Learn about what is happening on a national level regarding employment of persons with disabilities! Stephanie Birmingham, APSE's new Public Policy Associate, brings you the latest from Washington. Click here and read an "Update from Washington".
Click here to read a press release on the CLASS Act
Enzi Provides New Edition of Guide to Help Congressional Offices Prepare for Constitutents, Visitors with Accessibility Needs
Contact: Craig Orfield (202) 224-6770
Washington, D.C. – In recognition of the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, U.S. Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today has published an updated version of his Accessibility Manual - a comprehensive guide to providing Senate offices and constituents with valuable information on accessibility throughout the U.S. Capitol Complex.
“This third edition of the manual builds on the important work done in the previous editions, and includes the most recent and accurate information on accessibility services provided on Capitol Hill,” Enzi said.
Enzi emphasized that the updated manual includes a variety of ideas and suggestions to help address the needs of staff, constituents and visitors with accessibility needs, including: basic rules of etiquette; locations of accessible routes and entrances; accessible room design; and emergency evacuation procedures.
“This manual will assist Congressional offices in preparing a more comfortable, informative and enjoyable visit for both constituents and visitors,” Enzi said. “I hope all staff will feel free to use this manual as they develop policies and procedures for accommodating individuals with accessibility needs, whether they are visiting our nation’s capital or working in a Congressional office.”
The updated guide can be viewed online by visiting http://help.senate.gov/about/ranking_member/.
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Survey Reveals that Significant Gaps in Employment and Access to Technology Remain for Persons with Disabilities
Kessler Foundation and the National Organization on Disability commissioned Harris Interactive to conduct the 2010 Survey of Americans with Disabilities. This marks the sixth effort over the past 24 years to assess the quality of life of people with disabilities on a wide range of critical dimensions, to measure the gaps between people with and without disabilities on these indicators, and to track them over time. The partners have established a series of 10 indicators of significant life activities of Americans with disabilities. These indicators, which have been tracked over the course of six surveys, are: employment, income, education, health care, access to transportation, socializing, going to restaurants, attendance at religious services, political participation, and life satisfaction. This year, three new indicators were added, which include: technology, access to mental health services, and overall financial situation. While there has been modest improvement in a few areas, the general implication of the indicators is that now twenty years after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), there has yet to be significant progress in most areas.
BLS Releases Comprehensive Overview on Employment of Persons with a Disability
Persons with a Disability: Labor Force Characteristics 2009 is the first news release focusing on the employment status of persons with a disability. The information in this release is from the Current Population Survey (CPS), a monthly sample survey of about 60,000 households that provides statistics on employment and unemployment in the United States. Some highlights from the 2009 data are - the unemployment rate for persons with a disability was 14.5 percent in 2009, well above the figure of 9.0 percent for those with no disability; and nearly one-third of workers with a disability were employed part time, compared with about one-fifth of those with no disability. To learn more, click here!
Among the findings:
Employment represents the largest gap between the two groups. Of all working-age people with disabilities, only 21% say that they are employed, compared to 59% of people without disabilities – a gap of 38 percentage points. People with disabilities are still much more likely to be living in poverty. People with disabilities are less likely than those without disabilities to socialize with friends, relatives or neighbors, once again suggesting that there are significant barriers to participation in leisure activities for this population. The second-largest gap between people with and without disabilities is regarding Internet access. 85% of adults without disabilities access the Internet, whereas only 54% of adults with disabilities report the same – a gap of 31 percentage points.
For more information, click here!
The Administration on Developmental Disabilities Wants YOUR Thoughts...
The Administration on Developmental Disabilities is seeking input from the public on "future plans and how ADD can best meet the diverse needs of individuals with developmental disabilities, and their families, across the country". Additionally, the Administration would like suggestions for potential Projects of National Significance (PNS). Examples of possible Projects could be focused on advocacy, supporting families, helping people with their careers, helping people be independent and more. The survey is available until September 1, 2010! Click here to be directed to the online survey.
ODEP Announces $2.3 Million in Funding for the "Add Us In" Initiative
The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy today announced the availability of approximately $2.3 million in funding for the Add Us In initiative, which will fund up to four cooperative agreements with allotments ranging from $500,000 to $625,000 each. The initiative is designed to increase the ability of companies to employ individuals with disabilities, particularly businesses owned and operated by African-Americans; Asian-Americans; Latino or Hispanic Americans; members of federally recognized tribes and Native Americans; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals; and women. Click here to find out more about the initiative and how to apply for a grant!
