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Disability Funders Network E-News

In This Issue

Note: The symbol indicates the article, event or award is disability-specific.

DFN News

DFN Member News

Publications and Resources

DFN News

Reception/Information Session to Be Held at the DC Foundation Center, December 14, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

The Foundation Center of DC has invited DFN and the HSC Foundation to co-sponsor a reception/information session at their library. Washington Grantmakers will also co-sponsor the event, which will feature a presentation on Foundation Center resources for disability grantmakers and grantseekers. Also highlighted will be an accessible computer station donated by Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation. If you will be in the DC area at that time and wish to attend, please contact Sandra Cawley at cawleysw@aol.com.

First DFN Teleconference Educates Funders on the Impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on People with Disabilities in the Gulf States

On October 6, DFN conducted a teleconference that brought together more than two dozen participants to listen and respond to a panel of experts discussing the impact of the hurricanes on people with disabilities in the Gulf States; the public/private response; gaps in the response; and future strategies to ensure a more effective response of emergency preparedness/disaster systems to the needs of people with disabilities and older adults. The teleconference has already had a significant impact on funders, both those who participated and those who had heard about it through their networks. We have received many inquiries from grantmakers seeking advice on how to assist hurricane victims with disabilities and the organizations that serve them, as well as how to encourage mainstream disaster organizations and funds to become more inclusive. Notes from the conference will be widely distributed, which will further expand its impact. Before the end of the year, we will also distribute a survey asking for member input on future teleconferences.

DFN Member Organization and Staff Featured in Ticket to Work Publication

Funded by The California Endowment, DFN has operated a longstanding project to inform California grantmakers and grantseekers about how foundations and nonprofits can participate in the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act, which makes it possible for Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities to work while retaining government healthcare benefits. In 2003, DFN developed Grantseeking from Foundations and Corporations for Employment Networks as a part of a publication produced by Maximus, the program operator for the national Ticket to Work Program, to help nonprofit and other organizations wishing to become “Employment Networks” (ENs) eligible to receive payments from SSA for employment and placement services.

Maximus has now developed another set of publications to assist current and potential ENs by providing examples and models of — among other things — business practices, lessons learned, helpful hints and technical assistance to start and operate an effective EN. The two-volume series, Lessons Learned, includes an article featuring grants made by The Community Technology Foundation of California (CTFC) — a member of DFN — to enhance the services of the Ticket Program by the use of technology. As well as highlighting the CTFC Ticket to Work grant program and its grantees, the article also notes the work DFN has been doing to assist those grantees develop the capacity to sustain their programs after their CTFC funding is completed. See below, under DFN Member News, for more information about the CTFC grants. For a copy of Lessons Learned, go to www.yourtickettowork.com/marketing_best_practices. DFN’s grantseeking guide may be downloaded here in either Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

DFN Represented on Diversity Panel at Southeastern Council on Foundations Annual Meeting

Kate Pew Wolters, former DFN board member and president of the Kate and Richard Wolters Foundation, was one of the panelists at the Southeastern Council on Foundations Annual Meeting session, “Diversity at a Crossroad.” The session focused on how philanthropy is well positioned to take a leadership role in understanding and embracing the expertise and contributions of a broad range of diverse communities. The panelists discussed diversity as an essential component of the governance, management and grantmaking programs of foundations throughout the country. They also talked about how moving from a “silo” perspective to comprehending and supporting how disability, race, class, gender and sexual orientation intersect can result in increasingly effective philanthropy. Drawing from recently published research, panelists highlighted modes that worked to engage the audience in developing diversity blueprints for the future.

Council on Foundations (COF) Annual Meeting Preview

The Council on Foundations’ 2006 annual meeting will be held in Pittsburgh, PA, from May 7-9. DFN board member Dee Delaney of the FISA Foundation has been a major force in organizing a new offering in the conference’s Resource Central. The “Disability Showcase,” sponsored by FISA and DFN, will be open throughout the conference and will feature interactive displays of assistive technology and model programs that foster community participation of people with disabilities. The goal is to demonstrate how funding in the arts, health, education, employment and community development can include people with disabilities. DFN will present the fourth William Diaz Impact Award in a ceremony at the booth (date and time TBA). The award honors grantmakers who have had a positive impact on the disability community and whose work encourages the grantmakers to be more inclusive of disability.

