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July
DisabilityInfo Connection
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In This Issue
July 2006
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Welcome to the first issue of DisabilityInfo Connection. DisabilityInfo.gov, managed by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, is the federal government's one-stop Web site for people with disabilities, employers, job seekers, service providers and many others. This newsletter will keep you informed about new developments relating to DisabilityInfo.gov. It will also offer timely information about the important contributions and initiatives of the 21 federal agencies that support this Web site. — W. Roy Grizzard, Jr., Ed.D., Assistant Secretary for the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor |
A Message from Olegario D. Cantos VII, Esq., Associate Director for Domestic Policy, The White HouseDear Users of DisabilityInfo.gov: As we celebrate the 16th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is my honor to send you greetings. Within just 3 weeks of coming into office, President George W. Bush launched his New Freedom Initiative (NFI), a bold plan to enhance access by persons with disabilities to every aspect of societal life. Over the years, agencies from throughout the federal government have meaningfully endeavored to carry out the President's vision for an ownership society in which each and every American may strive to reach his or her greatest potential, rightfully taking pride in the success of personal accomplishment and looking to the future which is bright with promise, possibility, and hope for tomorrow. Inspired by the President's commitment to foster an environment in which men, women, and children with disabilities are accorded the same degree of dignity, respect, and opportunity as enjoyed by individuals without disabilities, federal agencies have eagerly followed the President's lead. They have increased access by people with disabilities to information and assertive technology, broadened new and innovative possibilities for youth with disabilities within an educational setting, enhanced integration into the workplace, and expanded opportunities to community life. In keeping with the spirit of collaboration that was at the heart of NFI, within 60 days of the President signing an executive order directing agencies from across the federal government to centralize disability-related online information in one place, DisabilityInfo.gov was created in October 2002 and was officially launched by Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao. Since that time, millions of Americans, as well as individuals from 180 countries around the world, have taken advantage of the wealth of information readily available at this web portal, which serves as a clearinghouse of resources that may be of direct benefit to persons with disabilities and their families and friends. At a practical level, those visiting the site have more of ability than ever before to find the information they need -- all at one convenient place. Areas of interest include housing, government benefits, civil rights, social services, emergency preparedness, employment, transportation, telecommunications, technology, business resources, and more. I encourage everyone to make use of DisabilityInfo.gov, which is updated on a regular basis by a dedicated team of representatives from all the partner agencies. Tell others about this invaluable resource, post its link in email bulletins and on websites, spread awareness about the site's contents, and provide feedback on how the web portal may best serve you. By taking these proactive steps, you will position yourself to make an even bigger difference in the lives of those around you as you help empower members of your community to receive the kind of resources and information that is of particular importance to them. Best of all, as you provide this website as a way for people to find what they need, you may readily leverage your time by arming members of your community with a trusted and steady source of reliable, dependable, and timely information. On behalf of the White House, I wish all of you well as you continually strive to work hard, dream big, and take full part in every aspect of American life. Warmest wishes to you in all that you do. Sincerely, |
News & Events |
Celebrating the 16th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) — A Proclamation from the President of the United States"My Administration continues to build on the progress of the ADA through the New Freedom Initiative. We have established an online connection to the Federal Government's disability-related information and resources at DisabilityInfo.gov, and the job training and placement services of the "Ticket to Work" program and One Stop Career Centers are promoting greater employment opportunities. We are also expanding educational opportunities for children with disabilities, providing them with the tools they need for success in their classrooms, homes, and communities. In addition, we are fostering technological advancement and encouraging increased distribution of assistive technology to help people with disabilities live and work with greater independence." — President George W. Bush, The White House Visit the White House Web site to view the President's proclamation. Also, learn more about this historic legislation by visiting the Civil Rights section of DisabilityInfo.gov. Assistant Secretary Grizzard Welcomes Five New Federal Agencies as Partners to DisabilityInfo.govFive new federal agencies have been added as partners to DisabilityInfo.gov: the U.S. Departments of Commerce, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs; the Federal Communications Commission; and the Small Business Administration. Executive level representatives from these agencies will provide guidance to ensure that DisabilityInfo.gov continues as the key online resource for people with disabilities. "We are very happy to welcome these five federal agencies to the DisabilityInfo.gov team," said Dr. Roy Grizzard, the U.S. Department of Labor's Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy. "Now a collaborative effort among 21 federal agencies, this Web site is even better equipped to offer people with disabilities the information and resources they need to pursue their personal and professional ambitions." Department of Veterans Affairs Unveils VetSuccess.gov to Assist Veterans with Service-Connected DisabilitiesThe U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently unveiled VetSuccess.gov, an online employment resource that enables users to explore and apply the