NTAC e.News — December 1, 2007

Asian/Pacific Islander Words of Wisdom

“Life may be more akin to a series of meets than a single marathon.”
Explanation: You can lose a race here or there, as long as you win in one contest, in one area. All the struggles you endured will become a prized investment in your own person.
Source: http://www.ikedaquotes.org/contents/quotes/life.html

Announcements: NTAC

NEW! NTAC-AAPI Leaders Receive NEC Foundation of America Grant

Dr. Jong Bae Kim (NTAC-AAPI network member and a researcher at the University of Pittsburgh) and Dr. Weol Soon Kim-Rupnow (NTAC-AAPI Project Director) received a one-year grant of $53,000 from the NEC Foundation of America. The grant is for a pilot study to determine the applicability and effectiveness of the Remote Accessibility Assessment System (RAAS) of the built environment for individuals with mobility disabilities in the Pacific Islands. The study will recruit three users of a wheeled mobility device (such as a wheelchair) in Hawai‘i and use the RASS to assess their problems of accessibility in their daily work activities. The RAAS was developed by Dr. Kim and researchers at the University of Pittsburgh. The Center on Disability Studies at the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa will provide administrative leadership in managing and disseminating the results of this study.

Earn 10 CEUs Online

The eighth offering of the “Introduction to Disability/Rehabilitation with Asian/Pacific Islander Americans” online course is tentatively set to begin on January 14, 2008. For a nominal tuition payment of $20, you can earn ten Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to apply to your CRC. Each offering of this month-long course has been facilitated by NTAC-AAPI, with Paul Leung, Professor and Director of the Department of Rehabilitation, Social Work, and Addictions 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 serving as professors. For more information, or to preview the required readings before the next course begins, please go to the following Web site: http://www.ntac.hawaii.edu/AAPIcourse/. To be placed on the mailing list for that course, please send an email to James D. Brightman, NTAC-AAPI Vocational Rehabilitation Coordinator, at jamesdb@hawaii.edu.

Announcements: National and International

Proof of Disability and Certification of Job Readiness Under Schedule A Hiring Authority

Schedule A is a specialized hiring authority that allows Federal hiring officials to appoint qualified people with disabilities non-competitively. Prior to appointment, the candidate must furnish the hiring agency with a Schedule A certification letter, which can be issued by their local vocational rehabilitation agency and other entities such as a licensed physician or a provider of disability benefits. http://www.yourtickettowork.com/selftraining/NewsFlash_1206.pdf

2006 Disability Status Report

The Annual Disability Status Reports provide policy makers, disability advocates, reporters, and the public with a summary of the most recent demographic and economic statistics on the non-institutionalized population with disabilities. Download the report in PDF Format.

EARN Recruiting Jobseekers with Disabilities for Careers with EEOC

The Employer Assistance & Recruiting Network (EARN) is a free service that connects employers looking for quality employees with skilled job candidates. EARN is currently recruiting individuals with disabilities to fill jobs with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in several cities nationwide. http://www.earnworks.com/docs/JobPostingAlert_EEOCnational.doc

World AIDS Day 2007

December 1 is World AIDS Day, which reminds us of the impact of HIV/AIDS on the world’s health. In 2007, approximately 33.2 million people worldwide were living with HIV, and more than 2 million people died from AIDS. In the U.S., an estimated 1 million persons are living with HIV; of these, approximately 25 percent are unaware of their HIV infection and at risk for infecting others. http://cdc.gov/Features/WorldAIDSDay/

The National Youth Leadership Network and new leaders!

The National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN) is looking for new leaders! And they want you to apply to serve on our Governing Board! NYLN is a non-profit organization run by young people with disabilities. They empower all young people to reach their maximum potential.

The Governing Board Application can be found at www.nyln.org. Send completed applications to: National Youth Leadership Network, Attn: Betsy Valnes, 221 S. Central Ave, Pierre, SD 57501. For more information, call 1-866-480-6565 or e-mail bvalnes@tie.net

Recent Products

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

Institutes / Conferences

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

Job Coaching Web Course

On December 4-17, 2007 TRN, Inc. is offering its popular 2-week, 20-hour web training covering key principles and hands-on tools for effective job design, instructional and behavioral support strategies, and the development of natural and co-worker supports for workers with disabilities. Registration is $149 US. participants can log on at any time during the course period and participate in the training.

The course is taught by Tammara Geary. Tammara served as Executive Director of APSE: The Network on Employment for 10 years. She has trained and consulted extensively on supported employment, and as a job coach, received an award for Excellence in Direct Service. She is a lead associate for Griffin-Hammis Associates. To learn more about the training and to register, go to: http://www.trninc.com/entry/welcome2.asp

Philadelphia Roundtable on Supporting American’s Veterans

You are cordially invited to attend a Roundtable Discussion entitled “Supporting America’s Veterans” on December 10, 2007, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the Philadelphia Regional Office. Please RSVP by December 3, 2007. E-mail your reply to Gina.Klaus@va.gov or Diane.Covias@va.gov OR leave a voicemail with the Philadelphia VA Regional Office’s VR&E Division at (215) 842-2000 Ext. 4496.

