Crain Communications, Inc.
By Andrew L. Wang
(Crain's) — Ten days before the end of the spring session, Democrats in the General Assembly introduced a bill Monday that would reduce Medicaid reimbursements by $240 million, less than proposed by Gov. Pat Quinn but large enough to help fill a gaping budget deficit.
The reductions are well below the $675 million in cuts Mr. Quinn proposed in April as part of a plan to reduce a budget shortfall of $2.7 billion in the federal-state health care program for the poor.
But lawmakers found savings elsewhere in the program, which means rates don't need to be trimmed as much as anticipated, said Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), who introduced the measure, which is technically an amendment to an existing bill.
“We didn't talk rate cuts until the bitter end,” she said.
At an afternoon news conference, Mr. Quinn signaled his support for the bill, urging legislators to approve it before the end of the current session May 31.
“We are now in the red zone,” the governor said, employing a football analogy. “We've got to make sure we put the ball across the goal line.”
House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) supports the bill, a spokesman for his office said in an e-mail.
Even a spokeswoman for House Republican Leader Tom Cross expressed some guarded optimism.
“It appears to be a good start, including $1.6 billion in cuts and reforms, but we are still reviewing it,” the spokeswoman for Mr. Cross, whose district includes southwest suburban Oswego said in an email.
The new budget plan would put a heavier burden on affluent hospitals.
Ms. Feigenholtz's bill calls for a 3.5 percent cut for services by hospitals that are not considered safety-net or critical-care facilities, a bigger reduction than for other health care providers.
Another $100 million in funding is expected to be raised by a separate bill to increase the assessment that hospitals pay to support Medicaid, Ms. Feigenholtz said. That assessment falls on hospitals that don't treat a large percentage of Medicaid patients.
A spokesman for the Illinois Hospital Association, which represents more than 200 hospitals and health systems in the state, declined to comment, saying the organization was still evaluating the bill.
A 2.7 percent cut would be imposed on other providers, including nurse practitioners, chiropractors and physical therapists. Physicians, dentists and federally qualified health centers are exempted from rate cuts.
The bill also exempts critical-care and safety-net hospitals from any rate reductions.
That news was welcomed by a coalition of Chicago-area safety nets that in March offered its own plan to reduce the Medicaid budget.
“Lawmakers are hearing loud and clear that safety-net hospitals play a critical role in treating the poor and underserved,” a spokeswoman for the Association of Safety-Net Hospitals said in an e-mail.
But the bill requires a dramatic reduction in services offered by Medicaid, which would save about $1.36 billion. Among the programs to be cut are dental care for adults; Illinois Cares Rx, the prescription drug program for seniors. The safety-net hospital coalition has supported cutting back on services as a way to avoid fee reductions.
About $300 million in increased funding has already been authorized via legislation passed Friday that preserved funding for child-care services for poor families and earmarked money to help pay off the state's overdue bills.
Another key piece is $700 million expected to be raised with a $1-per-pack increase on the cigarette tax, Ms. Feigenholtz said.
The bill was passed in the State Senate on March 28 before it moved to the House, where it is expected to be voted on today or Wednesday, Ms. Feigenholtz said.
Mr. Quinn has been arguing since his Feb. 22 budget address that Medicaid cuts were necessary to stave off a collapse of the sprawling $14.3 billion program and reduce the state's $9.2 billion backlog of unpaid bills.
Earlier on Monday, the libertarian Illinois Policy Institute published its own proposal for reducing the Medicaid deficit through more efficient management, rather than cutting reimbursement cuts or increasing the cigarette tax.
Greg Hinz contributed.
@ http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20120522/NEWS03/120529941/state-democrats-offer-240-million-in-medicaid-cuts
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
ADAPT - Disability Advocates Ordered To Court in Washington D.C. Superior Court | May 17, 2012
New Horizons - Independent Living Center
Posted on May 17, 2012 by Dane Hammond
More than 70 disability advocates arrested last month during a Medicaid protest at the U.S. Capitol are being forced to return to Washington to appear in court.
In what the disability rights group ADAPT is calling an unprecedented event in their over 30-year history, members of the organization are being threatened with bench warrants if they do not appear in D.C. Superior Court on Tuesday.
Last month, 74 people — many in wheelchairs — were arrested on charges of unlawful conduct after they refused to disband a protest in the rotunda of the Cannon House Office Building. The group organized by ADAPT was there to oppose cuts to Medicaid.
Actor Noah Wyle who is best known for appearing on NBC’s “ER” is a vocal advocate for universal health care and was among those detained in the April protest.
Though ADAPT regularly holds protests where arrests are commonplace, leaders of the group say they are typically represented in court by an attorney and are not required to be present. This time, however, prosecutors are insisting that all of those arrested appear in person at the hearing.
The requirement is leading to a mad scramble since several of those arrested live as far away as Colorado and Utah. Traveling back to Washington on short notice is costing some involved $1,000 or more.
“I’m shocked and angry,” said Marsha Katz, a member of ADAPT who lives in Missoula, Mont. She plans to make the return trip to Washington in order to assist her husband, Bob Liston, who uses a wheelchair and was among those arrested during the April action.
“This is the first time in more than 20 years that the court wouldn’t allow an attorney to represent us and wouldn’t entertain a motion to postpone,” said Katz. “Are they doing this to dissuade us from exercising our first amendment rights?”
A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia said he would look into the matter but did not offer further comment as of late Wednesday.
So far, 53 of those arrested have made plans to travel back to Washington next week, according to Rahnee Patrick, an ADAPT leader from Chicago who’s helping to arrange the court appearance. But she says that for ADAPT members relying on Social Security income alone, the sheer cost of making the trip means appearing in court will be prohibitive.
As for Wyle, Patrick said it wasn’t yet clear when he would appear in court.
Patrick declined to speculate on the motives behind the mandated court showing, but did say that the organization’s attorney indicated that prosecutors were “very, very familiar with ADAPT.”
Regardless, Patrick said she did not believe that future protests would be impacted.
“These cuts are personal,” Patrick said of ADAPT’s recent opposition to Medicaid changes. “It hasn’t been easy, but our people are willing to make the sacrifice because we understand that people’s lives are at stake.”
@ http://newhorizonsilc.org/blog/2012/05/17/disability-advocates-ordered-to-court/
###
American Association of People with Disabilities
Mark's Weekly Message
Fighting for justice as one community
I am outraged today because 74 courageous and engaged disability rights activists are being unjustly singled out by a seemingly vindictive D.C. attorney’s office – more concerned with clamping down on free speech in our nation’s capital, than with protecting the fundamental right to protest and petition our government. These 74 Americans were arrested in DC on April 23rd while protesting the U.S. House’s plan to cut $800 billion from Medicaid. They had come here from all over the country to protect a program that provides health care and other vital tools to millions of people.
The D.C. attorney’s office is demanding that the 74 return to DC from all over the country to appear in court this coming Tuesday. Getting arrested for a good cause is a time honored tradition in our nations’ capital. Usually, people pay a small fine. Not this time.
Bruce Darling was one of the protesters. Here is what he had to say:
These protesters, including myself, were arrested doing what was right. We were drawing attention to policy decisions that could be devastating for millions of people. We spend months saving up for each trip because making our case is that important. Many of the people who are being called back to DC live on $700 per month and have already paid enormous fines in the form of travel arrangements. I’m surprised and appalled that this is the price we must pay to protect Medicaid from being dismantled. In America we should not have to pay this price to exercise our right to address our government.
Bruce is right. This is not how we treat our fellow Americans for exercising their rights. The ironies abound:
1) The protesters were in Washington objecting to a proposal that would cut spending on the backs of people who are already living close to the margins. They were here to fight for justice, and they’re being treated like criminals.
2) This past week, AAPD and The Leadership Conference released a report showing how our transportation systems are leaving people with disabilities behind. The dozens of people who have been ordered back to DC from all over the country are going to experience that first hand, and at enormous financial expense. People in rural areas will have few options for getting to the airport. Some might deal with TSA screeners who might not know the procedures for protecting lifesaving medical equipment. And when they get here, they’d better have a plan to get to the courthouse that doesn’t involve a cab—because DC is just starting to consider legislation to make 4% of our cabs accessible.
3) The US House just voted to prevent the Department of Justice from enforcing the ADA’s requirement that swimming pools be accessible. When we’re fighting to preserve already meager Medicaid payments, access to recreational facilities such as swimming pools is not at the top of our priority list. But here’s the thing—since our community traveled to Washington to point out Congress’s shameful behavior toward people with disabilities, Congress turned their back on us again, voting to cut a piece out of an important civil rights law.
Should our government spend our tax dollars to punish courageous citizens for peacefully assembling in protest? No, it shouldn’t. Government by the people, of the people, and for the people depends upon civic engagement, and that should not be punished.
I am grateful to the ADAPT protesters for fighting for all of us. We are one community and one movement—which means that we fight for one another. That’s why I’m encouraging all of you to support the ADAPT activists by contributing to the MMM! Legal Defense Fund. AAPD donated $5000 to the Fund and we are doing all we can to get this message out.
You can send your tax deductible donation to:
ADAPT
MMM Legal Defense Fund
1640A East 2nd St
Austin, Texas 78702
512/442-0252
or
Through PayPal http://www.adapt.org/donate
-- Mark
@ http://power.aapd.com/site/MessageViewer?em_id=2041.0&dlv_id=5801
Posted on May 17, 2012 by Dane Hammond
In what the disability rights group ADAPT is calling an unprecedented event in their over 30-year history, members of the organization are being threatened with bench warrants if they do not appear in D.C. Superior Court on Tuesday.
Last month, 74 people — many in wheelchairs — were arrested on charges of unlawful conduct after they refused to disband a protest in the rotunda of the Cannon House Office Building. The group organized by ADAPT was there to oppose cuts to Medicaid.
Actor Noah Wyle who is best known for appearing on NBC’s “ER” is a vocal advocate for universal health care and was among those detained in the April protest.
Though ADAPT regularly holds protests where arrests are commonplace, leaders of the group say they are typically represented in court by an attorney and are not required to be present. This time, however, prosecutors are insisting that all of those arrested appear in person at the hearing.
The requirement is leading to a mad scramble since several of those arrested live as far away as Colorado and Utah. Traveling back to Washington on short notice is costing some involved $1,000 or more.
“I’m shocked and angry,” said Marsha Katz, a member of ADAPT who lives in Missoula, Mont. She plans to make the return trip to Washington in order to assist her husband, Bob Liston, who uses a wheelchair and was among those arrested during the April action.
“This is the first time in more than 20 years that the court wouldn’t allow an attorney to represent us and wouldn’t entertain a motion to postpone,” said Katz. “Are they doing this to dissuade us from exercising our first amendment rights?”
A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia said he would look into the matter but did not offer further comment as of late Wednesday.
So far, 53 of those arrested have made plans to travel back to Washington next week, according to Rahnee Patrick, an ADAPT leader from Chicago who’s helping to arrange the court appearance. But she says that for ADAPT members relying on Social Security income alone, the sheer cost of making the trip means appearing in court will be prohibitive.
As for Wyle, Patrick said it wasn’t yet clear when he would appear in court.
Patrick declined to speculate on the motives behind the mandated court showing, but did say that the organization’s attorney indicated that prosecutors were “very, very familiar with ADAPT.”
Regardless, Patrick said she did not believe that future protests would be impacted.
“These cuts are personal,” Patrick said of ADAPT’s recent opposition to Medicaid changes. “It hasn’t been easy, but our people are willing to make the sacrifice because we understand that people’s lives are at stake.”
@ http://newhorizonsilc.org/blog/2012/05/17/disability-advocates-ordered-to-court/
###
American Association of People with Disabilities
Mark's Weekly Message
Fighting for justice as one community
I am outraged today because 74 courageous and engaged disability rights activists are being unjustly singled out by a seemingly vindictive D.C. attorney’s office – more concerned with clamping down on free speech in our nation’s capital, than with protecting the fundamental right to protest and petition our government. These 74 Americans were arrested in DC on April 23rd while protesting the U.S. House’s plan to cut $800 billion from Medicaid. They had come here from all over the country to protect a program that provides health care and other vital tools to millions of people.
The D.C. attorney’s office is demanding that the 74 return to DC from all over the country to appear in court this coming Tuesday. Getting arrested for a good cause is a time honored tradition in our nations’ capital. Usually, people pay a small fine. Not this time.
Bruce Darling was one of the protesters. Here is what he had to say:
These protesters, including myself, were arrested doing what was right. We were drawing attention to policy decisions that could be devastating for millions of people. We spend months saving up for each trip because making our case is that important. Many of the people who are being called back to DC live on $700 per month and have already paid enormous fines in the form of travel arrangements. I’m surprised and appalled that this is the price we must pay to protect Medicaid from being dismantled. In America we should not have to pay this price to exercise our right to address our government.
Bruce is right. This is not how we treat our fellow Americans for exercising their rights. The ironies abound:
1) The protesters were in Washington objecting to a proposal that would cut spending on the backs of people who are already living close to the margins. They were here to fight for justice, and they’re being treated like criminals.
2) This past week, AAPD and The Leadership Conference released a report showing how our transportation systems are leaving people with disabilities behind. The dozens of people who have been ordered back to DC from all over the country are going to experience that first hand, and at enormous financial expense. People in rural areas will have few options for getting to the airport. Some might deal with TSA screeners who might not know the procedures for protecting lifesaving medical equipment. And when they get here, they’d better have a plan to get to the courthouse that doesn’t involve a cab—because DC is just starting to consider legislation to make 4% of our cabs accessible.
