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
28 July 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 announcements are located under the section heading "Web Sites of Interest."
]
People with disabilities need the freedom, skills and ability to accumulate assets. The disability community needs more financial education on managing credit and savings, greater access to financial institutions, tax counseling on the Earned Income Tax Credit, homeownership counseling and information on other asset building tools such as Individual Development Accounts and Micro-enterprise (Reference: Ball, P., Morris, M., Hartnett, J. & Blanck P. (2005). Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: Asset Accumulation By People with Disabilities. Disability Studies Quarterly.). However, asset development is not nearly as talked about in the disability community as asset limits are, especially in terms of S.S.I. / S.S.D.I. resource and earnings limits. But there are several asset development tools that currently exist and Disability Navigators can help to promote these valuable resources. Go to the above Web sites to learn more about asset development for people with disabilities and spread this information throughout your state and local disability communities.
SOLUTIONS is an online newsletter published by Hire Disability Solutions. Each issue will feature articles about the employment of individuals with disabilities. The primary purpose of the publication is to provide information to the Hire Disability Solutions community that will help increase understanding and awareness of disability related issues and help facilitate employment. The Hire Disability Solutions community consists of corporations who have a commitment to helping individuals with disabilities succeed, individuals with disabilities seeking employment, and others who believe in the Hire Disabilities Solutions’ mission: “Giving all that want a chance to succeed, the opportunity to succeed”.
SOLUTIONS will be primarily distributed electronically. People sign up to receive the newsletter on our Web site www.hireDS.com. Printed copies may be available upon request.
For the first issue, we are looking to highlight organizational best practices for hiring individuals with disabilities as well as tools and tips for finding and retaining employment. If you would like to contribute an article, send us an article proposal. The proposal should include a working title and a couple of paragraphs describing what the article will discuss. We will then send you a copy of our "Article Specifications" describing how your article should be formatted.
Once we have received all contributions for a specific issue, the issue editor will choose articles for the current publication. Articles that are not chosen for the publication that they submit for may be published at a later date. The topic for the next issue will be announced once the preceding issue has been prepared and released. The Hire Disability Solutions community will influence issue topics.
Please send all article proposals and questions about SOLUTIONS to
Alison Lipman (alipman@hireDS.com)
Regular mail:
Hire Disability Solutions
74 - 20th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11232
Attn: Alison Lipman
Hire Disability Solutions, L.L.C. -- was founded in response to the increasing demand for services for individuals with disabilities that promote inclusion into the mainstream employment world. Since its inception in 2004, Hire Disability Solutions has established itself as a national leader in protecting and enhancing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Through its educational campaigns surrounding employment law, education opportunities and assistive technology, the company facilitates the success of individuals with disabilities and employers alike.
[The Proclamation is included below in its entirety.]
The Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) has helped fulfill the promise of America for millions of individuals living with disabilities. The anniversary of this landmark legislation is an important opportunity to celebrate our progress over the last 16 years and the many contributions individuals with disabilities make to our country.
When President George H. W. Bush signed the A.D.A. into law on July 26, 1990, he called this legislation a "dramatic renewal not only for those with disabilities but for all of us, because along with the precious privilege of being an American comes a sacred duty to ensure that every other American's rights are also guaranteed." The A.D.A's far-reaching reforms have played a significant role in enhancing the quality of life for millions of Americans who must overcome considerable challenges each day in order to participate fully in all aspects of American life.
My Administration continues to build on the progress of the A.D.A. through the New Freedom Initiative. We have established an online connection to the Federal Government's disability-related information and resources at DisabilityInfo.gov, and the job training and placement services of the "Ticket to Work" program and One Stop Career Centers are promoting greater employment opportunities. We are also expanding educational opportunities for children with disabilities, providing them with the tools they need for success in their classrooms, homes, and communities. In addition, we are fostering technological advancement and encouraging increased distribution of assistive technology to help people with disabilities live and work with greater independence. My Administration will continue its efforts to remove barriers confronting Americans with disabilities and their families so that every individual can realize their full potential.
