Foundation grant supports NICU Nov 22, 2009
Hope Haven's respite services provide a break to families and caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities from the daily responsibilities that come with caring for their loved ones ... Hope Haven provides a variety of programs for individuals with developmental disabilities including community access services, supported employment, community living support, community residential alternative and respite services. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Population growth adds funds to Twin Cities Nov 22, 2009
-- Planning health and educational services for people with disabilities. -- Locating factory sites and distribution centers. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
As need grows, more step up to aid food pantries north of Boston Nov 22, 2009
Besides individual volunteers, The Open Door uses groups, including students with mental and physical disabilities from Gloucester High School. They are in a position where they get helped a lot and this is a way for them to give back, said Erin Turner, who coordinates the students involvement at the pantry. (Boston Globe)
Valley Benefits Nov 22, 2009
Unified Softball teams combine Special Olympics competitors with athletes who don t have intellectual disabilities on sports teams for training and competition. For more. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
OFFICIAL: BUDGET CUTS SHOULDN’T HINDER TRAUMA SYSTEM Nov 22, 2009
No single area of the program was impacted enough by the cuts ordered last month to slow the implementation, Sutherland told a civic group recently, adding the system s goals remain unchanged reducing the number of deaths and lessening the impact of disabilities from trauma ... Trauma is the top cause for loss of life and disabilities for those between age 1 and 34, the surgeon said, noting Arkansas has the third highest number of motor vehicle accident deaths in the nation. (Pine Bluff Commercial, AR)
The stress of harvest Nov 21, 2009
Midwest Producer: Serving Kansas ska Agriculture. by Loretta Sorensen, Midwest ProducerWednesday, November 18, 2009 10:35 AM CST. (Midwest Bulls Eye, NE)
Help Center struggling, but blessed Nov 21, 2009
Most recipient families have monthly incomes of less than $900, they are elderly, and have health problems or disabilities, said Hayman. Others are young families that are struggling to get by, he said. (Bogalusa Daily News, LA)
Mental hospital stops admits Nov 21, 2009
While Central State Hospital in Milledgeville will remain open, the problems are so grave that the facility will not accept patients for a period that could last several months while changes are made, said Thomas Wilson, spokesman for the state Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. "There were some concerns of an urgent nature," Wilson said. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Examining Mathematical Abilities in Children With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Nov 21, 2009
"Children with FASD are similar in their presentation to children with nonverbal learning disabilities, which are sometimes associated with visual/spatial deficits and math deficits; one of the factors thought to produce these effects is deficits in white matter integrity.". "From studies of brain function, we know that the parietal brain regions are involved in mathematics and number tasks," said Catherine Lebel, a Ph. (Science Daily)
Beacon Hill Roll Call: House rejects amendment requiring prisoner fees Nov 21, 2009
NEW MOTHERS (S 57) - The Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities held a hearing on a measure requiring that employees on maternity leave for the adoption of a child be entitled to the same benefits offered to an employee on maternity leave for the birth of a child. The committee is also considering bills that would ban adults from playgrounds unless they are accompanying a child (H 151) and require that public schools list the amount of carbohydrates contained in all food... (Cambridge Chronicle, MA)
County auditor laments lack of better oversight Nov 21, 2009
In 2007, the department another contract with Cheswick-based Dugan's Residential Care Inc., which operated six group homes for individuals with mental disabilities after an audit revealed that the agency's owners and operators misused $823,545 of $2 ... In 2005, the former executive director of Training Toward Self Reliance, an organization that contracted with the county to provide care and treatment to individuals with development disabilities, contracted with his former agency and overcharged... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Heavy students at Pa. college must pass fitness class Nov 21, 2009
Some experts said recent amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act might lead to exemptions for morbidly obese students, who could argue that participating in the class would be dangerous. Click for related content. (MSNBC -- Health)
Menino column: Mayor reminds people that winter storms will soon be here Nov 21, 2009
Look out for neighbors with disabilities and residents in wheelchairs, who require 42-inch wide paths to get around. Sidewalks abutting your residence or business should be passable within three hours after a snowstorm. (Rsolindale Parkway Transcript, MA)
Battered city's youngest victims Nov 21, 2009
Some patients being treated for congenital defects at the centre for people with disabilities were clearly born before the start of the war, but the vast majority of children on the register were aged six, or younger ... She has been diagnosed with developmental disabilities stemming from the pregnancy. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
