Law, Health Policy & Disability Center
University of Iowa College of Law
http://disability.law.uiowa.edu/dpn/
and
The Burton Blatt Institute
Syracuse University
http://bbi.syr.edu
One–Stop Toolkit
Resources of the Week Technical Assistance Project E–Mail listserv
9 June 2006
Good morning everyone,
Below please find the web site and publication of the week, as well as other resources that we hope will be useful as you work on systems change activities to help improve employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
To subscribe and / or view past resources of the week archives, access: www.onestoptoolkit.org and click on the link to "Resources of the Week" on the right hand side of the home page.
To view an indexed list of the resources of the week by subject matter, visit the L.P.H.D.C. web site at http://disability.law.uiowa.edu/lhpdc/resources/wig/default.asp. It currently includes 20 categories, covering over 300 annotated references. Each category opens to a new window with each Resource of the Week which covered material in that area.
Have a good day and weekend!
Laura Farah
Program Associate
Law, Health Policy & Disability Center
University of Iowa College of Law
P: 617–489–0086
F: 617–489–1374
[ E–mail Lgleneck@mail.law.uiowa.edu ]
[ E–mail LFarah8@aol.com ]
[ http://www.onestoptoolkit.org ]
[The full announcement is located under the section heading "Web Sites of the Week."
]
Hire Disability Solutions, L.L.C. is a national leader in bringing together top companies and qualified men and women with disabilities. Businesses can post their job vacancies and tap into a pool of skilled workers. Individuals with a disability can post resumes and access thousands of jobs from companies that are specifically trying to reap the benefits of having a diverse workforce. It also includes information on Education and Individuals with Disabilities and Accessibility.
Created by a group of individuals that include Jeff Klare, who is not only a Disability Program Navigator in the State of New York, but also the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hire Disability Solutions, L.L.C., this Web Site is committed to serving business needs while simultaneously breaking down barriers. According to Jeff, the vision for this web site was born out of a dream of his sister. As a result of the experiences and barriers that she faced in her lifetime, which she felt no human should have to endure, it was her wish that people with disabilities would not have to go through what she had to, but rather would be seen as humans and individuals with abilities capable of real employment opportunities. This web site promotes the inclusion of persons with disabilities in employment.
As Navigators, you are always looking for resources to tap into and to share with your business services staff within the One-Stop Career Center, as well as the business community and business organizations that you are in contact with. This web site was created by individuals who have knowledge and expertise in working on both the business and the disability side, which is combined to create a one-stop resource to address both the needs of employers and to offer the largest national Career Network specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. Include this resource in your newsletters, listservs and share with your business groups. While on the site, sign up to receive the free newsletter. L.H.P.D.C. will continue to highlight this web site and will include a one-page flyer on the library section of the One-Stop Toolkit grantee collaborative workspace.
The purpose of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Program is to plan and conduct research, demonstration projects, training, and related activities to develop methods, procedures, and rehabilitation technology that maximize the full inclusion and integration into society, employment, independent living, family support, and economic and social self-sufficiency of individuals with disabilities, especially individuals with the most severe disabilities, and to improve the effectiveness of services authorized under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. D.R.R.P.s carry out one or more of the following types of activities, as specified and defined in 34 C.F.R. 350.13 through 350.19: Research, development, demonstration, training, dissemination, utilization, and technical assistance.
DATES: Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: July 21, 2006. Date of Pre-Application Meeting: June 16, 2006.
SUMMARY: N.I.D.R.R. has established two priorities for this competition. The General D.R.R.P. Requirements priority is from the notice of final priorities for the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers program, published in the Federal Register on April 28, 2006 (71 F.R. 25472). The Improving Employment Outcomes for the LFD Population priority is from the notice of final priorities for the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers program, published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: States; public or private agencies, including for-profit agencies; public or private organizations, including for-profit organizations; institutions of higher education (I.H.Es); and Indian tribes and tribal organizations.
| Type of Award: | Discretionary grant. |
|---|---|
| Estimated Available Funds: | $450,000. |
| Estimated Range of Awards: | $400,000 - $450,000. |
Access the U.R.L. to read the full announcement including application and submission information.
DATES: Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: July 21, 2006. Date of Pre-Application Meeting: June 15, 2006.
