National Technical Assistance Center (NTAC-AAPI)

“to increase employment opportunities for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with Disabilities” - FUNDED BY: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, REHABILITATION SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

Semi-Monthly e.News – February 1, 2005
You can find this and previous issues of e.News online at http://www.ntac.hawaii.edu

~ Announcements

~ Positions Available

~ Resources

~ Institutes / Conferences

~ Research / Publications / Articles

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NTAC-AAPI Activities

Invitation to Attend the NTAC-AAPI Pacific Rim Conference Network Meeting - February 28^th, 2005, Sheraton Waikiki, Suite 3118, 2:30-3:30 p.m

The National Technical Assistance Center for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (NTAC-AAPI) with Disabilities invites you to a network member meeting at the Pacific Rim 21st Annual Conference at the Waikiki Sheraton in Honolulu. The meeting will take place on February 28^th, 2005 at the Sheraton Waikiki in Suite 3118 from 2:30-3:30 p.m. Topics to be discussed are AAPI’s with disabilities and increasing employment opportunities from utilizing our Hire.US database, Disability Mentoring program, and other collaboration strategies. All are invited to attend. Refreshments provided! For more information please contact Amy Nawatani, Traning Coordinator at 808-956-0947 or amy.nawatani@cds.hawaii.edu. http://www.ntac.hawaii.edu

Become an NTAC-AAPI mentor today!  
Despite passage of numerous laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), people with disabilities continue to be unemployed and under-employed at staggering rates.  Mentoring is one concrete way to promote the employment of people with disabilities and develop lasting relationships in your community.  By bringing employers and people with disabilities together, we can help break down employers’ fears about hiring people with disabilities and increase the confidence of persons with disabilities to secure gainful employment. http://www.ntac.hawaii.edu

Mark Your Calendars for Your Professional Development and Retreat in Sunny Hawaii!
Pac Rim 2005 Conference on Disability (CDS & NTAC) - February 28 - March 1, 2005 More information under “ Institutes/Conferences in this e.News.

National Capacity Building Institute: Enhancing Transition to Postsecondary Education and Employment for Youth with Disabilities through Culturally Relevant Supports, Services, and Education Multiple Identities/Multiple Strengths - March 2-3, 2005

Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, Honolulu, Hawai’i

This CBI will critically explore the successful preparation for and transition to postsecondary education and employment for youth with disabilities in the context of cultural and linguistic diversity. Speakers will offer suggestions fo practices that create or strengthen culturally relevant support services, educational environments, assessment tools, and community/family partnerships. Presentations, workshops, and roundtable discussions will cover: *Specific strategies for identifying and transforming hidden biases that undermine full access and success for youth with disabilities in education, transition, and employment. *Professional development information, training, resources for educators, support professionals, and employers. *Empowering and supporting students, family members, and community members to participate in the transition process. *Understanding the over representation in special education / under representation in gifted/talented programs of students from diverse backgrounds and how this effects the transition process. *Ensuring improvements in professional development for persons working with youth with disabilities in secondary and postsecondary education settings.

The Institute is free to participants. Registration is required. Register online at: http://www.ncset.hawaii.edu. For more information or to register by mail please contact Velina Sugiyama, NCSET, Center on Disability Studies, 1776 University Avenue, UA 4-6, Honolulu, HI 96822. Tel: 808-956-5688. Fax: 808-956-7878. Email: velina@hawaii.edu

Multicultural Competence Online Course in Development Stage

NTAC-AAPI is in the developmental stage of creating a credit online course about Multicultural Competence in Working with AAPIs with disabilities.  It is planned to be a web-based, graduate-level distance-learning course offered through the Center on Disability Studies at the University of Hawaii. It will be open to interested VR counselors, community rehabilitation providers, and educators who have completed a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.  We would like to assess the demand for this type of course offering.  If you or members of your organization might be interested in enrolling in this prospective course, please email Christine Su at christine.su@cds.hawaii.edu, with an enrollment estimate.  If you would like additional information on the course as it progresses, please include your full name and contact information as well. Thank you!

NTAC-AAPIs Hire.Us Program
Congratulations to NYSD and Diversity World for registering and becoming a part of our Hire.Us Employer database! Congratulations also to Shantil Smith for registering and becoming a part of our Hire.Us Employee database! What is the Hire.Us program? Fast, Effective, and Free! The National Technical Assistance Center’s HIRE.US program (Hire Interested and Ready Employees in the U.S.) is a time-saving personnel resource. HIRE.US offers college students, and recent graduates, with disabilities the opportunity to market their skills and abilities to employers across the United States free of charge. Your student profile information will be available to governments and businesses across America. Employers nationwide identify both temporary and permanent employees from qualified college students with disabilities in a wide variety of fields. http://www.hireus.cds.hawaii.edu

Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) - Ongoing!

Want hands-on experience in a career of your choice for a day? NTAC-AAPI will match you with a mentor in a career you would like to pursue. Our last DMD day was a great success where 16 mentees were mentored by the City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii Film Studios, Senator Arakaki's office, the Hilton Hawaiian Village, KKEA, the Department of Parks and Recreation, Design Systems, VSA arts of Hawaii Artsplace, The Hawaii State Department of Health, and the Castle Medical Center. In addition, Mayor Jeremy Harris issued NTAC-AAPI and DMD local coordinators a proclamation acknowledging the efforts and participation of all parties involved. For information on future Disability Mentoring Days please contact Amy Nawatani, Training Coordinator at 808-956-0947 or email at amy.nawatani@cds.hawaii.edu.

