NCIL News & Happenings: May 23, 2024

Register Now to Join NCIL in DC this July!

This July 22-25, NCIL is traveling BACK TO THE FUTURE! As a movement, we will revisit our foundational values in order to look to a future that embraces disability justice – loving all bodies and leaving no one behind.

Join us for the 2024 Annual Conference on Independent Living, where we unite as a movement and advocate together for our priorities.

We will once again be a force in Washington DC when we march to the Capitol, meet with representatives on the Hill, and learn from each other.

Make sure you don’t miss out – register today at: members.ncil.org/ncil2024

Here are few pictures to remind us of how powerful last year’s conference was!

NCIL Launches 2024 Provider Accessibility Initiative / Barrier Removal Fund

NCIL is pleased to announce the continuation of the Barrier Removal Fund (BRF) in 2024. NCIL and the Centene Corporation are committed to providing equal access to quality health care and services that are physically and programmatically accessible for our members with disabilities and their companions by increasing the percentage of Centene providers that meet minimum federal and state disability access standards.

Read more about the Provider Accessibility Initiative / Barrier Removal Fund

Upcoming Events

May 28, 2024; 3:00-4:00 p.m. Eastern: Brandeis Nursing Home Transition Study Information Session (email [email protected] to register)

May 30, 2024; 2:30-3:30 p.m. Eastern: NCIL and HelloFresh Present: Community Conversations – Fresh, Accessible, Affordable Meal Solutions!

May 31, 2024; 3:00-4:00 p.m. Eastern: CIL Office Hours – Disability Innovation Fund

June 4, 2024; 3:00-4:30 p.m. Eastern: IL-NET National Webinar: The Role of Individual Advocacy for CILs & SILCs

June 10, 2024; 2:00-3:00 p.m. Eastern: Home Usability Peer Network

June 11, 2024; 2:00-3:00 p.m. Eastern: Employment Resource Hub Peer Call

June 14, 2024; 3:00-4:00 p.m. Eastern: CIL Office Hours – Disability Innovation Fund

June: NCIL Presents: Systems Change Coffee Chats!

  • June 14, 2024; 1:00-2:00 p.m. Eastern: Systems Advocacy Coffee Chat – Non Management Staff
  • June 21, 2024; 1:00-2:00 p.m. Eastern: Systems Advocacy Coffee Chat – Management Staff

June 26, 2024; 3:00-4:30 p.m. Eastern: IL-NET National Webinar: How to Create the Best Board and Staff Relationships in Your CIL

Understanding Tax Benefits for Individuals with Disabilities

By Angelia White, NCIL Senior Accountant

Managing finances can be challenging, particularly when dealing with the nuances of tax laws. For individuals with disabilities, there are specific tax provisions designed to provide potential benefits and support. While we recommend consulting with a professional for personal tax advice, we want to share some general information that might be beneficial.

  1. Overview of Disability Tax Credit

This credit is for those with a severe and prolonged physical or mental impairment, potentially reducing the income tax they may owe. Eligibility can vary, so it’s important to consult with a tax advisor to understand how this applies to your situation.

  1. Medical Expense Deductions

Many individuals with disabilities incur out-of-pocket medical expenses. These may include costs for treatments, medications, devices, or necessary home modifications for accessibility. While these expenses can sometimes be deducted from your taxes, keeping detailed records and seeking professional advice is essential.

  1. Earned Income Tax Credit

This credit supports low-to-moderate-income working people, and specific rules may help individuals with disabilities qualify. It’s a valuable credit that can impact your financial health, so understanding your eligibility is crucial.

  1. Deducting Impairment-Related Work Expenses

If you’re employed and have expenses directly related to your disability that are necessary for working, these might be deductible. This can include costs like specialized transportation, necessary equipment modifications, or hiring support services.

  1. Benefits of ABLE Accounts

ABLE accounts offer qualified individuals and their families a way to save for future expenses without affecting many disability benefits. These accounts support health, independence, and quality of life.

While this information is intended to provide a general overview, we strongly encourage you to seek personalized advice from a tax professional or a financial advisor familiar with disability laws. Their expertise will ensure you receive all the benefits you are entitled to, providing you with the support and guidance you need.

Information Alert: I&R Issue Brief

Advancing States’ National Information and Referral Center, in partnership with the National Council on Independent Living, has released an issue brief on Information and Referral (I&R) service delivery after the pandemic.

AAHD’s Disability and Health Webinar Series Recap

The fourth panel in AAHD’s Disability and Health Webinar series featured a conversation on #LongCOVID, #DisabilityHealth, and @AllofUsResearch!

This panel included patient advocates and researchers. They spoke about the importance of patient-led research. They talked about how it has shaped new research on Long COVID.

Check out the conversation.

#AllofUsInclusion #DisabilityHealth #Intersectionality #Health #DisabilityInclusion