DFN E-News: Vol. 3, No. 9

Resources, Applications and Employment Opportunities

Books, Reports, Articles and On-Line Services
Applications, Awards, Grants, Internships
Employment and Contract Opportunities

Books, Reports, Articles and On-Line Services

Barriers Restrict Voting by People with Disabilities

According to a poll by the National Organization on Disability/Harris Interactive, approximately 21 percent of Americans with disabilities (more than 8 million) say they have been unable to vote in presidential and/or congressional elections due to barriers faced either at, or in getting to, the polls. The findings raise serious issues that continue to concern voting rights advocates. This poll result is part of a larger disability survey project studying voter preferences, issues of concern and barriers to voting during the U.S. presidential election. For more information, go to www.nod.org/content.cfm?id=1578.

Two Reports Cite Illinois’ Dismal Record in Achieving Community Integration for People with Disabilities

A report entitled “…’shunted aside, hidden and ignored:’ A Blueprint to Implement Olmstead v.L.C. and End the Unnecessary Institutionalization of People with Disabilities in Illinois” was jointly released by 13 statewide disability organizations in Illinois, including Access Living, whose executive director, Marca Bristo, is on the board of DFN. The organizations documented Illinois’ poor record and laid out achievable and affordable ways for the state to comply, and showed how other states have overcome barriers similar to those in Illinois to integrate their citizens with disabilities.

Another report, “Segregation or Community Integration: Ensuring the Civil Rights of People with Developmental Disabilities in Illinois,” noted that the state ranks 42nd in fiscal effort for community spending for people with developmental disabilities and eighth in fiscal effort for institutional spending. Equip for Equality, the federally mandated protection and advocacy system for people with disabilities in Illinois and the author of the second report, said that this spending pattern shows Illinois’ misplaced priorities and illustrates that “whether a state affords its people with disabilities the same rights as other members of society comes down to political will.”

The reports can be found online at www.accessliving.org and www.equipforequality.org/cippfinal.doc.

The Ragged Edge: The Disability Experience from the Pages of the First Fifteen Years of The Disability Rag

THE RAGGED EDGE: The Disability Experience from the Pages of the First Fifteen Years of The Disability Rag, edited by Barrett Shaw. The Wall Street Journal called The Disability Rag periodical, published between 1980 and 1996, “one of the most important publications to come out of the disability rights movement.” This collection from its first 15 years will become an invaluable primer for anyone who wants to understand the new thinking of the disability rights movement. Here are the urgent, spirited and provocative stories that have changed the way people have come to view what it means to have a disability. To order online, go to www.advocadopress.org/backlist.htm.

United We Ride Issues Newsletter

The first newsletter the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) was published this summer. It is designed to inform the public about policy issues, awards, grants, education resources and any other issues related to the human service transportation coordination effort. To receive the newsletter send an email to Lucy.Vong@fta.dot.gov and ask to be added to the United We Ride newsletter distribution list.

2004 NOD/Harris Survey Documents Trends Impacting 54 Million Americans

Americans with disabilities are at a critical disadvantage compared to other Americans in 10 key areas of life, according to the 2004 National Organization on Disability/Harris Survey of Americans with Disabilities. Continuing a trend, the survey found slow and modest progress in the indicators, which Harris has tracked since 1986. Highlighted statistics: only 35 percent of people with disabilities reported being employed full or part time, compared to 78 percent of those who do not have disabilities; three times as many live in poverty with annual household incomes below $15,000 (26 percent versus 9 percent); people with disabilities remain twice as likely to drop out of high school (21 percent versus 10 percent); they are twice as likely to have inadequate transportation (31 percent versus 13 percent); and a much higher percentage go without needed health care (18 percent versus 7 percent).

The poll was sponsored by a number of DFN members — American Express, NEC Foundation of America, and Milbank Foundation for Rehabilitation — as well as other funders. For more information, go to www.nod.org/content.cfm?id-1537.

