| Volume 08 | Issue 28 | July 14, 2008 |
Welcome to Monday Morning in Washington, D.C., published weekly by The Arc of the United States. We will bring to you news of interest to self advocates and their families, volunteers, professionals, and supporters of the disability movement. Please send any comments to mmwdc@thearc.org. You are welcome to reproduce and distribute items from Monday Morning in Washington, D.C., but please credit Monday Morning in Washington, D.C. (The Arc of the United States, 2007).
The Arc of the United States advocates for the rights and full participation of all children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together with our network of members and affiliated chapters, we improve systems of supports and services; connect families; inspire communities; and influence public policy.
[NOTE: Having trouble reading this newsletter? Read it online.] [Past Issues]
DisabilityInfo.gov
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) & Civil Rights Update: ADA Update - 18 Years Later
Mark the 18th anniversary of the ADA by joining this audio conference to hear representatives from federal agencies present an update on their litigation, technical assistance and enforcement efforts over the past year. Participants will have an opportunity to pose questions to the presenters regarding issues in their own workplace or community. Registration deadline is July 14.
This information has recently been updated, and can be accessed by visiting this link:http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=219.
Public Testimony on July 15 Re "Good-Bye Full Accessibility." -
Information Bulletin # 253 (7/08).
In Information Bulletin #250, entitled "Good-Bye Full Accessibility," I
summarized the U.S. Department of Justice's June 17, 2008 Proposed
Rulemaking which propose significant amendments to Titles II and III's
federal regulations and which will profoundly affect access to public
facilities and to public accommodations and commercial facilities.
On June 30, 2008, DOJ announced a public hearing on these proposed
amendments and scheduled the hearing for July 15, 2008 at the Marriot
Hotel, 775 12th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. If you wish to present
comments at the hearing, you are "encouraged to register in advance."
Telephone 800-514-0301 (voice) and 800-514-9383 (TTY) by July 7, 2008. "Comments will be limited to five minutes per person or organization, but
commenters who wish to may supplement their testimony with written
statements."
Our basic problem is with the proposed regulations are that the "safe
harbor" provisions will significantly limit accessibility in public
facilities (e.g., playgrounds, swimming pools, buildings) and public
accommodations (e.g., stores). We will not review the specifics already
outlined in Bulletin #250.
Some people pointed out that even without the "safe harbor" provisions,
many stores and other public accommodations had not, sixteen years after
the ADA federal regulations were initially promulgated in 1992, removed"readily achievable barriers" and had not made their facilities
accessible. These accommodations had tax deductions and tax credits
available, and still did not make their facilities accessible. With the
proposed rules, DOJ provides added excuses for not making facilities fully
accessible.
Even though DOJ has not provided a lot of time either to plan to come to
DC or to testify, we think DOJ should hear about your efforts to implement
accessibility and the excuses/successes provided in the past under the
existing regulations. For example, the Philadelphia Inquirer on 6/25/08
quoted Liberty Resources' Executive Director Thomas Earle who had
identified 42 businesses with a single step barrier. Despite Liberty
writing letters to the owners of inaccessible restaurants, e.g., to the
Snow White Restaurant and to Pandora's Lunch Box, owners neither responded
or wrote back, nor made their facilities accessible.
So the bottom line, why would DOJ propose regulatory amendments that will
reduce accessibility? Who are the forces behind these proposals? Why did
not DOJ propose to strengthen the existing regulations to improve
accessibility?
We thought the ADA was supposed to "eventually" result in a barrier free
country. Silly us.
Power concedes nothing without a struggle!
Steve Gold, The Disability Odyssey continues
Back issues of other Information Bulletins are available online at
http://www.stevegoldada.com with a searchable Archive at this site divided into different subjects.
To contact Steve Gold directly, write to stevegoldada@cs.com or call 215-627-7100.
Autism Support & Advocacy for College - AHEADD
Looking for advocacy & support for your college student with Aspergers, Autism, or ADD? Learn how our proven model helps your student succeed academically ... www.aheadd.org
Latest Issue of Friday's Child
In this edition of Friday's Child we share the exciting announcement of a new partnership between Family Voices and AMCHP. Also featured are the recent Family-to-Family Health Information Centers meeting and the Bright Futures Family and Community meeting. Be sure to check the story on Zachary Friedland, son of Beth Dworetzky (Mass FV), who was recently awarded a Civic Leadership Award.