DFN will hold its annual meeting at the conference venue on May 6 and will co-sponsor three other conference offerings. “Filling in the Gaps in Funding for Women’s Health Issues” will be co-sponsored by DFN, Women in Philanthropy and Grantmakers in Health and will focus on disparities in quality and access to health care for women who have mental illnesses or other disabilities, or who are lesbian or bisexual. This will be an interactive session blending storytelling and problem-solving about health care issues for a growing number of women and girls who are often overlooked by providers and under-funded. “Economic and Racial Justice Issues in the Lesbian, Gay, Women’s and Disability Communities” will be co-sponsored with Funders for Lesbian and Gay Issues and the Women’s Funding Network. The session will feature cutting-edge work done by lesbian and gay, disability and women’s groups that draws connections between multiple identities and experiences, and builds coalitions among the broad spectrum of grassroots organizations.

DFN will also co-sponsor a session on the Henry Hampton award-winning film, Autism Is a World, with Grantmakers for Film and Electronic Media. A powerful example of the way a film can bring into focus a poorly understood issue, both for stakeholder communities and the general public, the movie chronicles a personal story narrated by and seen through the eyes of an autistic woman, who until the age of 13 was thought to have mental retardation. She now attends college, participates in many other aspects of daily life inside and outside of her home. The film, which speaks powerfully about disability rights, has been nominated for an Academy Award, has won other awards including one from the Autism Society of America, and has been shown on CNN. Its deep Web site adds to the promise of a long, useful life.

DFN Member News

Community Technology Foundation of California Awards Grants to Benefit California Service Organizations Implementing Ticket to Work

The Community Technology Foundation of California (CTFC) — a statewide public foundation located in San Francisco and dedicated to increasing access to and use of information and telecommunications technology by underserved communities, including people with disabilities — has awarded grants to increase awareness and participation in the Ticket to Work Program. The grants are intended to increase health care access and employment for people with disabilities in California. Approximately 275,000 beneficiaries in Northern California, Central Valley, Southern California and Inland Empire regions are eligible to participate in the program.

CTFC Vice President and Director Tim Wu stated, “The Ticket to Work Program expands opportunities to obtain employment, vocational rehabilitation and other support services which enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities. CTFC is proud to support this effort to eliminate barriers to workforce participation. We are pleased to be working in partnership with The California Endowment on this program.”

Award recipients include: Familia Unida Living with Multiple Sclerosis, TODEC Legal Center, Goodwill of Southern California, Tulare County Office of Education’s Services for Education and Employment, and Developmental Disabilities Services Organization (DDSO).

Kessler Foundation Trustees Approve $1.3 Million in Grants

The board of trustees of the Henry H. Kessler Foundation (West Orange, NJ) recently approved $1.3 million in grants to benefit people with physical disabilities through its new strategic emphasis on employment. The grants — the first in a series of grants to help people with disabilities in New Jersey achieve their full potential through meaningful employment — were awarded to organizations that work toward improving employment and career advancement of people with disabilities. “With our new strategic focus on employment, the foundation has been able to refine its mission in a way not possible before,” said D. McWilliams Kessler, president.

Recipients were selected based on the proven success of their programs and their impact on the public. The largest portion of the funds will support the foundation’s signature programs on employment and will go to programs that were selected to create new high impact projects for New Jersey and that can be replicated in other areas of the state or nationally. The balance was awarded to 13 community employment programs. For more information, go to www.hhkfdn.org.

FISA Foundation Receives Outstanding Foundation Award

The FISA Foundation (Pittsburgh, PA) received the Outstanding Foundation Award from the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals at a National Philanthropy Day celebration on November 15. The awards celebration was held at Soldiers and Sailors Museum in Pittsburgh. The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is the professional association of individuals responsible for generating philanthropic support for a wide variety of nonprofit, charitable organizations.

