| Volume 08 | Issue 18 | May 5, 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 New Professional: Leadership in Science,
Practice, Policy and Advocacy
May 28-30, 2008 -
L'Enfant Plaza Hotel, Washington DC
Register now! - https://aaiddonline.aaidd.org/events/EV04EventDetail.aspx?eventID=1053
[nectac-enotes] NECTAC eNotes - May 2, 2008
Current and past issues of eNotes can be viewed online at http://www.nectac.org/enotes/enotes.asp
Coalition on Human Needs - www.chn.org
Children's Budget 2008
www.firstfocus.net/pages/3391/
This new publication informs readers of the sad state of funding for children's programs. Over the past five years, only one percent of every new, real non-defense dollar has been spent on children. The book provides an analysis of the over 180 federally funded programs that assist America's children.
REFERENCE POINTS:
Know What to Say! Disability-Related Phrases and Vocabulary to Learn Before You Go Abroad
Would you know how to ask about accessibility, explain that something is damaged on a wheelchair, or request a sign language interpreter in another language? Many people with disabilities going abroad to study, intern, work, volunteer and teach find themselves unable to communicate the most basic needs related to their disability due to a lack of vocabulary. The National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE) created "Disability-Related Phrases and Vocabulary to Learn Before You Go Abroad" http://www.miusa.org/ncde/tipsheets/keyphrases
REFERENCE POINTS:
Residential Facilities: State and Federal Oversight Gaps May Increase Risk to Youth Well-Being
Testimony by Kay E. Brown, director, education, workforce, and income security issues, before the House Committee on Education and Labor. GAO-08-696T, April 24, 2008. Ms. Brown's testimony is based on the GAO's ongoing work, which included national surveys to state agencies of child welfare, health, and mental health, and juvenile justice for the year 2006. Nationwide, federal funding to states supported more than 200,000 youth in facilities seeking help for behavioral or emotional challenges in 2004. Recent federal reviews and investigations highlighted maltreatment in some facilities, resulting in hospitalizations and deaths; survey respondents from 49 states reported investigating physical and sexual abuse and neglect and 28 states reported deaths. The full testimony can be found at http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-08-696T; highlights can be found at http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d08696thigh.pdf
Aging parents fear for future of adult children with disabilities
http://tinyurl.com/5k8mz7
James Jensen, who has Down syndrome, has relied upon his doting mother for 47 years, but his parents are now entering their 80s and facing Alzheimer's. When a family friend asked James' mother, Delores Jensen, about her plan for his future, she began to cry: She can only hope to live forever. The Seattle Times (4/28)
He's never lived on his own and doesn't want to. He enjoys the companionship and security provided by his parents in their Enumclaw home. Thing is, Delores is 81; James' father, Allen, is 82, and over the past few years they've begun to show their age. James probably has many years left. In fact, he is part of the first generation of people with developmental disabilities likely to outlive their parents in great numbers - a situation that, years ago, few would have predicted. State officials say 8,200 people older than age 40 are on the rolls of the Division of Developmental Disabilities. Experts say thousands more may be eligible. Those numbers will only grow as baby boomers with disabilities continue to age. Meanwhile, most caregivers are relatives, whose dedication saves the state untold millions. Put these facts together and big questions loom: What happens when people like the Jensens can't do it any longer? And who's going to pay for it?
That's the good news. But along with the progress came new hurdles. Because institutions are no longer in favor, and because other housing options have limitations, about two-thirds of people with developmental disabilities live with parents or siblings, according to national experts. That has made parents the default long-term-care system, according to Linda Rolfe, head of the state Division of Developmental Disabilities
Like many middle-aged people with Down syndrome, James is showing signs of early aging, including dementia. People with Down's also tend to develop early arthritis, prostate troubles and hearing loss. Other developmental disabilities come with their own ills: People with cerebral palsy often develop joint problems or chronic pain. Autism is associated with digestive disorders. Seizure medications can lead to osteoporosis.
"It's bleak, in that society didn't plan and government didn't plan," said Nancy Meltzer, who helps aging families struggling with this issue at The Arc of King County.
