National Public Radio Airs Programs About a “New Civil Right” after Olmstead

New Civil Right

NPR will run stories that look at the new civil right, after the Olmstead decision, to get care at home. The series starts December 2^nd on All Things Considered, and the week of the 6^th there will be 2 more stories on Morning Edition.

Career Opportunities for People with Disabilities Bender Consulting Services, Inc. is Recruiting and hiring people with disabilities for competitive career opportunities. Check out this opportunity for a Computer Operator Associate at Stennis, Mississippi.

Can U HAAC IT

IDS participated in a disability awareness challenge sponsored by L.I.F.E. The event was called HAAC IT (Hattiesburg abilities awareness challenge). The team members were Demetra Bates, Cutley Thadison, Julie Cooke, and Cookie Smith. Demetra Bates participated in the toothbrush challenge where she was blind folded. She had to locate a toothbrush on a table, along with toothpaste. She was judged on the neatness of the toothpaste being placed on the toothbrush, how efficient she placed the cap back onto the toothpaste, and how she presented the toothbrush on the table. This challenge is something a person with vision impairment experience everyday. Cutley Thadison participated in an exercise in which an amputee experience daily as well. Cutley Thadison had to open a bottle of water using only one arm. It was surprising to her the effort it took to open the bottle. Cutley also participated in the Are you smarter than a 5th grader challenge. Many of the questions were centered around ADA. Cutley failed the 1st and 5th grade. She had an amazing time and found out things that she really didn't know before. Julie Cooke participated in the wheelchair challenge and placed 1st in both races. Cookie Smith was a judge for the challenges. Everyone had such a great time. Laughter filled the pavilion as many took part in the challenges. The IDS team placed second. We received a trophy (that is housed in Julie Cooke's office and will be passed around to each participate for their hard work), tshirts, and an information bag. Also see the Hattiesburg American write-up.

Gulf Oil Spill 2010: Information for Parents

Can the oil harm my child?
Although the oil may contain some chemicals that could cause harm to children, at this time we expect the levels of these chemicals to be well below the level that could cause harm. The effects would depend on things like how children have come into contact with the oil, how much contact they have had with the oil, and if they have conditions such as asthma. As with any potentially harmful substance, children should avoid contact with the oil, including playing in oil-affected areas. See below for tips to protect your child.

The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are working together to continue monitoring the levels of oil and oil dispersants in the environment. If we begin to find levels that are likely to be harmful, we will tell the public. For up-to-date information on monitoring data along the Gulf Coast, please visit EPA’s website.

More Info...

White House Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of ADA and 2010 International VSA Festival Opening Ceremony

Marcie Roth, Director of FEMA’s Office on Disability Integration and Coordination, is pleased to pass along this exciting information about the White House Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the 2010 International VSA Festival Opening Ceremony on June 6, 2010. This information is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/06/08/white-house-launches-celebration-20th-anniversary-americans-with-disabilities-act.

Support Team at Water Park

You can support Together Enhancing Autism Awareness in Mississippi (TEAAM) at Gulf Islands Waterpark in Gulfport Mississippi!
July 8, 2010 will be Autism Day at Gulf Islands Waterpark in Gulfport Mississippi.
All kids on the autism spectrum and their families will be admitted into the park for FREE!
Gulf Islands Waterpark will donate a portion of the days proceeds to TEAAM, so please come out and enjoy while supporting TEAAM!! For information about Gulf Islands Waterpark, please visit www.gulfislandswaterpark.com

My Voice My Choice Latest Newsletter

The 2nd Quarter My Voice My Choice of Mississippi Newsletter is now available. To view, please visit http://www.myvoicemychoiceofms.org/Winter_2010_MVMC_Newsletter.pdf

2. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Releases Working Paper on Accessibility & Technology Issues

The FCC has issued the agency's first ever working paper addressing accessibility and technology issues. The paper builds on recommendations in the National Broadband Plan, and looks at the many barriers to broadband usage faced by people with disabilities, including inaccessible hardware, software, services, and web content and expensive specialized assistive technologies. Please visit http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-297711A1.pdf

UCEDD Resource Center (URC) Updates

PowerPoint presentations are now available from the ADD TA Institute which was held on April 22-23, 2010 at the Liaison Hotel, Washington DC. Panel topics included: Healthcare Reform, Implications of State Budget Cuts on Disability Services. Medicaid Trends and Predictions, AUCD Updates, and ADD Updates. Please visit http://www.aucd.org/template/news.cfm?news_id=5237&parent=517&parent_title=Events&url=/template/page.cfm?id%3D517

