SILC - Idaho

Flyer says -
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023
5:30 - 8:30
CELEBRATE WITH US! THE FHA TURNED 55IN 2023 AND IFHC TURNS 30 IN 2024
THE LINEN BUILDING
1402 W GROVE ST, BOISE ID
Fall inlove
with Fair Housing
JOIN US FOR FOOD, DRINKS, GUESTSPEAKERS, LIVE AND
SILENT AUCTION
TICKETS ARE $5

Fire Through Dry Grass Documentary Follows Nursing Home Residents During COVID-19
Fire Through Dry Grass, an OPEN DOORS/Reality Poets documentary film, uncovers the real-time devastation experienced by residents of a New York City nursing home during the coronavirus pandemic. Using GoPros clamped to their wheelchairs, Andres “Jay” Molina and fellow Reality Poets, Vincent Pierce and Peter Yearwood, all residents of Coler Nursing Home, on Roosevelt Island, New York, document their harrowing experiences on “lock down.”

Fire Through Dry Grass - POV An unlikely group of nursing home residents launch a movement during the pandemic.

For some disabled Idahoans, ‘my entire independence relies’ on direct care workers
NOVEMBER 10, 2023

For some disabled Idahoans, ‘my entire independence relies’ on direct care workers - Idaho Reports “My caregivers, they don’t have benefits. They don’t get paid time off, they don’t get holiday pay, because that’s not in my budget."

Please take time to listen/watch this from Idaho Reports. Included is the SILC chair, Shiloh Blackburn
A Care Crisis… | Nov 10, 2023
Workforce report begins at 7:07
Tens of thousands of Idahoans who are elderly or have disabilities rely on direct care workers to live independently, but there’s a shortage of them. We take a look at the impact of that shortage, and what the state could do to help.

Idaho Reports Idaho Reports - The West's longest running legislative program has a storied history that dates back almost four decades.

Our Care Can't Wait!
Christine Pisani of the Idaho Council on Developental Disabilities welcomes advocates and legislators.

Reminder that tomorrow is Election Day! To see if you are registered to vote, the status of your absentee ballot, what is your registered address, your voting precinct or district or to find your polling location, you can check on Vote Idaho. https://voteidaho.gov/

Don't forget to vote!

Vote Idaho – Official Voter Information Check Your Voter Record is temporarily unavailable while we complete an update. The tool will be available again as soon as the update is completed. Thank you for your patience, and we apologize for the inconvenience.

In Response to Home-Care Workforce Shortages, Most States Report Increasing Medicaid’s Payment Rates and Expanding Worker Opportunities

Almost every state reported increasing Medicaid payment rates for home- and community-based services to recruit and retain workers as part of their strategy to address long-standing workforce challenges, according to a new report from a survey of state officials administrating those programs. Most states also report developing or expanding worker education and training programs and offering incentive payments to recruit or retain workers.


All surveyed states reported shortages of care workers and most (43 states) experienced permanent closures of providers over the last year. Staff shortages were most common among direct support professionals, personal care attendants, nursing staff, and home health aides. Closures were most common among adult day health programs (32 states), group homes (29 states), and assisted living facilities (27 states.)

Even with increased payment rates, among the 34 states that reported time-based payment rates for personal care providers, 20 pay less than $20 per hour. Based on survey results, KFF estimates that median Medicaid payment rates to home- and community-based service providers are $19 per hour for personal care providers, $28 for home health aides, and $43 for registered nurses providing home and community-based care. There is considerable variation in provider payment rates and state officials say it is difficult to report these numbers.

The home-care workforce is diverse and encompasses individuals with a variety of job titles, including personal care aides, direct support professionals, home health aides, certified nursing assistants, and independent providers. Pay rates and training and certification requirements vary across roles. Home health aides and certified nursing assistants are the only types of providers that must comply with federal training and certification standards.

