Please consider participating in this important survey and sharing it with others you think may be interested.
Alie Kriofske Mainella is a doctoral student at the University of Wisconsin Madison. She is currently working on her dissertation, which is called “The Birds and the Bees are for Everyone: An examination of the impact of sexual health education for people with developmental disabilities on sexual self-concept and subjective well-being”. Alie is also a long-time sexual health educator for people with disabilities and her dissertation is focusing on people with spina bifida and cerebral palsy. The survey should take about 20-30 minutes to compete.
The public charge rule is used to prevent immigrants from entering the US or becoming legal permanent residents if they are likely to rely on certain public benefits. This proposal would significantly expand the benefits that can be taken into account to include non-emergency Medicaid, housing assistance, SNAP (food stamps), certain healthcare subsidies, and potentially the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) – things people with disabilities rely on often. It would also heavily weigh medical conditions, insurance, and anticipated medical costs in public charge determinations. This proposal is unquestionably discriminatory against immigrants with disabilities. It makes it clear that this administration only wants you if you’re healthy, nondisabled, and wealthy. You can learn more about the public charge rule in our 
NCIL matters, now more than ever. In an era where the programs that help people with disabilities live full and rich lives in the community are constantly under attack, NCIL is the first line of defense. Our grassroots network allows us to quickly mobilize people to call, email, and tweet their Congressional representatives to remind them that people with disabilities have a voice in our own futures, and we are a force to be reckoned with. Our staff tackles big topics every day that have the potential to create positive change in the lives of people with disabilities, like voting rights, sexuality, and accessible transportation. We also support CILs, SILCs, and other organizations so that they can more effectively assist consumers with the nitty gritty issues that affect their day to day lives.
United Disabilities Services provides direct services to over 5000 clients annually with a network of programs that are designed to foster independence, self-sufficiency, and community integration. Their Home and Community Based (HCBS) service coordination department provides services to approximately 2,000 clients annually and recently achieved NCQA Case Management LTSS Accreditation. The HCBS department is dedicated to advancing the abilities that empower individuals to live independently and safely at home. They are guided by a mission to provide quality services in the home and community that enhance the independence and enrich the lives of seniors and individuals with disabilities. The highest priority amongst those served through the HCBS department is to remain in their home. To facilitate this they developed a Quality Management Program that incorporates multiple measures to reduce preventable hospitalizations by identifying and mitigating high risk factors. This work has driven their business practice and created synergy with other professionals in their community. 
In the wake of hurricanes in the south and on the east coast, and now huge fires raging in California, learn what is happening in the field of emergency management and disability rights. What should we as disability organizers do to improve things for disabled people in areas hit by disasters? What policies or practices should we be fighting for? 