Center for International Rehabilitation Presents the United Nations with a Report on the Human Rights of People with Disabilities in Asia

The Center for International Rehabilitation (www.cirnetwork.org) and Disabled Peoples International (www.dpi.org) presented the International Disability Rights Monitor (IDRM) Regional Report of Asia to the United Nations during its most recent session debating the proposed International Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. The report found that Japan and China are the most inclusive for people with disabilities of the seven Asian countries covered, while India and Cambodia are the least inclusive. The seven countries covered are China, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Japan and the Philippines. The topics covered are legal protections, education and employment, accessibility, health and housing services. The report found that while the majority of the seven countries have comprehensive disability laws and policies designed to improve the status of people of with disabilities, people with disabilities still face exclusion on a daily basis. None of the countries provide adequate basic protections in the categories that measured the actual implementation of disability rights. For more information go to www.cirnetwork.org/idrm/press2005.cfm.

AAPD’s Andrew J. Imparato Named One of the 2005 Ten Outstanding Young Americans

The United States Junior Chamber (Jaycees) named Andrew J. Imparato one of the 2005 Ten Outstanding Young Americans (TOYA) for 2005. The TOYA program is one of the oldest and most prestigious recognition programs in America. Since 1938, the Jaycees have selected 10 young men and women who best exemplify the finest attributes of America’s youthful achievers.

The 67th award was presented at a black-tie ceremony on September 17, 2005. at the Boston World Trade Center. Mr. Imparato is the first full-time president and chief executive officer of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), a national non-profit membership organization for political and economic empowerment of all people with disabilities. With more than 115,000 members, AAPD is the largest cross-disability membership organization in the United States.

Kathleen Martinez Appointed Executive Director of World Institute on Disability

The World Institute on Disability (WID), a public policy and research center, recently announced that Kathleen Martinez will be WID’s new executive director. Ms. Martinez, an internationally recognized disability rights leader, specializes in employment, asset building, independent living, international development and diversity and gender issues. In 2004-2005 she testified before Congress and a United Nations Committee on a disability rights convention and was appointed one of eight public members on the State Department’s Committee on Disability and Foreign Policy. For more information on WID, go to www.wid.org.

Awards and Announcements

Families USA Accepting Applications for the Wellstone Fellowship for Social Justice and the Villers Fellowship for Health Care Justice

The Wellstone Fellowship, www.familiesusa.org/about/wellstone-fellowship.html, provides a unique opportunity to foster the advancement of social justice through participation in health care advocacy work that focuses on the particular challenges facing communities of color. Through this fellowship, Families USA hopes to expand the pool of talented social justice advocates from underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups, particularly from the Black/African American, Latino and American Indian communities. For more information, including a downloadable application form, go to www.familiesusa.org/about/wellstone-fellowship.html. The due date for the application is January 6, 2006.

The Villers Fellowship for Health Care Justice provides support for fellows to work in Families USA’s health policy department and assist the organization’s efforts to improve access to health coverage for all Americans, especially low-income and other vulnerable communities. The fellowship program was created to develop a network of young leaders who share a passion for health care justice. To encourage the development of future leaders, Villers fellows must commit to mentoring at least one person over the course of their careers. For more information, including a downloadable application form, go to www.familiesusa.org/about/the-villers-fellowship.html. To request hard copies of the application brochure, write to villersfellowship@familiesusa.org. Applications are due on Feb. 3, 2006.

2006 Summer Information Technology and Congressional Internships for College Students with Disabilities

The 2006 Summer Information Technology Internships for college students with disabilities is administered by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and sponsored by Microsoft Corporation. Internships are open to undergraduate students interested in pursuing careers in information technology.  Accepted candidates will work in various agencies in the executive branch of the federal government. Application deadline is Dec. 12 (5 p.m., Eastern Time). For more information send an e-mail to aapdmsintern@aol.com; for an application go to www.aapd.com.

