TDC Announcements

This survey - The Arc FINDS (Family and Individual Needs for Disability Supports) —will enable those in the field to better understand what services are available, what gaps exist and what new supports are needed.
 
The Arc FINDS launches July 21 and will be accessible until September 1 to all families and individuals with I/DD, both in and outside of The Arc’s chapter network.
 
There is no cost to participate and all responses will be confidential; it will take respondents about 30 minutes to complete the survey.  The survey may found at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TheArcFinds2010
 
Questions are being asked in areas of advocacy, education, transition, employment, housing, community participation, civic engagement/voting, transportation, caregiving, and demographics.  It is written to allow for both the perspective of individuals with I/DD, as well as their parents/caregivers.  It also assumes for the differences in service and supports required at different stages of life.
 
This information will be shared initially at The Arc’s National Convention (November 3 - 6 in Orlando, Florida), as well as publicly on The Arc’s website.  If you have any questions, please contact Laura Hart, Director, Media Relations, at (202) 534-3712 or at hart@thearc.org

Time commitment:  One day orientation and training, then 8 to 10 flexible hours per week for 8 consecutive weeks.

 

Compensation: $10.00 per hour

 

Start date:  August 23rd (tentative)

The 20th Anniversary Celebration began with a reception for leaders, advocates, friends and members of the Disability Community enjoying food and fellowship while touring exhibits on impressive communication technologies that empower individuals with disabilities. 

First Lady Andrea Conte kicked off the formal program before a packed house of more than 200 guests at Conservation Hall on Monday, July 26th.  The First Lady spoke about her committment and pride in ensuring that renovations to the Tennessee Residence and the construction of Conservation Hall were up to code, ensuring accessibility for all.

Following her, Governor Phil Bredesen took the stage to present a proclamation commemorating the occasion.  Representing the next generatio of disabilty leaders, an honored and excited Lizzy Soloman accepted the proclamation from the Governor on behalf of all Tennesseans.

Mayor Karl Dean stepped forward to speak on the importance of community and the inclusion of all its members, after which the lead attorney for the Disability Law & Advocacy Center, Martha Lafferty, spoke.  Lafferty introduced the man she represented in his case heard before the Supreme Court in 2004, George Lane, and talked about the significance of that Court’s decision.  Speaking from his heart, Lane discussed his contribution to equal access and disability rights through that suit, and charged the audience with the duty of continuing the fight. 

Mark Montgomery, Executive Director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Tennessee, shared his own battle for equal access to take the Bar Exam, and echoed Lane’s call for future progress.

Later, Donna DeStefano, Assistant Executive Director of the Coalition, spoke about the recent passing of three great leaders in the Tennessee Disability Community: Lana Kyle, Glen Barr, and Jackie Page.  A slideshow displayed their photos as she spoke about their contributions.

The program came to a close with a viewing of remarks made by President George H.W. Bush upon his signing of the ADA on July 26th, 1990.  It was an fantastic finish to an event that highlighted how much the ADA has meant in the last 20 years and sparked hopes for another great 20 years.

Event Partners:  Center for Independent Living of Middle TN, Disability Law and Advocacy Center of TN, TN Disability Coalition, and the TN Mental Health Consumers' Association.

More About the ADA 20th Anniversary

Links below were valid as of August 2, 2010.

Knoxville News Sentinel story about George Lane's historic Supreme Court case - "One morning in 1997, George Lane found himself at the base of a staircase in the Polk County courthouse wondering how he was going to get to the courtroom on the second floor." To read more.

Commentary on ADA 20th Anniversary by Kendra Calhoun, President and CEO of the Amputee Coalition of America.  An exerpt: "Why is the ADA so important? Historically, not only have Americans with disabilities struggled for equal employment opportunities and equal access to public transportation, services and facilities, they have also fought to be treated with dignity and respect." To read it.

President Obama signs Executive Order to increase federal employment of individuals with disabilities.  An exceprt of his remarks:

"Today, as we commemorate what the ADA accomplished, we celebrate who the ADA was all about.  It was about the young girl in Washington State who just wanted to see a movie at her hometown theater, but was turned away because she had cerebral palsy; or the young man in Indiana who showed up at a worksite, able to do the work, excited for the opportunity, but was turned away and called a cripple because of a minor disability he had already trained himself to work with; or the student in California who was eager and able to attend the college of his dreams, and refused to let the iron grip of polio keep him from the classroom -- each of whom became integral to this cause."  To read his full remarks.

Historic Moment in the US House of Representatives - "For the first time in history, a lawmaker in a wheelchair will preside over the House of Representatives. I am incredibly excited and humbled," says Rep. Jim Langevin, who will be the trailblazer. Up until now, it has been impossible for the Rhode Island Democrat, a quadriplegic since the age of 16, to perform a chore that's routine for the rest of his colleagues."  To read more.

National Public Radio - Talk of the Nation - The program discusses changes that have come about as of result of the ADA.  To access audio audio and a transcript.