NOVEMBER 2002 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4 AAPDnews In this Issue President's Letter ................................................. 3 Why Join DCU? .................................................... 13 NDMD Huge Success ........................................... 25 International Exchange ........................................ 30 Re-entering the Work Force ................................. 33 AAPD Settles Landmark Voting Rights Lawsuit Against the District of Columbia AAPD and the Disability Rights Council of Greater Washington (DRC) recently settled a landmark lawsuit against the District of Columbia and its Board of Elections and Ethics. Under the settlement, the District becomes the first major metropolitan area in the country in which voters who are blind or have limited manual dexterity will be able to vote in secret and independently. The agreement settles a lawsuit filed last year by AAPD and the DRC, along with several blind voters who cannot see a printed ballot and a quadriplegic voter who cannot use his hands to mark a paper ballot. "For the first time ever as a District of Columbia voter and a blind person, I will have the ability to vote secretly and truly independently," said Jim Dickson, AAPD's Vice President for Government Affairs and a District of Columbia resident. "With the new equipment that will be in DC polling places, I will actually be able to hear the ballot and simply follow the provided prompts in order to cast my vote - no longer will I need to take someone into the voting booth with me to cast my vote on my behalf." At the basis of the suit was the District of Columbia's purchase of new voting equipment in 2002 that did not take into consideration people with disabilities. The system being purchased, which was called an optical scan system, required a voter to mark a paper ballot with a pencil. The ballot would then be scanned and the vote tabulated electronically. As such, the opportunity to cast a secret ballot would not have been afforded to voters who are blind or cannot use a pencil - they would still have needed to take another person into the voting booth to cast their votes. In this lawsuit the plaintiffs claimed, among other things, that the purchase of a new voting system that was not accessible to voters with disabilities violates the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Additionally, voting equipment was readily available from equipment manufacturers that would make it possible for these plaintiffs and the thousands of other District voters with disabilities to vote in secret and independently. In settling the case, the District of Columbia government and Board of Elections and Ethics agreed to provide at least one accessible voting machine in every polling place in the city by the May 2004 election. In this fall's elections, the new machines were demonstrated by volunteers recruited by the DRC and AAPD, but were not used to cast actual votes. "It is critical to point out that currently, one-third of eligible voters in this country are still casting their votes on optical scan equipment. There are millions of voters with disabilities in this country, and all must be afforded equal voting rights, to include full accessibility to their polling places and the right to cast a secret ballot. The filing of this lawsuit against the District of Columbia and the settlement send a very strong signal to the hundreds of jurisdictions around the country that this can be no longer allowed," Dickson continued. "This case demonstrates the crucial importance of the election reform legislation, particularly the parts requiring all jurisdictions to have accessible voting machines and providing financial assistance for the purchase of accessible machines." The accessible voting machines are similar to accessible ATM machines, having both audio and touch-screen capability. For a blind person, the machines produce an audio reading of the ballot to which a voter listens using headphones. The voter moves through the ballot using arrow keys and pushes the "select" button for his or her choice. Each button has a distinctive shape, such as an "up" arrow, and is identified in Braille. People who cannot use their hands to hold a pencil can use the touch screen feature of the machine. The voter sees the ballot on the screen and touches the screen with any part of the hand or a mouth stick, a wand held in the mouth and used to push buttons or keys on a keyboard. All voters can also use the machines to write in a candidate by spelling the candidate's name either on a keyboard on the touch-screen or by selecting letters recited orally. At the end, voters can confirm their choices before casting their final vote. "We are hoping that this lawsuit will be a model that other jurisdictions around the country will emulate," stated AAPD President and CEO Andrew J. Imparato. "When a city is building something new and/or purchasing new voting equipment, then it must incorporate and build access into its plans. AAPD is currently working on another similar lawsuit in Jacksonville, Florida - while none of us should have to be filing lawsuits to get the attention of these jurisdictions, AAPD will continue to do so when jurisdictions overlook or do not take seriously the need for full accessibility and the voting rights that must be given to every voter." Further, it was jointly agreed to that the Election Board in DC and a representative from the Disability Rights Center would inspect every polling place (for accessibility) in DC before the end of next year. For this the Disability Rights Center is being paid $42,000. If the city says the site cannot be made accessible, there is an appeals process with a deadline. The plaintiffs in the case against the District of Columbia have been represented by the Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and the Washington-based law firm, Hogan & Hartson. Compromise Voting Bill Signed into Law October 29th A compromise-voting bill that authorizes 3.9 billion dollars to the states over the next three years was signed into law October 29th. Eight hundred and fifty million is earmarked for accessibility improvements. AAPD believes that while the measure contains many important improvements in disability access requirements that AAPD has fought hard for, it also erects new barriers to voting that will chill participation from some segments of our community. We are pleased that the compromise contains significant improvements for Americans with visual and mobility disabilities, and Senator Dodd, Congressmen Ney, Hoyer and Conyers, and the other conferees should be commended for major strides forward toward accessible voting. Thanks to their leadership, millions of Americans with disabilities will be able, for the first time, to enter their neighborhood polling places and