Archive for News That Affects You

We Are Back!!!!!

// January 13th, 2012 // News That Affects You

Ability Specialists is excited to announce, after an extended break,
starting next week we will be providing weekly content to the Blog portion
of our website. In the past content topics have included, What’s Happening
At Ability Specialists, News That Affects You, Featured Articles, and
Support Your Community. In addition to those topics we would also like to
add a column called Readers Choice.

Readers Choice – is a blog post sent to us (Ability Specialists), from you
about an article you have read, thoughts you may have on a subject, or
questions you may have regarding a topic. Submitting such posts may inform
the Ability Specialist’s Community about topics that have not been brought
to our attention otherwise.

Thanks for your entire support and input. We look forward to 2012 andanother great year at Ability Specialists. If you would like to suggest anarticle or topic please email us at:

 blog@abilityspecialists.com

The Ability Specialist’s Team

Eat a Rainbow – Public Health Produce Fairs Provide Fresh Fruits and Veggies.

// June 17th, 2010 // News That Affects You

JCPH Nutrition Services has organized three produce and health fairs again this year for low-income residents and seniors who may not otherwise have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. While there are no income or residential requirements to participate, organizers trust that their goal of providing nourishment and education to low-income residents will be respected and supported.

A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables (DW Editor: Color chart of fruit and vegtables) can improve overall health and reduce obesity in our populations. Currently 55.7% of Colorado’s adults and 25.8% of Colorado’s children are considered overweight/obese. Obesity rates among children have doubled in the past 20 years.  Read more:http://www.disabled-world.com/news/america/colorado/eat-a-rainbow.php

Colorado Summer Weather

// June 2nd, 2010 // Feature Articles, News That Affects You

The air is turning warm and the days are getting longer as another Colorado summer arrives. Along with the new season comes the return of summer hazards. Many Coloradoans, especially those who work outside, are at risk this time of year for injuries ranging from severe sunburn to heat exhaustion. It is important for you to understand and protect yourselves from Colorado’s summer hazards. 

Sunscreen

Everyone should wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 on all exposed body parts. The higher the SPF, the better the protection against a sunburn and potential skin cancer. Reapply sunscreen every two hours to maintain its effectiveness. Workers can also benefit from wearing a brimmed hat and sunglasses.

Hydration

While spending the day in the hot sun, remind everyone to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of clear liquids, including water or something with electrolytes, such as sports drinks. Sodas can actually prevent hydration and may contribute to heat stroke. If you or your employees feel dizzy or nauseous, take a break. Find a cool, shady place and rest until you feel better. Heat stoke can impair a person’s ability to make sound judgments and may cause accidents. It is better to rest and avoid injuries, then to continue working.

Weather

Colorado summers also bring the chance of severe weather. Thunderstorms can bring hail, wind, and lightning, all of which pose risks to workers. Remind everyone to take cover during thunderstorms, but not under trees, where lightening risk increases. Lightening kills more workers each year than tornadoes, so if you or your group are working off the ground and see lightening, get down immediately. If it begins to hail, find a covered shelter such as your car. Hail in Colorado ranges from pea size to golf ball size, both of which can cause injuries. 

To be safe this summer, use common sense. Pay attention to the weather and help avoid workplace injuries. Be prepared for anything with sunscreen, water, and a plan of action if severe weather strikes.

Day and Evening Program Closed 3/24/10

// March 24th, 2010 // News That Affects You

Ability Specialists day and evening program has been closed today due to poor weather conditions. 

Check back for further updates.

We will post any future cancellations as we have them.

See FOX31 KDVR http://www.kdvr.com/weather/snowclosings/

9 NEWS.com http://www.9news.com/weather/severe_weather/cancellations_closings/default.aspx

WBTV2 KWGN http://www.2thedeuce.com/weather/closings/

for more cancellations.  Thanks and stay safe!

HCBS-SLS Waiver Facts

// March 4th, 2010 // News That Affects You

Frequently Asked Questions regarding HCBS-SLS Waiver Service plan authorization Limits.  Click Here: SLS FAQs

Social Security Hearings Backlog Falls to Lowest Level Since 2005

// March 4th, 2010 // News That Affects You

Pending Cases Drop Below 700,000; Processing Time Down 72 Days

Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced that the number of disability hearings pending stands at 697,437 cases — the lowest level since June 2005 and down more than 71,000 cases since December 2008, when the trend of month-by-month reductions began. In addition, the average processing time for hearing decisions has decreased to 442 days, down from a high of 514 days at the end of fiscal year (FY) 2008.  Click here for the full release: Social Security Press Release 3-2-10

 

Disabled Coloradans sue state over Medicaid cuts

// February 17th, 2010 // News That Affects You

Asperger’s, ‘Mental Retardation’ Likely History In Revised DSM

// February 10th, 2010 // News That Affects You

“Intellectual disability” would replace “mental retardation” and Asperger’s syndrome would be folded into “autism spectrum disorders” under proposed changes to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders unveiled Wednesday.

The recommendations are among several sweeping changes psychiatric experts are calling for in the forthcoming fifth edition of the manual known as the DSM, which is expected in May 2013. The DSM serves as the bible for mental health professionals, researchers and insurers as it determines what symptoms are worthy of an official diagnosis. The current edition was released in 1994.

The American Psychiatric Association, which publishes the DSM, is accepting public comment on the proposed changes until April 20 online.

Experts recommend in the draft manual that the term “mental retardation” be eliminated in favor of “intellectual disability,” bringing medical terminology in line with language already used by many governmental and educational institutions. The diagnosis would also gain a broader definition, by encompassing adaptive functioning in addition to IQ . Read More: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2010/02/10/dsm-proposal/6960/

Programs to support people with developmental disabilities to get boon from the Feds while Colorado cuts

// February 10th, 2010 // News That Affects You

One hand giveth and the other taketh away

The Democratic leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, working with President-elect Barack Obama, just released its long awaited second economic stimulus package American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill of 2009. This bill and a similar one in the Senate are expected to move quickly through the legislative process so that President Obama in mid February can sign it into law.

Both proposed federal bills have numerous provisions that identify increase spending on disability programs. Additionally, other funding increases to states and communities could also be utilized to provide numerous types of assistance to people with disabilities and the programs that support them.

However, in a contradiction of policy and priorities, while the federal government looks to enhance the reinvestment of money into programs that support children and adults with intellectual disabilities Colorado is looking to “freeze” and ultimately decrease such services.  Read the full posting: http://denver.yourhub.com/Aurora/Stories/News/Government/Story~569150.aspx?referrer=newsvine

Social Security Awards Nearly $20 Million in Recovery Act Contracts For Electronic Medical Records

// February 4th, 2010 // News That Affects You

Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced that 15 healthcare providers and networks have received $17.4 million in contract awards to provide electronic medical records to the agency. These electronic medical records, which will be sent through the Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN), will significantly shorten the time it takes to make a disability decision and will improve the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of the disability program.

“Using health information technology will improve our disability programs and provide better service to the public,” Commissioner Astrue said. “We’ve seen a significant increase in disability applications. To process them, the agency sends more than 15 million requests annually for medical records to healthcare providers. This largely paper-bound workload is generally the most time-consuming part of the disability decision process. The use of health IT will dramatically improve the speed, accuracy, and efficiency of this process, reducing the cost of making a disability decision for both the medical community and the American taxpayer.” To read more: SSA Electronic Medical Records Contract Awards