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Tuesday, June 16, 2015

[Mspe] MSPE Live.WORK.Achieve Listserv - Special Edition - Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities State Plan Survey

Live.WORK.Achieve

A Listserv for the Mississippi Partnerships for Employment

for Youth and Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Including Intellectual Disabilities Project

Special Edition – June 16, 2015

Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities State Plan Survey

The Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities (MSCDD) is seeking public input relating to current disability services and supports. The results of the survey will assist in development of a Five-Year State Plan.

This survey can be accessed online via the MSCDD website: www.mscdd.org. The deadline is September 30, 2015.

MSCDD is a federally mandated body of advocates, appointed by the Governor, who promote quality of life for people with developmental disabilities, their families, and the community at large. Improvement in quality of life is provided through initiatives that promote advocacy, systems change, and capacity building.

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Thursday, June 4, 2015

[Mspe] MSPE Live.WORK.Achieve Listserv - June 2015

Live.WORK.Achieve

A Listserv for the Mississippi Partnerships for Employment

for Youth and Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Including Intellectual Disabilities Project

June 2015

Inside this edition:

1) What the Ever-Broadening Definition of “Disability” Under the ADA May Mean to Employers

2) National Employment Survey

3) “Do Ask, Do Tell” - New Report Explores Disability Disclosure in the Workplace

4) NCSL Develops Brief on State Disability Employment Policies

5) Theme Announced for 2015 National Disability Employment Awareness Month

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1) What the Ever-Broadening Definition of “Disability” Under the ADA May Mean to Employers

A recent decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (the federal appeals court that covers Virginia, North Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, and South Carolina) reconfirms that almost all physical and mental impairments will meet the definition of “disability” under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), as the law was amended in 2008. With the broader definition of disability, employers may be required to provide reasonable accommodations to a larger number of employees. To learn more, read the article posted at the following link http://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/the-ever-broadening-definition-of-63980/.

2) National Employment Survey

The Kessler Foundation in partnership with the University of New Hampshire is conducting a national survey focusing on employment issues for working-age adults with disabilities. This survey is open to individuals or family members of individuals who are employed or seeking employment. To take the survey, visit http://www.researchondisability.org/kesslersurvey?utm_source=RRTC&utm_campaign=5bab5012c7-EPM_RRTC_WebcastConfirmation_04_21_154_21_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_44d29866e8-5bab5012c7-209148493.

3) “Do Ask, Do Tell” - New Report Explores Disability Disclosure in the Workplace

The Conference Board, a global independent business and research association, recently released a report on challenges to and strategies for encouraging disability disclosure based on a survey of 98 companies. Titled "Do Ask, Do Tell," the report was developed with support from the Office of Disability Employment’s (ODEP) National Employer Policy, Research and Technical Assistance Center for Employers on the Employment of People with Disabilities (Employer TA Center). For a copy of the report, visit http://www.conference-board.org/publications/publicationdetail.cfm?publicationid=2915.

4) NCSL Develops Brief on State Disability Employment Policies

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) recently drafted and disseminated a brief that outlines policies states can use to encourage and support the hiring, retention and promotion of people with disabilities. The publication identifies states that have successfully implemented such policies and encourages states to become model employers of individuals with disabilities. Three policy approaches are profiled: Employment First, States as Model Employers and Encouraging the Private Sector to Employ People with Disabilities. For more information, visit the NCSL website for a copy of the brief http://www.askearn.org/docs/Employment%20for%20People%20with%20Disabilities%20Reed.PDF.

5) Theme Announced for 2015 National Disability Employment Awareness Month

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the theme of this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) – “My Disability Is One Part of Who I Am.” The theme echoes the campaign for Disability Employment’s “Who I Am” public service announcement. NDEAM is a nationwide campaign that takes place every October to raise awareness about disability employment issues and celebrate the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities. Review the latest NDEAM press release at http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/odep/ODEP20150853.htm.

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https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3283728127002896386

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

[Mspe] MSPE Live.WORK.Achieve Listserv - Special Edition - Pre-employment Training Webinar, June 9

Live.WORK.Achieve

A Listserv for the Mississippi Partnerships for Employment

for Youth and Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Including Intellectual Disabilities Project

Special Edition - May 27, 2015

Webinar - Pre-employment Training 101 for Youth with Disabilities

Join us for a webinar on June 9, 2015, at 12 p.m. Central Daylight Time.

Presenter: Jin Joo Crosby, Coordinator for Volunteer and Transition Employment Services, Institute for Disability Studies

The training will cover employment readiness activities and pre-employment skills needed in preparation for future employment. Specific hands-on information will be provided that can assist young adults with disabilities in developing both professional and personal skills. A focus will be placed on activities that may be completed during the summer.

