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President’s Report

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Senior Benefits Advocate

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Our Mission

The Paralyzed Veterans of America, Buckeye Chapter strives to improve the quality of life of honorably discharged Veterans who have spinal cord injury, dysfunction or illness including but not limited to multiple sclerosis and ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) through advocacy, medical research, sports and recreation, education and communication.

Berea Eagles

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Peace

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Sports & Recreation

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Caregivers Program

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Members’ Birthdays

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Washington Update

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Advertise With Us

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December 31st: New Year’s Eve

Emergency Assistance

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February 14th: Valentines Day

Upcoming Dates December 25th: Christmas & Hanukkah January 20th: M.L. King’s Birthday February 17th: Washington’s Birthday

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Chain of Command Milton Young, President Carl Harris, Vice President

miltony@buckeyepva.org carlh@buckeyepva.org

Douglas Beckley, Board Member dougb@buckeyepva.org Larry Bostic, Board Member larryb@buckeyepva.org Tiffaney Davison, Board Member tiffaneyd@buckeyepva.org Paul Mann, Board Member paulm@buckeyepva.org Lucas Meyer, Board Member lucasm@buckeyepva.org

Sports Director

Betsey Kamm

betseyk@buckeyepva.org

Associate Executive Director

Aaron Stevens, Cleveland

The Buckeye Banner is a publican of the Buckeye Chapter, PVA, and is meant to inform its readers of Chapter activities, legislation, and other matters of concern to veterans and/pr members of the disability community. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of BPVA, its Officers, Board Members, the Editor, or production staff.

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President’s Report

he way to renew the message of Christmas in a divisive age remains simple. By exercising love and forgiveness beyond your own circle and contributing to the internal goal of peace on earth, goodwill toward man. Christmas is a time to extend ourselves beyond our normal ties of love and friendship. The heavenly Father proclaimed goodwill to all men common and casual friends, and strangers, even to enemies. Christmas should be a time for forgiving, a time to heal all wounds and restore relationships that have gone awry. And the spirit of Christmas should encourage us to use this season to step across barriers and promote across barriers understanding with people of all races, creeds, national origins and disabilities. And always remember Jesus is the reason for the season.

Merry Christmas to one and all.

Sincerely

Milton Young Milton Young, President

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Benefits Update By: Aaron Stevens WHAT TO DO WHEN HAVING TO GO TO A NON-VA EMERGENCY ROOM

At some point in time, a medical emergency may occur that will require you to take a trip to the emergency room outside of a Veteran Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). The following will outline the steps that must be taken to notify the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); and to alleviate the stress of getting that unwanted emergency room bill.

First and foremost, if you need to go to an emergency room, please go! Your health and safety are paramount. It is important to note though, the VA needs to be contacted within 72 hours of your admission to the emergency room. The contact number to the 24-hour emergency hotline is 1-844-724-7842. It could be the case that your condition may preclude you from being able to call. If you are unable, please have your spouse or a family member contact the VA. The Social Worker or Case Manager at the non-VA Facility will also be able to assist with contacting the VA if you do not have a family member present.

Once the 24-hour emergency hotline has been contacted, your local VAMC will be alerted. They will also establish a record where the private emergency room’s billing office can work with the VA to obtain payment.

There are two instances where the VA will authorize a payment for non-VA emergency room care. They are 38 United States Code 1725 and 38 United States Code 1728. Under 1725, if a veteran is enrolled in the VA and has been seen within the past 24 months and does not have any form of insurance; the VA will authorize payment for an emergency room visit up to the point of stabilization. Under 1728, if a veteran is seen in the ER for a service-connected condition or is 100% permanent and total (to include Individual Unemployability) and treated for any condition; the VA will authorize payment up to the point of stabilization. If you are stabilized and still require hospitalization, it is important to transfer to the VA as you are responsible for any billing after the point of stabilization.

If you end up receiving a bill for emergency care at a non-VA facility and you think the VA should cover the cost, call 877-881-7618. A VA representative will go over the bill with you as well as work to resolve the issue with the community provider.

