| Volume 08 | Issue 11 | March 17, 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]
The Arc of US is pleased to announce the launch of www.StopTheWait.org, our new website devoted to tracking the status of all the state waiting lists and state waiting list campaigns across the country.
The Arc of United States, working with state and local chapters is committed to the advocacy for services and supports for children and adults with disabilities and their families. We celebrate this first big step in our journey to StopTheWait. Please go the StopTheWait.org and try it out.
[nectac-enotes] NECTAC eNotes - March 14, 2008
Current and past issues of eNotes can be viewed online at http://www.nectac.org/enotes/enotes.asp
In this Issue
- TRACE Early Intervention Program Referral Form Included in AAP Policy Statement - Computerized Version Available
Source: Tracking, Referral and Assessment Center for Excellence - March 12, 2008- Children’s Active Participation in Reading and Storytelling Can Enhance Early Literacy Learning
Source: Center for Early Literacy Learning - March 6, 2008- DRAFT Position Statement on Developmentally Appropriate Practice - Comments Requested
Source: National Association for the Education of Young Children - March 12, 2008- Early Reading First Program - Notice Reopening Pre-Application Phase and Extending Deadline for Full Applications
Source: U.S. Department of Education - March 7, 2008- Regional Profiles of Early Childhood Policies
Source: National Center for Children in Poverty - March 14, 2008
ANNOUNCING UPCOMING ADVOCATE ACADEMY WEBINAR
"Extended School Year (ESY) Services: What Special Education Advocates
Need to Know" presented by Scott F. Johnson, Esq.
DATE: Thursday, April 17, 2008 -
TIME: 2:00 to 3:30 PM ET (1:00 to 2:30 PM CT, Noon to 1:30 PM MT, 11:00
AM to 12:30 PM PT)
COST: $40.00 -
Online purchasing of this event is available at:
http://www.advocacyinstitute.org/shop/spring08.html
ABOUT THE WEBINAR
This presentation will provide an overview of Extended School Year (ESY)
Services including applicable federal law and regulations, important
case law decisions, and various standards that may be applied when
determining whether a child with a disability qualifies for ESY
services. Practical advice and strategies for negotiating ESY services
will also be offered. Ample time will be provided for questions to the
presenter.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Scott F. Johnson, Esq. is a Professor of Law with Concord University
School of Law and an adjunct Professor of Law at Franklin Pierce Law
Center where he teaches education law courses. He is also a hearing
officer for the New Hampshire Department of Education. Prior to
teaching, he practiced law and represented parents and students in
education matters.
He is the founder of NHEdLaw, LLC, and the Education Law Resource
Center. Both provide resources and information about education law
topics to help parents, educators and other professionals understand
legal requirements and meet student needs. He is the author of a number
of articles and books available at the websites including: the New
Hampshire Special Education Law Manual: A Guide for Parents, Educators,
Attorneys & Advocates; Preventing Physical Restraints in Public Schools:
A Guide for Parents, Educators and Professionals; and Reexamining
Rowley: A New Focus in Special Education Law.
Space is limited. Easy, secure online purchasing of this event is
available at: http://www.advocacyinstitute.org/shop/spring08.html
The Advocacy Institute,
P.O. Box 565,
Marshall, VA 20116,
Email: AdvocateAcademy@AdvocacyInstitute.org
Learn more about our work at http://www.AdvocacyInstitute.org
REFERENCE POINTS:
New High School/High Tech Guide
A new High School/High Tech (HS/HT) Program Guide, produced by ODEP and the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability, reflects effective practices nationwide. The guide includes information on lessons learned as HS/HT has evolved from a locally-administered to a state-administered national program model based upon the Guidepost to Success. It also includes information and materials used by HS/HT programs throughout the United States. A PDF version of the Guide can be found at http://www.dol.gov/odep/documents/a6906418_b620_4d70_bcba_52ddc3ef35a9.pdf; a Word version can be found at http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/publicat.htm#pubs
REFERENCE POINTS:
"The Collapse of the National Teen Job Market and the Case for an Immediate Youth Jobs Creation Program"
Nationally, aggregate labor market conditions in the US have weakened over the past six months. This weakening labor market is not news to America's teens, whose average employment rate declined in 2007 to a new record low for the post-World War II period, additionally, teens have failed to capture any substantive share of the net new job growth across the nation since 2003. This report from researchers at Northeastern University is available on the National Youth Employment Coalition's website at:
http://www.nyec.org/content/documents/February_Report_on_a_Job_Creation_Program_for_Teens.pdf
REFERENCE POINTS:
HUD AND Justice Department release new guidance on "REASONABLE MODIFICATIONS" Under the Fair Housing Act
New guidance recently released by the Departments of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) and Justice (DOJ) reinforced the right of persons with
disabilities to make "reasonable modifications" to their dwellings if a
structural change to their dwelling or to a common area of the building or
complex in which they live is needed so that they can fully enjoy the
premises. The guidance is designed to help housing providers and
homeowners' associations better understand their obligations and help
persons with disabilities better understand their rights regarding the "reasonable modifications" provision of the federal Fair Housing Act
(FHA). The guidelines are available online at both
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/housing/fairhousing/ and http://www.hud.gov/offices/fheo/disabilities/
REFERENCE POINTS:
Final Ticket to Work Regulations Sent to OMB
On February 11, the final Ticket to Work regulations were sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. The regulations were originally put out for comment in 2005, and for a second time in 2007. These final rules will revise current rules that implement the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program under section 1148 of the Social Security Act. The rules will expand beneficiary eligibility to receive tickets under this program; clarify the rules for assignment of a beneficiary's ticket to a state vocational rehabilitation (VR) agency; revise the rules for payment when a beneficiary receives services from both a state VR agency and an employment network (EN); and revise the rules for milestone and outcome payments, in order to increase the incentives for providers of employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, and other support services to participate in this program. OMB has 90 days to review the rule for adherence to legislative intent and for proper analysis of costs, benefits and alternatives. However, OMB can ask for an extension if it is deemed necessary. For more information, please see http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eoViewRule?ruleID=279620.
