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
September 30, 2014
Volume 11, Issue 7
The Disability Law & Policy Newsletter is a monthly 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. EMERGENCY RESPONSE / PREPAREDNESS: Disaster mitigation and preparedness news
H. INTERNATIONAL: News for and about disability topics
outside the U.S.
I. POP CULTURE: News and topics may vary
J. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Books, financial aid, and events
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A. CIVIL RIGHTS
1. Request to Bring CRPD's Ratification to Senate Floor Blocked
Senator Tom Harkin, Iowa-D, took the Senate floor requesting a unanimous consent vote to ratify the United Nation's CRPD. He sought a two-hour debate on the CRPD with no amendments followed by an up-or-down vote. Senator Mike Lee, Utah-R, objected to the request on the basis that a two-hour debate was insufficient and amendments may be necessary.
Full Story: Ramsey Cox, Senate GOP Block UN Treaty on Disability Rights, The Hill, Sept. 17, 2014, available at
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/218040-senate-gop-block-un-treaty-on-disability-rights
2. Jailed Persons with Mental Illness Lack Timely Access to Care
Disability Rights Washington and the American Civil Liberties Union are seeking class-action status for all people with mental illness who are jailed in the State of Washington for extended periods. Allegations of delayed evaluations and long wait lists for beds cause these offenders to spend months in jail waiting for proper psychiatric care.
Washington state legislators passed a law in 2012 for jailed defendants to have a competency evaluation completed within seven days of a judge's order. In 2014, a report from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee found that the Western and Eastern State Hospitals "have consistently failed to meet that deadline" 87 and 99 percent of the time, respectively.
Full Story: Andy Mannix, Mentally Ill Charged with Crimes Lack Timely Access to Hospital Care, Seattle Times, Sept. 13, 2014, available at
http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2024534481_psychdelays1xml.html
3. North Carolina DMV Faces Disability Discrimination Lawsuit
Six drivers with disabilities in North Carolina filed suit against the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) claiming illegal discrimination against them as safe and capable drivers. Claimants allege they were channeled into the Medical Evaluation Program by local NCDMV employees, and some plaintiffs have received letters, every year, stating they must prove they are still a safe driver. They further claim that they have been subjected to unnecessary road testing and medical exams based on stereotypes and generalizations about people with physical disabilities. A Federal judge ruled that NCDMV must respond to allegations that their Medical Evaluation Program violates the federal Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Full Story: Bruce Siceloff, Road Warrior: NC DMV Creates Limbo for Drivers with Disabilities, News Observer, Aug. 25, 2014, available at
http://www.newsobserver.com/2014/08/25/4096411_road-worrier-nc-dmv-creates-limbo.html?rh=1See also: Wilson v. Thomas, NO. 5:14-CV-85-BO (E.D.N.C. Aug. 21, 2014), available at
http://www.disabilityrightsnc.org/sites/default/files/DMV%20order%20denying%20motion%20to%20dismiss%208-20-14.pdf
4. Disability Icon Revamped and Gaining Widespread Consideration
The International Symbol of Access has been overhauled by the Accessible Icon Project. The modernization of the icon displays an active, forward leaning stick figure in a wheelchair instead of the motionless stick figure. The state of New York and the City of Merriam, Kansas, adopted the new symbol in July. Olathe, Overland Park, and Kansas City are the latest cities to consider the new disability icon.
Kansas City advocates for the new icon view it as much more positive and representative. They believe it will positively influence societal perceptions about people with disabilities.
Full Story: Jennifer Bhargava, More Cities Consider New Disability Icon, Kansas City Star, Aug. 23, 2014, available at
http://www.kansascity.com/news/government-politics/article1278818.html
5. Half of NYC's Taxi's to Be Wheelchair-Accessible by 2020
A U.S. Federal judge approved a settlement making at least half of New York City's yellow taxicab fleet wheelchair accessible by 2020. The settlement stemmed from a class action suit filed in 2011, challenging the inaccessibility of NYC's yellow taxicab fleet. At the time of suit, only 200 of the city's more than 13,000 yellow taxicabs were wheelchair accessible. Under the settlement terms, the Taxi & Limousine Commission will require the phasing in of wheelchair-accessible cabs as nonaccessible cabs are retired. Retrofitting a cab to be wheelchair accessible costs nearly $15,000. To offset that cost, a 30-cent surcharge will be implemented, as a part of the settlement, starting in 2015 to fund the new fleet.
