| Volume 08 | Issue 23 | June 9, 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]
Fast facts on Disability from The U.S. Census Bureau
On this day in 1990, President George H.W. Bush
signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), guaranteeing
equal opportunity for people with disabilities in public
accommodations, commercial facilities, employment, transportation,
state and local government services, and telecommunications.
Population Distribution
41.3 million
- Number of people who have some level of disability. They represent 15
percent of the civilian noninstitutionalized population 5 and older.
By age -
a.. 6 percent of children 5 to 15 have disabilities.
b.. 12 percent of people 16 to 64 have disabilities.
c.. 41 percent of adults 65 and older have disabilities.
Source: 2006 American Community Survey <http://www.census.gov/acs/www/Products/users_guide/index.htm>
16% -
Percentage of females with a disability, compared with 14 percent of males.
Source: 2006 American Community Survey <http://www.census.gov/acs/www/Products/users_guide/index.htm>
Using or Needing Assistance
10.7 million
- Number of disabled people 6 and older who need personal assistance
with one or more activities of daily living (such as taking a bath or
shower) or instrumental activities of daily living (such as using the
telephone). This group amounts to 4 percent of people in this age
category.
2.7 million
- Number of people 15 and older who use a wheelchair. Another 9.1
million use an ambulatory aid such as a cane, crutches or walker.
Specific Disabilities
1.8 million -
Number of people 15 and older who report being unable to see.
1 million -
Number of people 15 and older who report being unable to hear.
2.6 million
- Number of people 15 and older who have some difficulty having their
speech understood by others. Of this number, 610,000 were unable to
have their speech understood at all.
14.3 million
- Number of people with limitations in cognitive functioning, or who
have a mental or emotional illness that interferes with daily
activities, including those with Alzheimer's disease and mental
retardation. This group comprises 6 percent of the population 15 and
older.
On the Job
11.8 million
- Number of 16- to 64-year-olds who reported a medical condition that
makes it difficult to find a job or remain employed. They comprise 6
percent of the population this age.
56% -
Percentage of people 21 to 64 having some type of disability who were
employed in the past year. The rate ranged from 82 percent of those
with a nonsevere disability to 43 percent with a severe disability. For
those without a disability, the employment rate is 88 percent for the
same period.
44% -
Percentage of people with a nonsevere disability who work full time,
year-round. This compares with 53 percent without a disability and 13
percent with a severe disability.
Perceived Health Status
33%
- Percentage of people 25 to 64 who have a nonsevere disability and
report their health as being "very good" or "excellent." This compares
with 13 percent of those with a severe disability and 73 percent of
those without a disability
Income and Poverty
$22,000
- Median earnings for people with a nonsevere disability. This compares
with $25,000 for those with no disability and $12,800 for those with a
severe disability.
18%
- Percentage of people with a nonsevere disability with household
incomes of $80,000 or more. By comparison, 26 percent of people without
a disability had household incomes of $80,000 or more, with the same
being true of 9 percent of those with a severe one.
11%
- The poverty rate for people 25 to 64 with a nonsevere disability.
This compares with 26 percent for those with a severe disability and 8
percent of those without a disability.
Living Arrangements
60%
- Percentage of people 25 to 64 with a nonsevere disability who live in
married-couple families. The corresponding rates are 68 percent for
those without disabilities and 50 percent for people with severe
disabilities.
23%
- Percentage of people with a nonsevere disability who live alone or
with nonrelatives. This compares with 28 percent of those with a severe
disability and 19 percent without a disability.
Education
33%
- The percentage of people 25 to 64 who had a nonsevere disability and
were college graduates. This compares with 43 percent with no
disability and 22 percent with a severe disability.
2.2 million
- The number of undergraduates with a disability, as of the 2003-04
school year. These students represented 11 percent of all undergrads.
Source: Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2008, Table 279 <http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/>.
Plugged in to the Net .
36% and 29% -
Percentages of people 15 to 64 with a severe disability who use a
computer and the Internet at home, respectively. The respective figures
for those without a disability are 61 percent and 51 percent.
