Disability.gov Volunteering & Community Service Update: 2010 National Conference on Volunteering and Service

This conference, the world's largest gathering of volunteer and service leaders from the nonprofit, government and corporate sectors, will take place in New York City from June 28-30, 2010. To learn more about including people with disabilities in volunteer and national service programs visit the website of the National Service Inclusion Project.

For more information visit http://www.disability.gov/community_life/volunteering_%26_national_service_programs.

Disability.gov Accessible Technology Update: Section 508 Compliant Video Player

Would you like to embed YouTube videos on your website? Would you like to ensure that your website viewers with disabilities have equal access to your video? Business.gov has made its YouTube video player available to web managers who would like to embed YouTube videos on their websites. This video player follows the Section 508 Standards for web-based applications.

For more information visit http://www.disability.gov/technology/accessible_technology.

Disability.gov Veterans' Benefits Update: VA and DoD Announce Disability Evaluation System Pilot Expansion

To expedite the delivery of benefits to many injured Service Members who receive disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Department announced the expansion of a program with the Department of Defense (DoD) to streamline the application process for people retiring or exiting the military due to disabilities. The Disability Evaluation System (DES) pilot began in November 2007 and is expanding to an additional six military installations, bringing the total number to 27 military facilities where a single physical examination serves as the basis for determining whether military personnel are fit enough to stay on active duty and to determine their eligibility for VA disability compensation.

For more information visit http://www.disability.gov/benefits/other_benefits_programs/veterans_&_military.

Disability.gov Mental Health Update: The History of the Mental Health Consumer Movement

What is the mental health consumer movement? Why is it important to understand its origins? Coinciding with the emergence of other civil rights movements, the consumer movement arose from the need to advocate for changes in the way society viewed and treated people with mental health problems. This teleconference, which will take place on December 17, 2009 from 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM EST, will provide a context to help consumers and others understand the origins of the movement and the challenges that members of the movement have encountered and overcome. 

For more information visit http://www.disability.gov/health/disabilities_&_chronic_health_conditions/mental_health_&_substance_abuse_disorders.

 

Disability.gov Emergency Preparedness In Education Update: Action Guide for Emergency Management at Institutions of Higher Education

Department of Education report on the need for emergency management on college campuses and how to develop and implement an emergency management plan. The report includes information about the importance of incorporating provisions for people with disabilities.

For more information visit http://www.disability.gov/emergency_preparedness/organizational_preparedness/schools.

Disability.gov Employment Research & Statistics Update: An Analysis of Self-Employment Outcomes within the Federal/State Vocational Rehabilitation System

Provides an analysis of self-employment participation and outcomes by individuals with disabilities within the Federal/State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) System. This report, developed by START-UP/USA, provides a snapshot into the extent to which self-employment is occurring within the VR system as an employment outcome.

For more information visit http://www.disability.gov/employment/research_%26_statistics.

Disability.gov Benefits News & Events Update: Social Security Holds Disability Hearing on Compassionate Allowances and Schizophrenia

The Social Security Administration (SSA) hosted a public hearing on Compassionate Allowances for people living with schizophrenia.  SSA heard testimony from some of the nation's leading experts on schizophrenia about possible methods of identifying and implementing Compassionate Allowances for young adults with schizophrenia.  "Schizophrenia is a devastating disease that affects more than two million Americans, primarily individuals in their teens and twenties," said Commissioner Astrue.  "The onset of schizophrenia has life-changing consequences, which can include unemployment and homelessness."

For more information visit http://www.disability.gov/benefits/news_%26_events.

Disability.gov Health Laws & Regulations Update: CMS Withdraws Proposed Rule on Medicaid Coverage for Rehabilitative Services

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has withdrawn a proposed rule entitled Medicaid Program; Coverage for Rehabilitative Services (72 FR 45201) that was published in the Federal Register on August 13, 2007. This rule proposed to amend the definition of Medicaid rehabilitative services to include a requirement for a person-centered written rehabilitation plan and maintenance of case records. The notice of withdrawal of this proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register on November 23, 2009. Questions about the withdrawal notice should be directed to the CMS Office of Legislation.

For more information visit http://www.disability.gov/health/laws_%26_regulations.

Disability.gov Volunteering & Community Service Update: Inclusion Trainer Development Institute

Knowledge of disability inclusion is a critical part of an inclusion manager's job, and the National Service Inclusion Project is planning a three day Inclusion Trainer Development Institute for AmeriCorps, Senior Corps and Learn and Serve programs and organizations. Topics will include disability law and legal responsibilities, access, Universal Design, reasonable accommodations and inclusive recruitment strategies. The Inclusion Development Trainer Institute will take place December 7 -9, 2009 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Online registration is available.

For more information visit  http://www.disability.gov/community_life/volunteering_%26_national_service_programs.

Disability.gov Medicare Update: Medicare's Annual Open Enrollment

Medicare's annual open enrollment period began on November 15, 2009 and runs through December 31, 2009. During this time, people with Medicare can add, drop or change their prescription drug coverage. They can also select a health plan for their 2010 coverage.  

For more information visit http://www.disability.gov/health/health_insurance/medicare.