3) The US House just voted to prevent the Department of Justice from enforcing the ADA’s requirement that swimming pools be accessible. When we’re fighting to preserve already meager Medicaid payments, access to recreational facilities such as swimming pools is not at the top of our priority list. But here’s the thing—since our community traveled to Washington to point out Congress’s shameful behavior toward people with disabilities, Congress turned their back on us again, voting to cut a piece out of an important civil rights law.
Should our government spend our tax dollars to punish courageous citizens for peacefully assembling in protest? No, it shouldn’t. Government by the people, of the people, and for the people depends upon civic engagement, and that should not be punished.
I am grateful to the ADAPT protesters for fighting for all of us. We are one community and one movement—which means that we fight for one another. That’s why I’m encouraging all of you to support the ADAPT activists by contributing to the MMM! Legal Defense Fund. AAPD donated $5000 to the Fund and we are doing all we can to get this message out.
You can send your tax deductible donation to:
ADAPT
MMM Legal Defense Fund
1640A East 2nd St
Austin, Texas 78702
512/442-0252
or
Through PayPal http://www.adapt.org/donate
-- Mark
@ http://power.aapd.com/site/MessageViewer?em_id=2041.0&dlv_id=5801
Letter: Move toward community care - The State of Illinois is at a crossroads | May 22, 2012
Letters to The Editor - Opinion
The State Journal-Register | Springfield, IL
The State of Illinois is at a crossroads. Either it can honor its commitment — and legal duty — to provide services for people with disabilities in the most integrated setting or it can bow to special interests and continue to provide services in large, outmoded and inefficient institutions. The latter choice will not only deepen the state’s financial crisis, it will invite further legal action to enforce the civil rights of people with disabilities.
For decades, Illinois has spent a disproportionate amount of its long-term care budget on institutional care for people with disabilities. Yet research and experience have shown that people with disabilities are safer, healthier and happier living in the community. It is more than time for the state to shift its priorities — and the funding necessary to meet them — to provide quality services and supports so that people with disabilities can lead full, productive lives in the community.
The governor’s plan to close Jacksonville and Murray developmental centers is an important step toward achieving that goal. Illinois must not retreat from this decision.
The notion that some people are not suited for the community is soundly refuted by the evidence. Fourteen states and the District of Columbia have closed all their state institutions and are successfully serving former residents in the community. Illinois’ first affirmative step toward community integration should not be thwarted.
With the appropriate services and supports, even those with the most significant disabilities can live successfully in the community. Rather than continue to fund an outdated system of institutional care that does not give people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the ability to make quality choices, Illinois should honor the governor’s commitment to rebalance the system and invest the energy and resources needed to increase person-centered care in the community.
— Zena Naiditch, president and CEO, Equip for Equality, Chicago
@ http://www.sj-r.com/opinions/x1832936953/Letter-Move-toward-community-care
For Equip for Equality visit: www.equipforequality.org/
The State Journal-Register | Springfield, IL
The State of Illinois is at a crossroads. Either it can honor its commitment — and legal duty — to provide services for people with disabilities in the most integrated setting or it can bow to special interests and continue to provide services in large, outmoded and inefficient institutions. The latter choice will not only deepen the state’s financial crisis, it will invite further legal action to enforce the civil rights of people with disabilities.
For decades, Illinois has spent a disproportionate amount of its long-term care budget on institutional care for people with disabilities. Yet research and experience have shown that people with disabilities are safer, healthier and happier living in the community. It is more than time for the state to shift its priorities — and the funding necessary to meet them — to provide quality services and supports so that people with disabilities can lead full, productive lives in the community.
The governor’s plan to close Jacksonville and Murray developmental centers is an important step toward achieving that goal. Illinois must not retreat from this decision.
The notion that some people are not suited for the community is soundly refuted by the evidence. Fourteen states and the District of Columbia have closed all their state institutions and are successfully serving former residents in the community. Illinois’ first affirmative step toward community integration should not be thwarted.
With the appropriate services and supports, even those with the most significant disabilities can live successfully in the community. Rather than continue to fund an outdated system of institutional care that does not give people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the ability to make quality choices, Illinois should honor the governor’s commitment to rebalance the system and invest the energy and resources needed to increase person-centered care in the community.
— Zena Naiditch, president and CEO, Equip for Equality, Chicago
@ http://www.sj-r.com/opinions/x1832936953/Letter-Move-toward-community-care
For Equip for Equality visit: www.equipforequality.org/
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Justice Department Extends Compliance Deadline for Existing Pools Under the 2010 ADA Standards | May 18, 2012
Press Release
Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs
The Justice Department announced today an extension for existing swimming pools to comply with the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design. Existing pools must comply with the standards by Jan. 31, 2013.
On July 26, 2010, the 20th anniversary of the ADA, President Barack Obama announced newly revised ADA regulations. The regulations reflect the fundamental principle that all Americans with disabilities should have equal access and an equal right to participate fully in our society.
Requirements for existing swimming pools were originally extended on March 15, 2010, for 60 days. The department also published a notice of proposed rulemaking with a 15-day comment period on a possible extension in order to allow additional time to address misunderstandings regarding compliance with these ADA requirements. After reviewing the comments, the department determined that a further extension was necessary to provide additional time for compliance and to respond to concerns and misunderstandings about the standards. The department will also release a technical assistance document in the near future to assist pool owners with the requirements. More information on pool requirements can be found at www.ada.gov/pools_2010.htm .
Newly constructed or altered places of public accommodation, commercial facilities and state and local government facilities are required to comply with the ADA standards. Places of public accommodation in existing facilities are required to remove accessibility barriers to the extent it is readily achievable – meaning easy to accomplish without much difficulty or expense. State and local governments using existing facilities are required to ensure their programs, services and activities, when viewed in their entirety, are accessible.
These standards were adopted as part of the revised regulations for Title II and Title III of the ADA of 1990 and will make buildings and facilities accessible to more than 54 million Americans with disabilities. The standards can be found at www.ada.gov/2010ADAstandards_index.htm .
People interested in finding out more about the ADA or the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design can call the toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (Voice) or 800-514-0383 (TTY), or access the ADA website at www.ada.gov .
12-649Civil Rights Division
@ http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2012/May/12-crt-649.html
Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs
The Justice Department announced today an extension for existing swimming pools to comply with the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design. Existing pools must comply with the standards by Jan. 31, 2013.
On July 26, 2010, the 20th anniversary of the ADA, President Barack Obama announced newly revised ADA regulations. The regulations reflect the fundamental principle that all Americans with disabilities should have equal access and an equal right to participate fully in our society.
Requirements for existing swimming pools were originally extended on March 15, 2010, for 60 days. The department also published a notice of proposed rulemaking with a 15-day comment period on a possible extension in order to allow additional time to address misunderstandings regarding compliance with these ADA requirements. After reviewing the comments, the department determined that a further extension was necessary to provide additional time for compliance and to respond to concerns and misunderstandings about the standards. The department will also release a technical assistance document in the near future to assist pool owners with the requirements. More information on pool requirements can be found at www.ada.gov/pools_2010.htm .
Newly constructed or altered places of public accommodation, commercial facilities and state and local government facilities are required to comply with the ADA standards. Places of public accommodation in existing facilities are required to remove accessibility barriers to the extent it is readily achievable – meaning easy to accomplish without much difficulty or expense. State and local governments using existing facilities are required to ensure their programs, services and activities, when viewed in their entirety, are accessible.
These standards were adopted as part of the revised regulations for Title II and Title III of the ADA of 1990 and will make buildings and facilities accessible to more than 54 million Americans with disabilities. The standards can be found at www.ada.gov/2010ADAstandards_index.htm .
People interested in finding out more about the ADA or the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design can call the toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (Voice) or 800-514-0383 (TTY), or access the ADA website at www.ada.gov .
12-649Civil Rights Division
@ http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2012/May/12-crt-649.html
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Illinois Closing of Institutions, The Arcs sincere approach for the residents of the institutions : Letters | May 18, 2012
As posted in:
The Chicago Tribune ; Letters to The Editor
Supporters of institutional living are using scare tactics in a desperate attempt to sway public opinion against Gov. Pat Quinn's brilliant plan to close state institutions. They are talking about people losing their jobs, residents being turned away with nowhere to go and families being separated.
My interest is for the residents of the institutions. The Arc of Illinois is standing by these families to make sure they have a meaningful and successful transition into community living.
No one will be "evicted." In fact, we have been working with the Illinois Department of Human Services on a comprehensive transition plan that will ensure a person-centered planning approach. Each person will receive an evaluation and ultimately be moved into a community setting that is personalized to empower people with disabilities to live an independent, safe and happy life, whether it's living alone or with a small group, 24-hour care or a more independent lifestyle. They enjoy going to church, going out for ice cream and spending time with family and friends. Each plan is customized according to their individual needs.
The days of segregating people with disabilities are long gone; to suggest that they should remain institutionalized and not be given the opportunity to thrive in a community setting is insulting.
We work with countless families, some whose loved ones have been labeled with the most severe disabilities, who have moved from an institution to a community home and flourished! People with disabilities want and deserve the same opportunities we all do. It's time to stop selling them short and disregarding their potential. It's time to get real about the amazing opportunities and dreams that are attainable by living in a community.
-- Tony Paulauski, executive director, the Arc of Illinois, Frankfort
@ http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/letters/chi-120518paulauski_briefs,0,6893185.story
###
We at Ability Chicago support the sincere effort by The Arc of Illinois and Mr. Paulauski. I would like the acknowledge that a few of the us have had the opportunity to get to know Mr. Paulauski in the last few years, we take Tony at his word and commitment to people with disabilities, wanting only the best for all.
Jim Watkins, Exec. Director
Ability Chicago
###
For The Arc of Illinois visit: www.thearcofil.org/
Uploaded by thearcofillinois on Sep 8, 2011
Arc of Illinois Tony Paulauski on describing the Arc of Illinois and what the organization does for people with developmental disabilities
The Chicago Tribune ; Letters to The Editor
Supporters of institutional living are using scare tactics in a desperate attempt to sway public opinion against Gov. Pat Quinn's brilliant plan to close state institutions. They are talking about people losing their jobs, residents being turned away with nowhere to go and families being separated.
My interest is for the residents of the institutions. The Arc of Illinois is standing by these families to make sure they have a meaningful and successful transition into community living.
No one will be "evicted." In fact, we have been working with the Illinois Department of Human Services on a comprehensive transition plan that will ensure a person-centered planning approach. Each person will receive an evaluation and ultimately be moved into a community setting that is personalized to empower people with disabilities to live an independent, safe and happy life, whether it's living alone or with a small group, 24-hour care or a more independent lifestyle. They enjoy going to church, going out for ice cream and spending time with family and friends. Each plan is customized according to their individual needs.
The days of segregating people with disabilities are long gone; to suggest that they should remain institutionalized and not be given the opportunity to thrive in a community setting is insulting.
We work with countless families, some whose loved ones have been labeled with the most severe disabilities, who have moved from an institution to a community home and flourished! People with disabilities want and deserve the same opportunities we all do. It's time to stop selling them short and disregarding their potential. It's time to get real about the amazing opportunities and dreams that are attainable by living in a community.
-- Tony Paulauski, executive director, the Arc of Illinois, Frankfort
@ http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/letters/chi-120518paulauski_briefs,0,6893185.story
###
We at Ability Chicago support the sincere effort by The Arc of Illinois and Mr. Paulauski. I would like the acknowledge that a few of the us have had the opportunity to get to know Mr. Paulauski in the last few years, we take Tony at his word and commitment to people with disabilities, wanting only the best for all.
Jim Watkins, Exec. Director
Ability Chicago
###
For The Arc of Illinois visit: www.thearcofil.org/
Uploaded by thearcofillinois on Sep 8, 2011
Arc of Illinois Tony Paulauski on describing the Arc of Illinois and what the organization does for people with developmental disabilities
A Federal Judge in Illinois Allows EEOC Disability Discrimination Suit to Move Forward | May 18, 2012
A federal judge in Illinois has handed the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission a much-needed win, ruling that a disability discrimination suit may go forward even though the agency did not individually investigate and attempt to settle every class member's claim before filing suit.
The decision contrasts sharply with a holding earlier this month from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, which tossed a massive sexual harassment suit because it found the EEOC did not adequately investigate the plaintiffs’ claims up front.
U.S. District Judge Ruben Castillo of the Northern District of Illinois (part of the Seventh Circuit) reached the opposite conclusion last week when faced with a similar issue in EEOC v. United Road Towing Inc.
The EEOC sued on behalf of 19 current and former United Road employees, alleging the company violated the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 706 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The EEOC alleged that the company discriminated against the workers with its unpaid medical leave policy, that it denied them reasonable accommodation, and that it illegally refused to rehire them after they returned from leave.
Initially, two employees complained. The EEOC investigated their charges and invited the company to attempt to conciliate, as required by statute. The agency went on to add 17 more plaintiffs.
United Road Towing argued that the court should grant summary judgment for all but the two original plaintiffs because the EEOC failed to satisfy all of its administrative requirements prior to filing suit.
