Article in the AJC regarding Tropic Thunder, by Mary Yoder, AADD's Executive Director

Thursday, August 28, 2008

I recently saw the movie “Tropic Thunder.”As the lights brightened in the theater and moviegoers around me remained to laugh and talk about the film, I saw the faces of people I have known, people with intellectual disabilities who have experienced all kinds of abuse —- sexual, physical, psychological, emotional and economic —- at the hands of “normal” people.

The movie created intense feelings for me, feelings that still linger. While the disrespectful and derogatory terms used to describe people with intellectual disabilities were offensive to me, my overwhelming feeling is a grave concern that this kind of ridicule will perpetuate increased assaults on the dignity, and even safety, of people with developmental disabilities.

It is a reality that around 85 percent of women with developmental disabilities are victims of violence or sexual abuse in their lifetimes and that 32 percent of males will be victims. Many will be victims again and again.

As a society, we are called to defend and support our most vulnerable fellow beings, not to put them at further risk. Yes, the assaults in “Tropic Thunder” were verbal —- some might say “only verbal” —- but the words we use reflect and reinforce what we believe, and once those words leave our mouths, they influence the thoughts, perceptions and actions of others. I have met too many people who believe that persons with intellectual disabilities are somehow less than human, or not capable of deep and complex thoughts and feeling —- therefore targets for ridicule, mistreatment and even abuse. This movie devalued, demoralized and dehumanized fellow human beings.

Few of us want to hurt other people, yet the words we use can and —- as history has proven over and over again —- do result in dehumanization, prejudice, segregation, isolation, wasted lives and even abuse and death. From this history, we know it is much harder to hurt someone when we see them as people first.

I am proud to work for the Atlanta Alliance on Developmental Disabilities, an organization that has focused on inclusion for all for more than 50 years. AADD works to help people with developmental disabilities secure greater independence, dignity and respect. Derogatory comments and disrespectful characterizations such as those in “Tropic Thunder” undermine our efforts to build communities of support, acceptance and opportunity for children, adults and families living with developmental disabilities.

I implore you to think twice before using derogatory terms or laughing at people because they have disabilities. Consider reaching out to someone who has an intellectual disability and find the gifts she/he brings to family and community, or talk to an employer who knows firsthand that people with intellectual disabilities make great employees. I ask you to put people first, period.

Click here for the link.

Governor Perdue releases reorganization plan for DHR:

Creates stand alone agency for mental health, addictive disease programs

ATLANTA – Today Governor Sonny Perdue released the findings of the Health and Human Services Task Force, which calls for a new Department of Behavioral Health encompassing the mental health and addictive disease programs currently housed in the Department of Human Resources.

“Since DHR’s creation 35 years ago under Governor Jimmy Carter, our state’s growth and healthcare needs have changed dramatically,” Governor Perdue said. “This restructuring of DHR recognizes those changing needs and puts in place a framework for a more efficient, effective delivery of these critical services.”

In addition to a new department focused solely on behavioral health, the proposed reorganization plan calls for merging the Department of Community Health with the public health and health regulation programs of DHR to make up a reconstituted Department of Health. Current DCH Commissioner Dr. Rhonda Medows would lead the new Department of Health.

The remaining social services under DHR would become the Department of Human Services. Programs included in this department would include Developmental Disabilities, Aging, Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) and Child Support. Current DHR Commissioner B.J. Walker will lead the new Department of Human Services.

The proposal calls for legislation to be introduced when the General Assembly convenes next January with the transition to the new agencies occurring on July 1, 2009.

“It has been exciting serving with my fellow legislators and governor’s staff as we look to transform the delivery of health and human services in Georgia,” said Senator Renee Unterman. “This has been a lot of work and there still is a lot of work to do. This is a step in the right direction and I look forward to working closely with the agencies, legislature and advocacy communities on these important changes.”

In addition to Sen. Unterman, three other legislators served on the task force: Sen. Jack Hill, Rep. Ben Harbin and Rep. Mark Butler.

“This is a positive step on the road to correcting our mental and public health systems,” Rep. Butler said. “It is a huge step for this administration to pull these fragile lives out of this larger mix to get them the help and attention they need.”

