The Case for Inclusion: Medicaid Analysis 2010
From United Cerebral Palsy, this 2010 report uses data from 2008 to look back at where states stood before the recent economic recession and before they received significant federal stimulus funding. The annual 'Case for Inclusion' report benchmarks states' actual performance in improving quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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Library: Articles of Interest
One Sky 2010 Redesignation Review
In April 2010, One Sky was once again approved by the state of New Hampshire to be the ‘area agency’ for Region VIII: the primary provider of services to people with developmental disabilities and acquired brain disorders in Upper Rockingham County. While the NH Bureau of Developmental Services routinely assesses various aspects of One Sky and its nine regional counterparts on an ongoing basis, all ten area agencies undergo comprehensive state reviews once every five years. Required by NH regulations, the ‘Redesignation Review’ is necessary in order for the state to continue designating an agency as a regional ‘area agency.’ To find out how One Sky is currently meeting its responsibilities, read our 2010 Redesignation Review.
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In April 2010, One Sky was once again approved by the state of New Hampshire to be the ‘area agency’ for Region VIII: the primary provider of services to people with developmental disabilities and acquired brain disorders in Upper Rockingham County. While the NH Bureau of Developmental Services routinely assesses various aspects of One Sky and its nine regional counterparts on an ongoing basis, all ten area agencies undergo comprehensive state reviews once every five years. Required by NH regulations, the ‘Redesignation Review’ is necessary in order for the state to continue designating an agency as a regional ‘area agency.’ To find out how One Sky is currently meeting its responsibilities, read our 2010 Redesignation Review.
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What is a person receiving SSI or Medicaid allowed to own?
Written by attorney John Kitchen, this document may be helpful in discussions about Special Needs Trusts. It also provides important links to relevant laws and regulations.
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Written by attorney John Kitchen, this document may be helpful in discussions about Special Needs Trusts. It also provides important links to relevant laws and regulations.
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Meet New Hampshire's 'Home Provider of 2009'
Gloria Peel of Seabrook won the first 'Home Provider of the Year' award in the state of New Hampshire. She was picked from a pool of the state's top 20 home providers, by an independent panel, for the N.H. Council on Developmental Disabilities. She's been providing a home for people with developmental disabilities in the One Sky region (Region VIII) for more than 15 years.
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Gloria Peel of Seabrook won the first 'Home Provider of the Year' award in the state of New Hampshire. She was picked from a pool of the state's top 20 home providers, by an independent panel, for the N.H. Council on Developmental Disabilities. She's been providing a home for people with developmental disabilities in the One Sky region (Region VIII) for more than 15 years.
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What One Sky Has Done for Michael
A Region VIII parent shares the experience her young son and family have had through One Sky Community Services.
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A Region VIII parent shares the experience her young son and family have had through One Sky Community Services.
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Spectrum Mom on the Road
Region VIII resident Viki Gayhardt, board member of the Autism Society of New Hampshire and an autism family support specialist, recounts her personal story of life on the road with kids on the autism spectrum.
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Region VIII resident Viki Gayhardt, board member of the Autism Society of New Hampshire and an autism family support specialist, recounts her personal story of life on the road with kids on the autism spectrum.
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What is a Direct Support Professional?
For many persons with developmental disabilities, Direct Support Professionals make the world go round. They're hard-working and deserve greater recognition. Get the basics in this description from One Sky.
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For many persons with developmental disabilities, Direct Support Professionals make the world go round. They're hard-working and deserve greater recognition. Get the basics in this description from One Sky.
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A Personal History with Undiagnosed Asperger's
One man's personal history of living with undiagnosed Asperger's syndrome in childhood and adulthood. Author Tim Page was finally diagnosed in 2000. Originally published in 'The New Yorker' 8.20.07.
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One man's personal history of living with undiagnosed Asperger's syndrome in childhood and adulthood. Author Tim Page was finally diagnosed in 2000. Originally published in 'The New Yorker' 8.20.07.
