NTAC e.News — June 15, 2006

Hawaiian Words of Wisdom

Komo mai kau mapuna hoe.
“Dip your paddle in.”

Explanation: Join in the effort.

Announcements: Local

NEW! Tools for Life Exhibit

James Brightman and David Baker exhibited NTAC information and disseminated products at the Tools for Life Expo 2006 at the Hawaii Convention Center on June 8th and 9th. The expo was held in conjunction with the 2006 Disability Access Conference and the 2006 HMSA’s Caring for the Family, Caring for Yourself: A Caregiver’s Conference. The expo featured over 100 exhibits offering a wide selection of assistive technology, products and services involving the lives of people with disabilities and seniors. For more information about the conference, please visit www.ToolsForLifeHawaii.com.

NEW! Online Course being Offered Again

Professionals from around the world have been taking NTAC’s ‘Introduction to Disability/Rehabilitation with Asian/Pacific Islander Americans’ online course and earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to maintain their certifications. We are preparing to offer the course again, for the fourth time. The professors are slated to again be 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. Please see: http://www.ntac.hawaii.edu/AAPIcourse/ for more information and then send an email to James.Brightman@cds.hawaii.edu to get on the mailing list and reserve your spot.

Focus Group Meetings at APSE

Are you attending the national APSE (Association for Persons in Supported Employment) conference “Employment for All: Start a Revolution” at the Marriott Copley Place in Boston, Massachusetts from June 28-30, 2006? NTAC members and potential partners who will be in Boston are invited to attend two focus group meetings on June 30th and July 1st to be hosted by Dr. Kim-Rupnow at the National Technical Assistance Center (NTAC) for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with disabilities as post-conference events to the APSE conference. The topics to be discussed include best practices and policy recommendations to increase employment opportunities for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with disabilities. If you are interested in participation, please RSVP for more information by June 25th to Dr. Soon Kim-Rupnow at kimrupno@hawaii.edu.

Announcements: National and International

American Red Cross Wants Input on Disability & Emergency Preparedness

This is your opportunity to offer feedback and input before educational materials are finalized. Through a series of small focus groups, the American Red Cross is gathering the thoughts and opinions of people with disabilities to learn more about how emergency preparedness information may best address specific experiences and concerns.

Please contact Deb Allen at ORC Macro at 1-877-539-9696 (Toll Free) or Debbie.L.Allen@orcmacro.com, no later than Wednesday, June 21, 2006 to express your interest in the focus groups.

Positions Available

Project Manager for Katrina Aid to Individuals with Disabilities, National Disability Rights Network, Washington, D.C.

Responsible for: The daily operations of Katrina Aid for Individuals with Disabilities (KAID) which is specifically to deal with Katrina hurricane relief efforts. The Katrina Aid to Individuals with Disabilities Project Manager is a position created specifically around relief efforts for people with disabilities who were displaced due to hurricane Katrina. The funding for the position is anticipated to not exceed two years.

This position will be responsible for managing all aspects of the sub-grants from National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) and further developing and overseeing comprehensive outreach and service efforts for displaced victims with disabilities nationwide. The Project Manager will be responsible for coordinating program planning and reporting, and developing organizational priorities around this operation. The Project Manager will build, direct and manage the entire relief project. This includes training and overseeing activities of all the sub grantees located in different states throughout the country; reviewing their reports and approving grant payments; completing all reporting requirements; being the liaison with the funding sources; ensuring accuracy of data entry of case information; project budgetary control; creating the case reimbursement system; presenting project information to NDRN management and participating in Consortium activities as required. The Project Manager will coordinate efforts to solicit input from the broader disability community into the long-range needs of individuals with disabilities for future disaster preparedness, as well as represent NDRN in conjunction with the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director for Training and Technical Assistance in Consortium activities as necessary.

Resumes may be mailed to 900 second Street, NE, Suite 211, Washington, DC, 20002 or faxed (attn: Nachama Wilker) to 202-408-9520.

Recent Products

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

Resources

DOL Announces Funding for “Stand Down” Events to Support Homeless Veterans

DOL’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) continues to support local “Stand Down” events that assist homeless veterans. VETS is now accepting applications for Stand Down grant awards. A Stand Down is an event held in a local community where homeless veterans are provided a wide variety of social services.

