Disability Resource Digest
Volume 6, Issue 11 December 2006
The Disability Resource Digest (DRD) is a special project of SMD
Alliance. SMD Alliance is based in Manitoba, Canada and provides
strategic vision and policy direction to four SMD corporations: SMD
Clearinghouse; SMD Foundation; SMD Ventures; and SMD Services.
The
vision shared among the corporations is of a "community that supports
the independence, participation, and empowerment of persons of all
abilities." Each SMD corporation pursues a complementary mandate in
working toward this vision.
The DRD is prepared primarily as
an informational resource for consumers, professionals and publics
interested in remaining current in disability related issues. An
archive of past editions of the DRD is maintained on SMD's web site
(http://www.smd.mb.ca).
Published monthly (with a single
summer edition for July and August), the DRD presents summaries of, and
URL addresses for, notable disability-related content on the world-wide
web (WWW). The DRD focuses on recently posted content but also includes
coverage of other web pages of interest. The URL addresses cited in the
DRD are current at the time of publication. But as those posting
content on the web often revise URL addresses, the addresses in the DRD
may not remain current.
The DRD is prepared for SMD Alliance
by The Project Group (TPG) Consulting Cooperative Ltd., a
Winnipeg-based consulting firm. Neither SMD nor TPG are responsible for
the accuracy or reliability of the content cited in the DRD.
Readers
interested in learning more about SMD Alliance are invited to visit:
http://www.smd.mb.ca or to contact the agency by e-mail at info@smd.ca.
Readers are also invited to send comments and suggestions regarding the
DRD to this same e-mail address.
ACCESSIBILITY
Disabled pupils are ahead of game in designing play gear - by Jane Bradley (Scotsman). “UNIQUE play equipment designed by disabled children that can be used by both them and their able-bodied friends is set to be trialled in the Capital. The apparatus has been made by an Edinburgh-based firm and Napier University design experts, with help from disabled youngsters from around Scotland. And Capital children will be the first to try it when the only models of the equipment are set up at a city park - likely to be the Magnet play area in the Meadows - before Christmas. . . . the main thing that came through was that they didn’t want separate play equipment - they wanted to go to the park and be able to play with brothers and sisters and friends who do not have disabilities. ‘The equipment we have designed is suitable for children with any disability - whether they are blind, deaf, in a wheelchair or have mobility problems’.“
http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=1756332006Introduction to Web Accessibility - (WebAim). “Most people today can hardly conceive of life without the Internet. It provides access to information, news, email, shopping, and entertainment. The Internet, with its ability to serve out information at any hour of the day or night about practically any topic conceivable, has become a way of life for an impatient, information-hungry generation. Some have argued that no other single invention has been more revolutionary since that of Gutenberg’s original printing press in the mid 1400s. Now, at the click of a mouse, the world can be “at your fingertips“—that is, if you can use a mouse... and if you can see the screen... and if you can hear the audio—in other words, if you don’t have a disability of any kind. Before focusing on the challenges that people with disabilities face when trying to access web content, it makes more sense to discuss the ways in which the Internet offers incredible opportunities to people with disabilities that were never before possible. The web’s potential for people with disabilities is truly remarkable.“
http://www.webaim.org/intro/Judge Orders Treasury To Make Paper Money Accessible To Blind Americans - by Dave Reynolds (Inclusion Daily Express). “In a disability discrimination case that could affect virtually every American, a federal judge has ruled that the U.S. Government must find a way to design its paper currency so that blind people can independently tell the difference between a one-dollar bill, a five, ten or twenty, and so forth. U.S. District Judge James Robertson said Tuesday that the U.S. Treasury Department has discriminated against blind Americans in violation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which guarantees equal access in government programs. Robertson explained that of 180 countries that issue paper currency, the United States is the only one that prints all bills the same size, color, and texture, regardless of the denomination. He gave the department 10 days to begin work on making bills accessible. The American Council of the Blind, which filed the suit four years ago, has proposed several options, including printing bills of different sizes, adding embossed dots or foil to the paper, or using raised ink.“
http://www.inclusiondaily.com/archives/06/11/29/112906uscurrency.htmUS Government Updates its Access Legislation - (Accessible News #28). “The US Government’s Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) has established an advisory committee to assist it in revising and updating accessibility guidelines for telecommunications products and accessibility standards for electronic and information technology (EIT). The Access Board has invited international input in the process. Industry Canada’s delegate on the advisory committee ADIO’s own Mary Frances Laughton.“
http://www.at-links.gc.ca/AS/AS092E.ASP#b1
ADVOCACY
BCODP: 25 years on the front line - (Disability Now). “A walkout by 200 disabled people at an international conference in Canada proved to be a turning point for the disability movement in the UK Ð and the catalyst for the birth of the British Council of Disabled People (BCODP). The year was 1980, the International Year of Disabled People, and it was the first time that disabled people had come together from across the world to discuss issues affecting them. ‘We were at the Disabled People’s International [conference],’ said Rachel Hurst, former BCODP chair.’ ‘It was the first time we had come together, so we were all really excited. But we ended up walking out because we felt we weren’t being represented properly. They were talking about disabled people, but none of them were disabled.’ Frustrated and angry, the delegates returned home and began setting up their own national organisations.“
http://www.disabilitynow.org.uk/news/newsfocus/dec_2006.htmDisability and Ability: The Rights of Persons with Disabilities - (USInfo.State.gov). “U.S. society and the laws that protect the rights of the disabled will be the focus of a November 20 webchat. The United States has made historical leaps and bounds in securing the rights of those with disabilities with the 16-year-old Americans with Disabilities Act. Join Peter Blanck of the Burton Blatt Institue to discuss trends in disability rights and policy.“ View Webchat Transcript
http://usinfo.state.gov/usinfo/USINFO/Products/Webchats/blanck_21_nov_2006.htmlEar implant success sparks culture war - (New Scientist.com). “Could the end of sign language for deaf children be in sight? A spate of new studies has shown that profoundly deaf babies who receive cochlear implants in their first year of life develop language and speech skills remarkably close to those of hearing children. Many of the children even learn to sing passably well and function almost flawlessly in the hearing world. These findings may sound like a triumph to audiologists and the hearing parents of deaf babies. But they have done little to convince those in the deaf community who maintain that it is unethical to give deaf babies cochlear implants, which bypass damaged areas of the ear and stimulate the auditory nerve directly.“
http://www.newscientist.com/channel/health/mg19225795.000-ear-implant-success-sparks-culture-war.html&nsref=mg19225795.000Enabling the disabled - by Shruti Jha (zeenews.com). “About six hundred million people live with various types of disabilities all over the world. The number is increasing due to the rise of chronic diseases, injuries, car crashes, violence and other causes such as ageing. About 85 percent of the total disabled people live in low-income countries. Most of them are poor and have limited or no access to basic services, including rehabilitation facilities. This year`s theme is Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Action in Development. The theme aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well being of people living with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.“
