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FYI Newsletter

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FYI Newsletter June 28, 2010

Quick Scan:

• Indiana AFP Employment Scorecard Survey
• Webinar on Accessible Signage
• Benefits Information Network Training
• 2010 TASH Symposium for Change
• Third Annual Assistive Technology Conference
• Save the Date for Buddy Walk
• Library Corner

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IN-AFP EMPLOYMENT SURVEY



INDIANA AFP EMPLOYMENT SCORECARD SURVEY: The National Alliance for Full Participation (AFP) is interested in how Indiana is doing on the path to the ambitious goal of 50% employment of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in five years. They have created a “scorecard” of possible benchmarks for state Alliances.


This scorecard was created to help Indiana review the state policies, practices, and strategies that impact on opportunities for integrated employment. The answers on this scorecard will help Indiana identify priorities and set goals for employment initiatives and outline a strategy for doubling our state’s rate of integrated employment by the year 2015. For information on the Scorecard, contact Joel Fosha at (812) 855-6508 or e-mail foshaj@indiana.edu.

UPCOMING



WEBINAR ON ACCESSIBLE SIGNAGE: The U.S. Access Board and the ADA National Network are offering a free webinar on Accessible Signage on Thursday, July 1 from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m. (Eastern). 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) have requirements that address signage in buildings and in other locations. These requirements address both visual and tactile accessibility, and generally apply where signs are provided. This session will review the scoping and technical provisions for signage in the ADA and ABA standards, and highlight updates to the specifications. Dave Yanchulis, Coordinator of Public Affairs, and Marsha K. Mazz, Senior Accessibility Specialist, from the U.S. Access Board, will be the featured presenters.

This session is part of the ADA National Network’s collaborative webinar series AccessibilityOnline. The series features a webinar session each month on topics related to the Built Environment, Information and Communication Technologies, and Transportation.

The webinar is free but you must register t0 participate by visiting www.accessibilityonline.org. There are a few Indiana organizations hosting the webinar for the public. Please visit the ADA-Indiana website if you are interested in attending at one of those locations.

BENEFITS INFORMATION NETWORK TRAINING:  Vocational Rehabilitation encourages all agencies with a Purchase of Services Agreement and all Employment Networks to participate in the Benefits Information Network (BIN).  In collaboration with the Indiana Institute, the Social Security Administration, the Indiana Medicaid Infrastructure Grant, and Indiana Works-Works Incentive Planning and Assistance Projects, BIN Liaisons are supporting the employment and work incentives outcomes of beneficiaries.

Two types of training are available. BIN Basic Training is a four-day series required for first-time certification or 2nd year recertification. This training will include four full days of instruction and training exercises, competency tests, field assignments, and additional tele-training participation. All parts of the training are required for certification.

BIN Advanced Training recertification is offered to experienced BIN Liaisons who have satisfactorily performed BIN services, and who have successfully complete all pre-training assignments and proficiency tests with 80% to be admitted to the training. In addition, participation in web-based and tele-trainings will be required.

Training dates and locations for BIN Basic Training are:

July 28-29 and August 25-26, 2010
Farmstead Inn
Shipshewanna, IN

Training dates and locations for BIN Advanced Training are:

September 22-23, 2010
Potawatami Inn
Angola, IN

Registration fee is $180.00 per person. For more information, contact Sherry Redman at (812) 855-6508, e-mail sredman@indiana.edu, or visit http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/styles/iidc/defiles/CCLC/BIN2010.pdf to download a registration form.

NATIONAL  NEWS



2010 TASH SYMPOSIUM FOR CHANGE: In an effort to expand advocacy efforts, TASH’s 2010 Symposium for Change has been moved to October 12, 2010, in Washington, D.C. The move allows TASH to gain broad participation from the disability community, families, advocates, professionals and policy makers. TASH hopes you’ll join them on October 12 as they explore and tackle the rising challenge of disparities for people of color with disabilities!

Be part of the advocacy in Washington as discussions center around the latest research and best practices in health, employment, and education for people of color with disabilities. Hear from leading researchers, advocates, and decision-makers on the policies and practices that can help bridge and eliminate these disparities. The 2010 Symposium for Change also includes a legislative briefing and office visits to policy makers on October 13 on Capitol Hill. For more information, visit http://www.tash.org/index.html.

ACROSS THE STATE



THIRD ANNUAL ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE: INDATA and Easter Seals Crossroads are sponsoring the Third Annual Technology Conference, July 29-30, 2010 at the Convention Center, Indianapolis. More than 30 hours of educational sessions and presentations will be available to attendees. Over 50 vendors will be on hand to share information about assistive technology products, funding resources, advocacy, and education.

The conference is free but you must register. Visit www.eastersealstech.com or call Sara Croft at (317) 466-2013 for more information.

IN BLOOMINGTON



SAVE THE DATE FOR BUDDY WALK: The Down Syndrome Family Connection in Bloomington is hosting their 3rd Annual Buddy Walk on Sunday, October 3rd! To be held at Bryan Park, registration begins at 2:00 with the walk starting at 3:00 p.m. The walk is free and there is fun for the whole family. Lots of volunteers are needed too, so let them know if you can help! For more information, visit http://downsyndromefamilyconnection.org/buddywalk.html.

LIBRARY CORNER

NEW ITEMS: The following new materials may be borrowed by Indiana residents from the Center for Disability Information and Referral at the Institute. To check out materials, contact the library at 1-800-437-7924, send e-mail to cedir@indiana.edu, or visit us at 2853 East Tenth Street in Bloomington.

Espeland, P., & Verdick, E. (2004). Helping out and staying safe: The empowerment assets. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Pub.

Espeland, P., & Verdick, E. (2004). People who care about you: The support assets. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Pub.

Espeland, P., & Verdick, E. (2006). Proud to be you: The positive identity assets. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Pub.

Espeland, P., & Verdick, E. (2005). Smart ways to spend your time: The constructive use of time assets. Minneapolis, MN: Free Spirit Pub.

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