* Parks wheelchair policy draws criticism Nov 21, 2009
This is a typical case of discrimination and lack of awareness about people with disabilities, she said, adding that while most people can leave their wheels outside the park, only people on wheelchairs are completely excluded ... Citing clauses in the Act for Protecting the Interests of the Physically and Mentally Disabled (vqOk), which stipulates that people with disabilities should have equal rights using facilities in public places, Organizations for the Disabled... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Help needed for holiday donation effort Nov 21, 2009
e., job loss, illness that created unexpected medical bills, marital problems, changing family responsibilities, disabilities). It is located at 450 Concord Ave. in the former Belmont Municipal Electric Light Building. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Donation boosts lifesaver program Nov 21, 2009
THE GIFT OF SAFETY Orville Bear Spangler, president of the board of the Union County sportsmans club, presents Amy Miller and Deputy Sheriff Ernie Delp with a contribution for Project Lifesaver, a tracking program designed to quikly locate and rescue missing people with cognitive impairments and developmental disabilities ... Its purpose is to use technology in assisting the caretakers of those with Alzheimer s, Down syndrome and other cognitive impairments or developmental... (Milton Standard Journal, PA)
Animal amigos Nov 21, 2009
Sebastian and I are going to participate in hippotherapy, a physical, occupational and speech therapy treatment that utilizes horse movement for people patients with developmental disorders, neuromuscular disabilities or skeletal impairments. Our owners agree, pets calm the soul and fill a great void. (Big Bear Grizzly, CA)
Hope over Down's learning problem Nov 21, 2009
" Professor Tony Holland, an expert in learning disabilities at the University of Cambridge, said: "This type of research offers the possibility of understanding the problems that can arise in the brain as a result of inheriting an extra copy of chromosome 21. "This is turn could lead to targeted and rationale therapies. However, whether such treatments are safe and effective in humans and whether they can have significant effects on function and bring longer term benefits is a very different... (BBC News -- Health)
Property Owner Sues Town, Chair and Commission Nov 21, 2009
Ms. Zurko-Smith is also alleging that the defendant violated the American Disabilities Act because the actions taken were based on the disability of prospective residents. She is also attesting that a violation of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution took place because the defendant sought to deprive her of her property right without due process. (Voices, CT)
Around The Valley Nov 21, 2009
The Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living is offering a free Mobility Management Program to seniors and people with disabilities with mobility needs. EOCILs independent living specialist assists participants in overcoming barriers that prevent one from riding the bus. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
Feds Crack Down on Call Center Scheme Nov 21, 2009
Each telephone company is required to make their services accessible to individuals with disabilities ... The veterans may also face a greater number of other types of disabilities which may effect speech as well. (CBS News -- Evening News)
New federal law helps protect genetic privacy of employees Nov 21, 2009
The Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act is considered by employment experts the most aggressive anti-discrimination legislation since the Americans with Disabilities Act two decades ago. It was supported by privacy-rights advocates, who were concerned that results of genetic tests could be used by employers and insurers. (AZCentral -- News)
Tokay grad files claim over Grape Bowl accessibility Nov 21, 2009
A Tokay High graduate with a degenerative bone disorder has filed a claim under the Americans with Disabilities Act over access at Lodi's Grape Bowl stadium. Jeremy Hixson, who graduated from Tokay High School in May, filed a claim against city of Lodi employees, the Lodi Unified School District and the Lodi City Council on Friday. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Truth in politics? The day Kate Elllis took on the Incredible Hulk and won Nov 20, 2009
" Bill Shorten, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services, managed to get into the picture as well, and confided to the gathering that "in the heart of every politician lurks the soul of a frustrated wrestler. " "We all see ourselves as the good guys and our opponents as the heels," he chuckled. "We dream of flying off the top turnbuckle to demolish our opponents with a well-timed bodyslam, or ending a difficult interview by putting that pesky journalist in a figure-four... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Letters to the editor Nov 20, 2009
While it is a civilized society's responsibility to help care for people with true mental or physical disabilities who cannot care for themselves, and likewise those who fall on temporary hard times and need our assistance to return to productivity by way of temporary housing, meals or job-assistance services, Kraintz doesn't seem to fall into either category. He says he is a "free spirit" who doesn't want to spend his life "chasing a dollar." He says he has everything he needs. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Carole Estabrook: Schools can't be targets for cuts Nov 20, 2009