We realize there is a great deal of stress involved when receiving an emergency room bill. We understand this as well, as we are contacted frequently by members to assist with this issue. Understanding the above-mentioned information and knowing what to do should mitigate some stress and establish reassurance should this situation occur in the future.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your local PVA National Service Officers.

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Berea Eagles # 2282

he Fraternal Order of Eagles is an international non-profit organization uniting fraternally in the spirit of liberty, truth, justice, and equality, to make human life more desirable by lessening its ills and promoting peace, prosperity, gladness and hope.

The F.O.E. donates more than $10 million a year to local communities, fundraisers, charities and more. As part of its philosophy, the F.O.E. gives back 100 percent of monies raised in the form of grants. Fundraisers are conducted for eight major charities, including kidney, heart, diabetes, cancer and spinal cord injury funds, a children’s fund, memorial foundation and the Golden Eagle Fund.

Call Us (440) 625-0696

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Buckeye Wheelchair Games The Buckeye Wheelchair Games are coming up! Registration will be open in February, so mark your calendars! The dates for the Games are set for April 10-12th. The hotels have been booked. We are using the Holiday Inn Madison and Holiday Inn Ashtabula this year. We hope if you attended last year, you’ll come back this year. We would love to see new faces, so any members/ non members looking to get involved you can call the office for more details. We hope to see you there!

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Peace

By: Larry R. Bostic Jr.

This time of year, there is a great deal of emotions; relief, excitement and even anticipation looking into the future for many reasons. The political season is finally over. The holidays are upon us, Thanksgiving has just passed, and many are looking forward to: Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanza just to mention a few. Most of us now seek peace in our life with a desire to avoid chaos and want life to “go back to normal”, for whatever that is.

I recall growing up, and even now, my father frequently mentions that one of the greatest things he wishes for me is “peace” in my life. Peace that I am content with those internal attributes of which I can control and live with those external ones I can’t. I don’t know many people that are not familiar with the “Serenity Prayer” attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr, a Lutheran theologian. A reminder of it is this “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

My life, like many of yours, has pressures, external influences that sometimes make me “react” instead of taking well-thought-out actions. I know that I frequently forget to practice peace and accept the things that are out of my control. I frequently skip that first step altogether and go right to step two and try to change the things I feel led to. It tells us in the Bible in Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God…” Frequently, I don’t use my Godgiven wisdom to know when to “be still” and seek peace and know when I am or am not supposed to take action.

The previous verse goes so well with a song named “Sometimes He Calms the Storm” by Scott Krippayne. The words read: “…Suddenly fear is like white water, pounding on the soul, still we sail on knowing that our Lord is in control. Sometimes He calms the storm, with a whispered peace be still, He can settle any sea, but it doesn't mean He will. Sometimes He holds us close, and lets the wind and waves go wild, Sometimes He calms the storm, and other times He calms His child” Many times, we need to meditate and let the winds and the waves pound on our exterior, but maintain our inner peace, accepting what life throws at you. In some situations, we need to in all lowliness and humbleness, use our courage to change the things that you can and should. But most importantly, we need to seek the wisdom to know the difference.

Sometimes God will settle those storms in your life, and sometimes He will hold you close and let the winds and waves beat all around us. During this time of year we set-aside to celebrate God in our life, I wish you some thoughts found in the Bible. First in Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. Then in Romans 12:18: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” In closing, Paul wrote to the church of Corinth “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you." Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas; Happy Hanukkah; Heri za Kwanzaa! But most importantly I wish you all peace for now and in the future coming year.

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Oscar Mike Ball Hello Buckeye PVA members. I wanted to tell you the story about the Oscar Mike Ball I attended November 8th. The ball is held on the first or second weekend of November in Chicago. It is to celebrate Veterans Day, the Marine Corp’s birthday, and the creation of the Oscar Mike Foundation. The foundation was created on 11/11/2011 when a couple of Marines were discussing starting a foundation to keep injured veterans on the move athletically, and in the community. It has grown into a fantastic foundation that has programs in Illinois and Colorado. You are able to fly and jump out of a plane, shoot weapons, work with horses, and much more! I play wheelchair rugby for Oscar Mike on a team called the Militia. In Colorado you get to use a wheelchair accessible camp at Estes park. It is in the middle of the Rocky Mountains.

