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Wisconsin Disability Benefits Network Newsletter For Your Benefits

Issue 4, Vol 1, November, 2007

This newsletter highlights navigator news and happenings as well as offering tools, information and resources on navigating employment programs and services for people with disabilities. Contact Theresa Kulow at kulow@eri-wi.org with your ideas, articles, comments or suggestions.


DPN Calendar:


Glenn's Update: Brain Droppings from the Overlord...Musings, Thoughts and Notes of Interest

While the Disability Program Navigator has a focus on system change, we can not lose sight of the end game — Employment opportunities for people with disabilities. In the upcoming year, we will be focusing on employer tools and events. This could be employer training, working with the Chambers or just getting the word out — be innovative. Feel free to brainstorm with your Business Service Teams. Actually the last newsletter created a contact in the Southeast are with a large employer!! If you have thoughts for something you want to do at the local level please contact me. Plan on sharing your thoughts at our next Quarterly Meeting.

We will continue to research the concept of the Integrated Resource Teams and how we can roll that out in Wisconsin. Some workgroups may be formed and we may need to tap a few Navigators for their input. Some of the challenges will be setting up teams over large geographical areas. Perhaps it will be best to choose one area to pilot the strategy. Sign up for a teleconference to get more information.

With all the changes and certainly more to come here are some random thoughts about change and chaos (that's humor).

Which Wolf are you feeding?

It's clear that the only constant right now is change. Hopefully our newsletter will keep you informed and bring a smile to your face. Remember what Will Rogers said, "We are all here for a spell; get all the good laughs you can."

Navigators Out and About

Out and AboutOne of our busiest months is October with its focus on employing people with disabilities. Many Navigators partnered in their areas to promote employing people with disabilities in a variety of ways. Following are some of the ways Navigators celebrated October Disability Employment Awareness Month...

Integrated Resource Teams

The Disability Program Navigator (DPN) initiative was designed to be flexible so that it could fit into the many different one-stop environments across the nation. Since it was implemented in 2003, it has continued to evolve. Part of this evolution includes the recognition that Disability Program Navigators (Navigators), in addition to being systems change agents, also focus their activities on the delivery of integrated services for jobseekers with disabilities through state and local team approaches. According to the updated vision for the DPN initiative, as a facilitator, Navigators may have the ability to "bring together multiple partners who are working with one individual to foster a collaborative effort by building Integrated Resource Teams (IRT)."

An IRT represents one of many options that a local area may be able to use to provide an increased level of support for a jobseeker with a disability. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) national program office, which serves as the administrative entity for the DPN initiative, recently compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) is to clarify the IRT concept and offer some guidance on the potential role of the Navigator where an IRT is feasible. DOL also plans to offer an audio conference on the concept. All Navigators will be invited to participate. If you would like more information about the Integrated Resource Team concept, download a copy of the IRT FAQs and Scenarios .doc

Navigator Integrated Resource Team Meetings:

The same information will be presented on all three dates, when filling out the registration form (WORD), Navigators should indicate which of the three dates they are available.

PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THE REGISTRATION FORM BY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2007.

Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Resources

One tools recently shared at the WIA Roundtable is a Resource Guide for Employers (WORD) and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing – Navigators are encouraged to share these tools with your business service teams – If you are interested in having Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing staff come to your area and present to employers in your area please contact Marge Liberski.

Marge Liberski
Options Independent Living Center
555 Country Club Road
Green Bay WI 54301-5191
LiberMA@dhfs.state.wi.us
VP: 920.490.0500
(920) 490-0700
(888) 465-1515
(888) 241-9430 TTY
FAX: (920) 490-0700

National Chamber of Commerce for Persons with Disabilities, Inc.

The Chamber's mission is to provide synergies and open markets for businesses that are controlled by individuals with disabilities and by direct caregivers of individuals with disabilities.

Peter Schoemann conceived of the idea for the Chamber while meeting with clients Pier Westra and Vicky Westra. Mr. Schoemann represents the Westras in connection with the formation of a charity focused on autism awareness and the filing of a tax-exempt application for the charity. The Westras are donating to the charity a percentage of the profits from their Disability Business Member Javámo Coffees. During the initial meeting regarding the charity, Mr. Schoemann was thinking of a way to help market the Westras' business when he thought, "Why is there no chamber of commerce for the disability community?" After some initial discussions with several of the current board members and discussions with many people in the disability community, it was clear that there is a great need for the Chamber. As a result, the decision was made to form the Chamber. The board views their efforts for the Chamber as a way to help the disability community help itself. Visit the Chamber online...

This site was designed to be a marketplace for networking and locating resources that can be used to form and grow Disability Businesses.

