Day In Washington

In conjunction with the Office of Personnel management, the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is cultivating a Federal Hiring Expo specifically aimed at increasing the employment of individuals with disabilities. This will be a bit different from your typical job fair in that the agencies will be looking to hire candidates on site rather than just accept resumes. In order to be able to do this, they are asking individuals with disabilities who would like to participate in the fair to visit the USA Jobs website to register and post their resumes. This will allow the Federal employers to contact them and prep them for interviews at the hiring expo.

[caption id=”attachment_533″ align=”alignleft” width=”300″ caption=”Frances Perkins U.S. Department of Labor Building”][/caption]The website will not launch until March, however the save the date has just been released to begin the process of informing the candidates for the expo. Below is the text from the Department of Labor’s Save the Date. What makes this Expo different from other “hiring fairs” in the past is that at this one, ONLY agencies who have openings and are ready to hire will be able to participate. Please feel free to forward this document or link to this site as this Federal Government Hiring Expo looks to be a great opportunity for people with disabilities.

SAVE THE DATE for the Federal Hiring Event for People and Veterans with Disabilities in Washington, D.C. on April 26, 2010

· Have you explored opportunities to work for the Federal government, but were overwhelmed by the application process?

· Do you want to work in an environment that embraces diversity and inclusion and the talent you offer?

· Are you interested in a career opportunity with benefits and the potential for career progression?

· Are you a Veteran with a disability who wants to extend your service to your Nation?

If so, now is the time for you to begin your career of service. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the U. S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy are sponsoring this day-long Federal Government-wide Hiring Event. Representatives from many agencies will be reviewing resumes prior to the event, and inviting prospective candidates for interviews.

To help prospective candidates prepare for this event, three pre-Expo webinars will be offered on:

· Why Work for the Federal Government?

· Preparing a Resume’ for Federal Employment

· Obtaining Your Schedule A Documentation

More information will be on the OPM Website after March 8, 2010.

Written by Tiffany Huggard-Lee for Day in Washington.

The use of service animals has been increasing, and as a result, service animals have been in the news a lot lately. Sometimes, this is a good thing, such as when the articles lead to an increased public awareness of the rights of service animal users, but unfortunately not all publicity is a good thing. One thing is certain though: no single type of accommodation used by people with disabilities has gotten this much attention in years. In light of this increased publicity, people with disabilities must consider how these images will affect the disability community as a whole.

Most people, if asked, would acknowledge that it is inappropriate to form an opinion of a minority group based on one or two media representations of that group. However, most people would also admit that seeing a minority group frequently portrayed in the media with a more or less consistent pattern of representation will cause them to form an opinion of that group based on the information presented. The media aren’t always the cause of this representation either. The statements made by service animal users, their families and their legal representation to the media likewise influence the general public and can be as equally ludicrous as the often misinformed statements of the press. So, what has the new wave of service animals taught the general public about people with disabilities?

People with disabilities appear DEPENDENT.

This comes from the mistaken notion that any particular adaptive methodology or device can provide independence. While I’ll go into the concepts of independence in more depth in a later post, saying that someone who does not have the use of a service animal readily available is not independent is simply laughable. For example:

“Dogs can help you dress and undress, get you ready for bed, turn lights on and off, open doors, get the phone. They can give a person independence and dignity.”

This would imply that a person that needs assistance in the tasks listed that does not have a dog perform those tasks is not independent. This is quite simply not true. However, if an employer has the opinion that a service animal is necessary for a person with a disability to be independent, they may be less likely to hire a person with a disability who doesn’t have a service animal, mistakenly believing that person is incapable of functioning.

As an even more shocking example, take a look at the ACLU’s statement in this recent news article about a 5 year old with cerebral palsy whose family wants her service dog to go to school with her:

“To force a 5-year-old girl with cerebral palsy to choose between her independence and her education is not only illegal, it is heartless,” said Michael J. Steinberg, ACLU of Michigan legal director.

Also “The aide alone promotes dependence while learning to use the dog with the aide promotes independence, Stacy Fry said.”

Let me be blunt. A 5 year old girl, regardless of disability status, is not independent by any definition. There is no service animal in the world that can make a 5 year old an independent person. Suggesting that the use or non-use of a service animal affects the independence of a small child is crediting service animals with a level of ability they simply do not have.

