Join us October 10th 2019 in celebrating 10 years of Youth Organizing (YO!) Disabled and Proud by participating in a Southern California conference for youth (between the ages of 16 – 28) and allies with disabilities to celebrate 10 Years of Advocacy and Leadership from YO! Disabled and Proud. Connect with peers, grow your network, share your disability experience and learn about YO! Disabled and Proud's mentorship program. 
We are still seeking mentors and youth participants! The event is FREE, but space is limited. Registration closes September 27,2019 Please be sure to apply online:http://yodisabledproud.org/events/disability-mentoring.php 

For any questions contact: Raelyn Keys at Raelyn@cfilc.org
 

From: Mental Health America (MHA)

As children and teens head back to school, many are often experiencing stress and loneliness. While it is normal to deal with some degree of stress or loneliness, if a young person continues to feel overwhelmed, unable to cope and feels as though their stress or loneliness is affecting how they function every day, they may be experiencing the first signs of a mental health condition, like depression or anxiety.
It’s important for parents, caregivers, and school personnel to know the signs that a young person is struggling with his or her mental health and be prepared to help.
Our 2019 Back to School Toolkit helps increase understanding of stress and loneliness in children and teens and provides materials on the topic for parents, school personnel, and young people.

This year’s toolkit includes:

• Fact sheets for parents/teachers


• Fact sheets for children/teens


• Poster for use in schools


• Key messages and statistics


• Sample newsletter article; and


• Sample social media post language and images.

[Download Toolkit]
No one has to suffer in silence. Teens can take the youth screen at www.mhascreening.org to see if they may be at risk. Parents who are concerned can take the parent survey. Once you get the results, MHA will provide you with more information and help you to figure out next steps.

NCIL’s Youth Scholarship is one of the most exciting parts of the annual conference. The Youth Scholarship allows youth with disabilities aged 26 and under to attend the conference at little or no cost to them. NCIL offers three tiers of scholarships:

Local – $110 to cover registration for youth based in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area (including youth who are in the area for summer internships or other programs)
Regional – up to $975 to cover registration, travel, and hotel for youth in Region III (DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania)
National – up to $1,200 to cover registration, travel, and hotel for youth based outside of Region III.

Please note that NCIL does not have the capacity to accept international applicants at this time. Youth under the age of 18 will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

So far in 2019, there have been scholarships awarded to nearly 30 youth from across the country. Previous Youth Scholarship recipients have gone on to serve in leadership positions on the NCIL board, get involved in their local CILs, and launch exciting careers in the field of Independent Living! You could be next! 

To apply, please fill out our online application. For help, or if you have any questions or concerns, please email Cara Liebowitz at cara@ncil.org.

Applications are only being accepted through July 1, 2019, so apply today!

NCIL’s Youth Scholarship Fund is 100% funded by generous supporters like you. Please make a donation so that more youth can experience the life changing magic of the Independent Living movement.

Online Application: https://ncilforms.wufoo.com/forms/2019-ncil-youth-scholarship-application/
To make a donation: https://ncilforms.wufoo.com/forms/support-the-2019-youth-scholarship-fund/
 

Disabled Student-led Film Project: ‘Ability’
 
Step inside the mind of youth come join us for this amazing experience!
Local aspiring artist, co-writer, and YO! Disabled & Proud volunteer Mike Infante is leading a film project centered on youth with disabilities. The film, entitled 'Ability,' focuses on 3 teens with disabilities experience their struggles with friends, bullying, being told that they are a problem in society, and along the way find love.

•  Production timeline: June 23, 2019 - middle of July


• Compensation: unpaid, food will be provided and copy of film 


• Seeking talent: (Youth with disabilities highly encouraged to apply!)
  
  
  
  • Director
  
  
  • Boom mic operator
  
  
  • Camera operator 
  
  
  
  

For more information or to apply, please contact Mike Infante directly:

• Email: Migueleyeofthetiger@gmail.com


• Private message on social media:
  
  
  
  • Instagram: @mike_angelo19
  
  
  • Facebook: Mike Infante 
  
  
  
  

Best of luck to all!!

