This article addresses the lack of access to low-vision rehabilitation services by individuals needing them, due to lack of coverage by public or private health insurance. Improved insurance coverage would result in improved access as well as more direct referrals by ophthalmologists, more consumer choice, more timely rehabilitation, reduced…

Discusses the impact of health care reform on child-care centers and child-care employees. Topics covered include requirements to provide health insurance for all employees; subsidies for businesses with fewer than 50 employees; subsidies for low income employees; family coverage; health are costs for 2 working parents; and costs to day-care…

Addresses public policy issues concerned with treatment of children with autism under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Emphasis is on issues raised by the popular, but labor-intensive, Lovaas method, such as whether these therapies are an entitlement under IDEA, the choice of an intervention strategy decision process,…

The first of two hearings on the topic of health care costs, their effects on the economy, and ways to curb costs was held in Washington, D.C. Testimony was heard from representatives of Chrysler Corporation, Ford Motor Company, American Farm Bureau Federation, Washington Business Group on Health, American Association of Retired Persons, American…

A survey of the states was conducted, focusing on coordination of services and financing for Part H of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. On average, states reported using some 21 different sources to support the service delivery system, with each of the 44 funding sources listed being used by at least one state for at least 1…

As one of a series of topic papers assessing federal laws and programs affecting persons with disabilities, this paper outlines several ways in which existing Social Security laws serve to discourage and penalize people with disabilities if they seek to become employed and self-supporting. Programs funded under the Social Security Act are…

This book provides a comprehensive examination of the rise of free agent workers, how free agency is transforming the lives of free agents and those around them, problems encountered by free agents, and the future of free agency. The following are among the topics discussed in the book's 19 chapters: (1) the numbers and nuances of free agency; (2)…

The 813 participants in the Roosevelt Center's May, 1989, regional citizen assemblies discussed trends affecting workers, employers, and families and laid the groundwork for a recommended national work and family policy. Part 1 of this report analyzes the results of a series of introductory exercises in which citizens were asked to register their…

Health care has been an ongoing issue of public concern for decades, well before President Obama took office. Passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare, in March 2010 and upheld by a Supreme Court in June 2012. With Republicans now in control of both the House and Senate as well as the presidency, the ACA in its current…

This testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Budget discussed Medicaid coverage of children with disabilities and the proposed Family Opportunity Act of 2000 that would create a new state option to allow parents who have a child with a severe disability or a potentially severe disability to purchase health care coverage for the child…

Mississippi continues to lead the nation in excessive infant deaths, as shown by the 1984 infant mortality rate of 14.4 deaths per 1,000 live births. This report offers recommendations for actions that should be taken by various entities to rectify the problem. Recommendations are made in the areas of (1) public awareness of teen pregnancy…

This report presents proposals for cost effective strategies in the State of Illinois to help more children become healthy, well educated, and responsible citizens. The proposals are discussed in terms of the problem and the recommended actions in the areas of health, early childhood, education, poverty and economic opportunity, family stability,…

Recent developments have led agencies serving young children with disabilities to obtain third-party reimbursement (Medicaid, private insurance, etc.) for services. An examination of the legal and policy implications of increased third-party billing reveals serious drawbacks including loss of confidentiality, burdens on informed consent, hidden…

Psychologists and other mental health professionals can collaborate with persons suffering from mental disorders and their families to seek increased funding for the mental health movement. Partnerships between family members and psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers should be expanded in the following three areas: (1) research; (2)…

This report compares the Social Security Administration's Disability Insurance (DI) program and the practices of the private sector and other countries in helping people with severe disabilities return to work. Information was gathered in in-depth interviews and a review of policy documents and program data at three private sector disability…