Full Story: Stephen Rex Brown, Judge Approves City's Push for Wheelchair-Accessible Cabs and 30-Cent Surcharge, N.Y. Daily News, Sept. 16, 2014, available at
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/judge-approves-push-wheelchair-accessible-cabs-30-cent-surcharge-article-1.1941591See Also: Press Release, Disability Rights Advocates, Judge Approves Historic Settlement: NYC Taxicab Accessibility to Dramatically Increase (Sept. 16, 2014), available at
http://www.dralegal.org/pressroom/press-releases/judge-approves-historic-settlement-nyc-taxicab-accessibility-to
6. Suffolk County, NY Expands Human Rights Law Protections
Since the 2008 financial downturn and Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the need for affordable rental housing on Long Island has intensified. The small market may contribute to housing discrimination against those with lawful sources of income that are not from employment. Suffolk County HR 1620 amends the Suffolk County human rights law to expand the term "lawful source of income." The term now includes Social Security and disability payments. The bill unanimously passed the legislature and awaits signature. Once signed, it will protect pregnant women, the elderly, and persons with a disability against discrimination in their workplace and in housing.
Regarding the workplace, the bill's additional protections include protected status for victims of domestic violence in employment, and reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related conditions. In addition, the bill addresses harassment of residents after acquiring a property and defines illegal discriminatory practices for real estate brokers and agents.
Full Story: Press Release, Long Island News, Community and Civil Rights Organizations Celebrate Suffolk County Legislature's Vote to Strengthen Human Rights Law, Sept. 10, 2014, available at
http://www.longisland.com/news/09-10-14/suffolk-legislature-human-rights-law.htmlSee Also: V. Elaine Gross, Testimony in Support of HR 1620, Erase Racism, Sept. 9, 2014, available at
http://eraseracismny.org/storage/documents/Legislative_Testimony_ERASE_-_Final_-_Sept.__9_2014.pdf
B. EDUCATION
1. Charter School for Children on the Autism Spectrum Opens in Utah
Spectrum Academy opened its first school in 2006. As one of the few schools in the country that offers a free public school education to children with autism, it has seen a huge demand. This demand culminated in the opening on August 19 of a second campus in Pleasant Grove, Utah. The Pleasant Grove campus will eventually serve 650 students from grades K-8, and already has 150 individuals on a waiting list.
Through its specialized design, the school works to accommodate students on the autism spectrum in a number of ways, such as with natural light, soothing colors on the walls, and the use of toys or headphones for kids with sensory needs or who need help focusing. Students are placed in a more comfortable environment where they can feel safe and learn more efficiently. Parents of students at the school appreciate the setting. They feel it gives their children an opportunity to continue to learn and grow that is not available in a typical public school.
Under IDEA, a student is entitled to learn in the least restrictive environment (LRE) that fits their needs and be educated with students without disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate. According to Spectrum Academy, the school is able to comply with the least restrictive environment requirement, because it does not discriminate or show preference to students with or without other disabilities. Students are placed in an inclusive classroom and are only removed from that setting if it is necessary to accommodate their needs. The school has partnerships with other charter schools to provide educational and social interactions with other students.
Full Story: Lisa Schencker, New Utah Charter School for Kids with Autism Opens Door, The Salt Lake Tribune, Aug. 29, 2014, available at
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/news/58314242-78/spectrum-kids-campus-autism.html.cspSee Also: Wendy Leonard, New Autism-Specialized Charter School to Open in Pleasant Grove, Deseret News, July 9, 2014, available at
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865606624/New-autism-specialized-charter-school-to-open-in-Pleasant-Grove.html?pg=allSee Also: Spectrum Academy, Amendment Request for Satellite School (Aug. 2011), available at
http://www.schools.utah.gov/charterschools/State-Charter-School-Board/2012-Board-Meetings/May-2012/Amendment-Request---Spectrum-Academy-Murray-FINAL.aspx
2. Worcester County, Maryland Receives $1,000,000 Grant for Special Education
The Maryland State Department of Education awarded the Worcester County Public Schools the $1 million "2014 Bridges for Systems Change" grant. The competitive grant is designed to help the school district develop new practices in special education and to reduce the achievement gap between students with and without disabilities.