The judge was unimpressed, stating flat out that “the court will not inquire into whether the EEOC’s administrative investigation adequately supported the claims.” Citing a Sixth Circuit precedent, Castillo wrote that “If defendant employers were permitted to challenge whether an EEOC investigation provided sufficient reasonable cause for subsequent claims, the focus of employment discrimination litigation would become the EEOC’s administrative efforts, rather than the validity of the actual claims of discrimination.”
By comparison, the lower court judge in the Eighth Circuit sexual harassment case against trucking giant CRST Van Expedited Inc. conceded that “dozens of potentially meritorious sexual harassment claims may now never see the inside of the courtroom” when she threw out the EEOC’s case for failing to fulfill the administrative prerequisites.
Castillo also ruled that it was “clear the EEOC made an attempt to conciliate, and that this attempt was sufficient,” even though it didn’t involve all 19 plaintiffs. He did, however, stay the proceedings for 14 days to give the parties a chance to conciliate all the claims.
# Posted by Jenna Greene on May 18, 2012 at 10:10 AM
The Blog of Legal Times
@ http://legaltimes.typepad.com/blt/2012/05/judge-allows-eeoc-disability-discrimination-suit-to-move-forward.html
The decision contrasts sharply with a holding earlier this month from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, which tossed a massive sexual harassment suit because it found the EEOC did not adequately investigate the plaintiffs’ claims up front.
U.S. District Judge Ruben Castillo of the Northern District of Illinois (part of the Seventh Circuit) reached the opposite conclusion last week when faced with a similar issue in EEOC v. United Road Towing Inc.
The EEOC sued on behalf of 19 current and former United Road employees, alleging the company violated the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 706 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The EEOC alleged that the company discriminated against the workers with its unpaid medical leave policy, that it denied them reasonable accommodation, and that it illegally refused to rehire them after they returned from leave.
Initially, two employees complained. The EEOC investigated their charges and invited the company to attempt to conciliate, as required by statute. The agency went on to add 17 more plaintiffs.
United Road Towing argued that the court should grant summary judgment for all but the two original plaintiffs because the EEOC failed to satisfy all of its administrative requirements prior to filing suit.
The judge was unimpressed, stating flat out that “the court will not inquire into whether the EEOC’s administrative investigation adequately supported the claims.” Citing a Sixth Circuit precedent, Castillo wrote that “If defendant employers were permitted to challenge whether an EEOC investigation provided sufficient reasonable cause for subsequent claims, the focus of employment discrimination litigation would become the EEOC’s administrative efforts, rather than the validity of the actual claims of discrimination.”
By comparison, the lower court judge in the Eighth Circuit sexual harassment case against trucking giant CRST Van Expedited Inc. conceded that “dozens of potentially meritorious sexual harassment claims may now never see the inside of the courtroom” when she threw out the EEOC’s case for failing to fulfill the administrative prerequisites.
Castillo also ruled that it was “clear the EEOC made an attempt to conciliate, and that this attempt was sufficient,” even though it didn’t involve all 19 plaintiffs. He did, however, stay the proceedings for 14 days to give the parties a chance to conciliate all the claims.
# Posted by Jenna Greene on May 18, 2012 at 10:10 AM
The Blog of Legal Times
@ http://legaltimes.typepad.com/blt/2012/05/judge-allows-eeoc-disability-discrimination-suit-to-move-forward.html
Friday, May 18, 2012
New York State overpayment of $700 million for residents with developmental disabilities care | May 18, 2012
Report Details Medicaid Overpayments to New York State
By DANNY HAKIM | The New York Times
ALBANY — The federal government paid New York State $700 million more in 2009 than the state needed to care for residents with developmental disabilities who lived in its institutions, according to the inspector general of the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington.
The finding suggested that billions of dollars earmarked for institutional care in New York had been used for other purposes over the last several years. No penalty is recommended, however, because the payments were approved by federal regulators.
Instead, the report recommends that federal and state officials do what they have already been trying to do for the last several months — negotiate a more accurate system of how Medicaid reimburses the state for care of those with developmental disabilities. The report also recommends that the new reimbursement system comply with federal requirements that “payment for services be consistent with efficiency and economy.”
Most of the people with developmental disabilities in residential care in New York are not in institutional settings, but rather in group homes spread across communities throughout the state. State officials have said that extra Medicaid dollars earmarked for institutions have been redirected to other parts of its system of care, including group homes. But the inspector general’s office is considering a further review of how the excess money was spent.
Concerns about inflated reimbursements to the state for its institutions have been discussed for some time. In 2010, The Poughkeepsie Journal reported that Medicaid was spending more than $4,000 a day on residents of institutions for people with developmental disabilities. The inspector general’s report said the actual cost of care was about $1,500.
The findings help explain one of the reasons New York spends roughly $10 billion a year caring for people with developmental disabilities — more than California, Florida, Illinois and Texas combined — while serving fewer than half as many people. As part of the continuing negotiations, federal officials plan to scale back reimbursements to New York, but over a period of several years.
The report was drafted by the office of Daniel R. Levinson, the inspector general of the federal health department. In comments appended to the report, both New York and federal regulators agreed to work together to address the issues raised in the report.
@ http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/19/nyregion/us-cites-medicaid-overpayments-to-new-york-state.html
By DANNY HAKIM | The New York Times
ALBANY — The federal government paid New York State $700 million more in 2009 than the state needed to care for residents with developmental disabilities who lived in its institutions, according to the inspector general of the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington.
The finding suggested that billions of dollars earmarked for institutional care in New York had been used for other purposes over the last several years. No penalty is recommended, however, because the payments were approved by federal regulators.
Instead, the report recommends that federal and state officials do what they have already been trying to do for the last several months — negotiate a more accurate system of how Medicaid reimburses the state for care of those with developmental disabilities. The report also recommends that the new reimbursement system comply with federal requirements that “payment for services be consistent with efficiency and economy.”
Most of the people with developmental disabilities in residential care in New York are not in institutional settings, but rather in group homes spread across communities throughout the state. State officials have said that extra Medicaid dollars earmarked for institutions have been redirected to other parts of its system of care, including group homes. But the inspector general’s office is considering a further review of how the excess money was spent.
Concerns about inflated reimbursements to the state for its institutions have been discussed for some time. In 2010, The Poughkeepsie Journal reported that Medicaid was spending more than $4,000 a day on residents of institutions for people with developmental disabilities. The inspector general’s report said the actual cost of care was about $1,500.
The findings help explain one of the reasons New York spends roughly $10 billion a year caring for people with developmental disabilities — more than California, Florida, Illinois and Texas combined — while serving fewer than half as many people. As part of the continuing negotiations, federal officials plan to scale back reimbursements to New York, but over a period of several years.
The report was drafted by the office of Daniel R. Levinson, the inspector general of the federal health department. In comments appended to the report, both New York and federal regulators agreed to work together to address the issues raised in the report.
@ http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/19/nyregion/us-cites-medicaid-overpayments-to-new-york-state.html
Thursday, May 17, 2012
ILLINOIS STATE ATTY. MADIGAN, EQUIP FOR EQUALITY & H.S. FENWICK STUDENT FILE LAWSUIT AGAINST IHSA
PRESS RELEASE
May 16, 2012
Illinois Attorney General Office
Chicago – Attorney General Lisa Madigan, with Equip for Equality and a 16-year-old high school student from La Grange, today filed a joint lawsuit against the nonprofit Illinois High School Association to ensure student athletes with disabilities have full and equal opportunities to compete in interscholastic sports competitions throughout the state.
Madigan filed the lawsuit jointly with Equip for Equality, a federally mandated legal advocacy organization for people with disabilities in Illinois and which represents Mary Kate Callahan, a 16-year-old junior at Fenwick Catholic High School in Oak Park. Madigan said their mutual goal in bringing today’s action is to ensure all students with disabilities have the right to access every high school program and activity, including interscholastic sports competitions and state meets that feature separate heats to allow disabled athletes to compete.
“Every student athlete should have a chance to compete, including athletes with disabilities,” Madigan said. “Many other states give student athletes with disabilities the opportunity to compete. Students in Illinois should have the same chance.”
The joint lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, charges the nonprofit IHSA with violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, both of which require that no person be excluded from equal participation in any program or activity of a public entity because of their disability. The laws also prohibit discrimination based on a person’s disability.
Out of 811 high schools in Illinois, 793 public and private high schools are members of the nonprofit IHSA, the only organization in the state through which high schools can compete in interscholastic competitions. But under current IHSA practices, athletes with disabilities cannot compete with able-bodied athletes and cannot advance to state meets offered by the IHSA. Nationally, 15 states already provide an opportunity for student athletes with disabilities to take part in various sporting events.
Today’s action arose out of complaints brought to Madigan’s office by Equip for Equality and Mary Kate Callahan, who uses a wheelchair due to lower limb paralysis from a condition called transverse myelitis. Though Mary Kate is a member of Fenwick’s swim team and Fenwick supports her participation in competitions, she is not allowed to compete with her team in IHSA meets at the sectional or state championship level.
“By not providing appropriate time standards for high school athletes with disabilities to qualify for state events, the IHSA is punishing disabled athletes,” Mary Kate Callahan said. “We work just as hard and want to represent our high schools at the highest level of competition just like all athletes. The IHSA is preventing us from doing so.”
Madigan said the lawsuit was brought after attempts by her office to resolve the matter out of court were rebuffed by the IHSA. The nonprofit association filed suit against the Attorney General’s office in April. Madigan’s office had hoped to reach an agreement with the IHSA to allow athletes with disabilities to compete during the same championships as their able-bodied peers.
The lawsuit seeks to allow all students with disabilities to compete and earn points in interscholastic high school meets and to establish qualifying standards and rules for these students so they can compete at state meets, set records and earn medals like all other students. The lawsuit seeks to require IHSA to do so first for swimming and track and field sports for the 2012-2013 school year and expand opportunities in other sports thereafter.
Public Interest Division Chief Paul Gaynor, Disability Rights Bureau Chief Nicki Bazer and Assistant Attorney General Judith Levitan are handling the case for Madigan’s office. Alan Goldstein, Amy Peterson and Lauren Lowe are handling the case for Equip for Equality.
###
Paralyzed high school swimmer leads suit against IHSA
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Report by Karen Jordan | ABC7 Chicago News
May 16, 2012 (CHAMPAIGN, Ill.) (WLS) -- A paralyzed high school swimmer helped file a lawsuit Wednesday on behalf of other student athletes with disabilities.
Mary Kate Callahan, 16, wants to ensure that student athletes with disabilities can compete in interscholastic sports throughout the state.
Callahan does not back down from a challenge. As a baby, she contracted transverse myelitis, a rare neurological disease that left her without the use of her legs. But she fell in love with summing, relying on her upper body to power her through the pool.
Her passion for the sport led her to the swim team at Fenwick High School, which lets her take part in competitions. Her swimming is symbolic. She's not allowed to officially compete with her team on Illinois High School Association meets at the sectional or state championship level.
"I train just as hard as everyone else and in the disabled world, I'm ranked up there and it's hard being cut off because you know you put in just as much effort as anybody else," said Callahan.
Callahan and her mother Joanne Callahan, with the help of Equip for Equality and the Attorney General's office, are suing the IHSA to ensure student athletes with disabilities have equal opportunities to compete in the state.
This is not the first lawsuit in this case. Last month, the IHSA sued the Attorney General's office for clarification on the organization's obligations under the law.
The IHSA's executive director says, "We always have promoted opportunities for student athletes with disabilities, making accommodations upon request in a number of events."
"They sued essentially saying that they want a declaration from the court that the federal laws that prohibit discrimination don't actually apply to them," said Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.
Madigan says nearly two dozen states have adopted criteria for disabled student athletes to compete. In the meantime, Callahan hopes change will come -- if not for her, then for future disabled athletes.
@ http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8663873
(Copyright ©2012 WLS-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
May 16, 2012
Illinois Attorney General Office
Lawsuit Seeks Equal Opportunity for Student Athletes with Disabilities
Chicago – Attorney General Lisa Madigan, with Equip for Equality and a 16-year-old high school student from La Grange, today filed a joint lawsuit against the nonprofit Illinois High School Association to ensure student athletes with disabilities have full and equal opportunities to compete in interscholastic sports competitions throughout the state.
Madigan filed the lawsuit jointly with Equip for Equality, a federally mandated legal advocacy organization for people with disabilities in Illinois and which represents Mary Kate Callahan, a 16-year-old junior at Fenwick Catholic High School in Oak Park. Madigan said their mutual goal in bringing today’s action is to ensure all students with disabilities have the right to access every high school program and activity, including interscholastic sports competitions and state meets that feature separate heats to allow disabled athletes to compete.
“Every student athlete should have a chance to compete, including athletes with disabilities,” Madigan said. “Many other states give student athletes with disabilities the opportunity to compete. Students in Illinois should have the same chance.”
The joint lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, charges the nonprofit IHSA with violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, both of which require that no person be excluded from equal participation in any program or activity of a public entity because of their disability. The laws also prohibit discrimination based on a person’s disability.
Out of 811 high schools in Illinois, 793 public and private high schools are members of the nonprofit IHSA, the only organization in the state through which high schools can compete in interscholastic competitions. But under current IHSA practices, athletes with disabilities cannot compete with able-bodied athletes and cannot advance to state meets offered by the IHSA. Nationally, 15 states already provide an opportunity for student athletes with disabilities to take part in various sporting events.
“Students with disabilities should have the same opportunity to participate and compete in high school sports,” said Zena Naiditch, President and CEO of Equip for Equality. “This lawsuit seeks to bring Illinois in line with many other states, which already fully include student athletes with disabilities.”
Today’s action arose out of complaints brought to Madigan’s office by Equip for Equality and Mary Kate Callahan, who uses a wheelchair due to lower limb paralysis from a condition called transverse myelitis. Though Mary Kate is a member of Fenwick’s swim team and Fenwick supports her participation in competitions, she is not allowed to compete with her team in IHSA meets at the sectional or state championship level.
“By not providing appropriate time standards for high school athletes with disabilities to qualify for state events, the IHSA is punishing disabled athletes,” Mary Kate Callahan said. “We work just as hard and want to represent our high schools at the highest level of competition just like all athletes. The IHSA is preventing us from doing so.”
Madigan said the lawsuit was brought after attempts by her office to resolve the matter out of court were rebuffed by the IHSA. The nonprofit association filed suit against the Attorney General’s office in April. Madigan’s office had hoped to reach an agreement with the IHSA to allow athletes with disabilities to compete during the same championships as their able-bodied peers.
The lawsuit seeks to allow all students with disabilities to compete and earn points in interscholastic high school meets and to establish qualifying standards and rules for these students so they can compete at state meets, set records and earn medals like all other students. The lawsuit seeks to require IHSA to do so first for swimming and track and field sports for the 2012-2013 school year and expand opportunities in other sports thereafter.
Public Interest Division Chief Paul Gaynor, Disability Rights Bureau Chief Nicki Bazer and Assistant Attorney General Judith Levitan are handling the case for Madigan’s office. Alan Goldstein, Amy Peterson and Lauren Lowe are handling the case for Equip for Equality.
###
Paralyzed high school swimmer leads suit against IHSA
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Report by Karen Jordan | ABC7 Chicago News
May 16, 2012 (CHAMPAIGN, Ill.) (WLS) -- A paralyzed high school swimmer helped file a lawsuit Wednesday on behalf of other student athletes with disabilities.
Callahan does not back down from a challenge. As a baby, she contracted transverse myelitis, a rare neurological disease that left her without the use of her legs. But she fell in love with summing, relying on her upper body to power her through the pool.
Her passion for the sport led her to the swim team at Fenwick High School, which lets her take part in competitions. Her swimming is symbolic. She's not allowed to officially compete with her team on Illinois High School Association meets at the sectional or state championship level.
"I train just as hard as everyone else and in the disabled world, I'm ranked up there and it's hard being cut off because you know you put in just as much effort as anybody else," said Callahan.
Callahan and her mother Joanne Callahan, with the help of Equip for Equality and the Attorney General's office, are suing the IHSA to ensure student athletes with disabilities have equal opportunities to compete in the state.
This is not the first lawsuit in this case. Last month, the IHSA sued the Attorney General's office for clarification on the organization's obligations under the law.
The IHSA's executive director says, "We always have promoted opportunities for student athletes with disabilities, making accommodations upon request in a number of events."
"They sued essentially saying that they want a declaration from the court that the federal laws that prohibit discrimination don't actually apply to them," said Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.
Madigan says nearly two dozen states have adopted criteria for disabled student athletes to compete. In the meantime, Callahan hopes change will come -- if not for her, then for future disabled athletes.
@ http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8663873
(Copyright ©2012 WLS-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
The First Ever Cross-Cultural Superhero with a Disability : The Silver Scorpion | May 2012
By the Open Hands Initiative team
Imagine if we could bring American and international youth together to collaborate on projects that raise awareness about common social issues faced by people all over the world. That is exactly what we do at the Open Hands Initiative (OHI), a nonprofit organization founded in 2009 by American businessman and philanthropist, Jay T. Snyder. We create platforms for exchange that emphasize our common values rather than our differences, building a reservoir of goodwill and understanding that we hope can withstand even the most fundamental policy differences.
The Open Hands Initiative’s mission is to support people-to-people diplomacy by creating cross-cultural dialogue and building global friendships through exchanges between American and international youth. By focusing on our similarities and areas of commonality, we not only try to open young people’s eyes to new cultures, but also help to forge new solutions to tackle global challenges.
We work within three areas of concentration – Media and Democracy; Culture and Creativity; and Disability and Accessibility. Through each of these focuses we have conducted projects in Syria and Egypt, with plans to expand our programs throughout the Middle East and the greater Muslim and Arab world.
It is our mission to promote the rights of persons with disabilities. In pursuit of this goal, we designed an exchange program between 26 American and Syrian youth advocates with disabilities.
The “Youth Ability Summit,” held in Damascus in 2010, served as a platform to share stories, culture and ideas on how to promote the rights of people with disabilities around the world. During the Summit, youth worked closely with disability rights experts and Liquid Comics to create an original superhero. The result was one that reflected their cultural values as well as the challenges of living with a disability. Today, the “Silver Scorpion” is the first ever cross-cultural superhero with a disability; he represents the power of cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration.
The “Silver Scorpion” is the brainchild of the youth who collaborated during the Summit, and it tells the story of a Muslim boy named Bashir who loses his legs in a landmine accident and later gains the powerful ability to bend metal with his mind. This comic is an innovative approach to people-to-people diplomacy, turning a group of extraordinary young people with disabilities into unlikely diplomats. It encourages understanding, dialogue and tolerance not just for persons with disabilities, but also for people from different cultures around the world.
OHI’s Chairman and Founder, Jay Snyder, calls the Silver Scorpion project an “innovative approach towards bridging the gap between Americans and the Muslim world.” He also emphasizes the fact that this type of people-to-people diplomacy is increasingly valuable today. “The collaboration and understanding between regular citizens of the United States and Syria is ever more pressing today during these times of unrest.”
Since the Youth Ability Summit and the publication of the “Silver Scorpion,” the Open Hands Initiative has been distributing the comic book across the United States and the Muslim world. It has reached the hands of more than 30,000 Americans, 12,000 Egyptians and soon several thousand Lebanese and Syrian youth, teachers and disability experts. The comic book will also be used in classrooms in Egypt and Syria as a method of teaching about the rights and inclusion of persons with disability in schools.
To further the reach of the “Silver Scorpion,” the Open Hands Initiative is partnering with Liquid Comic and MTV Voices to launch an animated Web series based off of the comic book story created by the Syrian and American youth. This four-part series is available online in three languages across Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia on MTV’s global websites.
In addition to the creation of the “Silver Scorpion,” the Youth Ability Summit also hosted a three-day writing workshop which produced the first cross-cultural guidebook for implementing the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This manual was authored jointly by disability experts from Syria and America. The manual entitled “Ensuring Rights in Development,” focuses specifically on the development of rights for persons with disabilities in the Middle East/North Africa (MENA) region. Our intention is that activists, community leaders, professionals, policy makers, volunteers, nonprofit organizations and people with and without disabilities will use this manual to not only learn, but also to increase awareness and further reforms towards inclusion and development. The “Ensuring Rights in Development” manual can be found on the Open Hands Initiative website, along with a digital version of the Silver Scorpion.
For more information about the Open Hands Initiative, please visit http://www.openhandsinitiative.org/.
####
Information is from Disability.Gov Blog:
@ http://usodep.blogs.govdelivery.com/2012/05/16/the-silver-scorpion-the-first-ever-cross-cultural-superhero-with-a-disability/
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
In Illinois Eliminating fraud is a key to reining in Medicaid costs : Letters To The Editor | May 16, 2012
Opinion :
The State Journal-Register | Springfield, IL
I write in response to The Associated Press story, “Questions about Illinois Medicaid cuts, pension reforms,” which states there is little evidence to support the claim that nearly 10 percent of Medicaid in Illinois and nationwide could be fraudulent. There is plenty of evidence to support my contention that nearly 10 percent of Medicaid payments may be inappropriate, at least that’s what a 2010 federal agency report says about Medicaid nationwide.
According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the federal Department of Health and Human Services calculated in its 2010 agency financial report that on the basis of individual state error rates from a sample of 17 states reviewed on a rotating basis each year, they estimate a national improper payment rate for Medicaid of 9.4 percent for fiscal year 2010.
The GAO report states improper payments to providers that submit inappropriate claims can result in substantial financial losses to states. The GAO says Medicaid payments can be improper for various reasons, such as if payments are made for people not eligible for Medicaid or made for services not provided.
A National Conference of State Legislatures report also estimates Medicaid fraud and abuse nationwide to be between 3 percent and 10 percent.
According to an NCSL brief for lawmakers in 2010, Medicaid expenditures for fraudulent claims cost states billions of dollars each year. In Florida, for example, Medicaid fraud accounts for between 5 percent and 20 percent of the Medicaid budget. Can you believe what it would be in Chicago or in Illinois with our history of mismanagement, cronyism and corruption?
Even the liberal New York Times estimates that 10 percent of Medicaid is fraud. Medicaid is our state’s largest expenditure — even more than education. A 10 percent savings equates to an astronomical $1.5 billion in savings. Eliminating fraud and specifically those ineligible recipients off our welfare rolls is not only the right thing to do, but helps ensure that those who truly need our care, primarily children and the elderly, get the assistance they need and that our providers are reimbursed in a timely fashion.
Unbelievably, in a cursory audit of just one Medicaid program (AllKids), the Illinois HHS director earlier this year admitted to some troubling findings when they mailed out monthly Medicaid cards. The agency discovered, incredibly, that nearly 6 percent of the mailings were returned as undeliverable with out-of-state addresses.
— Sen. Kirk W. Dillard, R-Hinsdale
###
Tough decisions and votes required to save Medicaid
Illinois is facing a financial crisis that threatens the viability of the state’s Medicaid program, the health-care lifeline for the most vulnerable members of our society. For years now, Illinois has failed to adequately budget for the costs associated with this critical program that provides health care for low-income children, people with disabilities and seniors.
The nonpartisan Civic Federation reported that we must close a $2.7 billion budget gap in order to stabilize the program. If we fail, we will wind up with backlog of $21 billion in unpaid bills by 2017. This would devastate not only the Medicaid program, but the state’s health-care system as a whole.
In the face of this critical challenge, Gov. Pat Quinn has demonstrated leadership. The governor has proposed a balanced plan that combines cuts in spending, a rate cut for providers and a revenue increase in the form of a dollar-a-pack increase in the price of cigarettes. The cigarette tax is targeted to deliver both economic and health benefits. It would generate a dollar-for-dollar federal match of $337 million and reduce the long-term burden of smoking on the Medicaid system.
And it will shield providers from even steeper rate reductions than those we have proposed.
Unfortunately, some legislators have so far resisted the necessary steps to truly solve the state’s Medicaid crisis and save the system from collapse. They argue we can close the gap by tightening screening of applicants and beneficiaries. But that process is already well under way.
Anyone who thinks tighter eligibility screening will yield all the savings we need is not reckoning with reality. Tough decisions — and tough votes by the legislature — will be needed to pull the state out of the deep hole that we find ourselves in.
We sincerely hope that legislators from both parties will join us in taking a balanced, bipartisan approach to solving the Medicaid crisis. We can do this by enacting the tough but necessary measures that Gov. Quinn has proposed.
— Julie Hamos, director, Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Service, Chicago
@ http://www.sj-r.com/opinions/x2138754267/Letters-Eliminating-fraud-is-a-key-to-reining-in-Medicaid-costs
The State Journal-Register | Springfield, IL
I write in response to The Associated Press story, “Questions about Illinois Medicaid cuts, pension reforms,” which states there is little evidence to support the claim that nearly 10 percent of Medicaid in Illinois and nationwide could be fraudulent. There is plenty of evidence to support my contention that nearly 10 percent of Medicaid payments may be inappropriate, at least that’s what a 2010 federal agency report says about Medicaid nationwide.
According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the federal Department of Health and Human Services calculated in its 2010 agency financial report that on the basis of individual state error rates from a sample of 17 states reviewed on a rotating basis each year, they estimate a national improper payment rate for Medicaid of 9.4 percent for fiscal year 2010.
The GAO report states improper payments to providers that submit inappropriate claims can result in substantial financial losses to states. The GAO says Medicaid payments can be improper for various reasons, such as if payments are made for people not eligible for Medicaid or made for services not provided.
A National Conference of State Legislatures report also estimates Medicaid fraud and abuse nationwide to be between 3 percent and 10 percent.
According to an NCSL brief for lawmakers in 2010, Medicaid expenditures for fraudulent claims cost states billions of dollars each year. In Florida, for example, Medicaid fraud accounts for between 5 percent and 20 percent of the Medicaid budget. Can you believe what it would be in Chicago or in Illinois with our history of mismanagement, cronyism and corruption?
Even the liberal New York Times estimates that 10 percent of Medicaid is fraud. Medicaid is our state’s largest expenditure — even more than education. A 10 percent savings equates to an astronomical $1.5 billion in savings. Eliminating fraud and specifically those ineligible recipients off our welfare rolls is not only the right thing to do, but helps ensure that those who truly need our care, primarily children and the elderly, get the assistance they need and that our providers are reimbursed in a timely fashion.
Unbelievably, in a cursory audit of just one Medicaid program (AllKids), the Illinois HHS director earlier this year admitted to some troubling findings when they mailed out monthly Medicaid cards. The agency discovered, incredibly, that nearly 6 percent of the mailings were returned as undeliverable with out-of-state addresses.