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UNH Engineers Communications Tools
Engineering students at the University of New Hampshire work to create communication aids for Luke, a young man with cerebral palsy who is eager to communicate. Originally published in The University of New Hampshire Magazine.
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Engineering students at the University of New Hampshire work to create communication aids for Luke, a young man with cerebral palsy who is eager to communicate. Originally published in The University of New Hampshire Magazine.
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The State Budget: NH Children's Summit (late 2008)
This presentation, on New Hampshire's state budget and prospects for the future, was made on December 8, 2008, by Steven Norton, Director of the NH Center for Public Policy Studies, at the NH Children's Summit. The Summit was sponsored by the Children's Alliance of NH and the NH Child Advocacy Network. Participants are expected to develop a list of advocacy priorities for children in the coming year in New Hampshire.
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This presentation, on New Hampshire's state budget and prospects for the future, was made on December 8, 2008, by Steven Norton, Director of the NH Center for Public Policy Studies, at the NH Children's Summit. The Summit was sponsored by the Children's Alliance of NH and the NH Child Advocacy Network. Participants are expected to develop a list of advocacy priorities for children in the coming year in New Hampshire.
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Health Care Reform: Long-Term Services and Supports for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (2009)
The National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) seeks to ensure that health care reform efforts fully consider the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
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The National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS) seeks to ensure that health care reform efforts fully consider the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
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Transforming New Hampshire's Mental Health System
In the past 10 years, admissions to New Hampshire's public psychiatric hospital have doubled. Local communities have seen reductions in psychiatric hospital units, group homes that provide residential treatment, and intensive outpatient services. Per capita expenditures at the state's mental health centers have been reduced by nearly half. Primary care providers have seen significant increases in mental health issues in their medical settings. The rate of incarceration for people with mental health issues has risen. It is vitally important that improvements to the system are made in effective, measurable, and sustainable ways. New Hampshire citizens must recognize that the development and maintenance of an effective system will require continuous maintenance and financial support. – From the Commission to Develop a Comprehensive State Mental Health Plan
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In the past 10 years, admissions to New Hampshire's public psychiatric hospital have doubled. Local communities have seen reductions in psychiatric hospital units, group homes that provide residential treatment, and intensive outpatient services. Per capita expenditures at the state's mental health centers have been reduced by nearly half. Primary care providers have seen significant increases in mental health issues in their medical settings. The rate of incarceration for people with mental health issues has risen. It is vitally important that improvements to the system are made in effective, measurable, and sustainable ways. New Hampshire citizens must recognize that the development and maintenance of an effective system will require continuous maintenance and financial support. – From the Commission to Develop a Comprehensive State Mental Health Plan
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Lessons Learned: Deinstitutionalization of Mental Health
The provision of long-term services and support for people who are elderly or have significant disabilities is a major policy focus at federal and state levels. While the deinstitutionalization of people with mental illness differs somewhat from reform of policy for long-term services, some parallels and lessons are relevant. – From the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured
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The provision of long-term services and support for people who are elderly or have significant disabilities is a major policy focus at federal and state levels. While the deinstitutionalization of people with mental illness differs somewhat from reform of policy for long-term services, some parallels and lessons are relevant. – From the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured
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Merger of Area Agencies?