"And for the most part, families didn't plan."
a.. Wills especially important for parents of those with disabilities: http://tinyurl.com/63j3mr
For parents of children or adults with disabilities, writing wills can be especially complicated. If a sibling or family friend is willing to take over care, such a relationship must be formalized in court. Assets left to people with disabilities may also prevent them from receiving needed services, making special-needs trusts necessary for many. The Seattle Times (4/27)
hcbs.org > Clearinghouse CLIPS: May 1, 2008
The Real Choice Systems Change and Aging and Disability Resource Center/Area Aging Grant Solicitation FY 2008 is now available. CMS has approximately thirteen million dollars in funding to continue to support States' efforts to address complex issues in long-term care reform.
Highlight on RCSC Grant Solicitation - http://www.hcbs.org/highlight.php
CMS Case Management Regulation Rule Guidance
Summary: The Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) of 2005 clarified which case management and targeted case management services are covered by Medicaid. The rule addresses concerns about improper billing of non-Medicaid services to the program by some states, while aiming to ensure comprehensive services that meet the needs of beneficiaries. These documents from CMS are meant to assist practitioners in understanding and abiding by these rules.
Topic(s): Deficit Reduction Act
Source: CMS
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2238
Compendium of Home Modification and Assistive Technology Policy and Practice Across the States
Summary: The purpose of this compendium is to establish baseline knowledge of the scope of assistive technology and home modification services that states make available to Medicaid-eligible adults. This study provides federal and state policymakers with basic information to inform planning and policy development. It also provides other stakeholders, including consumers, with valuable information about Medicaid State Plan and HCBS waiver.
Topic(s): Accessibility, Housing, Physical Disabilities, State/Agency Information, Transition/Diversion from Institutions, Waiver
Source: Abt Associates, Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE)
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2234
Determining Medicaid Nursing Home Eligibility: A Survey of State Level of Care Assessment
Summary: This study is intended to describe the nursing facility level of care determination processes in use by the states and to draw general conclusions from the data collected. When read in conjunction with the previous work in this area, this study will aid state staffs, CMS, and other parties interested in understanding how to improve post acute care assessment. The Appendix provide a brief description of data the state collects, the name of the assessment form, plus contact information.
Topic(s): Aging Issues, Long-Term Care
Source: Rutgers/NASHP
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2216
Discussion Paper: Advancing Self-Sufficiency for Medicaid Beneficiaries: Meeting the Challenges of the Olmstead Integration Mandate
Summary: For states that receive federal funding, the Olmstead decision
confirmed the obligation to serve individuals with disabilities in more integrated settings rather than provide supports and services in institutional settings. As states move forward with strategies to support community living for individuals with disabilities and promote the principles of person-centered planning, these tools and strategies provide complimentary opportunities to accelerate the achievement of inclusive outcomes.
Topic(s): Accessibility, Olmstead
Source: Rutgers/NASHP
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2221
Employment for Persons with Brain Injuries
Summary: This report provides recommendations for persons with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) to acquire and maintain employment in Oregon. Currently, the common program for people with TBI/ABI nationally is Vocational Rehabilitation. However, this report suggests expanding services by using a supported employment model with an interdisciplinary team. Major characteristics of this model include paid employment, integrated worksites and ongoing support.
Topic(s): Accessibility, Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Employment, Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, Physical Disabilities, State/Agency Information, Workforce
Source: Grantee produced, Oregon
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2228
From Isolation to Integration: Recommendations to Improve Quality in Long-Term Care
Summary: This report outlines an integrated strategy to update the country’s long-term care services infrastructure in preparation for the aging of the population over the next thirty years. Recommendations are focused on the areas of quality, workforce, technology, and financing.
Topic(s): Aging Issues, Consumer Direction, Financing HCBS, Long-Term Care, Physical Disabilities, Quality, Sustainability, Workforce
Source: National Commission for Quality Long-Term Care
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2226
Identification of Consumers’ Long-term Care Needs in Illinois
Summary: This is the third in a series of reports examining various state systems and processes directed to older adults to realize the goals of the Real Choice Systems Change grants. This report analyzes the results of twenty-four focus groups consisting of 240 participants representing older adults, caregivers to older adults, and HCBS providers. In general, the results indicate Illinois has a plethora of programs and services targeting older adults, but there are disparities between communities.
