KINewsYour family's source for
disability resourcesFebruary 2010 - Vol 2, Issue 2
| |
|
What do YOU want to share?
|
Got an article, website, or announcement you'd like to see included in the next KINews?
Tell our KINews Editor Sherri Coles about it at familysupport@aed.org.
Be sure to include a link to the article or website. |
FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT.....
|
|
The artwork images in this newsletter have been generously contributed by Art Enables: Outsider Art Inside the Beltway, a studio and gallery for emerging artists with developmental and/or mental disabilities in the Washington, DC, area.
Artists receive 60% of revenue from sales of their work. The balance goes to cover framing and presentation costs. Art Enables generates no operating funds from sales.
Click on the image or the title to find it in the online store for purchase.
Click the name of the artist to learn more about him or her.
Learn More about Art Enables.
See more artwork in the online store.
| |
|
Greetings,
|
All of us have been affected to some degree by the news in Haiti so we'd like to share with you some Haiti specific resources before getting into the main content of our newsletter. The US International Council on DisabilitiesUSICD is providing information on relief efforts, especially as they are related to charities and news addressing the disability community. Mobility International USA Haiti Earthquake Crisis ResponseThis letter is MIUSA's response to the earthquake in Haiti and offers links to organizations providing specific disability-related relief in Haiti. Haiti Disability Disaster Response CommunityThis is an inclusive and collaborative initiative created to aid the delivery of durable medical equipment and other supplies to Haiti. You'll need to sign up for a Ning account to join. Thank you for all you've done and are doing to contribute to relief efforts in Haiti. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Getting around is important for everyone. Getting around means the ability to connect, to access the community, to participate, to be like everyone else your age - whether your 13 or 90. It is a form of freedom, the freedom to make choices and get involved. Access to transportation affects employment, political participation, civic engagement, entertainment, health care, socializing, and attendance at religious activities. This is no different for folks with disabilities. For some individuals with some disabilities there is no difference, for others transportation may be more complicated, require more planning, and may call for assistance. Happily there are laws requiring public transportation to be accessible, funding for specialized transportation, and systems to provide assistance when needed. In smaller communities, rural and remote areas, transportation can be more difficult for everyone, and supports are needed. This newsletter focuses on transportation services, systems and supports. There are many and we will present a selection for your information. |
FAMILY SUPPORTS
|
All titles and underlined text are hyperlinked. Clicking on them will bring you directly to the web resource described.
Easter Seals and National Assoc. on Area Agencies on Aging: Transportation for the Culturally and Ethnically Diverse Elderly
"Everyone Rides"- including elderly folks from all ethnic groups. What a good idea! So why isn't it happening? Read this document to find out what different agencies and organizations can do to help ensure that all senior citizens can get a ride. Also included is a good resource list of organizations for culturally and ethnically diverse seniors.
Inclusive Preparedness Center
Be prepared in case of an emergency. Formerly the Center for Disability and Special Needs Preparedness, this organization has family readiness materials, online planning and training, and Spanish language materials on planning for individuals with disabilities in the event of an emergency or disaster.
Resources and Benefits for Caregivers
Excellent list of resources for caregivers. This is three pages chock full of information about where and how to find help for caregivers. You'll want to keep this handy to refer to.
Emergency Preparedness: Supplies
Are you looking for more resources on preparing for an emergency? Here are 15 links to resources for people with disabilities, families, seniors and more.
|
COMMUNITY SUPPORTS
|
All titles and underlined text are hyperlinks. Clicking on them will bring you directly to the web resource described.
CMS Video
This video for caregivers from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is a great resource. It is long (about 18 minutes), but very useful.
It Takes a Village: Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Did you know that transportation is the most requested service by seniors who live on their own? The Village program helps people stay in their homes as they age. It's a non-profit, neighborhood-based membership organization that coordinates a wide range of services, most free of charge, as well as social activities for members. Would this work in your community?
| | |
|
DISABILITIES
|
All titles and underlined text are hyperlinks. Clicking on them will bring you directly to the web resource described.
Centers for Disease Control: Advising Travelers with Special Needs
Find out what the keys and rules are for safe, accessible air and cruise travel from the CDC Traveler's Health Yellow Book. It includes useful travel-related links.
