THE LIFTT CONNECTION-Fall 2011

Support needed as program faces cuts

As Congress and the Obama Administration discuss ways to reduce the federal deficit, much of the conversation seems to be centering on the big three social programs: Social Security, Medicare, and especially Medicaid.

Most proposals being put forth prescribe reducing or eliminating the federal contribution to Medicaid and passing the burden onto the already cash strapped state governments. Many states have already severely reduced their own Medicaid expenditures to the point that an elimination of federal funding would amount to the end of Medicaid for millions of Americans in need.

Medicaid, and the access to basic healthcare services that it provides to lower income Americans including many people with disabilities, is an essential service. Completely changing, undermining or destroying Medicaid as it now exists will not only end up costing the government and society more money in the long run, it will very likely lead to a rise in the number of preventable deaths. In other words PEOPLE WILL DIE!

Photos by Darla Lankford

LIFTT staff, peers, and consumers participate in the My Medicaid Matters Rally outside of the Billings office of Sen. Max Baucus on Sept. 21.

The fact of the matter is there are sound ideas for Medicaid reform that would improve service to consumers and save federal and state government money.

Sound Ideas for Medicaid savings include:

· Expanding the use of Home and Community Based Services thereby reducing the high overhead costs associated with operating nursing homes and other long term care facilities ,

· Expanding availability of consumer directed service. By empowering as many consumers as are able to direct their own care, the high costs associated with the supervisory and administrative functions now undertaken by agency-based providers would be reduced.

· Increasing the range of services that can be delivered by non- medical personal. Many people with disabilities, each and every day, require services that by law are required to be performed by highly skilled and highly paid medical professionals such as nurses. In actuality, many of these services could be performed by the consumers’ own personal care attendants at much less cost and inconvenience.

· Congress should direct that the Medicare and Medicaid administration be reorganized on the basis of functional need as opposed to the current system of organization by age and diagnosis. This would reduce bureaucratic waste by consolidating services and eliminating duplication.

All of these ideas, if put into practice, would save tax payers millions, if not billions, of dollars per year as well as achieve a marked improvement in quality of life for Medicaid and Medicare recipients.

LIFTT staff, consumers, and concerned community members recently rallied outside Sen. Max Baucus’s offices in Billings and Glendive to express concerns about the future of Medicaid and to make the public aware of these ideas for real reform.

So far, as he begins work with 11 other members of congress as part of the so called “Super Committee,” Sen. Baucus has been very encouraging in his public comments telling one group of reporters,

“Putting the full load of deficit reduction on seniors, veterans and middle class families…when the wealthiest can afford to pay a little more, simply doesn’t make sense… it does make sense to allow these lower tax rates for the wealthiest in our society to expire, rather than making major cuts to Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid”.

Now is the time to reinforce our message by contacting Sen. Baucus and letting him know that cuts to Medicaid are not acceptable and that real savings are possible by allowing more independence for people with disabilities.

To submit your ideas and concerns to Sen. Baucus on this and other issues, go online to baucus.senate.gov and click on the Contact Max link.§

Staying Off the Menu!

Staff, Youth and Board Members attend 2011 APRIL Conference in Anchorage

Staff, Peers, and Board members from Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow (LIFTT) had the opportunity to attend the annual conference of the Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL) held in Anchorage, Alaska Oct. 14-17.

APRIL holds this annual conference as part of its mission to provide education, foster discussion, and promote leadership on service delivery and other issues facing Centers for Independent Living (CIL’s) serving rural and frontier populations.

Included in the LIFTT group were two youth who attended the youth pre-conference lead by Mike Beers and Mary Olson from Missoula- based Summit Independent Living Center. The youth learned much while attending the session, including the difference between Advocacy and Activism, Independent Living History, and what kind of super hero they would like to be when Zombies take over the world.

One of the youths was able to put some of the lessons learned at the session into immediate action. The youth brought forward a concern that the current requirement that the “youth” member of the APRIL board be aged 18-30 effectively excluded a segment of the youth population. The LIFTT youth proposed that the APRIL board composition be amended to include a member under the age of 18.

In the ensuing debate it was pointed out that there might be legal problem having a person under 18 in a decision making role. The youth held ground and replied that if there was a problem with having a voting member under 18 that the board could still create an ex-officio position for a youth under 18 and benefit from having that members voice on the board. That compromise proposal drew a standing ovation from those in attendance and a promise from the APRIL board to consider it in the near future.

