The Connecting Point
 Jul 25, 2003 12:13 PDT 

The Connecting Point

In This ISSUE:

1) New On-line Guides Available on Accessible Recreation Facilities
2) Adult Abuse Prevention Kit
3) Statewide Disability Conference 2003
4) National Resource Center on ADHD
5) NCSET IEP and Transition Resources

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1) New On-line Guides Available on Accessible Recreation Facilities - The Access Board has developed supplementary guides for access to amusement rides, boating facilities, fishing piers and platforms, golf courses,miniature golf courses, sports facilities, and swimming pools, wading pools, and spas. The new documents, which are intended for use with the ADAAG guidelines, are available on the Board's web site at http://www.access-board.gov/recreation/guides/index.htm

2.) Adult Abuse Prevention Kits Available From DSHS - OLYMPIA - The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is making available a free educational resource to help the public learn how to help prevent the abuse, neglect or exploitation of vulnerable adults.DSHS will mail an Adult Abuse Prevention Kit to anyone who calls the DSHS Aging and Disability Services Administration's toll-free number 1-800-422-3263 during regular weekday business hours.DSHS is emphasizing the availability of Adult Abuse Prevention Kits
during the July observance of Adult Abuse Prevention Month.Each kit contains useful information, including how to spot and report abuse, important tips for caregivers, resources for obtaining other educational materials, as well as posters to remind others of the need to report suspected abuse of vulnerable adults. In addition to the kits, the same helpful information is available online through the new DSHS Protect Our Vulnerable Adults Web site at http://www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov/topics/abuse/.
Statistics from 2002 show that DSHS Adult Protective Services (APS) received 12,158 reports of suspected abuse of vulnerable adults. After investigating, APS substantiated that 1,923 of those were valid cases of abuse, neglect, exploitation or abandonment.Anyone who suspects a vulnerable adult is being abused is urged to call DSHS toll-free at 1-866-ENDHARM (1-866-363-4276). APS will determine if an investigation is warranted. If someone suspects the vulnerable adult is facing imminent harm because of criminal activity, call local law enforcement immediately by dialing 911. A coalition of organizations is working during July to increase awareness of the issue of protecting vulnerable adults. DSHS partners in the coalition include the Arc of Washington State, AARP, Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Developmental Disabilities Council, Senior Citizens Lobby, State Council on Aging, Washington Association of Area Agencies on Aging and Office of Attorney General of Washington.

3.) Statewide Disability Conference 2003 will bring together leaders from across the disability community to shape a common vision and develop the means to make it happen. Employment, transportation and health care have been identified as priority areas. Consumer with disabilities, rehabilitation practitioners and policy makers need new tools to understand the nature of disability and how it should be addressed in public policy. The dates of the conference are October 3 - 4, 2003 in Seattle at the Westin Hotel. The registration Fee is $200.00 Scholarships, lodging and travel assistance are available. For more information download an flier and conference registration form at http://www.hipspokane.org/DisabConf2003.pdf To request a copy of the registration form in alternate format or further information contact Jessica Ord at 1-800-624-4105.

4.) The National Resource Center on AD/HD - A Program of CHADD has been established with funding from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control andPrevention (CDC) to be a national clearinghouse of information and resources concerning this important public health concern. The Web site answers many questions about AD/HD and provides direct links to other resources. http://www.help4adhd.org/

5.) NCSET IEP and Transition Resources - IEP & Transition Planning (July 2003)(National Center on Secondary Education and Transition Web Topic) This NCSET Web topic provides information on strategies to support students, families, and professionals to participate in developing a student_s Individual Education Plan (IEP) and transition plan. Includes anintroduction, frequently asked questions, related research, emergingpractices, Web sites, and additional resources. http://www.ncset.org/topics/ieptransition/default.asp?topic=28

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