Serving Our Nation
2.7 million
- Number of veterans who received compensation totaling $26.6 billion
for service-connected disabilities in 2006. Source: Statistical
Abstract of the United States: 2008, Table 508 and Table 509 at <http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/>.
Accommodations
96.5% -
Percent of transit buses that were ADA lift- or ramp-equipped, as of
2005. This represents an increase from 61.7 percent in 1995. Source:
Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2008, Table 1083 at <http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/>.
Unless otherwise indicated, all the data are from the Americans with Disabilities: 2002 report at <http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/aging_population/006809.html>.
Editor's note:The
preceding data were collected from a variety of sources and may be
subject to sampling variability and other sources of error. Facts for
Features are customarily released about two months before an observance
in order to accommodate magazine production timelines. Questions or
comments should be directed to the Census Bureau's Public Information
Office: telephone: 301-763-3030; fax: 301-763-3762; or e-mail: <pio@census.gov>.
For People With Down Syndrome, Longer Life Has Complications
June 1, 2008
By SALLY SARA
His Superman T-shirt was bold and bright, but his face was creased with
confusion. Gerry Thomas was stumped by a question most men can answer
in an instant.
“What’s your favorite beer?” asked his sister, Beth Thomas.
Mr. Thomas, 50, sitting in the house he and his sister share in Queens,
squinted with intense concentration. He struggled to unravel the
question, let alone remember the answer. Finally, he gave his sister an
apologetic smile and shook his head. “I think I’m losing it,” he said.
Doctors had predicted that Mr. Thomas, born with Down syndrome, would
be lucky to reach his 10th birthday. His longevity has come at a price,
though.
Two years ago, it was determined that Mr. Thomas, at 48, had
early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, adding new challenges of dementia to
his already significant disabilities.
Current and past issues of eNotes can be viewed online at http://www.nectac.org/enotes/enotes.asp
hcbs.org > Clearinghouse CLIPS: June 5, 2008
This year's Reinventing Quality Conference on
developmental disabilities services will be held in Baltimore, MD on
August 10-12. It will feature numerous agencies that have implemented
person-centered planning and individualized support structures to
assist people in living the lives they desire. Download the Brochure or
Register for the Conference - http://www.reinventingquality.org/upcoming/
AccessibleEmployment.org - website
Summary: People with disabilities searching for jobs and employers
looking for qualified workers can connect here for free. As with other
employment sites, candidates can browse job listings and post their
resumes. Likewise, employers can create recruitment profiles and post
open positions. The site is national in scope but currently primarily
shows listings in New Jersey.
Topic(s): Accessibility, Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Employment, Physical Disabilities
Source: New Jersey Business Leadership Network
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2265
An Evaluation of the Pennsylvania Nursing Home Transition Program
Summary: This evaluation contains comparative information to help
states with nursing home transition or Money Follows the Person
programs. The evaluation documents the nine-year history of
Pennsylvania transition activities, methods the state used to identify
persons to transition, the state's use of the nursing home Minimum Data
Set (MDS), and its training and funding of local agencies. The
evaluation provides data on local agency activities, FTE levels, and
number of persons transitioned.
Topic(s): Financing HCBS, Long-Term Care, Money Follows the Person,
Olmstead, Organizational Change, Transition/Diversion from Institutions
Source: Rutgers/NASHP
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2267
Family Care Navigator: State-by-State Help for Family Caregivers
Summary: This section of the Family Caregiver Alliance website assists
people in locating government, nonprofit, and private long-term care
support programs in their respective areas. It includes services for
family caregivers, as well as resources for older or disabled adults
living at home or in a residential facility. It also includes
information on government health and disability programs, legal
resources, disease-specific organizations and much more.
Topic(s): Aging Issues, Long-Term Care, Resource Center, State/Agency Information
Source: Family Caregiver Alliance
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2259
Find, Choose, and Keep Great Direct Support Professionals - Toolkit
Summary: These kits provide strategic guidance and tools such as
checklists and worksheets to help people recruit and retain quality
direct support professionals. One version is designed for individuals
with disabilities and the other is for their families and support team
members. A hard copy with interactive CD is available at the Illinois
Direct Support Professional Workforce Initiative website.
