy these photos from
Quality Trust’s Better Together reception on March:</span><span> </span><a href="https://vimeo.com/807610302">https://vimeo.com/807610302</a><span>.</span><span> </span><span>It was a wonderful event!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060273474008077957.post-7934885871322931082023-03-06T09:50:00.007-05:002023-03-06T16:01:48.406-05:00Passing of Judy Heumann, Renowned Activist and First Director of DDS<p><span style="font-size: large;">The entire world is mourning the death of disability rights leader Judy Heumann, which happened two days ago, on March 4. Here is AAPD's obituary covering her amazing and impactful career: </span><a href="https://www.aapd.com/press-releases/the-world-mourns-the-passing-of-judy-heumann-disability-rights-activist/" style="font-size: large;">AAPD on passing of Judy Heumann</a><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In a couple of my blog posts in recent years, I called attention to her memoir, Being Heumann (<a href="https://www.ddinwdc.com/2020/03/judy-heumann-rocked-place-and-more.html">Heumann at Politics and Prose</a>) and to the film, "Crip Camp," celebrating the roots of her activism at Camp Jened (<a href="https://www.ddinwdc.com/2021/03/crip-camp-and-more.html">DDAM viewing of "Crip Camp"</a>). </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But besides her national and international accomplishments, Judy Heumann played an important role at the local level, reorienting DC's disability services and pointing the way toward the future as the first director of DC's Department on Disability Services (DDS). This doesn't usually get as much attention as her many other achievements, but for us it was hugely important. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Heumann's passing in Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) gives us an opportunity to celebrate her essential role in setting DC on the path toward inclusion and autonomy for DC's disabled residents. There won't be another one like her anytime soon.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Information about her March 8 memorial service (in-person and online) is here: <a href="https://judithheumann.com/memorial-service-honoring-the-life-of-judy-heumann/">https://judithheumann.com/memorial-service-honoring-the-life-of-judy-heumann/</a>.</span></p>Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060273474008077957.post-10119998338542561102023-02-25T11:42:00.001-05:002023-02-25T11:45:20.572-05:00February Performance Hearing on DC DDS<p><span style="font-size: medium;">In principle, performance review hearings are about looking
back – but in reality, they represent the first opportunity that advocates have
to weigh in on the upcoming budget season.
That was very much the case on February 16, when advocates turned out to
testify before the DC council’s Facilities and Family Services committee on the
newly formed Mayor’s Office of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing (MoDDHH),
the Office of Disability Rights (ODR), and the Department on Disability
Services (DDS). As has usually been the
case, DDS came last, but unlike most years, the hearing, which began around
2:30, ran until close to 8 p.m. by the time the committee chair, Janeese
Lewis-George (Ward 4), had completed her questioning of Andy Reese. My focus here is on DDS, although there was a
great deal of interesting discussion with respect to MoDDHH and ODR, as well.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">I shared <a href="https://www.ddinwdc.com/2023/02/my-february-16-testimony.html">my
February 16 testimony</a> in an earlier blog post, but it will be well worth
your while to watch advocates’ testimony, some of it, from Project ACTION!
members, about 35 minutes (35:00:00) from the beginning of the hearing (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp-V8mkJ0Oc">video of Feb 16 performance
hearing</a>), and the rest beginning a little before minute 3:20:00 of the
video.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As always, the Q and A with Andy
(5:07:00 of the video) was especially interesting in setting the stage for
further discussion on the DDS budget for FY 2024 (beginning October 1 of this
year).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In general, I was impressed that
Lewis-George and her staff had really done their homework before the
hearing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She asked very good questions
and saw important connections to the work of other agencies and council
committees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are some highlights
(see <a href="https://www.ddinwdc.com/p/blog-page.html">organizations and
terminology page</a> for any unfamiliar terms):<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Sandy Bernstein of DRDC and other advocates had
raised the issue of DDS delays in establishing people’s eligibility and getting
services underway since the DDERAA came into effect in October. Although Andy
Reese cited multiple reasons for these slowdowns, Lewis-George was adamant that
DDS must find a ways to speed up the process.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium; text-indent: -0.25in;">Lewis-George picked up on advocates’ calls for the DC government to become a model employer of people with
disabilities. She asked about existing models (the Georgetown UCEDD is leading
the charge in studying options), asked about RSA’s role, and pushed Reese to
hold other DC agencies accountable for setting hiring goals and creating career
paths. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Many advocates called attention to the fact that
people receiving residential supports from DDS receive a flat $100 monthly
personal needs allowance that has not been raised to keep up with inflation
since 2007.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Lewis-George asked Reese
what was being done about this, and he said we first will need to see whether
the mayor puts money into her budget to cover the cost, after which it will be
up to the DC council. </span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">There was significant attention to the need for
better on-the-ground collaboration between DDS and DBH, since an increasing number
of people served have dual diagnoses, and for DDS to have a better
understanding than is sometimes demonstrated about the nature of DBH services
and supports.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Although Reese said there
are regular meetings with DBH at the management level, Lewis-George encouraged
