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
18 August 2006
Good morning everyone,
Please note, there will not be a weekly resource for the weeks of August 21st and 28th; however, we will re-join you on Friday, September 8th!
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 "Upcoming Events of Interest."
]
Are you interested in helping your state or local community establish a Business Leadership Network (B.L.N.)? Many Navigators are involved in B.L.N. chapters and some have even helped to establish these instrumental committees that promote business-to-business education on the benefits of including people with disabilities in the workforce. This annual conference will provide Navigators with the opportunity to hear about how B.L.Ns are proving to be a powerful approach to increasing the employment of people with disabilities. Hundreds of attendees are expected from B.L.N. chapters across the country, as well as leaders and professionals from corporations, service providers and the workforce development community. These leaders and professionals recognize the benefits of including people with disabilities in their workforce and marketplace and view people with disabilities as strategic business partners in today’s workplace. This conference attracts professionals who are responsible for human resources, diversity, recruitment, E.E.O. and management within organizations of all sizes. It is also recommended for anyone working with disability issues.
DATES: Comments should be provided no later than August 25. See below process for submitting written comments)
The Department of Labor (D.O.L.) is pleased to provide a draft copy of the F.Y. 2006 – 2011 Strategic Plan. The plan is available for public comment as part of the strategic planning process under the Government Performance and Results Act (G.P.R.A.). This document integrates the Department’s diverse missions and different program objectives into a presentation of performance objectives under four overarching strategic goals.
Develop a prepared workforce by providing effective training and support services to new and incumbent workers and supplying high quality information on the economy and labor market.
Meet the competitive labor demands of the world-wide economy by enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the workforce development and regulatory systems that assist workers and employers in meeting the challenges of global competition.
Promote workplaces that are safe, healthful and fair; guarantee workers receive the wages due them; foster equal opportunity in employment; and protect veterans' employment and re-employment rights.
Protect and strengthen worker economic security through effective and efficient provision of unemployment insurance and workers' compensation; ensure union transparency; and secure pension and health benefits.
The final Strategic Plan will be posted at this site when officially released in September 2006.
DATES: Application documents must be received through E-mail by September 14, 2006 at 5:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time.
The Youth Advisory Committee (Y.A.C.) for the National Council on Disability (N.C.D.) announces the opening of a nation-wide search for four new members. One of the positions is reserved specifically for high school students. N.C.D. is an independent federal agency, headed by 15 Council Members appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The collective responsibility of N.C.D. is to make recommendations to the President and Congress on issues affecting all Americans with disabilities. N.C.D's overall purpose is to promote policies, programs, practices, and procedures that guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability; and to support the empowerment of individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and integration into all aspects of society.
The Y.A.C., a 12 member advisory committee with applicant ages from 16 - 25 encourages youth across disability sectors, diverse racial and ethnic groups, and under-represented areas of the country to apply.
The application consists of (1) resume; (2) cover letter pointing out what makes applicant the best candidate for a position of national level leadership as a representative of youth with disabilities, and (3) one letter of recommendation from an adult who is familiar with applicant’s leadership and disability experiences and potential. A recommendation by someone who is not applicant’s parent / guardian is requested. A brief daytime telephone interview may also be needed for a selected list of finalists among the top applicants.
Please send only electronic documents (use e-mail only) to be considered as a Y.A.C. applicant during this recruitment period. E-mail resume, cover letter, and one letter of recommendation to:
E-mail YOUTH@ncd.gov
Attn: Dr. Gerrie Hawkins
Designated Federal Official
Youth Advisory Committee
National Council on Disability
E-mail YOUTH@ncd.gov
Please do not send your application to any other address, if you wish it reviewed for this recruitment period.
The Y.A.C. ensures that N.C.D's policy recommendations and activities give consideration to the perspectives of young people with disabilities. Meetings are planned and conducted through teleconference arrangements under N.C.D's budget. If a face-to-face meeting occurs travel and lodging are assumed by the agency for active members of the committee, in accordance with federal guidelines.
To read more about the Y.A.C., see http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/advisory/youth/youth.htm and feel free to check out the N.C.D. Website at: www.ncd.gov.
If you have questions, please contact youth leaders Gina Semenza (Y.A.C. Chair outgoing) or Stephanie Orlando (Y.A.C. incoming Chair) at E-mail YOUTH@ncd.gov.
On October 1, 2006, Hire Disability Solutions in partnership with Monster (monster.com) will be embarking on a 300 mile bike ride from New York City to Washington, D.C. to promote the employment of individuals with disabilities.
Visit www.hireDS.com to find out ways to show your support and become involved in the ride.
DATES: These regulations take effect on October 13, 2006.
SUMMARY: The Secretary issues final regulations governing the Assistance to States for Education of Children with Disabilities Program and the Pre-school Grants for Children with Disabilities Program. These regulations are needed to implement changes made to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, as amended by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (Act or IDEA). These regulations implement changes in the regulations governing the Assistance to States for Education of Children with Disabilities Program and the Pre-school Grants for Children with Disabilities Program necessitated by the re-authorization of the IDEA. With the issuance of these final regulations, part 301 has been removed and the regulations implementing the Pre-school Grants for Children with Disabilities Program are included under sub-part H of these final regulations.
On June 21, 2005, the Secretary published a notice of proposed rule-making in the Federal Register (70 F.R. 35782) (N.P.R.M.) to amend the regulations governing the Assistance to States for Education of Children with Disabilities Program, the Pre-school Grants for Children with Disabilities Program, and Service Obligations under Special Education Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities. In the preamble to the N.P.R.M., the Secretary discussed, on pages 35783 through 35819, the changes proposed to the regulations for these programs; specifically, the amendments to 34 C.F.R. part 300, the removal of 34 C.F.R. part 301 and relocation of those provisions to sub-part H of 34 C.F.R. part 300, and the amendments to 34 C.F.R. part 304.
