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April 30, 2007

EEOC's Employment of Health Care Workers with Disabilities Fact Sheet

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently issued a new question-and-answer (Q&A) fact sheet on the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to job applicants and employees in the health care industry. The new publication is part of a series of Q&A documents about specific disabilities in the workplace and specific industries.

The new fact sheet provides practical information about applying ADA employment rules in health care jobs, in a variety of settings — from public and private hospitals and nursing care facilities to doctors' and dentists' offices and diagnostic laboratories. The occupations within the health care field are many and varied, including physicians, surgeons, dental hygienists, nurses, workers, physical therapists, medical records clerks, laboratory technicians, paramedics, home health aides and custodial and food service workers in medical facilities.

Although the rules under Title I of the ADA are the same for employers and individuals with disabilities in all industries, this fact sheet explains how the ADA applies to some unique situations that may arise in health care settings. Many of the real-life examples in the fact sheet are based on cases that have been decided by courts or settled by the EEOC.

For more information about the ADA and other laws that protect people with disabilities, visit the Civil Rights section of DisabilityInfo.gov.

Posted by Nancy at 06:03 PM | Comments (0)

National Council on Disability Selects California’s Mike Collins as its Executive Director

NEWS RELEASE
NCD #07–533
April 30, 2007
Contact: Mark S. Quigley
202-272-2004
202-272-2074 TTY

WASHINGTON ­The National Council on Disability (NCD) today announced that Michael C. Collins of Sacramento, California, would become NCD’s new executive director on June 18.

NCD is an independent federal agency making recommendations to the President and Congress to enhance the quality of life for all Americans with disabilities and their families. It is comprised of 15 members who are appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

In making the announcement, NCD chairperson John R. Vaughn commented, “NCD continues to reach out to local communities to identify and promote best practices, policies, and programs that help people with disabilities lead independent and self sufficient lives and enjoy full inclusion in all aspects of their community. Mike shares this approach, and NCD believes we can leverage his excellent reputation and existing relationships with the many diverse stakeholders that are involved with disability issues at both the local and the national level.”

“Mr. Collins was selected after an exhaustive national search, but quickly rose to the top of the list as the most qualified candidate with business experience, leadership in the disability advocacy arena, and personal experience with disability.”

Mr. Collins was the first executive director of the California State Independent Living Council, which was created in 1997 and comes to NCD from this position. He is a long-time disability advocate who is very familiar with disability and long-term care-related programs and services, the wide variety of disability civil rights laws, and vocational rehabilitation practices and regulations at the federal and state levels. Mr. Collins is also very familiar with the concerns and characteristics of people with all types of disabilities, as a peer, consultant, trainer, and through administration of a statewide agency addressing their needs on a daily basis.

Mr. Collins was a key participant in California’s efforts to implement changes in state policies resulting from the Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision that has increased the demand for community-based services. He is an expert in emergency preparedness and homeland security for people with disabilities­active at local, state, and national levels.

Mr. Collins is also a highly rated trainer, speaker and consultant on the Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related state and national civil rights laws for people with disabilities. He provided initial input during development of ADA regulations, ADA Architectural Guidelines, and the recent Workforce Investment Act and Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act. He is a member of the team that developed Washington State’s barrier-free building codes. He is also an experienced public speaker and professional writer, with over 250 presentations and 30 published articles.

Prior to a skiing accident in 1988 when Mike received a spinal cord injury, he had a successful 23-year career with the Burlington Northern Railroad, advancing to the position of assistant superintendent. Prior to joining the California State Independent Living Council, Mr. Collins had served as regional terminals manager for Washington State Ferries; assistant director in the Washington State Department of Licensing; and as an independent business owner serving as a consultant on cost effective implementation of the ADA and numerous other disability related issues.

Mr. Collins is a graduate of the University of Washington.

For more information, please contact NCD’s director of communications Mark S. Quigley at mquigley@ncd.gov or by telephone at 202-272-2004 (V), 202-272-2074 (TTY).