him to ensure this translates into peoples’ support experience.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium; text-indent: -0.25in;">Advocates also called attention to DDA staffing shortages and the need to ensure prompt and complete funding of wage increases for DSP staff.</span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><!--[if !supportLists]--></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">This year has been a turning point for DDS, and the revision
in eligibility requirements brought on by passage of the DDERAA will require shifts in the response by DDS and
its provider agencies to the people they serve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You will have another opportunity to weigh in with testimony on how DDS
budget resources should be used in FY 2024, at the <b>DDS budget hearing March
29, 2023</b>. You should be able to sign up soon, at <a href="https://janeeseward4.com/testify/">https://janeeseward4.com/testify/</a>. Make sure you do it!</span><o:p></o:p></p>Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060273474008077957.post-13703388405541260322023-02-23T15:04:00.000-05:002023-02-23T15:04:09.339-05:00My February 16 Testimony<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>TESTIMONY BY CAROL
A. GRIGSBY BEFORE THE COMMITTEE ON FACILITIES AND FAMILY SERVICES ON THE </b><b>DEPARTMENT ON
DISABILITY SERVICES, </b><b>FEB 16, 2023</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Madame Chair and other councilmembers, thank you for
allowing me to appear today before the newly formed Committee on Facilities and
Family Services. The DC community of
disability advocates has had a fruitful relationship with the Committee on
Human Services in recent years, and we look forward to the same constructive
relationship with this committee.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>My name is Carol Grigsby. My son has received long-term
disability supports through DDS since 2014, and in that same year I began my
blog, DDinWDC (<a href="https://www.DDinWDC.com">https://www.DDinWDC.com</a>), in which I continue to cover key
issues affecting people with developmental disabilities and their
families. I rotated off DC’s
federally-mandated Developmental Disabilities Council in December, but during
my tenure as DDC chair and then as advocacy co-chair, I was proud, with other
advocates, to achieve successful passage of the historic Developmental
Disability Eligibility Reform Amendment Act, among other important initiatives. You are hearing today from other advocates
who are tracking implementation of The DDERAA, whose intent is to ensure
essential services for all those who need them.
In my limited time, I will focus on three pressing issues that directly
affect the welfare of my own son and others now receiving or about to receive
long-term supports from DDS’s Developmental Disabilities Administration: </p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The effects of the pandemic, coupled with the
narrowing of the gap between DC’s minimum wage and living wage, have led to
significant staffing shortages – 23% on average - among DC’s disability support
providers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Direct support professionals
who remain on the job are drastically overburdened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please heed today’s testimony by Ian Paregol
from the Coalition of Disability Service Providers with respect to the need for
urgent and full implementation of the Direct Support Professional Payment Rate
Act<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">As the pandemic emergency winds down, DDS and
providers are focused on reopening day programs to get people back out into the
community.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">However, this moment also
provides an opportunity for DC as a whole to place enhanced emphasis on employment
of people with disabilities with the workplace supports they need.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The DC government needs to start by setting
an example for private businesses, by becoming a model employer of disabled
people in its own hiring practices.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Not
only DCHR, but also DCPL, should be dedicated to this goal.</span> </p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->People receiving residential supports from DDS
have received a flat $100 monthly personal needs allowance since 2007 – with no
cost-of-living allowance, or COLA. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
decision last month provides for a COLA to be applied to the personal needs
allowance for people in intermediate care facilities and nursing homes, but in
order to apply a COLA for people in supported living, such as my son, or in
community residences, there must be explicit action as part of the budget
process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Year-on-year erosion in
people’s personal allowance must not be allowed to continue, and we look to you
to help remedy this injustice.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">I would not be in a position to advocate as I do if my son
were not receiving DDS supports, and I would like to thank Andy Reese, Winslow
Woodland, my son’s service coordinator and others in DDS for continuing to
pursue improvements in quality control, DDA/RSA collaboration, and other
initiatives to achieve more meaningful inclusion of disabled people in our DC
community. Thank you.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060273474008077957.post-79702944900791225952023-02-12T16:08:00.003-05:002023-02-13T12:16:07.852-05:00SIGN UP BY FEBRUARY 13 FOR THE FEBRUARY 16 [VIRTUAL] DC COUNCIL HEARING!<p><span style="font-size: large;">When I circulated my new page about changes in the DC
council last month (<a href="https://www.ddinwdc.com/p/members-of-d.html">https://www.ddinwdc.com/p/members-of-d.html</a>),
I expected to follow up quickly with another blog post. But my life hit some rocky times, and here I
am six weeks into the New Year with an urgent event looming. So let me be brief, and focus your attention
on this week’s performance review hearing on DDS, ODR and the new Mayor’s
Office of Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing (MODDHH), February 16 at 2 p.m. via
Zoom. (This page - <a href="https://www.ddinwdc.com/p/blog-page.html">https://www.ddinwdc.com/p/blog-page.html</a>
- tells you about key terminology and organizations in the DC disability world.) Each speaker will have 3 minutes to speak,
but you can submit written testimony in addition.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: large;">SIGN UP HERE, BY TOMORROW, FEBRUARY 13 TO TESTIFY "IN