Please join California Department of Rehabilitation Director Joe Xavier on a public forum conference call, Tuesday, May 21, 2019 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. to discuss proposed changes to our state regulations in which the most financially-able DOR consumers share the cost of postsecondary education services.

An overview of the proposed changes can be found at the following link: https://www.dor.ca.gov/Home/DORCalendar#event=30135297

Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Time: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Call-In Number:  1-800-369-1730
Participant passcode: 7132582      
 
*Please plan to call in 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to register with the operator and be placed into conference.
 

 

Position open to support the Los Rios Community College District WorkAbility III (WAIII) program! 

WAIII assists community college students with disabilities with career exploration, vocational counseling, and employment preparation.  This position is $16/hour and limited to working 135 days or 960 hours (whichever comes first) per fiscal year.  Individuals should apply by April 21, 2019 as we are planning on pulling the applications within the next couple of weeks.  Please pay close attention to the education and experience required for this position as we are not able to be flexible on this.  If there are any questions, interested applicants can contact me at the email or phone number below.
Now Hiring: Student Personnel Assistant: Career & Job Opportunity Services (temporary part-time)
 
Under general supervision of assigned manager/supervisor, provides students with career and job opportunity services, and serves as liaison with public and private sector employers.
 
Typical Duties:
Assists students in developing their educational and vocational objectives; refers qualified students to employers or employment services for placement; and conducts follow-up interviews with students.
Orients students, individually or in groups, to available resources; provides one-on-one student assistance with mock interviews, resume critiques, job searches, and using the Internet; and maintains confidentiality of information and materials.
Assists in creating an aesthetic, warm atmosphere of acceptance; operates, maintains, and instructs large and small groups in the use and orientation of resources/equipment; presents workshops on career preparation topics; and administers computerized vocational interest inventories and career planning assessments.
Creates, modifies, and maintains reports, records and forms used; develops and maintains a database to track appointments; and develops and updates an employer database.
Addresses community groups and faculty members to explain career services; coordinates career fairs and other career-related events; attends appropriate conferences, workshops and staff meetings as assigned: and performs related duties as required. 

Workability III Program:
For assignments within the Workability III Program, Student Personnel Assistant may also: assist Workability III Counselor/Coordinator in educating students and clients on the skills needed to obtain and retain gainful employment; and informs students, clients, and college personnel of present and future employment opportunities. Interprets program regulations or benefit requirements to assist students in obtaining needed supportive services. Maintains student and client files, employer job files, and statistics of placement activities; and refers qualified students to employers or employment services for placement, including work study and student help positions. Works in cooperation with counselors, instructors, disability, and Learning Disability campus resources and/or other appropriate college staff.
 
Required education and experience:

• Two years in job placement, career planning or student personnel services, preferably in an educational or community college setting OR two years experience in employment development at a community-based organization. (One year of experience is equal to 12 months of experience at 40 hours per week. Applicable part-time experience will be converted to the full-time equivalent for purposes of meeting the experience requirement.), AND


• Completion of an Associate’s Degree or 60 semester units (90 quarter units).  NOTE: An additional year of qualifying experience may be substituted for up to one year of college education. 

For more information and to apply, see https://jobs.losrios.edu/postings/4598

YO! Disabled & Proud connects, educates and organizes youth with disabilities. Together, we create positive change in our communities. Join us at the Disability Pride & Leadership Summit and be a part of our next phase of change. Become a part of the next organizing campaign to establish Disability Pride month in California and learn about the legislative process while building your leadership skills.

Please use the registration form to apply. Be sure to list your accommodation needs and sign-up no later than April 10, 2019.

 
NCIL is proud to announce the 2019 Youth Scholarship Fund. For the fifth year in a row, we will be offering scholarships to our Annual Conference to youth with disabilities ages 18–26 who may otherwise be unable to afford the cost of attendance.
 