http://www.zeenews.com/znnew/articles.asp?aid=339518&sid=ZNSGroups blast human rights reform plan - by Chinta Puxley (Toronto Star). “Ontario’s proposed changes to the human rights system are akin to “killing an ant with an atom bomb,“a coalition of disability and community activists said Thursday. The group of disability activists and legal advocates from Asian and African communities urged the province to put millions into strengthening the Ontario Human Rights Commission. The advocates say the province must focus on removing the backlog of cases, not taking away its power to investigate discrimination complaints. While disability activist David Lepofsky said the human rights commission isn’t effective right now, he said the Ontario government is undermining people’s basic rights by forcing them to fight their case alone and by limiting the commission to public education.“
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&pubid=968163964505&cid=1163112609388&col=968705899037&call_page=TS_News&call_pageid=968332188492&call_pagepath=News/News
Identity crisis - by Peter Beresford (The Guardian). “According to some activists, the disability movement is focusing on all the wrong issues and has lost its way. So where next? Excitement at the emergence of the women’s, black people’s, gay, lesbian and bisexual movements has within a generation given way to talk of post-feminism, the “equalities industry“and preoccupation with the pink pound. Now similar concerns are being expressed about the disability movement and people are asking: “Where did it go wrong?“At first glance, great progress seems to have been made on disability, with the biggest lead coming from the disabled people’s movement. We have seen the extension of disability discrimination legislation and new disability equality duties placed on public bodies by the end of this year. Independent living legislation to ensure disabled people have the right to support is now going through parliament. Disability issues have a new visibility, and so do disabled people themselves.“
http://society.guardian.co.uk/socialcare/story/0,,1959123,00.htmlEDUCATION
POSTSECONDARY
Disability Toolkits scoops Times Higher Award for Manchester - “The University of Manchester has won the prestigious Times Higher Award for ‘Outstanding Support for Students with Disabilities’ thanks to a national online resource aimed at enabling disabled students to find, organise and undertake work experience opportunities that could prove crucial for their future careers. The Disability Toolkits website was announced as the winner at the celebrated Times Higher Educational Supplement (THES) Awards Ceremony, held at the London Hilton Hotel on Park Lane on Wednesday 15 November. Launched a year ago at www.disabilitytoolkits.ac.uk, the site is a comprehensive online resource for students with disabilities, graduate employers and academic tutors across the UK. It signposts relevant sources of information and support to help identify, organise and facilitate work experience and other off-campus learning opportunities for students’ career development.“
http://www.manchester.ac.uk/aboutus/news/display/?id=84716New scholarship breaks down the barriers for students with disabilities – (Toronto Rehab). “Today, the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (Toronto Rehab) presented its Scholarship in Rehabilitation-Related Research for Graduate Students with Disabilities to graduate students Laura Moll and Anita Kaiser. The scholarships worth $20,000 each were presented at the hospital’s Second Annual Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Research Day and were made possible by TD Bank Financial Group. The scholarships are part of the hospital’s strategy to enhance consumer participation in research by attracting people with disabilities to train in and conduct rehabilitation research.“
http://www.torontorehab.com/news-view.cfm?autoid=140
EMPLOYMENT
Maximizing Productivity: Accommodations for Employees with Psychiatric Disabilities - (Office of Disability Employment Policy - ODEP). “A psychiatric disability can impact various aspects of an individual’s life, including the ability to achieve maximum productivity in the workplace. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that one in five people will experience a psychiatric disability in their lifetime, and one in four Americans currently knows someone who has a psychiatric disability. It is likely that most employers have at least one employee with a psychiatric disability.“
http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/fact/psychiatric.htmU.S. Department of Labor Forms Alliance with SHRM to Promote Employment of Workers with Disabilities - “The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) of the U.S. Department of Labor and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) recently established an alliance to encourage and promote the employment of people with disabilities. The formal alliance, a first for ODEP with a major organization, will ensure that SHRM and ODEP stakeholders collaborate in this national effort by providing information, guidance, and access to resources.“
http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/odep/odep20061963.htmWilling, Able -- and Unemployable - by Ann Bauer (Washington Post). “My 18-year-old son shambles. There’s no other word for it. He walks like an old man: scraping the soles of his feet on the floor, tilting his head to one side and tucking it into the space between his neck and shoulder. What’s more, he’s mammoth. At 6-foot-3, with at least two inches of moppy hair, he towers over nearly everyone he meets. Because of a penchant for sugary coffee drinks and Qdoba’s 3-Cheese Nachos with grilled sirloin, which he buys with the money his grandparents send him, he weighs around 250 pounds. But these are the least of my worries. Today, what I fret about most is the fact that after two years of submitting applications, taking tests and going in for interviews, he cannot get a job. Andrew has autism.“
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/29/AR2006102900544.htmlWhy the gap between ability, job quality? - by Helen Henderson (Toronto Star). “Margo Bok has a Bachelor of Commerce degree and an MBA. So why is she working just a few hours a week as co-ordinator of volunteers at a complex-care facility for seniors? It’s the only job she could get. Not for lack of trying. Bok, who lives in Victoria, has cerebral palsy. It limits the use of her right hand, she says, but little else.“
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1163631018452&call_pageid=991479973472&col=991929131147GENERAL INTEREST
Canada opens world meet for swimmers with a disability with five medals - “Valerie Grand’Maison of Montreal won the women’s 200-metre individual medley for the visually impaired to highlight a five-medal performance for Canada on the opening day of the 50-country world championships for swimmers with a disability Saturday. Grand’Maison, 18, bettered her personal best time by more than five seconds to win the race in two minutes 31.24 seconds. She edged a Russian swimmer by 3-10ths of a second. Chelsey Gotell of Hamilton won the bronze in 2:36.18.“
http://www.canada.com/topics/sports/story.html?id=736c5097-91d9-44c3-9ad2-f9849a97b605&k=99205Eagle and Turkey Awards - 9th Annual Turkey and Eagle Winners Announced - (Disability Rights Advocates). “Every year we salute the businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of people with disabilities within society. Eagle awards are being presented to businesses and organizations who have led the way in improving levels of access at work, at home, and in the community. The Turkey awards are given to entities or individuals who demonstrate enormous insensitivity to the needs of people with disabilities and therefore impede their progress in employment, education, health care, transportation, or social integration. The Eagle and Turkey awardees are nominated by the disability community each year.“
http://www.dralegal.org/news/awards.phpInternational Day Of Disabled Persons 2006 - “Access to information and communication technologies creates opportunities to everyone in society, but perhaps no-more so than for persons with disabilities. No longer do the societal barriers of prejudice, infrastructure, and inaccessible formats stand in the way of participation. When available to everyone, information technologies foster individuals to reach their full potential, and for persons with disabilities it allows them to play their part in society’s development.“
