Last week we learned about the passing of one of the great leaders in The Arc movement, Elvis Bozarth.  Elvis is described by his fellow advocates in our association as an intelligent and tireless advocate who fought for families and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  One of the best compliments came from a mom who said she “always felt safe when Elvis was in the room” when developing policies because he thought of everything and fought fearlessly to protect our families.  Elvis’s last big project at the Arc was to inform our chapters and others about the needs of aging adults with disabilities and The Arc’s responsibility to design services to support them – many chapters have had specialized senior programs for many years now due in part to his strong advocacy.  As of now there is no date for the memorial but we will announce the memorial as soon as we find out.

Monday September 6, 2010 – Labor Day

The following is an excerpt from Advancing Disability Employment: A Labor Day Call-to-Action

by Kathy Martinez US Department of Labor, Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy.

For many, Labor Day signals the beginning of autumn and the end of summer.  And those of us in the disability arena can look back on the summer of 2010 as an especially momentous one.  In July, the nation celebrated the 20 year anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), one of the most significant pieces of civil rights legislation passed in the history of this country. In addition, President Obama signed an Executive Order on July 26 that will help transform the disability employment landscape within the Federal Government.  It calls on all Federal departments and agencies to increase the numbers of people with disabilities hired and to improve retention and return-to-work of Federal employees with disabilities. While some of us are born with disabilities, many more of us will acquire a disability over the course of our lives, including as a natural part of aging. A key strategy for employers to retain workers with disabilities is to foster inclusive and accessible environments for all of their employees.  This includes the availability of workplace accommodations and accessible technology, an approach that can increase everyone’s productivity. The Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is working on a range of education and policy initiatives designed to address these issues…  For more information: http://www.dol.gov/odep

Today we will be taking a moment to reflect and celebrate the life of Dale Sorbello, the former Chief Deputy Director of the Department of Developmental Services.  Though much of our work with Mr. Sorbello was with opposing perspectives, he was a good and fair professional and always had the best interest of people with disabilities in mind.  Not only did he hold the second highest level position in DDS, he was more importantly a parent from our community, and knew intimately many of the challenges our families face in their daily lives.  Most of Dale’s significant achievements for people with developmental disabilities will never be known (I witnessed a few of these moments personally) because he did his work inside the administration where it is usually not proper to take credit in a bureaucracy.  The family says “ALL are invited to Dad's memorial service on MONDAY, September 6, at 6:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church (First Baptist Church of Davis, 38141 Russell Blvd., Davis, CA).  Yes, that's Labor Day.  As Dad was known to say, "Death is inconvenient."  We hope you can make it, though.   

Tuesday September 7, 2010

We’ll be participating in the webinar, Rebranding The Arc: Preliminary Logo & Tagline Reveal.” “This 90 minute webinar will review the process we have taken across this very exciting journey and share with you where we are to date. This is not yet final, and the contents of this webinar will NOT be posted on the For Chapters section of the website as we must hold the results confidential between now and when the full new identity is publicly announced at Convention. You will be able to see the most current design of the logo, the tag line as well as the descriptor line in order to meet all of our strategic branding goals. It will also showcase some preliminary graphic layouts so you may see what it will look like on such sample items as business cards, brochures and a website mock-up.”  To register click here: http://www.thearc.org/page.redir?target=http%3a%2f%2fcc.readytalk.com%2fcc%2fschedule%2fdisplay.do%3fudc%3d5wm38focaa98&srcid=12644&srctid=1&erid=735216

The Assembly will hear unfinished business for reconsideration on the floor.  The bill from our bill file is  #17 AB 1542 (Jones) Medical homes (A-2010-08-27).  This bill would establish the Patient-Centered Medical Home Act of 2010 to encourage licensed health care providers and patients to partner in a patient-centered medical home, as defined, that promotes access to high-quality, comprehensive care, in accordance with prescribed requirements. This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.

Wednesday September 8, 2010

The Partners in Policymaking Collaborative will be meeting in preparation for our upcoming graduation session for the Partners class of 2010.

Thursday September 9, 2010 –

International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Day.  The California FASD Task Force will be hosting an exhibition bringing attention to the issue of FASD.  Join The Arc of California and members of the California Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Task Force at the State Capitol to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking alcohol during pregnancy.  We will have information about Prevention, Intervention and Treatment options for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in California.  The event will be on the West Steps of the California State Capitol  10th Street and Capitol Ave from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm  Quick Facts: FASD is 100% Preventable, Approximately 1% of the population has FASD, Alcohol is the #1 cause of preventable intellectual disabilities in children.  For more information about this event please contact The Arc of California at 916-552-6619.