The Ball was filled with former professional athletes, and distinguished former members of the military. Paul Senior and his wife from Orange County Choppers have became regular attendees.

The ball is our way of showing appreciation for donors and friends of the foundation. Members of Oscar Mike and the founder, Noah Currier, work very hard, and a lot of hours to set this ball up. We have donors like Google and Amazon, and many many other individuals and companies.

I was selected to present an award. It was my first time speaking in front of a audience bigger than a classroom. I presented the award for inclusive devices. It was won by Amazon, and I presented the award to members of their team. I did well, and was even complimented as I came off stage by an actor, and also a motivational speaker about my stage presence. I was just honored Noah trusted me to do it. It was a fantastic night with friends, and my family! I look forward to attending every year.

I would be happy to discuss the programs and events that Oscar Mike helps to provide. They also sponsor a team that competes in the spartan races with disabled competitors, if that is something you would be interested in. They even dabble in adaptive scuba diving. The programs in Illinois and Colorado are free to Veterans. Oscar Mike provides food, lodging and travel to and from. This organization is close to my heart. We have had several members go through both programs. Thank you and keep moving.

Paul Mann

Paul Mann

Board member and Sports Director BPVA

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Cleveland Cavaliers Hello Buckeye PVA members. The Cleveland Cavaliers wheelchair basketball team took the court for their first tournament of the season at the Spire Institute in Geneva, Ohio on November 2nd and 3rd. On the team, we have our own Buckeye PVA member Samuel “Wheelz” Johnson. The tournament featured six teams Detroit, Pittsburgh, Columbus, London, Ontario, and Rochester. Wheelchair basketball is is played on a regular sized basketball court with these restrictions. You are allowed five players on the court. Each player is given a point Paul Mann, board member and sports director. classification from 1.0 to 4.5, and on the court you’re allowed a total of 15 points at any time.

The tournament had many intense games, but ultimately was won by the Cleveland Cavs! They won Sunday 57-40 in the semi final game against Detroit. They also defeated the Columbus Cardinals 65-43 In the championship game.

This means they ended up winning the 12th annual PVA Buckeye cup championship!

Sam was honored by being able to bring the cup home for his dedication to the team, and work with Buckeye PVA. The event was attended by chapter member Scott Law, and our executive director Betsey Kamm. Scott has worked setting up this tournament for years. We hope that many of you begin to follow the Cavs, and possibly even get out to watch a tournament. If nothing else, be at Spire for the 13th annual tournament this time next year. If any of you are interested in playing, please contact the head coach Tim Fox or Samuel Johnson for information.

Paul Mann Paul Mann Board Member and Sports Director

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Caregivers It is challenging to have conversations focusing on our veterans' declining health, especially for those who cannot advocate for themselves. It is beneficial to be well-informed about the different types of care that may be available. Physicians may propose curative, palliative, or hospice care options. Being informed about these types of care can reduce caregivers' fears and stress.

Curative care focuses on treating and healing an illness or injury. The expectation is a complete recovery with total relief of symptoms or pain. This type of care can include antibiotics for bacterial infections, repair of broken limbs, chemotherapy for cancer, and hip or knee replacement.

In some cases, the patient may need more specialized medical care due to pain and the progression of their condition, and palliative care may be suggested. Palliative care focuses on the symptoms of a severe illness to improve the patient's and their family's quality of life. It is available at any stage of diagnosis. The optimal outcome is the relief of symptoms, especially pain. Providers, social workers, chaplains, and nursing teams work together to achieve a comfortable quality of life and a genuine pain management regimen. Care can be provided at home, a hospital, or a skilled nursing facility. The physician, patient, and family may pursue hospice care if the condition worsens.

Hospice is an extension of palliative care for people with terminal illnesses or diseases with a life expectancy of six months; its goal is to control symptoms and reduce suffering until death.

