AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation participated with four other national disability organizations in a May 8 by-invitation meeting with CMS Administrator Brooks-LaSure and 14 CMS leadership members. Available here is the AAHD-Lakeshore pre-meeting submitted outline focused on non-traditional, community-based workers with a lived experience framework; and, program: PDF. […]
Policy Updates
The American Association on Health and Disability plays an important role in disability policy and advocacy at the national level. AAHD strives to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities receive attention and respect on the national legislative agenda. AAHD is involved in numerous disability coalitions and networks that address the needs of people with disabilities. Please visit the Policy site to learn more about our activities in this area. AAHD staff maintain an active role in Washington, DC to ensure that health promotion and wellness for people with disabilities is on the disability and healthcare agenda. AAHD staff have positions on the APHA, Disability Section, Executive Council; the CDC, NCBDDD, Executive Committee; Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities-CCD and serve on the National Health Council; Coalition for Health Funding; Disability Rehabilitation and Research Coaltion; Coalition for Whole Health, Patient Care Primary Care Collaborative; and other coalitions advocating for policy that works towards reducing health disparities between people with disabilities and the general population and reducing the incidence of secondary conditions in children and adults with disabilities.
FDA Ban on Use of Electrical Stimulation Device Use in Disability Settings
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined a coalition led by ASAN (Autistic Self Advocacy Network) asking the FDA and HHS to reissue the ban on electrical stimulation devices. The May 4 letter is here: PDF. […]
Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Legislation- Introduced
The Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act of 2023 (CMWRA) was introduced in the House by co-sponsors Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Don Bacon (R-NE), Mary Peltola (D-AK) and Kathy Castor (D-FL), and by Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Richard Blumenthal (CT), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) in the Senate. […]
Disability Inclusion Within the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
AHD is a member of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Coalition (DRRC). Available here is the May 2 DRRC letter to NIH supporting their proposed disability inclusion: PDF. […]
Recognizing Direct Support Professionals Thru OMB/DOL – Legislation (HR 2941 and S. 1332)
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have endorsed legislation sponsored by Representatives Patrick (PA) and Morelle (NY) – HR 2941 – and Senators Hassan (NH) and Collins (ME) – S. 1332. Available here are Congress.Gov summary of HR 2941 and S. 1332; and, February 15 ANCOR led national disability organizations letter to Congress. […]
Supporting Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers – Senate Proposed Legislation
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have endorsed legislation sponsored by Senator Tim Kaine (VA) and 7 co-sponsors creating investments in recruitment and retention. Available here are Senator Kaine’s April 26 statement and the legislative text. […]
Health Equity for People with Disabilities – Senate Proposed Legislation
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have endorsed legislation sponsored by Senator Bob Casey (PA) and 5 co-sponsors assisting Federally Qualified Heath Centers (FQHCs) to more effectively serve people with disabilities. Senator Casey’s April 28 one page overview is here: PDF. […]
Race and Ethnicity Standards To Improve Health Care Data Quality
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined over 70 organizations, led by the National Health Law Program (NHeLP), supporting OMB Interagency technical Working Group race and ethnic standards. The letter advocates: “We believe OMB should consider standards for other types of demographic data collection” (e.g., disability status). The April 27 coalition letter is here: PDF. […]
Integrating Behavioral and Physical Health – SAMHSA’s Draft Strategic Plan
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined No Health without Mental Health (NHMH) and 5 collaborating organizations submitting comments to and on the SAMHSA draft strategic plan, priority four – integration of behavioral and physical health. Available here are the NHMH and collaborators April 27 letter and the SAMHSA draft plan. […]
Section 504 (of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) Nondiscrimination Rules
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have joined a Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) letter to the White House and HHS OCR requesting that the Administration prepare and publish proposed rules for updated implementation of Section 504.. The April 25 CCD letter is here: PDF. […]