Disability and Health News from America 25 Oct 2008

The far-reaching changes to permanent disability regulations within the state’s workers’ compensation system will wait a little longer.

The California Division of Workers’ Compensation has delayed putting into place a new permanent disability rating schedule until July. The division overseeing benefits for workers injured on the job previously had anticipated new permanent disability regulations would take effect on Jan. 1. Before that, the division had expected April 1 of this year.

According to a report of the Census Bureau of the United States, there are more than 31 million single Americans that have reached 45.

Singles below 45 are around 51 million. Out of 82 million singles in the United States, about 37.8 percent are seniors or more than a third of all the singles. That means that for every 10 singles checking an internet dating site, four of them are most likely to be seniors. Senior online dating may be the beginning of a lasting companionship. But to remain safe, take it slow at first and don't provide too much information about yourself, especially your address or phone number(s).

HARRISBURG - The fruits of gambling are paying $786 million in property taxes and rent on behalf of Pennsylvania residents this year, according to figures released by the governor's office. The figure reflects $254 million returned to senior citizens through the property tax and rent rebate program, mainly funded by state lottery profits, and about $532 million of slot casino revenue sent to school districts for reductions in property tax bills. According to a chart published on the state Web site, property tax bills were reduced to 0 for 1,504 senior citizens in Indiana County. The chart shows 5,099 senior citizen home owners shared in more than $2 million in benefits. The deadline to apply for Pennsylvania's Property Tax/Rent Rebate program was extended from June 30 to Dec. 31. Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000) are available online here or by calling toll-free 1 (888) 222-9190.

Sen. Obama has nine pages on his Web site detailing his thoughtful responses to the unacceptable unemployment and poverty rates of people with disabilities, as well as his commitment to and support of legislation that will positively change things. He also has hundreds of representatives from his Disability Policy Committee giving talks around the country on why Obama is the disability candidate. Sen. McCain cannot point to a disability posture or a team of advocates for his disability stances.

Health and Disability News for US Seniors:

Governor Rendell says there's state money waiting for some senior citizens.

Thursday in Bucks County, Rendell announced results of a property tax relief bill. He says the state plans to shell out more than 780 million dollars in property tax relief. This year, Rendell says more than 100,000 seniors will not have to pay school property taxes and there are many more who still need to sign up for their rebates. Rendell reminds seniors and disabled people to apply for the state's property tax and rental rebate program, which expanded in 2006 with money from casino revenues. Pittsburgh residents can call the city's 311 hotline for help signing up, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said. State Rep. Joe Preston, D-East Liberty, and a representative of state Sen. Jim Ferlo, D-Highland Park, also said seniors could contact their offices for help filling out the proper forms. "You're literally leaving money on the table," Rendell said.

Grant to help W.Va. seniors improve their health.

A $348,000 federal grant will help senior citizens in 17 West Virginia counties manage chronic illnesses and maintain their independence. West Virginia University Extension Service and the Center for Excellence in Disabilities will use the money to train allied health professionals and area leaders to assist senior citizens by providing information on everything from heart health to diabetes and arthritis. A previous grant helped to reach more than 400 senior citizens in rural communities. New facets of the grant include in-home assessments to help seniors recognize and improve health and safety hazards in their homes. An automated phone messaging service with health promotion messages from peers also will be used to motivate seniors to change behaviors.

Veterans News

The VA treats 5.6 million veterans at more than 150 hospitals and more than 800 clinics scattered across all states.

The system has undergone a major transformation over the past decade, boosting outpatient and preventive care in its growing network of outpatient clinics. John McCain and Barack Obama are united on giving more help to the nation's veterans and overhauling the agency that cares for them. McCain, one of the nation's most celebrated veterans, and Obama, who never served in uniform but became an advocate for veterans issues soon after entering the U.S. Senate, generally agree that the Department of Veterans Affairs does some things well and other things quite poorly. The other main health access issue concerns what are known as "Priority 8" veterans. Since 2003, many of those veterans haven't been allowed into the VA's health care system because they make too much money and don't have severe enough disabilities.

Lloyd Knox, veterans affairs representative, met with about 25 people to discuss benefits available to veterans on Wednesday, Oct. 22, in the Community Room of Wood & Huston Bank.

Knox helps veterans and their family members file claims for benefits, ensuring that all necessary paperwork is present, correctly filled out and makes it to the proper hands. The three most common types of benefits people apply for, said Knox, are disability, pension and compensation benefits. Disability benefits are received under one of three categories: direct disability, indirect disability and secondary disability. http://www.marshallnews.com/story/1472653.html

Coming Events:

This November, the international grassroots organization, Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, will host its 20th annual international conference at the Anaheim Hilton, in Anaheim, CA. The three-day CHADD conference offers an exceptional opportunity to connect with parents, teachers, and individuals living with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, and a chance to connect with renowned experts in the field of AD/HD.

The Hilton Anaheim is located at 777 Convention Way. Groups and individuals interested in attending this year's conference are encouraged to visit www.CHADD.org for more information, or call CHADD's conference department at (301) 306-7070. On-site registration will also be available.

CHADD is the leading nonprofit organization serving individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) and their families. CHADD provides information, education and support to individuals, families and professionals. With 12,000 members and 200 chapters nationwide, CHADD is one of the nation's largest family-based organizations serving people affected by AD/HD. CHADD constantly works to improve the lives of people affected by AD/HD through: collaborative leadership, advocacy, research, education and support.

The Disability Law Center on Monday will present a free screening of the Academy Award-nominated documentary "Sound & Fury," as well as the sequel, "Sound & Fury: 6 Years Later."

The films - which address the use of cochlear implants for the deaf - are part of the Disability Law Center's 30th Anniversary celebration. A moderated discussion will follow the presentations. Sign language interpreters will be present for the event. This film screening is co-sponsored by the Salt Lake City Public Library, the Salt Lake Film Society and the Utah State Library for the Blind & Disabled. The film will be shown on Monday at 7 p.m. at the Salt Lake City Library Auditorium, 210 East 400 South, in Salt Lake City. For more information, contact sduke@disabilitylawcenter.org