City of Chicago Announces Centralized Taxicab Dispatch Service for Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicles contract awarded

from a Press Release | Feb 22, 2016
City of Chicago

Move will ensure more reliable and dependable taxi service for Chicago’s disability community

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection today announced the Open Doors Organization has won the competitive bidding process to provide centralized wheelchair-accessible taxicab dispatch service to passengers across Chicago. The move further improves services for people with disabilities increasing safe and reliable transportation options for people who use wheelchairs.

“Reliable transportation options for our residents, especially for residents with disabilities, is not only a priority, it’s our responsibility,” Mayor Emanuel said. “Having dependable service is a benefit to our residents and to the millions of visitors that make Chicago the great city it is today.”

The Open Doors Organization was selected from a group of five vendors through a competitive bidding process initiated in May 2015. The evaluation committee gave the company the highest score for its ability to connect passengers with wheelchair-accessible taxicabs with a smartphone app that will include key features such as estimated wait time and an estimated fare quote. The Open Taxis app is available to download from both the Apple App Store for IOS users and Google Play App Store for Android users.

Mayor Emanuel’s taxi reforms have nearly doubled the number of wheelchair-accessible vehicles on the road today. The reforms will add 100 more wheelchair-accessible taxicabs by the end of 2016, which supplements and expedites a mandate that requires nearly 400 wheelchair-accessible taxicabs in Chicago by January 1, 2018. To support the mandate, the city has created an accessibility fund that is supported by regular payments for rides offered by non-wheelchair-accessible taxicabs and transportation network vehicles (a.k.a. rideshares) to create accessible transportation options.

“The centralized dispatch of WAVs is the most efficient and reliable way to get accessible taxi vehicles to serve people who use wheelchairs,” said BACP Commissioner Maria Guerra Lapacek. “We will work closely with Open Doors to maximize services to residents with disabilities.”

Open Doors Organization is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Chicago that was founded in 2000 for the purpose of creating a society in which all persons with disabilities have the same consumer opportunities as everyone, whether it involves access to businesses or accessible transportation. The company is committed to providing educational seminars and diversity programs on accessibility and disability to the taxicab industry. The company’s services are designed improve quality-of-life for individuals with disabilities while opening doors to businesses and society.

"Open Taxis is extremely proud to represent the city of Chicago and contribute to the advancement in technology and customer service in accessible transportation. It is our goal to continue to strive in making Chicago an example for the world on how to supply sufficient and cost effective accessible transportation,” Eric Lipp, Founder and Executive Director of the Open Doors Organization said. 

“Open Taxis is committed to continuing to provide wheelchair accessible taxis while offer the entire city safe, reliable and timely accessible transportation."

“Accessible taxis are critical to the transportation network for Chicagoans with disabilities,” said Karen Tamley, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities.

“The Central WAV Taxicab Dispatch is a great thing for Chicago and the disability community. It will improve taxi service and make it easier to hail a cab, or reserve one for a later time. It will be wonderful to be able to select the cab from the map on your cell, with no need to call or text, and know which taxi cab will be coming,” said Maureen Reagan, President of MRA Architects and frequent user of WAVs.”

All wheelchair-accessible taxicab drivers can be requested via the Open Taxis app or by calling #855-WAV-1010. The Open Doors Organization will operate in conjunction with the City of Chicago CHICABS program, which houses all approved universal taxi app providers. Learn more about the CHICABS program at www.chicabs.org.

BACP oversees the licensing of Chicago’s public chauffeurs and public vehicles including taxicabs, liveries, charter and site seeing buses, horse-drawn carriages, ambulances, water taxis and tour boats. The department also oversees the purchasing of taxicab medallions, vehicle inspections and rates of fare. Learn more about BACP’s Public Vehicle Operations at www.cityofchicago.org/BACP.

http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/mopd/provdrs/transportation/news/2016/february/OPEN_DOORS_ORGANIZATION_TO_PROVIDE_CENTRALIZED_TAXICAB_DISPATCH_SERVICE.html###

# we also want to clarify that the amount amount of accessible taxis mentioned in press release will not be available 24 hours a day.

Navigating Chicago's Public Transit System's in a Wheelchair | The Transit Diaries

The Chicago Redeye recently published a nice article that helps to spotlight that while the Chicago area public transit systems are accessible. The stations, and terminals that serve the public transit systems still are not 100 % accessible, still 25 years after the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

Jackie Quinn, a 21-year-old Northwestern University student.

