NTAC e.News — July 1, 2006

Hawaiian Words of Wisdom

Ho‘okahi ka ‘ilau like ana
“Wield the paddles together”

Meaning: Work together.

Announcements: Local

New! Free Continuing Education

The fourth ‘Introduction to Disability/Rehabilitation with Asian/Pacific Islander Americans’ online course is gearing up. NTAC-AAPI will again facilitate this free course, conducted by Paul Leung, Professor and Director of the Rehabilitation, Social Work and Addictions department at the University of North Texas and Nan Zhang Hampton, Associate Professor of the Department of Administration, Rehabilitation, and Postsecondary Education at San Diego State University. The course is a wonderful opportunity to further your cultural competency, enhance your counseling abilities, and earn ten Continuing Education Units (CEUs) from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) in the process. The fourth offering will begin in August of this year. For more information, please see http://www.ntac.hawaii.edu/AAPIcourse/ and then reserve your space by sending an email to James.Brightman@cds.hawaii.edu.

Call for Success Stories!

The National Technical Assistance Center for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with disabilities (NTAC-AAPI) likes to publish the stories of successful AAPI with disabilities. These Success Stories are accounts by or about inspirational AAPI with disabilities, who have overcome obstacles and achieved their career goals despite incredibly challenging circumstances. In publishing their stories, NTAC-AAPI seeks to motivate others in similar situations. For examples of Success Stories previously published, please go to http://www.ntac.hawaii.edu/products/products.htm and view all editions of Volume 5.

We believe such stories are valuable and want others to use them as a resource. It doesn’t matter who you are, a rehab consumer, service provider, or employer—please share your success story with us in approximately 1500 words and send it to james.brightman@cds.hawaii.edu; phone number: (808) 956-3648. If we choose to publish your story, you will receive a $400 honorarium. Please visit http://www.ntac.hawaii.edu/employ_success_stories/success.htm for suggested outlines.

Announcements: National and International

2006 National Disability Employment Awareness Month Poster

The 2006 poster for National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) is now available to the public. This poster can be used to focus attention on employment opportunities for workers with disabilities. It can also be distributed at programs celebrating the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July and NDEAM in October. Download a copy of the poster.

Recent Products

For a complete list of NTAC products, please visit the Products section of our Web site.

Resources

Faith and Community Technical Support

The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW), via the Rural Domestic Violence and Child Victimization Enforcement Grants, has recently launched a new pilot program specifically targeting the unique needs of rural communities. The Faith and Community Technical Support (FACTS) program announces the availability of approximately $2.2 million to fund a number of faith-based and community organizations (from September 2006 through August 2007) with the ability to serve rural victims of domestic violence.

Victims of domestic violence residing in rural communities face unique challenges that are often times exacerbated by the geographic isolation that comes with living in rural areas. For example, the delivery of social services in remote communities may be late or even absent. This project is designed to build much needed capacity so that appropriate and timely social service delivery is possible even in remote places. Applicants must document the capabilities of extending services to victims of domestic violence beyond the initial OVW funding. Applicants must have a staff of less than 10 full-time employees and an annual domestic violence program budget of less than $100,000 (and an overall budget less than $350,000). Sub-award applications meeting the minimum eligibility requirements will be accepted from all organizations and all states, rural or non-rural. Check them out at www.factsdv.org for more information.

Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Announces New Web Page on Cultural Competence

HRSA’s Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities developed a new Web page with input from the HRSA Cultural Competence Committee. The page is designed to be a one-stop shop for health care providers wishing to learn about HRSA’s progress in improving culturally competent health care. This user-friendly site highlights approximately 40 HRSA-supported projects on the critical subject of cross-cultural health care. It profiles the diverse approaches taken by HRSA-funded activities and programs in areas such as assessment, culture and language, specific diseases, health professions, research, special populations, technical assistance, training, and Web-based learning. Visit http://www.hrsa.gov/culturalcompetence to find out more.

Institutes / Conferences

For a complete list of conferences, please visit the Conferences section of our Web site.

Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS)

June 29th to July 1st 2006: Honolulu, HI
The Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) will hold its 11th National Conference in Hawai‘i to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Filipino immigration to Hawai‘i. The theme, “Sakadas and Beyond: Connecting Our Past to Inspire the Future.” Call for Papers, Panels & Presentations (Deadline: February 1, 2006). For Conference Proposal Form and guidelines, go to: www.fanhs-national.org or contact (206) 322-0203 or (808) 956-9295.

