| Volume 07 | Issue 47 | November 26, 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]
Promotion and Prevention in Mental Health: Strengthening Parenting and Enhancing Child Resilience emphasizes that these proactive approaches help prevent mental health problems from developing or can greatly mitigate them if they do occur – especially among children and youth. Copies of Promotion and Prevention in Mental Health: Strengthening Parenting and Enhancing Child Resilience are available on the web at http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/svp-0186 .
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
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
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 - http://www.nga.org/portal/site/nga/menuitem.9123e83a1f6786440ddcbeeb501010a0/?vgnextoid=bbe4edc8acf54110VgnVCM1000001a01010aRCRD
This publication reports on a national survey of middle school students and reveals some stark contrasts between students' educational aspirations and their understanding of how to achieve them. The report can be viewed or downloaded from http://www.pdkintl.org/ms_poll/07ms_poll.pdf
Fiscal Year 2007 was the first year of implementation for the Rehabilitation Services Administration's (RSA's) new monitoring process.
The index page for RSA's Fiscal Year 2007 Monitoring Reports on the Vocational Rehabilitation and Independent Living Programs states can be found at http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/rehab/107-reports/2007/index.html After you read the report(s), you are invited to participate in an online survey about RSA's performance on the FY 2007 monitoring process: http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/rehab/107-reports/2007/survey.html
Marsha Rose Katz will present "Alternatives to Guardianship
Nationally-renowned speaker, trainer and advocate Marsha Rose Katz will present "Alternatives to Guardianship" on Monday, December 3rd, from 1-2:30 PM (MDT). There is no cost to participate in the training, and you can "attend" from the comfort of your own office or home. Registrations are due by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, November 28, 2007: http://www.heath.gwu.edu/node/551
DisabilityInfo.gov
Employing People with Disabilities Update: Employer Perspectives on Workers with Disabilities
A report on the needs and challenges of American businesses in employing people with disabilities.
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
Employment Research & Statistics Update: 2006 Disability Status Report
The Annual Disability Status Reports provide policy makers, disability advocates, reporters, and the public with a summary of the most recent demographic and economic statistics on the non-institutionalized population with disabilities. The entire report may also be downloaded in .pdf form here - http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/edi/disabilitystatistics/StatusReports/2006-PDF/2006-StatusReport_US.pdf?CFID=98139&CFTOKEN=51397315
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=5124
Additional Information for Job Seekers & Employees Update: Interviewing Essentials: Strategies for Creating a Positive Impression
Interviews may follow different formats. You may not know what type of format an interview will follow until the interview begins, but by being familiar with the different types ahead of time, you will be able to adapt as necessary and make the most of your interview opportunity.
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=5063
Tax Information for Employment Update: Tax Benefits for Businesses Accommodating People with Disabilities
Information on tax benefits in the forms of credits and deductions for businesses that accommodate people with disabilities, including: the Disabled Access Credit, Architectural Barrier Removal Tax Deduction and Work Opportunity Credit.
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=50.
Education News & Events Update: 2007 OSEP National Early Childhood Conference
The 2007 OSEP National Conference will be held from December 3-5, 2007 in Arlington, VA. This conference is intended for a variety of audiences involved in planning and delivering services to young children with special needs (birth through age 8) and their families.
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=62
Assistive & Adaptive Technology Update: Reuse Your AT Pamphlet
Reuse of assistive technology makes common sense. Many people can't get the AT they need because they can't afford new devices and can't get funding from private insurance or federal, state or local sources. People in need of AT may turn to AT reuse programs because these programs often do not have eligibility requirements. In addition, used AT is generally more affordable, if not free.
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=109
Grants & Funding in Benefits Update: 2008 Food Stamp Outreach Grant Competition
The purpose of these grants is to implement and study effective strategies to inform and educate potentially eligible low income people not currently participating in the FSP about the nutrition benefits of the Food Stamp Program, eligibility rules, and how to apply. At least $1 million, contingent upon availability, is available for grant awards under this competition. The maximum grant award is $75,000.
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=5105
The HEATH Resource Center
National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN) is looking for young people with disabilities as leaders!
Press Release: November 2007The National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN) is looking for new leaders! And we want you to apply to serve on our Governing Board! NYLN is a non-profit organization run by young people with disabilities. We empower all young people to reach their maximum potential. read more: http://www.heath.gwu.edu/node/552
Fall News and Information Edition from The GW HEATH Resource Center
As you prepare for the Holiday Season, I wanted to let you know that The GW HEATH Resource Center has updated its Publication Pages (http://www.heath.gwu.edu/taxonomy/term/2) with our Fall Newsletter and Information from HEATH. Of course those of you who have subscribed to our website using our RSS Feed already knew this! For those of you who have not subscribed and need information about RSS please see: http://www.heath.gwu.edu/node/18 .
