Mes: marzo 2018

This legislative session is over and it was generally a great success! That’s because of all the hard work caregivers across the state did to make the world better for home care workers, our clients and our families. When we fight together anything is possible.

Read a quick recap of the 2018 legislative session below:

Our Long-Term Care Priorities

Consumer Directed Employer Legislation (SB 6199)

On March 27, Gov. Jay Inslee signed SB 6199, the Consumer Directed Employer Legislation, into law. This was DSHS requested legislation that impacts the way the state manages IPs. Case managers and advocates for seniors and people with disabilities supported the legislation because it allows case managers to get back to doing what they are trained, qualified and paid to do — serving vulnerable clients — instead of troubleshooting fixes for payroll and overtime.

Our executive board voted to support it because the legislation will: streamline and simplify employment and payroll processes for IPs, allow consumers — our clients — to remain in control, ensure IP wages and benefits are protected, provide opportunities for full-time employment, continue career pathways, put IPs in control of their future, and value home care aides.

Next Steps: DSHS will begin a competitive bidding process to identify who the Consumer Directed Employer will be. The State’s decision will include a robust stakeholder-involvement process including Parent Providers, IPs, and advocates for people with disabilities, including self-advocates. It will take over a year to get up-and-running so we will continue to bargain our contract as usual with the State this summer.

Visit our SB 6199 webpage for more information.

Long-Term Care Trust Act (HB 2533 / SB 6238)
SEIU 775 and Washingtonians for a Responsible Future moved the policy of a state-paid long-term care benefit from an ambitious idea to bona-fide legislation! Although the bill was not passed into law this year, we’ve built a lot of support and momentum for next year. The Long-Term Care Trust Act would provide long-term care insurance for people employed in Washington when they need it. There were multiple hearings, lots of press, bi-partisan support, and a commitment from stakeholders and legislators to aggressively try to pass it fully next year. The bill even achieved two budget provisos in support of the legislation — a rare feat for a supplemental budget like this. These two provisos will be used to fully flush out the policy so it is 100 percent ready to pass next session.

Learn more about the bill from Washingtonians for a Responsible Future. You can also read a story from The New York Times about the Long-Term Care Trust Act (subscription required).

Guardianship System Reform (SB 6479)
This year, we began the discussion in Olympia on guardianship reform. When we took an initial look at the guardianship appointment process, it became apparent that the entire system needed to be improved. SEIU 775 has now built and is leading a coalition of consumer groups and regulators who appreciate our leadership and are excited for change. Although the final legislative budget did not include the proviso that would have created a workgroup and a recommendation, the Union and the bill’s main supporter, Christine Kilduff (LD 28), have already come up with an alternative plan and we will move forward with a stakeholder-approved solution for next year.

Let us know if you have a story about how guardianship has affected you and we’ll contact you!

 

Other Important Issues That Passed

  • Increasing the personal needs allowance (HB 2651) – increases the personal needs allowance for individuals with disabilities in home care or institutional care
  • Breakfast After the Bell (1508) – allows students to eat breakfast in the classroom to ensure all students can get a nutritious snack at the beginning of their day
  • Prohibiting housing discrimination based on source of income (HB 2578) – makes it illegal for landlords to deny housing to a tenant based on their source of income, including Social Security, veterans benefits and housing vouchers
  • De-Escalate Washington (I-940) On March 8, the State Legislature passed Initiative 940 into law! Led by De-Escalate Washington and supported by SEIU 775, I-940 focuses on law enforcement training and community safety, and House Bill 3003 strengthens and clarifies some of the language in the initiative. We heard compelling testimony from parent providers and advocates at our convention last year about how people with disabilities – as well as people of color – are disproportionately impacted by police shootings. They made the case that better training and de-escalation tactics can save lives and improve the relationship between police and the communities they serve.
  • Several bills to make it easier for people to register and vote, including moving the registration deadline to Election Day (SB 6021), automatically registering people when dealing with the Department of Licensing or the Health Exchange (HB 2595), and allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote (HB 1513). The legislature also adopted the Washington Voting Rights Act (SB 6002) to correct long-standing inequities in voting practices.
  • Increased protections against workplace harassment and assault, including making it mandatory to protect employees’ rights to file a complaint for sexual harassment or sexual assault in an employee’s contract (SB 6313), encouraging the disclosure of sexual harassment and sexual assault in the workplace (SB 5996), developing policies to create workplaces that are safe from sexual harassment (SB 6471), and protecting victims of sexual assault and domestic violence from employment discrimination (HB 2661).
  • Net Neutrality (HB 2282) – Washington became the first state to pass a law protecting “net neutrality,” preventing internet service providers from slowing down or blocking online content
  • Student Loan Bill of Rights (SB 6029) – creates a student loan advocate for Washington borrowers and provides students with basic guarantees
  • Washington Dream Act 2.0 (HB 1488) – protects undocumented students from losing financial aid eligibility if DACA is eliminated
  • Ban on conversion therapy for LGBTQ youths (SB 5722) – bans abusive conversion therapy and makes it so therapists, psychiatrists, or other healthcare providers could lose their licenses if they try to influence a minor’s sexuality or gender identity

Together we’ve fought hard for these bills, bringing topics to light that impact the ways Washingtonians live. These are huge wins for caregivers, our clients, families and the community in general. Together as a Union, we’re a strong and loud voice that is heard by our legislators.