NCIL offers three tiers of scholarships:
 
Local: Up to $110 to cover the cost of registration for youth with disabilities living in the Washington DC/Baltimore metropolitan area (this includes youth who will be in the area at the time of the conference for a summer internship or job).
 
Regional: Up to $975 to cover registration, travel, and hotel costs for youth with disabilities living in the Region III area (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia).
 
National: Up to $1,200 to cover registration, travel, and hotel costs for youth with disabilities living in other areas of the United States.
 
At this time, we are unable to accept youth under the age of 18 or from outside the United States.
 
This year, we are also introducing the Emet Tauber Youth Scholarship. Emet Tauber is a NCIL board member who is facing the end of his life. Emet’s life was changed by the Youth Scholarship Fund and, as one of his final acts, he’d like to enable others to have the same opportunities. Therefore, the Emet Tauber Youth Scholarship will be awarded each year to one national youth with a disability who is also trans and/or Jewish in recognition of Emet’s activism within both of those communities. If you would like to be considered for the Emet Tauber Youth Scholarship, follow the prompts on the application form under the “Emet Tauber Youth Scholarship” section.
 
If you’d like to apply for a youth scholarship, please fill out the online application. This is a highly competitive process and scholarships will be awarded on a rolling basis.
 
NCIL’s Youth Scholarship Fund is 100% funded by NCIL supporters like you. Please consider making a donation to the Youth Scholarship Fund so that we can keep providing this amazing experience for youth with disabilities.

For more information on the Annual Conference: https://www.ncil.org/2019-annual-conference-on-independent-living/

Online Application: https://ncilforms.wufoo.com/forms/2019-ncil-youth-scholarship-application/

Make a donation to the Youth Scholarship Fund: https://ncilforms.wufoo.com/forms/support-the-2019-youth-scholarship-fund/
 
 

Positions will be filled on a rolling basis by May 15

The Arc's National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability (NCCJD ® ) is seeking two interns to work full-time at our Washington, DC office this summer. We are seeking applicants who are current undergraduate or graduate students at an accredited university, have a demonstrated interest in public interest and/or social justice work, and have an interest in criminal justice and/or disability rights. Learn more .

Interns will work under the supervision of NCCJD's Senior Program Manager/Attorney for Criminal Justice Initiatives and will perform varied tasks, including the following:

• Respond to information and referral questions by providing resources, information, consultation with attorneys, or otherwise answering questions from the general public


• Conduct research on a variety of issues involving criminal justice and disability and assist in the development of resource sheets, info graphics, and databases


• Help refine and conduct Pathways to Justice® trainings and other training curricula


• Draft social media posts, press releases, blogs, etc.

 To Learn More: https://thearc.recruiterbox.com/jobs/fk0j7ld

The California Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE) is now accepting applications for the 2018–19 Grazer Outstanding Achievement in Learning (GOAL) award. Deadline for submission is 5 p.m., April 15, 2018.

To highlight best practices and “what is working” in California for students with disabilities, the California Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE) is seeking to recognize exemplary local educational agencies (LEAs), schools, school-systems, initiatives, programs, and practices (hereby referred to as “Programs”) that result in positive outcomes for students with disabilities in the State of California. Established by the ACSE with financial support from Hollywood producer Brian Grazer and his family, the GOAL award recognizes these innovative and replicable Programs with a monetary award, and encourages implementation of these Programs throughout California. Additional information may be found on the GOAL web page at https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/as/acsegoalaward.asp.

If you have any questions please contact: Matt Traverso, Associate Governmental Program Analyst, Special Education Division, by phone at 916-323-3308, or by email at mtraverso@cde.ca.gov.

In honor of Black History Month, we at the California Foundation of Independent Living Centers felt that it was only fitting to highlight a few of the Black leaders with disabilities who pioneered the Independent Living Movement.

