Parent Family Coalition Would Like
You To…
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE
2009 Legislative Forum
Thursday November 5th
6:30pm-8:00pm
Everett Station Weyerhaeuser Room
3201 Smith Avenue, Everett
As parents and families doing the best we can to provide opportunities, education and care for our loved ones with
developmental disabilities we’d like to encourage you to
save the date of November 5th and help us influence
positive change in our community.
Your personal stories and connections with your legislators
can and will make a difference!
If you have any questions or would like to help out with the event please contact
Kelly Church at Kelly@arcsno.org or 425-258-2459 x107 or Tracie Diemert
at Tracie@arcsno.org or 425-258-2459 x111.
Driving Directions:
From Lynnwood & South: Take I-5 Northbound to the Pacific Ave. exit #193. Turn left onto Pacific to the overpass. At the top of the overpass, turn left onto Smith Ave.. Everett Station is the large brick building
on the left side of the street.
From Marysville & North: Take I-5 Southbound to the Everett Ave. exit #195. Turn right onto Everett Ave. Turn left onto Cedar St. then turn right onto Pacific Ave. At the top of the overpass, turn left onto Smith Ave. Everett Station is the large brick building
on the left side of the street.
*Parking is available North of the building between Everett Station and Pacific Ave overpass.
www.arcsno.org
For legislative information check out the Parent/Family Coalition blog at: www.snocopfc.blogspot.com
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2009
ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2009
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Today we celebrate the 19th anniversary of the enactment of the historic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Signed into law on July 26, 1990, this landmark legislation established a clear mandate against discrimination on the basis of disability so that people with disabilities would have an equal opportunity to achieve the American Dream.
Our Nation is once again poised to make history for people with disabilities. I am proud to announce that the United States will sign the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in New York on December 13, 2006. The Convention is the first new human rights convention of the 21st century adopted by the United Nations, and it represents a paradigm shift in protecting the human rights of 650 million people with disabilities worldwide. We proudly join the international community in further advancing the rights of people with disabilities.
As we reflect upon the past and look toward a brighter future, we recognize that our country has made great progress. More than ever before, Americans with disabilities enjoy greater access to technology and economic self-sufficiency. More communities are accessible, more children with disabilities learn alongside their peers, and more employers recognize the capabilities of people with disabilities.
Despite these achievements, much work remains to be done. People with disabilities far too often lack the choice to live in communities of their choosing; their unemployment rate is much higher than those without disabilities; they are much likelier to live in poverty; health care is out of reach for too many; and too many children with disabilities are denied a world-class education.
My Administration has met these challenges head-on. We have launched the "Year of Community Living" to help people with disabilities live wherever they choose. We have nearly doubled the funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. I was proud to sign the groundbreaking Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act and the Children's Health Insurance Reauthorization Act, which provides health insurance to millions of additional children. I also lifted the ban on stem cell more research. These measures demonstrate our commitment to leveling the playing field for every person with a disability. My Administration will not rest on these accomplishments, and we will continue to focus on improving the lives of people with disabilities. I encourage States, localities, and communities across the country to cultivate an environment in which the 54 million Americans living with a disability are valued and respected.
Americans have repeatedly affirmed the importance of protecting the human rights and dignity of every member of this great country. Through the steps we have taken, we will continue to build on the ADA and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to promoting, protecting, and ensuring the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by people with disabilities.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 26, 2009, as the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I call on Americans across our country to celebrate the progress we have made in protecting the civil rights of people with disabilities and to recognize the step forward we make with the signing of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Inspired by the advances of the last 19 years, let us commit to greater achievements in the years ahead.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA
Want information on Federal mental health grants, publications, meetings, policies, programs and other useful material for mental health consumers? Join the CMHS Consumer Affairs Listserv at: http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/listserv/
The Center for Mental Health Services values your feedback. Please click on the following link to complete a brief customer survey: http://cmhssurvey.samhsa.gov
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Today we celebrate the 19th anniversary of the enactment of the historic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Signed into law on July 26, 1990, this landmark legislation established a clear mandate against discrimination on the basis of disability so that people with disabilities would have an equal opportunity to achieve the American Dream.
Our Nation is once again poised to make history for people with disabilities. I am proud to announce that the United States will sign the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in New York on December 13, 2006. The Convention is the first new human rights convention of the 21st century adopted by the United Nations, and it represents a paradigm shift in protecting the human rights of 650 million people with disabilities worldwide. We proudly join the international community in further advancing the rights of people with disabilities.
