| Volume 07 | Issue 45 | November 12, 2007 |
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]
Updated Issue Brief on Medicaid’s Role for Women
More than 20-million low-income women receive coverage for their health and long-term care through Medicaid, the nation's public health insurance program for the low income population. Although Medicaid is not typically considered a women’s health program, the majority of adult beneficiaries (69%) are female.
An issue brief released today by the Kaiser Family Foundation describes the wide range of health services that Medicaid covers for women throughout their life spans, including primary and preventive care, pregnancy care, reproductive health care, care for chronic conditions and disabilities, assistance with Medicare costs, and long-term services. The brief also summarizes Medicaid’s eligibility criteria, provides up to date information on the demographic characteristics of female enrollees, assesses the program’s role in facilitating access to care, and discusses some of the policy challenges facing the program.
In general, women on Medicaid are more likely than the total population to be poor, minorities, and mothers. Other highlights from the brief include:
The issue brief is available online at http://www.kff.org/womenshealth/7213.cfm .
For more information, please contact Rob Graham at rgraham@kff.org or (650) 854-9400, or Kate Schoen at kschoen@kff.org or (650) 854-9400.
NECTAC eNotes - November 9, 2007
New Center on State Implementation and Scaling-Up of Evidence-Based Practices (SISEP)
Source: U.S. Department of Education - November 2, 2007
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded a $999,490 grant to the University of South Florida to establish a national special education technical assistance center on State Implementation and Scaling-Up of Evidence-Based Practices (SISEP). SISEP will initially work with six states to help local school districts build education programs that work for all students, including those with disabilities. The six states will be identified by next March. It is anticipated that the lessons learned from these states will be shared and used by other states nationwide. For more information see the news release at http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2007/11/11022007.html
SpecialQuest to Work with 10 States on Inclusive Early Childhood Services - Applications Available Soon
Source: SpecialQuest - November 8, 2007
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Head Start has awarded a new grant to the Head Start/Hilton Foundation Training Program (Special Quest) to support inclusive early childhood services. The new program will be operated through the Napa County Office of Education, Special Projects Division (California), in collaboration with the FPG Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
The new grant will build on the learnings from ten years of implementing the SpecialQuest project with Early Head Start Programs across the country. SpecialQuest will work intensely with ten states to develop a collaborative state-wide training plan to support inclusive early childhood services (birth - 5). Applications will be available in mid-November at http://www.specialquest.org/
New TRACE Snapshot - Pediatricians’ Appraisals of a Universal Checklist for Making Early Intervention Referrals
Source: Tracking, Referral and Assessment Center for Excellence - November 9, 2007
The Tracking, Referral and Assessment Center for Excellence (TRACE) has released a new snapshot entitled Pediatricians’ Appraisals of a Universal Checklist for Making Early Intervention Referrals by Carl J. Dunst, Carol M. Trivette, Anne Gramiak, and Glinda Hill. This snapshot presents the results from a survey of pediatricians’ assessments of the usability and applicability of a universal checklist for identifying infants and toddlers who may be eligible for early intervention. It can be accessed online at http://www.tracecenter.info/snapshots/snapshots_vol3_no1.pdf
Policy Brief - Who Goes to Preschool and Why Does it Matter?
Source: National Institute for Early Education Research - November 8, 2007
An updated policy brief from the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) entitled Who Goes to Preschool and Why Does it Matter? by W. Steven Barnett and Donald J. Yaroszbut examines factors that influence preschool enrollment and offers policy recommendations to address inequities in access. It is available online at http://nieer.org/resources/policybriefs/15.pdf
NGA Webcast - Improving Educational Outcomes for Children in Foster Care: What States Can Do
Source: National Governors Association - November 2, 2007
The National Governors Association (NGA) Center, in partnership with Casey Family Programs, is hosting a series of webcasts on improving outcomes for children and youth in the child welfare system. On November 2, 2007 experts discussed the problem of poor educational outcomes for children in foster care and what states, and governors in particular, can do to improve these outcomes. To view the webcast online see Improving Educational Outcomes for Children in Foster Care: What States Can Do.
