DNEC on the net

FREE Tax Preparation

2012-01-18T14:30:00.002-05:00

Norwich Human Services
80 Broadway, Norwich, CT
will be offering FREE Income Tax Preparation & e-filing to low and moderate income Norwich residents.

This service will be available beginning January 16, 2012
through April 11th.

Please call 823-3778 to schedule an appointment.
Day, Evening and Saturday appointments available.

This service is made possible by VITA, the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Program

DNEC Has Moved!

2012-01-18T14:10:00.001-05:00

Disabilities Network of Eastern CT has MOVED!

Our new offices are located in the Norwich Industrial Park at:

19 Ohio Avenue
Norwich, CT 06360

Our phone and fax numbers remain the same: 860-823-1898 / 860-886-2316

Grace Curtis Conference presented by Lighthouse Voc-Ed Center

2012-01-18T14:09:00.002-05:00

Katie Flynn
Resource Specialist
Lighthouse Voc-Ed Center

Featuring LeDerick Horne & the Shut-up Sisters
Sunday March 25, 2012: Mystic Marriott
$40 registration fee

Visit www.lvecenter.com to register
Cost-effective conference for our community!

A NEW NAMI-CT Support Group

2012-01-18T14:06:00.000-05:00

NAMI- CT Presents:
A NEW NAMI-CT Support Group
This Support Group is for Parents, Family members and Friends of adult people with Behavioral, Health problems,

Please join us to share in support and encouragement with other individuals who understand the feelings and challenges of caring for a loved one with behavioral, emotional or mental health disorders.

When: Second Monday of each month 06:30 - 08:00 PM
Starting: January 09th 2012
Where: Thompson Library / Community Center
934,Riverside Drive,North Grosvenordale CT 06255

If you have any questions, please contact Sonya at 860-923-9344 or Larissa at lgdbenoit@gmail.com

For more information about the National Alliance on Mental Illness please call the NAMI-CT office at 860-882-0236 or our website: www.namict.org

Governor Malloy Names Amy Porter Director of New Bureau of Rehabilitative Services

2012-01-18T14:04:00.000-05:00

GOV. MALLOY NAMES AMY PORTER DIRECTOR OF NEW BUREAU OF REHABILITATIVE SERVICES

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that he has appointed Dr. Amy Porter of Coventry to serve as Director of the newly merged state Bureau of Rehabilitative Services.

The Bureau is a new agency created last year through the consolidation of several state offices, including the former Department of Social Services (DSS) Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, the State Board of Education & Services for the Blind, the Commission on Deaf & Hearing Impaired, and portions of the Workers’ Compensation Commission and Department of Motor Vehicles.

Porter, who has twenty years of experience in the field of rehabilitation, currently heads the new office’s Rehabilitation Services Division. Prior to that, she was director of the DSS Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, which is now the Rehabilitation Services Division and is one of the state offices consolidated into this new agency. She has a doctorate in Rehabilitation Counseling from Boston University and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor.

“Amy has a sharp knowledge and understanding of the important programs for citizens with disabilities under the responsibility of this newly merged agency,” Governor Malloy said. “Especially as the office continues to undergo its transition, I’m confident that she will lead this merger in a way that continues to benefit those who receive its services while also ensuring that it efficiently and resourcefully meets its goals.”

“The creation of the new Bureau of Rehabilitative Services provides an exciting opportunity to realign disability services in Connecticut,” Porter said. “With the deep roots of each of the programs coming together in the new Bureau, we have tremendous experience to draw upon to create a new vision for disability services and supports. I am honored to help lead this effort, and look forward with optimism to the work ahead.”

DSS Commissioner Rod Bremby had served as the new Bureau’s Acting Director since the consolidated agency launched on July 1, 2011. Commissioner Bremby stated, “During the transition, the Bureau’s programs have continued to operate without interruption and have been successful in delivering appropriate and timely services. I look forward to continuing working with Amy in her new capacity as Director of this vital agency.”

###

For Immediate Release: January 17, 2012
Contact: David BednarzDavid.Bednarz@ct.gov860-524-7315 (office)860-770-9792 (cell)

Twitter: @GovMalloyOffice
Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy

Action Alert: "Stop The Gang of Six"

2011-07-26T09:45:00.000-04:00

Action Alert: Stop The Gang of Six!

Now is the time to fight for your rights! August 2nd is just days away and Congress must hear our voices. Your representatives are preparing to dismantle The CLASS Act community living services and supports. We must stop them.

The “Gang of Six” is a bipartisan group of senators who have proposed to repeal this important program, which provides seniors and people with disabilities with services that offer them the freedom to live and work in their communities. Currently, there are approximately 12 million Americans who require long-term supports and services. We ask you, our grassroots advocates, to make sure your representatives know there is a human face connected to these proposed budget cuts.

The “Gang of Six” presented an immediate $500 billion “down payment” on the deficit. This would also affect other areas of the healthcare law, including Social Security and Medicare. The plan to cut entitlement funds would be devastating to many of our brothers and sisters in the disability community.

This elimination of CLASS funds does not reduce the deficit. In fact, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) found that over the next ten years, CLASS will reduce federal deficits by $83 billion. This proposed legislation also calls for a “curb on the growth” of Social Security benefits, while our aging population is increasing rapidly each year.

This is a call to action to the NCIL family! Your representatives at the state and federal level must understand the importance of the CLASS Act and Medicaid funding in the lives of persons with disabilities. Your voice and the voices of your family members, friends, co-workers and community are critical.

You Can Make a Difference

Tell your senators and representatives not to support the “Gang of Six” proposals to cut entitlement funds (Medicaid) and repeal The CLASS Act. Both programs provide seniors and persons with disabilities the ability to live and work in their own communities.

Then get your family, friends, co-workers and other community members to call in as well!

Contacting Your Legislators

Online: Find a senator or representative in your state and click on their contact form to submit your letter. In your letter, identify yourself as a constituent and urge your senator / representative: “Please do not support the repeal of The CLASS Act and do not cut Medicaid funds. These cuts would be devastating to my community.”

Phone: Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask for your senators’ and / or representative’s office, or use the links above to find their direct phone number.

Once connected, ask to speak with an office aide who handles budget and finance and / or healthcare issues. Give your name and identify yourself as a constituent.

Tell the aide to “Please tell Senator / Representative [NAME] that I do not want [him / her] to support the repeal of The CLASS Act or cuts to Medicaid funding.”

DOJ and Enforcement of Integration Mandate in ADA/Olmstead.

2011-07-20T12:29:00.002-04:00

Date: Monday, July 11, 2011, 9:36 AM

DOJ and Enforcement of Integration Mandate in ADA/Olmstead. Information Bulletin # 334 (7/2011).In recognition of the 12th anniversary of the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision, the United States Department of Justice issued an extremely important and comprehensive "Statement on Enforcement of the Integration Mandate" of the ADA and Olmstead.This is DOJ's "technical assistance guide." All advocates should download it and use it in your advocacy efforts. Quote it in your briefs in Court. Quote it in your meetings with government officials. Cite it in your letters to the editor and opinion editorials. This document represents the official position of the highest law enforcement agency in the country. http://www.ada.gov/olmstead/q&a_olmstead.htmThis Information Bulletin is intended only to wet your appetite. Pleaseread the entire document. We'll summarily quote as much as possible. In theoriginal, there are 18 questions. We've added (arbitrarily) emphases.DOJ stated: The "goal of the integration mandate to provide individuals with disabilities opportunities to live their lives like individuals without disability has yet to be fully realized. Many people who could and want to live, work and receive services in integrated settings are still waiting for the promise of Olmstead to be fulfilled."1. What is the most integrated setting?"Integrated settings are those that provide opportunities to live, work, and receive services in the greater community, like individuals without disabilities. Integrated settings are located in mainstream society; offer access to community activities and opportunities at times, frequencies and with persons of an individual's choosing; provide the opportunity to interact with nondisabled persons to the fullest extent possible. Segregated settings include, but are not limited to: congregate settings populated exclusively or primarily with individuals with disabilities."2. When is the ADA's integration mandate implicated?Anytime a "public entity administers its programs in a manner that results in unjustified segregation" whether by operating segregating programs, or financing them in private facilities, or "funding choices or service implementation practices that promotes or relies upon the segregation in private facilities or programs."3. What factors are relevant in determining whether an individual does notoppose an integrated setting?"Public entities must take affirmative steps to remedy this history of segregation and prejudice in order to insure that individuals have an opportunity to make an informed choice. Such steps include providing information about the benefits of integrated settings, facilitating visits in such settings, and offering opportunities to meet with individuals with disabilities living in integrated settings.4. Does ADA apply to persons at serious risk of segregation?"Yes. People need not wait unit the harm of institutionalization or segregation occurs or is imminent." Persons can show such risk "if a public entity's failure to provide community services or its cut to such services will likely cause a decline in health, safety, or welfare that would lead to the individual's eventual placement in an institution or segregation."5. May the ADA require a State to provide additional services than are provided in their Medicaid program?"A state's obligations under the ADA are independent from the requirements of the Medicaid program. The ADA may require states to provide services beyond what a state currently provides under Medicaid." "Caps do not exempt state from serving additional people in the community by seeking a modification of a waiver to remove the cap."6. Can budget cuts violate the ADA?"Yes, budgets cuts can violate ADA when significant funding cuts to community services create a risk of institutionalization or segregationb&. In making budget cuts, public entities have a duty to take all reasonable steps to avoid placing individuals at risk of institutionalization or segregation including making exceptions to the service reductions or to provide alternative services to individuals who would be forced into institutions as a result of such cuts."7. What budgetary resources are relevant?"All money the public entity allots, spends, receives, or could receive if it applied for available federal funding to provide services. All relevant costs, not simply those funded by the single agency that operates or funds the segregated or integrated settings."8. What about an Olmstead Plan?It must do more than provide vague assurances of future. Must contain concrete and reliable commitments to expand integrated opportunities. Must include commitments for each group of persons who are unnecessarily segregated. Must address the needless segregation of the group at issue in the case.9. What about budgetary shortages?"Even in times of budgetary constraints, public entities can often reasonably modify their programs by re-allocating funding from expensive segregated settings to cost-effective integrated settings. Whether the public entity has sought additional federal resources available to support the provision of services in integaated settings, such as Medicaid, MFP and federal housing vouchers.Steve Gold, The Disability Odyssey continuesBack issues of other Information Bulletins are available online athttp://www.stevegoldada.comwith a searchable Archive at this site divided into different subjects.As of August, 2010, Information Bulletins will also be posted on my bloglocated at http://stevegoldada.blogspot.com/To contact Steve Gold directly, write to stevegoldada@cs.com or call215-627-7100

A Practical Guide for People w Disabilities Who Want to Got to College

2011-07-20T12:26:00.003-04:00

Special Announcements from the Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion of Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities!

A New Resource from the Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion:

A Practical Guide for People with Disabilities who Want to go to College

This new publication provides a practical guide to help people with disabilities who want to return to college - to community colleges or career institutes, or for four-year degrees or graduate education. The publication provides an overview of the challenges and supports needed in four areas: finding the right school, locating supports at your school, managing your disability and your education, and using your new educational qualifications in the search for a better job. Among the issues reviewed: assessing your own interests and skills, funding your education, disclosing your disability, and locating supports and services to succeed at school. The guide can be used both by consumers to get a better sense of how to improve their educations and by rehabilitation and case management personnel to structure their discussions with motivated consumers. In addition, the guide provides references to a wealth of additional print publications and online resources that explore each topic in greater detail.

The guide is available at the website of the Temple University Collaborative on Community Inclusion of Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities (www.tucollaborative.org) or can be downloaded:http://tucollaborative.org/pdfs/education/College_Guide.pdf.

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RECENT ACTIVITY:

Fall 2011 Legislative Advocacy Trainings Announcement

2011-07-20T12:24:00.004-04:00

Legislative Advocacy Trainings Announcement

Please click here to see a flyer announcing our 2011 Fall Advocacy Trainings.

The Essentials of Legislative Advocacy is scheduled for Wednesday, October 5th and 12th from 8:30-3:00 at the Legislative Office Building, 300 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106. There will be a tour of the Capitol and LOB as well as a box lunch. A Spanish interpreter will be present for this class. Please click here for an Essentials registration form.

Legislative Leadership Training will be held on Thursday, December 1st and 8th from 8:30 - 3:00 at the Legislative Office Building, 300 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106. Lunch will be provided. Please click here for a Leadership registration form.

The fee for each two-day training is $20 (Total cost of $40 to attend both the Essentials and Leadership trainings). Scholarships as well as transportation and family care reimbursement is available with preapproval (as funding permits). We don't want cost to be a barrier for anyone who would like to attend.

Please contact Maura or Cheri at 1-800-215-3021 or 860-882-0236 or by email at ktpassistant@namict.org or keepthepromise@namict.org with any questions.

We hope to see you there!

BESB Merger into the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services effective July 1, 2011

2011-06-28T12:18:00.002-04:00
Subject: BESB Merger into the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services effective July 1, 2011

On June 13, 2011 Governor Malloy signed Public Act 11-44 “An Act Concerning the Bureau of Rehabilitative Services and Implementation of Provisions of the Budget Concerning Human Services and Public Health”. Through this legislation there is created a Bureau of Rehabilitative Services within the Department of Social Services for administrative purposes only. This new Bureau will be created through the merger of the following agencies:

The Bureau of Rehabilitation Services of the Department of Social Services,

The Board of Education and Services for the Blind ( BESB ), and

The Commission on the Deaf and Hearing Impaired (CDHI).

In addition, to the merger of the identified agencies, the following programs are also included in the merger:

The Department of Motor Vehicles' (DMV) driver training program for individuals with disabilities; and

The Workers’ Rehabilitation Services (WRS) program of the Worker's Compensation Commission.

The transfer of the agencies and programs into the new BRS is effective July 1, 2011.

As a service provider for one of the agencies or programs to be merged into the new BRS, please be advised that although the effective date of the merger is July 1, 2011, current operations and services will remain in effect until otherwise notified. As described in the Public Act, while agencies and programs will be merged, the intent of the merger is to continue to provide services in accordance with the provisions of the general statutes. For now, operations and services should remain in place unless you are specifically notified otherwise.

Sincerely,

Brian Sigman

BESB Acting Executive Director

--

A Discussion with Author Randye Kaye

2011-04-20T12:43:00.001-04:00
Fellowship Place is hosting:

The 8th Annual Dr. Albert J. Solnit Memorial Lecture:

A Discussion with Author Randye Kaye

Thursday, June 9th - 7:00 to 9:30 PM.

Whitney Humanities Center, New Haven, CT.

Join us for a conversation with Author Randye Kaye, based on her book:

Ben Behind His Voices: One Family's Journey from the Chaos of schizophrenia to Hope

CDAC February - March 2011 Bulletin

2011-03-23T10:39:00.002-04:00

Need help with Income Tax Prep?

Disability Advocacy in Bridgeport

New ADA regulations

plus much more...

We post the bulletin to our website in a variety of formats. For your convenience, the latest CDAC bulletin is attached in PDF format, but if your mail system removed or altered the attachment in any way, you can always access it on our website at: http://www.ct-dac.org/bulletin.htm in a variety of different formats. NOTE: AOL customers will need to access the file from the website as AOL is making the PDF attachment invalid and you will NOT be able to access it.

PLEASE NOTE: Let us know if you have any problems accessing our information by sending your comments to us at announce@ct-dac.org. Please specify what problems you encountered and if you have any suggestions to help improve our communication.

CCADV 2011 Spring Newsletter

2011-03-23T10:38:00.002-04:00

SPRING 2011

   CCADV's td411.org website and APP

CCADV will be releasing its teen dating website and APP for the iphone and android phone within the next month. The APP is the first of its kind in the country, and will include the following sections:

* Ur relationship & u - Relationship Quiz, Why does it happen?, Readin' the signs, and Technology & u.

* Helpin' u out - Know ur rights, Takin' the next steps, & self care.

* Do ur part - Speak up, Get involved, & Find out more!

* Interactive/Fun - Videos, Music, and Stories!

The micro website - td411.org - that accompanies the app is being reviewed by local high school students for their feedback. "We want to make sure the teens find the APP/website useful, so they can either use it for themselves or refer it to a friend. If anyone asks about teen dating relationships, the response now is 'there's an App for that.'" - Macklin Xu

The APP will have a soft launch on March 31and be released on April 15th. td411.org will also be available on March 31. Look for the APP downloadable on www.ctcadv.org, our Facebook fan page, and Twitter account!

Capitol News

Guided by our mission of changing the social conditions that perpetuate violence, CCADV works closely with our membership, state advocacy groups, and legislators to draft legislation and to organize for policy change.   Each year, we develop a domestic violence legislative agenda to present to our elected officials for their support.

CCADV continues to work with the Speaker's Task Force Against Domestic Violence to implement reforms to Connecticut's domestic violence laws.   Among this year's recommendations from the Task Force are changes to insure that when defendants in criminal cases are required to surrender their weapons, they must be given to someone residing outside their home; to train judicial staff who cover docket courts and for judges covering temporary restraining order hearings; and to make victims of domestic violence eligible for restitution.

Representative Mae Flexer, Chair of the Speaker's Task Force on Domestic Violence presents the Task Force recommendations.

The Speakers Task Force presented their full set of recommendations on March 28, 2011. CCADV is in support of their recommendations and has chosen three issues to focus on this session:

1.     Domestic violence funding:

CCADV is recommending that the General Assembly support the Governor's budget proposal for domestic violence funding.  Governor  Malloy's budget holds funds steady based upon last year's allocation.

2.     Bail/Bond of domestic violence offenders:

CCADV is recommending that when bail/bond is set in domestic violence cases, 1) no bail bond be set without charging the premium rate as approved by the Insurance Commissioner and 2) a 35% down payment must be made when the offender is entering into a payment plan with a surety bail bond agent.

When offenders are able bail/bond out by paying less than the premium rate to a bail bond agent or by providing no down payment in a payment plan arrangement, victims are left with a false sense of security because they are led to believe that the offender would be incarcerated.

3.     Teen Dating Protocols for Schools:

CCADV is recommending the amendment of the definition of bullying (CGS 10-222d) to include teen dating violence. If teen dating violence is included in the definition of bullying, CCADV can work with school systems to develop policies and procedures to address teen dating violence which will include provisions on reporting, investigation, notification, and intervention. The policies can also include provisions for addressing teen dating violence outside of the school setting if it has a direct and negative impact on a student's academic performance or safety in school.

Let's Prevent Domestic Violence Before It Happens

Last year, CCADV began the process of rethinking our reasons for being. Acknowledging that even though we have improved services for survivors, we have not been able to stop intimate partner violence from occurring.

CCADV believes that if we want a society free of domestic violence, we need to prevent it before it happens. After long hours of discussion, changes were made to our mission and vision and consequently a primary prevention component was included in our strategic plan for the next five years.

We believe that to end intimate partner violence we need to go beyond intervening to change individual behaviors. We must focus on building communities that promote healthy relationships, equality and respect for our children and grandchildren. We need to begin working to change those social beliefs and practices that condone domestic violence now.

We have engaged with the Center of Disease Control (CDC) through the DELTA PREP project,. DELTA PREP seeks to increase the coalition's capacity to prevent intimate partner violence. Through the participation in DELTA PREP, all staff at CCADV have been trained in primary prevention. We have also engaged the community educators of our member programs and started to increase their capacity by providing them with intensive training on primary preventive. In the next six months, CCADV and its members will increase their understanding of community organizing, anti-oppression work, project planning and evaluation among other issues to develop a strong and sustainable primary prevention initiative. We have just started and we know that this path is going to be long and challenging but essential if we really want to eliminate domestic violence.

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month Press Conference

The Stamford Government Center was filled on February 8, 2011 with more than 200 students, elected officials, organizations/non profits and supporters for the National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month Press Conference. In the audience, high school students from Stamford, Greenwich, and Brien McMahon held up signs and banners to show their support in ending teen dating violence. Elected officials present included Michael Pavia, the mayor of Stamford, Richard Moccia , the mayor of Norwalk, Peter Tesei, the first selectman of Greenwich and State Representative Gerald Fox. Kiley Young of the Office of the Child Advocate, Karen Brown of the Fairfield County Community Foundation, and Stamford police were also there.

