Push For Tax-Free Savings Accounts for People With Disabilities

The push is on to pass this legislation before the end of 2012.This is a common sense idea that would allow people to by-pass the $2000 limit in assets for SSI by creating a special account for disability related expenses.


http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2012/11/13/congress-urged-savings-accounts/16833/

Portland Public Schools Transition Programs to Provide Full Day Programs Again

Thanks to Disability Rights Oregon for working with PPS to provide appropriate programs for transition students.


http://www.droregon.org/news/dro-and-pps-sign-agreement-to-provide-full-school-days-to-transition

Webinar on Employment and Benefits Planning 9/28

This presented by Molly Sullivan on 9/28/12.

http://oregonddcoalition.org/index.php/oddc/train/train_event/220

Employment Resources

This is a repost of some  employment resources that looked useful.These could be shared with your brokerage PA and also with Voc Rehab case managers.Hope these are helpful.



http://www.dps.missouri.edu/Autism.html?cmpNWS

http://dps.missouri.edu/Autism/AutismFactSheet2011.pdf

Fact sheet from a presentation on autism and employment.

The I Pod Touch and Its Use For Employment for People With Autism

This is an excellent article with lots of good info.Much of what it is suggesting could be used with an I Pad also.


http://iospress.metapress.com/content/hg67623860j41421/fulltext.pdf

Employment Planning for People With Autism

Great document!Some very good ideas specific to folks on the spectrum for employment.

http://www.house.state.pa.us/SpkrJournal/documents/8/v8_a15.pdf

Repost of Voting Information from 10/11

I spoke with Multnomah County Elections Bureau about a question I have heard from several parents.If someone has a legal guardian can they still vote?The answer is YES.

There is voter assistance for people with disabilities available for each county in OregonYou just need to conatact your county elections bureau..The person I spoke with at Multnomah County said that the main requirement for voting in Oregon is that someone needs to be able to sign their ballot.This can be a written signature or they can use an approved signature stamp (see the signature stamp attestation form).

With all the challenges in our state budget it is so important for self advocates and families to be involved in advocating for services and resources.Voting is a big part of this.

You can register to vote by mail-see the link below.

Below are links to some information and forms that might help you.  

Printable Oregon Voter Registration Form:

http://www.sos.state.or.us/elections/doc/publications/forms/500_nvra/SEL500.pdf

For Voter Assistance for Oregon Residents:

http://www.sos.state.or.us/elections/pages/voterresources/voter_assistance/index.html

Absentee Ballot Request Form:

http://www.sos.state.or.us/elections/doc/publications/forms/100_candidate_filing/SEL111.pdf

Signature Stamp Attestation Form:

http://www.sos.state.or.us/elections/doc/publications/forms/500_nvra/SEL540.pdf

Multnomah County Elections Web Page:

www.mcelections.org

The contact for Voter Assistance at Multnomah  County Elections is:

Sharon Johnson

503-988-3720 extension 24670

Voting Rights For People With Disabilities Questioned

This is something to keep an eye on.I have posted before about voting in Oregon.At this time having a guardian does not impact your right to vote here.What is needed is to be able to sign your ballot.I will  repost about alternatives to physically signing a ballot that are available.

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2012/08/01/voting-rights-questioned/16154/

Focus On Jobs For People With Disabilities

Good article.The sad thing is the employment rate for folks on the Autism spectrum is even lower.A focus is long overdue.


http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2012/07/a-call-to-focus-on-finding-jobs-for-those-with-disabilities.html

ADVANCING FUTURES FOR ADULTS WITH AUTISM

Coalition of various groups to advocate for adult resources.

http://www.afaa-us.org/site/c.llIYIkNZJuE/b.5063863/k.BE3C/Home.htm

1 In 3 Autistic Young Adults Lack Jobs, Education

by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

text size A A A

CHICAGO May 14, 2012, 12:52 am ET

CHICAGO (AP) — One in 3 young adults with autism have no paid job experience, college or technical schooling nearly seven years after high school graduation, a study finds. That's a poorer showing than those with other disabilities including those who are mentally disabled, the researchers said.

With roughly half a million autistic kids reaching adulthood in the next decade, experts say it's an issue policymakers urgently need to address.

The study was done well before unemployment peaked from the recession. The situation today is tough even for young adults who don't have such limitations.

Click on the link for the complete story.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=152645303

Oregon Post High School Transition Programs-how many hours do you receive?

I received this from the UCP mailing list and felt it might be helpful to distribute.Sara Gelser is a wonderful advocate for student with disabilities.If you are receiving less than a full time post high school transition program please contact her.

Rep. Sara Gelser (from Corvallis) is gathering stories about experiences in post-high school transition programs.  The law changed last year and schools are now required to provide full-time transition programs, though many still do not.  Please share your stories with Rep. Gelser – see her message below.

Sent by Rep. Gelser.....

Did you know that HB 2283 which went into effect on July 1, 2011 requires all school districts to make full time transition services available to students with disabilities between the ages of 18-21? We are looking for families-- particularly those in Portland Public Schools- - who have been denied access to full time transition services. Under the law, students must be able to access the same number of transition and education service hours that are required to be provided to high school students. The bill also ensures that students are allowed to continue working on academics through age 21, including the right to continue working towards an extended, modified or standard diploma. Please spread the word that current law makes part time transition services the exception--- and full time services the rule. If you have experience in this area, please email me atrep.saragelser@state.or.us . Thanks

Dear Legislator Project Celebrates One Year!

Thank you Independence NW for this wonderful resource to help people advocate for their supports.
You are appreciated!


http://dearlegislator.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/dear-legislator-project-celebrates-one-year