Topic(s): Aging Issues, Long-Term Care
Source: Grantee produced, Illinois, University of Illinois at Chicago
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2222
Implementation of the National Core Indicators Consumer and Family Surveys: RFP
Summary: This RFP sought a contractor to implement a widely-used system performance measurement and monitoring program for state agencies serving individuals with disabilities. The resource includes a summary pamphlet and a detailed request. Use this example in developing a RFP.
Topic(s): Quality, State/Agency Information
Source: OH Dept. of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2235
Issue Brief: A Survey of Medicaid Brain Injury Programs
Summary: In late 2007, the Center for State Health Policy surveyed 23 states that operate Medicaid waivers targeted to individuals with brain injuries. Data was obtained about the cost and number of individuals served by these waivers for the waiver years 2002 through 2006. Three states began waivers for those with brain injuries in 2002 or later, and 3 other states discontinued waivers in 2006. Every state except Arizona has multiple Medicaid 1915(c) home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers.
Topic(s): Accessibility, Physical Disabilities, Waiver
Source: Rutgers/NASHP
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2220
MinnesotaHelp.info Data Management Services: RFP
Summary: The MN Board on Aging, the agency with primary responsibility for MinnesotaHelp.info, issued this RFP with the goal of contracting an organization to maintain the database underpinning the website. The site is an online directory of services helping people in Minnesota find human services, information and referral, financial assistance, and other forms of help. Proposals must be submitted by Friday, May 30, 2008.
Topic(s): Aging Issues, Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Physical Disabilities, Resource Center, Single Point of Entry/No Wrong Door
Source: MN Board on Aging
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2236
Pathways to Employment - 2006 Conference Information and Registration Form - Ohio
Summary: The Ohio MIG grantees hosted a Pathways to Employment Conference in 2006. Find a brochure with information and registration information as an example of the education opportunities promoting community employment, services, and programs.
Topic(s): Accessibility, Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Employment, Physical Disabilities, State/Agency Information, Workforce
Source: CMS
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2215
Retooling for an Aging America: Building the Health Care Workforce
Summary: This book and corresponding materials present a strategy for improving the health care workforce serving older adults via expanded education and training, models of care, and public/private programs. The committee proposes a three-prong approach: 1)Enhance the geriatric competence of the entire workforce; 2)Increase the recruitment and retention of geriatric specialists and caregivers; 3)Improve the way care is delivered. The book is available free online or for sale in PDF or hard copy format.
Topic(s): Accessibility, Aging Issues, Consumer Direction, Financing HCBS, Long-Term Care, Workforce
Source: Institute of Medicine
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2232
State Legislation Regarding Wages and Benefits of Home Care Workers: Thirteen Promising Practices
Summary: Find thirteen examples of state level legislation that improve the wages, collective bargaining rights, or insurance of personal care workers and home health aides. The report also includes graphics illustrating workforce trends and a list of potential best practices that were not passed into law in their respective states.
Topic(s): Workforce
Source: Center for Personal Assistance Services
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2224
The Oregon Competitive Employment Project seeks to enhance the quality of life in Oregon by achieving, maintaining and advancing the competitive and inclusive employment of persons with disabilities. This Medicaid Infrastructure Grant program has shared a number of their resources:
Competitive Employment Project Newsletters
Summary: Find quarterly newsletters from 2006 and 2007 used to keep stakeholders, professional staff and others up-to-date on activities of the Oregon Competitive Employment Project.
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2229
Benefits Incentives Planning Materials: Presentation and Board Game
Summary: The process for providing persons with disabilities the information, advocacy and counseling necessary for them to best use public benefits and available work incentives to achieve their goals is referred to as benefits incentives planning. Find presentations on benefits planning system development and on encouraging collaboration of agencies to build a statewide, all-participant inclusive benefits planning system in Oregon. Also included is a colorful game board that introduces the concept.
