AUCDigest
July 19, 2006 • Volume 6, Number 63
Forging New Partnerships for New Challenges Through Research, Education and Service
Current and past editions of AUCD Legislative News In Brief are posted through the AUCD Website. These weekly one to two-page updates are intended to keep association members informed about federal legislative and regulatory issues affecting people with disabilities, their families and the network of AUCD programs and centers.
Recent Policy Issues and Events
HHS Announces $15 Million Collaboration on Prevention for Older Americans. July 5, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced a $15 million collaboration with the Atlantic Philanthropies to improve the health and quality of life for older Americans at the community level. Secretary Leavitt has identified prevention as a priority issue in order to highlight the importance of preventive care and chronic disease management.
Department of Labor Awards $14.5 Million for Disability Program Navigators. June 30, the US Department of Labor announced nearly $14.5 million in grants to fund Disability Program Navigators (DPNs) in 13 states and the District of Columbia. The DPN initiative aims to assist individuals with disabilities in accessing employment through workforce system services. First funded in 2003, the primary objective of the initiative is to increase employment and self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities. Collaboration among DOL, SSA, and state workforce investment boards helps provide access to programs and services that allow individuals with disabilities to enter the workforce.
Justice Department Sues Florida County for Engaging in Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities. June 30, the Justice Department announced today that it has filed a lawsuit against Sarasota County, FL alleging housing discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The complaint, filed in the US District Court for the Middle District of Florida, alleges that the county refused to allow Renaissance Manor Inc., to operate six homes for individuals with mental illness and a history of substance abuse. The homes are intended to provide a supportive environment for residents, but are otherwise similar to other houses in the county inhabited by residents sharing living space and common facilities. According to the government's complaint, the homes at issue are permitted to operate as a matter of right under the county's zoning code, but the county determined that the homes violated the code because of the residents' disabilities. The complaint also alleges that the county retaliated against Renaissance Manor by refusing to release grant funds it had been previously awarded to it.
US Department of Education Issues Final Regulations for IDEA Part D-Personnel Development. The US Department of Education has released final regulations relating to service obligations under IDEA Part D-Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities. These regulations went into effect on July 5, 2006. Major changes from the proposed regulations include the expansion of eligible employment options for scholars, and an increase in the number of years allowed to fulfill a scholar's service obligation, from three years to five.
Congress Approves Coin to Honor Braille. Congress has authorized the US Mint to produce a silver dollar commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille, the creator of the Braille alphabet for the blind. The legislation, which passed in the Senate last week after receiving approval in the House in February, authorizes the Mint to issue up to 400,000 silver-dollar commemorative coins in 2009. The coins will feature Braille's image and raised dots that spell out "Brl," the contraction for Braille. Under the legislation, a $10 surcharge will be added to each coin, with money from the sales going to support programs to help the blind. The National Federation of the Blind said it will match the money raised through the sales with its own fundraising efforts to support Braille literacy programs.
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