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Hot Topics and Recommended Reading Archive

Hot topics archived July 2008

State Budget, Medi-Cal payment delays hit homes for people with disabilities

Many operators of homes for Californians with developmental disabilities are in debt because of previous budget delays when Medi-Cal payments were withheld. The state's emergency fund for Medi-Cal providers could run dry as early as July 17. Read more on the effects of budget delays in the Riverside Press-Enterprise ...

2007 Annual Report is now available on line

PAI’s vision is a barrier free, inclusive world that values diversity, culture and each individual. In this world all people with disabilities have equality, dignity, power, freedom of choice, independence, and freedom from abuse, neglect and discrimination. Our work in 2007 reflects these values. Read more about PAI's fiscal year 2007 accomplishments ...

18th Anniversary of Signing the Americans with Disabilities Act

Celebrate on July 18th, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at San Francisco City Hall. Find out more about celebrating the ADA's 18th anniversary ...

KPIX Channel 5 reports on seclusion and restraint in schools

Locking children in closets doesn't sound like something that could possibly happen in California's school system. ... "I think it's an enormous problem," said Leslie Morrison, PAI Investigations Unit Directing Attorney, who was interviewed for the report. Read the story here ... and watch streaming video on the story here ..

Green Light art & design competition for young artists with disabilities - deadline is July 11

Sponsored by VSA Arts, Green Light is a national juried exhibition open to artists ages 16-25 in the United States who have a physical, cognitive or mental disability. Read about the competition here ... and about VSA Arts here ... (Archived 7/8/08)

House votes to expand civil rights for people with disabilities

The U. S. House of Representatives passed a major civil rights bill that would expand protections for people with disabilities and overturn several Supreme Court decisions issued in the last decade. Read the complete article from The New York Times here ... (Archived 7/8/08)

Free Webinar: Making Accessible Online Surveys

Surveys and forms are a big part of Internet life. Find out how to create accessible forms, surveys and polls by joining a free webinar hosted by Equal Access to Software and Information (EASI). (Archived 7/8/08)

We need your input on proposed 2008-2009 objectives!

Your opinions are vital as PAI decides which services to provide in the coming year. Please read our proposed 2008-2009 objectives here ... and then fill out this survey to tell us your thoughts on those proposals. (Archived 7/8/08)

National Forum on Disability Issues

The National Forum on Disability Issues, featuring the 2008 Presidential Candidates (invited) is a historic, nonpartisan forum on national disability policy to be held on July 26, 2008 in Columbus, Ohio. Read about it from the Talking Books Librarian here... (Archived 7/8/08)

Recommended reading archived July 2008

The lens stares back, The Washington Post, 7/3/08

My brother is not his disability, Newsweek, 7/1/08

Without a California budget, some bills won't be paid, The Sacramento Bee, 6/29/08

Assemblywoman breaks culture of silence around mental health issues, The Contra Costa Times, 6/28/08

A life worth living, The Wall Street Journal, 6/27/08

Woman recalls irrepressible brother B.T. Collins in book, The Sacramento Bee, 6/30/08

Athletes Disabled by Wars Lead Iraqi Team in World Games, The New York Times, 6/29/08

Hot topics archived June 2008

Save the date - June 27, 5:00-7:00 p.m.

PAI's San Diego office invites you to an open house. Celebrate 30 years of advocacy and join us in honoring clients and community partners. Find out more here about San Diego's June 27th open house ..

State Budget and May Revision issues affecting people with disabilities

On May 15, with the projected deficit higher than it was in the January budget, Governor Schwartzenegger released the May budget revision, proposing even deeper cuts to programs affecting people with disabilities. See PAI's May Revise summary here ...

Please click here to visit our legislative pages ..., then click here to answer a few survey questions to tell us what is working well and what might need to change. Thank you.

A park where all children can play

Shane's Inspiration playground in Anthony C. Beilenson Park at Lake Balboa in Van Nuys, California, has features for all children including those with disabilities. "I think it's great," says Stephanie Rochon, a mom of three who works with special needs kids. "It opens the doors to everybody." Read more here about Shane's Inspiration playground ...

Kennedy Foundation offers two public policy fellowships

Each year the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation awards two public policy fellowships in the area of developmental disability - one for a professional, the other for a parent. Fellows spend the year in Washington, D.C., and have the opportunity to work with key leadership. Learn more about the fellowships and how to apply on the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation website. (Archived 6/20/08)

Fred Fay Advanced Leadership Forum seeks applicants

The Fred Fay Advanced Leadership Forum (FFALF) seeks to identify proven leaders from the disability community and bring them together with pioneers from the disability rights movement and key current figures for an informal, comprehensive weekend aimed at giving participants the background, training, information and expertise to return to their communities and organizations and lead successful advocacy efforts for disability rights. Learn more about Fred Fay Advanced Leadership Forum and how to apply. (Archived 6/20/08)

Obituary: Harriet McBryde Johnson, writer and attorney activist extraordinaire, dies in her beloved Charleston

On June 3, 2008, perhaps the disability movement’s best writer-philosopher died unexpectedly in Charleston at age 50. Read more here about Harriet McBryde Johnson's life; plus Harriet Johnson, 50, activist ..., The New York Times, 6/7/08, and A life of quality, The New York Times, 6/12/08. (Archived 6/19/08)

Nearly 2000 advocates and allies show up for showdown in Sacramento: Disability Capitol Action Day, May 15

“Cuts cost more: you can’t balance the budget on cuts alone,” was the rallying cry of the estimated 2000 people from southern, mid and northern cities and rural towns who arrived in Sacramento on May 15 to be part of the 2008 Disability Capitol Action Day. For more about Capitol Action Day, and more photos, click here ... (Archived 6/19/08)

Proposals to broaden access for people with disabilities

Far-reaching new rules would give people with disabilities greater access to courtrooms, swimming pools, golf courses, stadiums, theaters, hotels and retail stores. The proposals will be published tomorrow in the Federal Register, with 60 days for public comment. Read more here about the proposals for greater access ... (Archived 6/17/08)

Coalition "emphatically and totally" opposes Governor’s cuts to In-Home Supportive Services

“While we recognize the dire fiscal situation of the California state budget, it is inexcusable for the Governor to sacrifice the health and welfare of seniors and people with disabilities and their caregivers with these devastating budget proposals," reads the coalition's letter urging the legislature to reject the proposals. PAI is one of the 25 organizations that form the IHSS Coalition. Read the IHSS Coalition's letter to the Governor here ... (Archived 6/9/08)

Light the passion, share the dream

Torchbearer Yun Weiping, who has a disability, displays the torch during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch relay in Jixi, east China's Anhui Province, May 30, 2008. (Photo credit: Xinhua) To see a larger photo of Yun Weiping and the torch, click here ... (Archived 6/9/08)