All states (except Florida) and the District of Columbia responded to the 2023 survey, though response rates varied by question.
Read the brief

Payment Rates for Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services: States’ Responses to Workforce Challenges

Published: Oct 24, 2023

Payment Rates for Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services: States’ Responses to Workforce Challenges - Appendix Tables - 10233 | KFF KFF Headquarters: 185 Berry St., Suite 2000, San Francisco, CA 94107 | Phone 650-854-9400 Washington Offices and Barbara Jordan Conference Center: 1330 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005 | Phone 202-347-5270

Court Rules That Medicaid Cannot Hide SIS Details + Update Meetings 10/23 & 10/24
October 3, 2023

The federal court in the K.W. v. Armstrong lawsuit has once again ruled that Idaho Medicaid cannot keep secrets from people who use Medicaid. Idaho Medicaid wants to ban adults with developmental disabilities and their advocates from seeing how the SIS-A works. The SIS-A is the new “Supports Intensity Scale – Adult” assessment tool that Medicaid wanted to use to pick people’s budgets. Idaho Medicaid asked the judge to let it use the SIS-A without letting adults and their advocates see the SIS manual that explains how the tool works.

The judge said that keeping the manual a secret would be unconstitutional. The court ruled against Medicaid’s plan to make budget decisions with the SIS while hiding the SIS manual. The court said that the plan “defies logic and is antithetical to principles of due process.” You can read the whole court decision here.

But Idaho Medicaid is dead-set on keeping the manual a secret. It is now trying to appeal the court’s decision. The appeal process could take a long time to sort out.

The K.W. v. Armstrong lawyers will hold two online meetings to explain the decision. We also want to get your feedback about what should happen next. These meetings are just for people who get Medicaid DD services in Idaho, and their primary advocate. The meetings will not be recorded. Both meetings will cover the same update – you only need to attend one of them.

Visit the link below to register.

Court Rules that Medicaid Cannot Hide SIS Details + Update Meetings 10/23 & 10/24 — OurHealthandWelfare.org ( Ver esta publicación en español. ) The federal court in the K.W. v. Armstrong lawsuit has once again ruled that Idaho Medicaid cannot keep secrets from people who use Medicaid. Idaho Medicaid wants to ban adults with developmental disabilities and their advocates from seeing how the SIS-A works

Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit employers and employees. ODEP has chosen "Advancing Access and Equity" as the theme for NDEAM 2023. https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/ndeam

Alt-text: Collage of arrows in various colors pointing forward, with images of disabled people at work. The text reads “Advancing Access & Equity, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Celebrating 50 years of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.” Also , and dol.gov/ODEP.

FEMA and FCC Plan Nationwide Emergency Alert Test for Oct. 4

FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) this fall. The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 4.

The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones. This will be the third nationwide test, but the second test to all cellular devices. The test message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset.

IPAWS National Test ASL On October 4th, a test alert message will be sent to cell phones, TVs, and radios across the country at 2:20 p.m. Eastern Time as part of our nationwide test...

Beginning today, September 25, every U.S. household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests.

COVID.gov - Free at-home COVID-19 tests Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests.

This Friday, September 22nd, the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee (JLOC) will hear Health and Welfare's response to the Direct Care Workforce report from the Office of Performance Evaluations (OPE). The hearing begins at 8:30 a.m. (MDT) and you can join in person (WW55) or online. Please consider being present for this important conversation.

For those that are in Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls counties!

Emergency Preparedness Backpacks

Due to limited quantity recipients must qualify under certain criteria

Qualifying individuals may include: At risk populations are children, senior citizens, pregnant women, or individuals who may need additional response assistance including those with disabilities, or have limited English proficiency or non English speaking.
If you know someone who may fit the criteria please fill out this link: https://arcg.is/1SPeLa0

Whats inside:

Fleece Blanket
Shovel
Notebooks
Colored Pencils
Hand Sanitizer
First Aid Kit
Tourniquet
Whistle
Wet Wipes
Scissors/ Tweezers
Trash Bags
Mylar Blanket
Ice Scraper
Flashlights
Waterproof Match
Duct Tape
Glass Hammer & Seatbelt Cutter
Poncho
Reflective Vest
Life Straws

Emergency Preparedness Backpack

September is National Emergency Preparedness month. Disability intersects every demographic group—there are people with disabilities of all ages, races, genders or national origin. And, disabilities can impact a person in a variety of ways—both visible and invisible. For people with disabilities and their families, it is important to consider individual circumstances and needs to effectively prepare for emergencies and disasters.

