Archives

Affordable Care Act Provides Security and Stability for People with Disabilities

Posted on March 23, 2012 by Megan Burke

Today we celebrate the two year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act.  Many people are skeptical as to what the Affordable Care Act really means for them.  Two years in, and I can tell you how people with disabilities are already benefiting.

No Discrimination Based on Pre-existing Condition

People with disabilities and chronic conditions will be able to find affordable insurance in the market.  Insurance companies won’t be able to deny coverage due to a pre-existing condition or charge a higher premium because you have a disability.

2010 ADA Standards Go Into Compliance

Posted on March 20, 2012 by Willie Kimbrough

Public Education: Is it a right or a privilage?

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Thomas Green

Education, is it a right or a privilege?  It is not a question of the national discourse – children are required to get an education and local schools are held accountable for the educational outcomes.  No Child Left Behind Act has forced states and local educational agencies to be responsible for setting up outcomes, expectations and evaluation/assessment to determine if the child is meeting or passing the specific benchmarks.  The years have gone by and the assessments are revealing achievement gaps of specific populations of students.

Missouri Presidential Primary Contest: Round Two

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Amanda Beals

Voter’s in Missouri might be a little confused this week as they see campaign ads and notice a sudden increase in candidate attention to our state. You might be asking yourself, didn’t we already have our Presidential Primary Election in February? Well, kind of…

Because of internal workings of the national GOP, this year, results from the Missouri Republican Primary Election in February were non-binding. Instead, Republicans will choose who to support through a caucus, which will be held this month.

Rally for Disability Rights in Jefferson City

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Guest Blogger: Ann Conrath, Public Policy Intern

Discrimination Déjà Vu

Posted on March 10, 2012 by Megan Burke

Employment should be based on our skills, knowledge and experience.  We  expect protection against discrimination on the basis of disability, gender, race, religion, etc.  In the past, Missouri has made its own decisions as a state to build on federal laws such as the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Once again, actions by the Missouri legislature threaten to undo the progress we made as a state and weaken the protections meant to give all Missourians a chance to do their jobs without fear of discrimination. 

Taking Away Health Care Considered Fair Game

Posted on March 06, 2012 by Guest Blogger: Sheila Styron, Public Policy Coordinator, The Whole Person

There is a Missouri budget proposal on the table for 2013 which aims to cut off Medicaid health coverage to nearly 3000 individuals who receive Supplemental Aid to the Blind. "It is completely inconsistent with how we treat any other disability in the state," says Rep. Silvey (Kansas City)). "All we are doing is going to do is put them on a level playing field with anyone else with a disability."

What Does Our State Spending Say About Our Values?

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Megan Burke

Often when we hear talk about the state creating a balanced budget, we hear comments like “we have to balance our personal budgets, so why shouldn’t the state be held to the same standard.”  I say, fair enough.  It just makes me wonder.  What are our state values?

Could you live on $791/month and pay additional medical bills?

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Megan Burke

People with disabilities are frequent users of health care and need a wide range of health services, durable medical equipment and in-home services.  MO HealthNet plays an important role for people with disabilities by providing access to a range of health care and services not covered by private insurance or Medicare, such as transportation and attendant services. 

Improving Voting Access One Vote at a Time

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Amanda Beals

While there is no law that states that people with disabilities cannot vote, the systems, facilities, and people put in place to run the election process can often present major barriers for people with disabilities who want to access their right to vote. At Paraquad, we believe that people with disabilities need to have choice and control over their own lives and the decisions that affect us everyday. One of the most powerful ways we take this control is by voting.