ChiByDesign’s Post

This #NationalFamilyCaregiversMonth, consider the importance of #respite for your #FamilyCaregiver. According to data from the National Core Indicators – Child Family Survey, 27% of respondents have unmet needs for respite, yet 89% of those who do get respite say services and supports have improved their ability to care for their child. These data show that respite is a key service for families and people with IDD. To learn more, visit: https://lnkd.in/e6AFthvb #NFCM #CaregivingAroundTheClock #CaregivingHappens #Respite

Had an insightful conversation with a fellow ABA clinic today, and it brought to light a critical issue we all face: the long waitlists that prevent individuals from receiving timely services. As professionals, we share a common goal of helping the community, and it's crucial that we work together to ensure families aren't left waiting for months. I understand that some companies might hesitate, not wanting to “feed the competition,” but we need to shift our perspective. It’s not about competition—it’s about collaboration. One of my colleagues made a powerful point: "What good is it to have someone on a waitlist if we can't provide them the help they need right now?" This resonates deeply with me. Every day is crucial for the population we serve, and we need to do better. Imagine the impact if we had a network of providers we could refer parents to, ensuring that no child or adult goes without the support they desperately need. Let's strive to build that network, because together, we can make a real difference in our community.

I recently spoke with Victoria Schall on RVN Television about our efforts to increase access to Medicaid benefits for older adults and people with disabilities in New Jersey. Enrolling in Medicare or turning 65 places older adults and people with disabilities at a "coverage cliff" for Medicaid benefits, subjecting them to stricter income and asset thresholds than younger populations. This harsh reality strips many of the essential Medicaid benefits they rely on, depriving them of critical home care services, such as personal care services, that support aging in their communities. Current financial eligibility criteria also impoverish these populations, limiting their ability to manage inevitable expenses like home or car repairs. Furthermore, these stringent financial criteria disproportionately impact older adults of color, who are more likely to be renters and, therefore, need ready access to cash. A coalition of aging and disability stakeholders in New Jersey is working to rectify these coverage disparities. To learn more about our policy proposals to address these inequities and how you can support our efforts, please consider watching: #realizing Olmstead #HCBS #advocacy #Medicaid #equity

Unlocking Second Chances in Philadelphia! In Philadelphia, 440,000 people face barriers due to their criminal records, even after serving their sentences. The power of a pardon can change lives and uplift entire communities, but it’s often underutilized. The West Philadelphia Pardon Network (WPPN) is here to change that. This innovative cross-sector collaboration brings the community together to create pathways to redemption and promote a model of forgiveness that others can emulate. By helping individuals apply for and secure pardons, WPPN is tackling intergenerational poverty and empowering those impacted by high incarceration rates. Discover how WPPN is advocating for self-help and community-driven solutions to transform lives in West Philly. Ready to learn more about this powerful initiative? Read the full article now! 👉

When my son was first hospitalized, I entered a world of disability and diagnosis with uncertainty. I grappled with questions like: - How do I ask the right questions? - What are the costs and coverage of therapies? - What advancements are on the horizon for recovery? - How do we balance self-care with caring for our child? - What exactly is an IEP, and how do I ensure my son receives what he deserves? - How can we afford all the necessary support? Did you realize that the average US family spends $240,000 raising a neurotypical and/or healthy child, but if the child has a disability or diagnosis, that figure skyrockets to $1,400,000 on average? It's a flawed system. This is where I come in. I have gained the knowledge to ask the right questions and I am committed to ensuring families don't navigate these challenges alone. If you know someone facing: - A new diagnosis - A significant event or accident - High medical needs - The complexities of disability and diagnosis and the financial burdens it brings PS....at NO cost to the family (Curious...message for more details) I am here to assist. If you cater to this community, understand that they require your guidance and support more than you realize. Direct them to Advocacy Abby for valuable resources and assurance that financial assistance for their children is within reach. Let's make their journey a bit smoother.

On behalf of New Disabled South , I wrote an op ed on the importance of home and community based services for disabled people in South Carolina and how lawmakers should use their $1.8 billion surplus to fund the services! Read the article here: https://lnkd.in/dMG-fDJ6

💡Unlock the doors to a brighter future for returning citizens! Discover how crucial tools and support systems significantly decrease recidivism and empower individuals on probation and parole to succeed. Dive into our comprehensive guide that explores impactful strategies and real-world solutions to navigate reentry challenges. Let's transform lives together. #newblogpost #thecheatcode #education #reentrysuccess #recidivism #secondchances #livedexperience https://wix.to/tJ97KvF #newblogpost

Coming Soon: SYNERGY REFORM Synergy Reform is a 501c non profit organization which presents a compelling and much-needed approach to tackling the complex issue of mass incarceration and reentry. The collaboration between former law enforcement officials and justice impacted individuals offers a unique and powerful perspective, bridging the gap between the justice system and the communities it impacts. Mission Statement: Our mission is to foster understanding, empathy, and actionable insights into the challenges faced by individuals reentering society after incarceration. Through immersive, interactive simulations, we aim to educate participants on the systemic barriers, social stigmas, and personal struggles that returning citizens encounter. Our goal is to inspire meaningful dialogue, promote policy change, and support effective reentry programs that facilitate successful reintegration, reduce recidivism, and build stronger, more inclusive communities.

As highlighted in the New Brunswick Seniors’ Advocate's report on long-term care, there are hundreds of younger adults with a disability living in institutional settings. This includes nursing homes designed to serve seniors' needs in their last years of life. Placing these young adults in dispersed housing throughout communities of their choice, with age-appropriate support, will result in a better quality of life. This will also create much needed availability for seniors waiting in New Brunswick hospitals for long-term care. Action Required: Eliminate the practice of placing younger adults in institutional settings. Develop, adopt, and fund a Home First policy to support adults under 65 with a disability to live where and with whom they choose, with the support that they need and choose. https://ow.ly/RN6h50TMZX1

COVERAGE CLIFF FOR NJ MEDICAID FOR ELDERLY & DISABLED: Victoria Schall of Schall At Law recently had Hannah Diamond, Policy Advocate of the national organization Justice in Aging on RVN Television discussing their efforts to increase access to Medicaid benefits for older adults and people with disabilities in New Jersey. A coalition of aging and disability stakeholders in New Jersey is working to rectify coverage disparities. Enrolling in Medicare or turning 65 places older adults and people with disabilities at a "coverage cliff" for Medicaid benefits, subjecting them to stricter income and asset thresholds than younger populations. This harsh reality strips many of the essential Medicaid benefits they rely on, depriving them of critical home care services, such as personal care services, that support aging in their communities. Current financial eligibility criteria also impoverish these populations, limiting their ability to manage inevitable expenses like home or car repairs. Furthermore, these stringent financial criteria disproportionately impact older adults of color, who are more likely to be renters and, therefore, need ready access to cash. To learn more about the policy proposals addressing these inequities and how you can support their efforts, watch and help! https://lnkd.in/eUqp9gtV