On this anniversary of the A.D.A., we underscore our commitment to ensuring that the fundamental promises of our democracy are accessible to all our citizens. As we strive to be a more caring and hopeful society, let us continue to show the character of America in our compassion for one another.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 1990, 2006, as a day in celebration of the 16th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I call on all Americans to celebrate the many contributions of individuals with disabilities as we work towards fulfilling the promise of the A.D.A. to give all our citizens the opportunity to live with dignity, work productively, and achieve their dreams.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty fifth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.
GEORGE W. BUSH
The Social Security Administration (S.S.A.) has a Multi-Language gateway on their Web site to ensure that individuals have access to public information materials regardless of their ability to communicate in English. Materials are available in the following languages (access the Web site and click on the language):
TVWorldwide.com, a fast-growing Web-based global T.V. network, announced that its Internet T.V. Channel, for the community of people with disabilities, AT508.com, (www.AT508.com) will provide an archived Webcast of the National Council on Disabilities Town Hall Meeting event commemorating the 16th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, July 26, 2005. Along with T.V. Worldwide, www.AT508.com channel sponsor T.P.G. is making this Webcast possible through its generous support to offer a first hand perspective on issues facing the A.D.A. as it celebrates its 16th anniversary.
The meeting, which is officially known as “A National Dialogue on the State of Disability,” was held on Wednesday, July 26, 2006, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., at the National Press Club, National Press Building, 529 14th Street, N.W., 13th Floor, Washington, D.C. The free Webcast of the meeting is available as an archived video for one year, on www.tvworldwide.com and www.AT508.com within 24 - 48 hours after the completion of the event.
This town hall meeting, observing the 16th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.), is made possible by strong inter-governmental support and collaboration of people throughout the Federal Government. This significant engagement attests to the ongoing importance of A.D.A.. The National Council on Disability (N.C.D.) has expressed its gratitude to the collaborating agencies that worked with N.C.D. to plan this town hall meeting and those cosponsoring agencies.
“A.D.A. represents a true milestone in the recognition of the rights of people with disabilities,” said Paciello. “Without its passage millions of Americans would be denied access to opportunities that are enjoyed each day by those who do not have disabilities. This is also a day to focus on the challenges that confront this growing population. As we move further into the information age, the I.T. industry needs to ensure that products and services are equally accessible.”
"As a long-time developer of streaming media content for the community of people with disabilities we are excited about again Webcasting this important anniversary," commented Dave Gardy, Chairman and C.E.O. of www.tvworldwide.com. "Thanks to AT508.com’s compelling programming, the channel has grown rapidly over the last few years. We again expect a huge audience and we are preparing our servers to accommodate this special 16th anniversary Webcast event.”
In a world where we are accustomed to writing by typing on our personal computers, there are still occasions when we need to write by hand using pencils and pens. For people who have various disabilities, writing can be more difficult than pushing buttons on a keyboard. Fortunately there are a variety of writing aids to improve grip, reduce spasms, decrease fatigue and to make alignments:
Devices for holding writing instruments - The Wanchik Writer is a writing utensil holder that wraps around the palm of the hand while holding the pen snugly and comfortably. It features adjustability, fits left or right hand in both small and large sizes, and is easy to put on and take off. Another product, The Writing Bird, is great for people unable to hold a pen. Gentle pressure on the tail allows it to glide smoothly along the writing surface without smearing and can be used by either hand. The Wanchik Writer is available at www.activeforever.com or call (800) 377-8033 and www.sammonspreston.com or call (800) 323-5547; The Writing Bird is available at www.lifesolutionsplus.com or call (877) 785-8326.
Specialty pens - Dr. Grip was designed to reduce muscle strain and writing stress by utilizing a soft, contoured rubber grip that is easy to grasp. The Lite Touch Pen relieves thumb pain and is easy to grip. Only light pressure is required to write using this thick shaft pen. Another pen that eliminates the need for a tight grip is the Ring Pen. By providing support for the index finger, this instrument also reduces writing fatigue and pain. Dr. Grip and the Lite Touch Pen can be purchased at www.activeforever.com or (800) 377-8033; The Ring Pen is available at www.sammonspreston.com or (800-323-5547 or http://lifewithease.com or (800) 966-5119.