In partnership with the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, AAPD is also administering the 2006 Summer Congressional Internship Program for college students with disabilities. Second-semester sophomores through first-semester seniors interested in working on Capitol Hill are encouraged to apply. Accepted candidates will work in congressional offices in Washington, DC. Applications are available at www.aapd.com; the application deadline is Dec. 12, 2005 (5 p.m., Eastern Time). For more information, write to aapdcongintern@aol.com.

Publications and Resources

Families USA Study Finds That Dual Eligibles Might Lose Coverage Under Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit

Reporting on a study released by Families USA, www.familiesusa.org, the California Healthline, www.californiahealthline.org, posted an article on the potential for some individuals to actually lose their coverage under the new Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit.

As a result of a provision in the 2003 Medicare law requiring states to contribute to the cost of the new prescription drug benefit, some states are planning to eliminate coverage for “tens of thousands” of people who are considered dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Under the 2003 law, drug coverage for dual eligibles will be transferred from state Medicaid programs to the new Medicare benefit. States will be required to pay the federal government 90 percent of the estimated amount they would have paid in drug expenses in 2006. Although it appears that the states could save 10 percent from their current prescription drug spending levels for dual eligibles, the National Governors Association maintains that “various flaws” in the formula for calculating the payments means that many states actually will lose money under the provision. To reduce their payments to the federal government, several states plan to eliminate or have already eliminated Medicaid coverage for some dual eligibles. For the complete article, go to www.californiahealthline.org/index.cfm?Action=dspItem&itemID=112565&ClassCD=CL635.

[Adapted from an article in California Healthline, July 7, 2005]

New Study on How 75 Percent Rule Is Affecting Rehabilitation Care for Medicare Beneficiaries

The Congressional Quarterly HealthBeat reported on a study by the American Hospital Association (AHA) and the Federation of American Hospitals (FAH) that found that 30,000 fewer Medicare beneficiaries received care in inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) in the first year of implementation of the “75% rule.” The rule determines whether hospitals qualify as IRFs and receive higher reimbursement rates. According to the report, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) underestimated the number of Medicare beneficiaries the rule would affect, and the number will probably increase as the agency continues to phase in the regulation.  AHA and FAH have asked Congress to pass legislation (S 1405 and HR 3373) extending the period for CMS to phase in the rule to allow time for more research on potential effects.  For a copy of the report, go to www.kaisernetwork.org/daily_reports/rep_index.cfm?hint=3&DR_ID=32755.

Medi-Cal Beneficiaries with Disabilities: Comparing Managed Care with Fee-for-Service Systems

The California HealthCare Foundation (CHCF) issued a brief that compares the experiences of patients with disabilities in managed care and fee-for-service systems. The brief synthesizes recent research about the experiences of non-elderly beneficiaries with disabilities in managed care and fee-for-service systems in California and other states. It is intended to help California policymakers understand and evaluate options for changing the delivery and payment systems for services to Medi-Cal beneficiaries with disabilities. Among the key findings were that most states have done a poor job of assessing the quality of care provided to Medicaid beneficiaries with disabilities and holding providers accountable for performance, and that patients with disabilities in both systems reported difficulties in finding doctors, communicating with their providers and with physical access. The authors recommend strengthening state oversight by developing performance standards for health plans and providers that are relevant to people with disabilities. They urge public reporting on the performance of managed care and fee-for-service providers, as well as reimbursement mechanisms that will foster investment in efforts to improve the efficiency, quality, and coordination of care provided to beneficiaries with disabilities.

To view the brief, go to www.chcf.org/topics/medi-cal/index.cfm?itemID=113383. Blind and visually impaired visitors may request accessible files by calling 510-238-040 or e-mailing pubs@chcf.org.

[From the California HealthCare Foundation Email Update, August 17, 2005]

NCD Releases Transportation Report

On June 13, NCD released its report, The Current State of Transportation for People with Disabilities, which states that improvements have been made in transportation for people with disabilities but more remains to be done. For a copy, go to www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2005/current_state.doc.