http://www.aapd.com/News/disability/061120ncd.htmThe Secretary-General Message On The International Day Of Disabled Persons - “The theme of this year’s observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons, “E-accessibility“, reminds us of the need to make the Internet available to everyone. Access to information and communication technologies creates opportunities for all people, perhaps none more so than persons with disabilities. And as the development of the Internet and these technologies takes their needs more fully into account, the barriers of prejudice, infrastructure and inaccessible formats need no longer stand in the way of participation.“
http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/iddp2006sgme.htmThe Gimp Parade (blog): Last year - “My motivation to blog has been limited lately. I think this is related to an on-going preoccupation with what my life was like last year at this time and a conscious effort to appreciate my current freedom (relatively speaking) and soak up the holiday season for all that it is and can be. Precisely one year ago, I was being tranferred from the ICU of a major Twin Cities hospital to the vent-users wing of a rehab hospital. I was a quarter of the way into my 4-month hospital stay.“
http://thegimpparade.blogspot.com/Runabout race car - (Disability Now). “Mike Rogers reviews one of the new “formula racing“ models from SEAT and discovers that you don’t need to drive it on a race track to enjoy its raucous sportiness. . . . After a drive around a country road circuit, he said it was one of the best cars we have tried in terms of drivability and sure-footedness - quite an accomplishment when you consider that we have tested over 400 models since the early 90s.“
http://www.disabilitynow.org.uk/living/motoring/motoring_dec_2006.htmTraining Your Own Service Dog - by Roxanne Furlong (New Mobility). “Starting with three basic commands and generous time and attention -- and lots of biscuits and kisses -- you can train your four-legged friend to eventually become the best medical device you have. Owner-training the dog eliminates time wasted on training school waiting lists and creates a steady routine of challenging your dog to learn new tasks as your needs change. Depending on your lifestyle and dog knowledge, there are several ways to owner-train your service dog.“
http://www.newmobility.com/review_article.cfm?id=1227&action=browse
GOVERNMENT
CANADA
Directory of Financial Aid for for Persons with Disabilities in N.B. - (Premier’s Council on the Status of Disabled Persons). “Information contained in this guide has been adapted from A Guide to Income Security and Workforce Re-Entry for PLWHIV / AIDS in New Brunswick published by AIDS New Brunswick and also includes information from other sources. Please note that material contained in this guide is subject to change at any time without notice. Individuals having difficulty finding a specific phone number or address for a program or service can call the Premier’s Council on the Status of Disabled Persons for assistance.“
http://www.gnb.ca/0048/english/financialaid.htmImproving The Ontario Disability Support Program - “The McGuinty government has implemented significant improvements to the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) to help recipients and their families increase their income. The changes are in direct response to comments and suggestions the government heard during discussions with people with disabilities, social assistance recipients, community organizations and municipalities. These improvements will positively impact more than 20,000 ODSP recipients who are currently working, in addition to supporting thousands more recipients who are able and want to work as they move into the workforce.“
http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/mcss/english/news/backgrounders/061122.htmMaking Ontario More Accessible To People With Disabilities - “The McGuinty government has made important progress towards implementing the landmark Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, which will make Ontario accessible by 2025, Community and Social Services Minister Madeleine Meilleur announced today. . . . The Act, which came into effect just over a year ago, provides for the province to develop accessibility standards that will apply to the private and public sectors across the province in order to address and remove barriers for people with disabilities. The first proposed standard, for customer service, is being posted today for public review and feedback.“
http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/mcss/english/news/releases/061023.htmhttp://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/mcss/english/pillars/accessibilityOntario/ (Accessibility Report)
McGuinty Government Helps Boost Profile Of People With Disabilities In Canadian Media - “The McGuinty government today launched a new partnership aimed at raising the profile of people with disabilities in the Canadian movie, television and radio industry, announced Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community and Social Services.“
http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/mcss/english/news/releases/061024.htm
U.S.
Commission’s New Recommendations For Savings Draw Criticism From Advocates - “New recommendations for Medicaid changes from a federal advisory body drew criticism from groups representing low-income people and the disabled in Nov. 16 public testimony. The critics said the recommendations would give too much authority to the states to change eligibility criteria and restrict certain benefits, may not do enough to eliminate the bias toward institutionalized care, and would hurt the lowest income, most impaired beneficiaries by allowing states to put this population in managed care plans. The commenters spoke during the first day of a meeting of the Medicaid Commission, an advisory panel working on ideas for long-term savings for the Medicaid program. The panel is led by two former governors, Don Sundquist of Tennessee and Angus S. King Jr. of Maine. The recommendations for Medicaid are contained in a chairman’s mark and 18 amendments proposed by individual members. These proposals are set to be voted on by the Medicaid Commission on Nov. 17.“
http://www.aapd.com/News/commission/061117bna.htm
LEGAL
BC Institution Survivors Asked To Prove Abuse Claims - by Dave Reynolds (RaggedEdge). “For decades, children and adults with developmental disabilities suffered horrific sexual and physical abuse while housed in British Columbia’s Woodlands School, until it was shuttered in 1996. Four years ago, the provincial government formally apologized for the residents’ mistreatment, and announced a special fund for support and counseling. The government’s failure to provide any compensation to the abuse victims, however, prompted a group of them to take the government to court. But a proposed deal recently hammered out between the survivors’ attorney and the government is literally adding insult to their injuries, say members of the We Survived Woodlands Group. The proposal would force those with claims of abuse to prove in court not only that the abuse took place -- which would be nearly impossible for many because they cannot speak, and records either were destroyed or never kept -- but also the level of abuse they endured. Certain forms of sexual abuse, for instance, would warrant more ‘points’, and a larger compensation package, than others.“
http://www.raggededgemagazine.com/ide/abuse/002905.htmlHistoric Ruling for Deaf Employees at UPS - (Disability Rights Advocates). “The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a precedent setting ruling against UPS in a class action lawsuit brought under the Americans with Disabilities Act. In a unanimous decision, the appellate court upheld Judge Thelton Henderson’s permanent injunction prohibiting the global shipping leader from using a hearing test that categorically excluded deaf employees from all driving positions. The appellate decision sends the case back to the District Court for individual mini-trials to determine damages for all employees affected by the policy. Plaintiffs expect to try as many as 400 individual cases in Phase II of the case.“
http://www.dralegal.org/cases/employment/bates_v_ups.phpMEDIA