 (photo: Jackie Quinn)

article by Rianne Coale for the Chicago Redeye | Feb 12. 2016

For many, walking up dozens of steps to reach a platform or standing on a crowded train or bus can feel like a nuisance, but part of the commuting experience. For those like 21-year-old Northwestern University student Jackie Quinn, who uses a motorized wheelchair to get around, navigating the CTA and Metra can be a tiresome and often frustrating process.

Not every CTA or Metra station is handicapped accessible, and that often limits where Quinn can go—at least using public transportation—across the city. She said she hasn't taken Metra because of its lack of accessibility, even if it's distance-wise the most convenient option. The Metra station closest to her job isn't accessible.

“I guess I don’t even think of going places because I know it’s going to be a big project—having to look up whether a stop is accessible or not and plan around that,” Quinn said. “It’s limiting when I know there are certain places that will take me an extra long time to get to, so on a lot of occasions, it doesn’t even feel worth it to go.”

Quinn was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy when she was a baby, limiting the use of her muscles; she uses a motorized wheelchair.

A senior majoring in radio/television/film, she has to travel from her off-campus apartment in Evanston to Lincoln Park once or twice a week to get to her internship at Cards Against Humanity.

“If I have to take the CTA for my job, I would get on at the Davis Purple Line stop and take it to Fullerton and then take a bus for the other remaining mile,” Quinn said. “But it’s really difficult for me to navigate the CTA by myself because I can’t press the buttons to go up elevators or even press a button to tell the train operator to stop and get the ramp out for me to get off.”

So to avoid the hassle, Quinn takes a Pace accessible taxi to her job, often spending $30-$40 each way. She spends close to $100, if not more, each week to get to work, a staggering difference compared with the standard one-way $2.25 CTA or $5 Metra fare.

"Chicago's [public] transit has allowed me to be able to get to work and be a somewhat-independent adult, which I'm very grateful for, but the obstacles that I still face are costly," Quinn said. "I put more time, money and effort into getting around than an abled-body Chicagoan. I'm not allowed any spontaneity when planning my transportation, and that can be very discouraging."

Out of the CTA’s 145 rail stations, 100 (almost 69 percent) have elevators and ramps that are compliant with federal Americans With Disability Act access guidelines.

“Some of the challenges we face are due to the CTA’s aging infrastructure, but in comparison to other systems, we are ahead of the pack as far as making the system fully accessible,” CTA spokesman Jeff Tolman said.

CTA announced last month a program that will establish a blueprint to make the entire rail system fully accessible over the next 20 years as a way to show their commitment to accessibility.

All of CTA's buses and rail cars are accessible to people with disabilities and are designed to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices, according to the agency's website.

Metra’s station accessibility numbers are roughly the same as CTA’s with 173 fully accessible stops (almost 72 percent) out of its 241 total. Metra spokesman Michael Gillis said the agency will make a stop accessible, if it isn't already, any time major work or renovations are being done at that station.

In the meantime, Quinn said CTA operators and fellow passengers often pitch in to help her out, from pressing elevator buttons and making sure she gets on OK to locking in her wheelchair in the priority seating area.

“I really think they should focus on making sure every stop is accessible,” Quinn said of CTA and Metra. “They’ve started changing some of the stops to have an automatic ramp pull out, which is really nice, so I hope that happens for the rest of the trains.”

http://www.redeyechicago.com/opinion/redeye-navigating-public-transit-in-a-wheelchair-transit-diaries-20160211-column.html

Help Caregivers Today! Contact U.S. Congress to renew "The Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2015" (HR 3913)

Easter Seals is reaching out in Support for our caregiver's, Please Urge your U.S. Representative to support the Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2015 (HR 3913)!

Being a caregiver can be enormously rewarding -- but it can be physically and emotionally draining as well. That's why it's important for caregivers to seek occasional respite from their responsibilities. Whether it's for a few hours a week to run errands or a few weeks a year to take a much-needed vacation, respite care lets caregivers maintain their own health, bolster family stability, keep marriages intact, and avoid or delay more costly nursing home or foster care placements.