SUMMARY: N.I.D.R.R. has established two priorities for this competition. The General D.R.R.P. Requirements priority is from the notice of final priorities for the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers program, published in the Federal Register on April 28, 2006 (71 F.R. 25472). The Mobility Aids and Way-Finding Technologies for Individuals With Blindness and Low Vision priority is from the notice of final priorities for the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers program, published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: States; public or private agencies, including for-profit agencies; public or private organizations, including for-profit organizations; institutions of higher education (I.H.Es); and Indian tribes and tribal organizations.
| Type of Award: | Discretionary grant. |
|---|---|
| Estimated Available Funds: | $450,000. |
| Estimated Range of Awards: | $400,000 - $450,000. |
Access the U.R.L. to read the full announcement including application and submission information.
DATES: Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: July 21, 2006. Date of Pre-Application Meeting: June 19, 2006.
SUMMARY: N.I.D.R.R. has established two priorities for this competition. The General D.R.R.P. Requirements priority is from the notice of final priorities for the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers program, published in the Federal Register on April 28, 2006 (71 F.R. 25472). The A.T. Outcomes Research Project priority is from the notice of final priorities for the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Projects and Centers program, published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: States; public or private agencies, including for-profit agencies; public or private organizations, including for-profit organizations; institutions of higher education (I.H.Es); and Indian tribes and tribal organizations.
| Type of Award: | Discretionary grant. |
|---|---|
| Estimated Available Funds: | $450,000. |
| Estimated Range of Awards: | $400,000 - $450,000. |
Access the U.R.L. to read the full announcement including application and submission information.
DATES: Written comments must be received within 60 days of this notice (note, the date of this notice is May 26th.
SUMMARY: In compliance with section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 concerning opportunity for public comment on proposed collections of information, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will publish periodic summaries of proposed projects.
Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collections of information are necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.
These regulations meet the directive under 42 U.S.C. 10826(b) requiring the Secretary to promulgate final regulations to carry out the PAIMI Act. The regulations contain information collection requirements. The Act authorized funds to support activities on behalf of individuals with significant (severe) mental illness (adults) or emotional impairment (children / youth) 42 U.S.C. at 10802(4)]. However, only entities designated by the governor of each State and six (6) territories (the American Indian Consortium, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands), and the Mayor of the District of Columbia to protect and advocate the rights of persons with developmental disabilities under Title I, Subtitle C -- Protection and Advocacy of Individual Rights, of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 [42 U.S.C. 150041 et seq.) are eligible to receive PAIMI grants [42 U.S.C. at 10802(2)]. PAIMI grants are based on a formula prescribed by the Secretary [42 U.S.C. at 10822(a)(1)(A)].
On January 1, each eligible State protection and advocacy (P & A) system is required to prepare and transmit to the Secretary and head of the State Mental Health Agency, in which the system is located, a report describing its activities, accomplishments, and expenditures during the most recently completed fiscal year. Section 10824(a) of the Act requires that the State P&A system's annual reports to the Secretary, shall describe its activities, accomplishments, and expenditures to protect the rights of individuals with mental illness supported with payments from PAIMI Program allotments.
Access the U.R.L. to read the full announcement including where to submit comments
.[The following is excerpted from the report.]
Improving the employment outcomes for persons with disabilities is the primary goal of State Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG) projects. Enhancing the probability of achieving that goal enables states to share their ideas, program efforts, and results. The Center for Workers with Disabilities (C.W.D.) has prepared a brief summary of the highlights of fourth-quarter activities. This report discusses the changes in the fourth quarter and may reflect actions taken earlier in 2005 that occurred in the Medicaid Buy-In programs in states that are receiving either Basic or Comprehensive Employment Opportunity (C.E.O.) grants. program. This report will incorporate the following five areas of Medicaid Buy-In progress and evaluation: (1) development of legislation regarding the Medicaid Buy-In, (2) development of multi-agency outreach and collaboration activities, (3) development of outreach and collaboration activities among stakeholders, (4) outreach and information dissemination, and (5) personal assistance services. Overall, the fourth-quarter report indicates that Medicaid Buy-In programs are successful and that individuals with disabilities continue to apply for and enroll in these programs.
The SAMHSA Resource Center to Address Discrimination and Stigma Associated with Mental Illness (ADS Center) hosts approximately six free training teleconferences annually. These events generally consist of two or more formal presentations followed by an open forum. Participants present and discuss the most up-to-date research and information about stigma and stigma-reduction programs and topics, as well as share experiences, and expertise on efforts to counteract discrimination and stigma associated with mental illness.
Since scheduling conflicts often prevent many stakeholders from joining in the live events, the teleconference trainings are archived online for individuals or groups to utilize at their convenience. Access the web site to download complete presentations and listen to the audio recordings. Instructions for play and download are included on the site.
[The following information is included in its entirety from the Facts for Features special edition]
On this day in 1990, President George H. W. Bush signed into law the Americans with Disabilities Act, guaranteeing equal opportunity for people with disabilities in public accommodations, commercial facilities, employment, transportation, state and local government services and tele-communications.
