NTAC e.News — September 15, 2007

Asian/Pacific Islander Words of Wisdom

“We shall extend and display respect to all others. Doing this reflects our own appreciation of humanity. We shall carry our pride quietly, neither boasting of ourselves nor speaking badly of others—often a dishonest method of self-praise. Yet, we must be unashamed of our principles and honest in our criticisms.”—Hawaiian Code of Conduct
Source: http://www.geocities.com/~olelo/homepage2.html#proverb

Announcements: Local

NEW! NTAC-AAPI Enters New Phase

The National Technical Assistance Center for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (NTAC-AAPI) with Disabilities is nearing the end of its sixth year, when funding by the U.S. Department of Education will cease. However, the good news is that we remain committed to assisting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with Disabilities, and helping them secure employment. Therefore, we will continue to distribute e-News and to provide online training for Vocational Rehabilitation service providers. The University of Hawai‘i Center on Disability Studies will continue to support the NTAC, but we will need your support and suggestions for securing funding from foundations or other sources. If you need technical assistance or have suggestions for sources of further funding, please contact Dr. Weol Soon Kim-Rupnow, Project Director, at kimrupno@hawaii.edu.

Mahalo and a hui hou—Thank you and Until we meet again.

Announcements: National and International

October marks National Disability Employment Month

Congress designated each October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The Office of Disability Employment Policy within the US Department of Labor has the lead in planning NDEAM activities and materials to increase the public’s awareness of the contributions and skills of American workers with disabilities. This years theme is “Workers with Disabilities: Talent for a Winning Team”. This year’s poster is available on-line for printing (8 1/2" x 11") or a print copy that is either 20" x 30" and/or a 10" x 15" size by request at ndeam@dol.gov. http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/ndeam07.htm

Acting Assistant Secretary Karen M. Czarnecki Answers Questions from the Public

The Labor Department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) frequently receives questions from the public regarding various disability and employment issues. Recently, ODEP compiled a list of typical inquiries, and posed them to the agency’s Acting Assistant Secretary, Karen M. Czarnecki. http://www.dol.gov/odep/media/qa2.htm#more

ODEP’s Customized Employment Strategies and Research Receive National Media Attention

On September 1, the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) published a Questions and Answers article on “What is Customized Employment and and how can employers use it as a strategy to recruit and retain workers of all abilities?” and in the August 2007 edition of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation’s Work and Family Research Network’s Network News, an interview with ODEP staff about Customized Employment was published. Read the SHRM article | Read the Sloan interview

U.S. Labor Department awards nearly $1.9 million grant to establish National Technical Assistance Center on Transition and Employment for Youth with Disabilities

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has awarded a 24-month cooperative agreement for $1,850,000 to the Institute for Educational Leadership’s Center for Workforce Development in Washington, D.C., to establish a National Technical Assistance Center on Transition and Employment for Youth with Disabilities. http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/odep/odep20071254.htm

Positions Available

White House Internship Information

This is a great opportunity for deserving young Americans to get a first-hand perspective of government in action. The deadline for the application is September 25, 2007. The program is open to students who are currently enrolled in a University or have just graduated. http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/wh-intern.html

Recent Products

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

Resources

Reasonable Accommodation: Presentation, Articles and FAQ

How do you define reasonable accommodation? The process is about accommodating a qualified person with a disability; it is about problem resolution and is a key nondiscrimination requirement. Alaska MIG grantees put together a presentation to explain that not every employee with a disability is going to need an accommodation but, others are excluded because of unnecessary barriers in the workplace. Two articles are included that generate interest in the training plus a two-page FAQ fact sheet. http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2004

Recruiting and Interviewing: Presentation and Quiz

What are the steps of the hiring process? According to a training presentation from the Alaska MIG program, the four step process includes recruitment, interviewing, selection and retention. The slides cover ways to overcoming perceived barriers and the hiring process. The presentation also included an exercise and quiz. http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2005

Working Disabled Program—Marketing Material

The Arkansas MIG grantees developed a number of resources to spread the word about the ways that people with a disability or severe long-term illness can work. The program designed brochures, posters, newspaper ads, coffee mugs, t-shirts, magnets, and table displays all designed for agency workers, consumers, and advocates. http://www.hcbs.org/moreInfo.php/nb/doc/2006

Institutes / Conferences

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

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. http://www.newworkforceconference.org/

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. http://www.ocali.org/nattap2007

E-Books: The Reading Frontier for Persons with Print Disabilities

Friday, September 28, 2007 from 8:45am-1:30pm at Windward Community College, Hale Akoakoa 101-103; 45-720 Keaahala Rd., Kaneohe, Hawaii, 96744
This seminar will focus on new and exciting innovations for accessing books for persons with print disabilities. This includes persons who are blind or visually impaired, persons with dyslexia, and other individuals prevented from accessing traditional printed materials by reason of a disability.

National Council on Disability to Make Employment Recommendations

The National Council on Disability (NCD) will highlight National Disability Employment Awareness Month by releasing its latest report, Empowerment for Americans with Disabilities: Breaking Barriers to Careers and Full Employment, at a news conference and panel discussion on October 1st from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm. http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/news/2007/a07-541.htm

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 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

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.

Research / Publications

A Basic Overview of Employment Discrimination

This pamphlet, produced by the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission is a general summary of the state’s employment discrimination laws. It is a useful and informative document to help employers understand what are appropriate and inappropriate inquiries as well as general guidelines to follow. http://hawaii.gov/labor/hcrc/pdf/HCRCemploymdiscrim.pdf