The latest in Disability News, thanks to Disability Scoop...
MONEY
Individuals with disabilities receiving SSI or other Social Security benefits will see a small increase next year.
Payments will rise 0.3% in 2017, the Social Security Administration said recently.
The increase is due to an automatic cost-of-living adjustment. The bump up takes effect in January.The increase is modest for 60 million Americans on Social Security and 8 million receiving SSI, but the adjustment is greater than last year, when benefits went unchanged.
SHAKESPEARE AND DISABILITY
New research suggests that reciting Shakespeare and participating in other drama exercises can make a big difference for kids with autism.
The recently published findings in the journal Research and Practice in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities showed that the 14 children with autism, ages 10 to 13, took part in 10 hour-long theater techniques and saw improved language skills and socialization. During the meetings, the children had an opportunity to practice, receive feedback and perform for each other. The program was developed by an actress at London's Royal Shakespeare Company.
"These children are taught these core skills in a very relaxed and playful environment, where it's almost like they're not aware they're being taught," said Marc Tasse of the Ohio State University Wexner Medical center.
Researchers assessed the kids before starting the intervention and again after they completed the sessions.
Ultimately, Tasse said, "children with autism showed significant improvement in their social skills and their ability to engage in social relationships."
NETFLIX
"Atypical," a new Netflix series, focusing on a teen with ASD, is coming soon.
The show focuses on Sam, an 18-year-old with autism who is seeking love and independence. The teen's journey forces his parents and sister to also face change in their lives as they struggle with what it means to be normal.
Keir Gilchrist, Jenifer Jason Leigh and Michael Rapaport star. Production begins later this year.
SHOCK DEVICES
A group of U.S. senators is encouraging the FDA to finalize a ban on devices used to administer electric shocks to those with developmental disabilities in an effort to modify their behavior.
The senators are asking the agency to cement a proposal that would prohibit electrical stimulation devices used for self-injurious or aggressive behavior.
"Put simply, it is outrageous that this practice is allowed in the United States for this vulnerable population and it should be stopped immediately. As such, we urge you to finalize the proposed rule as quickly as possible,"read a letter signed by six senators.
Earlier this year, the FDA proposed a ban on the devices which use electrodes attached to the skin to deliver electric shocks in order to condition individuals not to engage in certain behaviors. However, the agency has yet to move forward with issuing a final rule.
The Rotenberg educational Center in Canton, Mass., which serves children and adults with developmental disabilities as well as those with behavioral and emotional problems, uses the devices and contends that the method offers a last resort for "life-threatening behavior disorders." But disability advocates have largely aligned against the approach , calling it harmful and ineffective.
In proposing to bar the devices, the FDA said it "determined that these devices present an unreasonable and substantial risk of illness or injury that cannot be corrected or eliminated by labeling".
The agency has received the senator's letter and, at present, is still reviewing public opinions on the issue.
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