[blindlaw] Conference for students with disabilities
Rod Alcidonis
roddj12 at hotmail.com
Mon Dec 18 23:40:30 CST 2006
Jim, I have already been registered for the conference, but I don't know yet
if I can stay on for the seminar. I would need to double check my next
semester schedule.
Rod
-----Original Message-----
From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of McCarthy, Jim
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2006 6:00 PM
To: NFBnet Blind Law Mailing List
Subject: Re: [blindlaw] Conference for studetns with disabilities
Some law students should go to the ABA conference and than stay on for
Washington Seminar including the National Association of Blind Lawyers event
on Monday, January 29.
Jim McCarthy
-----Original Message-----
From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Nightingale, Noel
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2006 5:35 PM
To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org
Subject: [blindlaw] Conference for studetns with disabilities
From the below newsletter:
3. Conference for Students with Disabilities, January 27 - 28, 2007 block
quote
The American Bar Association's (ABA) Section of Individual Rights and
Responsibilities' Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
(IRR), along with the ABA's Commission on Mental and Physical Disability Law
and the ABA's Law Student Division, will be sponsoring a planning conference
for a new national student organization that will encourage those with
disabilities to pursue careers in the legal profession as well as assist
them in the admissions process, throughout their tenure in law school, and
in securing employment after graduation. Attendance at the conference is
free and financial assistance for travel expenses is available on a
first-come first-serve basis. The conference is being held at American
University's Washington College of Law, Washington, D.C.
For more information, contact IRR at (202) 662-1030 or go to:
http://www.abanet.org/irr/studentconference.doc
<http://www.abanet.org/irr/studentconference.doc>
block quote end
_____
From: buzzcast at da039.wh01.infopop.net
[mailto:buzzcast at da039.wh01.infopop.net] On Behalf Of david-klein at uiowa.edu
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2006 2:16 PM
To: Nightingale, Noel
Subject: The Disability Law & Policy e-Newsletter, Vol 3, No. 24
The Burton Blatt Institute: Centers of Innovation on
Disability<http://disability.law.uiowa.edu/lhpdc/images/bbi_logo.jpg> Law,
Health Policy & Disability
Center<http://disability.law.uiowa.edu/lhpdc/images/lhpdc_logo.jpg>
The Disability Law & Policy e-Newsletter
An electronic publication of
The Law, Health Policy & Disability Center at the University of Iowa College
of Law
http://disability.law.uiowa.edu/
and
The Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University
http://bbi.syr.edu
December 18, 2006
Volume 3, Issue 24
<http://www.buzzcast.com/userimages/171/logo_2c.jpg> The Disability Law &
Policy Newsletter is a bi-weekly publication that aims to inform disability
advocates, scholars, and service providers of the most current issues in
disability law, policy, research, best practices, and breaking news.
Dear Colleague:
Below is a topical overview of the items presented in this issue.
A. CIVIL RIGHTS: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Sections 504 & 508
of the Rehabilitation Act, and state civil rights law
B. EDUCATION: Special education & youth transition to successful
postsecondary outcomes
C. TECHNOLOGY / TELECOMMUNICATIONS:Assistive, information, and communication
technologies.
D. HEALTHCARE / BENEFITS: Social Security Income / Social Security
Disability Income / Medicaid & Medicare
E. WORKFORCE: Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Ticket to Work and Work
Incentives Improvement Act (TWWIIA), & Vocational Rehabilitation
F. INDEPENDENCE: News for and about the Independent Living Movement
G. INTERNATIONAL: News for and about disability topics outside the U.S.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A. CIVIL RIGHTS
1. Class Action Lawsuit Regarding Individuals with Mental Illness
A U.S. District Court judge in Illinois has granted class-action
status to a lawsuit brought by four individuals alleging that state policies
in Illinois inhibit their ability to access community living in violation of
the Americans with Disabilities Act. The lawsuit alleges that thousands of
people with mental illnesses are being needlessly segregated and warehoused
in large nursing homes in Illinois.
Full Story:
Federal Court Advances Challenge to Illinois Policy Warehousing
Residents with Mental Illness, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law,
November 20, 2006,
http://www.bazelon.org/newsroom/2006/11-20-06Williams-v-Blagojevich.html
To read the complaint, go to:
http://equipforequality.org/news/pressreleases/williamsblagojevichfiles.php
2. Settlement Reached in Lawsuit Against Zoological Society of San Diego
The Zoological Society of San Diego, which includes both the San
Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park recently settled a lawsuit brought by two
patrons alleging discrimination on the basis of disability. The agreement
states that the Zoological Society will discontinue its current "entrance
policy" for patrons with disabilities who use motorized scooters or
wheelchairs while in the parks.
