What's New ~ The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth (NCWD/Youth)

Ticket to Work Program-Employment Networks
The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration issued notice to the workforce development field that One Stop Career Centers and Local Workforce Investment Boards (LWIB) are eligible to become Employment Networks (EN) under the Social Security Administration's (SSA) Ticket to Work Program. SSA issues "Tickets" to Social Security disability beneficiaries between the ages of 18-64 who receive Social Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits to expand their opportunities to enter or re-enter the workforce. For further information visit http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?docn=2563.

November 2007

Careers Conference 2008
January 28th-30th, 2008 the Center on Education and Work hosts the 22nd annual Careers Conference 2008 in Madison, Wisconsin. This national event is one of the leading conferences of its kind, focusing on all aspects of career development and education for work. Educators, counselors, and school-to-work professionals are invited to join us as we explore the latest programs, strategies, and best practices pertaining to career development at all levels (from kindergarten through retirement). For more information, visit: http://www.cew.wisc.edu/careers

October 2007

America's Promise Releases New Guide to Federal Resources for Youth Development
The "Guide to Federal Resources for Youth Development" provides information on federal funds available to support youth development programs. The guide highlights over 100 federal programs which are cross-referenced to the five core resources regarded by America’s Promise as crucial to effective youth development. The five core resources identified by America’s Promise are: Caring Adults, Safe Places, A Healthy Start & Future, Effective Education/Marketable Skills, and Opportunities to Help Others. Read the Guide (in PDF format).

America's Promise Releases Issue Brief on Workforce Readiness
America's Promise has also developed an Issue Brief on workforce readiness which focuses on children and youth who will enter the workforce over the next two decades lacking enough of the "soft" or applied skills they will need to be successfully employed. The link to the Issue Brief is on America's Promise's website.

America's Promise Releases Issue Brief on Parenting
As an update to America's Promise's report, Every Child, Every Promise, this national study shows that teens with stronger parent influence fare better in health and education. Read the brief (in PDF format).

AAPD Accepting Applications for 2008 Summer Internship Program
For the seventh year in a row, the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) are offering a Congressional internship program for undergraduate students with disabilities. The MEAF–AAPD Congressional Internship Program provides an opportunity for students with disabilities to work on Capitol Hill for eight weeks (or in some cases with a Federal agency) and acquire valuable work experience that will enrich their academic studies. As Congressional interns, participants gain insight into the operations of Congressional offices, learn how public policy is developed, and gain an understanding of constituents’ roles in the legislative and political processes. The internship program, administered by AAPD, was created in 2002 through a major grant from MEAF. Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Friday, December 14, 2007.

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards to Honor Students for Volunteer Work
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards is accepting applications from young volunteers for the program's 13th annual competition. Sponsored by Prudential Financial, Inc. in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the awards honor out-standing community service by young people in grades 5 through 12 at the local, state, and national level.

Awards are made in honor of students' volunteer activities over the last twelve months. Eligible forms of community service include helping the less fortunate, promoting health and safety, protecting the environment, and helping to improve communities through other volunteer activities.

This year, young volunteers can apply online at the Prudential or NASSP Web sites. Applications must be completed by October 31, 2007, then submitted to a middle or high school principal, Girl Scout council, county 4-H agent, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA, or a Volunteer Center belonging to the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network.

Participating schools and local organizations will select Local Honorees in early November. All Local Honorees are then reviewed by a state-level judging committee, which will name the top two candidates from each state and the District of Columbia -- one high school student and one middle-level student -- as State Honorees. These State Honorees will receive awards of $1,000 each, engraved silver medallions, and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent for four days of recognition events, May 3-6, 2008.

Standards-Based Individualized Education Program Examples (August 2007)
This document from the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) presents a seven-step process for developing a standards-based IEP. Each step is followed by guiding questions for the IEP team to consider in making data-based decisions. Two student examples are also provided. The companion document, “A Seven-Step Process to Creating Standards-based IEPs” provides the steps and guiding questions in a brief two-page document. Available in PDF (26 pages, 396 KB).

New Fact Sheets from NSTTAC and DCDT
Two new fact sheets developed as a collaborative effort between the Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT) and the National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center (NSTTAC) are now available on the NSTTAC web site.

DCDT is a division of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). NSTTAC is funded through the Office of Special Education Programs, Office of Special Education.

New Issue Brief on Role of CTE in Secondary-Postsecondary Transitions
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) has released a new issue brief on the role of career and technical education (CTE) in secondary-postsecondary transition. As states and national organizations are implementing new initiatives designed to improve the secondary and postsecondary education outcomes of our nation's youth, numerous reform strategies that involve a strong focus on CTE have emerged. To read the report (in PDF), go to http://www.acteonline.org/resource_center/upload/Transitions.pdf

Learning Opportunities for Your Child through Alternate Assessments: Alternate Assessments Based on Modified Academic Achievement Standards
The National Center on Educational Outcomes has produced a new guide to help parents of students with disabilities understand a new state alternate assessment allowable under No Child Left Behind. While few states are currently offering this assessment option, some will be developing it in the coming years. Parents will need to understand what it is and how to decide if it is the right option for their child. The guide is available (in PDF) for download free of charge at: www.NCEO.info/OnlinePUbs/AAMASParentGuide.pdf

Perceptions and Expectations of Youth with Disabilities. A Special Topic Report of Findings from the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2
This National Center for Special Education Research (NCSER) report provides a picture of the self-representations and expectations of youth with disabilities, how they differ across disability categories and demographic groups, and how they compare with youth in the general population. The National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2), funded by Institute of Education Sciences (IES), was initiated in 2001 and has a nationally representative sample of more than 11,000 students with disabilities. This report presents findings drawn primarily from telephone interviews or self-administered mail surveys collected from youth when they were ages 15 through 19. The report addresses questions such as how youth with disabilities describe their feelings about themselves and their lives, their secondary school experiences, their personal relationships, and their expectations for the future.

September 2007

ACTE Releases Issue Brief on the Role of Career and Technical Education in Secondary-Postsecondary Transition
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) has released a new issue brief on the role of career and technical education (CTE) in secondary-postsecondary transition. As states and national organizations are implementing new initiatives designed to improve the secondary and postsecondary education outcomes of our nation's youth, numerous reform strategies that involve a strong focus on CTE have emerged. Read the report (in PDF format). [Requires Adobe Reader]

College Options For Students With Intellectual Disabilities
The Postsecondary Education Research Center Project, coordinated by TransCen, has launched a web site that provides information and resources on college options for students with intellectual disabilities. The site provides answers to frequently asked questions related to developing or expanding services for students with intellectual disabilities in college settings. It also provides access to a free online evaluation tool, the PERC Self-Assessment Tool, that allows users to evaluate aspects of programs or services for students with intellectual disabilities on college campuses. This self-assessment tool provides a snapshot of the quality of existing services and provides users with a concise evaluation report. It also provides users with the opportunity to create an itemized action plan that can be used to address areas in need of improvement. The website can be found at http://www.transitiontocollege.net

Individual Supports To Increase Access To An Inclusive College Experience For Students With Intellectual Disabilities
The purpose of this online training module is to provide guidance on developing an Individual Support Model (ISM) to increase access to inclusive college experiences and to improve chances for the success of students with intellectual disabilities. An ISM approach provides students with individualized services and supports (e.g., educational coach, tutor, technology, natural supports) in college courses, certificate programs, internships, and/or degree programs. Offered by the On-Campus Outreach project at the University of Maryland; funded by the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs. http://www.education.umd.edu/oco/training/oco_training_modules/IndividualSupports/start.html