Using the ADA to Protect the Rights of Individuals with Disabilities in TANF Programs

The Welfare Law Center (DFN Member) announced the publication of a new manual, Using the Americans with Disabilities Act to Protect the Rights of Individuals with Disabilities in TANF Programs: A Manual for Non-Litigation Advocacy. The manual, which can be downloaded from the Welfare Law Center’s Web site, www.welfarelaw.org, was written by Cary LaCheen, a senior staff attorney at the Welfare Law Center and national expert on using the ADA to protect clients and improve welfare programs. The manual is a resource tool for lawyer and non-lawyer advocates, and focuses on using the ADA in informal and policy advocacy, rather than litigation. Advocates who have questions that are not answered in the manual and those who want assistance in working on these issues should contact Cary LaCheen, lacheen@welfarelaw.org, at the Welfare Law Center.

New Report from NCD: “Consumer-Directed Healthcare: How Well Does It Work?”

A new report by the National Council on Disability (NCD) calls for a major shift in the way government, private agencies and even consumer organizations organize, locate and manage health care for people with disabilities in America. An overarching recommendation made by the report is to include consumers with a wide range of disabilities in the decision-making process, from research and policymaking to program design and evaluation. For a copy of the report, go to www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2004/consumerdirected.htm.

New Study Released on Medicare and People with Disabilities

In a new study released by The Commonwealth Fund and Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, researchers interviewed individuals with severe or permanent disabilities, many of whom had to wait up to two years before their Medicare coverage took effect. The report’s findings show that many who are waiting face enormous problems. Participants reported skipping medications, putting off needed care, feeling depressed and anxious about the future and believing they were not in control of their own lives. Their plight calls for urgent action, the authors argue, to eliminate unnecessary requirements that are having this devastating impact on thousands of lives. To read the report, go to www.cmwf.org/publications/publications_show.htm?doc_id=243219.

Briefing Paper on Medicaid Buy-In Programs

The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Advisory Panel recently announced the posting on its Web site of a briefing paper prepared by the Urban Institute. The paper covers the effectiveness of the Medicaid Buy-In programs in promoting the employment of people with disabilities. To access the paper, go to http://www.ssa.gov/work/panel/panel_documents/briefingpapers.html.

On-Line Service For Medicare Beneficiaries

By using a powerful new on-line service called BenefitsCheckUpRx, anyone can help Medicare beneficiaries learn about and connect to the best combination of more than 340 different government and private programs. Over 95 leading national nonprofit organizations have come together to create the Access to Benefits Coalition, which is making this fast, free and confidential service available to the public. This service is available through the following Web sites: www.accesstobenefits.org and www.benefitscheckup.org.

Views of the New Medicare Drug Law: Report on People with Disabilities

The supplemental report by the Kaiser Family Foundation highlights opinions of the new Medicare law among the 6 million beneficiaries under age 65 who have permanent disabilities. According the survey, this group of beneficiaries generally holds the same opinion of the new Medicare law as seniors; however, such beneficiaries are more likely than others to have called the 1-800-MEDICARE help line or to have used the www.medicare.gov Web site. For more information, go to www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm?DR_ID=26342.

ADA Game Online

The “ADA Game” is a new training, leadership and community-building resource for anyone interested in the ADA and the rights of people with disabilities. The “ADA Game” challenges players with multiple-choice questions about the law and how it is applied to real-life situations. For more information about the “ADA Game,” visit the Web site at www.adagame.org.

Use of Accessible Technology Reports Available

Two reports commissioned by Microsoft and conducted by Forrester Research are now available. “The Wide Range of Abilities and Its Impact on Computer Technology” explores the need for accessible technology and reports that 57 percent of working age adults in the United States are likely to benefit from assistive technology. “Accessible Technology in Computing — Examining Awareness, Use, and Future Potential” presents findings about the use of computers among individuals with difficulties and impairments. It also discussed factors that influence the use of computers and accessible technology and includes data about the current awareness and use of accessible technology. For more information, go to www.microsoft.com/enable/research/.

Voices of Civil Rights

Search the Web site www.voicesofcivilrights.org/voices2.htm through the many moving stories that are part of the Voices of Civil Rights collection. There are seven letters in the collection from individuals with disabilities. To access, go to the Web site and select “Disabilities” from the drop-down menu under Story Subject.