Posted by Nancy at 03:00 PM | Comments (0)

2007 Federal Agency & Government Contractor Career Fair for People with Disabilities

Hosted by: The Environmental protection agency (EPA)

Date: June 21, 2007

Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Location: 1201 Constitution Ave, NW Room 1153 EPA East (12th & Constitution Ave, NW) Washington, DC 22204 Near the Federal Triangle Metro Stop

To register or for more information, contact: The Employer Assistance & Recruiting Network (EARN) at 866.327.6669 or via email at: earn@earnworks.com

The EPA would like to invite you to explore the exciting career opportunities available within the Federal government and with government contractors at their third-annual Career Fair for People with Disabilities. Federal agencies and contractors have a world of opportunities available-from entry to management and across all sorts of job types. And, multiple agencies and contractors will be present to discuss them with you.

EPA Sponsors

Co-Sponsors

Posted by Nancy at 01:15 PM | Comments (0)

April 28, 2007

Web cast "Dispelling Myths and Fears about Accessing Employment: Understand How to Use Work Incentives to Choose Work!" on Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Cheryl Bates-Harris with the Training and Advocacy Support Center (TASC) will present the Web cast "Dispelling Myths and Fears about Accessing Employment: Understand How to Use Work Incentives to Choose Work!" on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 at 3:00pm Eastern; 2:00pm Central; 1:00pm Mountain; 12:00pm Pacific; 11:00am Alaska; 9:00am Hawaii.

Despite initiatives and laws to assist people with disabilities in finding employment, it is sometimes difficult to convince people with disabilities to attempt work even though it may improve the quality of their life. This presentation will provide a broad overview of SSA work rules and will identify the most common myths that continue to plague beneficiaries of social security. In their efforts to return to work. Learn how to overcome barriers so you can train others on work rules which support the value of full community integration, employment and self sufficiency for all.

Cheryl Bates-Harris is a Senior Disability Advocacy Specialist for the Training and Advocacy Support Center (TASC) of NAPAS where she has over 20 years experience and expertise working with people with disabilities. Cheryl has an in-depth knowledge of cross disability issues and continues to focus on employment issues of people with disabilities, including Vocational Rehabilitation, Social Security Return to Work, TANF, and other work programs that impact people with disabilities,including DOL OneStops. Has developed a complete knowledge and understanding of Social Security programs and work incentives beginning with the Social Security Alternate Participant Program for which she was responsible for the development of the SSA Protection and Advocacy Dispute Resolution Project, and later the development of the Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS).

In addition she has lead responsibilities for technical assistance and training to the Client Assistance Programs (CAP) nationwide. Since the passage of Ticket to Work and Work Incentive Improvement Act she has conducted national training on TWWIIA and Vocational Rehabilitation Services and is considered a leading expert on the intersection issues of the Ticket to Work with state vocational rehab services. She was an invited participant in the TW & WI AP 2003 EN Summit and was appointed in September 2004, by President Bush, to the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Advisory Panel. Cheryl currently co-chairs the CCD Work Incentives Implementation task force and CCD Employment and Training task force and is an active member of the CCD Social Security Task Force. She continues to conduct numerous training programs and provides ongoing training and technical assistance to the P&A/CAP network on employment issues that impact people with disabilities.

To link to this Web cast and download accompanying materials visit: http://www.ilru.org/html/training/webcasts/calendar.html

For instructions on how to access a Web cast visit: http://www.ilru.org/html/training/webcasts/instructions.html

Please visit this site ahead of time to test and ensure your computer is configured and updated to participate in the Web cast.

For technical assistance, please check out our FAQs (frequently asked questions) at: http://www.ilru.org/html/training/webcasts/FAQ.html or contact a Web cast team member at webcast@ilru.org or 713.520.0232 (v/tty).

This Web cast is supported through the DBTAC - Southwest ADA Center, a project of ILRU. Southwest ADA Center is one of ten Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTACs) funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) to provide training, technical assistance and materials dissemination on the ADA and other disability-related laws. NIDRR is part of the U.S. Department of Education.

The opinions and views expressed are those of the presenters and no endorsement by the funding agency should be inferred.

