The Affordable Connectivity Program
Hello everyone, I'm Katrina from Living with Disabilities. You're tuned into the Living with Disabilities, advocacy website dedicated to helping people comprehend the disabled community. The core purpose of our website is to assist society in recognizing the full range of various disabilities and conditions. Accessibility is a key component of this understanding. Without accessibility, there's exclusion. This week, we'll discuss "The ACP Disability Insurance" Let's push 'Dis' aside and focus on the 'Ability' of Living with Disabilities.
The phrase "the struggle is real" resonates deeply with many individuals who live with disabilities or conditions, as it reflects their daily experiences. While some may interpret the phrase humorously, it reflects frustration, which can lead to stress and numerous unseen consequences. Essentially, concealed from those who may not fully grasp the reality of someone living under these conditions.
People with disability are no different than people without disabilities. Individuals' needs must be fulfilled, and the same applies in reverse. In situations where some people cannot afford essential items, they must depend on specific programs to obtain what they need. Living with Disabilities addresses the spectrum of disabilities when discussing individuals with disabilities, as this website is dedicated to educating people about various disabilities and conditions.
What is the ACP program? The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a federal initiative that provided eligible households with a discount on internet service, up to $30 per month, and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Additionally, eligible households could receive a one-time discount to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. However, due to a lack of additional funding from Congress, the ACP program ended on June 1, 2024.
Through the Affordable Connectivity Program, a majority of individuals with disabilities who could not afford phone services have relied on free phone services. The Affordable Connectivity Program offered a variety of services, including discounts on internet service and assistance with purchasing devices for eligible households.
With the conclusion of the Affordable Connectivity Program's agreements with various companies, only a limited number of providers remain.
Will there be any concerns about other companies with the Affordable Connectivity Program? Certain businesses dependent on the program may suffer due to the financial benefits associated with the ACP.
Negative impact on customers
The ACP Program has discontinued partnerships with several businesses, leaving only a handful to offer free services. Consequently, customers have had to seek alternative phone services or pay out-of-pocket, an expense some individuals cannot afford. Grasping this reality is particularly challenging for individuals with disabilities living on a fixed income. The mind becomes overwhelmed with concerns about managing expenses. Having access to discounts can significantly aid in making ends meet.
Which establishments might provide discounts to customers who participated in the ACP program? Living with disabilities, remember there is always HOPE. Some internet and phone service providers continue to offer the ACP program. The challenge in locating these services is that they may be available in one location one week and then move to another location the following week. The leaves engage in a game of cat and mouse, or rather, the mouse has run away with the cheese. Success often depends on careful observation and being in the right place at the right time.
The host of Living with Disabilities, Katrina, was inspired by the daytime show The View to create a podcast episode discussing various disability-related topics.
Living with Disabilities is currently looking for disability rights activists or advocates to speak on various disability-related topics. For The Advocacy Table.
The Advocacy Table's concept revolves around pressing monthly topics within the disability community. It focuses on current issues that require attention and explores how individuals with disabilities can address these concerns.
How can you become a panelist?
Follow us on all our social media, including Facebook and Instagram, where we will post about the topic of discussion and look for panelists. A deadline will be given, along with information on what is needed from you. After everything is done, a Zoom link will be created with a date and time. Once we receive all panelist information, the Zoom link will be emailed or messaged to you through your social media accounts. We do ask that if anything does come up and you can't make it on the show, do reach out to the host so she knows, and if any panelists have contacted Living with Disabilities through social media, even the host, about making an appearance on the show, they will receive a Zoom link to be on the show. We want to keep it at five or ten panelists. The link will go out a week before the show is scheduled, and after the show is over you will receive a survey to fill out.
Let's Advocate to push "Dis" aside and focus more on the "Ability" here at Living with Disabilities.
If you need online support, Disability Safe Haven is great for receiving support. The We Care Team is very protective of its members and asks everyone who joins, to have a profile picture and answer the security questions.
Another online support, Living With Cerebral Palsy, is great for people with cerebral palsy and for family and friends who want to learn more about different types of cerebral palsy and how to support their loved ones who have it. This group has open and closing hours and a 24/7 chatroom. Open and closing hours are based on United States time zones.
If you are looking for a Virtual socializing group, a group filled with creative activities, and a space where you build on friendship. United By Creative Minds, is a space for people with disabilities only! Must have a profile picture and answer the security questions. If you're interested in joining, contact Living with Disabilities and mention "Unite Me" in the subject title; the host will then add you to the group. This is a private group on Facebook, created specifically by and for individuals with disabilities.
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