GAO Issues Report on Employment of Individuals with Disabilities
The Government Accountability Office has released a report entitled, "Actions that Could Increase Work Participation for Adults with Disabilities". The report summarizes the results of its March forum. The intent of the forum was to "identify public and private sector options for, and the federal government’s role in, assisting adults with disabilities in their efforts to remain employed or return to the workforce". Click here to read the report!
President Obama Issues an Executive Order in Honor of the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
On Monday, July 26, 2010 President Obama issued an Executive Order in honor of the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Citing the dismal unemployment rate of citizens with disabilities, President Obama highlighted the commitment of the Federal Government to hiring individuals with disabilities. Click here to read the Executive Order -- Increasing Federal Employment of Individuals with Disabilities.
White House Launches Health Care Website to Help Find Health Insurance and Understand New Health Reform Legislation
Last week the White House launched its new website, healthcare.gov. As a tool to help the general public navigate the health insurance industry, individuals will be able to view the health insurance options available to them in their respective state. Also available is information on how the newly passed health reform legislation will be phased-in. To learn more, please click here!
BLS Releases June 2010 Disability Employment Statistics
The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released the June 2010 Disability Employment Statistics. The unemployment rate for those with disabilities was 14.4 percent, compared with 9.4 percent for persons with no disability, not seasonally adjusted.
Nine High School Students with Disabilities Graduate from DOL Work Experience Program
Assistant Secretary Kathleen Martinez recently congratulated nine high school students with disabilities who graduated from a new Department of Labor work experience program. The Project SEARCH Federal Sector Program was founded by ODEP and its project partners: Project SEARCH Cincinnati, The District Of Columbia (DC) Public Schools, the DC Rehabilitation Services Administration/Department on Disabilities Services., and the Kennedy Institute of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Washington.
Click here to read more!
For more information on Project Search, click here!
Ari Ne'eman Confirmed to the National Council on Disability
On Tuesday, June 22nd the Senate confirmed Ari Ne'eman to the National Council on Disability. Ne'eman is the first person with autism to serve on the Council. The National Council on Disability is an independent federal agency that provides guidance to the President, Congress and Executive branch agencies regarding policy, programs and initiatives to promote equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. To learn more about the Council, click here!
BLS Releases May 2010 Disability Eployment Statistics
In May 2010, the percentage of people with disabilities in the labor force was 22.3. This translates into 20,617,000 who are included in the civilian noninstitutional population (16 years and older) but not in the labor force. By comparison, the percentage of persons with no disability in the labor force is 70.1
The unemployment rate for those with disabilities was 14.7 percent, compared with 9.1 percent for persons with no disability, not seasonally adjusted. Click here for more information!
USBLN Annual Conference and Expo in September 2010
U.S. Business Leadership Network will be having its Annual Conference and Expo in Chicago, September 19-22. This year's theme: Aligning Disability with the Bottom Line: Talent, Market Share, and Supplier Diversity. According to the conference website, "this conference brings corporate, government, disability-owned businesses and BLN affiliates together to create workplaces, marketplaces, and supply chains where people with disabilities are fully included as professionals, customers and entrepreneurs." For more information, click here!
ODEP Releases 2010 Theme for Disability Employment Awareness Month
The Office of Disability Employment Policy has recently released the theme for its 2010 Disability Employment Awareness Month in October. This years theme is "Talent Has No Boundaries: Workforce Diversity INCLUDES Workers With Disabilities."
Learn About Disability Nondiscrimnination Via DOL's Newest E-Advisor Tool
The Department of Labor's website now has interactive e-tools where individuals can learn more about important federal employment laws. The newest elaw Advisor is on Disability Nondiscrimination. Other Advisors include Family Medical Leave Act, Fair Labor Standards Act and Federal Contractor Compliance, to name a few. To utilize one of DOL's e-tools, click here!
Pilot Program Offers Real Work Experience for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities on Capitol Hill
Representative Gregg Harper (R-MS), House Administration Committee Republicans and Mason LIFE (a post-secondary program at George Mason University for adults with intellectual disabilities) have put together a pilot initiative that provides internships and work experience on the Hill to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Some of the responsibilities of the interns include answering constituent mail and learning to give Capitol tours. Click here to learn more!
