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The Florida Grantor, Summer 2000

Footnotes

Call for Presenters for The Able Trust's 2001 Symposium

The Able Trust will host the Symposium on Disabilities in September 2001 in St. Petersburg, Florida (date TBA). The event is geared toward service providers and features workshops on technology, employment, innovative projects, advocacy and other disability-related issues. Presenters are invited to submit a 1-page synopsis to be considered as part of the program. The synopsis should include the following:

• Name of the Presenter(s)
• Title of the Presentation
• 100-word Synopsis of the material to be covered during the presentation

Presentations should not last more than 75 minutes. All programs will be reviewed by our Symposium Committee. The deadline to submit your synopsis is January 1, 2001.

For more information, click here.

Smithsonian Exhibit Recognizes Disability Rights Movement

The Smithsonian Institution's American History Museum is committed to explaining current events in context. This year's 10th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coincided with the Museum's efforts to understand the role of people with disabilities in our country's history. The result: an exhibit, which highlights the disability rights movement, is accessible to persons with disabilities -without the use of a guide.

The Smithsonian received input from individuals in the disability community to decide what items to include and how to display it. "We are pleased to recognize the Smithsonian for providing a historical framework for the disability rights movement. The exhibit is a significant step to validate the contribution of countless people with disabilities who fought for equal access and independence. Their sacrifice and persistence have literally improved the lives of people with disabilities throughout this country," says Carmen D. Jones, President of The Solutions Marketing Group.

Employment and Disability in the US - New Study Indicates Progress

A new survey report has just been released by the National Organization on Disability (NOD). The results point to some encouraging progress for people with disabilities on the employment front. Some of the major findings include:

• Only three in ten working-age (18-64) people with disabilities are employed full or part-time, compared to eight in ten working-age people without disabilities (32% versus 81%).
• Two out of three unemployed people with disabilities would prefer to be working.
• Fully 56% of people with disabilities who say they are able to work are working today, compared to 46% in 1986. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is undoubtedly responsible for at least part of this progress.
• The employment picture for people ages 18-29 indicates even more promise. Among this cohort, 57% of those with disabilities who are able to work are working, compared to 72% of their non-disabled counterparts - a gap of only 15%.

For more details of this report, see: www.nod.org/hs2000.html#execsum

Hotel Chain Steps Ahead in Hospitality for Travelers with Disabilities

Microtel Inn & Suites and its parent company, Atlanta-based US Franchise Systems (USFS) is a chain of hotels with an eye to becoming the destination of choice for the millions of people with disabilities who travel each year. Mike Leven, President and CEO says, "Because our hotels are newly constructed, we are in the unique position to truly serve the needs of these travelers." The construction of new buildings is matched by providing employees system-wide with Opening Doors training, a customer service training program which provides employees with skills to serve guests with disabilities.

AAPD Announces Paul Hearne Leadership Awards

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), national host organization of the Spirit of ADA Relay, announces the Paul Hearne Leadership Awards. Up to twelve people with disabilities who are emerging as leaders in their respective fields will each receive $10,000 to help them continue their progress as leaders. They will also be matched with national disability leaders who will serve as mentors. U.S. residents with any type of disability are eligible to apply. For details, visit the website at http://www.aapd-dc.org/docs/2000awards.html