The Arc of California Executive Committee chaired by President Dwight Stratton, will be meeting during the noon hour.

The Disability Policy Collaboration will be holding a periodic update from Washington DC.  The updates are available to all members of The Arc and affiliates of UCP.  Members wanting to participate can call the state office for call details.

Friday September 10, 2010 – California State Workers Furlough Day

Action Alerts

The Arc of California (Greg deGiere, Public Policy Director, The Arc of California)

We’re starting to get a very good response from advocates and advocacy association.  If you already contacted the Governor we thank you so much.  If you haven’t don’t worry you have time to it now.  We never know at this point when the Governor will get to this bill but your letters and phone calls are helping.  Here the action alert below:

Help Stop Crimes Against People with Disabilities and Seniors

Take Action!

Ask Governor Schwarzenegger to Sign the Crime Victims with Disabilities Act

Dear Friends,

If you’re a person with a disability or know someone who is, there’s a good chance that you or your loved one has been the victim of abuse, neglect, or some other serious crime. People with disabilities are victimized at much higher rates than other people. It’s been called an invisible epidemic. And there’s a good chance that the police response to the crime was inadequate, and the criminal remained free to commit more crimes. That happens much more than with crimes against other people, too. Please take a minute – actually, less than a minute – to email Governor Schwarzenegger. With his signature, he can take a giant step toward deterring crime against people with disabilities - and also senior citizens - and sending the perpetrators to jail. The Legislature has just passed Senate Bill 110, the Crime Victims with Disabilities Act, introduced by Senator Carol Liu and sponsored by The Arc. Now we need Governor Schwarzenegger’s signature to make it law.

Please click on the blue “Take Action” link at the upper right of this page, fill in the information the system asks for, write something personal about how crime against people with disabilities or seniors has affected you (or just use the one-sentence message that’s already there), and click to send the email.  Our bill makes it clear that law enforcement agencies are responsible for investigating abuse, neglect, and all other crimes against people with disabilities and elders. Too often, some law enforcement agencies have shirked their responsibility and treated abuse and neglect as if it they weren’t serious crimes, or weren’t crimes at all. That has to stop. The bill also upgrades police training, provides for forensic investigations of suspicious deaths of people with disabilities, and assures a voice for people with disabilities in the systems providing services to sexual assault and domestic violence victims.

If you want to know more, email me and I’ll send you the fact sheet. We’re been working on the Crime Victims with Disabilities Act for three years now, and we’ve finally gotten it through the Legislature. I’d hate to see Governor Schwarzenegger veto it, as I fear he might. Please email him now, and forward this Action Alert to anyone you know who might be willing to email him too. These point-and-click advocacy emails don’t work unless we get large numbers of people sending them – otherwise it looks like nobody cares. So we’re going for numbers. Thank you for your advocacy.

Greg deGiere

Public Policy Director

The Arc of California

1225 Eighth Street, Suite 350

Sacramento, CA 95814

916-552-6619, ext. 16

916-223-7319 (mobile)

916-441-3494 (fax)

www.TheArcCA.org

"Advocacy, respect, and commitment to

The Arc of the United States

CELEBRATE SOCIAL SECURITY’S 75TH BIRTHDAY!

PROTECT IT FROM EFFORTS TO REDUCE FEDERAL DEFICIT

The Issue: As the nation celebrates the 75th birthday of the Social Security system, the presidentially appointed National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform is working to identify policies to improve the nation's fiscal situation, including ways to reduce the federal deficit by 2015. One work group is discussing issues related to mandatory spending, which includes Social Security benefits. The Commission's final report and recommendations are due in December.

What This Means for People with Disabilities and their Families: Social security benefits could be significantly reduced.

Why Social Security is so Important. Social Security is far more than a retirement program. More than a third of people who receive monthly social security payments are not retirees, including:

    * 8 million disabled workers

    * 1.8 million children of disabled workers

    * 900,000 disabled adult children

    * 200,000 disabled widow(er)s.

Workers who pay Social Security taxes qualify for disability and retirement benefits, and, if they die, their spouses and children receive survivors' benefits. People with disabilities may receive Social Security's retirement, survivors, and disability insurance benefits based on their work history, age, or eligibility category.

Our Message: Social Security must continue to provide insurance against poverty in retirement years and against disability that limits a person's ability to work.

