New Assistive Technology (AT) Factsheets from AbleData to assist individuals and caregivers

AT for Parenting with a Disability – introduces AT products and Do-It-Yourself tips to help with daily tasks of caring for a child

“Make Your Own” Tech Still Works for Many – highlights low-to-medium assistive devices that individuals can make on their own using common items

Voting Success for People with Disabilities – addresses voting rights and technology to help with access

Catherine T. Murray Memorial Scholarship

The Catherine T. Murray Memorial Scholarship is now accepting applications for its scholarship that was established in 1995 by Catherine T. Murray. Catherine was a board member and a valued volunteer at OSCIL who wished to support the philosophy and spirit of OSCIL through a scholarship which would facilitate access to education for persons having disability.

Qualified applicants for this $1000 Scholarship must be Rhode Island residents with significant disability and seeking financial assistance to attend college or technical school. This can include enrollment in an academic, trade, or vocational program. This scholarship can used for the attainment of assistive/adaptive equipment or device to access such educational opportunity. Preference is based on merit, economic need and educational goals. Applicants will be screened by the Scholarship Advisory Committee. OSCIL Board, staff and their families are excluded. Applications are available at www.oscil.org, or contact Carol McKenna, by email at cmckenna@oscil.org or call 738-1013 ext 20. Applications must be postmarked by March 25, 2015.

Understanding Trauma’s Impact on Young Children: Implementing a Trauma-Informed Curriculum - January 29, February 12 & 26, Warwick, RI

Painful and stressful experiences early in life can have a lasting effect on children’s growth and development. This series provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of these experiences on young children and introduces Trauma-Informed Care as an effective strategy for working with these children in a child care setting. The sessions will highlight the importance of building trusting relationships and recognizing cues and triggers while supporting children with a history of trauma. Participants can earn up to 15 PD hours by attending three face-to-face sessions. For more information on this or other trainings opportunities, visit the Center for Early Learning Professionals website.

Congress Passes ABLE Act

Bill Promotes Economic Self-Sufficiency for People with Disabilities
Currently, individuals with disabilities who depend on federal health or income benefits (such as Medicaid or SSI) are not permitted to have more than $2,000 in cash savings or assets, which essentially, forces individuals to remain poor and unable to save money for emergencies or investments in the future. Much like existing “529” college savings plans, the ABLE Act will allow individuals and families of children with disabilities to save money for many disability related expenses such as education, transportation, or employment without jeopardizing important health or income supports.

10 Things to Know about the Act

Republican sponsors explain what’s in the Act in short videos

Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) Press Release

Leading the Way: Workplace Inclusiveness for People of All Abilities , by Kathy Martinez and Karyn Twaronite, U.S. Department of Labor Blog, December 10, 2014

Tuesday Morning with Liz

The Association of University Centers on Disabilities publishes AUCD Legislative News In Brief each Monday.
Tuesday Morning with Liz is an accessible, consumer friendly version of In Brief available as of this month.

2014 National Council on Disability Progress Report

The National Council on Disability's progress report is NCD's "State of the Union" on disability policy. Each year, NCD submits a report to the President and the appropriate committees of Congress entitled "National Disability Policy: A Progress Report."

The report assesses the status of the Nation in achieving the policies, programs, practices and procedures that guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities; and empower individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and integration into all aspects of society. The report focuses on the emerging issues impacting the lives of individuals with disabilities and makes recommendations for policy change.

2015 Supporting Meaningful Employment Series: A Person-Centered Approach to Career Planning, Job Development and Retention

The Paul V. Sherlock Center on Disabilities is offering Community Provider Organizations a flexible and cost effective way to meet training requirements for persons providing employment support to individuals with Developmental and/or Intellectual Disabilities.

Starting in January 2015, multiple offerings of our Supported Meaningful Employment Training Series will be available in half-day and full-day sessions. The series is designed to help employment professionals (job developers, vocational specialists, job coaches, direct support professionals, etc.) to earn an ACRE Certificate. The Sherlock Center is also offering “Best Practices in Employment Services”, a one-day refresher for experienced employment professionals.