Disability TrainingAnnouncements |
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12/21/2000:
Lieutenant Governor Sally J. Pederson invites you to a conference titled "The Future Is Not What It Used To Be" in Des Moines on January 19, 2001. The purpose of the conference is to examine both the short- and long-term steps that need to be taken to increase workforce participation for Iowans with disabilities. At this conference you will hear from some of the leading experts in the nation on workforce issues for people with disabilities. The list of speakers includes Peter Blanck from the University of Iowa, Bryon MacDonald from the World Institute on Disability, Geery Howe of Morningstar Associates, Joe Marrone from the Institute on Community Inclusion and Betsy Brandsgard, Executive Vice-President of the Davenport Chamber of Commerce and co-chair of the Iowa's 2010 Committee.
The conference will be held at the West Des Moines Marriott Hotel at 1250 74th Street in West Des Moines. The cost of the conference is $75, which includes the noon meal. Registrations must be received by January 5. More info: 515-281-0225.
10/18/2000:
If you . . .
YOU ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE in the Olmstead Teamwork Meeting nearest you.
What is Olmstead? "Olmstead" is the name of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision saying that people with disabilities should not have to live in an institution to receive the services they need if they can live in the community with the right supports.
What are the Teamwork Meetings? The Teamwork Meetings are an opportunity for you to participate in our State's planning efforts to increase community living options and make those options available to all Iowans who want them and can benefit from them.
How will the Meetings work? A series of 18 public meetings have been scheduled to be held in cities and towns throughout the State. Meeting participants will have the opportunity to offer their ideas and discuss their views on how Iowa's system of services to people with disabilities can be improved.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Connie B. Fanselow
Olmstead Coordinator
Division of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
Iowa Department of Human Services
Hoover State Office Building, 5th Floor
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Phone: (515) 281-6086
Fax:(515) 281-8512
E-mail: cfansel@dhs.state.ia.us
SHARE YOUR IDEAS
If you have comments or suggestions but are unable to attend a meeting in your area, you are welcome to submit your ideas by mail, fax, or e-mail to Connie at the address shown above. Please make your response as soon as possible (and no later than December 15, 2000). All meeting sites will be wheelchair accessible. Please contact Connie as soon as possible if you need any other accommodations to participate.
BE A PART OF THE OLMSTEAD PLANNING TEAM!
9/7/2000:
This national teleconference is scheduled for September 20, 2000, 1:00 -2:30 P.M. (ET). The program will examine innovative models of library and community collaboration to serve the visually impaired--especially looking at transportation needs. It will demonstrate some of the latest technologies which allow the visually impaired to access information, develop job skills, and meet everyday needs for technological literacy and independent living.
The teleconference is free to sites that can downlink the program through C & KU band satellite.
People who are interested in attending the broadcast can contact Judy Jones, Consultant at the State library of Iowa to find out the broadcast site that is closest to them. Call 515-281-4499 or e-mail jjones@mail.lib.state.ia.us.
For more information about the national teleconference, call (815)758-7499.
July 26, 2000, marked the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In celebration of this milestone, the Presidential Task Force on Employment of Adults with Disabilities created www.disAbility.gov to provide one-stop online access to resources, services, and information available throughout the Federal government. In addition, disAbility.gov will highlight current events of general interest, such as Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) success stories, and information about employment trends, including the ever growing demand for technology workers.
7/14/2000:
IOWA CITY – The 10th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act will be celebrated with a parade and activities on Saturday, July 22, in College Green Park.
The ADA, a civil rights act for people who have disabilities, was signed into law on July 26, 1990. Celebrations of the ADA have become an annual tradition in Iowa City and other communities across the country.
A parade will begin at the Civic Center, 410 E. Washington Street, at 10 AM. Music, games, food, information tables, and Duder the Clown will be part of the celebration at College Green Park from 11 AM to 4 PM. (See photographs from the 1999 Iowa City ADA celebration.)
