University of Wisconsin-Stout Online CEUs

Is your CRC certification up in March 2010? UW-Stout offers online courses, including an ethics course specifically for CRCs.

"Rehabilitation Ethics" starts January 14th, 2010 and twice more in 2010. The emphasis of this online course is on real ethical dilemmas provided by people working in the field of vocational rehabilitation. Here is some feedback from past participants:
"This is the first ethics course I have taken that wasn't boring!"
"I like learning about others' experiences and how they have handled situations"
"It was informative and I liked getting the perspective of others in different parts of the country"

UW-Stout offers a few options, for people who need different amounts of credits:
10-credit option ($150) - If you need/want to get all of your ethics credits.
5-credit option ($90) - For those who only need 5 ethics credits.
Individualized options ($15 per credit, plus a $20 service fee) - contact us for details.

Early 2010 Line-Up of Online Courses:

• CRC Exam Preparation Workshop - January 28
• Introduction to Disability Benefits - February 23
• Physical Disabilities - March 4
• Working with Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing - March 16
• Psychiatric Disabilities - April 8
• Vocational Services for Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing - May 4
  See more information about each course on the website at http://www.uwstout.edu/svri/course_descriptions.cfm

Health Proponent Special for NRA Members

Call today 866-939-3435
www.HealthProponent.com

Health Proponent™ is the consumer division of Health Advocate™, Inc. the nation's leading healthcare advocacy and assistance company. Health Proponent is not affiliated with any insurance or third party provider. Health Proponent does not replace health insurance coverage, provide medical care or recommend treatment.

Changes Proposed in Terms for Intellectual Disability

Intellectual Disability Terminology

On Tuesday, Senators Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Michael Enzi (R-WY) introduced "Rosa's Law"(S. 2781) a bipartisan bill to substitute outdated, stigmatizing terms in federal health, education and labor laws. The terms "mental retardation" and "mentally retarded" would be substituted with the terms "intellectual disability" and "individual with an intellectual disability." The change in terminology would in no way alter the eligibility requirements for services and supports. See related stories on Disability Intel.

Swine Flu and People with Disabilities Update

2009 H1N1 Flu Update- Capitol Insider

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new technical assistance announcing that people with certain disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, are at risk of contracting the 2009 H1N1 flu and should be considered in the priority group to receive the H1N1 vaccine. The announcement also clarified that direct support professionals and "others" in constant contact with these individuals with disabilities are in the priority group to receive the vaccine. Parent caregivers are part of the "others" category. See: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/disabilities/ and http://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/healthconditions/disabilities/index.html.

Capitol Insider: Paralympics & Immigration

From the ARC/UCP Capitol Insider
Volume 14, Issue 46 November 23, 2009

International Paralympics
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) voted on November 20 to reinstate eligibility for athletes who have intellectual disabilities (ID) to participate in the Paralympics. Since 2001, athletes with ID have been banned from participation in the Paralympics due to violations by a Spanish basketball squad which included players who did not have ID. The DPC wrote a letter to the U.S. Paralympic Division of the U.S. Olympic Committee urging that they vote "yes" for the reinstatement. (It is not known at this time how the US voted; but the USPC had been urging a "no" vote.) See the IPC's press release at: http://www.paralympic.org/Media_Centre/News/General_News/2009_11_21_a.html

Immigration
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced that it has established a streamlined, standardized process for receiving requests for accommodations from customers with disabilities. Customers in need of accommodations from field offices and Application Support Centers should now call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283 (TDD: 1-800-767-1833).

ADA Updates

Thanks to NRCA for the following updates:

ADA/Emergency Management

The US Department of Justice entered into settlement agreements with several local governments regarding the accessibility of their emergency management plans and facilities (e.g., seeking input from people with disabilities and their families, making emergency shelters accessible and planning for accessible temporary housing). To read the agreements, see:
http://www.ada.gov/civicac.htm

ADA Employment Video

The US Department of Justice has a new video aimed at educating employers about the employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Ten Employment Myths: Information about the Americans with Disabilities Act uses a question-and-answer format to express common misconceptions, fears and false assumptions that many employers have about employees with disabilities. The video refutes these unfounded myths, explains the ADA in common sense terms and highlights the advantages of hiring qualified persons with disabilities. Single DVD copies can be ordered through at 800-514-0301 (voice) or 800-514-0383 (TTY). An online streaming version will also be available soon. See: http://www.ada.gov

ARRA Disability-Related Spending Update

From the NRCA Listservice:

As of Oct 30, recipients of grants and contract funds resulting from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) have been required to provide a greater level of detail on how they are spending their money. Many priority disability programs, such as IDEA State Grants and Vocational Rehabilitation State Grant and Independent Living, are receiving ARRA funds. See: http://www.recovery.gov/Pages/home.aspx for additional details.

State Schools Settlement Agreement Only a Start

Courtesy of CTD--

This year, Texas officials signed a settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice to improve conditions at state schools for people with disabilities. The five-year agreement followed a four-year federal investigation into civil rights violations at Texas’ 13 state schools as a response to years of reports about abuse and neglect inside the facilities.
The 61-page agreement provides numerous definitions of how services and conditions in state schools are to be evaluated and monitored, but fails to address the human factor of unnecessary institutionalization.

Disturbingly, even while negotiations for the agreement were concluding, news agencies reported further violations of human safety and dignity as evidenced by the operation of a "fight club” at the Corpus Christi State School, the March homicide of a resident at the Denton State School, the May suicide of a resident of the San Angelo State School, and the June death of a resident of the Lubbock State School during an incident with staff members.

Disability advocates said that the measure tries to fix a system that is fundamentally broken, and will do little to move institutionalized people into more integrated community settings. “We’re not here to impede this settlement,” said Dennis Borel, executive director for the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities, “but we are interested in ensuring nobody stays in an institution who is able and wants to get out.”