The 2010 Joshua O'Neill and Zeshan Tabani Enrichment Fund Application Is Now Available

The Joshua O'Neill and Zeshan Tabani Enrichment Fund offers financial assistance to young adults (18+) with Down syndrome who wish to continue to enrich their lives by enrolling in postsecondary programs or taking enrichment classes that will help them to enrich life through employment, independent living skills, life skills or another way. To date, over thirty students have received grants from NDSS to help cover the costs of pursuing their postsecondary education and enrichment goals.

Visit http://www.ndss.org/ to download the application, or contact Vanessa Quick at vquick@ndss.org or 800-221-4602 with any questions.

A New Day: We're Listening Webcasts (MATERIALS AVAILABLE)

U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and its Federal partners held a series of six Listening Sessions across the country on disability employment. Each Listening Session was an opportunity for members of the public to provide input to senior Federal officials on their ideas for more effective ways to employ all people with disabilities, including women, Veterans and minorities with disabilities and what was currently working in their regions to increase employment of people with disabilities.
http://www.dol.gov/odep/disabilitylistening.htm

Disability legislation currently under congressional consideration

Disability legislation currently under congressional consideration. Topics include health care reform, employment, education, housing, autism, and many more.
FACT SHEETS
Health Care Reform
Long Term Services and Supports Provisions in Health Reform Employment
Direct Support Workers
FY 2011 Budget and Appropriations
D.D. Act
Education
ABLE Act
Housing
Autism
Modernization of Disability Terminology
FMAP

Empowering Parents…Improving Outcomes

The Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center Presents…

Empowering Parents…Improving Outcomes (PDF Brochure)
MS Gulf Coast Regional Parent Conference
For parents and families of children with disABILITIES

Saturday
May 8, 2010

St. Paul United Methodist Church
6176 Bienville Blvd.
Ocean Springs, MS

There is a $25 registration fee,
Stipends are available for parents.

Registration and Details are attached!

Please Spread The Word!

Register Online Here!

Hattiesburg American Newspaper on IDS Housing Program

Hattiesburg American You could say Cassie Hicks has received a varied education in her nine years as coordinator for housing initiatives for the University of Southern Mississippi 's Institute for Disability Studies. One that, Hicks says, has given her the tools to ask questions "some people would not know to ask" - ranging from legal rights to etiquette to accessibility.

MS PTI Spring Newsletter 2010

The Mississippi Parent Training and Information Center’s Spring Newsletter is now avaialble. To view, please visit http://www.mspti.org/upload/file73_spring2010.pdf

IDS Housing Gets Award from Gov

IDS Housing recieves the Governor's Projects of Excellence Award in Jackson, MS.

Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the ADA

Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the
Americans with Disabilities Act!
Join the 2010 by 2010 Campaign!


The 2010 by 2010 Campaign's goal is to collect 2010 "Proclamations of Recommitment" to the mission of the ADA by the 20th anniversary of the ADA--July 26, 2010.

Become part of a nation-wide effort to proclaim a recommitment to
vision and spirit of the Americans with Disabilities
Act--full inclusion of people with disabilities into American life!

Four Easy Ways to Submit Your Proclamation

 Simply complete the form http://www.2010anniversary.org/Submit.html, fill in the blanks, and FAX to:
573-874-4925
 E-mail a copy of the proclamation or your own version of a proclamation to: brinkhoffj@missouri.edu Proclamations may also be mailed to: 2010 by 2010 Campaign, 100 Corporate Lake Drive, Columbia, MO 65203

Wishing you the best in all of your ADA activities,

DBTAC-Southeast ADA Center (Southeast DBTAC)
A Project of Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University
Your Regional Resource Center on the Americans with Disabilities Act
• Address: 1419 Mayson Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30324
• Fax: 404-541-9002
• Local Phone: 404-541-9001 (v/tty)
• Toll-free Phone: 800-949-4232 (v/tty) [AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN]
• Email: sedbtacproject@law.syr.edu \
• Web: www.sedbtac.org
DISCLAIMER:
The DBTAC: Southeast ADA Center (Southeast DBTAC) is authorized by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) to provide information, materials, and technical assistance to individuals and entities that are covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) under Grant # H133A060094. However, you should be aware that NIDRR is not responsible for enforcement of the ADA. For more information or assistance, please contact the Southeast DBTAC via its web site at www.sedbtac.org or by calling 1-800-949-4232 (v/tty) or 404-541-9001 (v/tty).