Native American Training and Information Network

The NATIN 2006 NNAFT Parent Center is sponsoring the 5th Annual Native American Training and Information Network. NATIN is scheduled for July 10-11, 2006 at the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington, VA.

NATIN has been established to bring people together from different tribes and agencies to address issues that affect our children with disabilities in our Sovereign Nations. NATIN conducts an annual meeting to: Share information across tribes and agencies, Provide opportunities for agencies to collaborate, and to Address disability issues with a united voice.

For More Information: NNAFT Parent Center 121 Sweet Ave., Ste. 123 Moscow, ID. 83843, Email: naft@moscow.com, Register online at www.nativefamilynetwork.com.

Universal Design and Visitability Conference

The response to the upcoming Universal Design and Visitability: From Accessibility to Zoning Conference on July 13th and 14th, 2006 has been fabulous. At this time they only have a handful of spots left in the on-site version of the conference. However they are simultaneously offering the conference in an on-line format.

The on-line version of the conference will work very similarly to the on-site version. You will login to the conference site and select the session you would like to listen to. Participants will be able to view and hear the conference as it happens. Participants can type in questions that will be answered by the speakers. You can easily move from session to session. Best of all the sessions will be archived, so if you miss a session you can come back and listen to it later.

The early registration deadline is July 1st. The conference fee is $100 for professionals and $40 for students. For more information, to view the conference program, or to register, please visit the conference website at http://knowlton.osu.edu/ped/universaldesign.htm. Questions can be directed to ped@knowlton.osu.edu.

29th Annual AHEAD Conference and Exhibit Hall

July 17-22, 2006: San Diego, California, USA
The AHEAD 2006 Conference celebrates the 20 year anniversary since our last adventure together in San Diego! Transition and change mark the theme of our Conference; our program reflects the many lenses we use to bridge the transition gap. AHEAD is the premiere professional association committed to full participation of persons with disabilities in postsecondary education. Learn more about the AHEAD 2006 Conference.

July 18, 2006 ADA Update: 16 Years Later

Join ADA as they mark their 16th Anniversary and celebrate the on-going efforts of the federal agencies to enforce the rights of individuals with disabilities. Both the EEOC and DOJ are actively engaged in enforcing the ADA through their efforts to educate as well as through settlement agreements and litigation. Join our Speakers as they provide an update regarding federal initiatives including technical assistance efforts and targeted enforcement activities (e.g. Project Civic Access, etc.)

Speakers: John Wodatch, Chief-Disability Rights Section, U.S. Department of Justice and Sharon Rennert, Attorney Advisor, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

CEU Credits: CRC; Time: 2:00-3:30PM EDT; More information can be found here: http://www.ada-ohio.org/informat.htm.

Assistive Technology Applications Certificate Program (ATACP) Summer Program

The ATACP Summer Program will take place at Georgia Tech University in Atlanta from July 27-30, 2006. This certificate program offers a wide range of practical assistive technology (AT) applications and information. Learn more about this summer program.

US Department of Labor 2006 National Equal Opportunity Conference

August 1-4, 2006: Marriott Crystal Gateway, Arlington, Virginia
Contact information: Vicky Best-Morris, best-morris.vicky@dol.gov, Conference Coordinator at 202-693-6512
This conference is intended as a means by which a recipient’s equal opportunity professionals can maintain and enhance their knowledge, skill, and abilities in order to effectively carry out this responsibilities. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Civil Rights Center in collaboration with the National Association of State Workforce Agencies Equal Opportunity Committee, this annual conference will showcase expert insight into the challenges faced as we recommit ourselves to the precepts of equal opportunity. Learn more about the 2006 National Equal Opportunity Conference

Kennedy Center Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD) Conference

August 3-6, 2006: Washington D.C.
The Kennedy Center Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD) Conference and Training is accepting proposals for pre-conference workshop intensives at the 2006 conference to be held August 3-6 in Washington D.C. Pre-conference sessions will be held on Thursday, August 3. Proposals must be submitted to the Kennedy Center Accessibility Program by January 30, 2006. Four to six proposals will be selected by committee, and notification of acceptance will be sent by February 10, 2006. To submit a proposal, please fill out the attached proposal and send it via email to access@kennedy-center.org. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your ideas for a proposal before submitting, call (202) 416-8727(voice) or (202) 416-8728 (TTY).