Proposition 8 Seeks Texas Support for Veterans' Hospitals

Courtesy of CTD--

Representative Kino Flores and Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa succeeded in getting Proposition 8 added to the November 3rd Ballot. The ballot measure seeks to amend the Texas Constitution by "authorizing the state to contribute money, property, and other resources for the establishment, maintenance, and operation of veterans hospitals in this state."
The impetus for this proposal came from the fact that many Texas veterans, especially in South Texas, must travel hundreds of miles to obtain the specialized care that they receive because of service-connected disabilities. With the amendment, Flores hopes that Texas would fund the construction of additional facilities for underserved veterans and the Veterans Administration would fund the operation and maintenance of these facilities.

Chase Bearden Wins Advocacy Award

Courtesy of CTD--

Chase Bearden, CTD’s Director of Advocacy and Community Organizing, was honored at the Texas Rehabilitation Association's 2009 conference in San Antonio where he received the TRA’s Legislative Award for achieving distinction in his advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities.
The TRA recognized Chase's work during the 2008-2009 legislative session, when he took the lead in efforts to make businesses owned by people with disabilities eligible for Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) status, in addition to his involvement in numerous other issues affecting people with disabilities.

Lynnae Ruttledge New RSA Commissioner

President Barack Obama has appointed Lynnae Ruttledge as the new RSA Commissioner. She previously served as the Executive Director of the Washington Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Ms. Ruttledge has also worked in the public and non-profit sectors in Michigan, Oregon and Washington, working in critical areas including policy development, program management, independent living, workforce development, and business leadership networks.

RELATED:

http://www.theolympian.com/483

http://www.ssa.gov/oidap/bios/ruttledge.htm

http://www.bff.org/aapdnow-lr.html

NRCA reprinted CSAVR's public announcement of the appointment, as follows:

"CSAVR is delighted that “one of our own”, Lynnae Ruttledge , Director of the Washington General state VR agency has been nominated to be the next RSA Commissioner. As many of you know, Lynnae is a great advocate and administrator. Her combination of skills will be of tremendous use in her new responsibilities. We look forward to working with Lynnae in this new capacity".

NEW Ticket to Work Training

DARS, Texas Workforce Commission, DADS, the Austin Resource Center for Independent Living, and the Texas Medicaid Infrastructure Grant invite you to learn about the excitingopportunities offered by the NEW Ticket to Work program and about how Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities can use Work Incentives to keep their benefit checks while exploring work.

October 16, 2009 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Capital Area Workforce Center
6505 Airport Boulevard, Suite 101E
Austin, TX 78752

To register:
• Beneficiaries register online for the WISE event at http://www.cessi.net/wise, or call 1-877-743-8237 (V/TTY)

• Service providers and other entities interested in attending the Austin Ticket Express Event, register online at http://www.cessi.net/ttw by clicking on the Austin Ticket Express icon.

ADAAA Public Comments Open Now

On September 23, 2009 the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released draft regulations to implement the employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA). There will be a 60-day public comment period before the regulations become final. DCP will review the regulations and, if necessary, make comments. The draft regulations can be found at: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-22840.pdf

JAN Announces Winter Webcast Series

The Job Accommodation Network is providing three 1.5 hour

Webcast sessions to begin the firstweek of December 2009

The three part series will cover the hiring and employment of people with disabilities in the Federal government and thereasonable accommodation process. JAN welcomes guest speakers from theEqual Employment Opportunity Commission, the Office of PersonnelManagement, DoD's Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program, and the USDA TARGET Center.

Audience members will include federal disabilityprogram managers, hiring managers, supervisors, EEO representatives,selective placement coordinators, and others who may be involved inhiring and managing workers in the Federal government.

Registration is open at: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/webcast/RegisterFed/

Listening Session for Disability Stakeholders

The U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and Employment and Training Administration (ETA) will hold a National Workforce Investment Act (WIA) "listening session" for disability stakeholders on October 1, 2009 from 2:00-5:00 pm ET. The purpose of the session is to gather recommendations from a disability perspective for the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.

To participate in this event, visit: http://www.dol.gov/odep/documents/Stakeholder.pdf

Bob Cox, NRA Treasurer 2010

TRA Congratulates Bob Cox on his election as

NRA Treasurer, beginning 2010.

Way to go, Bob!!!

Disability Disparities Event- NID

From the National Institute on Disability--

Dr. Allen Lewis, Chair of Virginia Commonwealth University, Dept. of Rehabilitation Counseling, will facilitate the upcoming webcast entitled "Disability Disparities" Wed., Sept. 23, 2009, from 2 pm to 2:45 PM EST. It is sponsored by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR).

Other participants include Mr. Andrew J. Imparato, Esq. President/CEO of American Association of Persons with Disabilities; Dr. Keith Wilson, Full Professor of Education and Rehabilitation Services and African American Studies at Penn State University, and Dr. Phil Rumril, Director of Disability Studies at Kent State University’s Educational Foundation and Special Services.

Webcast registration:
http://www.vcu-projectempowerment.org/training/upcomingWebcasts.cfm

AARA Fall Conference

Austin Area Rehabilitation Association2009 All-Day Fall Conference

Tuesday, September 29th8:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Earn 6.5 CEU Hours (1.5 Ethics)

$20 Early Registration/ $25 At-the-Door (Lunch Included)

Location: Goodwill Industries of Central Texas1015 Norwood Park Boulevard, Austin, TX 78753 (near I-35 & Hwy. 183)

NOTE: EARLY REGISTRATION EXTENDED TO WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd.

For more information, write: AustinAreaRehabAssoc@gmail.com

FCC Annouces New Disability Rights Information

WAHINGTON, DC-- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced information about informal consumer complaints processed by its Disability Rights Office during the first quarter of 2009. The complaints covered access to telecommunications services and equipment, telecommunications relay services (TRS), closed captioning, accessibility of video programming providing emergency information, and hearing aid compatibility. For details, please visit: http://www.disability.gov/

VCU Autism Spectrum Disorders Webcast

Please join a webcast hosted by SEDL's Vocational Rehabilitation Service Models for Autism Spectrum Disorders Project!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Autism Spectrum Disorders Career Links. The featured presenter is Jennifer Todd McDonough, M.S., C.R.C., Associate Director of Training for the VCU-RRTC.