As we reflect upon the past and look toward a brighter future, we recognize that our country has made great progress. More than ever before, Americans with disabilities enjoy greater access to technology and economic self-sufficiency. More communities are accessible, more children with disabilities learn alongside their peers, and more employers recognize the capabilities of people with disabilities.
Despite these achievements, much work remains to be done. People with disabilities far too often lack the choice to live in communities of their choosing; their unemployment rate is much higher than those without disabilities; they are much likelier to live in poverty; health care is out of reach for too many; and too many children with disabilities are denied a world-class education.
My Administration has met these challenges head-on. We have launched the "Year of Community Living" to help people with disabilities live wherever they choose. We have nearly doubled the funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. I was proud to sign the groundbreaking Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act and the Children's Health Insurance Reauthorization Act, which provides health insurance to millions of additional children. I also lifted the ban on stem cell more research. These measures demonstrate our commitment to leveling the playing field for every person with a disability. My Administration will not rest on these accomplishments, and we will continue to focus on improving the lives of people with disabilities. I encourage States, localities, and communities across the country to cultivate an environment in which the 54 million Americans living with a disability are valued and respected.
Americans have repeatedly affirmed the importance of protecting the human rights and dignity of every member of this great country. Through the steps we have taken, we will continue to build on the ADA and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to promoting, protecting, and ensuring the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by people with disabilities.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 26, 2009, as the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I call on Americans across our country to celebrate the progress we have made in protecting the civil rights of people with disabilities and to recognize the step forward we make with the signing of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Inspired by the advances of the last 19 years, let us commit to greater achievements in the years ahead.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.
BARACK OBAMA
Want information on Federal mental health grants, publications, meetings, policies, programs and other useful material for mental health consumers? Join the CMHS Consumer Affairs Listserv at: http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/listserv/
The Center for Mental Health Services values your feedback. Please click on the following link to complete a brief customer survey: http://cmhssurvey.samhsa.gov
‘First New Human Rights Treaty of the 21st Century’
Obama Directs U.S. to Sign ‘First New Human Rights Treaty of the 21st Century’
Monday, July 27, 2009
By Susan Jones, Senior Editor
(CNSNews.com) - President Barack Obama on Friday announced that the United States will sign the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a treaty that elevates disability beyond a health and social welfare issue to a human rights issue.
"Disability rights aren't just civil rights to be enforced here at home. They are universal rights to be recognized and promoted around the world," the president said at a White House ceremony. All treaties require Senate ratification.
Adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in December 2006, the lengthy treaty describes the human rights of persons with disabilities, including the right to equality under the law; the right to live in the community; the right to education, health, and work; and the right to participate in political, public and cultural life.
The treaty also discusses disabled people's "right" to health care, saying that parties to the treaty "recognize that persons with disabilities have the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health without discrimination on the basis of disability."
Countries signing on to the treaty agree to:
-- Provide the disabled with the same “range, quality and standard of free or affordable health care” as provided to other people, including in the area of sexual and reproductive health;
-- Provide health services needed by the disabled specifically because of their disabilities, including early identification and intervention as well as services designed to minimize and prevent further disabilities;
-- Provide health services as close as possible to people's own communities, including in rural areas;
-- Require health professionals to provide the same quality of care to the disabled as to others;
-- Prohibit discrimination against the disabled in the provision of health insurance and life insurance, "which shall be provided in a fair and reasonable manner";
-- Prevent "discriminatory denial of health care or health services or food and fluids on the basis of disability."
Obama's announcement that he will direct U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice to sign the treaty this week came on the 19th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act. Attorney General Eric Holder said the U.N. treaty was inspired by the ADA and will "incorporate principles of empowerment and integration into international law."
According to the treaty's text, its goal is to "promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity."
The treaty defines persons with disabilities as those with have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which -- in conjunction with various barriers -- may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
Among other things, signatories to the treaty agree to protect and promote the human rights of persons with disabilities in all policies and programs; outlaw discrimination against the disabled; promote research and development of "universally designed goods, services, equipment and facilities...to meet the specific needs of a person with disabilities"; and promote "research and development of new technologies, including information and communications technologies, mobility aids, devices and assistive technologies, suitable for persons with disabilities, giving priority to technologies at an affordable cost."
