Worksupport.com News

Business Convention and Expo of the Deaf

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:54:13 EDT

Welcome to Business Opportunities Expo at the Business Convention of the Deaf in Houston, TX!

Date: May 27-30, 2010

The premier event will be a first time venture in U.S. history for deaf community and business world!!!

It would take a new step through proven methods designed to establish entrepreneurs and small business support program, help and train them better understand their existing entrepreneur environment and develop sustainable, effective local strategies.

The BCED attendees will attend to both events: Business Convention and Business Opportunities Expo in Houston, TX.

The BCED Overview:

- FREE ADMISSION to the BCED Expo;
- 3 ½ days of events plus evening activities;
- Business Convention with keynotes, speakers, consultants, trainers, and others;
- Up to 20 sessions in small business and entrepreneurship;
- Welcome Reception;
- Dessert Reception;
- Tax Deduction for attendees who come to learn and develop business strategies;
- Entertainment;
- Target up to 500 key players in small business and entrepreneurship in attendance;
- Sunday Retreat for groups of interest: Women retreat, Disc Golf retreat, and Golf retreat.

If you would like to see how you could be participated, visit
http://wpress.deafbiz.org/

We are looking forward to meeting and working with you there!

The Business Convention and Expo of the Deaf Org. Committee

Business Convention and Expo of the Deaf action:

BCED will set a precedent on the state level by becoming the first organization envision to empower the deaf with the tools to embrace a bright future for entrepreneurial deaf owned small business.
* By committing our efforts in the future to educating these upstart business ventures within our community, we can ensure sustained success of these unique small business.
* And most importantly, BCED will cooperate for lobbying efforts towards sustained interest in these new and soon to be thriving impacts on our nations economy.

Employment First White Paper

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:10:20 EDT

APSE has just released a white paper on Employment First. To view the Employment First White Paper click here: www.apse.org/docs/Employment%20First%20Paper%20609%5B1%5D.pdf

Or visit apse.org and view the Employment First White Paper under Public Policy.

Laura Owens , Executive Director
APSE: The Network on Employment
lowens@apse.org

Dr. William Kiernan, an APSE member, Testified Before Senate Subcommittee on Work Incentives Improvement Act

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:31:20 EDT

Dr. William E. Kiernan, Director of the Intitute for Community Inclusion (ICI), at the University of Massachusetts, Boston and an APSE member, testifed before a Senate employment subcommittee yesterday on the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). He was accompanied by David Hoff, Senior Technical Assistance Specialist at ICI and APSE Board Member.

To read the press release and Dr. Kiernan's testimony, which contains recommendations to be considered to improve and strengthen the Workforce Investment Act, visit www.apse.org.

Laura Owens , Executive Director
APSE: The Network on Employment
lowens@apse.org

HUD to Offer Housing Assistance to 4,000 Americans with Disabilities

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:09:23 EDT

Agency seeking comment on how to allocate vouchers to support independent living

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today joined President Obama's commemoration of the tenth anniversary of the Supreme Court's Olmstead decision by announcing that it will offer rental assistance to 4,000 non-elderly families with disabilities, including 1,000 vouchers specifically targeted to those transitioning out of nursing homes and other care facilities. Through its funding notice, HUD is seeking comment from public housing authorities and others to ensure this critically needed assistance is distributed and administered in the most effective manner possible.

Read the HUD News Release

VCU receives grant to aid veterans

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:00:46 EDT

Published: June 30, 2009

Virginia Commonwealth University has received $424,800 from the U.S. Department of Labor to provide job training to veterans.

The grant was among 98 totaling more than $25 million announced yesterday. The money will be used to provide job training to about 15,000 veterans nationwide under the U.S. Department of Labor's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program.

This is the third year VCU has received grant money for the program. -- Karin Kapsidelis

Richmond Times Dispatch

Visit the HVRP website

Preventing Worker Exploitation: Protecting Individuals With Disabilities and Other Vulnerable Populations

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:44:16 EDT

U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, & Pensions

Hearings and Executive Sessions

Committee: Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Title: Preventing Worker Exploitation: Protecting Individuals With Disabilities and Other Vulnerable Populations

Date: Monday, March 9, 2:30 p.m.

Place: SD-430

Click here to view the hearing

Manchester senior shows what students with disabilities can do

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Wed, 27 May 2009 10:14:24 EDT

JUAN ANTONIO LIZAMA TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
Published: May 24, 2009

There were doubts that he would graduate from high school, much less attend a four-year college.

But Thomas Allen, a senior at Manchester High School in Chesterfield County, has come so far from being born two months premature and struggling to sit up as a toddler because of his cerebral palsy.

He has diminished hearing and a mild speech impediment, and he uses a walker to support his weak legs. But his optimism and drive have won the hearts of an entire school, which elected him homecoming king this year.

"They never look at my disability," he said. "They look at my personality. I feel like my disability is out of my way."

After eight years of high school, Allen, 22, will graduate next month with a standard diploma and will attend Liberty University in the fall.

Read this Richmond Times Dispatch article & View the video

How to Recruit, Hire and Build Inclusive Workplaces for Transitioning Combat Exposed Veterans and People with Disabilities

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:50:54 EDT

"President Barack Obama has now set the tone for returning our veterans from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan within the next 16 months. As human resource, diversity professionals, and employers, we must ensure that our workplaces are inclusive and conducive and enables our veterans to thrive, feel appreciated and respected as they reintegrate back into the mainstream U. S. workforce.

