News
Learn about CFPD's 20 years of service in our new video, One Person At A Time. Click the image to watch it right now.
If you want to be in the know about what’s going on at our organization, you’ve come to the right place. Be sure to check back regularly to get our latest news updates.
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The ADA: 28 Years of Opportunity Unrealized
Amber Cecil on 07/19/2018On July 26, 1990, the president of the United States proclaimed that the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) "signals the end to the unjustified segregation and exclusion of persons with disabilities from the mainstream of American life." The ADA has removed a great number of barriers for people with disabilities, but not all steps can be bridged with ramps, and not all walls toppled with hammers...
The post The ADA: 28 Years of Opportunity Unrealized appeared first on National Organization on Disability.
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U.S. Companies Eager to Hire Talent with Disabilities, but Struggling to Attract New Employees
Amber Cecil on 07/19/2018As the ADA anniversary approaches, NOD released findings from its corporate assessment, the Disability Employment Tracker™. Among the aggregate findings is evidence that more companies want to diversify their workforce by hiring talent with disabilities, but many are struggling to attract new employees who identify as having disabilities.
The post U.S. Companies Eager to Hire Talent with Disabilities, but Struggling to Attract New Employees appeared first on National Organization on Disability.
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Meet The Interns
Amber Cecil on 07/17/2018Learn more about NOD's three summer interns. Although this is only our third year of onboarding interns, we have truly benefited from their fresh perspective and excitement to learn, and they have consistently proved to be exemplary additions to our team.
The post Meet The Interns appeared first on National Organization on Disability.
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Maintaining Stability A Tough Job For Single Mother On Disability
Amber Cecil on 07/02/2018“In some aspects, it can be an irrational decision to accept a job offer when you’re having to walk away from those benefits,” Carol Glazer, NOD President said.There are state and federal programs that try to help people connect with employers who will take on workers with disabilities. But depending on what kind of federal help you’ve been getting, keeping on top of all the requirements can be a challenge.
The post Maintaining Stability A Tough Job For Single Mother On Disability appeared first on National Organization on Disability.
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Invisible Disabilities the Subject of NOD Corporate Leadership Council Meeting
Amber Cecil on 06/26/2018The event challenged attendees to think about how people tend to leave a part of themselves at home when they come to work, and how difficult it might be for employees with 'invisible disabilities' to" come out" at work. "None of us have a single identity", NOD President Carol Glazer remarked. The emotional weight of carrying a hidden identity can be overwhelming and letting it go can "free up emotional real estate". Eric Mitchell of AT&T brought up the many opportunities employees have to be authentic at work, including within those discussions in their ERGs.
The post Invisible Disabilities the Subject of NOD Corporate Leadership Council Meeting appeared first on National Organization on Disability.
Affordable Care ActThe Impact on Special Needs Trusts
On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The law puts in place comprehensive health insurance reforms that will roll out over four years and beyond.
The ACA removes lifetime limits on health benefits and creates new coverage options for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Colorado later approved Medicaid Expansion for individuals under 65 years of age with income below 133 percent of the federal poverty level (Approximately $15,000 for an individual), which began January 2014. There is currently no asset test for this program.
What is NOT changing with the implementation of the ACA? (Why a Trust is still needed)
The Medicaid Waiver Program will remain the only real benefit program that will cover significant custodial home care services for people with disabilities.
Long-term care in Assisted Living Facilities and Nursing Facilities will still be paid by Medicaid when an individual does not have Long-Term Care Insurance, or income/resources to privately pay.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will continue to have a resource limit of $2,000 for individuals.
When a Trust May Not Be Needed
When an individual who meets the income requirements for Medicaid Expansion and does NOT need Long-Term Care or a Waiver program receives a windfall (PI Settlement, Back-payment in SSA, Inheritance), as there is no asset test for the Medicaid Expansion Service.
Individuals need to evaluate their eligibility for other programs such as LEAP, Food Stamps, etc.
Individuals need to evaluate the other benefits of placing funds in a Special Needs Trust, like:
- Budgeting – CFPD provides a plan for spending or saving to reflect your goals
- Protection from exploitation.
- CFPD provides a link to a network of community partners and resources.
So what are my next steps?
Consult with an attorney who is well-versed in the Affordable Care Act.
Call CFPD to discuss your individual situation. Our staff have been trained in the ACA and follow the implementation of new services and the impact of SNTs.
-
The ADA: 28 Years of Opportunity Unrealized
Amber Cecil on 07/19/2018On July 26, 1990, the president of the United States proclaimed that the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) "signals the end to the unjustified segregation and exclusion of persons with disabilities from the mainstream of American life." The ADA has removed a great number of barriers for people with disabilities, but not all steps can be bridged with ramps, and not all walls toppled with hammers...
The post The ADA: 28 Years of Opportunity Unrealized appeared first on National Organization on Disability.
-
U.S. Companies Eager to Hire Talent with Disabilities, but Struggling to Attract New Employees
Amber Cecil on 07/19/2018As the ADA anniversary approaches, NOD released findings from its corporate assessment, the Disability Employment Tracker™. Among the aggregate findings is evidence that more companies want to diversify their workforce by hiring talent with disabilities, but many are struggling to attract new employees who identify as having disabilities.
The post U.S. Companies Eager to Hire Talent with Disabilities, but Struggling to Attract New Employees appeared first on National Organization on Disability.
-
Meet The Interns
Amber Cecil on 07/17/2018Learn more about NOD's three summer interns. Although this is only our third year of onboarding interns, we have truly benefited from their fresh perspective and excitement to learn, and they have consistently proved to be exemplary additions to our team.
The post Meet The Interns appeared first on National Organization on Disability.
-
Maintaining Stability A Tough Job For Single Mother On Disability
Amber Cecil on 07/02/2018“In some aspects, it can be an irrational decision to accept a job offer when you’re having to walk away from those benefits,” Carol Glazer, NOD President said.There are state and federal programs that try to help people connect with employers who will take on workers with disabilities. But depending on what kind of federal help you’ve been getting, keeping on top of all the requirements can be a challenge.
The post Maintaining Stability A Tough Job For Single Mother On Disability appeared first on National Organization on Disability.
-
Invisible Disabilities the Subject of NOD Corporate Leadership Council Meeting
Amber Cecil on 06/26/2018The event challenged attendees to think about how people tend to leave a part of themselves at home when they come to work, and how difficult it might be for employees with 'invisible disabilities' to" come out" at work. "None of us have a single identity", NOD President Carol Glazer remarked. The emotional weight of carrying a hidden identity can be overwhelming and letting it go can "free up emotional real estate". Eric Mitchell of AT&T brought up the many opportunities employees have to be authentic at work, including within those discussions in their ERGs.
The post Invisible Disabilities the Subject of NOD Corporate Leadership Council Meeting appeared first on National Organization on Disability.