Nobody’s Normal reveals the reality of life for carers and families - (Youreable.com). “One in a hundred babies is born with a mental or physical impairment. By 2010 one in ten adults will be registered disabled – the largest minority group in the UK. Nobody’s Normal is a five-part series of observational documentaries which follows the experience of parenting a disabled child from birth to independent adulthood. The series is an unflinching and emotionally charged insight into how disability affects families and friends. It will broadcast on BBC One at 9.15am for five consecutive days from Monday 11 December. Introduced and narrated by Martha Kearney, the series runs across a week with each 45-minute documentary telling the story of a key stage in the life of a disabled person. From birth in one of the UK’s busiest neonatal unites through to middle age, Nobody’s Normal reveals the experiences and challenges facing parents and carers of disabled children and adults. Nobody’s Normal will challenge public perceptions of disability, exposing one of society’s greatest prejudices and unpacking the many ethical questions that parents of disabled children face.“
http://www.youreable.com/TwoShare/getPage/01News/01Current/Nov2006/nobodys%20normalMEDICAL
Nicotinamide may help people with multiple sclerosis - “Researchers have found a possible way to protect people with multiple sclerosis (MS) from severe long-term disability: increase nervous-system levels of a vital compound, called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), by giving its chemical precursor - nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3. Current therapies for MS mainly address the relapsing-remitting phase of the disease, but some of these have severe side effects, and most patients eventually enter a chronic progressive phase for which there is no good treatment. Using a mouse model of MS, researchers in the Neurobiology Program at Children’s Hospital Boston found strong evidence that nicotinamide may protect against nerve damage in the chronic progressive phase, when the most serious disabilities occur.“
http://www.news-medical.net/?id=20211
POLICY/RESEARCH
Announcing the new eQuery tool for CIHI clients - “CIHI is pleased to announce the launch, on December 4, of a new bilingual eQuery tool to effectively support our data providers by introducing a more streamlined and efficient mechanism for responding to client support needs. This tool replaces the existing Coding Query instrument and provides extended features that go beyond the ability to search for or submit ICD-10-CA and CCI coding-related questions.“
http://secure.cihi.ca/cihiweb/dispPage.jsp?cw_page=bl_equery_nov2006_eDisability Data Resources - (ODEP). “Who are people with disabilities? What do we know about people with disabilities? How many individuals with disabilities use assistive devices? How many people with disabilities are working? What are people with disabilities’ demographics? These are just a few of the questions that are asked every day as we develop and implement programs and strategies to combat the high unemployment rate of persons with disabilities. Numerous resources are available to provide statistical data to answer these questions and provide information on other disability related topics. Many resources now post their information on Web sites, which makes researching disability data readily accessible and fast. Outlined below is information on some of the data resources regarding people with disabilities.“
http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/fact/data.htmForensic genetics and ethical, legal and social implications beyond the clinic – Mildred K Cho & Pamela Sankar (nature.com). “Data on human genetic variation help scientists to understand human origins, susceptibility to illness and genetic causes of disease. Destructive episodes in the history of genetic research make it crucial to consider the ethical and social implications of research in genomics, especially human genetic variation. The analysis of ethical, legal and social implications should be integrated into genetic research, with the participation of scientists who can anticipate and monitor the full range of possible applications of the research from the earliest stages. The design and implementation of research directs the ways in which its results can be used, and data and technology, rather than ethical considerations or social needs, drive the use of science in unintended ways. Here we examine forensic genetics and argue that all geneticists should anticipate the ethical and social issues associated with nonmedical applications of genetic variation research.“
http://www.nature.com/cgi-taf/DynaPage.taf?file=/ng/journal/v36/n11s/full/ng1434.htmlGovernment Report on Disability Policy 2006 - (Ministry Of Social Affairs and Health: Finland). “The equal treatment of people with disabilities and support for their life skills, working and functional capacity and independent living are central objectives of the present Government of Finland. The giving of the Report on Disability Policy is based on the Government Programme of Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen. In the report the Government evaluates the strengths and challenges of the present Finnish disability policy as well as suggests solutions for developing and reforming it. The report has been drawn up in co-operation with various actors. A steering group set up by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has co-ordinated its preparation. In the course of it, five separate surveys have been drawn up as background material for the report. The Finnish disability policy is based on the following three main principles:
• The right of people with disabilities to equality.
• The right of people with disabilities to inclusion.
• The right of people with disabilities to necessary services and supportive measures.”
http://www.stm.fi/Resource.phx/publishing/documents/7545/index.htxJournal of Disability Policy Studies - This journal is available online only through subscription (Ingenta), but their March 2005 issue is available for free. Articles in this issue are:
• Home Ownership for Individuals with Disabilities: Factors in Mortgage Decisions
• Content The Core Concepts of Health Policy Affecting Families Who Have Children with Disabilities
• Content How States Implement Alternate Assessments for Students with Disabilities: Recommendations for National Policy
• Content The Workforce Investment Act: How Policy Conflict and Policy Ambiguity Affect Implementation
• Content Self-Employment for People With Disabilities Enhancing Services Through Interagency Linkages
• Content Advocacy Issues and Strategies for the 21st Century: Key Informant Interviews
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/proedcw/jdps/2005/00000015/00000004;jsessionid=22rfif5ui2krs.victoriaResearch and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities - (The University of Montana Rural Institute). “Rural Americans with disabilities lack access to adequate transportation and housing, employment and self-employment opportunities, independent living services, health and wellness facilities, and inclusion in community planning and activities. The U.S. Department of Education funds the Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities to explore issues important to the 12.5 million rural Americans with disabilities and develop solutions to the problems they encounter in accessing telecommunications, becoming effective self-advocates and community leaders, and in living independent, healthy lives.“
http://rtc.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/Swedish disability policy - “A new edition of the fact sheet ‘Swedish disability policy’ has just been published both on this website and in printed form. The title is part of the Swedish Institute’s series of fact sheets, which are updated and revised regularly by the appropriate experts.“
http://www.sweden.se/templates/cs/FactSheet____13508.aspxThe 2006 Disability Policy Seminar Sharing a Vision to Strengthen the Future - Held in Washington D.C. this past February “The Annual Disability Policy Seminar [brought] national, state and local disability organizations as well as self-advocates, families and providers to [the U.S.] capital for three days of intense public policy discussions and meetings focused on issues affecting people with disabilities.“ Included on this webpage are a number of fact sheets on education, employment, long term services and supports, and emergency preparedness and disaster relief among others.