The district has begun forming and executing their plan with the support of the state's Department of Education. A large portion of the grant will be put toward training teachers for co-teaching, early intervention practices, and identifying students with special needs before they begin school. The grant will also help the district provide better instruction materials for students with special needs. The Superintendent of Worcester County Schools is very excited for the grant, stating it "provides the resources to change many lives."
See: Charlene Sharpe, Worcester Wins $1M Grant for Special Education, Delmarvanow, Aug. 31, 2014, available at
http://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2014/08/31/worcester-grant-funding/14902441/
C. TECHNOLOGY / TELECOMMUNICATIONS
1. Assistive Reading Device for Those with Visual Impairments
Researcher Suranga Nanayakkara from the Singapore University of Technology and Design and Roy Shilkrot from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a new way for those with visual impairments to read, known as the "finger reader." A device is strapped on the user's finger and a small camera scans text, and then converts it into audio that is read to the individual. The device works with text printed on paper or electronic devices, and includes cues to prompt the user to keep their scanning finger on the line of text. The research team is still testing the device, and anticipates that it will be ready to disseminate in two years.
Full Story: A Ring that Reads Text for the Blind, Reuters, Aug. 25, 2014, available at
http://uk.reuters.com/video/2014/09/13/a-ring-that-reads-text-for-the-blind?videoId=340766584&videoChannel=118173See Also: Kyle Shachmut, On Education Technology, College Lobbyists Are Keeping Disabled Students Behind, Boston Globe, Sept. 5, 2014, available at
http://www.bostonglobe.com/opinion/2014/09/05/education-technology-college-lobbyists-are-keeping-disabled-students-behind/jQ8UFe44BeFBumbTTqBzFL/story.html
2. Emotion Detection with Google Glass
Google Glass enables wearers to do everything from sending a text to quickly skimming a patient's health records. Google initially launched Glass as a product for the general public in April of 2012, featuring a man using Glass to arrange a meeting, pull up directions, and take pictures. However, Glass met mixed public review. Many people voiced privacy concerns regarding facial recognition or a frustration with the belief that the product is only for the rich. Some have simply not found a need for the $1,500 product when they can use many of the applications at a significantly lower cost on their smartphones.
However, uses of Google Glass by those with sensory or cognitive difficulties are apparent. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits in Germany developed an application called Shore Human Emotion Detector (SHORE). The app detects emotions based on a database of over 10,000 faces. SHORE could assist individuals with prosopagnosia (an inability to recognize faces) as well as autism.
Full Story: Seth Fiegerman, Google Glass Is Getting a Second Look from Businesses, Sept. 1, 2014, available at
http://mashable.com/2014/09/01/google-glass-businesses/See Also: Jack Dutton, This App Lets People Wearing Google Glass See Your True Emotions, Sept. 1, 2014, available at
http://www.businessinsider.com/new-app-lets-google-glass-detect-emotion-2014-9
3. The New World of Prosthetics - 3D Printing
The world of prosthetics has been made new with the use of 3D printing. e-Nable is a virtual organization of humanitarian volunteers from around the world that has designed, built, and distributed functional 3D printed prosthetics. Their work is changing the field of prosthetics because 3D printing is significantly less expensive than traditional devices. For children, this means that as they grow a new prosthesis can be made for them at a fraction of the usual cost. Additionally, 3D printing has the potential of using a variety of materials to better replicate bones and tendons.
For Jose Delgado, Jr., who was born without a left hand, his $50 3D printed prosthetic worked better than his previous $42,000 myoelectric prosthetic device. The only down side at this point is that the printed prosthetics are currently made of ABS plastic which sometimes breaks. For Delgado, however, the improved functionally and significantly decreased cost made the relative fragility irrelevant.