You cannot afford to miss this special webcast presentation that will explore the many cultural challenges, stigmas and misconceptions facing people with disabilities (PWD) and transitioning veterans. The webcast will effectively illustrate the compelling business case for recruitment, proactive employer interventions, reasonable workplace accommodations, marketing and its potential return on investment in a challenged economy. Participants will leave with an understanding of how certain workplace environmental issues may inadvertently exacerbate mental health conditions (including post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury).

Participants will gain valuable insights on ways to create more diverse and accommodating workplace environments. These profound and valuable insights come directly from military, medical and diversity thought leaders and may be leveraged to increase employee retention and productivity, mitigates expensive and costly workplace disruption/turnover/litigation, and may increase market share."

To register click here:

http://www.shrm.org/multimedia/webcasts/Pages/0209crenshaw.aspx.

Brain Injury Awareness Month 2009

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 12:18:39 EDT

Did you know March is Brain Injury Awareness Month? It is and each March the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) and the BIA chartered state affiliates throughout the United States partner together with other organizations, businesses, schools, survivors and their families and others to generate awareness and understanding of brain injury. This year’s focus is dedicated to Sports & Concussions, specifically youth sports.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) an estimated 1.6-3.8 million sports and recreation related concussions occur in the U.S. each year. Concussions occur even if an athlete doesn’t lose consciousness and in fact, is the most common type of brain injury sustained in sports.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a blow or jolt to the head. The severity of an injury can range from mild to severe. Signs and symptoms may be noticeable immediately, or it may take days or weeks before they are present.

Symptoms and recovery vary for each person, but awareness and seeking medical attention immediately following an incident are crucial steps in caring for yourself, a teammate, or family member.

Throughout the month of March BIAA, BIA chartered state affiliates and others will promote sports and concussions awareness and understanding through open houses, special events and media opportunities to name a few. A web banner, a fact sheet, Tracy’s Story; words from a student athlete who sustained a brain injury and other resources are available by download to the public and our partners.

Visit the Brain Injury Association of America website to find out more

3/5/09 NCDDR Webcast - Knowledge Translation Initiative for DBTACs

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 09:27:26 EDT

This webcast is designed to introduce Knowledge Translation (KT) within the context of the services and activities of the national network of Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTACs), funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR). What are the concepts, principles, processes, and models of KT that relate to the information and referral, training and technical assistance, dissemination and utilization, and research activities of the 10 DBTAC projects?

Find out more and Register

Bureau of Labor Statistics: FAQs about Disability Data

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:46:32 EDT

Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey (CPS) -

Frequently asked questions about disability data

How are people with disabilities identified in the CPS?
The CPS uses a set of six questions to identify persons with disabilities. A response of “yes” to any one of the questions indicates that the person in question has a disability. The disability questions appear in the CPS in the following format:

This month we want to learn about people who have physical, mental, or emotional conditions that cause serious difficulty with their daily activities. Please answer for household members who are 16 years old or over.

Is anyone deaf or does anyone have serious difficulty hearing?
Is anyone blind or does anyone have serious difficulty seeing even when wearing glasses?
Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition, does anyone have serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions?
Does anyone have serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs?
Does anyone have difficulty dressing or bathing?
Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition, does anyone have difficulty doing errands alone such as visiting a doctor’s office or shopping?

Read all the FAQs from the Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey

Tuesday Talks with the PA BLN

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:07:35 EDT

Tuesday Talks with the PA BLN allow companies from
across the state and country to quickly learn about a valuable resource or success story related to the employment of people with disabilities. These free monthly phone calls are scheduled on the second Tuesday of every month from 12-1 p.m. EST.

Participants are also able to have discussions with their peers about topics that address: ideas for accommodations; ways to improve recruitment and/or retention; ideas for becoming a company of choice for employees and customers; strategies for compliance; financial incentives available to businesses; and more!

Interested parties should pre-register to gain access to these
conference calls controlled by the PA BLN. To register, contact Stacy Kyle at 717-763-0968 ext. 115 or stacy.kyle@blnofpa.org or visit their website, www.blnofpa.org/happening/tuesdaytalk.htm

Webcasts: Maximizing Human Capital: Employees with Disabilities-Are New Entrants Really Ready to Work?

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:35:35 EDT

Webcasts: Maximizing Human Capital: Employees with Disabilities

A Webcast for Decision Makers from The Conference Board
Part I Webcast: Are New Entrants Really Ready to Work?

Date: February 18, 2009
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET Time Zone Converter

In a time of economic pressure and revolutionary change, leading companies are continuing to focus on the future by maximizing human capital in ways that are good for business. To accomplish this, some companies have customized their human capital practices to address the value in employing people from different backgrounds and they are developing partnerships with organizations that are dedicated to recruiting workers with diverse perspectives. In this webcast, we investigate best practices for maximizing recruitment strategies for one particular group of employees: those with disabilities.

Register and View Other Upcoming Webcasts from The Conference Board

CFED Self-Employment Initiative Tax Initiative

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 11:38:30 EDT

Innovative Tax Initiative Increases Free Tax Prep to 14,000 Self-Employed

The Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED), a national nonprofit dedicated to expanding economic opportunity for low-income people, has announced that it is supporting 16 grantees across the country with the projection serving nearly 14,000 start-up businesses with tax preparation and innovative financial services.

