AUCDigest
September 25, 2006 • Volume 6, Number 65
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 1-2 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
Improving NIH Management and Operation: A Legislative Hearing on the NIH Reform Act of 2006. September 19, Dr. Elias Zerhouni (NIH Director) provided testimony to the House Energy and Commerce Committee during a hearing on Representative Barton's bill for NIH reauthorization.
New Appointees Sworn In on September 14 to Serve on President's Committee For People with Intellectual Disabilities. The PCPID acts in an advisory capacity to the President and the Secretary of HHS on matters relating to programs and services for persons with intellectual disabilities. President Bush has adopted several national goals to uphold the right of people with intellectual disabilities to enjoy a quality of life that promotes independence, self-determination and participation as productive members of society.
Homeland Security and National Groups Join Forces to Help Older Americans and Individuals with Disabilities Prepare For Emergencies. September 6, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced joint efforts with AARP, American Red Cross (Red Cross), the National Organization on Disability (NOD) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to assist older Americans and individuals with disabilities in preparing for emergencies. The department's Ready Campaign, AARP, Red Cross and NOD developed two new brochures highlighting the key preparedness steps Senior Citizens and Individuals with Disabilities and their families and caretakers should take before emergencies occur. For free copies of the new emergency preparedness brochures, visit the Ready America website or call 1-800-BE-READY.
Youth Services Endorsement Credential. September 6, the U.S. Office of Disability Employment Policy and the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability/Youth (NCWD/Youth) announced a new credential-the Youth Services Endorsement-recognizing the knowledge, skills, and abilities of youth service practitioners. It adopts competencies aimed at improving the workforce development system for all youth, while focusing on policies and practices that enhance services for youth with disabilities.
Mental Health Consumer/Survivors Create National Coalition. Mental health consumer/survivors have formed a national coalition to ensure that they play a major role in the development and implementation of health and mental health care and social policies at the state and national levels. The National Coalition of Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Organizations (NCMHCSO) will collaborate with other advocacy groups to ensure that consumer rights policies continue to move towards promoting full participation and integration in the community. The Coalition supports the efforts of the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to transform the mental health system to one that is recovery-based and consumer- and family-driven, and supports SAMHSA's consensus statement on recovery.
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