Events

12/07 Fri 12-3 PM, CIDNY Town Hall Meeting Queens Meeting (Queensborough Public Library, LIC Branch, 37-44 21 St, 36-37 Ave.) A chance to look back at the work we’ve done and to make plans for the future. Come prepared for a lively discussion, and help to make NYC a better place for PWDs RSVP & accommodation request Noor Alam (212) 674-2300 x 141

*new 12/07 Fri 6-8 PM, Sistahs in Search of Truth, Alliance, and Harmony Presents: Handi Pride: Spotlight on GLBT with Disabilities (The Center, 208 W. 13 St, 7-8 Aves) forum addressing issues on coming out, relationships, sex, and discrimination, as well as the lack of resources available to PWDs within the GLBT community. Come hear our stories, become educated as well as enlighten. Come share ideas as well as hear our personal experiences. Info: 212-479-7886

12/09 Sun PM DIA Holiday Party (Selis Manor, 135 W. 23 St, 6-7 Aves) Tel/Fax 718-261-3737 www.disabledinaction.org

*new 12/11 Tues 1-4 PM, Brooklyn Systems Change Network (BSCN)Meeting (BCID, 2044 Ocean Ave.(B-3) Light refreshments & exciting discussion. RSVP & request accommodations, Braille, ASL interpreters ect, by 12/10, 718-998-3000, TTY 718-998-7406

12/12 Wed 10:30 AM B’klyn BP Disabilities Advisory Committee (BP Conf Room, 209 Joralemon St) RSVP Ingrid Alexander 718-802-3868 Fax: 718-802-3920 ialexander@brooklynbp.nyc.gov

12/12 Wed 1-4 PM: Mayoral-City Council Broadband Advisory Committee Public Hearing (Manhattan School of Music, Greenfield Hall, 120 Claremont Ave, 122 St) An opputunity to speak out on the importance of good, inexpensive broadband service Register to testify: 212.788.6975 or Kunal.Malhotra@council.nyc.gov.www.nycbroadband.blogspot.com

*new 12/12 Wed 4-6 PM Hearing Education Services & Vision Services Focus Group (UFT 52 Broadway - 19 floor) Services for Deaf/HOH & visually impaired students in NYC are in jeopardy. NYC BOE revamp/reorganize these crucial centralized programs that provide support, resources, and education by putting EVS & HES personnel and students under the control of individual school principals This will be a disservice to the students as many of the principals and their administration lack the knowledge/expertise to adequately provide the services these atudents need to succeed. Also principals will not want to foot the bill for the many services / technological equipment required Questions: Milton Williams 718-432-4300 or MWillia2@schools.nyc.gov

*new 12/13 Thu 5-7 PM, NAMI Bronx Families & Advocates: When the Criminal Justice & Mental Illness Systems Collide (Bx Psychiatric Center, Parker Building, 1500 Water Pl, First Floor) Hon. Matthew D’Emic
Brooklyn Mental Health Court Refreshments will be served RSVP: namibxfamlyadvoc@aol.com Paulina Magnetti or June Rodriques 718-862-3347

12/14 Fri Application deadline extended The We Are All Brooklyn (WAAB) Fellowship invites young professionals, between the ages of 25-40 years old, working or volunteering for community or faith-based organizations in Brooklyn to submit applications! http://www.waab.org/

*new 12/15 Sat 8:30 AM, Women of Color Breakfast in Support of Hillary Clinton for President (DC 37, 125 Barclay St, entrance on Murray St. fully accessible) Tickets: $50 per person (some available @ $25 for those with limited means) All tickets must be purchased in advance--no sales@ door. Further info & RSVP Trudy L. Mason: TLMpr@aol.com or 917-443-3315

*new 12/15 Sat 2 PM, Helping Hands for the disabled of NYC Holiday Party (Bronx) Fee $10.00 per person; the party is being held at an accessible location in the Bronx.: Call Alice at 718-728-0868 between 6 PM - Midnight

12/18 Tues 1 Subcommittees, 2-3:30 PM Man Boro President’s Disability Taskforce (1 Centre Street, 19 Floor South) RSVP by calling (212) 669-4453 or CBrown@manhattanbp.org