PERSON" (via ZOOM) ON FEBRUARY 16:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScxEOds_QVzkjURJa6GK3eW6s1Don1Em54nVd2KA-90gREgQw/viewform">https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScxEOds_QVzkjURJa6GK3eW6s1Don1Em54nVd2KA-90gREgQw/viewform</a><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>My focus here is on DDS.</span><span>
</span><span>This hearing is especially important because </span><b>the new chair, Councilmember
Janeese Lewis-George, and many others on the Committee on Facilities and Family
Services (CoFFS), are relatively new to disability issues, as are many committee
staff</b><span> (see </span><a href="https://www.ddinwdc.com/p/members-of-d.html">https://www.ddinwdc.com/p/members-of-d.html</a><span>).</span><span> </span><span>As you prepare your testimony (contact Alison
Whyte at the Developmental Disabilities Council - Alison Whyte (</span><a href="mailto:alison.whyte@dc.gov">alison.whyte@dc.gov</a><span> if you need help),
think about these issues:</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p><span> </span></o:p><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">What has been your experience with DDS’ intake
office, and getting services underway, since new eligibility criteria for DDS
long-term supports went into effect on October 1?</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p><span> </span></o:p><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Are you or your family member feeling the
effects of the significant staffing vacancies providers are experiencing?</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Do you think higher wages for direct support
professionals, sooner rather than later, could improve this situation?</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p><span> </span></o:p><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Do you want to see annual cost-of-living
increases in the personal needs allowance to keep up with inflation?</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">(People receiving residential supports from
DDS currently get a flat $100 monthly personal needs allowance, an amount that
has not changed in 15 years.)</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p><span> </span></o:p><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Are you satisfied with supports being provided
by DDS (RSA or DDA) to help people find jobs, keep their jobs, and thrive in
their jobs?</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Would you like to see the DC
government itself become a model employer of people with disabilities to set
the tone for private employers?</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p><span> </span></o:p><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Do you or your family member feel ready to
participate in day services and to re-engage in the community now that the covid
emergency is formally nearing an end?</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">These are some issues receiving attention from DC advocates
at this time - you may have others you’d like to address. What’s important is for Councilmember
Lewis-George and others on the council to know we’re here, interested and
engaged. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">SIGN UP! <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScxEOds_QVzkjURJa6GK3eW6s1Don1Em54nVd2KA-90gREgQw/viewform">https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScxEOds_QVzkjURJa6GK3eW6s1Don1Em54nVd2KA-90gREgQw/viewform</a></span></b></p>Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060273474008077957.post-20345391796824823852022-11-23T13:46:00.004-05:002022-11-23T13:49:04.069-05:00Pre-Thanksgiving Updates!<p><span style="font-size: large;">It feels important to get a brief post out before tomorrow’s
Thanksgiving holiday, and I’m overdue with some updates:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">First, my last blog post called on DDS to
highlight the change in eligibility requirements prominently on the home page,
and I’ve also raised it with Andy Reese in a couple of Friday forums.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">As a result, you’ll now find a “crawler”
across the header of the DDS website (</span><a href="https://dds.dc.gov/" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">https://dds.dc.gov/</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">)
reading “Eligibility Requirements for DDS Services Expanded” – but unfortunately
it just links to the existing application page:</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><a href="https://dds.dc.gov/service/how-apply-services" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">https://dds.dc.gov/service/how-apply-services</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">If you go very far down this page you’ll find
an “eligibility fact sheet” deeply buried.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">This is something, but not, I think, the level of visibility most of us
would have hoped for in explaining how things changed on October 1.</span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> - <span> </span><span> </span></span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Second, the Eligibility First Summit took place
at MLK library October 20 and 21 (<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U7ZrFj6UnEZS16B2FFjhfp8RUp8GSzA5/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=107296839803360874196&rtpof=true&sd=true">https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U7ZrFj6UnEZS16B2FFjhfp8RUp8GSzA5/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=107296839803360874196&rtpof=true&sd=true</a>), and
for those in attendance it was considered a great success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least 150 people attended some portion of
the event, either in person or online.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We could have wished for more agencies providing employment supports to attend,
and we certainly could have wished for more private employers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there will be follow-up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that follow-up already is proceeding with
respect to how the DC government can lead by example by hiring more people with
disabilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robin Shaffert of the
Georgetown UCEDD (<a href="https://ucedd.georgetown.edu/index.php">https://ucedd.georgetown.edu/index.php</a>)
led a fantastic breakout group on the subject, and plans to pursue the issue
further.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meantime, I understand the
mayor expressed determination to make more happen on this front at the Disability
Expo on October 26.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">That’s all for now – have a meaningful and healthy Thanksgiving
