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February 26, 2009
Social Security Disability Insurance Recipients To Get Extra $250 By Summer
Allsup explains one-time $250 bonus coming from $787 billion national stimulus package
Belleville, Ill. - Feb. 26, 2009 - Social Security Disability Insurance recipients can look forward to receiving a one-time $250 bonus payment by early summer, according to Allsup, which represents tens of thousands of people in the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) process each year. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, recently signed by President Obama, launches a $787 billion national economic stimulus package that includes the one-time $250 payments to those eligible for SSDI, Social Security retirement, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), railroad retirement benefits and U.S. veterans disability compensation or pension benefits.
"This additional income, though minimal, can help offset the rising costs for people with disabilities," said Paul Gada, personal financial planning director at Allsup. "Recipients may want to consider using it toward healthcare costs, especially if they are still in the 24-month waiting period to become eligible for Medicare benefits."
The good news is even better for couples who receive Social Security benefits-because each recipient will receive a one-time $250 payment. "That means you'll have an additional $500 in income available, which could be an important cushion," said Mr. Gada. "For example, this amount could be put toward an emergency fund."
SSDI is a federally mandated insurance program overseen by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that operates separately from the retirement and SSI programs. SSDI provides monthly benefits to individuals who are under full retirement age (age 65 or older) and who can no longer work because of a disability (injury, illness or condition) that is expected to last for at least 12 months or is terminal. Individuals must have paid FICA taxes to be eligible. More details are provided in the "SSDI Overview" on Allsup.com.
More Details On The $250 Bonus Payments
To help clarify details about the $250 bonuses to SSDI recipients, Allsup has outlined answers to common questions about the one-time payment.
Who is eligible for the $250?
Anyone who was receiving SSDI benefits anytime during the three-month time period of Nov. 1, 2008, through Jan. 31, 2009 will receive a bonus check. In addition, beneficiaries in the Social Security retirement, SSI, railroad retirement and veterans benefits programs are eligible.
What if I got my SSDI in February 2009?
Unfortunately, you will not receive the one-time $250 payment because your entitlement date was after Jan. 31, 2009.
When does the payment go out?
The Social Security Administration expects everyone who is entitled to receive their payment by late May 2009.
If I'm eligible, how do I get the payment?
You do not need to do anything. There is no paperwork required. You will receive the additional payment automatically using the same method that you receive your regular benefits (i.e. direct deposit, mailed check).
Will I get more than one $250 payment?
Recipients are only entitled to one $250 bonus. It does not matter if you are on both SSDI, SSI or other benefit programs.
My children get dependent benefits, so will they also get a $250 bonus?
No, children under age 18 (19 if still in high school) who receive Social Security benefits will not receive a bonus. However, disabled adult children will receive a payment.
If my spouse and I are both on Social Security, do we only get one $250 payment?
No, each adult receiving Social Security benefits will receive a $250 payment. This means both you and your spouse will receive payments.
Will this payment affect my taxes?
No, the one-time $250 payment will not be counted toward gross income for your federal income tax.
What if I don't get the payment?
If you don't receive a payment by June 4, 2009, the SSA recommends contacting your local Social Security office or calling (800) 772-1213 to report that your payment did not arrive.
ABOUT ALLSUP
Allsup, Belleville, Ill., is a leading nationwide provider of financial and healthcare related services to people with disabilities. Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2009, Allsup has helped more than 110,000 people receive their entitled Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare benefits. Allsup employs more than 550 professionals who deliver services directly to consumers and their families, or through their employers and long-term disability insurance carriers.
ART: For a photo of Paul Gada or company logo, visit the Allsup image library: http://www.allsup.com/About-Us/News-Room/Resources-for-Journalists/Image-Library.aspx
Contacts:
Rebecca Ray
(800) 854-1418, ext. 5065
r.ray@allsupinc.com
or
Dan Allsup, ext. 5760
djallsup@allsupinc.com
Posted by Nancy at 05:54 PM | Comments (0)
February 25, 2009
NYCLMIS Releases Review of New York City Labor Market
The New York City Labor Market Information Service (NYCLMIS) released a comprehensive review of New York City’s labor market for policymakers and providers of the city's workforce development system at Annual Jobs Outlook and Trends Forum '09 co-sponsored with the New York City Employment and Training Coalition, the New York City Workforce Investment Board (WIB), and the New York City Workforce Innovation Fund.
