State and National News
State News
2-20-12
Upcoming Rally to Focus on Freedom from Unsafe Restraint and Seclusion
Do you have concerns about unsafe seclusion and restraint of youth with disabilities in our schools? Then attend this rally to be held tomorrow! This rally is for all advocates concerned about seclusion and restraint of youth with disabilities in our public schools.
Tuesday, February 21 at 1:00 PM.
ROOM 159-S in the State Capitol Building Press conference & Rally to promote HB 2444!
House Bill 2444, which would require minimum standards of proper treatment of students with disabilities when seclusion and restraint becomes necessary, will die in the House of Representatives; Thursday, February 23rd, unless it is taken up by the House as a whole and passed out favorably to the Senate.
The Big Tent Coalition is planning a media event on Tuesday, February 21 at 1:00 at the Statehouse. This bill is very important and represents years of effort to get to this point. This bill will ensure to the families and students with disabilities in our state that there are minimum standards for this kind of treatment of school kids.
If you would like to attend, or want more information, contact Mike Oxford at 785.224.3865 or Rocky Nichols at rocky@drckansas.org. They are also looking for parents or students with disabilities to speak at the rally. If you are interested, contact Mike or Rocky. For more information, see the press release.
2-8-12
Employment First Summit II to be Held in April
The Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities and Working Healthy are gearing up for the 2nd Employment First Summit in Kansas! If you believe in competitive, integrated employment for people with disabilities, then this is the conference for you. This year's Summit will be held on April 4-5 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka. It will feature national and regional experts who will share best practices and strategies designed to establish integrated, competitive employment as the first priority for Kansans with disabilities. The opening keynote speaker will be David Hoff, with the Institute for Community Inclusion, and the closing session will be lead by the Employment First Oversight Commission.
All stakeholders are encouraged to attend including: people with disabilities, family members, service providers, Community Developmental Disability Organizations, Centers for Independent Living, Mental Health Centers, educators, rehabilitation counselors, employers and policymakers. Advanced registration is requested as the Summit is limited to the first 400 registrants. The summit fee is $50 per person and is refundable upon attendance. Scholarships are available for people with disabilities and family members on a first-come, first-served basis. For information, call 785-296-2608.
Print the Summit Scholarship Application
9-13-11
Kansas CEC "Yes I Can" Awards to be Held in Topeka
Join the Kansas Council for Exceptional Children as they honor accomplished Kansas youth and special educators! The 3rd Annual Kansas CEC "Yes I Can" Awards will be held on October 1 at the Capital Plaza Hotel in Topeka. Community members are encouraged to attend. This event works to raise awareness of the important progress being made by students and the crucial role of Special Education Professionals in Kansas. To register for the Luncheon, visit the Kansas CEC website.
There is also still time to nominate a student or a Special Education professional for a "Yes I Can" award! The nomination deadline is September 17, so submit your nomination today. To submit your nomination, fill out the online Yes I Can nomination form or Special Educator of the Year form.
Governor Brownback Offers Internship to College Students in Kansas
Do you want to learn about what happens on a daily basis in the Governor's office? Do you have an interest in politics? Then, consider being an intern in the Governor's office! The Governor’s Intern Program is a select internship experience designed to give high-quality college students (juniors and senior undergraduates, graduate and law students) the opportunity to see the inner workings of state government and contribute to growing and improving the State of Kansas. This program places students in each of the divisions of the Governor’s Office (Appointments, Communications, Constituent Service, Legal, Lt. Governor, First Lady, Budget and Policy) and in each of the Cabinet level agencies (Labor, Commerce, Revenue, Transportation, Agriculture, Adjutant General, Aging, Highway Patrol, Administration, Securities Commission, Corrections, Juvenile Justice Authority, Social and Rehabilitation Services, Wildlife and Parks, and Health and Environment) and the Kansas Department of Education.
The objective is for interns to be directly involved with the upper-level workings of the office or agency. Students will be exposed to the real decision-making processes and engaged in projects that utilize their skills, abilities, and enthusiasm. The internship program is designed to be an educational experience - not just a “copy and collate” internship. Students are expected to work with the respective colleges and universities to develop learning objectives and obtain academic credit, certification or recognition.
The intern program places 8-10 interns in the Governor’s Office and 1 intern in each agency. The program will operate in three time frames:
- Spring (January – May)
- Summer (May - August)
- Fall (August – December)
Students interning in the Fall and Spring are expected to work at least 16-20 hours per week and summer interns are expected to work at least 30 hours per week. To apply for an internship, all interested students must submit an application. The application deadlines are November 1, 2011 for the Spring Term and March 15, 2012 for the Summer Term.
For full details, visit the Governor's website. You may also contact the Director of Constituent Services, Shawn Cowing, at 785.368.8500 or intern.coordinator@ks.gov.
3-9-11
Share Your Story- Advocate for Continued Funding of Centers for Independent Living
Have you used the services at your local center for independent living? Do you want to help make sure that these services continue to be available? Then this is your chance to advocate for continued full funding of CIL's across Kansas. Legislators at the statehouse are currently reviewing the SRS budget, which is where CIL's receive funding. In order for these essential services to not be cut, our legislators need to hear from us! If you have been positively impacted by your local CIL and would like to share your story, contact your legislators in the next few weeks. To find the names of your legislators, visit the KS Legislature website. Contact your legislators today!