News and Commentary on Disability Issues
A veteran journalist decided to start a website that would be a resource for media coverage of things pertaining to disability. She also happens to have a son with Down Syndrome.
VSA International Call for Postcards on Disability
Have you heard about this great VSA art project? People can create a visual representation of what disability means to them and send it on a postcard to be displayed as part of the 2010 VSA International Arts Festival in Washington, DC. Hurry, the deadline is Feb. 5.
Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology (COAT)
Learn all about COAT, a group that advocates for legislative and regulatory safeguards to allow people with disabilities to have access to evolving high speed broadband, wireless and other Internet Protocol technologies.
|
HEALTH & MENTAL HEALTH
|
All titles and underlined text are hyperlinks. Clicking on them will bring you directly to the web resource described.
Child Health Transportation Initiative
If children can't get to a doctor's office or medical facility because of lack of transportation, they probably won't receive the medical care they need. Child Health Transportation Initiative is working on this. Their slogan is: Getting there, Getting care.
Need a Ride?
If you or a loved one is a disabled veteran you can look on this site for a ride to the nearest VA Medical Center for treatment. Drivers are volunteers. You can also find the VA Medical Center closest to you.
The Contribution of Self-Direction on Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services
Several states have self-directed care programs for adults with serious mental illness that include control over their individual budgets so they can purchase the goods and services they need.
Genetic Nondiscrimination Act
Can employers ask an employee to get genetic testing? No. A new law also prohibits employers and insurers from using information about someone's genetic testing to hire, promote or fire an employee, and to deny coverage or set premiums or deductibles too high. Find out more in this New York Times article by Steven Greenhouse.
|
| ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY |
All titles and underlined text are hyperlinks. Clicking on them will bring you directly to the web resource described.
Technologies to Improve Accessibility and Service of Public TransportationTechnology improves both access to and services of public transportation vehicles and systems. Read more about it from the Research and Innovative Technology Administration (RITA) of the U.S. Department on Transportation.Puff of Air Controls New Computer Mouse
Assistive Technology ActWould you like to know more about the Assistive Technology Act? This web page from NICHCY will let you read the Act, provides definitions, offers summaries of the law, will help you find your state's AT Project, and also share resources and references for AT.Assistive Technology BoogieWanna stretch, dance, or tap your foot? Here's a great little boogie about AT! This musical video was made by Jim Tobias (concept and development) and Haik Hoisington (animation and production), and is posted on the Inclusive.com website. |
| LEGAL & LEGISLATION |
All titles and underlined text are hyperlinks. Clicking on them will bring you directly to the web resource described.
Let the ADA Give You a Lift!Have you ever wondered what are your rights and responsibilities for public transportation under the ADA? This guide from Easter Seals' Project Action will give you the information.
ADA Video Gallery
A website just about the Americans with Disabilities Act! Check out this video of the ADA signing ceremony with President George H W Bush to be reminded of just what a huge victory this was for individuals with disabilities.
Intellectually Disabled Student Wins Dorm Suit
Micha Fialka-Feldman is taking classes at his community college, but they wouldn't let him live on campus. He sued, and a judge ruled in his favor. Read about this remarkable young man in this story from NPR by Joseph Shapiro.
|
LIFE SKILLS
|
All titles and underlined text are hyperlinks. Clicking on them will bring you directly to the web resource described.
Canine Partners for LifeWould a service dog help you or your loved one with a disability? Service dogs can be trained to assist with walking, negotiating stairs, turning over in bed, paying cashiers, alerting to seizures, and more. Read more about it on k94life.org. Accessible Community Transportation in Our NationThis Project Action document is about including people with disabilities in coordinated transportation planning. If you'd be interested in participating on a transportation planning committee, click on the title above to find out more. |
| HOUSING |
All titles and underlined text are hyperlinks. Clicking on them will bring you directly to the web resource described.
Beyond 50: A Report to the Nation on Independent Living and Disability
The AARP has a summary of the report they did on living in the community as people age and/or have disabilities.