cast secret ballots. AAPD also applauds the provisional voting requirements, which will make it possible for voters with disabilities to cast provisional ballots pending determination about their eligibility to vote. AAPD has also concluded, however, that the legislation has serious flaws. The enforcement mechanisms, for instance, are weak and cumbersome. Given that the bill represents a significant investment of federal resources to assist state and local jurisdictions, it would be appropriate for Congress to provide strong oversight and enforcement, including a private right of action, in order to ensure that the bill's civil rights requirements are implemented. We have learned from other disability laws that enforcement is necessary to translate good policy into real access. The "maintenance of effort" clause will tempt some jurisdictions and states to cut local appropriations for elections, thereby consuming large amounts of federal funds and putting off the day when voting becomes fully accessible. Our grassroots colleagues and we will continue to work closely with local and state election officials to ensure that access is not delayed. Second, there is a set of new barriers to voter registration that will seriously limit the participation of the country's poorest citizens with disabilities, particularly Americans with disabilities who are unable to leave their residences and those with cognitive or psychiatric disabilities. The voter identification requirements as written, in an effort to prevent fraud, will make it extremely difficult for the 3.5 million Americans with disabilities who do not have driver's licenses or non-driving identification to vote. We understand why it was a priority for the conferees to prevent fraud, as it is for us, and in that spirit offered several approaches that would have prevented fraud without chilling voter participation from our community. But these were all rejected. Throughout this long process, AAPD has worked closely with the broad civil rights community because we recognize that there are millions of Americans with disabilities who are members of diverse racial and ethnic groups. We take the concerns of the civil rights community very seriously. AAPD will continue to work to mitigate the negative features of the legislation as well as to ensure that its positive aspects are robustly implemented. We will continue vigorously working toward the day when all Americans with disabilities are registered and cast their votes. Building the House Andrew J. Imparato Dear AAPD Members, Recently, the HalfthePlanet Foundation convened a one-day meeting of disability leaders to evaluate the status of people with disabilities in 2002 and brainstorm directions for policy development in the next 10 years. One of the overarching themes that emerged from the meeting used the metaphor of a house to describe where we are and where we need to go as a community. Civil rights laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Housing Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and Title V of the Rehabilitation Act can be thought about as creating a floor of equal opportunity, or a solid foundation on which we can build a public policy agenda that promotes full participation of children and adults with disabilities in all aspects of society. This floor alone, however, will not accomplish the realignment in public programs that ultimately is needed if we are to build a house that will make the ADA's vision a reality for millions of Americans who continue to be trapped in poverty, isolation, and dependence 12 years after the ADA's enactment. We as an organized community of disability advocates need to take the ADA's vision and make it real by modernizing programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security Disability Insurance, and Supplemental Security Income so that they consistently support people with disabilities as full participants in the economic lives of our communities. By removing outdated barriers like the institutional bias in the Medicaid program, the early retirement orientation of disability benefit programs, and the Medicare homebound restrictions, we can redirect billions of federal dollars to support the goals of the ADA. In many ways, building the house of real opportunity and empowerment is going to require more political clout and unity from our community than we needed to lay the foundation. Likewise, for our agenda to be implemented, we must work in coalition with seniors, women's groups, the broader civil rights community, and others who will benefit from public policies that give people and families real choices and real opportunities as they face the onset of a disability. When AAPD surveyed you, our membership, regarding your priorities for public policy advocacy, you identified health care, long-term care, housing and transportation among your top priorities. These four critical areas can be thought of as fundamental building blocks that must come together for individuals with disabilities to participate in the American dream. With the swearing in of a new Congress in January, AAPD looks forward to working with our membership and diverse allies to build a public policy house with bipartisan support that will translate the ADA into real access to the American dream for all. Working together, we can build a society that maximizes our potential and empowers us to live the dream. Have a safe and happy holiday season! Andrew J. Imparato AAPD President and CEO ImparatoA@aol.com AAPD MEMBERSHIP/RENEWAL APPLICATION Yes, I want to support AAPD! New Renewal Membership No. I need an alternate format for membership materials: ____ Braille ____ Audio Cassette ____ Large Print ____ Computer Diskette ____ Send to my Email Address: __________________ Name: ________________________________________ Street: ________________________________________ City: __________________________________________ State: _________________________________________ Zip: __________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________ Email: ________________________________________ Enclosed is my payment for: ____ $8 (one year) ____ $15 (two years) ____ $20 (three years) Check enclosed ____ VISA ____ MasterCard ____ Discover ____ American Express Credit Card Number: ____________________________ Expiration Date: ________________________________ Name on Credit Card: ___________________________ Signature: _____________________________________ AAPD Membership Services P.O. Box 97045 Washington, DC 20090-7045 Call toll-free (866) 241-3200 (V/TTY) www.aapd-dc.org Please call or mail notification of any address changes. Member Chat: To: AAPD Members From: Diane DeAngelis Director of Member Services dianedeangelis@earthlink.net AAPD Partnership With DCU Already a Hit with Members AAPD's new partnership with the Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) has already proven to be tremendously successful with our members. Since June of this year, nearly 2,000 AAPD members have joined DCU, which has written more than $2.7 million in loans to our membership. If you haven't taken advantage of this great new member benefit, be sure to read more about DCU on pages 4 and 5. DCU is not just for loans - full financial services are available. Don't Miss Out On Special Membership Drive We want to remind everyone about our new membership fee schedule: you can now get a one-year AAPD membership (or renewal) for only $8, two years for only $15, and three years for $20. Be sure to tell all of your family, friends, and colleagues how important it is for them to support AAPD's advocacy efforts and Leadership Programs for people with disabilities. There is strength in numbers! And, all members can take advantage of member benefits. Join The Thousands Who Have Discovered the AAPD Website We are proud to announce that the number of visitors to our website has grown dramatically over the past year. Are you one of them? Six thousand pages viewed each month. Our greatly expanded site, www.aapd-dc.org, gives you current news updates on issues important to our community, more disability resource links, and a Calendar of Events, along with information about all of our programs: National Disability Mentoring Day, the Disability Vote Project, Congressional Internships, and The Henry B. Betts, and Paul G. Hearne Awards. Don't forget: If you are not already on the Justice for All email listserv to receive current alerts about disability issues, you can sign up on our website by clicking on the Justice for All link on our home page. The service is free! Slow Newsletter Delivery? We have heard from some of our members that their copy of AAPD News arrives late or sometimes not at all. AAPD has no control over mail delivery. All newsletters are mailed to our members at the same time. If you receive yours late, or not at all, the problem is probably with your local Post Office. Call them and urge them to deliver this kind of mail in a timely manner. And don't forget to notify us of any address changes. Why AAPD Members Should Join Digital Federal Credit Union An open letter from Tim Garner, VP Marketing, Digital Federal Credit Union Membership in Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) is a new optional benefit for AAPD members. There are many things that set DCU apart from other financial institutions. Here are several reasons why you should seriously consider moving your checking, savings, and loans to DCU. DCU is a better value. We work to provide better savings rates, lower loan rates, more free services, lower fees, and more electronic convenience than you'll find at other institutions. For example, we saved members more than $825,000 in interest last year when they moved their existing auto loans to DCU. The reasons stem from DCU's philosophy and organization. DCU's purpose is service, not profit. Unlike a for-profit bank, DCU is a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned by and operated solely for the benefit of its members. We use any earnings to keep dividend rates high, loan rates low, pay the cost of providing service, and contribute to required reserves. There are no stockholders. Our corporate vision is that all members achieve financial well-being. We consider this goal in every decision. Consumer and financial education is essential for our members to get there. That's why we established our award-winning StreetWise Consumer Education Program. The StreetWise portion of our website provides unbiased consumer information, resources, and advice on buying cars and homes, personal privacy, fraud prevention, using financial services, parenting, and credit. There is a section for teens, and a new resource section for people with disabilities. It is free to everyone. DCU is there in tough times, too. DCU's Financial Wellness and Recovery Program helps members get early assistance when a life change impacts their financial stability. DCU also works with BALANCE. BALANCE is a firm that can help members in financial distress deal with other creditors and learn how to effectively manage their finances. Their services are free to DCU members. DCU is committed to the needs of AAPD members. While we strive to meet the needs of all our members from all walks of life, we recognize the disability community has unique needs. That's why we introduced Mobility Loans. These loans help you purchase specialized equipment such as lift-equipped vans, motorized wheelchairs, and other items. The terms are as long as 120 months to help make monthly payments more manageable. If you have such a loan elsewhere, you should tell us about it. We may be able to refinance the loan and save you money. Between June and mid-September, 2002, AAPD members opened 85 Mobility Loans totaling $2.7 million. DCU's home equity, vehicle, mortgage, and credit card loans satisfy even more financing needs. DCU is committed to accessibility and convenience. Most DCU services are available online or by phone 24 hours a day. While we have always worked to make our website, www.dcu.org, accessible, we are taking additional steps. We have retained The Paciello Group, a leading specialist in website accessibility, to review our website and help us make the necessary improvements. Most DCU branches have a wheelchair-accessible teller window. We also have provided a TTY number for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. DCU continues to grow by listening to our members and satisfying their needs. Our 2001 annual member survey showed 96 percent of members were satisfied or very satisfied with DCU service. And 27 percent of the members said they were more satisfied than the year before - the highest among all credit unions in the survey. Because of this level of satisfaction, DCU has grown to be the 25th largest credit union in America (out of more than 10,000) and, according to Callahan & Associates, was the fastest growing credit union between 1997 and 2001. Member savings at DCU are federally insured to $100,000 per member by the National Credit Union Administration. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are insured separately for an additional $100,000. Let us see if we can save you money. We're able to save money for most of our members from day one. Please visit our website at www.dcu.org, call us at (800) 328-8797 or (TTY at (800) 395-5146), email us at dcu@dcu.org, or write us at Digital Federal Credit Union, 220 Donald Lynch Boulevard, Marlborough, MA 01752. Former AAPD Chair Takes Oath as National Council on Disability Chair Former AAPD Chair, Lex Frieden, recently became Chair of the National Council on Disability (NCD). White House Chief of Staff, Andrew Card, administered the oath of office to Lex Frieden in the Oval Office as President Bush stood by. Lex brings a wealth of experience to his role as NCD Chair. He is the senior vice president at The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research, directs the Independent Living Research Utilization Program, and is a professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine. NCD is an independent federal agency making recommendations to the President and Congress on issues affecting 54 million Americans with disabilities. NCD is composed of 15 members appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Lex was confirmed by the Senate on July 26, 2002, the 12th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. He replaces Clinton appointee Marca Bristo. 2000 Paul G. Hearne Awardee, Matthew Cavedon (second from right) appeared on the front cover of Lands' End Kids Catalog - Fall 2002 as part of their tribute to "Born Heroes," salute to kids that make a difference. According to the catalog, Matthew was recognized for "designing a wheelchair-compatible swing at age seven and has helped build playgrounds across the country that are accessible to children of all abilities." Digital Federal Credit Union Working With AAPD Members Over the next few issues AAPD News will bring its readers personal stories of how Digital Federal Credit Union is helping AAPD members. This first story is about Victoria Smart who was diagnosed with MS 10 years ago. Victoria's story doesn't begin this past summer, but thanks to Digital Federal Credit Union it took a positive turn. Victoria's husband had just graduated from college so it should have been a very up time for both of them, but Victoria had not been able to maneuver the manual type lift in the back of her van for two years and, therefore, she had not been able to drive for two years. Because they live outside of the city limits for buses and other forms of public transportation, Victoria was trapped in her house. "I couldn't run to the store or anywhere and I knew if I had the right vehicle I could. I had worked with an occupational therapist to pick out the right van for me but the banks told me they were not going to help me with financing." The dream to drive again could have died then - but it didn't. The man who would be doing the conversion on Victoria's new van suggested she call Tom Matson at Access & Mobility Finance, Inc. Tom introduced her to AAPD and the Digital Federal Credit Union and helped her put together a loan application. Victoria received the financing she needed for a new van. In fact, the loan is for 10 years, making the monthly payments easier to meet. Digital Federal Credit Union also helped Victoria with insurance and told her if she would direct deposit her Social Security checks she would get another 1/2 percent point off of her loan. According to Victoria, the people at Digital Federal Credit Union have been just wonderful. "They have called me to make sure everything is ok and my loan was approved in just a couple of weeks." Victoria began driving again just last month. AAPD's National Disability Mentoring Day 2002 Huge Success Event Moves Into International Scene Ollie Cantos; Troy Justesen, Associate Director for Domestic Policy, Domestic Policy Council, The White House; and Jennifer Howitt, a Georgetown University student who spent the day in The White House being mentored. Tatiana Gau, AOL Inc., a NDMD national corporate sponsor, speaking before the audience, with all of the participants on the stage behind her. Bella Goren, American Airlines, a NDMD national corporate sponsor, with The Honorable Elaine L. Chao, Secretary of Labor. National Disability Mentoring Day (NDMD) 2002 was a huge success by anyone's standards. The event grew in participants by more than 100 percent over last year. In 2001, 1,600 individuals participated in NDMD, this year 3,500 individuals participated. Additionally, there were more private sponsors, 50 more local coordinators, more states, and, for the first time ever, the event went international. NDMD was celebrated in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, New Zealand, Canada, and Kosovo. Eighteen Federal agencies participated in the day, and five students were invited to the White House. Participants ranged in age from elementary school students to graduate students and job seekers. Event activities included one-on-one job shadowing, group tours, and a special session on protecting the environment. NDMD, established in 1999 as a part of a White House effort to increase the awareness and effectiveness of National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrated every October, is a national/international effort designed to promote the employment of students and job seekers with disabilities through the time-tested success of personal mentoring. That first year three dozen students participated. In 2000, AAPD became the national sponsor/host of the event, and more than 250 students participated in 14 states with more than two dozen businesses also participating. National Disability Mentoring Day creates opportunities for employers, students with disabilities, job placement and vocational rehabilitation professionals, and educators. Speakers at the NDMD D.C. Event NDMD National Corporate Sponsors: Bella Goren Vice President for Customer Service Planning American Airlines Tatiana Gau Senior Vice President, Integrity Assurance AOL Inc. Kathryn Brown Senior Vice President Verizon Administration Officials: The Honorable Elaine L. Chao, Secretary, US Department of Labor The Honorable Jo Anne B. Barnhart, Commissioner, Social Security Administration The Honorable Kay Cole James, Administrator, Office of Personnel Management The Honorable Cari M. Dominquez, Chair, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission The Honorable William D. Hansen, Deputy Secretary, US Department of Education The Honorable Claude Allen, Deputy Secretary, US Department of Health and Human Services The Honorable Ralph Boyd, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, US Department of Justice The Honorable Samuel W. Bodman, Deputy Secretary, US Department of Commerce The Honorable D. Cameron Findlay, Deputy Secretary, US Department of Labor Cornelius Butler, a college student from Bainbridge, Georgia, who worked with Secretary Chao to "officially demonstrate and launch" DisabilityInfo.gov 2002 National Disability Mentoring Day National Corporate Sponsors American Airlines AOL Time Warner BellSouth Boeing Cingular Wireless Citigroup Darden Restaurants GM Hp Invent Independence Technology Microsoft Pitney Bowes SunTrust TecAccess Verizon All Aboard for an International Exchange By Pamela Houston, National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange International exchange makes a difference for people with disabilities. I know this from my