New SSA Data Available to Public

SOCIAL SECURITY

News Release

Social Security Makes New Data Available to Public

Commissioner Astrue Applauds President Obama’s Transparency and Open Government Initiative

Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced that the agency is making new data about beneficiaries and the agency’s disability and hearing processes available to the public. The new data supports the President’s Transparency and Open Government initiative and is available at www.data.gov.

“I applaud President Obama’s commitment to creating an unprecedented level of openness in government and the new datasets we are posting far exceed what was asked of us,” Commissioner Astrue said. “Social Security has always valued transparency and sought to give the public user-friendly information about our programs. Each year we send millions of Americans personal information about their Social Security contributions and potential benefits. Our website www.socialsecurity.gov has a wealth of information about our programs and the Social Security trust funds. I hope the new data we are making available will lead to a better understanding of our operations and the important role we play in people’s lives. I look forward to engaging Americans in the business of their government.”

Job Opening: Chief of Independent Living Unit

The Department of Education is recruiting to fill the position of Chief of the Independent Living Unit. This is a supervisory position, GS-101-14/15, located in the Rehabilitation Services Administration, State Monitoring and Program Improvement Division.

The deadline for applications is February 12, 2010 and the position is open to everyone.

If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the announcement or wish to apply, you must submit your application online through the OPM website which can be accessed at:
http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/search.aspx?FedEmp=Y&FedPub=Y&sort=rv,-dtex&vw=d&re=134&caller=basic.aspx&jbf574=EDEH

OSERS-2010-0013 (federal employees/status candidates)
OSERS-2010-0012 (non-status candidates)

NRA's 2010 Government Affairs Summit Early Bird Special

Don’t forget to sign up for the 2010 Government Affairs Summit and
receive the Early Bird Special, visit: www.nationalrehab.org and reserve your spot today!

Annual Disability Statistics Compendium

The Annual Disability Compendium is available at www.DisabilityCompendium.org. The Compendium brings together in one place disability statistics published by various federal agencies. It makes finding and using disability statistics easier when working on research, legislative, and other matters relating to persons with disabilities. Topics covered in this year’s Compendium include: population size, prevalence of disability, employment, enrollment in education, educational attainment, self-reported health status, health behaviors, and MUCH more!

The Compendium is a product of the Hunter College Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Disability Statistics and Demographics (Hunter StatsRRTC), which is funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact the Technical Assistance toll-free number, 1-866-538-9521.

The CRCC Desk Reference on Professional Ethics: A Guide Now Available

The CRCC Desk Reference on Professional Ethics is a contemporary, authoritative, all-inclusive resource on ethics for rehabilitation counselors. Written and compiled by representatives of the CRCC, it applies the new 2010 Code to everyday practice in a clear, concise, user-friendly format.

It includes:

• The Complete 2010 Code of Professional Ethics for Rehabilitation Counselors;
• New Training Scenarios Cross-Referenced with Advisory Opinions;
• An Annotated Bibliography; and
• A Comprehensive Set of Appendixes, including Sample Forms.

The CRCC Desk Reference on Professional Ethics may be purchased for $39.99 through the Publisher, Elliott & Fitzpatrick at www.elliottfitzpatrick.com or by calling 1-800-843-4977.

For more information, including a printable promotional brochure, go to the CRCC website at www.crccertification.com/pages/crcc_desk_reference/138.php

US Senate Confirms Griffin Deputy Director of OPM

On Tuesday, January 5, 2010, the Senate confirmed Christine M. Griffin as the new Deputy Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

As Deputy Director of OPM, Director Griffin will be instrumental in the composition and management of the Federal government's 1.9 employees. Deputy Griffin, a native of the Boston area, is an ardent advocate for all individuals with disabilities and in 2006 launched the Leadership for the Employment of Individuals with Disabilities (LEAD) which addressed significant under-employment of individuals with significant disabilities in the Federal government.

Deputy Griffin received her undergraduate degree from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in 1983 and received her law degree from Boston College Law School where she was awarded the prestigious Skadden Arps Fellowship upon graduation.In December 2005, Ms. Griffin was selected as one of the Nation's eleven "Lawyers of the Year" by Lawyers Weekly USA newspaper.

Job Opening at Advocacy, Inc. San Anotnio Office

Job opening at Advocacy, Inc.,
San Antonio Office

Advocacy, Inc. has an Advocate position available with the Client Assistance Program, (CAP). Advocacy, Inc., is a private non profit employer with generous benefits and flexible hours. Salary is commensurate with experience.

The Advocate position includes working with a number of organizations, including the State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies, (DRS, DBS) Independent Living Centers, & Projects with Industry. The goal of the CAP program is to resolve differences between a consumer and the agency. The position works closely with the vocational rehabilitation program and independent living program. The position has a variety of responsibilities and is very rewarding. The advocate would learn about laws that protect persons with disabilities. The job description can be viewed on the Advocacy Inc., website at www.advocacyinc.org.

If you have any questions about the responsibilities of the position, please feel free to contact me at 713-974-7691, or 1-800-880-0821.

Karen Stanfill
CAP Coordinator