The Connecting Point Volume 2 Issue 8
Date October 19th, 2004

In This ISSUE:

1) Assistive Technology Act of 2004 (H. R. 4278)
2) In Their Own Words: Employer Perspectives on Youth with Disabilities on Youth in the Workplace (Guidebook)
3) Free Access to Training Videotapes (2003) (Video)
4) Dare to Dream for Adults (Teleconference Call)
5) SSA Disability Starter Kits - From One-Stop Toolkit Resources of the Week Technical Assistance Project

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1) Assistive Technology Act of 2004 (H. R. 4278) - Passed out of the House of Representatives on Friday night, sending it to President Bush for his signature.  If you'll recall, the Senate passed this legislation on September 30th.  The Assistive Technology Act primarily funds state programs that provide assistive technology (AT) devices and services to individuals with disabilities.  Some features of H.R. 4278 include:

• The 60/40 and 70/30 split in funding for state activities;
• A minimum state grant of $410,000
• A sunset provision is waived, so that Assistive Technology will now be regularly reauthorized.
• A summary of the Assistive Technology Act of 2004 can be accessed at: http://www.edworkforce.house.gov/issues/108th/education/at/billsummary.htm

2) In Their Own Words: Employer Perspectives on Youth with Disabilities on Youth in the Workplace (Guidebook) - It is essential for educators, transition specialists, workforce development professionals, family members, and youth to understand employers needs, circumstances, and perspectives as they establish work-based learning experiences. This publication, the latest in our Essential Tools series, features the experiences of employers in their own words. Eleven employers from various fields write about how they became involved in providing work experiences for youth with disabilities, what made it work, and what they recommend to individuals and organizations representing youth. http://www.ncset.org/publications/essentialtools/ownwords/default.asp

3) Free Access to Training Videotapes (2003) (Video) - The DO-IT Project (Disabilities, Opportunities, Inter networking, and Technology) is offering educational videotapes that relate to people with disabilities, assistive technology, accessible information technology, college transition, faculty training, career preparation, and accessible campus services. These short videos are appropriate for a wide variety of
training situations. They are available with captions and audio description, and include the voices of people with disabilities. They are available as streaming video and can also purchased in VHS format. DO-IT has also routinely made copies of the videos available for trainers to store on the hard drives of laptops they use for presentations.
http://www.washington.edu/doit/Video/

4) Dare to Dream for Adults (Teleconference Call) - October 28, 2004 - 2:00-3:00 p.m. Central Time
Dr. Kristine Webb, the presenter of this NCSET teleconference, is the co-author of Dare to Dream, a strength-based book designed to encourage young adults and adults with disabilities to make choices and find options that are aligned with their preferences, abilities, and needs. Dare to Dream for Adults is designed to be used either independently by an individual with a disability or with the support of a facilitator (teacher, service provider, family member, friend). Dr. Webb will discuss the components of Dare to Dream (e.g., choosing employment or post secondary education, building relationships, managing finances) and how it is used to assist young adults and adults with disabilities develop self-determination skills. To participate, dial 703-639-1366 a few minutes before the call begins, and refer to the "NCSET Teleconference Call" if asked by the operator. The only cost to you is the long distance fee to the 703 area code. You do not need to RSVP to participate in this call. http://www.ncset.org/teleconferences/default.asp

5) SSA Disability Starter Kits - From One-Stop Toolkit Resources of the Week Technical Assistance Project The Disability Starter Kits are available for both adult beneficiaries, as well as for children under age 18.  The starter kits provide information about the specific documents and the information that SSA requests from its beneficiaries.  The kits also provide general information about the disability programs and the SSA decision-making process that can help take some of the mystery out of applying for disability benefits.
Each Disability Starter Kit contains a:

• Fact sheet that answers questions most people ask about applying for disability benefits,
• Checklist of documents and information SSA requests.
• Worksheet to help gather and organize the information.
• Access the URL to link to an adult or child starter kit in both English and Spanish formats. http://www.ssa.gov/disability/disability_starter_kits.htm  

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