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American
Music Therapy Association, Inc. |
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Related Government Relations Updates |
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Message from Assistant Secretary for
Aging Kathy Greenlee on National Family Caregivers Month, November
2009
I join President Obama in celebrating National Family Caregivers month. Every day, in every state and community caregivers assist friends, relatives, and loved ones with daily tasks, including personal care and homemaking as well as more complex health-related interventions like medication administration and wound care. These selfless, dedicated individuals are the backbone of America's long term care system. The Administration on Aging (AoA) is firmly committed to supporting family caregivers. Caregivers across the lifespan must have access to services and supports designed to safeguard their health and emotional well being while offering protections against some of the financial burdens often associated with caregiving. Additionally, caregivers must have access to coordinated systems of services and supports designed to meet their needs at the time they arise. The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP), Aging and Disability Resource Centers, and the recent implementation of the Lifespan Respite Care Program have positioned AoA, the Aging Network and the broader home and community-based services network to ensure that caregivers are supported in their daily efforts to keep their loved ones at home, in the community and avoid more costly and restrictive institutional settings. I am committed to working with our Aging Network and other partners at the Federal, state and local levels to improve the quality of life for our nation's caregivers across the lifespan. I encourage all of you to participate in the numerous events across the country to celebrate and acknowledge the selfless dedication and commitment of family caregivers. To read the Presidential proclamation, please visit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-proclamations-national-family-caregivers-month |
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The U.S. Department of Education
website has posted guidance
documents regarding the use of funds
from the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act (economic stimulus
funds).
There are Fact Sheets and Guidance
for several issues related to education, including: Title I;
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA); Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B; IDEA Part C;
Vocational Rehabilitation; Independent Living; and the State
Stabilization Fund.
Although music therapists are not
able to directly apply for or access ARRA funds designated for
education, it is beneficial to understand how states and
districts are being directed to utilize ARRA funds to maintain
and improve education services. Knowledge of ARRA support will
assist music therapists advocate for quality services for all
students.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is designed to help stimulate the economy and encourage recovery from the recession. A substantial portion of the funding will go towards state fiscal stabilization, which will help states prevent cuts to health and human services programs, stimulate employment, avoid layoffs, and support special and regular education. Online Resources
www.recovery.gov
http://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/111/arra.pdf
http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery
http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/statefundsmap.html
http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/fmapprocess.html
United States Department of Health and Human Services
Administration on Aging (AoA)
The latest edition of the AoA eNewsletter is posted online. You
can read the October eNews in its entirety by clicking on:
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| AMTA is a 501(c)3
non-profit organization and accepts contributions which
support its mission. Contributions are tax deductible as
allowed by law. Copyright © 2009, American Music Therapy Association. |