own experience and from that of many other people with disabilities who have spent time abroad. I work with Mobility International USA (MIUSA), an organization whose mission is to empower people with disabilities around the world through international exchange. Most of its more than 1,200 alumni on its inbound and outbound exchanges have been people with a wide variety of physical, sensory, and other disabilities. Each year, MIUSA offers a few international exchange programs of its own. These programs focus on disability issues and on strengthening the worldwide disability movement. MIUSA's goal, however, is not to be the only exchange organization for people with disabilities. Through its National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE), MIUSA strongly encourages people with disabilities to participate in the international exchange opportunities offered by other organizations and educational institutions such as AFS Intercultural Programs, Council on International Educational Exchange, Rotary International, or Sister Cities International. NCDE educates people with disabilities about volunteer, short-term work, study, research, and homestay opportunities and provides international exchange organizations with practical how-to consulting and training on including people with disabilities in their programs. In August 2001, MIUSA brought together more than 50 alumni from 11 countries, including the United States, to examine the impact of international exchange on their career, education, and personal paths. Throughout the week, alumni of MIUSA and other exchange programs reviewed their life-changing experiences in focus group discussions. Participants reported enhanced careers, languages learned, and friendships formed across cultures. Alumni also shared the deeper, more personal benefits of self-discovery - uncovering new interests, becoming more adaptable, and embracing a broader worldview. Here are a few examples of how people with disabilities described the impact of their international exchange experience:"I was fascinated to learn about how the government in Germany addresses disability issues, and to compare that to what we do here in the U.S. That comparison made me interested in policy." Now this former exchange participant is working with a policy-making organization that advises our state government on disability issues. "I think one is always more employable if one has had experience abroad, and I think probably if one is a person with a disability prospective employers are even more impressed because their expectations may be a bit lower. Having international experiences on my resume was definitely an asset in my job search. Now I work for an organization with bases all over the world, so they do look for people who have that international experience." Consider the cumulative impact that will be realized as more and more people with disabilities participate in international exchange. It is well known that the people who are involved in international careers (ambassadors, diplomats, development workers, exchange professionals) embark on these paths first through participating in international exchange. It is also widely recognized that, even with the increase in the number of people with disabilities in exchange, they still do not participate to the same extent as their non-disabled peers. Consequently disabled people are not gaining the experience necessary to secure the positions where the policies and programs are created that shape the international community. And those working on disability policy domestically are not having as much of an opportunity to learn from and share with their counterparts around the world. In order to gain international leadership positions, more people with disabilities must take that first step of participating in international exchange. NCDE is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State. For more information about NCDE, contact: National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange P.O. Box 10767 Eugene, OR 97440 Phone: (541) 343-1284 (V/TTY) Fax: (541) 343-6812 Email: clearinghouse@miusa.org Website: www.miusa.org A Primer for Re-entering the Workforce By Jeff Schaffer, Principal, Booz Allen Hamilton As a hiring manager in a leading consulting firm, I encounter a diverse group of candidates for employment. People with visible disabilities are certainly represented among the applicants. And, as an individual with a disability myself and a disability advocate, I know that this is as an underemployed group with tremendous untapped value and potential impact. I often counsel individuals who contact me after seeing one of the articles or speeches on our corporate website that reveal that I am a person with disabilities. Many of these individuals recount their horror stories of failed attempts to re-enter the workforce after an extended period of unemployment. This short primer provides three pointers on how to overcome the significant challenges that this status presents. It is not an exhaustive guide, but simply a framework on how to approach the interviewing process. Rule Number 1 A disability can justify an accommodation to facilitate the selection process. However it does not excuse one from basic standards of professionalism. For example, being deaf or hard of hearing entitles you to have an interpreter for an interview. However, a disability is not a legitimate excuse for showing up late, dressing inappropriately, or being unresponsive. If arranging for transportation, relying on an attendant to get dressed, or checking the battery in your hearing aid are part of your routine, take every reasonable precaution to ensure that these things go smoothly on the day of an interview. Establish a reliable mode of communication with the potential employer, in case you are unavoidably detained. If the telephone is not an option for you, it is not acceptable to impose on your contact to take a quick minute to learn to use Instant Messenger. Counting on the timely transfer of messages among email systems is not a reliable way to handle last-minute logistical issues. Rule Number 2 Be positive! Avoid apologizing for having a disability or focusing on your limitations. Focus on what you can do instead. Most employers base hiring decisions on competencies and impact, not accumulated experience. This is a critical distinction if you don't have recent paid work experience. In other words, your volunteer role as the newsletter editor for your support group may be much more relevant than another applicant's paid data entry position. Your ability to listen to, understand, and transcribe recorded information at the speed of sound may make you more qualified than a sighted candidate who transcribes medical notes at a much slower pace. The Internet site that you developed for your church using the latest technology may better demonstrate web skills than the paid employee who is experienced with older technology. Rule Number 3 Base decisions on the disclosure of invisible disabilities on direct relevance to perform the basic functions associated with a position. Even if your resume makes it obvious that you have not worked for some time, you are not obligated to disclose the details of your disability. Many individuals without a disability voluntarily elect to leave the workforce for an extended period. Potential employers do not generally expect disclosure of all of the details behind these choices. A simple explanation for your absence coupled with a statement of your ability to perform the job will suffice. If you will need an accommodation to perform the basic functions of a position, describe it succinctly. Avoid lengthy, complex tutorials on your disability, disease, or disorder. A recruiting or human resources contact will usually coordinate with you and the hiring manager to work out the critical details. The most important advice that I can give any candidate is to keep trying. Every attempt is a learning experience, every interview is training opportunity and every "no" is a marker on the path to an eventual "yes." TecAccess Helps with AAPD Website The folks at TecAccess (www.tecaccess.net) have donated their time and skills to help make AAPD's website more user friendly and accessible. TecAccess is a dynamic software development, testing, training, and consulting company specializing in IT Accessibility and Section 508 compliance solutions. TecAccess is uniquely positioned to undertake the challenge of developing creative accessibility solutions because more than 75 percent of the TecAccess' staff are people with disabilities. TecAccess is composed of the very individuals for whom Section 508 was designed. Debra Ruh, CEO, has more than 20 years of experience creating technology and distance learning solutions for financial companies and industry leaders. Steve Timmer, CIO and President, began developing software products out of necessity for him to perform his job after he started losing his sight. Steve has more than 15 years experience in both the electromagnet and computer industries creating commercially available products. TecAccess provides comprehensive solutions to companies' and government's Section 508 compliance needs. And, they take the compliance issue one step further - they not only help companies get Section 508 compliant, they also assist companies in making IT software, products, and their websites accessible and usable. TecAccess has been a strong advocate for people with disabilities for a number of years and is intensely interested in helping them achieve an independent lifestyle. For more information on TecAccess, contact Debra Ruh at (804) 749-8646 or druh@tecaccess.net. An Appeal to AAPD Members and Friends From Mariana Nork, AAPD Vice President for Development and Communications Once again it is that time when many of us are considering year-end charitable contributions. As you consider the solicitations you receive, we ask that you place a priority on AAPD. AAPD is your organization, and it will only be as beneficial and influential as you and others deem it to be through financial contributions to support its programs of importance to people with all disabilities. While we appreciate your membership, please remember annual membership dues pay for less than five percent of the cost of AAPD programs and expenses. The rest must come from grants and donations from foundations, businesses, and individuals. This past year we have continued to expand our philanthropic contributions and we continue to work to establish a strong base of corporate supporters. We also apply for appropriate private and public grants. But that is not enough. In fact, most grantors want to know how much our members are contributing to our financial base. It is sometimes used as criteria for giving. Your gift will not only be a gift of money to AAPD, it will also help us generate more dollars from other sources. AAPD is quickly moving toward becoming the most recognized voice on issues that relate to people with disabilities. Our wish is to be an organization that has a ground swell of support and is recognized as "the" disability membership organization both nationally and internationally. With increased voluntarism, participation, and financial support from within its membership, AAPD will live up to this profile. So, as we conclude 2002 and you are thinking about your personal philanthropy, please remember AAPD. Any size of gift will be appreciated, it's fully tax-deductible, and will help AAPD continue to operate and grow in 2003. To make your giving easier, just use AAPD's toll-free number (866) 241-3200 and phone in your contribution by credit card. Thank you, and best wishes to you and your families for a wonderful holiday season and a very Happy New Year! Name: ________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________ City, State, Zip: _________________________________ Contribution Amount: $10 $25 $50 $100 $250 other $ I am enclosing a check or money order in this amount. - OR - Please charge that contribution to my credit card: MasterCard Visa American Express Discover Card #: ________________________________________ Exp. Date: _____________________________________ Name As It Appears On Card: _____________________ Please return this completed form to: AAPD 1819 H Street, NW, Suite 330 Washington, DC 20006 Thank you for your continued support of AAPD! Need the Complete Picture on Disability Spending in the U.S.? How much money does the U.S. spend each year on services for citizens with disabilities? What programs get more funding - physical disabilities, mental illness, or developmental disabilities? Is your state a "leader" or a "laggard" in services for citizens with disabilities? The new 7th edition of Disability at the Dawn of the 21st Century and The State of the States gives you the whole picture on disability financing, complete with state-by-state profiles of trends in revenue, money spent, persons served, and individuals and families supported from 1982-2000. For more than 20 years, policy makers, state agencies, health care professionals, advocacy groups, and organizations across America have come to rely on The State of the States for a comprehensive analysis of public spending on disability services. Published by the American Association on Mental Retardation (AAMR), The State of the States is a one-of-a-kind study supported as a Project of National Significance by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). "The State of the States is significant in many ways," says noted disabilities scholar Dr. David Braddock, who led this study. "Apart from being a useful tool for state planning purposes, the study is particularly useful for disability advocacy groups, since for many consumers with disabilities, program and budget decisions made in state legislatures and public agencies frequently determine who receives which services and supports more than general decisions made in Washington, DC." The spotlight on comparative state performance also encourages policy makers, administrators, and service providers to emulate leading states. The 7th edition of The State of the States also features the first study ever to quantify spending on all disabilities programs, including mental retardation, mental illness, and physical disabilities. Also new to the 7th edition is a comparative study on forces shaping developmental disabilities services in the Michigan and Illinois and a history of disability in Western society. BOOK: 498 p. Hardcover ISBN: 0-940898-85-3 $99.95 ($89.95 AAMR members) Founded in 1876, the mission of AAMR is to promote progressive policies, sound research, effective practices, and universal human rights for people with intellectual disabilities. New Edition of The State of the States Tracks Financial Commitment of Each U.S. State and D.C. to Citizens With Disabilities Order book: Call (301) 604-1340 or email aamr@pmds.com Review copy/author interviews: Call Anna Prabhala at (202) 387-1968, Ext. 212 or email annap@aamr.org Mental Health Parity Not Likely to Receive Congressional Action this Year Even the President, who embraced the cause and called for political action, can't get House Republican leaders to support mental health parity. House sources say there is no way mental health parity will pass this year given the already high health care costs. But, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, the bill would increase the cost of insurance by about 1 percent. Congress approved a limited mental health parity law in 1996. It barred health plans that offer coverage for mental health from setting lower annual and lifetime spending limits for mental treatments than they set for other ailments. The law exempted group plans with fewer than 51 people. It expired at the end of 2001, was extended, and is now set to expire at the end of this year. Despite the Budget Office's numbers, business groups say the mandate will increase the already rising cost of health insurance and might cause some employers to drop coverage all together. AAPD members and friends are encouraged to call or write their Congressional members before the end of the year and ask them to support parity for voluntary mental health services. U.S. Transportation Secretary Mineta Invites Americans to Comment on Future Surface Transportation Programs U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta recently asked individuals and groups across the country to take advantage of a new online service to express their opinions and offer ideas as the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) prepares its proposal to Congress on reauthorization of the nation's surface transportation programs. For the first time ever, USDOT is providing an Internet-based site for individuals and groups to go online and submit comments, ideas, and analyses regarding reauthorization. The Department also invites comments that can be submitted in writing. "As we develop new proposals for our surface transportation program, we want to hear from our state and local partners, the private sector, and all those who are interested in meeting the transportation challenges of tomorrow," Secretary Mineta said. "The new website and the traditional vehicles we have provided will enable stakeholders and citizens everywhere to submit ideas and comments, which will be valuable resources as we move forward with the reauthorization process." The current legislation, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), was enacted in June 1998. TEA-21 expires on September 30, 2003, and Congress and the Bush Administration are working to develop its successor. USDOT also has produced a brochure that provides a message from the Secretary, a list of TEA-21 accomplishments, and the Department's core principles for reauthorization as well as information on participation by individuals and groups in helping to shape these surface transportation programs. The brochure, America's Surface Transportation Programs: Meeting the New Challenges, and a Federal Register notice formally seeking comments on the reauthorization of surface transportation programs can by viewed on the Internet. Participants are encouraged to use the website to submit comments online. They can do so by logging on to http://www.dot.gov/ and clicking on "Surface Transportation Reauthorization." Written comments may be sent to the: Docket Clerk, USDOT Room PL-401 Docket Number OST-2002-12170 400 Seventh St., SW Washington, DC 20590 To order a copy of the brochure write to: Public Affairs Room 10416 U.S. Department of Transportation 400 Seventh St., SW Washington, DC 20590 New books Riding the Bus with My Sister A Story of Love and Struggle Riding The Bus With My Sister, released this past August by Houghton Mifflin, tells the story of author Rachel Simon's sister Beth's life with a cognitive disability. Beth spends her days riding the buses in the city where she lives, befriending drivers and passengers, and making a traveling community for herself. Rachel rode the bus with her sister for one year, and the book is based on that time together and how it changed both their lives. Written as a warm narrative, the book also honestly addresses Beth's struggles and Rachel's sibling frustrations. This book is a perfect holiday gift for someone on your list this holiday season. AAPD Celebrated the 12th Anniversary of the ADA with JFA Awards Program (left to right) AAPD Board Chair John D. Kemp, AAPD President and CEO Andrew J. Imparato, JFA Award recipient Representative Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) Representative James R. Langevin (D-RI), a leader of the Congressional Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, giving closing comments to attendees at the July 24 ADA Celebration. (left to right) AAPD Board Chair John D. Kemp welcoming attendees to the July 24 ADA Celebration, with program participants Representative Connie Morella (R-MD), The Honorable Dick Thornburgh, The Honorable Ralph Boyd and N.O.D. Chairman Michael Deland. (left to right) JFA Award recipient Kathy Bushkin, President of the AOL Time Warner Foundation, AAPD President and CEO Andrew J. Imparato, CNN's Judy Woodruff. (left to right) AAPD President and CEO Andrew J. Imparato, JFA Award presenter Courtland Townes, JFA Award recipient Representative John M. Shimkus (R-IL). JFA Award recipient Representative John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI) addressing attendees at the July 24 ADA Celebration. Networking Across the Nation The