Unless otherwise indicated, all the statements come from the Americans with Disabilities: 2002 report at
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/aging_population/006809.html.
This one-page fact sheet includes information on recovery from serious mental illness. Information shared in the fact sheet covers what is recovery and is it possible especially for someone living with a serious psychiatric disability. The fact sheet identifies the following resources:
Rural Development is committed to helping faith and community organizations learn about and access programs that can enhance their capacity to serve their community. This toolkit offers a one-stop shop for organizations interested in applying for Rural Development programs and includes supplemental resources, legal guidance for faith and community groups and contact information for the Faith-Based and Community Initiative Office and liaisons at U.S.D.A.: The toolkit includes the following main categories of resources and information:
Hire Disability Solutions, L.L.C. is a national leader in bringing together top companies and qualified men and women with disabilities. We are committed to serving business needs while simultaneously breaking down barriers. By working with Hire Disability Solutions, businesses can post their job vacancies and tap into a pool of skilled workers, and individuals with a disability can post resumes and access thousands of jobs from companies that are specifically trying to reap the benefits of having a diverse workforce.
The web site has a section devoted to the employment of Job Seekers with Disabilities and includes information on myths, statistics, and resources and information on finding a job. In addition, job seekers can find information on self employment, the HireDS Career Network, employee rights, assistive technology and ask the expert. The site also includes resources and information for Employers on hiring individuals with disabilities including posting ads, benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities, marketing to individuals with disabilities, as well as information on workplace disability laws and making accommodations. The site also includes two additional sections, one on Education and Individuals with Disabilities and Accessibility.
Jeffrey S. Klare is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hire Disability Solutions, L.L.C. an employment consulting company assisting corporations and organizations in the management of inclusion and diversity in the workplace. Mr. Klare serves as a consultant to many of the Fortune 1000 on the issue of Disabilities and Employment. Mr. Klare also serves as a Disability Program Navigator with the State of New York Disability Program Navigator Initiative.
On May 30th, the Social Security Administration’s Office of Policy has released the following documents on its web site:
This biennial report includes more than 70 statistical tables with data on the major sources and amounts of income for people aged 55 or older and their total income and poverty status.
This report presents data on all S.S.I. disabled recipients who work, Section 1619 participants, and recipients who benefit from other work incentive programs.
For more information about the S.S.A. Office of Policy and to access all of our policy, research, and statistical publications, please visit the home page: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/policy.
[If you are interested in receiving a copy of this report, 61 pages in M.S. Word, send an e-mail to laura-farah@uiowa.edu.]
[ Get Microsoft Office C.D., free trial, S / H applies ] (free but shipping and handling fees apply)
The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999, Public Law 106-170, requires the Commissioner of Social Security to provide for independent evaluations to assess the effectiveness of the Ticket to Work program, and to submit a report to Congress with recommendations for a method or methods to adjust payment rates to ensure adequate incentives for the provision of services by employment networks. This quarterly update is submitted to the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Advisory Panel. The Advisory Panel was established by legislation to advise the President, the Congress and the Commissioner of Social Security on issues related to work incentive programs, planning and assistance for individuals with disabilities, and the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program.
This quarterly update provides status information on implementation activities as they relate to the Ticket to Work Program and other provisions of the legislation. Also included is information on issues raised by the Panel since the previous meeting held February 1 - 3, 2006, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Part I contains a discussion of program activities as well as updated information for related studies and demonstrations; Part II contains a list of requests made to the Panel for advice and guidance on issues of importance; and Part III contains a list of documents and other related materials provided to the Panel.
The information in this quarterly update was compiled by the Staff of S.S.A.'s Office of Disability and Income Security Programs, the Office of Operations and the Office of Communications.
[The following is excerpted from the section of the report titled Implementation Activities Since the Last Quarterly Panel Meeting (of the Ticket to Work panel.]
As of April 21, 2006, 130,928 Tickets have been assigned to Employment Networks (E.Ns.) and State vocational rehabilitation (V.R.) agencies. This is an increase of 13,050 Ticket assignments, or an 11 percent increase over the last report to the Panel in February 2006. Of the 130,928 assignments, 9,355 Tickets are assigned to E.Ns.. This is an increase of 615 Ticket assignments or a 7 percent increase in assignments to E.Ns. since the last report.
