American Music Therapy Association - Related Government Relations Updates

President Obama Signs the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (7/30/09)

U.S. International Council on Disabilities
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen G. Sebelius Announces U.S. Signing of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Applauds U.S. Decision to Sign the Treaty on Disability Rights

United States Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging (AoA)

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

AMTA Government Relations: An Update on the Recovery Act

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).

http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/index.html#apps.

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.

On Tuesday, February 17, 2009, President Barack Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The ARRA is an effort to jumpstart our economy, create or save millions of jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century (www.recovery.gov).

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
Official government website that will contain any and all information related to the distribution of funds.

http://waysandmeans.house.gov/media/pdf/111/arra.pdf
Full summary of the ARRA.

http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery
The US Department of Education has created a site dedicated specifically to ARRA developments as they relate to education. Information will be posted as it becomes available.

http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/statefundsmap.html
Recovery Act (ARRA): State Medicaid Funding Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP)

http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/fmapprocess.html
Recovery Act (ARRA) Medicaid Grant Award Process

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:

http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/Press_Room/Enews/index.aspx.

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			American Music Therapy Association, Inc. 8455 Colesville Road, Suite 1000 Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, USA Phone: (301) 589-3300 Fax: (301) 589-5175
		Related Government Relations Updates The mission of the American Music Therapy Association is to advance public awareness of the benefits of music therapy and increase access to quality music therapy services in a rapidly changing world.


	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.