DID YOU KNOW - You can download a print version of this newsletter at http://www.familyvoices.org/pub/fc/FC_2008-07-11.pdf ? If you have any difficulty viewing this email, please visit http://www.familyvoices.org/pub/fc/html/Friday's%20Child.htm.
Current and past issues of eNotes can be viewed online at http://www.nectac.org/enotes/enotes.asp
NCD Releases Lessons Learned - People with Disabilities and Emergency Management
In carrying its mission during quarterly meetings, the National Council on Disability (NCD) believes it is vital to hear from communities around the country on what works and what does not for people with disabilities. NCD held its first 2008 quarterly public hearing/meeting in New Orleans from January 28 to the 30th. Among the agenda items for discussion were emergency preparedness issues and the disability community. What follows is a monograph outlining key issues raised and discussions from invited subject matter experts in the field of disability and emergency management and public comment.
This monograph (http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2008/doc/Proceedings_Monograph.doc) represents the proceedings of our January 2008 quarterly meeting. It is part of a one-year research project on disability issues and disasters that NCD is conducting. The information in this monograph is being released at this time for use by people with disabilities, first responders, policy makers and communities who are actively involved in using lessons learned to improve their emergency preparedness efforts.
Emergency Preparedness for People with Special Needs
Presented as a community service by, Susan Crum, B.S., M.S., Ph.D. - Able2learn@live.com
Parents of children with special needs devote so much time and energy
to dealing with their child's day to day home, community and school needs
that they often forget that special needs children may require additional
support in the event of a crisis. So, whether you live in hurricane,
tornado or fire or earthquake zones here are some important things to
consider. Basically your family needs to have a shelter at home kit
prepared and an evacuation kit prepared. Both of these need to be easily
accessible. Make the decision ahead of time whether you will stay at home,
evacuate to a safer environment or go to a Public or Special Needs Shelter.
When preparing your emergency kit besides food, water, and clothing
sufficient to last a two week period, you will need to bring your child's
medical and educational equipment. Here are some of the things you will
want to include:
In our household, we address all of this in two ways. We have our "stay
at home" emergency gear all stored together in one large closet that
everyone can huddle into; and our "let's get out of here" emergency
gear packed in our own individual backpacks which sit in the garage right
near the car so we can just grab them and run. You might consider a
similar system. Each of my children has an emergency list (typewritten for
the oldest and photographic for the youngest). They are responsible to
check their back pack and put it in the car each time we travel (even for
day trip). This mean that we always have anything we need with us; and
that their bags are always up to date and ready to go in case of an
emergency. Once again, when the hurricane hits and I say: "Check your
emergency backpacks", it is a well established routine, that is automatic
for everyone so panic is minimized.
It is also a good idea to plan ahead as to who will get each pet and the
necessary pet supplies. In our house (we have a menagerie), the youngest
puts the three cats in a carrier and grabs their food and water. The
oldest grabs the rabbit and his supplies. I get the bird and the dog. The
key is that everyone knows what to do ahead of time. To make this easier,
we stick to the same distribution of responsibilities that we normally have
as part of the household chores. This makes it simpler for the children to
recall.
If your child has special needs and there are special needs shelters in
your areas, you should apply for eligibility even if you think you would
only use it as a last resort. Registration guidelines for such Special
Needs Shelters usual vary by county, so you need to follow the specific
guidelines for the county you reside in.
Plan for Needed Evacuations
Plan to Shelter at home
Your child may use special equipment that requires power. For this
reason purchase a generator, and stock up on batteries. Don't forget to
have food that can be eaten right out of the jar or the can; so that you
don't have to waste precious power on cooking. For the same reason, a
charcoal or propane grill could be a valuable asset for the days following
the actual storm.
If you are in an area likely to suffer from wind damage, contact your
State to determine if they have any assistance program to help increase the
structural safety of your home and to install wind resistant windows.
If you live in an area likely to suffer from flooding, remember to
purchase flood insurance. Store all your emergency supplies on an upper
floor or in the attic, and to purchase a raft or small boat that can be
kept on your property. When you think this is going overboard, remember
the Katrina victims.
