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NCD Bulletin
A Monthly Publication of the National Council on Disability (NCD)
John R. Vaughn, Chairperson
April 2008
NCD—30 Years of Disability Policy Leadership—1978–2008
The Bulletin, which is free of charge and available at NCD’s award-winning Web site (www.ncd.gov), brings you the latest issues and news affecting people with disabilities. To subscribe to the NCD listserv, go to http://listserv.access.gpo.gov, click on Online mailing list archives, select NCD-NEWS-L, click on Join or leave the list, then complete the short subscription form. Please send your editorial comments to Bulletin editor Mark S. Quigley (mquigley@ncd.gov).
NCD Conducts Quarterly Meeting
NCD conducted its quarterly meeting April 21–23 at the Westin Arlington Gateway in Arlington, VA.
During the meeting, NCD heard presentations on emergency preparedness and other issues of importance to people with disabilities. Seventy-four people participated in the meeting and another 45 people attended the NCD-sponsored reception.
Under the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill (H.R. 5441), signed by President Bush on October 4, 2006, NCD was assigned key responsibilities for disability-related issues in homeland security, so much of the agenda focused on related subjects.
On April 22, Curt Decker, executive director, National Disability Rights Network, discussed emergency preparedness and lessons learned, as well as there impact on organizations, and inclusion of the disability community in current preparedness activities. That same day, the following presenters discussed the federal role in emergency preparedness: Nicole Francis, counsel, House Committee on Homeland Security; Andy Weis, general counsel, Office of Senator Susan M. Collins, Senate Committee on Homeland Security; Scott Spicer, senior analyst, Government Accountability Office (GAO); and David Wise, acting director, Physical Infrastructure, GAO.
Another panel discussed emergency preparedness from a state perspective. Presenters included: Ted Costin, Director, Preparedness Division, Virginia Department of Emergency Management; Steve Kral, senior policy advisor, Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, Washington, DC; and JoAnne E. Knapp, director of Emergency Preparedness Policy, Maryland Department of Disabilities.
On April 23, NCD was pleased to have R. David Paulison, administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency, address NCD on lessons learned, future planning for people with disabilities in emergency preparedness, and NCD collaboration.
Other presentations included: Jerry Kerr, president, Disability Rights Advocates for Technology, discussing Segways as mobility devices for people with disabilities; Mike Starling, vice president, chief technology officer, and executive director of National Public Radio Labs, demonstrating the first over-the-air broadcast of captioned radio; and Sandy Finucane, vice president, Legal and Government Affairs, Epilepsy Foundation, discussing recent activities around the ADA Restoration Act.
NCD Releases Disability Data Report
On April 21, NCD released Keeping Track: National Disability Status and Program Performance Indicators, calling on the Federal Government to do more now to improve federal data describing the status of Americans with disabilities.
This report is the result of a year-long effort by NCD to identify valid federal data and to describe the status of the U.S. population of Americans with disabilities. During the past 30 years, advocates, policymakers, and a variety of public and private organizations have undertaken significant efforts to improve the lives of people with disabilities, culminating in the passage or improvement of legislation such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, various sections of the Rehabilitation Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act.
The report includes 18 indicators determined by stakeholders to measure quality of life using both objective and subjective measures. It also lays out a roadmap for the Federal Government to expand the national disability indicator set, as well as a mechanism for installing the set into a key national indicator system.
Presenters at the news conference included: Dan Bertoni, director, Education, Workforce and Income Security, GAO; Chris Hoenig; executive director, State-of-the-USA; and Bonnie O’Day, senior researcher, Mathematica Policy Research; and Nanette Goodman, independent consultant, Washington DC.
The full report can be found at http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2008/Indicators_Report.html.
NCD Research Opportunity
On April 29, NCD published a prerelease notice on www.grants.gov, soliciting applications for a Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (hereafter the DD Act) evaluation project.
NCD will undertake a one-year project to study the implementation, effectiveness, and impact of the programs and services established by the DD Act and to develop recommendations for improvements that will enhance the quality of life and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.
The purpose of this project is to examine how the Administration on Developmental Disabilities (ADD) administers, supports, monitors, evaluates, and holds accountable the programs and services under the DD Act, including the amendments of 2000. The project will also evaluate select programs and services authorized under the DD Act, such as state councils on developmental disabilities; the Protection and Advocacy for Developmental Disabilities (PADD) programs; the National Network of Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Service; projects of national significance; federal administration of separate grants for family support; and the program of direct support for workers who assist individuals with developmental disabilities.
Partnerships and collaborative efforts will be encouraged to ensure that appropriate expertise is brought to bear on this complex project involving diverse stakeholders. Input must be gathered from individuals with disabilities and their family members and care providers, as well as professionals and advocates in the developmental disabilities field.
Application materials will be available on May 12, 2008. NCD will award one grant, not to exceed $150,000.
The full announcement is also available at http://www.ncd.gov/resources_researchopps.htm.
For more information, please contact Julie Carroll at 202-272-2019 or jcarroll@ncd.gov.
Quarterly Meetings
NCD will conduct its next quarterly meeting at the Renaissance Seattle Hotel, 515 Madison Street, Seattle, WA, beginning Monday, July 14 and ending Wednesday, July 16.
Preparations are also under way for NCD’s fall meeting, which will be held October 6–8, 2008, in Kansas City, MO.
These meetings are open to the public and free of charge. People with disabilities are encouraged to attend and participate in the daily public comment segments of the meetings. The agendas will be posted at http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/quarterly/quarterly.htm prior to each meeting.
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Mark S. Quigley
Director of External Affairs
National Council on Disability
1331 F Street, NW Suite 850
Washington, DC 20004
202-272-2008
202-272-2022 fax
www.ncd.gov
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