The report, Gauging Employment Prospects in New York City,(PDF) examines the largest employment industries according to five different criteria relevant to placing workers – employment trends, wage level trends, access for people with less than a four-year college degree, performance during previous recessions, and exposure to the financial services industries.
Posted by Nancy at 09:51 AM | Comments (0)
February 22, 2009
LSAC Discriminates Against Blind Law School Applicants National Federation of the Blind Sues Law School Admissions Council for Inaccessible Web Site and LSAT Preparation Materials
Baltimore, Maryland (February 19, 2009): The National Federation of the Blind, the nation's oldest and largest organization of blind people; its California affiliate; and a blind law school applicant, Deepa Goraya, are filing a lawsuit today against the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC). The complaint asserts that the LSAC, the body that administers the Law School Admissions Test (which most aspiring law students must take) and provides other services to law schools and law school applicants, violates the California Disabled Persons Act and the Unruh Act because its Web site (www.lsac.org) and LSAT preparation materials are inaccessible to blind law school applicants. The plaintiffs have attempted to meet with the LSAC to resolve the matter, but the LSAC canceled a planned meeting.
Blind people access Web sites on computers equipped with screen access software that converts what is on the screen into synthesized speech or Braille. The keyboard is used instead of a mouse to navigate the Web site and click on selected links or buttons. If a Web site is improperly coded, however, blind computer users cannot access the site. Blind people can also use screen readers to access certain kinds of electronic documents, including those in the popular Portable Document Format (PDF). However, if PDF files are not properly "tagged," they cannot be used by the blind. The LSAC Web site contains accessibility barriers including improperly formatted online forms, tables and charts that cannot be read by screen access software, and faulty keyboard navigation support. These access barriers make it difficult or impossible for blind people to use the Web site to register to take the LSAT, among other things. The Web site is also the only avenue for people to apply online to any law school accredited by the American Bar Association. However, blind applicants cannot submit their applications without sighted assistance because the application forms are improperly formatted. In addition, none of the LSAT practice materials, which include previously administered versions of the test that sighted people can obtain on the LSAC Web site, are available in accessible electronic formats.
Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "The Internet is extremely useful to blind people, as well as our sighted peers, when Web sites are properly formatted according to well-established guidelines; there is no good reason for any Web site offering goods and services to the public to be inaccessible to blind people. For too long, blind people have experienced barriers to entering the legal profession, despite our long history of demonstrated success in that field. The National Federation of the Blind will not sit quietly while the LSAC willfully refuses to provide the same services to blind people seeking admission to law school that it does to the sighted. The LSAC is engaging in blatant discrimination against the blind and we will not stand for it."
Deepa Goraya, a law school applicant and named plaintiff in the suit, said: "Trying to use the LSAC Web site made the experience of applying to law school a nightmare when it should have been as easy for me as for anyone else. I had to select and rely upon a reader for over fifty hours to complete my law school applications. Also, none of the practice tests available on the Web site were accessible. I want the process of gaining admission to law school to be easier for all blind people who are interested in entering this noble profession, and I hope this action will achieve that goal."
CONTACT:
Chris Danielsen
Director of Public
Relations National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
cdanielsen@nfb.org
Posted by Nancy at 06:56 PM | Comments (0)
Managing the Assistive Technology Process: The Nontech Guide for Disability Service Providers
A 4-part tuition-based series: April 21, 28, May 12, 19 all at 2 PM Eastern Presenter James Bailey, MS, Adaptive Technology Adviser, University of Oregon. (Note: this fee-based series is free to EASI Annual Webinar Members.)
EASI is experimenting with a new format in this Webinar Plus series which combines 4 90-minute live webinars, a text book and a discussion board to use between live Webinars.
This 4-part supersized Webinar series is an unusual opportunity to experience the same content as James provides in on-site 2-day seminars. It focuses on the management aspects of AT in higher education rather than the technical, and it will be especially helpful for AT or DS coordinators needing to organize and articulate their AT programs. Like other EASI events, the presentation will avoid the use of technical jargon. When that is unavoidable, the technical terms will be explained.
Those people who register by Monday April 6 will have the cost of James' book, included in the $195 cost for the Webinar series. Others will have to get the book themselves from the publisher, LRP.
