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October 28, 2009

Magazine looks at health care reform, disabilities issues

Submitted by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities

ATLANTA — Georgians with disabilities have many complex issues to focus on as 2009 dwindles to a close, primarily as the health care debate in Washington, D.C., heats up.

The fall 2009 issue of Making a Difference magazine presents the latest information on the current bills that are being discussed in our nation’s capital.

“Health care reform has been an issue in our country for close to a century,” Shelby Butler, board chair of the Missouri Health Advocacy Alliance, told the magazine. “People need to have the support they need in order to stay healthy and independent.”

The health care article explains the proposed updates to Medicare and Medicaid along with the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act, which would help individuals with functional impairments and their families pay for services and supports that they need to maximize their functionality and independence and have choices about community participation, education, and employment and for other purposes.

Georgia elected officials also are carefully considering how health care reform could impact citizens. “We need meaningful reform, not reform for reform’s sake!” said Sen. Saxby Chambliss(R). As the current proposals stand, both Chambliss and Sen. Johnny Isakson(R) have expressed concern in moving forward with reform.

Additionally, key information is presented on how the money for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 is being used for housing, and popular tourist attractions in Georgia are featured for their accessibility and accommodations for all.

Making a Difference is published by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities. Current and past issues are available in accessible formats online at www.gcdd.org. The next Council meeting will take place January 14 and 15 in Atlanta.

GCDD is an independent state agency, funded by federal grants, that works to foster a better understanding of the challenges, concerns and lifestyles of people with disabilities in Georgia. To accomplish this goal, GCDD collaborates with a broad coalition of organizations, agencies and individuals, all working to improve the quality of life for Georgians with disabilities. For more information, visit www.gcdd.org or call 404-657-2126.

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