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DisabilityInfo Connection
| In This Issue: | January 2009 |
Welcome to DisabilityInfo Connection, the newsletter of DisabilityInfo.gov. Managed by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, DisabilityInfo.gov provides Americans with disabilities a direct connection to the information and resources they need to fully participate in the workforce and in their communities. This newsletter will keep you informed about new developments relating to disability programs, policies and services across the federal government. It also offers timely information about the important contributions and initiatives of the 22 federal agencies that are partners to this Web site.
News & Events
President Barack Obama's Agenda to Empower Individuals with Disabilities
President Obama and Vice President Biden have a comprehensive agenda to empower individuals with disabilities in order to equalize opportunities for all Americans in employment, education and many other areas of their lives. The plan also supports becoming a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and promoting independent, community-based living for Americans with disabilities, giving them the choice of living in their community rather than in a nursing home or other institution. The president is also committed to helping Americans with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and their families and communities through increased funding for autism research, treatment, screenings, public awareness and support services.
The Switch to Digital TV
After February 17, 2009, the country's full power broadcast television stations will stop broadcasting in analog and broadcast exclusively in digital. Consumers who receive their local broadcast stations through a paid provider such as cable or satellite TV are already prepared for this change to digital television (DTV). Consumers who rely on free, over-the-air television programming by using rooftop antennas or "rabbit ears" on their sets have two choices to be ready for the DTV transition they can purchase a digital television (a TV with a built-in digital tuner); or they can purchase a digital-to-analog converter box for each of their analog TVs so they can continue to receive free, over-the-air programming on them. To learn more about the impact of these changes on people with disabilities, particularly as they relate to closed captioning, visit the DTV Web site.
(Important notice: On January 26, 2009 the DTV Delay Act (S.328), a bill that would extend the deadline for the switch to DTV to June 12, 2009, was introduced in the Senate. As of the date this newsletter was prepared the bill had not been passed, and the date for the change to DTV remains February 17th. For updates check the Library of Congress Web site.)
Social Security Expands Fast-Track Disability Claims Processing
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that improvements to the agency's computer modeling system have increased the number of claimants receiving expedited approvals for disability benefits. "In practical terms, this means that this year 100,000 to 125,000 disabled Americans those with the most severe disabilities will be approved for benefits in about 10 days instead of waiting the three to four months it typically takes for an initial decision," SSA Commissioner Astrue said.
Proposed Expansion of Projects Eligible for Disability-Related Transportation Funding
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is proposing to expand the types of projects it considers to address the transportation needs of persons with disabilities beyond the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and thus qualify for funding under its New Freedom program. Under the proposed interpretation, new and expanded fixed-route and on-demand transit services designed to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities would become eligible. The deadline for receiving public comments on this proposal is February 23, 2009.
Settlement Agreement Between the United States of America & Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
On January 16, 2009, the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice entered into a settlement agreement with Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act to improve access for persons with disabilities at Wal-Mart stores around the country. The agreement resolves an investigation that began after the Department received several complaints alleging that Wal-Mart had refused to make reasonable modifications to its rules, policies, practices and procedures for customers with disabilities. Many of the complaints alleged that persons with disabilities were denied access to, or an equal opportunity to shop in, Wal-Mart stores because they were accompanied by service animals.
For more information about the ADA visit the Civil Rights section of DisabilityInfo.gov. To learn about other enforcement actions taken by the U.S. Department of Justice, visit the department's Civil Rights Division Web site.
Proposed ADA Regulations Withdrawn from OMB Review
On January 21, 2009, the Department of Justice notified the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that the Department has withdrawn its draft final rules to amend the Department's regulations implementing title II and title III of the ADA from the OMB review process. This action was taken to allow time for any new regulations to be reviewed and approved by officials appointed by President Obama. Withdrawal of the draft final rules does not affect existing ADA regulations. Title II and title III entities must continue to follow the Department's existing ADA regulations, including the ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
2009 Mobility Planning Services Institutes
Easter Seals has announced the expansion of the training program formerly known as Easter Seals Project ACTION's Mobility Planning Services Institute, or "MPS." The new Mobility Planning Services Institutes are two separate training opportunities - the Accessible Community Transportation Institute and the Senior Transportation Institute. The application deadline for both training programs is April 3, 2009. Learn more by reading the 2009 Mobility Planning Services Institute's brochure in PDF or TEXT format.
Federal Agency in Focus
U.S. Department of Education
Under the leadership of Secretary Arne Duncan, the Department of Education, one of DisabilityInfo.gov's twenty-two federal partner agencies, works to ensure access to equal educational opportunity for every individual and to improve the quality of education received by all students. To meet the needs of people with disabilities, the Department works through the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) and its three components The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) and The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). These offices work together to develop the full potential of children with disabilities, enhance the productivity of persons with disabilities through independent living and vocational rehabilitation services, and increase knowledge about the delivery of services for persons with disabilities through rehabilitative and special education research. The Obama administration has pledged to ensure the academic success of students with disabilities and is committed to increased funding for, and effective enforcement of, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
State Program in Focus
Temple University's Institute on Disabilities
The Institute on Disabilities at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, is one of 67 University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service funded by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD). The Institute on Disabilities works to ensure that people with disabilities are recognized as integral to the fabric of community life and that they have the knowledge, opportunity and power to improve their lives and the lives of others. Learn more about the Institute's programs and upcoming training events. For information on disability-related programs and services in other states, click on the map in any of DisabilityInfo.gov's nine main subject areas: employment, education, housing, transportation, health, benefits, technology, community life and civil rights.
Hot Topics in Community Life
2009 Money Follows the Person Conference
This conference, scheduled for March 2-4, 2009 in Baltimore, MD, will address subjects such as community inclusion for persons living with disabilities, innovative ways to increase housing capacity, Medicaid rebalancing, self direction and quality management systems. The Money Follows the Person (MFP) program is designed to help states move individuals enrolled in Medicaid from institutions back to the community, where they will keep their Medicaid coverage.