Spasm stabilizers - The Weighted Universal Grip Holder and Steady Write are both products that decrease spasms, tremors, and shakiness often associated with persons who have cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s Disease, and ataxia. These products use weights to steady the hand. Other products that dampen spastic movements and assist in controlling tremors are often used in rehabilitation settings by occupational and physical therapists. One of these products is the Action Arm. It was designed to develop fine, medium and gross motor movements, improve eye-hand coordination, strengthen muscles, and provide wrist-finger dexterity. The Action Arm allows adjustable resistance, repetition, accuracy measurement, and kinesthetic feedback for the user. The Weighted Universal Grip Holder is available at www.activeforever.com or (800) 377-8033; Steady Write can be purchased at http://lifewithease.com or (800) 966-5119 or at www.sammonspreston.com or 800-323-5547; the Action Arm is only available at http://taggmed.com/action.htm or at (949) 770-9029.
Foam tubing and handle build-ups - These soft writing grips will not slip and are comfortably contoured to fit the hand. Toothbrushes, eating utensils, and other hard to hold items can be used as well. These products can be purchased at www.careaids.com or (602) 402-2020, www.business-supply.com or (800) 676-0180 and www.AccessTR.com or (800) 634-4351.
Low vision devices - The 20 - 20 Pen provides bold, easy-to-read writing in black ink, but is not a felt-tip pen. Check Writing Guides offer alignment security for people who have difficulty filling in the blanks on their banking checks. The template is placed over the check, just fill in the standard information. These low vision products are available at www.maxiaids.com or (800) 522-6294 and www.lssproducts.com or (800) 468-4789.
For information on vendors of some of these products, please visit our Web site at:
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/cgi-win/OrgQuery.exe?Sol200
Asset building represents public policy and private sector efforts to enable persons with limited financial resources to accumulate and preserve long-term, productive assets — savings, investments, a home, post-secondary education and training, a small business, and a nest-egg for retirement. Recently, people with disabilities, in conjunction with the organizations that represent them, have developed ways to supplement benefit programs and work efforts with strategies to build savings and wealth - especially Individual Development Account programs. While these have been largely successfully, assets limits (especially in S.S.I.) and (for those unable to work) earned income requirements have been barriers to more success.
Key links found on this Web site to asset building resources and strategies for people with disabilities include:
This Web site is the result of a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Education. It is designed to provide information on high growth, in-demand occupations along with the skills and education needed to attain those jobs.
[The article is included below in its entirety.]
One year ago today I collapsed on a golf course with a back injury. Not to get too technical, but things went absolutely cattywampus in my spine and shut down the nerves to my legs. For two weeks I had to sleep sitting up. For a month I had to use a walker to go anywhere, including the bathroom. I was out of work for five weeks. I spent four months shuttling among doctors and chiropractors and neurologists.
In November I had surgery. I spent another couple of months barely able to walk. Today I still have numbness in one foot. The surgeon said it may be more than a year before I'm back to normal - if I'm ever back to normal. (Don't talk to doctors if you're looking for good news.) Early in the process, one of the medical assistants said, "I'll bet you're going to write something about this." I replied, "Not until it seems funny." Well, it's still not funny. But it sure has been instructive.
One of the biggest lessons I learned was: Thank goodness for the A.D.A.. The A.D.A. is the Americans with Disabilities Act. The 1990 law was largely aimed at preventing discrimination against people with disabilities in hiring and employment. But it also specified that all public venues, such as hotels, restaurants, theaters, stores and auditoriums, should provide accommodations to let people with disabilities use their facilities. During the worst of my ordeal, that law was a lifesaver. There were times as I shuffled along with my walker that I couldn't have climbed a sidewalk if not for a curb cut-in or entered a building if not for an automatic door. A temporary handicapped-parking pass let me park close to the front of drugstores and grocery stores. Had I parked any farther away, I couldn't have made it to the store and back.
While I was injured we drove to Wisconsin, and on that trip I took my first showers in weeks - because every hotel had a bar on the shower wall that let me hold myself upright while the water cascaded on me. It was a vivid lesson in how necessary those accommodations must be to people with disabilities - and a reminder that all of us are just an unexpected injury away from needing them ourselves. "I think one of the reasons (acceptance of A.D.A.) is spreading into the community is because we are all realizing how vulnerable we are," said Bea Awoniyi. "We who consider ourselves normal suffer a temporary disability and we understand. We see our children and spouses and other family members with disabilities and we understand."