People with Disabilities | Ready.gov Get tips on emergency planning for individuals with disabilities. Get Informed Make a Plan Build a Kit People Experiencing Extreme Heat Associated Content

A good mentor will push you past them. They'll help you skip some of their mistakes to go further faster.

Managed Care & Idaho Medicaid Townhall meeting

Tuesday, August 22 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
ICOM (Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine)
1401 E Central Drive, Meridian

Join Idaho State Legislators and others to discuss the pros and cons of Managed Care and Idaho Medicaid.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare wants to hear from you! You can take a survey, attend a virtual meeting or both!

Do you or a loved one have managed care through Blue Cross or Molina? Do you know if you have managed care?
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare wants to hear from you!
If you get Medicaid and Medicare you are a "duel beneficiary." You may have managed care.
A Dual Eligible Beneficiary is someone over the age of 21, has Medicare A, B, and D and is eligible for enhanced Medicaid. There are two programs available for Dual Eligible Beneficiaries, Medicare Medicaid Coordinated Plan and the Idaho Medicaid Plus Program.

Flyer says:

We want to hear from YOU!
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare wants to hear about your experience with the dually eligible Medicare and Medicaid programs, often known as MMCP and IMPlus.

Participant Virtual Engagement Dates:
August 02, 2023 at 10:00 am MST
August 08, 2023 at 3:30 pm MST
August 24, 2023 at 2:30 pm MST
August 29, 2023 at 12:30 pm MST

Why Participate?
The Department of Health and Welfare is in the process of developing new contracts for MMCP and IMPlus plans. We value the feedback of members, family, providers and other stakeholders as we go through this process to understand broad experiences and identify areas of improvement. Your feedback is an important part of this process as we work to improve these programs for the future.

Unable to attend? No problem! Written feedback will be accepted until August 11, 2023 and can be submitted by completing a simple questionnaire.
To complete the questionnaire scan the QR code below or visit: http://mmcp.dhw.idaho.gov

Happy 33rd Anniversary to the Americans with Disabilities Act!!!

A Proclamation on Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, 2023 | The White House Thirty-three years ago, the Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) — one of the most important civil rights laws in our history. Its tireless champion, Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa, celebrated with a speech on the United States Senate floor in American Sign Language. His remarks w...

The Idaho Immunization Coalition and Central District Health are hosting focus groups for people with disabilities. They want to learn about COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in our community. They want to hear from people with disabilities who have gotten and those who haven’t gotten the vaccinations.

A meal will be provided at the meeting. A $50 cash stipend will be given to each person who participates.

For more information, contact Taylor McKinney mailto:[email protected] or call Taylor at 986-210-3055.

Photo Description:
Focus Groups
Hosted by the Idaho Immunization Coalition and Central District Health We are gathering groups of 6-10individuals to conduct focus groups. We would like to gain an understanding ofCOVID-19 vaccination hesitancy with participants who have a disability.
Meals are provided as well as a $50 cash stipend to each participant.
For further information please contact Taylor McKinney [email protected]
986-210-3055

Get your free ID and remember to VOTE!
The IDs are intended to facilitate voting in the Gem State. This comes as student IDs are being phased out as a legal voter ID method.

ITD is offering Idaho ID cards for free The IDs are intended to facilitate voting in the Gem State. This comes as student IDs are being phased out as a legal voter ID method.

Happy Disability Pride Month!

The disability pride flag helps increase the community’s visibility. Ann Magill designed the flag in 2019 with feedback from community members. She then worked with photosensitive people to produce a more accessible version.

