| Volume 08 | Issue 31 | August 04, 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]
ALERT! ALERT! ALERT!
From the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) and other disability rights attorneys and advocates
Department of Justice Proposes Vast Changes in ADA Regulations
YOUR COMMENTS URGENTLY NEEDED!
Please forward this alert widely
The deadline for comments is August 18, 2008. TO SEE DRAFT COMMENTS, visit http://www.dredf.org/DOJ_NPRM
The Department of Justice recently issued major proposed revisions to its regulations implementing Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Some of DOJ's changes are excellent, and urgently needed. It is important that the disability community laud these, to support DOJ against industry attack. Good proposals include adoption of the new 2004 ADAAG, stronger hotel reservation and ticketing provisions, recognition of psychiatric service animals, additional companion seating in theaters and stadiums, and stronger provisions for effective communication for people with hearing, visual, and speech disabilities.
However, there are also many draconian changes that would radically reduce the rights of people with disabilities. For example, DOJ proposes:
DOJ must receive a flood of comments from the disability community in favor of a strong, comprehensive ADA. Comments must defend the principle of individual, case-by-case assessment, which DOJ is largely abandoning in favor of many blanket reductions. We must remind DOJ that the ADA is already carefully crafted to take the needs of covered entities into account, and that reductions to our civil rights would be a devastating blow to our daily lives.
Extensive draft comments, by topic, are available on the DREDF website to help you write your own comments -- http://www.dredf.org/DOJ_NPRM/ click here. The list of topics is also below. The website also has information about how to file your comments, as well as tips on commenting and a link to the proposed regulations.
Important: Your comments will have the most impact if you revise our drafts to add your own thoughts, and especially your own personal experiences or those of friends, family, colleagues or clients with disabilities.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD: SEND IN YOUR COMMENTS!
The deadline for comments is August 18, 2008.
TO SEE DRAFT COMMENTS, visit http://www.dredf.org/DOJ_NPRM
NECTAC eNotes - August 1, 2008
Current and past issues of eNotes can be viewed online at http://www.nectac.org/enotes/enotes.asp
Family Voices of North Dakota e-News
Infants and Toddlers in the Child Care and Development Block Grant Program
The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) has published a new fact sheet entitled Infants and Toddlers in the Child Care and Development Block Grant Program (July 2008), by Hannah Matthews. The fact sheet highlights key information about children under the age of three being served in the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program and discusses variations in CCDBG policies set by the states. It is available online at http://s242739747.onlinehome.us/publications/ccdbg_infants_and_toddlers_snapshot_final.pdf
The Foundation for Child Development has just released its 2008 annual Child Well-Being Index (CWI),
which examines national trends in overall child well-being over time. It is based on 28 indicators in seven key areas of well-being beginning in 1975. For more information and to access the report online go to http://www.fcd-us.org/resources/resources_show.htm?doc_id=696293
Kids' Share 2008: How Children Fare in the Federal Budget
The Urban Institute recently published Kids' Share 2008: How Children Fare in the Federal Budget, its second annual report looking at trends in federal spending and tax expenditures on children. The report suggests that in past years children have not been a budget priority and continuing with this trend, in 2007 children's spending did not keep pace with gross domestic product (GDP) growth. To access the full report go to http://www.urban.org/publications/411699.html
"The Child Care Champions Best Practices* guidebook
"The Child Care Champions Best Practices* guidebook and self assessment were designed to help prevent childhood overweight and to promote intuitive eating. They involve the caregiver, parents and the child and include nutrition and physical activity. To download the PDF of the guidebook, go to http://www.livewellcolorado.com/assets/pdf/copan/Best_Practices_Book.pdf (may take time to download) For guidebook hard copies, self assessment links or other questions, call 303-692-2572.