SACK Conference Coming Up in April
The annual Self-Advocate Coalition of Kansas Conference is quickly approaching and will be held on April 1-3, 2011. It will be held at the Capital Plaza Hotel in Topeka. This conference is an opportunity for people with developmental disabilities to meet, share, and learn from each other and experts in the field. Conference participants have the opportunity to choose from 15 different workshops during five breakout sessions. A motivating keynote speaker and other activities are also offered at the conference. This year's theme is "Risky Business." All registrations are due by March 20, 2011. To learn more about the conference, visit the SACK website.
Midnight Farm Offers Summer and Spring Break Camps for Youth with Disabilities
Midnight Farm is a 40-acre working farm specializing in country-style services for people with disabilities. The Farm provides NARHA Therapeutic Horseback Riding classes and a "Green Thumb Project" horticulture program with greenhouse and gardens tended by persons served and volunteers.Midnight Farm is located in rural Douglas County and features a 22,000-square-foot, multi-purpose facility that includes a rustic meeting lodge, a bunk house, an equestrian facility/ arena, and a barn for horses and farm animals. Outside the barn are paddocks, areas for petting the animals, trails for walking and horseback riding, a fishing pond, a small playground, a butterfly garden, and picnic areas.
Midnight Farm is currently offering two different camp opportunities:
Horsin' Around at Midnight Farm- All Abilities Summer Horsemanship Camp
August 1-5, 2011
This camp will be from 10 am to 4 pm daily and is open to children of all abilities, ages 8 –16. Camp is limited to 16 campers so don’t wait to register and risk missing out! Get to know the horses, learn horse safety, grooming, saddling and of course, RIDING!! Low camper/staff ratio plus specially trained volunteers and horses will allow them to meet the specific needs of each person to maximize their camp experience!
Midnight Farm Day Camps for Children with Autism
March 14 – 18, 2011
May 31 – June 3, 2011
July 25 – 29, 2011
CLO’s 2011 day camp program for kids with autism, ages 6 to 18, is now open for registration. Camp at Midnight Farm includes activities like crafts and sing-along’s, outdoor/indoor games, animal petting in the adjoining paddocks, and supported horseback riding in the large indoor arena.
For more information about either of these camps, visit the Midnight Farm website or call 785-218-9358.
AMC Theaters in Kansas City Offers Sensory Friendly Films to Youth with Autism
Are you a youth or a parent with autism? Do you struggle with attending shows at movie theaters because of your disability? Well, AMC Theaters in Kansas City has just the thing for you and your family... sensory friendly films! This program provides an opportunity for families to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment. The auditoriums dedicated to the program have their lights up, the sound turned down and audience members are invited to get up and dance, walk, shout or sing! The idea for the program began with a request from a parent with a child who had autism for a special screening at a theater in Maryland. More than 300 children and parents attended the first screening.
AMC Theaters is now offering the program at many locations nationwide, including Kansas City! The following are participatory theaters: Barrywoods, Independence Commons, and Studio 30 with IMAX. For more information, contact the individual theaters or visit the AMC website.
2-14-11
African American Youth Day Coming Up in March
The Kansas African American Affairs Commission is hosting African American Youth Day: Quest to be the Best on March 22, 2011 in Topeka. This event is being coordinated by one of our very own KSYLF alumni, Shawn Bryant, and he is hoping to see some Kansas youth with disabilities attending this exciting day! This leadership event will expose youth to the political process in Kansas, allow them to meet their elected officials, and serve as an excellent networking opportunity with other youth and community leaders. The aim is to empower youth with the motivation to become change agents in their community through community service and civic engagement.
The coordinators are also searching for people to serve as volunteers for this event. Volunteers (in sets of two) would host of group of young children and chaperon them throughout the day.
All youth participants and coordinators are expected to fill out an application in order to participate. Both types of applications are due on March 11, 2011. See below for the fact sheet and applications for this event. For more information, contact Shawn Bryant at 785-296-4874 or shawn.bryant@ks.gov.
African American Youth Day Fact Sheet
Youth Participant Application
Volunteer Application
Systems in Sync to Host Health Care Transition Workshops
Systems in Sync is partnering with Families Together to host eight regional workshops on health care transition for parents, professionals, and youth with special health care needs. Beginning February 22, Systems in Sync will once again head out across Kansas to meet with and hear from consumers. Only this time, they are bringing you a great workshop on health care transition as well as a chance to share your experiences and voice your concerns! They will host two (2) workshops in each city. One of these is dedicated for youth with special health care needs and the other is for parents, families, and professionals. Both workshops are at the same location, just separate meeting rooms. See dates and locations below:
February 22 – Wichita, KS
Independent Living Resource Center
February 24—Pittsburg, KS
Pittsburg State University, Overman Student Center (Inaugural and Sunflower Rooms)
March 7—Concordia, KS
Cloud County Community College (Rooms 251 and 258)
March 8—Lawrence, KS
Lawrence Union Pacific Depot
March 9—Atchison, KS
Atchison SRS Center
March 15—Garden City, KS
Salvation Army
March 16—Colby, KS
Colby Community College, Campus Bookstore (Rooms 106 and 108)
March 17—Hays, KS
Fort Hays State University, Memorial Union (Rooms 222 and 226)
For more information, visit the Systems in Sync website or contact Heather Moore at hmoore@kdheks.gov or 785-296-4747.