Vocational Rehabilitation agency can also take advantage of our database to increase employment opportunities of its job-ready clients! Send their resumes to be placed in the HIRE.US database! NTAC will actively recruit employers for those who entered into this HIRE.US database. In addition, NTAC will add your agency name to our list of collaborators. This will allow for free advertisement on our website and once via email in our periodic e-newsletter, with over 2,000 people on the distribution list.
For more information, please visit http://hireus.cds.hawaii.edu, or for more information please contact Amy Nawatani, Training Coordinator, at amy.nawatani@cds.hawaii.edu or 808-956-0947, TTY 808-956-2890.

National & International

“Free to be Me”
William McKnight, sculptor, instructor and coordinator for VSA arts of Hawai’i-

Pacific’s Workplace Literacy and Micro-Enterprise Development project in Hilo was a featured artist in “Free to be Me”, an art project sponsored by the University of Hawai’i-Hilo Disabilities Services. Mcknight had 20 pieces on display at the Wailoa Center Main

Gallery from December 10-30. He has been sculpting for nearly 30 years and specializes using stones found in Hawai’i like coral, blue stone and lava. McKnight suffers from a severe back disability and is an advocate of the power of the arts for the disabled community. On the opening night festivities for the exhibit, Trina Nahm-Mijo, who is the

Program Supervisor for the VSA arts of Hawai’i-Pacific project in Hilo, was on hand to interpret McKnight’s sculptures through movement and performance art. Nahm-Mijo has been active in the field of disabilities and the arts for 25 years and has coordinated major projects in this area in both Hawai’i and Korea. http://www.vsarts.hawaii.edu

The Request for Proposal (RFP) Application Package for 2005 is Now Available!

Is your agency looking to expand community-based employment for people with disabilities? If the answer is yes, your agency may be eligible to participate in activities designed to improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities. T-TAP staff and the CRP Leadership Network will be working with five agencies yearly to offer training and technical assistance to help providers develop their programs from segregated work and non-work options to competitive employment opportunities in the community. http://www.t-tap.org/ta/ta.html

Mobility International USA US / Japan Exchange Program – deadline March 15, 2005

MIUSA is currently accepting applications from young people with disabilities to take part in an international exchange program in summer 2005, entitled the US/Japan: Cross Cultural Perspectives on Disability Exchange Program. Individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing as well as those who have a visual impairment, mobility impairment or any other type of disability are encouraged to apply. MIUSA will provide appropriate accommodations to each qualified participant with a disability. Partial scholarships are available to qualified individuals. For more information – Email: exchange@miusa.org or (541)343-1284. http://www.miusa.org

Feds come up with $5M for Hawaii homeless

Hawaii is getting nearly $5.7 million in federal grants to help the homeless, Gov. Linda Lingle said. "These federal funds demonstrate our strong partnership with the federal government and the collaborative approach that is needed to end chronic homelessness," Lingle said. It's part of $1.4 billion the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is dispersing to state and local homeless programs throughout America. "This unprecedented level of funds will go directly to those on the front lines, who work tirelessly everyday to bring an end to chronic homelessness," HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson said. http://pacific.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2005/01/24/daily42.html

Work Incentives: How Work Impacts Your Benefits - February 28, 2005, 2 PM ET

Susan O'Mara is the Project Coordinator & a Technical Assistance Liaison for the VCU-BARC Project Office. In this webcast, Susan will cover the basic principles of work incentives. She will answer the following questions: What happens when a person who has been receiving SSI and Medicaid goes to work? Are there any risks to losing benefits if a person works? What type of things can work incentives pay for that a person may need in order to work? In addition, Susan will discuss working with Benefits Planning, Assistance, and Outreach (BPAO) Benefits Specialists. http://www.vcu.edu/rrtcweb/cyberu/index.html

Workplace issues a growing caseload for Hawaii lawyers

Workplace discrimination cases provide a wealth of work for Hawaii attorneys, especially as the definitions of discrimination continue to be broadened. The definition of disability has been expanded by state and federal laws and cases to include more than those who are physically challenged. It can include employees who fail to interact effectively with others as well as those who have from a lower IQ. http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2005/01/24/focus2.html?GP=OTC-MJ1752087487

Deaf Tour to China! June 19 - July 1, 2005

DCARA is hosting a fun, affordable, and DEAF educational tour of China for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Hearing ASL users and their friends and family.  See beautiful sights all over China, learn about Chinese Deaf education, and meet Chinese Deaf people!  Just $2450 covers airfare from San Francisco, meals, sightseeing, travel insurance, interpreters, and five-star hotels for 13 days! http://www.dcara.org/chinaflyer-pub98.htm

More than One Million Young People Expected to Job Shadow Starting February 2^nd: Participants include Members of Congress, Governors, Media, Businesses and Federal Agencies