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2230
Help Wanted: Getting a Job Training
Summary: These trainings focus on the use of person-centered planning and connecting with community partners as a strategy for employment. The trainings were created for persons ages 16-24 with developmental disabilities and their families, transition specialists and other professional staff. Find the "Self-Directed Employment" Presentation and the "Getting a Job" Training, which includes an evaluation, materials list, copy of the presentation and other handouts.
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2218
Mental Health Supported Employment: Training and Calculations
Summary: As an evidence-based practice, supported employment provides people with mental health diagnoses a mainstream job paying at least minimum wage in a setting which provides ongoing support and includes other people who are not disabled. Find a training for professionals embarking on conversion from day treatment to supported employment for persons with mental health issues and baseline calculations by which to begin measuring the effectiveness of this conversion.
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2233
Metals Industry and Disability at a Glance
Summary: This document includes selected statistics and information on disability inclusion and management in specific Oregon Industries. Find statistics on staffing by occupation, leading causes of disability, cost of accommodations and more.
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2231
Round Table Discussion Report: Supported Employment for Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Summary: In February 2006, a Round Table Discussion Meeting was held in Oregon to identify and analyze policies and strategies that maintain or increase the availability of supported employment services to persons with developmental disabilities. The meeting focused on how such services may be preserved and expanded in Oregon, but in addition, national perspectives on supported employment were discussed. The discussion report, evaluation and graphic facilitation of the Round Table are included.
More Info: http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2217
Topic(s): Developmental/Psychiatric Disabilities, Employment, Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, Physical Disabilities, State/Agency Information, Workforce
Source: Grantee produced, Oregon
New Data on Medicare and Medicaid Spending
Medicare Spending by State of Residence (NEW)
New data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)'s Office of the Actuary on Medicare spending estimates by state of residence for 1995 through 2004 are now available for all states. These estimates are based on where individuals reside and include total Medicare spending, spending on hospital care, physician services, dental services, home health care, drugs, and nursing home care, total per enrollee spending, per enrollee spending by service type, and the average annual percent growth in Medicare spending from 1995 to 2004. Medicare Spending by State of Residence - http://cme.kff.org/Key=14237.Z4.D.C.KXwz0r
Medicaid Spending by State of Residence (NEW)
New data from CMS's Office of the Actuary on total Medicaid spending estimates by state of residence for 1995 through 2004 are also available for all states. Medicaid Spending by State of Residence - http://cme.kff.org/Key=14237.Z4.F.C.KT6y0p
Patients' Rights
Updated patients' rights information from HPTS has also been added and includes requirements for external review, health plan liability, financial incentives to providers, and direct provider access for 2008 for all states and the nation. State mandates for standing referrals for specialists, the licensing of medical directors, and drug formulary requirements have also been updated to 2008. Patients' Rights - http://cme.kff.org/Key=14237.Z4.H.C.KlnJch
CMS PROPOSES MORE ACCURATE PAYMENT RATES FOR MEDICARE SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES IN FISCAL YEAR 2009 RECALIBRATION OF CASE-MIX ADJUSTMENT
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced its proposal for new, more accurate fiscal year (FY) 2009 payment rates for Medicare skilled nursing facilities that more closely reflect differences in patient care needs.
“CMS is committed to providing high quality care to those in skilled nursing facilities and to paying those facilities properly for that care,” said Acting Administrator Kerry Weems . “The proposed adjustments to the payment rates for next year reflect that policy.”
To view the entire Press Release: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/apps/media/press_releases.asp
To view the SNF PPS Page: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/SNFPPS/
National Council on Disability - Prerelease Notice
Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act: Implementation Evaluation and Recommendations for Reauthorization
April 29, 2008 - Initial Announcement of Funding Opportunity
Funding Opportunity for a Cooperative Agreement: NCD-08-01
Application materials will be made available on May 12, 2008 at www.ncd.gov
Applications may also be requested by writing to:
Julie Carroll,
National Council on Disability,
1331 F St NW Ste 850,
Washington, DC 20004
or by e-mail request at: jcarroll@ncd.gov
Applications will be due on June 18, 2008
Maximum amount available for this project: $150,000
All potential applicants are eligible to apply
Cost sharing is not required
Project Overview
The National Council on Disability (NCD) is an independent federal agency charged with making recommendations to Congress and the Administration on issues, policies, and laws affecting people with disabilities. It is NCD's mission to promote policies, programs, practices, and procedures that guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability, and to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and integration into all aspects of society.