To register, go to:

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Thursday, May 7, 2015

[Mspe] MSPE Live.WORK.Achieve Listserv - May 2015

Live.WORK.Achieve

A Listserv for the Mississippi Partnerships for Employment

for Youth and Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Including Intellectual Disabilities Project

May 2015

Inside this edition:

1) Competitive Employment Act Signed

2) New IDS Gulf Park Adventure Therapy Program

3) ADA National Network Releases Updated Events Planning Guide

4) Is It Autism and If So, What Next? A Guide for Adults

5) AbleData Launches New Website

6) New PACER Website Offers Resources on Transition

7) Free KnowBullying App

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1) Competitive Employment Act Signed

Governor Phil Bryant signed House Bill 836 into law on April 23, further expanding the growing emphasis on employment opportunities for Mississippians with disabilities. The Act focuses on promoting policies that explore and develop meaningful jobs for people with disabilities based in the community that pay living wages comparable to those earned by people without disabilities. The signing of the act, introduced by Representative Carolyn Crawford of the Gulf Coast, also marks a steady four-year collaboration of agencies, organizations and self-advocates that has stimulated employment options for working-age Mississippians with disabilities who want to earn a living. A consortium established four years ago by the Mississippi Partnerships for Employment for Youth and Young Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (MSPE) project, has worked to gather and share employment information with business and community leaders. The MSPE project has been guided by the Mississippi Council on Developmental Disabilities (MSCDD), Disability Rights Mississippi and The University of Southern Mississippi Institute for Disability Studies. For more information, visit http://www.mspeidd.org/.

2) New IDS Gulf Park Adventure Therapy Program

The Institute for Disability Studies Gulf Park Campus and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College are partnering to bring the Mississippi Gulf Coast an Adventure Therapy Program unlike any other. Included in the program are low ropes courses (low off the ground team building activities), high ropes courses (high up, requiring a harness), and kayaking (using a canoe-like boat over water). The program targets people with developmental disabilities who are 12-years-old and up and who complete a participation application. For more information or to register, contact The University of Southern Mississippi Institute for Disability Studies Gulf Park Campus at 228.214.3400 or email william.t.edwards@usm.edu. Visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usmidsgulfparkcampus.

3) ADA National Network Releases Updated Events Planning Guide

The ADA National Network, funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), has updated and redesigned A Planning Guide for Making Temporary Events Accessible to People with Disabilities. This 58-page guide provides information from industry experts to assist planners, managers, operators and building owners in making temporary events, such as festivals, concerts and sporting events, accessible to people with disabilities. The updated guide is a collaboration of the ADA Knowledge Translation Center and the ADA National Network Regional Centers. For a copy of the guide, visit https://adata.org/publication/temporary-events-guide.

4) Is It Autism and If So, What Next? A Guide for Adults

As autism awareness has grown dramatically in recent years, many young adults and adults have felt there may be a connection between their feelings and behaviors and the symptoms of autism. Autism Speaks has published Is It Autism and If So, What Next? A Guide for Adults. This guide is designed for adults recently diagnosed with or who suspect they may have an autism spectrum disorder. The guide provides an overview of autism and associated conditions, information about diagnosis and next steps in accessing services, and resources regarding employment, support and advocacy. To download a copy of the kit, visit https://www.autismspeaks.org/adult-tool-kit.

5) AbleData Launches New Website

AbleData has a new website that helps people with disabilities and their families find assistive technology (AT) products and devices so they can live independently and participate fully in school, the workforce and their community. The site includes an improved search engine, fact sheets and guides on assistive technologies and services and the latest AT news and events. For more information and to download publications and guides, visit http://www.abledata.com/.

6) New PACER Website Offers Resources on Transition

PACER’s National Parent Center on Transition and Employment has launched its innovative new website to provide important information and resources to support families, youth, educators and employers as they help teens and young adults with disabilities reach their goals in adulthood. This state-of-the art website offers interactive learning opportunities, an extensive resource library, compelling videos and inspirational success stories, all presented in a parent-friendly way. For more information, visit http://www.pacer.org/transition/.

7) Free KnowBullying App

Research shows that spending at least 15 minutes a day talking with your kids can build the foundation for a strong relationship, develop their resilience to peer pressure and help prevent bullying. This free mobile app offered by SAMHSA (the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration) provides talking points and tips for parents, children and educators, as well as access to local resources. The app is available for both iOS and Android operating systems. Find the app on iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/knowbullying-by-samhsa-put/id899639011?mt=8&WT.ac=EB_20150324_KNOWBULLYING_ITUNES or Google Play, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.hhs.samhsa.app.bullying

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MSPE Live.WORK.Acheive mailing list

Monday, April 6, 2015

[Mspe] MSPE Live.WORK.Achieve Listserv - April 2015

Live.WORK.Achieve

A Listserv for the Mississippi Partnerships for Employment

for Youth and Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Including Intellectual Disabilities Project

April 2015

Inside this edition:

1) New TechHire Initiative Launched

2) Free Virtual Career Fair – Apr. 14

3) Federal Partners in Transition Releases 2020 Federal Youth Transition Plan Report

4) Hello? Where Are All the Mentors with Disabilities in Various Careers?