As Paterson lives with a disability, I find it surprising that he isn't fighting for more positions to help students with disabilities ... teacher1 wrote on Nov 10, 2009 8:47 AM:" And as much as people criticize teachers' unions for strong arming our government, both at the state and federal level, it is obvious that teachers need those advocates to be a voice against those who think teachers should just sit in the middle of a parking lot with one book and get every single student--including... (Auburn Citizen, NY)
24 South St. Notebook Nov 20, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009 1:50 PM EDT. The address for Auburn's Memorial City Hall on South Street is familiar to many follower's of the city's government and its political scene. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
FriendsFirst gives disabled adults a chance to make friends, shine Nov 20, 2009
FriendsFirst is the brainchild of Prayerie Light, a local friendship and prayer group for developmentally disabled adults, in partnership with MarcFirst, an agency that assists people with developmental disabilities. The idea started last spring when Compassion Center, a day center for homeless people, moved out of Second Presbyterian to the new Salvation Army Safe Harbor. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Children's rights get short shrift Nov 20, 2009
Inadequate access to education for children in remote regions, for those with disabilities and from culturally diverse backgrounds, limited representation of children's views in political and legal debates, low youth wages and restrictions on indigenous and homeless young people using public spaces are breaches of children's rights. Maybe this stems from a fear that child rights somehow infringe on the rights of parents. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
• Sports in Juneau Nov 20, 2009
We are up at Eaglecrest every weekend, January through March, and provide adaptive ski/snowboard lessons to individuals who experience disabilities. Benefits include lessons and training regarding adaptive gear for skiing/snowboarding, a day pass or lesson earned for each day volunteered, and the opportunity to meet new people. (Juneau Empire)
After long decline, state's welfare rolls surge Nov 20, 2009
Advocacy groups such as the Children's Alliance applauded the state for taking into account the formidable hurdles, such as learning disabilities, low levels of education and limited English proficiency, that many welfare mothers face in becoming self-supporting. But conservatives complained that the state had broken a firm promise to taxpayers and was perpetuating the unhealthy dependence on public assistance that had given birth to welfare reform in the first place. (Yahoo News -- Welfare Reform)
Bowens beat - Pros and cons Nov 20, 2009
Along with being compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the new structure should provide a safer environment for students. The Parker School is slated to be completed in one-phase construction on the current school property. (Billerica Minuteman, MA)
VIDEOS, BARACK OBAMA ESSAY Nov 20, 2009
We admire the man who has never stopped using his celebrity for good the man who helped secure the release of 14 American hostages from Iraq in 1990; who journeyed to South Africa upon 's release from prison; who has traveled to Afghanistan to help struggling schools as a United Nations Messenger of Peace; and who routinely visits sick children and children with disabilities around the world, giving them the pleasure of his presence and the inspiration of his example. And we admire the man who,... (USA Today -- Sports)
Access issues Nov 20, 2009
At issue was where to place a wheelchair-accessible trail that meets the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the obligations of the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District to provide disabled access to wheelchair-bound citizens who want to visit the preserve. Original plans of the Open Space District, which paid the lion's share of the 14-million purchase price and holds title to the land, was to route wheelchair visitors through the Vallejo Home State... (Sonoma Index-Tribune, CA)
Glee, Wheelchair Dancer Nov 20, 2009
And they have learning/cognitive disabilities (I think; I hate to guess) ... A significant weakness in the disability community as I encounter us are the ways in which we handle invisible disabilities and, in particular, cognitive impairment ... This kind of shit is why it can be dangerous when a physically disabled person has to stand up for themselves and their rights by separating themselves from those with cognitive disabilities. (Harper's Magazine)
Poor lifestyles, cause of high rate of diabetes Nov 20, 2009
He called on government to also enact appropriate policies for better prevention and management, saying these actions would contribute immensely to reduce the related huge costs, ill-health, disabilities and premature deaths. Dr Benjamin Kumbuor, Minister of Health-designate whose speech was read by Mr George Kumi Kyeremeh, Director of Nursing Services, Ghana Health Service, said it was sad to note that as high as 80 per cent of Ghanaians were acquiring the type two form of diabetes, which was... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Mouse Study Points to Down Syndrome Treatment Nov 20, 2009
Salehi and colleagues simulated this in mice that had an extra copy of chromosome 16 that gave them mental disabilities that resemble problems seen in people with Down syndrome. In the study, the researchers found that the mice with Down syndrome-like dysfunction had lower amounts of norepinephrine in the brain than normal mice. (Newsmax)
PacifiCorp, Glenrock woman settle ADA lawsuit Nov 20, 2009