Full Story: Press Release, Enabling the Future, Prosthetists Meet 3D Printers, available at
http://enablingthefuture.org/prosthetists-meet-3d-printers-press-release/See Also: Making Children's 3D Printed Prosthetics ... "SUPER" Awesome ... With a Wolverine Hand!, Sept. 5, 2014, available at
http://enablingthefuture.org/2014/09/05/making-childrens-3d-printed-prosthetics-super-awesome-wolverine-hand/See Also: Eddie Krassenstein, Man Compares $42k Prosthetic Hand to a $50 3D Printed Cyborg Beast, Apr. 20, 2014, available at
http://3dprint.com/2438/50-prosthetic-3d-printed-hand/
D. HEALTHCARE / BENEFITS
1. Developmental Delay Screenings Largely Absent for American Youths
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that many young children are not getting necessary developmental delay screenings. Screenings are important because early detection of delay can promote healthy lifestyles and allow children to achieve their full potential. The report focuses on data collected from 2007-2008 showing that 79% of parents report their child did not receive developmental delay screenings.
About half of the parents reported that primary care doctors did ask if their child was having any academic trouble, which indicates doctors are relying on observational reports from parents instead of formal screening procedures. The study found that in cases where parents did show concerns, doctors often did not follow up with a formal screening.
Full Story: Shaun Heasley, Nearly 8 in 10 Kids Don't Get Developmental Screenings, Disability Scoop, Sept. 11 2014, available at
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2014/09/11/nearly-8-in-10-screenings/19665/
2. Walmart Expands In-Store Clinics Offering More Services for Lower Prices
Walmart is looking to change the face of healthcare by offering more services in their clinics for four dollars for employees or $40 for the general public. Additionally, the company is changing the face of the clinics by no longer partnering with local hospitals. Moving away from partnerships with hospitals allows Walmart to become a competitor in the health services market. Their goal is to offer competitive pricing as well as lower the company's expenditures on employee benefits. New clinics are rolling out in three Southern states Texas, South Carolina, and Georgia focusing on rural areas.
Staffed by physicians assistants the in-store clinics will offer simple services like checkups and flu shots, as well as more complex primary care services such as health screenings and disease management of conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Full Story: Bertha Coombs, Big Box Health Care: Are You Ready for Walmart Care Clinics?, NBC News, Aug. 29 2014, available at
http://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/big-box-health-care-are-you-ready-walmart-care-clinics-n191896
E. WORKFORCE
1. White House Honors Disability Advocates in the Employment Sector
The Obama Administration has asked the public to nominate individuals who have contributed to the increase in employment rates of people with disabilities for the "Disability Employment Champion of Change." President Obama acknowledged the work he and his administration have done, but that progress could not have been made without the efforts of small business owners, managers, and leaders in organizations who have thought of innovative solutions and broken down barriers to ensure people with disabilities have viable employment options. Those individuals chosen will be invited to the White House to share their insights and celebrate their accomplishments. The nomination period for this cycle ended on September 14, but nominations for future honors are still being accepted.
Full Story: Taryn Williams, Nominate a White House Champion of Change for Disability Employment, White House Blog, Sept. 2, 2014, available at
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2014/09/02/nominate-white-house-champion-change-disability-employment
2. Improving the Employment Outlook for Incarcerated Youth
The Right Turn Career-Focused Transition Initiative (Right Turn) is a youth transition program funded by a grant from the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration to help incarcerated youth find work. Many youth in the juvenile justice system lack education and training. Additionally, many are classified with emotional disturbance or learning disabilities. The combination of these factors has not only led to recidivism, but an inability to find employment after they are released.
Right Turn has five locations nationally. The program's goal is to provide career preparation and work-based learning experiences. Research shows that youth who have received these types of services demonstrate more diligence and tenacity in finding a new job. By acquiring confidence and training youth invest in pursuing career goals in place of old habits that led to their incarceration.