'Tongue computing' could help disabled

cnn.com/technology

ATLANTA, Georgia (AP) -- The tireless tongue already controls taste and speech, helps kiss and swallow and fights germs. Now scientists hope to add one more ability to the mouthy muscle, and turn it into a computer control pad.

Georgia Tech researchers believe a magnetic, tongue-powered system could transform a disabled person's mouth into a virtual computer, teeth into a keyboard -- and tongue into the key that manipulates it all.

"You could have full control over your environment by just being able to move your tongue," said Maysam Ghovanloo, a Georgia Tech assistant professor who leads the team's research.

The group's Tongue Drive System turns the tongue into a joystick of sorts, allowing the disabled to manipulate wheelchairs, manage home appliances and control computers. The work still has a ways to go -- one potential user called the design "grotesque" -- but early tests are encouraging.

The system is far from the first that seeks a new way to control electronics through facial movements. But disabled advocates have particularly high hopes that the tongue could prove the most effective.

"This could give you an almost infinite number of switches and options for communication," said Mike Jones, a vice president of research and technology at the Shepherd Center, an Atlanta rehabilitation hospital. "It's easy, and somebody could learn an entirely different language."

Click here to read the complete article.

Georgians Asked to Contribute to State Transportation Strategy

IT3 Website Goes Live, September Listening Tour Announced

ATLANTA— Governor Sonny Perdue and state transportation leaders today launched the Investing in Tomorrow’s Transportation Today (IT3) website – www.IT3.GA.Gov. The site will provide all Georgians an opportunity to give input on a major transportation initiative that state leaders will propose in the coming months.

“Through IT3, we will transform Georgia’s transportation system,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “Working together, the State Transportation Board, GDOT and
GRTA are listening to the concerns and desires of the public, our elected officials, the business community and other interested groups. With this input,
we will shape a comprehensive and effective strategy for addressing Georgia’s transportation needs.”

To give Georgians a chance to speak directly with state transportation leaders regarding the IT3 initiative, Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)
Commissioner Gena Abraham and Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) Executive Director Dick Anderson will hold listening sessions across the
state. The listening tour will be held during the week of September 22 in Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Dalton, Macon, Savannah and Valdosta.

“The website will provide regular updates of our work on IT3 as well as the opportunity for members of the public to share information that will help us
shape Georgia’s transportation strategy,” said Commissioner Abraham. “We encourage everyone to visit the site, learn about IT3 and its goals, and to let
us know their ideas for keeping Georgia’s transportation network the best in the nation.”

“We are committed to listening to the public’s concerns and ideas,” Anderson added. “In addition to meeting with community leaders throughout the state,
Commissioner Abraham and I will visit cities around the state to hear, in person, what our citizens feel should be our strategic priorities.”

The Listening tour schedule is:

Monday, September 22, 4 -7 p.m., Macon, Commissioner Abraham
Tuesday, September 23, 4-7 p.m., Savannah, Commissioner Abraham, Mr. Anderson
Wednesday, September 24, noon – 2 p.m., Dalton, Commissioner Abraham, Mr. Anderson
Wednesday, September 24, 4-7 p.m., Atlanta, Commissioner Abraham, Mr. Anderson
Thursday, September 25, noon – 2 p.m., Valdosta, Mr. Anderson
Thursday, September 25, 4-7 p.m., Columbus, Mr. Anderson
Friday, September 26, noon – 2 p.m., Augusta, Mr. Anderson

Specific locations in each city will be announced in early September.

A Richmond County commissioner questions the rights of mentally challenged people.

NBCAgusta.com
By Navideh Forghani nforghani@nbcaugusta.com
Story Published: Aug 19, 2008 at 10:46 PM EDT

Story Updated: Aug 19, 2008 at 10:48 PM EDT

It's become an issue of discrimination! One Richmond County Commissioner is asking, should the mentally challenged be allowed to live on their own? The topic was brought up after the president of a neighborhood association complained about two mentally challenged people renting a home in their neighborhood.

Commissioner Corey Johnson says the neighborhood should be informed before mentally challenged people are moving in.

"I find it disturbing if you have two people who are mentally retarded living together. It's like having two blind people living together. How is one going to show the other how to maneuver?" said Commissioner Corey Johnson, District 2.

It's a statement that sent shock waves during Tuesday's commission meeting. District Two Commissioner Corey Johnson had another idea.