— Sen. Kirk W. Dillard, R-Hinsdale
###
Tough decisions and votes required to save Medicaid
Illinois is facing a financial crisis that threatens the viability of the state’s Medicaid program, the health-care lifeline for the most vulnerable members of our society. For years now, Illinois has failed to adequately budget for the costs associated with this critical program that provides health care for low-income children, people with disabilities and seniors.
The nonpartisan Civic Federation reported that we must close a $2.7 billion budget gap in order to stabilize the program. If we fail, we will wind up with backlog of $21 billion in unpaid bills by 2017. This would devastate not only the Medicaid program, but the state’s health-care system as a whole.
In the face of this critical challenge, Gov. Pat Quinn has demonstrated leadership. The governor has proposed a balanced plan that combines cuts in spending, a rate cut for providers and a revenue increase in the form of a dollar-a-pack increase in the price of cigarettes. The cigarette tax is targeted to deliver both economic and health benefits. It would generate a dollar-for-dollar federal match of $337 million and reduce the long-term burden of smoking on the Medicaid system.
And it will shield providers from even steeper rate reductions than those we have proposed.
Unfortunately, some legislators have so far resisted the necessary steps to truly solve the state’s Medicaid crisis and save the system from collapse. They argue we can close the gap by tightening screening of applicants and beneficiaries. But that process is already well under way.
Anyone who thinks tighter eligibility screening will yield all the savings we need is not reckoning with reality. Tough decisions — and tough votes by the legislature — will be needed to pull the state out of the deep hole that we find ourselves in.
We sincerely hope that legislators from both parties will join us in taking a balanced, bipartisan approach to solving the Medicaid crisis. We can do this by enacting the tough but necessary measures that Gov. Quinn has proposed.
— Julie Hamos, director, Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Service, Chicago
@ http://www.sj-r.com/opinions/x2138754267/Letters-Eliminating-fraud-is-a-key-to-reining-in-Medicaid-costs
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Pres. Obama administration presents national plan to fight 'Alzheimer’s' disease | May 15, 2012
News ReleaseU.S. Department of Health & Human Services
May 15, 2012
HHS Secretary Sebelius outlines research funding, tools for health care providers, awareness campaign and new website
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today released an ambitious national plan to fight Alzheimer’s disease. The plan was called for in the National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA), which President Obama signed into law in January 2011. The National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease sets forth five goals, including the development of effective prevention and treatment approaches for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias by 2025.
In February 2012, the administration announced that it would take immediate action to implement parts of the plan, including making additional funding available in fiscal year 2012 to support research, provider education and public awareness. Today, the Secretary announced additional specific actions, including the funding of two major clinical trials, jumpstarted by the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) infusion of additional FY 2012 funds directed at Alzheimer’s disease; the development of new high-quality, up-to-date training and information for our nation’s clinicians; and a new public education campaign and website to help families and caregivers find the services and support they need.
To help accelerate this urgent work, the President’s proposed FY 2013 budget provides a $100 million increase for efforts to combat Alzheimer’s disease. These funds will support additional research ($80 million), improve public awareness of the disease ($4.2 million), support provider education programs ($4.0 million), invest in caregiver support ($10.5 million), and improve data collection ($1.3 million).
“These actions are the cornerstones of an historic effort to fight Alzheimer’s disease,” Secretary Sebelius said. “This is a national plan—not a federal one, because reducing the burden of Alzheimer’s will require the active engagement of both the public and private sectors.”
The plan, presented today at the Alzheimer’s Research Summit 2012: Path to Treatment and Prevention, was developed with input from experts in aging and Alzheimer’s disease issues and calls for a comprehensive, collaborative approach across federal, state, private and non-profit organizations. More than 3,600 people or organizations submitted comments on the draft plan.
As many as 5.1 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease and that number is likely to double in the coming years. At the same time, millions of American families struggle with the physical, emotional and financial costs of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.
The initiatives announced today include:
•Research – The funding of new research projects by the NIH will focus on key areas in which emerging technologies and new approaches in clinical testing now allow for a more comprehensive assessment of the disease. This research holds considerable promise for developing new and targeted approaches to prevention and treatment. Specifically, two major clinical trials are being funded. One is a $7.9 million effort to test an insulin nasal spray for treating Alzheimer’s disease. A second study, toward which NIH is contributing $16 million, is the first prevention trial in people at the highest risk for the disease.Today’s announcement demonstrates the Obama administration’s continued commitment to taking action in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
•Tools for Clinicians – The Health Resources and Services Administration has awarded $2 million in funding through its geriatric education centers to provide high-quality training for doctors, nurses, and other health care providers on recognizing the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and how to manage the disease.
•Easier access to information to support caregivers–HHS’ new website, www.alzheimers.gov, offers resources and support to those facing Alzheimer’s disease and their friends and family. The site is a gateway to reliable, comprehensive information from federal, state, and private organizations on a range of topics. Visitors to the site will find plain language information and tools to identify local resources that can help with the challenges of daily living, emotional needs, and financial issues related to dementia. Video interviews with real family caregivers explain why information is key to successful caregiving, in their own words.
•Awareness campaign – The first new television advertisement encouraging caregivers to seek information at the new website was debuted. This media campaign will be launched this summer, reaching family members and patients in need of information on Alzheimer’s disease.
In 2013, the National Family Caregiver Support Program will continue to provide essential services to family caregivers, including those helping loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. This program will enable family caregivers to receive essential respite services, providing them a short break from caregiving duties, along with other essential services, such as counseling, education and support groups.
For more information on the national plan to address Alzheimer’s disease, visit: www.alzheimers.gov.
###
Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.
@ http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2012pres/05/20120515a.html
Last revised: May 15, 2012
ItsOurStory - Answers from America's Disability Activists | Eleanor Smith: "Visitability of Houses" | video - new post
Eleanor Smith: Part 01 of 08: "Visitability of Houses"
Published on May 14, 2012 by ItsOurStoryProject
Eleanor Smith of Atlanta, GA, talks about growing up with a disability and learning to hold society to higher standards of accessibility and inclusiveness.
Eleanor Smith was a member of ADAPT and protested for accessible transportation; in 1987, she co-founded Concrete Change, an organization dedicated to accessibility in newly constructed houses.
This is #18 out of more than 1,000 interviews that "It's Our Story" has collected in an effort to free the voices of the disability community. Visit us at www.itsourstory.org
This interview transcribed by Jean Thompson.
###
This is part 1 of 8, for the entire interview visit:
http://youtu.be/ob2fnXvMQDA
For the 'Its Our Story' Project on YouTube visit:
http://www.youtube.com/user/ItsOurStoryProject
Published on May 14, 2012 by ItsOurStoryProject
Eleanor Smith of Atlanta, GA, talks about growing up with a disability and learning to hold society to higher standards of accessibility and inclusiveness.
Eleanor Smith was a member of ADAPT and protested for accessible transportation; in 1987, she co-founded Concrete Change, an organization dedicated to accessibility in newly constructed houses.
This is #18 out of more than 1,000 interviews that "It's Our Story" has collected in an effort to free the voices of the disability community. Visit us at www.itsourstory.org
This interview transcribed by Jean Thompson.
###
This is part 1 of 8, for the entire interview visit:
http://youtu.be/ob2fnXvMQDA
For the 'Its Our Story' Project on YouTube visit:
http://www.youtube.com/user/ItsOurStoryProject
Ask President Obama to Advance Disability Rights throughout the World - reply by May 31, 2012
A message from our friends at Easter Seals..
The clock is ticking for the United States to ratify the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The CRPD affirms that that all people with disabilities must have the same rights and dignity as their non-disabled peers. More than 100 countries across the globe have added their support of the Convention.
The United States Senate must ratify the Convention before September 2012 or Americans with disabilities will not be able to access the protections and rights afforded in it. But, the Senate can’t act until the President formally transmits to them the treaty, and this transmittal hasn’t yet happened! We need him to hear from as many Americans as possible by the end of this month, May 31, 2012.
Visit Easter Seals Legislative Advocacy Center :
http://www.capwiz.com/easterseals/issues/alert/?alertid=61313786&type=PR
Sincerely,
Katy Beh Neas
Senior Vice President, Government Relations
Easter Seals Office of Public Affairs
For Easter Seals visit: http://www.easterseals.com/
The clock is ticking for the United States to ratify the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The CRPD affirms that that all people with disabilities must have the same rights and dignity as their non-disabled peers. More than 100 countries across the globe have added their support of the Convention.
The United States Senate must ratify the Convention before September 2012 or Americans with disabilities will not be able to access the protections and rights afforded in it. But, the Senate can’t act until the President formally transmits to them the treaty, and this transmittal hasn’t yet happened! We need him to hear from as many Americans as possible by the end of this month, May 31, 2012.
Please send a message to President Obama today asking him to take this final step and make sure America is not left behind in this historic movement.
Visit Easter Seals Legislative Advocacy Center :
http://www.capwiz.com/easterseals/issues/alert/?alertid=61313786&type=PR
Sincerely,
Katy Beh Neas
Senior Vice President, Government Relations
Easter Seals Office of Public Affairs
For Easter Seals visit: http://www.easterseals.com/
Monday, May 14, 2012
Medicare Fraud Scheme - Dr. Jonathan Agbebiyi, Detroit-area Physician Convicted of $6.7 Million Scheme | May 2012
As posted by U.S. Department of Justice
###
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 11, 2012
A federal jury sitting in Detroit, Michigan, convicted a Detroit area physician for his role in a $6.7 million Medicare Fraud scheme, the Department of Justice, the FBI, and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today..
Jonathan Agbebiyi, 62, of Sterling Heights, Michigan, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and six counts of health care fraud. Agbebiyi was a staff physician at three clinics which operated in Livonia, Michigan, between 2007 and 2010: Blessed Medical Clinic, Alpha and Omega Medical Clinic, and Manuel Medical Clinic.
According to the evidence presented during the one week trial before United States District Judge Arthur Tarnow, Jonathan Agbebiyi, an obstetrician/gynecologist, joined a conspiracy to bill Medicare for medically unnecessary neurological tests. Some of the tests involved sending an electrical current through the arms and legs of the patients. Clinic employees, who lacked any meaningful training, administered the diagnostic tests. The patients never received any follow up treatment by neurologists.
Evidence at trial showed that the patients were not referred to the clinics by their primary care physicians, or for any other legitimate purpose, but rather were recruited with prescriptions for controlled substances, cash payments, and fast food. The three clinics then billed the Medicare program for various diagnostic tests that were medically unnecessary.
United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade stated, "This doctor exposed patients to neurological testing solely to generate money for himself at the expense of the Medicare program. We are grateful for the hard work that uncovered this betrayal of medical ethics and theft of taxpayer funds."
Including today's guilty verdicts, 9 individuals involved with the three clinics have been convicted for their roles in the scheme.
A sentencing date for Agbebiyi has been set for August 13, 2012. Each count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and health care fraud carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Today's verdicts were announced by Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan Barbara L. McQuade; Special Agent in Charge Andrew G. Arena of the FBI's Detroit Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Lamont Pugh III of the HHS Office of Inspector General's (OIG) Chicago Regional Office.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frances Lee Carlson and Philip A. Ross of the Eastern District of Michigan, with assistance from Assistant Chief Gejaa T. Gobena of the Criminal Division's Fraud Section. The case was investigated by the FBI and HHS-OIG, and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, supervised by the Criminal Division's Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.
The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations are part of the Health Care Fraud Prevention & Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), a joint initiative announced in May 2009 between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country.
Since their inception in March 2007, strike force operations in nine locations have charged more than 1,330 defendants who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for more than $4 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
@ http://www.justice.gov/usao/mie/news/2012/2012_5_11_jagbebiyi.html
###
Detroit-area Physician Convicted in $6.7 Million
Medicare Fraud Scheme
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 11, 2012
A federal jury sitting in Detroit, Michigan, convicted a Detroit area physician for his role in a $6.7 million Medicare Fraud scheme, the Department of Justice, the FBI, and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today..
Jonathan Agbebiyi, 62, of Sterling Heights, Michigan, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and six counts of health care fraud. Agbebiyi was a staff physician at three clinics which operated in Livonia, Michigan, between 2007 and 2010: Blessed Medical Clinic, Alpha and Omega Medical Clinic, and Manuel Medical Clinic.
According to the evidence presented during the one week trial before United States District Judge Arthur Tarnow, Jonathan Agbebiyi, an obstetrician/gynecologist, joined a conspiracy to bill Medicare for medically unnecessary neurological tests. Some of the tests involved sending an electrical current through the arms and legs of the patients. Clinic employees, who lacked any meaningful training, administered the diagnostic tests. The patients never received any follow up treatment by neurologists.
Evidence at trial showed that the patients were not referred to the clinics by their primary care physicians, or for any other legitimate purpose, but rather were recruited with prescriptions for controlled substances, cash payments, and fast food. The three clinics then billed the Medicare program for various diagnostic tests that were medically unnecessary.
United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade stated, "This doctor exposed patients to neurological testing solely to generate money for himself at the expense of the Medicare program. We are grateful for the hard work that uncovered this betrayal of medical ethics and theft of taxpayer funds."
Including today's guilty verdicts, 9 individuals involved with the three clinics have been convicted for their roles in the scheme.
