NPR shines a light on the company Brain Balance, which claims its nonmedical, drug-free program helps children with ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and learning and processing disorders. The company has high consumer satisfaction ratings, but experts in the various disorders have found flaws in the company’s approach and methodology.
A state Senate resolution would create a study group to evaluate the details of a Medicaid buy-in program for about 24,000 residents whose incomes are too high to qualify for the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion. Delaware, along with many other states, already offers such programs for particular groups including working individuals with disabilities.
Due to federal regulations, including the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, more young adults with disabilities in states across the nation are receiving evaluations to assess their skills and interests in efforts to secure meaningful employment.
Some traits of autism spectrum disorder, such as social anxiety and trouble making eye contact, are interpreted as suspicious by law enforcement. Consequently, many police departments are offering autism training to help officers understand how to interact with this population. Often, however, the training isn’t mandated. The article reviews measures being implemented, including disability identification cards in Illinois.
In this op-ed, Thomas Cook, executive director of the Ability Network of Delaware, calls for the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council to meet the network’s $9 million funding request to increase the salary of direct support professionals (DSP). He explains the benefits of closing the DSP funding gap, including keeping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities out of costly institutions.
