Disability is in the news with a major win for veterans. The U.S. Senate approved providing health care and benefits for millions of veterans injured by exposure to toxins in burn pits in Iraq and Agent Orange in Vietnam.
It has been determined that the PACT Act will now cease to force veterans to prove their disabilities and illnesses were caused by exposure to toxins in order to get medical coverage from the VA. The PACT Act is the biggest expansion of care in VA history. This change will alleviate a layer of hardship for veterans and improve access to the support they deserve.
The story of the PACT Act in the news is an example of the mission of full access that we work toward every day, amplified and utilized on a macro level.
To read more on the PACT Act go to:
https://www.npr.org/2022/08/02/1115325176/pact-act-veterans-burn-pits-toxins-passes-senate
Voices & Stories Disability in the News: Veterans exposed to toxins receive unencumbered access to coverage from the VA
By Jamie Zimmerman • Posted on October 19, 2022
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[id] => 14
[date] => 2021-02-01
[status] => Active
[new] =>
[title] => ACC's AT Coordinator assists a consumer in obtaining a wheelchair ramp
[author] => Anonymous
[article] => ACC's Assistive Technology Coordinator, Tamarr, helped one of our consumers to get a wheelchair ramp for her front door. Since she moved into her house about 3 months ago, she has been unable to leave and has relied on the support of friends and family due to access issues. Check out the video below to learn more about how this ramp has changed Monique's life!
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[1] => Array
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[id] => 12
[date] => 2022-10-19
[status] => Active
[new] =>
[title] => Access in the News!
[author] => Brittany Pudnos
[article] => Did you know that Close to 30 million adults in the U.S. could benefit from hearing aid use? And that the average price of an adult hearing aid is about $2,000-$3,000. It can range from $1,000 up to more than $4,000 for each device, depending on the level of technology. The good news is that the push for easier access to assistive technology had a big win recently! On August 16th, The U.S. FDA issued a final rule to improve access to hearing aids. Certain hearing aids for those who are 18 and older will now be available with no doctor's visit or fitting necessary. These new over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids enable consumers with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment to purchase hearing aids directly from stores or online retailers without the need for a medical exam, prescription, or fitting adjustment by an audiologist.
“Reducing healthcare costs in America has been a priority of mine since Day One, and this rule is expected to help us achieve quality, affordable healthcare access for millions of Americans in need,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Today’s action by the FDA represents a significant milestone in making hearing aids more cost-effective and accessible.”
What a great way to take down barriers and make healthcare accessible for all!
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-finalizes-historic-rule-enabling-access-over-counter-hearing-aids-millions-americans
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[2] => Array
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[id] => 16
[date] => 2021-02-03
[status] => Active
[new] =>
[title] => Consumer shares how receiving a Chromebook has changed her life
[author] => Anonymous
[article] => The COVID-19 Pandemic has shifted most services, appointments, and social gatherings to take place virtually, and having access to a computer has become more important than ever. In the above video, one of our consumers talks about how essential having access to a computer is for her and how receiving a Chromebook through ACC has benefitted her.
)
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