MMWDC 36 9-10-07

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.

Register Now for the Sibling Leadership Network Conference, November 9-10, 2007

The Sibling Leadership Network (SLN) is pleased to announce that registration for the Sibling Leadership Network Conference is now open. Please share this announcement with adult siblings of people with disabilities, researchers, family members, service providers and appropriate listservs.

SLN is a community of adult siblings, researchers, and service providers committed to sibs' concerns. Our goal is to provide siblings of individuals with disabilities the information, support, and tools to advocate with their brothers and sisters and to promote the issues important to them and their entire families. We passionately believe that siblings with and without disabilities can effectively advocate for policies that will benefit people with disabilities and their families.

Despite the ever-changing roles they will assume in the lives of their siblings with special needs, there is relatively little research on siblings and their concerns. The Sibling Leadership Network is interested in research that investigates resilience, support opportunities, and life choices across the lifespan.

Sibling Leadership Network Conference will be a conversation among siblings, researchers, people with disabilities, service providers, and policymakers. The goal of this event is to move the conversation into a plan of action. During this conference, we'll ratify the SLN's mission and values, discuss siblings' concerns with researchers and policymakers, and learn what current research reveals about brothers and sisters. Finally, we'll develop an action plan and a white paper on sibling issues, policy recommendations, and a research agenda.

Please join us for this exciting, historic event!

Where: Renaissance Hotel, Washington DC
When: Friday and Saturday November 9-10, 2007
Cost: $75 until 10/19/07 and $90 thereafter
Registration form with agenda and additional details: http://www.uic.edu/orgs/rrtcamr/SLN_Brochure.pdf
Questions: John Kramer 312-996-7988; jkrame3@uic.edu

Sponsors/Key Partners: The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Aging with Developmental Disabilities; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center; NIDRR; AUCD; The Arc; The Ohio State Nisonger Center; The Sibling Support Project

Project ACTION seeks applications for the 2008 Mobility Planning Services (MPS) Institute

Gather your team now and apply for the 2008 MPS Institute http://www.easterseals.com/site/R?i=BcjjbFDqA-P641H_1kUZyg..

Do you wish your collaborative efforts were more effective in meeting the transportation needs of people with disabilities?

The 2008 Mobility Planning Services Institute can provide the tools you need if your community is ready to:

Gather some of the key players in your community who represent disability and transportation organizations and bring them to Easter Seals Project ACTION's Mobility Planning Services Institute taking place April 21-24, 2008 in Washington, D.C. While next spring's seems far away at this point, please note that teams' applications are due Dec. 21.

Twenty teams will be selected from across the U.S. They will travel to Washington, D.C., to convene at the Renaissance Washington Hotel to share information and strategies to improve access to transportation services in their communities. Teams are comprised of three to five leaders from the disability world and transportation industry in their communities. You are encouraged to begin assembling your team right away, referring to the application guidelines related to team membership, and give thoughtful consideration to the questions that are asked.

There is no registration fee for MPS, and ESPA will reimburse participants for hotel accommodations, ground and air transportation, and meals not included during scheduled activities.

Examples of how past participants have taken action on the plans developed at MPS were featured the December 2006 and August 2007 issues of the Project ACTION Update newsletter.

http://www.easterseals.com/site/R?i=ZXhV6_rzdxC0_2qiMeb1sw..

http://www.easterseals.com/site/R?i=xhN2IKUD77fz3Q1tjGgGaQ..

Details, including the online application form and instructions, are on the ESPA Web site.
http://www.easterseals.com/site/R?i=9g7ZYtkoJNdu_QS_xwsHbw..

Disaboom.com is made for the community, by the community to be the premiere destination for anyone touched by a functional limitation or disability. Disaboom.com offers everything from features on health and living to world news, classifieds and social networking. Disaboom.com is the online community designed to keep you connected and in the know. Full launch will be in October, 2007.

Go to Disaboom.com to check out or post events in your area, read up on the latest medical news, write a review on the accessibility of businesses and restaurants or participate in a forum. Your interest and involvement are important to us. Disaboom.com is building this community for you and by you. So log on to http://www.disaboom.com/?utm_source=advocacy&utm_medium=email and join today!