2-3-11
Community Conversation to be Held in Kansas City
A community conversation for people with disabilities will be held in Kansas City, MO on March 3, 2011. The event will take place at the Bruce R Watkins Cultural Heritage Center. It will provide an opportunity for representatives from the community to gain a better understanding of the issues that individuals with disabilities face. The agenda will include speakers and a discussion panel that will focus on building a plan of action for community integration for persons with disabilities to enjoy leisure and recreation activities throughout the greater Kansas City area. Special guests will include Kathie Snow with Disability is Natural and Sue Fleming of the Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis. Please contact Jennifer Omillian if you have any questions related to this event and to R.S.V.P. no later than Friday, February 25, 2011 at 816-718-1845 or jomillian@att.net. See the event flyer for further details.
1-14-11
Creators of New Calendar Seeking Kansas Artists With Disabilities
The creators of a new work incentive calendar are searching for artists in Kansas who are willing to have their work displayed in the calendar. Two calendars are being created to share work incentive facts and social security information. These calendars will also display artwork from Kansas artists with a variety of disabilities. If you are an artist in our state who would like to share your creations, then this is the opportunity for you! Contact Shannon at shanoz@aol.com for more information.
1-4-11
Families Together Announces Together We Can Learn Conference To Be Held in February
The 2011 Families Together "Together We Can Learn" Conference has been set for February 26! Registration materials are now available and parents, youth, and advocates are encouraged to sign up. The conference will take place at the Capital Plaza Hotel in Topeka from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. It will feature a full schedule with a variety of speakers, including a keynote from John Maag from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Breakout sessions will cover topics including technology for all learners, positive behavior support, planning for the future of a youth with a disability, medical homes, accommodations for students with cognitive disabilities, sexuality for youth with disabilities, and more.
Early bird registration for this conference is $35 for a family member or a person with a disability, $45 for a professional, and $25 for a college student with an ID. The Early Bird Registration deadline is January 26, 2011. To register, visit the Families Together website.
Families Together is a statewide organization that serves families of children and youth with exceptional needs.
12-17-10
Systems in Sync Announces Call for Investments on Youth Programs
The “Systems In Sync” grant through Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) has developed a Call for Investment (CFI) for individuals, agencies, or organizations in Kansas to assist in the development or expansion of activities supportive of the grant objectives. This competitive application process will result in 2 awards of $15,000 each to be awarded to those working to promote healthy, productive, and independent adult lives for youth/young adults with special health care needs. The submission deadline is December 31, 2010 at 1:00 PM. Learn more about this opportunity by visiting the Systems in Sync website.
Topeka Autism Support Group Seeks Planning Committee Members
An Autism Support Group in Topeka is planning for their upcoming carnival and picnic to be held in April. They are seeking youth, parents, and community members who are interested in joining the planning committee for this event. The group is hoping to have a very successful event and needs more people to help bring it together. This planning committee will meet weekly in Topeka. For more information or to join the planning committee, contact Mari White at rwhite46@cox.net.
KU Seeking Research Study Participants with Mobility Disabilities
Do you have a mobility related disability? Are you interested in helping to enhance independent living and full participation of people living with disabilities? Then participate in this research study! The Research and Training Center on Independent Living at the University of Kansas is conducting a study that aims to increase community participation for people who experience some type of mobility-related disability. The benefits to participants include training in the use of a PDA, financial incentives of up to $200, and support to explore increased participation in communities.
To be eligible for participation, you must: have a mobility-related disability as a primary disability, be between the ages of 18 and 65, commit to 18-12 weeks of involvement, not work full-time, live within a 30 mile radius of Lawrence, and be interested in becoming more involved in the community. This study seeks to enroll four to six participants within the next six weeks.
To participate in this study, contact Chiaki Gonda at 785-864-4095 or email at chiaki@ku.edu.
10-25-10
Partners in Policymaking Recruits New Participants
Do you want to get more involved with the disability community? Do you need more knowledge on how to affect laws and advocate for people with disabilities? Then attend the upcoming Partners in Policymaking class! Partners in Policymaking is a recognized advocacy training program that many Councils on Developmental Disabilities have sponsored for several years. The program teaches people to be community leaders. It is designed to provide information, training, resources and skills building to people with disabilities and their immediate relatives so that they may obtain the best available services and advocate for a better life. The program is open to a limited number of interested people at no cost. For more information, contact the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities toll free at 877-431-4604.
KDHE Seeks Feedback on Physical Education and Recreation
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment wants to hear about your participation in physical education and recreation! Please take a few minutes to complete this survey. Your answers will be used to:
- guide a conversation at a State conference of Physical Education teachers.
- work to get more Parks and Recreation communities involved in adaptive sports.
Your answers will make a BIG difference in how the State of Kansas provides access to physical education for ALL students.
Fill out the survey
Conference to Focus on Family Employment Awareness Training
Join Families Together, Beach Center on Disabilities and the Kansas Health Policy Authority as they explore the three KEY principles of the Family Employment Awareness Training Project!
- Everyone with a disability can work when provided with the appropriate supports and services.
- Everyone with a disability can have a job that is both enjoyable and satisfying.
- Everyone with a disability will always make more money working than by relying on public benefits alone.
Trainings are currently scheduled for Kansas City, Topeka, and Hays. The trainings feature speakers Rud Turnbull, Wendy Parent, Judith M. S. Gross, as well as a panel of other experts and young adults who are employed. To learn more, visit the Families Together website.
