ADA Anniversary. Outcomes of person-centered planning in Medicaid home- and community-based services (HCBS). The ADA and driving for Uber and Lyft. NIDILRR-funded tech and aging research featured in Washington Post. Webinar: nTIDE Lunch and Learn. Webinar: ADA Compliance Behind the Walls. Accessible Research Study. New online tools for Disability Benefits.
NARIC News:
Our month-long celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is drawing to a close, so we want to give one last shout-out to the ADA National Network. From answering individual callers to training the next generation of ADA Coordinators, the staff of the regional centers and the knowledge translation center are dedicated to ensuring that people understand their rights and responsibilities under the law and have the opportunity to participate fully in their communities. We've featured just a small slice of the resources these centers have available. We encourage you to fully explore their websites for many more tools, publications, and multimedia features.
This Just In:
Outcomes of person-centered planning in Medicaid home- and community-based services. The Gerontologist, Volume 64(6), Pgs. gnae017. NARIC Accession Number: J94470.
New to the NARIC collection, this NIDILRR-funded study examined the prevalence of person-centered planning (PCP) among Medicaid home- and community-based service (HCBS) recipients and the relationship between PCP and person-reported outcomes. PCP allows HCBS recipients to plan services and supports according to their preferences and needs. Using data from the 2018-2019 National Core Indicators-Aging and Disability survey, results showed about 72 percent of HCBS recipients were involved in decision making, 72 percent reported their service plan reflected their preferences/choices, and 47 percent had meetings that scored "high fidelity" on the PCP fidelity scale. PCP measures (decision making and whether service plans reflected preferences/choices) were consistently related to lower likelihood of unmet service needs and greater likelihood of experiencing community living outcomes. Findings suggest PCP is important for adequately meeting service needs and ensuring community living among HCBS beneficiaries. Access the full abstract and ordering information in REHABDATA.
Resource Highlight:
Brief Report: Driving for Uber or Lift? What You Should Know About the ADA
The NIDILRR-funded Rocky Mountain ADA Regional Center (90DPAD0014) published a brief report, Driving for Uber or Lift? What You Should Know About the ADA. The report explains how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to rideshare drivers as providers who have responsibilities to provide accommodations to passengers with disabilities and what questions they may ask a passenger. For drivers with disabilities, who are considered contractors rather than covered employees, the report suggests ways to address accommodation needs and highlights accessibility features of rideshare apps.
News from the NIDILRR Community:
Tech and Aging Research Featured in Washington Post
Research from the NIDILRR-funded project Technologies to Support Aging Among People with Long-Term Disabilities (TechSAge) (90REGE0021) is featured in an article, Four types of technology that can help you remain independent as you age, in a recent issue of the Washington Post. The article highlights a TechSAge study on how voice-activated digital assistants and smart home technologies can support older adults with mobility disabilities. The article also spotlights how the technology was potentially life-saving for one study participant.
Events:
nTIDE Lunch and Learn
The NIDILRR-funded Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Statistics and Demographics (StatsRRTC) (90RTGE0005) will host the next episode of the National Trends in Disability Employment (nTIDE) Lunch and Learn, August 8th, 12 - 1 pm ET. Presenters will discuss trends in employment participation for people with disabilities, including the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics Jobs Report, along with news and updates from the field of disability employment. Guest speakers will offer an in-depth discussion of current disability employment research findings and events. Registration is free and required.
Webinar: ADA Compliance Behind the Walls - Disability Access in Prison Educational Settings
The NIDILRR-funded Mid-Atlantic ADA Regional Center (90DPAD0008) will host a webinar, ADA Compliance Behind the Walls: Disability Access in Prison Educational Settings, August 19th, 2 - 3:30 pm ET. Presenters will address how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act apply in prison educational settings and how to reduce barriers for incarcerated individuals with disabilities. Presenters will highlight emerging ADA needs in prison education and will share scalable, sustainable strategies that strengthen compliance, reduce legal risk, and embed disability access into daily operations. Registration is free and required.
Opportunity to Participate:
Accessible Research Study
The NIDILRR-funded project VRM-IDD: Virtual Research Methods for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (90DPGE00020) seeks participants for an online study to help test a new way to take a survey. Participants must be individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) or their supporters who are 18 years or older. Participants will receive a $50 gift card for their time. For more information or to participate, complete the eligibility survey or contact study staff.
Elsewhere in the Community:
SSA Announces New Online Tools for Disability Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced major enhancements to its online platform, mySocialSecurity, expanding self-service options and notices available to individuals navigating the disability claims and appeals process. The new tools include online form options and a claim status tracker with real-time status updates, estimates, and milestones at each level of adjudication. The new tools will provide individuals with greater visibility, faster access to information, and more efficient case processing throughout the lifecycle of a disability claim.