NTAC e.News — September 1, 2007

Asian/Pacific Islander Words of Wisdom

“Only the wisest and the stupidest of men never change”
—Confucius
Source: http://www.tuvy.com/entertainment/coolquotes/wisdom/wisdom_1.htm

Announcements: Local

NEW! Date Change for Pacific Rim Conference

The 24th Annual Pacific Rim Conference on Disabilities has been rescheduled. The new dates for the 2008 PacRim Conference are April 14th and 15th at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel and Resort in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. For more information about PacRim, please see http://www.pacrim.hawaii.edu/.

NEW! Online Course—Seventh Offering Full, Additional Offerings Planned

The seventh online course facilitated by the National Technical Assistance Center for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (NTAC-AAPI) with Disabilities will begin September 4, 2007. The course, “Introduction to Disability/Rehabilitation with Asian/Pacific Islander Americans” costs $20 tuition and earns 10 Continuing Education Units that may be applied to your CRC.

The seventh offering will be taught by 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.

Although the seventh offering is full, additional offerings are planned. 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/. For more information, please contact James D. Brightman, NTAC-AAPI Vocational Rehabilitation Coordinator/Teaching Assistant at jamesdb@hawaii.edu. Thank you, and see you online.

NEW! Aloha Dr. Suyemoto!

Karen L. Suyemoto, Associate Professor of Psychology and Asian American Studies at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, is coming to University of Hawai‘i. As a Visiting Scholar at the Center on Disability Studies, with joint affiliation in Ethnic Studies, she will be with the University from September 2007 until June 2008. Her interests in teaching, research, and consultation focus on cultural and anti-racist sensitivity in psychological practice and education. Her specific current projects focus on (a) racial and ethnic identities and social activism, and (b) the psychological impacts of Asian American Studies and anti-racist educational experiences for Asian American urban college and high school students.

In preparation for her visit, Dr. Suyemoto writes that she looks forward to expanding her understanding of disability studies through connection with the NTAC within the CDS. Furthermore, she believes there are many issues that are similarly related to cultural and racial sensitivity in providing service to individuals with disabilities and mental health needs. Dr. Suyemoto will collaborate and contribute in several ways, including lectures and presentations, consultations on research and clinical projects, and planning of curriculum and programs. If you would like more information about Dr. Suyemoto, please contact Dr. Kim-Rupnow at kimrupno@hawaii.edu.

Announcements: National and International

Improvements to the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program—Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

The Ticket to Work program provides beneficiaries with disabilities expanded options for access to employment, vocational rehabilitation, and other support services. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is proposing revisions to its current Ticket to Work program rules to simplify and improve the definition of using a ticket and requirements for measuring timely progress toward self-supporting employment. Deadline for comments is October 12, 2007. http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/E7-15715.htm

Recent Products

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

Best Practices Guide in Mentoring Youth with Disabilities

A guide on best practices and programs for mentoring young people with disabilities, as well as information on how mentoring programs can benefit youth with disabilities. http://pyd.org/national-center/GuideBookAssembly_medium150.pdf

A Training Curriculum on IDEA 2004

The IDEA 2004 Training Curriculum Provides information and training materials on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments of 2004 and its final Part B regulations. http://www.nichcy.org/training/contents.asp#Themeuestia.com/

Resources

Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities!

The Marriott Foundation was established in 1989 by the family of J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott with a mission to enhance employment opportunity for young people with disabilities. To help close this gap, the Foundation developed “Bridges. . .from school to work.” This acclaimed program matches the interests and abilities of young people with the workforce needs of employers, creating and supporting strong employment relationships that work to the benefit of all.

HCBS Direct Service Workforce Theme Page

This new resource provides information for individuals and grantees interested in topics related to Direct Service Workforce Grants. http://www.hcbs.org/theme.php/2/Direct%20Service%20Workforce

Ross Technologies, Inc. (RTGX) Is Recruiting

Ross Technologies, Inc. (RTGX) is a diverse, minority owned company in the technology field and they are looking to broaden their recruitment candidate pool by touching base and hopefully establishing a partnership with your organization. Viable candidates must have or be able to successfully obtain a Top-Secret w/polygraph national security clearance. College graduates /students are encouraged to participate. If you are interested in this type of partnership or have general questions, please contact Marilyn Smith at (410) 290-0092 x1147 or email: msmith@RTGX.com.