PAI Hotline for Voters with Disabilities experiencing problems on Election Day, June 3

California voters with disabilities have an ally in assuring full and equal access to the voting process. With funding from the Help America Vote Act, PAI is staffing a toll-free hotline for voters with disabilities - to answer questions about access to polling places, how to cast ballots and the voting process. Our aim is to fix Election Day problems that disenfranchise people with disabilities. Read a press release about the voter hotline here ... (Archived 6/4/08)

New state budget would obliterate safety net for many

Harvey and Margo McGriff - he's 76 and she's 81 - could find themselves with little or no assistance on household chores and have a hard time seeing their doctors under revised health and social service cuts proposed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Read more here about proposed cuts to health and social services ... (Archived 6/2/08)

Governor appoints R. Michael Paravagna to California's Building Standards Commission

Paravagna, of Rocklin, has served as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator for the city of Sacramento since 2007. From 1993 to 2007, he was chief of the disability access section for the Department of Rehabilitation. Read more here about R. Michael Paravagna's appointment to the Building Standards Commission ... (Archived 6/2/08)

Stamps celebrate "Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities"

Six new commemorative stamps - two in U.S. denominations of $0.42 and $0.94 - will be available June 6 from the United Nations Postal Administration. Click here to learn more about the new United Nations commemorative stamps and how to buy them ... (Archived 6/2/08)

Governor's May Revise cuts deeper

A quick summary of the cuts to Medi-Cal, SSI/SSP and IHSS ... (Archived 6/2/08)

Recommended reading archived June 2008

US reluctance to sign treaty on disabilities is painful, puzzling, Seattle Times, 6/25/08

House of Representatives adds accessibility, The Associated Press, 6/24/08

Revamped disabilities rights bill on fast track, NPR Morning Edition, 6/18/08

Plan seeks more access for people with disabilities, The New York Times, 6/16/08

Equity for people with disabilities: Tax-free savings accounts shouldn't be reserved for children with college in their future, Washington Post, 6/13/08.

A survey about disabled casual gamers, The Mercury News, 6/11/08

Critics say disabled access bill is too broad, too weak, Sacramento Bee, 6/9/08

Compassion, compulsion and the mentally ill, The Wall Street Journal, 6/9/08

Disabled earthquake victims face tough road in China, Los Angeles Times, 6/9/08

Disabled immigrants stand to lose big time,
San Francisco Chronicle, 6/5/08 (Archived 6/19/08)

Shortage of dental care worsening for people with disabilities, Patricia E Bauer News and Commentary, 6/4/08 (Archived 6/19/08)

'Sand in an Oyster,' a dancer for people with disabilities, Washington Post, 6/4/08 (Archived 6/17/08)

Virtual Iraq: Using simulation to treat a new generation of traumatized veterans, The New Yorker, 5/19/08 (Archived 6/17/08)

Give them an "A" for accomplishment, Sacramento Bee, 6/3/08 (Archived 6/11/08)

What happened to Ricky, Wall Street Journal, 5/31/08 (Archived 6/11/08)

Disability activists, state try to settle suit, San Diego Union Tribune, 5/30/07 (Archived 6/11/08

Disabled inmates subjected to shocking conditions in Los Angeles County jails, advocates say, Los Angeles Times, 5/29/08 (Archived 6/9/08)

New York's Governor David Paterson, who is blind, now embraces his disability, Associated Press, 5/28/08 (Archived 6/9/08)

California Senate rejects plan to construct new prison medical facilities, California Healthline, 5/28/08 (Archived 6/9/08)

Court rules that paper money discriminates against blind people, Washington Post, 5/20/08 (Archived 6/9/08)

Groups to sue Los Angeles County over conditions for disabled inmates, San Francisco Chronicle, 5/29/08 (Archived 6/2/08)

Aid for California's disabled in peril, Los Angeles Times, 5/19/08 (Archived 6/2/08)

Two South African athletes will make Olympic history, Inclusion Daily Express, 5/16/08
(Archived 6/2/08)

Give people with disabilities access to information technology, Ban Ki-Moon, United Nations Secretary General, 5/15/08 (Archived 6/2/08)

 

Hot topics archived May 2008

May 28 is the last day to apply

Become a public member on PAI's Board of Directors. Learn more here about open positions and find answers to frequently asked questions about board membership here. Click here for an application, or call Cathy Harton, Executive Assistant, 916.488.9955 extension 8116. (Archived 5/29/08)

Far South Regional Annual Meeting

The California Network of Mental Health Clients will hold its Far South Regional Annual Meeting in San Diego on Thursday, May 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be a training on advocacy, an update on statewide activities, a board election, lunch, and a panel discussion on MHSA housing advocacy strategies for clients. Click here for more information on the meeting, and to learn why the gathering will honor Leonard Mischley. RSVP here by e-mail. (Archived 5/29/08)

Boy's medical care imperiled by state budget crunch

California's ominous fiscal forecast is threatening to disrupt 13-year-old Derek Longwell's ability to see his doctors in a timely manner or get leg braces to fit his growing body. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed cutting 10 percent from the California Children's Services program, which funds part of Derek's care - a move that parents and advocates say would mean the state's sickest children will have to wait longer for care. Read more here about how budget cuts will affect children with disabilities ... (Archived 5/28/08)

More than 150 attend Oakland office open house to celebrate PAI’s 30th anniversary - (moved to /about/Oak-30th_Anniversary.htm) (Archived 5/20/08)

Ellen Goldblatt receives 2007 Key Person Award from California Supported Living Network - (moved to /about/Oak-Goldblatt_award.htm) (Archived 5/20/08)

No easy access to compromise for disability litigation reform

SB 1608 by Senator Ellen Corbett, D-San Leandro, seeks to defuse anger between businesses that violate access laws and people with disabilities who still encounter barriers to access - 39 years after California passed laws requiring businesses to provide access for all. Supporters of the bill include the California Center for Independent Living Facilities and Protection and Advocacy. Both organizations want amendments that would include greater representation of people with disabilities on the commission. Read more in a Daily Journal article about the ongoing struggle to remove barriers ... (Archived 5/20/08)

Governor Schwarzenegger proposes deep cuts to In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

“The proposed cuts will endanger people who use the services and devastate those who provide them,” according to Deborah Doctor, legislative advocate at PAI. IHSS provides personal care and domestic services enabling 408,000 California seniors and people with disabilities to remain at home safely and avoid unnecessary, expensive and unwanted institutionalization. Read more here in the California Progress Report ...

Governor's May Revise cuts deeper

A quick summary of the cuts to Medi-Cal, SSI/SSP and IHSS ... (Archived 5/20/08)

New Section 811 Supportive Housing Program legislation introduced in US Congress

Representatives Christopher Murphy (D-CT) and Judy Biggert (R-IL) have introduced groundbreaking permanent supportive housing legislation – the Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2008 (HR 5772) – in the U.S. House of Representatives. This important legislation will help address the housing crisis faced by millions of low-income people with disabilities and will spur creation of thousands more new 811 units every year. Read more about the new Section 811 housing legislation and how it may help people with disabilities .. (Archived 5/19/08)

Come to Sacramento May 15 for the year's premier disability advocacy event - we need you!