Starting on February 2, 2005, more than one million young people will have a chance to explore their futures when they “shadow” workplace mentors as part of the eighth annual Groundhog Job Shadow Day initiative. Job shadowing is a yearlong national effort to enrich the lives of students by acquainting them with the world of work through on-the-job experiences and a carefully crafted school curriculum that ties academics to the workplace. http://jobshadow.org/current_news/current_news.html

VSA arts of Hawaii Artsplace: Creative Arts Classes for Children, 1-6 grades, Fridays, 2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m., Jan. 14-March 25, 2005 ($55 per month)
Classes include holiday themes, drawing and painting, textiles, beading, pulp art,
and hand building with clay. Cultural access: The Artsplace is fully accessible.
Teaching staff proficient in American sign language. Location: VSA arts of Hawaii Artsplace, 2201 Waimano Home Road, Hale C, Pearl City, HI 96782, 808-455-6002 office, 808-295-0659 (c), 808-956-7878 (fax). http://www.vsarts.hawaii.edu.

DEADLINE for submittal of proposals: Monday, February 28, 2005

The Bay Area Coalition of Deaf Senior Citizens (BACDSC) invites proposals for presentations, panels and workshops on a variety of topics related to the theme of Golden Gateway to Tomorrow at the 8th Biennial Deaf Seniors of America Conference in San Francisco, California, August 31-September 5, 2005. These presentations, panels and workshops may provide information, technical assistance and/or exercise primarily to deaf, deaf-blind, deafened and hard of hearing senior citizens, to broaden their knowledge and horizons, and maximize living life to its fullest possible potential. http://www.deafseniors.com

Disabled Veterans Take to the Slopes at Winter Sports Clinic

More than 350 disabled veterans will ski the Rocky Mountains at the 19th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village at Aspen, Colo., April 3-8, 2005. The clinic is an annual rehabilitation program open to all U.S. military veterans with spinal cord injuries or disease, visual impairments, certain neurological conditions, orthopedic amputations or other disabilities, who receive care at any Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care facility. A number of newly injured veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom have signed up to join their fellow veterans at the clinic this year to challenge themselves at this special event.

During the six-day program, the veterans will learn adaptive Alpine and Nordic skiing and be introduced to a variety of other adaptive activities and sports, such as rock climbing, scuba diving, snowmobiling and sled hockey. The U.S. Secret Service will also teach a course on self-defense for people with disabilities. Jointly sponsored by VA and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the clinic is hosted each year by the Grand Junction (Colo.) VA Medical Center and VA's Rocky Mountain Network. For further information, contact Jenny Shafer Tankersley, VA public affairs coordinator, Winter Sports Clinic, at (757) 728-3450; or Rob Lewis, DAV communications, at (859) 442-2049. http://www.wintersportsclinic.org

Lanakila rehab center gets $1M

The state has released $1 million in general obligation bond funds to renovate Lanakila Rehabilitation Center in Liliha. The total project cost is $6.7 million. Gov. Linda Lingle released $500,000 for the project in December. The federal government is matching state funds with $2.8 million and the center is working to raise an additional $2.4 million in private donations. The state-owed center is leased to the private nonprofit agency. The funds will be used to renovate a part of the center used for adult day services, life-skill programs for the disabled and the Meals on Wheels program, which delivers meals to the needy. http://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2005/01/10/daily69.html?GP=OTC-MJ1752087487

UHM CDS, VSA arts of Hawai'i-Pacific & State Partners Receive $.5 Million CMS
Infrastructure Grant
Last month, the University of Hawai`i College of Education, Center on Disability Studies (CDS), in partnership with the Hawai`i State Department of Human Services, the Hawai`i Workforce Development Council and VSA arts of Hawai`i-Pacific, was awarded $.5 million by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to lead a study titled, “Hire Abilities” Hawaii. http://www.vsarts.hawaii.edu

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Disability Outreach Program

The Department of Homeland Security is currently in search for qualified individuals with disabilities to fulfill job vacancies for a variety of positions from GS-9 - GS-15, including Senior Executive Services (SES). ADNET's goal is to supply DHS with specialize expertise in the areas of outreach, assessment, and referral in an effort to combine highly qualified individuals with highly specialized positions. Interested in pursuing DHS Headquarters jobs: Visit website at http://www.adnet-sys.com/govjobs, submit the Pre-Screening Questionnaire and view current DHS job vacancies.

NTAC-AAPI Full-Time Coordinator

Duties: Develop and strengthen working relationships with State vocational rehabilitation administrators and service providers nationwide; Coordinate outreach and training activities; Produce information, training, evaluation materials; Provide training workshops; and Other project-related duties as assigned. Applicant needs to be able to work independently and reliably. Minimum qualifications: Masters degree from an accredited institution in education, psychology, or a related field, specialization in one of the following areas: rehabilitation counseling, disability studies, multicultural competency training; Desirable qualifications: Experience working at vocational rehabilitation service programs; Teaching experience with students in post-secondary education; experience working with AAPI with disabilities; excellent writing and presentation skills. Pay range: $ 36,720 or negotiable depending on experience. To apply: Send letter of application, clearly specify the position applying for and address how you meet the qualifications for the position and forward a resume; transcripts of graduate degrees; and three letters of work-related references to: Application address: Dr. Soon Kim-Rupnow, NTAC-AAPI Project Director, Center on Disability Studies, University of Hawaii, 1776 University Avenue, UA 4-6, Honolulu, HI 96822. Inquiries: Dr. Soon Kim-Rupnow 808-956-5712 kimrupno@hawaii.edu