Updated TA CD-ROM from US Dept. of Justice, Civil Rights Division
The US Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division has issued an updated version of their TA CD ROM. This CD ROM contains Regulations, Technical Assistance Documents and ADA Status Reports. Copies can be ordered online at http://www.ada.gov/cd%20order%20forms/cdrequestform.htm or call the DOJ TA Line at 800-514-0301 (voice) or 800-514-0383 (TTY). FROM: DBTAC-Great Lakes ADA Center (www.adagreatlakes.org)
U.S. CENSUS BUREAU RELEASES ADA FACTS FOR FEATURES
The U.S. Census Bureau released the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Facts for Features, which contains facts to be used for publications for the anniversary of the ADA. The categories include population distribution, specific disabilities, on the job, income and poverty, and education. These facts were drawn from the Americans with Disabilities: 2002 Census Bureau report; for more information go to http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/cb08ff-11.pdf
"Act Early on Developmental Concerns: Partnering with Early Intervention"
On Monday, July 14, 2005, the AAP Division of Community-based Initiatives and Division of Children with Special Needs held a free web-based teleconference entitled, "Act Early on Developmental Concerns: Partnering with Early Intervention", focused on offering tips for practical application, lessons learned, and resources and tools for working with Early Intervention and community services. The recording of the web-based teleconference is now available at http://www.aap.org/commpeds/resources/teleconf_EI.html.
PACER - STC TechNotes - AugustLooking for something new to keep the kids entertained this summer? Check out “Cool Spots for Kids.” From the June calendar of Dave Edyburn's 90 Days of Summer (www.setp.net/summer/90days.html) comes this gem of a find. Cool Spots offers kids and parents a variety of hard-to-find good and safe sites. Visit it online at www.4kids.org/coolspots.
REFERENCE POINTS: REFERENCE POINTS:
2008 National Disability Employment Awareness Month Theme and Poster Announced
The Office of Disability Employment Policy within the US Department of Labor has announced the 2008 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) theme and poster.
The theme for the 2008 National Disability Employment Awareness Month -"America's People. America's Talent. America's Strength!," is emblazoned on an image of Mount Rushmore National Memorial Carvings of the founding fathers emerge on a backdrop of the Declaration of Independence to convey the philosophy of the nation's new government that every human being has inherent worth bestowed upon them by the Creator, and that equality is a fundamental right. According to ODEP Assistant Secretary, Neil Romano, "It is ODEP's responsibility to ensure that the founding father's intent of equality resonates across America for people with disabilities and that obstacles
preventing them from achieving their human potential be removed. Making good on this fundamental obligation is our duty as a nation-a human capital investment in America's future in honor of our forefathers."
The words "October is NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH" appear in the upper right corner of the poster. To the right and below the faces of Roosevelt and Lincoln are the following words from the Declaration of Independence, "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." The lower right corner includes the words "U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy" and the agency's web site address.
The print copy of this poster is available in either a 20" x 30" and/or a 10" x 15" size. Please send your request to NDEAM@dol.gov. Additional information can be found at http://www.dol.gov/odep/
New PACER Web site offers hope to children with disabilities across the globe
Parents of children with disabilities living in India, Uzbekistan and across the globe can find a new resource-and hope-on the Internet.
A new PACER Web site (www.PACERinternational.org) acts as a link to resources, organizations, program ideas and practices that can improve the lives of children with disabilities.
The site was recently launched by the nonprofit PACER Center, a National Parent Center for families of children with disabilities located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A.
The Web site provides information on the history of disability rights in the United States, as well as a list of links to resources and organizations in the U.S.A. and other countries that focus on helping children with disabilities.
The idea for the site developed from PACER's collaboration with professionals and government officials in India. This special connection with India began in 2005 when PACER Executive Director Paula Goldberg visited families in India, met with government officials and toured programs for children with disabilities.
Since that time, PACER has co-sponsored India's first National Conference on technology for children and adults with disabilities, along with India's National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped. PACER has also supported the creation of a new center on assistive technology for children and adults, scheduled to open September 13 at the Spastics Society of Karnatka (SSK) in Bangalore, India.
Creating a Web site was a way to exchange even more information, Goldberg says. Because of PACER's close ties with India, the site has a wealth of information about disability organizations and laws in that country. In the future, Goldberg says PACER hopes to expand the amount of resources on the Web site specific to other countries.
PACER has a global reputation for helping families of children with disabilities. More than 130 guests from 15 foreign countries have visited PACER in recent years, and in 2007, PACER staff made presentations on disability issues during a satellite conference with Uzbekistan disability leaders. The conference was hosted by the U.S. Embassy.
“We've hosted many international guests at PACER who are eager to find additional resources for children with disabilities,” said Shauna McDonald, PACER's director of community resource development. “The Web site is another way to collaborate and work toward the goal of improving the lives of children with disabilities around the world.”