A Look at Working-Age Caregivers’ Roles, Health Concerns and Need for Support

According to a study released by the Commonwealth Fund, www.cmwf.org/, many adults caring for sick or disabled relatives also have their own health problems, lack health insurance benefits and have difficulty paying medical bills. Approximately 16 million adults care for sick or disabled family members (two-thirds of them are women), and almost 9 million of them have medical problems. Three out of five caregivers said they had trouble paying their medical bills. Sara Collins, co-author of the study, stated that 45 percent of caregivers have one or more chronic health problem — compared with 24 percent for non-caregivers. Approximtely two-thirds of the caregivers were women. Congress could help, she added, by expanding government health insurance programs to provide coverge for caregivers. An abstract of the report is available on line at www.cmwf.org/publications/publications_show.htm?doc_id=293045.

USA Today Series Focuses on Health Costs’ Effect on People with Chronic Conditions

In the second of a three-part series on health care costs, USA Today on September 1 looked at the impact of treatment costs on patients with asthma, diabetes, cancer, arthritis and heart disease. According to a survey by USA Today, the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Harvard School of Public Health, 43 percent of people in households that include a person with asthma report that they did not have enough money to pay for health care in the past year, compared with 20 percent of people in households with no reported chronic illness or disability. In addition, the survey found that 42 percent of households in which someone has cancer, 35 percent in which someone has diabetes or arthritis and 33 percent in which someone has heart disease did not have enough money to pay for health care in the past year. For detailed reports on each of the five topic areas, go to www.usatoday.com/money/industries/health/health-care-crunch-digest.htm?LOC=vanity

[Adapted from a Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 9/1/05]

National Longitudinal Transition Study on Students with Disabilities

The U.S. Department of Education released its latest National Longitudinal Transition Study, which reports that during the last 25 years students with disabilities have made significant progress in their transition to adulthood, with lower dropout rates, an increase in postsecondary enrollment and higher rates of employment after leaving high school. The study documents the experiences of a national sample of students as they moved from secondary school into adult roles and reports that percentage of students with disabilities completing high school rather than dropping out increased by 17 percentage points between 1987 and 2003.

During the same period, their postsecondary education participation more than doubled to 32 percent. In 2003, 70 percent of students with disabilities who had been out of school for up to two years had paying jobs, compared to only 55 percent in 1987. For more information about the study, contact David Thomas or Jim Bradshaw at 202-401-1576.

[Adapted from a Justice for All E-mail Alert, August 9, 2005]

New Study Finds Thousands of Medically Vulnerable Children Uninsured

A newly completed study by the Center for Studying Health System Change (HSC), www.hschange.org, found that thousands of medically vulnerable children remain uninsured. In 2003, an estimated 13.5 million American children had special health care needs, ranging from learning disorders to severe disabilities. Medicaid or the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) covered nearly two out of five children with special health care needs. Despite the critical safety net provided by public insurance to millions of special needs children, an estimated 650,000 of these medically vulnerable children were uninsured in 2003 — many of whom may have been eligible for public insurance but not enrolled.

Overall, children with special needs faced more access problems than other children, and their families reported more problems paying medical bills. Policy measures now under consideration such as increased cost sharing in Medicaid and SCHIP would likely increase access problems for children with special needs. For further information on this issue, contact Alwyn Cassil by phone at 202-264-3484 or by e-mail at acassil@hschange.org. The study’s findings are detailed in Public Coverage Provides Vital Safety for Children with Special Health Care Needs at www.hschange.org/CONTENT/778/.

New Edition of Steps to Independence for People with Learning Disabilities by Dale S. Brown

Released by The Learning Disabilities Association of America, this self-help guide for adults with learning disabilities was first published in 1980. Topics covered include choosing the right job, coping with specific disabilities and improving social skills. The soft-cover 56-page guide includes resource lists and bibliography. The $6.00 cost includes shipping and handling. For a copy, send a request to Learning Disabilities Association of America, 4156 Library Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15234.

