New NCWD/Youth Publication on Disability Inquiries

This NCWD/Youth publication is designed for staff working in One-Stop centers and youth and adult service providers. It explains what can and cannot be asked about someone's disability. As the workforce development system works to meet the diverse needs of all its customers, it is important to have a clear understanding of key nondiscrimination issues affecting youth and adults with disabilities.

Disability nondiscrimination laws---such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Section 188 of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) ---are somewhat different than other civil rights laws. Where people with disabilities are concerned, simple access to a program is not always enough. Programs have a legal responsibility to work with people with disabilities to make sure they have an equal opportunity to benefit from programs, services, and activities. This means that programs may need to take active steps to offer accommodations, auxiliary aids and services, or make necessary modifications to allow customers with disabilities to benefit fully from programs, services, or activities.

Treatment of people with disabilities must not be based on assumptions, myths, and stereotypes about disabilities. Disability-related inquiries, when permissible, must be approached with respect, dignity, and confidentiality.

You can read the publication at here.

Applications Available for Youth Leaders for Literacy Grants

Youth Leaders for Literacy, an initiative of the National Education Association and Youth Service America, seeks to support youth reading-related service projects. The program is accepting grant applications (deadline is October 22, 2004) for youth-led projects that will begin on NEA's Read Across America Day, March 2, 2005, and culminate on YSA's National Youth Service Day, April 15-17, 2005.

Applicants aged 21 or younger can apply as individuals or groups. To be eligible for grant funds (up to $500 per project), applicants must include a scheduled activity (read-aloud session, trip to the library, book making, etc.) each week of the six-week project period as part of the proposed service project.

The deadline is October 22, 2004. Application forms can be downloaded http://www.nea.org/readacross/volunteer/youthleaders.html

Health Care Information through Medical Homes

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently published curricula around the concept of a Medical Home. A medical home is not a building, house, or hospital, but rather an approach to providing health care services in a high-quality and cost-effective manner. Children and their families who have a medical home receive the care that they need from a pediatrician or physician whom they know and trust.

The National Center of Medical Home Initiatives for Children with Special Needs, sponsored by the American Academy of Pediatrics, is working to make sure that children with special needs have a medical home where health care services are accessible, family-centered, continuous, comprehensive, coordinated, compassionate, and culturally-competent. To download the Every Child Deserves A Medical Home curriculum go to the National Center Web site at: http://www.medicalhomeinfo.org/training/materials.html.