Resource of the Week

Access for All Customers: Universal Strategies for One-Stop Career Centers
http://www.communityinclusion.org/article.php?article_id=268
Institute for Community Inclusion, January 2009

The One-Stop system is required to be “universally accessible” to all members of the public, including people with disabilities. The use of universal design strategies can be a major component in such efforts. Beyond helping to meet these mandates, the use of universal design can simply enable the One-Stop to provide easier access, a welcoming atmosphere and better customer service. This guide presents both principles and practical examples One Stops can follow.

Download PDF here.

Impact of the New ADA for People with Major Illness

Check out this interesting article from the Workplace Fairness blog:

The Potential Impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act on Individuals with Disease
http://www.todaysworkplace.org/2009/07/20/the-potential-impact-of-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-on-individuals-with-disease/

Resource of the Week

Creating a Roadmap out of Poverty for Americans with Disabilities
http://www.dol.gov/odep/documents/197953_DeptLabor.pdf


A Report on the Relationship of the Employment and Training Administration's Workforce Development System and Local Asset-Building Coalitions. New strategies are being pioneered across the country that address both the challenges of advancing employment options for individuals with disabilities. Collaboration between One-Stop Career Centers, the Disability Program Navigators (DPNs) and Asset Building Coalitions are reaching out to low-income workers with disabilities to help them to utilize the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), financial education, and other savings and asset building options. This report focuses on three cities that have greatly assisted people with disabilities to: Break down barriers to employment; Understand the benefits available through tax credits and tax deductions; Obtain free tax preparation; and begin the journey to self-sufficiency.

Resource of the Week

One Stops often need to help participants find local services, shelters, clinics or counseling. Making these referrals requires an up-to-date directory. This week's RESOURCE includes three good choices you can use.

San Francisco Community Services Directory
http://sflib1.sfpl.org:83/search
A comprehensive listing of community organizations and the services they provide to people in San Francisco. Search for local resources by keyword, subject, or neighborhood. Maintained by the SF Public Library. All info is updated at least once per year. Also available in Spanish.

San Francisco Homeless Resource Wiki
http://sfhomeless.wikia.com/wiki/San_Francisco_Homeless_Resource
This site provides online access to the Homeless Advocacy Project (HAP) Resource Manual, commonly referred to as SF's "resource Bible." It includes a near-complete list of shelters, food programs, health clinics and other resources for homeless, low-income and disabled residents. Start searching by clicking: "Categories Displayed By Subject." The online manual is jointly managed by HAP, Revival Ministry, Local Parks Council and the Local Homeless Coordinating Board. Users can submit their own edits and additions.

California 2-1-1
http://www.211bayarea.org/search.php
2-1-1 is an easy to remember telephone number connecting people with important community services, including transportation, emergency and healthcare options for people with disabilities. 2-1-1 phone service is free, confidential and available in over 150 languages. You can also search the database online. Maintained by the United Way.

Resource of the Week

Following up on last week's legal requirements training for One Stops, this week's RESOURCE provides more detailed information on the ADA Amendments Act (effective Jan. 1, 2009).

Accommodation and Compliance Series:
The ADA Amendments Act of 2008
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/bulletins/adaaa1.htm

On January 1, 2009, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 2008 went into effect, making some major changes to the way the definition of disability has been interpreted in the past. This publication from the Job Accommodation Network covers what you need to know about the amended ADA, accessibility in your One Stop, compliance among local employers, and participants' right to reasonable accommodations.

Download a PDF version here.


Related resource:
Notice Concerning The ADA Amendments Act of 2008

See also, the free seminar hosted by Goodwill on ADA Title 24 compliance. July 17 at 10am or 1pm. RSVP to business-services@sfgoodwill.org.