The 60-minute webcast will begin at 3:00pm Eastern; 2:00pm Central; 1:00pm Mountain; 12:00pm Pacific; 11:00am Alaska; 9:00am Hawaii. The webcast is presented in collaboration with the Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) program at Memorial HermanTIRR.
Webcast Registration (no fee to participate): http://cts.vresp.com/c/?SEDL/8ebdc6bec7/b956cadbb5/ab7afad651

San Antonio Chapter Conference

SAARA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2009
(SEE ATTACHED AGENDA)
REGISTRATION FEE $90
BROCHURE BEING MAILED SOON

MOTEL INFORMATION:
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS
16315 SAN PEDRO (HWY 281 NORTH)
LOCAL NUMBER: 210-402-3300
OR 877-727-8483
RATES $99-129 SINGLE OR DOUBLE
FREE SHUTTLE TO TRAINING SITE ON FRIDAY

October TRA Board Meeting

NEXT TRA BOARD MEETING
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2009
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

LOCATION: EASTER SEALS
2203 BABCOCK RD
SAN ANTONIO, TX

210-614-3911 (CONTACT EASTER SEALS FOR DIRECTIONS)

Former Rehab Provider Sentenced For Fraud

(HOUSTON) - James Earl Dunn Jr., 39, former owner and operator of Rehab Specialist Inc. (RSI), has been sentenced to 33 months confinement in federal prison by United States District Judge Lee Rosenthal for submitting more than $300,000 in fraudulent claims against the government, United States Attorney Tim Johnson announced today. The sentence was handed down late yesterday evening.

Dunn received contracts from the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), formerly known as the Texas Rehabilitation Commission, from funds awarded by the U.S. Department of Education, to provide vocational rehabilitation training to individuals with mental and physical disabilities.
Indicted in May 2007, Dunn pleaded guilty Aug. 12, 2008, to one count of submitting fraudulent claims against the government acknowledging in his plea agreement that during the years 2001 to 2003 he had fraudulently obtained federal vocational rehabilitation funds through DARS by claiming that he was providing employment training and coaching to clients with disabilities when, in fact, the clients were not receiving such training.

"Dunn knowingly and willfully abused his position of trust to steal funds that were supposed to be used to provide needed education and vocational rehabilitation to disabled adults. That is unacceptable,” said Mary Mitchelson, acting Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Education. “I’m proud of the work of Office of Inspector General Special Agents, the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services and the U.S. Attorney's Office for holding this man accountable for his fraudulent actions.”
Dunn, who has been on bond, has been permitted to remain on bond pending the issuance by the court of an order to surrender to a Bureau of Prisons facility to be designated in the near future.

The investigation was conducted by special agents with the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General and the DARS Investigations Unit. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Quincy L. Ollison.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ANGELA DODGE FRIDAY, SEPT. 4, 2009 PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER WWW.USDOJ.GOV/USAO/TXS (713) 567-9388

August 2009 Disability Employment Statistics Released

August 2009 Disability Employment Statistics Released:
According to the Office of Disability Employment Policy in the United States Department of Labor, in August 2009, the percentage of people with disabilities in the labor force was 22.2 compared with 71.2 for persons with no disability. The unemployment rate for those with disabilities was 16.9 percent, compared with 9.3 percent for persons with no disability, not seasonally adjusted.

"2010 Changes to Medicare" Event

Beginning January 1, 2010, changes in the law will make it easier for some people to qualify for Extra Help with their Medicare prescription drug plan costs. Under the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act:

SSA will no longer count as a resource any life insurance policy; and
SSA will no longer count as income the help a person receives regularly from someone else to pay for household expenses.

Want to know more? You’re invited to participate in Social Security’s national webinar – "2010 Changes to Medicare Extra Help". Join Social Security for a discussion about these important changes. We also ask that you share the information about the webinar with your members, colleagues, and other interested parties.

The webinar will be hosted via http://www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp/webinarmedicare.htm on September 15, 2009 at 2 pm EDT. To RSVP for the webinar, please visit http://www.ssa.gov/survey/mipparsvpsurvey.htm
I hope that you will join us and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss the changes with you. Sincerely, Cheri Arnott Parlaman Associate Commissioner for External Affairs

Job Training: Often Misunderstood But Too Important to Dismiss

Thanks to Karen Stanfill at Advocacy Inc. for sending this story!
In this commentary for The Huffington Post on behalf of the Working Poor Families Project, CUF's David Jason Fischer and the WPFP's Brandon Roberts examine some of the misperceptions and realities around job training in the United States today.

The Huffington Post, July 21, 2009
Brandon Roberts and David Fischer co-wrote this article on behalf of the Working Poor Families Project. The article is also available on The Huffington Post website, at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brandon-roberts/job-training-often-misund_b_242090.html

Job retraining has had a bum rap in public policy circles. The latest indictment of retraining came in a New York Times article on July 6, describing the difficulties of laid-off workers in Michigan -- home of the country's highest unemployment rate (14.1 percent) and a much-touted state program, No Worker Left Behind, that offers up to two years of tuition assistance toward an educational or occupational credential in any "high-demand" economic sector.

One significant problem detailed in the piece was the frequency with which participants completed training but did not find jobs afterward, as ostensibly high-demand job categories proved to be anything but. Placing the Michigan workers' difficulties in broader context--and casting more doubt on the enterprise of retraining overall--the piece cited a US Department of Labor study from December 2008 which found that benefits for laid-off individuals retrained through federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) programs were "small or nonexistent." The implication is that the public should temper expectations for the more than $1 billion for retraining included in the federal stimulus measure passed earlier this year.

But while the Times story and similar tales of woe identify real challenges with retraining, it would be incorrect to conclude either that these programs are hopeless, or that the problems of retraining call into question the value of all training. On this point, the same USDOL study (PDF) cited in the article found "positive and statistically significant" wage gains for WIA Adult program training participants in most states, with average wage gains per quarter of well over $200 compared to control groups. Other studies have also shown even stronger results, including a recent Public/Private Ventures report that analyzed job training programs linked to targeted industries or sectors and found participant wage gains of more than 18 percent -- about $4,500 -- compared to a control group over a two-year period.