A sentencing date for Agbebiyi has been set for August 13, 2012. Each count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and health care fraud carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Today's verdicts were announced by Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan Barbara L. McQuade; Special Agent in Charge Andrew G. Arena of the FBI's Detroit Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Lamont Pugh III of the HHS Office of Inspector General's (OIG) Chicago Regional Office.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frances Lee Carlson and Philip A. Ross of the Eastern District of Michigan, with assistance from Assistant Chief Gejaa T. Gobena of the Criminal Division's Fraud Section. The case was investigated by the FBI and HHS-OIG, and was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, supervised by the Criminal Division's Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.
The Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations are part of the Health Care Fraud Prevention & Enforcement Action Team (HEAT), a joint initiative announced in May 2009 between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country.
Since their inception in March 2007, strike force operations in nine locations have charged more than 1,330 defendants who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for more than $4 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
@ http://www.justice.gov/usao/mie/news/2012/2012_5_11_jagbebiyi.html
Sunday, May 13, 2012
NATO Summit - Chicago Public Transportation Advisory / bus, rail, & paratransit | May 2012
NATO Summit Chicago - Chicago prepares to host the NATO Summit 2012
Published on May 4, 2012 by NATOCOMMUNITY
The information for CTA, Metra, and Pace is from there websites.
Please keep updated by visiting : http://www.notifychicago.org.
This is a free City of Chicago service, though text message rates may apply based on cell phone provider
Leaders from around the world are gathering in Chicago this spring for an important diplomatic summit hosted by President Barack Obama. From May 20-21, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will hold meetings in Chicago.
This is the first time an American city other than Washington has hosted a NATO summit, and, in addition to world leaders visiting Chicago, about 2,000 journalists from across the world are expected to be here to chronicle the events. (For more information about these events, see the Chicago NATO Summit 2012 website.)
From a transit rider perspective, you should know that safety and security measures implemented by the Secret Service, as well as street closures due to events or public gatherings, may necessitate reroutes on a number of bus lines during the summit and around related events.
But, we’ll continue to operate the services you depend on to get around town. This page provides information about the summit, how CTA services may be affected and operate differently throughout the event and where to find them.
Tips for an easier trip during and in the days surrounding the summit
Know before you go
Check advance notice alerts on our web site for any routes you wish to take. You can see current and upcoming alerts about events that affect service in the Alerts / System Status section of our website, or look up your route and see any alerts related to it in our Route Guides.
Below, you'll find summaries of service changes that are known, in advance.
Know on the go
In addition to checking our website for alerts on a mobile device, you can sign up to receive e-mail or text alerts about your route from CTA Updates, or check our Twitter feed (@cta) for the latest information about unplanned events that affect service. (Even though we’ll try to have as much information online in advance, traffic restrictions may change and additional reroutes may be instituted, as needed.)
Consider riding the ‘L’
While street closures will necessitate bus reroutes, we expect rail services to operate normally because they use a private right-of-way (path). Because of this, ‘L’ service may be a better option for you. In fact, we’ll be adding additional service and/or capacity, at certain times throughout the event, to accommodate bus riders who might switch to rail.
Extended Customer Service call center hours
In addition to our regular Customer Service call center hours, you'll be able to call Customer Service at 1-888-YOUR-CTA (TTY: 1-888-CTA-TTY1) from 8 am to 6 pm on both Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20.
Impact on Trip Planners and Bus Tracker
Due to technological limitations, short-term, temporary reroutes, are not able to be reflected in trip planners and in Bus Tracker.
What does that mean for you?
The following information reflects reroutes we expect to have in place related to these events. Please understand that this information may change, and check back before you travel for the latest information.
Note that unplanned reroutes do not appear here—check the System Status / Alerts page before traveling for the latest information on all events that might affect your service.
@ http://www.transitchicago.com/nato/
###
Provides Paratransit Service in all service areas of the RTA region.
NATO Summit Passenger Advisory
Temporary road closures and other security measures may impact Pace ADA paratransit service and Route 855 Plainfield – East Loop Express beginning Sunday, May 13 through the end of the summit on May 21. Passengers are advised to allow extra time for travel to and/or through Chicago's Loop, or to consider CTA rail service if it is an option, as it is not expected to be impacted by the event. Although we will do our best to keep passengers informed during the summit, conditions can change quickly due to circumstances beyond Pace's control.
Please note that Google Transit, the RTA's goroo trip planner, Pace's WebWatch and CTA BusTracker services provide information based on regularly scheduled transit service. If/when reroutes occur, these services will be unable to reflect these changes.
The Chicago NATO Host committee will use Notify Chicago as a resource for communicating useful summit related information on street closures, traffic disruptions and more. Individuals may sign up for Notify Chicago through the City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications website to receive message alerts via text message or voicemail related to extreme weather alerts, traffic disruptions, health alerts and major incidents.
The free subscription can be completed in a matter of minutes by visiting http://www.notifychicago.org. This is a free City of Chicago service, though text message rates may apply based on cell phone provider
@ http://www.pacebus.com/sub/news_events/whats_new.asp#NATO
###
Most Metra riders will not see service changes as a result of the NATO Summit on May 19-21, even most riders of the Metra Electric Line, which passes under the summit facility at McCormick Place.
Overview
Metra plans to operate regular service on 10 of its 11 lines. For the Metra Electric Line, most trains will operate, although some stations and the Blue Island branch line will be closed for all or part of the summit. Those closings are detailed below.
Riders of all lines may be subject to screening and baggage checks, with more extensive screening on the Metra Electric Line. Passengers on all lines will be prohibited from carrying many items onboard trains and will face other security restrictions outlined below.
Metra’s NATO plans could change, and riders are urged to go to Metra’s website for the latest information as the summit date approaches. Metra also will send emailed alerts to all riders who have signed up to receive them. We encourage riders to request alerts by creating a “My Metra” account on the website.
Metra is also providing several passenger tools, available on the Metra website, to assist passengers in planning transportation throughout the NATO Summit.
Metra Service on the Electric Line
Because the Metra Electric Line passes under McCormick Place, passengers will be subject to more extensive screening and baggage checks. Riders are advised to arrive at their departing station about 15 minutes prior to departure to allow sufficient time for the boarding process. Metra Electric passengers should also note that some station entrances may be closed.
Plans for service on the Metra Electric Line vary by the day as follows. On all three days, the South Water Street entrance to Millennium will be closed.
Saturday, May 19: Operate normal inbound and outbound service on main line and both branches and make all station stops with the exception of 47th Street (Kenwood), 27th Street, McCormick Place, 18th Street and 11th Street/Museum Campus.
Sunday, May 20: Operate normal inbound and outbound service on main line and South Chicago branch and make all station stops with the exception of 47th Street (Kenwood), 27th Street, McCormick Place, 18th Street and 11th Street/Museum Campus. (The Blue Island branch does not operate on Sundays)
Monday, May 21:
Inbound trains: Operate all trains (except Blue Island trains) scheduled to arrive downtown until noon, with the following stations closed:
•On the main line, trains will not stop at 111th Street (Pullman), 107th Street, 103rd Street (Rosemoor), 95th Street (Chicago State University), 91st Street (Chesterfield), 87th Street (Woodruff), 83rd Street (Avalon Park), 79th Street (Chatham), 75th Street (Grand Crossing), 63rd Street, 47th Street (Kenwood), 27th Street, McCormick Place, 18th Street and Museum Campus/11th Street.
•On the South Chicago branch, trains will not stop at 87th Street, Cheltenham (79th Street), Windsor Park and Bryn Mawr.
•Trains will not operate on the Blue Island branch.
Inbound main line trains scheduled to arrive at Millennium between 12:57 p.m. and 6:46 p.m. will not operate.
Outbound trains: Operate normal service all day, except at closed stations and on Blue Island branch.
The Metra Electric main line serves about 14,000 riders on weekdays, 2,500 riders on Saturdays and about 1,800 riders on Sundays. The South Chicago branch carries about 2,800 riders on weekdays, 1,100 riders on Saturdays and 450 riders on Sundays. The Blue Island branch carries about 1,300 riders on weekdays, 325 riders on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays.
Metra has compiled a list of alternate transportation for riders of each closed station. That list accompanies this press release.
Safety measures affecting passengers during the summit
Metra has implemented a wide range of safety measures during the NATO Summit. Passengers may see an increased law enforcement presence and K-9 units.
In addition, the following safety measures apply to riders of all Metra lines during the three days (May 19, 20 and 21) of the summit:
1.Riders may be subject to search and/or screening before boarding or while en route.
2.Riders may carry only one bag not exceeding 15 inches square and 4 inches deep. Boxes, parcels, luggage, backpacks and bicycles will not be allowed on trains. Banned items cannot be stored at Metra stations. They must be removed or they will be disposed of.
3.Riders may not carry any food on the trains. Liquids and personal effects (such as makeup) must be less than three ounces in size. This includes coffee and other beverages. Breast milk can be carried but is subject to inspection and should be declared during any screening.
4.Riders may not carry any type of tools, pipes, stakes, wood or weapons, including pocket knives and pepper spray, on the trains.
5.Law enforcement personnel must identify themselves and present their credentials and any weapons. Security guards will not be allowed to carry any weapons onboard.
Failure to comply with these safety measures or instructions from law enforcement personnel, or attempted avoidance of screening, will result in ejection from the station or further police action.
Communicating with passengers
Metra has developed a comprehensive communications strategy to ensure passengers have the most complete and up-to-date information on Metra service prior to and during the NATO Summit.
Metra passengers are encouraged to sign-up for a “My Metra” account through the Metra website at www.metrarail.com to receive the most current information from Metra via email.
Other media and passenger communication includes:
1.This press release and associated press conference to inform the media about Metra’s plans during the NATO Summit.
2.An updated homepage on our website with one-click access from the main screen to all of the information and passenger tools developed by Metra for this event.
3.A link in the “Good to Know” sidebar on the Metra homepage also providing one-click access to information and passenger tools developed by Metra.
4.Two versions of maps showing stops along the Metra Electric Line that will be affected during the NATO Summit. These maps are available in the PDF format for easy viewing and printing.
5.A passenger checklist that can be printed and used as a take-along reminder of safety measures and restrictions during the NATO Summit. The checklist is available online in PDF format and will be posted at affected stations starting next week and throughout the NATO Summit.
6.A revised schedule for the Metra Electric Line for each day of the NATO Summit. These schedules are available online in PDF format and will be posted at affected stations starting next week and throughout the NATO Summit.
7.A list of transportation alternatives or transportation resources for affected passengers. This list is available online in PDF format and will be posted at affected stations starting next week and throughout the NATO Summit.
8.An article in the upcoming issue of our On the Bi-Level newsletter outlining Metra plans and reminding passengers to visit our website for additional information.
9.Metra will be sending email communications to “My Metra” accounts and our email marketing list.
10.Metra will utilize our Twitter accounts to advise passengers about NATO Summit Travel information on our website.
11.Passengers will also see and hear onboard messaging directing passengers to NATO Summit information available via “My Metra” and online at Metra’s website prior to and throughout the NATO Summit.
12.Metra is also alerting its passengers with station signage, station announcements and visual information displays.
Metra understands that these changes are inconvenient for many and we apologize. We have made our best efforts to minimize service disruptions and ensure the safety of our passengers. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this unprecedented event.
@ http://metrarail.com/
###
Please keep updated by visiting : http://www.notifychicago.org.
This is a free City of Chicago service, though text message rates may apply based on cell phone provider
Published on May 4, 2012 by NATOCOMMUNITY
The information for CTA, Metra, and Pace is from there websites.
Please keep updated by visiting : http://www.notifychicago.org.
This is a free City of Chicago service, though text message rates may apply based on cell phone provider
Chicago Transit Authority
Leaders from around the world are gathering in Chicago this spring for an important diplomatic summit hosted by President Barack Obama. From May 20-21, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will hold meetings in Chicago.
This is the first time an American city other than Washington has hosted a NATO summit, and, in addition to world leaders visiting Chicago, about 2,000 journalists from across the world are expected to be here to chronicle the events. (For more information about these events, see the Chicago NATO Summit 2012 website.)
From a transit rider perspective, you should know that safety and security measures implemented by the Secret Service, as well as street closures due to events or public gatherings, may necessitate reroutes on a number of bus lines during the summit and around related events.
But, we’ll continue to operate the services you depend on to get around town. This page provides information about the summit, how CTA services may be affected and operate differently throughout the event and where to find them.
Tips for an easier trip during and in the days surrounding the summit
Know before you go
Check advance notice alerts on our web site for any routes you wish to take. You can see current and upcoming alerts about events that affect service in the Alerts / System Status section of our website, or look up your route and see any alerts related to it in our Route Guides.
Below, you'll find summaries of service changes that are known, in advance.
Know on the go
In addition to checking our website for alerts on a mobile device, you can sign up to receive e-mail or text alerts about your route from CTA Updates, or check our Twitter feed (@cta) for the latest information about unplanned events that affect service. (Even though we’ll try to have as much information online in advance, traffic restrictions may change and additional reroutes may be instituted, as needed.)
Consider riding the ‘L’
While street closures will necessitate bus reroutes, we expect rail services to operate normally because they use a private right-of-way (path). Because of this, ‘L’ service may be a better option for you. In fact, we’ll be adding additional service and/or capacity, at certain times throughout the event, to accommodate bus riders who might switch to rail.