tomorrow!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060273474008077957.post-27324598824691568702022-10-27T12:51:00.002-04:002022-10-27T15:30:21.975-04:00DDA ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION<p>I've been contacted about the fact that the new eligibility information isn't showing up clearly on the DDS website. This has been raised with DDS director Andy Reese and others, and I'm told it will be corrected soon. In the meantime, here is the DDS fact sheet, in English - <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ogcZ_MMEkqEDuFM3t-4_O5jXlNvIAj44/view?usp=sharing">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ogcZ_MMEkqEDuFM3t-4_O5jXlNvIAj44/view?usp=sharing</a></p><p>and in Spanish - <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lbuY975FaLni8k_5i6E5P5tVToVjGR_6/view?usp=sharing">https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lbuY975FaLni8k_5i6E5P5tVToVjGR_6/view?usp=sharing</a>.</p><p>For the moment, both of these links are from my Google Drive - but soon they will be on the DDS website!</p><p><br /></p><p>NOTE: Right after posting, I was told that these fact sheets can be found (very far down the page) at <a href="https://dds.dc.gov/node/711822">https://dds.dc.gov/node/711822</a>. Still not the level of visibility the new eligibility criteria deserve! And - to answer other questions that need to be answered on the web page - the new criteria took effect on October 1.</p>Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060273474008077957.post-63576261708850873922022-09-24T11:59:00.000-04:002022-09-24T11:59:12.188-04:00JUST AROUND THE CORNER! - IMPORTANT OCTOBER EVENTS<p><span style="font-size: large;"> Note these important upcoming dates in October!</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->October 1!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Change in eligibility criteria for DDS long-term supports <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andy Reese, DDS director, anticipates full
approval for this to move ahead as scheduled, and letters are going out to
anyone turned down for eligibility in the past 3 years. <a href="https://dds.dc.gov/service/how-apply-services">https://dds.dc.gov/service/how-apply-services</a></span></li><li><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->October 2! Quality Trust’s annual gala, 6-9pm –
back on the water!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New CEO Shawn Ullman and
founding CEO Tina Campanella will both be cruising with us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://express.adobe.com/page/JXSpOBkBH1NHw/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=Gala2022">https://express.adobe.com/page/JXSpOBkBH1NHw/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=Gala2022</a></span></li><li><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->October 15! Project ACTION! monthly meeting,
10-11:30am <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>– contact Phyllis Holton <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at <a href="mailto:pholton@dcqualitytrust.org">pholton@dcqualitytrust.org</a>
to get onto the mailing list!</span></li><li><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->October 20-21! Employment First Summit, starting
9am both days - examining the first ten years of DC’s declaration as an
Employment First! Jurisdiction, and planning ahead for the next ten years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brought to you by the DC DD council (<a href="https://ddc.dc.gov/page/about-ddc">https://ddc.dc.gov/page/about-ddc</a>)!
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In-person or via Zoom - <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-dc-employment-first-summit-tickets-395159291077">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-dc-employment-first-summit-tickets-395159291077</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">October 28!</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">DDS next monthly community forum, 12-1:30 - </span><a href="https://dds.dc.gov/event/%C2%A0dds-community-provider-forum-october-28-2022" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">https://dds.dc.gov/event/%C2%A0dds-community-provider-forum-october-28-2022</a></span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Fall is here, and the schedule is heating up!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">But wait, there’s more!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">At the 9/23 community forum, Andy Reese
encouraged our community to participate actively in the mayor’s upcoming budget
forums so the voice of people with disabilities and their supporters can be
heard!</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">The federal Centers for Disease Control has this
updated information on staying up to date with covid vaccinations, including
the new booster - <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html</a>.</span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p> </o:p>Stay safe! Be active!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060273474008077957.post-55003770410044128532022-08-08T10:33:00.013-04:002022-08-08T10:44:52.884-04:00Changes Coming for the DC Disability Community This Fall<p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Maybe some of you have noticed that my blog has been on a
summer hiatus.</span><span> </span><span>Others may not have
noticed because, like me, you’ve been in a doesn’t-seem-like-a-pandemic-but-not-sure-what-it-is
mode, still trying to get oriented in a newly “hybrid” world.</span><span> </span><span>I continue to live much of my life online,
but am also venturing out to in-person meetings and other gatherings –
sometimes masked, sometimes not.</span><span> </span><span>I have
a sneaking feeling that there is going to be more mandatory masking in our
future, though – the virus just isn’t done with us yet.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>As you know, back in the spring we finally achieved passage
of the DDERAA, and having cleared Congressional review, it became law on May 18
(</span><a href="https://lims.dccouncil.us/Legislation/B24-0268">https://lims.dccouncil.us/Legislation/B24-0268</a><span>). </span><span>Throughout the summer, DC’s Department on
Disability Services has been working out the details on how the new eligibility
criteria will be implemented and preparing to recruit new staff to handle the intake
workload.</span><span> </span><span>As of July 25, DDS was about
to meet with the federal CMS (</span><span>Centers for Medicare
and Medicaid Services – see </span><a href="https://www.ddinwdc.com/p/blog-page.html">https://www.ddinwdc.com/p/blog-page.html</a><span> for this and other important organizations and terms)</span><span>