People with disabilities appear UNREASONABLE.

Service animal users have often presented themselves to the media as unreasonable and impossible to work with. A person claiming their vicious dog is a service animal is clearly unreasonable, they are jeopardizing the safety of the community. A person whose so-called “service monkey” runs loose in the lobby of a courthouse is unreasonable, the animal is obviously too poorly trained to be of any service. A person who demands access with a filthy “service dog” whose smell clears the room is unreasonable, they are causing completely avoidable distress to those around them. These cases are becoming more and more frequent, and the publicity they receive is equally concerning.

People with disabilities appear UNINFORMED.

When service animal users make outlandish and unsupported claims about the ability of their service animal it only makes this worse. For instance, in this quote, referring to service dogs for people with autism:

“The dogs actually help improve concrete thinking, focus and attention span for these children and adults.”

I have read all the available research I could find on service dogs for people with autism. I have summarized the research here. There is absolutely no proof that the presence of an autism service dog for children improves any of these things listed above, and no research at all has been done on autism service dogs for adults. This statement is simply false.

Now, some people may read the above statement and not see anything unusual about it. Try this one:

“Unlike other assistance dogs, which are trained to respond to commands, Taylor’s dogs must be trained to a higher level of intelligence because their autistic handlers may not be able to give hand signals or verbal commands.”

Taylor says his dogs can sense changes in people’s brainwaves. “According to Taylor, service dogs are trained to focus and react to people’s brainwaves. Rocko’s brainwaves balance out Kevin’s, and that’s how Kevin gets stabilized physically and emotionally.”

In both of these articles, a dog’s ability to sense a person’s brainwaves and to respond with other brainwaves to mitigate a disability are not even questioned. They are simply provided, both by the media and the families involved, as fact. I think most people would realize this is, quite simply, bull.

The general goal of the disability rights movement is to show that a person with a disability is fundamentally the same as a person without a disability, and can participate in most if not all of the same life activities with reasonable accommodation. If service animal users and people with disabilities are portrayed as unreasonable, uninformed and completely unable to function without the presence of an animal, people with disabilities no longer look like potential employees, customers, or friends. If the current trend in service animal use continues unchecked, and the media coverage we are seeing now keeps pace, this new and undesirable image of people with disabilities may become instilled in the general public and essentially negate the social progress the disability community has made in the past 20 years.

Day in Washington is a blog/podcast that addresses policy, not politics. However, the two are unalterably intertwined.

For people with disabilities, for anyone - how we talk to each other and how we treat each other not only reflects our society and culture, but can also shape it. The recent news coverage regarding Rahm Emanuel’s use of the R-word has brought some desperately needed attention to the issue.

It would seem though that the core issue of why people with disabilities were so incensed has missed some individuals. The following ts taken from radio personality Rush Limbaugh’s show:

LIMBAUGH: “Our political correct society is acting like some giant insult’s taken place by calling a bunch of people who are retards, retards. I mean these people, these liberal activists are kooks. They are looney tunes. And I’m not going to apologize for it, I’m just quoting Emanuel. It’s in the news. I think their big news is he’s out there calling Obama’s number one supporters f’ing retards. So now there’s going to be a meeting. There’s going to be a retard summit at the White House. Much like the beer summit between Obama and Gates and that cop in Cambridge.”

Taken from: http://thinkprogress.org/2010/02/03/limbaugh-palin-apologize/

I am disgusted. Mr. Limbaugh calls it “political correctness.” My grandma would have called it “good manners.” I was taught that regardless of whether you agreed or disagreed with someone, you should still treat them with respect. That every living person has inherent dignity and worth and is to be valued and treasured.

His comments only serve to highlight the inappropriate societal perspective that it is “okay” to belittle and denigrate people with intellectual disabilities. It tells me that he does not see people with disabilities as deserving of respect or as equals. It also tells me that perhaps his grandma should have taken a switch to him when he was younger. He might have learned better manners.

There have been many changes going on here at Day in Washington. Some have been cosmetic, such as the new layout, but others are more substantial, such as the fact that we now carry content from a variety of contributors. One of the changes is the addition of a “Featured Disability Video.” As many of you may know, media and disability is an area of strong interest to me. Modern media plays a significant role in shaping our society and culture.