Topic(s): Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Physical Disabilities, Workforce
Source: Illinois
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2263
Fiscal Challenges to a Strong Home and Community-Based Long-Term Care System: Oregon's Fight to Maintain Leadership
Summary: In order for Oregon to balance its two-year budget for
2001-03, the Seniors and People with Disabilities Division (SPD) in the
Department of Human Services was mandated to reduce LTC spending by
nearly 30%. This paper analyzes the 2003 cuts to Oregon's Medicaid
long-term care (LTC) system, the impact of those cuts on a
well-developed home and community-based services (HCBS) system, how the
state has responded, and lessons that could be learned from its
response.
Topic(s): Financing HCBS, Long-Term Care, Waiver
Source: Rutgers/NASHP
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2268
Frameworks of Integrated Care for the Elderly: A Systematic Review
Summary: The author reviews international scholarly literature and case
studies to identify four frameworks of integrated care for the elderly.
The frameworks are summarized and compared based on underlying
philosophy and policy, administrative and clinical best practices, and
how they propose integration of different services. The review also
highlights four key elements that are present in each framework and
must be structured to support one another.
Topic(s): Aging Issues
Source: Canadian Policy Research Networks, CPRN
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2258
Medicaid Targeted Case Management (TCM) Benefits
Summary: A reader can use this report to better understand proposed
rule changes regarding which TCM services are eligible for federal
financial participation. Various perspectives on the changes are
presented. Several tables and graphs illustrate past and projected TCM
expenditures. Prompted by the Americans with Disabilities Act, CMS
issued the interim rule in order to limit the growth of TCM costs.
Current proposed legislation would delay rule implementation until
April 1, 2009.
Topic(s): State/Agency Information
Source: Congressional Research Service
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2270
Opportunities for Creating Livable Communities
Summary: This paper outlines the most common barriers to implementing
livable communities and outlines cases where these barriers were
overcome using planning and zoning tools. Housing, transportation and
mobility, land use, cooperation and communication, public involvement
in community planning, and leadership are the components of livable
communities that are addressed.
Topic(s): Accessibility, Aging Issues, Housing, Transition/Diversion from Institutions
Source: AARP
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2260
Quality
Support 2005: An Agenda to Strengthen the Developmental Disabilities
Direct Support Professional Workforce in Illinois
Summary: A broad coalition of stakeholders created this example of a
comprehensive state-level workforce development plan. The document
suggests solutions to the following workforce challenges: recruitment
and retention; education, training and development; data gathering and
monitoring; status and awareness of profession; and mentoring and
supervision. An executive summary and 1-page call to action targeted at
key stakeholders are included.
Topic(s): Quality, Workforce
Source: Grantee produced, Illinois Direct Support Professional Workforce Initiative
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2264
Quick Health Facts 2008: A Compilation of Selected State Data
Summary: Find within this resource state-by-state statistics on
demographics, Medicaid, Medicare, and health insurance coverage. Of
special interest are the data on Medicaid expenditures broken down by
recipient type and service environment (HCBS vs. nursing home). Limited
data are also given for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Topic(s): State/Agency Information
Source: AARP
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2261
Report of the Taskforce on the Aging of the American Workforce
Summary: The Taskforce on the Aging of the American Workforce was
created to address concerns that the supply of workers and vocational
skills may not meet demand as baby boomers begin to retire. In this
report the Taskforce outlines factors that may be limiting older
Americans' access to jobs. It also presents strategies to encourage and
enable older Americans to remain in or reenter the workforce. The
Taskforce is composed of nine relevant federal agencies.
Topic(s): Aging Issues, Employment
Source: Taskforce on the Aging of the American Workforce
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2266
Research Summit: Moving the Research Agenda Forward in Family Caregiving
Summary: This document sums up the proceedings and conclusions of a
summit convened June, 2007 in Washington, D.C. by Mature Market
Institute and the National Alliance for Caregiving. Six recommendations
for future research on family caregiving are made based on identified
gaps in knowledge. Also presented is a list of the most important past
studies, as identified by participant consensus. Experts in the fields
of social work, sociology, economics, psychology, and gerontology
participated.