Electronic and Information Technology Access Coordinator – deadline February 15, 2005

The Institute on Disabilities is searching for a qualified candidate who can serve as Electronic and Information Technology Access Coordinator.   The successful candidate will understand both policy and technological issues related to access to electronic and information technologies (including the Internet) by persons with disabilities, and will be able to effectively communicate with individuals with and without technology expertise. Please submit a letter of interest and salary requirements to Amy Goldman, Associate Director, Institute on Disabilities at Temple University, by e-mail at piat@temple.edu, fax (215-204-9371) or mail (423 Ritter Annex, Philadelphia, PA 19122.

JAPANESE INSTRUCTOR - Temporary Pool

Hiring part-time instructors for Fall and Spring semesters. Candidates who are selected for this applicant list will be used to fill any future part-time and substitute openings. DUTIES include instruction in transfer credit college level courses in the Japanese language. Apply: Human Resources Department, College of Marin, Kentfield Campus, 835 College Avenue, Kentfield, CA 94904, Phone: 415-485-9340

RESOURCES

Chamber–Job Corps Partnership

The National Job Corps program is one of the U.S. Department of Labor's most successful youth education and career training programs, with nearly 70,000 economically disadvantaged youth receiving education and career training annually. CWP assists chamber members in establishing and enhancing value-added relationships with local Job Corps centers that foster a "pipeline" for current and future employees. By working with state chambers, CWP is creating statewide partnerships among chambers of commerce, One-Stop Centers, Job Corps, and education.  http://www.uschamber.com/cwp/strategies/jobcorps/default.htm

Harris Communications, Inc.
Harris Communications, Inc. was established as a mail order catalog company in 1982 by Dr. Robert Harris. Dr. Harris is a member of the deaf community and began as a local distributor of assistive devices for the deaf in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. The product line currently includes over 1,000 quality products designed to help individuals in their everyday lives, with new items continuously being considered for the catalog and webstore. http://www.harriscomm.com

CaptionKeeper

CaptionKeeper is a software program which converts television-based closed-caption data into web streaming formats.

It takes closed-caption (line-21) data as input, and creates simultaneous outputs suitable for live and archived multimedia presentations in RealPlayer™, Windows Media™ Player and QuickTime™ Player formats. http://ncam.wgbh.org/webaccess/captionkeeper

Deaf Counseling, Advocacy and Referral Agency
DCARA is a non-profit, community-based social service agency serving the deaf community. Established in 1962 as one of the first deaf-run agencies in the country, DCARA provides a comprehensive range of services to the deaf and hard-of-hearing people of the San Francisco Bay Area of California.  DCARA is governed by a deaf-majority board of directors, administered by a deaf majority, and staffed by a dedicated team of deaf and hearing people.  Funding comes from the State of California's Department of Social Services, the United Way, and private donations. http://www.dcara.org

ZoomText
ZoomText is the world’s leading magnification and reading software. With its easy to use features, ZoomText makes computers accessible and friendly to low-vision users. Following on the heels of ZoomText 8.0, the new 8.12 release provides a host of new features that our low-vision users have been asking for. http://www.enablemart.com/productdetail.aspx?store=10&pid=292&dept=12

INSTITUTES / CONFERENCES

National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals - February 15-18, 2005

Tropicana Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada

Building Our Future Together is the theme of the 2005 inaugural conference of the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals. Plenary sessions, workshops, research roundtables and resource fair exhibits will highlight programs and research developed and implemented by Cooperative Extension professionals and their federal, state and local partners. http://www.ncrcrd.iastate.edu/nacdep/index.htm

International Job & Career Transition Coach Certification – February 18-20, 2005 Orange County, CA

As job search or career development coaches, we are called upon to assist our clients in making successful short-term job transitions and long term career transitions. Often, these transitions are unwelcome and unplanned for. In order to help our clients be successful, we need a simple but comprehensive framework for the transition as well as specific coaching skills that we can use to facilitate, guide and push our clients to success. http://www.careernetwork.org/ijctcct.html

Fifth Annual Harvard Public Policy and Leadership Conference - February 24-27, 2005

Cambridge, Massachusetts

The intensive three days of workshops, panels and lectures is designed to encourage students who possess a commitment to public service (especially those interested in addressing policy issues affecting historically under-served communities) to pursue graduate study in public policy and international affairs. http://www.ksg.harvard.edu/pplc

The Pacific Rim Conference on Disabilities 2005 - February 28 & March 1, 2005

Sheraton, Waikiki

Since the first Pacific Rim (Pac Rim) Conference in 1985, the scope and size of this premier event has grown to include participants from the U.S. Mainland, Alaska, Pacific Islands Nations, Japan, Australia, the Philippines and numerous other countries. Persons with disabilities, family members, researchers, and service providers join policy-makers and nationally recognized speakers in the field of disabilities to participate in the Pac Rim Conference to learn from each other and to share resources for communities to fully accept and support persons with disabilities. http://www.pacrim.hawaii.edu