Institutes / Conferences

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

Collaboration Between Faith-Based and Community Organizations and Corrections

September 12, 2007, 12 noon - 3 PM Eastern Time. Register online by September 10, 2007 at: http://www.nicic.org/Training/SIB091207

Collaboration between faith-based organizations, community organizations, and corrections has proven to be a cost-effective way to meet agency needs and bring much needed services to offenders. On September 12, 2007, NIC’s diverse panel of experts will examine the myths, realities, boundaries, and benefits of this collaboration. This live 3-hour satellite/Internet broadcast will provide information to help correctional leaders achieve new and more successful re-entry initiatives by creating service partnerships between faith-based and community organizations and corrections

For more information, visit the NIC web site or contact Ed Wolahan at toll-free telephone @ 800-995-6429, ext. 4419 or 303-365-4419, or via e-mail at ewolahan@bop.gov.Call in questions using the toll-free telephone number shown during the broadcast.

DOL Opportunity Conference Exhibitor Information

September 18, 2007: Washington, D.C.
Do you provide products and/or services that can help strengthen small businesses and community organizations for the Asian Pacific, Hispanic and African American communities? If so, you are invited to come meet hundreds of people involved in the growth and development of these communities at the 2007 Department of Labor Opportunity Conference at the Grand Hyatt Washington on September 18th.

Get involved by either becoming a partner and/or exhibitor at the Opportunity Conference. For more information, please visit http://www.opportunityconference.gov/public/index.cfm and fill out the appropriate forms. For additional information, contact Laura Tramuto at 202-492-7664.

Complimentary RRTC Webcast: Job Coaching—What is it and How does it Effect Businesses and State Agencies?

What is Job Coaching and Why do I need it? This webcast will overview the concept of job coaching and how it has assisted many people with disabilities to be successful in the workplace as well as discuss the importance to businesses and state agencies employment outreach. It will be held on September 20, 2007, from: 2:00 - 2:45 pm ET. Learn more and register online for this free webcast

US Business Leadership Network 2007 Annual Conference: Building the New Workforce—Inclusion & Innovation

The US Business Leadership Network’s (BLN) 10th Annual Conference and 2nd Annual National Career Fair will take place September 23-26, 2007. The conference is a national event for business, community leaders and BLN chapters that have an interest in hiring, retention and marketing to people with disabilities. Click here to visit their website.

White House Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Conference on Youth and Education in the Hispanic Community

On Monday, September 24, 2007 from 8:00am - 5:00pm at the Washington DC Hilton, the White House will host a conference to help social service organizations learn more about President Bush’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative. The conference is free, but pre-registration is required. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please register by Wednesday, September 18th. It is strongly recommended that you register online. If you are unable to, print this registration form. Complete the form and fax it to 703-299-4589. If you are not able to view the form, please call 202-456-6708 to have a form faxed to you.

First Annual International NATTAP Conference

September 26-28, 2007: Columbus, OH
The Network of Autism Training and Technical Assistance Programs (NATTAP) and the Autism Society of America (ASA) present the First Annual International NATTAP Conference. The objectives of the conference are to review current models of systems, best practice in research and intervention use, and methods of capacity building all of which contribute to the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for ASD individuals ages 3-21. A forum will be provided in which ideas will be exchanged that will set a new foundation in autism spectrum disorders. Click here for more information.

SW Conference on Disability Announcement

October 3-5, 2007: Albuquerque, NM
Don’t miss out on this years conference! Over 60 sessions on a variety of topics with special emphasis panels on Autism, Assistive Technology and Brian Injury. To register, use the attached registration form or visit our Web site for more details and registration options. http://cdd.unm.edu/swconf/index.htm

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

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.

Research / Publications

Resource Guide for Serving Refugees with Disabilities

The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), Assisting Refugees with Disabilities Program has produced a “Resource Guide for Serving Refugees with Disabilities” that is now available for download at http://www.refugees.org/DisabilityGuide. The guide, written for refugee case managers and those serving refugees with disabilities, includes 139 pages of information about resources for serving adults and children with disabilities, housing for refugees with disabilities, assistive technology, medical resources, citizenship and disability, benefits for refugees with disabilities and more. Please send this information throughout your network.

Delaware—Supported Employment for Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

CMS promising practice report. Delaware has helped adults with autism ASDs work alongside people without disabilities, using both supported and competitive employment. The State emphasizes early transition planning for youth exiting the school system. It also provides additional hours of support for Medicaid waiver participants with challenging behaviors. http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PromisingPractices/Downloads/DelawarePromisingPractices6-11.pdf