"It still should be some rules and regulation to mentally retarded people living in a home together," said Commissioner Johnson.

District Three Commissioner Joe Bowles was quick to react.

"Being someone who moved into a home that two mentally retarded people lived in, it does nothing to the property value of your home and does nothing to your neighborhood. They are loving people and should be treated as such," said Commissioner Joe Bowles, District 3.

The heated debate sparked when the president of the Highland Park Neighborhood Association went before the commission complaining about an unlicensed behavioral group home operating in the neighborhood.

But that's not exactly the case. The homeowner tells NBC Augusta he's renting his home out to two mentally challenged people.

“They are just a little slow. They don't walk the streets or play loud music. I don't understand what the problem is," said Isaac Miller, homeowner.

So what is the big deal? We took that question to Commissioner Johnson.

"These people don't have the mental capacity to operate in an everyday environment. There could be some problems. It's been known that they wander off. We don’t know what the situation could come about. We need to make sure we are doing what we can to hinder that for both parties, for their well being and the people in the community,” said Commissioner Johnson.

But those who disagree say this is discrimination.

"We are living in the year 2008 and we need to make accommodations for people who are the most discriminated against group, people with disabilities," said Commissioner Bowles.

"People with disabilities have the right to live where they choose and be supported as they need to be," said Estelle Muherin Duncan, Serenity Behavioral Health Systems.

“Considering Brown verses Brown was 54 years ago. It seems the victims have become the aggressors," said Miller, homeowner.

NBC Augusta has learned the roommates don't live alone entirely. They receive assistance from Serenity Behavioral Health Systems, a group that helps care for the disabled.

Commissioner Johnson also wants to form a committee to take a closer look at the issue.

Click here for the article.

Click here to read comments.

United States Mint Unveils Design for First U.S. Coin with Readable Braille

July 2, 2008

WASHINGTON - United States Mint Director Ed Moy unveiled the design for the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar at the National Federation of the Blind's annual convention in Dallas, Texas, during the March for Independence on July 2, 2008.

"The United States Mint is proud to present the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar coin design. It will be the first coin ever minted in the history of our country to contain readable Braille characters," said Director Moy. "I am looking forward to presenting the design for this unprecedented coin, and I am pleased that the United States Mint is playing a role in the cause of bringing literacy to all blind and visually impaired Americans."

A prototype was displayed at the convention for the attendees to examine and experience the Braille on the coin prior to being available for purchase. (Click here for a high resolution image of the prototype reverse.)

The coin will go on sale in the spring of 2009, the bicentennial anniversary of Louis Braille's birth. (Click here for high resolution images of the obverse and reverse.)

In addition to commemorating the life and work of Louis Braille-the inventor of the Braille reading and writing system-surcharges from the sale of the coin are authorized to be paid to the National Federation of the Blind to help fund Braille literacy initiatives. Braille did not become the official method of reading and writing for the blind in the United States until the 20th century.

Previously, the Alabama commemorative quarter-dollar, one of the coins in the United States Mint's popular 50 State Quarters® Program, used Braille in the image honoring Helen Keller. The 1995 and 1996 Paralympic Silver Dollars, minted to commemorate the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, also featured Braille. The Braille on those coins was too small to be read by the visually impaired.

Besides the readable Braille on the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar, the coin has distinguishing features apparent to the visually impaired community, such as size, weight and reeded edges, as do all coins issued by the United States Mint.

Contact: Press inquiries: Genevieve Billia (202) 354-7222
Customer Service information: (800) USA MINT (872-6468)
Link to Article

Unlock the Waiting Lists! Action Alert

Right now, the Board of the Department of Human Resources is reviewing the budget.

We need your help to ensure that they do not make cuts to supports for people with disabilities.

To help, go to: http://www.unlockthewaitinglists.com/advocate.html

On Monday, the news wasn’t good for Georgia’s state revenues. Governor Sonny Perdue, struggling to deal with an expected $1.6 billion budget shortfall, has ordered agencies to cut their budgets by 6 percent for this year and has told them to offer budget proposals for midyear adjustments in January and for the year that begins next July 1 that show how they could achieve cuts of 6, 8 and 10 percent if necessary.

We must be unified in saying simply, “No Cuts to Services for People with Disabilities”

By going to http://www.unlockthewaitinglists.com/advocate.html, please let the Governor and the DHR Board know how critical these supports are for people with disabilities. Ask them to do no harm!

