TennCare and the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD) propose integrating the Medicaid Long-Term Supports and Services they provide. As with any change, this will bring a number of opportunities and challenges. It will put Medicaid insurance companies Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Health Care and Amerigroup (called Managed Care Organizations) in charge of DIDD waiver services.

Tennessee has issued revised guidance prohibiting healthcare providers from discriminating against people with disabilities even when public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic necessitate rationing of scarce resources.

  In Chattanooga, Tennessee, a local hair salon welcomes and accommodates all customers. One satisfied customer enjoys going to the salon to get her hair done without having to worry about whether or not the shop is accessible. 

The 111th Tennessee General Assembly adjourned sine die in the early hours of June 19th after the House and Senate resolved their differences on the Appropriations, Budget Implementation and Bond bills. The bills are much the same as the bills passed last week by the Senate, incorporating some of the ideas included in the House bills passed Monday. The 2021 budget is 29.5 billion dollars.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a temporary work-from-home situation, mirroring what represents a more permanent need for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses who work. 

April 16th Update: Advocacy works! Because of you our veterans, low-income seniors & Americans with disabilities on SSI will receive automatic stimulus payments without being asked to jump through any new hoops ​

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the ‘‘CARES Act” is designed to help our nation during the COVID-19 crisis. As many of you may know, the CARES Act includes funding for direct stimulus payments to qualifying Americans. 

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the ‘‘CARES Act” is designed to make many important improvements to help our nation during the COVID-19 crisis. Passed March 26th, there continue to be questions and concerns about the education provisions in the Act and their implications for students served in special education.

Education Provisions in the CARES Act

Last month, both people with and without disabilities gathered for the first ever In This Together Summit to prepare for Disability Day on the Hill. The next day, representatives and allies from the disability community came together to advocate and meet with their legislators. For one group of students, this is not the first year they’ve prepared and spoken on the issues they care about with their legislators.

Federal Action:

What business wouldn’t want to increase its customer base and in doing so, increase its bottom line? By making sure your business is accessible and welcoming to everyone, your customer base will grow.