Full Story: The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth, Motivation with Opportunity: Exploring Careers with Incarcerated Youth, Sept. 3, 2014, available at
http://www.ncwd-youth.info/blog/?p=885
F. INDEPENDENCE
1. Judge Expands Court Oversight of Olmstead Reforms
A U.S. District Judge appointed a monitor to supervise the Minnesota Department of Human Services in their "timely implementation" of a 2011 Olmstead court agreement. In Olmstead, the U.S. Supreme Court required states to serve qualified individuals with mental disabilities in community settings rather than in institutions when possible. The agreement's goal was to move a person with a disability from institutional homes to less restrictive settings. The federal judge ruled that federal oversight of the settlement will continue until 2016, and the monitor now has the authority to develop specific compliance standards and outcome measures.
Full Story: Chris Serres, Sept. 4: Judge Expands Court Oversight of Disability Reforms, Star Tribune, Sept. 19, 2014, available at
http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/273862261.html
2. Federal Suit to Stop Transfer of Son with Disabilities by Texas State Officials
In May, Texas announced it planned to transfer half of the residents over the next year out of the Austin state supported living center. The announcement came after the Sunset Advisory Commission recommended that the institution be closed by 2017.
The suit filed in federal court aims to stop the transfer of the claimant's 33-year-old son, who has severe developmental disabilities, to a supported-living center, 90 miles east. The family objects that the distance will burden visitation with their son. Texas plans to go ahead with closing additional state institutions and moving residents to other facilities or into the community.
Full Story: Calily Bien, Family Hopes a Federal Judge Will Halt Closure of Austin State Supported Living Center, KXAN, Sept. 2, 2014, available at
http://kxan.com/2014/09/02/family-hopes-a-federal-judge-will-halt-closure-of-austin-state-supported-living-center/
3. Tech Solutions Are Making Navigating London Easier for Those with Visual Impairments
"The world we all live in has been designed by the sighted and for the sighted," said Gavin Neate, a software designer who has worked with those with visual impairments for several years. That is why he created a software app that builds from existing technology to enable people to safely and independently get around London. Neate's app works by allowing individuals to use their phone to communicate with the control box on a crosswalk so that they know when it is safe to cross. The app has been tested in Edinburgh and is being pitched to other cities.
A similar app is being developed by the Royal London Society for the Blind's Youth forum in partnership with a product design studio. Their app locates the user via the user's smartphone and then gives audible instructions to where the individual wants to go. The group of youths had previously voiced concerns over their inability to use public transportation independently. This app is being developed with their specific needs in mind.
These new technologies demonstrate a move from retrofitting current software and programs to considering the needs of the visually impaired at the beginning of the design process.
Full Story: Rosie Spinks, The New Technologies Helping Visually Impaired People Navigate Cities, The Guardian, Aug. 29, 2014, available at
http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2014/aug/29/new-technologies-visually-impaired-navigate-cities
G. EMERGENCY RESPONSE / PREPAREDNESS
1. British Columbia Celebrates Disability Employment Month
The release of Accessibility 2024 has been followed by declaring September Disability Employment Month in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Accessibility 2024 is BC's plan to make it the most progressive providence in Canada over the next 10 years for people with disabilities. In particular, the highest labor participation rate for people with disabilities is one of BC's targets.
The BC government held a three month conference from December, 2013, to March, 2014, on how the government, businesses, and communities can decrease barriers and increase accessibility for people with disabilities. Navigation of the system to better understand and access government supports and services was a key issue brought up at the conference, with which people with disabilities need assistance. BC responded by creating an Accessibility Secretariat to develop improved navigation support and information sharing about programs, services, and resources available across the government by fall of 2014.
Full Story: Press Release, B.C. Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation, Creating Opportunities: Disability Employment Month, Sept. 2, 2014, available at
http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2014/09/creating-opportunities-disability-employment-month.html
2. UK May Be Investigated by CRPD Committee for Disability Rights Violations
According to the Disability News Service, former Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Committee member Professor Gabor Gombos, told a conference in June that the Committee had launched an inquiry of the United Kingdom, and inquiries are only launched in countries where there are suspicions of "grave" human rights violations. All of this comes a couple months after a report by the Just Fair coalition warning that policy changes to Britain's benefits system were causing serious hardship for people with disabilities. The Committee, which is responsible for the investigation of disability rights violation charges, has refused to confirm or deny that it is investigating the UK, as its investigations are confidential.