Bob Kafka, a national organizer for ADAPT (Americans Disabled for Attendant Programs Today) and Co-Director of the Institute for Disability Access, will be the keynote speaker. Kafka was a key negotiator for the passage of the ADA, and has been active in developing several pieces of federal legislation related to disabilities. US Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa will also speak. Harkin was a key sponsor of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Kafka will also provide workshops on the two days prior to the July 22 celebration. The first workshop on Thursday, July 20, at 7:00 p.m. at Old Brick Church, will address the role of non-violent civil disobedience in the disability rights movement. Mr. Kafka will conduct two presentations on Friday, July 21. Both presentations will address proposed federal legislation regarding community services for persons with disabilities (commonly referred to as MiCASSA). The first presentation will be held at the University of Iowa Hospital School at 8:00 a.m. and the second workshop will be at the Iowa City Public Library at 2:00 p.m.
All activities are being coordinated by the Evert Conner Rights & Resources Center for Independent Living and numerous community co-sponsors. All events are free and open to the public. For information about co-sponsoring the celebration, entering the parade, or for a schedule of activities, call Harriet Gooding at 338-3870.
Enforcing the ADA: Looking Back on a Decade of Progress is now available from the Department of Justice's ADA Home Page on the World Wide Web.
6/27/2000:
The 10th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act is this July. On Saturday, July 22, there will be a parade and activities in College Green Park.
The 10th Anniversary of the ADA is approaching and there will be a community parade and celebration on Saturday July 22, 2000 in downtown Iowa City and College Green Park. We are looking for some volunteer help for two different tasks:
If you are interested in either or both of these volunteer opportunities, please e-mail Karen Kubby at kkubby@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu and we will get you involved!!
If you can't commit to volunteering, how about watching the parade and clapping along the route (through downtown) and coming to the park activities? There will be speakers, music, and info tables.
6/26/2000:
The National Organization on Disability and SpeakOut.com are pleased to announce a $5,000 essay contest to mark the tenth anniversary of the ADA. Entrants are encouraged to write an essay of up to 250 words addressing the question: WHY IS THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT GOOD FOR OUR COUNTRY? The winner will receive a $3,000 cash award and have a $2,000 gift made in his or her name to the disability organization of the winner’s choice. The winner will be announced on July 26, the tenth anniversary of the signing of the ADA. Essays may be submitted on-line via SpeakOut.com or mailed to the National Organization on Disability, 910 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006. Entrants may also fax their essays to 202-293-7999. For more information, see http://www.speakout.com/coop/nod/nod.htm Deadline July 16, 2000.
As part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced the "A Day in the Life of the ADA" Campaign. Harkin, the champion in Congress on disability issues, is asking people across the country to send stories about how the ADA has changed their lives. Harkin is asking Iowans and people across the nation to join the campaign to build the record of the ADA's successes by sending their stories, by e-mail to adastories@harkin.senate.gov or by regular mail to A Day in the Life of the ADA, c/o Senator Tom Harkin, 731 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510. Harkin plans to use the stories to show how the ADA has benefitted people with disabilities and all Americans. Harkin requests that all stories for the "A Day in the Life of the ADA" campaign be sent as soon as possible, but no later than July 15, 2000.
6/23/2000:
Kenneth S. Apfel, Commissioner of Social Security, announced today the launching of a new web site -- The Work Site -- which contains important information and support for disability beneficiaries, employers, service providers, advocates and others whose goal is to help those persons with disabilities work. "The Work Site will help to eliminate the barriers that persons with disabilities face when they attempt to enter the workforce," commented President Bill Clinton. "The Social Security Administration is bringing employers, advocates and services together in this new economy to provide meaningful assistance for individuals with disabilities." The web site is fully accessible to people with disabilities. This is significant since fewer than 5 percent of all Internet sites are accessible to people who are visually impaired or hearing impaired or have limited dexterity. The Work Site is built to serve the information needs of its five principle customers and provides the information in easy to understand terms. Go to http://www.ssa.gov/work to take a look at The Work Site.
5/23/2000:
Iowa Protection & Advocacy Services, Inc. is pleased to announce a unique training opportunity for disability advocates interested in expanding and broadening their advocacy knowledge and skills. The program is named after Evert Conner, a man who spent the majority of his life in institutional settings, but who never lost his spirit and drive for self-advocacy that ultimately led to community living and participation.
Individuals selected will have the opportunity to spend up to 12 weeks or 480 hours on a full-time or part-time basis as a volunteer with Iowa P&A's staff, participating and learning advanced advocacy skills in one of the following areas:
Training will include hands-on experience in all phases of advocacy, from initial intake of client concerns to resolution of conflicts through informal and formal mediation techniques, to case closure and evaluation. Limited stipends may be available to assist in defraying expenses as resources permit.