TAKE ACTION

Please help educate Members of Congress and the public about why Social Security is so important by:

    * Calling your Senators and Representatives at their home / District offices.  Please contact them during the Congressional recess that ends on Tuesday, September 14.

    * Attending any local events that they are holding in your area. Check their individual websites for local events.  Search for your Senators' web pages at: www.senate.gov  (at top right of page) and your representative's web page at www.house.gov .

What to say:

    * Social Security has been a critical foundation for families for 75 years.

    * Social Security's funding is not part of the deficit problem. In fact, the Social Security trust funds have a surplus of $2.6 trillion for paying future benefits. There is no need to cut Social Security benefits.

    * Social Security is a promise made to all workers to provide a guaranteed basic income when they retire, become disabled, or leave loved ones behind. Please ensure that promise of Social Security will continue to be there for people who work and pay into the system.

    * Eleven million people with disabilities and their families, about one third of recipients, rely on social security for their survival.

Project Status Report

Partners in Policymaking

The sixth session of the 2010 class of Partners in Policymaking took place in Ontario, California on August 27^th and 28^th.  Partners participants learned the ins and outs of California state government including how new legislation is proposed, how to lobby legislators through visits and written contact, and how to give public testimony in support or opposition to legislation.  The weekend started on Friday with a presentation by Ray LeBov, Principal of Ray LeBov and Associates, a lobbying firm in Sacramento, California.  Mr. LeBov has extensive experience working in state government in both the legislative and judicial branches.  After leaving state work, he began lobbying and training others to lobby at the state capitol.  His presentation on Effective Advocacy with the California Legislature helped participants understand how to understand and influence the legislative process.

That evening the trainees spent time working on brief public testimony that they would give the next day as part of a mock hearing.  After rehearsing their testimony, they met again that evening to review the steps of the state legislative process through and interactive exercise led by Partners and Policymaking Coordinator, Jim Lockwood.

The next day started off with Marty Omoto, Executive Director of the California Disability Community Action Network, sharing specific strategies for advocacy at the state capitol.  His presentation highlighted the importance of working with committee consultants, coordinating activities with other like-minded organizations and starting advocacy early in the legislative process.  Mr. Omoto then lead a group of volunteers that included Greg deGiere of The Arc of California, Debbie Sarmento of the Family Resource Center Network of California, Robin Rhoades of the Southside Art Center, and Tony Orona of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in conducting a mock hearing.  The hearing was a roleplay of a meeting of the California Assembly Health and Human Services Committee.  Each 2010 Partners in Policymaking participant gave a two-minute testimony at the mock hearing in support or opposition to three bills that were being reviewed.  Mr. Omoto stated that the testimony was as good as any he had heard at the capitol.

Partners in Policymaking California class of 2010 has only one more session before graduation.  The next session will be held on September 24^th and cover the topic of boards, committees and Roberts Rules of Order.  That evening the group will participate in a mock board meeting to practice their newly learned meeting skills.  The next day, Saturday, September 25^th is graduation for the 32 participants of the 2010 class.  The graduation ceremony will be held at the Hilton Ontario Airport Hotel in Ontario, California.

Workforce Development

Join NADSP in September for Just $10!  DSPs and supporters can join NADSP at the individual membership level for just $10 during the month of  September.  As the United States Senate formally recognizes the contributions of direct support professionals during DSP Recognition Week (September 12 - 19), join NADSP in the effort to increase recognition and respect for DSPs all year round.  Individual Memberships are $10*
❍ DSP
❍ Frontline Supervisor
❏ Associate
❍ Self-Advocate
❍ Family Member
❏ Other Professionals: For professionals working in community human services, such as social workers, administrators, and healthcare professionals

To pay by check, mail form (download at <www.nadsp.org/membership>), and check (payable to NADSP) to: NADSP, P.O. Box 13447, Minneapolis, MN 55414

Or visit <www.nadsp.org/membership> to join online!

Prevention Activities

Throughout California, the nation, and the world people will pause on Thursday September 9, 2010 in recognition of International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day.  This year’s awareness event in Sacramento by the California FASD Task Force will be held on the West Steps of the Capitol.  We will have information, brochures and resources related to FASD prevention and treatment and we’ll have balloons to signify each person who has FASD in California.