Most orders take 5-10 business days to process and will be shipped via USPS. (Individual contracts may be sent via the US Postal System.)

If you do not receive your materials within 14 business days, please call our Member Resource Center toll-free at 1.866.371.3200.

MATERIALS AVAILABLE:

1. New Employee Orientation (NEO) packets (WA DSHS and IPs only)
NEO packets contain:
* One English membership form
* One full Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the State of WA
* One WA voter registration card

2. Membership Forms – available in English, Spanish, Russian, and Korean

3. Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) – both full agreement and summary are available

Create your own user feedback survey


YOUR SEIU 775 PARENT PROVIDER RESOURCE GUIDE

Welcome, Parent Providers and families of SEIU 775’s Caregiver Community!

We belong to a large community of providers and a network of systems designed to support us and the individuals we care for throughout our lives.  These systems are complex and can be complicated to use, but there are people working to support us every day. Finding those people and that support is the goal of this SEIU 775 Parent Provider and Family Resource Guide.

Marian Jones Curran JonesIt’s a guide created by us parents and families, for parents and families. It is specifically aimed at our needs. It is dynamic and ever-changing; so please click here to contact us when you find valuable information to include, or have a need you would like us to track down. When you give us your feedback, you’re helping this guide grow with our community.

Our community is so much more — we will always be working to support each other as we grow.  Whether we’re sharing information and help, attending social events together, or working on legislation to help our families, we’re always here for each other.

In 2017, we came together in meetings across the state, held our second annual Parent Provider Summit, and passed legislation helping make respite care more accessible.

In 2018, we held our third annual Parent Provider Summit and we’re working together to reform and streamline the complicated, expensive guardianship process.  We’re lobbying for families facing decisions about guardianship or other important legal relationship changes, and to strengthen the rights and protections of persons in our care.

If the guardianship process has affected your life, please click here so we can contact you about sharing your story.   Together, we’re telling our stories about the guardianship dilemmas families face. Sharing our stories is one way we can help each other.

Every Parent Provider and family member is an important part of our community.  We’ll be emailing you every month, with updates and additional resources.

THESE THREE SITES PROVIDE ACCESS TO A WIDE RANGE OF RESOURCES

The Arc of Washington
http://arcwa.org
The Arc of Washington develops services and programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).  They advocate for DD rights, connect families, influence public policy, increase public awareness, and inspire inclusion through nine local chapters.  The Arc of Washington serves all ages of people with I/DD.  In addition, Arc distributes newsletters on important legislative issues impacting our families and on their network of donations for families in need.

Informing Families (a resource of the Developmental Disabilities Council)
http://informingfamilies.org
Whether you’re just beginning to get a sense of the adult-services system or you’re well-traveled and somewhat weary, you need information.  It’s important to stay informed about changes in programs and eligibility requirements.  This site provides a wide range of  up-to-date and important information.  You can also sign up to receive their quarterly newsletter.

Social Security Administration
The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to adults with disabilities who have limited income and resources. When applying, have receipts of your son’s or daughter’s share of rent and utilities.  Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may also be available.  Each program has its own eligibility requirements and benefit levels; eligibility depends on severity of disability.

Apply online: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/

Apply by phone: 1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.  TTY is available at 1-800-325-0778.

Apply in person: Visit your local Social Security office (call first to make an appointment).  Click here to find your nearest Social Security office.

SERVICES AVAILABLE IN WASHINGTON STATE

In Washington, a major provider of services and supports for people with disabilities is the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).  Under this department, there are numerous agencies that provide support to people with disabilities, such as employment, places to live, ways to pay for food, and healthcare coverage. 

Agencies in the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)

• Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)
https://www.dshs.wa.gov/dda
Formerly known as the Department of Developmental Disabilities, DDA offers a wide range of services and supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families.  Many services become available at age 18, but families can complete the DDA application process at any time to be assigned a case manager. DDA resources include conducting assessments to determine care needs and contacting caregivers.  DDA also provides assistance in accessing community and leisure activities, residential options ranging from minimal support to 24-hour care, family support through respite care, and therapeutic services.

  • Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)

https://www.dshs.wa.gov/dvr

DVR works to help people with disabilities achieve a greater quality of life by helping them find employment.  They offer vocational assessment and counseling, and rehabilitation planning and services.  Assistance is available after you have completed the DDA application process.  This agency also provides an Independent Living Program (ILP) designed for people with disabilities who want to increase their independence.  The ILP may assist with attendant care management, counseling and advocacy, living arrangements, and skills training.

  • Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA)
    https://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa
    Finding care can seem complicated and even overwhelming when you first start looking. The key is to find knowledgeable people who can help you. The information included here can help you sort through what you need to know.  ALTSA offers community-based residential resources focused on helping people to stay in their homes, plus monitoring for individuals who cannot remain in their homes.  In-home care includes help obtaining appropriate medical and physical care, core services, and access to respite care.  ALTSA also provides assistance with adult-family-home placement.
  • Reporting Adult Abuse
    https://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/home-and-community-services/report-concerns-involving-vulnerable-adults
    Once you contract with DSHS to provide personal care for any vulnerable adult, you become a Mandatory Reporter and by law you MUST report if there is reason to believe abuse, abandonment, neglect or financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult has occurred. All reports are screened by Adult Protective Services and/or Residential Care Services. If the person is in immediate danger, call 911. You do not need proof to report suspected abuse and you do not need to give your name.
  • Economic Services Administration (ESA)
    https://www.dshs.wa.gov/ESA
    ESA offers monthly grants or assistance for basic living requirements, medical and food needs, plus help with employment-referral services, job training and placement resources.
  • Department of Services for the Blind (DSB)
    http://www.dsb.wa.gov/contact/self-referral-form.shtml
    DSB provides training for adults and children who are blind or have low vision.  DSB can assist families and young people as they transition from high school into vocational rehabilitation services, including exploring vocational options, adaptive skill training,  academic and vocational tuition assistance, job development, and employment accommodation.

OTHER STATE & FEDERAL AGENCIES & NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

  • Office of Developmental Disabilities Ombuds
    http://ddombuds.org/
    The DD Ombuds is an independent, private program — created by the Washington Legislature — where you can go when you have a complaint or concern.  This program promotes the well-being of people receiving developmental disability services and investigates individual concerns. The Ombuds focuses on resolving issues at the lowest level possible through individual complaint resolution. They also provide monitoring, information on rights and responsibilities, and recommendations for changes in policy and procedures to the government.

  • WA Employment Security Department (ESD)
    https://www.esd.wa.gov
    ESD’s services — including employment and training programs, and job-placement services — are available to Washington residents with disabilities.
  • Community and Technical Colleges
    https://www.sbctc.edu
    Washington’s community and technical colleges offer technical education and skills training, for entry into careers requiring less than a bachelor’s degree.  These colleges also have Disability Support Services Councils that serve students with disabilities.

PEER SUPPORT, ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS & HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

Peer-support groups and additional advocacy organizations

  • Self-Advocates in Leadership (SAIL)
    http://www.sailcoalition.org
    SAIL is a statewide coalition of people with developmental disabilities.  Anyone with a disability is invited to their meetings in SeaTac (on the second Tuesday of every month).  They offer information and assistance needed for individuals to speak up and be heard in state government.
  • People First of Washington
    http://www.peoplefirstofwashington.org/who/
    People First is one of the top self-advocacy organizations in the United States. They live by the motto, “We are people first, our disabilities are secondary!”  They meet locally and have numerous resources focusing on self-advocacy, leadership and fundraising.

Healthcare providers and other resource websites

• Community Living Connections
https://www.waclc.org
This is another website where Washington residents can find a full range of private and public long-term-support options. Whether you are looking for help for yourself or for a loved one, this site  makes it easier to locate services that best fit your needs.

• Washington Apple Health
https://www.hca.wa.gov/free-or-low-cost-health-care/apple-health-medicaid-coverage
This is where you go to choose your child’s or family member’s healthcare provider for the breadth of health services covered by Apple Health, Washington State’s Medicaid program.

• DDA’s links to medical resource and advocacy organizations
https://www.dshs.wa.gov/dda/resource-links
This website offers a wide range of organizations and specific medical resources for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Dental care for persons with disabilities 

  • The Washington State Dental Association
    http://www.wsda.org/special-needs-directory
    This site includes a directory of dentists treating patients with developmental disabilities or special needs.
  • The University of Washington School of Dentistry
    https://dental.washington.edu/decod/
    This resource is part of UW’s teaching program, which provides dental care that is not otherwise available for patients with developmental and acquired disabilities.

FUTURE PLANNING ASSISTANCE & RESOURCES

With so much on our plates, it’s easy to let important financial planning and legal issues slip by or be put off for another day; these three websites offer information that can make this work a little easier.