Microboard and Cooperative Project in Illinois
We're happy to announce the initiation of a two-year Microboard and
Cooperative development project in the State of Illinois, sponsored by the
Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities. There's an early edition of
a website at http://www.managingtheartofliving.org
We kick off with a Community-Building and PATH workshop in Prospect Park, IL
on November 28-30. Registration is free for people who will volunteer to
help co-facilitate PATHs and support community connections for project
participants.
If you know people who you would recommend for participation, and especially
for the first training event, have them go to the website for detailed
information and a downloadable brochure.
REFERENCE POINTS:
Promising and Featured Practices For Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies
VR PROMISING PRACTICES
The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), as part it's monitoring of state employment and independent living programs funded under the Rehabilitation Act, together with state vocational rehabilitation agencies and their stakeholders, have identified promising practices in a number of topic areas including 1) the transition of youth with disabilities from school to employment; 2) independent living programs; and 3) Vocational Rehabilitation Programs.
Brief descriptions of these practices are available online. Programs and practices highlighted by RSA include the following:
For more information go to http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/rehab/promising-practices/vr/index.html
VR FEATURED PRACTICES: STATE EMPLOYMENT SPECIALISTS IN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
The goal of State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies is to assist individuals with disabilities to become employed. To that end, VR agencies (with the support of their federal partners) stand ready to provide employers with qualified job candidates with disabilities to meet the workforce needs of American business. Each state has devised practices that are useful for their regional industries, geographic profile and demographics. This Web site will highlight effective practices, models and tools so that agencies can learn from one another what works. In addition, RSA maintains a listing of state employment specialists who are willing to share their experiences and expertise with others in the network. To access the site, go to http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/vrpractices/busdev.html
REFERENCE POINTS:
Opportunities for Youth
2008 BARBARA JORDAN HEALTH POLICY SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation is accepting applications for the 2008 Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program. This opportunity is for college seniors and recent college graduates who have a strong interest in addressing racial and ethnic health disparities, or who are themselves a member of a population that is adversely affected by racial and ethnic health disparities. The application deadline is 5:00pm ET on December 14, 2007. The Kaiser Family Foundation operates the program in partnership with Howard University. Application materials and more information are available online at www.bjscholars.org.
AAPD ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2008 SUMMER INTERSHIP PROGRAM
For the seventh year in a row, the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) are offering a Congressional internship program for undergraduate students with disabilities. The MEAF-AAPD Congressional Internship Program provides an opportunity for students with disabilities to work on Capitol Hill for eight weeks (or in some cases with a Federal agency) and acquire valuable work experience that will enrich their academic studies. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Friday, December 14, 2007. For further information, guidelines, and application, visit http://www.aapd.com/internships/internship08/MEAFinternInfo08.htm.
2008 ATTORNEY GENERAL'S HONORS PROGRAM AND SUMMER LAW INTERN PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
The Department of Justice is now accepting applications for the Attorney General's Honors Program and the Volunteer Legal Intern Recruitment Program with deadlines being set by each component, which independently determines its own selection procedures. More information about these opportunities can be found at http://www.heath.gwu.edu/node/258
SCHOLASTIC LEXUS ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGE
The Scholastic Lexus Environmental Challenge program is designed to educate and empower students to take action to improve the environment. The program encourages middle and high school students to develop and implement environmental programs that positively impact their communities. Middle and high school teams comprised of 5 to 10 students and one teacher advisor are invited to participate in four initial challenges, each addressing a different environmental element. Maximum Award: $75,000. Eligibility: students in grades 6-12 and their teachers. Application deadline varies. More information can be found at http://www.scholastic.com/lexus
GRANT REWARD YOUNG STARS OF SOCIAL CHANGE
By celebrating and spotlighting young stars of social change, Dosomething.org's BR!CK Award creates a new breed of role models who aren't famous for what they wear (or don't) or who they date, but for what they do. Maximum Award: $25,000. Eligibility: permanent residents of the Unites States and Canada under 25. Deadline: April 12, 2008. http://www.dosomething.org/brick
ADDITIONAL GRANT INFORMATION FROM DOSOMETHING.ORG
Dosomething.org offers weekly grants for young social entrepreneurs; for more information go to http://www.dosomething.org/grant_list . They also provide a database of grants available for youth which can be found at http://www.dosomething.org/grants/database
YOUTH BLOGGING CHAMPIONSHIP
If you are between the ages of 14 and 20 and have experience with disability, you may choose to enter the 2008 Real Economic Impact Tour Youth Championship. Once a month for six months from January to July 2008, you will be asked to write a blog about your dreams to become more financially independent, to manage a budget, to open a savings account and other thoughts you have about working, saving money, and building assets. Up to five individuals between the ages of 14 and 20 will be selected from applications we receive to become the official REI Tour 2008 Youth Bloggers. Your blogs will appear monthly on the REI Tour website. Applications accepted until November 30, 2007.To access a copy of the application for the Youth Blogging Championship, go to:
http://www.reitour.org/blogs/youthchallenge.php
REFERENCE POINTS:
Employment Resources for Young People
HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE GET A HEAD START ON CAREERS
Three hundred middle school students from around the country worked on a
new website created to link their interests and hobbies to future careers.
