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Maryland’s Open Captioning Bill Passed and Signed Into Law

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by Jacob Leffler

Image of a red theatre with large red closed curtains and red seats. Text reads: This bill would be a huge step towards an inclusive cinematic experience for everyone."

It is truly a monumental achievement that on Thursday, April 25, 2024, the Open Captioned Movie Bill (House Bill 426/Senate Bill 92) was signed by Governor Wes Moore in Maryland!  The bill will become law effective October 1, 2024. This accomplishment happened because of the advocacy of a variety of groups, including: people who are Deaf/Hard of Hearing; people with neurodivergent conditions, like autism and audio processing disorders; and people interested in increasing language comprehension. These advocacy groups partnered with the bill sponsors, Maryland Delegate Harry Bhandari, and Senator Benjamin Brooks in ensuring the bill made it across the finish line this year, after two previous unsuccessful attempts. This bill will be a huge step towards an inclusive cinematic experience for everyone.

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Receiving Food From Others Will No Longer Reduce SSI Benefits. "The Social Security Administration no longer counts food items when determining in-kind support and maintenance (ISM), a decision that will potentially boost the SSI Payment Amounts for many recipients." The National Center for Disability, Equity, and Intersectionality. #ThinkEquitable #EverybodyEats. QR code that links to: https://thinkequitable.com/every-body-needs-to-eat/

Social Security Administration Updates Rules for In-kind Support and Maintenance

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By Emma Barbato, Esq., MS
Staff Attorney, Project HEAL (Health Education, Advocacy, and Law)
Kennedy Krieger Institute

In a recent update that simplifies access to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has introduced significant changes to the In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) regulations. The change means the SSA no longer counts food items provided at no-cost by others when determining ISM, a decision that will potentially boost the SSI payment amounts for many recipients.

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