Go For the Gold

The Paralympics lasted for 11 days ending on September 8. The origins of the Paralympics go back to 1948 when 16 World War II veterans with spinal cord injuries decided to compete against each other in a sports competition. Initially, the events were only open to wheelchair users. In 1976, the Paralympics started to include other disabilities.

At the 2024 Paralympic Games, Team USA finished third overall in the medal standings, earning a total of 105 medals (36 Gold, 42 Silver, and 27 Bronze) in 22 sports.

Five Paralympians live in Arizona:

• Eric Bennett (Para Archery)
• Whitney Dosty (Sitting Volleyball, Gold)
• Allysa Seely (Paratriathlon, Bronze)
• Lora Webster (Sitting Volleyball, Gold)
• Josh Wheeler (Wheelchair Rugby, Silver)

During the Paralympics, we saw an uptick in interest in disability sports since they became more visible. This is something at the Council we try to promote - visibility of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities – and we’re proud of the Paralympians and coaches who set such a tremendous example for all athletes with disabilities.

Improving SSI Benefits

In early September, the Social Security Administration announced it is looking to simplify the process of applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. The updated application will be available starting in December 2024 for first-time applicants, ages 18 to 65, who have never been married and who are seeking Social Security and SSI benefits. About 7.5 million Americans, including many with disabilities, receive SSI each month. Look out for upcoming videos we produced with public affairs specialist Jack Burns explaining frequently asked questions from the Social Security Administration.

New Requirements and Considerations for Vocational Rehab (VR) Services

On September 10, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education awarded $251 million to 27 grantees across the country who are working to ensure individuals with disabilities have access to in-demand, good-paying jobs that align with modern workforce needs. These five-year grants, under the Disability Innovation Fund (DIF), will continue to promote competitive integrated employment so that youth and adults with disabilities are paid real wages for real jobs, while creating pathways to some of today’s most in-demand fields. 

Another change: State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies should consider the individual’s unique vocational needs when developing the Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) and determine if out-of-state services best meet those needs because VR services must be provided according to the individual’s signed and approved IPE.

You can read more about the new initiatives at the Department of Education’s website.

Administration for Community Living has awarded more than $1.8 million in Elder Justice Innovation Grants

The Administration for Community Living in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently awarded grants to court systems in five states to improve their programs and services related to legal guardianship. The Administrative Office of the Arizona Supreme Court is the recipient of one of these grants. Its funded project seeks to establish a cloud-based, web-facing probate case management system, which would create an efficient and accurate tool for the management and oversight of guardianship cases for use by guardians, conservators, and courts.

The U.S. Department of Justice has updated its guide to help people with disabilities understand their voting rights

Voting is one of our nation’s most fundamental rights and a hallmark of our democracy. Yet for too long, many people with disabilities have been excluded from this core aspect of citizenship. This resource about protecting the right to vote for people with disabilities guides states, local jurisdictions, election officials, poll workers, and voters on how the Americans with Disabilities Act and other federal laws help ensure fairness in the voting process.

And don’t forget: The deadline to register to vote in the November 2024 election is October 7! You can register online at Vote.gov or the State of Arizona’s Service Arizona site.

That’s all for this month. I’m going to go practice my archery skills. Look out, Paralympics 2028!