Project Civic Access: Cities and Counties - First Steps Toward Solving Common ADA Problems
The U.S. Department of Justice's Project Civic Access initiative has worked with more than 100 state and local governments to achieve compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and, in the process, observed several common problems. This project describes how those problems affect people with disabilities and offers suggestions for state and local governments on how to solve them.
Personal Assistance Services
DisabilityInfo.gov recently added a new section on Personal Assistance Services (PAS). PAS can help individuals with disabilities with activities of daily living such as getting up and ready for work, bathing, dressing, meal preparation and house cleaning. For many, they also play an important role in the workplace.
Featured Tools & Resources
Job Search
The Employer Assistance & Recruiting Network (EARN) is a free service that connects employers looking for quality employees with skilled job candidates. Visit EARN's Job Source to find job openings based on your location and desired occupation. More tips and tools for job seekers are also available through EARN's Web site.
Visit DisabilityInfo.gov's Employment section for more help finding a job.
New Resource for Wounded Warriors, Veterans & Their Families
The U.S. Department of Labor has joined with the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs to launch a Web-based directory to help wounded warriors find resources to assist them transition back to civilian life. The National Resource Directory contains more than 10,000 services and resources at the national and local level relating to health care, support for caregivers, counseling services, emergency financial help and much more.
In his Veterans agenda, President Obama states his strong commitment to improving the quality of health care for all veterans and returning service members, including those living with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
More resources for veterans and service members can be found in the Employment, Education, Housing, Health and Benefits sections of DisabilityInfo.gov. Specific information about employment success strategies for returning service members with TBI and PTSD can be found on the America's Heroes at Work Web site.
Compare Nursing Home Ratings
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released quality ratings for each of the nation's 15,800 nursing homes that participate in Medicare or Medicaid. Facilities are assigned star ratings from a low of one star to a high of five stars based on health inspection surveys, staffing information and quality of care measures.
Learn about alternatives to nursing home care and other long-term care choices.
Survey of Employer Perspectives on the Employment of People with Disabilities
The recently released Survey of Employer Perspectives on the Employment of People with Disabilities is the first of its magnitude, with responses representing more than 2.4 million companies nationwide. The survey's results reveal that a majority of large businesses hiring people with disabilities are discovering that costs for accommodations differ very little from those of the general employee population. They also show that once an employer hires someone with a disability, they are much more likely to hire other people with disabilities. The complete report is available in Word format.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has just released a new fact sheet on the subject of accommodations. Making Workplace Accommodations: Reasonable Cost, Big Benefits is available in PDF and Word format.
Learn What Businesses Have to Say About The Value of Employees with Disabilities
The recently revised Business Case for Hiring People with Disabilities, including veterans with disabilities, features video clips, research and other information from businesses and industry leaders on how hiring people with disabilities improves an organization's bottom line across six themes: Return on Investment, Human Capital, Innovation, Marketing, Diversity and Social Responsibility.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has just released a new fact sheet on the subject of accommodations. Making Workplace Accommodations: Reasonable Cost, Big Benefits is available in PDF and Word format.
In Your Community
University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service
The Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) funds University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research and Service (UCEDDs) in every state and territory. UCEDD programs are designed to increase the independence, productivity and community integration of individuals with developmental disabilities. For a complete list of Centers visit ADD's Web site or the Association of University Centers on Disabilities.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Offices Near You
If you believe you have been discriminated against by an employer, labor union or employment agency when applying for a job or while on the job because of your race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age or disability, you may file a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Learn more about filing a charge of employment discrimination. Visit DisabilityInfo.gov's Civil Rights section for more information about employment rights of people with disabilities.
Local Home Repair Programs
Many states have home repair and rehabilitation programs that can help make your home accessible by building ramps and making other home improvements. Find a program in your state.
University Offices of Disability Services
Many colleges and universities around the country have Offices of Disability Services that work to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Disability Services Coordinators in these offices help foster each student's academic success through individualized plans tailored to their particular needs. They may also assist with accommodations and assistive technologies that enable students with disabilities to have a more effective educational experience. DisabilityInfo.gov offers information on these and other education resources in your state.
Grants & Funding
Financial Aid & Scholarships
DisabilityInfo.gov's Financial Aid/Scholarships section has recently been updated with links to new scholarship information, including specific opportunities for people living with specific disabilities such as spina bifida, blindness or multiple sclerosis.
Research in Disabilities Education
The Research in Disabilities Education (RDE) program works to increase the participation and achievement of people with disabilities in all fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and related professional careers. See the announcement from the National Science Foundation for the deadlines for submitting research proposals.
Education, Training and Enhanced Services to End Violence Against and Abuse of Women with Disabilities
The goal of this grant program is to create sustainable, systemic change that will result in effective services for women with disabilities who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking and hold perpetrators of such crimes accountable. The application deadline is February 25, 2009 and letters of intent to apply must be filed by February 3, 2009.
Community Parent Resource Centers & Parent Training and Information Centers
The purpose of this program is to ensure that parents of children with disabilities receive training and information to help improve results for their children. There are two priorities for these grants Community Parent Resource Centers and Parent Training and Information Centers. The application deadline is February 26, 2009.
Disability Rehabilitation Research Projects
These projects were developed to create methods, procedures and rehabilitation technologies that advance a wide range of independent living and employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities, especially individuals with the most severe disabilities. The application deadline for these grants is February 23, 2009. For more information about the DRRP and other research programs, visit the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) Web site.
Prior issues of this newsletter can be found at: http://www.disability.gov/home/press_room/disability_connection_newsletter
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