Awoniyi is director of Florida State's Student Disability Resource Center. The center arranges accommodations for 1,200 F.S.U. students with disabilities. Such accommodations can range from voice-activated computers to special rooms for test-taking to scheduling help. F.S.U. also has an office of A.D.A. compliance, led by Gerardo Rivera, charged with making sure all of its buildings provide access for people with disabilities. Awoniyi and Rivera said what may seem like special features for one group really benefit everyone. Elevators let those in wheelchairs attend baseball games - but also are used by able-bodied people who don't like stairs. Curb cut-ins accommodate wheelchairs - and bicyclists. Push-button automatic doors make entering a building easier for someone with a disability - or someone with an armload of books.
Such universality is also emphasized by Rachel Gerlach. The F.S.U. senior has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair - which hasn't kept her from skydiving and studying tae kwon do. She's president of F.S.U. Access, an advocacy group for students with disabilities. "People often come at me with the argument, 'Why should we make these accommodations when they only affect a small percentage of the population?' '' Gerlach said. "But a large percentage of the American public will become temporarily disabled at some point in their lives. We have students come in (the resource center) all the time with broken legs, broken arms, bad backs, you name it, who need some temporary assistance."
Mind you, A.D.A. comes with costs that don't please everyone. Bemmie Eustace is site-development director for Interplan L.L.C., an Orlando architectural firm that designs restaurants. Eustace said meeting A.D.A. requirements can significantly reduce the space of a small retail shop and can be a financial and design challenge for older buildings. She said even owners of big businesses sometimes grumble about the space demands caused by the "infamous" lavatory rule: Florida is the only state that requires a sink inside a restroom's handicapped stall. She said there's frustration about the vagueness of the law, which requires businesses to put in accessibility features that are "readily achievable" - but "readily achievable" can be different for a company of 500 stores than for a mom and pop store." "A.D.A. is a very, very broad civil-rights act. It's the only civil-rights law I know that requires every business to retrofit their store to some level," Eustace said. "How much is enough is a question that has not been answered by the courts."
But Eustace said industry has largely embraced A.D.A. and realizes it's good for businesses because it expands stores' customer base to people with disabilities and those who accompany them. And, of course, business owners are also citizens. "The intent of A.D.A. was to not discriminate against the disabled, and it is always a good thing in America to eliminate discrimination," Eustace said. "From a social standpoint, it's been a good thing. It has changed America for the better."
I couldn't agree more.
Contact reporter Gerald Ensley at (850) 599-2310 or gensley@tallahassee.com
[The following is excerpted from the Executive Summary of the report.]
In the last few decades, the needs and welfare of youth with disabilities as a distinct population have increasingly become the focus of public policy, legislation, and programs. Significant progress has been made in the educational opportunities and the quality of educational services accessible and available to youth with disabilities. The number and quality of employment opportunities and work incentive programs for individuals with disabilities has increased and improved. Youth with disabilities, their families, and their communities are changing expectations regarding attainable goals and possibilities for adulthood. Policy and programs addressing the transition from secondary education to adulthood, however, are still being developed. This report looks at state programs to help youth with disabilities with the transition to adulthood.
The report provides an overview of the state programs and efforts addressing the needs of youth in transition with disabilities, as states reported in a survey on components and progress of state transition programs. Of the 25 states that responded to the survey, 19 reported having a cohesive, active task force or council on transition issues for youth with disabilities. In 14 states, the task force or work group efforts are spearheaded by the Department of Education or Special Education, the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, or some combination of the two. The membership, structure, goals, accomplishments, activities, youth involvement, and funding sources of these task forces vary significantly among states. The most frequently cited activities of the youth task forces are information distribution, development of policy recommendations, and education regarding issues for youth in transition with disabilities. Advocacy and issues of parental and familial involvement in transition efforts were also reported. Other activities included resource mapping, increasing inter-agency and inter-organizational collaboration and communication, career and employment programs, and planning transition conferences and events.
