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National Council on Disability (NCD), has issued a report discussing the holes in the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development's enforcement practices for fair housing laws. The report, entitled, Reconstructing Fair Housing, states: "The past 12 years of civil rights enforcement by HUD have left America, and in particular people with disabilities, needing more. In fiscal years 1999 and 2000, people with disabilities became the single largest group to file housing discrimination complaints. By the late 1990s, HUD's investigations of housing discrimination complaints took nearly five times as long as Congress had mandated. Inadequate funding hampered administrative enforcement of civil rights laws." In response to these findings, NCD has drafted many recommendations for improving HUD's enforcement practices and has forwarded them to the Bush Administration. To read these recommendations, visit the link provided above.
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a fact sheet outlining the steps and procedures of the security measures taken throughout our nation's airports. Such procedures will ensure that travelers with disabilities will not be discriminated against throughout the security process. One such procedure will require air carriers to provide meet and assist services in place of curbside check-in. In addition, non-ticketed individuals assisting travelers with disabilities will be allowed past the predetermined checkpoints with the use of a pass. Additional procedures have been put in place to ensure that people with disabilities are afforded the same rights as non-disabled travelers. To read the fact sheet in its entirety, visit the DOT website.
Professor Gerry O'Donoghue of the Queen's Hospital, Nottingham has perfected a new surgical technique that makes cochlear implants a reality for small children. While adults can also benefit from this new technique, it is especially beneficial for children as young as 2 and a half, in that it minimizes both the psychological effects and physical scarring. Unlike prior surgical techniques, which required a six-inch long incision on the skull, the new keyhole surgery can successfully insert a cochlear implant through a one and a half inch incision behind the ear. Approximately forty children and adults have benefited from this new technique. The Nottingham team is now teaching this surgical technique to doctors throughout the world.
Brady Institute for Traumatic Brain Injury at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is now offering an on-line, professionally moderated ABI caregiver support group, of which the focus will be to teach "state-of-the-art problem solving skills to help [caregivers] manage the difficulties of caring for a brain injury survivor." Studies have indicated that caregivers with healthy coping skills can better meet the changing demands of caring for a loved one with ABI. Research has further shown that improving caregiver coping and problem-solving skills can in fact affect the way in which an ABI survivor functions. This support group is free to attend. You need only have access to the Internet during the designated group time. If you are interested in joining the group, please send your e-mail address to Dr. Robert Katz, either by phone at (718) 206-7824 or by e-mail to bobcatzy@aol.com.
"Disability Mentoring Day: Career Development for the 21st Century," hosted by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), brought together over 1000 students with disabilities and hundreds of business mentors in an effort to "give disabled students greater direction and motivation to pursue their career goals." Disability Mentoring Day has grown substantially in the three years since its 1999 introduction in which three dozen students were paired with mentors throughout Washington DC. This year's mentoring day spanned more than 30 states with hundreds of corporations, organizations and governments participating. AAPD is looking forward to an even greater turn out next year. To learn how you can participate in next year's Disability Mentoring Day, call AAPD at (800) 840-8844.
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is hosting "Disability Mentoring Day: Career Development for the 21st Century" on Wednesday, October 24, 2001. This day is a national effort designed to promote the employment of students with disabilities. Businesses taking part in this mentoring opportunity will be introduced to the untapped talent and resources of individuals with disabilities, thereby encouraging a diverse and competitive workforce. Students will be able to showcase their skills to potential employers and may explore their interests within their chosen field. This day will bring tremendous opportunities for all involved. If you represent a business and would like to learn more about becoming a mentor or if you are a student interested in finding a mentor in your community, call (800) 840-8844 to locate your local coordinator.
Social Security Commissioner Larry G. Massanari, announced on Friday, October 19, 2001 that there will be a 2.6 percent increase in Social Security and Supplemental Security Income. The increase, to take effect in January 2002 for Social Security recipients and on December 31, 2001 for SSI recipients, is to account for cost of living increases. To view how this increase will affect your payments, visit the Social Security Fact Sheet online.