Engaging Parents in Education: Lessons from Five Parental Information and Resource Centers
"Engaging Parents in Education: Lessons from Five Parental Information and Resource Centers" is a new publication of the US Department of Education, the second to be published in its "Innovations in Education" series. Its purpose is to explain "how to" strategies used by Parent Information Resource Centers (PIRCs)* to improve or expand their parental involvement programs in public schools. Topics addressed in the publication include:

Note: Unlike Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) authorized by IDEA, Parental Information and Resource Centers (PIRCs) do not focus primarily on special education issues. Several state PIRCs, however, are operated in conjunction with state PTIS and they employ similar strategies. PIRCs are authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Their purpose is to provide parents, schools, and other organizations working with families with the information and support (including training and technical assistance) needed to understand how children develop and what they need to succeed in school. The first 28 PIRCs were funded by the U.S. Department of Education in 1995. Since then, the PIRCs' role has expanded to include helping education agencies implement NCLB's parent-involvement mandates. A list of current grantees is available on the web at http://www.ed.gov/programs/pirc/grantees.html.

Youth Communications Magazine Focuses On Drop-out Outcomes
The latest issue of New Youth Connections explores the drop-out issue from a first-person perspective: teens write about the difficulties finding work without a high school degree, the challenge of persevering and graduating, and some alternatives for those who are already disconnected from traditional high school, The articles can be found on this web page and scrolling down to the April 2006 issue.

Students As Allies In Improving Their Schools
What if teachers and students became steady allies rather than frequent adversaries? What would it take for students to become stakeholders not just in their own success but also in that of their teachers and schools? With support from MetLife Foundation, What Kids Can Do (WKCD) has explored many questions for several years in an initiative called "Students as Allies." In Chicago, Houston, Oakland, Philadelphia, and St. Louis, WKCD has collaborated with teams of students and teachers organized by a local partnership. Use this link to access tools, publications, sample surveys, and data about what has been gathered and learned.

Issue Brief-dropout Prevention For Students With Disabilities: A Critical Issue For State Education Agencies
The purpose of this issue brief is to provide information and guidance to state education agencies (SEAs) regarding their accountability for IDEA 2004 legislative mandates in the area of dropout prevention for students with disabilities. The Brief was prepared by the National High School Center and can be found here (in PDF format). [Requires Adobe Reader]

Building Effective Dropout Preventions Programs
Since 2004, the National Dropout Prevention Center for Students with Disabilities (NDPC-SD) has synthesized available research and practice in the area of dropout prevention for students with disabilities providing insights into why youth with disabilities drop out, the consequences faced by these youth, and effective prevention strategies. This article, presents key strategies and recommendations gleaned from research and practice, which can be used by state or local administrators as well as educators to guide the development of dropout prevention programs for students with disabilities. Read the article (in PDF format). [Requires Adobe Reader]

Diplomas Count: An Essential Guide To Graduation Policies And Rates
About 30 percent of the class of 2006 will not graduate high school, according to a new report by Education Week's Editorial Projects in Education Research Center. This report, tracks graduation rates in every state and the 50 largest school districts as well as policies such as course and exit exam requirements, type and number of state high school credentials, and compulsory age for attending high school. An online mapping resource available in July will allow users to see results for individual school districts, including comparisons to national and state data. Visit this website for more information.

NCD Seeks Applications for Youth Advisory Committee
The National Council on Disability's (NCD) Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is a 12-member advisory committee that provides advice to NCD on disability-related issues affecting youth.

Electronic application documents will be accepted from people between the ages of 16 and 25 year-old age range at the time of application. Youth with a variety of disabilities, underrepresented diverse racial and ethnic groups, and representatives from around the country are encouraged to apply.

Three application documents must be received through e-mail by 5:00 p.m. EDT on September 27, 2007.The three application documents e-mailed to youth@ncd.gov must include:

Please send only electronic documents (use email only) to be considered as a YAC applicant during this recruitment period. Address the letter of recommendation and your cover letter to:

Dr. Gerrie Hawkins
Designated Federal Official
Youth Advisory Committee
National Council on Disability
youth@ncd.gov

NCWD/Youth Funded for Two More Years
The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) today awarded a 24-month cooperative agreement for $1,850,000 to the Institute for Educational Leadership's Center for Workforce Development in Washington, D.C., to establish a National Technical Assistance Center on Transition and Employment for Youth with Disabilities. Read more…

On The Move: Helping Young Adults With Serious Mental Health Needs Transition Into Adulthood
A new policy brief outlining lessons learned from SAMHSA's Partnerships for Youth Transition (PYT) initiative is now available. "On the MOVE: Helping Young Adults with Serious Mental Health Needs Transition into Adulthood" can be downloaded in PDF format from the web site of the National Center on Youth Transition. [Requires Adobe Reader]

The mission of the National Center on Youth Transition is to improve practices, systems, and outcomes for transition-age youth and young adults (14-25 years of age) with emotional and/or behavioral difficulties.. http://ntacyt.fmhi.usf.edu/index2.cfm

The Availability And Accessibility Of Transition-to-adulthood Services For Youth With Serious Mental Health Conditions
This article from Portland Data Trends assesses the availability and nature of transition-to-adulthood service programs in child and adult state mental health systems across the United States. Results from this research emphasize that transition-to-adulthood service programs are lacking in both availability and accessibility, signaling the need for increased awareness and funding to best assist young people with mental illness undergo this transition. The article can be found by going here and scrolling down to item #139.

A Difficult Passage: Helping Youth With Mental Health Needs Transition Into Adulthood
Developed by the National Conference of State Legislators and the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability/Youth, this Policy Brief discusses current state strategies for improving outcomes for youth with mental health needs and offers additional policy recommendations. The Policy Brief can be found at http://www.ncsl.org/programs/health/forum/youthmentalneeds.htm

Students With Psychiatric Impairments
The Job Accommodation Networks announces a new addition to their Accommodation and Compliance Series - specific to accommodating students with disabilities. The first in this series addresses the needs of students with psychiatric disabilities. It can be found on their web site at http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/HiEdStudentsPsych.html.

Parenting With A Mental Illness: Programs And Resources Guide
This new publication from the RRTC on Community Integration of Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities (UPenn Collaborative on Community Integration) is a resource to help parents, providers, and advocates find information about programs in their area. http://www.upennrrtc.org/resources/view.php?tool_id=128

Samhsa Releases Data On Systems Of Care For Children And Youth With Serious Mental Health Needs
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently released data on the effectiveness of comprehensive school- and community-based systems of care for children and youth with serious mental health needs. According to the data, children in such systems of care are less likely to engage in self-harmful behaviors, demonstrate fewer emotional and behavioral problems, and do better in school following enrollment in the systems. These children and youth also demonstrate lower involvement in the juvenile justice system following enrollment. For more information, please visit http://www.systemsofcare.samhsa.gov/.