Continuing Education Units: Because of the combination of weekly Webinars and outside discussions, the work involved makes the series valuable enough to be considered for earning CEUs. Anyone wanting to earn CEUs will attend the Webinars, participate in the discussion board and also will write a guided paper and pay another $85 to cover the cost of certification.
Brief series description:
- Webinar 1:
- technical accommodations for various physical disabilities and deployment options for college AT programs.
- Discussion 1:
- This module provides an understanding AT in the context of higher education.
- Webinar 2:
- accommodations for students with learning disabilities and AT training issues at the college level.
- Discussion 2:
- This module covers hiring and managing staff that range from student help to full time employees.
- Webinar 3:
- alt-text provision and accessibility issues with the web in higher education.
- Discussion 3:
- advice on developing a mutually beneficial relationship with your campus Information Technology (IT) group.
- Webinar 4:
- the law and AT and the creation of a college AT management plan.
You can read more Webinar details, learn about the potential to earn CEUs and register online at: http://www.easi.cc/forms/bailey.htm
You can read more about other future Webinars at:http://www.easi.cc/clinic.htm
You can read the syllabi for EASI courses at: http://www.easi.cc/workshop.htm
Posted by Nancy at 05:16 PM | Comments (0)
An Interactive Workshop for Disability Advocates: NYC
The Changing Face of Benefits
The NYC Tax and Benefits Disability Coalition is organizing a workshop for advocates who serve people with disabilities. They will share up-top-date information on benefits and tax credits so the advocates can help their clients obtain extra supports.
- Special Guest Speaker:
- Sharon Brent, National Disability Institute
- Date:
- Wednesday, March 4, 2009
- Time:
- 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
- Location:
- U.S. Federal Building, 290 Broadway
(at Duane Street) 30th floor, Conference Room #2
New York, NY 10007
- Transportation:
- 4,5,6,R,W to City Hall/Brooklyn Bridge or 2,3,A,C,J,M to Chambers St.
- Steering Committee:
- Brooklyn Center for the Independence of the Disabled, Children’s
Defense Fund – New York, Easter Seals NY, Goodwill Industries of Greater New York
and Northern New Jersey, Harlem Independent Living Center, HHS – Connect, Internal
Revenue Service, National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions, New
York/Staten Island WORKS (WIPA) Project, Seedco, Taxpayer Advocate Services, U.S.
Department of Veteran Affairs New York Regional Office, VISIONS/Services for the
Blind and Visually Impaired
Please allow extra time to pass through building security.
Light refreshments will be provided.
RSVP to nycdisabilitycoalition@gmail.com.
Space is limited.
For special accommodations, please call
(212)697-2323 x206 or email nycdisabilitycoalition@gmail.com
by Friday, February 27th.
Learn about:
- SSI and SSDI eligibility;
- Medicaid, Medicare and Medicaid Waivers;
- Work Incentives;
- Individual Development Accounts (IDAs);
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC);
- And more!
Don’t miss the most up-to-date information on tax credits and benefits for your
clients.
Posted by Nancy at 04:26 PM | Comments (0)
ECONOMIC STIMULUS BILL BENEFITS PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
TAMPA, FL - February 20, 2009: People with disabilities scored a major victory in the economic stimulus package signed by President Barack Obama this week. Businesses owned by people with disabilities are to be given consideration in stimulus contracts issued by the Secretary of the Treasury. The action is the direct result of efforts by Enable America, a non-profit organization based in Tampa that is dedicated to increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
"For the first time persons with disabilities have been especially included in a bill of this magnitude," said Richard J. Salem, founder and CEO of Enable America. "It is an extraordinary development, and we applaud the Congress for the recognition given to the importance of persons with disabilities in the workplace as a part of diversity programs and the need for self-sufficiency and independence."
Initial drafts of the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act required that women and minority owned businesses be given consideration when stimulus contracts are awarded, but contained no mention of businesses owned and operated by people with disabilities. Iowa Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) worked with Enable America and submitted the language that was ultimately included in the legislation. The provision is designed to aid a segment of the workforce that has an employment rate far lower than that of the general population. According to Cornell University's 2007 Disability Status Report, only 37% of people with disabilities are employed as opposed to 80% of people without a disability. In all, there are more than 9 million Americans with disabilities who are able and want to work, but do not.