  • Social Security Options
    When you apply for YOUR Social Security retirement benefits, be sure to name your son or daughter — as a disabled adult — on your application.  If you have already filed for benefits, contact the Medicare Reimbursement Program (see below) and ask them to add your child on your application.

Including your child on your Social Security application allows him or her to draw Social Security DAC (Disabled Adult Child) benefits based on your record.  He or she will also be entitled to Medicare 24 months after your Social Security benefits begin. Your child’s DAC benefit in no way affects your benefits or the amount you will receive, but has the potential to increase their monthly income and allow for expanded medical coverage under Medicare.

For more information on these Social Security options contact:
Kristina M. Bachmann, Medicare Reimbursement Program Manager
Phone: (360) 829-4934
Email: KRISTKM@dshs.wa.gov OR kristina.kristofferson@dshs.wa.gov

  • Developmental Disabilities Endowment Trust Fund
    http://ddetf.wa.gov/
    IMG_4836Making an informed decision about any kind of financial planning is good for everyone, but when it comes to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities who receive government benefits, it’s even more important to understand how to invest in the future while ensuring eligibility for vital services and benefits.  This fund helps you provide for your family member today and in the future.
  • Aging and Long-Term Support Administration‘s Legal Planning Tips
    https://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/home-and-community-services/legal-planning
    The ALTSA website is a great starting point for many legal decisions and directives.  Information here can help people with intellectual or developmental disabilities think through and communicate what they want to happen if medical decisions have to be made and they can’t communicate their wishes, become incapacitated, or pass away.

Legal Advocacy and Services 

  • Disability Rights Washington
    http://www.disabilityrightswa.org
    Disability Rights provides legal services for persons whose disability rights have been violated. They also offer general information about legal rights, community education and training.
  • Washington Law Help
    https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org
    For people with low incomes,     Washington Law Help provides free legal assistance on issues ranging from power of attorney, to healthcare directives, basic healthcare rights, and health insurance.
  • National Guardianship Association
    http://www.guardianship.org/issues_concerns.htm
    The National Guardianship Association provides information and resources on concerns of guardians and families.  This important issue is at the forefront of our legislative agenda.  In 2018, we’ve lobbied hard for a new state law to provide assistance to families facing decisions about guardianship or other important legal relationship changes, and to further strengthen the rights and protections of persons needing guardianship.

Savings Plan for Persons with Disabilities

  • Washington State ABLE Program
    https://tre.wa.gov/personal-finance/able-program/
    The Washington State ABLE Program was created to help disabled individuals maintain their financial eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and other key federal benefits, while also setting aside money in tax-sheltered accounts for education, job training, assistive technology, transportation, and other needs.  Up to $14,000 per year of their personal funds can be invested.

FEDERAL LEGISLATION THAT IS IMPORTANT  

A Helpful Resource on Federal Laws

Go to this website to get a detailed government summary of most federal laws impacting persons with disabilities:
https://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm 

Go to these websites to review two very important laws covering the rights of people with disabilities:

Klennerts_smaller MBThe Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
https://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/history/35th/thelaw/ada.html
The ADA is a civil-rights law that prohibits discrimination against and requires accommodation for individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the public.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (amendments of 1974, 1986, 1992, 1993 & 1998)
https://www.access-board.gov/the-board/laws/rehabilitation-act-of-1973
The Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination based on disability in programs conducted by federal agencies, in programs receiving federal financial assistance, in federal employment, and in the employment practices of federal contractors. 

 

GLOSSARY

ABLE                            Achieving a Better (financial) Life Experience (State of WA)

ADA                              The Americans with Disabilities Act (federal)

ALTSA                          Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (State of WA)

Apple Health             Washington’s Medicaid program (State of WA)

Arc                                 National advocacy and resource organization for people with disabilities (non-profit)

DD Ombuds                Office of Developmental Disabilities Ombuds (non-profit)

DSB                                Department of Services for the Blind (State of WA)

DDA                               Developmental Disabilities Administration (State of WA)

DDC                               Developmental Disability Council (State of WA)

DDETF                          Developmental Disabilities Endowment Trust Fund (State of WA)

DSHA                             Department of Social and Health Services (State of WA)

DVR                                Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (State of WA)

ESA                                 Economic Services Administration (State of WA)

110514_SEIU_INSIGHT_0058

ESD                                 Employment Security Department (State of WA)

HCBS                              Home and Community Based Services (federal)

Informing Families   Resource of the Developmental Disabilities Council (State of WA)

People First                  National self-advocacy organization with WA chapter (non-profit)

SAIL                                 Statewide coalition of people with developmental disabilities (non-profit)

SSA                                   Social Security Administration (federal)

SSDI                                 Social Security Disability Insurance (federal)

 SSI                                    Supplemental Security Income (federal)

WSDA                              Washington State Dental Association (non-profit)

Call your State Representative by completing the form below:







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