Category: United States
Potential Updates to Strengthen Section 504 Regulations
The U.S. Department of Education plans to make forthcoming improvements and changes to regulations that govern Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If your clients have students who receive 504 benefits and services, these changes may affect them. Direct Care Innovations values high-quality care for individuals with disabilities and supports caregiving agencies working […]
What Is Self-Direction & Why Is It Important?
What began as a Veterans Administration program at the end of World War II is now a long-term care model known as self-direction. Veterans who fought in WWII and came home with disabling injuries were given the option to hire their caregivers with their disability benefits. It wasn’t until the 1990s that this model was […]
Medicaid Eligibility: What to Know about the Current Changes
When a national public health emergency was declared at the onset of COVID-19, Medicaid made several changes to its enrollment and eligibility guidelines to provide much-needed health insurance for the public. The emergency ended this year which means many individuals who qualified for Medicaid during the pandemic may no longer meet the eligibility parameters. Up […]
6 Key Factors That Can Improve Healthcare Employee Retention
As our population continues to age, there will be a consistent and upward-trending need for home healthcare workers. Unfortunately, the current workforce crisis may add to the ever-increasing need for direct care employees. If high turnover rates are not effectively addressed, comprehensive care for the elderly and individuals living with developmental and intellectual disabilities will […]
Positive Developments in Accessibility & Technology
Developing accessibility features in the tech industry is a consistent, ongoing process — and it should be. As tech evolves, new products and services that can enhance life for individuals with special needs or those living with developmental disabilities are always being researched, tested, and introduced. By providing innovative resources and accessible technology, those living […]
More Support Needed for Family Caregivers
In the fall of 2022, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) revealed its first collaborative and strategic national plan for providing family caregivers with various supports and resources. The 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers consists of several hundred action steps that can help relieve family caregivers of the extra burdens […]
4 Creative Ideas for Direct Support Professional Recognition Week
Direct Support Professional Recognition Week is September 11 – 17. While many healthcare and developmental disability agencies wish to show their appreciation for their direct support professionals (DSPs) throughout the year, September is a great opportunity to pull out all the stops and do something extra special for the DSPs who work tirelessly to serve […]
Upcoming Broadway Play Shares Experiences with Disabilities
Individuals living with disabilities and their caregivers will be the focus of a new Broadway play by Pulitzer Prize-winner, Martyna Majok this fall. “Cost of Living” will make its debut at the Samuel J. Friedman Theater in midtown Manhattan. At Direct Care Innovations, we’re excited to see that the life experiences of those living with […]
Top Facts about America’s Direct Care Workforce
As one of the largest and fastest-growing occupations, the direct care workforce is an essential part of providing quality and effective health care services. Direct care employees work with individuals who need long-term care or personal assistance on a daily basis. Not only are direct care staff valuable to those they serve, but they’re also […]
How Technology Is Changing the Lives of Individuals Living with Disabilities
It is truly amazing how much can be accomplished through technology. Online shopping, staying connected with friends and loved ones, and conducting business are simply a few of the many developments that have been made over the last few decades. At Direct Care Innovations, we understand that technology has played a major part in helping […]