Full Story: Asa Bennett, United Nations Probing UK Over 'Grave' Human Rights Violations of Disabled, Huffington Post, Aug. 28, 2014, available at
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/08/28/un-dwp-benefits-disabled-human-rights-probe_n_5727580.htmlSee Also: Paul Dodenhoff, Silence Is Golden: UK Human Rights Violations & British Media, Sept. 11, 2014, available at
http://www.disabled-world.com/disability/discrimination/silence.php
3. Student with Disability Explores Her Growing Sexuality in Boundary Pushing Role
In the film Margarita, with a Straw, leading Bollywood actress, Kalki Koechlin, performs as an aspiring songwriter that has cerebral palsy. The Indian film premiered at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival. The film went beyond the typical Bollywood subjects and displayed sexual desires of persons with disability. The director expects the film to "shock" Indian viewers, as sexual desires of persons with disability are "never talked about or expressed."
Full Story: Kaleem Aftab, Indian actress Kalki Koechlin 'Brilliant' in Role as Disabled Student in Margarita, with a Straw, National, Sept. 13, 2014, available at
http://www.thenational.ae/arts-lifestyle/film/indian-actress-kalki-koechlin-brilliant-in-role-as-disabled-student-in-margarita-with-a-strawSee Also: Alastair Sharp, South Asian Women Step Out of Bollywood, Into Serious Dramatic Roles, Reuters, Sept. 13, 2014, available at
http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/09/13/filmfestival-toronto-women-idINKBN0H80CI20140913
H. INTERNATIONAL
1. DC Emergency Planning Challenged by Disability Community
Three defendants filed a class action lawsuit on September 9 in the District of Columbia's district court against DC's Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), which is responsible for emergency planning in the city. The suit specifically alleges a failure to publicize information about emergency shelters, insufficient planning to communicate with persons who are deaf and blind, limited accessible evacuation options, and insufficient medical equipment and supply chains. One of the key evacuation concerns is the district's policy to shut down public transportation in cases of severe weather, which may leave some people stranded in disaster areas.
HSEMA responded by citing the HSEMA accountability report for fiscal year 2010 report, which shows the agency worked with the district's office on disability services to publicize the city's emergency response plan and to facilitate communication between agencies for emergency planning. More recent HSEMA plans do not include language specifically targeted toward supporting the disability community.
Full Story: Sarah Anne Hughes, Lawsuit Alleges DC's Emergency Planning Doesn't Serve People with Disabilities, dcist, Sept. 10, 2014, available at
http://dcist.com/2014/09/lawsuit_alleges_dcs_emergency_plann.phpSee Also: HSEMA FY10 Performance Accountability Report, available at
http://oca.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/oca/publication/attachments/HSEMA_FY10PAR.pdf
2. Overnight Shelter Trainings Prepare Local Disability Community for Disasters
In Piscataway, New Jersey, the Alliance Center for Independence hosted the state's first emergency overnight shelter exercise addressing the needs of the disability community on August 22. The overnight simulation was meant to build confidence among people with disabilities that the shelter would be capable of meeting their needs, as well as training emergency relief workers about accommodations needed in emergency situations. County, state and federal agencies joined the 12-hour drill.
In Coweta, Oklahoma, the Red Cross hosted a similar drill simulating a tornado disaster. Laura George, the emergency management disability liaison with Noah's Ark got started with emergency planning after her husband became paralyzed in a car crash in Florida. When her husband was discharged from the hospital, she asked hospital staff how their family could plan for hurricanes. The staff at the hospital said that question had not been asked before. Now living in Oklahoma Laura actively works to include questions like that in the community's disaster relief planning. She says, "I talk about all the questions nobody talks about."