The main conference had a variety of sessions that included opportunities for networking and interaction to provide ongoing relationships for CILs to learn and connect with each other. Many of the sessions focused on the innovations in CIL management and service-delivery undertaken by the CILs in the host state of Alaska.

Of particular note is the success that Alaska CIL’s and their allies have had in getting the Alaska Legislature to commit to ending the long standing bias towards institutional care and providing resources to allow Alaskans with disabilities to live in their homes and communities. LIFTT looks forward to an ongoing dialogue with our Alaskan colleagues and applying the lessons learned as we seek, along with our consumers, peers, and allies, to end institutional bias and promote home and community based solutions here in Montana.§

Photo by Jennifer Nance

North to Alaska: LIFTT Youth, Hanna Carstensen (at left looking through microscope), and Micah Becker on a sighting seeing break during the 2011 APRIL Conference in Alaska.

State offers two programs to assist with winter heating costs

Winter weather will soon be upon us and for those who have trouble affording to heat their homes; the cold temperatures can be a source of real pain and frustration. The state of Montana has two programs that assist low income residents with their heating needs.

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)

LIEAP provides eligible consumers monetary assistance in paying their home heating bills. The amount of assistance available is determined according to the consumer’s household income, size and type of home, and kind and cost of fuel. Most often, payments are made directly to the utility company or fuel supplier and applied to the consumer’s bill.

To be eligible for LIEAP, if your household consists of seven people or fewer, you must make less than 60 percent of the median state income. If your household consists of seven or more people, your income needs to be less than 150 percent of the federal poverty level.

If your household receives Supplementary Security Income (SSI) and/or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) you may automatically qualify for LIEAP. Both renters and home owners may apply for LIEAP.

Weatherization Assistance

Weatherization Assistance provides eligible consumers with assistance in repairing and renovating their homes to make them more energy efficient.

If a consumer’s application is approved, the consumer receives a visit from an energy auditor who determines the most cost effective weatherization measures for the consumer’s home which are then completed as time and cost allows. These measures may include a furnace tune-up, caulking, client education, insulation, weather-stripping, storm windows, replacement of broken glass, or repair of exterior doors.

To be eligible for Weatherization Assistance a consumer must have an annual household income of less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level. If your household receives Supplementary Security Income (SSI) and/or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) you may automatically qualify for Weatherization Assistance. Both renters and home owners may apply for Weatherization Assistance.

For more information or to apply for LIEAP and/or Weatherization Assistance, call the Montana Citizen’s Advocate at (800) 332-2272, download an application online at: dphhs.mt.gov/programsservices/energyassistance/energyassistanceApp2011-2012.pdf, or visit your local energy assistance eligibility office.

How can the Student Earned Income Exclusion Help Me?

Are you (or is someone you know) a student age 14-22 who receives SSI, is regularly attending school**, AND is working? If you said yes, then you need to know about the Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE).

The Student Earned Income Exclusion is one of the many Work Incentives created by the Social Security Administration that helps support persons with a disability as they enter the workforce.

The SEIE allows a person who is under age 22 and regularly attending school to exclude earnings from income. In 2011, the amount that can be excluded is $1,640 per month to a maximum of $6,600 per year.

Social Security usually adjusts the monthly amount and the yearly limit annually, based on any increases in the cost–of–living index. This income exclusion is usually applied before any other exclusion.

What does "regularly attending school" mean? "Regularly attending school" means that the person takes one or more courses of study and attends classes:

· In a college or university, for at least 8 hours a week,

· In grades 7-12, for at least 12 hours a week,

· In a training course to prepare for employment, for at least 12 hours a week (15 hours a week if the course involves shop practice);

· In a home school situation, for at least 12 hours per week and in accordance with the home school law of the State or jurisdiction in which the student resides; or

· For less time than indicated above for reasons beyond the student's control, such as illness.

If you have questions about the Student Earned Income Exclusion, call LIFTT’s Community Work Incentive Coordinator, Linda Henry, at 406-294-5189 or email her at lindah@liftt.org.§

Your Guide to the Medicaid Buy- In

Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities (MWD), or the Medicaid Buy-In, is a work incentive offered by the State of Montana to help ensure that people with disabilities who are working, or who want to work, can still access the healthcare they need at an affordable cost. If you are a Social Security Disability beneficiary and worry that you’ll loose your medical coverage if you enter or re-enter the workforce, you can stop worrying right now.

There are Social Security Work Incentives for both SSDI and SSI beneficiaries in place that help you continue your Medicare and Medicaid coverage when you return to work.