Examples include heart disease, COPD, liver disease, kidney failure, stroke, ALS, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, and others. It focuses on quality treatment at the end of life, including pain control to relieve symptoms of the illness and psychosocial problems.

The patient's culture and religion are considered in their care plan. Hospice is not synonymous with assisted dying or euthanasia and is not a place where people go to die; it is a service provided in hospitals, assisted living facilities, homes, or nursing homes. If the patient lives over six months, the doctor may submit a new assessment for continued care. Once the transition occurs, hospice provides grief support services to assist the family after a lifechanging loss.

Curative, palliative, and hospice care aim to reduce the burden on caregivers and families.

Knowing the options is helpful, no matter what level of care is needed. When uncertainty persists, being proactive and informed will reduce the burdens of caring for our veterans.

Be well,

Jeanette Ezell

Ohio Dole Caregiver Fellow

VETERANS AFFAIRS PROGRAM

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VETERANS AFFAIRS PROGRAM

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MEMBERS BIRTHDAYS

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Members Birthdays Monika Gibson John Eddings Donald Pressly Richard Rumpke Ronald Dossenback David Miller Chris Smoke Tonya Wilson Holly Koester Milton Young Janet Suszynski Richard Chavers Joseph Wittkamp Garth Jones Christopher Roback Alexis Schoenfeld John Turchan Robert Fultz Philip Kearney Donald Smith Christie MacMurray Levar Davenport Clyde Washington Lawrence Wheeler Angelo Zayas Steven Franko Eugene Walker Christopher Johnson Mathew Youtsler Desiree Douglas Nathan Swenson Chris Howell

Thomas Morris Larry Backulich James Hodge James Kelley Lucy Works Charles Scott Mark Mix Douglas Beckley Robert Gray Gary Waldfogel David Nau Wayne Blount Benjamin Gochett Dale Spiller Harry Forrester Michael Enos Shuruon Phillip Daniel Ohar Dennis Brostek William Diehl Mark Riddle Carl Pierson Jeffery Hamilton Richard Fiacco Bill Ware Timothy Jackson Brenda Dubose Joseph Gavigan Shawn Hammond Gary Wilkins Martin Molina Lisa Wilson Henry Johnson Charles Smith Keith Sutherland Isaac Young

Mario Owens Paul Turner Patrick Glass Celeste Phelps Rachelle Warren George Oravecz Thomas Paumier Douglas Howell James Philson Jared McCoppin Robert Fown Tyrone Wilson Kelly Knox Thomas Wilson Carl Harris Allen Barber Bertrand Bumpas Roger Tackett Terry Denlinger Mike Patterson Artie Sias Fred Motzko John Hollins James McCoy David Randall Ronald Wood William Edwards

WASHINGTON UPDATE

Issue 19

Volume 32

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November 25, 2024

Washington Update Check out the PVAction Force page to view alerts and a list of key legislation.

the cap to 100 percent, the VA could even exceed the 100 percent rate if the Secretary determines certain factors require For months, PVA has been urging Congress to pass the the higher cost in the best interest of the veteran or if that Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act to ensure the protections and veteran has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a spinal cord injury, resources our catastrophically disabled veterans and their or a similar condition. Any one of these changes would caregivers need are put into place without delay. Late last provide severely disabled and aging veterans with more and year, House and Senate leaders decided to roll the measure better options to receive their care at home rather than in a into a larger omnibus package addressing a wide variety of facility.

House Passes Veterans Omnibus Bill

veterans-related issues. The new bill, the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (H.R. 8371), sought to enhance and reform the delivery of healthcare, benefits, and services at the VA. Normally, creating an omnibus bill enhances chances of passage, but the package stalled quickly when disagreements arose over several provisions in the bill.

Last week, the leaders of the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees worked through the differences which had been holding the bill up since May, allowing for a successful House vote on November 18.