Visit the CFED website for more information

"A Helping Hand" - CBS News Video on Supported Employment

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:21:53 EDT

A Helping Hand - A special program (Supported Employment) has been created that helps people cope with unemployment in tough economic times and fosters pride and self-respect. Dr. Jon LaPook reports. January 5, 2009

Watch the CBS News Report

1st Annual International Conference on Culture, Ethnicity, & Brain Injury Rehab

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:15:06 EDT

This unique conference offers the occasion to learn, collaborate, and strategize with brain rehabilitation experts from around the world. This conference has the potential to enhance the future of brain rehabilitation research and practice, so please do not miss the opportunity to be a part of this exciting experience!

Below is a link to a comprehensive brochure that discusses the details of the conference, including information on fees, accommodations, transportation options, and a schedule of events. The conference will be hosted at the Crystal Gateway Marriot located in Arlington, Virginia. They are offering a discounted room rate of $209.00 per night for all conference participants; however, these rooms are limited and must be reserved prior to February 19, 2009.

To date, we have received a large number of abstracts and poster submissions from many different countries. However, because several interested individuals are just now learning of the conference and the opportunity to present, we are extending the poster submission deadline to December 1, 2008.

Please remember that enrollment is limited, so be sure to register early to reserve a seat. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at jcarangolasp@vcu.edu. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.

Juan Carlos Arango, Ph.D
Virginia Commonwealth University

Conference Brochure (PDF)

Best Buy Gets 2008 New Freedom Initiative Award

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:58:55 EDT

Best Buy has received the Secretary of Labor's 2008 New Freedom Initiative Award from the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy in honor of outstanding efforts and commitment to improving the workplace for Best Buy employees and customers with disabilities. The Minnesota-based company is the first corporation in the state to receive the award.

This award recognizes the efforts of INCLUDE, an Employee Business Network (EBN or affinity group) operating inside of Best Buy helping build its disability-inclusive culture. The grassroots, cross-functional business group gained quick credibility inside the company by implementing meaningful changes in stores which benefited employees and customers.

Read this article on TradingMarkets.com

The Business Gateway to the U.S. Gov't.

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:55:57 EDT

Business.gov, the official business link to the U.S. Government, is managed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in a partnership with 21 other federal agencies. This partnership, known as Business Gateway, is a Presidential E-government initiative that provides a single access point to government services and information to help the nation's businesses with their operations.

Visit the Business.gov website

Midlothian Resident Katherine McCary Appointed by President Bush to National Council on Disability

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:51:47 EDT

NEWS RELEASE

NCD #08-565
October 14, 2008
Contact: Mark S. Quigley
202-272-2004

WASHINGTON—Katherine O. McCary, of Midlothian, Virginia, was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as a member of the National Council on Disability (NCD) (www.ncd.gov). The U.S. Senate confirmed Ms. McCary’s nomination on October 2, 2008.

Ms. McCary is a Vice President of SunTrust Banks, Inc. and reports to the Chairman, President and CEO, SunTrust, Mid-Atlantic and has corporate responsibility for the Accessing Community Talent (ACT) Program, a disability program that seeks to increase the employment of people with disabilities throughout SunTrust’s workforce and to increase awareness of marketing opportunities for customers with disabilities. She manages the Corporate Disability Resource Center which provides disability information internally to employees and managers. She acts as disability consultant to SunTrust’s 17 Diversity Councils.

Read the entire News Release

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:53:20 EDT

ODEP News Release: [07/22/2008]
Contact Name: Jennifer Kaplan or Richard Manning
Phone Number: (202) 693-5052 or x4676
Release Number: 08-0993-NAT

‘America’s People, America’s Talent... America’s Strength!’ is 2008 National Disability Employment Awareness Month theme

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced that "America's People, America's Talent... America's Strength!" will be the official 2008 theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which is observed in October nationwide. The 2008 theme captures the accomplishments highlighted in the 2007 progress report on President Bush's New Freedom Initiative for people with disabilities.

"Full access to community life for Americans with disabilities is an imperative and this year's theme conveys the tremendous contributions that these Americans can make in the workplace," said Secretary Chao.

Each October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month by congressional designation. The Labor Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) leads the nation's activities and produces materials to increase the public's awareness of the contributions and skills of American workers with disabilities. Typically, private sector; federal, state and local government; and advocacy organizations piggyback on the same theme to plan events and programs that showcase the abilities of employees and job candidates with disabilities.

"It is important to note that having people with disabilities in the workplace is valuable to the individual and to businesses," said Neil Romano, assistant secretary for the Labor Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy. "People with disabilities are the next great wave of diversity, and diversity fosters innovation to drive our economy and our nation into the future."

ODEP is leading a 21st century federal response to the historic underemployment of people with disabilities. In collaboration with other government agencies, public and private employers, and additional stakeholders, ODEP facilitates the development and implementation of innovative policies and practices necessary to achieve a fully inclusive workplace. ODEP's work primarily falls into three categories: employers and the workplace; workforce systems; and employment-related supports, which include education and training, health care, reliable transportation, affordable housing and assistive technology. For more information, visit www.dol.gov/odep.

Visit the ODEP website

People Working Wikispace

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:02:54 EDT

People Working Wikispace website is designed to celebrate the success of people with significant developmental disabilities who are working in paid jobs throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond. There are over 90 success stories.

These individuals have forged valuable relationships and roles with their coworkers, employers, and community members, and possess solid workplace skills.

Visit the website and join in the discussion

Lockheed Martin Honored for Enhancing Employment Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:21:06 EDT

ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug 18, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The Association for Persons in Supported Employment (APSE) selected Lockheed Martin for the association's 2008 Employer Hall of Fame at APSE's recent national conference. Each year, APSE recognizes employers who enhance employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. Lockheed Martin was nominated for this honor by Maryland Works, Inc. The nomination cited Lockheed Martin's longstanding relationship with Humanim and Maryland Works. Both agencies help find employment for people with disabilities or from disadvantaged sectors of society.