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the Zoological Society
is allowed to disseminate written information about the safe use of
motorized scooters and wheelchairs in the parks and publicize any offices
that provide services or information to people with disabilities. The amount
of money that the Zoological Society will pay the two patrons will remain
confidential under the terms of the agreement.
Full Story:
Scott Marshall, San Diego Zoological Society Settle Disability
Lawsuit, North County Times, November 30, 2006,
http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2006/12/01/news/top_stories/11300669777.txt
3. Release of New ADA Tool Kit to Help Communities Meet ADA Regulations
The Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Dept. of Justice recently
released the first segment of an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Tool
Kit to help communities, businesses, and state and local authorities improve
compliance with ADA regulations because many communities nationwide still
fail to comply with ADA regulations. The new technical assistance document
aims to help communities better understand how to meet the needs of people
with disabilities by teaching state and local government officials how to
identify and solve problems that inhibit people with disabilities from
gaining access to state and local programs, services, and activities. The
use of the ADA Tool Kit is highly recommended for helping communities meet
the needs of people with disabilities, but is not required.
Full Story:
U.S. Department of Justice, ADA Best Practices Tool Kit for State
and Local Governments, December 5, 2006,
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/pcatoolkit/toolkitmain.htm
4. EEOC Files Class Action Lawsuit Against Denny's for ADA Title I
Violations
A class action lawsuit has been filed against Denny's Inc., by the
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) alleging that the
restaurant chain violated Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of employees with disabilities who were not
provided reasonable accommodations and were terminated after being denied
medical leave in connection with their disabilities.
The lawsuit was filed after a restaurant manager who had her leg
amputated was denied reasonable accommodations and fired because of her
disability. The EEOC alleges that Denny's has violated the rights of the
class of workers with disabilities by maintaining a maximum medical leave
policy that denies leave as required by the ADA as a reasonable
accommodation.
Full Story:
Denny's Sued in Class Action ADA Suit, Employment Practice
Solutions, October 2, 2006,
http://www.epexperts.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=2
330
B. EDUCATION
1. Postsecondary Education Options for Students with Intellectual
Disabilities
Recognizing the challenges faced by students with intellectual
disabilities and the benefits of college education, this article from the
Institute for Community Inclusion evaluates the available postsecondary
education options for students with intellectual disabilities. The article
includes an overview of the types of options available for students looking
to enter college and recommendations for improving access to postsecondary
education for students with intellectual disabilities.
Full Story:
Debra Hart, Meg Grigal, Caren Sax, Donna Martinez and Madeleine
Will, Postsecondary Education Options for Students with Intellectual
Disabilities, Institute for Community Inclusion, University of
Massachusetts-Boston, August 2006,
http://www.communityinclusion.org/pdf/rp45.pdf
2. State Special Education Directors Hope NCLB Reauthorization Will Link
Special and General Education More Closely
During the recent conference for the National Association of State
Directors of Special Education, a central theme emerged from the seminar
presentations and attendees: there is one education community that includes
both special education and general education. With the 2004 reauthorization
of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, many state officials and
educators feel that they are duplicating their efforts in monitoring and
reporting requirements for students in special education.
At the forefront of the conference was the issue of Response to
Intervention (RTI). RTI is an instructional framework promoted in the IDEA
as a possible technique for diagnosing learning disabilities. Under RTI,
students who are struggling are provided increasingly intense lessons to
address deficiencies. Many directors stated that they would like to see RTI
incorporated into general education when No Child Left Behind is
reauthorized in the coming year.
Full Story:
Christina A. Samuels, Special Education Directors Hope to Sway
Federal Policy, Education Week, November 29, 2006,
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2006/11/29/13spec.h26.html
(free subscription required).
3. Conference for Students with Disabilities, January 27 - 28, 2007
The American Bar Association's (ABA) Section of Individual Rights
and Responsibilities' Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
(IRR), along with the ABA's Commission on Mental and Physical Disability Law
and the ABA's Law Student Division, will be sponsoring a planning conference
for a new national student organization that will encourage those with
disabilities to pursue careers in the legal profession as well as assist
them in the admissions process, throughout their tenure in law school, and
in securing employment after graduation. Attendance at the conference is
free and financial assistance for travel expenses is available on a
first-come first-serve basis. The conference is being held at American
University's Washington College of Law, Washington, D.C.
For more information, contact IRR at (202) 662-1030 or go to:
http://www.abanet.org/irr/studentconference.doc
C. TECHNOLOGY / TELECOMMUNICATIONS
1. Technology Enhances Opportunities for Faculty with Disabilities
This article tells the stories of several people who work in
academia and have disabilities. One law school dean describes his use of
technology as enabling him to do everything that his job requires of him.