Five diagonal stripes of different colors rest on a black background. The black field mourns the victims of violence and abuse against persons with disabilities. The diagonal suggests cutting across barriers that separate the disabled from society.

The flag’s five colors represent different types of disabilities: red (physical disabilities), gold (neurodivergence), white (invisible and undiagnosed disabilities), blue (psychiatric disabilities) and green (sensory disabilities).

NOTICE OF
MEETING

Friday
July 14, 2023
9:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. Mountain Time (8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time)

State Independent Living Council (SILC)
SILC Council Meeting

Contact Janey Bruesch for more information:
208-334-3800

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month!

In 2021, it is estimated that only 39 percent of Black or African American adults, 25 percent of Asian adults, and 36 percent of Hispanic/Latino adults with any mental illness were treated, compared to 52 percent of non-Hispanic white adults. (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health)

https://www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov/minority-mental-health/

FEEDBACK NEEDED: Idaho Office of Emergency Management is asking for your assistance in completing this questionnaire to help improve the State of Idaho Hazard Mitigation Plan!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IdahoStateHMP2023

FEEDBACK NEEDED: We ask for your assistance in completing this questionnaire to help us in improving the State of Idaho Hazard Mitigation Plan!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IdahoStateHMP2023

At what point does the line blur between being co-workers and becoming the same person? We are here to tell you it blurs when you buy the same pattern and wear it the same day (completely on accident). At least they weren't TOTALLY the same... one was a dress and the other a shirt.

Photo description: Two co-workers holding out their clothing. Both are the exact same fabric. Turquoise blue with dark pink and light pink flowers.

"The success of this during the pandemic was tremendous … for the first time we were able to pay our own way,” said the Meridian, Idaho, resident. “We’re not relying on charities to help us pay our rent and utilities.”

Families worry over the future of Medicaid caregiver payments that were expanded during the pandemic Families of severely disabled children across the country are worried about the future of crucial Medicaid payments they started receiving to provide care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have to demand the things that are essential to our lives, equality, and quality of life…We must refuse to feel gratitude for these, except the normal level of gratitude that anyone might feel for living in a time and place that still supports human life.”
Laura Hershey

I was scrolling through my own page the other day and there was one of those "suggested posts' that always pop up. There was a cute picture with it, so I skimmed the post. I thought to myself "I like that" and then kept scrolling. However, it stuck with me... I couldn't seem to get it out of my mind and had to go back and try and find it. Not an easy thing to do in FB Land. :) I DID manage to find it again and reread it. It got me thinking about my own mindset at times when I feel like I can't do another thing or when we are all fighting battles that we can't seem to win (at least not as quickly as we would like). It takes all of us and it takes kindness and understanding. We don't have to be facing a specific problem ourselves, but someone else is... we can all do our part in trying to make another's struggle a little easier, to help tear down a barrier, to take a step towards making the world a better place.

Now that I've shared my thoughts to the world, I'm going to take another sip of my coffee, print out the post so I can reread it when I need a push, and take a deep breath. I'll leave the post here and hopefully it will have a positive effect on you. Happy Friday, all!

LESSON FOR MANY
A mouse, looking through a hole in the wall, sees the farmer and his wife open a package. He was terrified to see that it was a mousetrap. He ran to the patio to warn everyone.

"There is a mousetrap at home!"

The chicken that was cackling and digging says: "Excuse me Mr. Mouse, I understand that it is a big problem for you, but it does not hurt me at all."

So, the rodent went to the lamb and he says the same thing: "Excuse me Mr. Mouse, but I don't think I can do more than ask for you in my prayers."

The mouse went to the cow and she said: "But am I in danger? I think not!" said the cow.

The mouse returned to the house, worried and dejected to face the farmer's mousetrap.