to make sure proposed amendments to DC’s Medicaid waiver, the source of most
funding for DDS long-term supports, meet with its approval.</span><span> </span><span>At the now-monthly Friday forums (</span><a href="https://dds.dc.gov/node/1519506">https://dds.dc.gov/node/1519506</a><span>),
there also have been presentations on this planning (see Power Points, DDS's “Eligibility Determination DDERAA 2022” as well as the “DDERAA Powerpoint” backgrounder
by Sandy Bernstein of Disability Rights DC, both at the above link).</span><span> </span><span>DDS is still targeting October 1 as the start
date for revised eligibility, and has indicated that applications can be
submitted somewhat earlier than that, although I haven't seen an official announcement to confirm that.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">While working with other advocates to help DDS shape this more
inclusive future, I’ve also been supporting my own son, who receives long-term
supports in DC, as well as talking with others who have family members in the
DDS system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Policy-level planning meetings
often attract the best and brightest of DDS staff and provider-agency
representatives, but it can be discouraging to see how much the day-to-day
system still focuses on paperwork requirements and compliance while losing
sight of how best to support people to live their best life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>DDS and DHCF are moving (too) slowly to meet
the challenge of paying DSPs the fair wages they deserve, but this will not
remedy deep-seated institutional habits in both DDS and provider agencies that too often get in the way of a reimagined future for DC residents with
developmental disabilities (<a href="https://www.dcqualitytrust.org/wp-content/uploads/Looking-Back-A-Collaborative-Longitudinal-Analysis-FINAL-12-15-21.pdf">https://www.dcqualitytrust.org/wp-content/uploads/Looking-Back-A-Collaborative-Longitudinal-Analysis-FINAL-12-15-21.pdf</a>).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">An essential part of a reimagined future is meaningful work
for our neighbors with disabilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We’re told that jobs are there for the taking in the US economy right
now, and we need to see that people with disabilities in our community benefit
accordingly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve spent the summer
working closely with a group planning for a major fall event at the MLK library
that will mark the 10-year anniversary of DC’s designation as an “Employment
First” state. This summit will take stock of progress on the employment
front while kick-starting a broader, community-based commitment to including people
with disabilities in the DC workforce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Expanding</span> the number and types of employers; broadening types of work and customizing
jobs (more intentional “job carving” and more part-time offerings); and
ensuring the DC government is in the vanguard of community efforts:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>these are some of the exciting issues that we
are trying to incorporate into the Summit, under the leadership of the Developmental
Disabilities Council’s Kevin Wright.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put
October 20 and 21 on your calendar now, and watch for the EventBrite invitation!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re anticipating 250-300 participants, and
the exhibits, in addition to plenary presentations and breakout groups, will
set the stage for a transformational difference over the next ten years – but
only if YOU come and participate!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Finally, if you’re interested in technology options that can
help improve supports for people in DC and beyond, you may want to take in this
“Tech First” event that will be sponsored by DDS at the MLK library on August
16: <a href="https://dds.dc.gov/event/dds-tech-fest-flyer">https://dds.dc.gov/event/dds-tech-fest-flyer</a>
(in person or online, of course!).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i>Carol A. Grigsby is the mother of a young man
who receives long-term disability supports from DC’s Department on Disability Services. I advocate in support of Washington, DC residents with developmental
disabilities, and currently co-chair the Advocacy and Public Policy
committee of the DC Developmental Disabilities Council. I also strongly
support statehood for DC, where I have lived since 1978. Comments and
opinions in this blog are my own, and you can also find me on Twitter, @DDinWDC! </i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></o:p></p>Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060273474008077957.post-8273511928663585242022-05-12T13:19:00.002-04:002022-05-12T13:20:53.787-04:00What will DC's DDA Eligibility Change Mean for Me?<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">I know many readers are focused on this Saturday’s Project
ACTION! meeting, but I’d like to encourage you to look ahead to next week,
specifically to <b>Thursday, May 19</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
written a lot about the legislation which will allow people without an
intellectual disability to be eligible for DDA long-term supports, starting in
the coming fiscal year (October 1).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
what exactly is that going to mean?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
session on May 19 will be the first in a series to help people understand better
how they and their loved ones will be affected by the change in eligibility
requirements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See the details here –<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://tinyurl.com/yckzt23h">https://tinyurl.com/yckzt23h</a>
- and SIGN UP TO ATTEND at <a href="https://georgetown.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwsd-CqrTgjHNas9cLuOrFby_0pDcQ1WzC9">https://georgetown.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwsd-CqrTgjHNas9cLuOrFby_0pDcQ1WzC9</a>.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060273474008077957.post-80775237379289397712022-03-23T15:47:00.001-04:002022-03-23T16:01:46.038-04:00Mayor's Budget Funds DDS for Eligibility Reform<p><span style="font-size: large;">In a blog post earlier this month (<a href="https://www.ddinwdc.com/2022/03/todays-history-making-legislation-for.html">https://www.ddinwdc.com/2022/03/todays-history-making-legislation-for.html</a>),
I celebrated the DC council’s final passage of B24-0268, the Developmental
Disability Eligibility Reform Amendment Act.