This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy. Raising awareness about these disorders is a critical step to reducing prenatal exposures to alcohol and the consequences caused by it. FASD is 100% preventable. Each year several events go on in different communities to bring attention to this issue. A few of the events occurring this year include:

The California FASD Taskforce is hosting a community awareness day event at the Capitol.  Educational information, displays and an information booth will be available for anyone to visit.  For more information about this event visit: http://www.cafasdtaskforce.org/

San Luis Obispo , California FASD Awareness Day Events September 9, 2010: Beginnings of San Luis Obispo County is hosting a conference covering issues that include: Behavioral Health, Education, Case Management, Helping Your Child Succeed, and other events.  For more information about this event visit http://fasddayslo.eventbrite.com/

 White Earth Minnesota: The Native Community is hosting a Candlelight Vigil for Suicide Prevention Week.  Members of the community ask that people make note of this as suicide is a very large problem among people FASD.  To find out more information about this event visit: http://www.suicidology.org/

To discover ways you or your organization can be involved in raising awareness visit: http://www.fasday.com/

For more information and resources about FASD visit:

• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Affects, by Ed Riley, MD http://rsoa.org/lectures/07/index.html
• The Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Center for Excellence  http://www.fasdcenter.samhsa.gov/pressroom/fasdComing.cfm
• The Arc of Riverside NineZero project  http://www.ninezero.org/

Upcoming Events

September 13, 2010

Following is an invitation to join a webinar being offered by the Early Start Family Resource Network.  This webinar will be presented in Spanish.  Here an overview in English provided by the presenters:  Please join the Early Start Family Resource Network for a Webinar for Spanish speaking families. Monday, September 13, 2010 from 1:00-2:30 p.m.  Let’s Learn to Talk!!!  “Techniques for the parents who know how to talk with their children… Join us to learn more techniques to help encourage your child (0-36 months) to speak.”  For more information please call (800) 974-5553 or (909) 890-4788 or email info@esfrn.org.  Aprendamos A Hablar!!!  Space is limited.  Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/234047114.  Tecnicas para ayudarle a sus hijos a comunicarse. Vengan y aprendan mas tecnicas para animar a sus hijos (1-5 anos) a hablar mejor. Presentado por Veronica Perez De Zamora de V.I.P. Tots Para mas informacion llama al (800) 974-5553.  Veronica Perez De Zamora es una Maestra de escuela Preescolar Certificada. Es bilingue en Ingles y Espanol. Veronica cuenta con certificados de “Long Beach City College, West Ed, First Five, IDA CA, Riverside County Family Services Association, Contemporary Forums, Riverside County Office Of Education, Riverside Childcare Consortium, Future Horizons”.  Tiene la experiencia de haber trabajado como asistente de directora. Tambiene tiene seis anos de haber trabajado como maestra con ninos tipicos de todas edades. Cinco anos trabajando por la escuela “V.I.P. Tots” en el programa de “Uno A Uno” para ninos con autismo de 18 meses a 3 anos y al mismo tiempo en el programa “ Visitas A Casa” para familias hispanas con ninos con problemas de lenguaje. La informacion que usted tiene que llenar para registrarse, aqui le ofrecemos la traduccion.  First name:  Nombre , Last name:  Apellido , Email address:  Correo electronico , Address:  Direccion, City:  Ciudad, State:  Estado, Zip Code:  Codigo postal, Phone:  Telefono.  * Si esta marcado con el asterisco, quiere decir que la informacion es requerida. Si usted le da a este boton, usted esta sometiendo su informacion para el que organiza el seminario interactiva traves del Internet (Webinar), el cual lo usa para comunicarse con usted acerca de este evento y sus stros servicios. Registrarse Ahora ver los requisitos del sistema de computadora. Title:   Aprendamos A Hablar!!!  Date: Monday, September 13, 2010, Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM PDT.  After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

October 5-8, 2010

18th International Congress on Palliative Care, Palais des Congres, Montreal, Canada, EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION DEADLINE: August 1, 2010.  Presented by the Palliative Care Division of the Departments of Medicine and Oncology of McGill University since 1976, this biennial Congress has earned its well-deserved reputation of being one of the world’s preeminent gatherings of palliative care professionals and others with an interest in the field.  WHAT MAKES THE INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS ON PALLIATIVE CARE SO SPECIAL?  A unique opportunity to meet, share experiences and exchange ideas with colleagues from 50 countries, representing all disciplines involved in palliative care.  Practical, in-depth workshops and seminars on a broad range of topics covering all aspects of end-of-life care, from the most current scientific developments in pain and symptom control, to the large existential questions, to hands-on experiential sessions addressing practical issues faced every day. Renowned speakers who expand your knowledge, deepen your understanding, and inspire you to renew your commitment to palliative care. All sessions structured to allow ample time for dialogue, questions and thoughtful interaction with speakers and fellow participants. Reflections – a brief interlude of images and music at the start of each Plenary – providing a unique and moving experience that leaves a lasting impression. Over 200 workshops, proffered papers, research forums and special seminars, and 350 posters.

October 6 - 8, 2010

The Supported Life Institute and The Arc of California will be participating in a joint conference this which includes the traditional high quality Supported Life Conference combined with The Arc of California’s grassroots and advocacy training with Mary Gonzales.  The Arc schedule will be as follows:

1.    October 7^th Supported Life Conference Featuring The Arc and our Community Organizing Training (http://www.thearcca.org/34.html).  “We are combining efforts with the Supported Life Institute to provide our membership with a great training opportunity in best practices and advocacy.  If you already attended the community organizing then there will be plenty of breakout sessions of interest for our members.”

2.    October 8^th The Arc of CA Board of Directors meeting will be open to attendees of the Supported Life Conference and is listed in the schedule as a breakout session. “We will showcase the work of The Arc during this part of our meeting and engage the audience in public policy discussion. Afterwards we will participate in a social capital event to continue strengthening our networks.”

3.    October 9^th we will participate in a strategic planning session to help set the direction for our work for the next five years. 

4.    October 10^th relax with a few stragglers on the golf course Sunday morning before making the long trek home.

Brochure, in pdf, which can be printed out: www.supportedlife.org/SL2010/pdf/Brochure.pdf

We are excited by the many good session strands addressing all age groups which the Planning Team selected in 10 different topic areas this year.  This second web page has titles, speakers and descriptions of all 40 breakout sessions: www.supportedlife.org/SL2010/pdf/Sessions.pdf.  Our Keynote Speakers (see pp. 3 - 4) address the increasingly important subjects of Transition and Communication (AAC = Augmentative and Alternative Communication), as well as an eye-opening look at Community Organizing & how political decisions are made & how we as groups can be powerful.  Finally, the parent advocate & originator of "Disability is Natural" - Kathie Snow - will be with us from Colorado with focus on Redefining Disability, People First Language, Early Childhood, and Family Support at all ages.  The Arc of Califonia is partnering with the Support Life Institute this year in doing a Joint Conference as part of the Supported Life Conference.  Note the 9 Honorees (page 2) selected this year by our Inclusion Celebration Committee -included is Lanterman Act founder Art Bolton - fitting well with our conference theme and our hope that the Lanterman Act will not be undermined during these financially difficult times.

Register here: http://www.supportedlife.org/SL2010/reg/registration.asp?init=true&f=false&oid=9937

Thursday, October 7th, 2010

CRISS Annual Conference: Working Together in Challenging Times: CCS, Families and the Community.  The conference begins at 9:00 a.m. at the State Building – Auditorium, 1515 Clay Street, Oakland, CA and will feature State Children’s Medical Services Branch representatives, Luis Rico, Interim Branch Chief and Stephen Halley, Assistant Branch Chief and panel discussions on Families/Youth on Budget Impact, Creative Solutions from Agency Perspective, Creative Uses of Technology in the CCS Program, and Standardized Testing in the MTP.  This workshop is presented by the CRISS Project and is co-sponsored with State Children’s Medical Services, Family Voices of California, and University of Southern California University Center of Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD). It is provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider number CEP# 1779 for 5 contact hours generously offered through USC UCEDD at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. 5 Social. For more information visit: www.criss-ca.org.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010 - SAVE THE DATE!

Golden State Pooled Trust Disability Law Workshop Featuring an Exciting New Train the Trainers* “Planning for Clients with Developmental Disabilities”. The event will be from 9 am to 4 pm at the Sierra Health Foundation, 1321 Garden Highway, Sacramento, CA. Attendees will receive 5 hours MCLE California Bar Association credit $75 pre-registration or $100 at the door. Seating is limited, so register soon!  Topics include: History of the Parent Movement (Tony Anderson), Lanterman Act 101 (John Shea and Chad Carlock), Community Systems and Residential Programs Mary Eble), Limited Conservatorships and Alternatives (Stephen W. Dale, Jennifer Steneberg).  For more information, or to register, contact: Mary Eble, MSW, North Bay Housing Coalition/Golden State Pooled Trust, (877) 336-3096 ext 83  -  mary@northbayhousing.org.  *This Train the Trainer presentation is designed to provide attendees with an important tool to assist an underserved population within their community as well as providing opportunities to work with referring attorneys and clients.