The Presidential Election last November brought light to the fact that many of our nations polling places are not accessible to individuals with disabilities. In a recent study, some states have found that over 40 percent of their polling places are not fully accessible to individuals with varying needs. An even larger percentage do not have accessible ballots, disallowing disabled citizens to cast their votes privately. Unfortunately, the Americans with Disabilities Act does not mandate states to make their polling places accessible and a law passed 17 years ago merely encourages accessibility. With the aftermath of last year's election, many advocates are calling for election reform legislation mandating full accessibility in all poling places. Let your congressional representative or senator know your vote is important. To learn how you can advocate for your rights, contact the American Association of People with Disabilities at (202) 955-6114.
U.S. District Judge George Singal ruled on Friday, August 10, 2001 that a state of Maine law prohibiting individuals with mental illness under guardianship to vote violated the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fourteenth Amendment. While Maine attempted to remove the prohibition during the 1997 and 2000 ballot referendums, voters overwhelmingly voted against this. The lawsuit was filed in October 2000 by the Maine Disability Rights Center on behalf of three mentally ill women. Looks like another victory for the Americans with Disabilities act and for all citizens with disabilities. If you believe your rights have been unlawfully denied make your voice heard and align yourself with an advocate, as it takes but one to bring about change for all.
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation is now accepting applications for the Bert Warshaw Memorial Grant. "The purpose of the grant of up to $1,000.00 per each selected applicant is to improve the quality of life for those with MS through greater independence, education, employment or improved health and well-being." Qualifying applicants must be at least 18 years of age with a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis and must demonstrate a financial and personal need. Applications are due October 1, 2001 and can be submitted online. Call (888) 673-6287 or e-mail support@msfocus.org for more information.
United States House of Representatives offers an online service in which individuals interested in contacting their district's representative can search by state and zip code and can then send a text message to their selected representative. Make sure your Representative hears your concerns. Visit the link provided above to access this service.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel produced an in-depth series entitled, "Overwhelmed and Broken Down: Caring for the Elderly and Disabled." The series' first article, published in the Sunday, August 26, 2001 final edition, shared "a review of more than 400 state inspection reports on assisted living facilities in the last four years [showing] that hundreds of vulnerable elderly and disabled people have been injured or put at risk - often by caregivers who are poorly trained or stretched too thin." The second article, published in the Monday, August 27, 2001 edition, discusses how "more than 10,000 of the state's most vulnerable residents, those struggling with disabilities, wait months or even years for help that the state promises but fails to deliver." A final article, published in the Tuesday, August 28, 2001 edition, discusses how "nursing homes are seen as the last option for people needing long term care. But [how] the safety net is rapidly becoming tattered." This series exemplifies what the elderly and individuals with disabilities already know, the system is simply not working in its current state. Each article touches on the disintegrating state of long-term care and the services associated with it, finally bringing to light the needs of people with lifelong disabilities.
Premier Programming Solutions (PPS), a software development company based in DeWitt, Michigan, is offering their Scan and Read software free to schools and non-profit training organizations. Scan and Read works with computers running Windows 98 and higher as well as with any TWAIN flatbed scanner. In addition to distributing free copies to schools and non-profits, PPS is also offering the software to individuals at a fraction of the cost most other screen reading software packages cost. Their website also features several other free, downloadable software features that will assist individuals with visual impairments in using a computer. For more information, you can visit their website, e-mail kenneth@premier-programming.com, or call (517) 668-8188.