Putting New Hampshire's area agency system in turmoil by forced closings and mergers to save money would be penny wise and pound foolish. Ironically, it may actually undercut the best solutions to the most important goals of Medicaid reform. This commentary from 2005 has renewed relevance in today's discussions of restructuring social service systems and Medicaid reform. – From Bob James, Executive Director, One Sky Community Services
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Putting New Hampshire's area agency system in turmoil by forced closings and mergers to save money would be penny wise and pound foolish. Ironically, it may actually undercut the best solutions to the most important goals of Medicaid reform. This commentary from 2005 has renewed relevance in today's discussions of restructuring social service systems and Medicaid reform. – From Bob James, Executive Director, One Sky Community Services
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Governor's Commission on Area Agencies
In 2005, New Hampshire Governor John Lynch commissioned a study of area agencies, to include identification of essential agency operations, ways in which agencies may operate more efficiently and cost-effectively without compromising service, and to recommend proposed legislation and rules changes. The resulting report analyzed consolidation and reduction in the number of area agencies – From the Governor's Commission to Study Area Agencies and their Role in Providing Services to New Hampshire
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In 2005, New Hampshire Governor John Lynch commissioned a study of area agencies, to include identification of essential agency operations, ways in which agencies may operate more efficiently and cost-effectively without compromising service, and to recommend proposed legislation and rules changes. The resulting report analyzed consolidation and reduction in the number of area agencies – From the Governor's Commission to Study Area Agencies and their Role in Providing Services to New Hampshire
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Issues Impacting NH Residents with Disabilities
New Hampshire's community-based developmental services system, once among the top states in the nation for provision of services, has lost ground since the mid 1990's. This analysis explains why. – From Bob James, Executive Director of One Sky Community Services
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New Hampshire's community-based developmental services system, once among the top states in the nation for provision of services, has lost ground since the mid 1990's. This analysis explains why. – From Bob James, Executive Director of One Sky Community Services
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Direct Care in the Granite State
Autumn 2007 issue of "The Rap Sheet", dedicated to the subject of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), with an introductory essay by One Sky Executive Director Bob James, entitled "The Growing Crisis in Attracting and Keeping Direct Support Workers and Home Providers, and What We Can Do About It." – From the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire
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Autumn 2007 issue of "The Rap Sheet", dedicated to the subject of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), with an introductory essay by One Sky Executive Director Bob James, entitled "The Growing Crisis in Attracting and Keeping Direct Support Workers and Home Providers, and What We Can Do About It." – From the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire
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The Supply of DSPs
A report on the growing need for direct support professionals (DSPs) in the nation's system of services for persons with developmental disabilities. The increased need for DSPs occurs at a time when the labor force is expected to grow much more slowly than in the past. There will be increased competition for people to work not only as DSPs, but as health and long-term care workers in general, as well as other occupations that need workers of comparable education and skill levels. – From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Disability, Aging and Long-Term Care Policy
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A report on the growing need for direct support professionals (DSPs) in the nation's system of services for persons with developmental disabilities. The increased need for DSPs occurs at a time when the labor force is expected to grow much more slowly than in the past. There will be increased competition for people to work not only as DSPs, but as health and long-term care workers in general, as well as other occupations that need workers of comparable education and skill levels. – From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Disability, Aging and Long-Term Care Policy
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A Case for Inclusion: New Hampshire
The ongoing national debate about Medicaid must involve more than budget appropriations. This 2008 report spotlights how state Medicaid programs serve people with developmental disabilities and includes New Hampshire rankings. – From United Cerebral Palsy
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The ongoing national debate about Medicaid must involve more than budget appropriations. This 2008 report spotlights how state Medicaid programs serve people with developmental disabilities and includes New Hampshire rankings. – From United Cerebral Palsy
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New Hampshire State Budget 2010-2011
New Hampshire faces a potential budget deficit in the upcoming 2010-2011 biennium that may be more problematic than past deficits. As a result of changing revenues, states across the country are adjusting both revenue and spending plans to account for the current economic downturn. The state legislature was recently presented with revenue estimates that fell $100 million below those projected as part of the last budget. This analysis of revenues for 2010-2011 reveals that the gap between historical growth in revenues, and what is anticipated, could be as much as $286 million or more if the economy does not recover in the next two years. – From the NH Center for Public Policy Studies
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New Hampshire faces a potential budget deficit in the upcoming 2010-2011 biennium that may be more problematic than past deficits. As a result of changing revenues, states across the country are adjusting both revenue and spending plans to account for the current economic downturn. The state legislature was recently presented with revenue estimates that fell $100 million below those projected as part of the last budget. This analysis of revenues for 2010-2011 reveals that the gap between historical growth in revenues, and what is anticipated, could be as much as $286 million or more if the economy does not recover in the next two years. – From the NH Center for Public Policy Studies
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