Topic(s): Workforce
Source: National Alliance for Caregiving
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2262
The Administration on Aging's Nursing Home Diversion Program
Summary: This document provides background information on the AoA's
involvement in HCBS delivery and briefly describes three of the twelve
Nursing Home Diversion demonstration projects it is funding. In 2007,
the AoA invited states to submit proposals to modernize both the
service and system elements of their diversion efforts. This program
was created in response to an Older Americans Act mandate that AoA help
expand access to HCBS long-term care options.
Topic(s): Aging Issues, Consumer Direction, Long-Term Care, Transition/Diversion from Institutions
Source: National Senior Citizens Law Center
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2269
The HEATH Resource Center
Review of Labeled disabled film
This is a new 48-minute film about disability and education. A teacher here in Massachusetts followed her first-grade students before, during, and after implementing a unit about disability that was intertwined with almost every aspect of the curriculum (math, art, English, etc.). The film has clips of different people with disabilities who visited the children's classrooms, as well as reactions from parents, community members, and former students (now teenagers) who went through the same curriculum. I thought it was really powerful, and was especially impressed by how respectfully the film shows students' ability to wrestle with big questions about disability and society.
The film also seemed to have a subtle "disability studies" bent, encouraging viewers to think about disability beyond the physical, and to question their own biases and assumptions about disability and talking to kids about the topic. I think the film could work in special ed and teacher educator courses in colleges, anti-bias trainings, in K-12 and higher ed classrooms.well, let's just say there seem to be a variety of applications.
The film illustrates several research-based ideas about counteracting disability bias (e.g., giving people an opportunity to interact with disability accommodations like wheelchairs), so it could easily accompany articles from the literature on this topic. More info is at www.labeleddisabledfilm.com
What Happened to Ricky
In the '50s, disabled children often disappeared into state institutions. Now, one family seeks its lost son.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121218278041833793-email.html
RECONNECTING: A GUIDE TO SERVICES
Those seeking to locate developmentally disabled relatives can pursue two paths.
Families, and those separated from them, can register online with TheArcLink's National FindFamily Registry, at www.thearclink.org/findfamily,
entering information into a simple electronic form that won't be shared
without permission. Arc will contact the family if it thinks it has
found a missing relative. The success of the registry depends on the
volume of families who use it. While no direct matches have been made,
the Arc has put family members in touch with others who have been able
to track down a relative.
Families can also contact the state agency providing services to the developmentally disabled, which can be found on the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Service's Web site, www.nasddds.org. Each state has different policies, and it often takes several calls to get information.
More assistance may be on the way. Some states are studying Molly's
Bill in Oregon, under which relatives can request information from the
Department of Human Services. If the state determines that a lost
family member is under its care, the request is forwarded to the
individual, guardian or caregiver, and the decision is made whether a
reunion is appropriate. Grounds for rejection may include a history of
family abuse.
The U.S. Department of Education's "Doing What Works" Web site recently added content on Early Childhood Language and Literacy, which focuses on two recommended practice areas: develop phonological awareness skills; and utilize interactive and dialogic reading practices to improve language and literacy skills. It includes recommendations outlined in five research reports previously released by the Department's Institute of Education Sciences (IES) on early childhood education. It is available at http://dww.ed.gov/priority_area/priority_landing.cfm?PA_ID=7
Collaborating With Families of Children With Disabilities
The IRIS Center and the PACER Center have created an online module to help educators think about and improve family involvement, particularly involvement among families of children with disabilities. The interactive module provides participants with a scenario, information, and a self-evaluation tool. It also includes commentary from parents and an expert in the field of family involvement. http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/fam/chalcycle.htm
The U.S. Department of Education invites comments on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulatory requirements. Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before June 18, 2008. For instructions and more information see the Federal Register notice at http://www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister/other/2008-2/051908c.html
A Thinking Guide to Inclusive Childcare (2008)
Disability Rights of Wisconsin recently developed a guide entitled A Thinking Guide to Inclusive Childcare (2008) that provides tools and strategies to help child care staff better understand the needs of individual children and promote inclusive experiences for families and children. It is available online at http://www.disabilityrightswi.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/thinking-guide-to-inclusive-child-care.pdf.