Post-School Outcomes Surveys: Coming Soon to a Student Near You!
In 2007, states began surveying former special education students-high school graduates, recent dropouts, and young adults reaching the state's maximum age to receive special education services-to find out whether they have pursued further education or found competitive employment. Prepared by PACER Center in collaboration with the National Post-School Outcomes Center, the purpose of this brief is to help families learn what to expect if they are contacted and asked to participate. It provides examples of survey questions and describes how information from the survey can be used to improve secondary education and transition programs. Read more (in PDF format)... [Requires Adobe Reader]

August 2007

Back to School Statistics
Nearly 50 million students are heading off to approximately 97,000 public elementary and secondary schools for the fall term, and before the school year is out, an estimated $489 billion will be spent related to their education. These are just a few of the statistics contained in Back to School Stats, compiled by the Institute of Education Sciences' research and statistical centers. Follow this link for more statistical information about American elementary, secondary and postsecondary schools, students, and the educational process.

Including Immigrant Youth
According to the last Census, one in five children in this country today is an immigrant or the child of an immigrant, and the number is rising. Preparing Staff to Work with Immigrant Youth provides the context of the immigrant youth experience and practical tips for hiring, developing and retaining staff to work with this population. Youth organizations h ave both an opportunity and a reponsibility to encourage and support the healthy development for the growing numbers of immigrant youth. Click here to read and download this new publication from National Collaboration for Youth.

July 2007

CVS Caremark Community Grants to Support Children With Disabilities and Healthcare for the Uninsured

Programs targeting children under the age of 18 that address any of the following: 1) Health and Rehabilitation Services -- grants to support programs that promote independence among children with disabilities, including physical and occupational therapies, speech and hearing therapies, assistive technology, and recreational therapies; 2) Public schools promoting a greater level of inclusion in student activities and extracurricular programs; and 3) Creating opportunities or facilities that give greater access to physical movement and play.

Healthcare service for uninsured people: The CVS Grants Program assures that more uninsured people receive needed care, that the care received is of higher quality, and that the uninsured are served by providers who participate in accountable community healthcare programs.

Visit the CVS Web site for program information and an online eligibility quiz. The deadline is: October 31, 2007.

Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation Offers Funding for Arts and Advocacy Programs for People With Disabilities
The Ethel Louise Armstrong Foundation (ELA) grants funds in the areas of the arts and advocacy to U.S. nonprofit organizations that are led by or support adults with disabilities who are 22 years of age or older. In the arts, the foundation supports programs that support professional artists with disabilities or encourage a professional environment while enhancing creativity among people with disabilities who are not professional artists themselves.

In advocacy, the foundation supports programs that promote change in legislation or provide education that enhances knowledge and action to create laws and policies that will result in better lives for people with disabilities.

The foundation funds program grants only. A program grant serves a specific number of people in a set amount of time with measur able goals. Programs must demonstrate support by other foundations, corporations, and individuals in the local community.

Visit the ELA Foundation Web site for complete program guide lines and application procedures. The deadline is September 15, 2007.

Research Project Evaluates 20 Years of What Works for Youth with Disabilities
The What Works Transition Research Synthesis Project funded by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) has published the first report in a series to be released. The project was established to review and synthesize the past two decades of research and advancements in the area of transition for youth with disabilities. By reviewing 50 previous studies, this first report examines how teaching life skills as an intervention affected the lives of 482 youth with varying levels of intellectual disabilities. To read the first report "A Systematic Review of the Effects of Curricular Interventions on the Acquisition of Functional Life Skills by Youth with Disabilities, What Works Transition Research Synthesis Project, 2006" go the National Secondary Transition Technical Assistance Center web site. As they become available, additional reports will be posted on the site.

Need for and Use of Family Leave Among Parents of Children With Special Health Care Needs
Parents of children with special health care needs are especially vulnerable to work-family conflicts that family leave benefits might help resolve. In this study, published in the May issue of Pediatrics, researchers find that many full-time working parents of kids with special health care needs say they need more leave than they have access to. Learn more…

Valuing the Invaluable: A New Look at the Economic Value of Family Caregiving
The unpaid contributions of family caregivers are not only the foundation of America's long-term care system but are, as this AARP Public Policy Institute Issue Brief by Mary Jo Gibson and Ari Houser demonstrates, an important component of the U.S. economy, with an estimated economic value of about $350 billion in 2006. More on this report…

The "Rural 400" Poorest Schools Districts: The Nation's Poorest Rural School Districts are Concentrated in Nine States
The Rural School and Community Trust has identified the 400 rural school districts with the highest rates of student poverty. The 400 poorest rural school districts are spread among 29 states. Four-fifths of the Title I students who attend the "Rural 400" districts are enrolled in 237 districts concentrated in just nine states. The nine states are in Central Appalachia and along the entire southern U.S. border from Alabama to California. More information.

Source: Rural Policy Matters, a monthly newsletter focusing on state-level policy issues affecting rural schools. Visit www.ruraledu.org for information on how to subscribe.

ODEP Releases New Fact Sheet on Career-Focused Mentoring for Youth with Disabilities
The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) has developed a fact sheet on career-focused mentoring for older youth and young adults with disabilities. This fact sheet explains the importance of career-focused mentoring and features a table of mentoring activities that assist youth in achieving skills to transition successfully into adulthood. The fact sheet is based on a guide that ODEP produced with the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth, Paving the Way to Work: A Guide to Career-Focused Mentoring for Youth with Disabilities.

"Circle of Champions: Innovators in Employing All Americans"
The Office of Disability Employment Policy has issued a new "Circle of Champions" brochure, which includes examples of effective disability employment practices among companies that have been recipients of the Secretary of Labor's New Freedom Initiative Award. Read the brochure.

Do Something Offering Weekly Grants for Young Social Entrepreneurs
Do Something is a not-for-profit organization that works to inspire, support, and celebrate young social entrepreneurs and community activists. The organization is accepting applications for the following grant programs:

Do Something and GameStop are offering grants of $500 each to young people, age 25 and younger, in the U.S. or Canada who have a great idea for a community-action project and need support to turn their idea into reality. GameStop grants are given out weekly.

Do Something and Plum TV are offering grants of $500 each to social entrepreneurs, age 25 and younger, in the U.S. who have recently created a sustainable project, program, or organization and need funding to further the growth and success of their program. Plum TV grants are given out weekly.

Visit the Do Something Web site for complete program information and application forms. Deadline: Rolling

Youth Service America Venture Program Offers Micro-Grants for Young People to Start Social Ventures

The Youth Service America-Youth Venture Program, a joint partnership between Youth Service America and Youth Venture, Inc. is now accepting applications from young people across the United States who are interested in starting their own sustainable social ventures.

Examples of possible ventures include a youth center designed to keep youth out of trouble with music and art programs; an anti-peer pressure education campaign; a bike repair shop with a vocational training program; or an assembly program touring inner-city schools that combines music with an anti-drug/violence performances.

Ventures must be youth-led and designed to be a lasting, sustain able asset to the community. YSA Youth Venture teams are required to plan a Global Youth Service Day project every year that their venture is operational.

The YSA Youth Venture Program provides a variety of resources, including a national network of like-minded young people, media opportunities, technical support, helpful toolkits and workshops, as well as grants of up to $1,000 each for start-up expenses.