Activities will take place on the north steps of the California State Capitol. The first 1,500 participants to arrive will get a free lunch. Learn more in the Disability Capitol Action Day flyer ...

VSA arts invites entries from young artists with disabilities for Green Light Awards

The Green Light Awards program is open to young artists between the ages of 16 and 25 living in the United States who have a physical, cognitive, or mental disability. Deadline for entries is 7/11/08. Find out more about the Green Light Awards program here ... (Archived 5/15/08)

Los Angeles airport to begin treating disabled passengers better

The Los Angeles Airport Board of Commissioners, which oversees airport operations, unanimously passed a Service Standards Policy to improve passenger services at the Los Angeles international airport (LAX). One of the policy goals is to increase safety and quality of service through better training for employees, which will include serving disabled and elderly passengers. The Service Employees International Union, PAI, other disability rights organizations, and individual letter writers helped to bring about the changes. Read more about the Airport Board ruling here ... and link here to a prior article about improving airline services for people with disabilities. (Archived 5/13/08)

Have you tried our RSS feeds?

RSS (Real Simple Syndication) makes it possible for you to have frequently updated information delivered directly to your computer. No more logging on and looking for it. Just click on the RSS symbol and select one, two or all of the RSS feeds available from PAI:

• RSS feed for Hot Topics & Disability News;
• RSS feed for Conferences & Trainings;
• RSS feed for PAI Work on Disability Legislation;
• RSS of all the feeds above.

The latest information will be delivered to you daily, right on your desktop. Click here for more information on RSS feeds. (Archived 5/13/08)

Election Day - June 3, 2008

PAI will have a toll-free voter hotline for people with disabilities

With funding from the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), PAI is sponsoring a toll-free hotline for California voters with disabilities who have difficulty accessing polling places or casting ballots, or have general questions about the voting process. Download one-page flyers with toll-free hotline numbers for English, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Hmong, Cambodian, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Russian, Laotian ...

Downloadable audio version of Voter Information Guide

Instead of reading it, listen to the June 3 primary election voter guide ...

Equal Vote blog

Learn the latest about voter identification, election reforms and more on this blog from Moritz College of Law ... (Archived 5/12/08)

Proposed settlement may lead to alternative testing for students with disabilities

Under the settlement, an independent study will determine whether students who have mastered the English and math skills required for graduation, but cannot pass standard exams because of disabilities, will be provided with alternative testing methods. Read more here about the lawsuit and how special education students may benefit from the settlement ... (Archived 5/12/08)

A new way to access car sharing

On Earth Day, City CarShare launched the nation's first wheelchair-accessible car share van, the AccessMobile. Read more here about how to increase your San Francisco Bay Area travel options independent of buses, paratransit schedules, and the high cost of a customized vehicle .. (Archived 5/5/08)

Adapt nursing home protest brings 500 to Washington, D.C.

The direct action campaign launched by ADAPT on April 28, targeted the Health and Human Services headquarters, shutting down both pedestrian and vehicle access. HHS Secretary Michael Leavitt's representative agreed to the ADAPT demand to meet within 30 days to discuss how to reduce the agency's bias toward institutionalization, demonstrated through Medicaid and other rules favoring nursing homes. More here about the demonstration and ADAPT demands ...

ADAPT celebrates its 25th anniversary this year - www.adapt.org. (Archived 5/3/08)

Judge rules Social Security Administration must accommodate blind beneficiaries

Judge William Alsup, of the U.S. District Court, ruled that the Social Security Administration (SSA) must accommodate the real and legitimate needs of people with visual impairments who receive benefits from SSA. The agency must provide communications in formats that are accessible to these beneficiaries. Read more about the ruling here ... (Archived 5/2/08

Recommended reading archived May 2008

Overview of the ADA - debut video podcast in sign language, with voice narration and subtitles, ASL Disability Law Lowdown, 5/13/08 (Archived 5/27/08)

Palomar athlete never let disability get in the way of her sport, The Telescope, 5/13/08 (Archived 5/27/08)

'Mad Pride' fights a stigma, The New York Times, 5/11/08 (Archived 5/27/08)

Pistorius wins appeal, can run for Olympic spot, Fox Sports, 5/16/08 (Archived 5/20/08)

Dyslexic makes good 'bAd' movie, Monterey County Herald, 5/9/08 (Archived 5/20/08)

Disabled residents sue Caltrans, ABC 7, 5/7/08 (Archived 5/19/08)

Disability Blog Carnival #37 is up NOW, Disability Studies, Temple University, 5/8/08 (Archived 5/19/08)

Mental health help hit by budget crunch, The Mercury News, 5/5/08 (Archived 5/19/08)

New patient dumping cases investigated in Los Angeles, California Healthline, 5/6/08 (Archived 5/19/08)

Editorial: The mentally ill deserve equal health coverage, The Mercury News, 5/2/08 (Archived 5/19/08)

Harlan Hahn, 68; USC professor fought for disability rights and sued the university to improve access, Los Angeles Times, 5/10/08 (Archived 5/19/08)

Psychiatric hospital sought for Valley teens, Fresno Bee, 5/3/08 (Archived 5/13/08)

Berkeley man on a mission to aid disabled Iraquis, San Francisco Chronicle, 5/1/08 (Archived 5/13/08)

Supreme Court ruling on voter ID likely to affect voters with disabilities, among others, Inclusion Daily Express, 4/30/08 (Archived 5/9/08

When crisis hits the disabled: Aging caregivers have limited options for support, housing, PatriciaEBauer News & Commentary on Disability Issues, 4/29/08 (Archived 5/9/08)

Mitch Longley: Performer with disability on a roll in Hollywood, American Chronicle, 4/28/08 (Archived 5/7/08)

Berserkeley has been that way a long time, San Francisco Chronicle, 4/28/08 (Archived 5/7/08)

A past enveloped in love; a future that's uncertain, The Seattle Times, 4/28/08 (Archived 5/7/08)

Settlement means dozens of hospitals will improve access, Inclusion Daily Express, 4/22/08 (Archived 5/5/08)

Suit over veterans' benefits begins in San Francisco Court, California Healthline, 4/22/08 (Archived 5/5/08)

Workers with disabilities must be part of diversity discussions, says EEOC commissioner, HR.blr.com, 4/21/08 (Archived 5/3/08)

Mentally ill seniors have 'Someone to lean on" - New program sends specialists, other help directly to them, Ventura County Star, 4/19/08 (Archived 5/3/08)