12/18 Tues 8:30 PM, NYS Dems 2008 Holiday Party! (Taj Lounge, 48 W 21 St., 5-6 Ave) $7 suggested contribution. CASH BAR RSVP in advance to Marie Parker at mariep@nydems.org / 212-725-8825. Brought to you by..NYS Dem Party, Democratic Leadership for the 21st Century, & NY Dem Lawyers Council, NYS Young Dems, Democracy for NYC & The Daily

12/21 Fri 10 AM NY Network for Action on Medicare & Social Security (NYNAMSS) (200 E 5 St at Third Ave) Molly 212-273-5260 mkrakowski@JASA.ORG

*new 01/07 Mon 7PM, An Evening of Music & Politics in support of Governor Bill Richardson for President of the United States.(Cutting Room, 19 W 24 St) Help celebrate his anticipated victory in Iowa, and cheer him on in the New Hampshire primary the next day. Light refreshments & cash bar. .Join us for an enlightening speaker, fantastic music and great conversation as we bring together Richardson supporters, undecideds and those interested in politics.

01/8-9, Emergency Preparedness, Response, & Recovery - Disability & Special Needs Technical Assistance Conference (Capital Hilton, Washington, DC) Gov’Horizons & Nat’l Organization on Disability's http://www.governmenthorizons.org/emergency-preparedness-and-response08.htm

01/10 Thurs 2 PM ESPA Distant Learning: Paratransit Eligibility 101 http://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ESPA_distance_learning_2008_para_elig_supplemental

*new 01/13 Sun PM DIA (Selis Manor, 135 W. 23 St, 6-7 Aves) Tel/Fax 718-261-3737 www.disabledinaction.org

*new 01/15 NYFAHC (MS Society, 733 Third Avenue, 45-46 St)

*new 01/23 Voter registration deadline for 02/05/08 New York State Presidential Primary

01/23 ESPA Distant Learning Securing Funding for a New Travel Training Program info: http://projectaction.easterseals.com click on distant learning

01/24 2 PM ASL Tea Time Tour From New Yorker to Shrek: The Art of William Steig (The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave, 92 St) A light reception will follow the tour. This program is free. RSVP, by 1/18, required 212.423.3225, TTY 212.660.1515, or access@thejm.org.

01/25-28 Fri – Mon SILC Congress 2008: collaboration|innovation working together like never before (New Orleans, LA)

02/05 ESPA Distant Learning Selected Topics in Paratransit Eligibility: Conditional Eligibility info: http://projectaction.easterseals.com click on distant learning

04/21-24 Mon-Thurs, The 2008 Mobility Planning Services) Institute (Renaissance Wash Hotel, DC) teams of leaders from the disability world & transportation share information & strategies to improve access to transportation http://projectaction.easterseals.com

*new 02/10 Sun PM DIA (Selis Manor, 135 W. 23 St, 6-7 Aves) Tel/Fax 718-261-3737 www.disabledinaction.org

*new 03/09 Sun PM DIA (Selis Manor, 135 W. 23 St, 6-7 Aves) Tel/Fax 718-261-3737 www.disabledinaction.org

*new 04/13 Sun PM DIA (Selis Manor, 135 W. 23 St, 6-7 Aves) Tel/Fax 718-261-3737 www.disabledinaction.org

*new 04/26-30, ADAPT Community: 25 Years of Activism and Counting. Grassroots Actions..(Washington DC) Info www.adapt25.org , 512-442-0252 or 303-733-9324

*new 05/01, ADAPT Community: 25th Anniversary BBQ, Exhibition and Show..(Washington DC) Food, music, exhibits, history, multi-media, faces and voices from the ADAPT past Info www.adapt25.org , 512-442-0252 or 303-733-9324

04/27-28 Families Together in New York State Annual Conference YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: (Marriott Hotel, Albany, NY)

05/12-14 Mon-Wed, National ADA Symposium & Expo: Conference on the ADA and Disability Law (St. Louis, MO) http://www.adasymposium.org/

*new 05/18 Sun PM DIA (Selis Manor, 135 W. 23 St, 6-7 Aves) Tel/Fax 718-261-3737 www.disabledinaction.org 06/22, 07/20 (if needed), 0817 (if needed), 09/07, 10/05, 11/02, 12/07 (Party

recurrent 3rd Wed of the month 2-3 PM, Men's Group (BCID, 2044 Ocean Ave, Suite B-3, Ave O & P) 718-998-3000

recurrent every Fri 6:30-8:30 PM Wheelchair Dancing (Chelsea Studios, 151 W. 26th St, 6th fl. (6th – 7th Ave) Rubin www.wheelchairdancesportusa.org wdsportusa@hotmail.com or 212 245 0004

recurrent last Sat of the month Free Legal Clinic:: 2-2:30 for appointments -5 PM, Free Legal Clinic (PSGDC, 1 Prospect Park W & President St, entry on President. go down ramp at the green awning) Riley MacLeod 718-499-7701 x137.AAR: drop off at 1 Prospect Park W.)

Duane Reade Accessibility Problems? Gavin Kearney 888-342-3428.or gkearney@nylpi.org

Empire State Voting Watch Dogs - NY Disabled Getting Equal Voting Access (NYDGEVA We are a coalition of consumers, advocates and a professional organization which seeks to resolve barriers impeding equal voting access for New Yorkers with disabilities of any kind. Our coalition name is NY Disabled Getting Equal Voting Access (NYDGEVA). NYDGEVA's goal is to bring all aspects of the disability community together to become eduated and mobilized to work on voting accessibility issues. It was further agreed that the best way to communicate would be by forming a Yahoo Group. If you are interested in insuring the voting rights of New Yorkers with disabilities, please join our group. Subscribe & join by emailing: jadler54-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

ADA Watch & Road to Freedom Bus Tour www.roadtofreedom.org http://adawatch.smugmug.com/gallery/2925333

http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=1259 NYLPI’s Opportunity & Access Survey to find out what barriers to services and to physical settings are most important to members of our community. They want to hear from New Yorkers with disabilities who don't regularly contact them. NYLPI is a public interest law office that serves New York City residents with disabilities regarding disability-based discrimination and access issues.

VOLUNTEER -The Big Apple Greeters is seeking volunteers to welcome visitors to New York City and to show them around to places of interest with which the volunteer is familiar, suggest things to see and do, etc. Each visit lasts between 2-4 hours and volunteers are required to do 12 visits a year. People with foreign language skills are in particular demand. For more information and to apply, contact Patricia Ryan at (212) 669-7308.

http://onlineresources.wnylc.net/online_training.asp click on new -Medicare Part D - Part I - (2008) Basics About Part D & Medicare Part D - Part 2 (2008) -- Using the Online Plan-finder for 2008 Enrollment, Part D Plans in New York State, More on Medicaid and EPIC and Part D –Online Medicare Part D trainings Since we are in the midst of the short annual enrollment period (11/15/07 - 12/31/07) for the 2008 year, this is an opportunity to catch up on how the program works, the landscape for 2008 and quickly enroll your clients. The trainings are FREE, but if you want CLE credit, there is a charge. Registration is required even for the free trainings

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/CertificationandComplianc/Downloads/SFFList.pdf CMS’ first ranking of the nation's poor-performing nursing homes. Release of the national list of facilities, identified as special focus facilities (SFFs), is expected to offer individuals seeking long-term health care services, and their families, powerful new information when choosing nursing homes.

http://www.handicapability.org/computers.html FREE Computers for Visually residents of the US & Canada) TCPI provides computers (monitor, keyboard, CD-ROM, modem, speakers, & necessary software) free of charge (a $100 charge to cover packing, shipping, and replacement parts) . Donated computers are refurbished by North Texas PC Users Group volunteers. They are an official Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR).