The new site is offering online resources that cater to ages 11-15,
seeking information about careers in science, technology, engineering, and
math. Funworks stands out with its vibrant colors, graphics and photos, interactive games, quizzes, and more. Funworks was created by the Gender, Diversity, and Technology Institute at Education Development Center.
http://www.thefunworks.org/
IT'S MY LIFE: EMPLOYMENT
This guide from the Casey Family Programs is the first in a planned series of seven guides for youth transitioning from the foster care system. The guides include Cultural and Personal Identity Formation, Supportive Relationships and Community Connections, Physical and Mental Health, Life Skills, Education, Employment, and Housing and will provide specific recommendations, strategies and resources for working with young people transitioning from foster care. This guide is available in PDF format at http://www.casey.org/Resources/Publications/ItsMyLifeEmployment.htm if you need hard copies; please e-mail your requests to EmploymentGuide@casey.org
PEPNET RESOURCE CENTER VIDEOS
The Deaf Mentor Video Series presents information about the process of choosing a career and succeeding in it. Four videos each focus on careers in specific fields and have interview clips of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people working in the fields of Science and Technology, Social and Behavioral Science, Business, and Arts and Entertainment. More information is online at http://icc.csun.edu/deafMentorVideos.html
RESUMES, INTERVIEWING AND OTHER EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES
The resources on this website are produced by WorkAbility IV (WAIV); a joint venture between the Department of Rehabilitation and the Center on Disabilities at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). This link will take the user to both tips for and examples of resumes, cover letters, interviewing and post interviewing ettiquette. The website can be found at http://www.csun.edu/cod/sdr/workability/resumeinfo.htm
EMPLOYMENT RESOURCE FOR YOUTH AND ADULTS WITH LIMITED TO NO READING SKILLS
This 7 CD ROM resource is designed for youth in transition from school to work, adults with disabilities and individuals with limited reading skills. Your Employment Selections (YES) is a reading-free, job preference and career exploration program that shows tasks related to 120 different jobs using motion video on CD-ROM. For more information go to http://www.trisped.org and select the "Transition/Job Selection" Tab
EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS OF PERSONS WHO ARE BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED
This question-and-answer document address the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to people in the workplace who are blind or who have vision impairments and is available at http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/blindness.html.
EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
This question-and-answer document addresses the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to persons with intellectual disabilities in the workplace. This new publication is available at http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/intellectual_disabilities.html
PAVING THE WAY TO WORK: A GUIDE TO CAREER-FOCUSED MENTORING
The creation of the Mentoring Guide is rooted in the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy's (ODEP) charge to find and promote the most effective research-based policies and practices to improve transition outcomes for youth with disabilities. Mentoring is recognized as one of the most important strategies for assisting youth in making a positive transition into adulthood. The Guide can be found at http://www.ncwd-youth.info/resources_&_Publications/mentoring.htm
THE ARC OF ILLINOIS: FAMILY MANUAL FOR TRANSITION TO WORK AND ADULT SERVICES
The ARC of Illinois has published an informative guide that provides a detailed look at what steps can be taken to help an individual with developmental disabilities make the transition from the school system and various services to the workforce and/or adult services. Many useful resources are provided, as well as checklists of steps to take. The Manual can be found at http://www.thearcofil.org/secure/reveal/admin/uploads/documents/Family%20Manual%20Final%2008012005.pdf
NEW FACT SHEETS FROM THE EEOC -
HEALTH CARE WORKERS
"Questions and Answers about Health Care Workers and the Americans with Disabilities Act" is available on-line at:
http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/health_care_workers.html
DisabilityInfo.gov
Transportation News & Events Update: People on the Move: Using All Transportation Options
Easter Seals Project ACTION is hosting a two-day training initiative offering teachers and trainers the basic tools needed to expand community transportation options. The 2008 series includes the following events: San Diego, CA (Feb. 21-22); New Orleans, LA (March 12-13); Washington, DC (June 2-3); Bloomington, IN (June 25-26); Eugene, OR (July 9-10). Individuals who use community transportation and advocates who support community change are encouraged to apply - space is limited.
This information has recently been updated, and can be accessed by visiting this link: http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=5010
Community Life News & Events Update: Disability and Special Needs Technical Assistance Conference
This conference will provide technical assistance on aspects of emergency management planning and response for people with disabilities and special needs. The conference will be held in Washington, DC from January 8-9, 2008. This information has recently been updated, and can be accessed by visiting this link: http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=193
Employing People with Disabilities Update: Hiring and Accommodating Veterans with Disabilities
This Webcast will be held on November 13, 2007 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET. The presentation will describe how programs such as the Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) and TecAccess can help wounded service members as they transition into civilian careers.
This information has recently been updated, and can be accessed by visiting the following link: http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=13.
Ask the EEOC: Questions and Answers
November 13th, 2007
Time: 1:00-2:30pm CT
Join us for one of the most popular sessions in the ADA Audio Conference Series. Listen to an update on EEOC Enforcement and Guidance Activities and pose your questions to our speaker, Sharon Rennert, Senior Attorney, EEOC ADA Division. This is an interactive session and you are encouraged to bring your tough issues and concerns forward. Learn from what others may be experiencing and the questions and issues that they may have as well. Registration at www.ada-audio.org.
I forgot to mention that we welcome questions prior to the session. If you have a particular question that needs an answer please email it to gldbtac@uic.edu. We will attempt to include it in the audio conference but can not guarantee it will make it on the air. Even though your question may not be included in the audio conference we will provide a response either from the speaker or a staff member of the Great Lakes ADA Center.
Once again we appreciate your interest and continued support of the program. Please visit www.ada-audio.org to learn about other topics or to research past session that we archive.
CEU Credits:CRCC, SHRM
Claudia Diaz, DBTAC: Great Lakes ADA Center, University of Illinois at Chicago (MC 728), 1640 W. Roosevelt Road, RM 405, Chicago, Illinois 60608, www.adagreatlakes.org, (312) 413-9319
We would like to share an important story concerning Universal Design for Learning (UDL) that was published recently on the front page of Education Week, a widely read publication on education policy. NDSS is leading a national coalition of 28 general education and disability organizations to promote the principles of UDL at the federal, State and district levels. These principles state that curricula goals, instructional materials, teaching methods and assessments must be designed from the start to make curriculum accessible by the widest range of students. We are pleased that the discussion draft for the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation from the Education and Labor Committee of the House of Representatives would require assurances from the States regarding the development of an implementation plan for UDL. In addition a Senate bill related to the NCLB reauthorization contains all the UDL legislative language recommended by the coalition. We will keep you posted when we need your help advocating for more research, policies and best practices in UDL. For more information about UDL, visit www.udl4allstudents.com and www.cast.org.
‘Universal Design’ Concept Pushed for EducationEducation Week, October 30, 2007
By Christina A. Samuels
The same design principles that brought Braille panels to public elevators and curb cuts to city sidewalks should be imported to the classroom and used to transform lessons and textbooks, says a coalition of education groups.