Misunderstandings about the nature of job training cloud public perceptions as well. A significant portion of job training in the U.S. occurs through community colleges -- institutions that blend educational and workforce missions, to the benefit of jobseekers and local employers alike. In fact, a just-released paper by the President's Council of Economic Advisers notes that approximately 35 percent of individuals who receive job training through WIA do so through community colleges. Smaller and more flexible than four-year institutions, community colleges typically offer industry-recognized vocational certifications, in fields from automotive maintenance to computer network administration, as well as traditional associates' degrees. Nearly four-fifths of community colleges also offer contract training, developing curricula in partnership with employers, industry associations and other outside stakeholders to train incumbent workers and jobseekers. Additionally, much apprenticeship training, which typically leads to high-wage positions, takes place in community colleges.

Mindful of community colleges' value and potential, the Obama administration recently announced the American Graduation Initiative. This groundbreaking plan will expand support to community colleges, pledging $12 billion for new initiatives to improve college completion, modernize facilities, and develop new online learning opportunities with the goal of graduating an additional five million Americans from a community college by 2020. An explicit objective of the plan is to "help rebuild the capacity and competitiveness of America's workforce." The initiative has drawn praise from both sides of the political spectrum, including prominent conservatives like New York Times columnist David Brooks.

Even when training outcomes do not meet expectations, the findings should not be considered as definitive. Variation in program design and implementation from one state to the next is so pronounced that, rather than looking at aggregate system performance across a number of states, we might be better served to determine which states have seen the most success in retraining and reemploying displaced workers. One such state is Washington, where displaced workers who have gone for retraining in the state's standout community and technical college system have thrived: the system's June 2009 performance report found that 81 percent of retrained workers were back working within a year of program completion, at wages comparable to what they had earned before losing their jobs. In fact, lower-income displaced workers reported an average 18% wage gain after retraining.

One important point mentioned within the July 6 Times article is that "[j]ob retraining is also ineffective without job creation." Considering that job creation (or preservation) was an explicit goal of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed earlier this year, states' retraining efforts should use a targeted, sector-based focus with the goal of transitioning displaced workers into positions that the stimulus will support, in infrastructure and emerging fields such as clean energy. It also suggests a possible direction for programming going forward: rather than relying upon labor market economists' best guesses as to what job titles might be "hot," states and localities might be better off directing retraining efforts toward jobs that are likely to emerge as a result of their own economic development investments. As Congress and the Obama administration look toward reauthorizing the Workforce Investment Act in the near future, policymakers must find ways to more closely link job training with job creation.

At their best, workforce development programs offer incumbent workers and jobseekers a bridge to connect their current skills and experiences with stable jobs that offer family-supporting pay and advancement prospects. Given the accelerating pace of economic change, the ongoing dysfunction in our public schools -- the other system for career preparation -- and the perils and possibilities now inherent to our labor market, workforce programming, very much including retraining, is too important to dismiss or neglect.

David Jason Fischer is Project Director for Workforce Development and Social Policy at the Center for an Urban Future, a New York City-based public policy think tank.

Congressional Champion for Persons with Disabilities Passes Away

To: All Members of the National Rehabilitation Association

From: Patricia Leahy, Director of Government Affairs

Re: The Congressional Champion for Persons with Disabilities Passes Away

Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2009

On Tuesday, August 25, 2009, Senator Edward M. Kennedy, the consummate Congressional champion of children and adults with disabilities, passed away. Known to many as the Liberal Lion of the Senate, no one was more sincere about crossing the political aisle in the spirit of bipartisanship than Senator Kennedy.

President Obama called Senator Kennedy "Not only one of the greatest Senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans to ever serve democracy." One of his closest friends, Senator Orrin Hatch (R.UT.) said of his Congressional colleague: "Today, America lost a great elder statesman, a committed public servant and a leader in the Senate, and I lost a treasured friend." Former First Lady Nancy Reagan called Senator Kennedy "a dear friend." Senator John McCain (R.AZ.) said of Senator Kennedy: "He always kept his word, and that is far less common around here than a lot of people think." "We just sat down together and worked out a proposal. He didn't start it; I didn't start it. We just sat down and said OK, here's what we want to achieve -- what do we have to do?"

Forever at the forefront of the discussion and debate on ensuring the civil rights of children and adults with disabilities, Senator Kennedy forged partnerships with everyone he could in the Capitol and in our great country to ensure those rights were appreciated, respected and resulted in policies and legislation that were both bipartisan and benefited those who most needed representation in Congress -- children and adults with disabilities.

When the Congress began discussions on the great civil rights law, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Senator Kennedy and others, many of whom were inspired by the Senator, shepherded IDEA through the Senate. During the discussions on a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for all, Senator Kennedy, once again, was at the forefront of the debate. During sometimes spirited discussions on whom should comprise the IEP team, including the general education teacher, Senator Kennedy was there providing gifted guidance on the importance of diverse membership in this singularly important process for determining a student's progression.

When some balked at the thought of an inclusive classroom for children and young adults with disabilities, Senator Kennedy and others made the case with and on behalf of parents and students with disabilities in both the Capitol and in our country that students with disabilities had the RIGHT to be educated with their non-disabled peers. When it became increasingly apparent that the greatest country in the world -- the United States of America -- did not have an infrastructure that was accessible to all Americans -- Senator Kennedy and many others began a bipartisan journey that was to result in one of the greatest pieces of legislation to ever emerge from the Congress: The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

Senator Kennedy has always been there for children and adults with disabilities.

While his presence will be missed, the spirit of his memorable mission of equality, dignity and respect for all individuals with disabilities will forever remain. There is an old Irish adage, part of which I would like to share with you on the passing of Senator Kennedy:

'MAY THE ROAD RISE TO MEET YOU,

MAY THE WIND BE ALWAYS AT YOUR BACK,

MAY THE SUN SHINE WARM UPON YOUR FACE,

MAY THE RAINS FALL SOFT UPON YOUR FIELDS

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN."