Extended Customer Service call center hours
In addition to our regular Customer Service call center hours, you'll be able to call Customer Service at 1-888-YOUR-CTA (TTY: 1-888-CTA-TTY1) from 8 am to 6 pm on both Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20.
Impact on Trip Planners and Bus Tracker
Due to technological limitations, short-term, temporary reroutes, are not able to be reflected in trip planners and in Bus Tracker.
What does that mean for you?
•Google Transit and the RTA’s Goroo trip planners will provide directions for regularly scheduled service. Reroutes will not be reflected in these systems, so be sure to check alerts on our website to see if your service will be affected.Planned reroute information
•Bus Tracker is unable to make predictions for buses that have gone off of their usual route because it isn’t able to automatically anticipate when a bus will re-join its usual route.
While Bus Tracker will continue to work normally for most routes and stops, buses that are presently off-route will not show in predictions at stops further down the route until it is back on its normal path. Further, stops that are only temporarily served by some buses may not show them in results for that stop. This behavior can be expected to be the same on our website, via text message, third party apps and on digital signage that shows bus information.
The following information reflects reroutes we expect to have in place related to these events. Please understand that this information may change, and check back before you travel for the latest information.
Note that unplanned reroutes do not appear here—check the System Status / Alerts page before traveling for the latest information on all events that might affect your service.
#3 King Drive Temporary Reroute
Sun, May 13
9am to 10pm or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Northbound buses will operate via King Drive, 61st, Indiana, and 51st, then resume their normal route on King Drive.
Southbound buses will operate via King Drive, 51st, Michigan, and 61st, then resume their normal route on King Drive.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses will be rerouted for an event in Washington Park.
#3 King Drive Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Northbound buses will operate via Michigan, Madison, LaSalle, and Ohio, then resume their normal route on Michigan.
Southbound buses will operate via Michigan, Ontario, LaSalle, and Monroe, then resume their normal route on Michigan.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.
#3 King Drive Temporary Reroute
May 19 - 20
12:01am Sat to 9am Sun
May 20 - 21
2:15pm to 4pm Mon or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Northbound buses will operate via King Drive, 31st, and Michigan to Cermak, then continue their normal route on Michigan.
Southbound buses will operate via Michigan and 31st, then resume their normal route on King Drive.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to NATO-related events.
#3 King Drive Temporary Reroute
Sun, May 20
9am to 2:15pm or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Buses will operate in both directions via King Drive, Pershing, State, Harrison, and Michigan.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.
#4 Cottage Grove Temporary Reroute
Sun, May 20
9am to 2:15pm or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Buses will operate in both directions via Cottage Grove, Pershing, State, Harrison, and Michigan.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.
#6 Jackson Park Express Temporary Reroute
May 19 - 21
12:01am Sat to 4pm Mon or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Northbound buses will operate via Lake Park, 47th, Indiana, 31st, and Michigan to Balbo, then continue their normal route on Michigan.Southbound buses will operate via Balbo, Michigan and 47th, then resume their normal route on Lake Park..
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings and NATO-related events.
#10 Museum of Science & Industry Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Southbound buses will operate via Michigan, Ontario, LaSalle, and Monroe, then resume their normal route on State.
Northbound buses will operate via State, Madison, LaSalle, and Ohio, then resume their normal route on Michigan.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.
#10 Museum of Science & Industry Temporary Reroute
May 19 - 21
12:01am Sat to 4pm Mon or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Northbound buses will operate via Lake Shore Drive, 47th, State, and Balbo, then resume their normal route on Michigan.
Southbound buses will operate via State and 47th, then resume their normal route on Lake Shore Drive.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings and NATO-related events.
Temporary Reroutes
#12 Roosevelt
#18 16th/18th
May 19 - 21
12:01am Sat to 4pm Mon or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Eastbound #12 and #18 buses will operate via Roosevelt, State, 11th, Wabash, and Roosevelt,ending their trips on Roosevelt between Wabash and State.
Westbound buses will begin their trips on Roosevelt between Wabash and State, then resume their normal route on Roosevelt.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.
#14 Jeffery Express Temporary Reroute
May 19 - 21
12:01am Sat to 4pm Mon or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Northbound buses will operate via Lake Shore Drive, 47th, Indiana, 31st, and Michigan to Balbo, then continue their normal route on Michigan.
Southbound buses will operate via Michigan and 47th, then resume their normal route on Lake Shore Drive.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings and NATO-related events.
#21 Cermak Temporary Reroute
May 19 - 21
12:01am Sat to 4pm Mon or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Eastbound buses will operate via Cermak, Archer, Clark, and Cermak, ending their trips at the Cermak-Chinatown Red Line station. Buses will not operate on Cermak east of Clark.
Westbound buses will begin their trips at the Cermak-Chinatown Red Line station, then resume their normal route on Cermak.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.
#22 Clark Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Northbound buses will operate via Dearborn, Madison, LaSalle, and Wacker, then resume their normal route on Dearborn.
Southbound buses are not affected.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.
#29 State Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Northbound buses will operate via State, Madison, LaSalle, and Illinois, then resume their normal route on State.
Southbound buses will operate via State, Kinzie, Clark, and Monroe, then resume their normal route on State.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.
#35 35th Temporary Reroute
Sun, May 20
9am to 2:15pm or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Eastbound buses will operate via 35th, Michigan, Pershing, Indiana, and 35th to Michigan, ending their trips at 35th/Michigan.
Buses will not operate on 35th east of Indiana.
Westbound buses will begin their trips at 35th/Michigan, then resume their normal route on 35th.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.
#36 Broadway Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Southbound buses will operate via State, Kinzie, Clark, and Monroe, then resume their normal route on State.
Northbound buses will operate via Dearborn, Madison, LaSalle, and Wacker, then resume their normal route on Dearborn.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.
#55 Garfield Temporary Reroute
Sun, May 13
9am to 10pm or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Eastbound buses will operate via Garfield, Indiana, 51st, and Cottage Grove, then resume their normal route on 55th.
Westbound buses will operate via 55th, Cottage Grove, 51st, and Michigan, then resume their normal route on Garfield.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses will be rerouted for an event in Washington Park.
#60 Blue Island/26th Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Westbound buses will operate via Randolph, Michigan, Madison, and LaSalle, then resume their normal route on Randolph.
Eastbound buses will not be affected.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.
#62 Archer Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Northbound buses will operate via Dearborn, Madison, LaSalle, Wacker, Dearborn and Kinzie to State, ending their trips at State/Kinzie.
Southbound buses will begin their trips at State/Kinzie, then operate via State, Hubbard, Clark, and Monroe, then resume their normal route on State.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.
#124 Navy Pier Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Eastbound buses will operate via Wacker, LaSalle, and Illinois to Columbus, then continue their normal route on Illinois.
Westbound buses will operate via Grand and Clark, then resume their normal route on Randolph.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.
#145 Wilson/Michigan Express Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Southbound buses will operate via Michigan, Ontario, LaSalle, and Monroe, then resume their normal route on Michigan.
Northbound buses will operate via State, Madison, LaSalle, and Ohio, then resume their normal route on Michigan.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.
#146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Southbound buses will operate via Michigan, Ontario, LaSalle, and Monroe, then resume their normal route on State.
Northbound buses will operate via State, Madison, LaSalle, and Ohio, then resume their normal route on Michigan.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.
#146 Inner Drive/Michigan Express Temporary Reroute
May 19 - 21
12:01am Sat to 4pm Mon or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Southbound buses will end their trips at State/Roosevelt. Buses will not operate on Roosevelt east of Wabash or serve the Museum Campus.
Northbound buses will begin their trips at State/Roosevelt, operate via Roosevelt, Wabash, 18th, and State to Roosevelt, then continue their normal route on State.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings and NATO-related events.
#147 Outer Drive Express Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Southbound buses will operate via Michigan, Ontario, LaSalle, and Monroe, then resume their normal route on Michigan.
Northbound buses will operate via State, Madison, LaSalle, and Ohio, then resume their normal route on Michigan.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.
#151 Sheridan Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Southbound buses will operate via Michigan, Ontario, and LaSalle, then resume their normal route on Madison.
Northbound buses will operate via State, Madison, LaSalle, and Wacker, and Wacker Place, then resume their normal route on Michigan.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.
#157 Streeterville/Taylor Temporary Reroute
Fri, May 18
11am to 1pm or completion
How does this affect my trip?
Westbound buses will operate via Ontario and LaSalle, then resume their normal route on Randolph.
Eastbound buses will not be affected.
Allow extra travel time.
Why is service being changed?
Buses are rerouted due to street closures for public gatherings.
@ http://www.transitchicago.com/nato/
###
Pace Suburban Bus
Provides Paratransit Service in all service areas of the RTA region.
NATO Summit Passenger Advisory
Please note that Google Transit, the RTA's goroo trip planner, Pace's WebWatch and CTA BusTracker services provide information based on regularly scheduled transit service. If/when reroutes occur, these services will be unable to reflect these changes.
The Chicago NATO Host committee will use Notify Chicago as a resource for communicating useful summit related information on street closures, traffic disruptions and more. Individuals may sign up for Notify Chicago through the City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications website to receive message alerts via text message or voicemail related to extreme weather alerts, traffic disruptions, health alerts and major incidents.
The free subscription can be completed in a matter of minutes by visiting http://www.notifychicago.org. This is a free City of Chicago service, though text message rates may apply based on cell phone provider
@ http://www.pacebus.com/sub/news_events/whats_new.asp#NATO
###
Metra
Most Metra riders will not see service changes as a result of the NATO Summit on May 19-21, even most riders of the Metra Electric Line, which passes under the summit facility at McCormick Place.
Overview
Metra plans to operate regular service on 10 of its 11 lines. For the Metra Electric Line, most trains will operate, although some stations and the Blue Island branch line will be closed for all or part of the summit. Those closings are detailed below.
Riders of all lines may be subject to screening and baggage checks, with more extensive screening on the Metra Electric Line. Passengers on all lines will be prohibited from carrying many items onboard trains and will face other security restrictions outlined below.
Metra’s NATO plans could change, and riders are urged to go to Metra’s website for the latest information as the summit date approaches. Metra also will send emailed alerts to all riders who have signed up to receive them. We encourage riders to request alerts by creating a “My Metra” account on the website.
Metra is also providing several passenger tools, available on the Metra website, to assist passengers in planning transportation throughout the NATO Summit.
Metra Service on the Electric Line
Because the Metra Electric Line passes under McCormick Place, passengers will be subject to more extensive screening and baggage checks. Riders are advised to arrive at their departing station about 15 minutes prior to departure to allow sufficient time for the boarding process. Metra Electric passengers should also note that some station entrances may be closed.
Plans for service on the Metra Electric Line vary by the day as follows. On all three days, the South Water Street entrance to Millennium will be closed.
Saturday, May 19: Operate normal inbound and outbound service on main line and both branches and make all station stops with the exception of 47th Street (Kenwood), 27th Street, McCormick Place, 18th Street and 11th Street/Museum Campus.
Sunday, May 20: Operate normal inbound and outbound service on main line and South Chicago branch and make all station stops with the exception of 47th Street (Kenwood), 27th Street, McCormick Place, 18th Street and 11th Street/Museum Campus. (The Blue Island branch does not operate on Sundays)
Monday, May 21:
Inbound trains: Operate all trains (except Blue Island trains) scheduled to arrive downtown until noon, with the following stations closed:
•On the main line, trains will not stop at 111th Street (Pullman), 107th Street, 103rd Street (Rosemoor), 95th Street (Chicago State University), 91st Street (Chesterfield), 87th Street (Woodruff), 83rd Street (Avalon Park), 79th Street (Chatham), 75th Street (Grand Crossing), 63rd Street, 47th Street (Kenwood), 27th Street, McCormick Place, 18th Street and Museum Campus/11th Street.
•On the South Chicago branch, trains will not stop at 87th Street, Cheltenham (79th Street), Windsor Park and Bryn Mawr.
•Trains will not operate on the Blue Island branch.
Inbound main line trains scheduled to arrive at Millennium between 12:57 p.m. and 6:46 p.m. will not operate.
Outbound trains: Operate normal service all day, except at closed stations and on Blue Island branch.
The Metra Electric main line serves about 14,000 riders on weekdays, 2,500 riders on Saturdays and about 1,800 riders on Sundays. The South Chicago branch carries about 2,800 riders on weekdays, 1,100 riders on Saturdays and 450 riders on Sundays. The Blue Island branch carries about 1,300 riders on weekdays, 325 riders on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays.
Metra has compiled a list of alternate transportation for riders of each closed station. That list accompanies this press release.
Safety measures affecting passengers during the summit
Metra has implemented a wide range of safety measures during the NATO Summit. Passengers may see an increased law enforcement presence and K-9 units.
In addition, the following safety measures apply to riders of all Metra lines during the three days (May 19, 20 and 21) of the summit:
1.Riders may be subject to search and/or screening before boarding or while en route.
2.Riders may carry only one bag not exceeding 15 inches square and 4 inches deep. Boxes, parcels, luggage, backpacks and bicycles will not be allowed on trains. Banned items cannot be stored at Metra stations. They must be removed or they will be disposed of.