The goal of the event was to raise public awareness and further establish a social change campaign. "We need a chorus of voices to create change [...] with a future free of abuse," said Lindsay Swatland, Mayor Youth Leadership Council and keynote presenter. "Teen dating violence is after all a persistent issue that affects everyone in the United States."

Nationally:

10% teens surveyed were in a physical abusive dating relationship last year
1 in 3 teens report knowing a friend or peer who has been physically hurt by their partner
65% teens report that a partner checked up on him/her 10-30 times per day via phone
35% young women who report partner violence also report coercion or birth control sabotage

In Connecticut:

10% teens surveyed were in a physically abusive dating relationship last year
17% teens were in an emotionally/verbally abusive dating relationship last year
74% teens surveyed in Fairfield County believe verbal abuse is a serious issue among their peers who are in a dating relationship

"It's not a cliché. Violence in any form is not acceptable. [Everyone should be] united to stop all forms of violence" - Mayor Richard Moccia.

Volume 11 Issue 1

In This Issue

Capitol News
Primary Prevention Initiative
National TDV Conference
Get the Tax Credits You Deserve
Upcoming Events

   Got free time and want to do some good? Consider volunteering! Have an extra car taking up precious garage space? Lend it to Cars4Causes!

You've Been Working Hard - Now Get the Tax Credits You Deserve!

Families in Connecticut: Whether or not you owe income tax, you could get thousands of dollars in tax credits. You could qualify for:

Up to $2,100

Up to $5,666

Up to $1,000

per child from the federal Child Tax Credit.

Up to $800  from the Making Work Pay Credit, if you haven't already received it in your take-home pay.

More families than ever are eligible for these credits this year. To get these credits, you must file a tax return.

Find out where you can get FREE help with your taxes by calling the IRS toll-free at (800) TAX-1040 or (800) 829-1040.

National Women's Law Center Tax Credits Outreach Campaign, 2011 Tax Filing Season

IF YOU BELIEVE IN OUR CAUSE

The Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) is working to create a Connecticut where domestic violence no longer exists. If you share this vision, please consider making a donation to CCADV. Your support will help us continue our efforts to raise awareness about this pervasive problem and provide resources to domestic violence advocates across your community.
Make a tax deductible contribution to CCADV by check to:
Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence
90 Pitkin Street
East Hartford, CT 06108

Upcoming Events

March 9 - April 2: Uplifting Art: A community art show

Reception for the Women's    Center of SE CT

March 23

    5:30pm-7:30pm

       190 State Street

          New London

           March 19

         Bowl-a -Thon

Brought to you by the Women's Center in SE CT

1:00-5:00 pm

Holiday Bowl, Groton

March 31
td411.org goes online

April 9

Domestic Violence Workshop

Hartford First Church

of the Nazarene

932 Capital Avenue

Hartford, CT 06106

9:00 am-12:00 pm

For more info contact Kai_Kai71@hotmail.com

April 10

"Parenting in the Age of Tiger Mom"

Hartford Public Library

500 Main Street

Hartford

2:00-4:00 pm

For more info: sneha@sneha.org

April 21

An Evening of

Hope & Healing

Waterbury UCONN Campus Room 113-116

6:30-7:30pm.

For more info contact 203-753-3613

May 6 9th Annual
'Shelter from the Storm'
Matrix Corporate Center

39 Old Ridgebury Road

Danbury

6:00 - 10:00 pm
Purchase tickets or donate by calling (203) 731-5200

May 12

2nd Annual

Light the Way Breakfast

Mystic Hilton

Mystic

Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV)
90 Pitkin Street
East Hartford, CT 06108
(860) 282-7899
www.ctcadv.org

National Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE)

2011-03-22T14:56:00.000-04:00
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) there are free services that can you prepare for, find and keep employment. Register for this National Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE) webinar for young adults ages 18-24, which will take place on March 23, 2011 from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. (EDT). The webinar will present information about the Ticket to Work program, the Student Earned Income Exclusion and other work incentives. WISE events are also being held around the country. Find a seminar near you.

For more information visit https://www.disability.gov/benefits/working_while_receiving_benefits/help_going_back_to_work.

FCC Launches Online Survey to Learn About Emergency Calling by Individuals with Disabilities - Deadline April 24

2011-03-22T14:28:00.001-04:00
Disability.gov Accessibility Update:

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched an online national survey (also in Spanish) of individuals with disabilities to determine the most effective and efficient technologies and ways to access emergency services. The survey asks questions to help figure out the best ways for Americans with disabilities to call and get help from 9-1-1 services. Comment deadline is April 24, 2011.

For more information visit https://www.disability.gov/technology/accessible_technology.

Parents & Teachers as Allies Program, We need more Panelists!!!

2011-03-22T13:43:00.000-04:00
Parents and Teachers as Allies responds to the recommendation included in Goal 4 of President Bush's New Freedom Commission Report on Mental Health that calls for schools to play a larger role in the early identification of mental disorders in children and linking them to appropriate services.

Goal: To help mainstream school teachers better understand the early warning signs of mental health treatment needs in children and adolescents and how best to intervene so that youth with treatment needs are linked with services.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS WHO MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA

* Willing to deliver a two-hour in-service presentation for school professionals as a member of a team of volunteer presenters who share their experiences:

•An education professional ( preferably a teacher who has a child with behavioral health issues)

•A facilitator ( an experienced Family to Family OR NAMI-Basics Teacher)

•The parent of a child or adolescent living with a mentall illness

•A person who struggled with mental illness as a young person

Training will take place on Saturday, May 07th 2011 at:

Connecticut Valley Hospital, Room # 207
P.O. Box 351, Silver Street
Middletown, CT 06451

A continental breakfast and luch will be provided.

From 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

PRE-registration is required

For more information contact:

Paloma B Dee
Program Manager at
800-215-3021
familyeducation@namict.org

"Next to Normal" NAMI-CT Benefit the The Bushnell

2011-03-21T13:52:00.002-04:00
"Next to Normal"
Benefit the The Bushnell

For more information, contact, NAMI-CT at 860-882-0236

Next to Normal is a rock musical with book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt.

Its story concerns a mother who struggles with worsening bipolar disorder and the effect that her illness has on her family. The musical also addresses such issues as grieving a loss, suicide, drug abuse, ethics in modern psychiatry, and suburban life. Next to Normal received
several workshop performances before it debuted off-Broadway in 2008, winning the Outer Critics' Circle Award for Outstanding Score and receiving nominations for Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Actress (Alice Ripley) and Outstanding Score.

After an Off-Broadway run, the show then played at the Arena Stage in its temporary venue in Arlington, Virginia from November 2008 to January 2009. The musical opened on Broadway in April 2009. It was nominated for eleven 2009 Tony Awards and won three, Best Original Score,
Best Orchestration and Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical for Alice Ripley. It also won the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, becoming just the eighth musical in history to receive the honor. In awarding the prize to Kitt and Yorkey, the Pulitzer Board called the show "a powerful rock musical that grapples with mental illness in a suburban family and
expands the scope of subject matter for musicals."

The Broadway production closed on January 16, 2011 after 21 previews and 733 regular performances.

Disability.gov Blog Update: My Name Is Evan, Call Me by It

2011-03-10T10:10:00.003-05:00
Subject: Disability.gov Blog Update: My Name Is Evan, Call Me by It

By Guest Blogger Evan Heller, Senior at Attleboro High School_
Who am I? Easy – my name is Evan, that's who I am and that's what I'm
called. And yet, for some of my friends, there are still people who
would identify them by saying, "Oh, him? He's a "special needs"
kid, "a SPED," – a "retard."
Why are some of my best friends, people who just happen to have intellectual disabilities, identified not by their names, but by their
disability? Is it out of ignorance? Is it because people feel some
unwarranted and overwhelming desire to label others? Or is the sad
truth that these friends of mine are not called by name, because their names
are not known?
Out of ignorance or out of fear, many people do not get to know
individuals with intellectual disabilities as anything more than just a
label. People need to start taking the initiative to do something as
simple as merely talking to someone with an intellectual disability;
getting to know them as more than a diagnosis, and maybe, as a
friend...

-------------------------
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--
Jennifer J. Gross
Deputy Director
Eastern Regional Mental Health Board
401 W. Thames Street
Campbell Building, Unit 105
Norwich, CT 06360
phone: 860.886.0030
fax: 860.886.4014
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Fwd: Fw: Town Hall Meetings/State Budget

2011-03-02T10:43:00.002-05:00
Governor Malloy is proposing a budget that largely protects both the
children and adult mental health systems, invests in supportive
housing, expands the mental health waiver to divert and discharge people with
mental illnesses from nursing homes, invests in jail diversion and
re-entry programs, moves forward with the raise the age initiative, and
extends coverage for smoking cessation to all Medicaid recipients

BRIDGEPORT
February 21, 7-8 PM
City Hall Annex Auditorium
999 Broad Street
TORRINGTON
February 24, 7-8 PM
City Hall Auditorium
140 Main Street
NEW LONDON
March 2, 7-8 PM
Jennings Elementary School
50 Mercer Street
WATERBURY
March 8, 7-8 PM
Veteran's Memorial Hall
235 Grand Street
NORWICH
March 9, 7-8 PM
City Hall, 3rd Floor
100 Broadway
BRISTOL
March 14, 7-8 PM
City Council Chambers
111 North Main Street
MERIDEN
March 15
Time & Location TBD
MIDDLETOWN
March 16, 7-8 PM
Common Council Room
245 DeKoven Drive
HARTFORD
March 21
Time & Location TBD
STAMFORD
March 22, 7-8 PM
Government Center
4th Floor Cafeteria
888 Washington Boulevard
NEW HAVEN
March 23, 7-8 PM
Aldermanic Chambers
165 Church Street
GREENWICH
March 28, 7-8 PM
Town Hall Meeting Room
101 Field Point Road
MANCHESTER
March 29, 7-8 PM
Lincoln Center Hearing Room
494 Main Street
WINDHAM
March 30, 7-8 PM
Town Hall Auditorium
979 Main Street
NORWALK
April 4
Time & Location TBD
NEW BRITAIN
April 5
Time & Location TBD
DANBURY
April 6
Time & Location TBD

State Budget Action Alert!

2011-02-22T11:18:00.001-05:00
State Budget Action Alert!

Governor Malloy is proposing a budget that largely protects both the children and adult mental health systems, invests in supportive housing, expands the mental health waiver to divert and discharge people with mental illnesses from nursing homes, invests in jail diversion and re-entry programs, moves forward with the raise the age initiative, and extends coverage for smoking cessation to all Medicaid recipients.

We must show the Governor and the Legislature that we support this balanced approach and long term vision! Please call or write the Governor and your state senator and state representative and tell them that you strongly support the fact that the proposed budget finally focuses on cost-effective, prevention and community care vs. costly, institutional and emergency care. We also urge you to testify at the upcoming budget hearings or attend a town hall – details are provided below.

There are regressive proposals in this budget as well, such as Medicaid co-pays, which Keep the Promise Coalition opposes as bad public policy that will restrict access to treatment and medications for people on Medicare and Medicaid. We will work with the Administration and Legislature over the coming months to advocate against these policies that are proven to limit access to care and push people into more intensive and expensive services. Multiple studies have shown that attempts to cut costs at the pharmacy level will reduce appropriate care, adversely affect health status, and cause shifts to more costly types of care. We must make this very clear!

Overall, the proposed budget asks for $1.5 billion in taxes, $1 billion in concessions from state employees, and $758 million in spending reductions.

To contact the Governor: Call (800) 406-1527; (860) 566-4840 or email: http://www.governor.ct.gov/malloy/site/default.asp

To contact your State Representative and State Senator, go to: http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/CGAFindLeg.asp

The highlights and lowlights of the Governor’s proposed budget are as follows:

HIGHLIGHTS

Housing

The development of 150 new units of supportive housing across the state!

•$30 million in the first year for bonds for permanent supportive housing, to create 150 new supportive units.
•$1.1 million in supportive services through the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
•$1.5 million in new rental assistance subsidies through the Department of Social Services.
The Governor’s budget introduction states, “Residents of supportive housing have become contributing members of their communities, their use of expensive emergency services has been significantly reduced, and once‐blighted buildings have been rehabilitated, creating newly vibrant neighborhoods.”

Overall, the proposed budget funds $130 million for supportive and affordable housing development and rehabilitation projects!

Community Mental Health System

•Avoids major service reductions
•Supports expansion of community care through Money Follows the Person (MFP) and the DMHAS Medicaid Waiver for diversion and discharge from nursing homes.
•Funds caseload growth in Young Adult Services in DMHAS
•Continues support for the Raise the Age Initiative – 17 yr olds move to juvenile system as of July 1, 2012; 60 additional beds over the biennium; additional community services to support the continuum of care.
Medicaid

•Extends tobacco cessation coverage to all Medicaid recipients effective January 1, 2012
LOWLIGHTS

•Imposes $3 co-payments on most Medicaid services, however:

ü co-payments would not apply to hospital in-patient, emergency room services, home health, laboratory or transportation

ü co-pays would be capped at 5% of the involved family’s income

ü co-pays for prescription drugs would be capped at a maximum of $20 per month

ü a number of groups would be exempt from co-pays (this includes recipients of SSI, women who are receiving treatment for breast and/or cervical cancer and individuals who reside in institutional settings)

•Increases co-pays for people on Medicare Part D (in 2011, these range from $1.10 to $6.30 per prescription), with the result that dually-eligible individuals will be expected to pay up to $25 per month in co-payments (an increase from the current co-payment of $15)

•Reduces State Supplement benefits for those who are “Aged, Blind, or Disabled” by any federal Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase in an individual's Social Security benefit

Please note that this is not a complete summary of the budget. A more detailed legislative update including primary bills of interest will be forthcoming.

Please call KTP or NAMI-CT staff to sign up to testify/or with any questions you might have:

Call Cheri or Maura (KTP) or Alicia or Tom (NAMI-CT): (800) 215-3021; (860) 882-0236

Or email them at:

Cheri keepthepromise@namict.org

Maura ktpassistant@namict.org

Alicia publicpolicy@namict.org

Tom policystaff@namict.org

State Appropriations Budget Hearings Schedule

Wednesday, March 2

Health and Hospitals (Room 2D)

11:30-12:30 PM Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
Public Hearing (Room 2C) 3:00 PM

Friday, March 4

Human Services (Room 2D)

11:00-12:30 PM Department of Children and Families

1:30-3:00 PM Department of Social Services

Public Hearing (Room 2C) 5:00 PM

Governor Malloy will be visiting 17 town halls across the State. The scheduled visits are posted below. Please try to attend forums close to your office or home and ask questions pertaining to your legislative priorities that you feel are most important.

BRIDGEPORT
February 21, 7-8 PM
City Hall Annex Auditorium
999 Broad Street

TORRINGTON
February 24, 7-8 PM
City Hall Auditorium
140 Main Street

NEW LONDON
March 2, 7-8 PM
Jennings Elementary School
50 Mercer Street

WATERBURY
March 8, 7-8 PM
Veteran’s Memorial Hall
235 Grand Street

NORWICH
March 9, 7-8 PM
City Hall, 3rd Floor
100 Broadway

BRISTOL
March 14, 7-8 PM
City Council Chambers
111 North Main Street

MERIDEN
March 15
Time & Location TBD

MIDDLETOWN
March 16, 7-8 PM
Common Council Room
245 DeKoven Drive

HARTFORD
March 21
Time & Location TBD

STAMFORD
March 22, 7-8 PM
Government Center
4th Floor Cafeteria
888 Washington Boulevard

NEW HAVEN
March 23, 7-8 PM
Aldermanic Chambers
165 Church Street

GREENWICH
March 28, 7-8 PM
Town Hall Meeting Room
101 Field Point Road

MANCHESTER
March 29, 7-8 PM
Lincoln Center Hearing Room
494 Main Street

WINDHAM
March 30, 7-8 PM
Town Hall Auditorium
979 Main Street

NORWALK
April 4
Time & Location TBD

NEW BRITAIN
April 5
Time & Location TBD

DANBURY
April 6
Time & Location TBD

Weekly Advocacy Monitor: Volume 9, Issue 6; February 9, 2011

2011-02-10T12:49:00.001-05:00

NCIL: Celebrating 25 Years of Independent Living
National Council on Independent Living
Weekly Advocacy Monitor
Volume 9, Issue 6; February 9, 2011

1) What's Happening in the Nation's Capital?
-Chairman Rogers Announces Spending Cut Levels for FY 2011

2) National News
-Continuing Resolution Spending Cuts to Go Deep
-Federal Judicial Vacancies Reaching Crisis Point

3) State News
-Chicago Mayoral Election to Impact City's Disability Community
-Judge Rules Pennsylvania is Violating ADA for Failure to Provide Equal Access to Transition Services

4) Announcements and Additional Resources
-2011 AoA, CMS, and VA National Grantee Meeting
-Fall 2011 White House Internship
-SHIFT: An International Juried Exhibition for Artists with Disabilities
-New CLASS Resources from AARP

1) What's Happening in the Nation's Capital?

Chairman Rogers Announces Spending Cut Levels for FY 2011
After the Budget Committee released the details for the FY 2011 Continuing Resolution (which expires March 4, 2011), House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers announced the level of spending cuts the 12 Appropriations Subcommittees will try to achieve. By cuts in virtually every area of the federal government and reducing spending from the President's fiscal year 2011, a total of $74 billion will be saved.
Chairman Rogers said, "To accomplish this goal, I am instructing each of the twelve Appropriations subcommittees to produce specific, substantive and comprehensive spending cuts. We are going go line by line to weed out and eliminate unnecessary, wasteful, or excess spending – and produce legislation that will represent the largest series of spending reductions in the history of Congress. These cuts will not be easy, they will be broad and deep, they will affect every Congressional district, but they are necessary and long overdue. "
The following chart identifies the spending levels and cuts (Word document) ( http://republicans.appropriations.house.gov/_files/2311SubcommitteeAllocationsforFY11ContinuingResolution302bs.doc ), but is not specific as to which important services to people with disabilities are being cut. Get more details on this breaking story below!

