Bshs 375 - Health Care Educational Resources Paper

Health Care Educational Resources Paper

December 2015

BSHS/375

Assistive technologies allow individuals who live with disabilities and impairments to live their lives in a less restricted way. These technologies have evolved over time and stand to be an integral part of communication between human services professionals and their clients whom are affected by disabilities. Clients are able to have an unprecedented level of access to the services, as well as the professionals that they need, and this is because of the assistive technologies available to aid them. In order to access educational resources and services for the special needs population, one must know where to go to access and acquire such services. This paper will examine how the processes to gaining access to services vary between the states of Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin, while also delivering information about the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and how it affects the field of human services.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in hiring, promotions, public accommodations and services. The ADA has changed the way society perceives and accommodates the citizens with disabilities; the barriers the disabled had once faced are slowly coming down. According to Stephens, D.L., & Bergman, K. (1995), one in five Americans have some sort of disability (physical or mental) which makes people with disabilities the largest minority. Approximately two-thirds of these people are unemployed, yet express that they want to be employed.

With the many advances in the law, health care, education and technology, more Americans are feeling as though they are making significant contributions to American life (US Dept of HHS, 2000). Shalala states that “Health and Human Services plays a large role in making the promise of the ADA real in the lives of millions of people every day by” (para. 1). They enable toddlers with and without disabilities to learn and grow together in inclusive Head Start and child care programs, states receive assistance to better the availability and quality of home and community based services for those with disabilities, affording those with disabilities to make choices and provide support necessary to move out of nursing homes and into their own, and increasing Medicare and Medicaid coverage to the employed population. HHS continues to fight to put an end to the discrimination that those with mental illness and other disabilities still face by investing in technologies and other methods that enable people with disabilities of all ages to live meaningful lives (US Dept of HHS, 2000).

There are many types of assistive technologies that are available in the state of Ohio. Furthermore, assistive technology entails any item, or piece of equipment that is used to help or improve the functional capabilities of an individual who may have challenges as far as physically or mentally incapacities. The state of Ohio has many resources to offer those who are disabled and there are a lot of ways to obtain services through different organizations. The bureau of vocational rehabilitation helps disabled people obtain medical assistance, case management, counseling, and job placement programs. This can be viewed as one of the best systems in this state because this organization serves many different parts of Ohio. This organization works to ensure fair treatment of individuals, as well as the opportunity to gain employment like other individuals who may not have the same challenges that can deter them from regular activities and opportunities.

“The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities provides a variety of comprehensive services to eligible children and adults who have developmental disabilities. On June 30, 2015, Governor Kasich signed House Bill 64, the state budget bill, into law. Disability Rights Ohio has created a document to summarize some of the major issues from the budget that impact people with disabilities. The budget bill, in addition to setting out how many dollars the state will bring in and spend, also contains important policy developments. It is important for people with disabilities and their advocates to follow the implementation of these key budget provisions to ensure that they operate fairly and effectively. It is critical to ensure that people with disabilities have a voice in implementation of the budget's policy developments” (Developmental Dissabilities Services, 2015).

When a person has a physical or mental disadvantage or disability, they have a right to obtain special services as well as medical equipment to help improve their overall quality of life. There are many different service providers all across the State of Ohio that provide assistive technology and things like, wheelchair lifts, software programs, and communication devices. Ohio has a varied level of resources that are being utilized and it would be very beneficial to disabled persons if there was an increase in service delivery, especially focusing on technical resources. For example, more services for people who are homebound throughout the rural communities because they have no real way of reaching these upgraded services and it could possibly benefit their overall health and well-being.

Michigan has a four-step solution for the computer access, ergonomics, environmental control, and work site accommodation, that allows adults and children with physical, sensory, cognitive or learning disabilities to lead independent and productive lives. Their services are based on a comprehensive assessment, in-depth knowledge of the latest products available, complete training services, and regular follow-up with each of our customers. This works with individuals, small businesses, schools, universities, and government agencies.

Michigan