Join a wheelchair basketball team for junior athletes!
Parks & Recreation of Topeka and Kansas Accessible Sports, Inc. with support from the Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital and the Combined Federal Campaign will be sponsoring a wheelchair basketball team for junior athletes, ages 12 thru completion of high school. Practices have begun and junior practice is at 5:30 every Wednesday thru March (except during holidays). Most weeks, the junior team practice is over by 7:30 or 8:00 at the latest. The practice location is at the Garfield Community Center in Topeka. Wheelchair sports are for people with mobility impairments – but players do not need to be regular wheelchair users! For more information, contact Ray Petty at 785-841-8558 or raypetty@aol.com or Jarvis Stirn at 785-550-7179 or wildhawk@hotmail.com.
National News
1-30-12
Do Something Awards Seek Youth Who Want to Change the World
What would you do with $100,000? If you said "change the world" then DoSomething.org has the power to make it happen. Do Something is celebrating young people 25 and under who are tackling social issues in their communities. Up to five finalists will be featured on the VH1 Do Something Awards and get $10,000, but only one will win the grand prize of $100,000 on live TV. Applications are open from now until March 1, 2012, so apply now, or nominate someone! For full details, visit the DoSomething Awards website.
New Helpline Number to Assist People with Disabilities Before Flying
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the launch of TSA Cares today, a new helpline number designed to assist travelers with disabilities and medical conditions, prior to getting to the airport. Travelers may call TSA Cares toll free at 1-855-787 2227 prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint.
Since its inception, TSA has provided information to all travelers through its TSA Contact Center and Customer Service Managers in airports nationwide. TSA Cares will serve as an additional, dedicated resource for passengers with disabilities, medical conditions or other circumstances or their loved ones who want to prepare for the screening process prior to flying.
When a passenger with a disability or medical condition calls TSA Cares, a representative will provide assistance, either with information about screening that is relevant to the passenger’s specific disability or medical condition, or the passenger may be referred to disability experts at TSA. TSA recommends that passengers call approximately 72 hours ahead of travel so that TSA Cares has the opportunity to coordinate checkpoint support with a TSA Customer Service Manager located at the airport when necessary.
All travelers can contact TSA using Talk To TSA, a web-based tool that allows passengers to reach out to an airport Customer Service Manager directly, and the TSA Contact Center, 1 866-289-9673 and TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov, where travelers can ask questions, provide suggestions and file complaints. Travelers who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to contact TSA Cares or can e-mail TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov. To learn more, read the full press release.
1-23-12
Join People Across the Country and Celebrate "No Name-Calling Week!"
Have you ever been bullied or called a name before? Well, then it is time to stand up and say no to this kind of treatment! Along with youth and adult allies all across the country, KYEA is recognizing No Name-Calling Week during the week of January 23-27. Bullying and name-calling is hurtful and effects youth regardless of race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Educators and youth alike are participating in educational activities to address the impact bullying has. KYEA will be playing its part in this dialogue through Facebook and Twitter this week. Please visit www.nonamecallingweek.org for more resources and educational materials.
1-20-12
Young Adult Couple, Both with Autism, Featured in NY Times Article
Do you want to hear from a real life couple that happens to be two youth with disabilities? Read the recent article from the NY Times about two college students with disabilities who are navigating the relationship world and dealing with autism in a positive way. Read the article...
Advocates in Disability Award Seeking Nominations of Youth Leaders
The HSC Foundation’s ADA Award has gone national and is seeking the next generation of disability advocates! If you are a youth leader or know a young leader with a disability, then you/they are encouraged to apply for the 2012 Advocates in Disability Award (ADA). The purpose of the ADA Program is to award and encourage a young individual with a disability between the ages of 14 and 26, who has dedicated himself/herself to positively affecting the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families in the United States. The program also supports an innovative project developed by a young person with a disability that serves and empowers individuals with disabilities.
The Advocates in Disability Award (ADA) is a program of The HSC Foundation, funded in part by the Sarah Beth Coyote Foundation. The selected recipient is awarded $3,000 in recognition of his/her past disability advocacy and will receive up to an additional $7,000 in funding support for his/her proposed project that focuses on serving and empowering individuals with disabilities. Applicants must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States at the time of application submission and recipient selection.
To apply, visit the HSC Foundation website. Applications must be received by February 28, 2012 (by 5:00pm EST).
New Conference to Focus on Building Effective Youth Programs in Centers for Independent Living
Do you work at a center for independent living? Would you like to learn how to create more youth programs in your CIL? Then attend an upcoming conference entitled "Building an Effective, Comprehensive CIL Youth Program." This conference will take place on April 10 - 12, 2012 in Houston, Texas at the Hotel Galleria. The conference will explore innovative ways to design and operate programs and services that support youth in transitioning to adulthood.
Topics will include:
- How "nothing about us without us" is especially important when involving youth in CIL programs
- What services and programs successful CILs are offering to support youth transition
- How successful CILs design, fund, staff, and operate their youth transition programs
- How to support transition from school to work, post-secondary education, adult health care, and independent living
The target audience is CIL administrators and managers interested in expanding resources and services in their centers, and other CIL staff involved in youth transition services and supports. You are also encouraged to bring youth and young adults from your center.
The conference registration fee is $125.00. To learn more about the conference or to register, visit the ILRU website.