Donald Galloway
You may remember seeing the photo of Donald Galloway from the 1970s. He’s rocking an afro hairstyle; he’s with Ed Roberts and his guide dog.
Mr. Galloway was a folk singer as a young man, received a master’s degree in social work and, in 1978, became Jamaica’s Peace Corps director.[i]
In the mid-1970s Mr. Galloway was the head of blind services and the Black caucus at the Center for Independent Living, Berkeley and a member of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) minority caucus.[ii]
Learn more about Donald Galloway

Joyce Jackson
Bay Area native Joyce Jackson was a disability rights activist who participated among 150 severely disabled demonstrators and their supporters who occupied the San Francisco regional offices of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW), demanding enforcement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.[iii]
Ms. Jackson was one of 20 activists sent to Washington, D.C., to meet with Carter administration officials and eventually convinced HEW officials to implement Section 504 – the landmark civil rights legislation prohibiting federally funded agencies, programs, and activities from discriminating against the people with disabilities. 
Learn more about Joyce Jackson

Johnnie Lacy
Johnnie Lacy was a cherished Hayward area community and civil rights advocate and was named Woman of the Year by the California State Senate in 1988.
After helping found Center for Independent Living - Berkeley, Johnnie was encouraged to take over the helm at the newly created Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL) in Hayward where was the Director for over a decade.[iv]
Learn more about Johnnie Lacy

Bradley Lomax
In the 1970’s Bradley Lomax was an Oakland resident and member of the Black Panther Party (BPP). He also had Multiple Sclerosis and used a wheelchair.
Recognizing the need for more disability services and supports in his own community, in 1975, Mr. Lomax approached Ed Roberts (who had helped found the Center for Independent Living in Berkeley in 1972), with a proposal to open a Center for Independent Living (CIL) in East Oakland under Black Panther sponsorship. Less than a year later, with Lomax as one of a two-person staff, the East Oakland CIL opened in a storefront, offering basic peer counseling and attendant referral.[v]
Learn more about Bradley Lomax

For more perspectives on these pioneers in Disability History, visit Ramp Your Voice.

[i] https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/donald-galloway-advocate-of-rights-of-disabled-dies-at-73/2011/10/31/gIQAl93MdM_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.4ed46cb0001f
[ii] http://bancroft.berkeley.edu/collections/drilm/collection/items/galloway.html
[iii] https://www.berkeleyside.com/2014/02/17/remembering-joyce-ardell-jackson
[iv] crilhayward.org/Tribute-to-Johnnie-Lacy/
[v] http://leadonnetwork.org/wordpress/2016/02/09/black-disability-history-brad-lomax-black-panther-revolutionary-black-nationalism-and-disability-power/

The Pine Cone Foundation (PCF) supports students with learning disabilities who wish to attend a California Community College. PCF provides year-round support for 3 years that can total up to $3,500. Application deadline is April 1st. Visit their website to learn more about The Pine Cone Foundation (PCF) organization: pineconefoundation.org. 

Eligibility video: https://youtu.be/c5f-VRB7ynA

Up to 6 high school seniors will be selected in 2019....
Students seeking associate, bachelor, technical and vocational degrees can apply if they meet these criteria:
- Have up to date documentation of a Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD)
- Graduating high school senior
- Enroll at a CA community college in the fall
- GPA of 2.5 or higher
- US. citizen and CA resident
 
For questions email: admin@pineconefoundation.org
 

Download the application here!  Please submit a completed application by the end of the day (midnight) on Sunday, February 24th, 2019 to Haley Outlaw at houtlaw@autisticadvocacy.org.

 ACI participants will travel to Washington D.C. from June 15th to June 22nd, 2019.  ASAN pays for travel and rooms for all ACI students.

If you need assistance or accommodations at any stage, or have any questions about ACI, please contact Haley Outlaw at houtlaw@autisticadvocacy.org.
 