The Catalyst Center at the Boston University School of Public Health has unveiled a number of new resources of benefit to children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). These publications include a State-at-a-Glance Chartbook on Coverage and Financing for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs - http://www.hdwg.org/catalyst/Chartbook Main.php, which highlights best practices to improve health care financing for this population. Another new report - http://www.hdwg.org/catalyst/pdf/Payer of Last Resort.pdf examines medical debt and financial hardship among families of CYSCHN, providing insights into the financial difficulties families of CYSCHN face. Many other resources are available on the Catalyst Center Web site - http://www.hdwg.org/catalyst/

GAO-07-1035, September 5
No Child Left Behind Act: Education Should Clarify Guidance and Address Potential Compliance Issues for Schools in Corrective Action and Restructuring Status.

The Disability Law & Policy e-Newsletter
An electronic publication of The Law, Health Policy & Disability Center at the University of Iowa College of Law http://disability.law.uiowa.edu/ and The Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse Universityhttp://bbi.syr.edu
GAO Calls for a More Modern Take on Disability Policy

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reviews of large federal disability programs indicate that disability policy has failed to reflect the societal changes accompanying economic, medical, technological, and social advances. An August 2007 GAO report, discussing attitudes from a forum of employers, advocate groups, researchers, and federal officials, identifies strengths in federal cooperation with the private sector to boost employment of persons with disabilities, the shift toward home and community based services, and improving assistive technologies. Participants also identified necessary improvements in coordination between different programs and services, and a more comprehensive understanding of the lifetime needs of persons with disabilities and their families.

Full Report: Government Accountability Office, Modernizing Federal Disability Policy GAO-07-934SP, August 2007, available at http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07934sp.pdf

A great module about a great topic: NIMAS (National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard)

Hello to everyone from NICHCY, as the kids head back to school and another academic year begins. We're pleased to offer another training module on IDEA--this one focusing on something that's very new and exciting in our nation's special education law. We're talking about NIMAS, the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard. Module 8 is all about NIMAS. Find it on NICHCY's Web site at: http://www.nichcy.org/training/contents.asp#NIMAS

NIMAS has great potential to improve results for children with print disabilities. Thanks to NIMAS, these children will have timely access to textbooks and core instructional materials that they can really use, because those materials will be in the specialized formats they need. Read all about it--and use the module to train others, so that NIMAS' potential becomes reality for the millions of children who cannot access standard print materials.

This module was developed in partnership with the NIMAS Development and Technical Assistance Centers (special thanks go to Skip Stahl and Chuck Hitchcock) and the Office of Special Education Programs (special thanks to Bonnie Jones), and we urge everyone to take advantage of the wealth of knowledge they've shared in this module and the tons more they make available at: http://nimas.cast.org/

We hope you'll find these training resources helpful in your work or personal life. As always, please feel free to call or email us with your disability-related concerns, or visit our Web site, at: www.nichcy.org.

NICHCY, P.O. Box 1492,Washington, DC 20013, 1.800.695.0285 (V/TTY), nichcy@aed.org, www.nichcy.org

The 2004 reauthorization of IDEA requires states to collect and report data to plan and evaluate their obligations under the law. Since increased accountability in the area of dropout prevention is crucial to avoiding costs such as unemployment and higher rates of incarceration incurred by individuals with disabilities and society as a whole, the National High School Center (NHSC) has published an issue brief on this topic. The NHSC's brief provides recommendations for data collection by state education agencies, identifies successful programs, and lists guidelines for states developing performance plans.

A growing concern among parents with children receiving special education services is that their children are coasting through the programs. Parents have found their children receive special accommodations outside the guidelines of their Individualized Education Program (IEP) and many with poor attendance and low quality work still receive passing grades. Parents are happy to see their children moving through the system, but not without making appropriate academic progress.

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights has prepared an informational pamphlet in response to the growing number of students with disabilities entering postsecondary education. The pamphlet explains what students with disabilities should expect to provide and receive from their postsecondary school. It clearly outlines the obligations of the school and informs the students of the differences between secondary and postsecondary education. Some of the questions addressed in the pamphlet include; "Do I have to inform a postsecondary school that I have a disability?" and "What academic adjustments must a postsecondary school provide?"

Full Story: U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities, March 2007, available at
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transition.html

DisabilityInfo.gov
Employment News & Events Update: U.S. Labor Department Awards $1.9 Million to Support Employment of Youth with Disabilities

The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has awarded a cooperative agreement to ensure that youth with disabilities graduate from high school and either enter employment or continue their education. This information has recently been updated, and is now available - http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=10

Employment Laws & Regulations for Employers Update: Service Animals in Places of Business

Research & Statistics for Educators Update: Reading First and Special Education: Examples of State-Level Collaboration

This study describes the collaborative relationship between Reading First and special education in six states. Project Forum at the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) completed this study as part of its cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). This information has recently been updated, and is now available - http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=110.

Mental Health Update: Mental Health, Work and Mental Health Service Use Among Low-Income Mothers

Employing People with Disabilities Update: Customized Employment: A New Competitive Edge

FVND Share the Wealth Week of Sept. 3rd
Chartbook Presents Data on Medicaid Enrollees and Their Service Use and Costs

A new publication, Engaging Parents in Education, at the 2007 National Parental Information and Resource Center

CMS Releases Promising Practices Reports for Persons with Autism Spectrum Disorders

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is pleased to announce the availability of three new promising practices reports that focus on Services for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). Since 1999, CMS has developed an on-line repository of more than 75 Promising Practices in Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) to highlight State efforts to enable persons of any age who have a disability or long-term illness to live in the most integrated community setting appropriate to their individual support requirements and preferences, exercise meaningful choices, and obtain quality services. The new reports focusing on ASDs are at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/promisingpractices/

The Emergency Response Preparedness Self-Assessment Instrument (http://rtc.umn.edu/erp) A newly developed online tool designed for use by state disability services officials nationwide to determine the extent to which their agency's emergency preparedness plans address issues critical to the support and protection of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities during disaster or crisis. While designed primarily for state agencies, it may also be useful to community service providers and others. A demonstration version can be found online, as well as more information about the tool. Developed by a partnership between the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services and the Institute's Research and Training Center on Community Living.

This is a program where optometrists donate their time to provide one time eye assessments at no cost to children ages 6-12 months of age. I have a attached a link from YouTube describing the program. For more information go to www.infantsee.org. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5we9QUA6lt4

http://projectforum.org/docs/ReadingFirstandSpEd-ExamplesofStateLevelColloboration.pdf This In-Brief Policy Analysis introduces the Reading First provisions in Title I of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Examples of state-level collaboration were collected through interviews with six states and describe the background and elements of their collaboration, local-level collaboration, fiscal and human resources, outcomes, lessons learned, and next steps. Recommendations for improving collaboration between Reading First and special education staff are included.

http://projectforum.org/docs/Standards-BasedIEPExamples.pdf This document presents a seven-step process to be used in developing a standards-based IEP. Each step is followed by guiding questions for the IEP team to consider in making data-based decisions. Two student examples are provided to illustrate application of the components of a standards-based IEP. One student example leads to the decision that the student should take an alternate assessment based on modified academic achievement standards (MAAS), while the other leads to a decision that the student should take the general assessment with accommodations. Readers might use this tool to think about how the contextual characteristics of a school setting might influence the creation and implementation of a student's IEP. The companion document, "A Seven-Step Process to Creating Standards-based IEPs" provides the steps and guiding questions in a brief two-page document. http://projectforum.org/docs/SevenStepProcesstoCreatingStandards-basedIEPs.pdf

The National Center for Children in Poverty's Project THRIVE has released two new briefs to help states strengthen and expand their early childhood comprehensive systems (ECCS).