November 3 – 6, 2010

The Arc's 60th Anniversary & National Convention: Insight.  Vision.  Empower.  Act.  These are the keys to progress.  Continuing 60 proud years of service and support, The Arc is charting a clear way forward and calling community members from across the Country to join the movement that supports opportunity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The convention will feature an important recognition by The Arc of K. Charlie Lakin, Ph.D., for his work in research as the distinguished Research Matters! Award recipient.  “Dr. Lakin’s efforts to document the changes, benefits and outcomes in disability-related public policies have made major contributions to the literature on and advocacy for community residential supports, family supports, waiting lists initiatives, and direct support workforce development. During Convention, Dr. Lakin will give a presentation at the Research & Prevention Luncheon, sharing research highlights from his over 30-year career and discussing how The Arc has played and continues to play a role in the importance of research.  Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from Dr. Lakin himself and to show your support for The Arc’s research and prevention efforts in both your local community and nationwide.  Read more.”  Also Actors Lauren Potter and Robin Trocki (cast members from the hit show Glee) will be in Orlando, Florida, to accept The Arc’s Inclusion & Image Award in recognition of their achievements in television for breaking down barriers, increasing awareness and challenging stereotypes.  Read more.

http://www.thearc.org/page.aspx?pid=2327

January 2011

The Arc of California Public Policy Conference: This is the fourth annual Public Policy Conference for by The Arc of California.  All advocates for people with developmental disabilities are welcome to attend.  The conference includes updates from the Governor’s budget and how the proposals impact people with disabilities and their families.  More details to come…

February 14 - 16, 2011

SAVE THE DATE: Disability Policy Seminar

GRAND HYATT WASHINGTON

1000 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C.

Recently Released Reports, Studies, etc.

AAIDD F.Y.I. September 2010, Vol.10, No.9 Visit www.aaidd.org/FYI/ to access current and past issues of this monthly newsletter. Subscribe at  http://www.responsetrack.net/aaidd/sign_up:

Researchers at Tufts University connect the APC protein to autism and intellectual disability
A clue to the causes of autism and intellectual disability lies in the synapse, the tiny intercellular junction that rapidly transfers information from one neuron to the next, according to researchers at Tufts University. A protein called APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) plays a key role in synapse maturation, and APC dysfunction prevents the synapse function required for typical learning and memory. The findings are published in the August 18 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience. Read the abstract of “The Postsynaptic Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) Multiprotein Complex Is Required for Localizing Neuroligin and Neurexin to Neuronal Nicotinic Synapses in Vivo” by Madelaine M. Rosenberg.  Read a press release on the discovery.

Report from the National Association of State Directors of Developmental DisabilitIES Services highlights approaches and lessons learned from states that have made efforts to create systems that support person-directed services
The National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services, Support Development Associates, and Virginia Commonwealth University have published a report, which is the first in a series of a systems change collaborative with state developmental disability agencies in Georgia, North Carolina, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Virginia.  The report shows how agencies in each location have made efforts to create systems that support person-directed services, detailing their approaches and lessons learned. Read Becoming a Person Centered System by Michael E. Smull et. al.

New EEOC report shows that people with disabilities in the federal workforce fell far short of the 2% goal in FY 2009
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released its Annual Report on the Federal Work Force for Fiscal Year 2009. The report assesses the state of equal employment opportunity throughout the federal work force, including trends in the composition of the workforce, and data concerning complaints of employment discrimination in the federal sector. It also includes practical tips for agencies to improve their performance.  For the first time since FY 1995, the percentage of people with “targeted disabilities” in federal jobs held steady, halting a 13-year decline. However, despite a modest net gain of 236 employees in FY 2009 over FY 2008, people with targeted disabilities still remain below one percent (0.88 percent) of the total work force. “Targeted disabilities” include deafness, blindness, missing extremities, partial or complete paralysis, convulsive disorders, intellectual disability, mental illness, and distortion of the limb and/or spine.  Read a press release on the report’s publication.

News Articles

Updated: September 6, 2010

Click Here

Funding Opportunities

Updated: September 6, 2010

Click Here

Career Ladder

The Arc of California posts job announcements in the Career Ladder section every week because we would like to contribute to steering quality candidates to professional positions that support people with disabilities and we are trying to communicate to Direct Support Professionals and People with Disabilities that there is a real “career ladder” in their chosen profession.

Updated: August 30, 2010

Click Here