Disability in film has historically been relegated to villains, victim-oh-help-me stories, or the syrupy-sweet inspirational films. It has impacted how we see people with disabilities, and even within our own community, it impacts young peole, parents, care providers, policy-makers etc., the results of which can be amazingly beneficial or unbelievably detrimental on our individual lives, our communities and yes, even our national policies and politics.

So…I thought it might be of interest to feature disability video on Day in Washington. That doesn’t mean that the videos posted will necessarily be “good” in their depiction of disability, or that they’ll be only fiction (some may even be interviews), or that I endorse or condemn them in any way. What I can promise is that they will make you think about disability.

“Wheelchair Werewolf” by Joe Avella

The inaugural video, “Wheelchair Werewolf” is a wonderfully fun little comedic short by Joe Avella. Crafted in the style of my favorite old pulpy B-horror movies it does something that I’ve rarely seen but always enjoyed in films that involve disability…treat it in a playful way. This short film isn’t serious, it isn’t a statement of any sort (that I know of), it is just a fun romp that teasingly follows the stereotypes of your typical horror movie, making fun of it in a way that shows a respect for the genre, and also (perhaps coincidentally) makes fun of the stereotypes we see regarding disability, without making fun of people with disabilities. In truth, Joe Avella has done something very clever.

“Wheelchair Werewolf” has been making the rounds of the film festival circuit, showing well in many of the short horror festivals. I can hope that its creator will also consider submitting the short to some of the disability festivals as well. Joe Avella is an independent filmmaker, actor, writer, improviser, and sketch comedian. Some of Joe’s shorts have appeared on the IFC, Spike TV, and WTTW’s Image Union. He’s also had his work screened at several festivals including the SXSW Film Festival. If you’d like to find out more about “Wheelchair Werewolf” or its creator, please check out Joe’s website.

Just a quick announcement that after checking things out with the Ethics Office at my new job, I will be able to continue to provide you with disability policy information through Day in Washington.  So expect new posts in the next few days along with some guest posters.

Because of increased interest in this blog and podcast and a widening of our audience, I am encouraging individuals interested in acting as guest bloggers to contact me about potential publication on Day in Washington.  I make no promises that I will post your article, but there are so many wonderful advocates out there doing amazing things that can and do impact disability policy, I think it is important to be able to offer a forum for that to be highlighted. Never fear though, Day in Washington will continue with its history of strong legislative analysis of disability policy; and I look forward to many more years of providing this service to the community.

For those of you who are interested in acting as a guest blogger/podcaster, please contact me at: 206-888-6009 or via the blog’s Contact Page.

In the mean time, I’ve got some great experts lined up who will offer some interesting and even controversial posts, so stay tuned for new content!

Best,
Day

Unfortunately, I have been unable to update this blog as much as I would like. The particular reason behind this currently is that I am initiating a job move.  It is with great sadness that I announce my decision to leave the American Psychological Association (APA). I have worked for three wonderful years as a Senior Legislative and Federal Affairs Officer for APA’s Public Interest Government Relations Office (PI-GRO). As of last week, I accepted a position with the United States Department of Labor as a Senior Policy Advisor.

It has been my genuine pleasure to work for APA on a wide variety of issues crossing many populations and I have been privileged to be present for APA’s many successes during this time such as the passage of the ADA Amendments Act, the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, regulatory language protecting reimbursement for services for children with mental health conditions in school, the repeal of the HIV/AIDS ban, the President’s signing of the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, and the inclusion of APA health disparities language in health reform legislation to name just a very few.

I have enjoyed working with APA’s fine staff of professionals and will miss my associations there. In particular, I am humbled by the passion and dedication of the PI-GRO and their willingness to work with the disability community to support independent choice for people with disabilities.  I am proud to have played a role in furthering APA’s commitment to apply the science and practice of psychology to the fundamental problems of human welfare and the promotion of equitable and just treatment of all segments of society.

Friday, November 6 will be my last day at APA. Although I leave with a heavy heart, I am eager to see what opportunities await with the Department of Labor.  I am excitied about the potential and hope that I may positively impact the lives (and perceptions) of people with disabilities. 