http://www.aucd.org/events2006/disability_policy_seminar_2006.htmThe World Bank and disability - (Bretton Woods Project). “There are 400 million physically and mentally disabled people living in developing countries, and it is estimated that more than 10 per cent of poor people are disabled. James Wolfensohn, while president of the World Bank, said, ‘The World Bank considers it crucial that countries adopt development policies that include the concerns and needs of disabled people so that they can contribute to the societies in which they live.’ The Bank’s formal commitment to disability work began in June 2002 with the founding of the disability and development team within the social protection unit of the human development vice-presidency. The team’s primary focus is on cooperating at the international level on including the disabled in development, but it also assists those who ensure that the Bank’s internal working practices do not prevent disabled staff members from effective participation in the Bank.“
http://www.brettonwoodsproject.org/art.shtml?x=545889
REHABILITATION
Catheters: How Often Should They Be Used? - by Bob Vogel (New Mobility). “Look at the instructions for any internal catheter and you will see ‘single use only,’ a statement required by the Food and Drug Administration. But Medicare policy seems to say it’s fine to clean and re-use catheters, since it will only reimburse four catheters a month -- unless you have two documented infections in a 12-month period. However, there are no accepted guidelines on the correct way to clean a single-use catheter. How Medicare arrived at a ‘four catheter per month’ policy remains a mystery. There are no studies that compare infection rates of single-use versus multi-use catheters. To make matters worse, more HMO and private insurance companies are following Medicare’s reimbursement guidelines. This may work fine for some, but for others, cleaning and re-using catheters puts them at risk for urinary tract infections and costly hospital stays, and could lead to permanent damage.“
http://www.newmobility.com/review_article.cfm?id=1226&action=browse
Rural Independent Living and Physical Therapy: Exploring Collaborations - Rural Disability and Rehabilitation Research Progress Report #33 (The University of Montana Rural Institute). “Traditional rehabilitation services are often assumed to be incompatible with independent living (IL) philosophy, but perhaps rural individuals with disabilities might benefit from a collaboration between Centers for independent living (CILs) and rehabilitation services providers. IL philosophy emphasizes improving opportunities for community participation by people with disabilities. . . . However, most centers do not have the staff or facilities to help individuals increase their physical capacity. In rural areas, collaboration between physical therapists (PTs) and CILs promises to increase the availability of physical activity for people with disabilities. RTC: Rural researchers interviewed rural physical therapists to explore that possible solution.“
http://rtc.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/health/PT.htm
SELF HELP
Askability launched by the Children’s Society - (Youreable.com). “The Children’s Society today (Wednesday 15 November) launches the world’s first-ever image-led website specifically for disabled children and young people, Askability - www.askability.org.uk - in conjunction with Widgit Software and Solutions Squared. The Children’s Society believes that young people and children with learning difficulties often find it hard to understand written words. Additionally, many struggle to use the Internet in its current form, often leaving them feeling isolated from society.. Askability www.askability.org.uk has surpassed any other site aimed at disabled young people as it uses Symbol, a pictorial-based language to communicate and understand written word. This cutting edge website is the brainchild of The Children’s Society Project in Solihull. Disabled young people using the website can now easily access information thanks to Widget’s expertise and funding from the Big Lottery Fund.“
http://www.youreable.com/TwoShare/getPage/01News/01Current/Nov2006/launch%20of%20askability
TECHNOLOGY
Setting off light bulbs to help the disabled cope - by Saul Friedman (Newsday). “Imagine what it would be like if you were to lose the use of your dominant arm or leg to a stroke, an accident or amputation. Suppose you were confined to a wheelchair. Imagine how you would dress or undress, put on and take off a pair of slacks, a jacket, a shirt or a bra, and get around the house to shower or shave. Now imagine a self-starting zipper, a jacket with magnetic buttons, step-in shoes with self-tying laces, a step-in bra, a mechanical bedside valet to help with dressing, an easy-access closet and a special wheelchair that could get through tight spaces. These were among the dozens of ideas, some of them admittedly wild, that were kicked around by about 30 experts, therapists and engineers at a unique gathering in Baltimore a few weeks ago, called ‘Inventor for the Day.’ It was sponsored by an organization on whose board I serve, the nonprofit Volunteers for Medical Engineering.“
http://www.newsday.com/news/columnists/ny-bzsaul4960271nov04,0,737118.column?coll=ny-news-columnistsA guide to choosing and using assistive devices - (The Public Health Agency). “A thorough and useful document designed to encourage seniors to explore all the assistive devices at their disposal. Its large print, amusing illustrations and clear directives present advice on how seniors and others with disabilities can overcome their difficulties by using aids that range from high technology to simple kitchen gadgets. It offers tips on figuring out what you need, where to obtain it and how to get financial help if you need it. Whether you need a magnifying glass or a wheelchair; a large-handled potato peeler or a hearing aid; a bath pole or a playing card holder -- this publication encourages you to go for it so that you can get on with the good life!“
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/seniors-aines/pubs/go_for_it/goforit_toc_e.htmAssistive devices Info-sheet for seniors - (The Public Health Agency). “There’s a solution to most problems. If you find that you experience discomfort or fear doing activities you once loved, or if you’ve started to avoid certain situations, it’s possible that an assistive device can help you overcome your difficulties. This fact sheet provides information on assistive devices, their use and where you can obtain them.“
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/seniors-aines/pubs/info_sheets/assistive/index.htmAble Planet Wins Six 2007 CES International Innovations Design and Engineering Awards - (PRNewswire). “Able Planet Inc., a leader in innovative technologies ‘For People with All Levels of Hearing’ today announced that it won six awards from the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES); the six Honoree Awards included; Clear Harmony Noise Canceling Headphones (High Performance Audio); Able Talker & Clear Harmony Wireless Headphones (Wireless Peripherals); Able Talker Assistive Listening Device (Personal Electronics); Clear Harmony VoiP Headsets (Telephones category); Clear Harmony Headphones 200 Series (Audio Accessories); and Clear Harmony Gaming Headphones (Electronic Gaming). Products entered in this prestigious program are judged by a preeminent panel of independent industrial designers, engineers and members of the trade press to honor outstanding design and engineering in cutting edge consumer electronics.“
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,18996.shtmlhttp://www.ableplanet.com/
Disabled ask for better technology - “The digital world has not kept pace with the needs of the disabled, and some Mississauga advocates are calling on the technology giants to catch up. Yesterday in Brampton, at the Region of Peel’s 3rd annual Day of the Disabled Person, many in attendance said that today’s fast-paced society is passing them by. Visually-impaired Rabia Khedr said assistive technology for the disabled is outdated and expensive, which makes it frustrating for users such as herself. For instance, she said, the computer software she uses to help her read, although useful, has limitations. Khedr wants big companies such as Microsoft to remember people like her.“
http://ability.aol.com/ability/index.php?ID=135&catID=10
November 2006 Assistive Technology Day to Feature Modavox’s AudioEye Technology - “Assistive Technology Day is presented in conjunction with World Usability Day, an Earth Day style event to promote the value of usability engineering and user-centered design and the belief that every user has the responsibility to ask for things that work better. The Assistive Technology Day event will provide a demonstration of AudioEye, an automated step-by-step publishing platform that empowers any content owner with the ability to improve communication & messaging by distributing content in audio via the web, mobile phone, or download to MP3 devices.“