In 2006, Congress passed legislation to coordinate and enhance respite services for people of all ages and disabilities. Since 2009, funding has helped people in 33 states get access to and information about respite services.

It is time for Congress to renew this small but important program. Rep. Jim Langevin (D-R.I.) and Rep. Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) have introduced "The Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2015" (HR 3913).

• Please contact your Representative and ask them to support caregivers across the country by co-sponsoring HR 3913. You may also use this form to thank co-sponsors.

Thank you for your on-going support and advocacy on behalf of persons with disabilities, their families, and caregivers.

Sincerely,Katy Beh Neas
Executive Vice President, Public Affairs

Easter Seals 

Have a Disability? 10 Things to Know before Traveling

Some more great information published at Disability.gov from the Febuary 2016 Newsletter:

1. Flying the Friendly Skies. Whether it’s for an important business trip or your next family vacation, here’s what you need to know to ensure a smooth flight. The Air Carrier Access Act requires that all domestic and international flights with a U.S. destination or departure point provide certain free accommodations to people with disabilities. Fliers with disabilities aren’t required to travel with another person (unless it’s for safety reasons) or notify an airline about their disability. For more information about your rights as an air passenger with a disability, read the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) air travelers with disabilities There are also guides specifically forpassengers with developmental disabilities and those who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids. All passengers, including those with disabilities, must be screened by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers. If you have questions or concerns about the process, contact TSA Cares by email or phone at 1-855-787-2227, or speak with a TSA officer beforehand. You may want to provide the officer with a TSA disability notification card or other medical documentation to describe your condition. If you experience disability-related air travel service problems, call DOT’s Air Travelers with Disabilities hotline at 1-800-778-4838 (TTY: 1-800-455-9880) or file a complaint online.

2. Public Transportation. Public transportation is crucial for people with disabilities to have access to employment, education, health care and activities in their community. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protect people with disabilities from discrimination in public transportation services and facilities. The ADA also requires public transit agencies to provide free paratransitservices (also called “dial-a-ride”) for people who cannot use regular (“fixed-route”) services because of a disability. Your public transportation provider may provide “travel training” programs to help you learn your way around the system. Check with your local public transportation provider for information about paratransit services in your area. Other transportation choices include accessible taxis or “share-a-ride” programs that use volunteer drivers. If you’ve experience problems with using public transportation services or facilities, call the Federal Transit Administration’s ADA Assistance Line at 1-888-446-4511 or email ADAAssistance@dot.gov. You can also file a complaintonline. Visit Disability.gov’s Guide to Transportation or download Easter Seal’s “Everyday Travel Guide” to find tips for public transportation riders with disabilities. For more information about transportation services and reduced fare programs for people with disabilities and seniors, visit the American Public Transportation Association or call the National Transit Hotline at 1-800-527-8279.

3. Riding the Rails. Railway transit can be a convenient, fast and cost-effective option for many people. For people with disabilities, there are some important things to know when traveling by train. First, you may be eligible for certain discounts. Also, if you need an accommodation while in a train station or on a train, you should contact your rail carrier before your trip to let them know. Amtrak offers information for people who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices, portable oxygen equipment or service animals. It’s important to remember that rail providers may have different rules for emotional support animals and pets than for service animals.

4. Winter Weather Travel. When winter storms hit, it’s important to put safety first, which means travel plans may need to be cancelled or postponed. As winter weather approaches, think of SNOW: “Stay off the roads, Not Out in the Weather.” However, even in the midst of the coldest winter weather, some travel must go on. If driving somewhere in the cold or snow, plan ahead by preparing your car for winter weather. Be sure to follow thesewinter driving tips, including keeping the gasoline tank at least half full at all times to avoid gas-line freeze up, and driving slowly during inclement weather. In case of an emergency while driving, be sure to keep a winter emergency kit in your car with items including a flashlight, food, water and warm clothing. Public transportation is often still an option during winter weather, but be careful when taking a train or a bus by following safety guidelines and dressing warmly. If you’re planning to travel by air during winter weather, check for flight delays or cancellations and take the proper steps in the event that a flight is cancelled.