DOD Special Needs Parent Tool Kit
Special Needs Parent Toolkit-The DOD Special Needs Tool Kit-It is designed to help military families and others with special needs children navigate the maze of medical and special education services, community support and benefits and entitlements. The Toolkit is broken down into six colorful modules that can be easily downloaded and printed. The Toolkit can be found at http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/portal/page/mhf/MHF/MHF_DETAIL_1?section_id=20.40.500.570.0.0.0.0.0&content_id=218947
REFERENCE POINTS:
Resources on the Olmstead Decision
2007 NURSING HOME DATA COMPENDIUM
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has recently
released the 2007 Nursing Home Data Compendium. The compendium contains
figures and tables presenting data on all residents in Medicare- and
Medicaid-certified nursing homes in the United States. A series of
graphs and maps high-lights some of the most interesting data, while
detailed data are available in accompanying tables. For more
information, go to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/CertificationandComplianc/12_NHs.asp
From: The Center for Personal Assistance Services Bulletin
MASSACHUSETTS SETTLEMENT WILL BRING OVER 600 INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES OUT OF NURSING HOMES
A settlement between the administration of Governor Patrick and
disability advocates in Massachusetts will allow over 600 nursing home
residents with developmental disabilities to move to more independent
community residences. The movement out is projected to take four years.
Most of the residents are significantly younger than those the nursing
facilities were designed for, and the 10-year old lawsuit focused on
federal requirements for placement in the most integrated setting.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/03/21/state_settles_lawsuit_over_placement_of_disabled/
US JUSTICE DEPARTMENT: NEBRASKA INSTITUTION VIOLATES RESIDENTS' RIGHTS
A report by the US Department of Justice has cited numerous unexplained
injuries and examples of abuse and neglect by employees of the Beatrice
Center, an institution housing people with disabilities in Nebraska.
The report also criticized the state for not ensuring that residents
can live in the most integrated setting possible, as required by
federal law. In response, the state has set a goal is reduce the number
of residents from about 300 to 255 by June 30, 2008, and to 200 by the
end of the year.
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2798&u_sid=10285943
From TRN
NURSING HOME EMANCIPATION: ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF URBAN AND RURAL CENTERS FOR INDEPENDENT LIVING
"In 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court established a legal precedent, based
on the Americans with Disabilities Act, to help adults with
disabilities leave institutional settings and return to community
living (Olmstead v. L.C.) ... Since then, centers for independent
living (CILs) and other disability advocacy organizations have
initiated a wide range of efforts to emancipate (i.e. transition)
adults with disabili-ties from inappropriate nursing home placements to
community living ..." This March, 2008 Progress Report from the
Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities at the
University of Montana Rural Institute is available online at http://rtc.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/IL/NursingHomeEmancipationUrbanRural.html
HOUSE COMMITTEE RELEASES REPORT ON STATE IMPACT OF MEDICAID REGULATIONS
On March 3, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
released a report entitled The Administration's Medicaid Regulations:
State-by-State Impacts. This report details the state-by-state impact
of seven regulations issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Service (CMS) in the areas of cost limits for public providers,
graduate medical education, outpatient hospital services, provider
taxes, rehabilitative services, school administration and
transportation services, and case management services. The report and
related documents are available at http://oversight.house.gov/story.asp?ID=1778
From: Working for Tomorrow, a publication of CWD.
KAISER RELEASES ISSUE PAPER ON NEW MEDICAID REGULATIONS
The Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured has published an issue paper entitled Medicaid: Overview and Impact of New Regulations.
The paper notes how in recent years, CMS has issued new regulations and
guidance to help implement two major pieces of federal legislation: The
Medicare Modernization Act and the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. In
addition, the administration has also proposed major regulatory
initiatives that would change long-standing Medicaid policy by
regulation rather than legislative action. The paper focuses on six new
regulations, including the proposed rule on the Rehabilitation Service
Option and the interim final rule on Targeted Case Management, and
explains current policy, the proposed regulatory changes as well as the
impact and issues with these changes. The issue paper is available at http://www.kff.org/medicaid/upload/7739.pdf.