Article on Federal Grant Applications

For information on how to get the attention of reviewers of federal grant proposals, go to The International Center for Disability Resources on the Internet (ICDRI) to read “Grant Proposals: One Reviewer’s Ideas on How to Get the Reviewer’s Attention (and the Money)” by Dale S. Brown: www.icdri.org/DSB/granpropdsb.htm.

Design for Accessibility

“Design for Accessibility” is a how-to reference and resource guide for integrating older adults and people with disabilities into all aspects of an organization — particularly arts or humanities related programs. For more information, go to www.nasaa-arts.org/publications/design_access.shtml.

Two New EEOC Fact Sheets on Employment Rights

In observance of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released a fact sheet on the application of the ADA to people with intellectual disabilities in the workplace. The new publication is available on-line at www.eeoc.gov/facts/intellectual_disabilities.html. In August, the EEOC released another new fact sheet addressing the rights of people with epilepsy under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): www.eeoc.gov/facts/epilepsy.html

Findings Raise Questions About Community Integration of Persons with Developmental Disabilities

A national survey conducted by the Institute for Community Inclusion in Boston, Massachusetts, found that despite the push toward integrated employment for people with developmental disabilities, non-work day programs continue to be a substantial component of services provided in many states. Over one third of individuals served annually were in non-work programs and the majority of individuals in non-work services were in facility-based settings. Overall, the findings raise questions about the commitment to community integration on the part of community rehabilitation programs. To view the report, go to www.communityinclusion.org/publications/pub.php?page=rp39.

Volunteer Participation and Life Satisfaction Among People with Disabilities: A Pilot Study

In 2001, two graduate students at Philadelphia University, School of Science and Health, Graduate Program in Occupational Therapy, completed a study that examined the relationship between participation in volunteer activities and life satisfaction among individuals with disabilities. A survey, created specifically for this study, was administered to individuals identified as having a disability and who also participated in some kind of volunteer activity. The results suggest that participation in volunteer activities is an essential component of life satisfaction and that being a volunteer is a valued role for people with disabilities. To read the full report, go to www.geocities.com/givestore/lifesatis.html.

Involving People with Disabilities as Members of Advisory Groups

This Practice Guideline offers suggestions on how to involve people with disabilities as active members and advisors of programs and organizations. Many of these suggestions may be helpful to all participants, including those without disabilities. For more information, go to http://mtdh.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/Publications/Advisory.htm.

Disability Watch Newsletter Updated Web Site

Disability Watch newsletter announced a new and updated Web site. The new address is www.disabilitywatch.org.

New Publication Examines 100 New Foundations Funding Women and Girls

Women & Philanthropy and Jankowski Associates, Inc., announce a new publication, “The Leading 100 New Foundations Funding Women and Girls,” a close look at 100 of the largest new foundations, most working below the radar screen, that bring groundbreaking research and profiles in women’s and girl’s philanthropy to your desktop. Members of the general public also can order this new directory at a savings: $197.10 plus tax, shipping and handling. For more information or to place an order, contact Bernie Jankowski, 301-696-0797, or bjankowski@grantsdirect.com.

Article Addresses New Attention Focused on Black Women and AIDS

Funders Concerned About AIDS recently released an article co-written by Phil Wilson of the Black AIDS Institute and Diane Weathers of Essence magazine which addressed issues raised during the vice presidential debate. AIDS is the leading cause of death for black women between the ages of 24-45, and every day more than 20 African American women get infected with HIV. For statistics and more information about HIV/AIDS, go to www.fcaaids.org, www.blackaids.org or www.essence.com.

Applications, Awards, Grants, Internships

National Scholar Award for Workplace Innovation & Design

NISH has opened the competition for its 2004/2005 National Scholar Award for Workplace Innovation & Design award. The purpose of the award is to encourage students to create technological solutions to barriers that prevent people with severe disabilities from entering or advancing in the workplace. The competition is open to undergraduate and graduate students, and up to three cash awards will be presented. The application deadline is February 28, 2005. For an application packet, go to www.nish.org.

Rural Housing Repair and Rehabilitation Loans and Grants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development’s Rural Housing Program, offers up to $7,500 to make dwellings accessible for household members with a disability in rural areas.Â For more information, go to: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/sfh/brief_repairgrant.htm or call 202-720-4323.