2) National News

Continuing Resolution Spending Cuts to Go Deep
Source: House Committee on Appropriations ( http://appropriations.house.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=259 )
House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers today announced a partial list of 70 spending cuts that will be included in an upcoming Continuing Resolution (CR) bill. The CR legislation will fund the federal government for the seven months remaining in the fiscal year and prevent a government wide shut-down, while significantly reducing the massive increases in discretionary spending enacted in the last several years by a Democrat majority. A full list of program cuts will be released when the bill is formally introduced.
The total spending cuts in the CR will exceed $74 billion, including $58 billion in non-security discretionary spending reductions. The statement by Chairman Rogers on these cuts follows:
"Never before has Congress undertaken a task of this magnitude. The cuts in this CR will represent the largest reduction in discretionary spending in the history of our nation.
"While making these cuts is hard, we have a unique opportunity to right our fiscal ship and begin to reduce our massive deficits and debt. We have taken a wire brush to the discretionary budget and scoured every program to find real savings that are responsible and justifiable to the American people.
"Make no mistake, these cuts are not low-hanging fruit. These cuts are real and will impact every District across the country - including my own. As I have often said, every dollar we cut has a constituency, an industry, an association, and individual citizens who will disagree with us. But with this CR, we will respond to the millions of Americans who have called on this Congress to rein in spending to help our economy grow and our businesses create jobs."
The List of 70 Spending Cuts to be Included in the CR follows:
-Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies -$30M
-Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy -$899M
-Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability -$49M
-Nuclear Energy -$169M
-Fossil Energy Research -$31M
-Clean Coal Technology -$18M
-Strategic Petroleum Reserve -$15M
-Energy Information Administration -$34M
-Office of Science -$1.1B
-Power Marketing Administrations -$52M
-Department of Treasury -$268M
-Internal Revenue Service -$593M
-Treasury Forfeiture Fund -$338M
-GSA Federal Buildings Fund -$1.7B
-ONDCP -$69M
-International Trade Administration -$93M
-Economic Development Assistance -$16M
-Minority Business Development Agency -$2M
-National Institute of Standards and Technology -$186M
-NOAA -$336M
-National Drug Intelligence Center -$11M
-Law Enforcement Wireless Communications -$52M
-US Marshals Service -$10M
-FBI -$74M
-State and Local Law Enforcement Assistance -$256M
-Juvenile Justice -$2.3M
-COPS -$600M
-NASA -$379M
-NSF -$139M
-Legal Services Corporation -$75M
-EPA -$1.6B
-Food Safety and Inspection Services -$53M
-Farm Service Agency -$201M
-Agriculture Research -$246M
-Natural Resource Conservation Service -$46M
-Rural Development Programs -$237M
-WIC -$758M
-International Food Aid grants -$544M
-FDA -$220M
-Land and Water Conservation Fund -$348M
-National Archives and Record Service -$20M
-DOE Loan Guarantee Authority -$1.4B
-EPA ENERGY STAR -$7.4M
-EPA GHG Reporting Registry -$9M
-USGS -$27M
-EPA Cap and Trade Technical Assistance -$5M
-EPA State and Local Air Quality Management -$25M
-Fish and Wildlife Service -$72M
-Smithsonian -$7.3M
-National Park Service -$51M
-Clean Water State Revolving Fund -$700M
-Drinking Water State Revolving Fund -$250M
-EPA Brownfields -$48M
-Forest Service -$38M
-National Endowment for the Arts -$6M
-National Endowment for the Humanities -$6M
-Job Training Programs -$2B
-Community Health Centers -$1.3B
-Maternal and Child Health Block Grants -$210M
-Family Planning -$327M
-Poison Control Centers -$27M
-CDC -$755M
-NIH -$1B
-Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services -$96M
-LIHEAP Contingency fund -$400M
-Community Services Block Grant -$405M
-High Speed Rail -$1B
-FAA Next Gen -$234M
-Amtrak -$224M
-HUD Community Development Fund -$530M
(All reductions are compared to the President's fiscal year 2011 request)

Federal Judicial Vacancies Reaching Crisis Point
Source: Washington Post, by Jerry Markon and Shailagh Murray
Federal judges have been retiring at a rate of one per week this year, driving up vacancies that have nearly doubled since President Obama took office. The departures are increasing workloads dramatically and delaying trials in some of the nation's federal courts.
The crisis is most acute along the southwestern border, where immigration and drug cases have overwhelmed court officials. Arizona recently declared a judicial emergency, extending the deadline to put defendants on trial. The three judges in Tucson, the site of last month's shooting rampage, are handling about 1,200 criminal cases apiece. "It's a dire situation," said Roslyn O. Silver, the state's chief judge.
In central Illinois, three of the four judgeships remain vacant after two of Obama's nominees did not get a vote on the Senate floor. Chief Judge Michael McCuskey said he is commuting 90 miles between Urbana and Springfield and relying on two 81-year-old "senior" judges to fill the gap. "I had a heart attack six years ago, and my cardiologist told me recently, 'You need to reduce your stress,' '' he said. "I told him only the U.S. Senate can reduce my stress.''
Since Obama took office, federal judicial vacancies have risen steadily as dozens of judges have left without being replaced by the president's nominees. Experts blame Republican delaying tactics, slow White House nominations and a dysfunctional Senate confirmation system. Six judges have retired in the past six weeks alone.
Senate Republicans and the White House are vowing to work together to set aside the divisions that have slowed confirmations, and the Senate on Monday approved Obama nominees for judgeships in Arkansas, Oregon and Texas. Eight more nominees are expected to receive votes in the coming weeks. Read More ( http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/07/AR2011020706034.html ).

3) State News

Chicago Mayoral Election to Impact City's Disability Community
Source: ABC7 / WLS-TV
The mayoral election is just a few weeks away. While candidates are reaching out to different groups about their issues, voters with disabilities are also concerned about their future. People with disabilities make up about 20 percent of Chicago's population. Many hope the next mayor goes beyond what Mayor Daley accomplished.
"I think Mayor Daley did a great job because he came up with several programs, and so we hope that the next mayor that comes in doesn't cut out the programs of people with disabilities," said William Owens Jr.
"I think the best thing that the mayor has done in the past 23 years is provide leadership for people with disabilities in the form of saying that access is a priority," said Amber Smock.
"I think the biggest accomplishment is probably the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities because it's like a central location where you can get plenty of information on different services available," said Candace Coleman.
"When he first came into office was just at the time when the ADA was passed, and even then he recognized the importance of it," said Gary Arnold. Owens, Smock, Coleman and Arnold are Chicago residents with disabilities who will be voting in the upcoming mayoral election. Most of them work or volunteer at Chicago's Access Living.
Although Mayor Daley accomplished a lot, they know there's more to be done. "The next mayor is also going to have to take leadership enforcing disability access in the private sector," said Smock. "That means people can build homes, people who have grocery stores, people who do anything that supports the infrastructure of community living in the City of Chicago." Read More ( http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/politics&id=7939944 ).

Judge Rules Pennsylvania is Violating ADA for Failure to Provide Equal Access to Transition Services
Source: PennLive.com
A federal judge has handed the new Corbett administration a fresh problem by ruling that the state is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act in dealing with some clients [with mental disabilities].
Judge John E. Jones III found the Department of Public Welfare is breaching federal law because it has no effective means to integrate clients of its intermediate care facilities back into community-based programs. The decision has a statewide impact.
It was prompted by a class-action lawsuit filed in U.S. Middle District Court in 2009 on behalf of five institutionalized clients, one of whom has been in a state-run facility at Ebensburg for 45 years.
The Disability Rights Network of PA, which represents the clients, argued that they are capable of living in the community if given proper state support services. The lives of all five would in fact be better if that happened, network officials argued.
DPW spokesman Mike Race had no comment on Jones' ruling Friday because agency lawyers are still reviewing it. Robert W. Meek, managing attorney in the nonprofit Disability Rights Network's Philadelphia office, said the challenge now is to alter the way the state deals with such clients.
Jones didn't specify how the state should change its system. He scheduled a conference call with the parties for Monday to begin to address that. Jones found that a community integration plan DPW developed in 2010, a year after the class action suit was filed, is "inadequate." Read More ( http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/02/judge_rules_pennsylvania_is_vi.html ).

4) Announcements and Additional Resources

2011 AoA, CMS, and VA National Grantee Meeting
February 14-17, 2011
The Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel - Baltimore, Maryland
The 2011 AoA, CMS, VA National Grantee Meeting will be held Monday, February 14 to Thursday, February 17 in Baltimore, Maryland. This meeting will focus on ADRC programs, the new Options Counseling, Care Transitions, and Money Follows the Person/ADRC coordination grant programs, CLP/VD-HCBS programs, and other LTSS systems change efforts and opportunities.
This year NCIL is proud to present two workshops and one training focused on Centers for Independent Living, their philosophy and partnerships.
Monday February 14th Louis Frick from CA, Eileen Healy from CT and Peggy Cosner from TX will repeat NCIL's Jan. 19th webinar Creating Successful Aging and Disability Partnerships. Kelly Buckland, Executive Director of the National Council on Independent Living and Billy Altom, Executive Director of the Association on Programs for Rural Independent Living will present Putting the D in ADRC, on Tuesday February 15th Eileen Healy, Louis Frick and Jeff Hughes from OK (tentative) will present with their aging partners Best Practices in Aging and Disability Partnerships. Wednesday February 16th Henry Claypool, Director of the Dept. of Health and Human Service's Office on Disability will moderate a panel of federal disability agencies, including RSA, that will discuss strengthening ADRC partnerships.

Fall 2011 White House Internship
The application for the White House Internship Program's fall 2011 session has been posted. Please take the time to think of five future young leaders you believe would serve as great White House Interns, and personally encourage them to apply. Below is more information that might be helpful to prospective White House Interns:
-Visit the White House Internship website ( http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships/ )
-Apply to the White House Internship program ( http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships/apply/ )
-Learn more about the selection process ( http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships/selection/ )
Send this flyer today to interested applicants, or contacts who may know interested applicants. A White House Internship provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and build leadership skills. This hands-on program is designed to mentor and cultivate today's young leaders, strengthen their understanding of the Executive Office of the President and prepare them for future public service opportunities.
Please encourage all eligible young leaders to take advantage of this incredible opportunity! The deadline to apply is March 13, 2011. We greatly appreciate your support in this effort.
The White House Internship Team

SHIFT: An International Juried Exhibition for Artists with Disabilities
VSA, the international organization on arts and disability, announces a call for art for artists ages 18 and older who have a physical, cognitive, or mental disability. Artists are invited to submit up to four artworks of any media that address the theme of Shift – an investigation of a moment of change in one's life that alters the direction of a person's path.
-For more info: www.vsarts.org/shift
-To submit artwork: www.callforentry.org
-Deadline for submissions: March 11, 2011
-Selected artists will be notified by April 29, 2011.
Selected artwork will be exhibited at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington DC in June 2011.

New CLASS Resources from AARP

AARP recently released an informative video and talking points about the CLASS Act. Check them out at: http://www.aarp.org/health/health-care-reform/info-01-2011/The_CLASS_Act.html.

Contact the Editor: Eleanor@ncil.org

To advertise in the Weekly Advocacy Monitor, contact the Editor.Please forward and post. Note especially possible federal budget cuts,;
AoA,CMS,VA National Grantee Meeting- Eileen Healy, INW CIL presenting
re: ADRCs. Cathy
--- On wrote:
From: NCIL
Subject: Weekly Advocacy Monitor: Volume 9, Issue 6; February 9, 2011
To: "NCIL"
Date: Wednesday, February 9, 2011, 4:07 PM
National Council on Independent Living
Volume 9, Issue 6 February 9, 2011
In This Issue:
1) What's Happening in the Nation's Capital?
Chairman Rogers Announces Spending Cut Levels for FY 2011
2) National News
Continuing Resolution Spending Cuts to Go Deep
Federal Judicial Vacancies Reaching Crisis Point
3) State News
Chicago Mayoral Election to Impact City 's Disability Community
Judge Rules Pennsylvania is Violating ADA for Failure to Provide Equal
Access to Transition Services
4) Announcements and Additional Resources
2011 AoA, CMS, and VA National Grantee Meeting
Fall 2011 White House Internship
SHIFT: An International Juried Exhibition for Artists with Disabilities

New CLASS Resources from AARP
If the link above is not active, please visit to access this week's
_WhAM!_ The text-only version is attached to this email.
Contact the Editor:
To advertise in the Weekly Advocacy Monitor, contact the Editor.

Registration for Multi-Cultural Classes Now Open

2011-02-10T12:43:00.001-05:00
Classes are starting to fill for SMHA's multi-cultural classes (see
attached). Please register for as many classes as you'd like. There is
no cost and attendees can get 2 ceus per class. The first class is
scheduled for March 9th from 9-11:00. "Black, White or Both": Identity
Development in a Multi-racial society.

Any questions please call 860-859-4554.
--

Jennifer J. Gross
Deputy Director
Eastern Regional Mental Health Board
401 W. Thames Street
Campbell Building, Unit 105
Norwich, CT 06360
phone: 860.886.0030
fax: 860.886.4014
email:
website:
facebook:

Employment Opportunity - DNEC - Youth Advocate

2011-02-09T11:01:00.003-05:00
Employment Opportunity
Youth Advocate
Disabilities Network of Eastern CT
Full Time / 35 hours per week

Youth Advocate for small independent living center. Experience with children, youth, and families with special needs. Knowledge of ADA and relevant education laws. Excellent oral, written, computer, and group processing skills. B.S. with 2 years experience. Must be organized, self-starter & team player.

Send Cover Letter & Resume to:

Disabilities Network of Eastern CT
238 West Town Street
Norwich, CT 06360

By: 2/14/2011
E.O.E.

Governor Malloy Press Release

2011-02-09T11:00:00.000-05:00
February 8, 2011

MALLOY/WYMAN STREAMLINE ADMINISTRATION OF
HEALTH CARE SERVICES FOR NEARLY 600,000 RESIDENTS
Also Expand Cost-Saving ‘Money Follows the Person’ Initiative

(Hartford) – The administration of Governor Dannel P. Malloy and Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman today announced plans for sweeping, cost-saving changes in the organization of state health care programs for nearly 600,000 residents.

The administration also approved a major expansion of the ‘Money Follows the Person’ (MFP) program for seniors and adults with disabilities leaving nursing home care for community living.

Wyman and Office of Policy and Management Secretary Benjamin Barnes said the goal of the health care changes includes reduced overhead costs, improved service delivery and readiness for national health care reform. The move to a self-insured ‘administrative services organization’ (ASO) format means the state will no longer pay outside firms to assume the financial risk for the cost of a medical claim, but will instead directly pay providers for patients’ care.

The change in health care administration will improve coordination of medical benefits and outcomes under Medicaid - a sprawling, $4 billion program that covers nearly 165,000 seniors and younger adults, and 391,000 children and parents enrolled in HUSKY A. The same advantages will be felt in the smaller HUSKY B program for children and Charter Oak Health Plan for uninsured adults.

“This will bring together the best parts of two parallel systems whose current structure makes it difficult to run an economical program that also delivers quality services,” Wyman said at a Capitol news conference. “The existing Medicaid fee-for-service system provides no support or guidance to patients beyond paying for their care, and the enormous managed care system for children and families carries unnecessary administrative overhead that should be cut on behalf of our taxpayers.”

Secretary Barnes said: “The solution is to merge the systems under an administrative services organization. With this change, Connecticut will be able to bring vital assistance and coordination to the care of senior citizens and adults whose low income qualifies them for Medicaid coverage.”

Barnes said current Medicaid fee-for-service beneficiaries – typically senior citizens living on their own – have nowhere to turn if they need extra help for services such as assistance and referrals. This gap will be remedied in a cost-effective manner with the ASO, he said. At the same time, HUSKY and Charter Oak beneficiaries will continue to receive care coordination and support services.

As of April 1, the state will implement “presumptive eligibility” for HUSKY B that will enable these children to get coverage sooner – and will make Connecticut eligible for up to $4 million of federal bonus dollars.

Wyman noted that tens of millions of dollars have been saved since the state-employee health plan was converted to self-insured about two years ago. Behavioral health and dental health services in public health coverage are also being run successfully under a similar model.

“We expect that the move to an ASO structure will also position the state to take advantage of opportunities presented by the federal Patient Protection and Affordability Care Act,” Wyman said, “because Connecticut will have a more streamlined approach to both health coverage and health care delivery.”

The plan’s timetable calls for the Department of Social Services to issue a request-for-proposals to hire an ASO in March. A contract is expected to be executed by August 2011, with implementation of the new system by January 2012.

The expansion of the ‘Money Follows the Person’ (MFP) program combines cost-effectiveness with improved quality of life for individuals who can live on their own with support services.

In his budget address to the General Assembly next week, Malloy will include funding to support the transition of 2,251 nursing home residents to the community by the end of fiscal 2013. This will build on the 411 individuals already assisted with community placements by state and non-profit agencies through the program to date.

Overall, Malloy has approved the goal of helping a total of 5,200 seniors and adults with disabilities come out of nursing home care over the next five years through this Medicaid pilot program.

The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has given strong encouragement to Connecticut in response to its application to expand the initiative to 5,200 placements through 2016. “This is especially significant because Medicaid is a tremendous budget buster in Connecticut, as in other states,” Barnes said.

###

Freedom Machines

2011-02-04T09:26:00.000-05:00
“Freedom Machines is a remarkable film that will change forever the way you look at disability. It shows the transformative power of technology when placed in the hands of people with disabilities and challenges your ideas about what is achievable today.”

--Ginny Thornburgh, National Organization on Disability

Freedom Machines is an award-winning PBS program that dramatically reframes our views of disability. Riveting personal stories provide an overview of the human and legal dimensions related to issues of accessibility and inclusive education, employment, and independent living through the critical window of technology access. In this unique film, the legal changes of the last 35+ years inform the human struggles of citizens wanting to be active participants in their communities, together with parents and their kids seeking crucial resources from public education systems.

Among its subjects are Susanna Martini, a first-year college student whose mother fought for the tools and services to help her leave home and attend the University of Washington; 38 year-old Floyd Stewart who was paralyzed in mid-life while raising four children; 92 year-old Gladys Wang of San Francisco who is determined to overcome a hearing loss; and high school student Latoya Nesmith who dreams of becoming a translator at the United Nations. Freedom Machines shows how human ingenuity, universal design concepts, and societal commitment can change the world.

Here is some feedback you may find useful:

"Freedom Machines one of the best teaching tools we have ever seen. We are using it throughout our state to train staff at our 53 career training centers."

Janet Hill, Disability Navigator Program Coordinator

Georgia Department of Labor

“Freedom Machines is a great film to introduce people to the uses of assistive technology, whether they are advocates or consumers. The stories are inspiring and it’s a powerful resource for showing how people with a variety of abilities can contribute to their community.”

-Janet Nunez, Director of iTech Center

Parents Helping Parents

Please take a look at our website when you have a moment, at www.FreedomMachines.com.

Domestic Violence Counts

2011-02-03T15:47:00.003-05:00
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
East Hartford, CT - A new survey conducted by the National Network to
End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) reveals telling information about domestic violence services in the United States.
In one 24-hour period, 1,125 victims of domestic violence and their children across Connecticut received vital services from local domestic violence organizations. 294 domestic violence victims found safe refuge
in emergency shelters or transitional housing provided by their local
domestic violence program. An additional 831 adults and children
received services, including counseling, legal advocacy and children's
support groups. At the same time, 47 requests for needs were unmet. A
full copy of the Connecticut summary is available online at
www.ctcadv.org.
"CCADV member programs continue to provide services to families
affected by intimate partner violence on limited funds and meet the
immediate needs of victims who come to them for assistance. But let's
be clear: not all who seek services will receive the help they need. Given
that domestic violence continues to pervade our society; it is time for
a new orientation toward prevention. Earlier and effective intervention
with a focus on a continuum of comprehensive services offers more
promise for putting an end to the problem," said Erika Tindill, Esq.
Executive Director of CCADV.
Though an economic downturn does not cause domestic violence, factors associated with economic uncertainties can increase the severity an
frequency of abuse. At the same time, options for survivors to escape
can be more limited. More than 80 percent of local domestic violence
programs reported and increased demand for their services while nearly
the same number reported decreases in funding.
"The economy is exacerbating domestic violence, and victim advocates across the country are struggling to do more with less," said Sue Else, president of NNEDV. "Despite the immense challenges, local programs are providing life-saving services to so many survivors of domestic and sexual violence."
Each year, NNEDV conducts a 24-hour survey of local domestic violence programs. On September 15, 2010, despite the difficulty to raise funds, domestic violence programs nationwide provided services to more than
70,000 adults and children in one day alone. Other national data
include:

* More than 929 crisis hotline calls were answered every hour.
* More than 9,500 requests for services went unmet, mostly due to funding shortfalls.
* More than 30,000 individuals attended 1,240 training sessions
provided by local domestic violence programs to help prevent violence
and intervene early in cases of abuse.
Across the nation on September 15, 2010, three women were murdered by their intimate partners. Thirty-six babies were born to mothers living in domestic violence shelters. Three-hundred-ninety-one survivors
started new jobs. Three men committed suicide - one after murdering his
wife, another after a failed attempt to kill his girlfriend, and the
third after holding his partner hostage and a standoff with the police.

In 2010, 1,746 local domestic violence programs, or 91 percent,
submitted their 24-hour counts for September 15. 15 out of 16, or 94%
of programs in Connecticut participated in the survey. The full National
Domestic Violence Counts 2010 are available online at .
# # #
_ _
Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Inc. (CCADV), is a
statewide 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works to change social
conditions through policy advocacy, public awareness, technical
assistance and education. The current membership of the CCADV includes
private, non-profit agencies providing services to victims of domestic
violence which include but are not limited to safety planning,
short-term counseling and support groups, information and referrals,
advocacy, emergency shelter, children's programs and community
education and training. To learn more about CCADV, please visit . _
_ _
NNEDV, a 501(c)(3) organization, is a leading voice for domestic
violence victims and their allies. Its members include the 56 state
and territorial coalitions against domestic violence. It works
closely with them to understand the needs of domestic violence victims and
advocacy programs. NNEDV has been a premiere national organization
advancing the movement against domestic violence for the past 15 years,
after leading efforts among domestic violence advocates and survivors
in urging Congress to pass the landmark Violence Against Women Act of
1994.