REFERENCE POINTS:
Conference and Workshop Updates Added to the TATRA Website
REFERENCE POINTS Conference and workshop updates feature NEW additions
to the listing of transition related national and regional conferences
maintained on PACER Center's TATRA Project web site. To see our
complete calendar of events, please visit us at http://www.pacer.org/tatra/calendar.asp.
Register for the upcoming 2008 National Lifespan Respite Conference: Home Grown Cultivating Caregivers and SAVE!
September 4-6, 2008, Des Moines, IA Purchase discounted seats at the National Conference. This is a dynamic conference with more than 50 presenters. Registration is now available and if you are not satisfied with the line up of speakers your registration will be fully refundable up to July 15, 2008.
Learn How To Register and SAVE>>
Check out the Presenters for the 2008 Conference>>
DisabilityInfo.gov
Health News & Events Update: SAMHSA Honors Writers & Producers at 2008 Voice Awards
Winners were recognized for incorporating dignified, respectful and accurate depictions of people living with mental health problems into their programs and films. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) also recognized outstanding community leaders with mental illnesses who have had a positive impact on the acceptance of people with mental health problems in society.
This information has recently been updated, and can be accessed by visiting this link: http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=151.
DisabilityInfo.gov
Civil Rights News & Events Update: DOJ Proposed Amendments to Regulations Implementing ADA
The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced today its intent to solicit comment on proposed amendments to its regulations implementing Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The proposed regulations will, for the first time, establish specific requirements for the design of accessible public facilities such as courtrooms and an array of recreation facilities making it easier for individuals with disabilities to travel, enjoy sports and leisure activities, play and otherwise participate in society. Read the complete text of the proposed changes.
This information has recently been updated, and can be accessed by visiting this link: http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=218.
TRN Disability Update - June, 2008 - http://www.trninc.comThe Road to Self-Sufficiency: A Guide to Entrepreneurship for Youth with Disabilities was developed by the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability. The Guide is designed to serve as a resource for organizations working with youth on career exploration and employment options, and policymakers who support youth programs. The Guide shows how entrepreneurship education can be implemented in programs and offers suggestions on how to introduce self-employment as an option for all youth, including youth with disabilities. To download:http://www.ncwd-youth.info/resources_&_Publications/entrepreneurship_guide.html
Disability Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs)--Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer
U.S. Department of Education
Disability
Rehabilitation Research Projects (DRRPs)--Center on Knowledge
Translation for Technology Transfer CFDA 84.133A-7 Grant
http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=false&oppId=41846
June 2008, Vol.8, No.6
Visit www.aaidd.org/FYI/ to access current and past issues of this monthly newsletter.
Subscribe at http://www.responsetrack.net/aaidd/sign_up
Topics in this issue:
Advising Students with Disabilities (second edition)
Narratives are being requested for possible inclusion in the upcoming second
edition of the monograph Advising Students with Disabilities as Exemplary
Practices (EP) that focus on best practices connected to academic advising of
students with disabilities. The intent is to identify academic advisement
centers, disability services, academic curriculum departments, academic
support services, technology centers, diversity coordinators and other areas
that best demonstrate the intersection between academic advisement of
students with disabilities within higher education. A section of the
monograph will present narratives of the centers selected and is intended to
provide readers with exemplary practices that best profile how disabled
students have been integrated into the centers mission and vision through an
inclusive, progressive, and universally accessible and accommodating
approach. Professionals associated with both academic advising and disability
service centers are particularly encouraged to submit narratives of their
work and accomplishments for publication consideration in the 2009 monograph
on Advising Students with Disabilities.
Please note: Exemplary Practice nominations may include up to three
documents (total of no more than 6 pages) of supplemental documents that help
explain the program. These can include such things as intake forms, students
planning documents, or assessment reports. Submit these supplemental
documents as attachments along with the narrative.
Narratives are due no later than June 15, 2008. Exemplary Practice directors
will be notified if their program will be included by August 1. E-mail
questions and completed narratives to miller@ksu.edu at your earliest
convenience.
