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Monday, March 29, 2010

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

Friday, March 26, 2010

IDS Housing Gets Award from Gov

IDS Advisory Council in front of Award
Gov Barber and Dr. Walker
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.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

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.

Monday, March 22, 2010

The Early Connections Grand Opening



December 14, 2009



WDAM TV Coverage

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

Panoramic of the new TLC building.

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

Sams Club Donation

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).