Termination of Federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs

January 21, 2025

 

President Trump issued an executive order terminating federal DEI programs, emphasizing the principle of evaluating individuals based on their character rather than race. The order directs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to dismantle programs deemed discriminatory under DEI initiatives.

 

Relevance to AMSI’s Mission:
This development echoes Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of a world where individuals "will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." However, AMSI recognizes that achieving this ideal requires intentional efforts to ensure equity and inclusivity. AMSI’s commitment to developing voluntary consensus standards reflects the belief that high-quality support services must ensure equity for individuals with IDD while addressing broader systemic inequities to benefit all communities.

 

 

 

Restriction of Federal Recognition to Two Sexes

January 21, 2025

 

An executive order titled "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government" limits federal recognition to male and female sexes based on reproductive anatomy. This order blocks federal funding for transgender-related services and mandates a return to "biological truth" policies in government facilities.

 

Relevance to AMSI’s Mission:
As AMSI develops standards like the Inclusive Communication and Language Standard, this executive order highlights the ongoing need for clear, inclusive language and practices. AMSI supports initiatives that prioritize the needs and rights of individuals with IDD, ensuring respectful and equitable treatment for all.

 

 

Attempt to End Birthright Citizenship

January 21, 2025

 

President Trump signed an executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants. This initiative challenges the current interpretation of the 14th Amendment and is likely to face significant legal challenges.

 

Relevance to AMSI’s Mission:
Access to equitable support services is vital for individuals with IDD, regardless of citizenship status. AMSI’s standards ensure inclusive, person-centered services that are accessible to all, advocating for a framework that prioritizes the rights and well-being of every individual.

 

 

IRS Increases ABLE Account Contribution Limits for 2025

 

January 11, 2025

 

The IRS has announced an increase in the annual contribution limit for ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts for 2025. This adjustment reflects ongoing efforts to provide greater financial opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families.

 

What Are ABLE Accounts?

ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. They allow individuals to save money for disability-related expenses without jeopardizing eligibility for essential benefits like Medicaid.

 

Key Features of ABLE Accounts:

 

1. Eligibility: Individuals with a significant disability that began before age 26 are eligible to open an ABLE account. This eligibility remains even if the individual no longer receives Social Security benefits due to income thresholds.

2. Contribution Limits: The updated contribution limit for 2025 allows more savings flexibility. The funds in an ABLE account can cover a wide range of expenses, including education, healthcare, housing, and employment support.

3. Protection for Benefits: Deposits into an ABLE account are not counted toward the $2,000 asset limit for Medicaid, ensuring continued access to critical healthcare services.

 

This increase in contribution limits underscores the importance of financial inclusion for individuals with disabilities. For more information about ABLE accounts and the recent updates, visit the IRS ABLE account page or consult your financial advisor.

 

 

Think Differently Database Act Signed into Law

 

January 9, 2025

 

On January 4, 2025, President Biden signed into law the "Think Differently Database Act" (H.R. 670), marking a significant milestone for individuals with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. This legislation directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to create a centralized, user-friendly website that consolidates critical resources and support services for the disability community.

 

Key Highlights of the Think Differently Database Act:

 

1. Centralized Resource Database:

• The Act mandates HHS to develop an accessible platform that consolidates information on healthcare, education, housing, transportation, employment, and more.

2. Targeted Users:

• Designed for individuals with disabilities, caregivers, and families, the database simplifies the process of finding and utilizing essential services.

3. Accessibility Standards:

• The website will adhere to strict accessibility guidelines, ensuring it meets the diverse needs of users with disabilities. Features such as screen reader compatibility, multilingual support, and intuitive navigation will be prioritized.

 

Why This Matters:

 

The Think Differently Database Act addresses a critical gap in how individuals with disabilities access information about available programs and services. By consolidating fragmented resources into a single, user-friendly platform, this legislation empowers users to make informed decisions and enhances coordination among federal, state, and local service providers.

 

Challenges Ahead:

 

1. Effective Implementation:

• Developing a user-friendly and accessible platform that meets the needs of the disability community will require significant resources and collaboration.

2. Ongoing Updates:

• Ensuring the database remains current and relevant with the latest information on programs and services will be critical.

3. Promotion and Awareness:

• Outreach efforts are essential to inform the target audience about the database and its capabilities.

 

Stay tuned for more updates as this groundbreaking initiative progresses.

 

 

 

Congress Passes the Autism CARES Act of 2024: A Landmark Moment for Autism Support

 

January 2, 2025

 

On December 16, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act of 2024, also known as H.R. 7213, with overwhelming bipartisan support. This legislation, now signed into law by President Biden, represents a significant step forward for autism-related initiatives in the United States.

 

Key Highlights of the Autism CARES Act of 2024:

 

1. Funding Allocation:

Approximately $1.95 billion is authorized over five years to support autism-focused programs across federal agencies, including the NIH, CDC, and HRSA.