Georgia has over 6,160 people with developmental disabilities currently on community waiting lists. The waiting lists grow every year by 1,000 people because individuals and families fall into crisis, or caregivers pass away. Over 700 students age out of the school system every year needing supports. The multi-year funding plan called for 2,500 services last year, and we received only 500. This year the plan also calls for 2,500, and the current budget proposal includes only the 150 MRWP services we need to meet the requirement of the Money Follows Person initiative.

Unlock Mission Statement
The mission of this campaign is to reduce and/or eliminate waiting lists for the over six thousand people with disabilities and their families who need home and community-based services. To learn more, go to www.unlockthewaitinglists.com

Please forward this link on to your friends and family.

HELP CHART THE FUTURE OF THE ARC

August 18, 2008
To: State and Local Chapter Leaders
From: Peter V. Berns, Executive Director

We need your help. As you may know, The Arc of the United States' Board of Directors has a Task Force on Affiliation and Growth that is assessing the current status of the organization and mapping out plans for the future. This planning process will only be successful if we have active participation of stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

To gather input our consultants, Tom McLaughlin and Stacey Zelbow of Grant Thornton, have created a confidential online survey. The link to the survey is:

http://surveys.gt.com/arc-of-the-us-stakeholder-survey

We would like to have the survey completed by as many people as follows. So please help us by doing the following:
> Take the survey yourself by clicking on the link.
> Forward the link to all of your board members, staff, self-advocates, members, volunteers, donors and colleagues in the field. Encourage them to complete the survey as well.
>Provide assistance to individuals that may not have internet access, by providing a computer in your office that they can use to complete the survey or by completing it for them.

Thank you in advance for your help in making this planning process a success.

The Arc - Web Privacy Statement (Privacy Page)
Community - Member Email Subscriptions (Email Preferences Page)

NOTES FROM THE SENATE BY SENATOR JACK HILL, 4th DISTRICT

August 15, 2008
09 July Revenues Can't Compete With Boom 07 July Figures

If you had been studying the state revenue trend lines for the last two fiscal years you realized what a high revenue series of months, May and June, of FY07 coupled with July of FY08 were. July a year ago jumped over 10% above the previous year. So, the first month of the 09 Fiscal Year had a high hurdle and could not get there. July's revenues came in at $1.213 billion which was 6.6% under the July 07 figures. While this is certainly not the news we might have hoped for, realistically, nobody could have expected much different. This decrease amounts to $86,391,000.

The Senate Budget Office has produced a set of calculations that shows we are in pretty good shape taking in $1.213 billion for July. Basically as a percentage of the year’s budget July usually takes in, the $1.213 billion collection is pretty close to the number needed.

There is little good news inside the numbers for the month....but as some folks say, you can't tell much by one month. The weakness by individual income tax is shown by the fact that as a percentage of the total revenue for the month, individual income tax is only 46.9% where it usually accounts for 50% or more of revenues.

Sales Tax collections were down a net figure of $27 million or -5.3% for the month. Local sales tax distribution continued positive going up by $22.6 million. Again, local governments receive sales taxes from food sales and the state does not, so rising food prices favor local tax collections.

Motor fuel taxes continued the trend of last fiscal year. Excise taxes, collected by the gallon, were down by $3.6 million or -9.1% as the high cost of fuel continued to reduce driving and per gallon sales. Sales tax collections on fuel rose $3.4 million or 8.9% so the two just about net out. Unfortunately this is below the estimate needed to fund the commitment to DOT for the year.

Corporate tax collections continued a slide over the last 12 months falling by $20.5 million or -62.2%. Again one month is not telling for these type collections, but the trend is troublesome; revenues have been negative every month but one since last November. Corporate tax returns were down $3 million or -46.3% and Net Corporate Refunds were up $10 million.

All of the smaller categories of tax collections were negative as well.

Inside Sales Tax Categories

Sales tax categories continued to be negative compared to a year ago and some were double digit decreases. Utilities were up 22.4%, probably the result of rate increases and the weather. All categories of sales tax collections were down including food which dropped 21.5%, amazing considering the documented increases in many food basics. Double digit decreases showed in automotive, -11.5% and lumber, -13.5%. Other negatives included apparel at -4.4%, General Merchandise at -5.5%, and miscellaneous services -8.6%. Manufacturing may be a bright note at just about flat for the month, -0.1%.