Chapters will include:
Federal Disability Programs: Coordination Could Facilitate Better Data Collection to Assess the Status of People with Disabilities
Federal Disability Programs: Coordination Could
Facilitate Better Data Collection to Assess the Status of People with
Disabilities, by Daniel Bertoni, director, education, workforce, and
income security, before the Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census,
and National Archives, House Committee on Oversight and Government
Reform. GAO-08-872T, June 4.
http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-872T Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08872thigh.pdf
The Roundtable on Religion and Social Welfare Policy -
Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government
State Public Health Coordinating Center for Autism grant
Qualified faith-based and other applicants may apply for the State Public Health Coordinating Center for Autism grant. The purpose of the Combating Autism Act Initiative (CAAI) State Public Health Coordinating Center is to improve the health of infants, children, and adolescents who have, or are at risk for developing, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities (DD).
The goal of the CAAI projects is to enable all children to reach their full potential by developing a system of services that includes screening children early for possible ASD and other DD; conducting early, interdisciplinary, evaluations to confirm or rule out ADS and other DD; and, if a diagnosis is confirmed, providing evidence-based, early interventions. In order for State Autism Demonstration grantees to effectively achieve CAAI goals, the State Public Health Coordinating Center plays a crucial role in completing an environmental scan, to include needs/gaps, of State Title V agencies and partners activities related to ASD and other DD; establishing a resource center that involves an ongoing effort to collect and compile information on State public health activities related to ASD and other DD and serves as an informational resource to States, consumers, and other interested entities; developing and disseminating, through a vehicle that allows for ongoing interchange, a public health policy framework for States for addressing ASD and other DD; providing technical assistance to State Autism Demonstration grantees and other public health agencies, including State Title V programs, to enhance services and supports to children, youth, and families; and building and sustaining partnerships with CAAI partners and service systems already serving children with ASD and other DD.
The deadline for applications is July 3, 2008. An award of $250,000 will be given to a single successful applicant over a three-year project. The full announcement can be found here
https://grants.hrsa.gov/webExternal/DisplayAttachment.asp?ID=5F1B439B-23D6-42B3-901A-9730A0C923DA.
National Mentoring Programs grant
Qualified faith-based and other applicants may apply for the National Mentoring Programs grant. Successful applicants will propose the implementation of ready initiatives that will assist in the development and maturity of community programs to provide mentoring services to populations that are underserved due to locations, shortage of mentors, special physical or mental challenges of the targeted population, or other such situations identified by the community in need of mentoring services. This initiative also seeks to promote collaboration among national youth service organizations that support mentoring activities and community organizations committed to supporting mentoring services.
Applicants will implement, monitor, and assess mentoring strategies. They are strongly encouraged to incorporate best practices based on research and to consider a variety of mentoring approaches that are national in scope. Priority will be given to organizations who have mentoring programs ready for implementation, who can monitor and collect performance measure data from all affiliates and associated programs and use the data to achieve successful outcomes, who work in areas of high community disadvantage as designated by use of OJJDP’s SMART tool, and who can demonstrate collaboration with at least two of the following institutions: schools, law enforcement, a community- or faith-based organization, a national program focused on activities complementary to mentoring (e.g., job training, literacy, parenting), or an afterschool learning program.
All applications are due by June 20, 2008. All awards
are subject to the availability of funds. The full announcement can be
found here
http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/grants/solicitations/FY2008/NatlMentoring.pdf.
One-Stop Toolkit Resources of the Week Technical Assistance Project
Universal Design for the Workforce Development System Toolkit
National Center on Workforce and Disability/Adult
http://158.121.240.7/onestops.info_new/website.php?page=ud_index
As public and private workforce development systems strive to meet the diverse needs of their business and career seeking customers, staff need a clear understanding of how to design programs, services, and activities that provide genuine, effective, and meaningful opportunities for all. Universal Design for the Workforce Development System is a collection of tools and best practice findings from the field, all of which are deigned to promote a workforce development system that is both responsive to local needs and realities, and able to meet the needs of its businesses and career seeker customers.
The Universal Design systems change process is intended to be broadly and robustly collaborative, and these tools provide system leaders and change facilitators everything they need to engage in a process of lasting and meaningful systemic development.