Read the article

US DOL Initiative Aids Employment of Vets With TBI & PTSD

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:04:53 EDT

WASHINGTON, Aug 20, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a new online resource to help employers in their employment of veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), two increasingly common battlefield conditions. The new America's Heroes at Work Web site ( http://www.AmericasHeroesAtWork.gov) provides information about TBI and PTSD as well as tools and guidance on how to implement workplace accommodations and other services that benefit affected individuals. In addition, the Web site includes the toll-free phone number of the Job Accommodation Network, which employers can call to receive personal assistance relating to job accommodations for veterans with disabilities.

Read the article

Toolkit for Connecting Supportive Housing Tenants to Employment

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:53:56 EDT

The purpose of this Toolkit is to provide access to tools, case studies, evaluations, sample documents, and other useful resources for connecting supportive housing tenants to employment. In creating this resource, our goal is to help supportive housing organizations, workforce partners, and employers address key challenges in the planning, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of employment-related services and programs.

View CSH's New Web-Based Toolkit for Connecting Supportive Housing Tenants to Employment

Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center: Independence Day Celebration

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:45:36 EDT

The 4th of July —Independence Day is a celebration of freedom to all Americans. However for Americans with disabilities who are reliant upon public subsidies to live, the thought of being truly free is an illusive dream. Financial freedom is a basic part of independence. In the past, individuals with disabilities were subjected to a life in poverty with no escape routes. Fear of losing benefits prevented people with disabilities to seek employment. With new rules governing social security this may or may not be the case anymore. For youth with disabilities under the age of 18, who are receiving childhood social security benefits the transition to adulthood requires a new set of rules for the family and the individual. For those who have recently turned 18 and are applying for social security for the first time they may need guidance in understanding the complexities of the system. It is incumbent upon persons in a support role to help the family and the transitioning youth navigate through the available options so that the youth and family can experience some financial freedom.

Excellent resources exist to help transition professionals, families, and self-advocates wade through the world of Social Security Benefits.

The Virginia Commonwealth University(VCU) Work Incentive Planning and Technical Assistance National Training Center (WIPA) has developed an issue brief outlining the challenges and solutions transitioning youth with disabilities and their families face along the continuum of social security benefits planning.

http://tinyurl.com/52v5hx

More information about WIPA can be found at:

www.vcu-ntc.org.

The Rural Institute of Montana has developed a fact sheet for families and transitioning youth that outlines what happens when a child SSI recipient turns 18.
http://tinyurl.com/4a6bl8

The VA Department of Education has funded the Training and Technical Assistance Online (T/TAC Online) resource for educators and families. A downloadable four part training series titled “Transition to Employment” information about Social Security benefits programs: Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid, and Work Incentives. The training is designed to provide parents, students, teachers and service providers with information to improve understanding of these programs. The presenter is Sharon Brent, Director of Training and Technical Assistance at the National Disability Institute. Remember to download handouts before the sessions begin. www.literacyaccessonline.org/ttaconline/Resources/T2E/

PEATC Website: www.peatc.org

ATIA Leadership Forum on Accessibility

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:12:55 EDT

January 29 - 30, 2009 | Orlando, FL
Caribe Royale All-Suites Resort & Convention Center

The ATIA Leadership Forum on Accessibility is an exciting two-day event designed specifically to help large corporations, government agencies and educational institutions derive business value through accessibility. During the two days you will hear the business case for providing accessible solutions for your employees and clients with case studies from major corporations, government agencies and educational institutions. There will also be the opportunity to see the latest technology from 100+ leading assistive technology manufacturers and service providers. Find out More

May is National Foster Care Month - You Can Change a Lifetime!

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 13:42:44 EDT

Youth with disabilities face a mountain of challenges and the potential for vulnerability sharply increases when those students are also in foster care. As we work to build stronger foundational understanding of transition for students from high school to life, it is imperative for us to look for ways to assist our students with disabilities in foster care as they transition. NCSET (National Center on Secondary Education and Transition) has prepared an information brief on successful transitions to higher education for youth with disabilities in foster care. Fifteen themes regarding college and life success were developed through the input of eight students who have graduated from four year universities who were all in the foster care system.

http://www.ncset.org/publications/info/NCSETInfoBrief_7.1.pdf

Further information on youth with disabilities in foster care can be found in the following links

http://tinyurl.com/3gacz9

http://www.financeproject.org/special/practice/fcwg.cfm

www.fostercaremonth.org

PEATC has been a long time proponent of quality education and information on the needs of children and families facing foster care. We continue to strive to meet the transition needs of our students, families and educators. Information on PEATC’s Foster Care Initiatives can be found at http://www.peatc.org/base.cgim?menu_sub_nav=foster_care&template=foster_care.home

How these college students deal with disabilities

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:32:14 EDT

By DIANE D'AMCIO, Education Writer
Published: Sunday, April 27, 2008

Shakur Burton always liked to cook. Then he discovered it could be a career. “I realized I could make money, make a living for myself in hard times,” said Burton who has Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism.
He attended a vocational school, and during a tour decided to attend the Culinary Institute at Atlantic Cape Community College. But when he enrolled he did not say he had a disability. He struggled to do both the academic work and culinary training, and made some inappropriate comments to professors.

PressofAtlanticCity.com - Read the article

Ohio's Medicaid buy-in program allows disabled to work with benefits

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:03:28 EDT

A new state program will help Charissa Warner and a lot of others go back to or get full-time work.

