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).
Showing posts with label disability policy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disability policy. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
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
To participate in this event, visit: http://www.dol.gov/odep/documents/Stakeholder.pdf
Thursday, September 17, 2009
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/
Monday, August 24, 2009
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).
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.
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.
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.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Claypool Chosen as Director of Office on Disability
NRA-- HHS Names Henry Claypool As Director of Office on Disability
The Department of Health and Human Services today announced the selection of Henry Claypool as director of the HHS Office on Disability. Mr. Claypool has 25 years of experience developing and implementing disability policy at the federal, state, and local levels, and he has personal experience with the nation’s health care system from the perspective of an individual with a disability.
“President Obama is committed to ensuring that the 54 million Americans with disabilities have an equal opportunity to achieve the American dream,” said HHS Chief of Staff Laura Petrou. “Henry Claypool is uniquely prepared to expand and improve services that will empower more Americans with disabilities.”
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve President Obama and the American people as we work together to make certain that Americans with disabilities have access to the services and supports they need to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of their communities,” said Mr. Claypool. “My commitment to working on behalf of Americans with disabilities is a deeply personal one.”
Mr. Claypool sustained a spinal injury more than 25 years ago. In the years following his injury, he relied on Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income, which enabled him to complete his bachelor’s degree at the University of Colorado. After completing his degree, he spent five years working for a Center for Independent Living, after which he became the Director of the Disability Services office at the University of Colorado-Boulder.
Mr. Claypool currently serves as the Policy Director at Independence Care System, a managed long-term care provider in New York City. Mr. Claypool has advised the federal government on disability policy for several years. From 1998-2002, he held various advisory positions at HHS, including Senior Advisor for Disability Policy to the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services during the Clinton administration. From 2005-2006, he served as a Senior Advisor in the Social Security Administration’s Office of Disability and Income Support Programs. Mr. Claypool was also appointed by Governor Tim Kaine of Virginia to serve on the Commonwealth’s Health Reform Commission in 2007.
As Director of the Office on Disability, Mr. Claypool will serve as the primary advisor to the HHS Secretary on disability policy and will oversee the implementation of all HHS programs and initiatives pertaining to Americans with disabilities.
The Department of Health and Human Services today announced the selection of Henry Claypool as director of the HHS Office on Disability. Mr. Claypool has 25 years of experience developing and implementing disability policy at the federal, state, and local levels, and he has personal experience with the nation’s health care system from the perspective of an individual with a disability.
“President Obama is committed to ensuring that the 54 million Americans with disabilities have an equal opportunity to achieve the American dream,” said HHS Chief of Staff Laura Petrou. “Henry Claypool is uniquely prepared to expand and improve services that will empower more Americans with disabilities.”
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve President Obama and the American people as we work together to make certain that Americans with disabilities have access to the services and supports they need to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of their communities,” said Mr. Claypool. “My commitment to working on behalf of Americans with disabilities is a deeply personal one.”
Mr. Claypool sustained a spinal injury more than 25 years ago. In the years following his injury, he relied on Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income, which enabled him to complete his bachelor’s degree at the University of Colorado. After completing his degree, he spent five years working for a Center for Independent Living, after which he became the Director of the Disability Services office at the University of Colorado-Boulder.
Mr. Claypool currently serves as the Policy Director at Independence Care System, a managed long-term care provider in New York City. Mr. Claypool has advised the federal government on disability policy for several years. From 1998-2002, he held various advisory positions at HHS, including Senior Advisor for Disability Policy to the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services during the Clinton administration. From 2005-2006, he served as a Senior Advisor in the Social Security Administration’s Office of Disability and Income Support Programs. Mr. Claypool was also appointed by Governor Tim Kaine of Virginia to serve on the Commonwealth’s Health Reform Commission in 2007.
As Director of the Office on Disability, Mr. Claypool will serve as the primary advisor to the HHS Secretary on disability policy and will oversee the implementation of all HHS programs and initiatives pertaining to Americans with disabilities.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
New Report on Housing Shortage for People with Disabilities
NRCA/Capitol Insider: Today the Technical Assistance Collaborative and the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Housing Task Force issued "Priced Out in 2008", a study which documents the severe housing affordability crisis facing over 4 million people with disabilities who rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to live. The report compares monthly SSI payments to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Fair Market Rents in all metropolitan statistical areas across the country. The national average rent for a one-bedroom unit was $749 per month (112.1% of monthly SSI payments) and the studio/efficiency unit rent was $663 per month (99.3% of monthly SSI income). The report can be accessed at: http://www.lifewithoutlimits.org/site/R?i=mFuoF6gYPBvbcrnV0LNxWQ..