The disAbility Scholarship  was created in 2013 to enable high school students with disabilities to go to college and target a career in the technology industry. Each year this scholarship is awarded to promising high school seniors who plan to attend a vocational or academic college in the US (or a school with a US affiliate) and have a financial need. In addition, Microsoft hopes to contribute to increasing the pool of persons with disabilities to enrolling in higher education and, in the long term, decrease the unemployment bias for this demographic.

The amount of this renewable scholarship to be awarded is $5,000 per year, up to $20,000 total, which is paid through the Seattle Foundation on behalf of the disAbility Employee Resource Group (ERG) at Microsoft to the recipient’s school’s Financial Aid Office.

All completed applications must be submitted by March 1, 2019.  

Questions regarding the scholarship can be direct to scholarships@seattlefoundation.org.
 

It's not too late to register! (Spread the word.)

What: FREE Webinar on Assistive Technology (AT) Basics

• Learn about how can tools and devices enhance your life and where to find those services.

When: Wednesday, December 19. 2018
Who should attend: Those new to disability, those who serve the disability community
Where: Online via Zoom Platform

• To attend, register at: http://abilitytools.org/training-events/training-registration.php

​Accommodations
If you need additional accommodation(s) to participate in an Ability Tools training or event, requests must be made ten business days prior to the training or event by emailing us at accommodations@abilitytools.org or contacting 1-800-390-2699 or 1-800-900-0706 TTY.

It’s been nearly a week since news outlets began reporting on the devastating tragedy of a disabled student who lost his life while at school in El Dorado Hills, California. Restraining a human being, a student, to the point of death or for any reason is unacceptable.  We, the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC), are deeply saddened and dismayed to learn about the death of Max Benson, a student with autism from Guiding Hands School on November 28. The information circulating about the incident reminds us that our advocacy to end restraints and seclusion needs to be prioritized.  
 
CFILC, a membership organization of 22 Independent Living Centers, we believe that all students should be provided with care, dignity and respect. Restraint and seclusion is not the answer. AB 2657 (Weber), sponsored by Disability Rights California (DRC) and passed by Governor Brown this year is another step towards ending such horrible practices. CFILC applauds DRC for it’s efforts and will continue to work towards eliminating restraints and seclusion to keep all students safe in school. 
 
CFILC stands in solidarity with the Benson’s family, survivors of seclusion and restraint, and our larger disability rights community.

The deadline for students to apply for 2019 Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities (YLF) has been extended! The new deadline is January 6, 2019.
 
The YLF program will be held July 15-19, 2019, at California State University, Sacramento.
 
The YLF is a five-day residential self-advocacy and leadership development summer youth program held on a college campus. It is a great opportunity for students who have been identified as potential leaders to participate in leadership development. Please share this information with your network.
 
Students must complete an application, write an essay, and provide letters of recommendation. Students will also be interviewed by a team in their local communities. This is a competitive process and not all students will be selected. We are targeting students who are sophomores and juniors during the 2018-19 school year. However, some seniors will be accepted as well. YLF applications must be completed electronically and emailed to ylf@dor.ca.gov. Again, the deadline to apply has been extended to January 6, 2019.
 
The 2019 application and related documents, including an outreach flyer, can be found at http://www.dor.ca.gov/YLF/YLF-Delegate-Info.html. All information can be shared through your distribution channels. Please print the flyer and post in your offices and share with your networks.
 
Thank you for your continued support!
 
If you have any questions, please contact Daniel Gounder at (855) 894-3436 or Daniel.Gounder@dor.ca.gov.

The 2019 YLF Student Application (PDF) is now available and the deadline to apply is extended to November 25.


What is YLF?
The California Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is a self-advocacy and leadership development program for students with disabilities who are sophomores and juniors in high school. The 2019 YLF is tentatively scheduled for July 15-19 at the California State University, Sacramento (pending funding availability).

Students stay overnight in college dorms for the college experience. During the program, students learn about employment resources, additional educational opportunities, independence and assistive technology. This video shows the activities of the week.