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/11/prweb479256.htm
Robotics in the Special Needs Classroom - by Jennifer LeClaire (TechNewsWorld). “Robotics, which has played a longstanding role in industrial applications, has finally entered the classroom in the form of applications for disabled students. It’s a trend that could move beyond special needs and into the education mainstream. Gallaudet University, a school for the deaf and hard of hearing, recently added Anystream’s Apreso Classroom, which captures lectures and makes them available online for students to download and review. Gallaudet’s goal is to improve comprehension and address the challenges faced by the 10 percent of its freshman class who are new to sign language. ‘We believe lecture-capturing technology will be as common as LCD projectors within five to 10 years, because the benefits are so abundant and obvious,’ Mark Jones, vice president of education products for Anystream, told TechNewsWorld. ‘We have optimized versions of our software for the visually impaired as well, so they can use a screen reader to read it. Accessibility is essential to serving higher education.’“
http://www.technewsworld.com/story/54323.htmlTV Worldwide’s Assistive Technology Internet TV Channel AT508.com Selected to Webcast World Congress & Exposition on Disabilities - (Market Wire). “TV Worldwide, a fast-growing web-based global TV network, announced that its Assistive Technology Internet TV Channel, AT508.com, had again been selected by the World Congress & Exposition on Disabilities to produce a webcast of the November 17-19, 2006 show from the Philadelphia Convention Center. The free live-to-tape, archived webcast at www.wcdexpo.com and www.at508.com, will feature interviews with industry leaders present for the show and highlight the latest products, services, issues and news concerning people with disabilities. Several keynotes and presentations will also be made available during the webcast. The event will be archived in fully accessible format using the captioned video streaming of TV Worldwide’s ‘webcapting(SM)’ process. The webcast will feature demonstrations from STRONGARM Mobility, UrAssist, Foot Flush and other assistive technology and service providers. AT508.com premium sponsors include The Paciello Group.“
http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=185929
WELLNESS
Ministry of Health Services Population Health and Wellness Service Plan 2005/06: Strategic Investments in Public Health - (BC Ministry of Health Services Population Health and Wellness). “Population Health and Wellness exercises stewardship for public health services by providing effective direction, meaningful support, targeted monitoring, rigorous evaluation, and strategic intervention, where appropriate. It invests strategically, based on the best available research data and evidence of best outcomes. It facilitates best practice development and evaluation of legislation, policies, strategies, best practices, and performance expectations. Population Health and Wellness program areas provide strategic outcomes expertise to the Ministry on the development of performance measures and core function delivery expectations, supported by evidence-based research.“
http://www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/prevent/pdf/phw_sp_2005-06.pdf
Population Health and Wellness - (BC Ministry of Health Services Population Health and Wellness). Population Health and Wellness focuses on public health, which is the organized effort of society to protect and improve the population’s health and well-being through health promotion; reducing inequalities in health status; prevention of disease, injury, disability, and premature death; and protection from environmental and other hazards to health.“ Some of the topics covered on this site are:
• Core Functions Framework
• Chronic Disease Framework
• Chronic Disease Evidence Paper
• Preventing Chronic Disease
http://www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/prevent/The Canadian Best Practices Portal for Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention - (The Public Health Agency). “The Canadian Best Practices Portal for Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention is a central and early component of the Canadian Best Practices System. Finding and using best practices is one part of delivering effective initiatives. The Population Health Approach (learn more) provides a systematic approach to planning.“
http://cbpp-pcpe.phac-aspc.gc.ca/Working Well with a Disability: Project Update - Rural Disability and Rehabilitation Research Progress Report #31 (The University of Montana Rural Institute). “People with disabilities have significantly lower employment rates than people without disabilities (Harris Interactive, Inc., 2004). One possible contributor to this disparity is that primary disabling conditions place people at greater risk for secondary health conditions, which may undermine their ability to secure or maintain employment. Secondary conditions refer to preventable conditions that occur as a result of, or in conjunction with, a primary disability. For instance, a primary disability such as spinal cord injury may increase risk for several secondary conditions, including pain, pressure sores, urinary tract infections, weight problems, and depression. Many secondary conditions are either preventable or manageable. Our research on the Living Well with a Disability health promotion program, delivered by Centers for Independent Living (CILs) to their consumers, found that participants reported fewer secondary conditions and reduced medical costs after completing the Living Well workshop (Ravesloot, Seekins, & White, 2005). Likewise, evaluations of work site health promotion programs have found that participation enhanced employee productivity (through decreased absenteeism rates) and decreased insurance claims (Aldana, 2001; Pelletier, 2001). Unfortunately, people with disabilities who are not employed lack access to work site health promotion programs and disposable income to pay for community based health promotion activities.“
http://rtc.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/health/WorkingWell.htm
CONFERENCES
(New Conferences)
CANADIAN
Pacific Coast Brain Injury Conference - February 15-17, 2007 | Vancouver, British Columbia. - “The Pacific Coast Brain Injury Conference (also known as PCBIC) is an annual event held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. PCBIC is Canada’s premier national conference on acquired brain injury. The Pacific Coast Brain Injury Conference Society, a non-profit organization run by a volunteer steering committee, organizes the conference, workshops and exhibits. The mission of the PCBIC Society is to host a yearly brain injury conference that supports brain injury communities. The focus of the conference is to increase understanding of the problems faced by people living with brain injury, to strengthen partnerships, and to increase awareness of services, programs and new approaches in brain injury research. PCBIC is an inclusive conference.“
http://www.pcbic.org/index.html Autism Biennial Congress 2007: Autism Through the Lifespan - March 1-4, 2007 | Vancouver, British Columbia. “Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) present an evolving set of personal, familial, societal, and therapeutic issues as individuals grow up, reach maturity, and age. Sponsored by Autism Today, this Congress features 21 autism experts addressing ASD across the lifespan.“
www.autismvancouver2007.com Vocational Outcomes in Traumatic Brain Injury - May 24-26, 2007 | Vancouver, BC, Canada. “This second biennial international gathering focuses specifically on vocational outcomes in traumatic brain injury. Presentations will cover the range of impairment from mild to severe by a group of world renowned speakers.“
http://www.tbicvancouver.com/ Taking the Wheel: Transition Planning from Adolescence to Adulthood for Individuals with Disabilities - May 3-4, 2007 | Edmonton, Alberta. “The process of transition to adulthood is both important and challenging for adolescents/young adults and their families. This becomes even more significant when a disability is present. Join us for an exciting and information-packed conference as keynote speakers Norman Kunc and Emma Van der Klift show us how young adults can prepare to take the wheel and how caregivers can prepare to take the back seat.“
http://www.capitalhealth.ca/NR/rdonlyres/e4r72dxjgxy2fketgkn4vsbungijefrvyrgqpgdwkpswc27gpczuhv6n3apup7ptrae5drbrn3fbzhyz7bxlhifoxye/Taking_the_Wheel_Flyer_Transition.pdf
Festival of International Conferences on Disability, Aging and Technology - June 16-19, 2007 | Toronto, Ontario. “The Festival of International Conferences on Caregiving, Disability, Aging and Technology (FICCDAT) will bring together five important and different conferences all focused on enhancing the lives of seniors, persons with disabilities and their family caregivers.
