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Alert! ADD Priority Survey (Available July 15 - September 10, 2010). Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD), wants to work on the issues that are most important to people with developmental disabilities. We are looking for your ideas about Projects of National Significance (PNS). We also want to hear your ideas for other ADD programs. Hearing about your problems and your experiences will help make sure that PNS projects work on the issues that are important to you. Please complete the survey at: http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/add/survey/survey_coded_final.html.
Alert! Human Rights Committee Conference 2010: September 29, 2010. A Workshop for anyone interested in human rights issues and for committee members to understand the need for, and effectively participate, in human rights committees. To access brochure and registration form click here.
Alert!! 20th Anniversary of the signing of The Americans with Disabilities Act July 26, 2010 marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA provides civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those afforded to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. This piece of legislation ensures equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, State and local government services, and telecommunications. The 2008 Amendments to the ADA, signed into law on September 25, 2008, describes in more detail who is covered by the civil rights protections of the ADA. The amendments expands the definition of “disability” to include impairments that substantially limit a major life activity and states that when determining whether some one qualifies as disabled, one cannot take into account assistive devices, auxiliary aids, accommodations, medical therapies and supplies. The amendments also address episodic or disabilities that may go into remission but still can significantly limit a major life activity when active, like epilepsy and post traumatic stress disorder. To learn more about the ADA and its amendments or to read the full text of the ADA, please visit http://www.ada.gov/ or http://www.disability.gov/.
Alert! “TAKE ONE AND PASS ALONG – THE ARC FINDS SURVEY" The Arc seeks individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families or caregivers to participate in a national disability needs survey. The Arc FINDS (Family and Individual Needs for Disability Supports) is a free, online survey designed to tap into the knowledge and perspectives of individuals and families within the I/DD community, including self-advocates on different issues across the life span. Results will provide greater understanding about what services are being received, where gaps exist, and what new supports may be needed from the individual and family perspective. To access the online survey, go to: http://www.thearc.org and link to the survey from the home page – and pass the word along to others. Take one and pass along!
Alert!!! Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services (IPAS) WINS access case before the Seventh Circuit! Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services v. Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, No 08-3183.
On April 21, 2010, IPAS received a favorable ruling from the entire United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Judge Hamilton, writing for eight of the nine Judges, issued decision that confirms that federal protection and advocacy laws require hospitals to give IPAS access to patient records, and if hospitals don't comply, they can be sued in federal court. Press Release.
Alert! Bipartisan Lawmakers Introduced Legislation to Protect All Children in Schools from Abuse, Legislation will, for the first time, address harmful restraint and seclusion in classrooms Click here for more information.
Census Alert: You will be receiving your census form in the US Mail in mid March. It is important that all Indiana residents are counted to preserve federal funding as well as other critical benefits. Please click on the following link to learn more about why the census is important to you. http://www.census.indiana.edu/
SPEAK YOUR MIND! Rate your community’s implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act! People with disabilities, their family members, and their advocates are invited to complete the 2010 ADA POLL, a survey about how Indiana communities are doing with implementation of the ADA. It’s important that your voices are heard when accessibility and discrimination issues are being addressed in your community! So don’t delay – let us know what you have to say! The purpose of this survey is to ask people their thoughts about the ADA and to grade their community’s efforts in following the law. The results will help us better understand how communities are doing in complying with the ADA. The 2010 ADA POLL is available online at: www.ThePollingPlace.org.
Public Policy Advocacy Opportunity Available - Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services Commission (IPAS) is seeking individuals who have received mental health treatment services, or family members of such persons, to serve on their Mental Illness Advisory Committee (MIAC). The MIAC helps shape IPAS services for individuals with mental illness and reports annually to the IPAS federal funding source. The MIAC meets once per quarter, expenses are reimbursed and members are appointed by the Governor. Persons interested in applying for consideration should contact David Boes, Asst. Director of Client Services, at 1-800-622-4845, ext. 229, or by emailing dboes@ipas.in.gov.
Alert! IPAS publishes study regarding Time-out, Seclusion, and Restraint in Indiana Public Schools. To learn about and access IPAS’ study click here.
Alert! The Building Leadership Series (BLS), a project for adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities is recruiting participants for its Fall 2010 Workshops. The BLS project exists to educate people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, develop leadership skills individually and collectively, and expand systems that support personal choice and person-directed services. For further information contact Jennie Todd 812-855-2164 or e-mail her at jeptodd@indiana.edu.
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