If you have any questions: Please call (855) 894-3436 or Email: YLF@dor.ca.gov

The Self-Advocacy Resource and Technical Assistance Center (SARTAC) is accepting applications for its 2019 PAID Fellowship for Self-Advocates. The State Council on Developmental Disabilities would like to be an organization/department to work on creative projects with a self-advocate with an innovative idea.
 
Applications Now Open for 6 PAID Fellowships for Self-Advocates!
 
What is a Fellowship?
A fellowship is a one-year project. You design a project that:

• is about self-advocacy.


• and helps solve problems that many people have.

Fellows work on their projects about 6 hours each week. SARTAC pays Fellows $5,000 to complete their projects. Find an organization near you to work with you on your project. Your project must end with a report or products others can use. Six Fellows will be chosen this year. This is the 3rd year we have had Fellowships.
 
***Deadline to apply: Thursday, December 20, 2018, 5 pm (Pacific time)
 
How to apply: Fill out the online form at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SARTAC_Fellows19
 
Want to learn more first to decide if you want to apply?

• Check out other self-advocates who are SARTAC Fellows at http://selfadvocacyinfo.org/fellows/


• Join this webinar - “How To Apply for a SARTAC Fellowship”    
  Monday, November 26, 2018  
  2:00 pm Central Standard Time 
  Meeting Link: 
  https://umkc.webex.com/umkc/j.php?MTID=m347f580e70aa027f417a39b1a73ae07e
  Or Join by phone:
  +1-855-282-6330 US Toll Free
  +1-415-655-0003 US Toll Free

Questions?
Ask Riana Hardin (she/her)
Self-Advocacy Coordinator at the State Council on Developmental Disabilities
3831 North Freeway Blvd, Suite 125,  Sacramento, CA  95834
Main: 916-263-7919  |  Fax: 916-263-7963
Direct: 916-263-8196 | 
Email: Riana.Hardin@scdd.ca.gov 
Website: http://www.scdd.ca.gov
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To students with disabilities and disability services providers at Bakersfield College:
 
The National Center for College Students with Disabilities (NCCSD) and the DREAM (Disability Rights, Education, Activism and Mentoring) student group are proud to announce:
The 2018 Disabled & Proud Conference: Leading Change
An online conference for college students with disabilities
October 11-13, 2018
All college students with disabilities and culturally Deaf students are welcome, as well as students with chronic mental and physical health conditions, and students with intellectual disabilities who are auditing or in transition programs.  Nondisabled student allies are invited, too! 
For more information, visit www.DisabledandProud.org.   
 
Please forward this email to your networks, or share conference posters available at www.DisabledandProud.org (look for the “Download Posters” button on the home page).  Visual descriptions of the posters are below.
 
For more information about the NCCSD, please see www.NCCSDonline.org or check out our Clearinghouse of resources at www.NCCSDClearinghouse.org.  DREAM’s website is at www.DREAMCollegeDisability.org.  The NCCSD and DREAM are funded by a grant to the Association on Higher Education And Disability (AHEAD) (www.ahead.org) through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education (P116D150005).
Any questions?  Need this email or the posters in other formats?  Send an email to NCCSD@ahead.org or DREAM@ahead.org.  Or call us toll-free at 844-730-8048 (ASL users can call 651-583-7499 VP).
 
Wendy Harbour, Director of the NCCSD
Kimberly Elmore, Student Director of DREAM

Please join The Kelsey on Tuesday, August 21st at 2pm PST/5pm EST for an interactive webinar titled "More Than a Problem: Exploring the Opportunity of Inclusive Community." Link to The Kelsey webinar registration page.

The Kelsey is working to solve the disability housing crisis by building affordable and inclusive communities in the Bay Area. Register for the webinar to learn about The Kelsey’s model and what they’ve learned to date, provide feedback on their approach, and find out how to get involved.

More info on The Kelsey can be found at www.thekelsey.org, or feel free to reach out to Lindsay directly at lindsay@thekelsey.org. 

Attention Inland Empire:
Learn about emerging assistive technology from Pants Up Easy and 3D printing from Service Center for Independent Life (SCIL) with Ability Tools.

