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Together We Stand: Supporting ACL and Our Communities
The dismantling of the Administration for Community Living (ACL) was announced last week. It is unfortunately not a surprise given other recent policy changes. People with disabilities and elderly people are particularly vulnerable in our society. Thanks to the ACL, there have been innovations and improvements to community-based services. This has enabled so many disabled […]
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Honoring the Anniversary of the Capital Crawl
As we celebrate 20 years of Values Into Action, we are reflecting on the pivotal events that came before us. Also, the opportunities to inform policy that are ahead. The Capitol Crawl: A Tribute to Disability Rights Activists On March 12, 1990, a pivotal moment in the fight for disability rights unfolded on the steps […]
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Reflections on Values: Person-Centered Leadership
We are asking people inside and outside our organization to help us celebrate 20 years of Values Into Action. When thinking about who to ask, Val Bradley came to mind right away. Val Bradley is a leader in disability services and supports. Without her and her team’s work in research, analysis, and policy, the Home […]
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Collaborating for Change: Insights from the State Capitol
While our federal government is being reimagined, at the very least, and reinvented as we speak, I had the opportunity to participate in positive and transparent change in Harrisburg. As the Executive Director of Values Into Action, I was invited to a PA Housing Action Plan Roundtable Meeting in the Governor’s Reception Room at the […]
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Make a Plan to Vote on November 5th!
The next general/presidential election is Tuesday, November 5th 2024…do you have a plan to vote? The right to vote is one of the most powerful tools we have as citizens of the United States of America. Creating a plan for voting helps ensure that your voice is heard. By planning ahead, you can be sure […]
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Unlocking the Mystery of Rate Setting
Rate setting is the process that Medicaid systems use to create reimbursement rates for services provided. Many factors are taken into consideration during the development of rates. It’s meant to standardize the many costs associated with service delivery. Providers are asked to stay reasonably within those standards. The Process Involves 3 Major Components: Rate […]
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Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Access Act
S.762 – Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Access Act Introduced by Senator Bob Casey 3/09/2023. Why is HCBS Access Act Important? There are many older adults and people with disabilities living in America who need help with daily activities. Many are eligible for Medicaid long-term services and supports (LTSS) to support their everyday needs. […]
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Ending Subminimum Wages
Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act (TCIEA) H.R. 1263 introduced February 28, 2023 by Representative Bobby Scott (VA – Democrat) And S.B. 533 introduced February 27, 2023 by Senator Casey (PA – Democrat) Background Many Americans still work in places where there are only people with disabilities, and they earn less than minimum wage. This […]
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Students RISE to Higher Education
Purpose of Proposed Legislature: Providing students with disabilities better access to accommodations in Higher Education. Background: There is concern about how accessible universities are to students with disabilities. Universities and colleges need current documentation of disabilities for students to receive accommodations. They do not accept IEP and 504 plans from K-12 education. S.2550, the RISE […]