DigiGirlz High Tech Camp 2006

Microsoft will be hosting the 6th annual DigiGirlz High Tech Camp: August 14-18, 2006. Their mission is to introduce High School girls to the many career fields offered within the High Tech industry. This is an exciting five-day experience offered to high school girls. During the camp, DigiGirlz have the opportunity to participate in a number of different opportunities including Xbox game testing, Microsoft Studio broadcasting and Product development and marketing.

You must submit a recommendation from your teacher, employer or career counselor and at least a 300 word essay on your interest in becoming a DigiGirl in order to participate. Space is limited so apply early! Learn more about Microsoft’s DigiGirlz camp.

First Ever Conference on Mentoring Youth with Disabilities

Aspire, Achieve, Empower: First National Conference on Mentoring for Youth with Disabilities is quickly approaching. Don’t miss out on attending! For more information and to register, go to: http://www.regonline.com/pyd.

This is an exciting opportunity to learn about best practices, sustainability, inclusion and much more! The conference will be hosted in Boston on September 13-15, 2006 with the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy as the lead sponsor.

Brain Injury: New Science, Best Practices, and Future Innovations

September 22-24, 2006: Jacksonville, FL
Organization: North American Brain Injury Society (NABIS); http://www.nabis.org/public/nabisconf.shtml; Email: conference@nabis.org

Make plans now to attend the Youth with Disabilities Roundtable!

September 30 & October 1, 2006: Sacramento, CA (immediately prior to NCAI’s Annual Conference)
The National Indian Health Board has partnered with the Indian Health Service and the National Congress of American Indians to hold a roundtable on American Indian/Alaska Native Youth with Disabilities, which is part of the New Freedom Initiative. Through this conference they aim to bring together the four most important groups: the youth, the Tribal governments, the State governments, and the Federal government. Join us on your way to the NCAI 63rd Annual Convention! For more information go to http://www.nihb.org/staticpages/index.php?page=aianyouthdisabilities.

Disability Issues Caucus of National Communication Association

November 6, 2006: San Antonio, TX
Call for Papers and Panel Proposals. Disability Issues Caucus, National Communication. Association Annual Meeting: San Antonio, TX Nov 16-19, 2006 Deadline: February 15, 2006 The Disability Issues Caucus invites research papers and program proposals exploring any aspect of issues related to disability and communication, and it especially. Contact: klebesco@mmm.edu URL: www.natcom.org.

2006 TASH Conference—Living the Vision Together: Today, Tomorrow, & Beyond

Organization: TASH: Equity, Opportunity, and Inclusion for People with Disabilities
Where: Baltimore, MD
Date: November 8-11, 2006
http://www.tash.org/2006tash/index.htm

Research / Publications

Consumer-Directed Home and Community-Based Services

In the past decade consumer-directed services have proliferated in public programs. AARP has developed a two page Fact Sheet that offers an short overview of consumer preferences, program characteristics, the role of fiscal agents, and the ways consumer direction is expanding. http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/1610

Consumer Direction Initiatives of the FY 2001 and 2002 Grantees: Progress and Challenges

This paper discusses the activities of 11 CMS grantees and the program and policy issues they have encountered. The paper’s primary purpose is to provide information that states and stakeholders will find useful when planning or implementing consumer-directed initiatives, whether through solely state-funded programs or the Medicaid program. In particular, the report highlights program and state and federal policy challenges and how Grantees are addressing them. http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/1601

Referral Registry and Workforce Resource Centers Website

Managed by the Home Care Quality Authority (HCQA), a public agency in Washington, this Registry is a customized internet-based system designed to match the needs of publicly funded in-home consumers/employers with pre-qualified individual providers. The day-to-day operations are administered by Referral and Workforce Resource Centers (RWRCs). Local sites offer programs and services including referral searches, a Resource Clearinghouse and outreach materials such as the attached newsletter. http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/1602

Support Brokers Training Manual

This manual is intended to address two identified training needs for consultants/support brokers working with participants in self-directed care: Module One: Facilitating the Paradigm Shift for Consultants and Module Two: The Dynamics of Choice and Decision-Making for Participants. The program identifies training needs by addressing the philosophical framework necessary for successful implementation of a participant-directed service and was designed to be delivered in two half-day sessions. http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/1605