That night a great noise was heard like that of the mousetrap catching its victim, the woman ran to see what she had caught.
In the dark she did not see that the mousetrap caught the tail of a poisonous snake. The speedy snake bit the woman, the farmer immediately took her to the hospital, she came back with a high fever. The farmer to comfort her prepared a nutritious soup, grabbed the knife and went to find the main ingredient: the chicken; Since the woman did not get better, friends and neighbors went to visit them, the farmer killed the lamb to feed them, the woman did not get better and died. And in the end, the husband sold the cow to the slaughterhouse to cover the funeral expenses.

The next time someone tells you about their problem and you think that it doesn't affect you because it's not yours and you don't pay attention to it, think twice, “he who doesn't live to serve, doesn't serve to live”.

The world is not going badly because of the wickedness of the bad, but because of the apathy of the good.

So when someone needs you for their problems, give them your hand or give them a word of encouragement.

May you never lack empathy!

Remember it very well, EMPATHY.

Credits to whom appropriate.

Abuse can look very different, know the red flags of abuse and end elder abuse in its tracks.
Emotional Abuse: Keep an eye out for fear or anxiety, unusual changes in sleep patterns or behavior, signs of depression, isolation or non-responsiveness. Learn more at http://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/weaad-home

https://idahocares.dhw.idaho.gov/
Are you interested in becoming an Direct Care Professional? Follow the link below to learn how. Please share with friends and family who may be interested.

The National Caregiver Shortage
As the aging population rises in the United States, there is an increased demand for direct care professionals. With a projected 12% growth rate in direct care jobs over the next decade, caregivers are currently in short supply.
Idaho in particular falls below the national average of direct care jobs and needs more qualified caregivers to meet current and future demands.

Idaho Cares You're wanted. You're needed. You're amazing. Become a caregiver.

Are you tired of trying to get medical care, only to find testing and exam tables that you can't access? Then make comments today!

U.S. Access Board Seeks Public Comment on Final Specification for Low Transfer Surface Height of Medical Diagnostic Equipment

U.S. Access Board - U.S. Access Board Seeks Public Comment on Final Specification for Low Transfer Surface Height of Medical Diagnostic Equipment The U.S. Access Board is a federal agency that promotes equality for people with disabilities through leadership in accessible design and the development of accessibility guidelines and standards for the built environment, transportation, communication, medical diagnostic equipment, and information....

Mental Health America is offering free registration for virtual attendees for their annual conference. The conference is June 6th - 10th. It looks like there are going to be some fantastic workshops, you can sign up for one or more. Take a look and let us know with sessions you are going to attend! I've got six picked out! :)

Mental Health America Mental Health America (MHA)'s work is driven by its commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; integrated care, services, and supports for those who need them; with recove...

https://idahocares.dhw.idaho.gov/

Are you interested in becoming an Direct Care Professional? Follow the link below to learn how. Please share with friends and family who may be interested.
The National Caregiver Shortage

As the aging population rises in the United States, there is an increased demand for direct care professionals. With a projected 12% growth rate in direct care jobs over the next decade, caregivers are currently in short supply.

Idaho in particular falls below the national average of direct care jobs and needs more qualified caregivers to meet current and future demands.

Idaho Cares

Idaho will pay $1.2M and let disability rights group monitor care at state-run facility

Idaho will pay $1.2M and let disability rights group monitor care at state-run facility - Idaho Capital Sun Idaho will pay $1.2 million and give DisAbility Rights Idaho access to Southwest Idaho Treatment Center and SWITC records, under a federal lawsuit settlement.

This year, NAMI is celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month with the More Than Enough campaign!
It’s an opportunity for all of us to come together and remember the inherent value we each hold — no matter our diagnosis, appearance, socioeconomic status, background or ability. We want every person out there to know that if all you did was wake up today, that’s more than enough. No matter what, you are inherently worthy of more than enough life, love and healing. Showing up, just as you are, for yourself and the people around you is more than enough.

Support the national dialogue around mental health and learn ways to take action to improve mental health in your schools, communities, and families: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/how-to-talk/community-and-faith-leaders

Taking care of yourself is an essential part of your mental health. I like to spend time reading, crocheting and knitting. What does self-care look like to you?