New Horizons Un-Limited Inc. New Horizons Un-Limited Inc.United States Congressman Dan Burton is interested in holding hearings before the end of the year regarding parents' struggles in educating their disabled children. He is specifically interested in hearing your responses to the following questions: 1. Do you have to fight for services? 2. Do you feel your school is following the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) laws? 3. What kind of problems have you had? 4. How much have you had to spend out of pocket because your school would not provide proper services? 5. What lessons have you learned? 6. Do you have suggestions for congress about IDEA or about the school system? 7. What good things can you tell us about your school systems? Any additional comments are welcome as well. You may email your experience to Beth.Clay@mail.house.gov.
New Horizons Un-Limited Inc. is also interested in hearing your stories. Please email us at horizons@new-horizons.org.
According to Business Week Online, of the 11 million to 14 million registered disabled voters, less than 1 million turned out to vote November 7, 2000. Many believe the low turnout is due to voting facilities not being properly equipped or designed for the disabled. In fact, out of 152,000 polling places throughout the United States, 29,000 are still inaccessible to those in wheelchairs. There has been particular concern raised in Florida, where electronic voting booths equipped with touch screens and headphones for the disabled are not used. This lack of accessibility has prompted twelve disabled voters to consider filing a joint lawsuit with the Democrats in the Florida Circuit Court. While many technologies are available to enhance the opportunity for disabled voters, very few are being employed. Perhaps this lawsuit will bring to light the importance of accessibility. For information on filing a grievance, visit the United States Department of Justice website. You may also write to Disability Rights Section Civil Rights Division U.S. Department of Justice Post Office Box 66738, Washington, DC 20035-6738.
A unique and talented audience joined President Clinton and his family on the White House South Lawn for "A Very Special Christmas from Washington DC" concert on December 14, 2000. The concert, in its second year, was created to promote the Christmas Record Grant Program. The program is a compilation of albums for which artists donate their recordings of Christmas favorites. The first album was released in 1987 and has raised over $65 million for many Special Olympics programs. The event also offered the Special Olympics the opportunity to honor the extraordinary athletes and families who have fought for rights that many ordinary people take for granted. For more information about the Christmas Record Grant Program, or to purchase the album, please visit the Special Olympics website.
Brain Assisted Technologies has developed a product called Cyberlink Interface that allows a person to interface with a computer without using their hands. A cloth head band with three sensors, “read” a person's mind through movements of ones facial and eye muscles to move a cursor. Cyberlink was originally developed by Andrew Junker, an able-bodied electrical engineer, who wanted to automate his sailboat so he could enjoy sailing without the physical exertion. Cyberlink is expensive but could be very useful for people with disabilities who use computers for education and employment. Users sometimes require intense training to control facial and eye movements and brain-wave patterns when using Cyberlink and eyesight is required although Cyberlink can be used in conjunction with voice-recognition programs. John M. Williams in BusinessWeek Online, September 13, 2000 in “Assistive Technology” states this latest technology although “far from perfect, … offers the best solution on the market.” For information check out the Cyberlink Study.
The Boston Globe reports, a prototype for a revolutionary wheelchair has been introduced for release onto the market next year. The Ibot was designed and created by Dean Kamen after witnessing a person in a wheelchair struggling to get on a curb. It has been designed to withstand any type of terrain, and is even capable of climbing and descending stairs. The most revered feature of the Ibot is the ability to stand and balance on two wheels, bringing the user up to eye level. The Ibot is currently being tested and is yet to be approved by the FDA. For more information about the Ibot, visit Independence Technology a Johnson & Johnson Company.
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Voter.com have an on-line petition to honor the 10th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the 25th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The petition has been created to encourage lawmakers to fulfill the promises made in the ADA and IDEA. To access the petition, click on the Voter.com link above.
Please remember to vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 7, 2000. Your vote counts! This election will affect educational opportunities, health care quality, employment opportunities, and long-term care issues for people with disabilities. Imagine what could happen if all voting-age persons with disabilities cast a vote demonstrating their concerns with disability issues. There are many issues that should be considered before you cast your vote. Please refer to the NHU Candidate Comparison for information on two of the Presidential Candidates, Texas Governor George W. Bush, and Vice President Al Gore.