"Employers have discovered that people with disabilities strengthen their workforce," said Enable America Executive Director Susan Wood. "They are skilled and efficient, and that ultimately improves the bottom line. In addition, by including people with disabilities in their hiring plans, employers create a workforce that resembles the communities where they do business. These benefits, combined with the direction provided in the stimulus bill, should encourage more employers to hire people with disabilities. It just makes good business sense." Enable America was founded by Salem in 2002. It is the first organization dedicated solely to increasing employment among people with disabilities. For more information, contact Enable America at www.enableamerica.org.
For more information contact: Chris Jadick, V.P. Communications, Public Relations and Strategic Development
Chris.Jadick@EnableAmerica.org
(813) 222-3204
Posted by Nancy at 04:18 PM | Comments (0)
February 18, 2009
Vice President Joe Biden Announces Kareem Dale As Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy
First Time a President has had a Special Assistant Focused Exclusively on Disability Policy
BOISE, ID – Vice President Joe Biden announced Kareem Dale as Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy. The Vice President, who was leading a Presidential Delegation at the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho, made the announcement during a stop at the Special Olympics’ Healthy Athletes Event, a worldwide program in which athletes receive a variety of health screenings and services.
"The commitment that the President and I have to Special Olympics and people with disabilities is deep and abiding. And we are backing up those words with real action at the White House," said Vice President Biden. "This is our first step to ensure that we have a strong advocate for people with disabilities at the highest levels of our Administration."
Dale, who is partially blind, will have direct access to the President in this role and he will coordinate the Administration’s efforts to see that people with disabilities are on a level playing field with all Americans.
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Dale previously served as the National Disability Director for the Obama for America campaign. He also served on the Arts Policy Committee and the Disability Policy Committee for then-Senator Obama.
Dale graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a Bachelor's degree in Advertising in May 1995. He received his JD/MBA in May 1999 from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, graduating Cum Laude. While attending law school, Dale was also active in community service, including serving as president of two organizations, the Black Law Students' Association and Open Forum.
Source:
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Vice President
________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2009
Posted by Nancy at 09:37 AM | Comments (0)
February 17, 2009
Register Now for April 2, 2009 - - 2nd Annual Conference on Policy and Practice: NYC
Changing Vision, Changing Lives, 2nd Annual Conference on Policy and Practice
Where: Baruch College Conference Center
55 Lexington Avenue (at 24th Street)
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Registration: Online or by phone.
Cost: Free admission including lunch and refreshments
Sponsored by: Computer Center for Visually Impaired People at Baruch College & Baruch’s School of Public Affairs
Posted by Nancy at 10:44 AM | Comments (0)
February 12, 2009
Social Security's Online Services Continue to Win Accolades
Agency Sweeps Top Three Spots in National Survey
The Social Security Administration’s online services have earned the highest overall score in the most recent e-Government Satisfaction Index. The Index, which is administered by ForeSee Results in conjunction with the University of Michigan's American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), also gave three of SSA’s applications the highest scores in government. In a separate survey, Nextgov, a website devoted to technology and the federal government, listed www.socialsecurity.gov as one of the top five federal websites in its review of best online practices.
"We are committed to providing the best online services in government, and these accolades are proof that the public appreciates our efforts," said Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security. "Whether it’s our Retirement Estimator or our online benefit applications, Social Security is continuing to offer new and improved eServices."
The ACSI shows that public satisfaction with government websites has never been higher, and Social Security’s website is a major factor in that success. While the federal government’s overall average score is 74 out of 100, SSA’s overall score was 79, the highest in the federal government. SSA’s Retirement Estimator scored an 89. The online retirement applicationand the online Medicare Extra Help application each scored 87.
In recognizing the SSA homepage, Nextgov consulted web experts in government and academia and also did its own research and web browsing. Its report noted that Social Security "paid careful attention to what their users wanted to see and do online. With its applications consistently besting the top performers in the ACSI quarterly surveys, it’s clear the Social Security Administration is doing something right with its Web site."
"The secret to socialsecurity.gov’s popularity is its intense process for testing applications with real users before launching," Nextgov’s report continued. "Members of the SSA customer satisfaction team continuously evaluate feedback they receive on their applications and conduct user testing before launching applications."
Finally, Nextgov noted that "information is categorized under easy-to-understand section headers. From a business standpoint, the simplicity of socialsecurity.gov is a smart move."
For more information about the ACSI, please go to www.theacsi.org, click on "Scores and Commentary," and then go to "Government Satisfaction Scores."
For more information about Nextgov’s report on Social Security, please go to www.nextgov.com/nextgov/bestpractices.php and click on "SSA."