Full Story: Press Release, The Alternative Press Release.com, Overnight Shelter Exercise to Help Disabled, Shelter Volunteers Respond Effectively During a Disaster, Aug. 20, 2014, available at
http://thealternativepress.com/articles/overnight-shelter-exercise-to-help-disabled-shelSee Also: Sarah Fay Campbell, Red Cross Holds Shelter Drill In Coweta, NewnanTimes-Herald, Aug. 31, 2014, available at
http://www.times-herald.com/Local/20140824-Red-Cross-Shelter-Drill?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2FTopStories+(The+Times-Herald+%3E+Top+Stories)
I. POP CULTURE
1. Comic Featuring Superhero with Autism Now Being Released Through Top Distributor
Face Value Comics is a comic book series geared toward individuals on the Autism Spectrum. It is now being distributed through Diamond Comic Distributors and is most likely available at your local comic shop. Diamond Comic Distributors is the largest distributor of English-language comics in the world.
Creator of the comic, Dave Kot, is hoping to change the perception of autism while at the same time give individuals with autism a better understanding of the world around them. The nature of a comic allows the illustrator to make use of clear facial expressions and speech bubbles to provide a "playbook" for those who may have trouble picking up social cues.
Since their limited release last year, the comics have resonated with people in the autistic community. One mother told Kot that her nonverbal son pointed to the Face Value Comics Facebook page, and then to himself. Eleven-year-old Brian, says the comics help people see autism as more than a disability. He thinks about that special part of himself whenever he reads them.
Full Story: Hallie Jackson, Comic Book Hero Stars World's First Hero with Autism, NBC News, Sept. 1, 2014, available at
http://www.nbcnews.com/feature/making-a-difference/comic-book-stars-worlds-first-hero-autism-n190321See Also: Face Value Comics Create Educational Autism Comic Book, Diamond Comics (last visited Sept. 15, 2014), available at
http://www.diamondcomics.com/Home/1/1/3/597?articleID=149073
2. Ice Bucket Challenge Generates Over $100 Million for ALS
When the former Boston College Baseball star, Pete Frates, took on the Ice Bucket Challenge, he decided to challenge athletes and media members in the Boston area to take on the challenge to raise awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a disease with which Frates lives. From there the ice bucket challenge became a viral sensation that swept across social media around the world.
The ALS Association recently announced that donations towards ALS research have surpassed $100 Million since people began taking the challenge just a few months ago. To put it in perspective, the ALS Association raised $26.3 Million during all of 2013. The next step is to decide how this money will be allocated. Researchers are looking forward to developing a plan. One team of doctors at the University of Massachusetts is hoping to begin testing a gene therapy next year, which could counter the mutation that causes the disease.
Full Story: Brion O'Connor, How One Man Accepted the Challenge: Beyond Buckets of Water, Pete Frates Leads the Growing Charge Against ALS, ESPN Boston, Sept. 8, 2014, available at
http://espn.go.com/boston/story/_/id/11366772/in-als-fight-pete-frates-message-loud-clear-ice-bucket-challengeSee Also: Meredith Engel, ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Tops $100 million as Researchers Ponder Next Moves, New York Daily News, Sept. 1, 2014, available at
http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/researchers-ecstatic-als-ice-bucket-challenge-tops-100-million-article-1.1923791
3. BBC to Increase the Number of Individuals with Disabilities in Programming
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has passed measures in an attempt to become one of the top employers of people with disabilities. The company has announced a plan that would quadruple the number of people with disabilities appearing on screen and increase the number of disabled staff and leadership within the company by 2017.
BBC is hopeful that having more people with disabilities working around their buildings and on their teams across the United Kingdom will begin to influence a cultural change for the company. Through various training programs and recruitment processes, they are hoping to break down barriers to a more diverse workforce. The company wants to be judged on results, not just efforts, and has appointed an independent diversity advisory group to ensure the company's efforts are effective.
Full Story: Press Release, BBC Announces Ambitious Plan to Improve Representation of Disabled People On and Off Screen, British Broadcasting Corporation, August 16, 2004, available at
http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2014/representation-disabled-people.See Also: Stuart Kemp, BBC Chief Tony Hall Unveils Plan to Boost Diversity, The Hollywood Reporter, June 20, 2014, available at
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/bbc-chief-tony-hall-unveils-713627
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