Web Site and Publication of the Week (12 February 2010)

N.D.I. Technical Assistance Team
N.D.I. Consulting, Inc.
[ http://www.dpnavigator.net ]

and

The Burton Blatt Institute
Syracuse University
[ http://bbi.syr.edu ]

One–Stop Toolkit Resources of the Week Technical Assistance Project E–Mail listserv

Please note that due to travel there will not be a One-Stop Toolkit Resources of the Week disseminated on Friday, February 5th.

Below please find the website(s) and publication(s) of the week, as well as other resources that we hope will be useful as you work on systems change activities to help improve employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

To subscribe and / or view past resources of the week archives, access: [ www.onestoptoolkit.org ] and click on the link to "Resources of the Week" on the right hand side of the home page.

ONE–STOP TOOLKIT TABLE OF CONTENTS

[ Resource of the Week Highlight for Disability Program Navigators ]

[ For Your Information ]

Announcement of Employment and Training Administration’s New Video and Information Brief on Promoting the Employment of Disabled Veterans Through the One-Stop Career Centers
UPDATED: 2010 Listening Tour to Address Critical Employment Issues Facing People with Disabilities
Ticket to Work Program Update: Letter to State Medicaid Directors on Receipt & Use of Federal Funds Under the Ticket to Work Program
United States Department of Labor announces results of 'Tools for America’s Job Seekers Challenge

[ Upcoming Events of Interest ]

Webinar: The Commuter Tax Benefit: A Federal Incentive for Vanpool Riders and Their Employers
Job Accommodation Network’s Annual Webcast Series – 2009 to 2010

[ Resources of Interest ]

Technical Series: Tips for Designing Accessible Websites
United States Department of Labor New Monthly Data Series on Employment Status of People with a Disability - January

[ Real Economic Impact ]

Free Tax Return Preparation
My Free Taxes.com

[ Websites of the Week ]

National Association of Workforce Boards Virtual Exhibit Hall
Institute for a Competitive Workforce

[ Publications of the Week ]

Final Report of The United We Ride National Dialogue

Resource of the Week Highlight for Disability Program Navigators

This week’s Resources of the Week includes a little something about everything and hopefully out of it you can find some information and resources to help you, your One-Stop staff and community partners. First of all, under For Your Information, there is some information you should be aware of starting with the DPN Promising Practice video and information brief on addressing the needs of disabled Veterans through the One-Stop Career System. How cool is this that your work has been highlighted and shared in a United States Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration directive to the workforce system at: [ http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?docn=2853 ]. The video, “Coordinating Quality Employment Services to Disabled Veterans.” This video highlights how the DPN, working with the DVOP, facilitated the One-Stop Career Center to become a universally accessible, welcoming service delivery site, where all people, including people with disabilities, receive integrated, seamless, and accessible services that ultimately result in employment. The video tells the story of how a disabled veteran, with posttraumatic stress disorder and other disabilities, received services at the One-Stop Career Center that resulted in a job. The accompanying information brief is entitled, “Promising Practices-Quality Employment Services to Disabled Veterans.” This information brief highlights the DPNs’ successful strategies by partnering with the DVOP and LVER staff to provide access to the full array of services available to disabled veterans through the public workforce system. The video and information brief are available on the Workforce3One’s new Web site, “Disability and Employment,” at: [ http://disability.workforce3one.org/ ]. This Web site has many resources to promote the employment of disabled veterans.

In addition check out the updated information on the ODEP Listening Tour [ http://www.disabilitylisteningtour.com/ ] and plan and encourage others to participate on some level to share your experiences and successful strategies on the employment of jobseekers with disabilities. Also, read the letter from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to State Medicaid Directors dated January 28, 2010 [ http://www.cms.hhs.gov/smdl/downloads/SMD10002.pdf ] that provides clarification regarding the receipt of federal funds under the Social Security Administration's (SSA) Ticket to Work & Self-Sufficiency program, and encourages the utilization of the flexible funding the program offers. This is key for areas that have become or are interested in becoming Employment Networks.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Announcement of Employment and Training Administration’s New Video and Information Brief on Promoting the Employment of Disabled Veterans Through the One-Stop Career Centers
Training and Employment Notice Number. 28-09 / February 12, 2010
United States Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration
[ http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?docn=2853 ]

On January 29th, Assistant Secretary Jane Oates, Employment and Training Administration, and Assistant Secretary Raymond M. Jefferson, Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, issued a joint directive to State Workforce Agencies, Liaisons, Administrators, Directors; State and Local Workforce Investment Board Chairs and Directors; Comprehensive and Affiliate One-Stop Career Centers; Veterans; Employment and Training Service; State Apprenticeship Directors; Indian and Native American Program Grantees; and Disability Program Navigator Grantees to announce the availability of a new video and informational brief to promote the employment of disabled veterans through the One-Stop Career Center system.

The newly available video is entitled, “Coordinating Quality Employment Services to Disabled Veterans.” This video highlights how the DPN, working with the DVOP, facilitated the One-Stop Career Center to become a universally accessible, welcoming service delivery site, where all people, including people with disabilities, receive integrated, seamless, and accessible services that ultimately result in employment. The video tells the story of how a disabled veteran, with posttraumatic stress disorder and other disabilities, received services at the One-Stop Career Center that resulted in a job.

The accompanying information brief is entitled, “Promising Practices-Quality Employment Services to Disabled Veterans.” This information brief highlights the DPNs’ successful strategies by partnering with the DVOP and LVER staff to provide access to the full array of services available to disabled veterans through the public workforce system. The video and information brief are available on the Workforce3One’s new Web site, “Disability and Employment,” at: [ http://disability.workforce3one.org/ ]. This Web site has many resources to promote the employment of disabled veterans.

The United States. Department of Labor's (DOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and its Federal partners will hold a series of six Listening Sessions across the country on disability employment. Agencies invited to participate in the Listening Sessions include the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA), Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS), and Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) and Women's Bureau (WB); the Social Security Administration (SSA); the Department of Education (ED); the Office of Personal Management (OPM); and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

ODEP Assistant Secretary Kathleen Martinez is spearheading the 2010 ODEP Listening Tour to gain rich insights into both systemic barriers and best practices to obtain input in three key areas:

The listening tour events in Region IV, Dallas, Region III, Philadelphia, and Region V, Chicago, have already taken place.

Ticket to Work Program Update: Letter to State Medicaid Directors on Receipt and Use of Federal Funds Under the Ticket to Work Program
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
United States Department of Health and Human Services
[ http://www.cms.hhs.gov/smdl/downloads/SMD10002.pdf ]

This letter from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to State Medicaid Directors dated January 28, 2010 provides clarification regarding the receipt of federal funds under the Social Security Administration's (SSA) Ticket to Work & Self-Sufficiency program, and encourages the utilization of the flexible funding the program offers. Utilizing and coordinating these resources is critical to support States’ progress in constructing a comprehensive health and employment services system for individuals with disabilities who want to achieve their employment goals. This guidance also provides policy clarifications regarding State Medicaid providers' acceptance and the treatment of SSA ticket payments.

In this news release, the United States Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration shared the results of its Tools for America's Job Seekers Challenge. The top rated sites have been identified in each of six categories - general job boards, niche tools, career tools, career exploration tools, Web 2.0 and "other" - are now available at [ http://www.careeronestop.org/jobseekertools ]. Over the course of the next few weeks, the One-Stop Toolkit Resources of the Week will highlight these categories in more detail.

UPCOMING EVENTS OF INTEREST

Webinar: The Commuter Tax Benefit: A Federal Incentive for Vanpool Riders and Their Employers
Community Transportation Association of America
Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 2pm. (Eastern Time).
[ http://www.ctaa.org ] (Click on Events and News)

The federal Commuter Tax Benefit, also known as Section 132(f), is an employer-administered pre-tax benefit program similar to the so-called cafeteria plans many companies offer for health care and other costs. Through the benefit, employees can deduct up to $230 per month from their gross pay before federal taxes are calculated to pay for qualified vanpool or other eligible transportation costs. In addition, employers who choose to subsidize vanpool or other eligible transportation costs can provide this as a tax-free benefit to employees and deduct the costs as an employee benefit.

This webinar will provide an overview of the Commuter Tax Benefit and how it can be administered. In addition, speakers will offer examples of how employers and employees take advantage of the benefit for vanpooling.

TO REGISTER AND FOR MORE INFORMATION
Registration for this free webinar opens February 11 and is limited to 100 participants. Visit [ http://www.ctaa.org/ ], under “Events and News,” to register. Follow the link to complete the registration process. Your computer must have “Flash” to access the visual part of the webinar (most computers ship with Flash built in).

registration process. Your computer must have “Flash” to access the visual part of the webinar (most computers ship with Flash built in).

If you have technical problems accessing the webinar, contact Frederick@ctaa.org.

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) Webcasts are available at no cost. Gather your employees together in a room for live, in-service training. Educate yourself, management, and other employees on disability etiquette, assistive technologies, management techniques, and the latest on accommodations and the employment provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). All Webcasts begin at 2pm eastern and are 1 hour. You must register to attend. One registration is equivalent to one login.

The list of webcasts for 2009 to 2010 that still remain is as follows. Access the URL to register for any of these events and to learn more about how JAN’s webcasts work.

RESOURCES OF INTEREST

Technical Series: Tips for Designing Accessible Websites
Job Accommodation Network
[ http://www.jan.wvu.edu/media/webpages.html ].

The Job Accommodation Network’s (JAN) Technical Series is designed to help those engaged in information and communication technologies (ICT). Individuals may be representatives of employers, designers, or those responsible for providing information technology infrastructures for various organizations and industries.

The Technical Series is a starting point in the accessible design process and may not address every situation. Accommodations, including those provided in the context of ICT, should be made on a case by case basis, considering individual limitations and accommodation needs. Those engaged in accessible ICT are encouraged to contact JAN to discuss specific situations in more detail.

For information on assistive technology and other accommodation ideas, visit JAN's Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR) at [ http://www.jan.wvu.edu/soar ].

JAN’s updated publication Tips for Designing Accessible Websites gives a brief overview of ten vital tips to consider when designing a Website, including quick, testing, and design tips for certain aspects of a Website to ensure that applications are accessible.

In January 2010, the percentage of people with disabilities in the labor force was 21.8 compared with 70.1 for persons with no disability. The unemployment rate for those with disabilities was 15.2 percent, compared with 10.4 percent for persons with no disability, not seasonally adjusted.

Access the URL to view the chart plus other pertinent statistical related information.

REAL ECONOMIC IMPACT

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify. Through these programs trained community volunteers help with special credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled. In addition to free tax return preparation assistance, most TCE locations also offer free electronic filing (e-filing). To locate the nearest VITA site, call 1-800-829-1040.

The free tax campaign, now in its second year, aims to provide free tax help to individuals and families across the country in three distinct ways.

First, it operates a MyFreeTaxes.com National Tour with vans crossing the country staffed with Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-certified volunteer tax preparers. These vans travel the United States to help people file their taxes and maximize their potential refunds.

Second, it partners with major non-profits to connect community members to local in-person tax help. These are free local tax help centers.

Third, and new in 2010 , the National Disability Institute's Real Economic Impact Tour has built inclusive disability capacity for individuals and organizations to increase accessibility of free tax filing.

This national campaign will empower low and moderate working families and people to access free tax services online at home, at a community center or with the help of a nonprofit partner.

From January 2010 through April 2010, more than 100 community organizations will perform outreach, recruit and train volunteers and provide valuable services to help others. Partner organizations in towns and cities across America will develop sustainable and economically empowering ways to help their clients with the benefits of online tax preparation.

MyFreeTaxes.com is made possible through funding from the Walmart Foundation. One Economy Corporation's theBeehive.org, the National Disability Institute’s Real Economy Impact Tour, and United Way Worldwide are committed to online and on-the-ground free tax filing and preparation for low- and moderate- income individuals. MyFreeTaxes.com is maintained by One Economy Corporation.

Access the website to learn more about filing taxes for free online or in person, and to access the Toolbox.

WEBSITES OF THE WEEK

The National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) is pleased to announce that it has launched a new Virtual Exhibit Hall on its web site. The organizations exhibiting in the Virtual Exhibit Hall provide products and services in support of the workforce investment industry. Organizations are listed alphabetically and each vendor page includes details about its products and services plus an opportunity for visitors to learn about what's happening with them, about their upcoming events, and about how to stay connected with them through social media sites.

The Institute for a Competitive Workforce (ICW) has a newly designed website! It is more intuitive and easier to navigate than ever before. Learn about what ICW is working on in Pre-K, K-12, Postsecondary Education, and Workforce Development, and on legislation such as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Be sure to check out upcoming events, promising practices, and find out how your state ranks compared to others in the latest Leaders and Laggards report series.

ICW is the education and workforce nonprofit, nonpartisan affiliate of the United States Chamber of Commerce. ICW promotes the rigorous educational standards and effective job training systems needed to preserve the strength of America's greatest economic resource, its workforce. Through its events, publications, and policy initiatives - and drawing upon the Chamber's extensive network of members - ICW connects the best minds in American business with the most innovative thinkers in American education, helping them work together to ensure the nation's continued prosperity.

PUBLICATIONS OF THE WEEK

Between November 2nd and 13th of last year, more than 3,500 stakeholders from all 50 United States and the District of Columbia participated in the United We Ride National Dialogue. Following the conclusion of the National Dialogue, an Independent Panel of Fellows of the National Academy of Public Administration conducted a review and analysis of the content and identified emerging themes and key recommendations for the Federal Interagency Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility (CCAM). The CCAM will be reviewing the themes and recommendations submitted to develop their new strategic plan and future policy direction. Many ideas and recommendations may be useful for state and local decision-makers as well. The United We Ride National Dialogue brought together key stakeholders using collaborative web-based technologies to discuss the following broad question: “What ideas can improve access to affordable and reliable transportation for people with disabilities, older adults, and people with limited incomes?”

Four overarching themes emerged as a result of an analysis of all of the ideas, comments, ratings, and tags.

According to the Conclusion in the Report’s Executive Summary “While the topics raised in this Dialogue are not new to the CCAM and stakeholders, Dialogue participants highlighted important and challenging policy concerns for moving forward. The themes, ideas, and Panel recommendations in this report identify significant opportunities for the CCAM to continue its important work to break down the Federal barriers to local coordination of Federal transportation resources and streamline access to transportation services for people with disabilities, older adults, and individuals with limited incomes.”