Weekly News (October 4 - October 8)

Government releases funding to help older adults navigate long-term care (McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, September 28, 2010)
The federal government released $68 million in grant money to help seniors and people with disabilities better understand their options for long-term care.  Among other things, the money will be used to help patients transition from nursing homes to home care.

Personal Care Assistance cuts leave many disabled people without help (Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder, September 29, 2010)
Minnesota made cuts to its “Personal Care Assistance” (PCA) program to save money.  The PCA aids people with disabilities who need help grooming, dressing, bathing, etc.  But with the new cuts, roughly 3,000 people will no longer be eligible for the program.

Bill would increase technology access for people with disabilities (The Hill.com, September 29, 2010)
Last week the House approved a bill that would make it easier for people who can’t hear or see have access to TV, the Internet and smartphones.  President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law.

New Study Reveals Lack of Characters With Disabilities on Television (Shoot, September 29, 2010)
According to a new report, TV shows with characters with disabilities represent only 1% of all regular characters. And those characters represent a disproportionate view of reality – all are white and most are male.

ADA update enters debate over FM chips (The Hill.com, October 1, 2010)
Some trade groups are asking Congress to mandate FM chips in every cell phone.  They say it would bring people with disabilities one step closer to equality and independence.