Again, the one positive was that the state took in $1.2 billion dollars in July as we move towards a downward revised estimate of $17.292 billion for the 2009 Fiscal Year. Although the months swing up and down seasonally during the year, the state generally needs to average $1.44 billion a month to make the new revised budget.

There was a positive note, encouraging news from the Department of Economic Development last week as Commissioner Ken Stewart reported that the department helped gain 19,668 jobs in Georgia last fiscal year with $3.26 billion in new investment. He also reports that the film/movie tax credit is drawing interest and there is a double digit list of interested production companies planning to come to Georgia.

GOING TO FREEZE YOUR CREDIT SCORE? HERE'S THE INFO YOU NEED:
You can now freeze your credit report under legislation passed this past session effective August 1, 2008. Here are the addresses of the three credit reporting agencies.

Equifax Security Freeze, P. O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348, www.equifax.com 1-800-685-1111

Experian Security Freeze, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013, www.experian.com,
1-888-397-3742

TransUnion Fraud Victim Assistance Department, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, Ca 92834, www.transunion.com, 1-888-909-8872

There are exceptions that you might want read over. You can access the legislation at www.legis.state.ga.us, HB 130.

Disruptive behavior by autistic kids stirs furor

Published: 8/13/08, 4:46 PM EDT
By DAVE KOLPACK

FARGO, N.D. (AP) - When a 13-year-old Minnesota boy was banned from church after parishioners complained about his behavior, it exposed a painful truth so politically incorrect that some people feel guilty just saying it out loud: Some autistic children can be annoying and disruptive in public.

The case of Adam Race and others like him has laid bare conflicted feelings - among both parents of these children and other people - over autistic youngsters in public places. And it has stirred debate over how much consideration one side owes the other.

In the case of Adam Race, a judge agreed with a priest in Bertha, Minn., who said the 225-pound teenager was disruptive and dangerous, and upheld a restraining order barring him from services. The priest said Adam spit, wet his pants, made loud noises and nearly ran over people while bolting from the church after services.

Carol Race, Adam's mother, said the congregation's claims were exaggerated. But in a letter to the Star Tribune of Minneapolis, JoAnn Brinda of Crystal, Minn., said the Race family should have shown more consideration for others.

"I don't understand why families that have a challenged child who becomes loud and abusive remain at a service where all participants are quiet and contemplative most of the time," Brinda wrote.

Susan Duclos of Peoria, Ariz., who writes the conservative Wake Up America blog, called the Race story a "horrible situation all around."

"I have known a few people over my lifetime who have had to deal with autism with their children," Duclos said. "It's as frustrating for them as it is for the public."

Similar cases involving people with autism have played out in public recently. A California man was kicked out of a health club for screaming. A North Carolina boy was taken off a plane before takeoff after having a meltdown. A South Carolina girl was ordered out of a restaurant by the town's police chief for crying...

Click here for the complete article.

Tropic Thunder

The ARC of Georgia is taking a lead on the protests around the state for the movie.The Executive Director, Deidre O' Brien, sent us the postings from the last two days.

Partner grads Jennifer Carroll and Nina Dasher are organizing the protests in their cities. If anyone has seen the movie,or attends a protest,please let us know what happened and we'll post your comments.

It begs the question,"when is it okay to laugh at others and ourselves?" Has this movie gone too far and what needs to be done?

Tropic Thunder Boycott Update

Across the country the word is spreading that the offensive movie, Tropic Thunder, should be boycotted because of its depiction of people with developmental disabilities. The Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities and others have signed onto the letter to the producers of the film and an advertisement will be placed in the NY Times on Friday which explains our reaction to the film. There is absolutely no reason at all for Ben Stiller to have used the language that he did. The pressure upon Hollywood producers and writers will continue long after the film leaves the theaters. We know that the media is a target that needs coordinated intensive attention.

Deirdre K. O'Brien, Executive Director,
The Arc of Georgia

See previous post for Theater locations and times, and contact info.

Please click on the following links for additional information:

-ARC Updates,
-Patricia Bauer blog,
-Signs, leaflets and flyers,
-Tim Shriver's Op-Ed,
-Video.

Georgia Disability Coalition- “R” is for Respect

As many of you are aware, there is a movie, Tropic Thunder, that is debuting throughout the state on Wednesday. This movie is very troublesome because of its frequent use of the “R” word and other demeaning forms of speech regarding people with intellectual disabilities. There will be protests held in Atlanta and other cities in the state.

We ask all to be respectful and to use this time as a teachable moment. Educational leaflets will be available to give to those attending the movie.

We are asking everyone to wear red shirts to the event so our groups stand out. We have 3 theaters in Atlanta, Macon, Albany and Savannah. I have included the contact people for those areas. If you would like to organize a group to go to another theater, please contact Telli Pauling at 1-678-904-1967 or by email – pauling@thearcofgeorgia.org. We would like everyone to be there 1 hour before the movie starts.

ATLANTA

1. North Point Market- Alpharetta
United Artists Theater 7:20 PM- movie time
6500 N. Point Parkway
Jennifer Carroll 1-770-998-1703, jenniferofroswell@msn.com

2. United Artist Perimeter Pointe (Dunwoody)
8:00 PM movie time
1155 Mt. Vernon Hwy. Atlanta 30338
Eve Bogan 1-770-677-9379, ebogan@jfcs-atlanta.org

3. Midtown Arts Cinema
7:20 PM movie time
931 Monroe dr. Atlanta 30308
Kate Gainer- 1-404-657-2125, nkgainer@dhr.state.ga.us

NEWNAN

1. Regal Georgian Stadium –Newnan
7:05 Movie time
237 Newnan Crossing bypass Newnan, GA30265
Bobby Welch, The Arc of Newnan-Coweta 770-253-1189

MACON

Regal Rivergate Cinema 14
7:30 Movie Time
245 Tom Hill Sr. Blvd. Macon, GA
Andy Harrel- 1-478-477-7764, aharrell@maconarc.org

ALBANY

Carmike Wynnsong 16
7:00 & 7:15 Movie Time
2823 Nottingham Way Albany, GA
Sandy Riner 1-229-888-6852, sriner@albanygaarc.org

SAVANNAH
Regal Savannah 10
7:50 movie time
1132-34 Shawnee St.- Savannah, GA
Nina Dasher- 1-912-748-4415, Dasherdasher9@aol.com

Please contact with any questions. Thank you for your support.

Governor Perdue Announces July Revenue Figures

Monday, August 11, 2008

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that net revenue collections for the month of July 2008 (FY09) totaled $1,213,291,000 compared to $1,299,682,000 for July 2007 (FY08), a decrease of $86,391,000 or 6.6 percent.

July is the first month of Fiscal Year 2009. The percentage decrease year-to-date for FY09 compared to FY08 is 6.6 percent.

Click here for the details of July's Revenues.

The 25 second survey - CEU/Continuint Education

Would you like to get your CEU/ Continuing Education at a great price, that is convenient and has great value to you?

The DeKalb Community Service Board is doing a short study in our professional field of interest so that we may be able to assist you in the future with some of your Continuing Education Units or Annual Training at a low price. Your input is extremely valuable to us.

Please help us out with this 25 second survey so that we may be able to help you and/or your co-workers with Continuing Eduction requirements.

Please click here to complete the survey. Your input is important!

If you have any questions, please click here to email.

Thank you in advance!

Survey Request: Victims with Developmental Disabilities

The Arc of the United States is involved in a collaborative effort with the Joint Center on Violence and Victim Studies (JCVVS) and the National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) to raise awareness and provide knowledge and enhanced competence in supporting and serving crime victims with disabilities. This collaborative effort will result in the “Responding to Crime Victims with Disabilities National Conference” to be held in 2009.

To ensure that the conference presentations and workshops address pertinent and highly desired areas of training and education, we are asking you to click on the link below and fill-out an online survey. The survey will take about 10 to 15 minutes of your time. It is important that we hear from you and design the conference topics around your needs.

If you have questions about your rights as a research participant or the survey itself, you may contact Dan Petersen at the Joint Center on Violence and Victim Studies.

To take the survey, please click here.

Senate ADA Amendments Act Introduced with 57 Co-Sponsors

ADAWatch.org
National Coalition for Disability Rights
601 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 900S
Washington, DC 20004

Senators Harkin and Hatch have introduced the ADA Amendments Act - S. 3406 - with 57 original cosponsors!

