Contact Information
106 East College Avenue
Suite 820
Tallahassee, FL 32301
888-838-ABLE
(toll-free in Florida)
850-224-4493 Voice or TDD
850-224-4496 Fax
Email:info@abletrust.org
Questions or Comments?
Email the webmaster.
Disability Advocate Retires
On March 19, 2003, over one hundred friends, disability advocates and community leaders gathered at the Silver Slipper Restaurant in Tallahassee to honor Jo Ann Hutchinson, Executive Director of the Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged, who will be retiring from public service effective June 30, 2003. Hutchinson has spent twenty-three years with the Transportation Disadvantaged Program, beginning her career with the Department of Transportation as the first Statewide Program Manager who oversaw the program's implementation period. She then became the Director of the former Coordinating Council on Transportation Disadvantaged in 1985 and has served as the Executive Director of the Commission since its inception in 1989.
The program has flourished under Hutchinson's leadership. She has tirelessly fought for the accessibility of transportation services to be brought to the forefront of all elected officials and has organized a statewide advocacy effort to assist with this educational process. Her "go-get-um" attitude and dedication to people with disabilities will be missed by all. The Able Trust wishes her the best of luck in her future endeavors.
YLF Alumni Chosen as Role Models
Twenty-one YLF alumni were selected to serve as Junior Staff members for the 2003 Youth Leadership Forum, scheduled for July 24-27, 2003, in Tallahassee. Junior staff were chosen for their leadership qualities and community service to help YLF delegates get the most out of their experience. They not only serve as peer mentors, but also gain valuable skills by coordinating activities and leading group discussions during the forum.
The following students have been selected as Junior Staff members: Kami Bell, Kate Dubisky, Hilbert Hampton, Rebecca Hartman, Jennifer Heller, James Hitt, Taylor Jordan, Evan Kahn, Scott Mechaney, Robert Murphy, John Negri, Shayla Nelson, Justin Parker, Delaney Pawless, Steven Robbins, Sarah Russell, Jenna Schilsky, Danielle Stephens, Trenton Stryker, Evan Wainwright and Douglas Winter.
Additionally, nine YLF alumni have been chosen to serve as co-facilitators during the forum. Co-facilitators work in pairs and are assigned their own delegate home group, in which they will assist students during small group discussions and with their personal leadership plan development.
The following individuals were selected to be co-facilitators for the 2003 YLF: Ashley Allen, Grace Allen, Jon Davis, Kim Groth, Emily Morgan, Erica Summers, Meneisha Taylor, Michelle Warren and Brandi Watkins.
Congratulations and thank you to all our youth volunteers!
Self Employment Resources on the Web
Several resources are available for small business and self employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
The Job Accommodation Network provides information, counseling and referrals about self-employment and small business ownership opportunities via their website at http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu/sbses/
Yahoo is offering online discussion groups on issues of self employment for people with disabilities. Visit groups.yahoo.com/group/pwd_self-employment/.
A new book, entitled "Now More Job Interviews! Self Employment Strategies for People with Disabilities" is available on the web for $29.95 at www.diversityshop.com/store/interviews.html.
Employment Issues for People with Mental Illness
The National Center on Workforce and Disability recently published an article featuring facts and guidelines on the employment needs of people with psychiatric disabilities. The article addresses how people with psychiatric disabilities are stigmatized and offers guidelines on how to help overcome those barriers. The article is available online and includes links to myths and facts about mental illness.
For more information, visit www.onestops.info/.
Website To Gather Comments About Disability Research Needs
The US Department of Education recently created a website to ensure that federal research efforts meet the needs of the disability community. The site, which was developed under DOE's Interagency Committee on Disability Research, enables visitors to provide comments and ideas about access to technology, education, employment, community life and healthcare. For more information, visit www.icdr.us/.
Internet Article Addresses Changes at Social Security
The National Center on Workforce and Disability offers an online article that provides a clear explanation of how recent Social Security Administration incentives can assist people with disabilities to enter the workforce. For a copy, visit www.disabilityinfo.gov.
New Interagency Working Group To Address Assistive Technology
President George W. Bush has established the Interagency Working Group on Assistive Technology Mobility Devices. The Working Group will identify existing programs and resources that are designed to help individuals with disabilities obtain assistive technology mobility devices for education and employment. The working group will help improve coordination among programs, train vocational rehabilitation counselors and inform individuals with disabilities about these opportunities.
For details, visit the website at http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/02/20030212-12.html.
WRP Database of Students Seeking Employment Now Available
The Office of Disability Employment Policy's Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP) 2003 database is now available through The Able Trust/FGA. The CD-ROM contains information on over 1,200 qualified college students with disabilities from 200 of the nation's leading colleges.
Students with majors ranging from engineering to technology to finance are screened by ODEP and eager to work in summer internships and permanent positions. The database allows employers to search using key words, location and degree.
To obtain a copy of the FREE CD-Rom, call Kristen Knapp, APR, at 888.838.2253 or email kristen@abletrust.org.
ODEP Seeking Nominations for the New Freedom Initiative Award
The US Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy is inviting nominations for the Secretary of Labor's 2003 New Freedom Initiative Award. Established in 2002, this award recognizes businesses, organizations and individuals who have demonstrated exemplary and innovative efforts in furthering the employment objectives of President George W. Bush's New Freedom Initiative.
Complete eligibility criteria and nomination guidelines can be accessed at www.dol.gov/odep. Interested persons may also request a copy of the Federal Register notice by writing to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy, Room S1303, Washington, DC 20210. The deadline for receipt of nominations is May 15, 2003.