Posted by Nancy at 06:55 PM | Comments (0)

April 27, 2007

Google Reaching Out for Accessibility (EASI Podcast)

Google is actively reaching out to Internet users with disabilities and is working to make all of their products more accessible to this population. In March, Google came to the giant international conference on People with Disabilities and Technology produced by CSUN (California State University Northridge). Google had a booth and also gave a couple presentations.

Next week, EASI's Podcast on conference presentations will provide the audio of a CSUN Google presentation and on the Podcast site will have a link to documents used in that presentation. We are excited to bring this to our EASI friends.

This link will take you to a two-minute excerpt from the Google presentation: http://easi.cc/archive/g-promo.mp3

You can find the EASI Podcasts at http://easi.cc/podcasts/

There are 3 different Podcast feeds there. For this presentation select the conference Podcast feed which will take you to the page where you can subscribe. It will be posted next Thursday or Friday.

EASI also is planning to host a live Webinar with Google folk in the next month or two. Watch for an announcement at: http://easi.cc/clinic.htm

EASI, (Equal Access to Software and Information), is committed to using Podcasts, Webinars, online courses and interactive Internet tools to help institutions make their computer and information technology resources more accessible to users with disabilities.

Source: Norman Coombs, CEO EASI

Posted by Nancy at 12:27 PM | Comments (0)

Christopher And Dana Reeve Foundation Paralysis Resource Center Launches Paralysis Community Social Network

Virtual Community to Connect Patients, Caregivers and Families Living With Paralysis

The Paralysis Resource Center (PRC), a program of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, today announced the creation of The Paralysis Community - a first-of-its-kind, international online health and wellness community for people living with all forms of paralysis and their caregivers. The Community, located at www.paralysis.org, will allow registered members to take part in moderated discussion groups and post personal blogs, enabling them to support one another through their individual journeys and experiences.

The PRC, the country's leading resource on spinal cord injury, paralysis and other mobility related disabilities, is partnering with ClinicaHealth, the leading provider of online health and wellness social networks, to create The Paralysis Community. The ad-free social networking site will help fulfill the PRC's mission of providing vital information services to those living with paralysis caused by spinal cord injury, MS, stroke, ALS, transverse myelitis, traumatic brain injury or other diseases or conditions. The Paralysis Community will also act as an emotional outlet - providing a support structure for families and caregivers to share ideas and answers to commonly asked questions.Paralysis Community

"We at the PRC realize that peer to peer communication is an invaluable resource for emotional support, feedback and knowledge for people living with paralysis and their caregivers. The Paralysis Community social network will foster peer relations across the country as well as across the world in a secure environment in order to provide all of the site members unlimited opportunities to safely interact and share solutions to common problems faced on a daily basis," said Joseph Canose, Vice President of Quality of Life, Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. "The addition of a moderated and health-focused online social network is one more example of why the PRC is the foremost authority on paralysis."

For those interested in joining the Community, membership is free but requires registration, including a valid email address that will never be shared without expressed permission. Registration will help to maintain a safe and secure network for all its members.

"It's been a pleasure working with the PRC to help turn this creative vision into a functional reality for the millions of Americans living with paralysis as well as their caregivers. We hope that those who participate in this new community will benefit from connecting with others whom they may not otherwise have met," said Brian Loew, Founder and CEO, ClinicaHealth. "Nothing makes us happier than knowing we are providing a service that helps people help one another."

The Paralysis Community will include various features to encourage communication and network-building between members, including personal profiles (that can include photos), moderated discussion groups and a community help desk. The discussions groups will include Healthy Living, Assistive Technology and Equipment, Teen Corner, Funding Your Care (grants, fundraising, resources), New Paralysis/Rehabilitation, Family, Parenting, and Caregivers.