From: "Working for Tomorrow" Feb 2008
National Clearinghouse on Disability Exchange Forum News and Resources
In This Issue: http://www.miusa.org/ncde
DisabilityInfo.gov
Transportation News & Events Update: Fixed-Route Driver Responsibilities Under the ADA
Free audio conference on fixed-route driver responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This one-hour program will be be held at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time, Wednesday, March 26, 2008. Click on this link - http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/Calendar?view=Detail&id=19581 to register.
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.
DisabilityInfo.gov
Grants & Funding in Health Update: Funding to Operate Resource Center on Physical Activity for Persons with Disabilities
Grant announcement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on funding for a program to operate a National Information and Resource Center on Physical Activity for Persons with Disabilities. Application deadline is April 28, 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=5104.
DisabilityInfo.gov
Employing People with Disabilities Update: Tips for Human Resource (HR) Professionals
Includes articles, checklists, a glossary, and links to useful disability resources to help human resource (HR) professionals better understand the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), job accommodations and the employment process as it relates to people with disabilities.
This information has recently been updated, and can be accessed by visiting this link: http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=13.
DisabilityInfo.gov
Choice & Self-Determination Update: Center for Self-Determination
A collaboration of individuals and organizations committed to the principles of self-determination to help all persons create the lives they want, connected to and with their communities and pursuing long term relationships and economic futures.
This information has recently been updated, and can be accessed by visiting this link: http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=194.
DisabilityInfo.gov
Applying for Benefits Update: What You Should Know Before You Apply For Social Security Disability Benefits
Answers to frequently asked questions about the application process for disability benefits including how Social Security decides if an individual is disabled.
This information has recently been updated, and can be accessed by visiting this link: http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=170.
International Conference on Self-Determination in Detroit
On May 27-29, 2008 at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center,
the International
Conference on Self-Determination <http://www.communitydrive.org/Conference.html will
serve a much different purpose than most other conferences. It's
designed to be a combination of a few very short presentations but mostly
panel discussions and roundtables "organized by topic" with
diverse moderators and
"cross-disability" panel members rather than a single focus presentation by
a particular individual or organization. Each session is organized across
disabilities.
Please read our new collection of stories about self-determination. Consider
adding yours and/or helping someone write theirs. Check out:
http://selfdetermination.wordpress.com/
New Products added to the Quality Mall
"Results of the 2002 AHCA survey of nursing staff vacancy and turnover in nursing homes" - http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4278
"Adults with Down Syndrome" -
http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4448
http://www.worksupport.com/news/ws_031008.html
hcbs.org > Clearinghouse CLIPS: March 12, 2008More Can Be Done: Involvement of Older Consumers in the Design, Implementation and Oversight of Home and Community Based Services
Summary: This paper explores the role of older participants in planning, developing and overseeing home and community based service (HCBS) programs. It seeks to help State Units on Aging and others in the aging network identify concrete steps they can take to support the role of these older individuals as public policy advocates. The report addresses the extent of older HCBS participants' current involvement, the barriers to success, and the strategies being used to attain participation.
Topic(s): Aging Issues, Consumer Direction
Source: National Association of State Units on Aging (NASUA)
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2181
The Future of Iowa’s Health and Long-Term Care Workforce: The Health and Long-Term Care Workforce Review and Recommendations
Summary: Prepared for the Iowa legislature, this report recommends that the state increase Medicare and Medicaid payments in order to increase pay. It also recommends raising public awareness of worker shortages and their impact, creating mentoring programs to prevent turnover/increase retention, and other strategies to strengthen the health and long-term care workforce.
Topic(s): Long-Term Care, Workforce
Source: The Bureau of Health Care Access
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2182
Trends in Health and Aging Website
Summary: The National Center for Health Statistics has announced a new release of updated statistical tests the health of older Americans showing data by age, sex, race and Hispanic origin. The tables are easy to customize. Table topics include Chronic Conditions, Functional Status and Disability, Health Care Expenditures and Utilization, Health Insurance, Health Issues, Living Arrangements, Mental Health, Mortality, Population, Risk Factors, Socio-Economic Status, Special Equipment and Medications.
Topic(s): Accessibility, Long-Term Care, Mental Health
Source: National Institute on Aging
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2185
WorkAbility Evaluation Report
Summary: New Jersey WorkAbility was implemented in February 2001 and extends basic Medicaid coverage to working-age residents who are employed, have a permanent disability, and have income and asset levels below specified thresholds. Find an evaluation of this program, including a description of current and former enrollees, an evaluation of the program focused on employment variables, earning trends and more, and a series of recommendations for the future.
Topic(s): Accessibility, Employment, Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, Physical Disabilities, State/Agency Information, Workforce
Source: Grantee produced, New Jersey
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2178
WorkAbility Outreach Materials
Summary: Find a variety of outreach materials for New Jersey WorkAbility. Included are English and Spanish versions of brochures, fact sheets and frequently asked questions about the program.
Topic(s): Accessibility, Employment, Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, Physical Disabilities, State/Agency Information, Workforce
Source: Grantee produced, New Jersey
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2180
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.