NNEDV
East Hartford, CT 06108
(860) 282-7899

Family to Family Classes Winter-Spring 2011!!!

2011-01-14T10:54:00.002-05:00
Does someone in your life has mental illness?

A FREE 12 - week course offering support & education to family members and friends of individuals with serious mental illness.

Taught by trained NAMI-CT family members.

FAMILY TO FAMILY CLASSES Winter-Spring 2011:

DANIELSON

Date: Begins Wednesday, January 19th 2011
Contact & Registration: Bill & Terri at 860.928.5947 or pearsallw@sbcglobal.net

NORWALK

Date: Begins Monday, January 24th 2011
Contact & Registration: Claudia at 203.869.1018 or Ned at 203.972.3410

NAUGATUCK

Date: Begins Thursday, February 10th 2011
Contact & Registration: Terrilynn at 203.881.2707

GUILFORD

Date: Begins Monday, February 28th 2011
Contact & Registration: Dan & Jeanne at 203.453.2530 or d.proctor@sbcglobal.net

UNIONVILLE ( Part of Farmington)

Date: Begins Thursday, March 10th 2011
Contact & Registration: Janet at 860.620.7717 or janetb1954@comcast.net

For more information about the Family - to - Family educational course,

please contact Paloma B. Dee at NAMI-CT office ( 1.800.215.3021)

or by email at familyeducation@namict.org

Good news about housing opportunities for people with disabilities.

2011-01-10T13:56:00.002-05:00
HUD, HHS ANNOUNCE JOINT EFFORT TO ASSIST NEARLY 1,000 NON-ELDERLY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES TO MOVE FROM INSTITUTIONS
TO INDEPENDENCE�

In June of 2009, in recognition of the 10th anniversary of the Supreme Court�s Olmstead decision, President Obama announced the �Year of Community Living�, a year-long effort dedicated to his vigorous commitment to enforcement of civil rights for Americans with disabilities and to ensuring the fullest inclusion of all people in the life of our Nation.

The Olmstead decision, issued in July 1999, requires states to administer services, programs, and activities "in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of qualified individuals with disabilities."��

In support of the president�s efforts, Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and Shaun Donovan, Secretary of the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) jointly announced that they would support and encourage their agencies to begin to work more closely on policies and programs that would increase community living opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Also participating in the announcement was Kelly Buckland of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL).� Many of NCIL�s members work closely with Medicaid agencies and public housing authorities to make community living possible for thousands of Americans with disabilities.
Continuing the work of the �Year of Community Living� under the �Community Living Initiative�, on October first of this year HUD awarded forty three hundred (Category I) vouchers, totaling more than $33.5 million dollars, to 20 States and the District of Columbia to help support individuals with disabilities that are at risk of institutionalization to remain in the community.
Today, we are pleased to announce the award of nearly one thousand additional (Category II) vouchers to 15 States to support individuals who are currently institutionalized in long term care settings such as nursing homes and other institutions, to return to the community and receive the necessary supports to live as independently as possible.�
��The Obama administration is committed to helping Americans with disabilities live independent lives. Housing is a critical piece of the equation when it comes to transitioning out of institutions,� said Donovan. �Coordinating this effort with the Department of Health and Human Services is an important step in ensuring that more Americans with disabilities will have the housing and support they need to fully participate in community life.��
As part of the continuing efforts to collaborate to increase community living options for persons with disabilities these awards are tied to states with Money Follows the Person Rebalancing Demonstration (MFP) programs that have demonstrated relationships with housing authorities. HUD and CMS facilitated these partnerships by conducting an extensive outreach and training program to MFP grantees and PHAs to help each understand the other�s programs and respective needs.

The MFP Demonstration is designed to support States in the identification and reformation of legal, budgetary or other barriers to increase the availability of community services, �balance� their long-term care systems, and help Medicaid enrollees transition from institutions to the community. Now in its fourth year, the MFP program has made it possible for almost 12,000 individuals to live more independent lives by providing necessary supports and services in the community. Twenty-nine States and the District of Columbia are currently participating in the MFP program.
�
�This is the first time two federal agencies are offering a combination of rental assistance, health care and other supportive services targeted to this population.� �Through our collaboration with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, I know that we will be able to dramatically change peoples� lives�. �Individuals with disabilities can have a life in the community that serves their needs and supports them in leading productive, meaningful lives� said Sebelius.
HUD & HHS are excited about this first collaborative effort and look forward to its success as well as other opportunities for collaboration that will increase an individual�s ability to live in the community and receive the supports they need to lead full, independent lives.
Here is a link to the press release: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2011/HUDNo.11-003
Here is a link to the awardees: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=rane2_pr2.pdf ��

Regards,

Janet Miller, MPA
Office of External Affairs
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
7500 Security Boulevard, S1-05-17
Baltimore, Maryland 21244
410-786-2157
Janet.miller2@cms.hhs.gov

Please forward and post. Cathy
--- On wrote:
From: NCIL
Subject: Good news about housing opportunities for people with
disabilities.
To: "NCIL"
Date: Friday, January 7, 2011, 1:09 PM
Good afternoon.
Please feel free to share the following with your colleagues and
partners:
In June of 2009, in recognition of the 10th anniversary of the Supreme
Court's Olmstead decision, President Obama announced the "Year of
Community Living", a year-long effort dedicated to his vigorous
commitment to enforcement of civil rights for Americans with
disabilities and to ensuring the fullest inclusion of all people in the
life of our Nation.
The Olmstead decision, issued in July 1999, requires states to
administer services, programs, and activities "in the most integrated
setting appropriate to the needs of qualified individuals with
disabilities."
In support of the president's efforts, Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary
of the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and Shaun Donovan,
Secretary of the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
jointly
announced that they would support and encourage their agencies to begin
to work more closely on policies and programs that would increase
community living opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Also participating in the announcement was Kelly Buckland of the
National Council on Independent Living (NCIL). Many of NCIL's members
work closely with Medicaid agencies and public housing authorities to
make community living possible for thousands of Americans with
disabilities.
Continuing the work of the "Year of Community Living" under the
"Community Living Initiative", on October first of this year HUD
awarded forty three hundred (Category I) vouchers, totaling more than
$33.5 million dollars, to 20 States and the District of Columbia to
help
support individuals with disabilities that are at risk of
institutionalization to remain in the community.
Today, we are pleased to announce the award of nearly one thousand
additional (Category II) vouchers to 15 States to support individuals
who are currently institutionalized in long term care settings such as
nursing homes and other institutions, to return to the community and
receive the necessary supports to live as independently as possible.
"The Obama administration is committed to helping Americans with
disabilities live independent lives. Housing is a critical piece of the
equation when it comes to transitioning out of institutions," said
Donovan. "Coordinating this effort with the Department of Health and
Human Services is an important step in ensuring that more Americans
with
disabilities will have the housing and support they need to fully
participate in community life."
As part of the continuing efforts to collaborate to increase community
living options for persons with disabilities these awards are tied to
states with Money Follows the Person Rebalancing Demonstration (MFP)
programs that have demonstrated relationships with housing authorities.
HUD and CMS facilitated these partnerships by conducting an extensive
outreach and training program to MFP grantees and PHAs to help each
understand the other's programs and respective needs.
The MFP Demonstration is designed to support States in the
identification and reformation of legal, budgetary or other barriers to
increase the availability of community services, "balance" their
long-term care systems, and help Medicaid enrollees transition from
institutions to the community. Now in its fourth year, the MFP program
has made it possible for almost 12,000 individuals to live more
independent lives by providing necessary supports and services in the
community. Twenty-nine States and the District of Columbia are
currently
participating in the MFP program.
"This is the first time two federal agencies are offering a
combination of rental assistance, health care and other supportive
services targeted to this population. "Through our collaboration with
the Department of Housing and Urban Development, I know that we will be
able to dramatically change peoples' lives". "Individuals with
disabilities can have a life in the community that serves their needs
and supports them in leading productive, meaningful lives" said
Sebelius.
HUD & HHS are excited about this first collaborative effort and look
forward to its success as well as other opportunities for collaboration
that will increase an individual's ability to live in the community
and receive the supports they need to lead full, independent lives.
Here is a link to the press release:
Here is a link to the awardees:
Regards,
Janet Miller, MPA
Office of External Affairs
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
7500 Security Boulevard , S1-05-17
Baltimore , Maryland 21244
410-786-2157

CT Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Service Initiative

2011-01-10T13:55:00.003-05:00
Metro Taxi and The Yellow Cab Company will provide on-demand wheelchair
accessible taxi service for the person with a disability who lives
and/or works in the respective company's geographical territory. Both
companies are currently licensed to provide traditional taxi service,
but plan to expand their territories to include portions of Greater
Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport where Metro Taxi and The Yellow Cab
Company are not currently licensed.
The companies will purchase 140 wheelchair accessible taxis, featuring the recently introduced paratransit vehicle, the MV-1. This vehicle,manufactured in the USA, is fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG)
which will improve upon local air quality and reduce our dependency on
foreign oil. Its spacious interior is large enough to accommodate two
wheelchairs.
To better serve the disability community, Metro Taxi ("Metro
Access") and The Yellow Cab Company ("Green Access Taxi") have
asked the Department of Transportation (DOT) for an additional 140 taxi
permits. DOT hearings have been scheduled and the companies must
demonstrate why the proposed expanded territories are essential to
public need. This is the most difficult part of the initiative, as we
require testifiers from each territory applied for to produce
compelling testimony as to why the proposed service is essential in fulfilling
everyday transportation needs.
There are two Connecticut Department of Transportation hearings scheduled:
If you would like to attend one of the hearings and/or testify, please contact us to obtain a time slot ASAP: . Also, if you need assistance with transportation, please let us know.
The hearing location is The Connecticut Department of Transportation, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06131. There will be signage directing attendees to the hearing room.
The following are questions that have been raised over the past few months. It is our hope that we are able to answer any question you may have regarding the initiative.
Green Access Taxi is headquartered in Bloomfield and is applying for permits to serve Avon, Barkhamsted, Berlin, Bloomfield, East Granby, East Hartford, East Windsor, Enfield, Farmington, Glastonbury, Granby, Hartford, Hartland, Manchester, Newington, New Britain, Rocky Hill,
Simsbury, Somers, Southington, South Windsor, Stafford, Suffield, Vernon, Wethersfield, Windsor and Windsor Locks.
Metro Access is headquartered in West Haven and is applying for permits to serve Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethany, Branford, Bridgeport,
Cheshire, Clinton, Derby, Durham, East Haven, Fairfield, Guilford, Hamden,
Madison, Meriden, Middlefield, Milford, Monroe, Naugatuck, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Orange, Oxford, Prospect, Seymour, Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull, Wallingford, West Haven and Woodbridge.
Most of the selected towns are already serviced by our respective companies. All wheelchair accessible vehicles will be purchased as new CNG taxis and will be fueled at our individual headquarters. Since
there are few alternative fueling stations in Connecticut, the territories
selected must be reasonably close to our own fueling stations. With the
anticipated success of the CNG initiative, a future goal would be to
expand wheelchair accessible taxi service to additional areas of the
state.
Both taxi companies will provide demand-response wheelchair accessible
taxi transportation. This means that there are no requirements to book
your transportation in advance. Our service will be available 24 hours
per day, 7 days per week. Metro Taxi and The Yellow Cab Company offer
the latest in computer dispatch technology with GPS tracking, allowing
us to provide the most effective and efficient service to all our
customers. For the utmost convenience, we will offer advanced
reservations.
All taxi passengers traveling in the wheelchair accessible taxi pay
exactly the same as all other taxi passengers; there is no additional
charge for wheelchair service. Up to four passengers may travel
together for the same price, and the taxicab will accommodate two wheelchairs.
Also, DOT regulations state that all taxicab companies operating in the
same area must charge all passengers the same metered rate.
Yes. Beginning early in 2011, Metro Taxi, in a partnership with the Greater New Haven Transit District, will be participating in a Connecticut first, the New Freedom Taxi Voucher Program. The program
will provide the Greater New Haven (disability) community with a 50%
reduction on taxi fares. This is a new funding project for Connecticut
and should be available by Feb 1st.
We plan to provide wheelchair accessible taxi service with approximately the same response time as our current taxi service
(typically within 15 minutes). The combined proposed territory is
extensive, stretching from Enfield to Fairfield. It is densely
populated and contains most of the state's medical facilities. Should we be
successful in adding 140 accessible taxicabs to the proposed area, the
resulting ratio of accessible taxicabs would only be approximately 15%.
We're hoping we've requested enough permits.
Yes, all drivers will be trained to assist in boarding. In addition, drivers will be instructed using the _Easter Seals Project Action Taxicab Pocket Guide_, which provides guidance in transporting people with disabilities.
Metro Access and Green Access are participating in a U.S. Department of Energy grant program designed to convert fleet vehicles across the
nation to alternative fuels, improving upon our air quality and reducing
our dependence on foreign oil. The grant will support the additional
cost to convert a new vehicle to CNG fueling. Since we're already
committed to using CNG, we decided to go the extra distance and
purchase new MV-1 paratransit vehicles. The MV-1's are accessible, can
accommodate two (2) wheelchairs, and are available as CNG taxicabs.
Yes; and even safer. Currently, there are over 12 million such vehicles
worldwide. The vehicles have an excellent safety record for two primary
reasons: 1.) the property of the fuel itself and the integrity of the
natural gas vehicle; 2.) its fuel delivery system. New natural gas
vehicles are subjected to the same federal government safety standards
and crash tests as other vehicles. Based upon a survey of 8,331
natural gas utility, school, municipal, and business fleet vehicles that
traveled 178.3 million miles, the NGV fleet had an injury rate 37%
lower than that of the gasoline fleet vehicle rate. (Clean Vehicle Education
Foundation, revised 9-17-2010).
Metro Taxi,
The Yellow Cab Company,
MV-1 vehicles,
Clean Vehicle Education Foundation,
Connecticut Clean Cities,
National Council for Independent Living,
Connecticut State Independent Living Council,
_Fueling the Future_, Vol. 1, 2010/2011:
Americans with Disabilities Act Coalition of Connecticut Names Metro Taxi and Metropolitan Livery President and CEO Bill Scalzi to Board of Directors.
You may direct any and all questions or need for additional information to:

Daria Smith at or cell phone at (860) 681-7599 or Debbie Melaragno
at or office phone at (860) 523-0126.
Debbie Melaragno
Administrative Assistant
CT State Independent Living Council
151 New Park Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 523-0126 (phone)
(860) 586-7024 (fax)

Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities - Eastern CT Focus Group

2011-01-07T14:51:00.000-05:00
You're Invited...

Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities
5 Year 2012-2016 State Plan
Eastern CT Focus Group
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Disability Network of Eastern CT
238 West Town Street, Norwich

The Connecticut Council on Developmental Disabilities would like your help. The mission of the Council is to promote the full inclusion of all people with disabilities in community life. We do this by working to improve services and supports for people with developmental disabilities and their families through advocacy, building the capacity of systems, and changing the system.

We would like to hear from you about what you think the Council’s priorities should be. You can tell us about anything you like but here are some questions to think about.

Community: Have you been able to join clubs and organizations, participate in community associations and events, go to recreation and social programs, and go to religious services? If not, why not?

School: Have you been going to the same school as other students in your neighborhood? If not, why not? Have you been in the same classroom with people your age who do not have disabilities? If not, why not? Have you been given enough help in the classroom to keep up with everyone else? If not, why not?

Work: Do you have a job? If not, why not? Do you work for a real business or company? Is the pay good? Do you get health benefits and paid vacations? If you don’t work, what kind of work would you like to do? Are you being trained to get the kind of job you would like to do? If not, what kind of training are you getting?

Home: Is your house or apartment wheelchair accessible? If not, why not? Do people who do not have disabilities live in your neighborhood? Are you living with people you chose to live with and want to live with? If not, why not?

Advocacy: Do you belong to a self-advocacy group? If not, why not? Do your parents belong to a parents group? If not, why not? Have you ever gone to a meeting or written a letter to complain about something or to try to get something changed? If not, why not? Do you want to be a leader in the filed of disabilities? If not, why not? What would help you become a leader?

Transportation: Do you need transportation? If you need transportation, do you have wheelchair accessible public transportation in your community? If not, why not? Are your city buses wheelchair accessible? Are the accessible city buses available when you want them? Can you afford the city bus fare? Is there other wheelchair accessible transportation like dial-a-ride and taxis available in your community? Can you use this transportation? If not, why not? Can you afford this transportation?

Help In Your Home: Do you need help in your home or apartment? If you need help, do you or your family use in-home support like personal assistants, homemaker home health aides, visiting nurses or respite care? If not, why not? Do you get the help you need? If not, why not? Are the workers who come into your home or apartment properly trained?

Technology: What kind of technology do you use to help you with day to day activities? A wheelchair? Computer and computer programs? What else?

Day Care: Do you use day care? If you need to use day care, but do not use day care, why not?

Health: Do you have a doctor? How about a dentist? If you don’t, why not? Have you ever been to the emergency room? What was your experience like? If you are older, or care for someone who is older, have you prepared papers to tell people how you want to be treated if you become very sick? Do you have a “do not resuscitate” order? What do you think about physician assisted suicide?

Safety: Are you afraid of being abused? Are you afraid of being forgotten? Are you afraid someone might try to take advantage of you? Are you afraid of being assaulted?

Protection: Have you, or has your child, ever been sprayed with ammonia or shocked with electricity or a taser? Have you, or your child, ever been tied down or held down by staff people? Have you, or your child, ever been locked in a room? Have you ever heard of family focused positive behavioral interventions and supports?

Respect: Have you, or your child, ever experienced discrimination or prejudice? Do you feel that people who do not have disabilities believe that you belong in the community, in school, and that you can work and contribute to the community?

Mental Health in the Media

2010-12-01T15:09:00.003-05:00

The recent articles below cover issues relevant to Connecticut's mental health community.

The state Department of Social Services has removed a requirement which set minimum levels of provider reimbursements under contracts with the managed care organizations that administer the HUSKY and Charter Oak programs. Many advocates fear this could lead to providers refusing to accept HUSKY and Charter Oak patients, which would limit access to care for these groups.

Advocates Fear Change in State Health Care Payment Policy Will Limit Access

The Connecticut Mirror – http://www.ctmirror.org – November 12, 2010

A new group of supportive housing units for people with mental illnesses and HIV/AIDS has recently opened in Hamden. The units, developed by the Leeway organization of New Haven, are apartments where people can live independently and receive the services that they need.

Leeway Apartments Open for Business in Hamden

The New Haven Register – http://www.nhregister.com – November 18, 2010

Epigenetics, the study of the effects of a person's experiences on the expression and function of his or her genes, is an emerging field of research in determining the causes of mental illness. Scientists hope to find links between epigenetic markers and mental illnesses in order to develop more effective treatments.

Genes as Mirrors of Life Experiences

The New York Times – http://www.nytimes.com – November 8, 2010

China has a mental health system that is extremely inadequate in terms of meeting the needs of people with mental illnesses. This in-depth story documents the lack of access to treatments in China, as well as the very serious consequences of this problem.

Life in Shadows for Mentally Ill in China

The New York Times – http://www.nytimes.com – November 10, 2010

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or comments.

Matt Salner

Public Policy Staff

NAMI-CT

policystaff@namict.org

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NAMI-CAN Uncasville Support Group -Meeting Announcement

2010-12-01T15:08:00.002-05:00

NAMI-CAN Uncasville Support Group

A program of NAMI Southeast, (National Alliance on Mental Illness), for parents and caregivers of children dealing with behavioral, emotional, or mental health issues. Meetings held at 7:00 P.M. on the second Wednesday of the month at The Joshua Center School, 20 Maple Ave. Uncasville. Next meeting Wednesday December 8, 2010. For more information, please call: 860-859-4658, or e-mail Att'n Nami-Can

Judycarlough@yahoo.com

Information Alert: Compensation Available for QuickTrip Disability-Based Discrimination Victims

2010-12-01T14:37:00.002-05:00
NCIL: Celebrating 25 Years of Independent Living

Compensation Available for QuickTrip Disability-Based Discrimination Victims.
Claimants should act quickly.
You may be entitled to compensation in a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit against QuickTrip Corporation for discrimination on the basis of disability in violation of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). On July 15, 2010, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit, together with a Consent Decree proposed to settle the lawsuit, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska. The Consent Decree, approved by the Court on July 19, 2010, established a $1.5 million fund to compensate individuals who experienced discrimination in violation of Title III at QuikTrip gas stations, convenience stores, truck stops, and travel centers. Title III of the ADA prohibits private entities, including, among others, the owners and operators of gas stations, convenience stores, truck stops, and travel centers, from discriminating against individuals with disabilities in the provision of goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, and accommodations.