President Clinton announced a plan that will allow tens of thousands of individuals with disabilities to receive Medicaid benefits. The proposed $960 million plan allows states to adjust their rules to determine who is eligible for benefits. For example, previously, individuals could only qualify for Medicaid if their high medical expenses force their incomes below the poverty level. Other poor families would have to turn down jobs, raises and overtime in order to qualify for benefits. Now, states can disregard parts individuals' incomes to determine eligibility for Medicaid benefits.
(Information for this news item was obtained from Reuters and Associated Press news releases.)
Access Life has published an article on a new cartoon character set to air on Nickelodeon on Tuesday, October 24, 2000 at 8:00 PM EST. "Pelswick" is created by quadriplegic cartoonist, John Callahan. For more information, visit Access Life's website.
The National Council on Disability (NCD) issued a statement by Chairperson Marca Bristo to express the importance of upholding the constitutionality of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as questioned by the U.S. Supreme Court Case - University of Alabama v. Garrett. The U.S. Supreme Court began hearing testimony on the Case on October 11, 2000.
John M. Williams of Business Week Online provides an article titled "Can States Dismantle the Disabilities Act?" explaining a brief history of the U.S. Supreme Court Case - University of Alabama v. Garrett, ongoing bipartisan support for the ADA, and the potential repercussions of this case.
The President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities announces October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The theme of the 2000 education program is "Ability You Can Bank On." In a message from the Chairman, Tony Coelho states "with the country's lowest unemployment rate in 30 years, employers must search for new labor pools to continue expanding their profits and our economy. Job candidates with disabilities offer a natural solution. As a group so often overlooked, those of us with disabilities numbering 54 million strong are among the most committed and motivated employees…Those of us with disabilities must believe in ourselves. A positive mind set and self-advocacy in seeking employment opportunities can be our most 'bankable' assets. Small accomplishments lead to huge successes. Little by little, we are demonstrating that employing people with disabilities provides employers with 'ability they can count on.'" For more information on National Disability Employment Awareness Month, contact the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities at 1331 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20004-1107, by phone (202)376-6200 (voice), (202)376-6205 (TTY), by fax (202)376-6859 or visit their website.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is accepting comments until October 10, 2000 on proposed changes to monetary guidelines used to determine the extent of a person's disability. SSA's objective is to provide greater incentives for beneficiaries attempting to work, or already working. To review and comment on the proposed changes, visit the SSA website.
March For Justice is being held Tuesday, October 3, 2000, at 12:00 Noon at the Upper Senate Park in Washington, DC. Thousands of civil rights advocates in support of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will march due to the United States Supreme Court hearing arguments in the case of Garrett v. University of Alabama. Many believe that this case calls into question the constitutionality of the ADA. Also, it is an initiative to encourage people to vote on November 7, 2000. The founding sponsors of the March For Justice include:
For more information or to get involved, visit the website or contact one of these agencies listed.
U.S. Department of Justice "A Guide to Disability Rights Laws" is a booklet that includes information regarding The Americans with Disabilities Act, Telecommunications Act, Fair Housing Act, Air Carrier Access Act, Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act, National Voter Registration Act, Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Rehabilitation Act, Architectural Barriers Act, and other sources of disability rights information. The guide is available in many languages and print options. (Source: Milwaukee County Commission for Persons with Disabilities; Milwaukee, Wisconsin). To obtain a copy of the booklet, visit the U.S. Department of Justice website to view the Publications for Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section.
National Council on Disability is conducting regional community briefings around the country to share findings and recommendations on federal enforcement of disability civil rights laws with people with disabilities. The meetings, which are open to the public and free of charge, will focus on NCD's new "Ten Point Strategy for the Next Decade of Disability Civil Rights Enforcement". For more information on the dates and locations of the community briefings, contact Mark S. Quigley at NCD, (202) 272-2008.