Women, torture, reproductive services
Article 6 singles out women with disabilities. "State Parties recognize that women and girls with disabilities are subject to multiple discrimination, and in this regard shall take measures to ensure the full and equal enjoyment by them of all human rights and fundamental freedoms."
Article 15 grants disabled people "freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."
Article 23 guarantees the right of disabled people to marry -- and "to found a family." It says disabled people have the right to decide on the number and spacing of their children -- "and to have access to age-appropriate information, reproductive and family planning education."
It also says nations signing the treaty "shall render appropriate assistance to persons with disabilities in the performance of their child-rearing responsibilities."
The treaty "ensures equal access by persons with disabilities to clean water service"; and it ensure access -- particularly for women, girls and the elderly -- to social protection and poverty reduction programs.
Article 30 deals with participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport. It says nations signing the treaty must take "appropriate measures" to ensure that the disabled enjoy access to television programs, films, theatre and other cultural activities "in accessible formats"; and enjoy access to places for cultural performances or services, such as theatres, museums, cinemas, libraries and tourism services, and, as far as possible, enjoy access to monuments and sites of national cultural importance.
States must encourage and promote the participation of disabled people, to the fullest extent possible, in mainstream sporting activities at all levels. It says children with disabilities must have equal access to participate in play, recreation and leisure and sporting activities, including those activities in the school system.
The treaty establishes a "Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities," initially consisting of 12 "experts," who will receive reports submitted by nations that sign the treaty. Nations will be required to submit report at least every four years, or whenever the committee asks them to do so.
"Each report shall be considered by the Committee, which shall make such suggestions and general recommendations on the report as it may consider appropriate and shall forward these to the State Party concerned."
One hundred and forty nations already have signed the treaty.
http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=51614
Monday, July 27, 2009
By Susan Jones, Senior Editor
(CNSNews.com) - President Barack Obama on Friday announced that the United States will sign the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a treaty that elevates disability beyond a health and social welfare issue to a human rights issue.
"Disability rights aren't just civil rights to be enforced here at home. They are universal rights to be recognized and promoted around the world," the president said at a White House ceremony. All treaties require Senate ratification.
Adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in December 2006, the lengthy treaty describes the human rights of persons with disabilities, including the right to equality under the law; the right to live in the community; the right to education, health, and work; and the right to participate in political, public and cultural life.
The treaty also discusses disabled people's "right" to health care, saying that parties to the treaty "recognize that persons with disabilities have the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health without discrimination on the basis of disability."
Countries signing on to the treaty agree to:
-- Provide the disabled with the same “range, quality and standard of free or affordable health care” as provided to other people, including in the area of sexual and reproductive health;
-- Provide health services needed by the disabled specifically because of their disabilities, including early identification and intervention as well as services designed to minimize and prevent further disabilities;
-- Provide health services as close as possible to people's own communities, including in rural areas;
-- Require health professionals to provide the same quality of care to the disabled as to others;
-- Prohibit discrimination against the disabled in the provision of health insurance and life insurance, "which shall be provided in a fair and reasonable manner";
-- Prevent "discriminatory denial of health care or health services or food and fluids on the basis of disability."
Obama's announcement that he will direct U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Susan Rice to sign the treaty this week came on the 19th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act. Attorney General Eric Holder said the U.N. treaty was inspired by the ADA and will "incorporate principles of empowerment and integration into international law."
According to the treaty's text, its goal is to "promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity."
The treaty defines persons with disabilities as those with have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which -- in conjunction with various barriers -- may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
Among other things, signatories to the treaty agree to protect and promote the human rights of persons with disabilities in all policies and programs; outlaw discrimination against the disabled; promote research and development of "universally designed goods, services, equipment and facilities...to meet the specific needs of a person with disabilities"; and promote "research and development of new technologies, including information and communications technologies, mobility aids, devices and assistive technologies, suitable for persons with disabilities, giving priority to technologies at an affordable cost."
Women, torture, reproductive services
Article 6 singles out women with disabilities. "State Parties recognize that women and girls with disabilities are subject to multiple discrimination, and in this regard shall take measures to ensure the full and equal enjoyment by them of all human rights and fundamental freedoms."
Article 15 grants disabled people "freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment."
Article 23 guarantees the right of disabled people to marry -- and "to found a family." It says disabled people have the right to decide on the number and spacing of their children -- "and to have access to age-appropriate information, reproductive and family planning education."