Scholarships Available for Students with Parents with Disabilities
Through the Looking Glass and its National Center for Parents with Disabilities and their Families has announced new scholarships specifically for high school seniors or college students who have parents with disabilities. A total of fifteen $1000 scholarships will be given out in the Fall of 2012. There are separate eligibility requirements for high school seniors and for college students:
1. High School Seniors: To be eligible, a student must be a high school graduate (or graduating senior) by Summer 2012, planning to attend a two-year or four-year college in Fall 2012 in pursuit of an AA, BA or BS degree, and have at least oneparent with a disability.
2. College Students: To be eligible, a student must be currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year college in Fall 2012 in pursuit of an AA, BA or BS degree, be 21 years of age or younger as of March 5, 2012, and have at least one parent with a disability.
All application materials must be postmarked by March 5, 2012. Individuals may submit only one application per award period. Scholarship information and applications are available on the Through the Looking Glass website.
Career Development Online Course Now Open for Registration
TRN, Inc. has opened registration for the popular Web Course "Career Development for Youth and Adults with Disabilities" on Feb 28 - Mar 12, 2012. Career Development is a 2-week, approximately 18-hour web training on developing career goals through innovative vocational assessment, career development skills, and vocational profiling for youth and adults with disabilities. Topics will include principles of self-determination, the discovery process, and situational assessment. Other topics discussed will be entry jobs versus dream jobs, self-employment, career exploration strategies, self-presentation, and other approaches.
Registration is $149. Participants can log on at ANY TIME from ANY COMPUTER with internet access during course access and participate in the training. Successful completers receive a certificate. The course is facilitated by Rob Hoffman, a well-known consultant who has taught extensively on the employment of people with disabilities. Career Development is a key component of preparing youth and adults for job success. Learn about supporting people in discovering and enhancing job interests and talents, and how to help people develop job search tools and represent themselves to employers with confidence.
Registration is limited, and previous courses have all filled to capacity, so register early to be sure to have a slot. To learn more about the training and to register, go to: https://trn-store.com/content/course-career-development.
12-6-11
NCWD/Youth Seeking Feedback on Guideposts for Success
The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth) is conducting an online survey to learn whether and how individuals and organizations use the Guideposts for Success, a national framework that identifies what all youth need for successful transition to adulthood. NCWD would appreciate your feedback. Take a few minutes to complete the survey online. The deadline to submit feedback is December 22, 2011.
11-30-11
NYLN Publishes First Ever Disability Culture Zine
Youth with disabilities have unique life experiences that are worth sharing with the rest of the world! The National Youth Leadership Network has created a zine where youth with disabilities can express themselves through artwork, writing, and more. Check out the stories or submit your own at Disability Culture Zine.
AAPD Announces Details of Summer Internship for Students with Disabilities
Each summer, the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) hosts a summer internship program in Washington, DC for students with all types of disabilities. AAPD’s Summer Internship Program offers college students, law students, graduate students, and recent graduates with disabilities the opportunity to work in public service for ten weeks on Capitol Hill, at federal agencies, nonprofits and for-profit businesses. This ten week experience gives interns the opportunity to gain invaluable hands-on experience in the workforce. Interns receive a living stipend, expenses covered for travel to and from DC, and fully-accessible housing.
Applications must be received by 5:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time) on or before January 6, 2012.
For additional information on the AAPD Summer Internship Program, contact AAPD at 202-521-4306 or by email to internship@aapd.com. Apply Now!
White House Offers Internship Program for Young Leaders
Do you want to know what really happens in the White House? Do you have interest in learning how our country is led each day? Then apply for a White House Internship! The mission of the White House Internship Program is to make the "People’s House" accessible to future leaders from around the nation, and to cultivate and prepare those devoted to public service for future leadership opportunities. The programs and opportunities of the Internship Program provide days filled with unique learning experiences, thought-provoking conversation, and unforgettable events.
White House Interns work in one of sixteen White House departments where they conduct research, manage incoming inquiries, attend meetings, write memos and staff events. Some of the offices where they work include the Office of the First Lady, the Office of Scheduling and Advance, the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, the Office of the White House Counsel, the National Economic Council, the Office of Communications, the Domestic Policy Council and the Office of Digital Strategy.
In addition to their regular duties, each week, White House Interns hear from senior members of the Administration including the First Lady, the Chief of Staff and the White House Counsel. They meet in small groups to discuss policy issues and take off-site field trips to learn more about Washington, D.C. They participate in service projects at non-profits and schools. Not to mention, they spend three months alongside other Interns who are devoted to public service and with whom they build long-lasting friendships.
Apply today to be a part of the Summer 2012 White House Internship Program! The summer program runs from May 29, 2012 through August 10, 2012, and the application deadline is January 22, 2012. For more information, visit the White House Internship website.
Navigating College Handbook and Website Now Available
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network has created a handbook and website to assist students with autism in navigating the journey of going to college. The Navigating College handbook is a first-of-its-kind resource written by autistic adults for autistic college students exploring the various aspects of the higher education experience. From traditional topics like classroom accommodations and dorm life to hot-button issues such as disclosure and sexuality, Navigating College provides first-person insights from current and past college students on the autism spectrum. Unlike many other resources written by parents or professionals, Navigating College is designed to be uniquely accessible and relevant to people with autism, utilizing the insight and perspectives that come from experience.
