Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Access Press @accesspress.org · 3h

A new video from the #Minnesota DHS outlines upcoming federal changes to #Medicaid, also known as #MedicalAssistance in the state. Most changes begin in 2027 and affect adults ages 21–64 without children or disabilities. Source: #MinnesotaDHS

buff.ly/marzVIK

#AccessPress #Minnesota

Update on Medicaid Changes

This video explains how federal changes to Medicaid will affect people who have Medical Assistance in Minnesota, and when those changes will start. In American Sign Language with English voiceover…

www.youtube.com

1

Access Press @accesspress.org · 9h

A new KFF analysis shows wide disparities in Medicaid spending per enrollee across states and eligibility groups. States that expanded #Medicaid under the# ACA generally spend more per person, particularly for individuals with disabilities and older adults. Source: #KFF

#AccessPress #HealthPolicy

A Look at Variation in Medicaid Spending Per Enrollee by Group and Across States | KFF

Because states have flexibility in designing their programs, state Medicaid spending and enrollment varies across states. This data note provides an overview of total Medicaid spending per enrollee…

buff.ly

1

Access Press @accesspress.org · 16h

The Minnesota Department of Health is seeking applicants for its Health Equity Advisory Leadership Council for the 26–28 term. The council advises on equity issues impacting communities statewide. Applications due by Nov. 7.
Source: #MinnesotaDepartmentofHealth

buff.ly/z20EH5r

#AccessPress

1

Access Press @accesspress.org · 1d

#NorthDakota is advancing efforts to support disability inclusion by strengthening care services and improving accessibility across communities. Officials emphasize the importance of collaboration among state agencies, nonprofits, and local stakeholders. Source: #KXNet

buff.ly/h0ERgDU

#AccessPress

Access Press @accesspress.org · 1d

#Wisconsin has secured one year of funding to restore a deafblind technical assistance program that was abruptly defunded under the Trump administration. The program supports approximately 170 children. Source: #MilwaukeeJournalSentinel

#AccessPress #DeafBlind #SpecialEducation #DisabilitySupport

Wisconsin secures year of funding for deafblind program cut by Trump administration

The announcement came after the U.S. Department of Education denied Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction's appeal on Sept. 23.

buff.ly

1

Access Press @accesspress.org · 1d

A Minnesota Reformer article explores proposals by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to add autism to the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program’s list of automatically covered conditions.

#AccessPress #Vaccines #PublicHealth #Autism #VCIP #HealthPolicy

Inside the high-stakes battle over vaccine injury compensation, autism, and public trust • Minnesota Reformer

RFK Jr.'s proposals would unleash a flood of claims, threatening the program’s financial stability and handing vaccine opponents a powerful new talking point.

buff.ly

1

Access Press @accesspress.org · 1d

Next year's Social Security benefits would mean an extra $54 each month for the average retired worker.

Access Press @accesspress.org · 1d

The shutdown is stalling the release of inflation data critical to determining Social Security cost-of-living adjustments, leaving millions of beneficiaries in limbo. A 2.7% increase is projected, but confirmation is delayed. Source: #Denver7

#AccessPress #SocialSecurity

Shutdown stalls adjustments for Social Security payments, leaving many seniors waiting

The government shutdown is delaying data that impacts the cost-of-living adjustments for millions of Social Security beneficiaries.

www.denver7.com

1

Access Press @accesspress.org · 2d

The Minnesota Council on Disability is marking White Cane Day to celebrate the independence and self-reliance of people who are blind or have visual impairments. Source: #MinnesotaCouncilonDisability

#AccessPress #Minnesota #DisabilityRights #WhiteCaneDay #BlindCommunity #Accessibility

White Cane Day: Celebrating Independence and Safety | Minnesota Council On Disability

Each October 15, people across Minnesota join a global celebration of White Cane Day—a day recognizing the white cane as a symbol of independence and equal access for people who are blind or visually…

buff.ly

Access Press @accesspress.org · 2d

A CIDRAP op‑ed criticizes the #CDC acting director’s call to separate the #MMR vaccine into individual vaccines, arguing that doing so would weaken medical evidence, decrease vaccination completion rates, and introduce logistical challenges.

#AccessPress #Vaccines #PublicHealth #Immunization

CIDRAP Op-Ed: Why the CDC director is wrong about the MMR vaccine

3D_generator / iStock

buff.ly

Access Press @accesspress.org · 2d

A BMJ study using genetic analysis finds that increased #alcohol use is linked to higher #dementia risk. Contrary to earlier research suggesting moderate drinking might be protective.
Source: #BMJEvidenceBasedMedicine

buff.ly/9tY6T56

#AccessPress #AlcoholUse #BrainHealth #PublicHealth

Access Press @accesspress.org · 2d

buff.ly/0rdgsxK

#AccessPress #DisabilityNews #Minnesota #MN #MinnesotaNews #DisabilityResources

Access Press @accesspress.org · 2d

Access Press is Minnesota’s go-to source for disability-related news, events, and resources. Subscribe to stay informed and connected to the statewide disability community.

buff.ly/0rdgsxK

#AccessPress #DisabilityNews #Minnesota #MN #MinnesotaNews #DisabilityResources

Subscribe to Print and Email | Access Press

Both online and print subscriptions are now free — because money should never stand in the way of access to […]

accesspress.org

1

Access Press @accesspress.org · 2d

A new proposal would tighten #SocialSecurity disability eligibility rules, making it harder, especially for older adults, to qualify for benefits. The changes could reduce #SSDI approval rates by up to 20 percent overall and 30 percent among older claimants. Source: #AmericanProgress

#AccessPress

The Trump Administration’s Plans To Covertly Cut Social Security Disability Benefits

An upcoming regulatory proposal would change the rules of Social Security disability programs to make it harder to qualify, particularly harming older adults.

buff.ly

Access Press @accesspress.org · 3d

A special education teacher argues that AI-driven assistive tools such as voice-to-text, reading aloud features, and adaptive lesson generation can help fulfill the promise of inclusion for students with disabilities. Source: #PBS

#AccessPress #EducationTech #DisabilityInclusion #SpecialEd #AITools

Educator Voice: AI can help fulfill the promise of inclusion for students with disabilities

Heather Gauck, a special education teacher in Grand Rapids, Mich. shares how AI technology has helped her students

buff.ly

1

Access Press @accesspress.org · 3d

St. Louis County officials in northern Minnesota are closely monitoring the impact of the federal shutdown on programs such as #SNAP and #WIC. Source: #WDIO

#AccessPress #Minnesota #PublicHealth #HomelessnessSupport

Shutdown Day 8: How is SNAP and WIC impacted

It’s been over a week since the federal government shut down, but how are social programs being impacted, in Northern Minnesota? St. Louis County Public health officials are looking closely at the…

buff.ly

Access Press @accesspress.org · 3d

Mandan High School in North Dakota has been designated a national banner Unified Champion School by Special Olympics, recognizing its efforts to foster inclusion for students with and without intellectual disabilities. Source: #KXNews

#AccessPress #NorthDakota #InclusiveEducation #SpecialOlympics

Mandan High School nationally recognized for inclusive education

MANDAN, ND (KXNET) – Mandan High School has received national banner recognition from Special Olympics for its commitment to inclusive education through the Unified Champion Schools program. …

buff.ly

Access Press @accesspress.org · 3d

The Autism Society of Minnesota is facing a $500,000 budget shortfall due to policy and funding changes. They have made staff cuts and program adjustments, and warn that services could be reduced or eliminated if funds aren't raised by December 31. Source: #KARE11

#AccessPress #Minnesota #autism

Autism Society of Minnesota fights to keep programs amid budget shortfall

The Autism Society of Minnesota must raise $500,000 to continue serving its 14,000 members.

buff.ly

Access Press @accesspress.org · 3d

The Wisconsin Institute for Learning Disabilities & Dyslexia is expanding its diagnostic services to reach more learners affected by dyslexia and related learning disabilities. Source: #Channel3000

#AccessPress #Wisconsin #Dyslexia #LearningDisabilities #EducationAccess #Nonprofit

Wisconsin Institute for Learning Disabilities/Dyslexia expands diagnostic services

MADISON, Wis. -- The Wisconsin Institute for Learning Disabilities/Dyslexia has expanded its diagnostic center to include comprehensive testing ADD/ADHD and autism.

buff.ly

Access Press @accesspress.org · 3d

Federal budget gridlock is causing anxiety for Minnesota state employees who rely on federal funding, particularly those involved in processing disability claims. They warn delays—even of days—could cascade into months of harm to those waiting for care. Source: #knoxradio

#AccessPress #Minnesota

Government shutdown Looms Large Over State Workers in Minnesota

(Adobe Stock via Minnesota News Connection) (By Mike Moen. Minnesota News Connection) - On the heels of...

buff.ly

1 1

Access Press @accesspress.org · 4d

#Disability advocates in #Wisconsin are advocating for the option to request, mark, and submit ballots online, allowing citizens with disabilities to vote independently and privately. #WSAW

#AccessPress #Wisconsin #VotingRights #DisabilityAccess #ElectionPolicy #CivicInclusion

Advocates continue to push for online voting for disabled Wisconsinites

Advocates say online access would give disabled voters the opportunity to vote privately and independently.

buff.ly

1

Access Press @accesspress.org · 4d

A “History & Future of Public Lands” seminar is set for Oct. 16 at UND’s Gorecki Alumni Center, featuring longtime park official Walt Dabney and facilitated by former Theodore Roosevelt National Park superintendent Valerie Naylor. Source: #GrandForksHerald

#AccessPress #NorthDakota #Conservation

UND public lands seminar coming up Oct. 16 on Outdoors Calendar

To get an event in the Outdoors Calendar, contact Brad Dokken at (701) 780-1148, (800) 477-6572 ext. 1148 or by email at [email protected]. Deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesdays.

buff.ly

Access Press @accesspress.org · 4d

#AccessPress #MentalHealth #Advocacy #NonprofitLeadership #SueAbderholdena

Access Press @accesspress.org · 4d

#AccessPress #Minnesota #MentalHealth #Advocacy #NonprofitLeadership #SueAbderholden

1