Individuals will be selected based on their demonstrated
People interested should contact Sylvia Piper, Iowa P&A Acting Director (e-mail info@ipna.org).
5/22/2000:
The Public Health Foundation (PHF) today launched a new online distance learning clearinghouse, TrainingFinder.org. In one central website, public health professionals of all disciplines can search the most comprehensive database of distance learning course listings. This service is free to both users and submitters. To search, browse, or submit public health distance learning course listings, visit www.TrainingFinder.org.
Users can search the TrainingFinder.org listings by subject area, target audience, credit type, keyword, or a combination of fields. Detailed listings describe the course content, format, cost, and contact information so users may contact the course sponsor directly for information, registration, or purchase.
The free site is a public-private partnership with four funding partners and 16 sponsoring organizations committed to increasing training opportunities for the public health workforce. For a list of sponsors, visit http://www.TrainingFinder.org/partners_sponsors.htm. Initial funding for the site was provided by the Public Health Foundation, with additional support coming from the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and the Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through a cooperative agreement with the Office of Minority Health.
5/8/2000:
Last summer, the Governor's DD Council, in conjunction with a local host, conducted six regional meetings throughout Iowa to gather information on issues affecting persons with disabilities, their family members, and the disability service system. The Council will return to those sites again this summer with draft goals and objectives for feedback and suggestions for strategies. The locations for these meetings will be Des Moines, Sac City, Charles City, Clarinda, Mt. Pleasant, and either Maquoketa or Dubuque. For the dates, times, and other information, contact the Governor's DD Council at 1-800-452-1936.
4/26/2000:
Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack announces an essay contest for all young women ages 16-19 in the state of Iowa. Essays are due May 30, 2000 on the topic "what is the physical or mental health issue that most affects your life as a young woman?" Winners will be announced June 12, 2000.
Essays from 50 Finalists will be chosen for publication in Young Women’s Voices: Essays on Health and may also be published on the Internet. These finalists will receive a copy of the compilation of essays as well. Winners will have the option of being published anonymously.
Of the Finalists, 20 First Prize Winners will be selected as members of the First Lady’s Advisory Committee on Young Women’s Health. These young women will be invited to a luncheon with the Governor and the First Lady, as well as participate in committee meetings. In addition, the First Prize Winners will receive full scholarships to attend the Young Women’s Leadership Summit on Mental and Physical Health, to be held in the Summer of 2000.
Of the First Prize Winners, five Runners Up will each receive $100. Three Grand Prize Winners will be chosen from the First Prize Winners to present their essay to the attendees at the Young Women’s Health Fest, a statewide conference on young women’s health. The Grand Prize winners will also receive $500 each.
First Lady Christie Vilsack and her staff will judge the essays for organization, thoughtfulness, creativity, and conclusions. Background materials and entry form are available as a Word 97 document for download. For more information, contact Kate Merrick at (515) 243-2000 or kmerrick@sppg.com.
4/21/2000:
The Iowa Radio Reading Information Service (IRIS) will begin reading local newspapers from the WSUI/KSUI radio studio in Iowa City beginning June 1. Volunteers are needed to do live reading from 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM each day of the week.
IRIS broadcasts timely and topical information for visually and/or physically impaired Iowans, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on sub-carrier channels of public radio stations across the state. The free service is done entirely by volunteers.
The Des Moines Register is read from the IRIS studios in Des Moines from 9:00 AM - noon, Monday through Saturday, and from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM on Sunday. In north central Iowa, the Fort Dodge Messenger is read from 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM daily. Two national reading services are also part of the daily broadcasts. Future plans include the reading of the Sioux City Journal in northwest Iowa and the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier in northeast Iowa.
If you are a potential volunteer in the Iowa City area, call toll-free 877-404-4747. A meeting will be held at the WSUI/KSUI studio, 700 S. Clinton St., on Tuesday, May 23, at 9:00 AM for interested volunteers.
The third year of Iowa Training Consortium mini-grants has now been completed. The eight projects for the year 2000 were selected from 94 applications across the state.
Thanks to an unanticipated contribution of $1000 from the Healthy and Ready to Work Project, the Training Consortium initiated an additional program this year. "Mini-scholarships" were offered to individuals wanting to attend conferences or training sessions, with priority given to events emphasizing self-advocacy and consumer choice.
