Health

Since 1945, Congress has sought to educate the public about the role of people with disabilities in the labor force. Originally known as “National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week,” Congress broadened its celebration and instituted “National Disability Employment Awareness Month” (NDEAM) as an annual October celebration in 1988.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) uses medical examiners (MEs) to conduct examinations and certify that the 6.1 million active interstate and intrastate commercial motor vehicle drivers meet the physical requirements for safety. The National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (National Registry) allows qualified medical providers to become certified to serve as MEs in support of these efforts. Currently, FMCSA has certified over 69,000 MEs.

New Editions analyzes the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research’s (NIDILRR's) Annual Performance Report (APR) data through a subcontract with RTI International. The purpose of the APR is to collect data from NIDILRR’s grantees concerning their project foci, activities and progress, and contributions to society’s capacity to provide opportunities and accommodations to citizens with disabilities.

Under a subcontract with Insignia Federal Group, New Editions supports the Technology & Accessible Resources Give Employment Today (TARGET) Center, which assists the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in addressing a wide spectrum of accessibility and accommodation interests for agencies and employees.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) Money Follows the Person (MFP) Demonstration Program provides funding and support for 44 state grantees to design and develop services and supports to assist individuals move from institutional to home and community-based settings. Additionally, MFP provides the foundation and framework for states to transform their systems to be more focused on home and community-based systems. 

Complete the following statement, I could improve my health if I [fill in the blank].

If you’re like me, the first answer for the blank above that comes to mind is: increase my level of physical activity. Over the last few years, I’ve not made enough time for exercise. However, our recent New Editions’ Walking Competition and the company’s participation in The Arc of Northern Virginia Corporate & Community Team Challenge 8k Run got me thinking about getting more active.

New Editions provides the Office of Performance and Evaluation (OPE) within the Administration for Community Living (ACL) with analysis and technical assistance support. ACL strives to ensure that all people, regardless of age and disability, live with dignity, make their own choices and participate fully in society.

In June, New Editions facilitated the seventh annual meeting between the US Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and Agriculture (USDA) at HUD headquarters. The theme of this year’s meeting was Housing as a Platform for Health.

During the first week of August, I attended a conference hosted by Aniridia Foundation International (AFI). Aniridia means “lack of the iris,” which is the colored ring around the pupil of the eye. Advances in research and development have shown that the impact of aniridia extends beyond the eye and can affect the development and maintenance of the eyes, pancreas, central nervous system, olfactory system, and parts of the brain. Aniridia is caused by a mutation of the PAX 6 gene which is now known to control development of the eyes as well as several systems in the body.