5) Department of Labor Releases New Fact Sheets

6) Leave as an Accommodation

7) Campaign for Disability Employment Releases New Materials

__________________________________________________________________

1) New TechHire Initiative Launched

TechHire is a bold multi-sector effort and call to action to empower Americans with the skills they need. These skills can be provided through universities and community colleges but also nontraditional approaches like “coding bootcamps” and high-quality online courses that can rapidly train workers for a well-paying job, often in just a few months. As part of the TechHire Initiative, the U.S. Department of Labor will launch a $100 million competition for innovative approaches to connect Americans with disabilities, disconnected youth and others to the fastest path to well-paying information technology and high growth jobs in industries like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, financial services and other in-demand sectors. For information, visit https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/03/09/fact-sheet-president-obama-launches-new-techhire-initiative.

2) Free Virtual Career Fair – Apr. 14

Are you a person with a disability looking for a career opportunity or internship? College students and alumni with disabilities are invited to meet online with employers via chat sessions. Connect with employers looking to hire people with disabilities such as ANSYS, Epic, Medtronic, the National Security Agency, Nestle Purina, and Verizon. For more information, email bender@careerco.com. To register, visit https://www.careereco.com/User/LogIn?ReturnUrl=%2fUser%2fFairRegistration%3ffairId%3df4a5a18e-aaea-4432-b8de-a420015bb8bb&fairId=f4a5a18e-aaea-4432-b8de-a420015bb8bb.

3) Federal Partners in Transition Releases 2020 Federal Youth Transition Plan Report

The Federal Partners in Transition (FPT) has released 2020 Federal Youth Transition Plan: A Federal Interagency Strategy, a report that outlines how FPT will enhance interagency coordination through the identification of compatible outcome goals and policy priorities, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for youth with disabilities by 2020. The Federal Partners in Transition is a workgroup with representatives of several federal agencies, including the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor and the Social Security Administration, which are involved in promoting inclusive service delivery for transitioning youth with disabilities from school into postsecondary education, the workforce, and independent living. For a copy of the report, visit http://www.dol.gov/odep/pdf/20150302-FPT.pdf.

4) Hello? Where Are All the Mentors with Disabilities in Various Careers?

Sarah Blahovec, an advocate for people with disabilities, posted the article, “An Open Call for Career Mentors with Disabilities: Show Yourselves!” on huffingtonpost.com on Feb. 5. Blahovec details her long search for somebody with a disability with a successful career in international relations. Now she looks for successful mentors with disabilities in any career. She challenges mentors to step up. Read her blog posting at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sarah-blahovec/an-open-call-for-career-mentors-with-disabilities_b_6613704.html.

5) Department of Labor Releases New Fact Sheets

The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration recently published three new fact sheets on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which was signed into law on July 22, 2014. WIOA is the first legislative reform of the public workforce system in 15 years. The three fact sheets focus on governance and leadership, One-Stop Career Centers, and youth programs. Each fact sheet highlights the specific WIOA reforms in that area and includes information about implementation and technical assistance. Find information about the WIOA and links to the facts sheets as well as additional information at http://www.doleta.gov/wioa/.

6) Leave as an Accommodation

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) has released Leave as an Accommodation, the latest in the Accommodation and Compliance Series. This comprehensive document provides background information on the use of leave as an accommodation for employees with disabilities, and features an in-depth series of questions and answers that examine the nuances of the subject. JAN's Accommodation and Compliance Series is designed to help employers determine effective accommodations and comply with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). For additional information, visit http://askjan.org/topics/leave.html.

7) Campaign for Disability Employment Releases New Materials

The Campaign for Disability Employment has published several new materials centered on the 2014 public service announcement (PSA) titled Who I Am, which features nine diverse people with disabilities sharing the many ways they describe themselves, including personal interests, family relationships and occupations. Employers can use Who I Am and the new discussion guide to facilitate staff training and education efforts around the issues of disability employment and workforce diversity. In addition, they can order one or more of the posters, which can be used to create workplace diversity displays. The PSA, poster, and discussion guide are all also available in Spanish. The Campaign for Disability Employment is a collaborative effort among several leading disability and business organizations that seek to promote positive employment outcomes for people with disabilities. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). For links to the campaign and all the materials mentioned visit http://www.whatcanyoudocampaign.org/index.php.

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