April 1 was the first day to apply for Ohio's Medicaid buy-in program for workers with disabilities, which allows eligible disabled workers to continue receiving Medicaid benefits by paying an income-based premium.

The two biggest barriers that stop disabled people from working is lack of accessible transportation and the fear of losing benefits — especially medical benefits, said John Conelly, executive director of the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission.

Read the CantonRep.com article

US Business Leadership Network's Katherine McCary of SunTrust Banks Appointed by President Bush to Serve on National Council on Disability

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 09:05:23 EDT

WASHINGTON, DC (March 26, 2008) – The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) today announced that Katherine McCary of SunTrust Banks, Inc. will be appointed by President George W. Bush to serve on the National Council on Disability (NCD). McCary has served as the USBLN Board Chair since 2004.

McCary, who has been employed for 18 years at SunTrust, reports to the Chairman & CEO of SunTrust Banks, Mid-Atlantic. She is responsible for SunTrust’s corporate disability leadership and manages their internal disability resource center. She also serves as President of the Virginia BLN.

Read the Press Release (PDF)

Being Part of History in the AT Field

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:31:33 EDT

By John M. Williams

Recently, during the 23rd annual California State University at Northridge Assistive Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference, I received the Dr. Fred Strache Award for nearly three decades of writing about the benefits of Assistive Technology to people with disabilities. As I stood before the audience and accepted the award, I was proud of being part of history in the assistive technology field. One of my proudest associations in making history has been my t association with the MS (multiple sclerosis) Collaborative. Oddly enough, I received the award during the National Multiple Sclerosis Awareness, March 9-15.

Read the article

What's Next Boomer Business Summit Scores a Bulls Eye!

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:29:43 EDT

By John M. Williams
Washington, DC -- The fifth annual What’s Next Boomer Business Summit gave the attendees a dynamic vision of the future, It brought together in the aging field thoughtful leaders, authors, researchers, caregivers, media, corporate and entrepreneurial innovators interested in advancing their understanding of this market and raising the bar in developing products and services to address the needs of the aging baby boomers.

For the hundreds of attendees, the conference highlighted five major areas:

Research and data provided insight and direction about the boomer market. In addition, the attendees learned about living healthy, financial services, reducing stress, mobile marketing and housing challenges for the boomer generation.
Innovation segments focused on how businesses large and small are creating new products and services in technology, healthcare, cognitive areas and mobile marketing.
Entrepreneurship provided insight to launch and grow a business.
Digital and mobile media strategy demonstrated how businesses will create new media and marketing strategies to build a customer base.
Brand and cause related marketing for good centered on brand leaders’ developing programs that build business while they give back to their communities.

Read the article

Performance of workers with disabilities as good as co-workers

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:46:21 EDT

By Barbara Rose | TRIBUNE REPORTER
January 28, 2008

A DePaul University study found workers with disabilities performed as well as other workers while requiring about the same amount of supervision and minimal accommodations.

The three-year study, scheduled for release Monday, was commissioned by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce's Disabilityworks initiative with state and city money.

Researchers collected information about 314 employees, including 95 with disabilities, working in service, administrative support, professional and managerial jobs at companies in three growing industries: health care, retail and hospitality. They also conducted focus groups with administrators.

Read the article

5th National Organizational Change Forum

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 13:01:45 EDT

5th National Organizational Change Forum
September 24-25 2008 • Kansas City
Marriott - Kansas City Airport

Prospectus | Announcement

Forum goal:
Support the development of system change and individual supports that expand community– based employment opportunities and focus resources on integrated customized employment.

Areas of focus:
• Management and leadership for community providers
• State and federal policy and strategy
• Supporting individuals with significant barriers to employment
• Transition from school to career

Who should attend:
Advocates, persons with disabilities who receive services, employment support providers, state agency personnel and others committed to integrated employment as a primary outcome for individuals receiving government funded support.

Disabled learn about changing prospects in work, life sharing

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:59:34 EDT

Area residents with developmental disabilities and their loved ones gathered Tuesday evening in Oil City to learn about the changing opportunities in employment and in life sharing.
A packed dining hall at the Knights of Columbus was treated to the informational forum organized by the Venango County Mental Health/Mental Retardation administration.

“We know 60 to 70 percent of people with disabilities are unemployed — the data says that they want to work,” said Dr. Valerie Brooke of Virginia Commonwealth University. “There is a whole untapped labor force. We really have a service to sell.”

Brooke, the night’s first featured speaker, stressed the importance of making competitive employment the goal for disabled people.

“The idea is that it’s not about going into a day center and getting ready and getting ready for employment,” she said. “The people have to be looked at in terms of what they can do — what they can deliver — and should be considered for employment first. That’s not happening — here or around the county.”

While some progress has been made, Brooke said it is important to encourage communities to continue to push for more change.

“We’ve got to keep motivating,” she said. “We are doing some good stuff, but who are the next five people going into competitive employment? That’s the goal.”

Brooke shared some of the latest ideas for helping more disabled people enter the job market.

“For a lot of folks, they graduate high school and then sit at home because the transition (into the job market) is difficult,” Brooke said.

She added that new legislation may make it possible for some disabled people to qualify for paid employment before they leave high school.

This may lead to more prepared workers leaving the structure of school and heading into the job market.

“We see (the improvements) as an evolution of change,” she said. “It’s important to keep it moving forward.”

The goal for Brooke is an “assumption of employability” for disabled people.

“We’re all community,” she said. “We’re not separate and segregated.”

One audience member may have exemplified that better than anything Brooke could have expressed with words.