Disability and Business and Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC) has developed an ADA Distance Learning Series. It is a collaborative project of the Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, New England, Northeast, Great Plains, Rocky Mountain, Southwest and Pacific Regions Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers. Sessions are usually held once a month and are scheduled for 11:00 AM Pacific Time. The next session is September 19, 2000 and the topic is Accessibility & Technology: Section 508 and Telecommunications. October 17, 2000 the topic is Access to Air Travel. The sessions continue to September of 2001. For information, click on the link or contact your local DBTAC.
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) announced the deadline for applications for the Paul G. Hearne Award. These awards are for leadership and are $10,000 financial grants for projects to further the rights and participation of the disabled.
The National Council on Disability provides a bulletin regarding University of Alabama v. Garrett, a case that calls into question the constitutionality of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on Wednesday, October 11, 2000 regarding that case, the results of which will have an impact on disability-related job discrimination and other disability rights statutes. For complete details, visit the NCD website.
Camp Yahoo! TM was developed to offer basic Internet training to individuals of all ages. The curriculum is designed for individuals who train children or adults on using computers and the Internet. The teaching materials are offered free of charge to members of qualified non-profit organizations, community centers, libraries, schools and service groups. For more information, visit the Camp Yahoo! website.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) now provides benefit information publications on the Internet. The publications available either in portable document format (.pdf) or hypertext markup language (.html) for your convenience. The list of publications is divided into categories to make searching easier. Visit the SSA website for details.
Abilities Expo Nationwide Events include:
ITN Online has published an article about disabled fashion designer Giacomo Alvino. He showcased his designs at Italy's Fashion Week. Models with disabilities were dressed in his elegant dresses that were specifically designed to be worn by individuals in wheelchairs.
The U.S. Department of Justice is celebrating the tenth anniversary of the ADA by providing status reports of enforcing the ADA. Other status reports include ADA success stories and ADA resources. In addition, Attorney General Janet Reno has announced Project Civic Access and settlement agreements regarding providing individuals with disabilities greater access to community resources, including 911 systems, voting facilities, activity centers, public parks, and sports facilities.
Americans with Disabilities Act is celebrating its 10th anniversary. There are events being held around the country in celebration of this anniversary. Contact your local agencies for individuals with disabilities or independent living centers for more information.
NCD will celebrate the tenth anniversary of the ADA on July 25, 2000, from 11:30AM until 2:00PM at a special luncheon at the Marriott Metro Center, 755 12th Street, NW, Washington, DC. For more information visit their website.
The Work Incentives Advisory Panel, designed to advise the President, the Congress, and the Commissioner of Social Security on issues related to work incentives for people with disabilities, held its first public meeting on July 24-25. The panel is required to submit a final report to the President and Congress no later than December 2007 with detailed findings and conclusions, as well as legislative and administrative recommendations. Panel meetings are open to the public. For more information, click on the Work Incentives Advisory Panel website link above.
Access Board (Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board) has issued a summary of recommended changes to accessibility guidelines for recreation facilities covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Public comments on the summary must be received by September 19, 2000. Comments can be e-mailed to docket@access-board.gov, sent to Office of Technical and Information Services, Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, 1331 F Street NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC, 20004-1111, or faxed to (202) 272-5447.
NRAF is inviting individuals to vote on this year's honorees of the NRAF Achievers of the Millennium. Deadline to vote is July 1, 2000. Individuals selected are to "have triumphed over disability and inspired others to reach for the stars." To vote or to find out more information visit their website.
NCD will release its report at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, at 10:00AM. Following the release of its report, the NCD is convening a two-and-a-half day retreat that will address issues of inclusion, empowerment, and access to equal opportunity.
Access Board (Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board) published proposed standards for electronic and information technology on March 31, 2000, that are available for public comment for 60 days. The deadline for public comment on these proposed standards is May 31, 2000. These changes in standards are due to the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998 that require access for all individuals (with or without disabilities) to the Federal government's electronic and information technology, such as computers, software and electronic office equipment. E-mail comments should be sent to section508nprm@access-board.gov.
