New Horizons Un-Limited Inc. New Horizons Un-Limited Inc.Adaptive Environments in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, will launch a new program called Fair Housing Accessibility First in an effort to promote compliance with accessibility standards set forth in the Federal Fair Housing Act. The program will offer technical assistance to builders, design professionals, housing authorities, fair housing organizations, advocates, service providers and the disability community. For more information, contact Adaptive Environments at adaptive@adaptiveenvironments.org.
Sunday, December 22, 2002 is a day in which all people with disabilities will be honored and celebrated. It is also a day in which caregivers and service animals are to be celebrated for their unwaivering love and dedication shared with those they care for. Finally, Abilities Day is a time to remember all those champions of disability rights that have gone before us. On this day, supporters of the disability community are encouraged to wear a white ribbon, a symbol of strength and wholeness. Please join us on December 22, 2002 in honoring and celebrating all those affected by disability.
WeMedia has issued a tax guide outlining deductible expenses for parents of children with disabilities. According to the guide, as a parent of a child with a disability you are entitled to numerous "Medical Expense" deductions. Expenses related to the following are deductible: educational services, equipment and supplies, hospital services, laboratory exams and tests, medical treatments, certain medicines and drugs, professional services, transportation and other medical expenses incurred to alleviate your child’s mental or physical condition. The guide goes into much greater detail as to what is and is not counted as a deductible expense. For more information, visit the WeMedia website or call your local IRS Information Service at (800) 829-1040.
Food and Drug Administration Advisory Panel on Wednesday, November 21, 2003, unanimously recommended approval of the Independence iBOT 3000 Mobility System. The iBOT, for short, is an invention of Dean Kamen that may revolutionize the way in which wheelchair users access their worlds. It not only climbs and descends stairs, but also raises a user to standing height allowing for eye level conversations and extended reach. The recommendation comes after a two-week trial period in which 20 wheelchair users test-drove the iBOT for two weeks and then their regular wheelchairs for another two weeks. The testers were presented with a number of obstacles and were asked to complete each using both the iBOT and their regular wheelchair. Most of the challenges were completed more easily using the iBOT. The iBOT, licensed through Johnson & Johnson is expected to cost $29,000 and is, at this time, not covered by any insurance plan. Additionally, prospective buyers must go through somewhat of an approval process, with chairs only being "prescribed" to those capable of operating the iBOT. For more information, visit Johnson & Johnson online.
Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson recently approved Arkansas' request to expand a Medicaid demonstration program that allows eligible beneficiaries with long-term disabilities to take control of their personal care services and expenses. The new program, "Independent Choices" provides Medicaid beneficiaries who qualify for personal care services with a monthly allowance for costs associated with this care. Most state Medicaid programs require that beneficiaries hire an an attendant from a traditional agency and prohibit family members from being paid for care provided. Under this program, beneficiaries can hire and pay family members, friends and neighbors whom they trust to assist with intimate personal care tasks. According to HHS Secretary Thompson, "people with long-term disabilities and their families know best what services will allow them to live at home and remain active in community life. This demonstration gives eligible beneficiaries in Arkansas the ability to exercise choice, control and responsibility -- a major goal of President Bush's New Freedom Initiative to promote greater independence for all Americans with disabilities." Perhaps this program will serve as a model of care for other states. To learn more about Independent Choices, visit the Arkansas Department of Human Services at (501) 682-8650.
Democratic National Committee has announced the availability of a new hotline designed to address the concerns of voters with disabilities who are experiencing accessibility barriers on election day. The number is (866) VOTE-411. Upon calling, you will be prompted to enter your 5-digit zip code at which time you may leave a recorded message detailing the problem you are experiencing at the polling place. You will then be transferred either to a Democratic Party "Promote and Protect" call center or your local County Board of Elections whose representatives will work to address the problem.
Measure 23 as it is referred to, is a bold proposal that would offer low-cost health care to every single Oregon resident requiring "medically necessary" treatment. As excerpted from the Measure 23 website, key concepts of the Measure include the following:
The plan covers medically necessary health services as determined and provided by any state licensed, certified, or registered health care practitioner. This includes, but is not limited to, prescription drugs, dental, vision, inpatient and outpatient care, mental health, and in-home, emergency, and long-term care. There are no exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
Now the question remains, how will this measure be paid for. The proposal calls for a progressive tax on employers’ payroll ranging from 3.5% to 11%, depending upon payroll size as well as a progressive personal income tax ranging from 0% to 8%. The remainder will be paid for by redirected federal, state and local funds. Proponents believe the increased taxes will simply take the place of monthly premiums and copayments now being paid by employers and consumers. This measure is facing great opposition from from business, insurance and health care industry groups, who fear it will lead to runaway spending and ruin the state's economy.