DISABILITY POLICY SEMINAR - February 28 - March 2, 2005

Washington, DC

The Pan-American Health Organization and the World Health Organization held a consultation in Montreal, Quebec, Canada with families, self-advocates, organizational advocates, health care experts and legal experts in the field of intellectual disability for the purpose of creating a statement on the rights of people with intellectual disability. http://www.thearc.org

National Capacity Building Institute: Enhancing Transition to Postsecondary Education and Employment for Youth with Disabilities through Culturally Relevant Supports, Services, and Education Multiple Identities/Multiple Strengths - March 2-3, 2005

Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, Honolulu, Hawai’i

This CBI will critically explore the successful preparation for and transition to postsecondary education and employment for youth with disabilities in the context of cultural and linguistic diversity. Speakers will offer suggestions fo practices that create or strengthen culturally relevant support services, educational environments, assessment tools, and community/family partnerships. The Institute is free to participants. Registration is required. Register online at: http://www.ncset.hawaii.edu. For more information or to register by mail please contact Velina Sugiyama, NCSET, Center on Disability Studies, 1776 University Avenue, UA 4-6, Honolulu, HI 96822. Tel: 808-956-5688. Fax: 808-956-7878. Email: velina@hawaii.edu

2nd European Congress “Physiotherapy and Prevention” – March 2–5, 2005

Vienna, Austria
The 2nd European Congress “Physiotherapy and Prevention” offers you the opportunity to acquaint yourself with the results of the latest research in the field of physiotherapy. The most important item on the agenda of the congress is a scientific examination of the correlation between physiotherapy and prevention. In addition, you will get the chance to keep yourself informed about new developments related to the medical practice and about tried-and-true therapy and treatment techniques. Workshops combined with scientific lectures and a presentation of posters is also scheduled. http://www.physioaustria.at/2005/congress

Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA) 42nd Annual International Conference - March 2 -5, 2005

Reno, Nevada

The largest meeting on learning disabilities (LD) in the world, featuring over 300 workshops and exhibits.

http://www.ldanatl.org/conference/index.asp

The 2005 Mobility Planning Services Institute - March 5 – 8, 2005

Washington, DC

The MPS Institute gives your community team of disability and transportation industry leaders the opportunity to obtain information and strategies from industry experts in order to develop comprehensive community action plans to improve local transportation services.

http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ESPA_mobility_planning&s_esLocation=tc_

7th International Conference on Alzheimer`s and Parkinson`s Disease (AD/PD 2005) - March 9-13, 2005

Sorrento, Italy

The subject matter of all of these ADPD conferences is unique, in that it deals both with issues related individually to Alzheimer`s Disease and Parkinson`s Disease, as well as to the integration between these as well as other related diseases. To ensure the success of these conferences, we invite renowned professionals who present lectures on the most up-to-date techniques and research findings in Alzheimer`s and Parkinson`s and other related diseases. http://www.kenes.com/adpd/index.asp

2005 Josephine L. Taylor Leadership Institute (JLTLI) - March 11-13, 2005

The purpose of the Josephine L. Taylor Leadership Institute (JLTLI) is to improve the quality of programming and services to blind and visually impaired children, adults, and their families. The Institute is designed to provide a forum in which leadership personnel and emerging leaders from the blindness field can come together to increase and share their knowledge and expertise. http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=28&TopicID=92

The 10th National/3rd International Conference on Abuse of Children & Adults with Disabilities - March 14-16, 2005

Riverside, CA
Hosted by Arc Riverside, the Only Ongoing Conference on abuse and other crimes against children, adults and seniors with disabilities brings you up-to-date and provides basic information for those new to the field. Please register early to get the best rate. The Internet Discount fee is $265 until March 1, 2005, and $340 after that date. All others: Early Registration is $275 through February 11, 2005, and $350 after that date. Pay online by credit card for the best rates. CEUs are also available! Register online at: http://www.disability-abuse.com/cando/conf

CSUN's 20th Annual International Conference "Technology and Persons with Disabilities" - March 14-19, 2005

Los Angeles, CA

This is a comprehensive, international conference, where all technologies across all ages; disabilities; levels of education and training; employment; and independent living are addressed. http://www.csun.edu/cod/conf/index.htm

10th Symposium on Cochlear Implants in Children - March 15–19, 2005

Dallas, Texas

The examination for the American Board of Audiology Board Certification in Audiology with a Specialty in Cochlear Implants will given Saturday, March 19 immediately following the symposium.

http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/utsw/home/educ/conted/cochlear/index.html

NATIONAL DEAF ACADEMY'S 2005 CONFERENCE - BEYOND THE BANDAGE: Practical Approaches to Addressing Mental Health and Behavioral Issues in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Classroom - March 16-18, 2005

Lake Buena Vista, FL

This conference is open to Deafness professionals and Mental Health professionals who strive to provide quality services to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities internationally. This landmark international event, located at the world renowned Hilton at the Walt Disney Resort, will unite diverse professional and community groups committed to ethical, effective and compassionate services in the area of mental health and Deafness. http://www.nationaldeafacademy.com

NCRC Annual Conference – March 16-19, 2005.

