In The Headlines

President Bush signed into law the "Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities Affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita Act of 2005," granting the U.S. Education Department authority to permit hurricane–affected Gulf Coast states access to $25.9 million in federal funds for Vocational Rehabilitation(VR) services without the states having to provide matching funds.

The VR services may include education, training, assistive technology or various supports necessary for employment of individuals with disabilities affected by Hurricanes Katrina or Rita that contribute to the economic growth and development of communities.

A Congressional briefing on emergency planning will be held on November 10 from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM in the Gold Room 3 of the Rayburn House Office Building. Participating along with the Congressional Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus will be the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the National Council on Disability, the National Spinal Cord Injury Association, the National Organization on Disability, the National Council on Independent Living and Paralyzed Veterans of America. Each organization or entity will have panelists there to discuss:

• Who is responsible for each aspect of emergency management?
• Disaster planning for people with disabilities – special considerations, coordination issues
• What happened to people with disabilities During the disaster – How it was the same and different for individuals with out disabilities?
• Rebuilding – what should be kept in mind and what can be better address – Institutionalization and housing?
• What should Congress do?

For additional information individuals may contact the National Organization on Disability at 202–293–5960(Voice) or 202–293–5968(TTY).

All newly constructed, renovated or altered facilities owned or leased by the U.S. Postal Service must comply with new standards based on the guidelines published last year by the U.S. Access Board under the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA). The new standards replace the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) for the Postal Service.

Several other Federal agencies are responsible for similar action that will apply the new guidelines to other types of ABA facilities. These include the Department of Defense for military facilities, the Department of Housing and Urban Development for residential facilities, and the General Services Administration.

The Access Board has developed a new web page to track adoption of the new standards. This will assist in determining which agency's standard applies to a given construction or alteration project and whether the existing or new standard is in effect.

Four new guidance documents interpreting the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Americans with Disabilities Act Regulations were released. These four guidance documents provide further clarification on the intent of the DOT transportation regulations under the ADA. One document includes information regarding the responsibilities of transit agencies to provide paratransit service in a way that goes beyond "curb–to–curb service" if necessary to actually get the passenger from his or her point of origin to his or her destination.

The 4 new documents are:

• Full–Length, Level–Boarding Platforms in New Commuter and Intercity Rail Stations
• Origin–to–Destination Service
• Paratransit Requirements for §5311–Funded Fixed–Route Service Operated by Private Entities
• Use of "Segways" on Transportation Vehicles

Individuals may order these materials by contacting the Great Lakes ADA and Accessible IT Center at 800–949–4232(Voice/TTY) or via our on–line contact form.

Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is a federal agency in the Department of Labor and it's mission is to provide leadership to increase employment opportunities for adults and youth with disabilities. It's customers include:

• Individuals with disabilities and their families
• Private employers and their employees
• Federal, state, and local government agencies
• Educational and training institutions
• Disability advocates
• Providers of services and government employers

The new fact sheets issued are:

• Diverse Perspectives: People with Disabilities Fulfilling Your Business Goals
• Focus on Ability: Interviewing Applicants with Disabilities
• Employment Laws: Disability & Discrimination
• Employers and the ADA: Myths and Facts
• Opening Doors to All Candidates: Tips for Ensuring Access for Applicants with Disabilities

Individuals may order these materials by contacting the Great Lakes ADA and Accessible IT Center at 800–949–4232 (Voice/TTY) or via our on–line contact form.