Without the technology he relies on, he would not be able to perform his job
adequately. For example, to assist him with his job, he uses a computer
program that reads out synthesized speech of what appears on his screen.
For more information:
Brendan O' Keefe, Academics Prove Disability No Bar to Achievement,
The Australian, November 29, 2006,
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20838129-12332,00.html
2. Microsoft's Vista Includes New Accessibility Features
According to Microsoft new features in Vista make it easier for all
users, but particularly people with disabilities, to use computers. Vista
offers speech recognition and improved magnification among other features.
Several versions are currently available and the full basic package retails
for $199.
For more information:
Microsoft Corp., Microsoft Windows Vista and 2007 Office System to
Deliver Greater Accessibility to EU Ageing Communities and People with
Disabilities, EARTHtimes.org, November 29, 2006,
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,27633.shtml
D. HEALTHCARE / BENEFITS
1. When Disability Aid Can't Provide for Toys & Haircuts, Special Needs
Trust Can
Benefits issued by the government cannot always provide for the
basic necessities of life, and parents won't always be present to care for
their kids. This was the scenario for the Cotiauxes, who have an 18-year old
son with mental retardation. They knew that later in life the benefits their
son received from the government would not be enough to provide for their
son's food and clothing.
However, a valuable solution is a Supplemental Needs or Special
Needs Trust (SNT), which can be established with the help of an attorney. A
SNT allows a person with disabilities the extra money he or she needs for
haircuts, DVDs, or hobby supplies. The SNT allows families safely to put
away money for their children without affecting the money the child receives
from the government because the trust is set up in another person's name
with the individual with the disability named as the beneficiary.
For more detailed information on a Special Needs Trust, see the
following website:
http://www.altonweb.com/cs/downsyndrome/index.htm?page=feetrust.html
Full Story:
Hillary Chura, Meeting Special Needs and the Need for Peace of Mind,
New York Times, November 25, 2005,
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/25/business/25special.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
(free subscription required)
For More Information:
Association of University Centers on Disabilities, Legislative News
in Brief: Medicaid Commission, AUCD, November 20, 2006,
http://www.aucd.org/in_brief/Nov2006.htm
*Note: The Association of University Centers on Disabilities, or
AUCD, is a non-profit organization that promotes and supports the network of
university centers on disabilities across the country funded by the
Administration on Developmental Disabilities. AUCD seeks to advance "policy
and practice for and with individuals with developmental and other
disabilities, their families, and communities." To visit AUCD's website, go
to: http://www.aucd.org/
2. Medicaid Commission Calls for Change
The Federal Medicaid Commission, created by Secretary of Heath and
Human Services Michael O. Leavitt to improve the Medicaid system, recently
issued several sweeping recommendations. The Commission in its
recommendations stated that Congress should alter Medicaid law to promote
the use of home care and community services instead of nursing homes and
institutions. Along with this recommendation, they advised that people with
disabilities should be given more federal protections and choices regarding
managed care plans. The Commission also recommended that the Bush
administration increase federal subsidies for low-income groups and scale
back subsidies for those with higher incomes to meet Medicaid's purpose to
better serve lower income constituents.
Full Story:
Robert Pear, Panel Calls for Big Changes in Medicaid, N.Y. Times,
November 22, 2006,
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/23/washington/23medicaid.html
(free subscription required)
E. WORKFORCE
1. A Study on the Level of Preparedness Amongst New Employees
A study conducted by The Conference Board, Corporate Voices for
Working Families, The Partnership for 21st Century Skill, and The Society
for Human Resource Management on the various skills employers are seeking
from future applicants was recently released. The study is based on in-depth
surveys of 400 employers, along with interviews of senior executives and
human resource personnel. The study concluded that young Americans are
inadequately prepared to excel in the workforce, and that the U.S. has
failed to provide them with the necessary skills to succeed.
To view the full study, use the following link:
Jill Casner-Lotto, Are They Really Ready to Work?: Employer's
Perspectives on the Basic Knowledge and Applied Skills of New Entrants to
the 21st Century Workforce, 2006,
http://www.conference-board.org/pdf_free/BED-06-Workforce.pdf
2. Online Professional Development Courses
The Employment and Disability Institute at Cornell University's
School of Industrial and Labor Relations announced the creation of online
professional development courses and certificates in Disability, Workplace &
Employment Support Practice. ediONLINE is a virtual classroom that provides
a series of online courses related to improving employment outcomes for
individuals with disabilities. These courses specifically target managers,
practitioners, advocates and policy makers in the area of disability.
To learn more about the available courses, use the following link:
http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/edi/edionline/edionline.cfm
3. The Promotion of Individuals with Disabilities in the Workforce
The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced that their Office of
Disability and Employment Policy is collaborating with the Society for Human
Resource Management to advance the employment of individuals with
disabilities. The objective of this alliance is to promote recruitment and
hiring of workers with disabilities through a variety of resources.
Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor
Forms Alliance with SHRM to Promote Employment of Workers with Disabilities,
2006,
http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/odep/odep20061963.htm
F. INDEPENDENCE
1. Court Rules that U.S. Currency Must Be Made Accessible to Individuals
with Vision Impairments
Four years after the American Council of the Blind filed a lawsuit
claiming violation of the Rehabilitation Act, U.S. District Judge James
Robertson ruled that the U.S. Treasury Department's failure to design and
issue paper currency that is readily distinguishable to individuals who are
blind and visually impaired violates § 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Of the
180 countries that issue paper currency, the United States is the only
country that prints bills that are identical in size and color in all their
denominations.
To view the option in this case, go to
http://www.dcd.uscourts.gov/opinions/2006/2002-CV-0864~12:3:41~12-1-2006-a.p
df
2. College Experiences for Students with Psychiatric Disabilities
For many freshmen starting college presents many new struggles such
as negotiating class schedules, learning to live with roommates, and
new-found sexual and social freedom. But for Jean Lynch-Thomason and Chris
Ference, who have bipolar disorder, starting college presents different
challenges such as use of campus counseling services, whether to take
medication, and whether to disclose an illness to friends or professors.
Each student learns to balance his or her education and disability in
different ways.
Full Story:
Lynette Clemetson, Off to College Alone, Shadowed by Mental Illness,
N.Y. Times, December 8, 2006,
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/08/health/08Kids.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
(subscription required)
G. INTERNATIONAL
1. Woman Injured in London Bombing Alleges Dismissal Was Discrimination
Nattasher Gittens who was injured in the July 7 London bombings,
believes she was unfairly dismissed due to her resulting disabilities after
returning to work. Ms. Gittens experienced back and pelvic injuries, hearing
problems, insomnia and depression as a direct result of being a bomb blast
victim. Ms. Gittens, who was dismissed two months after returning to work
for poor performance, is taking her case to an employment tribunal voicing
that her dismissal was unfair pursuant to UK's Disability Discrimination Act
(DDA).
The attorney has stated that her former employers did not take her
disability and the surrounding circumstances into consideration before
making a decision to fire her. They are hoping that the DDA will extend its
protection against what they feel was a "shoddy" way to deal with her
situation on the employer's behalf.
The entire article can be accessed at:
Unfairly Sacked After Bombs - Claims, Yahoo News (UK & Ireland),
November 23, 2006,
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/23112006/344/unfairly-sacked-bombs-claim.html
2. International Community Expected to Follow the U.S. Lead and Improve
Rights for People with Disabilities
Peter Blanck, an academic and legal expert on disability issues,
recently expressed his hope that the international community will takes a
cue from the United States' Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and
institute their own laws regarding citizens with disabilities, during a
USINFO chat on the ADA. Several European countries use the ADA as a
"touchstone" for their cases involving disabilities while former Soviet bloc
countries have been slow to follow suit. Today, only 45 countries have
anti-discrimination laws in place to protect those with disabilities, even
though over ten percent of the world's population lives with a disability.
Blanck hopes that the world community will become more uniform in their
protection of persons with disabilities. Blanck also addressed how the U.S.
legal system was considering issues such as telecommuting and access to
technology for people with disabilities.
To view the article in its entirety, use the following link:
Rights for People with Disabilities Grow Worldwide, Lawyer Says,
November 22, 2006, available at:
http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2006&m=N
ovember&x=20061122115406berehellek0.1968042&chanlid=humanrights
3. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Is Adopted
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was
adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 13, 2006. The Convention,
which was the most rapidly negotiated human rights treaty in the history of
international law and will seek to protect more than 650 million persons
with disabilities, enjoys a global consensus. This human rights treaty will
require signing nations to increase awareness and do more actually to
protect the rights of its citizens with disabilities, rather than just
saying they will. Enforcement will largely be left to the individual
nations, but the UN hopes to "reaffirm that every human being has the
inherent right to life and shall take all necessary measures to ensure its
effective enjoyment by persons with disabilities on an equal basis with
others."
The Convention will be formerly opened for signing by nations on
March 30, 2007, and will come into force after 20 countries ratify it, "a
milestone likely to be reached in 2008 or 2009."
To read the full story:
Irwin Arieff, U.N. Adopts Landmark Treaty on Rights of Disabled,
Reuters, December 13, 2006,
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2006-12-
13T163942Z_01_N13441712_RTRUKOC_0_US-RIGHTS-DISABLED-UN.xml
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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(Healthcare/Benefits), and Joie L. Hill (Independence).
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