NCD's statutory duties include, among other things, to review and evaluate on a continuing basis:
NCD will undertake a one-year project to study the implementation, effectiveness, and impact of the programs and services established by the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (hereinafter the DD Act) and to develop recommendations for improvements that will enhance the quality of life and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.
The purpose of this project is to:
(1) State Councils on Developmental Disabilities;
(2) The Protection and Advocacy for Developmental Disabilities (PADD) programs;
(3) The National Network of Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service;
(4) Projects of National Significance;
(5) Federal administration of separate grants for Family Support; and
(6) Program of Direct Support for Workers who assist individuals with developmental disabilities.
Proposals responding to this RFP should describe:
Partnerships and collaborative efforts are encouraged to ensure that appropriate expertise is brought to bear on this complex project involving diverse stakeholders. Input must be gathered from individuals with disabilities, their family members and care providers, as well as professionals and advocates in the developmental disabilities field.
NEW Riot Available -- Guardianship Issue
The 16th issue of The Riot! is available for your viewing pleasure. This issue focuses on Guardianship but, as always, the Riot! has lots of other fun stuff inside it.
To read this issue, click on the links below.
Download The Riot! as an adobe PDF document by clicking here: http://www.hsri.org/docs/Riot_Issue_16.PDF
Download The Riot! as a Rich Text file:
http://www.hsri.org/docs/Riot_Issue_16.RTF
You can read past issues of The Riot!, visit our Fun Page, purchase self-advocacy materials, or get your Riot! Gear at www.theriotrocks.org.
KaiserFamilyFoundation@cme.kff.org
New Analysis Shows Effect of Rising Unemployment on Health Coverage, Medicaid and SCHIP
As the country faces another economic downturn, many states are scrambling to deal with the impact of poor economic conditions on programs, like Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), that are reliant on state funding. With over half of states forecasting budget deficits for the coming fiscal year, Medicaid and SCHIP are facing fiscal pressure at the same time as income and job loss cause more people to seek enrollment in these programs. To be better able to cope, states are looking for fiscal relief from the federal government as well as obtaining a moratorium on federal regulations that would reduce Medicaid funding for states from the Congress.
A new analysis conducted for the Kaiser Family Foundation's Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured, Medicaid, SCHIP and Economic Downturn: Policy Challenges and Policy Responses, projects the implications of a downturn for health coverage and state programs. The analysis, available at http://www.kff.org/medicaid/kcmu042808pkg.cfm, finds that for every one percentage point rise in the national unemployment rate:
The analysis also documents how federal fiscal relief during the last economic downturn of 2003-2004 helped to stabilize Medicaid eligibility and let states avoid deeper budget cuts. Drawing on the experience of the previous federal fiscal relief effort, the Urban Institute authors lay out three options policymakers could consider in providing federal assistance for state health coverage programs when the economy slumps.
KCMU also released the brief, Medicaid in a Declining Economy: Limited Approaches for States to Control Spending, available at http://www.kff.org/medicaid/kcmu042808pkg.cfm, which analyzes results from its annual 50-state budget surveys of Medicaid directors from 2003 to 2007. The historical results describe how states adopted a wide array of Medicaid cost containment strategies during the last economic downturn and were assisted by the federal government to avoid deeper Medicaid cuts. With another economic downturn coming so quickly after the last one, states may have fewer policy options to control spending this time because many of the levers to make Medicaid programs more efficient have already been implemented. Cuts in eligibility or benefits may be more likely during this downturn.
For a state perspective on these pressing issues, listen to Kaisernetwork’s A Closer Look from the States interview with Barbara Edwards, Interim Director of National Association of State Medicaid Directors, on the impact of the economic downturn on Medicaid. It is available at http://www.kaisernetwork.org/health_cast/hcast_index.cfm?display=detail&hc=2595 .
You can also learn more about six Medicaid regulations issued by the Bush Administration that would impact federal Medicaid spending in this overview, available at http://www.kff.org/medicaid/7739.cfm. Congress is considering placing a moratorium on these rules.