On Wednesday, July 25, 2001, President Bush announced that a substantial effort will be made among six agencies to assess the daily barriers faced by individuals with disabilities. The assessments will be conducted and overseen by the Interagency Council on Community Living, which will report recommendations to the president in overcoming such barriers. In addition to this announcement, Tommy Thompson, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, announced $9 million in grants to be appropriated to states to provide services to workers with disabilities, which include health benefits, better transportation and more on-the-job assistance. While such efforts are very well received by disability advocates, many realize that change will not take place overnight. Rather, policy makers must make an extended effort to work with those who experience the daily barriers, individuals with disabilities, in presenting viable solutions.
National Organization on Disability (NOD), on July 25, 2001, has announced a $25,000 "Accessible America 2001" award competition in which cities and towns will "showcase how their citizens with disabilities are participating in and contributing to their communities." Mayors of cities and towns across the United States are encouraged to submit a three page statement discussing the extent to which citizens with disabilities can access jobs, education, religious worship, voting, transportation, housing, and the full range of local, social, recreational, cultural, and sports activities. Entries must be received by December 31, 2001. If you feel your city or town is making great strides in bringing equality and accessibility to individuals with disabilities, encourage your mayor to enter. For more information, call (202) 293-5960 or e-mail starnesn@nod.org.
Abilities Expo, currently traveling the United States, offers individuals with disabilities and their families the opportunity to explore the newest and most innovative assisted living products and services available. The expo includes displays on computer equipment, athletic equipment, mobility products and various daily living aids. The expo, which has successfully traveled through California, Florida, and New Jersey, will be stopping at the Rosemont Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, August 10 - 12; the Bayside Expo Center in Boston, Massachusetts, September 21 - 23; and the I-X Center in Cleveland, Ohio, October 12 - 14. The Boston, Massachusetts expo will also include a career fair for job seekers with disabilities. On-site admission is $5 for adults and free for children aged 12 and under. However, their website features an admission form, which can be completed and brought to the gate for free admission. Their website also features travel and hotel information as well as directions to each of the locations.
Jobability.com, a recruitment website designed to connect individuals with disabilities to employers, has been launched as a partnership between Microsoft UK, Leonard Cheshire and totaljobs.com. The website allows potential employees to post their CV's online and to search for jobs relevant to their skills and experience. This site is unique in that, those companies that post a job vacancy guarantee an interview for any individual with a disability that has skills in line with the job requirements. This site has been launched in the hopes that it will lead to higher employment rates among the disabled community of the United Kingdom.
Newsline for the Blind Network is a free service that reports news through the use of a telephone for individuals unable to read regular newsprint. The national Newsline Network now provides USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Toronto Globe and Mail. Users can select both newspaper and topic interest. For more information about this service, call the National Federation of the Blind at (410) 659-9314.
Employment Assistance Referral Network (EARN) is a national, toll-free telephone and electronic information referral service for employers seeking to hire workers with disabilities. Employers can contact EARN with the position requirements. EARN staff will then search a database of local employment providers to locate a qualified individual with a disability, and send that information back to the employer. EARN also offers technical assistance in relation to hiring an individual with a disability. Visit the EARN website or call (888) 695-8289 for more information.
Social Security Administration is now offering PASS (Plan for Achieving Self - Support) to individuals with disabilities who currently receive or are eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income and who are interested in pursuing a career. PASS will allow an individual to set aside money they earn and/or property they own to help them reach a goal of either sustained employment or a higher education that will lead to employment, while still maintaining their current SSI eligibility. To apply, an individual must submit a plan that highlights their end goal which "will produce sufficient earnings to reduce their dependency on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments." Assistance in setting up a plan can be received from a vocational rehabilitation counselor, your employer or from the Social Security office. For more information about eligibility criteria, call (800) 772-1213 or visit the Social Security Administration website.
Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation has announced the availability of their annual scholarship for women with disabilities pursuing a graduate degree at an accredited college or university within the United States. Two $2000 scholarships will be awarded this August. Applications must be received no later than June 15, 2001 for August 2001 consideration. More information can be found on their website or by e-mailing deborah@ela.org.