5. Adaptive Driving and Vehicle Modifications. Learning to drive, or re-learning after a disability or injury, can mean greater independence. You might take an adapted driver training course with a driver rehabilitation specialist or add specialized equipment to your vehicle. The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists’ (ADED) fact sheets explain how types of disabilities or health conditions may affect a person’s ability to drive and what changes can be made. Use ADED’s Driver Rehabilitation Provider and Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialistsearch tools to find nearby adaptive driving programs. Check out United Spinal Association’s adaptive driving guide for information on driver training programs, adapting a vehicle and paying for vehicle modifications. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also has a helpful guide to Adapting Motor Vehicles for People with Disabilities. Find a dealership for adapted vehicles with ADED’s Mobility Equipment Dealer search tool. When it’s time to purchase an adapted vehicle or pay for modifications, many options for financial assistance are available. State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies may help fund certain modifications if they’re necessary for the driver to get to work. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Automobile and Special Adaptive Equipment Grants help Veterans with certain service-connected disabilities buy an adapted vehicle or modify one. You may also wish to check with your state’s Assistive Technology Reuse program to see if they have adaptive equipment that works for you. For more information, read these tips on funding vehicle modificationsor visit the Vehicle Modifications section of Disability.gov’s Guide to Transportation.

6. Organizations That Can Help. Easter Seals Project ACTION (Accessible Community Transportation in Our Nation) is a program run by Easter Seals and the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration. Project ACTION promotes access to transportation for people with disabilities, and provides a resource library on accessible transportation topics. Travelers with disabilities can get information on how to find and use accessible transportation, and transportation providers can get guidance on legal requirements and best practices to accommodate riders with disabilities. Recently, Easter Seals and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging created the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC), which will promote transportation options for seniors, people with disabilities, caregivers and communities through technical assistance, information and referral and community grants. The NADTC website is currently under construction, but you can visit their Facebook page and Twitter feed or call 1-866-983-3222 to learn more.

7. Pedestrian Safety. Sidewalks and street crossings can be challenging for pedestrians with disabilities, especially when obstacles like illegally parked cars are in the way. During the winter, snow banks add to the problem, sometimes blocking ramps and curb cuts and forcing pedestrians with disabilities into the street. These barriers make it difficult and even unsafe for people to get around. The U.S. Access Board is developing guidelines for “public rights-of-way” that address issues related to accessible signals for pedestrians who are blind, parkingfor people with physical disabilities and accessibility of streets and sidewalks. The Federal Highway Administration’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program offers a guide on how to design accessible sidewalks and trails. Accessible Design for the Blind works to make travel safer for pedestrians with visual disabilities by providing information on travel training and detectable warnings. Read “A Safety Guide for Pedestrians with Disabilities” and use mobile apps like AXS Map to find accessible routes in your area. Learn how to make your community safer for all pedestrians at America Walks. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Civic Accessworks to ensure that all counties, cities, towns and villages comply with accessibility requirements of the ADA. You can report pedestrian accessibility issues in your area by filing an ADA complaint.

8. Help Paying for Transportation. Paying for transportation can be difficult on a fixed income. Programs such as Charity Motors, Ways to Work and Working Cars for Working Families help low-income individuals and families buy a car or pay for automobile repairs. Many of them are state-based, so contact your local Independent Living Center (ILC) to find nearby help. Paratransit is also a good option for people who cannot use “fixed route” public transportation services because of a disability. Check with your local public transportation provider to find paratransit services in your area. Some local organizations offer free or low cost transportation programs that help people with disabilities and seniors get to doctor’s appointments, grocery stores and community events. Check with your local ILC, Aging and Disability Resource Center or Area Agency on Agingto learn more about programs near you. State Temporary Assistance for Needy Families programs provide temporary financial help to low-income families, including assistance paying for transportation to work or job training programs. People with disabilities can save money for disability-related expenses, including transportation, through an Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account. Watch this video to learn more about ABLE accounts.

9. Around the World. International travel presents its own set of considerations for people with disabilities. All U.S. travelers leaving the country should prepare for their trip, understand passport requirements and know how to manage their health while abroad. Students with disabilities who are interested in studying abroad can use the State Department’s students aboard checklists to stay safe and enjoy their international experiences. Once you’re in a new country, accessibility standards might be very different and an unfamiliar landscape can mean challenges to getting around. Wheelchair users may have a variety of concerns, including old city structures, lack of curb cuts and limited or no accessible transportation options. People who are blind will have to learn how to navigate new areas and find new ways of communicating direction. In addition, disability may be viewed negatively or differently because of existing stigma in a particular country. You can downloadLonely Planet’s “Accessible Travel Guide” for free from the European Network for Accessible Tourism website to find accessible hotels, restaurants and tourist activities around the world. The “Comprehensive Guide to Traveling with a Disability” offers additional information. The U.S. Department of State’s National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange works to increase opportunities for people with disabilities in all types of travel; read the brochure to learn more.