A Glenrock woman and PacifiCorp have settled a lawsuit filed under the Americans with Disabilities Act in which she claimed her supervisors demanded she stop using medications for chronic pain, according to federal court records. U.S. District Judge Alan Johnson's order on Monday dismissing the case with prejudice -- meaning the parties cannot bring the matter to court again -- did not discuss the terms of the settlement. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Last-Resort Lower-Body Amputation Effective in Extreme Cases of Bone Infection, 25-Year Review Shows Nov 20, 2009
He is still able to get around and drive, and is an advocate for the Americans With Disabilities Act. Only 57 cases of translumbar amputations had been recorded in medical literature worldwide, although the researchers suspect more have occurred since the initial referencing in 1960. (Science Daily)
Autism Society, AMC Entertainment to host Sensory Friendly Films this November Nov 20, 2009
AMC Entertainment (AMC) and the Autism Society have teamed up to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a special opportunity to enjoy their favorite films in a safe and accepting environment on a monthly basis. Sensory Friendly Films premiered across the country in August 2008, and will continue this month with a showing of Planet 51 on Nov. 21. (Wellesley Townsman, MA)
Around The Valley Nov 19, 2009
The Eastern Oregon Center for Independent Living is offering a free Mobility Management Program to seniors and people with disabilities with mobility needs. EOCILs independent living specialist assists participants in overcoming barriers that prevent one from riding the bus. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
From Iraq to New York City: Marathon success for area veteran Nov 19, 2009
He was sent to Walter Reed, where he was introduced to the handcycle by Achilles International, an organization that helps people with disabilities. We did it around the hospital grounds, he said. (Utica NY Obserer, NY)
Helping children relate to the physically and mentally challenged Nov 19, 2009
Q: A long-distance relative has a child with physical and mental disabilities ... One idea to get your child prepared for the holiday visit is to volunteer at a local organization that specializes in physical and mental disabilities ... Adolescent children may ask why the world is so unfair or whether their own future children will have disabilities. (Fresno Bee -- Lifestyle)
The stress of harvest Nov 19, 2009
Midwest Producer: Serving Kansas ska Agriculture. by Loretta Sorensen, Midwest ProducerWednesday, November 18, 2009 10:35 AM CST. (Midwest Bulls Eye, NE)
Residential design for persons with neurological disability Nov 19, 2009
This unique issue calls attention to the important topic of community-based residential designs for persons with neurodisabilities by presenting a compendium of cutting edge design perspectives, insights and practical information not available elsewhere. Guest Editor Nathan Zasler, MD, FAAPMRM, CBIST, who is CEO and Medical Director of Tree of Life Services, Inc and Concussion Care Centre of Virginia, Ltd., Richmond, VA, has assembled a diverse group of contributors including some of the top... (EurekAlert!)
Mental health woes fueled by purposeful neglect Nov 19, 2009
In the mid-1990s, Georgia House Bill 100 was promulgated as a radical method to restructure mental health and substance abuse services and to promote enhanced community-based services for both these clients and, indirectly, consumers with developmental disabilities ... One of the most devastating effects of the politicization of mental health, addiction and developmental disabilities care occurred at the offices of the Division of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Disabilities ...... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Oscar Pistorius' Artificial Limbs Give Him Clear, Major Advantage for Sprint Running, New Study Suggests Nov 19, 2009
9, 2008) Robots may be the solution for people with disabilities who are struggling to regain the use of their. (Oct. (Science Daily)
U.S. Scores A 'D' on Preterm Birth Report Card Nov 19, 2009
Preterm births contribute to infant mortality and can put children at risk for lifelong problems, including cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities. The U.S. premature birth rate was 12. (MEDLINEplus)
Employers in a Haze Over Medical Marijuana Use Nov 19, 2009
And then there's the Americans With Disabilities Act to consider. Under the ADA, an employee fired for using pot for health reasons could file a discrimination lawsuit. (Law.com)
Arkansas Cop Tasers 10-Year-Old Girl Nov 19, 2009
To a officer who may not be familiar or training in dealing with individuals, especially juveniles with emotional disabilities, it may have been his only recourse. He may not realize he did more harm then good. (CBS News -- US)
Animal amigos Nov 19, 2009
Sebastian and I are going to participate in hippotherapy, a physical, occupational and speech therapy treatment that utilizes horse movement for people patients with developmental disorders, neuromuscular disabilities or skeletal impairments. Our owners agree, pets calm the soul and fill a great void. (Big Bear Grizzly, CA)
Best of Vermont skiing Nov 19, 2009
Best program for adaptive athletes With 20 years of service, nearly 400 active volunteers, and an eclectic support base of clients, donors, and friends, Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports provides empowerment and inspiration for New Englanders with disabilities. As the only year-round organization of its kind in the state, the program features six full-time staff members located at Pico Mountain, Sugarbush, and Bolton Valley who offer private instruction, group outings, and the use of modern adaptive... (Boston Globe)