***************************
Patricia Leahy
Director of Governmental Affairs and Public Policy
National Rehabilitation Association
633 South Washington Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
1-888-258-4295
NRA Office - 703-836-0850
NRA Fax - 703-836-0848
TDD - 703-836-0849
E-mail - patricia@nationalrehab.org
NRA Website - www.nationalrehab.org

JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS- Wisconsin and N. Carolina

ANNOUNCEMENT 1:
Center for Deaf-Blind Persons, Inc., Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Position: Executive Director
Responsible for all general management, fiscal matters, and programs
Major duties:
Supervise Center staff, develop and supervise programs, project and manage budget and fund development, engage in strategic planning, spearhead community outreach/education, develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community partners.
Qualifications:
A passion to serve
Master’s Degree in rehabilitation, social work, or administration preferred
Organized and possess the ability to multitask in a fast moving agency
Strong leadership and problem-solving skills
Experience in management and human resources
Demonstrated ability in all aspects of fund raising, including writing grant proposals and progress reports
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Experience and knowledge of the rehabilitation process and teaching techniques
Understanding of community based waivers and governmental programs a plus,
Ability to use sign language highly desired

Competitive salary and benefits. For information about the Center, please visit our web site at http://www.deaf-blind.org
Please send references and resume to:
Board of Directors
Center for Deaf-Blind Persons, Inc.
3195 South Superior Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53207

OR email to: board@deaf-blind.org NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE


ANNOUNCEMENT 2:
Division Director, North Carolina Division of Blind Services
The North Carolina Division of Services for the Blind, an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, is accepting applications for the position of Division Director. This position is policy making exempt. The Agency serves consumers who are blind or visually impaired or have vision and hearing losses in areas that include Vocational Rehabilitation, Independent Living Rehabilitation, and Business Enterprises. The Agency also provides social work services through the Social Services Block Grant and operates a state-funded program for the provision of eye-related medical services.
Training & Experience- Master's degree in business, public, or public health administration, rehabilitation, social work, sociology, education, or psychology and five years of managerial or supervisory experience in a private or governmental human services or closely related area: or graduation from a four-year college or university in business administration, rehabilitation, social work, sociology, education, or Psychology and seven years experience in a human services or closely related program, three of which must be managerial or supervisory experience in a private or governmental human services or closely related area; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Management Preference – demonstrated skill as a leader, manager, and supervisory; direct service and management/supervisory experience in a program serving people with disabilities, preferably with vision loss; experience in working with multiple funding sources which have different uses and requirements;
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities – understanding of the skills that contribute to the independence and successful employment of people who are blind; understanding of the laws and regulations that apply to the rehabilitation program and services; understanding of budget, legislative, and HR processes; able to function with a small management staff within the Division and as part of a large departmental team; good computer skills.
Closing Date – 8/21/09-9/4/09
Salary Range – $69,860 – $117,406
For additional information please contact –
Angela Miller
Division of Human Resources, Health and Human Services
Contact Address: 2001 MSC, Raleigh, NC 27699-2001
Phone: 919-733-2940
Fax: 919-733-6087

NCDDR Teleconference

Please join a teleconference hosted by the NCDDR for NIDRR grantees and other stakeholders interested in disability policy and its relationship to research quality.
WHAT: Teleconference on Policy Implications for Disability and Rehabilitation Research Quality
WHEN: Thursday, September 17, 2009. 2:00 PM–3:15 PM (Central).

ABOUT THE TELECONFERENCE
The NCDDR will host a teleconference on September 17, 2009 for NIDRR grantees and other individuals interested in the impacts of current and future federal policy directives upon the quality of disability and rehabilitation research. Panelists will include high-level representatives from federal disability-related agencies and disability organizations. Panelists will address policy issues impacting disability and rehabilitation research, particularly in light of the current economic climate and the new administration. Panelists will also explore their perceptions about how policy affects the quality of research and will discuss their visions and goals for the future of the disability and rehabilitation field. This activity is sponsored through the NCDDR's Community of Practice on Research Quality.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Please register here by September 10, 2009. There is no fee to attend, but space is limited to 35 participants. You may submit your questions along with your registration. You will be notified by email with the teleconference call-in number and a PIN for your participation. For those who cannot attend the live teleconference, a recording and transcript will be archived on the NCDDR homepage.

For more information, contact Brenda Lightfoot by email: brenda.lightfoot@sedl.org or call 800-266-1832.

Passage of the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program and the Veterans Business Center Act of 2009

The House has passed H.R. 3325, which reauthorizes through 2010 the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program and the Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of the Social Security program, providing employment-related services for individuals with disabilities. Also, the Veterans Business Center Act of 2009, H.R. 1834,  establishes within the Department of Veterans Affairs a center which would provide entrepreneurial training and counseling for veterans. See: http://frwebgate1.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/PDFgate.cgi?WAISdocID=066804272441+3+2+0&WAISaction=retrieve for the record, or go to http://www.gpoaccess.gov/crecord/, where you can search all Congressional Records.             

New Code of Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors

CRCC--New Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors Effective as of January 1, 2010
CRCC has just completed the process of updating its Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors (Code). Rehabilitation Counselors certified by CRCC are bound to act in accordance with the new Code, effective January 1, 2010 and, as such, are encouraged to fully read the new Code. The full Code is now available for viewing, downloading, and printing directly from the CRCC website, CRC/CCRC Code of Ethics page, or at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102649091840&s=11304&e=001LTg5fsQwYARydtmYRzGnJ5w4-Z-r1bMp4oK9hN93X8Jg_f-aoAt4HS1QlrRgJjjlSiFMbLM8pp8Xp5yxejyPMe4xz6N9-Kag4FRFSFYD6nXXbc8JsKC3CVL28hMVbih7k2felKqviJ2C9nN3x_h1x3g6brLUjAyaDhez3si05FU=

Wear Red on Thursday!

This week, we celebrate the landmark legislation known as the Americans with Disabilities Act, which some regard as a “second Independence Day” for people with disabilities.

Since most DARS employees aren’t working on the actual anniversary day of the ADA, Sunday July 26, we decided we would commemorate the spirit of the ADA on Thursday, July 23.