Important Papers
Right Now
Right now before there are any warnings or advisories, get prepared by
making certain you have adequate levels of insurance, that your wills,
guardianship and heath care proxies are current. Also make certain that you
take a Red Cross First aid and CPR class.
Plan two escape routes from each room in your home. Draw these and post
them in each room. Next, make a game of practicing these routes and seeing
if the children can increase their speed of exit. In case exit is not
possible or appropriate, identify which room is the safe place in your
home, and have everyone getting there as quickly as possible with their own
person emergency kit (with dried food/snacks, water, first aid kit,
bandana, bug spray, suntan lotion, some utensils, can opener, emergency ID
phone numbers and bracelet).
It's a good idea to purchase a wind up radio that doesn't require
batteries, as well as a National Weather alarm radio. The National Weather
Service usually provides 12-24 hours advanced warning of known storms.
Every month
Advisories, Watches and Warnings
A watch means something could happen in 36 hours. This is the time to
make certain you have emergency phone numbers by each pone and to show
everyone how and when to turn off the utilities. It is time to do a home
hazard hunt for items that can move, fall, break or cause a fire and
rectify the situation.
A warning means it is expected to happen within 24 hours.
Once a warning is posted, complete any last minute packing and
preparation, review your evacuation plans, and while you are doing all this
verbally mediate what you are doing and why so that your special needs
child knows that you are taking all the necessary precautions to prepare
and protect everyone in the family. This is also a good time to review
with your child: how to call for help. Where the emergency numbers are
listed, and what personal emergency information they should have in their
pocket (or in a bracelet) at all times. Make certain that each family
member and babysitter knows the address and phone number of where you will
be staying during the crisis. Give each child their emergency information
card which should include the phone numbers for family members, along with
their health insurance policy and policy number, diagnosis and notation of
any essential medications and dosages.
To help your special needs child understand the types of emergencies that
might arise in your geographic region, it is a good idea to get a selection
of books whether children their age successfully made it through similar
storms. You might also be able to find some good videos with a similar
theme. Making the "crisis" more familiar the preparation routine, will
increase the likelihood of your child adapting to the situation when
needed.
Presented as a community service by,
Susan Crum, B.S., M.S., Ph.D.,
Special Needs Coach,
Able2Learn, Email: Able2learn@live.com
Voice and Fax: 863-471-0281
REFERENCE POINTS:
NCD Seeks Public Input
The National Council on Disability (NCD) is gathering public input for a study of emerging issues and trends affecting the lives of people with disabilities. Information gathered will be used in the development of NCD's next annual progress report to the President and Congress. The Council is seeking input on disability issues including health, housing, employment, insurance, transportation, assistive technology, recreation, emergency preparedness, early intervention and education. Suggestions should be sent to NCD by July 22, 2008 via email at ncd@ncd.gov. Type "Emerging Trends" in the subject line.
Qualified faith-based and other organizations may apply for a grant through the Administration on Aging (AoA)’s Open Solicitation. Grants will support projects that further the purposes of Title IV of the Older Americans Act, as amended, the AoA strategic plan, and the AoA mission. Title IV projects must: test new and innovative approaches to the design and delivery of programs and services for older persons; expand knowledge and understanding of the older population and the aging process; help meet the needs for trained personnel in the field of aging; and/or increase awareness of the need for individuals to assume responsibility for their own longevity.
A total of $750,000 will be awarded for 1-2 grants. Applications are due September 12, 2008. The solicitation for applications is at
http://www.aoa.gov/doingbus/fundopp/announcements/2008/Open
SolicitationPA2008Q4.doc
One-Stop Toolkit Resources of the Week Technical Assistance Project
Action: Call For Proposal – 2008 Youth Symposium
Empowering Youth Achievement in a New Economy
Chicago, Illinois
November 17-20, 2008
http://www.greenmoonsolutions.com/nawdp/
DATES: Workshop proposals must be submitted online by August 11th
The goal of the 9th Annual National Youth Development Symposium is to provide best practices and program guidance to workforce development professionals who serve youth, and leadership growth opportunities for the youth they serve.
Please consider sharing your expertise and experience in providing high quality and effective workforce preparation services to youth!