It is important that you know about the existence of this fund, and how to make a claim if you have experienced disability-based discrimination. The time period for filing a claim, as established by the Consent Decree, is approximately 180 days from July 19, 2010. However, claimants should act quickly. The determination of payment eligibility and the amount of any payment will be made by the U.S. Department of Justice after all claims have been received. To be determined eligible for payment, a claim must involve disability-based discrimination that is prohibited by Title III of the ADA.

A fact sheet on the lawsuit and Consent Decree, a press release, and information on how to file a claim for payment from the fund can be found at http://www.ada.gov/quiktrip_info_index.htm. Please feel free to distribute this information widely.

-- On Tue, 11/30/10, NCIL <ncil@ncil.org> wrote:

From: NCIL <ncil@ncil.org>
Subject: Information Alert: Compensation Available for QuickTrip Disability-Based Discrimination Victims
To: "NCIL" <ncil@ncil.org>
Date: Tuesday, November 30, 2010, 12:34 PM

Information Alert: Compensation Available for QuickTrip Disability-Based Discrimination Victims

You may be entitled to compensation in a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit against QuickTrip Corporation for discrimination on the basis of disability in violation of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). On July 15, 2010, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit, together with a Consent Decree proposed to settle the lawsuit, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska. The Consent Decree, approved by the Court on July 19, 2010, established a $1.5 million fund to compensate individuals who experienced discrimination in violation of Title III at QuikTrip gas stations, convenience stores, truck stops, and travel centers. Title III of the ADA prohibits private entities, including, among others, the owners and operators of gas stations, convenience stores, truck stops, and travel centers, from discriminating against individuals with disabilities in the provision of goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, and accommodations.

It is important that you know about the existence of this fund, and how to make a claim if you have experienced disability-based discrimination. The time period for filing a claim, as established by the Consent Decree, is approximately 180 days from July 19, 2010. However, claimants should act quickly. The determination of payment eligibility and the amount of any payment will be made by the U.S. Department of Justice after all claims have been received. To be determined eligible for payment, a claim must involve disability-based discrimination that is prohibited by Title III of the ADA .

A fact sheet on the lawsuit and Consent Decree, a press release, and information on how to file a claim for payment from the fund can be found at http://www.ada.gov/quiktrip_info_index.htm. Please feel free to distribute this information widely.

November - December 2010 Bulletin

2010-11-23T11:10:00.004-05:00

Governor-Elect Malloy's platform addresses health care, autism, and senior issues

Plus much more... read our bulletin!

We post the bulletin to our website in a variety of formats. For your convenience, the latest CDAC bulletin is attached in PDF format, but if your mail system removed or altered the attachment in any way, you can always access it on our website at: http://www.ct-dac.org/bulletin.htm in a variety of different formats. NOTE: AOL customers will need to access the file from the website as AOL is making the PDF attachment invalid and you will NOT be able to access it.

PLEASE NOTE: Let us know if you have any problems accessing our information by sending your comments to us at announce@ct-dac.org. Please specify what problems you encountered and if you have any suggestions to help improve our communication.

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Visit CDAC's website at http://www.ct-dac.org

Announcements and also BESB Children's Services Fall 2010 Newsletter

2010-11-23T11:10:00.003-05:00

Dear BESB Staff and Community Partners,

On behalf of BESB, I am pleased to inform you that the Fall, 2010 Children's Services Program Newsletter has been posted on the agency website. Follow the link immediately below to read about recent activities and upcoming events for parents and children.

BESB Children's Services Fall 2010 Newsletter

Legislative Leadership Training - Still Time To Register!

2010-11-23T11:08:00.002-05:00

There is still time to register for the December 2 and 9th Legislative Leadership Training.

KEEP THE PROMISE COALITION

Legislative Leadership Training: Thursday, December 2 and 9, 2010

Experienced advocates will learn more details about the legislative process and playing a lead role in KTP advocacy at the LOB or locally (8:30AM Registration; 9AM-3PM training). Completion of the KTP "Essentials of Legislative Advocacy" training is required before taking this training (extensive experience in legislative advocacy can be substituted).

Trainings are geared for people in recovery, family members, advocates, providers, and any other interested groups. This two-day training will be held in Room 2E at the LOB, 300 Capitol Avenue, Hartford. Lunch will be provided. Training co-facilitated by Attorney Jan Van Tassel, Executive Director, CT Legal Rights Project and Doreen DelBianco, Legislative Program Manager for the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, who have extensive experience in legislative advocacy and mental health issues.

There is a $10 registration fee. Scholarships for registration and reimbursement for travel and family care are available with pre-approval, pending available funds. Please contact KTP for more information.

To register, please contact Maura Sheil-Hughes at KTP: ktpassistant@namict.org or call (860) 882-0236; (800) 215-3021.

Also: A sincere THANK YOU to the many advocates and groups/organizations who collaborated to hold Candidate Forums across the State this Fall. You made an important impact on legislators and community members! Great job!

We are now shifting our focus to LEGISLATIVE BREAKFASTS! If you did not get a chance to hold a Candidate Forum or if you want another chance to speak more directly with your newly elected local officials (State Senators and State Representative), please consider planning one TODAY! CT lawmakers have an unprecedented budget problem before them – help get the word out that Coalition members have opportunities to spend CT's $$ smarter in the mental health system! KTP can assist in planning and implementation and can offer fact sheets, tips on events, KTP blue ribbons, and assistance in collaborating with local, like-minded groups and organizations.

Click here to access a tip sheet.

Legislative Breakfasts should typically be held locally before or by early January at the latest and at the L.O.B. after that time. Events are not limited to breakfasts, but should be easily accessible for legislators and attendees. Call KTP TODAY to start planning!

Cheri Bragg, Coordinator

A new website to help parents and caregivers better understand their children's mental health and navigate the mental health system in CT [not-secure]]

2010-11-23T11:07:00.005-05:00
The Connecticut Center for Effective Practice (CCEP) of the Child Health
and Development Institute (CHDI) has launched a new website:

http://www.kidsmentalhealthinfo.com

The website was developed to help parents and caregivers better

understand their children's mental health and navigate the mental health

system in Connecticut.

Please visit our new website soon. Bookmark it and return often.

Please forward to parents who have questions or concerns about

children's mental health.

Robert P. Franks, Ph.D.

Vice President & Director

Connecticut Center for Effective Practice (CCEP)

Child Health & Development Institute (CHDI)

860-679-1519

www.chdi.org

Save Date Dec.7 Sesame St Webinar Talk, Listen, Connect for Military Families

2010-11-23T11:06:00.002-05:00
Subject: Save the Date: Sesame Street Webinar Talk, Listen, Connect for Military Families

View with images

Join us Tuesday, December 7, 2010, 1:00 p.m. EST (10:00 a.m. PST), for a lively and informative introduction to Sesame Workshop's groundbreaking initiative for military families, Talk, Listen, Connect.

Developed in conjunction with military and mental health experts, Talk, Listen, Connect is a bilingual, multimedia outreach program designed to help military families with young children coping with challenging transitions in their lives. Through video, music, and print materials, beloved Sesame Street characters—including Elmo and Rosita—address issues such as deployment, a parent's return home changed due to combat related injury, and the death of a parent.

During the Webinar, trauma experts, military experts, and members of the Sesame Workshop team will share clips from the Talk, Listen, Connect initiative, discuss key lessons learned during the development process, and review how clinicians and caregivers can use Talk, Listen, Connect to help military families and children.

This Webinar will include:

Ms. Lynn Chwatsky, Sesame Workshop, Assistant Vice President, Outreach Initiatives and Partners

Dr. Stephen Cozza, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, USUHS Associate Director, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University School of Medicine

Ms. Barbara Thompson, Director, Office of Family Policy/Children and Youth, Office of the Secretary of Defense Military Community and Family Policy

Dr. Russell Shilling, CAPT, MSC, USN, Program Manager - I20, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

Mrs. Patty Shinseki, Board Member, The Military Child Education Coalition, and Chair of MCEC's Living in the New Normal: Helping Children Thrive Through Good and Challenging Times

Dr. Judith Cohen, Medical Director, Center for Traumatic Stress in Children & Adolescents Allegheny General Hospital and Professor of Psychiatry

Hosted by Dr. Gregory Leskin, Director, NCCTS Military Families Initiatives and Assistant Director, FOCUS (www.focusproject.org)

To Join us at the Webinar:

Step 1: Create an account (free) at http://learn.nctsn.org/login/signup.php

Step 2: Check your email and confirm your account (click on link)

Step 3: Login at http://learn.nctsn.org/ and enroll in the Military Family Learning Community Master Speaker Series course listing

Step 4: On December 7, 2010 at 10am PST/1pm EST, login to participate

For NCTSN Learning Center technical assistance email help@nctsn.org

™/© 2010 Sesame Workshop

CAAC Member Announcement: Autism Event for Greater Bristol Farmington Valley Community Collaborative

2010-11-09T12:01:00.002-05:00

Greater Bristol Farmington Valley Community Collaborative

invites you to see

The Spectrum UNPLUGGED

Spend an Evening with the "Creatively Wired and Socially Challenged".
FOCUS Alternative Learning Center is proud to present their panel of experts. They are articulate, brilliant, left of center and very open and honest about their journey with their disorders. Hear firsthand about their experiences and how they impacted their lives at home, school and in the community. They want to let you know that they have suffered, but they have not given up and have grown to accept and embrace their "peculiarities" and channel them into something useful, without changing "who" they are. These kids are amazing and their willingness to share their experiences to help others have hope and change their lives is inspirational! Learn what strategies have helped them become the successful people they are today.
This presentation will move you. Get new insights on what is becoming today's epidemic.
·         Walk a day in their shoes and experience what their world is like for them
·         Find out what works & what doesn't with this special population
·         Learn the importance of relationships
·         Learn what interventions work when they are in crisis
·         Understand better their sensory issues & the Circle of Anxiety™

Date: Thursday, November 18, 2010
Time: 6:00 pm -7:30 pm
Location: Bristol Public Library, 5 High Street, Bristol, CT

Refreshments will be provided.
This event is open to families and providers. Resource Networking will be available to those who attend.
Child activities will be provided.

Please RSVP by Tuesday, November 16, 2010 through either the Greater Bristol Farmington Valley Community Collaborative Website at http://www.gbfvcc.org/CalendarEvents.aspx, Collaborative Email greater.bristol.farmington.collab@gmail.com or contact Rebecca Turgeon, LPC Co-Chair at (860) 223-2778 ext. 306.

We will look forward in seeing everyone!

IPad Opens World to a Disabled Boy

2010-11-05T13:18:00.002-04:00

IPad Opens World to a Disabled Boy

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/31/nyregion/31owen.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=ipad&st=cse

Weekly Advocacy Monitor: Volume 8, Issue 33; November 1, 2010

2010-11-04T11:04:00.001-04:00

NCIL: Celebrating 25 Years of Independent Living
National Council on Independent Living
Weekly Advocacy Monitor
Volume 8, Issue 33; November 1, 2010

1) What's Happening in the Nation's Capital?
-White House Urges More Hiring of People with Disabilities; Initiative Attempts to Strengthen Clinton-Era Order

2) National News
-Unfriendly Skies? Blind Passengers Sue United
-More Young People with Intellectual Disabilities Go to College

3) State News
-Connecticut Governor's Race Spotlights Disabilities
-Want to Speak Up About Movie Theater Captions? Hearings to be Held in Chicago, San Francisco, and D.C.
-Mississippi Hotline for Voting Rights

4) Announcements and Additional Resources
-Survey on Public Transit
-FCC to Hold Open Developer Day on November 8, 2010
-Creating Art to Say No to Violence

1) What's Happening in the Nation's Capital?

White House Urges More Hiring of People with Disabilities; Initiative Attempts to Strengthen Clinton-Era Order
Source: federaltimes.com
With agencies facing a renewed White House push to hire nearly twice as many employees with disabilities, the Office of Personnel Management is ramping up a campaign to show them how to do that. A training event last week drew about 285 hiring managers and human resources professionals to OPM's auditorium; the agency hopes to host similar events elsewhere in the county where there are large numbers of federal employees, Deputy Director Christine Griffin said. "This was really the kickoff," she said. "This is going to be evaluated: what worked; what didn't."
A July executive order issued by President Obama sets a target of adding 100,000 people with disabilities to the federal work force over five years. About 105,000 disabled people are in the work force now.
The order requires OPM — in conjunction with the Labor Department, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Office of Management and Budget — to come up with model recruitment and hiring strategies. Under the executive order, those plans were supposed to be completed last month, but were held up in the clearance process at OPM and other agencies, Griffin said. They could be out as early as this week.
With the guidance in hand, agencies will have 120 days to come up with their own plans and numerical goals for hiring more disabled people. Each agency will also have to name a senior-level official responsible for meeting those goals. Read More ( http://www.federaltimes.com/article/20101027/PERSONNEL02/10270301/1049/PERSONNEL ).

2) National News

Unfriendly Skies? Blind Passengers Sue United
Source: NPR / WQED
This week, a group of blind air travelers filed suit against United Airlines claiming that the airline's digital kiosks are inaccessible to blind people. It's not a problem that most travelers think about: How would they get through an airport without their eyesight? But something as simple as finding out your flight's gate can be a hassle.
Mike May, who lives in Davis, Calif., says he has to ask someone to look for flight information on the big digital boards. And checking in using the now-ubiquitous electronic kiosks is an even bigger hassle, at least at many airlines. "There's no earphone jack, no audio output, no Braille output," says May, who is one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. So he often has to find a stranger with time to help, then hand over his credit card and other private information. "It's demeaning to have to ask, it's inconvenient, and it has an element of not being safe to have to depend on another person for that," he says.
Websites Inaccessible, Too: In fact, the problems start even before they get to the airport, says Jonathan Lazar, who teaches computer science at Towson University in Maryland. Recently, Lazar took a close look at the websites of 10 leading airlines. He found that four of them, including United, are inaccessible to blind people; the sites are incompatible with the screen readers that blind people use to surf the Web.
Those airlines effectively force blind people to buy tickets by phone, "and more than one-third of the time, they ended up overcharging blind people. Either charging higher fares, or refusing to waive the call center fee, or both," Lazar says. Read More ( http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130921227 ).

More Young People with Intellectual Disabilities Go to College
Source: Fox News
In years past, college life was largely off-limits for students with such disabilities, but that's no longer the case. Students with Down syndrome, autism and other conditions that can result in intellectual disabilities are leaving high school more academically prepared than ever and ready for the next step: college.
Eight years ago, disability advocates were able to find only four programs on university campuses that allowed students with intellectual disabilities to experience college life with extra help from mentors and tutors.
As of last year, there were more than 250 spread across more than three dozen states and two Canadian provinces, said Debra Hart, head of Think College at the Institute for Community Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts Boston, which provides services to people with disabilities.
That growth is partly because of an increasing demand for higher education for these students and there are new federal funds for such programs.
The federal rules that took effect this fall allow students with intellectual disabilities to receive grants and work-study money. Because details on the rules are still being worked out, the earliest students could have the money is next year. Hart and others expect the funds to prompt the creation of even more programs.
"There is a whole generation of young people who have grown up under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, and to them it (college) is the logical next step," Hart said. Read More ( http://www.foxnews.com/health/2010/10/18/intellectually-disabled-youths-college/ ).

3) State News

Connecticut Governor's Race Spotlights Disabilities
Source: Norwich Bulletin, By Sharma Howard
A statue that depicts one of America's most charismatic presidents, Franklin D. Roosevelt, was sculpted to show him in a way he wanted to be seen — able-bodied. But the man who led the United States out of the Great Depression and through World War II was [had post polio syndrome]. In today's world, a politician with a disability can be perceived positively by constituents, disability advocate Elanah Sherman, of Norwich, said.
This dynamic is unfolding in Connecticut, where Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Malloy, who has dyslexia, and Republican candidate Tom Foley, who has Bell's palsy, are in a tight race. "Now, it's more an emblem of pride than an emblem of stigma," Sherman said.
Some might say this points to dramatic change, but, rather, it is a softening of a harsh landscape for the disabled that has come with time and hard work.
"We are fighting societal attitudes with teaspoons — you're still a person first, and then you have a disability," said Catherine Ferry, executive director of the Norwich-based Disabilities Network of Eastern Connecticut. "The nature of stigma is still there. People don't say things directly, but they will think in stereotypes."
Advocates such as Ferry are hoping Tuesday's election will continue to help de-stigmatize [people with disabilities]. If either Foley or Malloy is elected, it will be the first time Connecticut will have a governor who has acknowledged a disability or condition that sets them apart. Independent Thomas E. Marsh also is on the gubernatorial ballot.
Malloy, the former mayor of Stamford, graduated with a law degree from Boston College. When he was a child, his parents were told not to expect much from him, he said, and even labeled him mentally retarded. Today, Malloy often talks to parents and children about his disability.
His presence as governor could challenge perception. So could the election of Foley, a successful businessman who describes his Bell's palsy, a drooping or paralysis on one side of the face, as an "affliction." Read More ( http://www.norwichbulletin.com/carousel/x1650567861/Governor-s-race-spotlights-disabilities ).

Want to Speak Up About Movie Theater Captions? Hearings to be Held in Chicago, San Francisco, and D.C.
Source: Deafness Blog ( http://deafness.about.com/b/2010/10/28/want-to-speak-up-about-movie-theater-captions.htm ), By Jamie Berke, Deafness Guide
Now you can! If you live in or near Chicago, San Francisco, or Washington, DC you can speak up about movie theater captioning (and other topics including web site accessibility) at three hearings on Department of Justice Advance Notices of Proposed Rulemakings (ANPRs). These ANPRs address nondiscrimination in both state and local government services, and public accommodations and commercial facilities.
You do have to register in advance. If you are one of those who prefers open captions to the closed rear window captions in theaters, now is your chance. Speakers get only five minutes to talk, but the DOJ is also welcoming written testimony. Full details are on the DOJ website ( http://www.ada.gov/anprm2010/public_hearing_anprm_2010.htm ). Hat tip to the [National Association for the Deaf].

Mississippi Hotline for Voting Rights
Source: wapt.com
Disability Rights Mississippi, a private, non-profit, legal protection and advocacy agency for the state of Mississippi will have advocates and attorneys manning a hotline during Tuesday's general election.
The purpose of the hotline is to provide information to individuals with disabilities who have concerns regarding their right to access to the ballot. It will also provide assistance and guidance to poll-workers should they have a question or concern about the voting process. The hotline, which is 1-800-772-4057 will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday. For more information, go to www.drms.ms.

4) Announcements and Additional Resources

Survey on Public Transit
The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Accessible Public Transportation, a partnership between the Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University and the IDeA Center at SUNY Buffalo, is currently recruiting individuals of all ages (18 and older) and abilities to participate in an online survey that investigates user requirements for public transit buses. The survey includes questions on individuals' experiences getting on and off public buses, circulating inside of buses, understanding the communication and information systems of public buses, as well as issues concerning rider safety. The information collected from this study should help identify the aspects of using public buses that merit further detailed experimental research in controlled settings.
Access the brief survey at: http://www.udeworld.com/surveys/transitbusstudy.html.