Washington, DC

The largest gatherings of economic justice proponents and supporters of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) as a tool for economic development, these conferences typically draw over 500 participants from the U.S. and abroad. They are widely acknowledged for their presentation of cutting-edge ideas and information on the hottest topics – such as predatory lending and "globalization" of the financial industry. For more on NCRC’s upcoming Annual Conference call Larry Broadwell at 202/628-8866 or email lbroadwell@ncrc.org.

Anxiety Disorders Associaltion of America (ADAA) 25th Annual Conference - March 17–20, 2005

Seattle, Washington

The ADAA Annual Conference is the only conference devoted exclusively to anxiety disorders. It provides education for health care professionals, individuals with anxiety disorders and their families, and the media about the nature and management of anxiety disorders. http://www.adaa.org/events/AnnualConference.cfm

Performance Measurement for Government - March 22-24, 2005
Washington, DC
At this conference, you will hear proven strategies and practical experiences, firsthand, from leading agencies and practitioners like yourself, on how to improve your management initiatives and practices as stated in the President's Management Agenda. For more information or to reserve your space: 888-362-7400 or 312-362-9100. http://www.aliconferences.com/conferences/government_performance/305.html

NASP 2005 Annual Convention: Achieving Better Outcomes for Children - March 29-April 2, 2005

Atlanta, Georgia

The NASP 2005 Annual Convention, the world's largest, most important gathering of school psychologists, offers you professional excellence at its best.

http://www.nasponline.org/conventions/index.html

Convention 2005: American Academy of Audiology - March 30-April 2, 2005

Washington, DC, United States

Convention 2005 is the world's largest gathering of Audiologists, and it brings together Audiology professionals and industry suppliers for three days of innovative educational and research sessions, a technology filled exhibit hall and an unparalleled opportunity for networking with your peers. http://www.audiology.org/convention/2005

Unite For Sight Second Annual International Health Conference: "Eyes on International Collaboration: Promoting Health From Campus to Lab to Field" - April 2-3, 2005
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Unite For Sight empowers communities worldwide to improve eye health and eliminate preventable blindness. http://www.uniteforsight.org/2005_conference_registration.php

Vision 2005 – April 4-7, 2005

London, UK.

The world’s largest conference on issues concerning people with sight problems – Themes: Clinical care and integrating rehabilitation, Epidemiology and world blindness, Visual function assessment and visual performance, Education across the lifespan, Advances in technology, designing and constructing for an inclusive environment, Employment. http://www.rnib.org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/code/public_rnib004044.hcsp

2004 Career Expo for People with Disabilities – April 8, 2004

New York City, NY

Offers bonus distribution of Equal Opportunity Publication's (EOP) career-guidance/recruitment magazines for the diversified workforce. These job expos are wonderful opportunities for job-seekers and recruiters to meet face to face. http://www.eop.com

5th annual Multiple Perspectives Conference: Multiple Perspectives On Access, Inclusion And Disability - April 11–13, 2005

Columbus, Ohio

The workshops are designed to bring a diverse audience together to discuss the full spectrum of disability issues and experiences. To ensure broad participation from the university community, business, state and local government, educators, advocacy organizations, social service agencies, and individuals with disabilities sponsors are sought each year to subsidize conference participants. http://ada.osu.edu/conferences.htm

Partnering with Economic Development: Creating the Workforce Advantage - April 12, 2005

Workforce development is one increasingly important element of a comprehensive community economic development strategy. Today, the communities that have workers with the right skills and work ethic have a competitive advantage in attracting new businesses. Workforce Boards have a critical role in developing the skills of employed, unemployed, and emerging workers in order to attract new businesses and to retain and expand the businesses you already have. This session will show you how to build meaningful partnerships for economic development; help you decide which industry clusters you should target for maximum economic impact; and provide benchmarks and examples of how to convert your program operations into a demand-driven system for economic growth. http://www.worknetwork.org/teleseries0405.html

AT the EDGE 2005 Conference - April 14-15, 2005

Edmonton, Alberta

AT the EDGE 2005… will showcase assistive technology use by all disability and age groups within education, lifelong learning, employment, and recreation. The conference will be of interest to people who have disabilities, families, special educators, rehabilitation professionals, administrators, service/care providers, government officials, and hardware/software developers.  http://www.acrat.ca/20068_1890.asp

10TH ANNIVERSARY TCC Worldwide Online Conference: "Looking Back Towards THE FUTURE?" - April 19-21, 2005
Pre-Conference Dates: April 5-6, 2005
You are invited to join us in our 10th anniversary and celebration of the TCC Worldwide Online Conference. We are working with a new name with the same goals -- sharing expertise, experiences and knowledge among faculty and staff relevant to the use of information technology in learning, teaching and related academic services to university and college students worldwide. TCC now represents "Technology, Colleges and Community." It is the longest running online conference designed for university and college practitioners including faculty, academic support staff, counselors, student services personnel, and administrators. http://tcc.kcc.hawaii.edu

Annual Pathways - Learning Disabilities Conference - May 5-6, 2005

Sudbury, Ontario

For parents, educators, and high school students at Cambrian College. This year, we are pleased to add an additional PRE-CONFERENCE day that is specifically designed for learning strategists, assistive technologists, special education teachers, and educational assistants! http://homepages.cambrianc.on.ca/pathways