Dolly Bechtel, of Oil City, received an award at the forum from the MH/MR for her 10 years of competitive employment at the Oil City Presbyterian Home.

Bechtel’s supervisor, Christina Barrow, was on hand to praise her long-time employee.

“Everybody lovers her,” Barrow said. “She comes to work everyday with a smile on her face.”

Barrow recalled that once a fire occurred at the home and Bechtel remained calm, used the training she was given and helped alert the staff, residents and fire department.

“Thank you very much,” Bechtel said emotionally as she received the award.

Also at the meeting, Dana Olsen, of the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs, delivered a speech highlighting recent advances with the life-sharing program.

Life-sharing hosts live with — and provide support in their homes — for disabled people, said Olson, who compared the program to foster care.

He said $10 million have been put into an initiative this year to help increase the amount of life-sharing homes throughout the state.

“Life sharing costs considerably less than community homes,” Olsen said. “But more importantly, satisfaction (for the residents) is higher.”

He indicated that these living situations are becoming more common, but that many families are still wary.

“It doesn’t mean that someone is taking your family member away,” he said. “(The families) can be the driving force in this whole thing.”

Olson added that families can be instrumental in picking a living-arraignment for their loved ones.

“The best thing is to talk to the people who really do it,” he said. “They don’t do it for the money — it isn’t that good folks. There may be someone out there who really wants to share their life with your loved one — and that’s OK.”

View the article and photo

Announcement for APSE Exec Search

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 09:30:53 EDT

The APSE Board of Directors Search Committee announces the search for a new Executive Director. Please see the attachments for information and circulate this widely. We are looking for the perfect person to take us into the future!

Executive Director

APSE: The Network on Employment, a grassroots membership organization, is searching for a visionary, enthusiastic leader to guide us as we continue to expand and improve the integrated employment opportunities, services, and outcomes for people with disabilities. The extensive network includes local service providers, individuals with disabilities, their families, state and federal government entities, other similar nonprofit organizations, universities, and businesses.
The successful candidate must have:

Strong passion and commitment to the mission and values of APSE.
Master’s degree in related field.
At least 8-10 years experience in leadership and managerial skills
Demonstrated communication and public relations skills and the ability to communicate the APSE vision and mission.
Demonstrated business and leadership experience including planning and development, operations, fiscal administration, with a preference toward management experience of a nonprofit organization.

Salary is commensurate with ability. Please send your resume and three letters of recommendation to Teresa Grossi, tgrossi@indiana.edu. Review of applicants will begin March 17 and continue until a successful search has been completed.

Job Description

Equal Opportunity Employer

NTAR Leadership Center

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 09:28:59 EDT

Solicitation

State Leaders Innovation Institute to Expand Employment for Adults with Disabilities

Solicitation Release Date: January 28, 2008

Information Teleconference: February 11, 2008 (2:00-3:00 p.m. Eastern Time)

Proposal Due Date: March 31, 2008 (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time)

Selection Announcement: April 14, 2008

Funding: Three selected states will be eligible for:

Up to $50,000 per state for project implementation;
Travel, food, and lodging expenses for up to 10 state
team members to attend NTAR Leadership Center
events; and
Flexible, ongoing technical assistance and coaching
throughout the project lifespan.

Period of Performance: April 2008-July 2009

Visit the NTAR website for Solicitation Guidelines:

http://web.mac.com/robbcsewell/NTAR_Leadership_Center/Center_Initiatives.html

Human Capital Institute Webinar

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 10:35:38 EDT

Title: Recruiting The Largest Minority: Disabled Workers
When: Tue, Jan 15 2008 / 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
Presented By: Stephen Wing , Director Government Programs , CVS

U.S. Census Bureau announcements released in 2007 put the number of people with disabilities at 51.2 million, or 18 percent of the
population. Research shows that disabled workers stay longer. Advances in technology have made providing accommodations easier to implement and more cost-effective. In a rapidly-shrinking labor market, can your organization afford not to recruit candidates with disabilities? CVS Caremark, the nation's largest retail pharmacy chain, made a commitment to hire candidates from every aspect of the communities they serve. As a result, CVS Caremark was a 2006 recipient of the Secretary of Labor's New Freedom Initiative Award for exemplary and innovative efforts in furthering the employment and workplace environment for people with disabilities. The company is a member of The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) Circle of Champions, a distinguished group of U.S. employers that works with the agency to help inform disability employment policy by sharing proven business strategies. We'll kick off 2008 with this first webcast in Diversity Sourcing and Recruitment.

For more information, please go to:

http://tinyurl.com/2xhvop

U.S. Department of Labor forms alliance with CVS Caremark to promote employment of workers with disabilities nationwide

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 12:47:16 EDT

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and CVS Caremark today established an alliance to encourage and promote the employment of people with disabilities through training and education, outreach and communication, technical assistance and other efforts.

"This alliance will mutually benefit CVS Caremark, the company's workforce and customers, the Labor Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy and the general public," said Karen M. Czarnecki, acting assistant secretary of labor for ODEP. "Hiring, retaining and advancing employees with disabilities is just good business. ODEP and CVS Caremark will share information, guidance and resources that will help to develop model programs for other employers, particularly in the retail and pharmacy services industries."

Read the ODEP News Release

MH & Rehab Option Webcast Tues, Oct. 2

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 12:30:58 EDT

Dear Mental Health and Supported Employment Colleagues,

On August 13, 2007, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published a notice of a proposed rule regarding coverage for rehabilitative Services within the Medicaid Program in the Federal Register (attached). CMS is soliciting written comments on the proposed rule that must be received by October 12, 2007.

