Monday, October 31, 2011
Emergency Alert Test
As part of their ongoing efforts to keep our country and communities safe during emergencies, the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Emergency Management Agency will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The EAS test plays a key role in ensuring the nation is prepared for all hazards, and that the U.S. public can receive critical and vital information, should it ever be needed. The first nationwide test will be conducted Wednesday, November 9 at 2 p.m. ET. This test may last up to three and a half minutes, and will be transmitted via television and radio stations within the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. Similar to local emergency alert system tests, an audio message will interrupt television and radio programming indicating: “This is a test.” When the test is over, regular programming will resume. For more information about the nationwide Emergency Alert System test, please visit Alert System or www.FCC.gov. On November 9 at 2 p.m. EDT, please remember: Don’t stress; it’s only a test.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Disability Rights Mississippi Seeking New Governing Board Members
This message comes to you from the Disability Rights Mississippi Nominating Committee as part of the continued effort to support and sustain the governing Board of Directors for Disability Rights Mississippi.
Nominations are now open to fill several positions on the governing board of directors. The Board of Directors for DRMS are a dynamic and diverse group and according to the bylaws must consist of family members, service providers, primary consumers, at least one attorney, and represent each congressional district in the state. DRMS requests that you think of the circle of people you interact with both professionally and privately, and see if you know of someone who would be a good fit and has a heart to serve.
The nominating committee would like the Board to have as many options as possible throughout the search for people 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 accept nominations is Monday, October 24, 2011. The committee will review all nominations and then will present their reccommendations to the Board at the November meeting. The Board will vote on the nominations at that time, with the new members to begin their term in February of 2012, with an orientation in January. The positions are for 3 year terms.
If you have any questions or concerns you may direct them to either Shirley Walker or Beth Porter at 1.601.968.0600. Both can be reached at the office numbers.
Nominations are now open to fill several positions on the governing board of directors. The Board of Directors for DRMS are a dynamic and diverse group and according to the bylaws must consist of family members, service providers, primary consumers, at least one attorney, and represent each congressional district in the state. DRMS requests that you think of the circle of people you interact with both professionally and privately, and see if you know of someone who would be a good fit and has a heart to serve.
The nominating committee would like the Board to have as many options as possible throughout the search for people 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 accept nominations is Monday, October 24, 2011. The committee will review all nominations and then will present their reccommendations to the Board at the November meeting. The Board will vote on the nominations at that time, with the new members to begin their term in February of 2012, with an orientation in January. The positions are for 3 year terms.
If you have any questions or concerns you may direct them to either Shirley Walker or Beth Porter at 1.601.968.0600. Both can be reached at the office numbers.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
National Mentoring Day Celebration and White House Release
National Mentoring Day Celebration – Oct. 19, Hattiesburg
STEP UP, the Youth and Young Adult Subcommittee of the Community Partnership Advisory Council for the Institute for Disability Studies, is sponsoring a National Disability Mentoring Day Celebration on Wed., Oct. 19, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Optimist Park Community Center at 345 Hegwood Road in Hattiesburg. Nicole Marquez will be the guest motivational speaker. Nicole is a Southern Miss graduate who was dancing professionally in New York when she fell and was never expected to walk or dance again. Replies are required. For more information or to RSVP, contact Cookie Smith, LMSW at terri.smith@usm.edu or 601.266.5163.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release October 3, 2011
NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH, 2011
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Utilizing the talents of all Americans is essential for our Nation to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world. During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we recognize the skills that people with disabilities bring to our workforce, and we rededicate ourselves to improving employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors for those living with disabilities.
More than 20 years after the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals with disabilities, including injured veterans, are making immeasurable contributions to workplaces across our country. Unfortunately, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities remains too high -- nearly double the rate of people without disabilities -- and reversing this trend is crucial.
In both the public and private sectors, we can increase employment opportunities for Americans with disabilities. My Administration is promoting competitive, integrated employment for persons with disabilities and the elderly through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Last year, we also recommitted to making the Federal Government a model employer for people living with disabilities. Agencies are working harder than ever to promote equal hiring practices and increase retention, while also expanding internships, fellowships, and training opportunities.
We know education is the foundation on which all children can build bright and successful futures, and no child should be limited in his or her desire to learn. In September, we announced the final regulations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part C, to improve services and outcomes for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families during the critical years before kindergarten. The educational environments we are creating for children with disabilities will ensure they are better prepared to succeed in the classroom and later in the workplace, helping position our Nation to lead in the 21st century.
Work accessibility is just as vital to success as ensuring educational and hiring opportunities. Public transportation is a service that should be available to all Americans, and rules instated this year by the Department of Transportation require new rail construction or renovations to ensure accessibility to persons with disabilities. We are also improving our compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act to make Federal agencies' electronic and information technology more accessible to individuals with disabilities. This will ensure all applicants have equal opportunity to apply for jobs, and it will allow Federal employees to better use technology at work.