ASAN has also launched a dedicated website on autism and college issues: NavigatingCollege.org. This site will not only serve as the launch pad for the handbook, but as an ongoing resource for college students on the spectrum, family members, disability services professionals and others.
Cool Link: Pets with Disabilities!
Yes, we know people can have disabilities, but did you know that animals can too? They can! Check out this link to view some cool photos of pets with disabilities: www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/pets-with-disabilities.
New Riot Newsletter Focuses on Employment for People with Disabilities
The Riot! Newsletter published Part 2 of their employment focused issue just last month. These newsletters cover everything you wanted to know about being a person with a disability who is employed. Read the issues by clicking the links below:
NCWD/Youth Releases Apprenticeship Training Materials
NCWD/Youth recently developed new Apprenticeship Workshop Training Materials, which include two sets of apprenticeship training modules and a strategic planning exercise that can be used after either module. The modules can be used by individuals to learn independently about apprenticeship, or a facilitator can use the modules to train groups. These materials will be useful for youth service professionals, workforce board administrators, state and local apprenticeship coordinators, community college representatives and other training providers, and potential and current apprenticeship employers. Learn more and view the training materials the NCWD/Youth website.
Scholarship Available to Study Abroad in Germany
The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Scholarship Program is offering full scholarships to live and study in Germany next year! The CBYX program is a jointly sponsored grant between the United States Congress and the German Bundestag. It funds approximately 250 American and 275 German high school students to study abroad in each country for an academic year. Since 1983, recipients of this prestigious scholarship have gained real world views of current affairs as well as German social, political and economic life -- all while living with a host family and attending school for an academic year. This unique opportunity enables them to develop their foreign language skills, experience personal growth, learn social skills, gain maturity and develop friendships across cultural and political borders.
The program is looking for students who are excited by the opportunity to be a youth ambassador to Germany. An ideal student is academically motivated, curious about the world, excited by new languages and culture, and has outstanding leadership skills. Most students are eligible!
- Students must be a U.S. citizen, national or permanent resident
- Have a GPA of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Be between the ages of 15 and 18 at the start of the program.
- No previous German language experience is required.
More information and the application can be found at Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange website.
Dental Toolkit and iPhone App Now Available for Youth with Autism and Their Families
Oral health is a very important component of healthy daily living. For some children with autism, oral health habits can be challenging. Autism Speaks has teamed up with Colgate and Philips-Sonicare to create a dental guide and video to provide tips for improving oral hygiene at home, as well as information about how parents and dental professionals can make a visit to the dentist's office less stressful and more productive. Delta Dental of Minnesota has also created an iPhone app to teach children about good oral health and to ease anxieties around dental visits. Learn more about the dental toolkit and iPhone app
2012 National ADA Symposium Dates Announced
Mark your calendars to attend the nation's most comprehensive training on the Americans with Disabilities Act. Two dates, two locations, two opportunities to attend! The 2012 National ADA Symposium will be held on March 12 - 14, 2012 in Orlando, FL and May 30 - June 1, 2012 in Indianapolis, IN. Make plans for attending the one best suited to YOU. Program details and registration information will be available in December. For more information, visit the ADA Symposium website.
9-22-11
Cheerleading Squad for Girls with Disabilities Featured on ABC
This is something to watch this coming Saturday morning! Everyday Health has a new TV series that profiles ordinary people who overcome extraordinary obstacles and who are helping others lead healthier, happier lives. Episode 4 airs this Saturday, September 24th, on local ABC stations. The episode features Sarah Cronk, the inspirational teenager who founded The Sparkle Effect as well as Lauren Potter, the superstar Cheerio cheerleader on the hit show Glee. The Sparkle Effect is an innovative, student-run program that helps high school students across the country create cheerleading squads that include students with disabilities. For more details on the show, recap episodes and other information, check out www.everydayhealth.com/tv.
9-14-11
NCIL Announces Policy Internship Program in Washington, DC
The National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) is announcing 2 internship positions at their headquarters in Washington, DC. The NCIL Policy Internship Program is open to students and individuals pursuing a career in a field relevant to NCIL interests, particularly Independent Living and disability advocacy. Although not a requirement, preference will be given to individuals with disabilities. This program will provide real Washington policy experience to participants at a highly respected national organization.
NCIL is the longest-running national cross-disability, grassroots organization run by and for people with disabilities.
This program includes 2 internships, with positions lasting from January 15th – May 15th, and September 1st – December 15th. Interns are required to work 10-15 hours each week based out of NCIL headquarters in Washington, DC; actual schedule and hours to be negotiated with the Executive Director.
Although internships are unpaid, NCIL will cover the cost of all job-related travel to meetings, and assist interns with post-graduation job placement at related organizations. NCIL will also assist students seeking academic credit if the opportunity exists at their school. Successful candidates completing the internship program will gain valuable policy experience in Washington, and will be ideal candidates for open positions at NCIL, CILs, and other advocacy organizations across the country.
Qualifications:
- Strong interest in disability rights
- Basic knowledge of the legislative process and governmental structures
- Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely through writing
- Ability to collaborate with others
- Experience with computers and internet databases
Responsibilities:
- Learn about the Independent Living philosophy, related organizations, laws, and government agencies
- Provide general support for NCIL committees and subcommittees
- Monitor media resources daily for information relevant to NCIL committees and subcommittees
- Attend and report on congressional hearings on Capitol Hill
- Attend inter-organizational and governmental meetings
- Develop materials for membership dissemination, including NCIL’s Weekly Advocacy Monitor (WhAM)
- Assist with the development of NCIL’s media resources
- Organize and develop original informational material for NCIL’s new website
- Manage NCIL Facebook page
- Update congressional member and staff contact information
- Assist with NCIL Annual Conference
- Additional duties as assigned by the Executive Director
To apply, email a cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation to Austin Walker at austin@ncil.org.
