at www.adata.org or call 1-800-949-4232 for information and training on how to implement the ADA in our area.
The FAQs also explore the regulations pertaining to the ACA provisions, as well as legal challenges the ACA faces. In addition, there are many links to fact sheets and useful websites that provide more in-depth information on specific issues.
2012 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM IS NOW OPEN!
As various provisions of the ACA kick in over the next few years, the Society will continue providing up-to-date information and links.
NEW ADA RULES More than 20 years after the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), noteworthy changes went into effect March 2011. These demonstrate a continued commitment to realizing the full potential of the ADA and to properly enforcing civil rights of people living with disabilities. The definition of “disability” had been selectively narrowed over the years. Now, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s new regulation is clear. Disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, regardless if the disability is in remission. Multiple sclerosis will almost always meet the “disability” criteria because MS limits a major life activity (namely, neurological function). The revised regulations also adopt the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design, setting minimum requirements for new construction or alterations of facilities of some 80,000 state and local governments and of more than seven million public places, including stores, restaurants, hotels, malls, libraries, museums, sports arenas, theaters, medical offices, polling places and emergency preparedness centers.Learn more at www.ada. gov. Also visit the ADA National Network
SCHOLARSHIP
Can private insurance companies cancel my policy? What about long-term care? When will the “donut hole” in Medicare Part D phase out?
2011 was a record year for the Society’s everexpanding scholarship program: over $1 million in new awards and renewals were granted to recipients. Locally, nine scholarships were Apply Now! given out due to MSDelaware.org the geneorsity of donors through Courtney Hahn, a 2011 the Stapler and scholarship recipient, Tunnell Funds. currently Scholarships attends the University were given to of students like Delaware. Courtney Hahn, She who attends the hopes to University of become an Delaware and optometrist, as it was an hopes to one day optometrist who helped to be a doctor. discover her father’s MS. Scholarships “It was an easy process and range from $1,000 to $3,000 the MS Society was very generous. The scholarship and typically helped me to be able to cover one year. further my education,” Applications said Courtney about the are evaluated MS Scholarship program. based on financial need, academic record, leadership and volunteer activities, a statement of educational and career goals, and letters of recommendation. Information about the 2012 MS Scholarship is now available on the National MS society website at www.nmss. org. TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867
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