The Medicaid Rehabilitative Services option has been critical for funding services contributing to recovery of people with psychiatric disabilities (including recovery of work roles). The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), therefore, is partnering with CMS to host a webcast to review and clarify the proposed rule in preparation for submission of public comments.

Please join us on Tuesday, October 2, 2007 from 2:30 - 5 PM Eastern Time. Shawn Terrell of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Disability and Elderly Health Programs Group, will present the details of the proposed rule, followed by a question and answer period. 100 lines have been reserved for this webcast. The audio portion of the call will occur by phone; Mr. Terrell’s slides will be presented through the internet. In order to participate fully in the webcast, therefore, you must have simultaneous access by phone and internet. Please use the

information below to connect to the meeting.

AUDIO ACCESS INFORMATION

TOLL FREE PHONE NUMBER: 877-546-1567

PARTICIPANT PASSCODE: 9535645

LEADER: MS CRYSTAL BLYLER

For security reasons, the passcode and the leader's name will be required to join your call. Restrictions may exist when accessing toll free numbers using a mobile telephone.

INTERNET ACCESS INFORMATION

Participants can join the event directly at

https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join.php?i=PG5335008&p=9535645&t=c

Alternatively, go to URL: https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join/

and enter the following information:

CONFERENCE NUMBER: PG5335008

PASSCODE: 9535645

The Internet portion of the webcast can be accessed up to 30 minutes prior to its scheduled start time; therefore, you can connect to the internet portion as early as 2:00 ET on Tuesday, Oct. 2.

We look forward to your participation.

Sincerely,

Crystal R. Blyler, Ph.D.

National Program Director for Rehabilitation and Employment

SAMHSA Center for Mental Health Services

Rockville , MD

(240) 276-1910

OAR's 5th Annual Applied Autism Research & Intervention Conference

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 11:16:55 EDT

The Organization for Autism Research is pleased to present the 5th Annual Applied Autism Research and Intervention Conference, a two-day forum on current autism research and evidence-based intervention with autism spectrum disorders. We hope that you will join us in October for presentations and workshops by top professionals in the field of autism and leading researchers and experts on various subjects related to education and intervention across the lifespan for individuals with autism and their families.

Sponsor: Organization for Autism Research
Location: The Westin Arlington Gateway, 801 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22203
Date: Friday, October 26 & Saturday, October 27, 2007

Contact: conference@researchautism.org

Weblink: http://www.researchautism.org/news/conference/index.asp

Erasing 'Un' From 'Unemployable' - Walgreen Program Trains the Disabled To Take on Regular Wage-Paying Jobs

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 09:36:01 EDT

ANDERSON, S.C. -- Like many people with autism, Harrison Mullinax, a pale, redheaded 18-year-old with a serious expression, speaks in a monotonous, halting voice and sometimes struggles to concentrate on tasks. Unlike most who are autistic, he now has a real job.<p></p>

Mr. Mullinax works eight hours a day at a new Walgreen Co. distribution center, where he wields a bar-code scanner, checking in boxes of merchandise bound for the company's drugstores. From his paycheck, he tithes to his church and sometimes treats his mother to dinner at Kenny's, a local buffet restaurant.

The entire article is available on the Wall Street Journal web site.

80 Countries Sign United Nations Pact for People with Disabilities

doerickson@vcu.edu (Doug Erickson) — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 13:16:19 EDT

Excerpts:

"In what the U.N. human rights chief called an unprecedented show of support to empower the physically and mentally impaired, 80 countries signed a U.N. convention enshrining the rights of the world's 650 million disabled."

"The convention is a blueprint to end discrimination and exclusion of the physically and mentally disabled in education, jobs, and everyday life. It requires countries to guarantee freedom from exploitation and abuse for the disabled, while protecting rights they already have - such as voting rights for the blind and wheelchair-accessible buildings."

The entire article is available on the Associated Press web site.

New Freedom Initiative Award

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 14:21:52 EDT

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao is calling upon nonprofits, small businesses, corporations and individuals who have demonstrated exemplary and innovative efforts in advancing the employment and workplace environment of people with disabilities to submit their entries for the 2007 “Secretary of Labor’s New Freedom Initiative Award.”

The award recognizes public-private partnerships and programs that have had a positive impact on the employment of people with disabilities through access to assistive technologies, the use of innovative training, and hiring and retention techniques. It also recognizes organizations, businesses or individuals who develop comprehensive strategies to enhance the ability of Americans with disabilities to enter and advance within the workforce of the 21st century. All nominations must be received by April 30, 2007.

Read the ODEP news release

Living with Autism in a World Made for Others

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 10:37:57 EDT

By A. Chris Gajilan

(CNN) -- When I walk into her apartment, Amanda Baggs makes no eye contact. She doesn't come to the door or raise her hand to greet visitors. In fact, I'm having a hard time discerning whether she even knows I'm there. I say hello and introduce myself, but she remains silent, sitting at her desk, staring out the window, rocking slightly back and forth.

Amanda Baggs is a 26-year-old woman with autism. I've been corresponding with her for weeks via e-mail. I've read her Web site, and from her I've learned a great deal about living with autism.

Read the CNN article

SHRM to promote employment of people with disabilities

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 09:46:03 EDT

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) have agreed to work together to promote the employment of people with disabilities and to give employers resources to make that employment easier.