ADAPT is organizing a "Spring Action" in Washington DC on May 12-17, 2001 due to various issues affecting individuals with disabilities. According to ADAPT, "This will be our first encounter with the new administration! President Bush has yet to sign the Executive Order to implement the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision and the integration mandate of the ADA. What do the heads of his departments plan to do for people with disabilities? MiCASSA will be re-introduced in the Senate by Senators Harkin and Specter on Wednesday, April 25, in the afternoon at a kickoff press conference held in DC. We need to make a big push for this critical legislation. The ADA is under attack! Add your voice to our call for disability rights and REAL CHOICE." For room information contact Tisha at (303) 733-9324 or for information on the action notice contact national@adapt.org.
Mobility International USA (MIUSA) is seeking individuals with and without disabilities from diverse cultural backgrounds to apply for an upcoming 2001 international exchange program in Costa Rica. It is a two and half week program where a group of 12 US citizens, 18-24 from diverse backgrounds, leaders, and ASL interpreters, explore human rights, learn about disability issues and expand leadership skills in a challenging international environment. There are various activities, such as visiting schools and associations to learn about the rights and laws of individuals with disabilities, viewing an active volcano and exploring a typical marketplace, attending workshops on disability rights and leadership and more. The exchange will take place tentatively on July 12-19th, 2001 and the application deadline is May 1, 2001. For more information or to download an application form, visit their website or call 541-343-1284 (V/TTY).
Post-Polio Syndrome Seminar has begun accepting registration for the May 19, 2001 seminar to be held at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, North Carolina. The seminar is open to Polio survivors, as well as their family and friends, health professionals and anyone else interested. Its purpose is to empower individuals with knowledge so that they can be their own best health monitors and can enjoy life to the fullest extent possible. There will be several guest speakers talking about such topic as, the history of PPS, wellness for PPS survivors, living successfully with PPS, and more. They will accept registration until the day of the seminar. The registration fee of $35 will include lunch and printed materials. Be sure to register by May 13, 2001 if you wish to be included in the lunch count. For more information about this seminar, call (919) 782-5110.
United States Department of Justice announced on Tuesday, April 3, 2001 that six U.S. localities including the District of Colombia; Mount Pleasant, Michigan; Bowie, Maryland; Santa Fe, New Mexico; Guanica, Puerto Rico; and Fajardo, Puerto Rico have agreed to improve access to public services and buildings. Access improvement will be made to many public and government bulidings and facilities, including polling places. The agreement also proposes improvements to the 911 emergency system.
According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, DaimlerChrysler has allegedly "engaged in unlawful employment practices" since 1998 at a transmissions-making plant located in Kokomo, Indiana. The Federal lawsuit charges that Chrysler is discriminating against disabled workers by inhibiting their transfers within their Indiana plants. The lawsuit seeks an injunction to stop Chrysler's alleged refusals of voluntary transfers by disabled employees, "and [in] engaging in any other employment practice that discriminates on the basis of disability." This suit is still in the beginning stages, as such; there is still no word as to how this lawsuit will be settled.
United States Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has issued a directive to all State and local government jurisdictions that are recipients of HUD formula grant funds. The directive states that all jurisdictions must "submit a complete [annual] Consolidated plan that assesses its priority housing and homeless needs, including the needs of persons with disabilities, and establish a strategic plan for addressing these needs." HUD will review each annual plan, as well as make on-site evaluations to determine if the jurisdiction is indeed giving appropriate attention to accessibility requirements. Furthermore, HUD strongly encourages each jurisdiction to ensure individuals with disabilities are "consulted and have an equal opportunity to participate in developing the jurisdictions' analysis of needs and plans for the use of Federal and other resources." HUD staff can be consulted so to ensure outreach programs are properly developed and implemented. For more information about this directive, or to find out how you can become involved in the planning process, visit the HUD website.