 

2. Program Reauthorizations:

• The Developmental Disabilities Surveillance and Research Program (CDC) continues its critical work in monitoring and researching developmental disabilities, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• The Autism Education, Early Detection, and Intervention Programs (HHS) will enhance early diagnosis and support strategies for individuals with autism.

• The Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee (IACC) ensures coordination of federal efforts concerning ASD.

 

3. New Reporting Requirements:
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) will now assess strategies to address the shortage of developmental-behavioral pediatricians, a critical area in autism care.

 

Legislative Journey:

 

• The Act passed the Senate on November 22, 2024.
• It received final approval from the House on December 16, 2024.
• President Joe Biden signed the Act into law on December 24, 2024, ensuring continued support for autism programs through 2029.

 

Why This Matters:

 

The Autism CARES Act of 2024 secures essential funding and enhances critical programs for individuals with autism and their families. By prioritizing research, early intervention, and professional training, the Act is a major step forward in building a more inclusive and supportive future for individuals with autism spectrum disorder across the U.S.

 

Learn More:

 

To explore the full details of this legislation, visit the official bill summary: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/7213

 

 

 

A New Chapter for Support Services: Shaping the 2028 SOC for a More Inclusive Future

 

December 19, 2024

 

In 2024, the U.S. government began revising the 2018 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system to establish the 2028 SOC, which will define the national landscape of services for the period 2028-2038. The SOC is more than just a framework—it’s a comprehensive list of services’ definitions that act as a legal foundation for recognizing services across all governmental, legislative, judicial, and business entities nationwide.

 

Inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) means ensuring they receive equitable services alongside everyone else. The Executive Office of the President, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), maintains the SOC with broader, flexible definitions of services, designed to apply equitably to all populations, including those with IDD.

 

Support services for individuals with IDD are included within the SOC services’ definitions. Therefore, it is essential to develop support service standards aligned with the SOC framework to clarify and specify how the SOC-defined services address the needs of individuals with IDD and their direct support workers. The primary objective of the American Support Standards Institute (AMSI) initiative is to create these support service standards and support their development by others, ensuring that support services are practical, inclusive, and universally recognized.

 

To learn more about the SOC and its role in support services, visit the Standards & Resources section on the AMSI website. Within this section, clicking on Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) will provide access to the 2018 SOC Manual, a key reference for understanding service definitions and classifications.

 

As the year ends, we wish you happy holidays and a great New Year. Let’s work together to make a positive difference in support services! ✨

 

 

 

Secretary Buttigieg Announces Sweeping Protections for Airline Passengers with Disabilities

 

December 16, 2024

 

Newly Released Final Rule Marks the Biggest Expansion of Rights for Passengers with Disabilities in a Generation

 

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued new protections for people with disabilities in commercial air travel. These new rules will ensure that passengers with disabilities can fly safely and with dignity, addressing long-standing issues faced by individuals using mobility devices such as wheelchairs. This new final rule is the most significant expansion of disability rights in the airline industry in a generation.

 

Earlier this year, DOT issued a record-breaking penalty against American Airlines for unsafe and undignified treatment of passengers with disabilities. This new rule aims to prevent such incidents from happening again by setting clear and comprehensive standards for airlines to follow when accommodating passengers with disabilities.

 

Key provisions of the rule include:

 

Safe and Dignified Assistance: Airlines must provide safe assistance to passengers with disabilities, ensuring that they are not at risk of bodily injury and that their autonomy and privacy are respected.

Enhanced Training: Mandatory hands-on training for airline employees and contractors who assist passengers with disabilities and handle their mobility devices, ensuring that they can provide competent assistance.

Prompt Assistance: Airlines must ensure prompt assistance during enplaning, deplaning, and connecting flights, and that personal wheelchairs are available to passengers when they deplane.

Accountability for Mishandled Devices: Airlines must return wheelchairs in the same condition they were received and address mishandling with a rebuttable presumption of violation, ensuring accountability.

Reimbursement and Support: The rule requires airlines to reimburse passengers for any extra costs incurred due to wheelchair mishandling and provide a loaner wheelchair when necessary.

 

The rule also mandates that airlines provide timely notifications to passengers regarding the status of their wheelchairs or scooters, including when these devices are delayed, damaged, or lost. Passengers will also be given the option to choose their preferred repair vendor and receive reimbursements for any necessary repairs.

 

Secretary Buttigieg emphasized the importance of these changes, stating: “Every passenger deserves safe, dignified travel when they fly—and we’ve taken unprecedented actions to hold airlines accountable when they do not provide fair treatment to passengers with disabilities."

 

These changes come after DOT's efforts to enhance accessibility for people with disabilities in the airline industry, including:

- The issuance of a landmark $50 million penalty against American Airlines in October 2024 for violations of disability rights in air travel.

- New regulations requiring accessible airline lavatories, finalized in July 2023.

- The establishment of the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights to help educate passengers about their rights.

 

As of January 16, 2025, airlines will be required to comply with these new rules. The final rule can be accessed here: https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news

 

For more information about disability rights during air travel, visit FlightRights.gov. Travelers can also file complaints about airline services through the Department of Transportation’s platform.