If you have an intellectual disability, you may receive funding from the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and Federal Work-Study programs if you

• are enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a comprehensive transition and postsecondary (CTP) program for students with intellectual disabilities at an institution of higher education (a college or career school) that participates in the federal student aid programs;
• are maintaining satisfactory academic progress; and

meet the basic federal student aid eligibility requirements, except that you are not required to have a high school diploma or GED and are not required to be pursuing a degree or certificate.

Read more.

It’s beyond disappointing that Gov. Jerry Brown’s administration paid no heed to the call to rescue the failing state system that serves those with disabilities.

The May revision of Brown’s budget that was released this morning does not include the 10 percent funding infusion called for by the Lanterman Coalition, a call that this editorial board supports. Read more.

Health plans offered through Covered California have narrower hospital networks than commercial insurance plans but they don’t appear to have lower-quality providers or differences in geographic access, according to a study published in the May issue of Health Affairs.

Health plans with narrow networks restrict the number and scope of contracting physicians and hospitals to keep premiums low. Read more.

Saturday morning at Vintage House, more than 200 people gathered to share their ideas on the future of the Sonoma Developmental Center, bringing with them their thoughts, experience and passion. It marked the first stage of a year-long process to gather public input to “Transform SDC” – and determine the future of the 120-year-old state-run health-care center and its 950-acre property, dedicated to the least able in our population. Read more.

Guest opinion: another view of the SDC
Posted on May 6, 2015 by Sonoma Valley Sun
By Nancy Gardner
I first toured Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC) over 35 years ago, just out of graduate school and eager to change the world for people with developmental disabilities. Having worked in community services for children with disabilities since a teenager, I was shocked by the conditions I observed at SDC. The passion I already felt for this population and the desire to advocate for them was strengthened, and has continued to be a central focus of my life and career.
If you or I needed assistance with most every-day living activities, where would you rather live: in your own home with support, a small group home, or in a large state run institution?Read more.

A new study suggests that babies born before 33 weeks have less connectivity in areas of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functioning. (Marice Cohn Band/Miami Herald/TNS)
Differences in brain wiring could help explain why children born premature are at greater risk for autism and other developmental disorders, researchers say. Read more.

Disney World is set to begin automating its Disability Access Service Card. (Matt Stroshane/Disney/TNS)
Disney is again updating its program for accommodating guests with disabilities at its theme parks.
Starting Thursday, the Disability Access Service Card is going digital at Walt Disney World in Florida. Rather than write down return times for rides and other attractions on a card, cast members will scan visitors’ tickets or MagicBands, the company said.
The change will allow the disability accommodation to be integrated with My Disney Experience, a website and app for park visitors. .Read more.