One in Three Long Term Care Medicaid Dollars for DD Goes to State Institutions
How well is your state doing in funding community supports and services so people can live in the community, rather than in a state institution? Have a look at this article by Steve Gold from Justice For All Blog.
|
| EDUCATION |
All titles and underlined text are hyperlinks. Clicking on them will bring you directly to the web resource described.
Q&A: Questions & Answers on Transportation
This document from the El Paso Independent School District answers the most frequently asked questions about specialized transportation for students with disabilities and also talks about the responsibility of the school, parents and the student.
Toolkit for Supporting the Military Child
Here's a toolkit from the American Association of School Administrators with videos, fact sheets, tips, Q&A and resources about how education leaders can support children of deployed military parents. While not specifically directed at students with disabilities, this is a good resource for all children.
UDL Online Modules
This online tutorial on Universal Design for Living (UDL) is a great way to find out more about this much-talked-of concept. It is meant for pre-service teachers, and is also interesting for families, featuring topics such as Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age.
Military Helps Families Find Care for Their Children with Special Needs
Emma Brown of the Washington Post writes about how the Marine Corps and the Army provide caseworkers and legal aid to serve families who are transferred and have a child with a disability. This helps make their move so much easier and helps the child get consistent support and services in a new school. The other military branches will soon do the same.
|
| EMPLOYMENT |
All titles and underlined text are hyperlinks. Clicking on them will bring you directly to the web resource described.
Transportation Toolkit for the Business Community
Do you know any employers who could use some help recruiting workers with disabilities? This Fact Sheet might give them some ideas.
Choose Work
Visit a new website called Choose Work that explains all about the Ticket To Work program. This site also has video stories of people who have used Ticket to Work, as well as offering useful resources.
Christine Griffin Appointed as OPM Deputy Director
The new Deputy Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is a woman who is a strong supporter of individuals with disabilities. Ms Griffin introduced the LEAD Initiative - Leadership for the Employment of Americans with Disabilities - to help alleviate the significant under-employment of individuals with severe disabilities in the Federal government. She will help shape and manage the Federal government's employees, all 1.9 million of them.
|
RECREATION & LEISURE
|
All titles and underlined text are hyperlinks. Clicking on them will bring you directly to the web resource described.
Disability.gov Sports and Leisure Travel Tips and Resources
Find out about accessible hotels and stadiums, environmental traveling companions to help make the outdoors accessible, healthcare abroad, renting cars with hand controls, state tourism offices, and much more, on this useful site.
Wheelchair Sports, Recreation, and Accessible Travel Guide
This site features information about adaptive sports, recreation programs and accessible travel destinations. You can look for programs in your state in this guide from the United Spinal Association.
|
| TRANSPORTATION |
All titles and underlined text are hyperlinks. Clicking on them will bring you directly to the web resource described.
National Center for Accessible Transportation
Read about a national center that conducts research on accessible transportation and also helps develop practical improvements in transportation technologies.
Expanding Mobility Options for People with Disabilities: A Practitioners Guide to Community-Based Transportation Planning
Strategies for Community-Based Transportation Planning for riders with disabilities helps localities work to improve access to transportation. This guide can help your community.
Users First Alliance
Wheelchair users -- have you heard of the Users First Alliance? They help empower people who use wheelchairs to speak up for more customized options and functionality of their wheelchairs.
Vehicle Purchase/Modification Funding Resources
Do you or someone you know need help to purchase an adapted vehicle, or to modify a vehicle so it is accessible to your family member with a disability? This web page from Easter Seals' Project Action has some resources for you.
Equal Access to Transportation
Links to laws and information on accessible public transportation is available from the US Department of Transportation.
|
| QUALITY ASSURANCE |
All titles and underlined text are hyperlinks. Clicking on them will bring you directly to the web resource described.
United We Ride Coordinating Council
Read here all about United We Ride, the federal inter-agency initiative aimed at improving the availability, quality, and efficient delivery of transportation services for older adults and people with disabilities.
|
HOW DID WE DO?
|
Too much information? Not enough? Have something you'd like us to announce here? Your input will help us improve. Please feel free to contact the KINews Editor Sherri Coles at familysupport@aed.org or call 877-535-7575.
| |
Sincerely, The KIN Team   | |
| |