Disability council warns proposed forensic facility bill could sweep in people 'not restorable,' urges narrow definitions and independent oversight Susan Aronoff of the Vermont Developmental Disabilities Council told the Senate Judiciary Committee on Feb. 25 that draft bill language for a forensic competency-restoration facility risks capturing people who cannot be restored to competency, urged excluding those groups, and called for independent oversight in light of past Woodside failures.

Vermont's proposed forensic competency restoration facility bill could inadvertently detain individuals who cannot be restored to competence, igniting serious concerns about civil rights and oversight.

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#VT #CivicAccountability #VermontDisabilities #CitizenPortal

Rep. Elizabeth reintroduces bill to create state ADA coordinator, citing federal requirement Representative Elizabeth reintroduced H.861 asking the state to designate an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator — a post she said federal law requires for public entities with 50 or more employees — and urged the committee to authorize one full-time position and grievance procedures to ensure consistent compliance.

Rep. Elizabeth Burrows is pushing for a crucial ADA coordinator role in Vermont to ensure consistent accessibility for all, highlighting a federal requirement that’s been overlooked!

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#VT #CivicAccountability #VermontDisabilities #CitizenPortal #EqualAccess

Witnesses tell House committee Vermont's 15‑day disconnect policy puts people with disabilities at risk Residents and an advocacy director told the House Energy and Digital Infrastructure Committee that a 15‑day disconnect window and rigid payment‑plan rules can leave people with disabilities without life‑supporting electricity. Witnesses urged medical exemptions and income‑based assistance.

A 15-day disconnection policy is putting vulnerable Vermonters at risk, leaving those with disabilities and low incomes in a life-or-death struggle for electricity.

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#VT #VermontDisabilities #CitizenPortal #MedicalProtections #UtilityAssistance #IncomeBasedSupport

Committee reviews $829.7 million DAIL budget, flags heavy reliance on Global Commitment/Medicaid The House appropriations hearing reviewed the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living’s $829,747,105 FY27 proposal and emphasized the department’s exposure to federal policy because about 88% is Global Commitment (Medicaid)-funded. Committee members pressed staff on staffing changes, technical adjustments and caseload pressures.

The House committee's review of the $829.7 million DAIL budget reveals a staggering 88% reliance on Medicaid funding, raising critical questions about the future of essential services.

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#VT #VermontDisabilities #FederalFunding #CitizenPortal #BudgetAccountability

Appropriations committee hears DAIL FY2027 budget; caseload, Choices for Care and developmental services drive $31M increase The House Appropriations Committee reviewed the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living’s FY2027 proposal, which shows a gross increase of about $31 million driven largely by caseload and utilization in Choices for Care and developmental services; DAIL flagged federal funding uncertainty and reinvestment issues.

Vermont's Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living is facing a staggering $31 million budget increase due to rising caseloads and service demands—what does this mean for the future of care services?

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#VT #CommunitySupport #VermontDisabilities #HealthcareFunding

Witnesses tell General & Housing committee housing instability is driving Vermonters with disabilities into homelessness Disability advocates, tenant‑help staff and providers told the Committee on General and Housing that rising rents, scarce housing stock and shrinking supports have left people with disabilities and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities at heightened risk of homelessness; witnesses urged targeted investments and durable oversight.

Vermont is facing a housing crisis that threatens the stability and well-being of thousands with disabilities, urging immediate action from lawmakers to ensure safe and affordable homes.

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#VT #CivilRights #MentalHealth #HousingInstability #VermontDisabilities #CitizenPortal

House Appropriations hears DALE budget as nursing homes cite $14.5M emergency relief need The House Appropriations Committee reviewed the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living’s BAA request, which includes a $30.3M net increase and an Emergency Financial Relief request of $14.5M for nursing-home pressures; DALE warned of workforce, capacity and financial instability across long-term care.

Vermont's long-term care system is facing a critical moment, with a $14.5 million emergency relief request on the table to prevent nursing home closures.

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#VT #ElderlySupport #LongTermCare #WorkforceStability #VermontDisabilities #CitizenPortal

Vermont amends disability placard laws for volunteer drivers and individuals with disabilities Vermont's Commissioner to issue free placards for volunteer drivers transporting individuals with disabilities.

Vermont is taking a big step forward by providing free placards for volunteer drivers who support individuals with disabilities!

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#VT #CitizenPortal #VermontDisabilities #VolunteerSupport #CommunityInclusion #AccessibilityInitiatives

Vermont establishes free fishing licenses for residents with developmental disabilities New legislation permits free fishing licenses for qualifying Vermont residents with developmental disabilities.

Vermont is making waves by introducing free fishing licenses for residents with developmental disabilities, ensuring everyone can enjoy the great outdoors!

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#VT #InclusivitySupport #VermontDisabilities #CitizenPortal #FishingLicenses #RecreationalAccess

Vermont legislators discuss impact of federal labor recommendations on disabled workers Vermont committee addresses potential consequences of federal labor recommendations for disabled individuals.

Vermont lawmakers are grappling with the delicate balance of new labor laws that could reshape opportunities for individuals with disabilities—could this mean a step forward or a setback?

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#VT #VeteransSupport #InclusiveWorkforce #VermontDisabilities #LaborLawReform