Of the 48 applications received, funds were awarded to:
$500 is allocated in 2000 for new items focusing on supportive communities, inclusion, and self-advocacy.
The Consortium-funded web site www.DisabilityTraining.org is now one year old. Initiated as a result of the Consortium’s statewide symposium in June of 1998, the site’s usage has grown steadily, and now has a wide array of training events, state and national links, and an online version of the training newsletter Possibilities.
Possibilities has maintained a bi-monthly publication schedule and has increased its mailing list to 1350. (Possibilities articles are also available online from May 1999 up to the present.)
4/18/2000:
The Iowa Association of Community Providers invites the submission of program abstract for the 2000 Mental Health Conference ("STEPS to Recovery: Strategies, Treatment, Employment, and Support," November 7-8). Proposals are welcome from individuals and organizations involved in all aspects of the delivery of mental health services to consumers, advocates, providers, family members, regulators, policy makers, administrators, and funders. Current conference sponsors include the Iowa Association of Community Providers, Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Iowa, Inc., Iowa Department of Education, Iowa Department of Human Services, University of Iowa. All submissions must be postmarked on or before April 21, 2000. Send proposals to Suzanne M. Gebel, Conference Coordinator, IACP, 7025 Hickman Rd, Suite 5, Urbandale Iowa. For more information, call 515-270-9495, fax 515-270-1035, or e-mail SMGebel@worldnet.att.net.
Third annual Dash the Past 5k Road Race/Walk in Des Moines
May 13, 8:00 a.m., Des Moines
Challenge the hills of Des Moines' historic Westside neighborhoods in this 5K race/walk
sponsored by Eyerly-Ball Community Mental Health Services. Have a great time and assist in
raising funds for the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Iowa. For more
information, contact Eyerly-Ball Community Mental Health Services -- 515-243-5181.
4/13/2000:
The National Center and Oklahoma People First will award money to self-advocacy organizations for projects that develop the leadership and self-determination skills of people with developmental disabilities. Any non-profit, self-advocacy organization in the United States (except Oklahoma People First) may apply. Up to $5,000 per project will be funded. Contact Oklahoma People First for a "proposal packet" with goals and activity forms, budget forms, etc.
For more information, contact
The Iowa Civil Rights Commission will be making a series of community presentations about accessible housing, from late May through September, in cities around Iowa. For more information, call 800-457-4416.
4/6/2000:
The National Arts and Disability Center (NADC) is pleased to announce its new online calendar of arts and disabilities events. Use this calendar to search for events in your state and to submit information about upcoming performances, conferences, art exhibits, and other arts and disability related events. The NADC is a national information dissemination, technical assistance and referral center specializing in the field of arts and disability. The NADC is dedicated to promoting the full inclusion of children and adults with disabilities into the visual-, performing-, media, and literary-arts communities. Its resource directories, annotated bibliographies, related links and conferences serve to advance artists with disabilities and accessibility to the arts.
Disability Resources is a nonprofit organization that monitors, reviews, and reports on resources for persons with disabilities.
4/4/2000:
The Peter F. Drucker Foundation's Frances Hesselbein Community Innovation Fellows program provides a year-long educational program for experienced social sector leaders with a demonstrated record of entrepreneurial performance and a plan for innovation in their communities. To be eligible, candidates must be a chief executive officer or senior staff member of a non-profit organization, have a minimum of ten years' work experience, and be available to attend three scheduled gatherings of Fellows during the program year (approximately ten days). Applications, guidelines, and specific program details are available online. Contact:
Peter F. Drucker Foundation for Nonprofit Management
320 Park Avenue
3rd Floor
New York, NY 10022
Tel: (212) 224-1174
Fax: (212) 224-2508
For additional RFPs in Nonprofit Management, visit: http://www.drucker.org/fellows/index.html
3/30/2000:
Where would you go online to find out about the disability rights movement in Uganda, employment of blind people in Russia, Internet accessibility standards in the European Union, durable wheelchairs in the Pacific Islands, the best accessible travel websites, results of the 1999 international summit on independent living, inclusive schooling in Brazil or upcoming international disability film festivals? As of March 23, the answer is www.disabilityworld.org. The new monthly webzine has been developed by the Ideas for the New Millennium project, a consortium of U.S. based disability organizations working in the international arena. The project has been funded on a five-year basis by the U.S. National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.