Wear something red on Thursday to show your support of independence for people with disabilities, a tenet that this agency is dedicated to ensuring in Texas.
Many others around the state are joining DARS to commemorate this spirit, including Governor Rick Perry, who issued a proclamation honoring the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

TRA CONFERENCE HOTEL DEADLINE SOON

IMPORTANT CONFERENCE NOTE:

MAKE YOUR HOTEL RESERVATIONS
DEADLINE TO RECEIVE TRA CONFERENCE RATE
OF $125 NIGHT IS JULY 24, 2009

2009 TRA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
AUGUST 16-18, 2009

ADA Anniversary This Week

July 26th marks the 19th Anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Signed into law in 1990 with broad bipartisan support, the ADA has done much to guarantee the civil rights protections to people with disabilities. There will be a Washington, DC based celebration this Wednesday on Capitol Hill.

See: http://www.aapd.com/Development/2009ADAEvent.html

TRA Conference Still Needs Silent Auction Items

TRA still needs YOUR help with item donations for next month's conference! Call Sandy Hansmann at 956-802-0372 to see how you can contribute! 

Alexa Posny Nominated for Assistant Secretary of OSERS

WASHINGTON, DC-- The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services issued the following statement on Ms. Posny's intention to be nominated for Assistant Secretary of OSERS.

"Yesterday, the White House Press Office issued a press release announcing several more of President Obama’s choices to head key posts in his administration. One of the individuals is Alexa Posny to be OSERS Assistant Secretary. This is wonderful news for our office for a host of reasons, many of which are outlined in the brief information below describing Alexa’s experience and career accomplishments. However, the most important to note is that Alexa is returning to OSERS, but this time as Assistant Secretary. Alexa held the position of Director of Special Education Programs from April 17, 2006 to June 22, 2007. Her knowledge of our programs, our organizational structure and business practices will no doubt eliminate any concern regarding a learning curve. Her leadership skills, span of knowledge, gracious and warm personality will continue to increase the service capacity of OSERS and its employees to positively impact the lives of students and adults with disabilities (emphasis, blog moderator). Please note that the intention to nominate means that she has not been officially nominated and once the official nomination has occurred she must be confirmed by the Senate. Consequently, the exact timing for all of this is not known, but we will keep all of you informed."

TRA Conference- RESERVE NOW!

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOW!!!

TRA HAS A BLOCK OF ROOMS BUT MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OBTAIN ADDITIONAL ROOMS AT THE CURRENT CONFERENCE RATE.

2009 TRA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
AUGUST 16-18, 2009
OMNI HOTEL AT THE COLONNADE, SAN ANTONIO, TX

DEADLINE FOR CONFERENCE RATES: JULY 24, 2009

CONFERENCE RATES: $125 NIGHT FOR SINGLE/DOUBLE/TRIPLE/QUAD

Early Bird Registration for NRA

Don’t miss the Early Bird Rate for the 2009 NRA Conference! Early registration ends on Saturday, August 1, 2009! To reserve your spot, visit: http://www.nationalrehab.org/

NCDDR Webcast On Technology Transfer

Please join NCDDR for a webcast hosted by SEDL and the Center on Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer (KT4TT), in collaboration with the Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) program at Memorial Herman/TIRR.
Monday, June 29, 2009: Knowledge Translation for Technology Transfer: Ensuring Beneficial Impacts from Research & Development

The 60-minute webcast will begin at 3:00pm Eastern; 2:00pm Central; 1:00pm Mountain; 12:00pm Pacific; 11:00am Alaska; 9:00am Hawaii.
Webcast Registration (no fee to participate):https://vovici.com/wsb.dll/s/12291g3dc20

NCDDR is working with The University at Buffalo Continuing Education Office to offer 0.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for participating in the webcast. Note that a fee of $15 would be required by the Continuing Education Office to process the CEUs. Information about how to request the CEUs will be provided at a later date.

You may read this online: http://www.ncddr.org/webcasts/18/index.html

Jamaican Culture and Rehabilitation Issues

You are invited to join a webcast hosted by the National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research (NCDDR) on Thursday, July 16, 2009: Jamaican Culture and Rehabilitation Issues. The featured presenter is Doreen M. Miller, RhD, CRC.

The 90-minute webcast will begin at 3:00pm Eastern; 2:00pm Central; 1:00pm Mountain; 12:00pm Pacific; 11:00am Alaska; 9:00am Hawaii.

The webcast is presented in collaboration with the Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) program at Memorial HermanTIRR. Webcast Registration (no fee to participate):https://vovici.com/wsb.dll/s/12291g3e38e SEDL has received pre-approval from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) for 1.5 Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Continuing Education Units (CRC-CEUs) for participating in the webcast, or viewing the archive of the webcast, through 12-31-09.

NRCA Announces Medicare Committee Draft

From the National Rehabilitation Counseling Association:

The three House committees with jurisdiction over health care—the House Ways & Means Committee, the House Energy & Commerce Committee, and the House Education & Labor Committee—have released draft health care reform legislation, including provisions to update the Medicare program.

Importantly, the draft legislation (known as the “Tri-Committee” draft) would establish Medicare coverage of licensed professional counselors and marriage and family therapists. The legislation makes significant changes to the way the current health insurance marketplace works in the U.S., with the goal of building on our current system to broaden coverage and constrain health care cost increases. Information on the legislation, including the bill text and a summary, is on the House Education & Labor Committee’s website at http://edlabor.house.gov/blog/2009/06/health-care-reform-house-dems.shtml

New CRCC Salary Report on Rehab Counselors

CRCC, US-- The Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification released the "CRCC Issues 2008 Salary Report: An Update on Salaries in the Rehabilitation Counseling Profession".
In May 2007, CRCC conducted constituent research among 1,220 Certified Rehabilitation Counselors. The resulting 2008 Salary Report provides valuable insights and is a resource in helping to assess how individual compensation compares across fellow Certified Rehabilitation Counselors. Areas addressed include salary by demographics, disability, education, work setting, and length of time in the rehabilitation counseling profession.