Disability and Democracy: Candidates' policy positions on disability, Crooked Timber (Archived 5/3/08)

Talking veterans down from despair, New York Times, 4/22/08 (Archived 5/3/08)

Beating the odds: beauty queen with cerebral palsy, WCBS TV, 4/10/08 (Archived 5/3/08)

Hot topics archived April 2008

California disability rights lawyer explains success in recent structured negotiations

Traditional litigation is often an expensive, time-consuming, and adversarial route to resolution. Sometimes it's inevitable, but some areas of law lend themselves to a collaborative approach that yields benefits for both sides. Read more about structured negotiation ... (Archived 4/28/08

PAI sues national day care center for failure to accommodate student with epilepsy

"We are supporting the Rager family and the Epilepsy Foundation in this case because we know how important it is to reduce access barriers to children who have disabilities," says Andrew Mudryk, lead counsel in the case. More details here in PAI's press release ... (Archived 4/28/08)

Budget cut protest halts San Diego traffic

Hundreds of people took to the streets of downtown San Diego Tuesday afternoon to speak out against Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposed cuts to education and social services. Read more about the protest here, with photos ... (Archived 4/23/08)

California nursing homes take advantage of flawed legislation

California nursing homes bolstered their bottom lines with much of the $590 million that state lawmakers provided them in 2004 to better tend to poor residents. At the same time, patient care declined by several key measures, according to a UC San Francisco study released April 8. PAI legislative advocate Deborah Doctor pointed out that “PAI opposed this bill because it did not mandate more staff or higher pay rates for direct care staff and did not tie higher rates to improved quality.” Read the Los Angeles Times story here and results of the University of California study here. Click here to read an April 8 press release from California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR). (Archived 4/23/08)

Service Employee's Union asks you to write letters to persuade airlines to upgrade services for passengers with disabilities

More than 34,000 disabled or elderly passengers have filed federal complaints in just the last 3 years about unsafe and unacceptable treatment by airlines. In response, the Service Employees International Union and disability rights organizations are working together for changes, including better training for the contracted personnel who provide these services. Link here to the SEIU request and link here to a March 12 USA Today story about the problems. (Archived 4/23/08)

Two young Olympic torchbearers in San Francisco selected for their dedication to disability rights

Morgan Montoya, 16 of Benecia and Jessica Lorenz, 29 of Berkeley have not met, but have a lot in common: well-written essays about disability and humanity earned them places on the team of 80 torchbearers of the Olympic flame in San Francisco.

Morgan’s essay tells of her desire to represent her brother, Max, a high school marching band member who has autism and will be undergoing 12 hours of spinal surgery that day. Jessica’s essay describes how her involvement as a blind Paralympian and disability rights worker have helped her see: “One world, one vision.” PAI’s Office of Client Rights Advocates has recently been working with Max. Read Morgan's essay here ... (Archived 4/14/08)

California nursing homes take advantage of flawed legislation

California nursing homes bolstered their bottom lines with much of the $590 million that state lawmakers provided them in 2004 to better tend to poor residents. At the same time, patient care declined by several key measures, according to a UC San Francisco study released April 8. PAI legislative advocate Deborah Doctor pointed out that “PAI opposed this bill because it did not mandate more staff or higher pay rates for direct care staff and did not tie higher rates to improved quality.” Read the Los Angeles Times story here and the results of the University of California study here. Read the April 8 press release from California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR) here. And read PAI’s 2004 letter to Governor Schwarzenegger explaining why he should veto AB 1629 because it was fatally flawed. (Archived 4/9/08)

United Nations Secretary General hails entry into force of disability rights treaty

The April 3rd ratification by Ecuador, the 20th country to do so, triggered the entry into force of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The U.S. has not signed or ratified, but presidential candidates Obama and Clinton have promised support. To learn which 126 countries have signed and the 20 that have ratified, click here to visit the UN website. Read the UN press release here ... (Archived 4/9/08)

RespectAbility Conference attracts 350 advocates and allies, March 7-8

The 3rd RespectAbility Conference brought California activists from all major disability groups to Los Angeles to strategize on areas of common concern. The Governor’s proposed budget cuts brought urgency to the discussions, especially those centered on healthcare and benefits. Read more about the RespectAbility conference ... (Archived 4/9/08)

Californians with disabilities and allies to protest proposed budget cuts, April 4

The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers invites you to wear red, join a rally and march to the Governor's office in San Francisco at 1:00 p.m. See flyer for details on how to be part of this systems change network. (Archived 4/5/08)

PAI attorney urges outreach to parents who don't know about right to special education

"The sad reality is that while school districts focus on a short-term containment of costs strategy rather than on providing timely preventative services to eligible children, school districts will continue to dilute and/or deny appropriate resources to teachers and children alike," said Keith Sakimura of Protection & Advocacy. Read more about rights to special education here ... (Archived 4/1/08)*

Recommended reading archived April 2008

Adolescent center to close amid reports of 'unlawful and irresponsible' behavior, Inclusion Daily Express, 4/14/08 (Archived 4/23/08)

Father claims teachers broke autistic child's nose, Orange County Register 4/15/08; also see press release on SB 1515, a bill to restrict restraint and seclusion, 3/24/08 (Archived 4/23/08)

California's mental health system may be headed for crisis, California Healthline, 4/14/08 (Archived 4/23/08)

More mentally ill end up in jails, Daily News, 4/14/08 (Archived 4/23/08)

Cal State San Bernardino's webmaster has zeal for helping disabled students, The Press-Enterprise, 4/13/08 (Archived 4/22/08)

Still fighting war stress: VA granting more first-time disability claims to veterans in their 80s than ever before, The Press-Enterprise, 4/13/08 (Archived 4/22/08)

Performers with disabilities: "The History of Bowling" opens to rave reviews at the NoHo Arts Center, American Chronicle, 4/11/08 (Archived 4/22/08)

Virginia Governor signs mental health bills, San Diego Examiner, 4/9/08 (Archived 4/22/08)

Accord calls for California special ed students to take high school exit exam, Sacramento Bee, 4/9/08 (Archived 4/16/08)

Hollywood's doors opening for actors with disabilities, Los Angeles Times, 4/7/08 (Archived 4/16/08)

As care shifts, developmental center to close, San Francisco Chronicle, 4/6/08 (Archived 4/16/08)

First Person: Having a Disability Is More Than a Job, Berkeley Daily Planet, 4/8/08 (Archived 4/14/08)

Disability Advocates Settle Lawsuit with State Education Department, Berkeley Daily Planet, 4/8/08 (Archived 4/18/08)

California Democrats push bills to fight spread of autism, Sacramento Bee, 4/3/08 (Archived 4/14/08)

How the military has repaid Iraq vets with permanent disabilities, ABC News, 3/20/08 (Archived 4/14/08)

Assemblywomen seek more oversight of assisted living facilities, Sacramento Bee, 3/30/08 (Archived 4/10/08)

