New Avenues to Independence, Inc. Providing services for individuals with disabilities since 1952.
Copyright © 2004 - 2008 New Avenues to Independence, Inc. All rights reserved.
Revised: September 13, 2008.
Direct Support Fairness and Security Act
In 2007, Representatives Lee Terry (R-NE) and Lois Capps (D-CA) re-introduced the Direct
Support Fairness and Security Act (H.R. 1279) into the 110th Congress. With this federal legislation pending, ANCOR is once
again calling on families, Direct Support Professionals, providers and friends to use their influence as a constituent and build a
grassroots network to garner Congressional sponsors for the bill.
For more information on how you can participate, visit Get Involved.
To learn more about what's at stake, visit Background. For more on recent legislative activity, see Legislative News.
Martin v. Taft State Project
On October 1, 2008, New Avenues began providing services to 4 individuals living in a new Supported Living
home. This home is the result of our participation in the Martin v. Taft State project. The Martin v. Taft project is
the culmination of a class action lawsuit initiated in 2004, ultimately resulting in the opportunity for individuals residing in institutional/intermediate
care facilities (ICFMRs) to relocate and receive funding to live in less restrictive settings in the community. Four gentlemen
from our group homes and ICFMRs moved into the new Supported Living Home. In return, four gentlemen from Warrensville Development
Center, a State institution, have been admitted into our group homes.
17608 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44112
(216) 481-1907
The purpose of this page is to keep you informed about relevant issues that impact New Avenues to Independence and those we serve.
2009 Updates
Ohio Budget
On July 17, Ohio's Bienniel Budget Bill was signed by Governor Strickland. Specific budget
information pertaining to individuals with developmental disabilities indicates that, while there are challenges with meeting the
needs of individuals, they were spared the most severe cuts originally contemplated by Congress.
For facilities for individuals
with developmental disabilities (ICF/MRs), the Executive Budget proposed to increase the franchise permit fee (FPF) by $2.27, to $14.25,
but to keep Medicaid rates flat aside from the $2.27 fee increase. The Executive Budget set the statewide average rate cap for
ICF/MRs at $277.25, exactly $2.27 higher than the FY 2009 cap. The administration explained that these proposals were necessary
to help balance the budget.
"Year of Community Living"
On June 22, President Obama highlighted the tenth anniversary
of the Supreme Court Olmstead decision by designating this year as "The Year of Community Living." The President directed Health
and Human Services secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan to work together to identify
ways to improve access to housing, community supports and independent living arrangements for older people and people with disabilities.
Celebrating
National Direct Support Professional Recognition Week
The week of September 13 - 19, New Avenues, along with organizations
throughout the country, will celebrate the 2nd annual Direct Support Professional Recognition Week. This special week serves
to honor the direct support workforce and the tremendous difference they make each day in the lives of millions of American with disabilities.
Governor Strickland Signs "The Name Change Bill"
On July 7th, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland signed Senate Bill 79, a bill
sponsored by Senator Jimmy Stewart, that changes the name of the Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities to
the Department of Developmental Disabilities. The bill also removes the term "mental retardation" from the titles of other state
and county entities, commissions, and various funds that use the term. New Avenues applauds the passage of this bill, and the
strong advocacy efforts throughout the past year to ensure this necessary change.
Thomas M. Lewins
Executive Director
2010 Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Bruce Sherman, Ph.D.
President
Jonathon
Good, Esq.
Vice President
Bob Angart
Treasurer
Donald Petrash
Secretary
Michael Primrose
Non-Officer Representative
Directors
Edward
A. Boehmer
Joyce Bresler
Ronald Henderson, Esq.
Daniel Koster
Ken Light
Brian Mackert
Joan Potiker
Director
Emeritus