The United States Air Force, over the next five years, will be hiring 7000 individuals with disabilities. In preparing for this influx, they have created the Computer Accommodations Program (CAP). This program will provide computer equipment that is usable by individuals with varying types and levels of disabilities. Through this program, they will offer one-handed keyboards, head-mounted radio signals as well as ergonomic equipment. This plan is in response to President Bush's new Freedom Initiative, which proposes to commit $880 million over five years to increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It is evident that the government is finally taking strides to include the large American population of individuals with disabilities.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) has released a guide entitled; Filing an ADA Employment Discrimination Charge "Making It Work for You." The guide provides answers to common questions in an easy to follow format so that individuals can understand the Americans with Disabilities Act and its provisions over employment discrimination. It discusses when it is appropriate to file a complaint while also offering information about the complaint process. For more information about this guide, visit the CMHS website or call (800) 789-2647.
Wild Deaf Club has been created by Bobby Fleener, an experienced club organizer, for individuals of all ages with hearing disabilities. The Club will begin this Spring and hopes to have state chapters throughout the United States. Activities will include parties, campouts, and games for both children and adults offering trophies and prizes. For a schedule of events or to find out how you can become a board member, e-mail WildDeaf_CA@hotmail.com.
Fishing Has No Boundaries is offering a number of fun, outdoors opportunities to individuals with disabilities this summer. Events are offered in Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Minnesota, Indiana, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Arizona. For a full schedule of events in your state, visit their website or call (800) 243-3462.
Access the web or use the Internet with a new option, MSN Explorer from Microsoft. MSN Explorer offers integrated services and software with new accessible interface that was designed with people with disabilities in mind. MSN Explorer is compatible with technology aids such as screen readers and screen enlargers. MSN Explorer can be downloaded for free from explorer.msn.com/home.htm. Microsoft gives specifications for your computer before download. You can use this program with your own ISP service.
President Bush announced on Thursday February 1, 2001 a plan that will act as an addition to the Americans with Disabilities Act. The president's proposed plan will call for approximately $1 billion to be used to increase church accessibility, fund more technologically advanced forms of assistive devices, increase access to the workforce, and to ultimately increase home ownership rates among the disabled community. Bush's plan is expected to be popular among those in congress. As the president stated "Wherever a door is closed to anyone because of a disability, we must work to open it. Wherever any barrier stands between you and the full rights and dignity of citizenship, we must work to remove it, in the name of simple decency and justice." Perhaps this initiative will do that and much more!
The German Hygiene Museum has recently opened an exhibit that displays all aspects of physical, mental, and emotional disabilities as they existed throughout the centuries. "The [Im]perfect Human Being" delves into the history of disability throughout the world. Displays include a number of assistive devices used by such individuals as Beethoven and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Also included are artifacts that exemplify the unpleasant side of disability that has existed and continues to exist in exploitation and discrimination. According to Petra Lutz, the project coordinator for the exhibition, "We wanted to show how being disabled is part of human existence because we are all imperfect beings to a lesser or greater degree." There is no word as to whether or not the exhibit, which will run through August 12, 2001 at the German Hygiene Museum, will travel to other destinations.
The Mobile Textphone service, a product of Aspiro, provides a real-time communication experience by allowing spoken words to appear simultaneously on the individual's mobile phone. This service requires a mobile phone, and a personal digital assistant; or the use of a Nokia Communicator, which encompasses both of these components. While this service is now available in many countries world wide, it is not yet available in the United States due to problems with the design of the 911 emergency system. Officials hope to work out the kinks that are preventing this technology from entering the U.S. shortly. For more information about this technology, visit Aspiro online.
If you are an individual with a disability you may be eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income. Your eligibility and amount you receive depends upon your monthly earnings and any assets you may have. Do not count yourself ineligible until you visit the Social Security Supplemental Security Income Booklet online, as there are many income and asset exemptions taken into account when determining your eligibility. You may also call (800) 772-1213 for additional information.
