Governor's Office of Disability Affairs Newsletter
August 2021
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2021 Governor's Office of Disability Affairs Conference |
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The Governor's Office of Disability Affairs hosted its annual conference virtually via Zoom during the week of July 26 - 29, 2021. This year's conference consisted of 18 informative sessions. Access all conference information, including recordings, at this link. Below are details of each session, including hyperlinks to each session recording.
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"Youth Self Advocacy" panel discussion with Karlee Cowsar, Analiese Gaffey, Devin Williams, and Madeline Young
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As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to rise in Louisiana, and following the designation of Louisiana by the White House as a “state of concern” because of its rapid case growth and insufficient vaccination rate, today Gov. John Bel Edwards and the Louisiana Department of Health issued updated guidance recommending that all people, both vaccinated and unvaccinated, wear masks indoors when at least six feet of distancing is not physically possible during the fourth surge of COVID-19.
Updated LDH guidance on masking, testing for vaccinated people and workplace accommodations is part of Louisiana’s strategy for ending its fourth surge of COVID, alongside increasing its vaccination rate. Additional measures may be announced later if the situation worsens.
“The White House has notified Louisiana that we are a State of Concern because we are the leading edge of the COVID-19 surge, due to the rapid spread of the Delta variant among the unvaccinated in our state. Indeed, Louisiana leads the nation in case growth, with 47 cases per capita. This should come as no surprise to anyone who has watched our case counts and hospitalizations continue to climb, and it necessitates additional guidance for how all people should stay safe in Louisiana right now, including wearing masks indoors, when unable to maintain social distancing, testing after suspected exposure even if they are vaccinated and, if possible, working remotely from home to limit exposure to groups,” Gov. John Bel Edward said.
“Right now, Louisiana has the best tool it has ever had to fight this surge: the COVID-19 vaccines. Encouragingly, our weekly vaccination rate has bumped up which I believe means everyone knows how urgent the situation is. We need even more people in our state to go sleeves up and take the COVID-19 vaccine. Increased vaccinations, when coupled with more masking, testing and distance, can get us out of the fourth surge, but only if people take action quickly.”
“We are in a very dangerous surge right now,” said Dr. Joseph Kanter, State Health Officer. “To ensure their own safety people in Louisiana should take precautions immediately. Masking and testing will limit death and suffering until we make it through this.”
UPDATED GUIDANCE FROM LDH
In light of sharply increasing COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations throughout Louisiana, and as the nation learns more about the transmission dynamics of Delta breakthrough cases, today the Louisiana Department of Health recommends additional layers of protection for all residents, regardless of vaccination status. This updated guidance includes:
- All people – vaccinated and unvaccinated – should wear face masks while indoors if six feet of physical distance cannot be maintained.
- All businesses should review their operations to accommodate employees in a way that reduces unnecessary contact to avoid the spread of COVID in the workplace.
- All people should take a COVID test immediately after a known or suspected exposure to COVID-19.
- If positive, they should isolate immediately.
- If negative, they should retest again between five and seven days post-exposure.
- If they develop symptoms of COVID-19 at any point they should test and immediately isolate pending the results.
This guidance will remain in place at least until Louisiana is safely out of its fourth COVID-19 surge, with additional guidance and mitigation measures put in place if and when necessary to slow the spread of the more contagious and virulent Delta variant and preserve hospital capacity.
The following guidance from LDH and the CDC has not yet changed:
- At this time CDC advises that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to quarantine following an exposure to COVID-19, and LDH is not yet altering this guidance.
- Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19, even those who are fully vaccinated or without a known exposure, should get tested.
- Anyone who tests positive should immediately isolate. Isolation (for those who test positive for COVID-19) typically consists of:
- If symptomatic, at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared, symptoms are improving, and at least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication
- If asymptomatic but with a positive test, 10 days from the time the test sample was collected.
Local leaders may implement mitigation measures that are more comprehensive that the current state guidelines should they feel this is best for their communities. In addition, local school boards currently set masking and mitigation policies for their schools.
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2021 Governor's Outstanding Leadership in Disabilities (GOLD) Awards and
2021 Inclusive Art Contest
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The Governor's Office of Disability Affairs plans to release the application for nominations for the 2021 GOLD Awards and the theme for the 2021 Inclusive Art Contest on August 16, 2021. Details will be published in a special edition of our Governor's Office of Disability Affairs Newsletter. |
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Governor's Advisory Council on Disability Affairs (GACDA) Membership Opportunity |
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Applications are being accepted for membership on the Governor’s Advisory Council on Disability Affairs (GACDA). GACDA is required by law and established through executive order to advise on the needs of individuals with disabilities in Louisiana. GACDA is also charged with assisting the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs with the resolution of state disability issues and providing education, communication, and networking services concerning disability issues and needs for all Louisiana citizens.
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The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) is giving public notice of its intent to seek approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for its New Opportunities Waiver renewal application. CMS regulations require LDH to actively engage the public and give program participants, advocates, providers and other community stakeholders the chance to provide input regarding changes made to current waiver applications prior to submission of final versions to CMS. The New Opportunities Waiver renewal application can be accessed by clicking here.