To learn more about this measure, visit the above website or call (541) 870-1354.
President Bush has announced a new policy that will eliminate the delay of generic prescription drug introduction, saving millions of people hundreds of dollars on prescription drugs every year. Following are excerpts from the President's October 21, 2002 announcement: "For more than a year, the Federal Trade Commission has investigated delays and abuses in the process of bringing generic drugs to the market. I have reviewed the FTC findings and I am taking immediate action to ensure that lower cost, effective generic drugs become available to Americans without any improper delays.
By this action, we will reduce the cost of prescription drugs in America by billions of dollars and ease a financial burden for many citizens, especially our seniors. Current federal law and regulations attempt to carefully balance the goals of innovation and accessibility. New drugs, on average, are sold for 11 years under patent protection, then generic versions become available.
Unfortunately, the careful balance of the law is being undermined...the FTC investigation discovered that some brand name drug manufacturers may have manipulated the law to delay the approval of competing generic drugs. Today, I'm taking action to close the loopholes, to promote fair competition and to reduce the cost of prescription drugs in America.
Over the next three years, about 200 drug patents are set to expire. By cutting out delays and maneuvering, our reforms will yield cost savings of more than $3 billion a year. Those savings will come to employer health plans, to state Medicaid programs and to seniors [and people with disabilities] when they buy medicines on their own."
To learn more about this proposed rule, visit the Food and Drug Administration website.
U.S. Social Security Administration announced several new initiatives to assist people with disabilities who want to go to work. One initiative is the Disability Program Navigator, a specialized referral network linking employers to job-seekers with disabilities. According to a press release issued by the administration, "The Navigators will link people with disabilities who visit the Department of Labor's One-Stop Career Centers with employers and benefit planning assistance and outreach organizations. The Navigators, who will work in the One-Stops, will also provide information on Social Security's work incentives, employment networks and the Ticket to Work program." The second initiative, called "Ticket to Hire" assists employers recruit candidates with disabilities who are participating in the Ticket to Work Program. To take advantage of this service, employers may call (866) 889-4473. To locate a one-stop Career Center, contact the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration by calling (866) 487-2365 (Voice) or (877) 889-5627 (TTY). You may also e-mail infoodep@dol.gov.
As promised in President Bush's August 2002 Executive Memorandum as part of his New Freedom Initiative, the Federal government has launched a one-stop interagency web portal for people with disabilities, their families, employers, service providers, and other community members. The web portal, DisabilityInfo.gov is a comprehensive online resource specifically designed to provide people with disabilities with the information they need to know quickly. The portal provides access to disability-related information and programs available across the government on numerous subjects, including civil rights, education, employment, housing, health, income support, technology, transportation, and community life. Under each topic, is the latest in program developments that can benefit people with disabilities. Visit this website to learn how the Federal government is working to improve our lives.
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity in collaboration with the Courage Center has built a state-of-the-art home for a couple with Cerebral Palsy in New Hope, Minnesota. The home is not only centrally located to necessities such as a grocery store, but is also full of accessible amenities such as automatic doors and windows, a built-in mobility system, specialized kitchen appliances and much more. While Habitat has built other homes incorporating accessible design, this is the first to encompass such a variety of adaptive devices and features. It is hoped that the collaboration will serve as a national model.
"Disability Mentoring Day: Career Development for the 21st Century," is a nationwide event scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 16, 2002. The event, designed to bring people with disabilities into the workplace to learn more about their chosen career field from business mentors, will kick off a year round employment initiative. According to the day's national sponsor, the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), this event is designed to fulfill four main goals:
According to a recent Harris Survey of Americans with Disabilities, 2 of 3 (67%) people with disabilities capable of and willing to work are unemployed. People with disabilities continue to be the one demographic group with the highest unemployment rate.
Employers - it is time to tap into the vast talents of employees with disabilities. Now is the time to step forward and dare to change the startling reality of unemployment affecting so many people with disabilities. Please take one step toward change and participate in this year's National Disability Mentoring Day! Potential Employees - now is the time to grasp the reality of employment. Do not let this learning experience pass you by. You have so little to lose and so very much to gain. Please participate in this year's National Disability Mentoring Day!