3/21/2000:
The HHS Administration on Developmental Disabilities requests applications for grants to support twenty-two Family Support Model Demonstration Projects. Grants of $200,000 each will be given to states and $100,000 each to territories for development of statewide systems change through training and technical assistance and other activities designed to address the problems which impede the self-sufficiency of families of children with disabilities. The closing date for applications is May 12, 2000. The concept of family support for families with a child with a disability represents a range of services which include: cash subsidy payments, respite care, family counseling, architectural adaptation of the home, in-home counseling, sibling support programs, education and behavior management services and the purchase of specialized equipment. The request for applications appeared in the Federal Register of March 13, 2000. For information, please contact: Administration for Children and Families, Pat Laird, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W., Washington, D.C., 20447, 202/690-7447; or e-mail add@acf.dhhs.gov.
3/15/2000:
The Iowa Training Consortium congratulates the awardees and thanks the individuals and organizations who submitted a total of 48 applications for conference scholarships. Final scholarship selections are:
3/7/2000:
Family-to-Family Education Program will be coming to Iowa in March 2000. NAMI Iowa is gathering names of interested trainers and participants. The mission of this course is to support and educate families and primary caregivers of people with serious mental illness. Trainers will attend a three-day intensive training course and must be willing to teach two 12-week programs. Participants will attend a 12-week program free of charge. If you are interested or would like further information, please contact NAMI Iowa -- 1-800-417-0417 or 515-254-0417.
2/13/2000:
The Iowa Training Consortium is making small grants available to individuals wanting to attend conferences or training sessions in the Spring of 2000. More information and an application form are available online
1/24/2000:
The Foundation for Exceptional Children (FEC) is a national organization committed to improving the lives of children and youth with disabilities. Minigrant awards of up to $500 will be made for innovative education-related projects which directly benefit gifted children or youth and/or children with disabilities. Applications will be accepted only from individuals employed by public or nonprofit institutions.
The application deadline is March 1, 2000. The application and guidelines can be accessed by clicking on the URL listed at the bottom of their announcement.
The intent of the project must be to provide direct services to:
For more information, contact: Minigrant Committee, Foundation for Exceptional Children, 1920 Association Drive, Reston, Virginia 20191. Telephone (703) 264-3507, or see the application guidelines on their website at http://www.cec.sped.org/
The Foundation for Exceptional children is accepting applications for scholarships toward full-time, post-secondary education or training during 2000-2001. Applicants must be disabled; some scholarships have additional requirements. Deadline is February 1. For more information, see their website at http://www.cec.sped.org/
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The Bank of America invites applications under its ADA Abilities Scholarship Program. The program will award scholarships to enable students with disabilities to pursue undergraduate study in Finance, Business, or Computer Systems. The program is directed to students who have an interest in pursuing work in the financial services industry.
Eligible applicants include high school seniors, high school graduates, and college students who hold cumulative GPAs of at least 3.0 and plan to attend college in the fall of 2000. Application is restricted to U.S. citizens who hold permanent residence in selected states, including Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia. Applicants must meet the definition of disabled, as defined by the American with Disabilities Act.
Applications are due February 15. More information is available on the Web site at http://www.scholarshipprograms.org/bankofamerica.html The entire application packet, eligibility criteria and instructions for completing the application are on this website.
Easter Seals awards two scholarships annually for high school seniors who have a permanent disability. Eligibility requirements are: permanent disability, high school senior status, plans to attend an accredited college or university, residence in Iowa, achievement of being in the upper 40% of the class or a grade point of 2.8 or above, and financial need.
Easters Seals also has scholarships available to college sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students. These scholarships requirements are the same as those listed above and stipulate that the student be planning a career in the broad field of rehabilitation. For more information, contact Tom Flynn, 146 University Hospital School, Iowa City IA 52242; call 319-353-6451; e-mail Thomas-Flynn@UIowa.edu
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1/4/2000:
The Iowa Training Consortium has awarded eight mini-grants for Building Supportive Communities in 2000. The eight winning proposals were submitted by:
More information on the winning proposals will be available in the next issue of Possibilities.
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See Announcements archive for announcements in 1999.