Weekly News (September 27 - October 1)

Depression in the workplace: don’t ask, don’t tell? (CNN, September 20, 2010)
Depression is protected by the ADA.  But to be protected by the law, you must disclose your disability to your employer.  And many people are reluctant to do that, because of the stigma attached to depression. Read about the struggles people with depression face…

Help for Long-Term Care Costs (The Wall Street Journal, September 19, 2010)
The CLASS Act, part of the Affordable Care Act, was designed to help people plan ahead for when they’re disabled or need assistance.  The goal is to allow them to live independently as long as possible. But some question if this new benefit will make much difference.

New Law Mandates Polling Places Be Accessible to Disabled Voters (WNYC News, September 20, 2010)
New York has a new law on the books that requires all polling sties to be fully accessible for people with disabilities by 2012.

Yoga instructor redefines ability and disability (Hampton Roads.com, September 22, 2010)
Paralyzed at the age of 13, one man is now a leading expert on mind-body transformation for people with disabilities.

Congress changes intellectual disability wording (Associated Press, September 23, 2010)
Congress passed legislation that eliminates “mental retardation” from federal laws.

Disabled children could access Medicaid (The Fort Morgan Times, September 24, 2010)
Colorado is changing some Medicaid rules regarding children with disabilities.  Under the new rules, families with children with disabilities will have easier access to Medicaid.