It’s now been transmitted to the mayor and is awaiting her signature (<a href="https://lims.dccouncil.us/Legislation/B24-0268">https://lims.dccouncil.us/Legislation/B24-0268</a>).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">But Mayor Bowser already has signaled her intent, by
including $500,000 in funding for DDS in her proposed FY2023 budget, under
“Health and Human Services” here: <a href="https://mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-presents-fiscal-year-2023-budget-proposal">https://mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-presents-fiscal-year-2023-budget-proposal</a>. This money is intended to support new intake
staff and training so that DDS can be ready to implement eligibility reform
effective October 1. (Some of the new
staff will come on board before the end of this fiscal year, which ends on
September 30.) That signature still is
important though! After she signs, the
Congress will have its opportunity to review the bill, as they always do (<a href="https://dccouncil.us/how-a-bill-becomes-a-law/">https://dccouncil.us/how-a-bill-becomes-a-law/</a>),
but it’s highly unlikely this bill would attract any negative attention from national
legislators. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">So <i>SPREAD THE WORD</i>! Advocates
will be creating opportunities over the coming months to ensure people across
the city are aware of this historic legislation and the change it will bring. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">DDS director Reese has indicated on several occasions that
DDS will be contacting anyone who was turned down for DDA supports over the
past three years to encourage them to re-apply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the Committee on Human Services hearing yesterday on the proposed DDS
budget (beginning around the start of the second hour, 2:00:00, at <a href="https://brianneknadeau.com/live">https://brianneknadeau.com/live</a>), he
indicated that nearly 100 slots are going unused in the traditional I/DD waiver
(1923 available, 1826 utilized), with another 55 slots available (5 used out of
60) in the IFS waiver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also noted
that 50 additional slots are normally added each year, with the distribution
between the IFS and IDD waivers yet to be determined.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">One serious budget issue that remains is that the
administration is proposing a 3-year phase-in instead of an immediate increase in
DSP salaries, which will continue to put pressure on DDS providers’ recruitment
efforts – hear DC Coalition (<a href="http://dc-coalition.org/">http://dc-coalition.org/</a>)
director Ian Paregol starting around minute 1:25:00 of <a href="https://brianneknadeau.com/live">https://brianneknadeau.com/live</a>, and
stick around to hear other advocates on that panel. You’ll note that in my own testimony at around
1:40:00, in addition to noting passage and funding of the DDERAA, I called
attention to the need for more robust efforts in favor of customized employment
in this, the tenth year of DC’s participation as an Employment First state (see
<a href="https://www.ddinwdc.com/2022/03/making-employment-first-reality.html">https://www.ddinwdc.com/2022/03/making-employment-first-reality.html</a>).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">A few other noteworthy events:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">“Worlds
Imagined” events for Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) continue
tonight: </span></span><a href="https://dds.dc.gov/node/1584116">https://dds.dc.gov/node/1584116</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Contact Charlisa Payne
(</span></span><a href="mailto:Charlisa.Payne2@dc.gov">Charlisa.Payne2@dc.gov</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">) or Alison Whyte (</span></span><a href="mailto:alison.whyte@dc.gov">alison.whyte@dc.gov</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">) to make sure you get the links for remaining events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The DDS link shown here also has recordings
of some previous DDAM events from earlier this month.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">You’ll note
that one of the events shown is Quality Trust’s “Better Together” Zoom
gathering on Thursday at 5:30 – you have one more day to buy your ticket at </span></span><a href="https://qualitytrustforindividualswithdisabilities.networkforgood.com/events/39364-2022-better-together-reception">https://qualitytrustforindividualswithdisabilities.networkforgood.com/events/39364-2022-better-together-reception</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> if you want to participate in the painting!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No doubt Quality Trust’s new CEO, Shawn
Ullman, will also be on hand!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span color="windowtext" style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">This Friday,
March 25, will be the last of DDS’s routine weekly community calls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Starting in April, these calls will occur
monthly on the fourth Friday of each month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(A planning team will be meeting on the second Friday of each month.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span color="windowtext">As always, if you wonder about any of
the organizations or acronyms I use in my blog, please take a look at my (new
and improved!) blog page “DC Disability-related Organizations and Terminology”
(</span></i></span><a href="https://www.ddinwdc.com/p/blog-page.html"><i><span color="windowtext">https://www.ddinwdc.com/p/blog-page.html</span></i></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span color="windowtext">), which you can find over in the righthand panel of my
blog</span></i></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><i><span color="windowtext">. If you don’t see
