AAHD has joined 40 organizations, led by TFAH, endorsing legislation by 4 House members (Frankel-FL; Bilirakis-FL; Dingell-MI; and Shalala-FL) to target federal resources to the health of older adults during the COVID-19 crisis. Available here are the TFAH fact sheet, listing the 40 organizations; the legislative text; and the press release of lead sponsor Representative […]
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.
COVID-19: The Mental Health Ramifications
11 U.S. Senators have written the Administration requesting “full federal support” in dealing with the mental health ramifications of COVID-19. The May 21 letter is here: PDF. […]
Medicaid Nursing Home Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) – CMS Rules Would Weaken ADA and Olmstead Protections (Part 2)
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation joint comments to CMS were posted on this web page May 19. Available here are the comments to CMS by (1) Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), Task Force on LTSS, co-chairs, (2) National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disability Services(NASDDDS), and (3) National Association of State Mental Health […]
Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Program – Senate Legislation
AAHD has joined a NACCHO led coalition thanking Senators Smith (MN) and Booker (NJ) for introducing the public health workforce support program, that previously passed the House. Available here are the May 26 letter and a May 22 infographic on the need for the program and list of organizational supporters. […]
Nursing Home Safety, Diversion, and Transition – Senate Consideration
The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), Task Force on LTSS co-chairs, submitted a statement to the Senate Special Committee on Aging May 21 hearing. AAHD is an active member of the CCD Task Force on LTSS. AAHD has joined 25 national organizations endorsing legislation by Senators Casey and Whitehead strengthening nursing home resident and […]
Housing Needs of Persons with Disabilities During COVID-19 Era
The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) and National Low-Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) have issued a Frequently Asked Questions sheet on the housing needs of persons with disabilities. The May 19 FAQs is here: PDF. […]
Telehealth Access to Behavioral Health Services
33 members of the House of Representatives have written Congressional leaders advocating telehealth access to behavioral health services. The May 21 letter is here: PDF. […]
Medicaid Nursing Home Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) – CMS Rules Would Weaken ADA and Olmstead Protections
AAHD and the Lakeshore Foundation have submitted comments requesting CMS to reconsider proposed rules weakening Medicaid nursing home PASRR protections. The AAHD comments are coordinated with the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), Task Force on LTSS, co-chairs. The May 18 AAHD-Lakeshore comments are here: PDF. […]
Improving Social Determinants of Health – Legislation – HR 6561
AAHD has joined 71 organizations, led by the Trust for America’s Health, seeking passage of HR 6561. Available here are the May 18 letter to the House leadership seeking passage and May 18 letter to all House members seeking co-sponsorship. […]
Public Health Workforce Loan Repayment Program Included in House COVID-19 Heroes Legislation (HR 6800)
AAHD has joined a NACCHO led coalition thanking House leaders for including a public health workforce support provision in the House Heroes bill (HR 6800). The May 14 letter is here: PDF. […]