The most common housing discrimination issue in Montana is landlords not making accommodations for service and assistance animals, according to Pam Bean, executive director of Montana Fair Housing, a private nonprofit that addresses housing discrimination. Bean said accommodations in housing in the state are protected under the federal Fair Housing Act and Montana Human Rights Act, allowing for both service and assistance animals. She said people with disabilities can request accommodations for disability-related needs. .
Groups advocating for Iowans with disabilities say 2022 is a crucial year to lay groundwork for individuals to gain more independence and live stronger lives, and they hope state policymakers hear the message. Advocates say the caregiver crisis remains a top concern, with an ongoing shortage of direct support professionals. Brooke Lovelace, executive director of the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council, said many industries are having a hard time attracting workers, and this area should not be overlooked. .
Advocates say Utah has a shortage of qualified workers to deliver home and community-based services to people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Lawmakers at both the state and federal levels are debating measures to increase funding for both public and private care providers, but no action has been taken. Utah lawmakers heard a report last week from state health officials, showing they have almost 1,000 unfilled positions for disability-care providers. .
Utah lawmakers want people who work in disability services to make more money. They talked about directing more funding to providers during the Social Services Appropriations Committee on Wednesday.
Election officials would have to make rules about how to verify signatures for people who can’t sign their name consistently and provide other accommodations.