NEW MATERIAL ON NCWD/YOUTH WEBSITE

The legislative section of the website, which contains information on legislation that impacts services to youth with disabilities, now includes the extended Assistive Technology Act (ATA) and a more detailed explanation of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Information on the ATA can be found here and information regarding the ADA is here.

This section of the website also includes summaries of other legislation such as the Workforce Investment Act, Community Services Block Grant Act, Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, Foster Care Independence Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (JJDP) Act, McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, National and Community Service Act, Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act, Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, Rehabilitation Act, and the Social Security Act.

Reauthorization of a number of pieces of legislation is under consideration by Congress and will continue in the next session of Congress. Intersection will report on these efforts.

Spanish version of the general brochure can be downloaded here and the Spanish version of the High School/High Tech program brochure is available at here.

NEW FACT SHEET ON EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS OF PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has released a fact sheet on the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to persons with intellectual disabilities in the workplace. The new publication is available at http://www.eeoc.gov/.

The term "intellectual disability" describes the condition once commonly referred to as "mental retardation." Approximately one percent of the United States ' population, an estimated 2.5 million people, has an intellectual disability. Estimates indicate that only 31 percent of individuals with intellectual disabilities are employed, although many more want to work.

PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON KSA

NCWD/Youth would like you to answer a questionnaire identifying the relevant Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) that youth service providers need. The KSA Questionnaire focuses on 10 “Competency Areas” for youth service practitioners. We need your feedback to determine which competencies are most relevant to your work, what professional development opportunities are currently available in your area, and the priority areas for training to be developed.

To respond, click here and follow the directions. Results will be posted on the website and listed in this newsletter. You can read the background paper on KSAs here.

NATIONAL INCLUSIVE SCHOOLS WEEK

The National Institute for Urban School Improvement is sponsoring the National Inclusive Schools Week, December 6-10 to foster the development of schools and communities that are welcoming of all students, including those with disabilities. Please visit http://www.inclusiveschools.org/ for more detail.