The ARC Of The United States Receives Federal Grant To Establish Medicaid Reference Desk

ARC of the United States
Thursday, 28 September 2000

Web site will provide state and national Medicaid information

SEPTEMBER 28, 2000, SILVER SPRING, MD – The Arc of the United States announced today that a federal grant has been secured to create an Internet-based Medicaid Reference Desk to address the growing need for people with disabilities for information, innovative ideas, expertise, and dialogue about Medicaid. The grant totals $1.2 million over a three-year period.

Partners in the design and implementation of the interactive web site include The Arc of the United States, the Institute on Disability at the University of New Hampshire, the National Center for Self-Determination and 21st Century Leadership at the Oregon Institute on Disability and Development, Oklahoma People First, TheArcLink Incorporated, and Family Voices.

"This federal grant enables us to develop highly accessible alternative formats for delivering information through new technologies," said Executive Director of The Arc Steven M. Eidelman. "These funds will be solely and completely devoted to the Medicaid Reference Desk, ensuring its first-class design and long-term operation."

The new web site will feature information about Medicaid services available nationally and by each state, and will help people access highly individualized service options to support their independence, productivity, and inclusion in the community. Elements of the project include a content-rich web site, a series of briefs for various audiences that address individuals' needs for services and supports, and collaborative partnerships with people and organizations who have Medicaid information to share.

Planning and design of The Medicaid Reference Desk will take three years to complete.

For more information, or to contact ARC of the United States, see their website at: www.thearc.org