While we will have to work hard to gain even more support in the Senate, ADA Watch and the National Coalition for Disability Rights (NCDR) thanks the state and local organizers and thousands of grassroots supporters who took part in our Road To Freedom bus stop events to support restoration of the ADA; signed our petition; attracted widespread media attention to the need for restoration; and utilized our ADA Restoration Action Center to send thousands of messages calling on Congress to respond to the narrowing of the ADA in the courts.

While there is more that we will have to do next year to restore the ADA, we fully support passage of the ADA Amendments Act.

The ADA Amendments Act of 2008 will restore the civil rights of people with disabilities by:

• Specifically rejecting restrictive interpretations by the Supreme Court that have reduced theprotections for people with disabilities under the ADA

• Directing that the definition of "disability" must be construed broadly, to cover anyone who is discriminated against on the basis of disability.

• Clarifying the definition of disability, to more clearly prohibit discrimination against people with physical or mental impairments.

• Prohibiting consideration of an individual's ability to mitigate the effect of a disability (e.g., by taking medications) in determining whether she is eligible for protection from discrimination.

• Covering individuals who experience discrimination based on a perception that they have an impairment regardless of whether they have a disability.

Here is the list of original co-sponsors of the Senate ADA Amendments Act:

Harkin, Hatch, Kennedy, Enzi, Specter, Obama, McCain, Dodd, Dole, Gregg, Clinton, Alexander, Johnson, Roberts, Kerry, Coleman, Feingold, Snowe, Leahy, Burr, Brown, Smith, Durbin, Murkowski, Lautenberg, Warner, Sanders, Brownback, Reed, Martinez, Mikulski, Isakson, Casey, Craig, Murray, Bennett, Landrieu, Collins, Biden, Allard, Nelson, Sununu, Cardin, Thune, Levin, Barrasso, McCaskill, Crapo, Schumer, Stevens, Salazar, Voinovich, Tester, Cochran, Reid, Luger, Chambliss.

If both of your senators are not on this list, contact them and ask them to support the ADA Amendments Act of 2008. If one or both of your senators are co-sponsors, call them and thank them for supporting the civil rights of people with disabilities.

More counties added to Champions for Children

Dear Georgia Families of Children with Exceptional Needs:
As you may be aware, the Easter Seals Georgia Coalition was awarded the grant for the Champions for Children with Exceptional Needs Initiative. Included in the Coalition are Easter Seals Southern Georgia, Easter Seals North Georgia, Easter Seals West Georgia, Easter Seals East Georgia, Easter Seals Middle Georgia and Parent to Parent of Georgia. The Champions for Children Program is funded by a $4.87 million five-year grant from The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. This grant was made possible by a one-time 2006 Georgia Legislature allocation.

The Easter Seals Georgia Coalition is pleased to announce the implementation of the Champions for Children Program in the following counties beginning August 1, 2008.
Burke
Jenkins
Candler
Lincoln
Columbia
McDuffie
Elbert
Oglethorpe
Emanuel
Putnam
Glascock
Richmond
Greene
Taliaferro
Hancock
Warren
Hart
Washington
Jefferson
Wilkes

The program is expected to be available statewide by October 1st. For more information on the Easter Seals affiliates and the counties they serve, please visit our website at www.easterseals.com.

The Champions for Children Program is designed to primarily assist children and families that no longer meet the eligibility requirements for the TEFRA/Katie Beckett Medicaid program. The program will provide direct financial assistance and support services for Georgia’s medically fragile and special needs children and their families. An Easter Seals Champions Coordinator will work directly with families to determine eligibility, identify service needs as described by the family and connect them with resources and services.

Families residing in the counties listed above may access services by calling the Easter Seals Coalition toll free number: 1-866-584-3742. A website for the Easter Seals Champions for Children’s Program is under development and is scheduled to be operational within the next 60 days. A description of the Champions for Children Program, the application for services and other information will be available on the site.

While the $500,000 in annual funding over the next five years will be a wonderful resource for families, we recognize that all needs will not be addressed. However, the Easter Seals Georgia Coalition is committed to serving the needs of children and families to the greatest extent possible using a family friendly approach.