10. Rides to Your Appointments. Getting to and from medical appointments is a critical part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Medicaid funds Non-Emergency Medical Transportation to and from doctor’s appointments. Contact your state’s Medicaid office to learn more. Veterans with disabilities can use the nationwide volunteer transportation network provided by Disabled American Veterans (DAV) for transportation to VA medical facilities for doctors’ appointments, medical tests and treatment. Use the DAV Hospital Service Coordinator Directory to find contact information for your local program. Often, rural areas have limited public transportation options. Contact your state 2-1-1, Community Action Agency or local public transportation service to find information about rural transportation programs in your community. You can also use the Eldercare Locator or talk to one of the site’s information specialists toll-free at 1-800-677-1116.Your state’s Department of Transportation or Department of Health & Human Services may offer information about local transportation services for people with disabilities and seniors, as well as programs that can help low-income individuals and families pay for their transportation needs. For additional information, visit Disability.gov’s Finding a Ride & Paratransit Services section.

For more of Disability.gov's information about transportation, please read Disability.gov’s Guide to Transportation. Don’t forget to like Disability.gov on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and use #disabilityconnection to talk to us about this newsletter. You can also read Disability.Blog for insightful tips and information from experts in the community.

Read past issues of the Disability Connection newsletter.

https://www.disability.gov/disability-connection-newsletter-february-2016/

High School Cheerleader Asks An AUTISTIC Teen Boy to The Senior Prom His Reaction a Heartwarming YES!

The cheerleader, Mika Bartosik from Park Vista High School in Lake Worth, Florida, deserves a round of applause for that touching gesture. Jonathon, who is on the autism spectrum, will remember that moment for the rest of his life.

 A heartwarming proposal to prom!

YouTube published by Viral Videos on Feb 24, 2016

Pain Sufferers Supported, President Obama Recognizes the Need for Opioids

Monday, in what seems like an unlikely decision in the current environment on the war on heroin and opioid painkiller addiction, President Obama recognized and supported the pain community when he declined to endorse a bipartisan recommendation that would limit the amount of opioid painkillers that a physician can prescribe.

National Pain Report - Feb 24, 2016 -- This past weekend the Nation’s governors met to discuss the most pressing items of the day, and among them was the rising problem of opioid painkiller and heroin addiction and overdose.

In a joint statement by National Governors Association (NGA) Health and Human Services Committee Chair Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker; Vice Chair New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan; and American Medical Association (AMA) Chair-Elect Patrice A. Harris, MD, MA, the committee recommended guidelines to prevent the over-prescription of pain-killers, stating, “We agree that education about effective pain management, substance use disorder and related areas should begin in medical school and continue throughout a physician’s career. That means physicians who prescribe opioids and other controlled substances must be sure they have the most up-to-date training and education to prescribe and administer those substances safely and effectively. It is imperative we provide care for patients in pain. However, prescribing medications excessively or “just in case” is not acceptable and continues to fuel this growing epidemic. Guidelines are an important tool to prevent over-prescribing and identify the signs of addiction while meeting the needs of patients in pain. We must also ensure patient satisfaction surveys and accreditation standards are not contributing to the problem by encouraging unnecessary opioid prescribing.”

Gov. Peter Shumlin of Vermont, stated opioids “are passed out like candy in America,” noting that there are more than 250 million prescriptions a year for painkillers – enough for every American adult to have a bottle of pills.

The governors also recognized the difficultly in the challenge, “Reducing the opioid pill supply, for example, can have the unintended consequence of increasing heroin use. Laws aimed at unscrupulous providers can make ethical providers less willing to prescribe out of fear of scrutiny from law enforcement.”

While the President recognized the bipartisan support in addressing the nation’s addiction problem, he recognized the needs of pain sufferers, and suggested that action such as limiting the number of pain pills prescribed should be part of a more comprehensive approach.

