This lesson is based on NewsHour's Disability Reframed series with Judy Woodruff.

Summary

More than half a million Americans are on waiting lists to receive long-term care in their homes. Most people on these lists have intellectual and developmental disabilities and sometimes need help with daily activities like cooking, maintaining a job or getting around town. Judy Woodruff spoke with families in Oklahoma waiting for the help they need.

For a transcript, click here.

News wrap alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

Warm up questions

• Who is Milena Castillo?
• When did Oklahoma pass a law to address its disability services wait-list?
• What was the outcome of the above law?
• Where does Castillo's family face challenges in getting the care they need?
• Why are Medicaid home and community-based services important for individuals with disabilities?

Focus questions

What is the primary issue discussed in this story regarding long-term care for people with disabilities?

Media literacy: Have students find their local news and look up what bills may have been signed into law regarding aid for those individuals with a disabiility.

Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?

For more

What students can do: Discuss as a class — why are states like Oklahoma facing difficulties in providing Medicaid home and community-based services to individuals with disabilities?

Have students use this website to find out which bills in their home state are dedicated to funding programs to help kids with disabilities.

Then watch this short Student Reporting Labs video on breaking the bounds of disability:

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