Final regulations for 34 C.F.R. Part 304 -- Special Education - Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities were published in the Federal Register (71 F.R. 32396) on June 5, 2006, and became effective July 5, 2006.
Access the U.R.L. to read the full announcement including an outline of the major changes in the regulations.
A new initiative to expand transportation access and mobility for older adults has been launched by Easter Seals Inc., in partnership with the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n.4.a.) in cooperation with the Federal Transit Administration. Announced at n.4.a’s national conference in Chicago on Aug. 8, the center will be steered by Easter Seals Project ACTION with additional partners; among them The National Association of State Units on Aging (NASUA), the Community Transportation Association of America (C.T.A.A.), the American Society on Aging (A.S.A.) and The Beverly Foundation. The director is Michi McNeace, who joined ESPA’s office on Aug. 7. The center’s mission is to increase the capacity and use of person-centered transportation options that support community living for seniors in the communities they choose throughout the United States. The new outreach to older adults represents the first expansion of ESPA’s mission in its 18-year history.
Dial-in number: (866) 525-0016
Meeting Room Number: *4357885*
At the recent U.S. Department of Labor's Workforce Innovations conference in Anaheim, C.A., U.S. Chamber of Commerce Chairman Gerald Shaheen delivered remarks on the Chamber's more visible stance in building a competitive workforce. Join C.W.P. leadership on Friday, September 1st in learning more about these new and exciting developments in workforce and education initiatives at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and how your organization can become more involved!
For more information, contact U.S. Chamber Program Manager Lydia Logan at 202-463-5398.
On October 4 - 6, the U.S. Chamber will host its Education and Workforce Summit in Dallas, T.X., entitled "Programs and Policies that Keep America Competitive." This year's agenda has been expanded to reflect the U.S. Chamber's new education and workforce initiative. The Summit will kick off on October 4th with a full day dedicated to policy. Early Bird rates end September 1st!
Access the U.R.L. for more information including the agenda and registration.
Hundreds of attendees are expected from B.L.N. chapters across the country, as well as leaders and professionals from corporations, service providers and the workforce development community. These leaders and professionals recognize the benefits of including people with disabilities in their workforce and marketplace and view people with disabilities as strategic business partners in today’s workplace.
This year’s conference has added a Career Fair for students with disabilities. Minnesota is the kick-off site for the American Association of People with Disabilities (A.A.P.D.) National Mentoring Day for Students with disabilities. October 4 will begin with a nationally broadcast, live news conference.
The conference agenda will highlight some of the exceptional work that B.L.Ns, corporations and organizations are doing in this area plus addressing many real issues that businesses are facing.
This conference attracts professionals who are responsible for human resources, diversity, recruitment, E.E.O. and management within organizations of all sizes. It is also recommended for anyone working with disability issues.
Access the U.R.L. for more information including schedule, hotel and registration.
The employers section provides information about employing people with disabilities. Employers will find information about how to become an Employment Network, the Americans with Disabilities Act, tax incentives, referral services, and helpful links to the Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy.
One of the most important roles of local government is to protect their citizenry from harm, including helping people prepare for and respond to emergencies. Making local government emergency preparedness and response programs accessible to people with disabilities is a critical part of this responsibility. Making these programs accessible is also required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (A.D.A.).
This guide breaks down information that local governments need to plan emergency services for people with disabilities including practical action steps.
Each year, one week before Thanksgiving, National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness cosponsor National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. During this week, a number of schools, communities and cities take part in a nation-wide effort to bring greater awareness to the problems of hunger and homelessness. If your community has already joined this effort, this guide can serve as an evaluator for past efforts, and possibly offer fresh ideas for the future. If this is your first time participating, this guide will explain how your community can get involved!
HireVetsFirst represents a comprehensive career website for hiring veterans of America's military. Whether you're a manager, human resources specialist or veteran seeking employment, you'll find the resources you need for matching employment opportunities with veterans. The President's National Hire Veterans Committee, which was created by the Jobs for Veterans Act (Public Law 107-288), has designed this website to help employers find qualified veterans, and to help veterans make the best use of a national network of employment resources.
The website includes information separated into two major categories: employer zone and veteran zone. The employer zone section includes resources such as:
Information in the Veterans Zone includes:
[The following is excerpted from the Introduction.]
The creation of the Mentoring Guide is rooted in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy’s (ODEP) charge to find and promote the most effective research-based policies and practices to improve transition outcomes for youth with disabilities. Mentoring is recognized as one of the most important strategies for assisting youth in making a positive transition into adulthood. Both caring adults and peers may play a key role in mentoring. In response to the under-representation of youth with disabilities in most youth development programs, ODEP, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, launched an initiative to promote mentoring for youth with disabilities in 2004.
Mentoring is recognized as one of the most important strategies for assisting youth in making a positive transition into adulthood. Despite all of the information available on mentoring, there is very little about mentoring youth with disabilities or about career-focused mentoring of older youth. This Guide was developed by the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (N.C.W.D. / Youth) specifically to address the needs of youth with disabilities during their transition from school to work.
This Guide is intended for individuals designing mentoring programs for youth, including youth with disabilities, in the transition phase to adulthood. Access the U.R.L. and download the complete Guide or by sections. The Guide includes the following highlights:
Written comments can be provided by e-mail to E-mail strategic-plan@dol.gov or by mail to:
U.S. Department of Labor Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management Center for Program Planning and Results, Room S-3317 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20210