The bill, which easily passed the chamber by a vote of 389 to 9, will make critically needed improvements to VA’s Home and Community Based Services, such as lifting the department’s cap on the amount they can pay for home care from 65 to 100 percent, increasing access to the Veteran Directed Care program, and improving support to caregivers of veterans. In addition to raising

Another section of the bill would allow VA to cover the cost of some veterans’ care at private assisted living facilities. Currently, VA is able to refer veterans to these facilities, but they can’t pay for it. The bill directs the department to create a three-year pilot program in two Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN), with at least one program site in a rural area and another serving a State Veterans Home to test the benefit of having VA pay for this care. Veterans eligible for the pilot would include those already receiving nursing home-level care paid for by the VA and those who are eligible to receive assisted living services or nursing home care. At the conclusion of the pilot program, participating veterans will be given the option to continue receiving assisted living services at their assigned site, paid for by the VA. We believe this would help veterans and the VA alike by giving greater access to assisted living and reducing costs for long-term care, allowing more veterans to receive needed assistance.

Other provisions in H.R. 8371 would streamline VA information sources for veterans and caregivers alike,

WASHINGTON UPDATE ensure a warm handoff to other VA programs if a veteran is not eligible for VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, and create mental health care grants for certain caregivers who become strained by the demands of assisting veterans with heightened needs.

In response to the House’s passage of the omnibus legislation, PVA National President Robert Thomas said, “Improving access to home and community-based services is crucial to the health and well-being of our wounded, ill, and injured veterans and their caregivers.”

President Thomas urged the Senate to quickly pass the bill. PVA members are encouraged to use PVAction Force to urge their two senators to support its swift passage.

FORMER REP. DOUG COLLINS TO BE NOMINATED FOR VA SECRETARY President-Elect Trump has announced that he intends to nominate former Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA) to be the next VA Secretary. Collins is a veteran and colonel in the Air Force Reserve where he serves as a chaplain. He served in Congress as a U.S. Representative from 2013 to 2021.

Following the announcement, Collins stated on X, “We’ll fight tirelessly to streamline and cut regulations in the VA, root out corruption, and ensure every veteran receives the benefits they’ve earned.” He further said, “Together, we’ll make the VA work for those who fought for us. Time to deliver for our veterans and give them the world class care they deserve.”

UPDATE ON VA FUNDING SHORTFALL At the end of September, Congress approved, and the President signed, H.R. 9468, the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024. This legislation provided an additional $2.9 billion in funding to pay veterans’ pension and disability benefits for fiscal year (FY) 2024. The legislation did not address the $12 billion healthcare shortfall VA previously identified for FY 2025. On November 1, the Veterans Benefits Administration revealed that it carried over approximately $5.1 billion from FY 2024 to FY 2025, including the supplemental funding appropriated by Congress in September. This means that VA did not need to receive any additional funding to pay benefits timely on October 1.

PAGE 15 The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) showed that VA was able to carry over from FY 2024 to FY 2025 approximately what was anticipated in VA’s FY 2025 budget request. However, VHA acknowledged that they limited the purchases of new equipment and that the cost of the workforce was lower than expected.

Community care also grew at a lower rate. VHA further noted that their efforts to reduce costs are not sustainable and they still require additional funding in this calendar year.

On November 20, Under Secretary for Health Dr. Shereef Elnahal and Under Secretary for Benefits Josh Jacobs testified before the House Appropriations Military Construction/VA Subcommittee regarding VA’s funding shortfall. Under Secretary Elnahal testified that VHA’s shortfall for FY 2025 is not $12 billion as previously reported. He confirmed, however, that additional funding will be needed to facilitate hiring and other VHA priorities.

PVA SUPPORTS WOMEN VETERANS AND SERVICEMEMBER CAUCUS EVENT ON CAPITOL HILL On November 20, PVA Associate Legislative Director Julie Howell participated in an informational session held by the Service Women and Women Veteran Congressional Caucus. Comprised of elected officials, Department of Defense fellows, and other people passionate about military and veteran affairs, the Caucus holds open events to educate audiences about the unique experiences and needs of women veterans.

November’s event focused on the transition from military service to veteran status and included speakers from the American Legion, VFW, and PVA. Key takeaways were the need for increased mental health support in combating veteran suicide, the need to ensure early access to VA benefits for transitioning service members through the benefits due at discharge program, and the need for improved accountability in accessing Transition Assistance Program (TAP) curriculum a year before discharge.

PVA highlighted the disparities experienced by servicemembers who may be discharged due to illness or injury and the critical need for improved supports and services for them. Often when a servicemember separates from the military due to injury or illness they are denied access to critical support programs such as Skill Bridge which provides on the job training in a field

WASHINGTON UPDATE of interest for the servicemember. Additionally, PVA stressed the need for improved mental health support for personnel who were forced to leave the military due to their health.

ACCESS BOARD REQUIRES CORRECTIVE ACTION AFTER RECEIVING OVER 340 NEW ABA COMPLAINTS On October 18, the U.S. Access Board announced that it has resolved 85 complaints after finding facilities did not meet accessibility standards.

The Access Board is responsible for enforcing the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (ABA). Under the ABA, buildings designed, built, altered, or leased with federal funds are required to be accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. From October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, the Access Board received 341 ABA complaints and resolved 265 of them. The Access Board resolved 85 of the complaints after mandating federal agencies remove accessibility barriers. The Access Board reported that 17 ABA complaints filed as a result of barriers within the VA and the Department of Defense were successfully resolved.

ABA complaints should be filed if you are aware of or encounter an accessibility barrier at a covered facility or building. Covered facilities include VA medical facilities, Social Security Administration offices, U.S. post offices, national parks, federal office buildings, U.S. courthouses, public housing units, and mass transit systems built or altered with federal grants or loans. Complaints can be filed by using the Access Board’s online ABA complaint form. More information is available here.

DOL VETS HOLDS QUARTERLY STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT In early November, the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (DOL VETS) held their quarterly briefing for military and veterans service organizations to update them on the department’s efforts to expand access to employment supports and services for veterans. The main focus of the briefing was to share information about the 10th anniversary of the National Apprenticeship Week, with daily attention spent on youth and young adult apprenticeships, new and emerging industries around the globe, expansions of apprenticeships to underserved populations, women in apprenticeships, and opportunities for veterans.

PAGE 16 DOL VETS also provided updated statistics around their employment navigator partnership program (ENPP), which helps connect the military community to employment assistance. More than 17,000 transitioning servicemembers used the ENPP this year and more than 1,000 military spouses. Additionally, DOL shared that more than 11,500 participants enrolled in the wounded warrior and caregiver employment workshop, which is available to transitioning servicemembers who are ill or injured, as well as their caregivers.

The veteran unemployment rate for October was 3 percent compared to non-veteran unemployment which was 4.1 percent. Women veterans saw an unemployment rate of 3.7 percent and disabled veteran unemployment was 6 percent.

DOJ ANNOUNCES SETTLEMENT WITH CHICAGO CUBS On October 31, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced it entered a settlement agreement and proposed a consent decree with the Chicago Cubs after alleged disability discrimination. In 2022, DOJ filed a lawsuit alleging the Cubs failed to ensure Wrigley Field was appropriately accessible for individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair users, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). At the time the department filed the lawsuit, the team was undertaking a multi-year renovation and reconstruction of Wrigley Field, the “1060 Project.”

The department reported the Chicago team failed to ensure wheelchair- using patrons were provided adequate sightlines as compared to non-wheelchairusing patrons, and also failed to remove architectural barriers in other areas of the stadium. Sports venues are required to ensure that alterations and constructions comply with the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

Under the consent decree, the Cubs have agreed to: remove and replace noncompliant wheelchair spaces and companion seating; incorporate wheelchair spaces and companion seating into premium club areas; modify protruding objects along circulation paths; provide compliant parking and shuttle services; and provide internal training on ADA and the settlement before each of the next three baseball seasons. The Department may review compliance with the settlement during that time.

WASHINGTON UPDATE DOJ IMPROVES ACCESS TO COMMUNITY INTEGRATION FOR ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES IN COLORADO

On November 1, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced it had entered into a settlement agreement with the state of Colorado. The settlement follows a lawsuit from DOJ alleging Colorado failed to ensure community services were available to people with physical disabilities. DOJ issued the complaint after a multi-year investigation led to the lawsuit. DOJ complaints from Coloradans showed a desire by people with disabilities to live in their communities but they were stuck in Colorado nursing facilities. Along with allegations of disability discrimination against nursing facilities, the complaints alleged the state’s policies and practices made it difficult for them to move back to their homes, violating Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Title II’s integration mandate requires public entities to administer services in a setting that enables individuals with disabilities to interact with nondisabled people to the fullest extent possible. The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead v. L.C. prohibits unjustified segregation of individuals with disabilities. Title II and the Olmstead decision require public entities to provide community-based services when they are appropriate, affected individuals do not oppose and the community- based services can be reasonably accommodated. Most Colorado nursing home residents and their families were not aware they could receive services in their communities. Among other commitments, under the settlement agreement, Colorado has agreed to: assist nursing facility residents in moving back to their communities; provide information needed to make informed choices to residents and families; support family caregivers; and expand and improve services that assist people with finding and keeping affordable, accessible housing in their community.

NEWS OF NOTE

PAGE 17 employment handicap” are used to describe servicemembers and veterans eligible for and entitled to certain benefits and services. However, the word “handicap” is outdated, has a negative connotation in the disability community, and does not adequately represent veterans. Updating terminology will allow for improved efficiency and encourage disabled veterans to use the VR&E program.

MST Claims Backlog Continues to Grow Earlier this month, PVA joined other veterans service organizations (VSO) for a military sexual trauma (MST) briefing by the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA).

PVA and several other VSOs have concerns about the growing backlog of MST claims. The backlog is currently at 37,000 claims. VBA has seen a 25 percent increase in caseload this year and they’re capable of processing 200 claims a day due to an increased workforce. PVA members are urged to contact their members of Congress in support of the Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act (SAVES) of 2023 (H.R. 2441/S. 1028), which will ensure improved access to benefits and care for MST survivors.

Continuation of Veteran Directed Care Available for Eligible Hospitalized Veterans Did you know veterans who require continuation of Veteran Directed Care services during inpatient hospitalization can receive this service upon authorization by VA Central Office? If you are hospitalized at VA, and will require the assistance of your caregiver, request to speak with a VA Geriatric and Extended Care Social Worker. Ask the social worker to fill out a Veteran Directed Care Inpatient Hospital Support Request. Once the form is completed, the social worker will need to submit it to VA Central Office for approval. Please contact a PVA national service officer for assistance.

COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES

House Passes VERY Act

Veterans’ Committee Activities

On November 18, Congress passed H.R. 7653, the Veterans Employment Readiness Yield (VERY) Act. The VERY Act will make a simple one-page technical fix to the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program that would replace “employment handicap” with “employment barrier” and the term “serious employment handicap” with “serious employment barrier” while leaving the definitions unchanged. The terms “employment handicap” and “serious

Please visit the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee webpages for information on previous and upcoming hearings and markups.

Across 2. Knitted top.

6. Snowstorm with winds.

7. Month that winter ends in.

8. When the air moves.

10. A sudden blast of wind.

12. Shake from the cold.

15. Tells you how cold it is out- side.

18. Rather cold.

20. Month that winter starts in.

Down

21. He might have a carrot for a nose.

1. Turned into ice.

22. Keeps you neck warm.

1.

2. It goes downhill fast.

2.

3.

4.

4. What bears do in the winter.

5.

5. Opposite of summer.

7.

6.

8.

6. Shoes for snowy days.

9.

9. Frozen trickle of water.

10.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

11.

11. Ice crystal.

13. December 25th.

14. Area around the North Pole.

16. Used to warm a room.

17.

17. Winter hand warmers.

18.

19. Temperature (in Celsius) at which water

19.

freezes.

20.

21.

3. A short coat.

22.

ANSWER KEY (not in correct order)

Arctic, Blizzard, Boots, Chilly, Christmas, December, Frozen, Gust, Heat- er, Hibernate, Icicle, Jacket, March, Mittens, Scarf, Shiver, Sled, Snow- flake, Snowman, Sweater, Thermometer, Wind, Winter, Zero

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