Visit the Youth Venture Web site for complete program information. Deadline: August 13, 2007

THE INVOLVEMENT OF YOUTH WITH DISABILITIES IN STATE-LEVEL DECISION MAKING
This In-Brief Policy Analysis is based on interviews with state education agency representatives and youth with disabilities who are involved in state-level decision making in the area of special education. How states include youth, what training and support states provide, and benefits and challenges of this work are shared from both the states' and the youth's perspectives. Policy recommendations are also given. Read more…

MENTORING PROGRAMS FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS: STATE APPROACHES
This In-Brief Policy Analysis provides an overview of existing research on teacher mentoring, especially for special educators; discusses best practices in developing and implementing mentoring programs; and describes several state-level special education mentoring programs based on interviews with program staff. Interview findings include implementation history; program features such as, mentoring services, matching mentors and mentees, training and other supports, fiscal and human resources, administration, and evaluation; and outcomes of the various programs. Read more…

INTASC PRINCIPLES: HOW THEY ARE ADDRESSED BY FIVE SPECIALITY PROGRAM ASSOCIATION STANDARDS
This In-Brief Policy Analysis reviews five SPA standards and supporting documentation in regards to the principles from the Interstate New Teachers Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) at the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). These principles were developed as guidance for teacher education programs and address standards that all teachers should meet to teach in classrooms that include diverse students, including those with disabilities. Findings include that most SPA standards address most of the principles to at least some extent, but most do not address all INTASC principles. Read more…

PART C TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: STATE APPROACHES
This In-Brief Policy Analysis, done in collaboration with The Center to Guide Personnel Preparation, Policy and Practice in Early Intervention and Preschool Education, describes how state Part C technical assistance systems are implemented. Delivery models, providers, recipients of services, funding and many other topics are discussed. A set of appendices listing which states reported the specific implementation characteristic is provided. Read more…

Additional copies are available from NASDSE; however, there are no restrictions on copying because these documents were produced with federal funds. These documents are available for downloading at www.projectforum.org. Additionally, Project Forum's site has over 100 documents available for download. The website has a strong Boolean search engine to find any Project Forum document.

June 2007

Involvement of Youth with Disabilities in State-Level Decision Making
This In-Brief Policy Analysis is based on interviews with state education agency representatives and youth with disabilities who are involved in state-level decision making in the area of special education. Six states were chosen for interviews based on a survey in which states reported including youth with disabilities on state advisory panels (SAPs) and/or transition councils. How states include youth, what training and support states provide, and benefits and challenges of this work are shared from both the states’ and the youth’s perspectives. Read more (in PDF format).

"Workplace Technologies for People with Disabilities"
This new employment-focused guide provides information on how employers and service providers can utilize assistive technology to make workplaces and service centers accessible to people with disabilities. The guide contains illustrations of many different types of assistive technologies including descriptive text on the use of these technologies. This guide is available in PDF format.

Breaking the Silence on Crime Victims with Disabilities
Addressing the long-neglected needs of crime victims with disabilities is the focus of a new partnership announced today by the National Council on Disability, the Association of University Centers on Disabilities, and the National Center for Victims of Crime. The ultimate goal of this partnership is to foster greater public awareness about crime victims with disabilities and to forge a national commitment to better serve this particularly vulnerable population. Read more…

May 2007

U.S. Secretary of Labor Announces New Theme for 2007 National Disability Employment Awareness Month
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced that "Workers with Disabilities: Talent for a Winning Team!" will be the official 2007 theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which is observed in October nationwide.

"The 2007 'Talent for a Winning Team' theme captures the heart of the president's New Freedom Initiative, which is that Americans with disabilities are an underutilized reservoir of ambition, talent and skill ready to make great contributions in the workplace," said Secretary Chao. Learn more…

New Resource: Helping Families Transition to the Future
This publication summarizes the work of seven Parent Information and Training Programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) to "provide training and information to enable individuals with disabilities, and the parents, family members, guardians, advocates, or other authorized representatives of the individuals to participate more effectively with professionals in meeting the vocational, independent living, and rehabilitation needs of individuals with disabilities (Rehabilitation Act, 1998)." The data presented here provides policy-makers, administrators, and advocates with a clear picture of who is being served by RSA PARENT INFORMATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMS, and the ways in which program activities influence meaningful outcomes for individuals with disabilities and their families. Data was collected from seven RSA funded Parent Information and Training Programs serving 10 states: California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Washington, and then compiled by the Technical Assistance on Transition and the Rehabilitation Act (TATRA) Project, also funded by RSA.. It represents program outcomes for activities conducted over a 12-month period in 2005 and 2006. Available in HTML and PDF formats.

New PACER Publication! Interactive CD Promotes Job Skills for Transition-age Teens
Top Secret Job Skills: Declassified is an animated, interactive CD for transition age teens, with and without disabilities, to learn the interpersonal skills that are needed to be successful in the interview and on the job. The CD features an audible option, with the main characters providing voice over of all the text. This is a great resource for teen and parents, as well a teaching tool for educational settings. $35 per CD. To order, call PACER at 952-838-9000.

Grants Supporting Youth Environmental Action
The Captain Planet Foundation is sponsoring grants for youth ages six to 18 for projects that promote the understanding of environmental issues and focus on hands-on involvement. Grants are available in amounts of $250 to $2,500. Application deadlines are June 30, September 30 and December 31. Learn more…

Grants for Youth Promoting Collaboration
The Southern Poverty Law Center is sponsoring the Mix It Up Grants program, which provides $500 for youth-directed activist projects that identify, cross, and challenge social boundaries in schools and communities. There is no application deadline. Learn more…

Concept Papers Due to Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation for Disability Grants Program
The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation is seeking concept papers for grants. The mission is to help young people with disabilities maximize their potential and participation in society. The foundation supports organizations and projects within its mission that address important needs, have broad scope and impact, and demonstrate potential for replication at other sites. A major program emphasis is inclusion: enabling young people with disabilities to have full access to educational, vocational, and recreational opportunities and to participate alongside their non-disabled peers.

The foundation provides national grants to projects and organizations throughout the United States, giving preference to areas where company facilities are located. Grants are made only to U.S.-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations.

The foundation accepts and reviews concept papers throughout the year; however, concept papers should be submitted by June 1 to be considered for funding in the following year. If the concept paper is approved, the organization will be invited to submit a full proposal.

IBM Training at the Maryland School for the Deaf STEM Camp
On May 15th, representatives from IBM conducted a customized train-the-trainer program for 17 promising students at the Maryland School for the Deaf. This was done as part of IBM's STEM Initiative which was established to provide customized training programs to assist teachers in making math and science both engaging and accessible to students with all types of disabilities, and to interest such students in careers in science and technology. The training was sponsored by the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS) which houses the High School/High Tech (HS/HT) program in MD, IBM and the MD School for the Deaf. The day-long, hands-on workshop for 17 promising students was a great success. The Frederick News Post and the Frederick Gazette covered the event. According to the Frederick News Post, the MD School for the Deaf is planning to modify their curriculum to incorporate the activities that were undertaken during this workshop. Although MD HS/HT is not mentioned in either article, they were very much behind the scenes in making this happen.

People with Disabilities: Take an Online Survey on Wireless Phones and Services
The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center for Wireless Technology (“Wireless RERC”) is looking for people with disabilities to take its online survey about wireless products like cell phones and text messengers. The purpose of the survey is to learn about how people with disabilities use these products and why some people with disabilities don’t use these products. The survey only takes about 10 minutes to complete. It’s also available in hard copy or can be completed over the phone by calling 404-367-1348 or 800-582-6360. Questions? E-mail wirelessrerc@shepherd.org. Take the survey.

Staples Foundation for Learning Announces Grants to Support Job Skills and Education
The Staples Foundation for Learning provides funding to programs that support or provide job skills and/or education for all people, with an emphasis on disadvantaged youth. The Foundation's maximum award is $25,000 for eligible 501(c)3 organizations. The deadline to apply is August 3, 2007. Learn more…

NCWD/Youth Publishes New Guide on Serving Youth with Mental Health Needs
Tunnels and Cliffs: A Guide for Workforce Development Practitioners and Policymakers Serving Youth with Mental Health Needs is now available. Practitioners and policymakers have key roles to play in ensuring that youth with mental health needs have a fair chance of achieving the American dream of independence and self-sufficiency. Obstacles such as transition cliffs and ineffective service delivery tunnels can be eliminated through thoughtful systems change processes that incorporate sound policies and practices. Information on viewing, downloading, and purchasing the guide can be found here.

ETA Performance & Reporting Summits
The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) of the U.S. Department of labor is holding three national education and training sessions on performance reporting and management. These training sessions are intended to introduce and clarify the reporting changes contained in the Workforce Investment Streamlined Performance Reporting (WISPR) System, further enhance states’ ability to report against the common measures and provide avenue for discussing policy questions. Individuals that work in the publicly funded workforce systems at the state and local level are the targeted audience for this training. The sessions will be held in the following locations:

Register online for a conference, or ay fax a completed registration form to Maxine Sherman of Branch Associates, Inc. at 215-731-9987. A draft agenda and workshop descriptions can also be found at this website. Since space is limited, interested persons are encouraged to register as soon as possible. There is no registration fee.

Youthful Offender Registered Apprenticeship, Alternative Education, and Project Expansion Grants Announcement
The Employment and Training Administration (ETA), U.S. Department of Labor, has issued a Solicitation for Grant Applications (SGA) for Youthful Offender Registered Apprenticeship, Alternative Education, and Project Expansion Grants in the Wednesday, May 2 Federal Register. Read the complete document…

There is approximately $20 million available to be awarded in three categories of projects--(1) Registered Apprenticeship (to increase the placement of young adults being released from the criminal justice system in registered apprenticeship); (2) Alternative Educational Pathways (to increase the educational achievement and attainment of youth in the juvenile justice system); and (3) Project Expansion (to replicate effective programs for serving juvenile offenders).

Funding for the three categories of awards is expected to be as follows: Registered apprenticeship, four grants at $1 million each; Alternative Educational Pathways, six grants at $1 million each; and Expansion, five grants at $2 million each.

The closing date is May 31, 2007. There will be a Prospective Applicant Webinar held for this grant competition. The date and access information for this Prospective Applicant Webinar will be posted on ETA's Web site.

April 2007

Nomination Deadline Extended for the Secretary of Labor's New Freedom Initiative Award
The nomination deadline for the 2007 Secretary of Labor’s New Freedom Initiative Award has been extended from April 30 to May 31. This prestigious award is presented to businesses, non-profit organizations and individuals who have demonstrated exemplary and innovative efforts in enhancing employment opportunities for workers with disabilities. Nominations are welcome from public and private sector organizations, as well as individuals. Self-nominations are encouraged. Complete criteria and nomination instructions are in the February 12, 2007 issue of the Federal Register. Read the Federal Register notice.

Latest Edition of Disability Rights On-Line News
The Disability Rights Section of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice has recently posted the 18th Edition of Disability Rights On-Line News, which provides readers with some of the latest information surrounding efforts to uphold the rights of people with disabilities across the country. The text is available in HTML and PDF formats, and you may also read back issues of the publication. Read more…

Transition to College and Work for Teens Website
This Web Page from the National Center for Learning Disabilities includes information to help students with learning disabilities transition successfully to adult life, including background information on transition, information on transition research, policy and advocacy links, and links to additional resources on the Web.

Center for Juvenile Justice Reform and Systems Integration Created
The Georgetown University Public Policy Institute has created the Center for Juvenile Justice Reform and Systems Integration. The Center will support scholarship and discourse on issues related to juvenile justice reform, sponsor academic programs and symposia for government leaders involved in juvenile justice policy and practice, and enhance our national dialogue on how our juvenile justice system—both prevention and intervention—can operate more effectively. Visit website…

Disability/Employment Grant Map
Using this Web-based tool from National Center on Workforce and Disability/Adult, users can locate innovative projects that test new strategies to improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Users can search by state or project and map their findings; they can also view a key to all grants, organized by state; and a map of all grants across the country. Visit website…

OSEP Policy Documents on the Education of Infants, Toddlers, Children, and Youth with Disabilities
Section 607 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) amendments of 1997 requires that the Secretary of Education publish correspondence from the Department of Education that describes interpretations of IDEA or its implementing regulations in the Federal Register. Learn more…

U.S. Department of Education Announces NCLB Regulations for Assessment of Students with Disabilities
U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings has announced new regulations under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) allowing states to test certain students with disabilities using an alternate assessment that more appropriately aligns with students’ needs and yields more meaningful results for schools and parents. The new regulations provide states and schools with greater flexibility by allowing them to more accurately evaluate these students’ academic progress and tailor instruction to individual needs. Learn more…

Database of Summer Camps for Kids with Learning or Attention Problems
This online database from SchwabLearning.org allows users to search for summer camps for students with learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and related disabilities by state, zip code, or keyword. Learn more…

Preparing Ex-Offenders for the Workplace Solicitation for Grant Applications
The Employment and Training Administration (ETA), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), announces the availability of approximately $5 million in Responsible Reintegration of Youthful Offender grant funds to address the specific workforce challenges of ex-offenders and produce positive outcomes with a particular focus on employment and reduced recidivism. Grant funds awarded under this competition will be used to implement a program of services for ex-offenders (ages 18 to 29) under a beneficiary-choice contracting model. The beneficiary choice contracting model involves providing program participants with an independent choice among multiple service providers for specific services. Participants will receive case management services from the grantee, but will choose among contracted specialized service providers for more in-depth services, including soft-skills training and long-term follow up on participant outcomes. The grantee will compensate the contracted specialized service providers on a per capita basis for services provided, as well as per capita performance-based incentives. Each application must provide evidence of partnerships with a network of faith-based and community organizations (FBCOs), the public workforce investment system and the criminal justice system. Strategic partnerships between business representatives from high-growth/high-demand industries and the education and training community are also encouraged.

It is anticipated that individual awards will average $1,000,000 for the first year of operation to serve 225 participants per site. Grants will be awarded to faith-based and community organizations, Workforce Investment Boards, One-Stop Career Centers, corrections agencies, and other State or local agencies. The grantee will act as the central services coordinator (services coordinator). The full announcement is in the April 16 Federal Register.

Workforce Investment Act - Small Grassroots Organizations Connecting with the One-Stop Delivery System Grant Availability
The Employment and Training Administration (ETA), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL or the Department), has announced the availability of $3,000,000 in grant funds for eligible grassroots organizations with the ability to connect to the local One-Stop Delivery System.

The agency expects to award approximately 40 grants. The grant amount for each grassroots organization will range between $50,000-$75,000 for an 18 month period.

March 2007

Funds for Hands-On Environmental Projects
The Captain Planet Foundation funds hands-on environmental projects that encourage innovative programs that empower children and youth around the world to work individually and collectively to solve environmental problems in their neighborhoods and communities. Maximum Award: $2,500. Eligibility: 501(c)3 organizations. Deadline: March 31, 2007. Learn more.

VSA Arts Playwright Discovery Call for Scripts
The VSA arts Playwright Discovery Program is searching for plays written by middle and high school students about their experience with disability. Entries may be the work of an individual student or collaboration by a group or class of students. A distinguished jury of prestigious theater professionals will select the award-winning script. The young playwright who wins the award will receive a trip to Washington D.C. and up to $2,000.00. They will have the opportunity to watch their play be performed onstage. Visit the VSA website for more information. The deadline for submittal is April 13, 2007.

Student Poetry Contest
The Sarah Mook Memorial Poetry Contest acknowledges, encourages, and rewards the efforts of student poets. Maximum Award: $100. Eligibility: students K-12. Deadline: March 31, 2007. Learn more.

Student Documentary Competition
C-SPAN StudentCam is an annual documentary competition that invites students to identify a current political topic of interest and produce a short (up to ten minute) video documentary that creatively explores an issue while integrating C-SPAN programming. Maximum Award: $3,000 in digital equipment for school. Eligibility: individual or teams of students grades 6-8 or grades 9- 12; Deadline: March 30, 2007. Learn more.

Awards to Encourage Peers to Graduate From High School and College
Youth Venture, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and MTV Tr3s Voces will select teams of two or more youth every week through June 29th who submit great ideas for encouraging their peers to graduate from high school and college. Tu Voz My Venture winners will receive grants to create their ventures -- an organization, business or club to help young Latinos stay in school and prepare for college and careers. Maximum Award: $1000. Eligibility: youth ages 13-20. Deadline: June 29, 2007. Learn more.

Career and Technical Education Essay Contest
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is sponsoring an essay contest in the memory of former ACTE Senior Director of Communications, Cliff Weiss (1951 -2004). This year, students will be asked to respond to the question, "How will what you learned in CTE help the American economy in five years?" The essay should be no less than 500 words in length for postsecondary and no more than 500 words in length for secondary students. Maximum Award: $250 and publication in ACTE's Techniques Magazine. Eligibility: students enrolled in at least one CTE course. Deadline: March 30, 2007. Learn more.

Summer Employment at the US Department of Education
Below is the link to the U.S. Department of Education's 2007 Student Educational Employment and Summer Employment Program announcement. Please make sure those interested in applying for the summer program follow the steps identified in the announcement. All applicants interested in the Department's summer program "must" submit an application by the vacancy deadline to be considered. Application Deadlines: Summer Employment April 6, 2007; Fall Employment July 31, 2007; Winter Employment October 31, 2007. Learn more.

Microsoft DigiGirlz: High Tech Camp for Girls
Since 2000, Microsoft has been hosting a high tech camp for high school girls to "inspire" these young women to consider careers in the field of technology. The camp includes an introduction to opportunities and career choices in the field of technology through hands-on training, product demonstrations, tours, job shadows, discussions with employees and interaction with women role models in the high-tech workplace at Microsoft. DigiGirlz is a day camp focused on girls in grades 9 - 12; you must be at least 13 years of age to apply. There are a limited number of openings for the camps, please encourage students to apply online as early as possible.

HSC Foundation Launches Youth Transitions Initiative
The HSC Foundation is launching a multi-year Youth Transitions Initiative to assist young people with disabilities and chronic illness in the Washington metropolitan area and beyond to move from school to adulthood and the world of work. The HSC Foundation is dedicated to improving access to services for individuals with special needs who face challenging social and health care barriers.

In order to move the transition agenda forward to a higher level, the Foundation has identified three broad categories of effort required:

To develop the initiative, the Foundation convened a national to examine the education, career preparation, independent living, and social and attitudinal barriers to successful transitions. The Summit was organized NCWD/Youth's Guideposts for Success. Read more information on the Foundation's initiative.

February 2007

Prize for Young Heroes Who Help Communities and Protect the Environment
The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes honors outstanding young leaders who have focused on helping their communities and fellow beings and/or on protecting the health and sustainability of the environment. Maximum Award: $2,000.

Secretary of Labor's New Freedom Initiative Award
The Office of Disability Employment Policy, the Department of Labor is seeking nominations for the Secretary of Labor's New Freedom Initiative Award. Initiated in 2002, this award is made annually to individual(s), non-profit organization(s), or business(es), that have, through programs or activities, demonstrated exemplary and innovative efforts in furthering the employment objectives of the New Freedom Initiative. The nominees must be individuals, businesses, or non-profit organizations whose activities exemplify the goals of President George W. Bush's New Freedom Initiative, which include the Office of Disability Employment Policy's mission of increasing employment opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities. Nominations may be submitted by other persons and entities with the knowledge and permission of the nominee. Self-nomination is also encouraged.

Nomination must be submitted to Secretary of Labor's New Freedom Initiative Award, Office of Disability Employment Policy, Room S-1303, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210 by April 30, 2007 Read more details and nomination requirements.

The Work Opportunity Tax Credit Extended Through 2012
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), which includes the Welfare to Work Tax Credit, has been extended through 2012 as part of $7 billion in tax incentives that recently passed the Finance Committee. The bill, the Small Business and Work Opportunity Act of 2007, also expands the qualifications for certain target populations of the WOTC including High Risk Youth and Service-Injured Veterans. The cost of the extension and expansion is estimated at $1.8 billion over a five-year period. Read a summary of this Act.

Red, White & Green Climate Change Grants Available for Youth Projects
Youth Service America and the Civil Society Institute have announced the second round of the Red, White & Green Climate Change Grant. This opportunity offers $500 to young people and to organizations that engage young people in the United States between the ages of 15 and 25.

Applicants are expected to develop and implement a service- learning project about climate change that engages their community, policy makers, and candidates running for election in 2007 and 2008. The program welcomes projects where youth work in partnership with adults (parents, coaches, teachers, youth leaders, etc.), but the projects should be youth-led and must take place between May 1 and October 31, 2007. Visit the Red, White & Green Climate Change Web site to learn more about this initiative. The deadline is March 9, 2007.

January 2007

Civic Change Award to Recognize Community-Wide Efforts to Reduce Dropout Rates
The Pew Partnership for Civic Change (the 2007 Civic Change Award) will recognize organizations or individuals that demonstrate long-term concern for their community's odds of success by implementing collaborations specifically aimed at reducing the high school dropout rate.

Potential nominees include art museums coordinating events and training for emerging young artists, locally operated businesses organizing summer internships for youth, or churches that run programs matching senior citizen mentors with young people. In order to qualify for the award the nominee must be able to demonstrate community collaboration, innovative implementation, and evidence of effectiveness.

Application forms and information on previous recipients are available on the Pew Partnership Website. The deadline is March 31, 2007.

Yoshiyama Award for Exemplary Service to the Community
Each year, the Hitachi Foundation presents the Yoshiyama Award for Exemplary Service to the Community to ten high school seniors from across the country who have left a lasting impression on their communities as a result of their community service activities. Past recipients have started projects and programs or taken on challenges that relate to the corporate citizenship, philanthropic, and corporate social responsibility priorities of the Foundation and Hitachi, Ltd. The Award is accompanied by a gift of $5,000, dispensed over two years, which recipients may use at their discretion. Nomination deadline: April 1, 2007. Visit the Hitachi Foundation's website for more information.

Best Buy Scholarship Program
The Best Buy Scholarship Program awards scholarships to high school seniors who are entering a U.S. college, university, or technical center in the fall immediately following their senior year. Recipients are selected based on academic achievements and volunteer work. Application deadline: February 15, 2007. Visit Best Buy's website for more information.

U.S./Costa Rica Youth Leadership and Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Disability Rights Exchange Program
Mobility International USA (MIUSA) is currently accepting applications from youth (ages 18-24) with disabilities to take part in an international exchange program June 20-July 5, 2007 in Costa Rica, entitled the U.S./Costa Rica: Youth Leadership and Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Disability Rights Exchange Program. Selected individuals will travel with 12 other young people with disabilities, live with a host family, take part in a service learning project, and practice Spanish through immersion. Scholarships are available. Application deadline: March 2, 2007. Apply now!

YSA Youth Venture Program Now Accepting Applications
The Youth Service America/Youth Venture Program is a unique partnership between Youth Service America and Youth Venture that helps youth engage in community service and develop as young social entrepreneurs. YSA Youth Venture helps make every day National & Global Youth Service Day (N&GYSD) by providing funding and support to young people (ages 12-20) who want to create new, sustainable, civic-minded organizations, clubs or businesses called Ventures. Ventures must be youth-led and designed to be a lasting asset to the community. YSA Youth Venture teams are required to plan an N&GYSD project every year that their Venture is operational. The YSA Youth Venture Program provides a variety of resources including: a national network of like-minded young people, media opportunities, technical support, helpful toolkits and workshops as well as seed money funding of up to $1,000 for start-up expenses. For an application, applications tools and more information about the YSA Youth Venture Partnership Program, please visit the Youth Venture website.

Youth Organized for Disaster Action Grants Now Available
The Institute for Global Education and Service Learning and the National Dropout Prevention Center are pleased to announce a second round of funding for Learn and Serve America- Youth Organized for Disaster Action grants. The goal of the Youth Organized for Disaster Action (Y.O.D.A.) program is to address disaster preparedness and community safety concerns by engaging students in service-learning activities in their schools and communities. In addition to the physical damage to homes and property, disasters also affect young people's sense of security, their relationships with their schools, communities, and in some cases even their families. Y.O.D.A. also aims to cultivate resilience and developmental assets in youth while enhancing academic achievement, developing workplace-readiness skills, and demonstrating active citizenship. Open to all Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina school districts (including Charter Schools), eligible applicants may apply for a maximum award of $5,000 during year one 3/07-8/07) and $10,000 during years two and three. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2007. To learn more and to the download the RFP, please visit the IGESL website.

Receive Your Free Service-Learning Disaster Preparedness/Community Safety Resource Today
The Institute for Global Education and Service Learning is pleased to announce the release of the Learn & Serve America - Youth Organized for Disaster Action (Y.O.D.A.) - Best Practices CD. This project represents the culmination of two years of hard work from students and teachers at twenty Y.O.D.A. sites in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The resources provided were developed from programs in elementary, middle, and high schools in urban, rural, and suburban settings. Each Y.O.D.A. Best Practices CD contains a Best Practices Guide, Interdisciplinary Webs, Service Learning Checklists, Evaluation Tools, and more! Free copies of this CD are available by visiting the IGESL website.

Wells Fargo Actively Recruiting People with Disabilities for Leadership Development Program
Wells Fargo’s Technology Information Group (TIG) is actively recruiting people with disabilities for their TIG Leadership Development Program. The focus is on learning about the primary technology functions and processes within TIG, including application development, architecture, information security, networking, enterprise hosting and other infrastructure groups via longer, more in-depth rotations and projects. The program is open to undergraduates who are willing to relocate to Minneapolis, Phoenix, or San Francisco. For information go to www.wellsfargo.com/jobs and select “Undergraduates” then “Full-Time Opportunities” then “Technology” then scroll down to the “Express interest” section that has the link to the Leadership Development Program. Resumes accepted through March 2007.

Workforce Recruitment Program
The WRP is a summer work program for college and university students with disabilities co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Department of Defense. Students are interviewed by federal agency staff at their colleges during late January through most of February. Hiring is done directly by federal offices throughout the country. White the majority of positions offered are for the summer and with federal agencies, students in this database may be recruited for full time positions by either the federal government or the private sector. Click here for additional information.

Workforce Investment Act Proposed Regulations
The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) within the Department of Labor (DOL) is proposing changes to the regulations covering the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and the Wagner-Peyser Act. DOL is seeking comments from the public on the proposed regulations. Please submit comments to nprm.comments@dol.gov, by February 20, 2007. Complete text of the proposed regulations can found here.

Enacted in August 1998, WIA reformed federal job training programs and created a new, comprehensive workforce investment system. WIA replaced the Job Training Partnership Act and amended the Wagner-Peyser Act, which governs the Employment Service. The past two Congresses have considered legislation to reauthorize and reform WIA, as authorization of appropriations expired on September 30, 2003. However, reauthorization has yet been enacted. Due to this delay, the Department of Labor has decided to move forward with limited reforms that could be undertaken without changes in the statute. More significant reforms will require Congressional action.

Of particular interest is the proposal to add the head of the state Vocational Rehabilitation program to the state workforce investment board.

The most significant changes are to regulations governing the Employment Service under the Wagner-Peyser Act. The Department is proposing that Employment Service offices be fully integrated into comprehensive One-Stop Career Centers. The rules propose that local Employment Service offices must be located in comprehensive One-Stop Career Centers, and that the customer employment services under the Wagner-Peyser Act must be fully integrated with services in comprehensive One-Stop Career Centers. Stand-alone Employment Service offices will no longer qualify as affiliated One-Stop Career Centers.

In addition, the Department proposes changing its interpretation of the Wagner-Peyser Act so that job finding, placement, and reemployment services funded under the Act need not be delivered by state merit-staffed employees. According to the notice, states operating demonstration projects using non-merit-based staff systems have shown positive performance outcomes and have provided similar quality services under WIA using non-merit-staffed employees.

New National Research: Perceptions of Depression, ADHD, And Stigma Among Youth 8–18
Approximately one in ten American children and youth experience a behavioral, emotional, or mental health disorder that could be identified and treated. Stigma associated with mental illness can dissuade young people and their families from seeking help. Staff at the Research and Training Center on Family Support and Children's Mental Health at Portland State University collaborated with a group of young adult advisors and the research firm, Harris Interactive, to produce two surveys focusing on perceptions of mental health difficulties and on the stigma associated with these difficulties among children and youth aged 8-18. A nationally representative sample of more than 1,300 U.S. children and teenagers responded to one survey, which was conducted online by Harris Interactive this June. An additional survey, conducted by Harris Interactive in August, gathered similar information from more than 3,600 adults. Read the press release.

December 2006

Today, President Bush Signed The Combating Autism Act Of 2006. This Act authorizes expanded activities related to autism research, prevention, and treatment through FY 2011. There are more than 1.5 million cases of autism in the United States.

Grants for STEM Instruction
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Foundation is offering grants for educators to present science, math and technology to students via hands-on activities with the goal of developing a future generation of aeronautics and aerospace engineers, scientists, pilots and space explorers. Grants of $200 are administered to programs on a rolling basis with a total of up to $1,000 per program per year. Grants submitted for consideration for the upcoming quarter should be received by January 31. Click here for more information.

Washington Youth Voice Handbook Now Available
CommonAction is excited to announce the availability of the brand-new Washington Youth Voice Handbook. This 150+ page publication provides a clear map to the essentials of Youth Voice, including "What, Why, Where, When, and How" Youth Voice happens in diverse communities across Washington State. More than 50 programs, schools, and organizations are featured. Click here to learn more.

