June has been declared Rights Promotion Month by our CCO. It is a time to celebrate empowerment, dignity, and the voices of those we serve. Care Managers play a vital role in educating members about their rights and supporting them in exercising those rights. The Member Relations team is committed to assisting Care Managers to ensure that no member is denied their civil or legal rights due to an intellectual and/or developmental disability diagnosis. Every member deserves to be treated with the same respect and dignity afforded to others, regardless of race, religion, national origin, age, gender, ethnic background, primary language, sexual orientation, developmental or other disabilities, or health conditions such as HIV infection.
OBSERVING JUNETEENTH
A Call for Equity and Inclusion On June 19, we observe Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when the last enslaved Black Americans learned of their freedom—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is a day of both remembrance and resolve. We recognize that the promise of freedom must include equity for all—across race, disability, and every intersection of…
Continue Reading →THE BLUE ENVELOPE PROGRAM
A Resource for Drivers with Autism The Blue Envelope Program helps drivers with autism and other individuals with special needs to communicate with a police officer during a traffic stop. Participants can pick up a blue envelope at their local police department and store their license, registration, and insurance card in the envelope to better facilitate a calm and…
Continue Reading →RIGHTS PROMOTION MONTH: SERVICE DENIALS AND APPEALS
Did you know that you have the right to challenge the decisions that are made by OPWDD, Social Security, Medicaid, private insurance, etc.? Waiver Eligibility/Waiver Service Denials Have you or your loved one been denied Waiver services? You have the right to challenge/appeal any OPWDD decisions. Learn more about how to request a hearing to appeal OPWDD’s determination here. Additionally,…
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