Disabled students required to pass exit exam, San Francisco Chronicle, 4/2/08 (Archived 4/10/08)

Insure me, please: The murky politics of mind-body, New York Times, 3/30/08 (Archived 4/10/08)

Seclusion and restraint in nursing homes declines nationwide: California still #1, Examiner, 3/26/08 (Archived 4/9/08)

Three documentaries put faces on autism. 'Autism Every Day,' 'Autism: The Musical' and 'Her Name is Sabine' all work to raise public awareness, Los Angeles Times, 3/25/08 (Archived 4/9/08)

Proposed regulations clarify when universities may release confidential student information and ... reassure colleges they will not face penalties for reporting fears about mentally ill students, The New York Times, 3/25/08 (Archived 4/7/08)

An exodus from Medi-Cal: Further cuts in reimbursement rates are forcing doctors to reject new patients, Los Angeles Times, 3/24/08 (Archived 4/2/08)

Bob Woodruff reports on treatment of injured Iraq war vets, Inclusion Daily Express, 3/25/08 (Archived 4/1/08)

Voices from the edge: Narrative about the Americans with Disabilities Act. Ruth O'Brien, New York: Oxford University Press. (Archived 4/1/08)

 

Hot topics archived March 2008

Media buzz as David Paterson becomes Governor of New York

As it became clear that Eliot Spitzer's political career was over, at least for now, and that Lt. Governor David Paterson would become Governor this week, the New York and national media began assessing the impact of both of his race and his disability on his effectiveness. Although New York's first blind governor, Paterson is not the first with a disability, following in the treads of both Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Peter Stuyvesant. Here are links to media reports about Paterson - FOX 5 New York, CQ Today, Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal. And, an analysis of the crossfire between diversity and politics, in Society for Human Resources Management. (Archived 3/28/08)

Spring 2008 Advocacy Director's Report now on line

Focusing on communications, legislative activities, collaborative projects and self advocacy, the Spring 2008 edition summarizes work reported by Protection & Advocacy staff from September 2007 to January 2008. Click here to see the Spring 2008 Advocacy Director's Report ... (Archived 3/24/08)

A few spaces left - don't miss San Francisco State University's disability theatre workshop, April 4-6

Learn more here about the 3-day workshop titled “Beyond Victims and Villains: Contemporary Plays by Disabled Playwrights” ... or visit the DPRC Theatre Workshop link ... (Archived 3/24/08)

It’s free, and there's still time to apply by March 25

The 17th Annual Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities (YLF) will be in Sacramento this year. Scheduled for July 27 to July 31, the forum is open to California high school juniors and seniors. Created specifically for young leaders with disabilities, there is no cost to attend! Find out more here ... (Archived 3/24/08)

WANTED: Deaf talent to showcase during ASL Live!

The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) is looking for deaf talent for a competition to determine the most theatrically presented material in American Sign Language (ASL) during ASL Live! at the 49th Biennial NAD Conference in New Orleans. Click here for details on how to apply for the talent competition ... (Archived 3/24/08)

Celebrating Black History Month - Artist overcame war injury, personal trials

African-American artist Horace Pippin left school after the eighth grade to work and help his family. Pippin fought in World War I with the all-black 369th Infantry in France, where bomb fragments shatttered his right shoulder, leaving his arm paralyzed. After a prolonged recovery from injury and depression, he learned to support his right arm with his left hand so he could draw and paint again. View some of Pippin's paintings at Counting on Art ... (Archived 3/20/08)

House approves bill on mental health parity

After more than a decade of struggle, the House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill requiring most group health plans to provide more generous coverage for treatment of mental illnesses, comparable to what they provide for physical illnesses. The vote was 268 to 148, with 47 Republicans joining 221 Democrats in support of the measure. Click here to learn more about legislation for mental health parity ... (Archived 3/18/08)

March 16 - deadline to apply for youth leadership training for disability advocacy

Young people with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 30 may apply for the National ADAPT Youth Summit, a leadership training course that teaches young people about direct action and practical organizational methods. Click here to apply for the National ADAPT Youth Summit; deadline is March 16th ... (Archived 3/17/08)

Impact Fund holds intensive Class Action Litigation Training in Los Angeles

Dara Schur (photo, third from top, on the right), Director of Litigation for PAI, trained advocates from private practice and non-profit organizations on handling class action lawsuits. The training covered first client meeting through final settlement. Click here for more on the litigation training ... (Archived 3/11/08)*

Know me as a person not by my mental illness

"Know me as a person" anti-stigma posters free from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Click here to download or order posters ...

Budget cuts hit state's most vulnerable

When she learned about the governor's proposal, Ingeborg Dale said, "I was enraged. He's forgotten what it means to be poor." ... Shouldn't the rest of us be angry, too? (Archived 3/10/08)

March 7-8 Respect-ABILITY Conference in Los Angeles

Press release: program highlights, sponsors, keynote speakers / How to register / Register online / Conference schedule. (Archived 3/8/08)

In Memoriam: Elizabeth "Betty" Bacon

Betty Bacon, disability rights activist and former director of Disabled Student Services at San Diego State University, passed away on February 24 after a brief illness. She was 61. ... (Archived 3/6/08)

Cross-cultural perspectives on disability rights leadership exchange program

Exchange program to Costa Rica, June 27-July 12, 2008, will focus on youth leadership and cross-cultural perspectives on disability rights. Generous scholarships available! (Archived 3/6/08)

PAI Remembers Pam Peak

Pamela Lynn Peak was born on September 11, 1962, in Louisville, Kentucky. She rode motorcycles and wrote poetry, and was a passionate and kind woman. She died at home on February 15, 2008, from an infection. ... (Archived 3/4/08)

Recommended reading archived March 2008

National Council on Disability says let people with psychiatric disabilities become part of the American Dream, insurancenewsnet.com, 3/17/08 (Archived 3/28/08)

A place to tell it like it is. Blog gives people with disabilities and their fellow advocates a place to publicly record narratives of abuse against people with disabilities, Crimes Against People with Disabilities (Archived 3/27/08)

New, free guide for travelers with disabilities available, Access San Francisco; Ramping the way to accessible travel, Access Northern California (Archived 3/25/08)

"Do the right thing" commercial urges you to vote - even when it's difficult, inconvenient, or both, YouTube (Archived 3/25/08)

Kaite O'Reilly reviews a groundbreaking collection of Contemporary Plays by Disabled Playwrights, Disability Arts Online (Archived 3/25/08)

Patton making strides: Hospital improvements appear to be paying off, The Sun; Protest at Coalinga State Hospital, KSEE 24 News (Archived 3/18/08)

Singing and Signing - Cuyamaca teachers, students treat sign language concerts as art form, San Diego Union Tribune and YouTube (Archived 3/13/08)