VETS anticipates that up to $325,000 will be available for FY 2006 grant awards up to a maximum of $8,000 per event. However, if the event is held for one (1) day, the maximum amount is $5,000. VETS expects to award approximately forty (40) grants. Applications for Stand Down funds will be accepted from State Workforce Agencies and State and local Workforce Investment Boards, Veterans Service Organizations (VSO), local public agencies, and non-profit organizations, including community and faith-based organizations.

Deadline: All Stand Down grant requests must be received by the appropriate State Director for Veterans’ Employment and Training (DVET) who serves as the Grant Officer Technical Representative (GOTR) no later than 60 days prior to the event and by no later than June 30, 2006, for events that occur on or prior to November 30, 2006.

Applications for Stand Down grant funding are to be submitted to the appropriate state DVET/GOTR. Access the VETS Staff Directory.

DOL Announces High Growth Grant for Advanced Manufacturing

The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), announces the availability of approximately $10 million in grant funds for new and innovative approaches to meeting the workforce challenges of the advanced manufacturing industry under the President’s High Growth Job Training Initiative. ETA defines “advanced manufacturing” as the use of technology or other productivity-enhancing business processes in the manufacturing enterprise and/or value-added supply chain. These advanced manufacturing technologies and processes may be used in a variety of industry sectors.

Deadline: July 26, 2006. Read the full grant announcement (PDF).

Legal Services Corporation Proposes New Regulatory Changes

This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposes to amend the Legal Services Corporation’s regulation on prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of disability. These proposed changes are intended to improve the utility of the regulation for LSC, its grantees and other interested persons, by updating the terminology used throughout the regulation, by adding a reference to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and by adding language to the enforcement provision setting forth LSC policy regarding investigation of complaints of violation of this regulation.

Dates: Comments on this NPRM are due on June 26, 2006. Addresses: Written comments may be submitted by mail, fax or e-mail to Mattie Cohan Condray, Senior Assistant General Counsel, Office of Legal Affairs, Legal Services Corporation, 3333 K Street, NW., Washington, DC 20007; 202-295-1624 (ph); 202-337-6519 (fax); mcondray@lsc.gov.

For further information contact: Mattie Cohan Condray, Senior Assistant General Counsel, 202-295-1624 (ph); mcondray@lsc.gov.

Institutes / Conferences

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

4th Annual Deaf Asia Festival in Los Angeles, CA

June 17, 2006: Los Angeles, CA
Celebrate “Asian Deaf Cultural Awareness”
Free Admission! Free Gifts!
When: Saturday, June 17, 2006
Where: Japanese American Cultural and Community Center JACCC Plaza, 244 South San Pedro Street (between 2nd and 3rd Streets)
Los Angeles, CA 90012 (Little Tokyo)
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Web site: http://www.deafasia.org/

Thriving in Challenging Times: The Future of Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology

Organization: RESNA—Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Society of North America
Where: Atlanta, GA
Date: June 22-26, 2006
http://www.resna.org/Conference/Conference/index.php

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.

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.

Aspire, Achieve, Empower: First Conference on Mentoring for Youth with Disabilities

September 13-15, 2006: Boston, MA
Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD) is planning Aspire, Achieve, Empower: The First Conference on Mentoring for Youth with Disabilities to be held from September 13-15, 2006 in Boston, MA. Partnering with state and national organizations, PYD will host a national conference which will focus on sharing best practices in the field of mentoring youth with disabilities. Learn more about Aspire, Achieve, Empower.

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

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

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

Assistive Technology Literature Database

Designed to provide a comprehensive, searchable bibliography summarizing research on cognitive technologies, this database can be utilized by persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The database is structured to allow visitors to identify research articles relevant to their specific needs. http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/1598.

Caregiver Assessment: Principles, Guidelines and Strategies for Change, Volume I

Volume I reflects the professional consensus achieved among experts and stakeholders on fundamental principles and practice guidelines that apply to a range of practitioners in a variety of settings. The strategies focus on stimulating caregiver assessment as a basic component of practice. http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/1606

Caregiver Assessment: Voices and Views from the Field, Volume II

Volume II provides four background papers and two personal accounts. Chronic illness and disability, as these accounts reveal, affects not only the lives of the individual, but also of family members who provide the care and support. http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/1607