To read the remainder of the Education Week article, click here - http://www.edweek.org/login.html?source=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edweek.org%2Few%2Farticles%2F2007
%2F10%2F31%2F10udl.h27.html%3FlevelId%3D1000%26&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.edweek.or
g%2Few%2Farticles%2F2007%2F10%2F31%2F10udl.h27.html%3FlevelId%3D1000%26&levelId=2100&ba
ddebt=false You will need to create a free account with Education Week.
Invitation: ADA Freedom Bus and Senate Hearing on ADA Restoration Act
Join Us on November 15th to Support the Restoration of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Welcome Back the Road To Freedom Bus Yearlong, 50-State Disability Rights Bus Tour and Traveling Exhibit Returns to Washington, DC
(Washington, DC) The Road To Freedom: Keeping the Promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a yearlong, cross-country bus tour and traveling exhibit promoting the civil rights of people with disabilities and advocating for passage of the ADA Restoration Act of 2007. This legislation will restore the vital civil rights protections under the ADA that have been weakened in the courts in recent years. A U.S. Senate hearing on the ADA Restoration Act of 2007 has been scheduled to coincide with the return of the Road To Freedom bus to Washington, DC on November 15, 2007.
With Yoshiko Dart, widow of the late disability rights leader Justin Dart onboard for the first leg of the journey, the Road To Freedom bus tour launched from Washington on November 15th of 2006 and has traveled to all 50 states, driving more than 25,000 miles to more than 100 bus stop events. Road To Freedom events have included disability leaders and U.S. Senators, Members of Congress, Governors and other policymakers at sites such as the Southern Poverty Law Center, National Civil Rights Museum, Brown v. Board of Education Historic Site, Clinton Presidential Library, as well as statehouses, city halls, museums, churches, colleges, and schools throughout the country.
Join us to welcome the Road To Freedom Bus back to Washington, show your support for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and attend the Senate Hearing on the ADA Restoration Act of 2007.
What: Support the ADA at the Road To Freedom Bus Stop at the U.S. Capitol and attend the Senate hearing on the ADA Restoration Act
When: November 15, 2007
11:00 AM – 1:00 Speakers including national and DC leaders, Bus and Exhibit of Disability Rights History. Senator Tom Harkin is scheduled to greet the bus at 11:00 AM.
2:00 PM – Senate Hearing on the ADA Restoration Act of 2007
Where: U.S. Capitol and National Mall at 3rd Street, NW
The Road To Freedom is a project of ADA Watch and the National Coalition for Disability Rights (NCDR), an alliance of hundreds of national, state and local disability, civil rights, and social justice organizations united to defend and promote the civil rights of children and adults with physical, mental, cognitive, sensory and developmental disabilities.
For more information go to: www.roadtofreedom.org and for tour photos, go to: http://adawatch.smugmug.com/gallery/2925333
One-Stop Toolkit Resources of the Week Technical Assistance Project[The following is excerpted from the web page.]
Did you know. . .
The gap between available jobs and available workers with the skills needed in those jobs could grow to 35 million or more in 5 years. Yet, individuals with disabilities remain an untapped resource of potential workers. Fortunately, resources are available at low or no cost to assist employers to support the employment of individuals with disabilities.
Businesses can find help at a network of 10 regional Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTACs, known also as the ADA & IT Centers). The DBTACs offer information and referrals, technical assistance, public awareness, and training on all aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Technical Assistance
Employers can contact a technical assistance specialist through a national toll free information line, (800) 949-4232 (V/TTY). These specialists will provide information and answer questions on employment, architectural access, effective communication and other issues.
Training
Businesses can access an array of training programs ranging from Web courses to on-site, customized sessions for large groups of employers and businesses.
Materials and Resources
Each regional DBTAC maintains an online, searchable database of ADA and disability-related publications, ranging from legal documents to fact sheets and checklists. Employers can request copies of publications.
Hiring workers with disabilities is not only the smart thing to do, it's the right thing to do.
Access the website to read more including accessing links to resources on the ADA for businesses, i.e., tax incentives, and business tax credits and deductions for employment of people with disabilities.
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.