On Oct. 26, SHRM President and CEO Susan R. Meisinger, SPHR, and ODEP Assistant Secretary W. Roy Grizzard Jr. signed an agreement establishing an alliance to provide information, access and guidance to encourage organizations to hire people with disabilities. SHRM and ODEP will focus on training and education, outreach and communication, technical assistance, and fostering a national dialogue.

"In today’s workplaces, HR professionals are helping to make diversity an important strategic business advantage," Meisinger said. "As part of our ongoing commitment to promote career opportunities for persons with disabilities, SHRM is proud to partner with ODEP."

Currently, only 55.8 percent of the disabled community has a job, said SHRM’s Chief External Affairs Officer Bill Maroni.

HR professionals "have a responsibility and a power to increase that number dramatically," Maroni said. However, he added, "this is not just about the promotion of employment of people with disabilities. We are also recognizing people with extraordinary abilities and courage" who are now in the workplace.

The alliance was announced at the Circle of Champions, the second annual roundtable discussion featuring the winners of The New Freedom Initiative Awards.

Companies today are experiencing stiff competition for skilled, ready-to-work employees, said Grizzard, who was Personnel Administrator for the Henrico County school system in Virginia for more than 20 years. "Despite the fact that [workplaces] use more technology, there is fierce competition," he said. "This is a fruitful area to be harvested."

Beth McConnell is senior editor for

Read the ODEP News Release
HR News. She can be reached at

Fact Sheet: Combating Autism Act of 2006

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 16:16:28 EDT

For Immediate Release

Office of the Press Secretary

December 19, 2006

Today, President Bush Signed The Combating Autism Act Of 2006. This Act authorizes expanded activities related to autism research, prevention, and treatment through FY 2011. There are more than 1.5 million cases of autism in the United States.

Since The President Took Office, National Institutes Of Health (NIH) Funding For Autism-Related Research Has Increased By Over 80 Percent From $56 Million In FY 2001 To An Estimated $101 Million In The FY 2007 Budget, Including Support For Autism Centers of Excellence. In addition, the Budget includes approximately $15 million at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for autism surveillance and research, including five regional Centers of Excellence for Autism and Developmental Disabilities Research and Epidemiology. In October, CDC initiated a $5.9 million study to help identify factors that may put children at risk for autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities.

Link (The White House)

Workers with disabilities happy to be employed

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 10:16:53 EDT

By Brook Stockberger Sun-News Business Editor
Article Launched: 01/08/2007 01:00:00 AM MST

LAS CRUCES — Let's face facts: When the alarm clock slaps us along side the head every morning with its shrill tones, many of us do not leap from beneath the covers, anxious for another day at the salt mines (or office or wherever.)

Sure, intellectually, we might be able to appreciate being gainfully employed, but often, as we shake off the realm of sleep and prepare to meet the day — usually with a gallon or two of coffee — many of us have been known to grumble about our jobs.

Though that is a natural, human reaction, it helps sometimes to encounter a reminder that we do indeed have things in our life to appreciate, including our job.

One of those reminders is Carla Riley. Whether the temperature is stinging cold or meltingly hot, Riley, 42, works hour after hour shredding papers for American Document Services. Rick Jackson, her boss and owner of the company, said that his employees shred about 50,000 pounds of paper a week. And through it all, Riley smiles as she works.

Link (LAS CRUCES SUN-NEWS)

What Happens When They Grow Up: Teens and Young Adults with Autism

doerickson@vcu.edu (Doug Erickson) — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 00:26:22 EDT

The cover story on this week's Newsweek magazine is entitled What Happens When They Grow Up: Teenagers and young adults are the emerging face of autism as the disorder continues to challenge science and unite determined families.

Full text (Newsweek online via MSNBC.com)

Health Care and Workplace - Disabled workers thrive in right environment

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 12:35:50 EDT

Thomas Muench came across as shy when he started working at Bank of America five years ago. He stuck to simple tasks such as data entry.

There was a good reason, though: Muench is autistic. But luckily his managers in the loan processing office saw he had potential.

"As I learned my job and got better at the work, the bank expanded my role," Muench said recently, writing his responses in an e-mail. "The bank continues to support me advancing my career and it allows me to play on a level playing field doing the same work as my other colleagues."

Link ( In Business Las Vegas)

Mastering ADHD on the Job

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 12:19:08 EDT

Strategies and the right workplace help people with the brain disorder.

The only thing good that career salesman Alan Currie could say about himself on the day he accepted a high-stakes sales job five years ago was that at least he managed to sell himself into a job. He didn't deserve it, he told himself. "I'm a complete fraud."

Link (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

College Bound preps students with disabilities

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 12:44:40 EDT

BLACKSBURG, Va. -- The college classroom scene is a familiar one: young adults in flip-flops and baseball caps, some scribbling notes furiously, others napping.

Near the front, Evelyn Scruggs will fill an entire page during the course of the hourlong class. But she will not remember the lecture topic or one word she wrote by the time she packs her bookbag to leave.
Link (The Washington Times)

Employees With Cognitive Disability Barriers Emerge as Assets

tcblanke@vcu.edu (Teri Blankenship) — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 16:13:27 EDT

WASHINGTON -- When Kathryn Giordano, director of administration at Baker Botts LLP, suggested to Pat Berry that his daughter come work at his law firm for the summer, he shook his head in disbelief.

"I thought no, not a law firm," he said. "It was absolutely scary."

Link (From Star Tribune)

A Man with Autism's Challenges in Finding Work

doerickson@vcu.edu (Doug Erickson) — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 13:49:02 EDT

This recent Washington Post article was written by Ann Bauer, mother of a son with autism. It describes the concerns and frustrations she and her son have experienced in their efforts to find him employment.