covid-19

2022 primary Election Information

By DRI

Click here to download a PDF containing 2022 Primary Election information. DisAbility Rights Idaho (DRI) is a private, non-profit organization that is designated as Idaho’s Protection and Advocacy System. Funding authorized by the Help America Vote Act (HAVA) allows DRI to ensure that voters with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in every step of the electoral process. Inside This Issue Page 2 – Voting Options & Deadlines Page 3 – Voting Rights Page 4- Addressing Barriers Voter Hotline Information Transportation Resources Page 5 – COVID-19 Safety Tips DRI Contact Information DRI ELECTION DAY HOTLINE: 1-866-262-3462 Click here to download … Continue reading 2022 primary Election Information

DRI comments lead to changes in Idaho’s Crisis Standards of Care Guidance

By DRI

Click here to download the PDF version of this post. On September 15, 2021, Idaho activated Crisis Standards of Care (“CSC”) statewide in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and overwhelming surge on Idaho’s healthcare system. Crisis standards of care are guidelines that help healthcare providers and systems prioritize and triage delivery of care during extraordinary circumstances of an overwhelming disaster or public health emergency. The very fact that these guidelines were implemented represents an unprecedented and unwanted point in our state’s history. On behalf of all Idahoans with disabilities, DRI wrote to Governor Little on September 28, 2021 urging that … Continue reading DRI comments lead to changes in Idaho’s Crisis Standards of Care Guidance

EMERGENCY BROADBAND BENEFIT PROGRAM

By DRI

Households can enroll in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program starting May 12, 2021. Eligible households enrolled in the Program can receive monthly discounts up to $50/month for broadband service (up to $75/month if the household is on Tribal lands). Also, the Program will provide a one-time discount of up to $100 on a computer or tablet for eligible households. The Program is open to households that participate in an existing low-income or pandemic relief program offered by a broadband provider; Lifeline subscribers, including those receiving Medicaid and/or SNAP benefits; households with kids receiving free and/or reduced lunch and/or school breakfast; … Continue reading EMERGENCY BROADBAND BENEFIT PROGRAM

DISABILITY RIGHTS GROUPS AND IDAHO LEGISLATURE ENTER INTO CONSENT DECREE ASSURING ONGOING ACCESS DURING CURRENT LEGISLATIVE SESSION

By DRI

Click here to download a PDF version of this press release. March 5, 2021 — Five disability rights advocacy organizations and two Idahoans with disabilities have entered into a consent decree with the Idaho State Legislature, Speaker of the House Scott Bedke and President Pro Tempore of the Senate Chuck Winder to ensure that persons with disabilities can testify before legislative committees and participate in activities at the State Capitol during this legislative session without risk of exposure to or contracting Covid-19.  Persons with disabilities are at heightened risk of severe complications from Covid-19. The consent decree resolves a lawsuit … Continue reading DISABILITY RIGHTS GROUPS AND IDAHO LEGISLATURE ENTER INTO CONSENT DECREE ASSURING ONGOING ACCESS DURING CURRENT LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Hospital Visitation Rights

By DRI

Patients with disabilities who need a support person for disability related needs should be able to access this support while in the hospital. If you have problems with your support person being allowed into the hospital with you because of COVID-19 visitor limitations, please contact us.   Office of Civil Rights resolves complaints to allow patients with disabilities reasonable access to support persons in hospitals: https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2020/06/09/ocr-resolves-complaints-after-state-connecticut-private-hospital-safeguard-rights-persons.html   Centers for Medicare and Medicaid guidance regarding hospital visitation limits: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/covid-hospital-visitation-phase-ii-visitation-covid-negative-patients.pdf      

COVID-19 Video

By DRI

This video is a guide for people in Group Homes, Nursing Homes, and other Residential Facilities to help answer questions about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities weekly webinars

By DRI

Thank you for your interest in The Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities weekly webinars. Each webinar* is created to answer your questions, and to share information and resources to help you during the COVID-19 crisis. The first webinar, “Ask Art”, was held last Friday, April 17th. Art Evans, DD Services Bureau Chief in the Division of Medicaid answered questions from individuals with I/DD receiving services and their family members about services during the COVID-19 crisis. You can view a recording of the webinar HERE. CLICK HERE for a summary of the Questions and Answers. Haga clic aquí en español *Spanish … Continue reading Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities weekly webinars

2020 Census Extended to October 31st

By DRI

People with disabilities need to make sure they are counted. The 2020 Census determines how billions of dollars in federal funding is spent across every state – and how much goes to support people with disabilities and their lives in the community. Make sure your household’s census form is complete. Fill it out right at home. You Count! Be Counted! #DisabilityCounts2020 Due to the COVID19 outbreak, the U.S. Census Bureau has extended the self-response phase deadline for the 2020 Census to October 31st. Check out their website for up to date information: https://2020census.gov/en/news-events/operational-adjustments-covid-19.html