Everett Lo
Social Security Administration
New York Regional Public Affairs
For up-to-date information on Social Security's Programs and Benefits, visit www.socialsecurity.gov.
Posted by Nancy at 03:19 PM | Comments (0)
U.S. Labor Department to begin new monthly data series on people with disabilities from Current Population Survey
Data will mark 1st official measure of unemployment rate facing Americans with disabilities
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor will, for the first time, release employment and unemployment data on people with disabilities on Friday, Feb. 6. This information will assist the nation in understanding how changing labor market conditions affect Americans with disabilities. Although it is widely believed that this group typically faces a higher rate of unemployment than individuals without disabilities, official estimates were not available until now.
"Now that so many Americans are suffering job losses, there is a tremendous amount of attention being paid to employment problems and solutions affecting the general population. Americans with disabilities typically experience similar employment difficulties — even when there is a robust economy. The economic downturn may just exacerbate their struggle. These data will go far toward efforts to increase the employment of people with disabilities," said John Davey, deputy assistant secretary for the department's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).
ODEP is sponsoring the collection of these data by the department's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) using the Current Population Survey (CPS), which provides comprehensive information on the employment status of the civilian, non-institutional population 16 years of age and older. Six disability questions have been added to the CPS to satisfy a requirement specified in Executive Order 13078, signed by President Bill Clinton, to measure the employment status of people with disabilities on a timely basis.
Beginning Feb. 6 at about 8:30 a.m. EST, BLS and ODEP will publish on their Web sites — at www.bls.gov/cps/cpsdisability.htm and www.dol.gov/odep, respectively — data on individuals with disabilities. The disability data to be released on this date will cover October 2008 through January 2009. Thereafter, the data will be updated monthly.
ODEP is leading a 21st century federal response to the historic underemployment of people with disabilities. In collaboration with other government agencies, public and private employers, and additional stakeholders, ODEP facilitates the development and implementation of innovative policies and practices necessary to achieve a fully inclusive workplace. ODEP's work primarily falls into three categories: employers and the workplace; workforce systems; and employment-related supports, which include education and training, health care, reliable transportation, affordable housing and assistive technology.
ODEP News Release: [02/5/2009]
Contact Name: Bennett Gamble or Gary Steinberg
Phone Number: (202) 693-4667 or (202) 691-5902
Release Number: 09-0133-NAT
Posted by Nancy at 09:01 AM | Comments (0)
February 08, 2009
Blind Persons Return to Work Act of 2009 Introduced by Congressman Lewis
Washington, D.C. (February 8, 2009): Congressman John Lewis (D-GA) has introduced legislation designed to help blind persons receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to return to work. The Blind Persons Return to Work Act of 2009 (H.R. 886), will eliminate penalties that prevent blind persons from reentering the workforce and will facilitate their transition to employment.
Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, which has long advocated this change in policy, said: "This proposal will allow thousands of blind people to rejoin the workforce and become productive, tax-paying citizens. Many blind people are understandably reluctant to take entry-level jobs because they are penalized by an immediate loss of SSDI benefits, and their work income rarely compensates for that loss. This legislation will allow blind persons to make a smooth transition from dependence to opportunity. We will work with Congressman Lewis to ensure the swift passage of this landmark legislation."
Congressman Lewis said: "Americans who are blind deserve the same opportunities as all other Americans. Their blindness does not prevent them from making valuable contributions to our society, as evidenced by the many successful blind people I have personally met over the years. The gifts and opportunities of these citizens should not be hindered by policies that discourage them from entering the workforce. That is why I am proud to stand with my blind brothers and sisters and introduce this much-needed legislation."
About the National Federation of the Blind
With more than 50,000 members, the National Federation of the Blind is the largest and most influential membership organization of blind people in the United States. The NFB improves blind people's lives through advocacy, education, research, technology, and programs encouraging independence and self-confidence. It is the leading force in the blindness field today and the voice of the nation's blind. In January 2004 the NFB opened the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute, the first research and training center in the United States for the blind led by the blind.
CONTACT:
Christopher Danielsen
Director of Public Relations
National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
Posted by Nancy at 07:10 PM | Comments (0)
February 05, 2009
Commissioner Astrue Asks Governors to Exempt State Disability Determination Service Employees from Hiring Restrictions
Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, in a letter today to Governor Edward G. Rendell, Chair of the National Governors Association, urged states to exempt their Disability Determination Services (DDSs) from hiring restrictions and furloughs. The DDSs are state agencies that make medical determinations for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability claims.