For further information, please contact Rakesh Singh at 202-654-1313 or rsingh@kff.org, or Kirran Syed at 202-347-5270 or ksyed@kff.org .
New products published on the Quality Mall web site:
"Results of the 2003 national survey of state initiatives on the long-term care direct-care workforce"
http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4263
Today's Man" -
http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4829
"ABC News: More Students with Asperger Syndrome Going to College" -
http://www.qualitymall.org/products/prod1.asp?prodid=4830
The HEATH Resource Center - www.HEATH.gwu.edu
National Center on Physical Activity and Disability (NCPAD)
Website: NCPAD is an information center concerned with physical activity and disability. Being physically active is good for every body. That's a message you will find many times on this site. Being active is an important part of getting and staying healthy. One 'must read' item on this website is our monograph on Can Disability, Chronic Conditions, Health and Wellness Coexist? in which author June Kailles discusses the common confusion people have about the relationship between having a disability and being healthy. Once you realize that EVERY BODY needs some activity to get and remain healthy, you will find we have a great many resources to help you find how YOU can participate. We have information and resources for EVERYONE, from guidelines to consider before starting any kind of exercise program to factsheets on many popular activites, games, recreational pursuits, and sports that have been adapted to allow people with disabilities to participate as fully as they wish, become as active as they wish. http://www.ncpad.org/
The HEATH Resource Center - www.HEATH.gwu.eduVisit http://ncdae.org/community/newsletter/april2008/ to read the full newsletter.
The HEATH Resource Center - www.HEATH.gwu.edu
Waiting lists leave many adults without special services
http://tinyurl.com/5zhxbt
Growing waiting lists across the country for special services may be creating separate worlds for those who have been approved for such services and those who have not. In Washington state, at least 15,000 people with developmental disabilities go without any services in any given month, according to this article. The Seattle Times
[FCTD] April News & Notes - Preservice AT Training
In This Issue...
http://www.fctd.info/resources/newsletters/index.php
With a tip of the hat to Jane Austen, it is a truth universally
acknowledged that one of the barriers to more widespread use of
assistive technology in classrooms across the nation is inadequate
teacher training. Every year, teacher training colleges send thousands
of graduates out into the world with little to no exposure to AT. It is
of little surprise, therefore, that teachers struggle to use it appropriately, whether in inclusive or self-contained classrooms. This
month, the Family Center on Technology and Disability's newsletter
features an interview with Dr. Sharon Judge of Old Dominion University.
Dr. Judge studied 162 teacher preparation programs, looking at the ways
in which they addressed, or did not address, assistive technology. The
insights she draws and the conclusions she reaches are important to all
those who believe that assistive technology offers critical tools for
the academic and community success of students with disabilities.
We invite you to learn more about the topic in our April newsletter at
http://www.fctd.info/resources/newsletters/index.php .
RFP Bulletin (May 2, 2008)
VSA arts Invites Entries From Young Artists With Disabilities for Green Light Awards
Deadline: July 11, 2008
Sponsored by VSA arts ( http://vsarts.org/ ) with support from
Volkswagen of America, Inc. ( http://volkswagengroupamerica.com/ ),
the Green Light Awards program is open to young artists between
the ages of 16 and 25 living in the United States who have a
physical, cognitive, or mental disability. A disability is defined as an impairment that substantially limits a major life
activity.
The program invites entries of both representational and abstract
work. Artwork may illustrate actual aspects of what signals the
artist's creative motivations such as the physical world or personal discoveries. Abstract work that relates to feelings or
emotions is also encouraged. Work might also reflect the artist's
experience of living with a disability and its role in shaping
or transforming their work.
Art must be an original work that has been completed in the
last three years. Eligible media include paintings and drawings
(oil, watercolor, acrylic, pencil, or charcoal), fine art prints
(lithographs, etching, intaglio, or woodcuts), photography,
computer-generated prints, and two-dimensional mixed media.
This year the program also welcomes entries of sculpture and
time-based media (video, film, etc.).