International Forum on Disability and Development: Caring, Participation, and Action

December 10-15 2007: Beijing, China
This year’s International Forum on Disability and Development, jointly sponsored by the China Disabled Persons’ Federation, Peking University, University of Southern California, and Griffith University, will take place in Beijing, December 10-15 2007. Representatives from the United Nations, World Bank, World Health Organization, the National Development and Reform Commission of China, the Ministries of Civil Affairs, Finance, Health, and Labor and Social Security, and both domestic and foreign well-known scholars are invited to attend the forum. View the announcement | Download the registration form

Promoting Partnerships & Employment for People with Disabilities in State Government

Is the public sector doing what it can to attract and recruit individuals with disabilities into state employment? This Web cast will share information regarding how the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities has targeted its grant process to explore an innovative idea of enhancing employment opportunities into state employment.

In addition you will learn how to access this program as well as learn how the Virginia Department of Human Resource Management is building resources for the state agencies to assist them in implementing the Governor’s Executive Directive on recruiting and hiring more people with disabilities. Learn More and Register Online for this Free Webcast.

International Forum 2008: Securing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

April 12 & 13, 2008: Sheraton Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii
Select speakers including experts with regional and UN experience, advocates and community leaders will present and participate in panels and lead discussions around the posed questions. The forum will also provide a space for dialogue and informal conversations. We invite you to host a dialogue session and to share your insights and expertise. Those interested in speaking and or participating at the Forum, please contact Robert A. Stodden at stodden@hawaii.edu

24th Annual Pacific Rim Conference on Disabilities

April 14 & 15, 2008: Honolulu, Hawai‘i
Even though it is not until next year, now is the time to start planning to attend PacRim. The 24th Annual Pacific Rim Conference on Disabilities will be held April 14 & 15, 2008 at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel and Resort in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. For more information about Pac Rim, please see http://www.pacrim.hawaii.edu/.

2008 National ADA Symposium and EXPO

On May 12-14, 2008 at America’s Center in St. Louis, Missouri the National ADA Symposium and EXPO will be held. It is a comprehensive three-day conference on the Americans with Disabilities Act and related disability laws sponsored by the National Network of Disability and Busines Technical Assistance Centers. Visit http://www.adasymposium.org to find out why the National ADA Symposium has become the conference to attend on the ADA.

Celebrate the Spirit of New Orleans at Workforce Innovations 2008

Workforce Innovations 2008, the premier, annual conference for workforce, business, economic development, and education leaders, heads to New Orleans, LA on July 15-17, 2008. Join 3000+ colleagues for thought-provoking pre-conference activities and community service opportunities, inspiring plenary sessions, Learning Labs, the latest ETA updates, and great networking.

Mark your calendar now for July 15-17, 2008 and experience the spirit of New Orleans at Workforce Innovations 2008. Registration and special rate hotel information will be available soon at www.WorkforceInnovations.org.

CIRRIE Conference

The Center for International Rehabilitation Research Information and Exchange (http://cirrie.buffalo.edu) is pleased to announce that an international conference on Toward Culturally Responsive Disability Services will be held October 6 and 7, 2008, in Niagara Falls, New York. Complete information and the Call for Papers are at http://cirrie.buffalo.edu/conference2008/index.html

Research / Publications

Employer Perspectives on Workers with Disabilities

This is a report on the needs and challenges of American businesses in employing people with disabilities. http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/index.html#ise_report

Employer Perspectives on Workers with Disabilities: A National Summit to Develop a Research Agenda

The Interagency Subcommittee on Employment of the Interagency Committee on Disability Research (ICDR) provided an opportunity for researchers and business leaders, as well as service providers, policy-makers and advocates, to come together at the Employer Perspectives on Workers with Disabilities: A National Summit to Develop a Research Agenda. These groups met in September 2006 to set a national research agenda focused on the needs of American businesses in employing people with disabilities. http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/ise-report--employer-perspectives.pdf

Interviewing Essentials: Strategies for Creating a Positive Impression

The impression you make during the interview is usually the deciding factor as to whether or not you will receive a job offer. As a result, many people—especially those new to the workforce—are nervous going into a job interview. Being prepared is the key to alleviating this stress and gaining a competitive edge. http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/interviewing111507.htm

The ABC’s of Schedule A

The United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently published three helpful brochures that describe the Schedule A hiring process. Schedule A is special appointing or hiring authority that can be used to facilitate hiring individuals with disabilities into federal jobs.

Federal agencies fill jobs two ways, competitively and noncompetitively. Persons with disabilities may apply for jobs filled either way. Jobs filled competitively are advertised through vacancy announcements. Jobs that are filled noncompetitively do not have to be advertised. Instead, a selecting official can select a person with a disability who has a Schedule A certification and is qualified for the job.

The three EEOC publications listed below are available in electronic (PDF and Word) form and in hard copy as well. To order one or more of these Schedule A quick reference guides send an e-mail to: LEAD.Initiative@eeoc.gov.

New RRTC Fact Sheet on PAS Vol 3—Providing Effective Workplace Personal Assistance Services

Workplace Personal Assistance Services (WPAS) is a valuable tool that assists employees with significant disabilities to find and maintain employment. It is fast becoming the most effective method for employees with disabilities to achieve the needed level of production to become effective and efficient in the workplace.

WPAS offers the opportunity for the workplace personal assistant to be exposed to different disabilities and all types of work environments. This really makes WPAS a win-win situation for both the employee and the Workplace Personal Assistant (WPA). It also enables the employer to add diversity to their workforce since the employee with the disability and their WPA may come from different cultural and ethic backgrounds. Read the PAS Fact sheet.