As of May 4, 2006, S.S.A. has 1,394 active E.N. contracts. A breakout of E.Ns. by State is available on the web at: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/work/Ticket/ticket_info.html
As of April 21, 2006, S.S.A. has made 14,799 milestone or outcome payments to 332 E.Ns. and State V.R. agencies on behalf of 2,133 beneficiaries. This represents an increase of 15 new E.Ns. receiving payments since the last quarterly report, a 4.7 percent increase; and an additional 223 beneficiaries whose work is generating a payment to an E.N., an 11.6 percent increase. Through April 21, 2006, S.S.A. has paid $5,023,023 in E.N. payments.
E.N. payments have been made on behalf of beneficiaries living in all but the following States or territories:
For the period through April 30, 2006, S.S.A. has paid 7,380 cost reimbursement requests involving Ticket assignments to State V.R. agencies. Based on these cost reimbursement claims, S.S.A. has paid $81 million to State V.R. agencies for the services provided to Ticket beneficiaries who completed a nine-month continuous period of substantial gainful activity.
Since the completion of the ticket rollout in September 2004, Tickets are now being issued to disability beneficiaries who are newly awarded, or to medical-improvement expected beneficiaries whose benefits have been continued after a medical disability review. The Disability Control File (D.C.F.) receives a monthly update of all of the newly eligible from the previous month and new Tickets are mailed. The mailings of the Tickets are staggered throughout the month to provide the S.S.A. Program Manager the ability to better manage the spikes in call volumes created by the mailings. There were 68,574 Ticket selections for February 2006, 61,187 for March 2006, and 70,496 for April 2006. To date, a total of 10,006,792 Tickets have been mailed.
We have extended the current Benefits Planning, Assistance and Outreach (BPAO) cooperative agreement awards from June 1, 2006 through September 29, 2006 in order to allow these projects to continue to provide services to beneficiaries with disabilities under the current program structure.
In mid-May 2006, we plan to release a new competitive Request for Applications (R.F.A.) in the Federal Register. This R.F.A. will have an emphasis on work incentives, return to work supports, and jobs for beneficiaries. This emphasis includes changing the B.P.A.O. name to Work Incentives Planning and Assistance organizations. Benefits Specialists will be referred to as Community Work Incentives Coordinators (C.W.I.C.s.).
The R.F.A. will be a nationwide, competitive solicitation, covering the District of Columbia, the 50 States, and all U.S. Territories. We intend to award new cooperative agreements under this R.F.A. to implement an improved program effective September 30, 2006.
Once the R.F.A. is released, we plan to hold 10 informational pre-application seminars throughout the nation in May and June 2006 to solicit interest and encourage community-based organizations to apply for cooperative agreement awards. All interested applicants are invited to attend. The announcement for these seminars will be posted on the Federal Register.
The Ticket to Work Program Manager for Recruitment and Outreach, Cherry Engineering Support Services, Inc. (CESSI) has begun an outreach campaign directed towards E.Ns. who have a contract with S.S.A. but have not taken a Ticket assignment. The purpose of this effort is to introduce these E.Ns. to the proposed changes to the Ticket to Work Program, which we hope will encourage them to engage beneficiaries for the purpose of providing support and subsequently having the beneficiary assign their Ticket. Based on feedback received from CESSI, the initial results of this campaign have been positive.
We have been involved in multiple outreach initiatives promoting the Ticket to Work Program and other work incentives. These events have helped us communicate information about the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for the improved Ticket program to over 3,500 beneficiaries, advocates and potential E.Ns..
From January 2006 to May 2006, Office of Employment Support Programs’ staff, regional office staff, and CESSI attended the following conferences and other events:
[Excerpted from the Background to the report.]
Advocates and service providers frequently cite inadequate transportation as one of the major problems facing people with disabilities, especially those living in rural communities. Many approaches have been tried to address this problem. People with disabilities and community service providers frequently suggest that local faith-based organizations (F.B.Os.) such as churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, and other organizations might be involved in improving transportation.
Access the U.R.L. to learn more about the transportation and faith based connection.
The May 2006 edition of Diversity World included this online handbook resource developed by the Canadian government for meeting planners. According to Diversity World, this guide will provide meeting and conference organizers with practical tips and advice to ensure the full participation of persons with disabilities.
[The following is excerpted from the guide’s Introduction.]
Meetings and conferences bring people together to share information, develop strategies, work toward common goals and celebrate successes. Participation is a key element in the success of these events. Given the time, effort and resources committed to planning events, it makes good business sense to ensure that all attendees can participate fully. Although unintentional, the accommodation and inclusion needs of people with disabilities are often overlooked when meetings and conferences are organized.
This guide will provide meeting and conference organizers with practical tips and advice to ensure the full participation of persons with disabilities. The guide provides information on:
The guide also provides the following tools: