Where It's AT – Assistive Technology Blog

Maryland ABLE is excited to announce a webinar offered by the National Association of State Treasurer’s ABLE Savings Plans Network (ASPN) with guest speakers from the Social Security Administration.

Explore resources to assist you in creating a disability-inclusive tax program.

National Disability Institute (NDI) has developed dozens of NEW resources to help free tax preparation service organizations engage taxpayers with disabilities this tax season and beyond. 

Tax preparation is a way to engage taxpayers with disabilities, low-income individuals and families in a larger conversation about financial wellness and economic advancement. NDI continues to work to increase Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) awareness and to build the capacity of tax coalitions to better serve the disability community both in-person and online. Empowering individuals with knowledge of certain tax deductions, income exclusions and credits they may qualify for is an essential key to overcoming financial barriers.

NDI’s Tax Resources

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.

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