The briefs, produced with support from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB), include: Short Take No. 4, titled Reducing Disparities Beginning in Early Childhood, highlights patterns of disparities in risks, access, and outcomes. It also provides recommendations for reducing disparities in early childhood. This brief is available at: http://www.nccp.org/publications/pdf/text_744.pdf Short Take No. 5, titled State of the States' ECCS Initiatives, summarizes the results of a review and analysis of state ECCS plans and reports. This brief is available at: http://www.nccp.org/publications/pdf/text_748.pdf

REFERENCE POINTS is an activity of TATRA, a project of PACER Center
REFERENCE POINTS: George Washington University Receives New Grant

George Washington University (GW), Department of Teacher Preparation and Special Education (DTPSE) has received a new 4 year personnel training grant from the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) for the master's degree in transition special education: emphasis in acquired brain injury. This new grant supports the training of teachers for initial licensure with a specilization in serving students with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and includes a combination of on campus and disatance education coursework. A specialized brain injury internship and a one semester student teaching experience are also required. The grant will provide tuition support (80%) for all accepted students and also includes direct stipends for students to assist them with class related expenses, travel for internships, and travel to professional conferences. For further information, please contact Zavolia Willis (Zee) at williszd@gwu.edu or at (202) 973-1082. GW is currently accepting applications for fall 2007 and spring 2008. Additional information about applying to GW Graduate School of Education and Human Development programs is available site at http://www.gsehd.gwu.edu/

REFERENCE POINTS: College Scholarships

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR ORPHANED AND FOSTER CARE YOUTH
The Orphan Foundation of America in conjunction with the Casey Family Program is offering approximately 100 new scholarships annually for college-bound young people that have been orphaned or are transitioning out of foster care. The 2007/2008 application period has closed. Applications for the 2008/2009 period will be made available January 31 - March 31, 2008 Visit the application site for more details, http://www.orphan.org/index.php?id=30

ACADEMIC COMPETITIVENESS AND NATIONAL SCIENCE AND MATHMATICS ACCESS TO RETAIN TALENT GRANTS
The new Academic Competitiveness (AC) grants and the National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) grants provide $790 million in funding for this fall and $4.5 billion over the next five years. The AC grants provide college students who completed a rigorous course of study in high school with additional funds of up to $750 during their freshman year and up to $1,300 during their sophomore year. This is in addition to Pell Grant funds students already are receiving. College juniors and seniors who are eligible for SMART grants automatically will receive up to $4,000 in additional aid next year. Information on both grants can be found at http://www.studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/AcademicGrants.jsp .

NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
disABLEdperson Inc. announces its Fall 2007 Nationally Based College Scholarship Competition for disabled college students. The competition begins September 1, 2007 and goes through October 19, 2007. More information can be found at http://www.disabledperson.com/searchdirectmedia.asp

BENJAMIN A. GILMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The Gilman International Scholarship Program provides awards of up to $5,000 for U.S. undergraduate students to study abroad for up to one academic year. The program aims to diversify the kinds of student who study abroad and the countries and regions where they go. The Gilman Program seeks to assist students from a diverse range and type of two-year and four-year public and private institutions from all 50 states. Deadline for application is Oct 9, 2007. For more information go to http://www.iie.org/gilman.

ELA SCHOLARSHIPS FOR WOMEN GRADUATE STUDENTS WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
ELA Scholarships are available only to women graduate students with physical disabilities who are enrolled in a college or university in the United States. These scholarships are awarded on an objective and nondiscriminatory basis. Scholarships range between $500 and $2,000. More information can be found at http://www.heath.gwu.edu/node/245

1800WHEELCHAIR.COM ANNOUNCES 2ND ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
1800Wheelchair.com announces their second annual scholarship award. Established in 2006, the scholarship fund will award one $500 scholarship to an undergraduate student on January 30, 2008. The scholarship is open to students of any major or concentration. The winner's name, essay and photo will be posted on 1800wheelchair.com. Although not a requirement, preference will be given to students with mobility disabilities. Deadline for application is December 20, 2007. For scholarship information go to: www.1800wheelchair.com/scholarship

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT AND AXA FOUNDATION AXA ACHIEVEMENT SCHOLARSHIPS
U.S. News & World Report and AXA Foundation AXA Achievement Scholarships, provide resources that help make college possible for qualified students. Maximum Award: $15,000; a laptop computer; the offer of an AXA Financial Services internship. Eligibility: high school students from all 50 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico who will graduate in 2008. Deadline: December 15, 2007. http://www.axaonline.com/rs/axa/about-us/33a_National_Initiatives.html