In addition to task forces or work groups, states engage in a number of other initiatives focusing on transition issues for youth with disabilities. Eighteen states provide benefits counseling on sections 1619 (a) and (b) of the Social Security Act, which allow for individuals with disabilities to receive S.S.I. benefits and to continue receiving Medicaid coverage even if their earned income level reduced their S.S.I. benefit to nothing. The 1619 (a) and (b) provisions are the basis of most work incentive programs. States may also provide counseling to S.S.D.I. beneficiaries who are eligible for Medicaid on ways they can retain their health care benefits through the Medicaid Buy-in program if they earn more than the amount of the substantial gainful activity (S.G.A.) level allows.
Twenty-one states provide information and education on the Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) program. Twenty-four states reported that they provide training to transition educators and counselors. Twenty-three states reported that they sponsor or organize job fairs, internships, and provide shadowing programs or other opportunities. All 25 states reported providing daily living skills training and counseling in schools, and 24 states reported also providing these services in a setting outside schools. All 25 states also provide both evaluation services and employment skills training and counseling services in schools, with 23 states also providing both services outside schools. Twenty-four states offer in-school community integration services, and 23 offers services outside the schools. Twenty-three states offer both social skills training and counseling services and advocacy skills training (for youth and/or families) in schools, with 21 and 22 states providing these services in out-of-school settings, respectively. About three-quarters of states (19) also provide diagnostic services in school (21 provide out-of-school diagnostic services). Twenty-two states provide equipment and supplies in schools, and 21 states provide them outside schools.
Inter-agency coordination and collaboration is a key element to transition programming. The survey found that significant variation exists in the level of coordination for transition efforts. Several states acknowledged that their coordination efforts are still underway and are currently being strengthened. Many indicated in their survey responses that improving the level and channels of communication between various parties involved in transition efforts was a major state goal. It is crucial for different programs and agencies to have a mechanism to communicate and coordinate so they can be aware of services being provided by other state agencies. This better enables them to provide the maximum level of service possible to populations in need.
The report compiles a list of promising state practices for transition programs that are in progress. This list includes a broad range of practices, from conferences and summits solely focused on successful transition planning for youth with disabilities, to successful coordination and collaboration models, innovative waiver and demonstration programs, and education and outreach materials.
States clearly indicated that youth in transition is an important population deserving of increased attention and resources. Twenty-two states indicated that further technical assistance would be useful in their transition efforts. More than half of states specifically named information sharing and inter-agency coordination as an area for future assistance. Fifteen states indicated that access to best practice information from other states would help their own efforts at addressing the needs of youth in transition. Over half of the number of states said they would like additional technical assistance on how to involve advocates and consumers in youth in transition programs. Twelve states responded that additional assistance would be useful on strategic planning for future transition efforts and progress. Nine states indicated they would like assistance on outreach. Other areas suggested for further technical assistance included how to better involve the One-Stop centers in transition services; sustainability; post-secondary school outcomes; implementing the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; funding; and other resources necessary in assisting youth.
The report also includes a discussion about the importance of transition programs and planning the context of current disability culture and policy. In disability policy there has been a shift toward consumer-directed information; encouraging independent and integrated lifestyles through home- and community-based care and services; and establishing comprehensive support networks. These principles are evident in many state transition efforts.
Comprehensive and effective transition services for youth with disabilities can play a crucial role in fostering the confidence and skill base that youth and young adults need to live a successful, independent, and productive life in adulthood. Instilling high expectations and goals for post-secondary education and employment is essential for youth reaching and under-going the transition phase, and this message needs to be reinforced throughout young adulthood. Promoting self-sufficiency and goals of employment among youth with disabilities is important in instituting a culture change in disability employment. Programs that address such issues as independent living, financial self-sufficiency, and self-advocacy prepare youth with disabilities for an adulthood less dependent on the government and other public programs than those of past generations. Educating youth in transition about health care options, transportation services, job training, and living skills, provides them with a wide range of tools and knowledge about available resources for whatever supports they may need.
[The article is included below in its entirety.]
The companies on this Top 10 list demonstrate a nurturing, respectful corporate environment where all employees can reach their potential. To ascertain this list, we looked at recruitment and marketing programs aimed at people with disabilities, employee-resource groups, diversity training and we examined the Web sites of the company's to see if they mentioned and featured images of people with disabilities. We also consulted with leading national disability organizations. Consider these statistics:
Here are the Top 10 Companies for People With Disabilities: