NCD Bulletin
A Monthly Publication of the National Council on Disability (NCD)
John R. Vaughn, Chairperson
May 2008
NCD—30 Years of Disability Policy Leadership—1978–2008
The Bulletin, which is free of charge and available at NCD’s 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. Editorial comments can be sent to Bulletin editor Mark S. Quigley (mquigley@ncd.gov).
Quarterly Meetings
NCD will conduct its next quarterly meeting at the Renaissance Seattle Hotel, 515 Madison Street, Seattle, Washington, beginning Monday, July 14 and ending Wednesday, July 16.
NCD believes it is vital to hear from communities around the country on what works and what does not for people with disabilities. The purpose of this meeting is to have open discussions about issues such as healthcare, employment, and several other subjects of interest to the disability community. We are delighted to have the opportunity to visit Seattle and learn firsthand about the experiences of people with disabilities from the northwest region. This is also an opportunity to meet NCD members and staff and offer your comments during the public comment sessions, which will take place daily.
A toll-free call-in number will be available for those who cannot attend the meeting. Written comments can also be sent to ncd@ncd.gov with the subject heading of “Public Comment.” All public comments will be included in the official minutes of the meeting and used to determine commonality and emerging trends.
Preparations are also under way for NCD’s fall meeting, which will be held October 6–8, 2008, at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center, 2345 McGee Street, Kansas City, Missouri.
These meetings are open to the public and free of charge. People with disabilities are always 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 two weeks prior to each meeting.
UN Convention Update
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities entered into force on May 3, 2008. In order to clarify the potential impact of the Convention's articles, NCD, on May 12, released Finding the Gaps: A Comparative Analysis of Disability Laws in the United States to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). This independent analysis was commissioned by NCD to increase understanding of how the CRPD varies from, or is consistent with, U.S. disability laws. We hope it will prove to be a useful tool as those responsible for determining public policy on possible support or ratification of this treaty grapple with the relative merits of that choice.
The document can be found at: http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2008/doc/ncd_crpd_analysis.doc.
For more information, please contact Joan Durocher at 202-272-2117 or jdurocher@ncd.gov.
Emerging Trends Public Consultation
In June, NCD will be soliciting public input for a study of emerging issues and trends affecting the lives of people with disabilities. Information gathered will be used in the development of NCD's next annual progress report, National Disability Policy: A Progress Report, which is required annually by Section 401 (b) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
The purpose of this public consultation is to gather input to inform NCD's assessment of the status of the nation in achieving policies that guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities, and that empower individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and integration into all aspects of society.
We are seeking input on issues such as health, housing, employment, insurance, transportation, assistive technology, recreation, training, prevention, early intervention, and education. Your input will be used in the development of recommendations including, but not limited to, recommendations for changes in legislation, regulations, policies, programs, or guidance, as appropriate. NCD seeks input from individuals with disabilities, representatives of organizations representing a broad range of individuals with disabilities, and organizations and agencies interested in individuals with disabilities.
More information on how to provide input will be available in June at www.ncd.gov. NCD listserv subscribers will be notified by email.
NCD Research Opportunities
In May, NCD posted three application packages for broad research opportunities geared toward organizations. They are not intended as grants to individuals.
The first is for an evaluation of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act (DD Act).
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, administers, supports, monitors, evaluates, and holds accountable, the programs and services under the DD Act including the Amendments of 2000, and to evaluate select programs and services authorized under the DD Act.
The full application package can be found at http://www.ncd.gov/research_opportunity/dd_act_application.html. The closing date for applications is June 18.
For more information, please contact Julie Carroll at 202-272-2019 or jcarroll@ncd.gov.
The second research opportunity is for a comprehensive study of the state of housing in America in the 21st century. This evaluation will focus on: (1) public laws, policies, and program initiatives that affect housing opportunities for Americans with disabilities, as well as others who have accessible housing needs, e.g. the aging population and those who acquire temporary disabilities; and (2) housing, supports, and other benefits provided available through the public and non-profit and/or private sectors. The purpose is to determine whether, and to what extent, public and non-profit and private housing and related programs have provided adequate, affordable, and accessible housing for Americans with disabilities as well as others who have accessibility needs, like the aging population and those who acquire temporary disabilities.
The full housing initiative application package is available at http://www.ncd.gov/research_opportunity/housing_application.html. The closing date for applications is July 1.
For more information, please contact Joan Durocher at 202-272-2117 or jdurocher@ncd.gov.
The third project is titled Workforce Infrastructure in Support of People with Disabilities: Matching Human Resources to Service Needs, wherein NCD will develop a research paper on the status of the human resources infrastructure supporting people with disabilities in the United States. This research paper is envisioned as an intergovernmental review of: (a) existing public and private funding and resources targeted to building and/or strengthening communities’ human services infrastructure; (b) barriers and gaps in services, supports and accommodations needed by Americans with disabilities; and (c) demonstrated approaches to effectively address identified barriers and gaps.
The full workforce infrastructure application package can be found at http://www.ncd.gov/research_opportunity/workforce_application.html. The closing date for applications is July 1.
For more information, please contact Joan Durocher at 202-272-2117 or jdurocher@ncd.gov.
Advisory Committees Search
NCD is compiling a list of people who would like to be considered for membership when vacancies occur on NCD advisory committees. NCD has three advisory committees: Cultural Diversity, International Watch, and Youth.
The Cultural Diversity Advisory Committee provides advice and recommendations to NCD on issues affecting people with disabilities from culturally diverse backgrounds.
International Watch shares information on international disability issues and advises NCD on the development of policy proposals that will advocate for a foreign policy that is consistent with the values and goals of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Youth Advisory Committee provides advice to NCD on various issues, such as NCD’s planning and priorities.
All advisory committee members are appointed for two-year terms by the NCD chair. Advisory committees meet by teleconference, and there is no cost to the advisory committee member.
For more information about NCD advisory committees, please go to http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/advisory/advisory.htm.
Please send your letter of interest by email to ncd@ncd.gov.
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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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