MTA NYCT Paratransit Advisory Committee (PAC) – applicants should have working familiarity with ADA transportation regulations, good analytical skills and be able to review or formulate policies / procedures and offer suggestions for improving service and be able to work cooperatively in a group. The PAC meets monthly, on the third Tuesday 5-7 PM at 33-00 Northern Blvd., LIC. Members communicate with each other between meetings via a listserv on the Internet. This is an active committee. Members are expected to attend all meetings. Submit your resume & a letter/e-mail stating why you wish to serve on the PAC and what skills or knowledge you would bring to the committee. Deadline: 12/31/07

http://capwiz.com/cidny/issues/alert/?alertid=10590951&type=SW&azip=10003&bzip=4704&show_alert=1 EPIC Expansion –the Medicare Rights Center, CIDNY, and other health and social service advocates from across the state, in a letter campaign launched yesterday to tell Governor Eliot Spitzer that New Yorkers with disabilities desperately need EPIC’s pharmaceutical coverage.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3m0ja_dream_politics a The PSA created by Women’s Voices – Women Vote, (an organization whose goal is to “turn unmarried, uninvolved women into active voters who are influencing debate”) .includes a wheelchair user quite visibly in the mix was Those interested should leyt them know what you think.: info@wvwv.org or Women's Voices. Women Vote, 1707 L Street NW, (750) Washington, DC 20036 : 202-659-9570 Fax: 202-833-4362

http://www.cidny.org/content/Voting_Documents/People_with_Disabilities_Dont_Vote_Here_Nov. _07.pdf CIDNY 2007 Poll Site Accessibility Survey report Consumers and volunteers evaluated 50 polling sites in Manhattan and Queens on Election Day and found that 42 of them had at least one barrier to access that make voting difficult or impossible for a person with a disability.

http://www.cidny.org/content/Voting_Documents/DOJ_Memo_in_Support_-_Nov_2007.pdf DOJ wants full HAVA compliance in NYS for 2008 On 11/05/07 DOJ;s Civil Rights Division submitted memorandum supporting enforcement of HAVA in NYS as part of the ongoing lawsuit against the state for failure to meet HAVA deadlines. They believe NYS has been slow to act on HAVA, and that its noncompliance with the law is unacceptable. The document suggests NYS should provide accessible voting machines on a greater scale for the 02/08 Presidential Primary, and at least one accessible machine per polling site by the 09/08 Primary. DOJ wants NYS to, at minimum, meet federal HAVA standards or face the possibility of compliance being taken out of the state’s hands by the court.

http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=41710 FEMA and American Bar Association to Enhance Legal Services for Disaster Victims

http://www.nyhealth.gov/events/listening_forums/docs/report_2007-10-24.p o view the full report on the "People First Coordinated Care Listening Forums"

http://m1e.net/c?65930469-OkDUWo6XOJByw%402944798-9oivu.JOg/n4o The MTA is predicting a $300 million surplus next year. But they still want to raise fares on 86% of all trips. Working families already struggle to make it in New York, and now this?

Job Opening: Executive Director GRILC Graduation from an accredited college or University with an Bachelors Degree in Human Service or related field. Administers the affairs of the corporation including: Finances, programs, and personnel; Responsible for policy implementation, achievement of corporate goal and objectives, short and long-range planning, program development, staff training, public/community relations; & Serve as professional advisor to the board. Resumes to: GRILC, 61 Swan Street, Batavia, NY 14020 Deadline 12/10



EM Prentiss


Help build the Network in 2008, and increase civic participation of people with disabilities in NYC. Get your friends and associates involved. Visit www.dnnyc.net for more info, to join or renew membership, call 212-284-4160 (Lawrence Carter-Long).
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December Seventh

December Seventh
CUNY Coalition for Students With Disabilities CCSD

Please note that next meeting of the CUNY Coalition for Students with
Disabilities (CCSD) will take place on December seventh. The meeting
will be hosted by John Jay College of Criminal Justice...located at 445
w. 59th street (Between 9th and 10th avenues).
We will start @ 1:00 p.m.

Students with Disabilities May Face Anxiety in the Classroom

All children encounter anxiety in returning to school. For children with special needs, however, their anxiety is often increased as they are particularly concerned about acceptance, integration, prejudice, discrimination and even the possibility of being bullied.


It is important for teachers, counselors, and educational assistants to recognize these concerns and to teach all of their students the values of acceptance and advocacy.


Some special needs students are separated into special classes and these separate classes are often negatively identified by other students. In the past, these special classes
have often functioned as warehousing units that did not provide any meaningful education. Today however, many of these separate classes often provide special needs students the skills they require to adapt successfully to mainstream society. Forward thinking educators are working diligently to integrate these students effectively into the classroom.