“If we go to doctors right now and say ‘Don’t overprescribe’ without providing some mechanisms for people in these communities to deal with the pain that they have or the issues that they have, then we’re not going to solve the problem,” said the President, “because the pain is real, the mental illness is real.” He also recognized the need to address the needs of pain sufferers in rural American who may not have the means to afford more surgeries and/or more expensive treatments.

The President continued, “This is an area where I can get agreement from Bernie Sanders and Mitch McConnell. That doesn’t happen that often.”

For the National Pain Report, visit: http://nationalpainreport.com/

http://nationalpainreport.com/president-recognizes-the-need-for-opioids-for-pain-sufferers-8829652.html

# on a personnel note, this is a solid decision, Pain Management allows so many of us to live our lives daily. 
Jim at Ability Chicago Info

EEOC Proposes Regulations Describing Federal Government’s Obligation to Engage in Affirmative Action for People with Disabilities - submit comments by April 25th

Comments Wanted on New Rule Aimed at Increasing Federal Employment of People with Disabilities

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is asking for public comments on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aimed at increasing the hiring, retention and advancement of people with disabilities in federal jobs. The NPRM describes steps federal government agencies must take to meet their obligation to engage in affirmative action in employment for individuals with disabilities. 

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has proposed that 12 percent of the workforce at federal agencies be made up of people with disabilities, including at the highest pay scales.

For more information, read these frequently asked questions about the NPRM.

The comment deadline is April 25, 2016.   

###
from a Press Release | Feb 23, 2016
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Commission Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Rule Implementing Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) today published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) describing specific actions that federal agencies must take to comply with their obligation to engage in affirmative action in employment for individuals with disabilities. The NPRM is available in the Public Inspection portion of the Federal Register, and will be officially published February 24, 2016. Members of the public have 60 days from that date, April 25, 2016, to submit comments. EEOC has also published a question-and-answer document on the NPRM and a document providing background information and a summary of the NPRM.

Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act requires federal agencies to create affirmative action plans for the employment of people with disabilities, and to submit those plans to EEOC for approval. On May 15, 2014, EEOC published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) asking for public input on how the EEOC should revise its regulations to clarify what an affirmative action plan must include in order to be approved.

The proposed rule reaffirms the federal government's commitment to being a model employer of people with disabilities. It would require federal agencies to adopt the goal of achieving a 12% representation rate for individuals with disabilities, and a 2% representation rate for individuals with targeted/severe disabilities. Targeted disabilities are those that the government has, for several decades, placed aspecial emphasis on in hiring because they pose the greatest barriers to employment. The goals would apply at both higher and lower levels of federal employment. Hiring efforts would be further improved through focused recruitment efforts and simplified access to disability hiring programs and services.

In addition to setting numerical goals and requiring enhanced efforts to hire individuals with disabilities, the proposed rule would require agencies to provide personal assistance services to employees who, because of a disability, need these services to help with activities such as eating and using the restroom while at work.

The proposal would also collect into a single rule, longstanding requirements found in a variety of sources, including management directives and Executive Orders. This will provide clarity for federal agencies for the development of their affirmative action plans. The proposed rule does not impose any obligations on private businesses or state and local governments.

"The federal government has a special responsibility to lead by example in serving as a model employer for people with disabilities in the workforce," said EEOC Chair Jenny Yang. "This proposal offers concrete steps and accountability mechanisms to promote employment and advancement opportunities for people with disabilities, including individuals with targeted or severe disabilities."

Commissioner Chai R. Feldblum, who led an internal work group that developed the NPRM, added, "This rule can be a game-changer in increasing the employment of people with disabilities in the federal government. Since 2013, federal contractors have been required to meet goals for the employment of individuals with disabilities. EEOC's proposed rule will hold the federal government to an even higher standard, particularly with regard to hiring people with targeted disabilities and providing personal assistance services."

The Commission invites comments on any aspect of the proposed rule from members of the public. In addition, the Commission invites responses to a number of specific questions posed in the preamble of the NPRM. Methods for commenting are specified in the notice in the Federal Register, and EEOC will consider all public comments before finalizing the rule. The final rule also will be coordinated with other federal agencies and reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget before becoming effective.

