FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2012
Contact: HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343
A Statement from Secretary Sebelius on the Administration for Community Living
All Americans - including people with disabilities and seniors - should be able to live at home with the supports they need, participating in communities that value their contributions - rather than in nursing homes or other institutions.
The Obama administration and my department have long been committed to promoting community living and finding new mechanisms to help ensure that the supports people with disabilities and seniors need to live in the community are accessible.
Today, with the creation of the new Administration for Community Living (ACL), we are reinforcing this commitment by bringing together key HHS organizations and offices dedicated to improving the lives of those with functional needs into one coordinated, focused and stronger entity.
The Administration for Community Living will bring together the Administration on Aging, the Office on Disability and the Administration on Developmental Disabilities into a single agency that supports both cross-cutting initiatives and efforts focused on the unique needs of individual groups, such as children with developmental disabilities or seniors with dementia. This new agency will work on increasing access to community supports and achieving full community participation for people with disabilities and seniors.
The Administration on Community Living will seek to enhance and improve the broad range of supports that individuals may need to live with respect and dignity as full members of their communities. These support needs go well beyond health care and include the availability of appropriate housing, employment, education, meaningful relationships and social participation.
Building on President Obama's Year of Community Living, the ACL will pursue improved opportunities for older Americans and people with disabilities to enjoy the fullest inclusion in the life of our nation.
For more information, please visit
http://hhs.gov/acl
Showing posts with label Self-Advocacy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Self-Advocacy. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Monday, October 11, 2010
The President Signs Rosa’s Law
The President Signs Rosa’s Law
E-Newsletter Issue Date: Monday, October 11, 2010
On Friday afternoon, President Barack Obama put his pen to work signing the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 into law, delivering brief remarks on the impact of the law on people with disabilities and celebrating Rosa’s Law. The law, which was enacted by the President on Tuesday, substitutes the term “intellectual disabilities” for “mental retardation” in many federal laws.
Self-advocates William Washington (The Arc’s national office receptionist), Jill Egle (Co-Executive Director, The Arc of Northern Virginia) and Jeremy Jacobson (son of The Arc’s Chief Development and Marketing Officer Trudy Jacobson) joined Paul Marchand, Director of the Disability Policy Collaboration to represent the intellectual and developmental disability community whose advocacy resulted in this bill.
Nine-year-old Rosa Marcellino, for whom the law was named was in attendance with her family and received a hug from the President. Also in attendance were the bill’s sponsors, key policy leaders and musician Stevie Wonder.
Rosa’s Law was passed by the Senate earlier this year and passed the House in September. Self-advocates and The Arc have led the effort to get the bill enacted as part of a nationwide effort to remove the stigma of the “r-word.” The majority of states have altered their terminology by replacing the term “mental retardation” with “intellectual disability” in state laws and in the names of state agencies that serve this population.
Changes in terminology are another stepping stone toward realizing a more inclusive society. The Arc was instrumental in the passage of Rosa’s Law by galvanizing support across the nation and through vigorous advocacy. “We have achieved another historic milestone in our movement. We understand that language plays a crucial role in how people with intellectual disabilities are perceived and treated in society. Changing how we talk about people with disabilities is a critical step in promoting and protecting their basic civil and human rights,” said Peter V. Berns, CEO of The Arc.
The Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act increases accessibility for people with sensory disabilities to modern communications, such as internet access over smart phones. The Arc also advocated strongly for this legislation and celebrates its enactment.
E-Newsletter Issue Date: Monday, October 11, 2010
On Friday afternoon, President Barack Obama put his pen to work signing the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 into law, delivering brief remarks on the impact of the law on people with disabilities and celebrating Rosa’s Law. The law, which was enacted by the President on Tuesday, substitutes the term “intellectual disabilities” for “mental retardation” in many federal laws.