Council approves contracts for park renovations Nov 19, 2009
Renovations will include Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements and needed upgrades to park features such as open space, landscape, pedestrian walkways, play structures, signage, shade structures, irrigation and picnic ramadas. The parks will be closed Nov. 16 until completed sometime in March. (Glendale Star, AZ)
DOT hosts public meeting on Hwy 50 Nov 19, 2009
Curb ramps will be upgraded at all intersections and side streets to comply with American with Disabilities Act regulations, and the DOT will also build a closed drainage system with four retention ponds along its right-of-way. Intersection improvements will be made at Avalon Road, South Park Avenue, Winter Garden-Vineland Road, Dillard Street, Ninth Street, Beulah Road, Carter Road and S.R. 429. (Winter Garden West Orange Times, FL)
Senate passes changes for underperforming schools Nov 18, 2009
Reville said the bill also addresses the areas in which Massachusetts has been lacking in education: While the state has shown the best standardized test scores, it lacks in helping students who speak different languages, live in low-income neighborhoods, or have disabilities. These achievement gaps are as large, or larger than they are in other states, and we need to do something about that immediately, Reville said. (Boston Globe)
Embattled agency chief aims to calm union’s ire Nov 18, 2009
After the hearing by the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities, Zevorah Ortega-Bagni - president of the DCF chapter of the Service Employees International Union, Local 509 - said she was cautiously optimistic that McClain is serious about improving relations with workers. The union president had also testified before lawmakers, her casual, extemporaneous speaking style a sharp contrast to the commissioner s more formal delivery of prepared remarks. (Boston Globe)
Newton celebrates 30 years of understanding differences Nov 18, 2009
State and city leaders celebrated a program that has spent 30 years supporting those who live with disabilities in school systems nationwide last week ... The group was founded in 1978 by parents of children with disabilities who sought a way to educate communities and build acceptance for those living with disabilities ... Mayor-elect Setti Warren, whose sister died at age 26 after living with debilitating asthma, said he understood at a personal level the work the group performs with those... (Newton Tab, MA)
ALH ART BOUND! exhibition of art by Wharton ISD students Nov 18, 2009
Outreach programming includes drawing labs for high school students, free workshops for parents and children, art camps for youth, and the Healing Art program, which provides free art classes to adults living with serious illness and physical disabilities. This season, ALH is also conducting residencies in schools through its ArtBound. (AbsoluteArts.com)
GFD spells-out blue-print for reforms in decentralisation Nov 18, 2009
Mr Yaw Ofori Deberah, Spokesperson of GFD, announced these at a consultative forum organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development in collaboration with GFD on the theme: "Twenty Years of Decentralisation and the Assembly System of Local Government in Ghana - the Role of People With Disabilities," in Accra. It was to provide an opportunity for PWDs to contribute to the review process, reflect on the performance of the assembly system over the past 20 years especially in... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Lines in the sand Nov 18, 2009
Enabling disabilities ... There are not enough programmes for the blind and deaf, many websites are too complicated for people with disabilities to navigate ... He's spent a large part of his life developing software which helps those with disabilities. (BBC News -- Technology)
Even icons have to move with the times Nov 18, 2009
Most importantly, it allows less mobile visitors - in particular the aged and people with disabilities - more direct access to the box office and main performance halls. Previously these visitors needed to be escorted to their seats via a car park, service lifts and backstage areas. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Should soldier Moms be deployed away from babies? Nov 18, 2009
Thankfully, my husband was medically discharged over a year ago, I will take him will all of his Army-imposed disabilities rather than living in the archaic and twisted Army system. They say Family First and this is a lie. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
School budget process begins Nov 18, 2009
These six areas are: special education, Federal No Child Left Behind Act, English language learners (both federal and state), federal Americans with Disabilities Act, Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993, and the New England Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges. For example, as McGrath explained, to comply with special education laws, the district must provide a free and appropriate public education to students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. (Hamilton Wenham Chronicle, MA)
SDG&E and critics try mediation Nov 18, 2009
So SDGdecided to meet with representatives of school, fire and water districts, county government and telecommunications companies, plus advocates for consumers, rural residents and people with disabilities. After two hours of preliminary discussions involving whether the mediation should be open to the media it is and whether meetings would require a quorum they won't participants finally got to talking about what they would talk about. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
