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Disability Policy Working Paper Series

In support of the 2010 National Disability Summit on Disability Policy, New Editions’ team of researchers prepared ten working papers on disability policy issues. This landmark event commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and attracted over 400 stakeholders from across the country. The papers addressed policy accomplishments and future challenges in areas such as civil rights, housing, health, employment, education and technology.

Support for the National Council on Disability (NCD) National Disability Summit on Disability Policy 2010

National Council on Disability

For the National Council on Disability (NCD), New Editions provided research and meeting planning support services for the National Disability Summit on Disability Policy 2010. This landmark event marked the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and brought together over 400 stakeholders from across the country to provide input for a new policy agenda. In preparation for this meeting, our team of researchers prepared ten working papers identifying significant policy accomplishments, emerging issues and challenges for each topic area.

Technical Assistance for Money Follows the Person (MFP)

Department of Health and Human Services

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Enacted by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, the Money Follows the Person (MFP) Rebalancing Demonstration is part of a comprehensive, coordinated strategy to assist states (in collaboration with stakeholders) to make widespread changes to their long-term care support systems. This initiative assists states in their efforts to reduce their reliance on institutional care, all while developing community-based long-term care opportunities, and thereby enabling the elderly and people with disabilities to fully participate within their communities.

Technical Assistance for Self-Directed and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)

Home healthcare worker with an elderly couple

Department of Health and Human Services

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

New Editions provides technical assistance to state agencies on home and community-based services (HCBS) mechanisms, program design, service delivery systems and self-direction services. Under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), New Editions specifically provides assistance to states seeking to develop or improve HCBS under a variety of channels: Sections 1915(c) and 1115 waivers and Sections 1915(i), 1915(j) or 1915(k) State Plan Amendments. Technical assistance includes:

Management of the Federal Vision Exemption Program (VEP)

Red tractor trailer truck. Photo by Daniel Llargues, FEMA

Department of Transportation

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

New Editions provided operational and management support to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for their Vision Exemption Program (VEP) initiative. The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) provides the legislative umbrella for establishing and operating the VEP, which provides exemptions for interstate drivers meeting the programs’ guidelines. Through this program, drivers are offered the opportunity to fully participate in their careers.

Twenty-Five Years of Changing Attitudes

Shelia Newman, President and Owner

I was optimistic about the direction the field of disability was taking when the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) passed. I had spent a year arguing with my brother-in-law who belonged to an organization that was actively lobbying against the ADA. He was convinced that the ADA would be the death of the small business that employed him. Our arguments were heated and often led to me saying things such as, “We’re all only temporarily able-bodied.

Reflections on 25 Years of the ADA

Betsy Tewey, Vice President

July 2015 is bookended by two celebrations of independence in America – the Fourth of July holiday and the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). At New Editions we consult on disability research and policy, we actively recruit and hire individuals with disabilities, and we promote diversity, so issues of civil rights, equal opportunity and freedom of choice are always on our minds. To observe the ADA anniversary, a group of New Editions employees reflected on the impact of the ADA in their lives.

Traveling with a Disability

Ben Spangenberg

It's August and everyone is ready to hit the road, or the air, or the rails. A summer break from the routine of life’s challenges is a right that many Americans take for granted, but it is not so simple for Americans with disabilities to exercise that right. Since the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) came into effect over twenty years ago, the United States has become a much friendlier landscape for people with disabilities. Still, for people who use crutches, walkers or wheelchairs, travelling can be quite a challenge.