IES DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS
The Institute for International Education of Students [IES} is committed to providing opportunities for students of diverse cultural backgrounds who have been traditionally under-represented on study abroad programs. Equally, IES recognizes those students who show an interest in enhancing the study abroad experience by acknowledging, exploring, and contributing to the presence of multiple groups, perspectives, and ideas within the host country. Their mission is to provide students and U.S. colleges and universities with high-quality academic study abroad programs that foster intercultural development. More information can be found at https://www.iesabroad.org/IES/Scholarships_and_Aid/Diversity_Scholarships/diversityAid.html

Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be students with a documented disability who have applied to, or already been admitted to, a college or university program on a full-time basis. An application can be downloaded from http://www.exceptionalnurse.com/scholarship-appl.pdf. All applications are due June 1, 2008

Randy Chapman authored the recent "The Everyday Guide to Special Education Law," a guide that can be used by parents, advocates, educators, and administrators.

The guide is now available in Spanish as well as English, in a side-by-side translation.

You can order either book at: http://www.thelegalcenter.org/ - The Legal Center for People with Disabilities and Older People is Colorado's P&A.

presents national data as well as state-by-state data for Nursing Homes, ICF/MR, Personal Care, HCBS Waivers, Home Health, Home Care, Inpatient Hospital Care, Inpatient DSH, Inpatient Mental Health, Mental Health DSH, Medicaid Managed-Care, Prescribed Drugs, Targeted Case Management and PACE.
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2016

Medicaid HCBS Waiver Expenditures FY 2001 through FY 2006

presents data from Federal Fiscal Years 2001 through 2006. Each HCBS waiver is classified by population served in order to show the distribution of HCBS waiver expenditures across long term care populations. This year's memo also identifies which waivers exclusively serve children.
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2027
Source: Thomson Healthcare (formerly Medstat)

Review the memos which offer a great overview of spending trends or explore the spreadsheet containing vast amounts of figures and data.

ADRC-TAE Fact Sheet: How to Secure Medicaid Federal Financial Participation for ADRC Functions

Summary: States can draw down federal funds to assist in paying for the operation of their Medicaid program. Some ADRC activities may be eligible for administration federal financial participation (FFP). This resource provides guidance in applying and securing Medicaid FFP for ADRC activities.
Topic(s): Financing HCBS, Resource Center, Single Point of Entry/No Wrong Door
Source: The Lewin Group
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2030

CMS State Medicaid Directors Letter: Using Peer Support Services Under Medicaid

Summary: This letter provides guidance to States and discusses policy issues related to peer support and notes that States are increasingly interested in covering peer support providers as a distinct type for the delivery of counseling and other support services. The letter (SMDL #07-011) provides policy guidance on requirements for supervision, care-coordination, and minimum training criteria of peer support providers.
Topic(s): Mental Health, Peer Supports
Source: CMS
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2015

Summary: This website for workers and job seekers includes easy-to-read descriptions of state, federal, and private benefit programs, paginas en Espanol, life situation articles, a glossary and bulletin board. There is also an interactive tool that helps users predict what would happen to benefits, in a number of what if scenarios. Calculators included: the benefits to work, job to job, school and work, Medi-Cal for working disabled, and Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS).
Topic(s): Medicaid Infrastructure Grant
Source: Grantee produced, California, World Institute on Disability
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2018

Summary: The DB 101 Training covers public and private health, benefit and employment programs and protections, Benefits Planning Calculators, plus other information and tools. Participants include benefits planners, non-profit and state agency employees. Cross agency trainees achieve an awareness level knowledge that youth and adults with disabilities can access and retain needed benefits when working. The training spans public and private health, benefit and employment programs and protections.
Topic(s): Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Medicaid Infrastructure Grant
Source: Grantee produced, California
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2019

Summary: Illinois has joined the national movement to help people with disabilities return to work. The new program called Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) started providing medical benefits in January 2002. Visit their site which provides program information and statistics, application and instructions, brochure and radio ads, FAQs, presentation requests and links, E-Pay, eligibility requirements, premium cost & co-pays, Rx Buying Club, plus information in Espanol.
Topic(s): Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, Physical Disabilities
Source: Grantee produced, Illinois
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2020