To learn more about National Disability Mentoring Day or to locate a coordinator in your area, e-mail aapd@aol.com or visit AAPD online.
Multiple Sclerosis Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2002 Brighter Tomorrow grant. The goal of the grant is to provide individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) with goods or services (valued at up to $1000.00 per recipient) to improve their quality of life by enhancing safety, self-sufficiency, comfort, or well-being. To qualify, a person must be 18 years of age or older and be diagnosed with MS, or the parent of a minor child diagnosed with MS, and be a permanent U.S. resident. They must not have any other means of fulfilling the need they express. For more information, call (888) 673-6287 (MSFOCUS) or e-mail support@msfocus.org. Applications, also available online, must be postmarked on or before October 1, 2002.
United States Office of Personnel Management has recently launched a new website aimed at assisting Americans, with and without disabilities to better understand how to hire and retain persons with disabilities. The site, Federal Employment of People with Disabilities touches on such issues as workplace accommodation, laws and executive orders pertaining to the employment of people with disabilities, recruiting and hiring and more. Visit this website for more information.
National Organization on Disability (N.O.D.) has begun to accept applications for their second annual $25,000 Accessible America 2002 award competition. The competition calls on Mayors of widely accessible communities to explain how their citizens with disabilities are contributing and participating in local activities. According to a press release issued by N.O.D. on July 24, 2002, "the winner of the competition will be a city or town where citizens with disabilities have opportunities for full and equal participation in the life of their community, including access to jobs, education, religious worship, voting, transportation, housing, and the full range of local, social, recreational, cultural, and sports activities." In the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks special interest will be placed on those communities who have committed themselves to developing emergency preparedness programs for people with disabilities. Entries must be signed and verified by the Mayor of the applicant community and must be received by December 31, 2002. For more information, visit the N.O.D. website or call (202) 293-5960.
According to a press release issued by the U.S. Social Security Administration, you may be eligible to receive special savings via the Medicare Savings Program. The "Medicare Savings Program" is an umbrella name given to the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), Qualifying Individual (QI) and Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI) programs. These state-administered Medicaid programs subsidize certain Medicare expenses for beneficiaries with limited income. Under the authority of a recently enacted provision of the Social Security Act, SSA is identifying potential Medicare Savings Program eligible individuals. From May 10, 2002 thorugh November 8, 2002 nearly 16.5 million potentially eligible individuals will be sent a letter alerting them to their potential eligibility for QMB/SLMB/QI benefits. The letters encourage them to contact the state agency administering Medicaid if they believe they meet eligibility criteria described in the letter or have questions. These programs pay the Medicare Part B premium, now usually $54 per month. The QMB program also pays other Medicare-related expenses. If you or someone you know has received one of these letters, you are encouraged to call your Medicaid administrator.
So, are you a resident of a progressive state or one that needs some help in implementing a community-based care plan? To all those that are still waiting for community care options, it is important that you contact your state's Governor's Office and let them know that now is the time to take action. If you could benefit from community care it is important that you stay informed. Visit the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Promising Practices website to learn more about what is being done to end the institutional bias in long term care.
ARC of the United States has announced a partnership with 48 Hours - CBS News to report on the issue of parenting with developmental disabilities. The focus of the report will be on those parents that have battled the child welfare system for custody of their children. The system tends to view parents with developmental disabilities as unfit, often taking children from nurturing home environments with no indication of neglect or unfit parenting. If you are a parent with a developmental disability and have unrightfully had your child taken from you by the child welfare system, CBS News wants to hear your story. It is time we challenge the misguided stereotypes that have lead to such inappropriate and drastic action. Please contact Sianne Garlick with your story by e-mailing SG1@cbsnews.com.
Medicare Home Health Homebound Rule has caused countless numbers of people with disabilities and chronic illness to remain prisoners in their own homes. Those requiring the assistance of a skilled home health professional under Medicare have little opportunity to leave their homes due to the restricitve, yet vague language of the rule. As written now, the rule states that trips outside of the home must be of an "infrequent or of relatively short duration." This statement, open to wide interpretation, has lead many individuals to lose their home health benefits after their home health agencies had found that they had left their homes.