The 2008 Salary Report is available on the CRCC website, News & Events page, or www.crccertification.com/pages/news_events/117.php or at http://www.crccertification.com/filebin/pdf/CRCC_2008SalaryReport_FINAL.pdf

Legislative Update- HELP Committee

From Patricia Leahy-
Senator Kennedy's Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee recently released a 615 page health care reform draft bill, entitled "Affordable Health Choices Act," which includes insurance market reforms, a prohibition on insurers from denying coverage to sick people, a mandate on individuals who want coverage and marketplaces where people can compare and buy coverage. Senator Chris Dodd (D.CONN.), the second Ranking Democrat on the Senate HELP Committee will lead this legislation through the Senate while the Chairman of the HELP Committee, Senator Edward Kennedy, continues to recuperate from brain cancer. The Committee will mark up this legislation beginning next week.

June 22, 2009 Olmstead Anniversary

From Steve Gold, The Disability Odyssey Continues--
June 22, 2009 marks the 10th anniversary of the Supreme Court's Olmstead ruling for disability civil rights. Nearly ten years after the disability civil rights movement's victory in the Olmstead decision, incremental progress has occurred. Still, more than 313,000 people with disabilities in nursing homes (23% of the total) want to live in the community, and yet are denied their civil right to integration, primarily because of Medicaid's historical bias in favor of segregation.

How hard is it to understand and accept that, but for the denial of civil rights, many institutionalized people with disabilities would live in the community with adequate programs and supports, especially since its cheaper for the federal government and states to provide such programs and supports in the community?

How hard would it be to enact a Disability Civil Rights Act in 2009 to end unnecessary segregation just as Congress did with the Civil Rights Acts in the 1960s? Will U.S. Attorney General Holder look to how U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy addressed ending discrimination in the 1960s? General Holder could start by looking at the 313,000 people with disabilities living in nursing facilities who have said they do not want unnecessary institutionalized. He could inform states that Olmstead and the ADA/504 require providing real choice for people with disabilities who are segregated and want to live in the community.

Back issues of other Information Bulletins are available online at http://www.stevegoldada.com with a searchable Archive at this site divided into different subjects. To contact Steve Gold directly, write to stevegoldada@cs.com or call 215-627-7100.

Disability Info on Twitter

You can now follow DisabilityInfo.gov updates at http://twitter.com/Disabilitygov <http://twitter.com/Disabilitygov! Keep up with the latests information with ease. Twitter accounts are free and easy to set up. Visit: http://twitter.com/

Campaign for Disability Employment News

The Campaign for Disability Employment, a newly-formed collaborative of leading disability organizations funded by the Office of Disability Employment Policy of the U.S. Department of Labor, has announced an online video contest to promote the talent and skills that people with disabilities bring to America's workforce and economy. Videos received by July 15, 2009 will be judged by a panel of representatives from member organizations of the Campaign for Disability Employment.
This information has recently been updated, and can be read by visiting this link:
http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=10

National Association of Service Providers in Private Rehabilitation

Join us for our Pre-Conference Session Thursday, September 10, 2009
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm at the National Rehabilitation Association Annual Training Conference: Marriot-Louisville Downtown, Louisville, Kentucky September 10-13,2009
For Pre-Conference registration and discount information go to http://www.nationalrehab.org

A new Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification becomes effective on January 1, 2010. Learn about the additions and modifications to this new Code and methods of applying those changes to your daily practice.Don’t miss this opportunity to stay current with the new CRCC Code of Ethics and earn ethics contact hours too!

**By registering for this Pre-Conference and the National Rehabilitation Training Conference, you will receive a 20%discountoff the National Rehabilitation Training Conference registration fee.

80,000 Texas Children Need Your Help

From the Center for Public Policy Priorities: Affordable health insurance for 80,000 uninsured children is in jeopardy because state leaders think it's not a priority--for you. Last week, the Texas House blocked consideration of the CHIP buy-in bill. The Governor said he does not support it because, "That is not what I consider to be a piece of legislation that has the vast support of the people of the state of Texas." If you support the CHIP buy=in bill, state leaders need to hear from you immediately. We still have a chance today to get this done:
Call Governor Perry at 1.888.746.9714 and tell him, "I and the majority of Texans DO support a CHIP buy-in." Call Speaker Straus, Lt. Governor Dewhurst, and your representatives and tell them: "Pass the CHIP buy-in. A clear vehicle already exists in SB 841 and HB 2962."
Speaker Straus: 1.888.327.2086
Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst: 1.866.934.2619
Find your legislator: http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/

ORTIZ, JR. PRAISES PASSAGE OF STATE BUDGET

AUSTIN-The Texas House of Representatives gave final approval today to the State of Texas 2010-2011 budget, including important investments in health care and education and $ 4 million for a new mechanical engineering program at Texas A&M University--Corpus Christi.

"This budget does a good job of funding the essential services that Texans need in these tough economic times," Ortiz said. "I commend House Appropriations Chairman Jim Pitts, Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa, and the other budget conferees for their hard work addressing the priorities of the State of Texas."

The budget includes:
• a 1.9 % reduction in General Revenue spending
• a tax cut for small businesses
• 4 % across-the-board increase in funding for higher education
• $4 million for a new mechanical engineering program at TAMUCC
• $1 million for a small business incubator at TAMUCC
• $141 million each year to fund educator salary increases for public school teachers
• $264 million increase in higher education financial aid
• $8 million each year to go towards Texas reading, math, and science initiatives
• $500 one-time payment to be distributed to retired teachers and state employees
• $10 million to fund seat belts on school buses
• $12.6 million each year to fight coastal erosion
• $464 million to increase home and community-bases services for persons with developmental disabilities
• $12 billion in Federal Stimulus Funding.
• $450 million in bonds approved for the cancer prevention & research
"This is a balanced, fiscally responsible budget," Ortiz said. "With the assistance of federal stimulus funding, we controlled spending, made important investments in education, health care, and transportation, and achieved a big victory for Corpus Christi with the new engineering program at TAMUCC.
For more information on the budget, visit http://www.lbb.state.tx.us/ or contact Rep. Ortiz's office.

NRAJPD Plans Pre-Conference

The National Rehabilitation Association of Job Placement and Development, in conjunction with the Kentucky Association of Job Placement and Development, will host an NRA Pre-Conference seminar on Thursday September 10, 2009. Although the specific topic and speaker are not finalized, this will be a program of interest to placement service providers. We anticipate this to be a half-day program. Look for more details in upcoming issues of Contemporary Rehab.

