CTD'S ROLE/ PARTNERS:

CTD testimonies, letter writing, direct visits with legislative offices, lead organizer of Capitol Day of advocacy, 10 presentations/workshops/press conferences

Partners: all disability advocacy organizations, AARP

WHAT THIS MEANS:

Restoration of cuts to community services. Preserved attendant care hours for current clients. Restoration of eyeglasses, hearing aids, mental health counseling for adults on Medicaid. Preserved In-Home and Family Support funding, very at risk. Additional $54 M for demographic growth in community waivers.

CTD’S ROLE/ PARTNERS:

CTD among lead advocates. Testimonies, letter writing, direct visits with legislative offices, Capitol Day of advocacy, presentations/workshops/press conferences

Partners: Advocacy Inc., ADAPT, TX Center for Disability Studies, AARP, other disability

WHAT THIS MEANS:

CTD lead advocate. Direct to Governor

Partner: TX Center for Disability Studies

WHAT THIS MEANS:

Funded and moved into base budget.

CTD’S ROLE/ PARTNERS:

CTD and Brain Injury Assn. of TX as lead advocates

Partner: Advocacy Inc., SILC

WHAT THIS MEANS:

$5.7 M in new funding to end the waiting list for CRS (intensive early rehab of traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries) and Independent living services.

CTD’S ROLE/ PARTNERS:

CTD in strong support with testimony, legislative office visits

Partners: Texas Center for Disability Studies, Advocacy Inc.

WHAT THIS MEANS:

Will allow 50 kids in ICFs/MR to move out and have their services funding transferred to community based services.

CTD’S ROLE/ PARTNERS:

CTD originated and wrote bill and was primary advocate

Partner: AARP

WHAT THIS MEANS:

This bill would have held the State of Texas accountable for violations of the ADA. Opposition by Attorney General Abbott. CTD rejected a compromise bill as inadequate. CTD succeeded in publicizing this little-known issue and will continue to work on guaranteeing the right to be free from discrimination.

CTD’S ROLE/ PARTNERS:

CTD originated bill and was primary advocate

WHAT THIS MEANS:

Will improve accessibility for people with disabilities by aligning Texas standards for state websites, telecommunications and information technology with the federal 508 standards.

CTD’S ROLE/ PARTNERS:

CTD among the lead advocates, testimonies, negotiating bill language, direct visits with legislative offices, obtained legislative intent letter

Partners: ADAPT, AARP, Advocacy Inc., Texas Center for Disability Studies, TCDD

WHAT THIS MEANS:

"The Battle of the Titans" on the expansion of Medicaid Managed Care to most urban areas. Advocates for aging and disability communities actively engaged both sides: the doctors and Hospitals v. the HMOs. Secured safeguards for consumer education and outreach. Worked with Sen. Zaffirini to record a statement of legislative intent in the Senate journal that managed care should end CBA wait lists.

Next Steps: CTD and disability organizations are monitoring this monumental change in service delivery. Particular interest: CBA services, relocation, consumer education and outreach.

CTD and Brain Injury Assn. of TX as lead advocates

Partner: Advocacy Inc.

WHAT THIS MEANS:

Reversed a provision passed in 2003 that would have allowed the CRS (intensive early rehab of traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries) funding stream, based on traffic fines, to be diverted. The CRS funds are now much more secure.

CTD on design team, supporting advocate, testimony

Partners: Texas Assn. of Goodwills, Advocacy Inc., Center for Disability Studies, Natl. Multiple Sclerosis Society, DD Council

WHAT THIS MEANS:

Important employment bill allows working people to retain Medicaid coverage despite exceeding income threshhold. Removes the huge disincentive to work for people with chronic illness and permanent disability. $6 M in budget to fund the program.

CTD supported with testimony, office visits

Partners: Advocacy Inc., ADAPT, AARP, Center for Disability Studies, Natl. Multiple Sclerosis Society, DD Council

WHAT THIS MEANS:

Places into state law the expiring money follows the person riders for people moving from nursing facilities to community placements.

CTD’S ROLE/ PARTNERS:

CTD strongly opposed, testimony

Partners: Advocacy Inc., AARP

WHAT THIS MEANS:

Extra ID requirements and procedures would’ve made it more difficult to vote.

CTD’S ROLE/ PARTNERS:

CTD Supported with testimony

Partner: Advocacy Inc

WHAT THIS MEANS:

Authorizing county clerk to mail an application to vote by mail to all voters with disabilities or 65+. Would have would made voting system more easily accessible for voters unable to vote at polls.

CTD’S ROLE/ PARTNERS:

CTD strongly opposed with testimony

Partner: Advocacy Inc.

WHAT THIS MEANS:

Relating to the offense of assisting multiple voters who cast a ballot by mail. Would disproportionately affect voters with disabilities needing assistance.

CTD’S ROLE/ PARTNERS:

CTD in strong support, testimony

Partner: TX Paralyzed Veterans

WHAT THIS MEANS:

This bill would have required that any large builder in the Veterans Housing Assistance program have at least one accessible floor plan available.

Next Steps: CTD and the TX Paralyzed Veterans will work in the interim with the state agency.

CTD’S ROLE/ PARTNERS:

CTD in strong opposition

Partners: ADAPT, TX Center for Disability Studies, Advocacy Inc., AARP

WHAT THIS MEANS:

This bill would have allowed residents of certain assisted living centers to move to the top of the CBA wait list ahead of those staying in their own homes.

CTD’S ROLE/ PARTNERS:

CTD in support, testimony

Allows a person with a disability to collect unemployment benefits based on past employment, while looking for part-time work.

CTD’S ROLE/ PARTNERS:

CTD in support

Partners: ADAPT, Advocacy Inc., TX Center for Disability Studies

WHAT THIS MEANS:

Allows a person with high needs to remain in the community even if more costly than an institutional placement.

CTD’S ROLE/ PARTNERS:

Opposed by CTD by testimony, legislative office visits

Partners: ARC of Texas, ADAPT, Advocacy Inc., TX Ctr for Disability Studies

WHAT THIS MEANS:

This bill would have promoted the institutional bias by easing admission standards and requiring that only state school information be provided to families.

CTD’S ROLE/ PARTNERS:

Supported by CTD, legislative office contacts

Partner: Texas Legal Services Center

NOT PASSED

WHAT THIS MEANS:

This bill would have streamlined dispute resolution between Medicaid recipients and the State, saving money and time for both.

CTD’S ROLE/ PARTNERS:

CTD in support

Partners: Advocacy Inc., TX Center for Disability Studies

WHAT THIS MEANS:

Allows for independent planners to work with kids “aging out” of children’s programs.

CTD’S ROLE/ PARTNERS:

CTD in support, testimony

Partners: Advocacy Inc., TX Center for Disability Studies, ADAPT

WHAT THIS MEANS:

Prohibits asphyxiating choke holds and face-down physical restraints for people in institutions.

CTD’S ROLE/ PARTNERS:

CTD in support

Partners: Advocacy Inc., TX Center for Disability Studies

PASSED WHAT THIS MEANS:

Strengthens parental involvement of minor children in institutions.

CTD in support

Partner: Natl Multiple Sclerosis Society CTD in support

PASSED WHAT THIS MEANS:

Requires disclosure of benefits under employer health plans.