• Growing Older with a Disability
• The 2nd International Conference on Technology and Aging (ICTA)
• Advances in Neurorehabilitation
• Caregivers: Essential Partners in Care
• Improving Medical Device Usability (CMBES)“
http://www.ficdat.ca/ TRANSED 2007 - 11th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons - June 18-21, 2007 | Montreal, Quebec. “Canada is proud to host the 11th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED), to be held June 18-21, 2007, at the Palais des Congrès in Montréal under the theme ‘Benchmarking, Evaluation and Vision for the Future’. The conference will review advances in research, evoke international break throughs and explore perspectives for technological innovations in order to respond to the mobility challenges of an aging population and of persons with disabilities, as part of an inclusive society.“
http://www.tc.gc.ca/pol/en/Transed2007/home.htmThe 12th World Congress of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics - Moving Beyond Disability - July 29-August 3, 2007 | Vancouver, British Columbia. “Welcome to the web page for the ISPO 2007 World Congress. The ISPO World Congress is the premiere global event for multidisciplinary prosthetic and orthotic care. The ISPO Canada National Society is pleased to welcome you to Vancouver to enjoy the scientific sessions, workshops and symposia, expansive trade exhibits, and active social programs.“
http://www.ispo.ca/congress/U.S.
ATIA 2007 Conference and Exhibition - January 24-27, 2007 | Orlando, Florida – “ATIA 2007 serves as a leading forum for the Assistive Technology community to participate in presentations and discussions about new technology, practical applications, and services. Segments of the Assistive Technology industry (Augmentative and Alternative Communication; Blindness; Computer Access; Curriculum Adaptations; Deaf and Hard of Hearing; Electronic Aids to Daily Living; Games and Recreation; Learning Disabilities/Study Aids/Literacy; Low Vision; and Mechanical Accessories and Mounting Devices) will be represented in various presentations, demonstrations and/or exhibits. In addition, a hands-on lab will provide an opportunity to experiment with and evaluate the latest assistive technology devices and software available.“
http://www.atia.org/conf_2007.html#PurposeLDA 44th Annual International Conference - February 14-17, 2007 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. - “Don’t miss the nation’s leading conference on learning disabilities! The LDA 44th Annual International Conference will be held from February 14-17, 2007 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania! All events and sessions will be held at the beautiful new David L. Lawrence Convention Center. We invite you to join us for what promises to be another outstanding 4 days of the latest research and findings in learning disabilities, including specific workshops on Medical, Mental Health, Teacher Preparation, Public Policy, Adults, and much, MUCH MORE. Preliminary conference program books, detailing the entire conference are available now!“
http://www.ldaamerica.us/conference/index.aspThe 2007 AHEAD Management Institutes - February 22-24, 2007 | New Orleans, Louisiana. “The 2007 AHEAD Management Institutes have been developed to offer important professional development opportunities for disability service professionals. All three institutes will be offered in a workshop style format with a friendly balance of lectures, discussions, and small group interaction. In addition to invaluable information and resources, the institutes will offer excellent networking opportunities for participants. The Institutes will be held in the beautiful Sheraton Hotel New Orleans on Canal Street in the heart of the historic city.“
• Institute One - The AHEAD Institute for New and Newer Disability Services Managers
• Institute Two - Managing Assistive Technology from A to Z
• Institute Three - Disability Services in the Community College - Key Issues and Best Practices
http://www.ahead.org/training/reg_training/Spring_2007_ProfDev.htm 2007 Disability Policy Seminar - March 4-6, 2007 | Washington D.C. “The Arc of the United States, United Cerebral Palsy, AAMR, The Association of University Centers on Disability and the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities are joining together again to host to 2007 Disability Policy Seminar. Preserving and strengthening the federal policies and programs important to people with disabilities is the top priority of this seminar. The entire disability community is invited to join in this public policy discussion/meeting focused on issues affecting people with disabilities and their families. On the final day, participants will travel to Capitol Hill to deliver a unified message to Congress about retention of benefits and services. A preliminary seminar agenda and registration information will be available in late fall/early winter from any of the organizations listed above.“
http://www.aamr.org/Events/gas.html 15th Annual Best Practices in Brain Injury Conference - March 15-16, 2007 | Des Moines, Iowa. “This conference will feature, Dr. Ronald Savage, Pediatric BI specialist; the lessons of 25 years of cognitive therapy from Dr. Rick Parente; the new Iowa Brain Injury Services Program, and much more.