FCC to Hold Open Developer Day on November 8, 2010
Source: FCC
On Monday, November 8, 2010, the Federal Communications Commission will sponsor an "Open Developer Day" event at FCC Headquarters in Washington, DC, (445 12th St., SW) to promote collaboration between web developers in the public and private sectors in furtherance of FCC goals to foster citizen participation in open government and further innovation in accessible technologies.
This will be a public, single-day event that prioritizes accessibility goals, though other web solutions are also of interest. The event will feature guest engineers from the Yahoo! Developer Network and Yahoo!'s Accessibility team and will have a component addressing the requirements and opportunities in the new "Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act."
FCC's Chief Data Officer Greg Elin described Open Developer Day as a digital barnraising where software developers learn new tools and volunteer their skills to prototype and build new web applications together. "Developer days have become a tradition in the web community for programmers to share knowledge, learn tools, and build things. We are excited to bring this tradition to the FCC," Elin said. Read More ( http://www.fcc.gov/cib/dro/headlines.html ).

Creating Art to Say No to Violence
Over the last six weeks, 14 different youth have committed suicide because they were bullied for being gay. The National Youth Leadership Network, an organization led by young people with disabilities, recently put out a statement on ending violence for all youth ( http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=55qnz6cab&v=001g7xYn3eIW2Nu6yYesfNvtOVQR8o1aysQxsmoFXbUNQF5VKerL1gP7-BmkeC0ey9L17mFXw6O9ncbTf87Y_M_gZgsXv19V9cvT4W3EF78jKfr3bPVp8GaGZ3_3Mxz6MmMiKpVuMBqH8GkhnZpmledIwf5NgalUm7qGBUGV4o7YvZZzqTyvBwMrw%3D%3D ) -- youth with disabilities, immigrant youth, GLBTQ youth, and the multitudes of people who are bullied. After we put out this statement, Becky Atkinson, a youth advocate from NC, asked if she could send the 14 families cards expressing her condolences. We did not have their addresses, but want to follow in Becky's steps and make cards.
We will being collecting cards and other sentiments (poems, letters, drawings, videos, statements, music mixes, readings etc) from the disability community. This is a time the disability community can come together to cry out against violence. After everything is compiled and made public, we will contact local media in the towns of these young people and talk about the ways people experience violence when they are pushed outside of the box of what is considered normal. We want people to know why it is important to create safe spaces for everyone, including youth with disabilities and GLBTQ youth.
The deadline for submissions is NOV 12, 2010 but please email me this week at stacey@nyln.org if you can join us in this. We appreciate it if you can forward this to others who may be interested in participating in the card-making and/or the media interviews. All classrooms, organizations, groups, and individuals who participate will be credited. We are asking that cards go deeper than the "it gets better if you wait it out" message, and talks about personal experiences, resiliency, community, power, and ending violence.

Contact the Editor: Eleanor@ncil.org. To advertise in the Weekly Advocacy Monitor, contact the Editor.

DNEC's interview with the Norwich Bulletin article is in NCIL national weekly!

--- On Mon, 11/1/10, NCIL <ncil@ncil.org> wrote:

From: NCIL <ncil@ncil.org>
Subject: Weekly Advocacy Monitor: Volume 8, Issue 33; November 1, 2010
To: "NCIL" <ncil@ncil.org>
Date: Monday, November 1, 2010, 5:07 PM

National Council on Independent Living

Weekly Advocacy Monitor

Volume 8, Issue 33 November 1, 2010

In This Issue:

1) What's Happening in the Nation's Capital?

White House Urges More Hiring of People with Disabilities; Initiative Attempts to Strengthen Clinton-Era Order

2) National News

Unfriendly Skies? Blind Passengers Sue United

More Young People with Intellectual Disabilities Go to College

3) State News

Connecticut Governor's Race Spotlights Disabilities

Want to Speak Up About Movie Theater Captions? Hearings to be Held in Chicago , San Francisco , and D.C.

Mississippi Hotline for Voting Rights

4) Announcements and Additional Resources

Survey on Public Transit

FCC to Hold Open Developer Day on November 8, 2010

Creating Art to Say No to Violence

If the link above is not active, please visit http://www.ncil.org/resources/whamv8i33.html to access this week's WhAM! The text-only version is attached to this email.

Contact the Editor: Eleanor@ncil.org

To advertise in the Weekly Advocacy Monitor, contact the Editor.

Initiative to hire People with Disabilities

2010-11-04T11:02:00.002-04:00

White House Urges More Hiring of People with Disabilities; Initiative Attempts to Strengthen Clinton-Era Order

Source: federaltimes.com

With agencies facing a renewed White House push to hire nearly twice as many employees with disabilities, the Office of Personnel Management is ramping up a campaign to show them how to do that. A training event last week drew about 285 hiring managers and human resources professionals to OPM's auditorium; the agency hopes to host similar events elsewhere in the county where there are large numbers of federal employees, Deputy Director Christine Griffin said. "This was really the kickoff," she said. "This is going to be evaluated: what worked; what didn't."

A July executive order issued by President Obama sets a target of adding 100,000 people with disabilities to the federal work force over five years. About 105,000 disabled people are in the work force now.

The order requires OPM — in conjunction with the Labor Department, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Office of Management and Budget — to come up with model recruitment and hiring strategies. Under the executive order, those plans were supposed to be completed last month, but were held up in the clearance process at OPM and other agencies, Griffin said. They could be out as early as this week.

With the guidance in hand, agencies will have 120 days to come up with their own plans and numerical goals for hiring more disabled people. Each agency will also have to name a senior-level official responsible for meeting those goals. Read More.

--

Help us to help others!!! Chili's Fundraiser

2010-11-02T09:59:00.001-04:00

From: Joan Wessell JCWessell@seniorresourcesec.org

Hi Everyone,

Attached is information on our latest fundraiser which is at Chili's in Lisbon & Montville. The fundraiser is November 10^th from 11am – 9pm.   Help spread the word , please share with all your e-mail contacts & ask your contacts to share etc. We need 100 people in order to get 10% of the sales to come back to the agency. The only requirement is to present one of the attached coupons & eat, it doesn't get better than that.

See you at Chili's

Joan

Joan Wessell, Executive Director

Senior Resources - Agency on Aging

4 Broadway, 3rd Floor

Norwich CT 06360

860-887-3561

860-886-4736 (fax)

jcwessell@SeniorResourcesEC.org

www.SeniorResourcesEC.org

CORRECTION: NCIL Legislative Priority Survey: 112th United States Congress (2011-2013)

2010-11-01T10:23:00.002-04:00
NCIL: Celebrating 25 Years of Independent Living

NCIL Legislative Priority Survey: 112th United States Congress (2011-2013)

Take the survey: http://www.ncil.org/news/2011legislativesurvey.html.

Soon a new year will be upon us and with it a new United States Congress. The new 112th Congress (2011-2013) brings with it new and renewed opportunities to advance and expand the Independent Living Movement, including restoration of our civil rights and reduction of employment disincentives through SSI. Though NCIL will always advocate for increased funding and awareness for the Independent Living Community, these advocacy efforts require a great amount of time, money, and resources. In order to focus our resources on the areas of greatest need to our members and the Independent Living Community, we have developed the NCIL Legislative Priorities Survey.

This survey consists of three sections; the first section is for demographic data collection and will be used to determine differences in needs for members within different regions of the United States. The second and third sections ask you to provide feedback as to which legislative areas have the greatest need for NCIL's attention and advocacy efforts. Please take the time to fill out the NCIL 2011-2013 Legislative Survey and help guide our efforts over the next US congressional session.

Thank You,

Dan Kessler, President
National Council on Independent Living

Deadline: November 12, 2010

If you would prefer a hard copy of this survey or have questions, please contact Austin Walker (austin@ncil.org) or Lacy Pittman (lacy@ncil.org) or call 202-207-0334. A text-only survey is attached to this email.
NCIL: Celebrating 25 Years of Independent Living
NCIL Legislative Priority Survey: 112th United States Congress (2011-2013)

Soon a new year will be upon us and with it a new United States Congress. The new 112th Congress (2011-2013) brings with it new and renewed opportunities to advance and expand the Independent Living Movement, including restoration of our civil rights and reduction of employment disincentives through SSI. Though NCIL will always advocate for increased funding and awareness for the Independent Living Community, these advocacy efforts require a great amount of time, money, and resources. In order to focus our resources on the areas of greatest need to our members and the Independent Living Community, we have developed the NCIL Legislative Priorities Survey.
This survey consists of three sections; the first section is for demographic data collection and will be used to determine differences in needs for members within different regions of the United States. The second and third sections ask you to provide feedback as to which legislative areas have the greatest need for NCIL's attention and advocacy efforts. Please take the time to fill out the NCIL 2011-2013 Legislative Survey and help guide our efforts over the next US congressional session.
Thank You,
Dan Kessler, President
National Council on Independent Living

If you have questions regarding this survey, please contact Austin Walker (austin@ncil.org) or Lacy Pittman (lacy@ncil.org) or call 202-207-0334.
Instructions: Please place an "x" next to your responses to each question. Please ensure that the response you intended is apparent, this will help make sure we count all of your selections. After you have completed the survey please send it to:

NCIL
Attn: Austin Walker
1710 Rhode Island Ave, Fifth Floor
Washington, D.C. 20036
Email: austin@ncil.org
Fax: 202-207-0341

SECTION I: Demographics

Name of individual NCIL member or member organization (Optional):

Respondent Type (Choose Only One):
-SILC
-CIL
-Individual
-Other Agency / Organization (Please Specify):

What is the state you reside (individuals) in or serve (organizations)?

What type of population do you reside in or serve (Select All That Apply)?
-Rural
-Suburban
-Metropolitan

SECTION II: Priorities for 2011-2013 Legislative Session

For each of the following topics please mark each as a being high, moderate, or low priority to indicate the amount of attention NCIL should spend on the topic in the upcoming 112th Congress 2011-2013. If you believe the topic should not be a focus of NCIL's upcoming activities then please mark NO Priority. Please provide a response to all topics presented. If you have further comments or need to elaborate on a topic please refer to SECTION III.

If you are uncertain about a topic, please round up to the higher priority of the ones you were considering. For example, if you are deciding between marking moderate versus low priority for any topic, then mark moderate.

1. Rehabilitation Act (Overall)
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

1a. Reauthorization of Rehabilitation Act
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

1b. Adoption and Funding of 5th core service (Deinstitutionalization)
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

1c. Creation of an Independent Living Administration to oversee the independent living program rather than RSA
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

1d. Adoption of Standards and Indicators for SILCs
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

2. Civil Rights / Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (Overall)
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

2a. ADA Enforcement
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

2b. Violence and Abuse
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

2c. Mental Health Advocacy
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

2d. Judicial Nominations
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

2e. Social Discrimination
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

2f. Access to Public Accommodations
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

2g. Voting Accessibility, Voter Identification Issues
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

2h. Healthcare Clinic / Hospital Disability Access (Physical)
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

2i. General Accessibility Issues
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

2j. MCS/ES Civil Rights Issues
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

3. Social Security (Overall)
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

3a. Improve SSA Employment Incentives plus increased Real Time Access
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

3b. SSA Reform and Improvement
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

4. Employment (Overall)
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

4a. Eliminate Disincentives to Employment across federal and state agencies
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

4b. Employer Education Regarding Individuals with Disabilities
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

4c. Increased Employment Opportunities
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

4d. Increase and Expand Vocational Training
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

4e. Tax Incentives for Employment of Individuals with Disabilities
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

4f. Employment Discrimination
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

4g. Phase out use of 14 (c) Subminimum Wage Certificates
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

5. Healthcare (Overall)
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

5a. Access to Healthcare
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

5b. Healthcare Provider Disability Education
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

5c. Reduction of Healthcare Costs
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

5d. Reduction of Pharmaceutical Costs
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

5e. Mental Health Services
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

5f. Affordable and Adequate Health Insurance
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

5g. Universal Healthcare
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

5h. Increased Community Based Healthcare
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

5i. Wellness Programs
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

5j. Medicaid Reform
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

5k. Medicare Reform
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

5l. Adequate, Affordable, and Accessible Long-Term Care
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

5m. Reproductive Rights
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

5n. Electronic Health Records
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

5o. Access to Durable Medical Equipment
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

5p. Informed Consent
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

5q. Insurance Coverage for Durable Medical Equipment
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

5r. Competitive Bidding for DMEPOS
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

6. Personal Assistive Services (PAS) (Overall)
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

6a. Funding for PAS
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

6b. Increase and Expand PAS Waivers
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

6c. Access to PAS Programs
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

6d. Increased Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Capacity
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

6e. Increase Number of Trained/Qualified Home Health Aides
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

6f. Personal Care Assistants (PCA) Wages and Benefits
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

6g. Medicaid / Medicare Reimbursement for PAS
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

6h. Transition Funding for Relocation
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

6i. Continuation and Expansion of Community Choice Act (CCA)
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

6j. Support for PCA Unionization
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

7. Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) (Overall)
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

7a. Collaboration with the Aging Community
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

8. Housing (Overall)
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

8a. Improvements to Low -Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

8b. Promoting Accessible Design, including Visitability, Universal Design & Healthy Buildings
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

8c. More Section 8 Vouchers from HUD and maintain work incentives
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

8d. Homeownership (Buying & Foreclosure Prevention)
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

8e. Fair Housing
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

8f. Increase Integrated Housing
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

8g. Section 811 Regulations and Implementations
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

9. Emergency Preparedness (Overall)
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

9a. Accessible Emergency Shelters and Services
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

9b. Accessible Temporary Housing
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

9c. Creation of a FEMA Disability Coordinator
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

9d. Emergency Preparedness Planning and Response by SILCs/CILs
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

9e. Accessible Emergency Alerting System
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

10. Education (Overall)
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

10a. IDEA Education
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

10b. Access to Higher Education
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

10c. Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

10d. Restraint and Seclusion
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

10e. Youth Transition Programs
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

11. Technology (Overall)
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

11a. Increased knowledge of the range (and scope) of assistive technology
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

11b. Ability to "see" and "try" assistive technology
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

11c. Access to information about funding of assistive technology
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

11d. Access to low-interest loans for assistive technology
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

11e. Access to assistive technology recycling/reuse programs
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

11f. Increase payment of assistive technology equipment by third party payers (private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, waivers)
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

12. International Civil Rights Development (Overall)
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

12a. US Ratification of CRPD (UN Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities)
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

12b. Implementation of CRPD
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

12c. Inclusion of People with Disabilities through Economic Development Activities
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

13. Transportation (Overall)
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

13a. Funding of Public Transportation
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

13b. Affordable and Accessible Transportation
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

13c. Increased Para-Transit Services
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

13d. Accessible Taxis
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

13e. Accessible High Speed Rail
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

14. Veterans (Overall)
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

14a. Funding for Veteran Outreach/Education on Resources/Benefits
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

14b. Increased IL services for Veterans by CILs
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

14c. Increase NCIL's capability to influence VA policy and funding to CILs for Veteran Services
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

15. Diversity Issues (Overall)
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

16. IL Services for Native Americans / Alaskan Indians (Overall)
-High Priority
-Moderate Priority
-Low Priority
-No Priority

17. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) Issues (Overall)

SECTION III: Additional Priorities

Using the Space below, please list any other items / areas you believe need moderate or strong emphasis by NCIL. You may also use the space to elaborate on any of the topics presented previously.

Lastly, please provide any comments you may have about the current survey.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey!

Please post and forward. Thanks. Cathy

--- On Fri, 10/29/10, NCIL <ncil@ncil.org> wrote:

NCIL Legislative Priority Survey: 112th United States Congress (2011-2013)

Take the survey: http://www.ncil.org/news/2011legislativesurvey.html.

Soon a new year will be upon us and with it a new United States Congress. The new 112th Congress (2011-2013) brings with it new and renewed opportunities to advance and expand the Independent Living Movement, including restoration of our civil rights and reduction of employment disincentives through SSI. Though NCIL will always advocate for increased funding and awareness for the Independent Living Community, these advocacy efforts require a great amount of time, money, and resources. In order to focus our resources on the areas of greatest need to our members and the Independent Living Community, we have developed the NCIL Legislative Priorities Survey.

This survey consists of three sections; the first section is for demographic data collection and will be used to determine differences in needs for members within different regions of the United States . The second and third sections ask you to provide feedback as to which legislative areas have the greatest need for NCIL's attention and advocacy efforts. Please take the time to fill out the NCIL 2011-2013 Legislative Survey and help guide our efforts over the next US congressional session.

Thank You,

Dan Kessler, President

National Council on Independent Living

Deadline: November 12, 2010

If you would prefer a hard copy of this survey or have questions, please contact Austin Walker (austin@ncil.org) or Lacy Pittman (lacy@ncil.org) or call 202-207-0334. A text-only survey is attached to this email.

Do the People Running for Congress Support Eliminating the Institutional Bias?

2010-11-01T09:53:00.002-04:00

Do the People Running for Congress Support Eliminating the Institutional Bias?

New Tool Helps You Find Out!

Source: ADAPT / Coalition for Community Integration

ADAPT has contacted the people running for Congress and asked them to indicate whether they would support eliminating the institutional bias in Medicaid by becoming a co-sponsor of and voting for the Community Choice Act during the next session of Congress if they are elected. We have compiled the results so far and posted them on the Coalition for Community Integration's website.

You can search the list by state and whether the candidates are running for the Senate or the House of Representatives. This website not only tells you where the candidates stand on the issue, but provides an email address so you can contact the candidates yourself.

We have a great opportunity to make a difference in the next Congress. The election is right around the corner and these candidates need your vote!

If the candidates for Congress in your state or district haven't signed the pledge and agreed to support CCA, tell them that THEIR PLEDGE TO VOTE for the Community Choice Act GETS YOUR VOTE! Urge them to sign the pledge to FREE OUR PEOPLE! Let them know that this is an important issue for people with disabilities, our families, and the people who support our issues.

You can also point out that this issue pretty much affects every American family at some point, and (according to a Harris poll) 89 percent of Americans would be willing to pay for Community Choice.

When you send your email, you can also send a link to the Pledge form: www.c4ci.org/Pledge.pdf.

It's important that they hear from their constituents so go to the website, check on your candidates and contact them today! After you check out the site, be sure to forward this email to other folks and ask them to do this too.

Let's make sure the people running for Congress know that we want them to FREE OUR PEOPLE!

Not sure what to say in an email? We've included the email that ADAPT sent the candidates below.

ADAPT Email to Candidates:

Eliminating the institutional bias in Medicaid and long term care by passing the Community Choice Act (HR1670/S683) has become one of the most important national goals for the disability community. But even though this legislation has been championed by the disability community, there is widespread support for it.

In April 2010, a Harris Interactive survey found that 66% of respondents said they support the Community Choice Act without even knowing the cost. When the cost was broken down into the amount paid by middle class taxpayers (just over a $6 per year increase in federal taxes), the percentage of people supporting the legislation skyrocketed. Once people were told how much it cost, the survey found that 89 percent of Americans were willing to pay for this legislation.

Of course, there was even more support for this legislation among retired Americans. A whopping 94% of retired Americans stated that they would support this legislation. These findings corroborate research by AARP which found that 89% of Americans age 50 and over prefer to remain in their homes as long as they can (AARP Public Policy Institute, 2009).

You may be wondering is it is really possible for 89% of Americans to support anything, but when you take a closer look at the Community Choice Act, you realize that it appeals to people for a lot of different reasons.

·         Of course, as retired Americans face the future, they want to stay in their own homes, and the Community Choice Act would give them that option.

·         Americans committed to family values want to stay together, rather than institutionalize a child, spouse, or parent, and the Community Choice Act would give them that option.

·         Americans committed to civil rights support this legislation because it creates a mechanism that allows people with disabilities to live in the most integrated setting as promised in the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision.

And these Americans want to know what YOUR position is on this important issue.

The Coalition for Community Integration has partnered with ADAPT to gather information about Congressional candidates and whether they will support the Community Choice Act in the 112th Congress.

I am writing to ask that the campaign for Todd Kolosso who is running for the WI, U.S. House 5 complete a pledge form and return it right away.

To make this easy, you can respond in several different ways.

1.    You can reply to this email, indicating the candidate's position on the Community Choice Act. If you are replying from the address we sent this email to, you won't even need to sign the form;

2.    You can print out this email, fill out the Pledge section at the bottom of it and fax it back to us; or

3.    You can print out a PDF of our pledge form (www.c4ci.org/Pledge.pdf) and fax it to us at 585-546-5643.

Please respond soon so we can include your information with the information we are posting to our website and the update we will be distributing nationally.