We are especially pleased to announce the publication of our FEATURED RESOURCE PAPER: Mentoring Partnership Project: Exploring Mentoring Practices for Students with Disabilities in Postsecondary Education. By: Elizabeth Foster Heckman, M.Ed. Candidate, Steven E. Brown, Ph.D., and Kelly D. Roberts, Ph.D. (http://www.heath.gwu.edu/node/501).
Our newest addition to our Publication Pages: Nothing About Us Without Us: Student Voices (http://www.heath.gwu.edu/node/244) has been launched. We look forward to future contributions to this section.
Donna Martinez,
Director,
The HEATH Resource Center,
The George Washington University,
Graduate School of Education and Human Development,
2134 G Street, NW,
Washington, DC 20052,
Phone: 202-973-0904,
FAX: 202-994-3365, dmartine@gwu.edu, HEATH Email:askheath@gwu.edu,
HEATH Website: www.HEATH.gwu.edu
REFERENCE POINTS:
Medicaid HCBS Recipients Are Increasingly Likely To Live With Parents Or Other Relatives
A study by Charlie Lakin et al. published in the October issue of the journal, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, shows that the number of people with intellectual disability receiving Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) while living with family members is an estimated 224,264 individuals as of June 30, 2006, 17 times higher than in June 1999. A notable policy trend that corresponds with this increased reliance of family-based living, is the growth of Medicaid Supports Waiver programs. Although HCBS Supports Waivers limit total expenditures to amounts that are typically considerably less on average than is provided in the regular HCBS program, it also provides greater flexibility to the individuals and families enrolled. To review the study, go to http://www.aaidd.org/Reading_Room/pdf/HCBSOct07IDD.pdf
Technical Assistance Update: Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Projects
The list of Community Work Incentive Coordinators who offer information and technical assistance in your state on the work incentives that help Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Supplementary Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries return to work has recently been updated and is now available at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/work/ServiceProviders/WIPADirectory.html#service
DisabilityNation Offers Audio News and Stories about People with Disabilities
DisabilityNation is an audio magazine by and for people with disabilities. Too often we hear about the legal, physical or attitudinal barriers facing persons with disabilities in our society today. Unfortunately, not enough attention is focused on those with disabilities simply living life. The goal of DisabilityNation is to provide listeners with an alternative view of disability issues. Often, mainstream media tends to glorify disability or frames us as being heroic because we live our lives and participate in everyday activities. DisabilityNation is produced by people with disabilities. Therefore, we know that living with a disability isn't heroic, it isn't inspirational and it isn't unusual. Its just part of life. More information can be found at http://www.disabilitynation.net
Did Your State Apply for Nursing Home Diversion Modernization Grants?
Information Bulletin #228 11/07)
The United States Administration on Aging, Department of Health and Human
Services, in September announced the 12 States which were awarded Nursing
Home Diversion Modernization Grants. These are listed below. These 12
States received a combined federal and non-federal funded grants totally
approximately $8.8 million.
The program is administered through your State Units on Aging (SUAs), in
partnership with your Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and in collaboration
with your community aging service providers and other key long-term care
stakeholders.
Awards for Nursing Home Diversion Modernization Grants was competitive. Your State had to want to divert older Americans from nursing facilities . A state had to state how it designed to assist individuals at risk of
nursing home placement and to spend down to Medicaid to receive home and
community-based services that enable them to continue to live in the
community. The program also encourages the Aging Services Network to
modernize and transform the funding they receive under the Older Americans
Act, or other non-Medicaid sources, into flexible, consumer-directed
service dollars.
Whatever activities a State chooses to pursue under this grant program, by
the end of the 18-month project period, the state's project must be
effectively targeting flexible services to individuals who are at risk of
nursing home placement and spend down to Medicaid.
The service elements were designed that the needs and preferences of
consumers and their family caregivers were "fully considered in the design
and implementation of the program."
Older American advocates and "other key long-term care stakeholders":
If you reside in one of the 12 States that were awarded a grant,
congratulations. If you want to know what your State has told HHS it will
do, go to http://www.aoa.gov/prof/nursing/nursing_grants.asp
Awards: Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Vermont, West Virginia
Steve Gold, The Disability Odyssey continues
Back issues of other Information Bulletins are available online at
http://www.stevegoldada.com
with a searchable Archive at this site divided into different subjects. To
contact Steve Gold directly, write to stevegoldada@cs.com or call 215-627-7100.
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.