The information, materials, and/or technical assistance are intended solely as informal guidance, and are neither a determination of your legal rights or responsibilities under the ADA, nor binding on any agency with enforcement responsibility under the ADA. The Southeast DBTAC does not warrant the accuracy of any information contained herein. Any links to non-Southeast DBTAC information are provided as a courtesy and are not intended to nor do they constitute an endorsement of the linked materials. Bottom of Form

What does the Health Care Bill mean to me?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/politics/what-health-bill-means-for-you/
The health-care overhaul will change the way millions of Americans get health insurance and require nearly everyone to have health insurance or face penalties. A number of factors - including income, age, location and family size - will determine how it specifically impacts your life. This tool looks at what it could mean for your health coverage and taxes based on your income, family size and current insurance status.

Let’s Move

http://www.letsmove.gov/
HHS celebrated the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Paralympic Games by releasing new Web videos promoting First Lady Michelle Obama’s national initiative, Let’s Move!, to solve the problem of childhood obesity within a generation. In the new videos, 2002 gold medalist in sled hockey Manny Guerra and world champion monoskier Peter Axelson discuss why it is important for people with disabilities to be active, and how all Americans can be sports champions.

http://www.youtube.com/letsmove#p/u/0/PDq_V5cCYYY
http://www.youtube.com/letsmove#p/u/1/hlPDkPztM1E

State Independent Living Plan - Living Independence for Everyone - LIFE of Mississippi

The Mississippi Statewide Independent Living Council is asking for your input. They need to hear what the disability community needs in their programs and services. Do they need to be expanded or changed in any way? Please send comments to Mary Meruvia, the SILC Chairperson. You can send them to her by email at mmeruvia@choctaw.org or by mail at Choctaw Branch Box 6010, Choctaw, MS 39350. Please send your comments by April 1, 2010, so that it can be included in the new State Independent Living Plan. You can checkout the current State Independent Living Plan at the LIFE of Mississippi website or the MS Department of Rehabilitation website.

HHS Announces New ADD Commissioner

http://www.aucd.org/template/news.cfm?news_id=4979&id=17Secretary Sebelius announced yesterday that Sharon Lewis will be joining HHS as Commissioner of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities at the Administration for Children and Families. Sharon Lewis has over ten years of experience as a disability policy advocate and advisor. She received the AUCD Gold star Award in 2008.

MDRN Board Nominations Now Open

March 3, 2010To all DRMS Staff, Board Members, PAIMI Advisory Council, and other interested parties,
This letter comes to you from the DRMS Nominating Committee as part of our continued effort to support and sustain the governing Board of Directors for Disability Rights Mississippi.
The bylaws were changed at the February quarterly board meeting to increase the number of governing board members by 2 positions. The bylaws were also amended to require that we have at least one attorney as a board member. It was also strongly encouraged that the Board includes in its membership someone who has an intellectual and/or physical disability. At the February meeting, the Board supported seeking a member with an intellectual disability.
We would like the Board to have as many options as possible as we search for someone who will provide the best enhancement to the group as they continue to help guide DRMS into the future. The only way this can happen is with your input and suggestions!
The last day the committee will be accepting nominations is Wednesday April 7, 2010. The committee will have these nominations to the Board 2 weeks prior to their regular May meeting. The Board will vote on the nominations at that time with the new members to begin their terms in August of 2010. So, if you have suggestions for someone you feel would be a great match for our board, please print out the attached nomination form and turn it in to Shirley as soon as possible.
If you have any questions or concerns you may direct them to either Shirley Walker or Beth Porter. Both can be reached at the office numbers. We thank you for your time and efforts concerning this important step for the agency.
Sincere thanks,
Shirley WalkerAdvocate and Outreach Coordinator(Board Nominating Committee member)shirley@disabilityrightsms.com

Now is the Time to Begin Your Career of Service April 26, 2010 in Washington, DC

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Department of Labor (DOL’s) Office of Disability Employment Policy are pleased to announce a day of hiring people with disabilities. Learn more about the Federal Hiring Event for People with Disabilities on April 26, held in Washington, DC, by visiting www.USAJOBS.gov/DisabilityHiringEvent.asp. Prospective applicants can find information on:

• Agencies participating in the Event· Available positions and locations
• The application process for applicants, including documentation required
• Training for applicants and managers on the “Schedule A” process
• Web-based training tools with information on preparing for the event and interview
• Frequently asked questions

This invitation-only event is for people with disabilities who will have an opportunity to be interviewed by hiring managers. To be considered for positions throughout the United States, in the Federal government, and to receive an invitation to attend, resumes, along with appropriate documentation should be submitted to hiringevent@opm.gov, between March 8 and March 24. You may also submit resumes and documentation directly to participating agencies.