National Training Conference (NTC) – May 9-11, 2005

Washington, DC
National Training Conference (NTC), a 3-day conference, will focus on the employment, advancement, retention, and culture of Government employees who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing as well as hearing employees. The conference will also focus on ways to foster communication among hearing and Deaf individuals, regardless of communication modes such as sign language or spoken English. http://www.dhhig.org/ntc/2005/index.htm

8th Annual ACT National WorkKeys Conference: Unlock the Potential - May 9-11, 2005

Chicago, Illinois

The goal of this conference is to create an arena for the mutual exchanges of relevant WorkKeys information. One-hour session facilitators should plan a 45-minute presentation. The remaining 15 minutes will be reserved for Q&A. http://www.act.org/workkeys/conf/info.html

2005 IRMA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE – May 15-18, 2005

San Diego, California

IRMA is an international professional organization dedicated to furthering the professionalism of its members. IRMA brings together researchers, practitioners, academicians, and policy makers in information technology management. http://www.irma-international.org/conferences/2005/index.asp

2005 American Deafness and Rehabilitation Association (ADARA) National Conference - May 26–29, 2005

Orlando, Florida

The biennial conference brings together a variety of professionals who seek to improve education, employment, mental health, and advocacy services for members of our community. The upcoming conference theme, Navigating the Course to Quality Services, emphasizes the commitment ADARA members share in striving for the highest quality services possible and the desire that ADARA members have to collaborate with others in their efforts. http://www.adara.org

CHHA Conference 2005 - Natural Sounds - June 2 -4, 2005

Kelowna, British Columbia

A variety of booths representing the many areas that affect the everyday lives of hard of hearing people including displaying and demonstrating the latest technology to improve the lives of hard of hearing Canadians.

http://www.chha.ca/conference/conference_index.htm

CollaborativeAssistive Technology Conference - June 9 -11, 2005

Westin Westminster, Colorado

Attendees will learn about local and national perspectives on state-of-the-art assistive technology devices and services. Don't miss the largest assistive technology conference in the Rocky Mountain Region, with attendance estimated at over 600. With over 70 sessions geared toward every age and disability, there is something for everybody! Presenters are among the most respected in their fields.

http://www.uchsc.edu/atp/conf2005/conf2005main.htm

Deaf Women & HIV/AIDS in Africa: No Time to Wait - June 10-12, 2005

Washington, DC

The Deaf Women and HIV/AIDS in Africa conference is open to anyone interested in broadening their knowledge of issues related to overcoming obstacles to identifying, communicating with and treating deaf women in Africa who have HIV or AIDS. Through a series of presentations, roundtable discussions and exhibits, participants will heighten awareness of the plight of deaf women in Africa with HIV or AIDS and acquire the information tools necessary to bring about change. http://www.deafafricanwomen.org/index.htm

RESNA's 28th International Conference on Technology & Disability - June 23–27, 2005

Atlanta, Georgia

RESNA takes the 2005 Conference to Atlanta , GA , where assistive technology's leading researchers, renowned clinicians, and policy experts will create a conference program with unmatched levels of knowledge and expertise. RESNA will again offer a packed Exhibit Hall, Product Demonstrations and Training sessions, two days of Pre-Conference Instructional Courses, and 3 full days of Workshops, Interactive Poster Sessions, Themed Paper Sessions, and distinguished speakers. http://www.resna.org

Deaf Women United: 10^th National Conference – June 25-29, 2005

Ellicott City, MD

Deaf Women United conference is a first class event for every deaf and hard of hearing women to benefit! Understanding what DWU offers as well as your role in participating is the key to success. http://www.dwu.org/conference/2005

Instructional Technology and Education of the Deaf, An International Symposium - June 27–30, 2005

Rochester, New York

The program will focus on the education of deaf students in K-12 and postsecondary environments using technology from around the world. Among international participants, there will be representation from five international postsecondary programs serving deaf students. These professionals will present and discuss issues related to technology and education. http://www.rit.edu/%7Etechsym

ICORR 2005: 9th International Conference on Rehabilitation Robotics

Frontiers of the Human-Machine Interface - June 28 - July 1, 2005

Chicago, Illinois

ICORR highlights the most recent advances in the basic sciences of rehabilitation robotics. This conference will focus on a number of topics, including the themes of: Assistive Robotics, Therapeutic robotics, Brain-machine interfaces for rehabilitation, Robotics in Prosthetics and Orthotics, Hardware and control developments for rehabilitation, Evaluation Methods and Clinical Experience, Biorobotics and Biomimetics, Basic Science and Sensory/Motor Control Learning. http://www.smpp.northwestern.edu/ICORR2005/index.htm

National Federation of the Blind Conventions 2005 National Convention - July 2-8, 2005

Louiseville, KY

NFB conventions give government representatives, agency administrators, and leaders in politics, business, and industry the opportunity to address and respond to a large nationwide audience primarily of individuals who are blind or visually impaired. The topics of interest include: relevant civil rights issues; rehabilitation of the blind for competitive employment; the operation of vending facilities by blind persons on public property; specialized library services for the blind; Social Security and Supplemental Security Income programs; advancements in technology; the organization and funding of federal programs; and other timely topics. Legislative proposals, new laws, administrative policy, and program changes are all considered during the convention. http://www.nfb.org/convent/convens2.htm