"I am compelled to write to you to express my grave concern over the hiring restrictions and furloughs that some states are employing," Commissioner Astrue said. "Each month, SSA provides over $11 billion in Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income benefits to more than 12.1 million citizens across the nation. We could not provide these vital benefits to some of the most vulnerable people in our society without the DDSs’ work."
Social Security funds 100 percent of DDS employees’ salaries as well as overhead -- about $2 billion nationwide this year. These funds cannot be used by the states for any other purpose, so states do not save money by cutting employees in DDSs – they only slow getting benefits to the disabled. Nevertheless, many governors are imposing across-the-board hiring freezes or furloughs that also affect DDS employees.
States receive significant benefits from the operation of the DDSs. The faster SSA approves claims for benefits, the sooner many disability applicants move from state to federal support. In addition, the salaries for DDS employees funded by SSA reduce unemployment levels in the states.
Contact Information
Mark Lassiter
Press Officer
SSA Press Office
440 Altmeyer Building
6401 Security Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21235
410-965-8904
FAX 410-966-9973
press.office@ssa.gov
Posted by Nancy at 09:37 AM | Comments (0)
February 03, 2009
In memory of Pat Price
February 3, 2009 - The Accessible World News Wire announced the passing of our beloved friend and Founder, Pat Price. She died on Sunday February 1, 2009.
There will be a memorial on Monday February 9, 2009, in the Tek Talk Room of AccessibleWorld.org to celebrate Pat's life.
It shall begin promptly at 8 pm Eastern time, 5 pm pacific time.
The program shall include words from the numerous friends of Pat. However, all present will have the opportunity to say a few words.
Pat is no longer in pain for she is in a better place, but we shall miss her terribly.
Direct Link to Tek Talk Conference Room below:
http://conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rsc9613dc89eb2
Or, alternatively,
http://www.accessibleworld.org
Select the Tek Talk Room, enter your first and last name on the sign-in screen.
If you are a first-time user of the Talking Communities online conferencing software, there is a small, safe software program that you need to download and then run. A link to the software is available on every entry screen to the Accessible World online rooms.
Robert Acosta
Accessible World Events Coordinator
818-998-0044
boacosta@pacbell.net
George Buys
CEO.
Talking Communities
buys@talkingcommunities.com
Posted by Nancy at 11:28 PM | Comments (0)
Wal-Mart Foundation to Sponsor Web Site for Exchange of Braille Reading Materials
Baltimore, Maryland (February 2, 2009): The National Federation of the Blind, the oldest and largest organization of blind people in the United States and the country's leading advocate for Braille literacy, and the Wal-Mart Foundation are partnering to bring Braille reading materials to those who need them. The Wal-Mart Foundation is sponsoring NFB ShareBraille, a Web site to facilitate the exchange of Braille books through a community-run library. NFB ShareBraille will help connect those who want Braille with those who want to give Braille away, thus increasing the life of Braille materials.
Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "There are many contributing factors to the decline in Braille literacy among the nation's blind children and adults, but access to Braille reading materials is one such factor. That is why the National Federation of the Blind has launched NFB ShareBraille to help students, professionals, and avid readers find the Braille materials they need for enlightenment, productivity, and success. We deeply appreciate the Wal-Mart Foundation sponsoring this important effort."
Crosby Cromwell, manager of disability markets for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., said: "Literacy is critically important to a fulfilling and productive life, and this is no less true for the blind than it is for anyone else. That is why we are proud to work with the National Federation of the Blind to increase the availability of Braille books and to support literacy for all blind Americans."
NFB ShareBraille is part of the NFB's Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, a national initiative to promote the importance of reading and writing Braille for blind children and adults. One of the campaign goals is to make Braille resources more available through online sharing of materials, enhanced production methods, and improved distribution. NFB ShareBraille is designed to help in meeting this goal by encouraging blind people to trade Braille books and build their personal libraries. Frequently, Braille materials in good condition are discarded because a new home for the materials cannot be found. NFB ShareBraille now offers a way for a community to close that gap and keep Braille reading materials circulating.