NCAM announces that on May 19, 2000, "Dinosaur" can be viewed at several theaters with closed captions for the deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences. Also, other movies that will be released with closed captions include:
June 9, 2000: "Gone in 60 Seconds"
June 30, 2000: "The Patriot"
July 14, 2000: "X-Men"
August, 2000: "The Hollow Man"
October, 2000: "The Sixth Day"
November, 2000: "Charlie's Angels"
November, 2000: "102 Dalmations"
TBA: "Finding Forrester"
For more information or on theater locations visit their website or send an e-mail to ncam@wgbh.org.
Access Board (Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board) has extended the comment period for the accessibility guidelines for buildings and facilities covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Architectural Barriers Act. Comments can be e-mailed to docket@access-board.gov, sent to Office of Technical and Information Services, Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, 1331 F Street NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004-1111, or faxed to (202)272-5447.
Fishing Has No Boundaries' schedule is as follows:
Wisconsin, Hayward Event, May 19 - 21, 2000
Ohio, Cincinnati Event, May 20 - 21, 2000
Kentucky, May 20 - 21, 2000
Indiana, Monticello Event, May 20 - 21, 2000
Wisconsin, Eagle River Event, June 2 - 4, 2000
Wyoming, June 9 - 11, 2000
South Dakota, June 24 - 25, 2000
Minnesota, June 24 - 25, 2000
Wisconsin, Madison Event, July 8 - 9, 2000
Ohio, Sandusky Event, June 15 - 16, 2000
Ohio, Cleveland Event, August 26 - 27, 2000
Illinois, September 16 - 17, 2000
Wisconsin, Chippewa Valley, September 16 - 17, 2000
Arizona, October 21 - 22, 2000
For more information call 1-800-243-3462 or send an e-mail to fhnbinc@win.bright.net.
FCC has established a new office for communications access for the disabled, the Disability Rights Office. They can answer questions concerning relay services, captioning of broadcast video programming, video description and hearing aid compatible equipment. Other information on topics can obtained on their website, such as closed captioning, video description, universal service, relay services, website accessibility and many more. To request information via e-mail, contact access@fcc.gov.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is accepting public comment on the Notice of Proposed Rule Making until April 11, 2000. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking contains SSA's changes to the Disability Guidelines. Comments should be submitted to Commissioner of Social Security, P.O. Box 17703, Baltimore, Maryland 21235-7703 or you can e-mail them to regulations@ssa.gov. For more information or to view the revisions in full, visit the SSA website.
NHTSA is a division of the Department of Transportation and have added a section to their website pertaining the adaptation of motor vehicles for individuals with disabilities. The site offers information on cost and savings, evaluating one's needs, selecting the vehicle, choosing a dealer, licensing requirements, training, maintaining and other resources. Also, they have a brochure that can be downloaded in portable document format (pdf) format.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers Social Security E-News. Upon request, you can receive the newsletter that provides the latest news at the SSA. This includes news that may affect people with disabilities. For more information or to subscribe, visit the SSA website.
Greg Smith, founder and host of On A Roll talk radio on life and disability, started a new initiative to recruit African Americans with disabilities for a discussion group. The group will have a dialect concerning the unique issues associated with being black and disabled.
HotBraille translates text input via the Internet into Braille allowing individuals to send letters in Braille for free. The text received is usually translated and sent out by the next day. Letters are sent Third Class by the United States Postal Service and take anywhere from two to fifteen days for delivery. Also, Hot Braille will accept text in different languages for international needs and translate it into Braille for free, if the text is four pages or less.
The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, a service of the Library of Congress, has recently announced two advances. The Library of Congress recently installed a state-of-the-art digital recording studio as a step towards the development of digital talking books. In addition, Web-Braille on the Internet is now here. Blind and Visually impaired library users can now access over 2,700 books placed on the Internet. To find out how to become an eligible user or to find out more information on this remarkable technology visit their website or e-mail nls@loc.gov.
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