In addition, Montana created the Medicaid for Workers with Disabilities program to add one more layer of protection and ensure that virtually everyone with a disability who wants to work can maintain affordable healthcare. You can apply directly through your office of Public Assistance, or you can contact LIFTTs Community Work Incentive Coordinator, Linda Henry, at 406-294-5189 or lindah@liftt.org for more information. §

Making Visitability a Reality

Proposals would bring more affordable, accessible and integrated housing to Montana

The statewide housing task force, which was formed at the Independent Living Symposium held in Billings two years ago this month, has worked diligently to expand opportunities for building more housing that meets basic visitability and/or accessibility standards.

A proposal by the Montana Board of Housing (MBOH) to require enhanced accessibility features would be a great victory for the Task Force and, more importantly, for people with disabilities throughout our state.

However, it is not yet a done deal. The proposal outlined below is just a proposal, and YOU have an opportunity to use your voice and support the passage of the proposal into regulation by writing or emailing the HOME Program and letting them know you think this proposal is a good one that should be put into regulation.

When you write to MBOH, just tell them why having accessible housing is important to you. Does it mean you can live in the community rather than a nursing home? Does it mean you can have friends who use a wheelchair over to your apartment? Does it mean you can stay in your home as you age or as your disability changes, because your apartment is set up for grab bars? Does it mean you can live in an integrated apartment building rather than a segregated building designed only for people with disabilities? The MBOH staff needs to know how this affects YOU!

The Montana Board of Housing’s HOME Program is seeking comments on a proposal to require enhanced accessibility features for housing projects built using HOME funds.

The proposal would require all HOME-assisted new construction, including single family (homeowner) developments, and major rehabilitation (“gut” rehabilitation that includes replacing interior walls and doors) to incorporate the following:

· 36-inch doors (32 inches of clear passage space) for all living areas (except pantry, storage, and closets)

· Levered handles for exterior and interior doors (except exterior swing doors)

· Outlets mounted not less than 15 inches above floor covering

· Light switches, control boxes and/or thermostats mounted no more than 48 inches above floor covering

· Walls adjacent to toilets, bathtubs and shower stalls require reinforcement for later installation of grab bars

· Lever style faucets for laundry hook-up, lavatory and kitchen sink

· A minimum of a ground level half-bath with a 30 x 48 inch turn space (also required in rehab unless waived by HOME staff for structural limitations or excessive cost, etc.)

· At least one no-step entry to all ground floor units

COMMENT PERIOD

The HOME Program is seeking comments on the proposed changes listed below for the 2012 Program Year.

Send comments to:

Maureen Martin, Housing Assistance Bureau Chief

Housing Division

Montana Department of Commerce

P.O. Box 200545

Helena, MT 59620-0545

Comments may also be e-mailed to HomeProgram@mt.gov. Please include "HOME Program Proposed Changes" in the subject line. §

PEERS Needed at LIFTT

Are you looking for a way to give something back?

As part of its commitment to creating a mutually supportive network of people with disabilities across the region, LIFTT is looking for people interested in being Peers. Peers are defined as people living successfully with their disability who are willing to share their time, talent, and experiences to help educate others about living with a disability.

To learn more about becoming a peer contact Martha Carstensen in the Billings Office @ (406) 294-5190 or marthac@liftt.org§

Meeting the Challenge: How Does the ADA Define Disability?

Editors Note: LIFTT is pleased to present this series of columns by Cindy Powell of the Rocky Mountain ADA Center.

The Rocky Mountain ADA Center is one of ten regional “one-stop” comprehensive Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) resource centers. Located in Colorado Springs Colorado, the Rocky Mountain ADA Center serves a six state region: Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.

The Rocky Mountain ADA Center provides technical assistance, education and training, public awareness, materials dissemination, and information and referral to employers, businesses, state and local government agencies, disability and rehabilitation programs, people with disabilities, architects, code officials, schools and many other entities with rights and responsibilities under the ADA.

To understand who is protected by the ADA, it is important to know how the ADA determines disability. The ADA uses a three-part definition of disability. The ADA definition of disability is not the same as in other laws, such as state workers' compensation or other federal or state laws that provide benefits for people and veterans with disabilities.

To be considered a person with a disability under the ADA, an individual must only meet ONE part of the three-part definition. The determination of whether a person has a disability is made on a case-by-case basis. Under the ADA, an individual with a disability is a person who:

1) Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities:

Physical impairment: a physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the body systems

Mental impairment: any mental or psychological disorder; Examples: Intellectual disability, Organic brain syndrome, Psychiatric disability, Traumatic brain injury

"Stress" and "depression" are conditions that may (diagnosed by a psychiatrist as having an identified mental or physiological disorder) or may not (because of job or personal life pressures) be considered impairments.