As always, I can be reached via this website or you can contact me via the show’s voicemail line at 206-888-6009.  Thank you to all of those who follow Day in Washington for supporting me and sharing my enthusiasm for disability policy and I look forward to continuing our communications and work to improve the lives of people with disabilities in my new role.

[caption id=”attachment_474″ align=”alignnone” width=”300″ caption=”U.S. Department of Labor Frances Perkins Building - Photo by Philliefan99″][/caption]

*Please note that the comments and opinions expressed on this site are solely those of Ms. Al-Mohamed and should in no way be considered representative of opinions, statements or policies of any organizations, affiliations, or employers, past, present or future of Ms. Al-Mohamed.

You can read the Baucus Press Release yourself.

Portion of Senator Baucus’ Opening Statement at the Mark‐Up

Benjamin Franklin said: “Well done is better than well said.” Now pretty much everything’s been said. Now it’s time to get the job done.

The costs of inaction are clear. Americans simply cannot afford the status quo. Americans are looking for common‐sense solutions. Americans want a balanced plan that takes the best ideas from both sides. And Americans want us to craft a package that will get the 60 votes that it needs to pass.

For 2 years now, that’s exactly what we have been doing, in this Committee. Over the last two years, we held 20 hearings on health care. Last June, we held a health care summit at the Library of Congress.  We held three roundtable discussions with experts on each of the three major areas of reform: health care delivery, coverage, and how to pay for it.  In connection with each roundtable, we put out detailed option papers.  And then we held three walk‐throughs to hash out those options.

Six Members of the Committee — three Republicans and three Democrats — held 31 meetings to try to come to a consensus. We held exhaustive meetings. We met for more than 61 hours. We went the extra mile. And now, we’ve held an open and exhaustive markup. I put out the mark and posted it on the Web on September 16. That was nearly a week before we started the markup. In a first for this Committee, we posted every amendment — all 564 of them — on the Web.

Today’s session to report our bill is our eighth day of meeting. Many of those days were long days. It’s been more than 22 years since the Finance Committee met for eight days on a single bill. Senators offered and the Committee considered 135 amendments. We conducted 79 roll‐call votes. And we adopted 41 amendments. Now, the scores are in. And I am proud to say that our bill passes the test…

[caption id=”attachment_431″ align=”alignleft” width=”210″ caption=”Senate Finance Committee Chairman Baucus”][/caption]

…Ours is a balanced plan that can pass the Senate. Our bill should win the support of Republicans and Democrats alike. Now the choice is up to Senators on this Committee.  My Colleagues, this is our opportunity to make history. Our actions here will determine whether we extend better health care to more Americans.

Ben Franklin said that “well done is better than well said.” Senators, now is the time that will tell whether things are merely said, or whether something is actually done. Now is the time to get this done. Let us enact this balanced, common health care system to control costs and premiums.  And let us extend health care coverage to all Americans.

Full Opening Statement is available here: http://finance.senate.gov/press/Bpress/2009press/prb101309.pdf

[caption id=”attachment_424″ align=”alignleft” width=”300″ caption=”East Front of U.S. Capitol by Kimberly Faye”][/caption]

Let me just say, that not only things are moving quickly here in Washington, DC but that they are moving in a major way.  Taking place right now is the Community NOW Advocacy Day in 430 Dirksen.

Representatives from the Senate Health, Education and Labor and Pensions Committee, the disability community and a family caregiver will present and urge support for these proposals.

As you no doubt know, the modifications to the Senate Finance bill included the Community First Choice Option and referenced the importance of long term services and supports. However, because of cost concerns and potential opposition, there are rumors that these provisions and others relating to access to home and community services (as well as health disparities issues some prevention) may be stripped from the final health reform legislation.

As a part of the rally, a fact sheet will be distributed to all Senate offices to get the CLASS Act and the Community First Choice Option included in the final Senate health reform bill and alerts have been going out to grassroots memberships to reinforce the activities here.

The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act and the Community First Choice (CFC) option are long term services and supports reforms needed now. The CLASS Act creates a national, affordable long term care insurance program. The CFC Option creates a new home and community-based service within the Medicaid state plan.