EEOC enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Further information about EEOC is available on its web site at www.eeoc.gov.

http://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/newsroom/release/2-23-16.cfm

NCD Applauds New Proposed Rule by the Department of Education to Assist Students of Color with Disabilities

from a Press Release | Feb 23, 2016
National Council on Disability

The National Council on Disability (NCD) – an independent federal agency – applauds the new “Equity in IDEA” rule proposed by the U.S. Department of Education which seeks to address widespread disparities in the treatment of students of color with disabilities who too often enter the "school-to-prison pipeline,” which refers to all policies and practices that have the effect of pushing students – especially those most at risk – out of classrooms and into juvenile and criminal justice systems.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)—seeks to ensure fairness in the identification, placement, discipline and delivery of educational tools and resources to students with disabilities. IDEA requires states to identify “significant disproportionality” in school districts that identify, place outside the regular classroom, or discipline children from any racial or ethnic group at markedly higher rates than their peers.

In October 2014, NCD convened a stakeholder forum in Atlanta, Georgia to receive testimony on the role of special education in the school-to-prison pipeline, and the Department of Education participated in the event. Following the forum, in June 2015, in an attempt to address and propose solutions to these disparities, NCD issued its “Breaking the School-to-Prison Pipeline for Students with Disabilities” report, concluding that IDEA can and should be an important part of the solution to the school-to-prison pipeline crisis.

The Department of Education’s proposed “Equity in IDEA” rule would, for the first time, require states to implement a standard approach to compare racial and ethnic groups, with reasonable thresholds for determining when disparities have become significant in identification, placement, and discipline. That determination is critical to ensuring that all students get the supports they need and deserve to thrive and draws from a number of the recommendations made in NCD’s “Breaking the School-to-Prison Pipeline” report.

These recommendations include:  

• Schools should develop data-driven early warning systems to identify students with academic and behavioral issues that puts them at risk of suspensions and expulsions often leading to entry into the juvenile justice and criminal justice systems. Once identified, more intensive general or special education services and supports should be provided.
• The Department of Education should bolster efforts to monitor and enforce the provision of a Free Appropriate Public Education to students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment as guaranteed by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and IDEA.
• Guidance setting forth minimum substantive standards for the quality and delivery of special education and related services, particularly as they relate to behavioral supports should be issued by the Department of Education.
• The development of systems for evaluating implicit racial and disability bias in schools where minorities are overrepresented in identification, discipline, or placement, and implement implicit bias training in enforcement agreements and compliance reviews should be funded by the Department of Education.
• The Department of Education should take affirmative steps to enforce mandatory data collection and reporting requirements and ensure the validation of data submitted.

“NCD applauds the Department of Education for echoing our recommendations in their Equity in IDEA Rule proposal,” said NCD Executive Director, Rebecca Cokley. “Studies reveal that up to 85 percent of youth in juvenile detention facilities have disabilities that make them eligible for special education services, yet surprisingly only an estimated 37 percent receive these services while in school. Disabled youth, particularly students of color, in the juvenile justice and criminal justice systems are deprived of an appropriate education that, if provided, could greatly expand options and opportunities. The proposals by the Department are an important step in correcting the current imbalance. We welcome these changes and remain available to provide guidance or assistance in their implementation.”

http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/2016/ncd-applauds-new-proposed-rule-department-education-assist-students-color-disabilities

Webinar March 2nd: The ADA and Demand Responsive Service Requirements

The FTA will host a series of six webinars on the new ADA Circular for FTA grantees. These hour-long webinars will include useful information on relevant ADA topics, tips and suggestions for compliance and accessible service, and opportunities to ask questions.

This webinar session (#4) will discuss ADA requirements as they relate to demand responsive service. We will address topics such as types of demand responsive service, equivalent service, monitoring, and more. This webinar covers material from chapters 2 and 7 of the FTA ADA Circular.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 2, 2016,
TIME:  2:00–3:00 pm EST

Registration and Attendance

This webinar is designed for FTA grantees. It provides useful information on providing accessible service and complying with the DOT ADA regulations. Because attendance space is very limited, we request that each agency register for a single spot. You may register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ftaADAwebinar4.

Note: This registration link is for Webinar 4 only.Registration links for future webinars will be updated here following the completion of prior webinars

Webinar March 10th: "Establishing Disability Community Emergency Preparedness through State and Local Efforts"

"FEMA Promising Practice: Establishing Disability Community Preparedness through State and Local Efforts"

March 10th, 2016

Webinars begin at 2.30pm ET/1.30pm CT/12.30 pm MT/11.30am PT/9.30am Hawaii.

