Administration Updates: Financial and Educational Resources, Plus Opportunity to Share Feedback

To assist our members as they support individuals with disabilities and keep them abreast of federal developments and opportunities from which they could benefit, we share the following three announcements.

Administration for Community Living Webinar: Supporting the Preventive Health Care Needs of Dually Eligible Women with Disability

Wednesday, May 12, 2021, 1:00-2:30 PM ET

Webinar Registration

In observance of National Women’s Health Week, RIC will host this webinar exploring the challenges and barriers that women with disabilities face in accessing screenings and health services The event will highlight promising practices providers and health plans can employ to achieve better integrated, person-centered care. The webinar will also address increased challenges to accessing preventive health care during the time of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Featured Speakers:

• Monika Mitra, PhD, Director, Lurie Institute for Disability Policy, Brandeis University
• John Harris, MD, MSc, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Women’s Hospital, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)
• Sarah Triano, Director, Policy and Innovation, Complex Care, Centene Corporation
• Amy Shannon, Consumer

FCC Seeks Feedback on Updating Rules Implementing the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently released a public notice inviting comment on whether any updates are needed to the rules implementing the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA).

Most of these rules have been in effect for many years, and many of them have not been revisited recently, some since initial adoption. Given changes in technology and industry practices, as well as taking into account consumer experiences, the Commission seeks comment on whether there is a need to update these rules.

Interested parties may file comments by accessing the Electronic Comment Filing System at https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/filings.  All filings must reference GN Docket No. 21-140.  People with disabilities who need assistance to file comments online may request assistance by email to [email protected].

Comment Deadline: May 24, 2021

Reply Comment Deadline: Jun 21, 2021

For general information about the CVAA, visit  https://www.fcc.gov/general/twenty-first-century-communications-and-video-accessibility-act-0.  

Funding Opportunity from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): National Initiative to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities

Application deadline: May 3, 2021

View more details and application instructions

Grant Opportunity CDC-RFA-OT21-2103

The CDC’s Center for State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial Support (CSTLTS) has published a two-year Notice of Funding Opportunity: National Initiative to Address COVID-19 Health Disparities Among Populations at High-Risk and Underserved, Racial and Ethnic Minority Populations and Rural Communities.

Funded through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, this opportunity is expected to award funding to up to 108 state, local, territorial, and freely associated state health departments, or their agents. It represents CDC’s largest investment to date focusing specifically on reducing health disparities related to COVID-19, and intends to direct support to communities that need it most.

The opportunity’s goals are to:

1. Reduce COVID-19-related health disparities,
2. Improve and increase testing and contact tracing among populations at higher risk and that are underserved, including racial and ethnic minority groups and people living in rural communities, and
3. Improve capacity and services to prevent and control COVID-19 infection/transmission among these populations

Applicants are encouraged to partner with a range of entities, including community-based organizations, social service providers, and universities.