Contact Us
Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, 636 Morris Turnpike Suite 3A, Short Hills, NJ 07078
Tel: 800-225-0292
Fax: 973-912-9433
ChristopherReeve.org

Posted by Nancy at 12:11 PM | Comments (0)

April 25, 2007

Independent Visually Impaired Enterprisers - (IVIE)

Independent Visually Impaired Enterprisers - (IVIE) is an affiliate organization of the American Council of the Blind, (ACB). Their members include a wide range of blind and visually impaired business owners and entrepreneurs.

IVIE is a rich source of information on business ideas, strategies, assistive technology and networking. Have you ever considered starting your own small business? Perhaps, IVIE members can help.


Membership in IVIE is only $15 per year (due on July 1st) and includes:

For any questions, or more information about IVIE, please contact, Ardis Bazyn at,
abazyn@bazyncommunications.com

Posted by Nancy at 10:06 AM | Comments (0)

April 24, 2007

Employing and Accommodating Individuals with Psychiatric Impairments

Register for a Job Accommodation Network Webcast addressing employment issues for individuals with psychiatric disabilities. Tuesday, May 8, 2007.

This Webcast will provide a variety of accommodation solutions and practical tips for the successful employment of people with psychiatric impairments. The presenters will provide examples of real-life accommodation situations with win-win outcomes.

The fee for the Webcast is $30.00 per Internet connection.

For full information on the Webcast, see:
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/teleconf/Events/2007/5-8-07_Psychiatric.htm

To register, visit:
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/teleconf/Register/

For questions about registration, e-mail: training@jan.wvu.edu

The Job Accommodation Network is a service of the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor.

Posted by Nancy at 01:48 PM | Comments (0)

CCVIP New Advanced Seminar: Blogging: NYC on May 7th

Computer Center for Visually Impaired People (CCVIP) NEW
Advanced Seminar: Blogging

Seems everyone either has a blog (a contraction of the words web and log, meaning an on-line journal or diary) or is adding comments to someone else's blog these days.

In this fun seminar you'll register with a popular service; start, edit and update your blog. You'll also learn how to insert hyperlinks and customized questionnaires. This seminar is for anyone who enjoys creativity through writing.

Prerequisite: Proficiency using Windows and the Internet with assistive technology

Code: CVAS0704

Length: 1 session

Schedule: Monday, May 7, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Cost: $ 75

Judith Gerber Manager
Educational & User Services
Computer Center for Visually Impaired People
http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/ccvip
(646) 312-1425

Posted by Nancy at 09:52 AM | Comments (0)

April 20, 2007

VSA arts and Volkswagen Announces National Juried Exhibition

Deadline: July 6, 2007

VSA arts and Volkswagen of America, Inc. have announced a call for Driven, a national juried exhibition for young artists with disabilities.

The competition is open to young artists between the ages of 16 and 25 living in the United States who have a physical, cognitive, or mental disability. A disability is defined as an impairment that substantially limits a major life activity.

The entered artwork must be an original work that has been com- pleted in the last three years. Eligible media include paintings and drawings (oil, watercolor, acrylic, pencil, or charcoal), fine art prints (lithographs, etching, intaglio, or woodcuts), photography, computer-generated prints, and two-dimensional mixed media.

The program will present

Visit the VSA arts for complete program information and entry instructions.

Posted by Nancy at 05:44 PM | Comments (0)

Gateway to Employment: Parntership for Success

COSD’s Annual National Conference July 30 - August 1, 2007 is the only conference that brings together professionals from higher education and major national employers for the purpose of learning and sharing best practices to assist college students with disabilities to attain the career of their choice.

The agenda will be updated on the COSD Website .

For further information on the accessibility of the city of Minneapolis, please go to:
http://www.minneapolis.org/travelinfo/accessibility.asp

Posted by Nancy at 04:43 PM | Comments (0)

Boston Career Expo for People with Disabilities-May 7th. Register Today!

Date: Monday, May 7, 2007

Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Location: Boston Marriott Copley Place
110 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02116

Join us at our Boston, MA, Career Expo
to meet with Fortune 500 companies
and government agencies looking to
recruit new talent.

We would like to remind you that you
must pre-register online in order to
attend the event.

For further info, email us at:
info@eop.com

Free Admission to Career Expo

Sponsored By: