Where It's AT – Assistive Technology Blog

The National Council on Disability (NCD) is gathering feedback from the public, through three online listening sessions in March, to learn how public benefits programs (like SSI, SSDI, Medicaid and vocational rehabilitation) are working (or failing) to support people with disabilities. Join us to share your ideas about policy reforms in the areas of health and employment, as critical for establishing and maintaining financial stability for working-age adults with disabilities.

These online listening sessions will inform NCD’s upcoming progress report, including policy recommendations for disability-related policies at the federal and state level.

Registration is required to participate in any of the three listening sessions.

FEMA is accepting applications for the Youth Preparedness Council, a program that brings
teens together from across the nation who are interested and engaged in community
preparedness.

National Leaders in Emergency Preparedness Council members are selected based on their dedication to public service, their efforts in making a difference in their communities and their potential to expand their impact as national leaders for emergency preparedness. Students in grades eight through 11 are eligible to apply.

During their one-year term, council members will collaborate virtually with each other to develop projects that promote preparedness on a local and national scale. Members will also attend the council summit in July and engage with top leaders within FEMA, the federal government, and national non-profit organizations.

Youths interested in applying to the council must submit a completed application form and provide two letters of recommendation. All applications and supporting materials must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. PT, March 6, 2023. New council members will be announced in June.

To access the application materials, read about the current council members, and for more information about the Youth Preparedness Council visit the Website.

Meet Aubrey Dockins

Aubrey has participated in a team project to help increase access to preparedness resources by building a website that compiles information and materials and organizes them in a more accessible way. She aims to expand on the impact of this program by focusing on making preparedness resources more accessible for people with disabilities.  Learn more about Aubrey and her contributions to the Youth Preparedness Council.

If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Office of External Affairs:
▪ Congressional Affairs at (202) 646-4500 or at FEMA-Congressional-Affairs@fema.dhs.gov
▪ Intergovernmental Affairs at (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-IGA@fema.dhs.gov
▪ Tribal Affairs at (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-Tribal@fema.dhs.gov
▪ Private Sector Engagement at (202) 646-3444 or at nbeoc@max.gov

The National Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) (operated by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation) is announcing two grant funding opportunities through its 2023 first cycle Direct Effect and Expanded Impact Quality of Life (QOL) grants initiatives that will open for applications on January 25.

Grant applications are due March 8 by 11:59 pm ET.

A free Application Technical Assistance Webinar will be held on Wednesday, February 1 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm ET. A Question & Answer period will be provided. 

In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Southeast ADA Center has launched a special virtual interview series where the Center speaks with leaders of the disability rights movement. The interview series, including the fourteen episodes, and resources are available on the Center’s Section 504 at 50 webpage.

LEARN MORE

Do you have a child ages 14 to 21? Does the thought of your child’s life after school make
you nervous? Do you want to start planning for the transition process but not sure where
to start?

The Parents Place of Maryland’s Guiding the Journey training has gained great recognition and has trained hundreds of Maryland families over the years!

During this training, parents will:

-Understand their changing role;
-Learn about IEP Transition Planning;
-Develop a vision* and transition action plan for your
youth;
And so much more…

*Charting the LifeCourse Tools will be used.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER BY 2/6/23

Important Dates
Application due: February 6, 2023

Orientation: February 15, 12-1 pm or 7-8 pm

Training: February 25, March 4, 11, and 18, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
(Must attend all sessions and one orientation session)

Bonus! Optional Networking Night: March 14, 7 pm

Are you a professional who works with youth and/or young adults with disabilities? The Parent’s Place of Maryland wants to hear from you! Join the upcoming listening session on January 26 from 6-7:30pm to engage, listen and learn about supported decision making. 

Spots are limited – Register Now!

SDM Listening Session Flyer