Family Sues Immigration, Sheriff's Department Over Improper Deportation, Inclusion Daily Express (Archived 3/11/08)

U.S. Senate candidate with disability hooks them with humorous ads, YouTube (Archived 3/10/08)

Mentally ill more likely to be crime victims than perpetrators, Daily Herald (Archived 3/6/08)

A helping hand for vets, The Wall Street Journal (Archived 3/6/08)

The last great struggle - A pioneer views disability as the final frontier in civil rights, The Boston Globe (Archived 3/6/08)

RJ Mitte, a teen actor with cerebral palsy, nails new TV series, USA Today (Archived 3/4/08)

Paralyzed Stanford doctor uses Segway, confronts discrimination, San Francisco Chronicle (Archived 3/4/08)

Hot topics and recommended reading archived February 2008

Disability Rights Advocates sue to help veterans with post-traumatic stress obtain benefits, KGO San Francisco. Archived 2/29/08

PAI legislative advocate Deborah Doctor critiques state budget cuts for critical in-home services

“How can the governor say he upholds the state’s responsibilities to comply with Olmstead and at the same time cut the services which are at the very heart of any compliance?” Read more here about the effect of budget cuts .... (Archived 2/29/08)*

Logo contest

PAI is in search of a new logo that captures the spirit and diversity of the disability rights movement in 21^st century California. The contest is open to all. Prizes of $1000, $750 and $500 will be awarded to the top three selections respectively. Deadline is February 29, 2008. More details here, with answers to frequently asked questions about the logo contest ... and a logo contest flyer to download and distribute. Archived 2/29/08

Disability rights groups propose law requiring more health insurance coverage of durable medical equipment

California Senator Sheila Kuehl is the author of a new bill requiring group health care policies to offer coverage of durable medical equipment (DME), to the same degree that those plans offer other basic medical services. Medi-Cal already covers DME, including ventilators, hospital beds, wheelchairs and oxygen tanks. Currently, private plans impose caps as low as $2000 a year on DME and exclude specific medically necessary equipment. The bill was drafted by the Disability Rights Defense & Education Fund (DREDF) and is co-sponsored by PAI and the California Occupational Therapy Association. Read fact sheet on the proposed DME bill … (Archived 2/25/08)

Disability community celebrates SuperBowl ad's window on deaf culture

Traditionally, the year's cutting-edge commercials are broadcast on SuperBowl Sunday and this year was no different. Pepsi offered "Bob's house," featuring two buddies who are deaf driving around a neighborhood late at night in search of their third friend, also deaf. Neither remembers the address, so they use their own process of elimination. Leaning on the horn, they soon arrive at the right destination - the house where the windows didn't light up in response. Check out the ad here ... (Archived 2/23/08)

Jeff Lewelling: injured too late to get publicly funded services

Todd Higgins, traumatic brain injury coordinator for PAI, explains to a San Luis Obispo newspaper how the California system provides an array of services to those who are injured before age 18. (Archived 2/23/08)

Veterans day in court - decision may speed up benefits for veterans with post traumatic stress disorder, Time. (Archived 2/22/08)

Abilities United - making noise to break Hollywood stereotypes of characters with disabilities, American Chronicle. (Archived 2/22/08)

For blind pedestrians, light-rail tracks are peril - without sidewalk warning strips, they have no way to know they're in danger, Sacramento Bee editorial. (Archived 2/22/08)

Family Sues Immigration, Sheriff's Department Over Improper Deportation

California man with intellectual disabilities, who was wrongly deported to Mexico last May, has sued U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials and the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. Read more about Pedro Guzman's deportation ...

PAI will provide an Election Day voter hotline for people with disabilities

With funding from the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), PAI is sponsoring a toll-free hotline for California voters with disabilities who have difficulty accessing polling places, casting ballots or general questions about the voting process. Find more information and toll-free hotline numbers here ... (Archived 2/6/08)

You Have the Right to Vote flyer

PAI and the Election Protection Hotline have developed a voting rights flyer that you can download, print out and distribute ... (Archived 2/6/08)

Resources on Voting with a Disability

In addition to setting up Hotlines for California voters with disabilities, PAI has assembled the following key resources, as of January 20, 2008. (Archived 2/6/08)

• Voters with Disabilities, revised in January 2008, is just one of many PAI publications covering California obligations to help voters with disabilities find accessible polling places, obtain assistance and vote privately. Available in 8 languages (English, Cambodian, Hmong, Korean, Laotian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese). Other publications cover voting while hospitalized or in a facility, and how regional center clients can vote. (Archived 2/6/08)

• Disability policy statements by 2008 Presidential candidates have been collected by the American Association of People with Disabilities. Also available for review is a candidates’ scorecard prepared by the Civil Rights Congressional Coalition. Check out the policy statements here ... (Archived 2/6/08)

• Toll-free phone assistance for California voters provided by Secretary of State’s office in 6 languages:
  English 800.345.VOTE
  Spanish 800.232.VOTA
  Chinese 800.339.2857
  Vietnamese 800.339.8163
  Tagalog 800.339.2957
  Korean 800.575.1558 (Archived 2/6/08)

Hot topics and recommended archived January 2008

Inclusion Daily Express selects top disability rights stories of 2007

The votes have been counted and the results are in! Here are the top disability rights stories of 2007 as chosen by Inclusion Daily Express readers ... (Archived 1/25/08)

Recommended reading - international highlights ...

U.S. disability community is a major partner in all of the following efforts:

The International Paralympic Committee has launched an embedded version of its web tv channel on its website: www.paralympic.org. Highlights from 2007 qualifying games are available, as attention turns to preparations for the Paralympic Games this fall in China. (Archived 1/24/08)

Enable is an electronic newsletter started in January by the United Nations to track developments concerning the newly-adopted Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Check out the electronic newsletter Enable here ... (Archived 1/24/08)

The Unitec Nations Global Alliance for Information & Communications Technology & Development has established a website to promote implementation of the technology-related provisions of the UN disability rights convention. The UN website can an be viewed here ... (Archived 1/24/08)

Enabling Disabled Shoppers

Multi-channel retailers, meet your multi-abled shoppers, who have money to spend. More here from Internet Retailer's January issue ... (Archived 1/24/08)

New civil rights movement: A passionate crusade for inclusion of people with disabilities

’Sesame Street’ is rare. For almost 40 years the writers, producers and administrators have been committed to including people with disabilities to truly represent society. But read more here about how few people with disabilities appear in commercials, television shows, film or theatre ...
(Pictured: Jason Kingsley, Emily Perl Kingsley's son) (Archived 1/24/08)

Special moments through the eyes of children

Evan Moulton climbed onto Thunder's back and giggled. He lay down, put his head on Thunder's belly, and giggled. He let Thunder wrestle with him and dance with him and ... read more here about Evan and "Thunder the Wonder Dog" ... (Archived 1/24/08)

Hot topics and recommended reading archived before January 24, 2008

Research indicates placebo may work better than drugs for managing patient outbursts

The finding sharply challenges standard medical practice in mental health clinics and nursing homes in the United States and around the world. Find out why some drugs are no more effective than placebos ...

Ad campaign about autism spectrum withdrawn after protests

Designed to get across the message that untreated mental disorders hold children “hostage,” the ads were designed to look like ransom notes ... Read Judith Warner's opinion piece from the New York Times here ...

California researchers find rise of autism despite removal of mercury from vaccines

The research, which is being published in this month's Archives of General Psychiatry, looked at autism rates of children ages 3 to 12 from 1995 through March 2007 who had active cases with the department, or those who were receiving services from the state for an autism disorder. Read more in The Wall Street Journal about possible reasons for the increase in autism rates ...

Exit exam disability guidelines are up in the air

The exit exam is the only thing keeping Ayala from getting a high school diploma, which she needs to be admitted to a Florida college for students with learning disabilities. Other special education students say they need diplomas to get into vocational training programs or to land any job that pays more than minimum wage. Read the Sacramento Bee article about how California is trying to figure out how the requirement should apply to students in special education ..

Deaf foster children find a home closer to home

Lights flicker when the doorbell or phone rings. Clocks flash and beds vibrate as wake-up alarms. Carpets were removed to reveal hardwood floors, so the deaf children can feel vibrations. A video telephone was installed. Read more about local housing for young people who have spent years far from friends and relatives because there was no place for them nearby ...

Schizophrenia takes a daughter away

Tiffany sits in an isolation room at Metropolitan State Hospital,after complaining of feeling ill. "The reason why I have been self-medicating is because I have nothing," she said. Read more about Tiffany and the state of mental health care in California ...

A disabled San Jose mother fights again for right to raise child

he first time Sabreena Westphal went to court to try to keep her children, she became a celebrity. Due to cerebral palsy, she is unable to walk but still determined to care for her two young sons. Read more about Westphal's struggle to keep and raise her children ...

New book examines disability in Islamic law

The book, written by Dr. Vardit Rispler-Chaim, of the Department of Arabic language and literature at the University of Haifa, analyzes attitudes toward people with various disabilities based on Muslim jurists' works in the Middle Ages and the modern era. Read more about the book, Disability in Islamic Law ...

Post traumatic stress disorder awards vary widely from state to state

Veterans coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan with debilitating mental ailments are discovering that their disability payments from the government vary widely depending on where they live ... Read McClatchy Newspapers' analysis of the wide disparity in benefits from state to state ...

Mental Disability Rights International founder to receive 2008 Henry Betts award

Eric Rosenthal, who has investigated human rights of people with mental disabilities in 23 countries, will receive a $50,000 award in March. See details here about Rosenthal's work and the Betts prize. Read more about Eric Rosenthal's work here ...

Paula Pearlman named Executive Director of Disability Rights Legal Center

The Disability Rights Legal Center has named Paula Pearlman to be its next Executive director. She will replace Eve Hill, who retired earlier this year. Read more about DRLC's new Executive Director here ...

Policy Brief on Mental Health

California Family Resource Association has released a Policy Brief on the Mental Health Services Act (Prop. 63) “Integrating Mental Health Services Into California's Diverse Neighborhoods.”

Mental health advocates sue Governor to restore vital program

The state’s largest and most influential groups advocating for homeless individuals with mental illness have sued Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to restore a highly effective program they say is vital to their clients’ safety and well-being. The lawsuit charges that the Governor violated Proposition 63, now known as the Mental Health Services Act – the law passed by voters to expand mental health services in California. Read more in the:

• Petition for the lawsuit filed by PAI and Western Center on Law and Poverty
• Press release from PAI and Western Center
• Los Angeles Times article
• Sacramento Bee article
• San Francisco Chronicle article

End the backlog on disability claims

We must stop the inexcusable delay in getting Social Security benefits to people with disabilities. Read more about how people wait, on average, an astonishing 520 days for a hearing on their disability claims ...

Consumer-driven service directory

Check out the new Directory of Consumer-Driven Services from the National Mental Health Consumers' Self-Help Clearinghouse.

Preliminary settlement of Laguna Honda Hospital lawsuit reached

Schools for deaf confront other disabilities

The California School for the Deaf’s Fremont campus will soon start offering a day program for adolescents with a daunting set of educational challenges: autism or severe developmental disabilities, in addition to deafness. Read more here about the school's new day program ...

Senior villages that help elderly stay at home come to West Coast

... This village is not a place but a membership program that helps people stay in their own homes by providing support - everything from the medical to the mundane. Read more here about senior villages ...

Holiday toys for children with disabilities

With California's first lady Maria Shriver as spokesperson, Toys R Us and the National Lekotek Center have teamed up to produce a  catalog of mainstream toys that have been coded according to how they assist skill development for children with various disabilities. Check out the recommended toys here ...

Campaign on Childhood Mental Illness Succeeds at Being Provocative - "We have your son. We will make sure he will no longer be able to care for himself or interact socially as long as he lives." So reads one of the six “ransom notes” that make up a provocative public service campaign introduced this week. Read more about the move to raise awareness of “the silent public health epidemic of children’s mental illness” ...

Young disability groups build political presence

Disabled adults finding a new place

Family teaching homes aim to foster maximum independence, but some say the model is flawed. Read more about a national trend in independent living ...

Americans with disabilities more than twice as likely as others to live in poverty

Disability Status Report released November 7 by Cornell researchers shows 25.40% of people with disabilities live in poverty, vs. 9.5% of the general population. See website for details, registration required

Director of Advocacy Report now available

Advocacy work done by PAI staff during August and September 2007 - in the areas of communication, legislation, and self-advocacy - is set out in this report. Read PAI's advocacy report here ... or download the advocacy report as a pdf file ...

Director of Litigation Report released

The report highlights the accomplishments of PAI's regional offices from August 1 to September 30, 2007, and includes legal cases, projects, policy advocacy, and trainings. Read PAI's litigation report online ... or download the litigation report as a pdf file ...

Change the way you see disability

Creature Discomforts will help you see disability in a new light. Click here to see Leonard Cheshire's disability ads ...

Simulations of ailing artists' eyes yield new insights on style

New York Times science section article explains how understanding physical infirmity can help assess the work of a handful of Impressionists.

Asperger's syndrome gets a very public face

Heather Kuzmich is a model for others with Asperger's syndrome. Article in New York Times health section relates how Heather Kuzmich's appearance on "America's Top Model" has helped viewers understand Asperger's ...

Berkeley Council approves funds for Ed Roberts Campus

Somewhere, Ed Roberts is smiling. Read more about the future Bay Area center for disability services, policy research and education ...

Actor and Screen Actors Guild member Danny Woodburn

takes up a picket sign as members of the SAG/AFTRA/EQUITY Performers with Disabilities Committee join striking Hollywood writers on the picket line outside Warner Brothers Studios. (Getty Images) Los Angeles Times, 11/19/2007

Blogs about disability & the law

• www.mentaldisabilitylaw.com by Danielle G. Sucher
• www.disabilitylaw.blogspot.com periodic updates by Sam
• www.disabilityblogger.blogspot.com focusing on social security, often on legal issues
• www.deaflawblog.com by the Maryland based firm of McCollum & Associates, whose work with the deaf and hard of hearing community is an area of expertise
• www.specialedlaw.blogs.com by Charles Fox with assistance of Lori Miller Fox
• http://ada-law.blogspot.com occasional entries by David Ferleger, advocate

711 provides free phone help for people with speech disabilities

The FCC requires all states to provide Speech-to-Speech. If you have a speech disability, you can dial 711 (toll free) and ask for STS. Read more about 711 services here ...

Sizzle & Fizzle in Sacramento: PAI Summary of Legislative Session

The first year of the two-year California legislative session started with the swearing-in of 36 new legislators, their introduction of 2803 bills, more threats of cuts to programs critical to the survival of people with disabilities, and a promise of health care reform. Read PAI's highlights of 2007 legislative session ...

Victory for institutionalized Californians: Disability civil rights lawsuit to proceed as class action

San Francisco, September 25 - The Court of Appeal for the First Appellate District handed a significant victory to people with developmental disabilities who are institutionalized throughout California. Continue reading press release about the victory for Californians in institutions here ...

Advocates demand that the Governor restore funding for homeless, mentally ill or face lawsuit

Several state and national advocacy groups today demanded that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger restore a highly effective program for homeless, mentally ill adults. The Governor eliminated the funds through a line-item veto ... read the press release about funding for homeless, mentally ill here and read the advocates demand letter to the Governor here.

PAI policy advocate Deborah Doctor questions whether new proposals benefit clients or the county budget. Read the October 16 Lake County News story here ...

November 3, 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Eastern standard time:

Don't miss the webcast of the disability issues forum of Presidential candidates. Link here to the forum schedule and speakers...

International Developments

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has a new website: www.un.org/disabilities in English, with translation into the other 5 UN languages to follow in 2008.

The European Disability Forum has gathered over 1 million signatures across the European Union to demand comprehensive disability legislation. On October 4 in Brussels, more than 1000 disability advocates demonstrated and presented their demands for “ADA level” legislation to representatives of the European Parliament. Read their press release here ...

On October 8, the Mental Disability Advocacy Center in Budapest helped to organize a civil society protest in Sofia, Bulgaria to draw attention to the plight of thousands of institutionalized Bulgarian children. Most of the children have disabilities. A documentary highlighting their horrific living conditions, “Bulgaria’s Abandoned Children,” can be viewed from this link.

UNICEF has just released a new report, “Promoting the Rights of Children with Disabilities,” produced by its Innocenti Research Center, based in Florence, Italy. Read the report here ...

Report on California summit on mental health/developmental disability services

PAI attorney Maggie Roberts attended this two-day summit on improving services for those dually diagnosed with mental health and developmental disabilities. Link here to read her insights and overview...

PAI issues 80 page update on community living in California

A report produced annually by attorneys Ellen Goldblatt and Sujatha Jagadeesh for presentation at the Supported Living Conference. The report features updates on litigation, statistics and other developments affecting the status of people with developmental disabilities transitioning from institutions to community living. Link to the document here...

Recommended reading:

GAO on returning service members with disabilities: In its 9/24 report, the GAO said soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan still face delays in getting health care, disability evaluations and personalized care. Read the report here ...

Proving disability claims:

Many California employers have faced this dilemma: An employee with a disability claims he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, but the employer knows the person cannot. ... Now that the California Supreme Court has finally addressed the issue of who has the burden of proof, ... read the Daily Journal article here ...

Recommended Reading:

Marriage vows: An enjoyable story about people with disabilities ... Read The New York Times article about Kay and Andy here ...

Threadbare coverage of mental health in rural California: Rural areas reap little from Prop. 63 ... Read the LA Times article here ...

******

Moment of silence statewide observed on September 17 to honor people who died in state institutions and developmental centers:

Shown here is the group meeting in Ukiah for this year's Remembrance Day, organized by the California Memorial Project. The project, supported by the Department of Mental Health, is jointly administered by three groups: the California Network of Mental Health Clients, People First of California, and Protection & Advocacy, Inc.

Rob Chittenden, coordinator of PAI's peer/self-advocacy unit, reported that attendance was great at this year's ceremonies

Metropolitan State Hospital, 75; Stockton State Hospital, 150; Agnews Developmental Center, 200; Napa State Hospital, 70; Mendocino State Hospital, 50; Patton State Hospital, 60; and Sonoma Developmental Center, 80. Read more here about Remembrance Day events at Patton State Hospital ...

Don't forget - register now for: Supported Life Conference 2007, October 3-5, 2007, Sacramento.

Create positive change through shared action. See the conference brochure and the list of conference sessions.

Respect-ABILITY 2007 Conference rescheduled:

Due to construction affecting accessibility of the hotel, the conference has been rescheduled for March 7-8, 2008 in Los Angeles. Details: www.disabilityrightslegalcenter.org

Executive director wanted:

Disability Rights Legal Center in Los Angeles announces search ... read full details here ...

Journeys through schizophrenia:

University of Southern California law professor receives standing ovation for presentation about her journeys through schizophrenia: Read the LA Times article here ...

Police say attack on deaf group was hate crime:

Two teenagers were arrested on suspicion of a hate crime after they taunted a group of deaf people and attacked one of them. Read the full story here ...

Alice Walker challenges Bay Area students to an essay contest:

"How I changed my own life" is the theme of the contest for Greater Bay Area middle school, junior high and high school students. Ms. Walker will judge the 500 word essays, due October 6, and winners will receive tickets to San Francisco performances of the musical, "The Color Purple," based on her book. More details here ...

Blue Ribbon Commission on Autism:

Report finds public health crisis, cites statewide lack of screening, awareness, services and coordination. Read the Contra Costa Times article of September 19 here ...

Memorial service for Bill Compton, Sunday, September 23, 3:00 p.m., First Congregational Church in Long Beach.

Compton, a playwright, innovator in mental health services and PAI board president (2005-06), died August 27 in Anaheim. At age 61, according to PAI executive director Catherine Blakemore, “Bill was active up until the last days, especially to protect client-run state programs that he had developed for people like himself—those who had experienced schizophrenia and other serious psychiatric disabilities. His leadership expanded PAI’s horizons, and all who saw his one-man show, “Swept Away: the Day I went Crazy,” had to reconsider the impact of stigma.”

He was also a strong advocate for the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual