COVID-19 Update | April 22, 2020 | Advocacy Needs and Resources

April 22, 2020

Front-line workers serving individuals with disabilities need your help. One minute of your time can change their lives.

As legislators continue writing and debating relief packages, we have disappointingly seen front-line Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Job Coaches for people with disabilities left out of the conversation, particularly in the state of Missouri.

Nearly 30 other states have applied for retention payments, hazard pay, and/or temporary rate increases to support caregivers during this pandemic, but Missouri has not taken steps to provide economic relief to this workforce.

Missourians deserve our share of these federal funds in this emergency situation, and Governor Parson has the ability to request help for providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Follow this link to send a message urging the governor to support our essential workers through Appendix K-2: https://marf.cc/caregiver-advocacy/ .

ADDITIONAL INFO, RESOURCES, & WAYS TO HELP

My Day programs will remain closed. We are working to create a plan for re-opening the program when it is safe to re-open. Though it will likely not return to regular services immediately upon opening.

Secure stimulus payments for your individual. See who should use Non-Filers here: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here. If your individual usually does not file a tax return, submit your information to get the Economic Impact Payment here: https://www.freefilefillableforms.com/#/fd/EconomicImpactPayment. Reminder: Dependents over 17 years of age unfortunately do not qualify for the stimulus payments. Please direct questions to Brian Watson, CFO, at bwatson@luinc.org.

Stay informed through an upcoming Center for Human Services (CHS) webinar: “How to Develop a Life Plan for Your Child with Disabilities” on Wednesday, April 29 at 6 p.m. (CDT). Register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5372818950580199950. This brief, online workshop helps parents, guardians and family members to better understand the planning our children may need during all stages of life, including legal, financial, and benefit planning considerations.

You can initiate the cancellation of auto pay spend down for the time period of this crisis. You will have to initiate auto payment again when desired. You can fax it to (573) 526-3946 or mail it in. Questions? Visit https://dss.mo.gov/mhd/faq/pages/spend-down-faq.htm.

Advocate using the ANCOR one-step tool. Send personalized messages to legislators on key disability service needs here: https://www.ancor.org/amplifier.

While we are currently separated by physical distance, our collective voices can be louder than ever. Please join us in these ongoing efforts to ensure front-line workers get the respect, support, and assurances they deserve for keeping our loved ones safe and healthy during this global crisis.

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

Thank you for your time and support for essential health care workers and the individuals we serve.

Julie Edlund

Chief Executive Officer

Life Unlimited

If you know others who would like to be added to our email list for regular updates and communications about our COVID-19 preparation plans, send names and email addresses to bschneweis@luinc.org .