Tom Scully, the Administrator of the Center on Medicare and Medicaid Services has expressed great concern regarding this trend of lost benefits. He has asked that members of the disability community that have lost their home health benefits due to "homebound violations" contact him by e-mail with their story. If you are one of these individuals, e-mail Tom Scully today at tscully@cms.hhs.gov.
In the e-mail you are asked to:
Inclusion Solutions, a business that is working to ensure compliance of the Americans with Disabilities Act, has developed a new survey in which the accessibility of gas station pumps will be measured. The survey will also measure the effectiveness or availability of refueling assistance at gas stations considered as "self-service." If you have experienced difficulty in refueling your vehicle, Iclusion Solutions wants to hear your story. Comments will be gathered through Sunday, September 15, 2002. Survey results will be shared with the petroleum industry at their annual trade show in October. If you would like to share your experiences at the pump, call (866) ADA-KITS (232-5487).
United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has developed a new hotline in which airline passengers with disabilities may obtain information and assistance if they should experience disability-related air service problems. The toll-free number for the DOT aviation consumer disability hotline is (866) 266-1368 (Voice) and (866) 754-4368 (TTY).
ArcLink is sponsoring an on-line Forum on Positive Behavior Supports. All are welcome to participate. The forum will be moderated by two professionals with years of experiences in working with and for people with disabilities. To access this forum, visit ArcLink Share Information.
The State of Wisconsin is planning to adopt new code requirements for Accessibility in Commercial Buildings and Fair Housing by fall 2002. The codes are effective, however as early as July 1, 2002. The new Wisconsin Based Requirements have adopted the 2001 International Building Code (IBC) and the ICC/ANSI A117.1-Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities. The state adopted these changes after the International Building Code (IBC) had been revised in 2001 to include housing requirements that are equivalent to the federal fair housing law. One of the major changes to the Wisconsin code is that the Federal Fair Housing accessibility requirements will now apply to institutions such as nursing homes. There are many other changes that plan for adaptability, usability and accessibility in new construction, making it easier for a renter to make architectural modifications to their dwellings. One change has simplified all forward and side reach requirements to a minimum of 15" and maximum of 48." The federal Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) standards -28 CFR Part 36 and the Fair Housing Design Guidelines - 24 CFR Chapter 1 requirements will not be reviewed under Wisconsin but will still apply.
For more information on Fair Housing guidelines visit the Fair Housing Act Design Manual online.
Some tips from the new requirements for the homeowner or renter:
(1) Do not believe manufacturers who claim ADA approval for their products. The ADA does not have an approval process and therefore does not offer approval on any product.
(2) Architectural modifications are normally the cost burden of the renter not the owner of a dwelling, however, a renter may request lever plumbing controls or lever door handles for their dwelling unit at cost to the owner. (see Wisconsin s.101.132.Stats.).
Lighthouse International is a not-for-profit organization and a leading resource worldwide on vision impairment and vision rehabilitation. Through its pioneering work in vision rehabilitation services, education, research and advocacy, Lighthouse International enables people of all ages who are blind or partially sighted to lead independent and productive lives. Technology can go a long way in helping people with impaired vision be independent at home, in school and in the workplace. Visit this new on-line review and resource, Introduction to Adaptive Computer Technology, on the vast array of helpful adaptive computer and other technologies on the market.
Medicaid programs in Virginia, Nebraska and Maine have recently agreed to pay for adaptive computer systems that can make the use of a computer and the Internet a possibility for those with severe mobility limitations. Many states have also authorized funding for such systems under vocational rehabilitation. One such technology that is covered, is the Eyegaze System, a $15,000 technology package that allows a user to move the cursor around a computer screen with eye movement. This technology can bring about many opportunities to people with disabilities, particularly in employment. If you could benefit from this technology, speak to your local Medicaid or Vocational Rehabilitation office to find out if or when they will offer reimbursement for such devices.
World Institute on Disability (WID) has launched the National Technical Assistance Center for Latinos with Disabilities, also called Proyecto Vision (Project Vision). The center, established with a five-year grant, will serve to increase the employability of Latinos with disabilities living in the United States. More specifically, the center will:
The center offers bilingual technical assistance via a toll-free hotline, a bilingual website, newsletter and listserv, annual employment-centered trainings, and leadership development activities. For more information visit the Proyecto Vision website or call (510) 251-4326.