AAPD Seeking Nominations for Paul G. Hearne Leadership Awards
The American Association of People with Disabilities is searching for emerging leaders in the disability community! They are now seeking nominations for the Paul G. Hearne Leadership Awards. These awards focus on recognizing outstanding individuals who personify leadership, advocacy, and dedication to and for the disability community at large. Two individuals, emerging as leaders in the cross-disability civil rights movement, will each receive $10,000 to help them continue their progress as leaders and further connect their work with the national grassroots of AAPD. The recipients of the 2012 Hearne Leadership Awards will also have an opportunity to meet and network with national disability leaders at the AAPD Leadership Gala in Washington, DC in March 2012.
U.S. residents with any type of disability are eligible to apply. Submissions are due November 1, 2011. For more information, or to apply, visit the AAPD Leadership Awards website.
Lives Worth Living Documentary to Premiere on PBS in October
You won't want to miss this new documentary about the development of the disability rights movement, and you can watch it right on your own television! Lives Worth Living is the first television history documentary of the decades-long struggle for equal rights.
Produced and directed by Eric Neudel, Lives Worth Living is a window into a world inhabited by people with an unwavering determination to live their lives like everyone else, and a look back into a past when millions of Americans lived without access to schools, apartment buildings, and public transportation – a way of life unimaginable today. Lives Worth Living premieres on the PBS series Independent Lens on Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 10 PM (check local listings).
This documentary traces the development of the disability rights movement from its beginning following World War II, when thousands of disabled veterans returned home, through its burgeoning in the 1960s and 1970s, when it began to adopt the tactics of other social movements. Told through interviews with the movement’s pioneers, legislators, and others, Lives Worth Living explores how Americans with a wide variety of disabilities banded together to change public perception and policy.
To learn more about the film, visit the Independent Lens website.
New Podcast Available on History of the ADA
Do you want to hear about the history of the ADA from two men who lived it? Then listen to this new podcast!
The DBTAC Southwest ADA Center has published their latest Disability Law Lowdown Podcast on the topic of the History of the ADA. This podcast is hosted by Lex Frieden and has guest is John Wodatch, former Chief, Disability Rights Section, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice.
Frieden and Wodatch, two of the many individuals instrumental in the passage of the ADA 21 years ago, discuss the history of the ADA in an entertaining, casual, conversational tone, providing interesting insight by those who lived it. Listen to the podcast
NCWD/Youth Creates New Blog and Twitter Page
The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth is making their way into the digital age! NCWD/Youth now has a new NCWD/Youth Blog and Twitter page. These social networking sites will focus on providing information that will assist young people as they navigate the road to work, postsecondary education, and community living. NCWD/Youth hopes to improve communication and outreach to youth service professionals and program administrators, youth and families, and policymakers. Two to three times per week, NCWD/Youth will be sharing information about resources and tools and discussing news, events, issues and policies central to preparing all youth, including youth with disabilities and other disconnected youth, for a successful transition to adulthood.
They encourage youth, parents, and service providers to submit questions and share ideas about topics and issues of interest to you.
You can follow NCWD/Youth on Twitter @ncwdyouth_iel. View the NCWD/Youth blog
NYLN Announces New Online Art Collection Devoted to Celebrating Resilience
The National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN) has a project going on entitled Crafting Resilience. This is an online art collection devoted to celebrating resilience [staying strong when bad things happen]. NYLN is continuously seeking art, poetry, writing and more. They seek art from young people, community members, and elders with disabilities.
This project uses art to stand against violence and to celebrate survival and strength. The project grew out of NYLN's response to the events of last fall, when over fourteen GLBTQI (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex) youth committed suicide. Many of the teens faced cruel bullying. These deaths received a great deal of media attention. Most of the media focused on the role that bullying played in these deaths. Like GLBTQI youth, youth with disabilities face bullying and other forms of violence. NYLN members felt that they should do something to speak out against bullying and violence.
NYLN wants to keep speaking out and they are looking for more art (of all kinds) that stands against violence. They are looking for messages about resilience and ending violence. The messages can be in any format (Examples: poems, prose, drawings, music, videos, and blog posts). Express how personal experiences, survival, community, power, and ending violence will all help strengthen our communities.
To submit your work and ask questions, visit the NYLN Crafting Resilience website. For even further information, email Allegra Stout at astout@wesleyan.edu.
National Office Seeking Youth Transition Stories for New Resource Guide
The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy is working on an important publication. The publication will be a complete transition guide for youth and young adults (ages 14-25) with disabilities moving from high school to post-secondary settings. These settings could include full-time jobs, vocational training (being an apprentice), service, internships; and junior college and university settings.
Since experiences are a great way to learn, this agency wants to hear about YOUR transition experiences! They are reaching out to youth across the country and asking you to share:
- Your aspirations and dreams
- Your learned strategies to navigate different systems
- What supports helped you make your transitions
This project is open to youth with different types of disabilities, from all backgrounds, and from all across the country!