The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars Scholarship Program for College Students with Disabilities

The Washington Center (TWC) for Internships and Academic Seminars announced its 2005 spring and summer academic internship program for students with disabilities. Through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, TWC is working to help students develop leadership skills and gain valuable work experience in public service. TWC will complement students’ professional experience with solid academic training for credit from highly qualified instructors. In addition, students will be exposed to community, national and international leaders through workshops, seminars, lectures, embassy visits and networking events held throughout the course of each semester. The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) will offer technical guidance and support to the program.

TWC will offer 50 competitive scholarship awards in the amount of $7,430 for students who are interested in working in the executive, judicial or legislative branches of the federal government. Spring application deadline is November 15, 2004. For more information, contact J.T. Taransky, TWC/AAPD Internship Logistics Coordinator for Students with Disabilities, 202-457-0046, or jennyt@twc.edu, or go to www.twc.edu/diversityingovernment.htm.

Booz Allen Hamilton Emerging Leaders Program for Students with Disabilities

Booz Allen Hamilton offers summer internships and leadership training for students with disabilities. Students are placed in several major corporations. Visit their Web site for information about corporate partnership opportunities and student application requirements at www.emerging-leaders.com.

Call for Presenters: Conference on Disability/Employment

The California Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities is taking applications for those interested in presenting a workshop at the disability/employment conference March 29-31, 2005, in Sacramento (cosponsored by the Federal Department of Labor Region 6, the California Employment Development Department, California Department of Rehabilitation and the California Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities). For more information, contact Catherine Kelly Baird, executive director, California Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, 916-654-1764 (voice), 916-654-9820 (TTY) or go to www.disabilityemployment.org.

Women & Philanthropy Internship Opportunities

Women & Philanthropy, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that advocates within the field of philanthropy for the full engagement of women and girls in society, accepts internship applications throughout the year and currently has openings for winter and/or spring internships. For a complete description, go to www.womenphil.org.

Women & Philanthropy Accepting Nominations for Its 9th Annual LEAD Award

Women & Philanthropy is now accepting nominations for its 9th Annual LEAD Award. LEAD is a call for risk-takers and innovators in the philanthropic community that understand and promote the ideal that funding and leadership for gender, diversity and equity is an essential component of effective philanthropy. Nominations are due by Friday, December 10, 2004. For more information, go to www.womenphil.org/info-url_nocat3909/info-url_nocat_show.htm?doc_id=240239.

Employment Opportunities

Disability Program Navigator

New York City Department of Small Business Services

Hire Disability, in conjunction with the New York City Department of Small Business Services, is seeking qualified individuals to serve as Disability Program Navigators. Disability Program Navigators will assist individuals with disabilities to navigate through available programs and services, including Social Security work incentives and employment support programs, and to serve as disability resource specialists to the One-Stop Career Centers. For more information, contact Jeff Klare at 212-822-8524, 917-941-6103, or Jklare@hiredisability.com.

Chief Financial Officer, German Marshall Fund of the United States

The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF), an American public policy and grantmaking institution in Washington, D.C., is seeking a chief financial officer. For more information, contact Larry Slesinger at Slesinger Management Services at 301-320-0680 or larry@slesingermanagement.com.

President/CEO

Women’s Foundation of Colorado

The Women’s Foundation of Colorado, supporting the development of economic self-sufficiency for women and girls in Colorado, is seeking a president/CEO with proven experience in foundation management, fundraising, and operational leadership. Qualified professionals should send cover letter, resume and salary requirements to Carolyn McCormick at ctmccormick@comcast.net.

Vice President of Communications and Information Services, Minnesota Council on Foundations

The Minnesota Council on Foundations, a membership association of foundations and corporate grantmakers, seeks a senior-level communications and management professional to join its senior management team. A complete job description is available at www.mcf.org (click “Jobs”). Mail, fax or e-mail cover letter, resume and salary requirements by 11/12/04 to Minnesota Council on Foundations, 100 Portland Ave S, #225, Minneapolis, MN 55401; fax to 612-337-5089; or e-mail to mcfjobs@mcf.org.
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