[September Disability Information and Resources, ODEP]

New Fact Sheets Available from ODEP

The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), U.S. Department of Labor, recently released 11 new fact sheets. The themes include accommodation, mentoring, entrepreneurship, research, data, interviewing, recruiting and intermediaries serving youth.  The publications are available at www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/publicat.htm.

[September Disability Information and Resources, ODEP]

U.S. Surgeon General Issues First Call to Action on Disability

In August, the U.S. Surgeon General, Richard H. Carmona, released “The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Improve the Health and Wellness of Persons with Disabilities”: an appeal to all Americans to help increase the quality of life for people with disabilities through better health care and understanding. Developed by the Surgeon General in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services Office on Disability, the Call to Action describes the particular challenges to the health and well-being of people of all ages with disabilities, and it identifies four goals to help them experience full, rewarding and healthy lives as contributing members of their communities. For a full press release and to order a copy of the report go to www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/disabilities/.

Out for Change: Racial and Economic Justice Issues in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Communities

“Out for Change: Racial and Economic Justice Issues in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Communities” is the latest publication of Funders for Lesbian and Gay Issues, Inc. “Out for Change” examines the various racial and economic justice issues confronting LGBT communities around the country, the programs and organizations focusing on these issues and the foundations that fund them. Despite some recent political gains, there remain many major legal, social, economic and racial barriers to achieving full equality for all LGBT people. In addressing the range of issues affecting LGBT lives, several LGBT organizations are systematically studying, analyzing, acknowledging and addressing economic and racial disparities within the LGBT community. This report is an initial attempt to inform grantmakers about some of these issues, the LGBT organizations that address them and their funders. It also contains recommendations for philanthropic support, including the support of organizations that demonstrate an understanding of the intersection of race, ethnicity, class, gender and sexuality as integral to understanding systems of oppression. For a copy of the report, write to info@lgbtfunders.org.

Effective Philanthropy: Organizational Success Through Deep Diversity and Gender Equality

Effective Philanthropy, Organizational Success through Deep Diversity and Gender Equality, by Mary Ellen Capek and Molly Mead, offers strategies for strengthening organizations through a commitment to diversity and gender equality. The authors’ research shows that institutionalizing a more nuanced understanding of what they call “deep diversity” allows organizations to make full use of all the resources they have available, both inside and outside their doors. Case studies include the California Wellness Foundation, the Otto Bremer Foundation, the Philadelphia Foundation, the Hyams Foundation, the Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation, the Public Welfare Foundation and the Ms. Foundation for Women. For more information or to order a copy, go to http://mitpress.mit.edu/catalog/item/default.asp?sid=4507C833-2B5C-4229-B49B-B5D9AD64F056&ttype=2&tid=10650.

Women, Philanthropy, and Social Change

Women, Philanthropy, and Social Change (Elayne Clift, ed.) celebrates women’s power to influence priorities, social constructs and political policies. Book contributors include Katherine Acey, Mary Ellen Capek, Patti Chang, Sunny Fischer, Tracy Gary, Chris Grumm, Christine Kwak, Jing Lyman, Gail McClure, Kimberly Otis, Anne C. Petersen, Barbara Y. Phillips, Kavita Ramdas, Peg Talburtt, Marie C. Wilson and many others. For more information or to order a copy, go to www.upne.com/1-58465-492-9.html.

Social Justice Grantmaking: A Report on Foundation Trends

Independent Sector and the Foundation Center have partnered in developing a quantitative study of social justice funding by 1,000 of the largest private and community foundations in the United States. Social Justice Grantmaking is the first study to benchmark foundation funding for nonprofit organizations working to make structural changes that increase opportunities for those who are least well off economically, socially or politically. Through interviews with key funders, the report also offers perspective on the motivations and challenges faced by social justice funders. For more information or to order the report, go to www.fdncenter.org/marketplace/catalog/product_monograph.jhtml?id=prod680001&navCount=1&navAction=jump.