PACER Center is a National Parent Center for families of children and youth with any disability or special health need. PACER is located at 8161 Normandale Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55437-1044. For information, call 952-838-9000 (voice); 952-838-0190 (TTY) or 888-248-0822 (toll-free). PACER's Web site is www.PACER.org and its e-mail address is PACER@PACER.org
Harvard Family Research Project
Check out their website and newsletter - http://www.hfrp.org/
Transition digest #7-08 (July 29, 2008)Physically disabled young adults who weren't supposed to live this long find themselves hemmed in by an unprepared heath care system
By Paul Knight
Published in the Houston Press June 26, 2008
This article does an excellent job in making the public aware of the challenges that youth with chronic health conditions face. It tells the story of several youth/young adults (and their families) as they age out of pediatrics and also loose health insurance coverage. http://www.houstonpress.com/2008-06-26/news/what-happens-when-chronically-ill-kids-grow-up/full
9th Annual Chronic Illness and Disability: Transition from Pediatric to Adult-Based Care Conference to be held in Houston, Texas,
November 13-14, 2008.
Additional information is available through Baylor College of Medicine Office of Continuing Medical Education at http://www.baylorcme.org/search/detail.cfm?cme=707
JAN E-News, Volume 6, Issue 3, Third Quarter 2008
The latest JAN E-News is now available at:http://www.jan.wvu.edu/ENews/2008/Enews-V6-I3.htm
E-News topics include:
1. 2008 National Disability Employment Awareness Month
2. Don't Miss the JAN SuperTrack (US BLN Annual Conference)
3. Employee Conduct and the ADA
4. Working with HIV
5. Summer Recreation Tools Improve Worker Productivity?
6. Assistive Technology Information Technology (ATIA) Leadership Forum on Accessibility
7. JAN Exhibit and Training Schedule
8. JAN Spanish Services
9. Contact JAN
E-mail:jan@jan.wvu.edu|JAN Web site: http://www.jan.wvu.edu|Call JAN: 800-526-7234 (Voice) 877-781-9403 (TTY),304-293-5407 (Fax)
Salem quadriplegic sues Oregon in fight for independence
Clay Freeman seeks better pay for his round-the-clock caregivers
Sunday, July 27, 2008
MICHELLE ROBERTS -
The Oregonian Staff
SALEM -- It's 11 a.m. on a recent weekday morning, but Clay Freeman is
still sound asleep. His chest rises and falls with perfectly timed
pushes of air supplied by a ventilator near his nightstand.
Twelve years ago, Freeman dived into a river and broke his neck. Now a
quadriplegic, the 34-year-old is kept alive by 11 machines. Without
24-hour help from qualified caregivers to monitor those machines, he
could easily suffocate.
Normally, Freeman rises early. But his new night-shift caregiver hasn't
been fully trained. She doesn't know how to move him from his wheelchair
into his bed -- an hourlong process. And because of her inexperience,
Freeman was too anxious to fall asleep.
For full article, go to:
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1217044560193670.xml&coll=7
Tapping America's Potential -- The Education for Innovation Initiative: Gaining Momentum, Losing Ground
Progress Report 2008 - July 2008 www.tap2015.org
The Tapping America's Potential coalition released a report assessing progress toward the goals TAP set in 2005, specifically to double the number of students graduating with a bachelor's degree in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by 2015.
National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability (NCWD/Youth)
http://www.ncwd-youth.info/
The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth) assists state and local workforce development systems to better serve all youth, including youth with disabilities and other vulnerable youth. The NCWD/Youth, created in 2001, is composed of partners with expertise in education, youth development, disability, employment, workforce development and family issues. Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), the NCWD/Youth is housed at the Institute for Educational Leadership in Washington, D.C.
NCWD/Youth offers a range of technical assistance services to state and local workforce investment boards, youth councils and other workforce development system youth programs. It is a great source for information about employment and youth with disabilities.
Data Note 18: Employment Rates in the General Population and VR Rehabilitation Rates
State Data Information - Institute for Community Inclusion - http://statedata.info/datanotes/datanote.php?article_id=247
The Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program plays a critical role in assisting people with disabilities gaining integrated employment. In 2006, for instance, 48,876 people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (ID/DD) exited the VR program after receiving services, with 56% of those who received services finding jobs in integrated employment. This percentage, known as the VR Rehabilitation Rate, varied from 42% in Hawaii to 77% in Maryland, if excluding the figure in Oklahoma where the VR rehabilitation rate was 22%. The state's employment rates in the general population, in contrast, varied only between 61% in West Virginia and 77% in Nebraska. The figure below shows these data with the 50 states and Washington DC represented by dots clustered relatively together in the center of the right half of the scatter plot. The figure shows that several states with employment rates in the general population close to 70% reported VR rehabilitation rates as low as 40% or as high as 70%.