Self-advocates William Washington (The Arc’s national office receptionist), Jill Egle (Co-Executive Director, The Arc of Northern Virginia) and Jeremy Jacobson (son of The Arc’s Chief Development and Marketing Officer Trudy Jacobson) joined Paul Marchand, Director of the Disability Policy Collaboration to represent the intellectual and developmental disability community whose advocacy resulted in this bill.
Nine-year-old Rosa Marcellino, for whom the law was named was in attendance with her family and received a hug from the President. Also in attendance were the bill’s sponsors, key policy leaders and musician Stevie Wonder.
Rosa’s Law was passed by the Senate earlier this year and passed the House in September. Self-advocates and The Arc have led the effort to get the bill enacted as part of a nationwide effort to remove the stigma of the “r-word.” The majority of states have altered their terminology by replacing the term “mental retardation” with “intellectual disability” in state laws and in the names of state agencies that serve this population.
Changes in terminology are another stepping stone toward realizing a more inclusive society. The Arc was instrumental in the passage of Rosa’s Law by galvanizing support across the nation and through vigorous advocacy. “We have achieved another historic milestone in our movement. We understand that language plays a crucial role in how people with intellectual disabilities are perceived and treated in society. Changing how we talk about people with disabilities is a critical step in promoting and protecting their basic civil and human rights,” said Peter V. Berns, CEO of The Arc.
The Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act increases accessibility for people with sensory disabilities to modern communications, such as internet access over smart phones. The Arc also advocated strongly for this legislation and celebrates its enactment.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Funding for Employment Services to HS Grads
Funding for Employment Services to High School Transition Graduates
Due to additional funding from the legislature, employment services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities are available for all young adults who meet eligibility requirements.
Information on who is eligible and how to get started is in our latest bulletin,.
Go to IFBT website to read the bulletin
For information on this and other important topics, visit:
http://www.informingfamilies.org/
Due to additional funding from the legislature, employment services from the Division of Developmental Disabilities are available for all young adults who meet eligibility requirements.
Information on who is eligible and how to get started is in our latest bulletin,.
Go to IFBT website to read the bulletin
For information on this and other important topics, visit:
http://www.informingfamilies.org/
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
AUTISM AWARENESS RALLY
AUTISM AWARENESS RALLY
Sponsored by the Autism Society of Washington
Wednesday, Jan 20, ‘10
11:30 a.m.
Capitol Rotunda
Autism is the fastest growing disability in children in the world. It is now known that 1 in 150 will be diagnosed with autism. Early diagnosis and treatment is the best hope for those affected by autism. However, particularly in Washington State, professionals who provide diagnosis have waiting lists months long, and once diagnosed, services and intervention support are hard to find. Come to the Awareness Rally in Olympia… Bring your children affected by autism or Asperger and share your story with your Legislator…..
To find out more information about the Autism Rally in Olympia, call Patty Gee, ASW Executive Director, at 888-ASW 4 YOU, or email info@autismsocietyofwa.org
www.autismsocietyofwa.org
Mailing Address:
Autism Society of Washington
1101 Eastside St SE Suite B
Olympia WA 98501
Sponsored by the Autism Society of Washington
Wednesday, Jan 20, ‘10
11:30 a.m.
Capitol Rotunda
Autism is the fastest growing disability in children in the world. It is now known that 1 in 150 will be diagnosed with autism. Early diagnosis and treatment is the best hope for those affected by autism. However, particularly in Washington State, professionals who provide diagnosis have waiting lists months long, and once diagnosed, services and intervention support are hard to find. Come to the Awareness Rally in Olympia… Bring your children affected by autism or Asperger and share your story with your Legislator…..
To find out more information about the Autism Rally in Olympia, call Patty Gee, ASW Executive Director, at 888-ASW 4 YOU, or email info@autismsocietyofwa.org
www.autismsocietyofwa.org
Mailing Address:
Autism Society of Washington
1101 Eastside St SE Suite B
Olympia WA 98501
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
2009 developmental disabilities legislative forum
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
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 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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