Low-income Medicare Part D Help

A low-income subsidy is available ("Extra Help") for Medicare Part D beneficiaries to lower or eliminate deductibles, premiums and the "doughnut hole" coverage gap. To qualify, a person's income must be limited to $15,315 ($1,276/mo) for an individual or $20, 535 ($1,711/mo) for a married couple living together. A person's assets must be limited to $11,710 for an individual or $23,410 for a married couple living together. The asset limit does not include a person's home or car. People who are enrolled in Title 19 are automatically enrolled in this subsidy. More information and assistance with completing the application is available by contacting Gail MacInnes at the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups (CWAG), tel. 414-817-0030, email: gmacinnes@cwag.org.

Nominate a Deserving Employer:

In 1958, the National Economic Commission expanded its Employer Awards Program by creating an award for employers of older workers. Because the commission saw older workers as a valuable economic resource of proven skills, stability and experience, it wanted to encourage employers to hire and retain older workers in the workforce. National "Employ the Older Worker Week" was established by The American Legion and is observed during the last full week of each September. Download a copy of the Nomination Form (pdf).

Hiring Our Nation's Veterans

As wounded Service members return from the Global War on Terror, it is important that CAP provide the necessary assistive technology resources to improve rehabilitation, recovery and enhance re-employment opportunities for this new group of veterans. CAP will also continue to support active duty Service members, accommodating them with the necessary assistive technology to do their new jobs. This November, in recognition of Veterans' Day, CAP would also like to highlight a few programs that will help impact employment opportunities for our nation's disabled veterans.

Upcoming Events

JAN/USBLN Webcast
"Hiring and Accommodating Veterans with Disabilities"
November 13, 2007
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/webcast/

Road to Recovery Conference
Coalition to Salute Americas Heroes
November 30 to December 5, 2007
http://www.saluteheroes.org/road_to_recovery.htm

DoD Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the employment of veterans with disabilities. For additional questions and information please visit http://www.dodvets.com.

Computer / Electronics Accommodation Program's (CAP) Wounded Service Members Resources:
http://www.tricare.mil/cap/wsm/resources/

Redesigned Web Site Helps Users Find More Than 600 Resources Devoted to Countering Mental Health Stigma

SAMHSA's redesigned Resource Center to Address Discrimination and Stigma Associated with Mental Illness debuts online today with a new library of more than 600 resources. The improved ADS Center Web site at www.stopstigma.samhsa.gov features information and advice to help individuals and organizations counter discrimination and stigma associated with mental illness.

The centerpiece of the redesigned Web site is a still growing online library of research articles, brochures, fact sheets, toolkits and other resource items. Content is now organized by both topic and audience to help users quickly navigate to items that meet their needs.

Materials and playback information for more than 25 teleconference training events are archived on the site, and an interactive map showcases programs around the country that aim to reduce discrimination and stigma associated with mental illness.

In Wisconsin, the Wisconsin United Mental Health (http://www.wimentalhealth.org) also recently completed a redesign of their website. Check out some of their new online features including a calendar of events and many resources to bring education and awareness about mental illnesses to reduce stigma and promote recovery.



The Over-the-Road Bus Transportation Accessibility Act of 2007 (H.R. 3985)

H.R. 3985, The Over-the-Road Bus Transportation Accessibility Act of 2007 establishes legislation that would address the issues associated with private intercity bus companies without stations, known as curbside carriers compliance with the ADA. These companies, which use high-floor "over-the-road" buses and offer budget fares along the Eastern seaboard and across the country, often operate inaccessible buses and have a reported history of denying transportation to blind people with guide dogs or requiring them to sit in the last row of the bus.

HR 3985 provides authority to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the office at DOT that licenses and regulates privately-operated bus carriers, to fully consider ADA compliance when it grants and revokes operating authority to passenger motor carriers.

HR 3985 does not amend the ADA, but rather, amends the law that gives FMCSA its authority, adding the DOT ADA regulation (Part 37) to the list of items FMCSA must consider in granting and revoking operating authority.

It also requires FMCSA implementation in 30 days and a coordinated enforcement agreement between FMCSA and the Department of Justice in six months.

A full copy of this proposed legislation is available on-line at: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h110-3985

This bill was passed unanimously on October 31 by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

Assistive Technology Corner

Phil Goodman, is a licensed Occupational Therapist and Assistive Technology Expert. Occupational Therapy plays an integral part in many assistive technology services.

Assistive Technology Corner by Phil Goodman.

Douse the Mouse

Since I began providing computer access support for folks with visual deficits, I have changed the way I use a computer myself. I guess it isn't surprising that those of us with fair to good vision never "see" that there are alternatives to the way we access our computers on a day to day basis.

The biggest change I have made is an ongoing effort to use the mouse as little as possible. The computer mouse has become the pointing device of choice for most of us, including those who use laptops which have a built in touch pad. It seems that whenever convenient many laptop users prefer to attach an external mouse in favor of the touch pad.

While I agree it is a wonderful invention many folks, those with low/no vision can't use a mouse. Others with various mobility impairments have trouble using them. I myself have begun to find it a bit of an annoyance to reach for the mouse, visually hunt down the object I need to click on, and then stabilize the mouse enough to perform the operation. Anyone with shoulder problems or fine motor problems in their hands would probably feel the same. I also quite often see workstations where folks have had to put the mouse so far away from the keyboard they can barely reach it. There is a repetitive stress injury waiting to happen! Get Phil's Shortcuts to Mouse Alternatives...