Medicaid Buy-in Enrollment Projections for Kentucky - Lessons from Other States

Summary: This report provides estimates of likely enrollments in Kentucky should the state implement a Buy-in program. The estimates are based on a statistical analysis of data from states that have implemented programs. The analysis takes into account both characteristics of the states and characteristics of the states' programs that are likely to affect enrollments. Relevant considerations include the number of individuals with disabilities, participation rates and the state's economy.
Topic(s): Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, Physical Disabilities
Source: Grantee produced, Kentucky, Martin School of Public Policy and Administration
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2024

Summary: NREPP (www.nrepp.samhsa.gov) is a searchable online registry of mental health and substance abuse interventions that have been reviewed and rated by independent experts. The registry assists local organizations in identifying interventions that have been scientifically tested and can be readily disseminated to the field. Organizations can search for interventions that fit the needs of their communities.
Topic(s): Mental Health
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2028

Summary: HCBS.org NewsCLIPS highlights the important work related to Real Choice Systems Change Grantees. In each issue, we examine a topic related to home and community-based care by providing an overview of recent papers and publications. The Summer issues provides an overview of the reports available on the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG) Program. The goal of the MIG program is to support people with disabilities in securing and sustaining competitive employment in an integrated setting.
Topic(s): Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, Physical Disabilities, Workforce
Source:
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2025

Summary: The Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities contracting with Valek & Co. to design and provide services relating to the recruiting, training and matching of mentors/mentorees for those interested in sharing their experience about rejoining the workforce. Included are two versions of recruitment letters, phone scripts, booklet and flyers. They received 23 mentor applications and 19 mentoree applications. Review the extensive training materials, exit surveys, and final reports.
Topic(s): Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, Peer Supports, Physical Disabilities, Workforce
Source: Grantee produced, Illinois
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2021

Promising Practices in HCBS: California - Single Process for Diagnosis and Service Delivery

Summary: Two multi-county regions in California established one-stop clinics to diagnose autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and coordinate service planning across the education and developmental disabilities systems. Both regions also established ongoing collaborative teams to coordinate supports and improve the local service system for children with ASD. An evaluation reported a four-month reduction in the average age of ASD diagnosis.
Topic(s): Children and Family Services, Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Single Point of Entry/No Wrong Door
Source: Thomson Healthcare (formerly Medstat)
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2012

Promising Practices in HCBS: Connecticut - Pilot Program for Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Summary: Connecticut is operating a state-funded home and community based services pilot program to help adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) gain the skills to become contributing members of the workforce. The program serves people with ASD who do not qualify for the State's Medicaid home and community-based services waivers. This pilot program targets individuals who need continued supports to pursue employment opportunities and improve their independent living.
Topic(s): Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Employment
Source: Thomson Healthcare (formerly Medstat)
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2013

Promising Practices in HCBS: Delaware - Supported Employment for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Summary: Delaware has helped several adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) work alongside people without disabilities, using both supported and competitive employment. The state emphasizes early transition planning for youth graduating from the school system. It also provides additional hours of support for Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver participants with a history of significantly challenging behaviors. Over 50 waiver participants with ASD are employed in the community.
Topic(s): Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Employment
Source: Thomson Healthcare (formerly Medstat)
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2014

Strategic Assessment of the State of the Science in Research on Employment for Individuals with Disabilities

Summary: This report provides a systematic review of recent research (primarily since 2002) while it also identifies limitations and gaps in this research. The report reviews research in a variety of areas including supply-side factors influencing employment, employer attitudes and practices, labor market organization, work accommodations, progression of disability benefits and disability management, impact of public policy on employment, and vocational services interventions.
Topic(s): Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Physical Disabilities, Workforce
Source: The Urban Institute
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2029

Summary: Georgia created this guide on developmental disabilities, including the definition, criteria for prevention and screening, and a list of specific conditions that fall under the heading of developmental disabilities. Each diagnosis contains an overview plus available resources. Also included is a disability related acronyms list and glossary.
Topic(s): Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Resource Center
Source: Grantee produced, Georgia
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2031