something there that you’re wondering about, or if you think something needs
updating, please let me know!</span></i></span></span></p>Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060273474008077957.post-21132055446593760932022-03-08T17:06:00.006-05:002022-03-08T17:08:31.252-05:00Making Employment First a Reality<p><span style="font-size: large;">Today I’d like to focus people’s attention on <b>employment</b>. For the sake of my own son and others who can
benefit from a determined and creative approach to job development and support,
I’m increasingly pivoting toward this essential advocacy focus. We’re told that conditions are good for
people seeking work now – so we need to seize on this opportunity for people with
disabilities who are looking for jobs. Now’s
the time, and I hope you’ll join me in making this a reality here in our
community.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">As I noted in my first blog post of the year (<a href="https://www.ddinwdc.com/2022/01/a-new-year-for-people-with-disabilities.html">https://www.ddinwdc.com/2022/01/a-new-year-for-people-with-disabilities.html</a>),
2022 is the tenth anniversary of DC’s designation as an “Employment First”
state (<a href="https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/employment-first">https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/employment-first</a>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>TOMORROW, March 9 at 3:00</b>, as part of Developmental
Disabilities Awareness Month, <b>Kevin Wright</b>, currently on the staff of
the DC Developmental Disabilities Council (<a href="https://ddc.dc.gov/">https://ddc.dc.gov/</a>),
will talk about his own experience as a young person with a learning disability
pursuing employment, and will then lead a panel discussion on ways to improve
employment outcomes for people with disabilities in the DC community: <span lang="EN"><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAzMDguNTQ1NDM4OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3VzMDZ3ZWIuem9vbS51cy9qLzg5MjYyMTAzMTY3P3B3ZD1jRE5PTDJWUWEydERkbVZvVkcxMll5dDRVWFozVVQwOSJ9.YAWZC4HdgnpeaJTUYAAH6r0naExbTJTl44uORLnC0Ac/s/1146714231/br/127667617513-l" target="_blank">https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89262103167?pwd=cDNOL2VQa2tDdmVoVG12Yyt4UXZ3UT09</a>.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN">This event will be doubly informative because Kevin (<a href="mailto:kevin.wright@dc.gov">kevin.wright@dc.gov</a>) is himself leading
the charge on behalf of the DD council toward an <b>Employment Summit that is
scheduled to take place in October</b>. </span>Employment
has been identified as one of the key goals of the DC DD council’s 2022-2026
state plan, which can be found here: <a href="https://ddc.dc.gov/page/ddc-five-year-state-plan-2022-2026">https://ddc.dc.gov/page/ddc-five-year-state-plan-2022-2026</a>. The focus of Employment First is <i>competitive,
integrated, and customized employment</i> for people with disabilities, and this
summit is intended to gather all essential stakeholders to assess where we’ve
seen progress over the past ten years, while also identifying the challenges ahead
and developing strategies to bring more people with disabilities into the DC workforce,
both public and private.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">If you’re reading this, then I know you have a viewpoint on
how the DC community is doing in terms of integrating people with developmental
and other disabilities into the workforce.
There’s a working group that’s already beginning to put together the
building blocks to make sure the October summit has maximum impact, and if you’d
like to be a part of the planning please reach out to Kevin: <a href="mailto:kevin.wright@dc.gov">kevin.wright@dc.gov</a>. But first, tune in Wednesday at 3:00 - <span lang="EN"><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAzMDguNTQ1NDM4OTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3VzMDZ3ZWIuem9vbS51cy9qLzg5MjYyMTAzMTY3P3B3ZD1jRE5PTDJWUWEydERkbVZvVkcxMll5dDRVWFozVVQwOSJ9.YAWZC4HdgnpeaJTUYAAH6r0naExbTJTl44uORLnC0Ac/s/1146714231/br/127667617513-l" target="_blank">https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89262103167?pwd=cDNOL2VQa2tDdmVoVG12Yyt4UXZ3UT09</a>.</span></span></p>Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060273474008077957.post-28443544999965119682022-03-01T16:27:00.001-05:002022-03-01T16:34:13.441-05:00TODAY’S HISTORY-MAKING LEGISLATION FOR DC RESIDENTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Well, my friends, this is my 200<sup>th</sup> blog post, and
that’s appropriate because there’s big news:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Today in its legislative meeting, the DC council held its
second vote on the Developmental Disability Eligibility Reform Amendment Act of
2021 (B24-0268) and THE VOTE WAS AGAIN UNANIMOUS! </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>We’ve done it! YOU’VE
done it! We’ve pushed it over the
goalpost!</b> And with the support of
Committee on Human Services chair Brianne Nadeau (<a href="https://dccouncil.us/council/brianne-nadeau/">https://dccouncil.us/council/brianne-nadeau/</a>)
and her colleagues on the DC council, the bill is on its way to the mayor - <a href="https://lims.dccouncil.us/Legislation/B24-0268">https://lims.dccouncil.us/Legislation/B24-0268</a>. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: large;">After over a decade of effort, the DC council has agreed
that DDA’s doors should be open to people with developmental disabilities who
need the supports, not only to those with an intellectual disability. We’ve made history today, and our community
will be the better for it! <b>LIFT UP A CHEER!</b></span></i></p>Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060273474008077957.post-18487930547721701502022-02-22T15:50:00.001-05:002022-02-22T15:50:16.003-05:00DC Council Performance Hearings and Changes at Quality Trust<p><span style="font-size: large;">DC is moving into budget season (fiscal year 2023), and throughout