It also says nations signing the treaty "shall render appropriate assistance to persons with disabilities in the performance of their child-rearing responsibilities."
The treaty "ensures equal access by persons with disabilities to clean water service"; and it ensure access -- particularly for women, girls and the elderly -- to social protection and poverty reduction programs.
Article 30 deals with participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport. It says nations signing the treaty must take "appropriate measures" to ensure that the disabled enjoy access to television programs, films, theatre and other cultural activities "in accessible formats"; and enjoy access to places for cultural performances or services, such as theatres, museums, cinemas, libraries and tourism services, and, as far as possible, enjoy access to monuments and sites of national cultural importance.
States must encourage and promote the participation of disabled people, to the fullest extent possible, in mainstream sporting activities at all levels. It says children with disabilities must have equal access to participate in play, recreation and leisure and sporting activities, including those activities in the school system.
The treaty establishes a "Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities," initially consisting of 12 "experts," who will receive reports submitted by nations that sign the treaty. Nations will be required to submit report at least every four years, or whenever the committee asks them to do so.
"Each report shall be considered by the Committee, which shall make such suggestions and general recommendations on the report as it may consider appropriate and shall forward these to the State Party concerned."
One hundred and forty nations already have signed the treaty.
http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=51614
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Other Services Podcast & Website Upgrade!!!
A new podcast about other services that may be available to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families is now available on our newly
redesigned Informing Families website (www.informingfamilies.org). This
video is the first of a three part series.
One of the attached bulletins tells more about our website features and the other provides more information about our "Other Services" podcast series.
Informing Videos can now also be accessed directly through our YouTube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/user/InformingFamilies
Please feel free to share this information with others you feel would be interested.
redesigned Informing Families website (www.informingfamilies.org). This
video is the first of a three part series.
One of the attached bulletins tells more about our website features and the other provides more information about our "Other Services" podcast series.
Informing Videos can now also be accessed directly through our YouTube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/user/InformingFamilies
Please feel free to share this information with others you feel would be interested.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
People With Disabilities Voting In Record Numbers
People With Disabilities Voting In Record Numbers
By Michelle Diament
June 29, 2009
More Americans with disabilities voted in the 2008 presidential election than in any before, a new study reveals.
In 2008, 14.7 million Americans with disabilities cast their ballots. That’s an increase of 3.8 million over the 2000 election.
The numbers come from an analysis of the U.S. Census’ Current Population Survey Voting Supplement conducted by Lisa Schur and Douglas Kruse at Rutgers University.
While people with disabilities continue to vote at a lower rate than the rest of the population, the gap is closing, the research shows. In 2008, 57 percent of people with disabilities voted, while 64 percent of people without disabilities cast ballots.
Meanwhile, the number of people with disabilities who voted in 2008 rivals that of other minority groups, with 15.9 million African Americans and 9.7 million Hispanic voters participating.
“While the voting numbers among people with disabilities in 2008 indicates that they continue to face barriers in registration and voting, the fact that 14.7 million people with disabilities voted shows that they play an important role in the political process,” Schur says.
Copyright © 2009 Disability Scoop, LLC. All Rights Reserved. For reprints and permissions click here.
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/06/29/disabilities-vote/3893/
By Michelle Diament
June 29, 2009
More Americans with disabilities voted in the 2008 presidential election than in any before, a new study reveals.
In 2008, 14.7 million Americans with disabilities cast their ballots. That’s an increase of 3.8 million over the 2000 election.
The numbers come from an analysis of the U.S. Census’ Current Population Survey Voting Supplement conducted by Lisa Schur and Douglas Kruse at Rutgers University.
While people with disabilities continue to vote at a lower rate than the rest of the population, the gap is closing, the research shows. In 2008, 57 percent of people with disabilities voted, while 64 percent of people without disabilities cast ballots.
Meanwhile, the number of people with disabilities who voted in 2008 rivals that of other minority groups, with 15.9 million African Americans and 9.7 million Hispanic voters participating.
“While the voting numbers among people with disabilities in 2008 indicates that they continue to face barriers in registration and voting, the fact that 14.7 million people with disabilities voted shows that they play an important role in the political process,” Schur says.
Copyright © 2009 Disability Scoop, LLC. All Rights Reserved. For reprints and permissions click here.
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/06/29/disabilities-vote/3893/
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