Not sure where you stand on this issue, to get more information on the Community Choice Act, you can go the ADAPT webpage: www.adapt.org/cca.php.

__,_._,___

Vocational Rehabilitation Research in Briefs Published

2010-10-18T13:03:00.003-04:00

Dear Colleague:

The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) has published three new documents to its website that were created under its contract with New Editions, Inc. for the National Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center (NTAC). The documents are titled:

·         Achieving Vocational Success After Traumatic Brain Injury

·         A Partnership in Career Development for People with Disabilities: Collaboration Between Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and Families

·         Centers for Youth with Disabilities, Parents, and Professionals Working in Transition and Employment Planning

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Research in Brief provides readers with a summary of research and literature on issues, practices and topics related to the employment of individuals with disabilities.   A brief will provide the reader with information to facilitate further exploration and study.

The documents are listed as "VR Research in Brief" at the following link:

http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/vrbriefs/index.html

RSA

State Monitoring and Program Improvement Division

Technical Assistance Unit

BIAC Walk for Thought - Sunday, October 24, 2010

2010-10-14T10:17:00.004-04:00
BIAC Walk for Thought

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Rentschler Field

Register Today!

Have you registered yet? Time is running out, put on those walking (and running) shoes soon!

https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/BrainInjuryAssociationofCT/WalkRegistration.html

What's the best way to talk? With a team of course! Grab all your friends and form a team today!

Want to be a sponsor? Click here for more details.

http://biact.homestead.com/walk_for_thought.html

Want to show a loved one how much you care? Buy an honor star in their name - just fill out the bottom of the registration sheet!

Don't forget our new date and location!

Sunday, October 24th, 2010

Rentschler Field

Silver Lane, East Hartford

Brain Injury Association of Connecticut
200 Day Hill Rd.
Suite 250
Windsor, Connecticut 06095

Women's Wellness Group @ DNEC!!!

2010-10-14T09:47:00.003-04:00
A six week group for one hour and a half during the day will be offered to a small group of women with hearing loss. This Group will start early mid-November and will run through December.

Some of the topics will include:

Find out if You are a Highy Sensitive Person

Learn How to Protect Your Emotions

Have Healthy Relationships

Make New Friends

Have Fun and Feel Good!!

Do Yoga, Movement, and more

Learn to Love Your SELF!!

Contact Mary Ann Dayton-Fitzgerald, M.S., LPC
Phone: 860-231-8756 x318
Email: maryann.daytonfitzgerald@ct.gov
Videophone: 860-899-1648 OR 866-414-2320

BESB Notice of Public Hearing

2010-10-12T11:27:00.001-04:00
Notice of Public Hearing

The State of Connecticut, Board of Education and Services for the Blind (BESB) will be conducting a public hearing on Tuesday, November 9, 2010, from 3:00 pm until 5:30 pm for the purpose of receiving public comment on three (3) proposed changes to the agency’s regulations. The hearing will be conducted at the agency headquarters which is located at 184 Windsor Avenue, Windsor, Connecticut 06095. Attendees may participate in person or by telephone toll-free. Anyone wishing to participate by telephone should call or e-mail Andrew Norton of BESB by Monday, November 8, at (860) 602-4078 or at andrew.norton@ct.gov for the necessary instructions. Any person requiring an accommodation at the hearing (such as an interpreter) should contact Mr. Norton by Tuesday, November 2, to make the necessary arrangements. Interested person may also submit comments or testimony directly to Mr. Norton by e-mail or at the agency’s address listed above. The deadline for submission is November 18, 2010.

Any person who would like to review these regulations may open the documents attached to this email and also by visiting the agency website at www.ct.gov/besb and go to the “Upcoming Events and Announcements” section. One may also call, mail or e-mail Mr. Norton (see above for contact information) to obtain these documents as well as the fiscal notes and Small Business Impact Statements in standard format, Braille, large print or electronically. The proposals in these formats will also be available at the hearing.

The agency is proposing to change its regulations in three areas. The first proposal is a rewrite of the entire set of Children’s Services regulations in order to modernize these 21-year-old regulations and make them conform to current statute, agency policy and practice regarding educational services provided by BESB. The second proposal changes the regulations regarding the Income Incentive program for Vending Facility Operators who are blind to make them more consistent with current Board practice. Third, the agency is updating and streamlining the regulations concerning the provision of health insurance to Vending Facility Operators and agency consumers formerly served through the agency Industries program.

Exhibit at Otis Library shines light on disability advocates - Norwich, CT - Norwich Bulletin

2010-10-04T09:37:00.000-04:00
Norwich, Conn. — A look into the disability movement in Eastern Connecticut from 1980 to 2000 — and the people who propelled it — will be the subject of an exhibit that opens Friday at the Otis Library in Norwich and continues through Oct. 29.

Put together by disability advocate Elanah Sherman, of Norwich, the documentary exhibit is comprised of about 40 photos as well as archival material from individuals and organizations.

Titled “Character and Characters: The Disability Rights Movement in Eastern Connecticut, 1980-2000,” the exhibit opens with a reception and poetry reading in the atrium by Sarah Rizzuto, a young woman with a disability.

“It includes the 10 years leading up to the Americans with Disabilities Act and 10 years after the passage so you see the activism that occurred before this monumental piece of federal legislation. And then you see the activity after the passage when the ADA could be used as a legal tool,” Sherman said.

People will learn the resourcefulness of activists, who accomplished a lot — even in the absence of significant law, Sherman noted.

Yet the exhibit, which is full of humor and uplifting stories, moves beyond the subject of legislation and hones in on the very heart of what created it — the people. And in Eastern Connecticut, disability activists were particularly ferocious, and eccentric, Sherman said.

“Eastern Connecticut has an ongoing legacy of eccentricity, and this legacy applies to the disability rights movement in Eastern Connecticut as well,” Sherman said.

The exhibit highlights characters such as Billy Robinson, of Quaker Hill, who lived his life prone on a gurney, unable, since the age of 13, to hold himself upright in a wheelchair because of a severe case of muscular dystrophy.

Yet Robinson formed a church, married, had children, and was president of the board of the Disabilities Network of Eastern Connecticut.
“One of my goals in the exhibit is to absolutely smash assumptions about capacity,” Sherman said. “You can’t look at a person or hear a person and know what that person is capable of. So I think one of the overriding themes of the exhibit is capacity.”

Melissa Marshall, the first executive director of the Disabilities Network of Eastern Connecticut, whose documents and memorabilia are part of the exhibit, said she hopes the exhibit will help spread the word about the ongoing need for awareness.

“Eastern Connecticut should take pride in the role it has (played) in the disability rights movement. And I hope that people will learn there is a disability rights movement and it’s not just about being nice to a person with a disability — it’s about compliance with the law and it’s about civil rights law.”

If you go...

What: “Character and Characters: The Disability Rights Movement in Eastern Connecticut, 1980-2000,” a documentary exhibit sponsored by the Norwich Cultural Arts and History Project in collaboration with the Otis Library.
When: The exhibit opens with a reception 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, with a poetry reading by Sarah Rizzuto from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The exhibit continues through Oct. 29.
Where: Otis Public Library, 261 Main Street, Norwich.
Free and open to the public. To view the exhibit during the days following the reception, contact the library (860) 889-2365 to ensure the room is free during your visit. A descriptive tour of the exhibit for people with visual and reading disabilities will be 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9. Advance registration required; contact Elanah Sherman elanahs@gmail.com, or (860) 383-2322.

ADA News

2010-10-01T12:20:00.001-04:00
ADA

Department of Justice issues advance notice of proposed rulemaking on accessibility of web information and services (Lexology)

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) recently reiterated its intent to enforce website accessibility standards under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The DOJ is focusing on ensuring that covered entities provide ready access for the disabled to their websites. In short, the ADA accessibility rules cover anyone (governmental or private entities) that opens its doors to the public, including places of lodging, retailers, restaurants, medical facilities, banks, local governments and schools. The DOJ has consistently maintained the position that websites operated by covered entities are “public accommodations,” and recent court decisions have supported this view. The courts have reasoned that websites serve as extensions of and invitations to the physical structures that serve as more traditional public accommodations.

ADA Advanced Notices of Proposed Rulemaking

Four advanced notices of proposed rulemaking under the ADA were issued by the Department of Justice around the time their revised title II and III regulations came out. Because of all the attention given to the revised regulations many people have overlooked these important new issues. Comments are due on or before January 24, 2011.

- Equipment and Furniture
- Accessibility of Web Information and Services Provided by Entities Covered by the ADA
- Movie Captioning and Video Description
- Accessibility of Next Generation 9-1-1

Department of Justice Project Civic Access ADA Settlement Agreement with Newport, RI

St. Joseph settles deaf pair's claims (Nashua Telegraph, NH)

St. Joseph Hospital has agreed to improve its interpretation services for deaf patients after being accused of failing to communicate properly with people who are hard of hearing. In a settlement reached with the U.S. attorney’s office, St. Joseph Hospital will also erase the $10,000 medical bill of the two deaf people who forwarded the allegations to the federal government. Sheila Coombs and Gary Catania accused St. Joseph Hospital and its affiliated medical practices of providing inadequate medical care to them and their children between 2005 and 2008 because they didn’t have access to sign language interpreters.

Disabled inmates deserve chance to earn time off, lawsuit says (News Observer)
Disabled inmates in North Carolina's prisons serve longer sentences than other inmates because they are unable to participate in programs used to earn time off for positive behavior, according to a class action lawsuit filed in federal court. Brought on behalf of six d inmates with disabilities, the lawsuit contends that the system for rewarding "sentence reduction credits" violates the Americans With Disabilities Act and other federal laws. Inmates in North Carolina can shave up to six days a month off their sentences by performing work assignments and earning education credits.

Blind Fluvanna inmate wins concessions in settlement (Charlottesville Daily Progress)
A blind inmate at the Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women who filed a federal suit over claims that she hadn’t received reasonable accommodations for her disability has entered into a settlement. The agreement, which was obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, gives Mildred Oliver access to the same services that sighted prisoners have with necessary modifications, said Steven Rosenfield, one of her attorneys. Oliver filed a suit last year against the Virginia Department of Corrections and Virginia Department of Correctional Education, claiming that they violated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Justice Department Fines Dallas Bus Company $55,000 for Violating ADA (The Cypress Times)

The Justice Department and the Department of Transportation announced $55,000 in fines against Tornado Bus Company Inc., of Dallas, for violating passenger carrier accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In addition to the fine, a consent agreement reached with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Justice Department requires the bus company to upgrade its fleet to meet ADA requirements by February 2011 or have its operating authority revoked. An extensive investigation conducted by FMCSA uncovered that Tornado had only one accessible bus in a fleet of 53 buses, while ADA regulations require that at least 50 percent of a carrier’s vehicles must be accessible.

Judge allows lawsuit alleging discrimination against developmentally disabled to continued against NJ (The Star-Ledger)

U.S. District Anne Thompson in Trenton has rejected arguments she heard a week ago from the advocacy group Disability Rights New Jersey and the state Department of Human Services urging her to use court records to decide whether the state violated the rights of about 1,850 people by failing to move them from institutions. The trial is needed, Thompson said, to determine whether the state is justified in postponing a plan to move them out of the state-run developmental centers before 2015 because it can’t afford to pay for it.

Having it the ADA way at Burger King — getting and staying compliant after a class action suit (Lexology) – complete article

A recent class action settlement approved by a federal court in California purports to be one of the largest of its kind.1 The settlement involved 10 Burger King restaurants in California leased by Burger King to franchisees. In the lawsuit, wheelchair and mobility scooter users alleged that architectural barriers and policies at certain California Burger King restaurants denied equal access to them in violation of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and California disability access laws. Architectural barriers are physical features that limit or prevent people with disabilities from obtaining the goods or services that are offered.

Examples of the claimed access barriers at the Burger King restaurants included:

- Inaccessible parking areas, dining areas and restrooms
- Doors that were too narrow or difficult to open
- Inaccessible condiments, napkins and other items
- Sidewalks and ramps that were too narrow and/or steep

ADA Employment

Court interprets ADAAA to permit disability discrimination claim based on cancer in remission (New York Labor and Employment Law)

“In one of the first cases of its kind to make it to the summary judgment phase,” a federal district court in Indiana found last month that under the recent amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADAAA”), cancer even while in remission is a disability, Hoffman v. Carefirst of Fort Wayne Inc. The case is significant because it is one of the first cases to interpret broadly the ADAAA’s expanded definition of disability and to rely on Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) guidance in doing so. It is also significant because it imposes a reasonable accommodation obligation for an impairment that did not substantially limit a major life activity at the time the accommodation was requested.

Ingram Readymix sued by EEOC for disability discrimination (Reliable Plant Magazine)

Ingram Readymix Inc., a private concrete manufacturing company with 27 concrete plants in South Central Texas and more than 500 employees, violated the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) when it discharged an employee because he told his supervisor that he had a disability and would be needing to take short periods of leave in the upcoming weeks for medical treatment, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit it filed on September 29.

Employers May Need to Accommodate Employees' Disability-related Difficulties in Commuting to Work (Lexology) – complete article

Two recent U.S. Court of Appeals decisions clarify that employers may need to accommodate employees' disability-related difficulties in commuting to work.

In Colwell v. Rite Aid Corporation, 602 F.3d 495 (3rd Cir. 2010), the Third Circuit held that “under certain circumstances the ADA can obligate an employer to accommodate an employee’s disability-related difficulties in getting to work, if reasonable.” In this case, an employee’s partial blindness made it difficult for her to drive to work at night. However, the company refused to schedule her on day shifts, explaining that it “wouldn’t be fair” to other workers. The employee resigned and brought suit against the employer for violating the ADA.

The court noted that, under the ADA, an employer discriminates against an employee by not providing reasonable accommodations for the employee’s physical or mental limitations, unless the employer demonstrates that the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the employer’s business. The term “reasonable accommodation” includes:

(A) making existing facilities used by employees readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities; and (B) job restructuring, part-time or modified work schedules, reassignment to a vacant position, acquisition or modification of equipment or devices, appropriate adjustment or modifications of examinations, training materials or policies, the provision of qualified readers or interpreters, and other similar accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

The court observed that the accommodations listed in the ADA are not exclusive. Reasonable accommodations may address problems that an employee has outside the workplace, if the accommodations enhance workplace accessibility for the employee. Therefore, the court denied the employer’s request for summary judgment on the employee’s ADA claim, and held that a jury must decide whether the employee’s requested accommodation was reasonable under the circumstances.

In Livingston v. Fred Meyer Stores, Inc., No. 08-35597, 2010 WL 2853172 (9th Cir. July 21, 2010), the Ninth Circuit also held that “an employer has a duty to accommodate an employee’s limitations in getting to and from work.” As in Colwell, the employee in this case could not drive after dark due to her vision impairment. In 2005, the employer granted her request for a modified work schedule during the fall and winter months to minimize her driving at night. When the employer denied her same request in 2006, the employee refused to work her scheduled shift. She was subsequently terminated and brought suit against the employer for violation of ADA. The court disagreed with the employer’s arguments that its duty to provide reasonable accommodations did not extend to “commute-related activities.” Citing the decision in Colwell, court denied the employer’s request for summary judgment on the employee’s ADA claim. The court also noted that the employer failed to satisfy its duty ! under the ADA to interact with employees to identify and implement appropriate reasonable accommodations for the employee’s disability. This interactive process is triggered by an employee’s request for accommodation or an employer's recognition of the need for accommodation.

The lesson of Colwell and Livingston for employers is that, under the ADA, they have a duty to provide reasonable accommodations for its employees' disability-related commuting difficulties. Accommodations may include part-time or modified work schedules, or other adjustments to enhance workplace accessibility for the employee. Under the ADA, employers have the duty to interact with employees to identify and implement appropriate reasonable accommodations for the employee’s disability. Employers should remember, however, that they do not need to provide a reasonable accommodation if doing so would impose an undue hardship on their business. An undue hardship exists when an accommodation would be unduly costly, extensive, substantial or disruptive, or would fundamentally alter the nature or operation of the employers’ business.

IT/AT

21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Legislation Passes (Sacramento Bee)

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) commends the U.S. Congress for passage of the "Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act." On September 28, the bill cleared its final legislative hurdle by passing the House and is expected to go soon to President Obama for signature.

New Agreement Simplifies Access to Textbooks for Disabled Students at California Community Colleges (PR Newswire)

California community college students with disabilities such as blindness and dyslexia now have quicker and easier access to alternative college textbooks, as the result of a new agreement to provide the alternative textbooks to the state's 112 community colleges.

Voter Registration Deadlines Approach

2010-09-30T14:10:00.002-04:00
Reaching Home would like to remind you that Connecticut voter registration deadlines are quickly approaching. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make your voice heard this election cycle, especially on the issues of housing and homelessness.

DEADLINES:

Tuesday, October 19, 2010 = Voter Registration forms must be post-marked.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010 = Last day for walk-in registrations.

Call your town clerk or Registrar of Voters for more information. Let your voice be heard - VOTE!!

Topic Guides on ADA Transportation

2010-09-30T13:22:00.000-04:00
The Topic Guides on ADA Transportation were developed by the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) (www.dredf.org) and TranSystems Corporation (www.transystems.com/).

The guides are available online at http://www.dredf.org/ADAtg/index.shtml.

Schedule: Second Tuesday of the month, beginning October 12, 2010 and ending April 12, 2011

Topics:

Equipment Maintenance (Topic Guide 1)

Stop Announcements and Route Identification (Topic Guide 2)

Eligibility for ADA Paratransit (Topic Guide 3)

Telephone Hold Time in ADA Paratransit (Topic Guide 4)

Origin to Destination Service in ADA Paratransit (Topic Guide 5)

On-Time Performance in ADA P aratransit (Topic Guide 6)

No-Shows in ADA Paratransit (Topic Guide 7)

Time: 2 pm to 3:30 pm Eastern Time (90 minutes)

Cost: Free

Presenter(s): Marilyn Golden, DREDF Policy Analyst and invited guests to be announced. (Bio sent under separate email)

Method of Delivery: Sessions will be presented via a fully accessible webinar platform. Instructions for connecting to the program will be provided to registrants in advance of the session.

Registration: Registration is available on-line at www.adaconferences.org

DDS North Region to Host Family Night

2010-09-24T14:55:00.000-04:00
DDS North Region to Host Family Night

On Wednesday, October 20, from 4:00 – 8:00 pm
at the DDS office located at
255 Pitkin Street, East Hartford
Event will be located in the 3rd floor training room

The focus will be on what every parent, family member, care provider and teacher must know to successfully advocate for a student with a disability from age 14-21years with special emphasis on the transition process and employment.

All divisions within the North Region DDS will be represented at this meeting,
including:

Transition Coordinators
Fiscal Coordinator
Helpline Staff
Self Advocates
Self Determination Director
Regional Advisory Council members
and the Executive Management Team.

The Family Night is designed to provide an opportunity for families and community providers to interact with DDS staff and, most importantly,
answer the individual questions from each family member or care provider.

For more information contact Linda Angelica at 860-263-2448 in East Hartford.

Regional Transition Conference at the Mystic Marriott on October 14 - 16, 2010

2010-09-24T14:24:00.000-04:00
The Division on Career Development and Transition will host its Regional Transition Conference at the Mystic Marriott on October 14 - 16, 2010.

The Family Support Network will be hosting a vendor table at the conference on Saturday, October 16th, which is "Family Day". We will be available to talk about information and existing resources in Connecticut for families whose children are approaching or going through the transition process.

We encourage families to look through the attached program to see all the valuable information that will be shared with families who attend that day.

The FSN has a minimum of 6 scholarships available for families to attend for free (an $80 value!) on October 16th. Scholarships will be given on a first come first served basis.

Please contact Tesha Imperati at scctfamilysupport@gmail.com or at 203-710-3041 if you are interested in attending the conference with a scholarship.

Please distribute to regional list-serves and to parent groups, advocacy organizations, etc.