70K Texans To Lose Emergency Compensation

About 70,000 Texans will exhaust their federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) beginning in July. Currently pending in House Calendars, SB 1569 protects unemployed Texans and qualifies Texas for $555 million in federal funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). However, the Legislature has overlooked an entirely separate pot of money in the ARRA that is equally important. The ARRA will pick up the 100% of the costs to extend UI for these Texans, delivering more than $250 million in federal funds into the Texas economy without any state costs.

Read the Center for Public Policy Priorities policy page to learn more, including how many Texans in each House legislative district will lose federally funded Emergency Unemployment Compensation if the Legislature fails to act: http://www.cppp.org/research.php?aid=886

NRA Conference Call for Proposals

Beverlee Stafford, NRA Executive Director, asks the membership to respond to the “Call for Proposals” published in the February issue of Contemporary Rehab. You can also view this document on the NRA website; click on the link for the Call for Proposals on the NRA homepage. Please help identify potential speakers and topics to make the 2009 conference a memorable one! Proposals are due to the NRA national office by June 1, 2009. Speakers will know by July 1, 2009 if selected.

Accommodating People with Vision Loss

A new resource from the Society for Human Resource Management and the latest update to the Job Accommodation Network on work accommodations for people who are Blind: http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/visi.htm

Seth Harris Confirmation Hearing for Deputy Secretary of Labor

President Obama has nominated Seth Harris to be the next Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor. His confirmation hearing is scheduled to go before the Senate on Thursday May 7, 2009 at 10:00am.

AAPD Ticket that Rocks!

AAPD will be launching an online auction "The Ticket that Rocks!" this Friday, May 8, 2009."The Ticket that Rocks!" online charitable auction gives theater connoisseurs and concert goers the opportunity to bid on tickets to their favorite shows while supporting individuals with disabilities and their families. The auction is slated to go live on May 8th, 2009 via eBay: http://www.ebay.com/

NRA Thanks Congressional Leaders- Rehab Counselor Day

The National Rehabilitation Association thanks all Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and, in particular, Congressmen Skelton, Gingrey, Tonko and Ehlers, for putting their appreciation of the wonderful work qualified rehabilitation counselors and qualified rehabilitation personnel into action in recognizing these selfless individuals on the Floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.

On behalf of NRA's Executive Director Beverlee Stafford, our 2009 President, Commissioner Butch McMillan, our Immediate Past President, Dr. Ray Feroz, our incoming President, Bonnie Hawley, and all in the National Rehabilitation Association, a heartfelt thanks to Dru Fentem, a long-time NRA Member from the great State of Georgia, for her dogged determination in shepherding this Resolution through both the House and Senate.

Like all of us, Members of Congress and their staff appreciate being thanked. We encourage you to contact your local Members of Congress and thank them for supporting this important Resolution recognizing qualified rehabilitation counselors and qualified rehabilitation personnel throughout our country. In particular, we ask all NRA members that you also contact electronically the following staff members and thank them for their support and that of their Member of Congress of this important Resolution. We encourage you to use as the subject line: Thank You For Voting For H.Res. 247, National Rehabilitation Counselor Appreciation Day.

Jason.Rauch@mail.house.gov; (Congressman Ike Skelton's (D.MO.))

Robert.Horne@mail.house.gov; (Congressman Phil Gingrey (R.GA))

Becky.Cornell@mail.house (Congressman Paul Tonko (D.NY.))

Rachel.Fenton@mail.house.gov; (Congressman Ehlers (R.MI.))

Disability History Guide

National Consortium on Leadership and Disability for Youth Releases Disability History Guide
Disability History Timeline: Resource and Discussion Guide

This guide is designed to assist those with and without disabilities to learn about the rich history of people with disabilities. Although designed primarily for youth and emerging leaders with disabilities, the guide can be used in multiple ways to educate a broader audience as well. Starting shortly after the United States was founded, the guide features examples of the remarkable diversity, creativity, and leadership that has shaped the disability community and American culture.

Career-Focused Services in Community Colleges Released

NCWD/Youth and Workforce Strategy Center release Career-Focused Services for Students with Disabilities at Community Colleges

Career-Focused Services for Students with Disabilities at Community Colleges
Our nation’s changing economy requires workers to attain increasingly higher job skills. Leaders in education, workforce development, and economic development recognize the need to help workers meet this challenge and to help employers find qualified employees. This case study report examines the efforts of community colleges to function as intermediaries in meeting the local workforce development needs of employers. Moreover, it identifies promising practice models of collaboration between career services and disability student services to promote career opportunities and job attainment for students with disabilities.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Funds
One of the requirements of the ARRA is that every department must create a webpage describing how their department’s dollars will be spent and that provides guidance to grantees/contractors. Below you will find the links to the Department of Labor and Education’s pages.
Department of Labor Information Related to the ARRA
This page includes information on the initial plans for the implementation o the Workforce Investment Act and state-by-state breakouts.
Department of Education Information Related to the ARRA
This page includes information on the Title I, Part A Recovery Funds for Grants to Local Educational Agencies, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants, and Independent Living Services.

NCD Quarterly Meetings in Washington, DC

The National Council on Disability Needs Your Input—Economic Stimulus Package
NCD is interested in examples of expenditures from the economic stimulus package being put to use in each state, and how it is affecting people with disabilities. For example, the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency in Ohio is using stimulus money to hire retired VR counselors to handle the increased workload. If you know of other specific examples that will help people with disabilities, please send them to us at ncd@ncd.gov.

Future Quarterly Meetings
Summer 2009, July 20–22, Marriott City Center, 30 South 7th Street, Minneapolis, MN
Fall 2009, October 26–28, Holiday Inn Express, 920 Broadway, Nashville, TN
Winter 2010, January 19–21, Houston, TX
Spring 2010, April 26–28, Detroit, MI
Summer 2010, July 28–29, Renaissance Hotel, Washington, DC, immediately following the National Summit on Disability Policy at the same location.
Please visit http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/quarterly/quarterly.htm for updated information about all meetings when it becomes available.