A hard copy of the application is also available for viewing at the Human Services District/Authority (HSD/A) in your region. The HSD/A in your region can be found here or by calling 866-783-5553.
There are two ways to submit your public comment:
1. Written comments can be submitted to the following address: Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities P.O. Box 3117 (Bin #21), Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3117
2. Email comments to ocdd-hcbs@la.gov The deadline for receipt of all comments is August 20, 2021 by 4:30 PM.
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Louisiana Alliance of Post-Secondary Inclusive Education |
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Have you heard of LAPIE, the Louisiana Alliance of Post-Secondary Inclusive Education?
LAPIE was formed to increase the post-secondary education opportunities for students with disabilities in Louisiana on both 2 and 4 year university and college campuses.
Find out more about LAPIE in this 4-minute video by clicking here.
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Community Training on Interactions with First Responders |
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The Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council has contracted with Interaction Advisory Group (IAG) to conduct skill-building training activities for first responders to increase their understanding of safe, fair and appropriate tactics when encountering individuals with developmental disabilities. As part of this initiative, IAG is offering virtual community training sessions for individuals with disabilities, their families and the public to provide guidance on how to interact with first responders in emergencies as well as related information about local resources and events.
The next training session will be held Thursday, August 5th, from 6 - 7:30 PM. For more information about the upcoming training, please see the flyer below. Those interested in attending can register by emailing info@InteractionAdvisoryGroup.com.
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The Emergency Broadband Benefit is an FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and so much more.
About the Emergency Broadband Benefit
The Emergency Broadband Benefit will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
Who Is Eligible for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?
A household is eligible if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:
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Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline;
- Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year;
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
- Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income or COVID-19 program.
How to Apply
Eligible households must both apply for the program and contact a participating provider to select a service plan.
There are three ways for eligible households to apply:
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Contact a participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process. If you are unable to apply through them directly, you will have to apply using option 2 or 3 below, and then contact a participating provider to select an eligible plan.
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Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers near you. After you apply, you will have to contact a participating provider to select an eligible plan.
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Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application or print a copy, and return it along with copies of documents showing proof of eligibility to:
Emergency Broadband Support Center, P.O. Box 7081, London, KY 40742
After you received a notice that you have qualified for the program, households must contact a participating provider to select an Emergency Broadband Benefit eligible service plan.
Get More Consumer Information
Which Broadband Providers Are Participating in the Emergency Broadband Benefit?
Various broadband providers, including those offering landline and wireless broadband, are participating in the Emergency Broadband Benefit. Find broadband service providers offering the Emergency Broadband Benefit in your state or territory.
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Emergency Preparedness and Disability Awareness Trainings |
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The Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council has contracted with Niagara University to offer emergency preparedness and disability awareness trainings. These free trainings aim to build the capacity of individuals with developmental disabilities, their caregivers, and others involved in emergency preparedness to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies and natural disasters as it pertains to individuals with disabilities.
Trainings Broken Into AM Sessions and PM Sessions AM Sessions:
For persons with disabilities and with access and functional needs
• Includes the role they play, understanding personal and organizational preparedness, effective advocacy that includes roles and responsibilities, learning from lawsuits, advance planning, and tools and resources.
PM Sessions:
For content emergency managers and others responsible for emergency response
• Includes defining the whole community, how to establish a core advisory group, the Americans with Disabilities Act and utilization of it as an ally, media interface, General Effective Communication, Sheltering, Transportation, Personal Care Assistance, and supports and services within the state and abroad.
Dates and Registration for Upcoming Trainings are: August 10th, August 31st, September 21st, and September 23rd.
Participants are encouraged to attend both sessions and must register for each session. If you are in need of accommodations, such as ASL Interpreter or Closed Caption, email carynewman@niagara.edu.
Please click here to register.
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ASL Hurricane Preparedness Videos
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FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency has released a series of minute-long American Sign Language (ASL) hurricane preparedness videos for this hurricane season! It is never too late to prepare for hurricane season and getting flood insurance is essential to ensuring your recovery after a hurricane makes landfall. Please click here to gain access to the video series.
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The Louisiana Housing Corp., the state agency that offers tax credits and other incentives to developers who build affordable housing, signed off in July 2021 on the new policy that restricts landlords who take advantage of the state financing from automatically denying rental applications based on a criminal record.
In 2020, the Louisiana Balance of State Continuum of Care (LA BOSCOC), Louisiana's largest coalition to end homelessness, which the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) leads, provided permanent housing to more than 500 people living with severe and persistent disabilities who were experiencing homelessness. Many of them were experiencing chronic homelessness (12+ months of living on the streets, in a shelter, or another place not meant for habitation) AND are living with co-occurring substance use disorders.
For more information on LHC's programs and activities, please click here.
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Brain Injury Association and United Spinal Association Conference Update |
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In light of the rapid surge of COVID-19 cases around the state and our concern about the health and wellbeing of all involved with our conference, we have decided to postpone the event to MARCH 2022.
We are extremely disappointed to have to postpone the conference as we were very excited about being together again and sharing a great conference with everyone. However, we feel this is the responsible thing to do at this time.
If you reserved a hotel room at the host hotel under the BIALA block, your room will be cancelled and refunded. If you did not reserve your room through the BIALA block, you will need to call and cancel: (504) 467-3111.
As for registration, if you would like to remain registered for the March 2022 conference, you do not need to do anything at this time. Between now and a week before the conference, if something changes and you are unable to attend, we will be happy to issue you a full refund.
If you are unable to attend or want a refund NOW, please email the name you registered under to: kim@biala.org. Future dates of the conference will be announced soon.
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Families Helping Families of Greater Baton Rouge will host a webinar to discuss preparing for school to open. Topics will also include things that should be in place for your child relating to their IEP, 504, or BIP. Register by clicking here.
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Louisiana Commission for the Deaf issues Request For Information (RFI) |
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The Louisiana Department of Health (“LDH”), Office of Public Health (“OPH”), Bureau of Family Health (“BFH”), Louisiana Commission for the Deaf (“LCD” or the “Commission”) is seeking a single contractor that can conduct research and/or a needs assessment, provide technological best practices and opportunities, and submit appropriate recommendations that provide a comprehensive, independent, market-ready innovative and inventive solution to the LCD and Louisiana Legislature for the implementation and provision of communications accessibility at the Louisiana State Capitol during legislative hearings. This includes assessing current Capitol technology and processes for requesting accommodations, participating, as needed, in Capitol improvement sub-committee discussions, and drafting a report of findings for the potential implementation of communication accessibility needs. Examples of information to be provided may include closed/open captioning opportunities and procedures for requesting American Sign Language interpretations for individuals who are d/Deaf, DeafBlind, hard of hearing(DDBHH), speech impaired, or others with similar disabilities or impairments.
RFI #: LDH/OPH/BFH/LCD-RFI-Accessibility to Legislative Hearings for DDBHH Persons
Public notice of RFI 7/20/2021
Deadline for questions/inquiries 7/30/2021 at 5:00 pm CST
Response to questions/inquiries 8/06/2021 at 5:00 pm CST
Deadline for receipt of response to RFI 8/20/2021 at 5:00 pm CST
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Support Group for Parents Living in New Orleans and Surrounding Areas |
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Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans has created a support group that provides an environment for parents residing in Orleans, Plaquemine, Jefferson, and St. Bernard Parishes in the disability community to come together to share information, ask questions and gain support from others who are in similar situations. The support group is scheduled to meet every Wednesday during the month of August. To register please click here.
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Protection & Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) Advisory Council |
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The purpose of the PAIMI Councils is to act as a link between the P&A and the mental health community that can:
• Assist the P&A in identifying issues that are of most importance to the mental health community.
• Provide feedback to the P&A staff and the Board of Directors to develop the annual objectives and priorities for the PAIMI program.
• Educate the public about the mission and purpose of the P&A Benefits of serving on a PAIMI Council
• Assist in setting the PAIMI priorities
• Opportunities to educate the public and consumers on the rights of individuals with mental illness and the PAIMI program services
• Ability to work with the PAIMI program to meet its goals for the protection and advocacy of individuals it serves
• Chances to go to training(s) and get information on what is happening in your community around mental health services and/or the consumers
• Supporting individuals that are receiving services to be safe and free from harm.
• Taking on a leadership role in advocacy
• Assisting to change the mental health system
• Learn about legislation and how to talk to policy makers about issues of concern
• PAIMI Advisory Councils (PACs) have the opportunity to build relationships with other disability or marginalized groups to gain more power and influence
Help Set the PAIMI Program’s Priorities
• Be the eyes and ears of the mental health community
• Share with your connections in the community what the P&A does and how PAIMI may help them
• Advise P&A Staff & Board of any new trends emerging in mental health in
which the P&A could play a role.
For more information contact Tory Rocca, Director of Public Policy and Community Engagement, at trocca@disabilityrightsla.org, or 800-960-7705 ext 138.
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This is the true story of Emmanuel Yeboah. Born in Ghana in 1977 with a deformed leg, he became the personification of courage, strength—mental and physical—and determination even as a child. His life and challenges are well-known in Ghana. This excellent picture book brings the narrative of his life to a wider audience, showing the power of the human spirit, even at a very young age! He is a true hero for kids.
This story is, however, as much a story of a strong mother as of a son; indeed, we can say that Emmanuel’s strength must have flowed from Mummy Comfort, a mother who had faith, and refused to accept that her son’s misshapened leg was going to be an impediment. Without her comforting presence from the moment he was born, Emmanuel may not have grown up with such dedication and confidence in himself.
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GODA
Spotlight:
Amy
Shamburger
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My name is Amy Shamburger. I am DeafBlind. I am studying to be a social worker and want to help the DeafBlind community to strive for the best. I recently became Louisiana USH Coalition Ambassador. Also, I am teaching American Sign Language and advocate for our community with Deaf Focus.
Amy Shamburger most recently participated as a panelist in the "Accessibility for the Deaf and Deafblind" session during the 2021 GODA Conference.
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Your story has the ability to heal, unify, and empower others. If you'd like to share your story for inclusion in our monthly newsletter please email disability.affairs@la.gov
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