Social Security Administration Training on New Ticket to Work Regulations
Training Schedule - http://www.cessi.net/ttw/Training/
In preparation for the implementation of the New Ticket to Work Program regulations on July 21, 2008, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be conducting several national training sessions throughout the month of July to review changes to the program. Interested parties are being asked to save these training dates and participate in the appropriate teleconferences or webinars.
Access the URL for detailed information on the training topic, dates and how to participate. http://www.cessi.net/ttw/Training/
Institute for Transportation Coordination
Community Transportation Association of America
Washington, D.C.
November 17-20, 2008
www.ctaa.org/institute
Are you and other leaders in your community interested in building more effective partnerships to meet community transportation needs? If so, then apply as team to participate in the Community Transportation Association's Institute for Transportation Coordination.
The Institute for Transportation Coordination is an intensive, three-day training and planning forum created to enhance the capacity of communities to provide cost-effective and customer-focused transportation services by coordinating funding, information, services, and equipment. Participants have the opportunity to learn about coordination models, explore promising local coordination practices, discuss effective community outreach and partnership-building strategies, and increase their knowledge about technical tools and other operational issues. Attention is also given to leveraging federal dollars and maximizing relationships with local agencies that receive funding through federal programs.
Teams at the Institute
Participants apply as part of a 4-to-6-member team formed from a local, regional, or statewide community; final team selections are made through a competitive process. The core members of each team, whose participation is paid for by the Community Transportation Association, are representatives from the community's transit, workforce, and disability service organizations, as well as a member from a senior service organization, medical transportation provider, or local elected government. Other members may be added at the team's own expense. Upon their return home from the Institute, teams are encouraged to expand their membership to include other stakeholders from their community.
The Institute is held annually in Washington, D.C. It is sponsored by the Association's Joblinks Employment Transportation Initiative and the National Resource Center for Human Service Transportation Coordination through a cooperative agreement with the Federal Transit Administration.
Access the website to learn more about the 2008 institute. www.ctaa.org/instituteThe President’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative in 50 States A Report to the Nation
The White House
June 2008
http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/fbci-states-0608.pdf
http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/reports.html
On June 26th and 27th, the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives hosted the National Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Conference, which covered various topics of outreach and social services relating to Faith-Based and Community Organizations (FBCOs). The audience heard from speakers such as President George W. Bush, Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, Attorney General Michael Mukasey, and various other honorable guests. If you would like to see the video of the President's speech (written and audio only versions are available also), please visit this webpage: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/06/20080626-20.html
Attendees of the conference received the booklet titled “The President's Faith-Based and Community Initiative in 50 States.” For a quick fact sheet on the Faith-Based and Community Initiative, see here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/06/20080626-3.html
During speech at the conference, Secretary Chao made reference to the Department of Labor Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives' final report: Renewing Communities, Restoring Hope, and Transforming Lives. This report tells the story of how the Faith-Based and Community Initiative at the U.S. Department of Labor has made a real difference in the lives of more than 150,000 jobseekers, workers, families, vulnerable youth, and communities. As part of DOL's mission to foster a prepared, competitive, safe, and secure workforce, the Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives works with DOL agencies to tap into the unique abilities of faith-based and community organizations in order to help more individuals overcome barriers to employment, find jobs, and stay employed. These collaborative efforts have produced innovative public-private partnerships that decrease unemployment and recidivism among ex-prisoners, increase access to publicly funded employment resources in low-income communities, help homeless veterans find housing and jobs, withdraw and prevent children from entering exploitive child labor around the world, increase workplace safety outreach to Spanish-speaking workers, and much more. Renewing Communities, Restoring Hope, and Transforming Lives covers three main topics: Creating Access to New Opportunities Through Public-Private Partnerships, Faith-Based and Community Organizations: Utilizing Strengths and Building Capacity, and Transforming Lives Through Government Partnerships with Faith-Based and Community Organizations.
An online version of the report is available on CFBCI's main page: http://www.dol.gov/cfbci. Or you can access the file directly from here: http://www.dol.gov/cfbci/renewing.pdf.
Virtual Online Job Fair for College Students with Disabilities in the State of California at www.disABLEDperson.com
A Job Fair from the Comfort of Your Office!