LIFE Input Needed

The Mississippi Statewide Independent Living Council is asking for your input. They need to hear what the disability community needs in their programs and services. Do they need to be expanded or changed in any way? Please send comments to Mary Meruvia, the SILC Chairperson. You can send them to her by email at mmeruvia@choctaw.org or by mail at Choctaw Branch Box 6010, Choctaw, MS 39350. Please send your comments by April 1, 2010, so that it can be included in the new State Independent Living Plan. You can checkout the current State Independent Living Plan at the LIFE of Mississippi website, www.lifeofms.com or the MS Department of Rehabilitation website, www.mdrs.state.ms.us.

The Early Connections Grand Opening

December 14, 2009

Photo Gallery

WDAM TV Coverage

The Technology Learning Center held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony November 12, 2009

Check out the entire photo gallery of the TLC opening. Also see the story on WLOX News Channel 13.

Preparedness Guide for Seasonal and Pandemic Flu for People with Disabilities

Preparedness Guide for Seasonal and Pandemic Flu for People with Disabilities. (PDF)
Preparedness saves lives and lessens chaos, suffering and economic destruction. It is a lifestyle choice that requires commitment, action and a little money. Being prepared makes sense for everyone – and it IS possible to do. This is especially true for people with disabilities, who are at greater risk than the general public of death, injury and loss of
independence during a disaster. Please review the Preparedness Guide for Seasonal and Pandemic Flu for Persons with Disabilities courtesy of the Research and Training Center on Independent Living, The University of Kansas.
Preparedness saves lives and lessens chaos, suffering and economic destruction. It is a lifestyle choice that requires commitment, action and a little money. Being prepared makes sense for everyone – and it IS possible to do. This is especially true for people with disabilities, who are at greater risk than the general public of death, injury and loss of independence during a disaster. Please review the Preparedness Guide for Seasonal and Pandemic Flu for Persons with Disabilities courtesy of the Research and Training Center on Independent Living, The University of Kansas.

“I Can” Public Service Announcement Now Available

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG_W7wAe1kw
This public service announcement was produced specifically for the Campaign for Disability Employment’s What Can YOU Do? campaign. It features seven real people – not actors – with hidden and obvious disabilities, demonstrating what they “can do” on the job when given the opportunity.

$1,000 donation from Sam’s Club

Media Contact: Van Arnold 601.266.5568, van.arnold@usm.edu
Pictured from to left right: Anita Guinn, Sam’s marketing team leader; Becky Hurston, Parents as Teachers Coordinator with the Lamar County School District, and Ricky Atkinson, Sam’s Club membership manager.
SAM’s Club Contributes to Early Connections Learning Center

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Lamar County Schools, in conjunction with The University of Southern Mississippi Institute for Disability Studies (IDS), received a $1,000 donation from Sam’s Club for Early Connections Learning Center, a pre-K early intervention program.
Early Connections, a collaborative effort between Lamar County Schools and IDS, provides intensive development and pre-academic instruction for children six weeks to four years of age and serves as a model pre-K program for school districts across the state.
Research is being conducted on factors that are most predictive of school readiness across a culturally diverse group of young children, including those with disabilities, said program co-director Dr. Jane Siders.
Siders said the Sam’s Club contribution will be used to support literacy activities at the center. For more information about the program call 601-266-5163.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu.

New Employment Opportunities Posted on AUCD.org

http://www.aucd.org/template/page.cfm?id=158

Positions Available for People with Disabilities

http://www.benderconsult.com/opp/current.htmlBender Consulting Services is a technology-based consulting firm, specializing in creating employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the information technology, engineering, nursing, finance/accounting, business and various other competitive employment areas in 18 states and the District. Advisors and those interested should submit resumes to resume@benderconsult.com (Resumes are also accepted via fax at 412-787-7178).