The Social Security Administration's Efforts to Promote Employment for People with Disabilities: New Solutions for Old Problems
A report from the National Council on Disability with recommendations that could be useful in policy and procedural modification discussions by both Congress and the Social Security Administration to significantly address the continuing number of SSA beneficiaries who never leave the SSI and DI rolls, and to increase the number of beneficiaries who enter, or reenter, the U.S. workforce. Click here to access the report.

Final Report on Best Practices for the Employment of People with Disabilities in State Government
A comprehensive report on the efforts of nine states to employ more people with disabilities in government jobs has been released by the EEOC. The best practices related to recruiting and hiring of people with disabilities for state jobs includes: providing reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities; retaining and advancing persons with disabilities within state government; and employing people with disabilities more generally in public- and private-sector jobs. The report highlighted some practices that may inadvertently act as barriers to employment for people with disabilities in the states surveyed, the EEOC said. Click here to view the report.

Tu Voz My Venture Grant Now Available
Youth Venture, in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and MTV Tr3s Voces, will select teams of two or more youth, ages 13 - 20, every week through June 29, who submit great ideas for encouraging their peers to graduate from high school and college. Tu Voz My Venture winners will receive grants of up to $1,000 to create their ventures - an organization, business, or club to help young Latinos stay in school and prepare for college and careers. Click here to learn more.

Staples "That Was Easy" Competition
The Staples, "That Was Easy" Competition is a national competition for Youth Venture Teams from the USA who are making life easier for others in society. Winners will get coaching and $ 2 April, 2008 ce to win a trip to the Staples headquarters, $1000 additional cash, and a $5000 Staples shopping spree. Click here to learn more.

Disney Minnie Grant Now Available: Deadline January 24, 2007
Disney and Youth Service America (YSA) are pleased to announce grants of up to $500 to support youth-led service projects. These grants support youth (ages 5-14) in planning and implementing service projects in their community. Teachers, older youth (15-25), youth-leaders, and youth-serving organizations are also eligible to apply, provided that they that engage younger youth (5-14) in planning and implementing the service event. Click here to learn more.

The Capital One Youth Service Fund: Deadline January 26, 2007
Capital One and Youth Service America (YSA) are pleased to announce grants of up to $500 to support service youth-led projects in low/moderate income communities. Applicants must be located in the metro DC area: Washington DC, Fairfax, Arlington, Prince George's, and Montgomery Counties, and the city of Alexandria. These grants support youth (ages 5-25), teachers, youth-leaders, youth-serving organizations, or organizations that engage youth in implementing service projects for National & Global Youth Service Day, April 20-22, 2007. Click here to learn more.

Learn and Serve America: Youth Organized for Disaster Action Grant Now Available: Deadline January 31, 2007
The Institute for Global Education and Service Learning and the National Dropout Prevention Center are pleased to announce a second round of funding for Youth Organized for Disaster Action (YODA). The YODA Grant is open to all Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina school districts (including Charter Schools). The goal of the Youth Organized for Disaster Action (Y.O.D.A.) program is to address disaster preparedness and community safety concerns by engaging students in service-learning activities in their schools and communities. Click here to learn more.

A Lion in the House Community Service Grants: Deadline February 1, 2007
Youth Service America is proud to offer A Lion in the House Community Service Grants. Complementing the highly acclaimed film by Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert, these grants of $300 are designed for youth (ages 12-25) and youth-serving organizations (schools, youth groups, clubs, etc.) to design service projects addressing pediatric cancer. Projects should be youth-led and take place as part of National and Global Youth Service Day, April 20-22, 2007. Click here to learn more.

Grants for Character Development, Volunteer Service & Career Exploration
The Target and Tiger Woods Foundation Start Something Program is a free program for youth that addresses three priorities: character development, volunteer service and career exploration. Eligible youth ages eight to 17 can apply by January 1, 2007. Click here for more information.

Lupus Inspiration Foundation
The L.I.F.E Scholarship is awarded to one or more students. The award recipients will receive a minimum of award of $500.00. Each applicant must be diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and working towards a degree with a minimum of six credits per semester at an accredited United States college or university and hold a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and be involved in at least one extracurricular activity. Applications are due December 16th. Click here for more information.

Department of Education requests comments on IDEA
The Secretary of Education solicits comments and recommendations from the public prior to finalizing the comprehensive plan for national activities authorized under subparts 2 and 3, part D of IDEA (Comprehensive Plan). The Secretary is responsible for developing and implementing the Comprehensive Plan in order to enhance the provision of early intervention services, educational services, related services, and transitional services to children with disabilities under parts B and C of IDEA. Comments must be received by January 11, 2007. For information on how to submit comments, read more here.

November 2006

"30 Voices of LD" Competition
The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) is looking for works of art, photography, poetry, videos, essays, short stories, websites, blogs, etc. that express what life is like for individuals with LD. Three $500 grand prizes will be awarded for outstanding works from each one of the following age groups: Children (Ages 4-13), Teens (Ages 14-17), and Adults (Ages 18 and older). Additional selected submissions will be showcased on our Web site and at our 30th Anniversary benefit. Click here for more information. Submittal deadline is February 7, 2007.

Renascence 07: An International Juried Showcase of Artists with Disabilities
VSA arts is seeking innovative, experimental artists whose work demonstrates the creative fusion of visual art with interactive or sensory experience; communication and information technologies; movement or performance; and/ or audio production. Open to artists (ages 18 and over) who are committed to their artistic progress and who have a physical, cognitive, or mental disability. Applicants from a wide range of practices, such as digital arts, installation, and time-based media, are encouraged to apply. Deadline for submission is February 2, 2007. Click here for more information.

RIT//NTID Science Contest for Students with Hearing Loss
Students with hearing loss in grades 6-11 can submit their science projects for the second annual National Science Fair for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students and win up to $500 in cash awards, and other prizes. Students can compete individually or in a two- or three-person team in middle school and high school divisions. To qualify, students must submit an entry form and project summary of up to 500 words. Judges will choose finalists in all three divisions, who will be invited to attend the Science Fair, April 27-29, 2007, at the Rochester Institute of Technology, National Technical Institute for the Deaf's Rochester, NY, campus to showcase their project and compete for first, second and third places. Click here for more information. Deadline for application is February 1, 2007.

Spirit Writing Contest for 10th and 11th Graders
Sponsored by the Rochester Institute of Technology and open to school districts or schools for the deaf, which may submit up to two entries from deaf or hard-of-hearing students enrolled in the 10th or 11th grades. Click here for more information.

Alzheimer’s Association Essay Contest
The Alzheimer’s Association wants to increase awareness among young adults about the importance of Alzheimer advocacy. Our hope is that this competition will give voice to the insights of advocates ages 18-25 and help educate policy makers at both the state and national levels.

Essays must address the following questions:

How can young Alzheimer advocates (ages 18-25) make a difference?
What would you do to encourage other young adults to become active Alzheimer advocates?

First place winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize plus a complimentary registration and reimbursement of up to $1500 for travel and related expenses to attend the Public Policy Forum; as well as an opportunity to testify before Congress or participate in a press conference on Capitol Hill (exact details to be determined).

The second place winner will receive a $500 cash prize and a complimentary registration for the Public Policy Forum.

Both the first and second

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December 2007