Navigator Recommendations

The following resources have been recommended by other Navigators...check them out! Thanks everyone for forwarding these resources.

Free Assistive Technology Resources:

http://www.onlineconferencingsystems.com/at.htm#V– Patty Branton, Green Bay Area

New Horizons Employment Slanted Newsletter

http://www.new-horizons.org/fanl07.html#SBDC – Steve Johnson, Western Area

Training & Education Events


Boundaries and Sensibility: Ethical Considerations for the Placement Professional

Wednesday December 5, 2007 TeleSeminar

Pathfinder Associates is very pleased to work with the Job Placement Division (JPD) of the National Rehabilitation Association (NRA) to offer a new TeleSeminar which explores common ethical concerns faced by rehabilitation professionals as they assist persons with disabilities find, secure and maintain employment. We hope that you will participate in this thought-provoking TeleSeminar on common boundary issues and ethical considerations that placement professionals face everyday. More information.

Archive: 2007 Disability Program Navigator Series on SSA Work Incentives and Other Programs

Access audio archived training series

This four-part training series, which ended last week, provided a general overview of the employment-related provisions of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs, as well as other incentive programs that can impact successful employment for individuals with disabilities. The purpose of the training is to provide Navigators with a working knowledge of some of SSA's employment supports and other work incentives, so that they can serve as a resource to the workforce development system. As a systems change agent, the Navigator can pass on the information to One-Stop staff, so that they have a better understanding of available employment supports and provide customers with information that can help in making informed decisions about work. The training will also provide guidance on how to recognize when to seek case-specific guidance from SSA, WIPA and other specialists.

WorkSource Wisconsin: The Employer's Guide on Disability and Employment

Wisconsin United Mental Health, and DBTAC Great Lakes ADA Center

Topics:

Date & Time: December 12th, 2007, 7:00, a. m. to 12 noon
Location: Italian Conference Center
631 E. Chicago Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Cost: No Fee
Contact: Toll – Free Information 1-866-460-9602
Link: http://worksourcewi.com/

Boundaries and Sensibility: Ethical Considerations for the Placement Professional

December 5, 2007

Pathfinder Associates is very pleased to work with the Job Placement Division (JPD) of the National Rehabilitation Association (NRA) to offer a new TeleSeminar which explores common ethical concerns faced by rehabilitation professionals as they assist persons with disabilities find, secure and maintain employment. We hope that you will participate in this thought-provoking TeleSeminar on common boundary issues and ethical considerations that placement professionals face everyday. More Information http://www.pathfinderassociates.net/services_trg_teleseminars_07-1205_reg.htm

Disability and Special Needs Technical Assistance Conference (Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery)

January 8-9, 2008
Capital Hilton, Washington, DC

The Disability and Special Needs Technical Assistance Conference will provide technical assistance on aspects of emergency management planning and response for people with disabilities and special needs. Recent disasters have made us aware of plans and operational procedures related to response and recovery to these populations in any natural or non-natural disaster. This conference will bring together Federal, State, and local experts to discuss day-to-day challenges in planning for their vulnerable populations. You will learn new concepts currently used or being developed to address disability and special needs planning in their jurisdictions.

For more information:

  1. Register on-line at www.governmenthorizons.org/emergency-preparedness-and-response08.htm
  2. Phone Katie Smith at (703) 807-2758
  3. E-mail Katie Smith at ksmith@marketaccess.org

Great Lakes ADA Audio Conferences

November 13th, 2007 » Ask the EEOC: Questions and Answers
Time: 1:00-2:30pm CT Join us for one of the most popular sessions in the ADA Audio Conference Series. Listen to an update on EEOC Enforcement and Guidance Activities and pose your questions to our speaker. This is an interactive session and you are encouraged to bring your tough issues and concerns forward. Learn from what others may be experiencing and the questions and issues that they may have as well.

Speaker:
Sharon Rennert, Senior Attorney, EEOC ADA Division

December 18th, 2007 » Disability Law and Policy, Present and Future
Time: 1:00-2:30pm CT

Reviewing previous research efforts, this session sets out a blueprint for the role of research, policy, and law in advancing the civic, economic and social participation of persons with disabilities in a global society. It reviews past public policy efforts and research findings regarding workers with disabilities. It discusses current and future research initiatives on the cutting edge of promoting successful employment outcomes for people with disabilities. The discussion presents promising research methodologies in multidisciplinary field disability and employment research. Finally, our presenter will put forth challenges and opportunities for research, policy, and legal initiatives, framing a blueprint for the next quarter century.

Speaker:
Peter Blanck, JD, Ph.D, Chair, Burton Blatt Institute, Syracuse University

For more information about these and other upcoming audio conferences or to register to attend, go to http://www.ada-audio.org.

Ongoing Training:

 

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