Thank you,

Jennifer Carroll
Connecticut Family Support Network

Free Community Presentation

2010-09-22T13:40:00.000-04:00
Free Community Presentation

deb@thebrainlady.com

September 21, 2010

A Holistic Approach to Successful Children with
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder - ADHDAre you a parent, grandparent, teacher, or therapist of a child with ADHD?Do you want to do everything possible to help your child succeed?Do you ever feel exhausted, alone, overwhelmed, frustrated, confused?Do you wonder where to start?Do you hope your child will reach his/her potential?Do you know of other possible causes of hyperactivity and poor concentration?Do you wonder about medications and alternatives to medication?Do you wonder how diet, exercise, sleep, TV, medications, and meditation impact your child's brain?Do you wish your child behaved better and had more friends?Do you wonder where to turn for help?If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, come learn about a proven 14 step system to unlock your child's potential. FREE!

When: Sunday Sept 26th at 4:00PM
Where: Noank Baptist Church, 18 Cathedral Heights Noank, CT
Info: 860 536-7129 Best Wishes for a Healthy Brain!

Deb Burdick, LCSW, BCIA-EEG, also known as The Brain Lady, is the owner and clinical director of Advanced Options, LLC in Groton. Deb combined the knowledge gained from her own healing journey, her professional studies, raising a child with ADHD, and helping hundreds of clients with ADHD to develop her holistic, step-by-step system to help parents of children with ADHD.

Visit http://www.thebrainlady.com/ to learn about her Home Study System for Parents.You may absolutely share this newsletter with people you think may enjoy it. When doing so, please forward it in its entirety, including our contact and copyright information. Thanks and enjoy! The Brain Lady Newsletter is written by Debra Burdick, LCSW, BCIA-EEG and Advanced Options, LLC. If you have any questions or comments, please send them to: http://us.mc620.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=deb@TheBrainLady.com. © 2010 Advanced Options, LLC. All Rights Reserved. being given by one of my colleagues, Alicia Farrell, PhD who is an expert in cognitive fitness.

Debra E. Burdick,LCSW, BCIA
Advanced Options,LLC
Counseling and Neurofeedback Center
Suite 320 495 Gold Star Highway
Groton, CT 06340
(860) 445-0179

http://www.thebrainlady.com/

Brain Power System for Creating Outrageous Success

Article on NEW Verizon Accessible Cell Phone by Samsung

2010-09-22T13:34:00.002-04:00

Verizon Customers, Welcome To Haven!
by Walter Gramza

It's finally here! An affordable, fully accessible phone from Verizon
Wireless.

As of July 29th, 2010, Verizon Wireless has available in its stores a phone
for blind and visually impaired persons which is fully audible via Nuance
speech. There is no extra charge for the speech package, as it is already
installed in the phone and ready for use out of the box.

It is important to note here that when you go to the store, please make sure
that you tell the person assisting you to be sure to turn on the voices
called read outs, located under settings, then sounds, and down to voices.
The six items to be turned on are:

. Menu read out
. digit read out
. alert read out
. flip open and talk
. text message read out
. full read out

In order for the phone to be audible these features need to be turned on.

Placing a Call:

You can enter the contact list by pushing the right soft key in the upper
right hand corner of the phone and then arrow through the contacts or by
pressing the letter of the contact you wish to call. For example, *v* for
Verizon Wireless. Then you can hit ok to view the contact information and
hit send to place a call.

You can enter into your call list of choice which are:

1. Missed calls
2. Dialed calls
3. Answered calls
4. All calls

After entering any one of the lists, you can edit the list and if desired,
delete the specific name and number within the list. You can find out how
much battery strength you have, signal strength, and how many messages,
voice mails, and missed calls you have. You can use the alarm clock, set a
time audibly, use the calculator, tip calculator, and send and read texts.
In short, you are prompted through every one of the functions you are
performing. You can even ask it to call someone provided that they are in
the contact list.

A Braille manual is available through Samsung. Remember, when you go to
Verizon Wireless, you'll need to get the hex number, which they can give
you. You then call Samsung at 888-987-4357 and provide them with this
number along with your address and it will take about one month to receive
the manual. You can also purchase an extended battery which lasts one and
one half times longer than the standard battery.

This is best as any phone with speech uses more battery power and shortens
the life of the battery. By having the extended battery it should bring you
through the day safely. I always make it a habit to charge the phone each
night so that I begin a new day, the phone also begins a new day as well.
When you put the phone into the base charger it says *charging.* When the
phone is charged it says *charge complete.*

If you are a Verizon Wireless customer and are eligible for an upgrade, you
can get the phone for free. If you want to start a new contract with
Verizon Wireless, you get the phone for $40.00 complete with speech software
included. If anyone would like assistance in learning the functions of the
phone, they may contact me via email at:

http://us.mc620.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=wgramza1@verizon.net

I hope that you will go and get this phone seeing that this is the only
other phone outside of the 3gs iPhone by apple that is accessible with step
by step prompts throughout the entire phone. Let's show Verizon how
grateful we are for a well planned phone by taking advantage of such a great
item.

Article Source:

Matilda Ziegler Magazine for the Blind

Click this link for a lengthy podcast demonstrating all the phone's
features:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/kckby2

NAMI News

2010-09-15T13:01:00.001-04:00
The recent articles below cover issues relevant to Connecticut's mental health community:

Forty-three homeless people were killed in the US in 2009, which is the highest number of murders since 2000. Many of the people killed had mental illnesses. Congress is considering legislation to require the FBI to keep records of these murders.
Killings of Homeless at 43 in 2009, Highest Level in Decade
The New York Times - http://www.nytimes.com - August 18, 2010

Researchers at Yale University School of Medicine have found that ketamine, previously used as a prescription anesthetic and as a recreational drug, may be able to treat clinical depression. More research and development is needed before it is used on a prescription basis.
Yale Study Finds New Benefits from Old Drug
The Connecticut Mirror - http://www.ctmirror.org - August 20, 2010

September 1 marks the eighty-fifth anniversary of the founding of the Bridgeport Mental Hygiene Clinic, now known as the Child and Family Guidance Center. The clinic was one of the first in the state, and its founders were innovators in the treatment of mental illnesses.
Mental Health Center Marks Historic Milestone
The Connecticut Post - http://www.ctpost.com - August 21, 2010

A growing number of psychiatrists, psychologists, parents, and teachers recognize that preschool-age children can be diagnosed with clinical depression. This in-depth piece in the New York Times Magazine explores this controversial issue through scientific and anecdotal evidence.
Can Preschoolers Be Depressed?
The New York Times - http://www.nytimes.com - August 29, 2010

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or comments.

Matt Salner
Public Policy Staff
NAMI-CT
policystaff@namict.org

Live Well: A Chronic Disease Self-Management Program

2010-09-15T12:49:00.001-04:00
Chronic Disease Self –Management Program Fact Sheet

What is the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program?

The Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is a workshop given two hours, once a week, for six weeks, in community settings such as senior centers, churches, libraries and hospitals. People with different chronic health problems attend the program together. Workshops are facilitated from a highly-detailed manual by two trained leaders, one or both of whom may be peers with a chronic health conditions themselves. Subjects covered include: 1) techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation, 2) appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance, 3) appropriate use of medications, 4) communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals, 5) nutrition, and, 6) making informed treatment decisions.

It is the process in which the CDSMP is taught that makes it effective. Sessions are highly participative, where mutual support and success builds the participants’ confidence in their ability to manage their health and maintain active and fulfilling lives.

Does the Program replace existing programs and treatments?
The Self-Management Workshop will not conflict with existing programs or treatment. It is designed to enhance regular treatment and disease-specific education such as Better Breathers, cardiac rehabilitation, or diabetes instruction. In addition, many people have more than one chronic condition. The program is especially helpful for these people, as it gives them the skills to coordinate all the things needed to manage their health, as well as to help them keep active in their lives.

How was the Program developed?
The Division of Family and Community Medicine in the Department of Medicine at Stanford University received a five-year research grant from the federal Agency for Health Care Research and Policy and the State of California Tobacco-Related Research Project. The purpose of the research was to develop and evaluate, through a randomized controlled trial, a community-based self-management program that assists people with chronic illness. The study was completed in 1996.
The research project had several investigators: Halsted Holman, M.D., Stanford Professor of Medicine; Kate Lorig, Dr.P.H., Stanford Associate Research Professor of Medicine; David Sobel, M.D., Regional Director of Patient Education for the Northern California Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program; Albert Bandura, Ph.D., Stanford Professor of Psychology; and Byron Brown, Jr., Ph.D., Stanford Professor of Health Research and Policy. The Program was written by Dr. Lorig, Virginia González, M.P.H., and Diana Laurent, M.P.H., all of the Stanford Patient Education Research Center. Ms. González and Ms. Laurent also served as integral members of the research team. The process of the CDSMP was based on the experience of the investigators and others with self-efficacy, the confidence one has that he or she can master a new skill or affect one’s own health. The content of the workshop was the result of focus groups with people with chronic health problems, in which the participants discussed which content areas were the most important for them.

How was the Program evaluated?
About 1,000 people with heart disease, lung disease, stroke or arthritis participated in a randomized, controlled test of the Program, and were followed for up to three years. We looked for changes in many areas: health status (disability, social/role limitations, pain and physical discomfort, energy/fatigue, shortness of breath, psychological well-being/distress, depression, health distress, self-rated general health), health care utilization (visits to physicians, visits to emergency department, hospital stays, and nights in hospital), self-efficacy (confidence to perform self-management behaviors, confidence to manage disease in general, confidence to achieve outcomes), and self-management behaviors (exercise, cognitive symptom management, mental stress management/relaxation, use of community resources, communication with physician, and advance directives).

What were the results?
Subjects who took the Program, when compared to those who did not, demonstrated significant improvements in exercise, cognitive symptom management, communication with physicians, self-reported general health, health distress, fatigue, disability, and social/role activities limitations. They also spent fewer days in the hospital, and there was also a trend toward fewer outpatient visits and hospitalizations. These data yield a cost to savings ratio of approximately 1:10. Many of these results persist for as long as three years.

HOW CAN MY FACILITY OFFER THE PROGRAM?
Leaders' trainings are 4 days. Each trainee receives a detailed leader's manual, a copy of the textbook Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Condition and relaxation audio tape. This training is FREE!
(Tuition for this program at Stanford is $1,200 for health professionals and $600.00 for non-health professionals with chronic conditions.)

TRAINING INFORMATION
Free, but mandatory, Informational Session will be held on October 8, 2010 at 10 a.m. at Creamery Brook located at 36 Vina Lane, Brooklyn, CT. To register please call Laura Crews at Senior Resources – Agency on Aging 860-887-3561 x129 or 800-690-6998 (in CT only). Or by email: ljcrews@seniorresourcesec.org

4 Day Training Dates

November 15th, 16th 22nd and 23rd
from 8:30 a.m. – 4 pm.

NAMI - No Wrong Door - Conference

2010-09-15T12:47:00.001-04:00
Please join us for the No Wrong Door conference!

The conference will be held on Thursday, October 7, 8:30am-4:00pm, at the Four Points Sheraton, 275 Research Parkway, Meriden.

About No Wrong Door:

The circles of HIV/AIDS, homelessness, interpersonal violence, substance use and mental/behavioral health issues all overlap. In that overlapping space are the hardest-to-serve clients that can only be served effectively if we begin to break down the service silos that have been created. This conference seeks to begin that dialogue with workshops and presentations addressing this dynamic.

The conference will include an opening panel discussion, workshops on a variety of topics, and a keynote address by Andrew Sperling, NAMI national Director of Federal Legislative Advocacy.

This conference has been made possible by the collaboration and hard work of the following organizations: AIDS Project Hartford (APH), Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS (CIRA), Connecticut AIDS Resource Coalition (CARC), Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV), Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness (CCEH), Connecticut Sexual Assault Crisis Services (CONNSACS), National Alliance on Mental Illness of Connecticut (NAMI-CT). This conference has been funded in part by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS).

For more information or to register, please click here.

We hope you will join us for this important conference.

Matt Salner
Public Policy Staff
NAMI-CT
policystaff@namict.org

Join us on Facebook - facebook.com/namict

Character and Characters - Otis Library Event

2010-09-15T09:14:00.003-04:00

Character and Characters: The Disability Rights Movement in Eastern Connecticut, 1980-2000

Norwich …………… The Norwich Cultural Arts and History Project, in collaboration with the Otis Library, will be presenting the exhibit “Character and Characters: The Disability Rights Movement in Eastern Connecticut, 1980-2000” at the Otis Library in Norwich from October 1 through October 29, 2010. The Opening Reception will be Friday, October 1, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
The reception will include a poetry reading in the atrium by Sarah Rizzuto from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sarah will read deeply personal work reflective of her own experience as a young woman with a disability. Musical interludes will be played by guitarist Matthew Pirie. The reading will be sign language interpreted.

This documentary exhibit explores the unique and significant contributions to the State's disability rights movement by residents of eastern Connecticut, many living and/or working in the greater Norwich area. Guided by the principle that disability is as much a political and cultural status as a medical condition, these remarkable figures influenced the remaking of the built environment; the passage of significant legislation; the development of independent living strategies; and the transformation of popular attitudes toward disability.

This being eastern Connecticut, the State's flagship region of eccentricity, it is not surprising that many of these spirited individuals were as amusing as they were effective! From the one-man-show advocate whose group consisted of himself as President and entire membership, to the activist minister who defied every stereotype with tenacity and wit, these are people whose engagement with life was complete and indefatigable. Some have passed away; others are still at it, living rich and politically active lives that confound expectations.

If you would like to view the exhibit during the days following the reception, please contact the library at (860) 889-2365 to ensure that the room is free during your visit.

A descriptive tour of the exhibit for people with visual and reading disabilities will be offered on Saturday, October 9 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Advance registration is required! If interested, please contact Elanah Sherman by 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 6 at elanahs@gmail.com or (860) 383-2322.

The Norwich Cultural Arts and History Project is sponsored by the Norwich Arts Council and the Otis Library. The Otis Library is located at 261 Main Street in Norwich, CT.

For information about access and parking, please contact Elanah.

FREE Private Event at Aquarium for Families Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders

2010-09-13T14:13:00.002-04:00

The Pfizer Autism Research Unit will be sponsoring a private evening at the Mystic Aquarium for families affected by autism spectrum disorders.
We thought you might be interested to hear about this event (this will also appear in The New London Day)!
Please read on for more details…
Below is more explicit information on the event:
Schedule of events:
6:00pm Event Opens; Families Arrive to Aquarium
6:00-8:00pm: Indoor Exhibit Floor Open for Exploration & Discover Lab Touch Basins
6:30-8:00pm: Educational Activities in Classroom B
6:15-6:45pm Sea Lion Show at Marine Theatre
6:45-7:15pm Beluga Whale Training Demo at the Arctic Coast Exhibit
8:30pm: Event closes; Families Depart

Do Loud Sounds Over-stimulate a Member of Your Party?
The Sea Lion Show and the Beluga Whale Demonstration will utilize microphones/sound system.
The indoor exhibit and classroom B will be open during both the sea lion show and the beluga training for those who would rather attend quieter exhibits.

FY 2009 Institution vs Community-Based Medicaid Services for Older and Younger...

2010-09-08T13:33:00.002-04:00

FY 2009 Institution vs Community-Based Medicaid Services for Older and
Younger Americans with Disabilities,

Information Bulletin #321 (8/2010)

Each State's FY 2009 Medicaid expenditures provide extremely helpful
information to analyze your State's distribution of its Long Term Care
expenditures between its Institutional versus Community-Based Services.

Follow the Medicaid money and you'll see how committed your State really
is to ending unnecessary institutionalization of older and younger
Americans with disabilities. How your state allocates its expenditures
demonstrates its commitment to provide the elderly and younger persons
with disabilities a real choice between unnecessary institutionalization
and living in the community.

Let's repeat - "show us the money" and where your state spends it, and you
can see how much your state respects both the ADA and the Olmstead
decision. Remember that the Supreme Court in 1999 - more than ten years
ago -told states to end unnecessary institutionalization! The FY 2009
data was just released by Thomson Reuters, an independent contractor which
compiles the data submitted by each State to the federal funding agency.
Thanks very much.

How much progress has been made? Let's compare the past five years.

In FY 2004, States spent 74.9% of their total Medicaid LTC funds for
"Aged/Disabled" [i.e., older and younger Americans with disabilities]
Services in nursing homes, and 25.1% in the community.

In FY 2009, States spent 66.2% of their total Medicaid LTC funds for
"Aged/Disabled" Services in nursing homes, and 33.8% in the community.

In dollar terms, in FY 2004, States spent about $46 billion on
institutional care and $15 billion in the community.

In FY 2009, States spent about $50 billion on institutional care and $26
billion in the community

The good news is that there was an 8% shift towards the community in those
five years. The bad news is that ten years after the Olmstead decision,
States are still spending nearly twice the amount of Medicaid LTC funds on
nursing homes than on services in the community, despite the overwhelming
survey data showing that people want to stay at home.

There is nothing magical about where your State allocates its Medicaid
money. Tomorrow States could turn the FY 2009 upside down and spend 66.2%
in the community instead of in nursing homes - IF States wanted to do so.
Congress and CMS has given States enormous flexibility during the past
five years but most States have not taken advantage of the options.

Why has the change been so slow? State legislatures and Governors seem to
be very beholden to the nursing home industry, which definitely knows how
to play the political process much better than elderly and disabled
advocates.

Until the political pressure from the people with disabilities -
regardless of age- increases, the nursing home industry will prevail.

Let's look at how your State did in FY 2009 with its Medicaid Long-Term
Care expenditures for older and younger Americans with Disabilities:

Some States have consistently done very poorly and have been consistently
below the national average. Some States conversely been consistently
above the national average.

Some States seem ripe for class action Olmstead litigation.

What sanctions are CMS and OCR planning for those States that have both
lengthy waiting lists for community-based services and spend
disproportionately on nursing homes?

% nursing % community
homes
National .....................66.2% ............ 33.8%

Alabama ......................85.1% ............14.9%
Alaska ...................... 44.3% .............55.7%
Arizona ..................... 78.6%..............21.4% *
Arkansas..................... 71.0 ..............29.0
California................... 44.9 ..............55.1*
Colorado..................... 56.4...............43.6
Connecticut...................75.7...............24.3
Delaware......................87.5...............12.5
D. C..........................54.4...............45.6
Florida.......................79.5...............20.5
Georgia.......................74.0...............26.0
Hawaii........................80.8...............19.2*
Idaho.........................56.7...............43.3
Illinois......................80.2 ..............19.8
Indiana.......................83.8 ..............16.2
Iowa..........................70.4 ..............29.6
Kansas........................60.6...............39.4
Kentucky......................80.7 ..............19.3
Louisiana.....................67.5...............32.5
Maine.........................75.5 ..............24.5
Maryland..................... 85.1...............14.9
Massachus.................... 64.1...............35.9*
Michigan......................78.5...............21.5
Minnesota.....................42.5...............57.5*
Mississippi...................84.2...............15.8
Missouri......................66.3 ..............33.7
Montana.......................66.1...............33.9
Nebraska......................75.1...............24.9
Nevada........................65.9 ..............34.1
New Hampshire.................82.3...............17.7
New Jersey....................78.8...............21.2
New Mexico....................31.2...............68.8
New York .....................61.9...............38.1*
North Carolina................57.2...............42.8
North Dakota................. 89.8...............10.2
Ohio..........................75.9 ..............24.1
Oklahoma..................... 67.6...............32.4
Oregon....................... 43.8...............56.2
Pennsylvania................. 82.1...............17.9
Rhode Island................. 95.6................4.4*
South Carolina............... 72.1...............27.9
South Dakota................. 86.0...............14.0
Tennessee.................... 91.1................8.9*
Texas.........................55.5...............44.5*
Utah..........................80.4...............19.6
Vermont.......................67.5...............32.5*
Virginia......................64.9...............35.1
Washington ...................38.0 ..............62.0
West Virginia................ 74.5...............25.5
Wisconsin ................... 74.0 ............. 26.0*
Wyoming ......................76.6...............23.4

* Data may not include certain LTC expenditures with managed care or 115
waiver data not available.

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DNEC on the net

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Grace Curtis Conference presented by Lighthouse Voc-Ed Center

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BIAC Walk for Thought - Sunday, October 24, 2010

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ADA News

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