this month there are performance reviews in the DC council on various
government agencies. On February 10 the Committee
on Human Services held its performance review hearing on the Department on
Disability Services and the Office of Disability Rights. The video of that hearing can be found
here: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=460507378994455">https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=460507378994455</a>. Testimony by DDS director Andy Reese,
followed by Q and As, starts about 2 hours and 45 minutes into the video. (Note:
You’ll hear me discuss customized employment, the need for DDS and
providers to adapt to changing demographics and soon-to-change eligibility requirements,
and discriminatory Covid-19 quarantine requirements, shortly before, at 2 hours
22 minutes.) Tomorrow, February 23, is the
performance review for the Department of Health (DC Health), where, among other
topics, you’ll hear more about the impact of discriminatory quarantine
requirements for people with disabilities (<a href="https://dccouncil.us/event/performance-oversight-hearing-committee-on-health-13/">https://dccouncil.us/event/performance-oversight-hearing-committee-on-health-13/</a>). The Committee on Health will also soon hold
its performance review of the powerful Department of Health Care Finance, which
oversees Medicaid-related issues including waivers affecting people with
disabilities.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">Besides performance reviews, the DC council is scheduled to
hold its second and final reading of B24-0268, the Developmental Disability
Eligibility Reform Amendment Act, on March 1.
As I mentioned in my most recent post, <a href="https://www.ddinwdc.com/2022/02/an-eventful-week-on-dc-disability-front.html">https://www.ddinwdc.com/2022/02/an-eventful-week-on-dc-disability-front.html</a>,
at the bill’s first reading the DC council vote was unanimous in favor, so this
bill looks certain to pass the council.
But again, there are further steps before the bill becomes law, so keep
an eye on this: <a href="https://lims.dccouncil.us/Legislation/B24-0268">https://lims.dccouncil.us/Legislation/B24-0268</a>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">On a different subject – I rotated off the board of the
Quality Trust (<a href="https://www.dcqualitytrust.org/">https://www.dcqualitytrust.org/</a>)
at the end of December, but I still keep a close eye on developments
there. In that regard, it was wonderful
to see QT’s newly arrived legal director, Sam Crane, last week, as she replaces
the irreplaceable (!) Morgan Whitlatch. Another
big change in the offing will be the arrival of CEO Tina Campanella’s replacement,
Shawn Ullman (<a href="https://www.dcqualitytrust.org/our-blog/">https://www.dcqualitytrust.org/our-blog/</a>). As founding CEO, Tina will be sorely missed. Still, QT will be in good hands and continue
its essential work in our community!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1060273474008077957.post-74433256338954072342022-02-06T12:38:00.006-05:002022-02-07T19:00:01.947-05:00AN EVENTFUL TIME ON THE DC DISABILITY FRONT!<p>[An earlier version of this post had errors with respect to
the second reading of the DDERA, now corrected below. Although I had checked with the DC council
before posting on February 6, the timing was later clarified. Also, DDS performance review responses are
now available, so I’ve included that link in this revised post.]</p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The coming weeks will be important ones for those of us
involved in disability advocacy:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">First, on February 10 at 9:00 am, DDS will have
its performance review hearing (along with the Office on Disability Rights)
before the Committee on Human Services. DDS’ answers to the committee’s advance
questions can be found here: </span><a href="https://dccouncil.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/DDS-FY-2022-POH-Pre-Hearing-Responses-Combined.pdf" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">https://dccouncil.us/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/DDS-FY-2022-POH-Pre-Hearing-Responses-Combined.pdf</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.
Questions?</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Contact the committee at </span><a href="mailto:humanservices@dccouncil.us" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">humanservices@dccouncil.us</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.</span></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> -<span> </span><span> </span></span></span></span>Second, the Developmental Disability Eligibility
Reform Amendment Act of 2021 (B24-0268) had its first reading in the full DC
council this past week – AND THE COUNCIL’S FIRST VOTE ON THE BILL WAS UNANIMOUS!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The second reading, and final DC council vote,
is scheduled for a legislative meeting on March 1, or possibly sooner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After so much effort from the entire
community (Congratulate yourself!), THIS IS PHENOMENAL! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there are further steps after the council’s
final vote before the bill can become law – see <a href="https://dccouncil.us/how-a-bill-becomes-a-law/">https://dccouncil.us/how-a-bill-becomes-a-law/</a>
- and you can follow its further progress here:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><a href="https://lims.dccouncil.us/Legislation/B24-0268">https://lims.dccouncil.us/Legislation/B24-0268</a>.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">What an important next few weeks this will be!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><br /><p></p>Carol Grigsbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04738269494778837409noreply@blogger.com0