United States Social Security Administration has developed the 2002 Red Book, a summary guide to employment support available to people with disabilities under the Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income Programs. The 2002 Red Book goes into detail about working while disabled, how work affects benefit payments and eligibility, the Ticket to Work program and other employment supports that can make the transition to work easier for people with disabilities. The book is available online.
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) called for a National Call-in Day for Accessible Voting on May 29, 2002. While this day has passed, you are still encouraged to contact President Bush, reminding him to keep his New Freedom Initiative pledge. Let the President know which election reform bill will best meet your needs. AAPD asks that you ask the President to take a stand for real election reform that does not discriminate against people with disabilities. You can contact his office by calling (202) 456-1414 or by e-mailing president@whitehouse.gov.
To learn more about the election reform bills passed by the Senate and House of Representatives visit the respective websites as linked above.
National Organization on Disability has recently reported that they received their 2000th application to their Accessible Congregations Campaign, an initiative to enroll congregations of all faiths that commit to removing barriers and welcoming children and adults with all types of disabilities into their faith communities. Since this report, issued on May 3, 2002, they have enrolled an additional 133 congregations bringing the most recent total to 2133. Congregations in all 50 states have committed to becoming physically and attitudinally accessible to members and guests with disabilities. To find a congregation in your area that is committed to accessibility, visit the N.O.D website, click on "Religion" and then on "Accessible Congregations Campaign."
Safety Shield, a program that focuses on preventing violence against people with disabilities by helping them develop positive self and community awareness, has produced "Accessible Safety," a self defense video for people with disabilities. This step-by-step interactive video explains the "importance of exercise, preparedness before going out, awareness of one's environment and ways to protect oneself if attacked." This video stresses the importance of preparing both your mind and body in decreasing your vulnerability to an attack. For more information, or to order your videotape at $24.95 plus $4.00 shipping and handling, call (201) 925-6278. To receive free shipping, send check or money order in the amount of $24.95 to Richard Diamond, c/o Accessible Safety Tape, 12 Sulak Lane #31, Park Ridge, NJ 07656.
Disabled Lawyering Alliance is a recently formed "on-line network of lawyers and law students with disabilities. Its primary mission is to bring together disabled individuals interested in promoting the presence and advancement of people with disabilities within the legal profession by:
The Alliance welcomes all students and practitioners who identify as having a disability of any kind, and individuals interested in building coalitions and communities in this area." Visit this website to learn how you can become involved.
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced a series of nationwide workshops designed to educate small business leaders on the employment of people with disabilities. The free workshops will focus on the benefits of hiring people with disabilities and will cover such issues as interviewing, reasonable accommodations, recruitment resources and tax incentives. The workshops will also discuss the Americans with Disabilities Act. To learn of the time and location of a workshop near you, call (202) 663-4503.
Through the Looking Glass a National Resource Center for Parents with Disabilities, is extending a nationwide project to learn more about families in which a parent with a disability is raising a teen (aged 11-17 years old). Until August 31, 2002, parents are encouraged to participate in the national survey, which is available in a variety of formats including online and printable from their website, in Spanish, over the phone, and in a version specific to Deaf parents. A survey can also be requested via e-mail at tlg@lookingglass.org or by calling (800) 644-2666 or (800) 804-1616 (TTY).
Fishing Has No Boundaries (FHNB) has released its national Spring / Summer 2002 schedule of fishing events. FHNB events bring people with various disabilities together to not only enjoy the great outdoors, but to also create community awareness and support. Events are held beginning in May and last through September in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. While all are welcome, each event has a maximum number of participants that can be accepted. To learn more about an FHNB event near you or if you would like to learn how you could host an event in your state, call (800) 243-3462.
Through the Looking Glass is hosting the second annual International Conference on Parents with Disabilities and their Families on May 2 - 4, 2002 in Oakland, California. The three-day conference will include workshops as well as presentations by national and international speakers on a wide range of topics. If you are interested in attending, contact Through the Looking Glass at (800) 644-2666 (Voice), (800) 804-1616 (TTY) or e-mail conference@lookingglass.org.
Social Security Administration has revised the medical criteria used to evaluate the eligibility of people with muskuloskeletal impairments applying for Social Security or Supplemental Security Income. Such impairments include spinal disorders, joint deformity, amputations, fractures and soft tissue injuries, including burns. The revised rules reflect recent advances in the medical field. To read a complete report detailing the revisions, visit the Social Security Program Rules page online.