Upcoming Disability Policy Seminar
From the NRCA Capitol Insider:
The 2009 Disability Policy Seminar Seminar is only two weeks away. Over 400 participants from more the 35 states, Canada, Australia and China have registered. For a state by state list of the registrants from your state: http://www.aucd.org/docs/policy/disability_policy_seminar_2009/registration_by_state.pdf Register online at:https://aaiddonline.aaidd.org/events/EV04EventDetail.aspx?eventID=1057
The 2009 Disability Policy Seminar Seminar is only two weeks away. Over 400 participants from more the 35 states, Canada, Australia and China have registered. For a state by state list of the registrants from your state: http://www.aucd.org/docs/policy/disability_policy_seminar_2009/registration_by_state.pdf Register online at:https://aaiddonline.aaidd.org/events/EV04EventDetail.aspx?eventID=1057
IG Reports on Impact of DDS Changes on SSA Benefits
From the NRCA Capitol Insider:
The Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), Michael J. Astrue, has written to several of the Nation's governors regarding the potential impact that furloughs, hiring freezes, and layoffs of state employees will have on people with disabilities filing applications for Social Security disability benefits. The federal government fully reimburses the states for their costs of running the disability determination services (DDS), where state employees evaluate initial claims for disability benefits. SSA's Inspector General has indicated that the furloughs could have a substantial effect on processing claims. Not only will claimants have to wait longer for decisions, but those who are found eligible will experience delay in receiving the benefits they need for daily expenses. In California alone, the Inspector General's report predicts a delay in $648,000 in benefits to new beneficiaries These delays are in addition to the long-standing backlog in disability decisions, particularly at the hearing level. The IG report can be found at:http://www.ssa.gov/oig/ADOBEPDF/A-01-09-29137.pdf
The Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), Michael J. Astrue, has written to several of the Nation's governors regarding the potential impact that furloughs, hiring freezes, and layoffs of state employees will have on people with disabilities filing applications for Social Security disability benefits. The federal government fully reimburses the states for their costs of running the disability determination services (DDS), where state employees evaluate initial claims for disability benefits. SSA's Inspector General has indicated that the furloughs could have a substantial effect on processing claims. Not only will claimants have to wait longer for decisions, but those who are found eligible will experience delay in receiving the benefits they need for daily expenses. In California alone, the Inspector General's report predicts a delay in $648,000 in benefits to new beneficiaries These delays are in addition to the long-standing backlog in disability decisions, particularly at the hearing level. The IG report can be found at:http://www.ssa.gov/oig/ADOBEPDF/A-01-09-29137.pdf
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
NCD: More Fed Jobs for People with Disabilties
WASHINGTON VIA NRCA—The National Council on Disability (NCD) says current efforts to employ people with disabilities in the Federal Government have not worked well, and recommends reversing this trend in a new paper, "Federal Employment of People with Disabilities". It is available at: http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2009/pdf/Federal_Employment_of_People_with_Disabilities.pdf), Recommendations include improved federal hiring and advancement of employees with disabilities. The paper also summarizes legal authority, policy guidance, federal responsibilities, barriers to hiring and advancement, provisions for reasonable accommodations, and agency initiatives.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Disability Law Handbook Available
The DBTAC Southwest ADA Center announces the publication of The Disability Law Handbook, a 50-page guide to the basics of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability related laws. Written in an FAQ format, The Disability Law Handbook answers questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act, the ADA Amendments Act, the Rehabilitation Act, Social Security, the Air Carrier Access Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act, and the Fair Housing Act Amendments.
Individual copies of The Disability Law Handbook are available at no charge by emailing Rauseo@bcm.edu, or by calling Dionne Rauseo at 713.520.0232, ext.113.
"Listen to the Disability Law Lowdown Podcast at http://dll.ada-podcast.com"
Individual copies of The Disability Law Handbook are available at no charge by emailing Rauseo@bcm.edu, or by calling Dionne Rauseo at 713.520.0232, ext.113.
"Listen to the Disability Law Lowdown Podcast at http://dll.ada-podcast.com"
Office of Disability Employment Policy Activities Highlighted
ODEP’s Activities and Resources Highlighted in SHRM Article:
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) published "Can Hiring One Employee with a Disability Make a Difference?". The article covers a wide range of disability employment interests including ODEP’s policy activity, EARN, WRP, and more. The article is available through the Office of Disability Policy's home page.
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) published "Can Hiring One Employee with a Disability Make a Difference?". The article covers a wide range of disability employment interests including ODEP’s policy activity, EARN, WRP, and more. The article is available through the Office of Disability Policy's home page.
Monday, March 30, 2009
NCD Opens Phone Access for Report Releases
FROM THE NRCA LISTSERV:
In response to numerous requests, NCD has arranged for telephone access for those who would like to listen to the release proceedings of two important NCD reports on Tuesday March 31, 2009, at the NCD quarterly meeting in Washington.
The toll-free, call-in, listen-only number for each event is 888-790-6568, and the pass code is “NCD Meeting.”
Release 1: Federal Employment of People with Disabilities (An evaluation of the employment of people with disabilities within the Federal Government):
10:15 a.m. EDT – 11:00 a.m. EDT
Release 2: National Disability Policy: A Progress Report (This is the mandated report to the President and Congress prepared by the Council which includes 17 recommendations) 3:45 p.m. EDT – 5:00 p.m. EDT
In response to numerous requests, NCD has arranged for telephone access for those who would like to listen to the release proceedings of two important NCD reports on Tuesday March 31, 2009, at the NCD quarterly meeting in Washington.
The toll-free, call-in, listen-only number for each event is 888-790-6568, and the pass code is “NCD Meeting.”
Release 1: Federal Employment of People with Disabilities (An evaluation of the employment of people with disabilities within the Federal Government):
10:15 a.m. EDT – 11:00 a.m. EDT
Release 2: National Disability Policy: A Progress Report (This is the mandated report to the President and Congress prepared by the Council which includes 17 recommendations) 3:45 p.m. EDT – 5:00 p.m. EDT
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