Although Congress recently approved a second relief bill which does offer some assistance to people with disabilities, their families and those who support them, more needs to be done to aid the disabled community during this current pandemic.

There is a third relief bill in discussion in Congress right now. Please read the information below from the ARC. The Calais School supports future bills which support people with disabilities, their families, educators and support staff.

NEW Coronavirus Relief Bill:
Tell Congress to Include People with Disabilities

Yesterday, thanks to advocates like you, Congress passed a second Coronavirus Relief Bill.

This bill will provide some much-needed support to people with disabilities, their families, and the direct support professional (DSP) workforce. It included an increase in federal funding for state Medicaid programs, mandatory coverage of testing, expanded nutrition assistance and unemployment insurance, and limited paid sick and leave provisions.

But there is still MUCH MORE that needs to be done!

A third relief bill is moving through Congress, and must address the ongoing needs of people with disabilities during this crisis, including:

  • Additional funding to create a Medicaid grant program to support access to home and community-based services (to combat institutionalization) and to support the DSP workforce.
  • A permanent reauthorization of the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program. MFP funds states to move people with disabilities and seniors back into the community, after time in a nursing home or hospital setting.
  • Economic stimulus and raising asset limits. Congress is considering making direct payments to low-income Americans. People with disabilities receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Medicaid are subject to strict asset limits, and those asset limits must be raised to ensure that this stimulus does not put crucial benefits at risk.
  • Ensuring that access to a free and appropriate education continues. This is a right for all students with disabilities, and these rights cannot be denied during this pandemic.

People with disabilities will be disproportionately impacted by this pandemic. Urge Congress to pass legislation that includes the critical needs of people with disabilities, their families, and the DSP workforce.