The cost of hearing aids and/or cochlear implants is something most people hardly ever have to imagine, but with auditory appointments, batteries, upkeep, and standard living expenses, these devices count for a huge, repeated expense that can reach upwards of $4000. Most insurance companies need not even provide coverage of hearing aids. Public Policy Intern Olivia Versaw brings these issues to light as the Legislature evaluates the merits of a bill to change that situation.

Staff Attorney Stephany Pleasant Maness tells why LB 553 fails to achieve its purpose and will likely make it harder for both landlords and tenants with disabilities to navigate assistance animal law.  

Over the years, the use of seclusion and restraint in schools across the United States has drawn plenty of attention. Federal data indicates more than 122,000 students nationwide were secluded or restrained in the 2015-2016 school year and students with disabilities represent 12% of the student population. Nationally, they represent 71% of students who were restrained and 66% of those students who were secluded. Recently, there has been movement at the federal level to better understand and reduce the use of restraint and seclusion. Locally, however, a Nebraska state senator has proposed a bill, Legislative Bill 147, that leans the opposite direction.