To win the future, we must harness the power of our Nation's richest resource -- our people. Americans with disabilities, like all Americans, are entitled to not only full participation in our society, but also full opportunity in our society. Their talents and contributions are vital to the strength of our Nation's workforce and our future prosperity. Together, we can ensure persons living with disabilities have equal access to employment, and to inclusive, supportive workplaces.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2011 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. I urge all Americans to embrace the talents and skills that individuals with disabilities bring to our workplaces and communities and to promote the right to equal employment opportunity for all people.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
BARACK OBAMA
STEP UP, the Youth and Young Adult Subcommittee of the Community Partnership Advisory Council for the Institute for Disability Studies, is sponsoring a National Disability Mentoring Day Celebration on Wed., Oct. 19, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Optimist Park Community Center at 345 Hegwood Road in Hattiesburg. Nicole Marquez will be the guest motivational speaker. Nicole is a Southern Miss graduate who was dancing professionally in New York when she fell and was never expected to walk or dance again. Replies are required. For more information or to RSVP, contact Cookie Smith, LMSW at terri.smith@usm.edu or 601.266.5163.
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release October 3, 2011
NATIONAL DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH, 2011
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Utilizing the talents of all Americans is essential for our Nation to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world. During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we recognize the skills that people with disabilities bring to our workforce, and we rededicate ourselves to improving employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors for those living with disabilities.
More than 20 years after the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals with disabilities, including injured veterans, are making immeasurable contributions to workplaces across our country. Unfortunately, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities remains too high -- nearly double the rate of people without disabilities -- and reversing this trend is crucial.
In both the public and private sectors, we can increase employment opportunities for Americans with disabilities. My Administration is promoting competitive, integrated employment for persons with disabilities and the elderly through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Last year, we also recommitted to making the Federal Government a model employer for people living with disabilities. Agencies are working harder than ever to promote equal hiring practices and increase retention, while also expanding internships, fellowships, and training opportunities.
We know education is the foundation on which all children can build bright and successful futures, and no child should be limited in his or her desire to learn. In September, we announced the final regulations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part C, to improve services and outcomes for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families during the critical years before kindergarten. The educational environments we are creating for children with disabilities will ensure they are better prepared to succeed in the classroom and later in the workplace, helping position our Nation to lead in the 21st century.
Work accessibility is just as vital to success as ensuring educational and hiring opportunities. Public transportation is a service that should be available to all Americans, and rules instated this year by the Department of Transportation require new rail construction or renovations to ensure accessibility to persons with disabilities. We are also improving our compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act to make Federal agencies' electronic and information technology more accessible to individuals with disabilities. This will ensure all applicants have equal opportunity to apply for jobs, and it will allow Federal employees to better use technology at work.
To win the future, we must harness the power of our Nation's richest resource -- our people. Americans with disabilities, like all Americans, are entitled to not only full participation in our society, but also full opportunity in our society. Their talents and contributions are vital to the strength of our Nation's workforce and our future prosperity. Together, we can ensure persons living with disabilities have equal access to employment, and to inclusive, supportive workplaces.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2011 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. I urge all Americans to embrace the talents and skills that individuals with disabilities bring to our workplaces and communities and to promote the right to equal employment opportunity for all people.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.
BARACK OBAMA
National Preparedness Goal
The first edition of the National Preparedness Goal is now available for download at NP Goal. The National Preparedness Goal is the first deliverable called for by Presidential Policy Directive (PPD) 8 and was signed by the Secretary of Homeland Security on September 23, 2011.
The National Preparedness Goal sets the vision for preparedness nationwide and identifies the core capabilities and capability targets necessary to achieve that vision across the five mission areas: prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery.
The first edition of the National Preparedness Goal builds extensively on prior work of various stakeholder groups from around the nation, draws upon lessons learned from past large-scale and catastrophic events and represents input from preparedness partners from all levels of government, non-profit organizations, the private sector and individuals. The input and ideas developed through working groups, outreach sessions, targeted engagement efforts and a two-week national review period was critical to shaping this document.
The whole community is encouraged to review the first edition of the National Preparedness Goal and as such, encourage you to forward this information to your networks. Please direct any questions to PPD8-Engagement@fema.dhs.gov.
The National Preparedness Goal sets the vision for preparedness nationwide and identifies the core capabilities and capability targets necessary to achieve that vision across the five mission areas: prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery.
The first edition of the National Preparedness Goal builds extensively on prior work of various stakeholder groups from around the nation, draws upon lessons learned from past large-scale and catastrophic events and represents input from preparedness partners from all levels of government, non-profit organizations, the private sector and individuals. The input and ideas developed through working groups, outreach sessions, targeted engagement efforts and a two-week national review period was critical to shaping this document.
The whole community is encouraged to review the first edition of the National Preparedness Goal and as such, encourage you to forward this information to your networks. Please direct any questions to PPD8-Engagement@fema.dhs.gov.
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