CELEBRATE the 20th Anniversary of the ADA
How will you be celebrating the upcoming 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? Disability.gov offers a website for individuals around the country to share their ideas of commemorating this historic event. Click here to share what the ADA has meant to you!
BLS Releases March 2010 Disability Employment Statistics
In March 2010, the percentage of people with disabilities in the labor force was 22.5. This translates into a total of 20,891,000 who are included in the civilian noninstitutional population (16 years and older) but not in the labor force. By comparison, the percentage of persons with no disability in the labor force is 70.2.
The unemployment rate for those with disabilities was 13.9 percent, compared with 10.1 percent for persons with no disability, not seasonally adjusted. Click here for more information.
ODEP to Host Live Web Chat: Seeking Input on its Strategic Plan
ODEP will host a live, text-only web chat on April 8, 2010 beginning at 2:45 PM (ET) about the proposed Fiscal Year 2010 to 2016 strategic direction and goals. This web chat will provide an open forum for key stakeholders and the public to provide ODEP with their questions, comments and ideas and be an integral part of the ODEP strategic planning process. Click here for more information!
"SSI Savers Act of 2010 Introduced"
Representative Niki Tsongas (D-MA) introduced the "SSI Savers Act of 2010" on Wednesday, March 24th. H.R. 4937 will increase the SSI asset limits. Currently, the asset limit for singles is $2,000 and $3,000 for couples. H.R. 4937 proposes to raise limits to $5,000 for singles and $7,500 for couples. Additionally, for individuals 65 and older, retirement savings will be excluded from the asset limit test. Click here to read more about H.R. 4937.
"KS House Passed Employment First Bill"
Today we share an exciting announcement from Kansas. One of our very own chapters, KS APSE, has been instrumental in helping pass an Employment First bill in the Kansas House. KS APSE established as one of its goals a year ago that they focus on Employment First. Many KS APSE members have been involved in legislative activities and meetings recently to promote Employment First principles and will be holding an APSE meeting at the upcoming Kansas Employment First Summit.
KS APSE President, Wendy Parent, has co-authored the Employment First bill, which has recently pass the KS House. It is through the work of many dedicated individuals that KS APSE has been able to assist in the passage of such legislation. While it awaits passage by the KS Senate, we would like to congratulate Wendy and the the members of KS APSE.
Additionally, it is through the continued dedication of APSE members that we can successfully promote Employment First and integrated employment of citizens with disabilities. Thank you to everyone and the work they do. We will keep you posted as to how the vote goes in the Senate. Once again, congrats to Wendy and KS APSE. Click here to read the bill.
"President Obama Signs 'Jobs Bill' Into Law"
On Thursday, March 18th, 2010 President Obama signed into law H.R. 2847, the "Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act" after it passed the Senate on March 17th. This bill was a revised 'jobs bill' and inclused tax breaks for the hiring of new employees by both profit and not-for-profit businesses and the extension of funding for certain transportation and transit programs. To read the jobs bill, click here!
"Health Bill Passes House"
The House passed the Senate health reform bill and reconciliation package late Sunday night. President Obama is expected to sign the health bill sometime today. Until then, the Senate will have to wait until it can pass the House reconciliation bill. It is unclear as to how long that process will take due to the fact that Republican Senators may try to stall its passage and put forth many amendments. Click here for more info.
"Health Reform Update"
The House is expected to vote on the Senate's health reform bill later this week. Assuming its passage, the House will then attempt to pass it's reconciliation bill in both chambers. Click here to view the House reconciliation bill. Check out what the Kaiser Family Foundation has to offer in helping you understand health reform!
"Autism Training Seminar in Rockville, MD"
The Autism Training Seminar will offer a dynamic two-day Training Seminar, April 8th & 9th, 2010, of interactive and intense training to stimulate and educate parents, direct care providers, and health care personnel working and caring for individuals with autism and other significant developmental disabilities. It is designed to provide a forum for discussion, an exchange of information, an increase in understanding and awareness in the community of the gravity of this disability, and resources for help. The event is sponsored by Madison House Foundation, Montgomery College and the Montgomery County Department of Health & Human Service Aging and Disability services. Registration ends April 2nd, 2010. Click here for more information and to register!