Progressive educational strategies teach the skills which allow many students with disabilities to successfully overcome barriers and adjust to mainstream life. Many of these students not only graduate from school but benefit from postgraduate educational and subsequent employment.


In reality, many schools do not have adequate personnel and facilities to effectively educate students with disabilities. In many jurisdictions, teaching assistants for special needs
students are being cut back and some special needs educators are forced to look after the needs of two or more children. This is a tragic circumstance, as children with special needs often require individual attention if they are going to benefit from their education.


For example, children with autism can often make huge strides with the support of ABA therapy, which is a learning therapy that can only be effectively administered on a one to one basis. This educational benefit has a long term positive outcome, as students
with autism who receive this support have a 70% opportunity of becoming fully integrated and independent. Without this specialized learning therapy, students with autism have
drastically reduced possibilities and may be destined for a life on welfare or institutionalization. The long term costs far exceed the short term expenses of providing ABA therapy to those who require this support.


Special needs students also worry about acceptance by their classmates. They are often accepted by their teachers and fellow students, and many of them receive notes and other supports; however many fail to develop friendships and social bonds. As a result, these students spend their weekends and holidays with their parents and other members of their families. This is particularly difficult for teenagers who are very concerned with fitting in and social networking. Progressive teachers and educational assistants structure friendship circles to address this problem. With the permission of their parents, fellow students who are sensitive and caring are contacted and told of the barriers special needs students encounter. They are encouraged to contact students with special needs regularly. They
are counseled to maintain frequent phone contact and to socialize with them a few times a week by going to a movie, shopping at a mall, engaging in recreation, and going to parties. Although these friendship networks are often artificial in the beginning, in many cases, they develop into lifelong friendships. These structured friendship circles have permitted special needs students to be effectively integrated and enjoy a rich social life. One of the essential lessons in life is to teach all individuals the value of accepting those who are different.


More students with special needs that ever are now being admitted into the school system but they must be effectively educated and integrated in order to benefit. To deprive special
needs students of the most progressive educational supports makes them mere spectators in the classroom. This would be a tragic waste of time, effort, and resources. There are cut backs taking place in many educational districts across the country and this has negative implications for all students; however, the implications for students with special needs are particularly cruel, as cut backs deny them the resources to maximize their potential. Many of these individuals can prosper if the supports are in place but if they are deprived of these benefits, their educational experience may become meaningless.


We are fortunate to live in a society which has been described as one of the leading nations in the world. The benefits which we enjoy as a result of living in this country should also flow equally to students who have special needs.

EVENT UPDATE: Voting Machine Demo: Selis Manor Aug 29 4-7pm

Join the NYC Board of Elections and The Disabilities Network of NYC for a free demonstration of the new accessible ballot marking device used while voting on Wednesday, August 29th from 4-7pm in the auditorium at VISIONS at Selis Manor, 135 W. 23rd Street (between 6th & 7th Avenues).

To RSVP please call: 212-251-4092. When you RSVP, please let us know if you require any of the following: Braille, Large-Print Materials, American Sign Language Interpreters, Assistive Listening System or any other reasonable accommodation.

These demonstrations are intended to reach out to voters with disabilities, seniors and any other voters interested in learning more about the new ballot marking devices. We thank VISIONS at Selis Manor for use of their auditorium for this important event.

“The demonstrations will include an opportunity for voters to try out the new ... device. BMDs assist voters in marking their ballot using a touch screen, keyboard, audio headset, sip & puff device or rocker paddles. This allows voters with disabilities to vote without assistance and in secrecy,” stated the Board of Elections in the City of New York Executive Director John Ravitz.

"Voting is the most fundamental, the most basic of civic rights," said Lawrence Carter-Long, Director of Advocacy for the Disabilities Network of NYC. "All other rights stem from who we vote for. Until voting is completely accessible and voters with disabilities are familar with the new devices we will not take our proper place in the decision making process in New York City. The Disabilities Network urges everyone to become comfortable with and make use of accessible voting machines in upcoming primaries and elections. We must not only vote, but we must be seen voting. Otherwise we allow the "out of sight out of mind" mentality to continue."