Urban Institute Report — Discrimination Against People with Disabilities: Barriers at Every Step

The Urban Institute’s Center on Metropolitan Housing and Communities believes that place matters in public policy. Their latest publication features a series of reports on discrimination in metropolitan housing markets. One of the articles, “Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities: Barriers at Every Step,” explores issues of housing discrimination against people with disabilities. For a copy of the article, go to www.urban.org/Template.cfm?Section=ByAuthor&NavMenuID=63&template=/TaggedContent/ViewPublication.cfm&PublicationID=9403.

[News From Urban’s Metro Center 10/14/05]

OSERS Series of Topic Briefs on IDEA

In response to public inquiry about the recently reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA), and prior to issuing final regulations, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) is taking steps to assist in the explanation of the statutory language.  OSERS has developed and posted to its Web site a series of topic briefs regarding several high-interest areas of IDEA 2004.  These topic briefs include a summary of all relevant statutory language for 19 topics ranging from Highly Qualified Teachers to Discipline, with citations from the law and cross-references, when applicable, to related briefs.  Visitors to the IDEA 2004 Web page can also view news and information concerning proposed regulations, public meetings, consideration of comments and suggestions, laws and policies and technical assistance related to the reauthorized law. The briefs can be found at www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/index.html?src=rt.

Report from Cornell University’s Employment and Disability Institute

Despite the ADA and the concerted campaign of disability leaders, the number of people with disabilities who have jobs continues to drop.  A report released by Cornell University’s Employment & Disability Institute shows that the employment rate has fallen from 40.8 percent in 2001 to 38.3 percent in 2004. Among the reasons for the falling numbers are the outsourcing of jobs overseas and the increase in low-paying service jobs that don’t offer adequate health-care coverage. For more information, go to http://digitalcommons.ilr.cornell.edu/edicollect/123/.

[From Rayna Aylward at Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, 10/15/05]

State of the States in Developmental Disabilities

The latest edition of the State of the States in Developmental Disabilities study by David L. Braddock contains a detailed analysis of mental retardation and developmental disability spending, including a 4-page statistical profile for each state on trends in spending, trends in revenue, trends in residential services and individual and family support. For more information, go to www.aamr.org/Bookstore/PR/100902.shtml.

[From AAMR F.Y.I. October 2005, Vol. 5, No. 10]

Resources for Supporting Community Living

“Resources for Supporting Community Living” is a free online tool kit with comprehensive information and strategies on how to make community integration work and why it is important. For more information, go to http://thechp.syr.edu/toolkit.

Jobs

Chief Executive Officer, Oregon Rehabilitation

Oregon Rehabilitation, www.oregonrehabilitation.org, a nonprofit advocate for people with disabilities, is seeking a chief executive officer. Send resume/inquiries to Personnel Search for Non-Profit, 2636 Biehn Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97601. No calls.

Development Officer, Global Fund for Women

The Global Fund for Women, an international grantmaking foundation that supports groups working to advance the human rights of women and girls, is seeking a development officer. Submit a cover letter, resume and writing sample (no more than three typed pages) to The Global Fund for Women office by mail or e-mail: jobs@globalfundforwomen.org or Development Officer Application (DO1-05), The Global Fund for Women, Attn.: Human Resources, 1375 Sutter Street, Suite 400, San Francisco, CA, USA 94109. No calls.

Program Director, Stonewall Community Foundation

The Stonewall Community Foundation, a public charity that promotes the well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals, is seeking a program director to provide staff leadership in the planning and implementation of the foundation’s endowment and donor-advised fund partners. To apply, send resume and salary history to Stonewall Community Foundation, 119 West 24th Street, New York, NY 10011, or e-mail it to stonewall@stonewallfoundation.org.

Project Manager, Knowledgeworks Foundation

The KnowledgeWorks Foundation, providing funding and leadership for education initiatives throughout Ohio, is seeking a project manager to help implement a foundation strategy for collaborative knowledge management. To apply, send resume, cover letter and salary requirements to Shannon Herald, Human Resources Officer, KnowledgeWorks Foundation, 1 West 4th Street, Suite 200, Cincinnati, OH 45202; e-mail to heralds@kwfdn.org; or fax to 513-929-1399.

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