"Senate Passes H.R. 4213"
The Senate passed H.R. 4213 on Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 with a vote of 62 yea and 36 nay. The bill passed will allow for an extension of FMAP through June 30th, 2011. It is estimated that states will recieve an additional $25.5 billion dollars in FMAP along with an additional $1.2 billion dollars in adjustments to help states afford their required payments to the federal government for Medicare part D. It will now go to the House for passage before it can be signed by President Obama.
"White House Conference Call on Health Reform"
What? Join Senior Advisor to the President, David Axelrod, on a conference call to learn more about health insurance reform. This is a briefing call to have the opportunity to learn background information. Note: it's not intended for press purposes.
When? Tomorrow! Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 at 1:30pm (EST)
How? Call (800) 398-9386, and ask the operator for the “Health Care Reform Call”.
"BLS Releases February 2010 Employment Statistics"
In February 2010, the percentage of people with disabilities in the labor force was 21.9. This translates into a total of 21,012,000 who are included in the civilian noninstitutional population (16 years and older) but not in the labor force. By comparison, the percentage of persons with no disability in the labor force is 70.1. Click here to read more!
"Second Senate Jobs Bill Includes ARRA FMAP Extension"
The second Senate jobs bill now includes a 6-month extension of ARRA state FMAP fuding. Under this bill, states would have additional funding through June 30th, 2011. Click here to read a press release from the Senate Finance Committee on various provisions in its jobs bill.
"Sharon Lewis Announced as Commissioner of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities at the Administration for Children and Families"
To: ACF Staff
From: Secretary Sebelius
I’m pleased to announce that Sharon Lewis will be joining HHS as Commissioner of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities at the Administration for Children and Families.
Sharon has extensive experience as a disability policy advocate. She has worked as the Senior Disability Policy Advisor to U.S. House Committee on Education & Labor Chairman George Miller since 2007. In that role, she has advised Chairman Miller on legislative strategy and disability-related policy in education, employment and healthcare, and has served as the lead staffer on the disability provisions of key pieces of legislation and on implementation oversight. Sharon will begin her work at HHS next month.
I want to thank Acting Commissioner Faith McCormick for her leadership at ADD, and I also want to extend my gratitude to everyone who works to support the mission of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities. Thank you all for the critically important work you do every day.
Please join me in welcoming Sharon Lewis to HHS. *Sharon Lewis, Commissioner, Administration on Developmental Disabilities, Administration for Children and Families*
Sharon Lewis has over ten years of experience as a disability policy advocate. She currently serves as the Senior Disability Policy Advisor to U.S. House Committee on Education & Labor Chairman George Miller, a position she has held since 2007. In this capacity, she advises Chairman Miller and members of the Committee on legislative strategy and disability-related policy in education, employment and healthcare. Sharon also serves as the lead staffer on disability provisions of key pieces of legislation and on implementation oversight. During President Obama’s transition, Sharon served as a member of the Department of Education Agency Review Team. Previously, she worked as a Kennedy Public Policy Fellow for U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Children & Families Chairman Chris Dodd. Prior to her work in Congress, Sharon served on the state level in various disability policy and program roles, and as a grassroots community organizer. Sharon received her BFA from Washington University in St. Louis.
"Social Security Administration to Host Work Incentive Seminar Events"
SSA will be hosting events throughout the United States for beneficiaries with disabilities and their families who are interested in finding out more about work incentive programs and benefits. Various local community organizations will be holding these seminars, providing information on the Ticket-to-Work program, connect with local training and employment resources, and opportunities to increase income. To find an event near you, click here and click on your state!
"President Obama Released his Health Care Proposal on 2.22.10"
In an attempt to continue to push forward health care reform, President Obama released his proposal on Monday, February 22nd. It is expected that at Thursday's bipartisan meeting, Congressional leaders will discuss how to move forward with legislation given the current challenges to reaching a consensus. To read the President's proposal, click here!
"Watch the Bipartisan Meeting on Health Reform Legislation"
On Thursday, February 25th at 10am (EST), President Obama will be hosting a bipartisan meeting to discuss health care reform. Members of the public can view the meeting live by clicking on the links below.
Video Part 1
Video Part 2
Video Part 3
Video Part 4
Video Part 5