The Board of Elections (BOE) will place ballot marking devices in each Borough Office for voters to use in casting their vote in both the September 18, Primary Elections and the November, General Elections. In each Borough Office, the Board has designated a room that has been assessed by the Board’s Poll Site Accessibility Unit to ensure that it meets the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and HAVA accessibility standards. The BMDs which were manufactured by Avante International Technology, Inc. will be available in these Borough Office pollsites, with the exception of Staten Island who has no uncontested primaries.

NOTE: The BMDs are not actual voting machines. They will assist the voter to mark the ballot; but they do not count the votes. Those ballots that are cast using the BMDs will be counted by hand in a manner to preserve anonymity of the ballots when the Board counts all paper ballots eight days after the Primary Election.





Lawrence Carter-Long
Director of Advocacy Disabilities Network of NYC
c/o United Way
2 Park Avenue, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10016
Lawrence@dnnyc.net
http://dnnyc.net tel:
mobile: 212-251-4092
917-684-3235




Always have my latest info Want a signature like this?

ABILITIES EXPO

Hi everyone,


As many of you know that ABILITIES EXPO (New Jersey Convention Center, Edison, NJ) will be held from April 27 to April 29.

Exhibits, Free Educational Workshops, Special Events. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore hundreds of products and services for people with disabilities. For more information, call 1-800-385-3085

or go to www.abilitiesexpo.com .

DIA finally got opportunity to get the buses to go to NJ from NYC.
If you want to go by school bus with a group on 4/28, call Marty Sesmer 212-684-6287 for details.

Send check, money order, or cash for $10 (payable to DIA at 332 East 29th Street, # 5A, NY, NY 10016). It is $10 charge for your PCA.

Reservations accept on a first-come, first-served basis! Space is limited.

There are 3 days left! Hurry up!






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CMS Technical Assistance Database

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) - Launches Technical Assistance Database

Good news! CMS has just launched an exciting new database to showcase the efforts of many of the technical assistance providers serving CMS' grantees. The "Technical Assistance Database" will allow you to see the wide range of activities that support and enrich the grantees under the New Freedom Initiative. The database will contain important information regarding existing and upcoming research products, conferences, and significant meetings as well as a wide variety of toolkits, surveys, and policy briefs, intended to be of interested to the disability and long-term care community.

All stakeholders will be able to view the database. CMS grantees, however, will be given access passcodes to enable them to post requests for technical assistance to the vast cadre of experts supporting CMS' initiatives. To access the Technical Assistance Database, please go to www.DEHPG.net. The user name for the database is "TAdatabase" and the "passcode" is Readonly#1.

Grantees are strongly encouraged to utilize the Technical Assistance Database. To request a passcode, please e-mail your request to the CMS Resource Box at TAdatabase@cms.hhs.gov. Please indicate your name, type of grant you represent, and your phone number in the e-mail. In the near future, CMS will offer a training sessions, customized for the NFI grantees, to demonstrate the vast uses of this robust database. We encourage you to request your passcode soon, so that you can avail yourself of this dynamic training. Details regarding the trainings will be forthcoming.

CMS Technical Assistance Database

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) - Launches Technical Assistance Database

Good news! CMS has just launched an exciting new database to showcase the efforts of many of the technical assistance providers serving CMS' grantees. The "Technical Assistance Database" will allow you to see the wide range of activities that support and enrich the grantees under the New Freedom Initiative. The database will contain important information regarding existing and upcoming research products, conferences, and significant meetings as well as a wide variety of toolkits, surveys, and policy briefs, intended to be of interested to the disability and long-term care community.

All stakeholders will be able to view the database. CMS grantees, however, will be given access passcodes to enable them to post requests for technical assistance to the vast cadre of experts supporting CMS' initiatives. To access the Technical Assistance Database, please go to www.DEHPG.net. The user name for the database is "TAdatabase" and the "passcode" is Readonly#1.

Grantees are strongly encouraged to utilize the Technical Assistance Database. To request a passcode, please e-mail your request to the CMS Resource Box at TAdatabase@cms.hhs.gov. Please indicate your name, type of grant you represent, and your phone number in the e-mail. In the near future, CMS will offer a training sessions, customized for the NFI grantees, to demonstrate the vast uses of this robust database. We encourage you to request your passcode soon, so that you can avail yourself of this dynamic training. Details regarding the trainings will be forthcoming.