October 15th, 2008 9AM-4PM
For College Students with Disabilities in the State of California Transitioning to Work
Read about the logistics of the Fair at http://www.disabledperson.com/articles/cal08jobfair.asp
On October 15th,2008 disABLEDperson Inc., a 501©(3) public charity as part of our mission to reduce the high unemployment rate amongst the disabled will hold its second annual Virtual Online Job Fair for College Students with Disabilities in the State of California on our web portal.
Register Now! - http://www.disabledperson.com/articles/cal08jobfairregistration.asp
To date in 08, we have held our Fairs in 10 Western U.S. states.
National and Statewide employers will be able to tap into this highly educated skilled workforce by participating in our Job Fair, relieving their recruiting budgets without leaving their respective offices while skilled students with disabilities can meet potential employers simply buy using their computers. A true win/win for both!
We have formed partnerships with DirectEmployer’s Association of America and the Ca. Department of Rehabilitation for the Fair.
Employers! Are you proactive in hiring the disabled? If so, don’t miss out. Come and participate in second annual Job Fair.
In a letter to disABLEDperson Inc’s Nicholas Corso who was the Project Director in California, California’s First Lady Maria Shriver stated. “I applaud you for your dedication to help provide independence and self-sufficiency to those qualified individuals who many times are overlooked for jobs based on their disability. On behalf of all Californians, please accept my best wishes for every future success.”
Cost: There is no cost! Donations however are appreciated!
Reserve you spot now! Call us at 760-420-1269 or go online and Register Now! - http://www.disabledperson.com/articles/cal08jobfairregistration.asp
disABLEDperson Inc. is looking for Corporate Sponsors, would you like to be one and support the disability community? If so, please contact us at 760-420-1269. Please help support us with a Car Donation - http://www.v-dac.com/org/?id=330937618 or Online Donation - https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?Action=GC&CID=155
Thank you! Nicholas Corso, Project Director, disABLEDperson Inc., 760-420-1269, disABLEDperson Inc. PO Box 230636 Encinitas, Ca. 92023-0636. 760-420-1269. URL www.disABLEDperson.com . disabledpersons@aol.com
A monthly publication of NCPAD
the NATIONAL CENTER on PHYSICAL ACTIVITY and DISABILITY www.ncpad.org
Urge Candidates to attend the Ohio Presidential Candidates Forum!
We are 2 weeks from the Presidential Candidates Forum on July 26th in Columbus, Ohio. AAPD has been talking to both Obama and McCain schedulers but they do not have a firm commitment from either candidate. This is not acceptable! It is time to start real pressure. Use the message below and edit or add to it to convey your message. Feel free to elaborate about an issue that is real to you so that they understand. Take Action! - http://capwiz.com/rochestercdr/issues/alert/?alertid=11553991&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]
he Arc of the United States
Long Distance Voter
This year, Election Day falls on Tuesday, November 4. With so many travelling to Albuquerque, NM for The Arc’s 57th Annual Convention from November 5-8 and for NCE activities, participants should make sure they exercise their right to vote. Long Distance Voter is a resource for absentee voters. Click on www.longdistancevoter.org and with a few simple steps, you can vote from anywhere.
Iowa Needs Assistive Technology
The Easter Seals Equipment Loan program has been depleted by assisting flood victims and has people on waiting lists. If you are aware of people or organizations that my have used/stored equipment such as scooters, wheelchairs, shower chairs, toilet risers, etc., to donate could you forward the attached brochure or include the information in a mailing.
Thanks you for any assistance that you can provide.
Gary Johnson gary-johnson@uiowa.edu
Iowa Program for Assistive Technology
515-491-7260
To DONATE - Used Devices - Or if someone needs devices lost in the flood - Contact: Easter Seals - (515) 309-2395 - or nfo@eastersealsia.org
Until Next week
The Arc of the United States,1010 Wayne Avenue, Ste. 650,Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone: 301-565-3842, Fax: 301-565-3843, Email: mmwdc@info.thearc.org, Web: www.thearc.org
Disclaimer: MMWDC publishes information about issues and events that we believe to be important and likely to be of interest to advocates and others interested in inclusion of persons with disabilities in all parts of society. However, MMWDC and The Arc of the United States and TheArcLink Incorporated do not necessarily endorse all events, sponsoring organizations and reports which appear.