The program will award one Grand Prize of $20,000, one First
Award of $10,000, one Second Award of $6,000, and twelve Awards
of Excellence of $2,000 each.
Visit the VSA arts Web site for complete program information.
RFP Link:
http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/15012792/vsaarts
For additional RFPs in Arts and Culture, visit:
http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_arts.jhtml
CVS Caremark Charitable Trust Accepting Applications for
Grants to Improve Lives of Children With Disabilities
Deadline: June 15, 2008
The CVS Caremark Charitable Trust
( http://www.cvs.com/corpInfo/community/charitable_mission.html )
focuses primarily on supporting charitable organizations that
are making a difference in the lives of children with disabilities. Resources are also allocated to help support organizations
focused on providing healthcare to the uninsured.
The CVS Caremark Charitable Trust funds the following:
1) Programs that serve children with disabilities under the age
of 21 that address the following: accessibility to physical
activity; early intervention; and health and rehabilitative services. The trust defines disabilities as impairments that limit
one or more routine activities of daily living.
2) Healthcare organizations that are dedicated to improving the
quality of health and well-being of uninsured seniors, adults,
youth, and children that address the following: pre-natal care;
screening and preventative programs; better healthcare outcomes;
and general health programs.
Applications for 2008 will be accepted May 1 to June 15, 2008.
All applications must be submitted online. Visit the CVS Web
site for complete program guidelines and the online application
form.
RFP Link:
http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/15012793/cvscaremark
For additional RFPs in Disabilities, visit:
http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_disabled.jhtml
Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation Accepting Concept
Papers for Youth With Disabilities Grants
Deadline: June 1, 2008 (Concept Papers)
The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation ( http://meaf.org/ )
is dedicated to helping young Americans (newborn to early 20s)
with disabilities maximize their potential and full participation in society. The foundation supports organizations and
projects within its mission that address important needs, have
broad scope and impact, and demonstrate potential for replication at other sites.
A major program emphasis is inclusion: enabling young people
with disabilities to have full access to educational, vocational,
and recreational opportunities and to participate alongside their
non-disabled peers.
Funding is available for both project costs and operating support, and is open to both disability-specific organizations and those
that serve the general population. While requests from all parts
of the United States will be considered, priority will be given
to communities where Mitsubishi Electric US companies are located.
Preference is given to organizations and projects that reflect
collaboration among groups. Preference is also given to organizations and projects that actively involve people with disabilities
in program planning and implementation.
Grants are made only to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations with
tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status.
The foundation accepts and reviews concept papers throughout the
year; however, concept papers should be submitted by June 1 to
be considered for funding in the following year. If the concept
paper is approved, the organization will be invited to submit a
full proposal.
Visit the foundation's Web site for complete program information
and application procedures.
RFP Link:
http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/15012794/meafgrants
For additional RFPs in Disabilities, visit:
http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_disabled.jhtml
If you have a sensory impairment and/or mobility impairment, you may be eligible to participate in a new research project. This research aims to understand what people with sensory and/or mobility impairments do in their daily lives, how their environments affect their community participation and what, if any, help they need to complete activities. Eligibility requires that you: Are between the ages of 18 and 75, Live in the community, Have access to a computer, Can read at or above the 6th grade level, Can enter responses into a web-based survey or direct another individual to enter your responses into a web-based survey AND Have either a mobility impairment, a visual impairment, or a hearing impairment.
If eligibility is established you will receive a code to log on to the survey site and complete the study. All information will be kept confidential and no connection between you and your survey answers will be made. Participants will be reimbursed by either a personal check or by a gift certificate to either Target or Wal-Mart, and may choose the method of reimbursement they prefer. The web-based assessment contains a set of two surveys and will take approximately one hour to complete.
This research is funded by the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research at the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research at the US Department of Education.
Please click on the link and you will be directed to a short pre-survey to determine eligibility: http://emc.wustl.edu/NCMRRstudyAd.htm .
THIS STUDY IS CONDUCTED BY THE: Washington University Program in Occupational Therapy in collaboration with Paraquad, Inc.
The research is funded by the: National Center for Medical Rehabilitation on Research at the National Institutes of Health and the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research at the US Department of Education.
Until Next week
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