The Special Needs Network has been designed so to provide military families that include an individual with special needs access to information and resources. The site is also intended to provide information to Family service staff, care coordinators and providers, as well as DOD civilian employees. Check out the website for more information.
Shelly Peterman Schwarz, the award-winning writer of the "Making Life Easier" column will be appearing on the Discovery Channel's Home Matters program on Thursday, February 1, 2001 at 1:00 p.m. (eastern time). On the program, Schwarz will demonstrate home accessibility modifications that can be done easily and inexpensively.
SATH is holding its Fifth Annual World Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on January 24-28, 2001 at the Fort Lauderdale Airport Hilton. "The main purpose of the Congress is to educate the travel and hospitality industry about the needs of travelers with disabilities and the benefits to be derived from reaching out to this large and dynamic, but still underserved market. At more than 20% of the American population, persons with disabilities are indeed our largest minority, and one that will continue to grow in the new millennium, in numbers and buying power." For more information on the Congress, the preliminary itinerary, discounts or registration, visit their website.
A new statue depicting Franklin D. Roosevelt in a wheelchair was dedicated on Wednesday, January 10, 2001 at the current site of the FDR Memorial. The statue will join the existing monument site. Even though FDR concealed his disability during his presidency, disabled groups have fought to have the former president depicted in a wheelchair. "Its a shame, disgrace and embarrassment to have his wheelchair hidden in this memorial when in fact he used it every day of his life," said Alan Reich, president of the National Organization on Disability, which led the campaign to erect this statue.
The U.S. Department of Labor has a new Office of Disability Policy. The programs and services of the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities is being absorbed into the new office. Also, a new website www.disability.gov has been established to "bridge information on U.S. Federal programs, services and resources to employers, Americans with disabilities and their families." For more information on the new office or government website, visit the appropriate website.
Social Security Administration has announced that there are three new rules increasing the earnings amounts for people with disabilities. The first rule increases the "monthly substantial gainful activity amount to $740 a month." The second rule allows "beneficiaries to earn up to $530 a month before that month will count as a trial work period month." The third rule affects students. It "allows for more income to be excluded when a student who receives Supplemental Security Income returns to work." For more information, visit their website.
Disability Rights Movement is now a virtual exhibit on the Internet thanks to the Smithsonian Institute. The website offers a virtual experience of the museum exhibit, which is located on the second floor of the National Museum of American History.
The Post-Polio Center will be part of the Post-Polio Institute at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center located in Englewood, New Jersey. The center's research will focus on finding treatment for Post-Polio Sequelae (PPS) which often affects survivors of Polio forty or more years after their original diagnosis. Some symptoms of PPS are fatigue, muscle weakness, pain, and problems with breathing, sleeping, and swallowing. PPS can also lead to irreversible neuron damage. The center's primary goal is to educate the nearly 20 million survivors of Polio as well as healthcare providers throughout the world about the cause and treatment of PPS. For more information, e-mail ppseng@aol.com.
The University of Colorado will receive a $250 million donation to fight cognitive disabilities. The gift is from Bill Coleman, the founder of Sun Microsystems and current chairman of BEA Systems, and his wife Claudia. The couple has a niece with Down Syndrome. After visiting the University of Colorado in 1999, the couple decided to make the donation based on research already completed on cognitive disabilities. The donation will create the University of Colorado Coleman Institute for Cognitive Disabilities and focus on using technology to aid individuals with disabilities.
The Social Security Administration has announced that veterans can take advantage of a special prescription drug benefit offered by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). A 30-day supply of prescription medications is supplied free of charge for disabled veterans through the VA. To take advantage of this special benefit, veterans must have been honorably discharged from the military, must enroll with the VA, and must be seen by a VA doctor. The doctor visit is also free of charge to all disabled veterans. For more information about this benefit please call (877) 222-8387. You can also view the Military Service and Social Security Fact Sheet on line.
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