benefits offered by the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) service. The VR&E service is a valuable initiative that provides a range of supports to veterans with service-connected disabilities. VetSuccess.gov offers users an orientation to VR&E programs, expert vocational advice, rich labor market resources and career development tools. The Web site also expands career networking relationships through a working partnership module that integrates the support of employers, VA staff, educators, and faith and community-based resources for veterans seeking comprehensive online career solutions. "VetSuccess.gov is an important tool for VR&E," said Judith Caden, Director, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service. "By connecting users to powerful information, it supports our mission to help veterans with service-connected disabilities become suitably employed, maintain employment and achieve independence in daily living." For additional resources for veterans and service members visit the Employment and Health sections of DisabilityInfo.gov. |
Hot Topics in Employment |
Office of Personnel Management Guide to Federal Employment of People with DisabilitiesThis helpful guide provides information to assist employers, especially federal managers and supervisors, in hiring and retaining employees with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act: A Primer for Small BusinessThis handbook is intended primarily for businesses with 15 to 100 employees. It provides an easy-to-read overview of the basic employment provisions of the ADA as they relate to employees and job applicants. |
Featured Tools & Resources |
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Offers a One-Stop Web site on Medicare Part DMedicare began offering prescription drug coverage on January 1, 2006. The CMS Prescription Drug Coverage Web site offers comprehensive information about the Medicare Part D program, including basic information about Medicare prescription drug coverage; what it is; who can get it; when you can get it; how can you get it and why you should get it. Additional information on Medicare is featured in the Health section of DisabilityInfo.gov. Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) Delivers Assistive Technology Services to People With DisabilitiesThe Technology section of DisabilityInfo.gov includes information about the Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) and other assistive technology resources. CAP provides assistive technology and services to people with disabilities, federal managers, supervisors and IT professionals. CAP's mission is to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to the information environment and opportunities in the Department of Defense (DoD) and throughout the federal government. By fulfilling this mission of providing real solutions for real needs, CAP is helping to make the Federal government the model employer for people with disabilities. Social Security Administration Presents "2006 Red Book on Employment Supports for Individuals with Disabilities"One of the Social Security Administration's (SSA) highest priorities is to help individuals with disabilities achieve independence through employment. The 2006 Red Book on Employment Supports for Individuals with Disabilities is a general reference source about the employment-related provisions of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. The Red Book was developed to enhance the working knowledge of educators, advocates, rehabilitation professionals and counselors who provide guidance on the effect of employment on receiving SSDI or SSI. This important resource also explains the various work incentives that support the employment goals of Social Security beneficiaries. Applicants and beneficiaries can also use the book as a self-help guide to the employment-related provisions under SSA programs. The Red Book and other valuable information on work incentives are available in the Benefits section of DisabilityInfo.gov. National Disability Employment Awareness Month Poster Now AvailableODEP's Assistant Secretary W. Roy Grizzard, Jr., Ed.D. has announced that the 2006 poster for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is now available to the public. This year's theme, Americans with Disabilities: Ready for the Global Workforce, was announced by Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao in May. Congress enacted Public Law 176 in 1945 establishing October of each year as the month to recognize the contributions Americans with disabilities are making in the workplace. This poster can be used to focus attention on employment opportunities for workers with disabilities. It can also be distributed at programs celebrating the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as NDEAM in October. |
Federal Agency In Focus |
U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights DivisionThe Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, established in 1957, is responsible for enforcing Federal statutes prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, religion and national origin in education, employment, credit, housing, public accommodations and facilities, voting and certain federally funded and conducted programs. The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) is among the many laws enforced by the Civil Rights Division. The Disability Rights Section of the ADA protects the rights of persons with disabilities under Titles I, II and III. Learn more about the ADA and other disability-related laws by visiting the Civil Rights section of DisabilityInfo.gov. |
State & Local Highlights |
Southeast Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (SEDBTAC)The Southeast Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center (DBTAC), located within the Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access (CATEA) at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, serves as one of the 10 regional centers for an extended leadership network of state and local resources on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as accessible information technology in education. Partners include each of the following eight states within the southeast region of the U.S.: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The Southeast DBTAC offers services to promote awareness about the ADA, accessible information technology and the rights and abilities of people with disabilities. To learn more, contact the Southeast DBTAC at 800-949-4232 (v/tty/Spanish) or visit its Web site. Information on other regional disability and business technical assistance centers can be found in the Employment section of DisabilityInfo.gov. |