Major life activity: an activity most people can perform with little or no difficulty; Examples: Seeing, Hearing, Eating, Sleeping, Caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, Walking, Standing, Lifting, Bending

Major bodily functions: Cell growth, Neurological, Immune system, Endocrine, Digestive, Bowel, Bladder, Circulatory, Reproductive

2) Has a record of such impairment:

History of a disability, regardless of whether they currently are substantially limited in a major life activity

History of cancer, heart disease, or other debilitating condition, whose conditions are cured, controlled or in remission

History of psychiatric disability

Erroneously classified as having an intellectual disability in the past

3) Is regarded as having such impairment:

Perceived as having disabilities based on stereotypes, fears, or misconceptions

Impairment that is not substantially limiting but is perceived by the covered entity as substantially limiting

Impairment that is substantially limiting only because of the attitudes of others

Has no impairment but be regarded by the covered entity as having a substantially limiting impairment

A detailed explanation of “substantial limitation” will be presented in the next issue. §

Youth and Young Adult Update

Working with staff from the Billings office, several LIFTT peers have formed a group for Youth and Young Adults with disabilities in our service area.

In addition to providing a social outlet for participants, the group focuses on helping to develop the skills needed for youth and young adults to make a successful transition from high school and living at home to higher education, careers, and living independently.

Currently the Youth and Young Adult group meets once a month usually on the fourth Thursday of the month. Recent youth/ young adult group meetings have included: a recreational outing to Pioneer Park, a movie day and career exploration activities.

Youth and Young Adults from LIFTT have also participated in the Montana IL Symposium in Helena, the APRIL Conference in Anchorage, Alaska and will be attending the Youth Transitions Conference in Great Falls in November.

There will be no youth/young adult group in November due to Thanksgiving. The group will next meet for a holiday party on December 22 at 2:30 pm in the Billings LIFTT office 3333 2^nd Ave North #100.

For more information contact Brent Morris in the Billings office, 690-7584 or brent@liftt.org§

Radio Reading Service Eliminated

After 32 Years of service, the Montana Audio Information Network, an organization which provides the visually impaired with complete readings of many Montana newspapers via radio broadcast is going off the air.

The elimination of the program, which serves as a source of news for approximately 1200 Montanans with vision disabilities, comes because of declining funding from both non-profit and government sources. The 2011 Montana Legislature failed to follow the lead of previous legislatures in approving a one-time only grant to the project and grants from service organizations and non-profits such as the United Way have become less numerous in the down-turned economy.

This elimination is the first of many likely cuts to programs for people with disabilities. Further cuts can only be prevented by action from the disability community. For more information on how to get involved, contact Jed Barton at LIFTT (406) 294-5186 or jedb@liftt.org§

LIFTT Staff

Bobbie Becker	Executive Director	(406) 377-4062	bobbieb@liftt.org
Martha Carstensen	Program Director	(406) 294-5190	marthac@liftt.org
Billings	3333 2^nd Avenue N.	(406) 259-5181	(800) 669-6319
Brent Morris	Independent Living Specialist	(406) 690-7584	brent@liftt.org
Shannon Payne	Independent Living Specialist	(406) 690-6324	shannonp@liftt.org
Marilyn Gone	Independent Living Specialist	(406) 294-5188	marilyng@liftt.org
Darla Lankford	Independent Living Specialist & Personal Care Assistance Program Manager	(406) 294-5187	darlal@liftt.org
Lanette Brown	Personal Care Assistance Program Manager	(406) 294-5184	lanetteb@lifft.org
Jackie Kimbrough	Personal Care Assistance Program Manager	(406) 294-5183	jackiek@liftt.org
Linda Henry	Community Workforce Investment Coordinator	(406) 294-5189	lindah@liftt.org
Steve Woodard	Assistant Finance Coordinator	(406) 294-5185	stevew@liftt.org
Jed Barton	Public Relations & Government Affairs Coordinator	(406) 294-5186	jedb@liftt.org
Freda Mook	Administrative Assistant & Medicaid Billing Specialist	(406) 294-5182	fredam@liftt.org
Jennifer Nance	Administrative Assistant	(406) 259-5181	jenn@liftt.org
Glendive	115 W. Valentine St.	(406) 377-4062	(800) 502-9700