National Technical Assistance Center for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with Disabilities By David Starbuck and Diane Hino Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) are one of the fastest growing minority groups in the U. S. The U.S. Census Bureau projects this group to grow from approximately 9.5 million in 1997 to more than 35 million, 9 percent of the U.S. population, by the year 2050 -proportionately more than any other minority group in the country. As the population of the U.S. shifts toward greater numbers of culturally and linguistically diverse persons, Congress has expressed concern over the higher prevalence of minority persons with disabilities and documented patterns of inequitable treatment of such persons within the vocational rehabilitation system. Addressing this need, the University of Hawaii at Manoa established a National Technical Assistance Center (NTAC) in 2001 that focuses on increasing employment opportunities by working in collaboration with the Vocational Rehabilitation Systems, Centers for Independent Living, and consumer organizations to develop and implement best practices while providing employment related services for persons with disabilities from Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures. Today, NTAC is in the process of accomplishing these goals by building a technical assistance capacity through collaboration with a National Advisory Board and four National Technical Assistance Networks. The four networks function as major sources of input to NTAC regarding technical assistance materials and activities to be developed and issues and barriers to be solved. The networks target states and communities nationwide that include recent immigrant populations living in extreme urban and rural areas in need of culturally appropriate technical assistance regarding civil rights, education and employment opportunities, and disability-related services. NTAC's website, www.ntac.hawaii.edu, provides solutions to barriers often experienced by AAPIs with disabilities and extensive information on disability resources. NTAC seeks to develop and provide technical assistance that will result in increased culturally relevant vocational rehabilitation services for this minority group in response to their evolving needs. For further information, call Diane Hino, NTAC National Network Coordinator at (808) 956-3648, or email her at dhino@hawaii.edu. NTAC is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration. Volunteers Sought for 2003 AAPD Leadership Gala AAPD is looking for 10 volunteers to assist with its 2003 Leadership Gala. The event, will be held on Tuesday, March 4, at the Washington Hilton & Towers in Washington, DC. A table will be reserved at the Gala for volunteers so that they can enjoy the evening. All volunteers will, of course, attend free-of-charge. The first-ever Gala, held this past February, was highly successful. The event proved to be an effective forum for recognizing leaders in the disability community and award recipients. Participating and attending were disability rights advocates, senior members of the Executive Branch, Members of Congress, high-ranking policy makers, and corporate and community leaders. Everyone came together for the same ultimate goals of advocacy and disability community recognition. As a result of the 2002 AAPD Leadership Gala, new partnerships have been established that are directly benefiting AAPD's programs such as National Disability Mentoring Day and the Disability Vote Project. Plans are now well underway for the 2003 event. To make it even more effective, we are inviting up to 10 AAPD members to serve as volunteers at the event, fulfilling a variety of roles, such as: serving as hosts, welcoming guests as they arrive at the hotel for the Gala, assisting at the registration table and with checking in event guests, helping guests to find their tables, and handing out "take-homes" at the conclusion of the event. All volunteers will receive onsite training by the events staff immediately prior to the Gala. If you plan to be in Washington next March 4 and are interested in attending the Gala and being one of the 10 volunteers, please contact Mariana Nork by email at aapdmvn@aol.com, or call (800) 840-8844 (V/TTY). AAPD Joins Nine Other Disability Groups to Support the Inclusive Home Design Act of 2002 AAPD and nine other disability groups sent a letter of support and thanks to Representative Jan Schakowsky thanking her for introducing H.R. 5683, the Inclusive Home Design Act of 2002. The letter read, "Your legislation answers a critical need faced by millions of people with physical disabilities in this country. While the Fair Housing Act Amendments of 1988 ensured that new, multifamily construction would be accessible to those with mobility impairments, it continued the exclusion of these individuals from thousands of developments of single-family homes and townhouses. As a result, a person with a physical disability is too often barred from visiting family, friends and colleagues simply because their homes were not built with common, easy- to-incorporate accessibility features. By requiring all newly constructed, federally assisted single-family houses and townhouses to meet minimum standards of visitability, H.R. 5683 seeks to break down one of the remaining barriers to community integration for people with physical disabilities." Secretary of Labor Unveils New Website Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao recently unveiled a new disability information website - DisabilityInfo.gov. The new site provides E-government resources for people with disabilities. President Announces New Rule to Enhance Access to Generic Drugs As AAPD News was going to press, President Bush announced a new rule to lower prescription drug costs for millions of Americans by improving access to generic drugs, which are safe and effective and can be much less costly alternatives to brand-name prescription drugs. The proposed rule is expected to lead to savings in drug costs of more than $3 billion per year for America's consumers. This regulatory action will close loopholes in the implementation of the "Hatch-Waxman" law, which governs how generic drugs can compete with brand-name drugs. According to the White House, patients will benefit from greater and more predictable access to safe, effective, low- cost generic alternatives to brand-name drugs. For more information, visit The White House website at www.whitehouse.gov. 1819 H Street, NW Suite 330 Washington, DC 20006-3603 Return Service Requested To request an alternate format call (800) 840-8844 (V/TTY) For AAPD Membership Inquiries: Toll-Free Telephone (866) 241-3200 (V/TTY) Written AAPD Membership Services Office 258 Main Street, Suite 203 Milford, MA 01757 Visit our website at: www.aapd-dc.org 1