Have you ever tried to make an important call only to realize your phone battery is too low? What if you needed to call 911 to get help? Keeping our rechargeable devices powered up can be an important part of staying safe and healthy. The same is true of people and communities. Keeping them powered…

Final Section 504 Rule Will Be a Critical Tool for Fighting Discrimination Earlier today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) made disability rights history with the release of a long-awaited final rule implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. This…

In this Policy Round-Up: Input needed: HHS, DOJ, and FTC seek input on private equity in health care (Comments due 5/6). DOJ finalizes web accessibility rule for state and local government sites and apps. FDA authorizes Pemgarda monoclonal antibody to help prevent COVID-19 for immunocompromised…

To close Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), we are sharing this letter from Alison Barkoff, who leads ACL, Jeff Hild, who leads the Administration for Children and Families, and Admiral Rachel Levine, the HHS Assistant Secretary for Health, which was written to improve support for people with…

As we shared earlier in the week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services rule (Access Rule) on Monday. It includes new requirements related to the direct care workforce, access to home and community-based services (HCBS),…

Today, as we celebrate National AT Awareness Day, we recognize the importance of AT devices and services in making community living a reality for millions across the country. Assistive technology (AT) is any item, device, or piece of equipment used to maintain or improve the independence and…

In April, ACL observes National Financial Capability Month, which was created to raise awareness of the importance of financial literacy — and the need for financial education — for all Americans. Understanding how to manage money is crucial to financial independence for everyone. For many people…

In this policy round up: Medicaid and CHIP: Final rule streamlines enrollments, renewals Medicare Prescription Payment Plan: CMS finalizes first program guidance Input needed on model materials (comments due 4/29) HHS report provides update on Long COVID work Medicare Savings Programs: Revised…

Good nutrition — balanced meals, enough food, and the right nutrients — is vitally important to good health. But when it comes to our health, there’s a difference between eating well and sharing a meal with others. While food fuels our bodies, connection fuels us in other equally important ways.…

As we continue to celebrate Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM), we are highlighting some of the many ways that ACL is working to break down barriers to create more inclusive communities so that all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) can do well and succeed…