Telecommunications for the Deaf Conference - July 11-13, 2005

New Orleans, LA

TDI (also known as Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc.) was established in 1968 originally to promote further distribution of TTYs in the deaf community and to publish an annual national directory of TTY numbers. Today, it is an active national advocacy organization focusing its energies and resources to address equal access issues in telecommunications and media for four constituencies in deafness and hearing loss, specifically people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, late-deafened, or deaf-blind.

http://www.tdi-online.org

HCI International 2005 – July 22-27, 2005

Las Vegas, NV
The conference objective is to provide an international forum for the dissemination and exchange of scientific information on theoretical, generic, and applied areas of HCI, usability, internationalization, virtual reality, universal access and cognitive ergonomics. http://www.hci-international.org/index.asp

12th World Conference of the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) - July 16 - 21 2006

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) is a global association of individuals and organisations that promotes equal access to appropriate education for all visually impaired children and youth so that they may achieve their full potential. http://www.icevi.org

ISEC 2005 - August 1-4 2005

Glasgow, Scotland

This prestigious international conference “Inclusion: Celebrating Diversity” is being organised by the University of Strathclyde in partnership with the National Association for Special Educational Needs. For further information please contact Lucy Alder by e-mail at the Professional Development Unit [PDU], Faculty of Education, University of Strathclyde, email address isec.2005@strath.ac.uk.

AHEAD 2005 "Meeting the Profession" - August 2-6, 2005

Milwaukee, WI

The annual international AHEAD conference brings together professionals in the fields of higher education and disability for a week of information-sharing, networking and theoretical and practical training. http://www.ahead.org/training/conference/index.htm

Accessible Design in the Digital World Conference 2005 - August 23-25, 2005

Dundee, Scotland

The conference will explore the frontiers of inclusive design in the real world. It will examine some of the challenges in implementing the numerous guidelines and meeting legal responsibilities. There will be opportunities for discussion and debate among those at the front-line of design and development work and those providing guidance regarding accessible and inclusive design. http://www.accessinthedigitalworld.org

Deaf Seniors of America 2005 Conference: Computer Classes August 30-31, 2005

Puzzled about using e-mail or surfing the WWW? Come to DCARA’s computer lab and learn! http://www.dcara.org/DSAComputerTrainingFlyer2.htm

2005 Deaf Seniors of America Conference -- August 31-September 5, 2005

San Francisco, CA

The history of the Deaf Seniors of America, Inc. dates back to the first national conference held in Austin, Texas, May, 1992. Since then there have been six consecutive conferences every two years, the most recent in Boston, Mass., May, 2003. http://www.deafseniors.com

RESEARCH / PUBLICATIONS / ARTICLES

2004 Statistical Portrait of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

The following is a statistical portrait of the Asian American and Pacific Islander populations produced by the US Census Bureau for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in 2004. It provides current census data, population projections, and Internet links that should be useful for research, planning, writing and general educational purposes. http://www.kacdc.org/news/APAStats.htm

Results: 2004 Survey on Access Technology in Higher Education

This report gathers and consolidates the practices, experiences, and professional development needs of people supporting assistive technology and information technology accessibility on college campuses. The survey instrument was designed by members of Access Technologists Higher Education Network (ATHEN). Their goal was to conduct an unprecedented thorough study of how higher education entities are addressing their assistive technology and information technology accessibility needs. http://staff.washington.edu/tft/athen

Asian & Pacific Islander Disability Issues Resources and Best Practices Page

To date, Asian & Pacific Islander disability issues have been under-represented.  The following  resources are being collected to assist interested parties to find information covering all aspects of Global Asian & Pacific Islander as well as U.S. Asian American & Pacific Islander disability issues and the existing best practices in this venue. http://www.icdri.org/api/asian_and_pacific_islander_disab.htm

Supported Employment in the Public Sector for People with Significant Disabilities

Robertson, Lewis, and Hiila point out that the growth of supported employment has shown steady growth throughout the world since its inception in the 1980s. They state that, by 2000, 61% of those Australians with disabilities who received employment services were doing so through supported employment. More specifically, however, they look at the benefits of placement into public sector versus private sector jobs. http://worksupport.com/Topics/workplace.asp

The view from within and without: Conducting research on deaf Asian Americans

As a researcher who is Asian and hearing and employed in a professional capacity working with deaf children and adults for over 10 years, the author reflects on his personal perspectives on the process of researching and writing about Deaf Asian Americans. He noted that much of what is known about deaf people, in general, is derived from research conducted mainly with white deaf persons. Thus, when conducting research on Asian deaf persons, he cautions researchers to be cognizant of possible influences that western white culture might have upon the findings and interpretations. http://www.uark.edu/depts/rehabres/mcapi.html

NTAC-AAPI maintains an email list of persons in the disability-related fields that will remain private. This information has been sent as a courtesy. If you would like to make news contributions to the next issue (deadline – February 15^th) or if you wish to stop receiving these messages, please contact the NTAC staff at: ntac@cds.hawaii.edu