Disabilities / Public News Service

Nearly one-third of Illinois' state budget is allocated to Medicaid and more than 60% of the funding is federal dollars. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Medicaid cuts: Disproportionate effects predicted for LGBTQ+ in IL

Advocacy groups are speaking out about how they believe congressional cuts to Medicaid will disproportionately affect caregiver LGBTQ+ communities in …

Meals are free to kids in Texas during the Summer Food Service Program. They are paid for by grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

TX summer meal programs keep kids fed while out of school

Statistics show one in five children in Texas struggles with hunger. Approximately 10,000 students a day are getting a nutritious meal through the …

A new report from the Bipartisan Policy Center suggested a number of ways to strengthen primary care outcomes in Medicare, including enabling federal tracking and target-setting to report on primary care spending across federal health care programs. (Maha Heang 245789/Adobe Stock)

Alternative payment models better for WA patients and providers

Adopting alternative payment models for people receiving primary care through Medicare is better for providers and patients, according to a new …

Each week, participants in Ohio State University-Lima's

Drumming through Parkinson’s at The Ohio State University

A drumming program at Ohio State University-Lima is helping people dealing with Parkinson's disease improve coordination, memory, and overall …

Iowans with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia are often cared for by unpaid family members or friends. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa caregiving provider network grows

Iowa has joined a growing network that provides comprehensive and social service resources to the state's unpaid family caregivers. Nationwide…

A parklet is an elevated public space, usually converted from a parking space and used to enhance community experience and support local businesses. (Adobe Stock)

AARP grant funds help enhance WI communities

Eight Wisconsin cities, including four rural communities, will receive improvements to help make their communities more livable. Eleven grantees …

Around 16.1 million people in rural communities rely on Medicaid, according to the American Hospital Association. (Adobe Stock)

NV disability advocate alarmed by proposed cuts to Medicaid

Nevadans with disabilities are concerned with proposed federal cuts to Medicaid, despite claims from GOP lawmakers that the cuts target only waste…

Part-time officer Brennan Cox uses signs to communicate with faculty during Indiana University Police Academy training. (Chris Meyer/Indiana University)

IU Police Academy signs on to Deaf culture training

Indiana University now trains police academy recruits in Deaf culture awareness and basic American Sign Language. The program aims to improve …

According to KFF, Medicaid enrollees with disabilities face more challenges in finding work. Among people ages 19-64, 32% receive disability income while 68% do not. Employment rates are lower for Medicaid-eligible adults with disabilities (37%) compared to those without (68%). (Adobe Stock)

Work requirements could push over 300,000 Tennesseans off Medicaid

As Congress pushes for Medicaid cuts and new work requirements for the program, experts have warned more Tennesseans could lose their health coverage …

Montana Fair Housing receives the most requests for assistance from people with disabilities, including veterans. (Lightfield Studios/Adobe Stock)

Proposed cuts in GOP budget bill spur National Fair Housing Week of Action

Housing groups across the country this week have declared a National Week of Action, as federal lawmakers consider a budget eliminating all funding …

Kelly explains how proposed federal budget cuts would impact AZ

As Republicans in Washington continue to negotiate provisions in President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful" bill, a recent report from the Joint …

Some experts said Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker's order protecting the medical data of state residents reinforces the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which safeguards American's health information. (Adobe Stock)

IL is 1st state to restrict federal access to autism-related data

Illinois is the first state to block the federal government from accessing state data on autism. The order, signed by Gov. JB Pritzker last week…

Every Nevada county has an appointed public guardian. The public guardian is available when no party is willing or appropriate to serve on behalf of the alleged incapacitated person. (Adobe Stock)

NV lawmakers look to promote less restrictive alternatives to adult guardianship

A Nevada bill would make changes to adult guardianship by prioritizing less restrictive approaches. Sen. Melanie Scheible, D-Las Vegas, the bill's …

The report found, youth mental health hospitalizations increased 61% over the past decade, with suicide now the second leading cause of death among adolescents aged 10 to 14. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio voices call for early mental health support

As youth mental health challenges rise and federal restructuring threatens key programs, former Ohio Gov. and 2016 Republican presidential candidate …

Service dogs can help with mobility and access, object retrieval, reminders and medical alerts, among other things. (Adobe Stock)

Service dogs trained behind bars in WV transform lives, inside and out

With demand for assistance dogs on the rise, people in two West Virginia prisons are getting involved in their training. At Saint Marys Correctional …

Reduced federal funding for Medicaid would lead to widespread coverage losses and tens of thousands of avoidable deaths each year, according to the Center for American Progress. (Adobe Stock)

West Virginia Senators push Medicaid cuts

Many residents of West Virginia are at risk of losing health care under a federal proposal to cut Medicaid funding by $880 billion. Sen. Jim Justice…

Family caregivers face higher risks of heart attack, stroke and mental health issues, but research shows having just four hours of respite each month can significantly improve their health and well-being. (zinkevych/Adobe Stock)

Proposed Medicaid cuts threaten lifeline for TN caregivers

A Tennessee nonprofit is warning that potential Medicaid cuts could threaten crucial support for the state's nearly 1 million family caregivers…

The current Housing First program was instituted by President George W. Bush in 2004. (Aevan/Adobe Stock AI generated)

AR advocates concerned by cuts to programs for unhoused

It is estimated more than 2,600 people live on the streets across Arkansas. Since taking office, President Donald Trump has proposed a "treatment …

Social Security benefits kept one-third of Wyomingites out of poverty between 2018 and 2020, according to AARP Wyoming. (Adobe Stock)

Wyomingites celebrate 'near miss' on access to Social Security

A plan from the Social Security Administration that would have ended certain telephone services as of today was canceled late last week, due largely …

Elon Musk claims Social Security can be cut by $500 billion without reducing people's benefits. (Adobe Stock)

Social Security cuts could impact one in six Coloradans

The Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, plans to cut 7,000 jobs from the U.S. Social Security Administration as it works to reduce the size …

With 22 million Americans lacking broadband access, according to the Federal Communications Commission, the Social Security Administration's reversal maintains a critical lifeline for seniors, particularly in states such as Mississippi, where 40% of rural households lack high-speed internet service. (Pixabay)

MS residents' outcry prompts Social Security Admin to reverse course on phone service cuts

The Social Security Administration has reversed its controversial plan to eliminate phone services for benefit claims, a move that would have forced …

Two out three voucher recipients are seniors and people with disabilities, according to Nevada Rural Housing. (Adobe Stock)

Rural Nevada facing housing, transportation problem

Rural Nevada is facing a housing and transportation crisis. Advocates for those with disabilities say things are getting out of hand. Dee Dee …

In Pennsylvania, the Children's Health Insurance Program provides an option for children to receive health care. However, losing Medicaid coverage would leave many children across the state without insurance and unable to access the care they need. (RomanR/Adobe Stock)

Groups oppose Medicaid cuts threatening coverage for 3 million PA residents

In Pennsylvania and nationwide, federal safety net programs may face major cutbacks as President Donald Trump's administration pushes for budget …

Critics of cuts to the Social Security Administration predict they will further strain an already struggling system, possibly depriving some people of being able to access benefits. (Adobe Stock)

You won't be able to apply by phone for SSA starting next week

In less than a week, many Wisconsinites will be unable to apply for Social Security benefits over the phone, which could lead to potential …

In 2019-20, some 21% of undergraduates and 11% of postbaccalaureate students reported having a disability, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Blind students sue West Virginia University for discrimination

Two blind students are suing West Virginia University. They allege the school has violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by not providing …

Voters in Wisconsin's April 1 election will also select a State Superintendent of Public Instruction, local judges and public officials at all levels across the state. (Adobe Stock)

WI’s Supreme Court race laced with cash, power, vast implications

Political maneuvers continue with the pivotal Wisconsin Supreme Court race less than a week away - the latest coming from the White House. In the …

The U.S. Department of Education's civil rights office is charged with protecting students from discrimination and sexual assault and making sure all Americans have equal access to education. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado takes Trump to court over efforts to abolish Education Department

As the Trump administration makes good on promises to abolish the U.S. Department of Education, educators and parents are raising concerns about the …

The Department of Education has reduced its workforce by nearly 50%, laying off approximately 1,300 employees, with an additional 600 either accepting separation packages or being dismissed during their probationary period. (Photo courtesy of OEA)

Ohio educators alarmed over proposed elimination of DOE

The potential dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education has sparked concern in Ohio. Threatened moves by the Trump administration's so-called …

Oregon's system for funding early childhood special education was last updated in 2011. House Bill 2682 has garnered strong support from a broad coalition of early childhood advocates and educators. (Wosunan/Adobe Stock)

Bill would revamp OR special ed preschool funding

Legislation to overhaul the way Oregon funds early childhood special education has advanced through the state House with near unanimous support…

State wages, salaries and benefits saw a nearly $1 billion increase in 2025, as Maryland lawmakers weigh major cuts to disability-assistance programs. (Adobe Stock)

Advocate: State budget proposals threaten disabled Marylanders

Maryland is facing a $3 billion budget deficit, and planned cuts in 2026 would include millions in disability assistance. But one advocate says those …

Tennesseans with disabilities advocate for essential services and defend their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Tennessee Disability Coalition)

TN Disability Coalition hosts 'Liberty Not Limits' day on the Hill

Tennessee's Disability Day on the Hill is an opportunity for people living with a disability to unite, and engage in the legislative process…

About 1.2 million people in Wisconsin are covered by Medicaid, including nearly one-third of children in rural communities, and 12% of state residents receive SNAP benefits. (Adobe Stock)

WI group pitches in to help voters share views with reps in Congress

As new federal policies and proposed funding cuts spark confusion and chaos, Wisconsinites are looking to voice their concerns to their elected …

About 2.3% of the population in Tennessee lives with developmental disabilities, or around 160,000 individuals across the state. (Adobe Stock)

TN disability rights advocates concern over impact of Section 504 rollback

Advocates for people with disabilities in Tennessee are concerned about the potential impact of a lawsuit challenging Section 504 of the Rehabilitatio…

According to a 2024 report, 74% of Montana families who received one form of income-based public assistance between 2016 and 2022 were single, aging or disabled adults with kids. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Most Montanans receiving public assistance are caregivers

Today is National Caregivers Day, recognizing those who help friends or family members who are living with an illness, injury or disability. A 2024 …

Another option states could consider to make up for added costs would be to reduce provider payment rates, which many argue are already too low and disincentivizes providers from accepting Medicaid patients. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Nearly 30% on Medicaid risk losing coverage under proposed cuts

As Congress continues to threaten deep cuts to the Medicaid program, a new KFF report shows how some of the proposed changes could end coverage for …

Applied behavior analysis therapy is behavior-based, helping individuals with autism improve communication, socialization and development. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana families fight Medicaid cuts to autism therapy

By Tim Spears for WISH-TV.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the WISH-TV-Free Press Indiana-Public News Service Col…

By 2050, the number of people in Washington state who are 75 and older will nearly double. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

Affordable health insurance could ease WA caregiver shortage

Worker's rights advocates and nursing home providers say Washington has a long-term care workforce crisis, and that inadequate benefits in the …

AARP Community Challenge grants have helped launch community gardens, which help improve livability for residents in a number of ways. (Adobe Stock)

Grants available to make Colorado communities more livable

AARP Colorado is accepting applications from nonprofits and local governments across the state for this year's Community Challenge grant program…

A new ordinance allows Accessory Dwelling Units, often called

La Crosse uses AARP grant to inspire housing solutions

The city of La Crosse is hoping a new online design library of Accessory Dwelling Units will help inspire residents to build one. The units have …

Family caregivers on average are spending 26% of their income on caregiving activities, according to a 2021 AARP survey. (Adobe Stock)

WY AARP hosts tele-townhall on expected caregivers tax credit

Advocates for family caregivers are expecting federal lawmakers to propose a tax credit for the group, after President Donald Trump said on the …

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's 2026 budget proposal calls for $53 million in new funding to provide minimum wage increases for state-licensed mental health care providers, disability service providers, and addiction services providers. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: NY lawmakers must do more for disability-rights issues

New York disability rights advocates want state lawmakers to focus on issues such as housing and health care. In the budget, they want more funding …

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, nearly 48 million Americans provide care to an adult family member or friend, with 61% also holding jobs. (ChayTee/Adobe Stock)

Push for caregiver tax relief gains momentum in Ohio, nationally

During his campaign, President Donald Trump promised tax credits for family caregivers. With Trump now in office, advocates in Ohio and across the …

The ADA protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination, just as other civil rights laws safeguard against discrimination based on race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion.<br />(Adobe Stock)

Dismantling DEIA initiatives may harm PA disability rights

For Pennsylvanians with disabilities, there may be unexpected side effects to ending so-called Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility …

The COVID-19 pandemic increased backlogs in nursing home inspections and created further staffing shortages, according to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (Adobe Stock)

Assisted living facility oversight major focus for MD senior advocates

A number of bills in the Maryland legislature are looking to increase the quality and accountability of the state's nursing homes and assisted living …

The Episcopal Health Foundation in Texas wants to change the conversation and reshape the debate around health care to focus on the nonmedical drivers of health. (LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/Adobe Stock)

TX lawmakers urged to make healthy living a priority during legislative session

The Episcopal Health Foundation wants Texas lawmakers to make health a priority during this legislative session. The nonprofit focuses on the …

A Virginia Healthcare Association survey found that burnout and stress are major reasons for staff members leaving their jobs. (Adobe Stock)

Nursing home staffing shortages key focus for VA senior advocates

What is the quality of Virginia's nursing homes? If you ask one advocate, he says "bad." Jared Calfee, state advocacy director for AARP Virginia…

Wisconsin is one of nine states where voters are required to present photo identification to vote. The current state law has been in place since 2011. (Adobe Stock)

Wisconsin voter ID law one step closer to state constitution

A proposal to make Wisconsin's strict Voter ID law a constitutional amendment passed Wisconsin's Republican-controlled Assembly on Tuesday. Voters …

According to KFF Health News, roughly 77,000 Montanans were enrolled in Medicaid expansion last October, a topic expected to get a lot of attention this legislative session as the program is scheduled to expire in June. (Adobe Stock)

Groups rally at MT Capitol to maintain Medicaid expansion

A coalition of Montana groups will rally at the Capitol Wednesday to advocate for the protection of Medicaid expansion, which legislators will debate …

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Disabilities