The Braille Readers are Leaders campaign kicked off in July of 2008 with the unveiling of the design of a commemorative coin to be minted in 2009 in recognition of the two-hundredth anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille. The coin, which will feature the word "Braille" written in tactile Braille, will be released on March 26, 2009. The Wal-Mart Foundation plans to support other aspects of the Braille Readers are Leaders campaign in addition to sponsoring NFB ShareBraille. For more information about the campaign, please visit www.braille.org.
Contact:
Chris Danielsen Director of Public Relations National Federation of the Blind (410) 659-9314, extension 2330 (410) 262-1281 (Cell) cdanielsen@nfb.org
Posted by Nancy at 11:26 PM | Comments (0)
Braille Essay Contest will Encourage Braille Usage
Baltimore, Maryland (February 3, 2009): The National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the oldest and largest organization of blind people in the United States, will administer the Onkyo Braille Literacy Essay Contest in the U.S. on behalf of the North American-Caribbean Region of the World Blind Union. The essay contest, sponsored by Onkyo Corporation, a Japanese consumer electronics manufacturer, and the Braille Mainichi, part of the Mainichi Newspaper Company in Japan, was created to promote Braille literacy and to encourage the sharing of social and cultural information among blind and visually impaired persons. Blind or visually impaired persons in the United States or Canada are eligible to apply.
The essays must be written in Braille and must pertain either to how the individual gains knowledge or independence through Braille or to an individual concept about world peace from the viewpoint of persons with disabilities. There will be two groups of competitors: a junior category for persons up to age twenty-five and a senior category for persons over age twenty-six. Four cash prizes will be awarded at the end of the contest.
Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind, said: "We are very pleased to be a part of this important contest. There can be no doubt that the ability to read and write Braille competently and efficiently is the key to education, employment, and success for the blind. Despite the undisputed value of Braille, however, only about 10 percent of blind children in the United States are learning it. This contest will not only be a fun way for blind and visually-impaired persons to demonstrate the impact Braille has had on their lives but will also raise awareness of the importance of Braille literacy in every day applications."
Administering the Onkyo Braille Literacy Essay Contest in the United States is a facet of the National Federation of the Blind's "Braille Readers are Leaders" campaign, a national initiative to promote the importance of reading and writing Braille for blind children and adults. The Braille Readers are Leaders campaign kicked off in July of 2008 with the unveiling of the design of a commemorative coin to be minted in 2009 in recognition of the two-hundredth anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille (1809-1852), the inventor of the reading and writing code for the blind that bears his name.
The contest begins on February 1, 2009, and ends on April 30, 2009. All entries must be received by April 30.
For more information about the Onkyo Braille Literacy Essay Contest, including application information, please contact Trisha Tatam by phone at (410) 659-9314, ext. 2510 or by e-mail at ttatam@nfb.org. For more about the National Federation of the Blind's Braille Readers are Leaders campaign, please visit www.braille.org
CONTACT:
Christopher S. Danielsen
Director of Public Relations
National Federation of the Blind
(410) 659-9314, extension 2330
(410) 262-1281 (Cell)
cdanielsen@nfb.org
Posted by Nancy at 11:22 PM | Comments (0)
February 01, 2009
US Business Leadership Network Commends President Obamas Disability Agenda
WASHINGTON, DC - The US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) today commended the disability agenda released by President Barack Obama.
"As the only national business organization promoting the inclusion of Americans with disabilities in the workforce and marketplace, the USBLN stands ready to work with President Obama to implement his disability agenda," said John D. Kemp, Executive Director & General Counsel of the USBLN. "Whether it is embracing the U.N. Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, or fully integrating people with disabilities into their communities here at home, President Obama?s support is essential to fulfilling the promise that all men and womn are created equal."
The disability agenda addresses all facets of community life, including educational opportunities, ending discrimination and promoting opportunities, increasing employment and supporting community-based living. To learn more about President Obama's disability agenda, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/disabilities/.
During the presidential campaign, then candidate Obama said: "We must build a world free of unnecessary barriers, stereotypes, and discrimination.... policies must be developed, attitudes must be shaped, and buildings and organizations must be designed to ensure that everyone has a chance to get the education they need and live independently as full citizens in their communities."
The USBLN® is the only national business organization currently representing BLN chapters in 32 states - including the District of Columbia - and more than 5000 employers using a ?business to business? strategy to promote the business imperative of including people with disabilities in the workforce and marketplace.
Posted by Nancy at 05:18 PM | Comments (0)