http://www.biausa.org/Iowa/docs/bestpracbro6.doc Pac Rim 2007 - March 12-13, 2007 | Honolulu, Hawaii. “An international conference for persons with disabilities, families, researchers, service providers, policymakers and specialists. Keynote speakers for this year’s gathering are Greg Smith, syndicated radio host of On a Roll and The Strength Coach; Claudia Osborn, physician, author, and brain injury survivor; Kim and Fran Peek (Kim the real ‘Rainman’), who will address the subject of trust and respect between individuals.“
www.pacrim.hawaii.edu/ 11th Annual Nonverbal Learning Disorders Symposium - March 16-17, 2007 | San Jose, California. “Symposium 2007: Moving Toward a Brighter Tomorrow will focus on an array of interventions that are both proactive and practical. Keynote for the conference is Joseph Palombo, author of Nonverbal Learning Disabilities: A Clinical Perspective, who will offer a new look at disorders of verbal language and impairments in nonverbal communication.“
http://www.nlda.org/California State University, Northridge Center on Disabilities’ 22nd Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference - March 19-24, 2007 | Los Angeles, California. – “The Center on Disabilities at California State University, Northridge is pleased to announce that the Call for Papers for the 22nd Annual International Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference is now open and available on-line. For information and guidelines on Call for Papers, please go here: Call for Papers Information and Guidelines for above info. . . This is a comprehensive, international conference, where all technologies across all ages; disabilities; levels of education and training; employment; and independent living are addressed. It is the largest conference of its kind!“
http://www.csun.edu/cod/conf/index.htm Anxiety Disorders Association of America 27th Annual Conference - March 29-April 1, 2007 | St. Louis, Missouri. “The keynote speaker for this conference will be Kay Jamison, PhD, Johns Hopkins University. Explore the associated anxiety disorders: social phobia, generalized anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, intense fears and terrors.“
www.adaa.org/conference&events/AnnualConference.asp. United Cerebral Palsy 2007 Annual Conference: No Limits, Just Life - April 12-14, 2007 | Orlando, Florida. “This year’s conference will unveil the Big Sky Project, and examine innovations in service delivery models, full integration for people with disabilities, future leadership practices, funding opportunities, and the forces that are likely to have major impacts on individuals with disabilities over the next decade.“
www.ucp.org/ucp_general.cfm/1/12438 Family Voices 2007 National Conference - May 23-26, 2007 | Washington D.C. “Family Voices invites you to join veteran and emerging family/youth leaders from around the country focusing on children and youth with special health care needs. Gain new information about critical topics such as: Medicaid policy; health information technology; family-centered care; cultural competence to improve care and systems; quality assurance; Bright Futures/wellness; transition; evidence-based outcomes, and more.“
www.familyvoices.org Postsecondary Disability Training Institute - June 12-16, 2007 | Saratoga Springs, New York. “Sponsored by the University of Connecticut Center on Postsecondary Education and Disability. This Training Institute will assist concerned professionals to meet the unique needs of college students with disabilities. Participants can select from a variety of strands and single sessions taught by experts in the field. Attendees will have opportunities to share information and to network with each other at various activities throughout the week.“
www.cped.uconn.edu/07pti.htm American Society for Deaf Children (ASDC) 20th Biennial Convention - June 28-July 2, 2007 | St. Augustine, Florida. “The ASDC biennial conference gives parents the opportunity to attend educational workshops, discover resources, and to network. ASDC is a national nonprofit organization to empower parents of deaf and hard of hearing children through the highest quality services and programs.“
www.deafchildren.org/convention.aspx
RESNA 2007 - June 15-19, 2007 | Phoenix, Arizona. “RESNA 2007 will feature assistive technology’s leading researchers, renowned clinicians and policy experts creating a conference program with unmatched levels of knowledge and expertise. RESNA presenters and attendees will experience a surprisingly intimate conference environment where:
• information is contemporary and innovative
• uncommon questions find in-depth answers
• sharing knowledge, ideas, and experiences is easy, and
• new connections last a lifetime.
RESNA 2007 will offer an exciting Exhibit Hall featuring product demonstrations and training sessions, two days of Pre-Conference Instructional Courses, and 3 full-days of Workshops, Interactive Poster Sessions, Themed Paper Sessions and distinguished speakers.“
http://www.resna.org/Conference/Conference.phpAHEAD conference 2007 - July 17-21 | Charlotte, North Carolina. “The annual international AHEAD conference brings together professionals in the fields of higher education and disability for a week of information-sharing, networking and theoretical and practical training.“
http://www.ahead.org/training/conference/2007_conf/AHEAD_2007_Conference.htm Pittsburgh Employment Conference for Augmented Communicators (PEC) - August 3-5, 2007 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. “SHOUT, a 501( c )3 nonprofit corporation, has as its mission advocacy for employment of people who rely on augmentative communication. As part of its mission, SHOUT has hosted eight, three-day Pittsburgh Employment Conferences for Augmented Communicators (PEC@) in the past 10 years. With hundreds of attendees drawn from four continents, PEC@ is the only conference in the world focused on employment outcomes for people who use augmentative communication.“
http://www.sciconics.com/shout/index.html2007 Southwest Conference - October 3-5, 2007 | Albuquerque New Mexico. - “The 2007 Southwest Conference on Disability will be held October 3-5, 2007 at the Albuquerque Convention Center. Conference organizers are excited to announce that the 2007 conference will be held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the National Association on State Units on Aging. The call for papers will open December 1, 2006. Check back then for more details!“
http://cdd.unm.edu/swconf/
ATIA Leadership Forum on Accessibility: Accessibility in the Corporate Environment - January 25-26, 2007 | Orlando, Florida. “The strategic decisions surrounding access for people with disabilities , the aging workforce, and worker shortages are at the forefront for large corporations. With 78 million baby boomers and 54 million people with disabilities in the US and 600 million people with disabilities worldwide, corporations also have a need to reach new customers and deliver accessible products and services to this important and growing market. An accessibility strategy is critical to success with these challenges. This forum will be a unique opportunity for educational sessions and networking opportunities specifically designed for the enterprise environment. It will discuss the business case for accessibility and its associated technologies and provide case studies from a corporate perspective.“
http://www.atia.org/leadershipforum/
OVERSEAS
14th Deafblind International (Dbl) World Conference - September 25-30, 2007 | Perth, Western Australia. “The 14th Deafblind International World Conference will be held in Perth at the Burswood Entertainment Complex, from Tuesday 25th to Sunday 30th September 2007 inclusive. Exciting international and national speakers will form part of the Conference program based around the Conference theme. An estimated 1000 delegates will attend the Conference from the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe and from Asia and the countries of the Pacific. Registrants will be
• International, national and local health and disability professionals and service providers;
• World recognised experts in deafblindness;
• Representatives from the international blind and deafblind communities.“
http://www.dbiconference2007.asn.au/ 19th IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics - July 5-9, 2009 | Paris, France. “Every four years, the World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics represents a unique and irreplaceable event attended by experts from around the world to discuss the latest findings in the field of ageing. The 19th congress, which is taking place in Paris in 2009, is particularly important, as it coincides with an ideological u-turn. Lifespan extension and the growing number of elderly people, once considered as catastrophic, are now viewed as an indisputable progress.“
http://www.gerontologyparis2009.com/administration/view8.php