3.Riders may not carry any food on the trains. Liquids and personal effects (such as makeup) must be less than three ounces in size. This includes coffee and other beverages. Breast milk can be carried but is subject to inspection and should be declared during any screening.
4.Riders may not carry any type of tools, pipes, stakes, wood or weapons, including pocket knives and pepper spray, on the trains.
5.Law enforcement personnel must identify themselves and present their credentials and any weapons. Security guards will not be allowed to carry any weapons onboard.
Failure to comply with these safety measures or instructions from law enforcement personnel, or attempted avoidance of screening, will result in ejection from the station or further police action.
Communicating with passengers
Metra has developed a comprehensive communications strategy to ensure passengers have the most complete and up-to-date information on Metra service prior to and during the NATO Summit.
Metra passengers are encouraged to sign-up for a “My Metra” account through the Metra website at www.metrarail.com to receive the most current information from Metra via email.
Other media and passenger communication includes:
1.This press release and associated press conference to inform the media about Metra’s plans during the NATO Summit.
2.An updated homepage on our website with one-click access from the main screen to all of the information and passenger tools developed by Metra for this event.
3.A link in the “Good to Know” sidebar on the Metra homepage also providing one-click access to information and passenger tools developed by Metra.
4.Two versions of maps showing stops along the Metra Electric Line that will be affected during the NATO Summit. These maps are available in the PDF format for easy viewing and printing.
5.A passenger checklist that can be printed and used as a take-along reminder of safety measures and restrictions during the NATO Summit. The checklist is available online in PDF format and will be posted at affected stations starting next week and throughout the NATO Summit.
6.A revised schedule for the Metra Electric Line for each day of the NATO Summit. These schedules are available online in PDF format and will be posted at affected stations starting next week and throughout the NATO Summit.
7.A list of transportation alternatives or transportation resources for affected passengers. This list is available online in PDF format and will be posted at affected stations starting next week and throughout the NATO Summit.
8.An article in the upcoming issue of our On the Bi-Level newsletter outlining Metra plans and reminding passengers to visit our website for additional information.
9.Metra will be sending email communications to “My Metra” accounts and our email marketing list.
10.Metra will utilize our Twitter accounts to advise passengers about NATO Summit Travel information on our website.
11.Passengers will also see and hear onboard messaging directing passengers to NATO Summit information available via “My Metra” and online at Metra’s website prior to and throughout the NATO Summit.
12.Metra is also alerting its passengers with station signage, station announcements and visual information displays.
Metra understands that these changes are inconvenient for many and we apologize. We have made our best efforts to minimize service disruptions and ensure the safety of our passengers. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this unprecedented event.
@ http://metrarail.com/
###
Please keep updated by visiting : http://www.notifychicago.org.
This is a free City of Chicago service, though text message rates may apply based on cell phone provider
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Georgia State law blocks H. S. senior who's Autistic from graduation | Video report | May 12, 2012
May 12, 2012
Georgia State law blocks senior from diploma
Report by FOX News Network, LLC
Gov. Quinn’s plan will help Medicaid - Julie Hamos, director, Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services | May 11, 2012
Letters to the Editor May 11, 2012 11:00PM
Chicago Sun Times
Illinois is facing a financial crisis that threatens the viability of the state’s Medicaid program, the health-care lifeline for the most vulnerable members of our society.
For years now, Illinois has failed to adequately budget for the costs associated with this critical program that provides health care for low-income children, persons with disabilities and seniors.
The nonpartisan Civic Federation reported that we must close a $2.7 billion budget gap to stabilize the program.
If we fail, we will wind up with backlog of $21 billion in unpaid bills by 2017. This would devastate not only the Medicaid program, but the state’s health-care system as a whole.
In the face of this critical challenge, Gov. Pat Quinn has demonstrated leadership. The governor has proposed a balanced plan that combines cuts in spending, a rate cut for providers and a revenue increase in the form of a dollar-a-pack increase in the price of cigarettes. The cigarette tax is targeted to deliver both economic and health benefits.
It would generate a dollar-for-dollar federal match of $337 million and reduce the long-term burden of smoking on the Medicaid system.
And it will shield providers from even steeper rate reductions than those we have proposed.
Unfortunately, some legislators have so far resisted the necessary steps to truly solve the state’s Medicaid crisis and save the system from collapse. They argue we can close the gap by tightening screening of applicants and beneficiaries. But that process is already well under way.
Anyone who thinks tighter eligibility screening will yield all the savings we need is not reckoning with reality. Tough decisions — and tough votes by the Legislature — will be needed to pull the state out of the deep hole that we find ourselves in.
We sincerely hope that legislators from both parties will join us in taking a balanced, bipartisan approach to solving the Medicaid crisis.
We can do this by enacting the tough but necessary measures that Gov. Quinn has proposed.
Julie Hamos, director,
Illinois Department of
Healthcare and Family Services
# http://www.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/12445882-474/quinns-plan-will-help-medicaid.html
###
In Response to Director Hamos,
Yes IDHS has mismanaged Medicaid in Illinois for decades, but while the office you where appointed to oversee is re-organized, and the Medicaid system in Illinois is 'overhauled'. At what cost to those that rely on the State of Illinois and the Medicaid system that affords medical care, home health care services, medication for those whose quality of life is dependent for such services???
We all must contact our state legislators not just this week, but for weeks to come to express our concerns and thoughts on the impending severe cuts that the State of Illinois is headed for. The disability community, those with concerns of children receiving medical care under Medicaid - It is time to express our thoughts, our freedom of speech. It is not about one of us, it is about all of us...
Jim Watkins, director
Ability Chicago
Chicago Sun Times
For years now, Illinois has failed to adequately budget for the costs associated with this critical program that provides health care for low-income children, persons with disabilities and seniors.
The nonpartisan Civic Federation reported that we must close a $2.7 billion budget gap to stabilize the program.
If we fail, we will wind up with backlog of $21 billion in unpaid bills by 2017. This would devastate not only the Medicaid program, but the state’s health-care system as a whole.
In the face of this critical challenge, Gov. Pat Quinn has demonstrated leadership. The governor has proposed a balanced plan that combines cuts in spending, a rate cut for providers and a revenue increase in the form of a dollar-a-pack increase in the price of cigarettes. The cigarette tax is targeted to deliver both economic and health benefits.
It would generate a dollar-for-dollar federal match of $337 million and reduce the long-term burden of smoking on the Medicaid system.
And it will shield providers from even steeper rate reductions than those we have proposed.
Unfortunately, some legislators have so far resisted the necessary steps to truly solve the state’s Medicaid crisis and save the system from collapse. They argue we can close the gap by tightening screening of applicants and beneficiaries. But that process is already well under way.
Anyone who thinks tighter eligibility screening will yield all the savings we need is not reckoning with reality. Tough decisions — and tough votes by the Legislature — will be needed to pull the state out of the deep hole that we find ourselves in.
We sincerely hope that legislators from both parties will join us in taking a balanced, bipartisan approach to solving the Medicaid crisis.
We can do this by enacting the tough but necessary measures that Gov. Quinn has proposed.
Julie Hamos, director,
Illinois Department of
Healthcare and Family Services
# http://www.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/12445882-474/quinns-plan-will-help-medicaid.html
###
In Response to Director Hamos,
Yes IDHS has mismanaged Medicaid in Illinois for decades, but while the office you where appointed to oversee is re-organized, and the Medicaid system in Illinois is 'overhauled'. At what cost to those that rely on the State of Illinois and the Medicaid system that affords medical care, home health care services, medication for those whose quality of life is dependent for such services???
We all must contact our state legislators not just this week, but for weeks to come to express our concerns and thoughts on the impending severe cuts that the State of Illinois is headed for. The disability community, those with concerns of children receiving medical care under Medicaid - It is time to express our thoughts, our freedom of speech. It is not about one of us, it is about all of us...
Jim Watkins, director
Ability Chicago
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients about risky treatment by FDA | May 10, 2012
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. drug regulators are warning people with multiple sclerosis that an experimental treatment that props open internal veins in the neck and chest can cause death or serious injury.
The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday said at least two people had died from the procedure, which uses stents or balloon angioplasties to widen veins that connect the brain and spinal cord to the heart. One person was permanently paralyzed, and others had bleeding in the brain, suffered strokes, blood clots or other side effects.
It is unknown how many people received the treatment and how many had problems, as stents and angioplasties are not approved for this use by the FDA, the agency said. Stents are steel mesh coils that can keep arteries open, while balloon angioplasties use a balloon at the tip of a catheter to open blocked blood vessels.
The FDA could not immediately identify the stent models being used in such treatments.
The FDA announcement relates to a controversy that has developed in the multiple sclerosis (MS) community about the causes of the chronic, progressive disorder of the brain and spinal cord.
The disease, which affects about 2.5 million people worldwide and has no cure, attacks the central nervous system and can lead to numbness, paralysis and loss of vision. Drugs that treat the condition, from companies like Biogen Idec Inc and Sanofi SA, can often only prevent relapses or slow its progression.
The underlying cause of MS is unknown. Some researchers believe that although it is typically thought of as a disorder of the immune system, it may actually be caused by blood vessel changes. Their theory is that veins bringing blood from the brain and spine back to the heart sometimes become too narrow, making blood leak back into the brain tissue. They say that could trigger inflammation, eventually causing the balance and muscle problems seen in MS.
Other scientists have not been able to show a link between MS and compromised blood flow, which is called chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency, or CCSVI, or prove the condition exists at all.
Meanwhile, MS patients seek new treatments, prompting patient advocacy and research groups to invest in more research studying the link between multiple sclerosis and CCSVI.
"Our position is that the evidence is simply insufficient to determine whether there's a link," said Dr. William Maisel, deputy director and chief scientist of the FDA's devices division. "We want patients to be aware this treatment (with stents or balloon angioplasty) is unproven, that there are significant risks associated with the treatment, (and) the benefits are uncertain."
The FDA said people who want to try the experimental treatment should first discuss the risks with their doctor, or should try the treatment while participating in clinical trials.
(Reporting by Anna Yukhananov; Editing by Michele Gershberg, Maureen Bavdek and John Wallace)
Friday, May 11, 2012
People with Disabilities Still Left Behind In Transportation Debates - AAPD Press Release | May 9, 2012
As shared from AAPD Press Release...
Press Releases
People with Disabilities Still Left Behind In Transportation Debates
560,000 People with Disabilities Never Leave Their Homes Due to Transportation Difficulties
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 8, 2012
Contact: Lara Schwartz, VP of External Affairs
202 521 4309 / lschwartz@aapd.com
For link to download the report in PDF.
http://www.civilrightsdocs.info/pdf/transportation/final-transportation-equity-disability.pdf
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its 200-plus member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.
# # #
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the country's largest cross-disability membership association, organizes the disability community to be a powerful force for change – politically, economically, and socially. AAPD was founded in 1995 to help unite the diverse community of people with disabilities, including their family, friends and supporters, and to be a national voice for change in implementing the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). To learn more, visit the AAPD Web site: www.aapd.com.
http://www.aapd.com/resources/press-room/press-releases/people-with-disabilities.html
Press Releases
People with Disabilities Still Left Behind In Transportation Debates
560,000 People with Disabilities Never Leave Their Homes Due to Transportation Difficulties
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 8, 2012
Contact: Lara Schwartz, VP of External Affairs
202 521 4309 / lschwartz@aapd.com
Washington, D.C. – As conferees begin debating how to move forward with the federal transportation reauthorization, two civil rights organizations are highlighting massive disparities in transportation access for people with disabilities.
“Equity in Transportation for People with Disabilities,” a report by The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and The Leadership Conference Education Fund, documents the lack of funding, enforcement, and oversight of transportation programs that allow people with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in community life.
The collected findings demonstrate that federal and local policymakers have failed to fulfill the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide equal access to affordable transportation for all communities through federal surface transportation legislation. Among the findings:
• Many public transit systems– particularly older rail and bus systems, as well
as Amtrak--are still inaccessible to people with disabilities.
• Paratransit services required by the ADA are plagued by poor oversight, high
costs to transit agencies and, and woefully inadequate service.
• Taxi services continue to be out of reach for people who use wheelchairs, both
due to discrimination by drivers and because of physically-inaccessible cabs.
• Enforcement of ADA compliance remains spotty.
• Significant access problems remain for people living in rural communities.
The report includes recommendations for ensuring that the next surface transportation reauthorization bill can begin to meet the needs of all individuals living in the United States.
“This report underscores how much the civil rights community has at stake in the transportation debate,” said Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference Education Fund. “Because of inadequate funding and enforcement, countless people with disabilities can’t reliably vote, work, attend medical appointments, or enjoy full independence.”
Mark Perriello, president of AAPD, commented that “access to transportation is a prerequisite to full civil rights for people with disabilities. The goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act—economic power, independent living, political participation, and equal opportunity—can only be realized with affordable, accessible transportation systems.”
For link to download the report in PDF.
http://www.civilrightsdocs.info/pdf/transportation/final-transportation-equity-disability.pdf
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its 200-plus member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.
# # #
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the country's largest cross-disability membership association, organizes the disability community to be a powerful force for change – politically, economically, and socially. AAPD was founded in 1995 to help unite the diverse community of people with disabilities, including their family, friends and supporters, and to be a national voice for change in implementing the goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). To learn more, visit the AAPD Web site: www.aapd.com.
http://www.aapd.com/resources/press-room/press-releases/people-with-disabilities.html
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