Registration: Free on-line at http://www.adapresentations.org/registration.php

In this webinar, two presentations will demonstrate practices in the field that assist in the preparedness of people with disabilities. In the first half, presenters will discuss the development of a statewide task force on emergency management, disability, and functional needs support services (FNSS) issues, including an FNSS toolkit. This presentation will present a model for including individuals with disabilities and their organizations in advising and shaping emergency management practices and policy at the state level. Over the last four years the FNSS Task Force has developed guidance documents, training curriculum, and outreach initiatives. Representatives and subcommittee chairs will describe how the group serves people with disabilities and major initiatives it has undertaken. Lessons learned for the formation and continuity of such a state-level task force will be discussed.

The second presentation will engage audiences on how CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams) Neighborhood Teams can assist local agencies in working collaboratively with the whole community enhancing emergency preparedness for all at the neighborhood level with and for the entire neighborhood. This presentation will explore how a local CERT Team can take the CERT “Buddy System” to a whole new level by partnering up with individuals in their own neighborhood, using the strengths of the entire neighborhood to build a better team. This session will share CERT Teams working with People with Disabilities and others with Access and Functional Needs, side by side, preparing, planning, training and exercising together, as well as outreach materials for people with disabilities developed and produced by the Contra Costa County CERT C8 group.

Presenters:

Denita Powell, serves as the State Coordinator for Operations at the Texas Division of Emergency Management at the Texas Department of Public Safety. She was instrumental in leading the development of a statewide task force to address the needs of individuals with disabilities and functional and access needs in emergency situations.

Angi English, LPC, LMFT, is the Division Chief of Strategic Programs and Senior Advisor at the Texas State Office of Risk Management. She oversees all operations of the division's four departments, which include Risk Management and other administrative duties. She is also Former Executive Director, Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities, in which capacity, together with Denita Powell, led the initiative to form a task force on emergency management for the state that addressed disability and functional needs.

Dan Price, Subcommittee on Planning, Texas Department of Public Safety. Dan Price, Subcommittee on Planning, Texas Department of Public Safety. Dan Price is the supervisor of the Local and Regional Plans Unit for the Preparedness Section at the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) - Austin. A retired U.S. Navy cryptologic officer, he moved to state and local emergency management after 24 years of active military service. Since joining TDEM, Dan focused his team on helping local jurisdictions throughout Texas with preparedness planning. He has led the Disabilities Planning Subcommittee for the past year, supporting state and local planning efforts with a special focus on persons with disabilities and functional and access needs.

Laura M. Stough, Ph.D., Assistant Director, Center on Disability and Development, Texas A&M University. Dr. Laura Stough is Associate Professor of Educational Psychology, Assistant Director at the Center for Disability and Development, and is a Faculty Fellow at the Hazard Reduction & Recovery Center at Texas A&M University. Dr. Stough's research explores inequities in the provision of social and educational services to individuals with disabilities and their families. She is the co-author of the book Disability and Disaster: Explorations and Exchanges, as well as of over 40 professional articles and chapters.

Kathryn A. Gerk, CEM (Certified Emergency Manager) serves as the Emergency Services Manager for the City of Richmond Fire Department Office of Emergency Services for the past 27 years. She has received numerous awards including FEMA 2009 Honorable Mention for National Citizens Corps Achievement Award Celebrating Resilient Communities and many State and local awards. Kathryn has served on numerous committees collaboratively working to improve emergency preparedness for the Whole Community, CERT as well as for People with Disabilities and others with Access and Functional needs at the national, state and local levels.

These 90 minute webinars are delivered using the Blackboard Collaborate webinar platform. Collaborate downloads files to your machine in order to run. We recommend that you prepare your technology prior to the start of the session. You may need the assistance of your IT Staff if firewalls prevent you from downloading files.

To view all of the sessions for the coming year, or to see previous sessions, go to http://www.adapresentations.org/schedule.php

The information presented in this webinar is intended solely as informal guidance, and is neither a determination of legal rights or responsibilities by NIDILRR or FEMA.

# The information in this post shared from the ADA National Network and Pacific ADA Center.