Transitioning Clients with Mental Illness from Colorado Nursing Facilities: A Best Practices Model Report

Summary: An advisory committee of consumers, providers, practitioners, advocates and experts worked collaboratively to identify the major challenges preventing people with mental illness from discharging out of nursing facilities and into less restrictive communities. This report is a result of their work and aims to make available a framework for successful transition programs. The best practices described are offered as a guide for service providers, advocates, and mental health clients themselves.
Topic(s): Mental Health, Transition/Diversion from Institutions
Source: Grantee produced, Colorado
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/1759

Summary: Working Healthy, the Kansas MIG program, offers people with disabilities who are working or interested in working the opportunity to get or keep Medicaid coverage while on the job. The website offers an interactive map of benefit specialist, a chart on premiums (SRS Form ES-3165) , information on Work Opportunities Reward Kansans (WORK), publications, and FAQs. Also review their brochure in English and Spanish and their one page fact sheet used for outreach.
Topic(s): Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, Physical Disabilities
Source: Grantee produced, Kansas
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2023

The US Chamber of Commerce, the world's largest business federation, has stated its opposition to the ADA Restoration Act of 2007 (H.R. 3195). According to the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the Chamber's opposition: "mischaracterizes the ADA Restoration Act as an expansion of the ADA, when in fact, it is, as its name suggests, a restoration of the original intent of Congress when passing the ADA in 1990, which was to create a level playing field for everyone who wants a job to have an equal opportunity to work. Just like other civil rights laws that prohibit employers from basing decisions on characteristics like race or sex, Congress wanted the ADA to stop employers from making decisions based on disability. However, that intent has since been distorted by the Courts through extremely narrow interpretations of the ADA. The employment rate of people with disabilities has not improved and two-thirds of people with disabilities who do not have a job indicate they would work if they could only find employment. What's more, for those fortunate enough to find jobs, Courts are deciding against people with disabilities who challenge disability discrimination 97% of the time, often before the person with a disability even has a chance to show that the employer treated them unfairly!" US Chamber Opposition: http://www.aapd.com/News/adainthe/070827uscc.htm ADA Restoration Act Summary: http://www.aapd.com/News/adainthe/downloads/RestBill2007_Summary.doc

Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Extend Deadline for Quality of Life Grants Program

Deadline: October 1, 2007

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation (http://christopherreeve.org/) Quality of Life Grants Program offers grants to nonprofit organizations that address the needs of persons living with paralysis (particularly spinal cord injury), their families, and caregivers.

Funding is awarded in thirteen categories: accessibility, advocacy, arts, assistive technology, children, counseling, education, employment, independent living, practical services, sports and recreation, therapeutic riding, and health promotion. Except for the health promotion category, the primary focus of the Quality of Life grants is paralysis caused by spinal cord injury. To qualify for funding, a nonprofit organization does not have to exclusively serve people with spinal cord injuries; however, at least a portion of the population served must have spinal cord injuries.

The health promotion category provides funding to nonprofit organizations that address paralysis caused by spinal cord injuries and/or other injuries, diseases, and birth conditions, including (but not limited to) stroke, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, etc. Health promotion grants are intended for programmatic activities and not solely for the purchase of equipment for use by individuals. Health promotion grants also cannot fund advocacy, food, and cannot be allocated for direct care services for individuals.

Applicants must provide proof of their nonprofit 501(c)(3) status. Applications are accepted from organizations based outside of the United States, although priority is given to those with an inter- national scope (i.e., projects that serve people living in more than one country). Grants are not made to individuals. Individuals seeking information on resources or financial assistance should contact the Paralysis Resource Center (http://www.paralysis.org/), a program of CDRF.

Funding is awarded in amounts of up to $25,000 per grant. As a general rule, grants are not awarded for operating costs nor are they awarded to start-up organizations.

Applications deadlines are normally March 1 and September 1, annually. For the second cycle in 2007, however, the foundation has announced a deadline of October 1.

Visit the foundation's Web site for complete program guidelines.

RFP Link: http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10008787/chrisreeve

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

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