GovBenefits is a new website designed to help you locate government benefit programs for which you may be eligible. The website, a result of collaboration among various state and federal agencies, offers a free, confidential online screening tool in which you answer a series of questions about yourself. Upon answering the questions, GovBenefits will return a list of programs for which you may be eligible, as well as contact and application information for each. The website currently offers screening for 55 government programs with hopes to eventually offer information on all state and federal programs. Visit the link provided above to utilize this free service.
Research and Training Center on Full Participation in Independent Living (RTCFPIL) is conducting a research project in which they are seeking people with disabilities to complete a survey regarding participation in independent living. The information you provide may serve to influence beneficial programs and services in the future. Completion of the survey will also entitle you to a free advocacy tool. The survey is available on the RTCFPIL website or in a print format. For more information, or to obtain a paper copy of the survey, call (800) 255-3555 and ask about the R-1 survey.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced a historic partnership with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) to educate people in the housing industry on accessibility standards. They will focus their attention on the promotion of accessibility in multifamily housing, as set forth in a 1988 amendment to the Fair Housing Act. Specifically, the Fair Housing Act requires:
For more information on accessibility guidelines for people with disabilities, visit HUD's Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines online.
American Association of People with Disabilities called for a national Health Care Access Call-In Day on April 30, 2001, encouraging people with disabilities or anyone having no or inadequate insurance to contact their districts representatives. While this day has passed, you are still encouraged to contact your members of Congress, particularly those who have not shown support for wider health care access. Let them know how inadequate health care coverage has affected you or someone you know. Nearly 39 million Americans do not have adequate insurance to cover their health care needs, leading to unnecessary suffering and perhaps even premature death. To combat this alarming trend, the House of Representatives, in their Health Care Access Resolution, has called for Congress to enact legislation that will guarantee access to affordable and comprehensive health care to every person in the United States, no matter their ability to pay. If you would like to voice your opinions on this resolution, please contact your members of Congress today. To learn more about the Health Care Access Resolution visit Health Care Access Campaign online.
National Council on Disability (NCD) has released a report entitled "Supreme Court Decisions Interpreting the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)". According to an NCD press release, "this paper provides a summary of the Supreme Court's decisions through its 2000 term involving the ADA and the significant implications of these decisions. It is intended to increase public awareness of the ADA as interpreted by the Supreme Court and to give policymakers and ADA stakeholders an overview of ADA issues addressed by the Court, a synopsis of the decisions, and the significant implications of each decision in helping or hindering the implementation of ADA. Finally, the paper is intended to assist in the examination of the work that remains to be done to realize the law's promise." The full report is available on the NCD website. If you would like to contact NCD, you may call (202) 272-2004 (Voice) or (202) 272-2074 (TTY).
Center for Self Determination has recently published a training manual entitled "Self-Determination - Understanding the Core Principles Needed for People with Disabilities to Control their Own Lives." The manual, which is short and very easy to follow, defines self-determination, addresses issues that affect people with disabilities, and outlines emerging strategies on how an individual can achieve self-determination in their everyday lives. To obtain a copy of this manual, or to learn more about the Center for Self-Determination, call (734) 213-5220 or e-mail selfdetermination@earthlink.net.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Tommy Thompson approved the release of $128 million in grants to states under the National Family Caregiver Support Program. The program's grant will support states in offering assistance to family members who care for elderly or disabled family members. The grants will provide state agencies and community service providers with needed funds to offer information and referral services, counseling, caregiver and family support groups, respite services and other services that can complement care provided by family members. For more information, visit the HHS website.
Social Security Administration, on Tuesday, February 5, 2002, launched the first phase of the Ticket to Work Program, created under the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act. The program, designed to assist people with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining full-time employment, will include the distribution of "work tickets" to Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries. The tickets can be redeemed at any community service provider within the Employment Network for employment training and support services. While Delaware residents were the first to receive tickets in this new program, over the next five months, about 2.4 million tickets to work will be mailed to people with disabilities in the first 13 states selected for the program. Tickets will be distributed to all 50 states by 2004. To learn more about this program, call Maximus, Inc. at (866) 968-7842.