The researchers found that the state's employment rate for the general population explained only about 19% of the VR rehabilitation rate. These findings show that the state's employment rate for the general population is a significant but not a strong predictor of how well a state VR agency does in assisting people with ID/DD finding integrated employment. This conclusion is important because it shows that an adverse labor market, within the limits described above, is not necessarily a barrier limiting the employment opportunities of people with ID/DD.
U.S. Department of Labor announces two new initiatives aimed at promoting hiring of veterans and applicants with disabilities
U.S. Department of Labor's Employment Standards Administration New Release
July 24, 2008
http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/esa/esa20081025.htm
[The following is excerpted from the news release.]
The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) unveiled two initiatives aimed at promoting the hiring of veterans and protecting the rights of applicants with disabilities: The Good Faith Initiative for Veterans Employment (G-FIVE) and Ensuring the Accessibility of Online Application Systems.
"The G-FIVE was created to address the employment challenges facing the veteran workforce today by recognizing federal contractors for their efforts in employing and advancing covered veterans," said Charles E. James Sr., deputy assistant secretary for OFCCP. "It reaffirms OFCCP's commitment to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act and creates an excellent incentive for federal contractors to hire veterans." "The G-FIVE also strengthens partnerships between OFCCP and veterans groups and other agencies," added Victoria Lipnic, assistant secretary of labor for employment standards. "It's an OFCCP initiative that supports America's heroes."
The second initiative, Ensuring the Accessibility of Online Application Systems, is designed to ensure that federal contractors and subcontractors provide equal opportunity to qualified applicants with disabilities, including disabled veterans, to compete for jobs when using an online application system. Electronic job application systems must be accessible to, and usable by, applicants who have disabilities, or the contractor must provide a reasonable accommodation that allows an equal opportunity to compete for a job.
The directives outlining these new initiatives, along with frequently asked questions, are available on OFCCP's Web site at www.dol.gov/esa/ofccp/index.htm.
OFCCP, an agency of the Department of Labor's Employment Standards Administration, enforces Executive Order 11246 and other laws that prohibit employment discrimination by federal contractors. The agency monitors federal contractors to ensure that they provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, gender, color, religion, national origin, disability or veteran status.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and October 15th is Disability Mentoring Day
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Disability Mentoring Day. It is not too early to start planning an event or activity that you can launch in October to add to the collective efforts that will take place across the country. Particularly consider how you can participate in National Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) on October 15th!!
National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)-October-http://www.dol.gov/odep/programs/ndeam.htm
Congress designated each October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The Office of Disability Employment Policy has the lead in planning NDEAM activities and materials to increase the public's awareness of the contributions and skills of American workers with disabilities. Various programs carried out throughout the month also highlight the specific employment barriers that still need to be addressed and removed.
This effort to educate the American public about issues related to disability and employment actually began in 1945, when Congress enacted a law declaring the first week in October each year "National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week." In 1962, the word "physically" was removed to acknowledge the employment needs and contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities. In 1988, Congress expanded the week to a month and changed the name to "National Disability Employment Awareness Month."
Disability Mentoring Day (DMD)—October 15th-http://www.dmd-aapd.org/)
DMD is a national program that promotes career development for students and job-seekers with disabilities through job shadowing and hands-on career exploration. If you would like to participate in Disability Mentoring Day 2008 on October 15 in your region of the country, as either a mentee or employer mentor, please see the DMD fact sheet (http://www.dmd-aapd.org/docs/factsheet.php) and Local Coordinators information (http://www.dmd-aapd.org/coordlist/coordlist.php).
This is a must see by ALL people involved in the lives of persons with developmental
disabilities or any disability. PLEASE WATCH.... Feel the Power of the
Disability Vote on the 2008 Forum on Disability that involves our
political candidates. I'll warn you it's length, but you can watch it in
your own time. It's a webcast and the Senator Tom Harkin that is
representing Senator Obama is awesome and really "gets it" Speaking on
ADA Restoration Act, the Community Choice Act, SSI, SSDI, and Waivers,
Reasonable Accommodations, Employment, Personal Care Attendants, Housing,
etc.
This is so enlightening and brings hope for the future.
http://www.disaboom.com/Community/Organizations/AAPD
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.