Training Resource Center on the Americans with Disabilities Act
National Network of ADA Centers - http://www.adacourse.org/
This website was developed by the DBTAC National Network of ADA Centers as a comprehensive resource for training materials on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This website features a centralized Search for Training Materials such as Case Law, Case Studies, Handouts, Statistics & Quotes, and TIPS sheets, and also contains information about various Events and training opportunities such as Webcasts, Audioconferences, and Courses.
Additionally, there are “Solutions” pages that highlight events, materials, and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the ADA for: Individuals and Advocates; Architecture and Design Professionals; Business Owners and Managers; Employers; and State & Local Government entities.
Disaboom’s Online Employment Platform
http://www.disaboomjobs.com (Select “For Employers”)
In the new Disaboom employer section, employers can:
Disaboom, Inc. was founded to develop the first interactive online community dedicated to constantly improving the way people with disabilities or functional limitations live their lives. It will also serve as a comprehensive online resource not only for people living with such conditions, but also their immediate families and friends, caregivers, recreation and rehabilitation providers, and employers. There are more than 54 million American adults living with disabilities or functional limitations today in the United States alone. Founded and designed by doctors and fellow disaboomers to meet this community’s specific needs, disaboom.com brings together content and tools ranging from specialized health information to social networking to daily living resources, in a single interactive site.
http://peopleworking.wikispaces.com/
This new website is a project of the Washington Initiative for Supported Employment. The site profiles people with developmental disabilities throughout the Pacific Northwest. These individuals have forged valuable relationships and roles with their coworkers, employers, and community members, and possess solid workplace skills. It is funded by the Boeing Company, Adobe Systems Incorporated, and the Washington State Division of Developmental Disabilities. It has over 60 (and growing) stories of people with significant disabilities working in paid community jobs, and includes text, photos, and videos.
NCWD/Youth Info Briefs of Interest - National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability/Youthhttp://www.ncwd-youth.info/resources_&_Publications/information_Briefs/issue21.html
This InfoBrief highlights NCWD/Youth’s The 411 on Disability Disclosure
and explores the role families and advocates play in helping youth
understand the importance of appropriate disability disclosure.
Youth with disabilities face many challenges as they move from secondary education to competitive employment, postsecondary education and training, and community participation. Families play a vital role in supporting youth during this transition, often functioning as a youth’s first, most knowledgeable and most consistent “case manager,” who not only assists with service coordination and career exploration, but also provides transportation, housing, and other supports.
One vital aspect of a successful transition for youth with disabilities that is often overlooked is appropriate disability disclosure. When youth are in the secondary school system, they are participating in a system of entitlement, where educational services for youth with disabilities are required by Federal law. Once a youth moves to adult systems, whether they are disability-focused or not, there are eligibility criteria that have to be met to receive services. Many youth and families are confused when they move from a world where supports were assumed to be available to a world with new and unfamiliar adult eligibility requirements. Adding to the confusion, adult services are often provided through multiple agencies with eligibility requirements that differ from agency to agency. Often, disclosure is the key to accessing adult services and the kinds of disability-related accommodations the youth received in special education from postsecondary settings and in employment. Therefore, families and advocates need to help youth understand the importance of disclosure and work to prepare youth to disclose appropriately.
Vocational Assessment and Its Role in Career Planning
http://www.ncwd-youth.info/resources_&_Publications/information_Briefs/issue20.html
This InfoBrief discusses career planning and vocational assessment for
transition-age youth. Many youth with disabilities have not had
the same opportunities as their non-disabled peers in terms of exposure
to career preparation options. In the past, the career planning process
for youth with disabilities often did not reflect the values of choice
and self-determination. Many youth with disabilities were relegated to
passive roles in their own career planning process.
As a result, many youth have not had the opportunity to pursue career options that they found motivating and satisfying. Today, vocational programs for youth in transition focus on the skills, knowledge, and abilities that youth can contribute to the work place. A large part of this effort lies in accurately identifying a youth's assets and sharing this information with the youth and those who work with him or her.
Many young people leave high school uncertain of their interests and abilities and unprepared to choose or pursue a career. Effective career planning and assessment for transition-age youth allows them to consider multiple options, act with self-advocacy, bridge academic and career plans, and equip themselves with critical information (Borgen & Amundsen, 1995). Career planning and assessment focuses on four distinct domains:
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.