For more information, or to share your experiences, contact Hamza Jaka at Jaka.Hamza.A@dol.gov or Laura Ibañez at Ibanez.Laura@dol.gov.
New National Organization Formed for Post-Secondary Students with Disabilities
A new organization has been formed for students with disabilities in post-secondary education. The group is called DREAM- Disability Rights, Education, Activism, and Mentoring. DREAM was initiated in the hopes of promoting a national disability agenda for post-secondary students. The group hopes to serve as an educational resource and source of support for both individuals and campus-based groups.
This is a cross-disability effort which aims to fully include students with all disabilities-- psychiatric, cognitive, developmental, mental, physical, intellectual, sensory, and psychological. DREAM wants to include groups who have been traditionally marginalized or under-represented within the larger Disability Community. DREAM advocates for the continued development of disability culture and disability pride as well as related sub-cultures and movements (e.g. autistic culture/pride, mad culture/pride) and strongly value physical, mental and neurodiversity.
To learn more about joining this group, check out the DREAM website.
Nickelodeon Searching for Teens Who Have Done Extraordinary Things
Nickelodeon Television Station is looking for young people between the ages of 13 and 19 who are doing work to change their communities. They are looking for youth who are working to combat LGBT homelessness, supporting LGBT homeless youth, fighting against bullying, supporting those who have been victims of bullying, or raising awareness about the issue of bullying. Their contributions may have included starting their own organization, spearheading campaigns, or making a huge impact in their communities or in the lives of others.
If you know of someone who fits this description, send their names, age, a short bio describing what they've done and who they are, and contact information to Veronica at Veronica.Friedman@mtvnmix.com. More information can be found by calling 212-654-6445.
White House Monthly Disability Calls- You Pick the Topic!
The White House is making an effort to educate the public on various disability-related topics. They are currently having monthly disability calls open to the public- and YOU can pick the topic! Each month, members of the White House Domestic Policy Council and Office of Public Engagement who work on disability issues host a public, live-captioned conference call to keep people better informed of important disability issues and to connect them to the leaders who work on disability policies in the federal government. Over the past several months, these calls have featured discussions on accessibility, employment, education, technology, emergency preparedness, transportation, healthcare and the budget, just to name a few. The Secretaries of Education and Transportation and other senior Administration officials have participated on calls.
The White House is now offering the opportunity for the public to suggest the topics discussed on the monthly disability calls and/or the speakers who participate. They want to hear from you. Starting in September and over the next few months, where feasible, these monthly calls will attempt to address issues that Americans identify as well as schedule speakers from whom citizens want to hear.
All you have to do is complete the suggestion form and submit your idea. Your topic may be selected for an upcoming monthly call!
President Obama Honors "Champions of Change" During Weekly Roundtable Series
President Obama is challenging America to help “Win the Future” by out-educating, out-innovating, and out-building our competitors in the 21st century. President Obama believes the best ideas come from the American people. That’s why the White House has started a series called “Champions of Change.” With this series, each week, the White House selects 5-20 Americans, businesses, or organizations who are doing extraordinary things in their communities. This series highlights a different group each week ranging from educators to entrepreneurs to community activists.
The Office of Public Engagement hosts a roundtable event at the White House to honor those who are “Winning the Future” and empowering and inspiring other members of their respective communities. Agency representatives and White House Policy Offices participate in the event and host a discussion on amplifying best practices learned in each area. Paired with each White House event, these “Champions” are featured on the White House website.
The Champions of Change series is designed for people to look into their communities and nominate everyday heroes who are demonstrating commitment to improving their own communities, their country, or their fellow citizens. The White House is currently looking for YOU to nominate someone as a “Champion of Change” who is doing extraordinary things to make a difference in your community.
To learn more about this series and about nominating a "Champion of Change," visit the Champions of Change website.
Close Up Foundation Offers Civic Opportunities in Washington, DC
Are you looking for a great leadership experience for the upcoming Spring or Summer? Then consider the Close Up Foundation. The Close Up Foundation is one of the nation’s leading non-profit, non-partisan civic education organizations. They offer hands-on educational programs in Washington, DC that are designed to teach middle and high school students about government and their role as citizens in the political process. The program also inspires youth to become lifelong, active participants in our democracy. Close Up offers educational and innovative programs each week through the spring and summer that give students the opportunity to see politics and government come to life.
Close Up is more than just a tour. It is a one-of-a-kind experience in DC and beyond with a mission to help students become more effective and informed citizens. Close Up uses the historic sites of the East Coast as a backdrop for discussions on current and controversial issues, the role of government, the state of American politics, and more. This organization is interested in getting more students with disabilities involved.
To learn more about the foundation, visit the Close Up website.
3-9-11
"411 On Disability Disclosure" Now Available in Audio Format
The very helpful and popular guide for youth with disabilities, entitled "The 411 on Disability Disclosure" is now available in audio format. If you are not a big fan of reading, or if you prefer documents in audio format, then you can now access this guide too! It aims to help young people make informed decisions about whether or not to disclose their disability and to understand how that decision may impact their education, employment, and social lives. To listen to the audio version, visit the Disability Disclosure website.
Youth Leader Writes Article About Parenting With a Disability
If you are a youth with a disability and are considering having children someday, then we encourage you to read this article. Kara Ayers recently wrote an article for New Mobility Magazine about her experienc