Through the Looking Glass, a community based nonprofit organization, is conducting a nationwide project to learn more about families in which a parent with a disability is raising a teen (11-17 years old). The project is gathering information via a national survey of parents with disabilities and their teenage children. The surveys are available in a variety of formats, including Spanish, over the phone, and in a version specific to Deaf parents. Additionally, families residing in the San Francisco Bay area are encouraged to participate in 12 weeks of solution-focused family therapy in their own home. Deaf parents can participate in a face-to-face interview in ASL if you live in or near one of the following cities: San Francisco, Seattle, Santa Fe, New York, Kansas City, or Washington, DC. Teens of parents with disabilities are also encouraged to participate in their hosted Teen Bulletin Board. Participation will earn your teen $5.00. To learn more about this project and survey opportunity, please call (800) 644-2666 (Voice) or (800) 804-1616 (TTY). You can also e-mail tlg@lookingglass.org.
National Organization on Disability (N.O.D.), in response to an indication that people with disabilities are under-prepared for future disasters, has launched their Disaster Mobilization Initiative. The Initiative, funded by a three-year $300,000 grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, will focus on bringing together governors, mayors, government agencies, disaster-planning officials, emergency response organizations, disability organizations and people with disabilities in developing a national disaster preparedness strategy. Specific actions will include the distribution of disaster preparedness materials and ideas, and the replication of successful disaster preparedness initiatives. To learn how you may become involved in this initiative, contact N.O.D. by phone at (202) 293-5960 or by e-mail at ability@nod.org.
Interactive Harris Survey, released by the National Organization on Disability (N.O.D.), indicates that people with disabilities are less prepared than the rest of the nation for future disasters and crises. According to the survey, which interviewed 1011 people, 15 percent of whom reported having some level of disability: 58 percent of people with disabilities do not know who they may contact to implement emergency plans in their community, 61 percent have not made home evacuation plans, and of the employed, 50 percent say that their employers have not implemented evacuation plans for their workplaces. Furthermore, over 60 percent of all respondents with disabilities say that they are anxious about their personal safety. This survey, indicates, according to N.O.D. president Alan Reich, that while the country as a whole is under-prepared for future disasters, "people with disabilities lag far behind everyone else. A critical discrepancy, because [those with disabilities] must in fact be better prepared so [they] are not at a disadvantage in an emergency." To learn how you may better prepare yourself for an emergency situation, visit the N.O.D. website.
Disability History Museum, with a goal to expand knowledge and understanding about the historical experience of people with disabilities in the United States, has recently made thousands of disability stories and facts available in their online library. Materials in the Library date back to the 18th century and represent all disability categories across the life span. These records illuminate daily life, work, charity, popular culture, local and national political milestones, shifts in visual representation and medical knowledge, and the rise and fall of a variety of social movements within the United States. It is essential that all human beings, regardless of disability, learn more about the ongoing human experience of disability. Please visit this website to learn more.
Freedom Scientific, a company offering assistive technology products for people with sensory impairments and learning disabilities, offers a technology scholarship program to legally blind high school and college graduates in the U.S. and Canada who plan to continue their education. The Scholarship Program will help 50 deserving students each year obtain the assistive technology products they need to achieve success in their educational pursuits, future careers and their everyday lives. The winning applicants will receive vouchers in amounts of either $2,500 or $1,500 to apply toward the purchase of Freedom Scientific's full line of products, including hardware, software, accessories, training and tutorials. Applications for this scholarship cycle must be received no later than March 31, 2002. For more information, call (800) 444-4443.
WeMedia is offering a free talking browser that helps people with low vision and some learning disabilities, like dyslexia, surf the Internet more easily. The browser, which can be downloaded from the WeMedia website, becomes the actual browser through which anyone can surf the Internet. Complete with large buttons and keystroke commands for easy navigation, the browser "speaks" the text selected on websites. For more information or to download this free browser, visit the WeMedia website.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson, on December 21, 2001, submitted the first multi-agency collaborative report ordered by President George Bush in June 2001. The report, entitled "Delivering on the Promise: Preliminary Report of Federal Agencies' Actions to Eliminate Barriers and Promote Community Integration," provides a summary of proposed agency actions in such key areas as health care structure and financing, caregiver and family support, employment, housing, and education. Each of the proposed actions will serve as an effort to better integrate people with disabilities into their communities. In the near future, each individual agency will submit a report outlining specific ways in which they plan to carry out President Bush's Executive Order.
It is more important than ever for people with disabilities, their caregivers and loved ones to be involved in this planning process. If you have a disability or know someone with a disability, please follow the development of this report closely; share your concerns with advocates and members of your local and federal government. Do not let your future be decided without you! Locate your district's representative online by visiting the U.S. House of Representatives.
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