• Pants Up Easy - The World's First and Only Product to Help Wheelchair Users & Others With Mobility Impairments To Pull Up Their Pants Independently.


• Service Center for Independent Life (SCIL) - Independent Living Center providing FREE services such as Assistive Technology Coordination, Advocacy, Transition Assistance, Computer Skills Training, Resume Building, SSI Benefits Help and so much more.

WHAT: ABILITY TOOLS Southern CA Training 
EVENT TYPE: In-Person Training 
WHEN: Thursday, August 16th, 2018 • 10:00AM - 3:00PM (PST)
WHERE: Services for Independent Life • 107 Spring St. • Claremont , CA 91711
* * *
This training is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Please register to attend: http://abilitytools.org/training-events/training-registration.php

Accommodations:
If you need additional accommodation(s) to participate in an Ability Tools training or event, requests must be made ten business days prior to the training or event by emailing us at accommodations@abilitytools.org or contacting 1-800-390-2699 or 1-800-900-0706 TTY.

This July, the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC) and all of its programs are celebrating the 28th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by giving away YO! swag-- Disability Pride posters, buttons, and tees!

How to enter:
1. Follow YO! on Instagram: @yodisabledandproud
2. Post a photo of you living your best life, thanks to the ADA. Use #YOADA28.
3. Tag 3 friends and challenge them to show their disability pride.
(Extra credit: describe the photo in your caption.)

YO! Will contact folks showing the most Disability Pride in their photos to send prizes. Please note: we are only able to send prizes to participants within the U.S.

Want to make a difference in California youth with disabilities?
Join us at the Catherine Kelly Baird YLF Networking Luncheon on Thursday, July 19th, 2018 at the Sacramento Convention Center. Community members will be seated with delegates of the 2018 Youth Leadership Forum in attendance.

Catherine Kelly Baird YLF Networking Luncheon 
Thursday, July 19th, 2018
12:00pm - 2:30pm
Sacramento Convention Center (Room 202-204)

YLF Alumni Presentations & Keynote by Disability Comedian Nina G. 
Tickets are $40 a person. For more information, please email CKBLuncheon@calylf.org.

Reserve your spot today: https://yodisabledproud.org/ylf-luncheon/

Learn more about Catherine Kelly Baird

The deadline to submit content for the Disability Integration Act Children’s Art Contest and Young Adult Essay Contest has been extended to Tuesday, June 26, 2018. 
All submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on June 26. Please visit our website for complete details, guidelines, and contest rules: 

•  Disability Integration Act Children’s Art Contest


• Disability Integration Act Essay Contest for Young Adults

Good luck to all contest participants!

The Independent Living Resource Center (ILRC) will be hosting its first quarterly group workshop on: June 30th 2018
It will take place at 423 W Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 from 10:30am-3:30pm
It is centrally located and close to public transit lines.
 
RSVPs are due by this Friday, June 15th. 
 
It will take place at: 423 W Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 
It is centrally located and close to public transit lines.
 
For those living outside of the Santa Barbara area, we can help with possible carpool connections, but beyond that transportation is not provided.
 
Activities, games, lunch, and snacks will be provided.
 
The workshop will cover topics such as:

• Independence/Independent Living Skills


• Employment


• Advocacy


• Mentorship


• Community


• Systems Change


• Housing 


• Post-Secondary Education 

 ILRC’s advocates will provide education on disability history and culture.
 
There will be various agencies sharing information regarding services they offer.
 
A mini tabling session will take place during lunch for attendees to learn more about various resources they might be interested in. 
 
The application for RSVP is attached to this email.
This event is wheelchair accessible.

Please email Alexa Martin at amartin@ilrc-trico.org to RSVP for this event, with any questions, or any accommodation needs! This space is wheelchair accessible.

Nominations are now OPEN for the first-ever TCE Youth Awards!

The California Endowment (TCE) Youth Awards will celebrate young leaders across the state who embody the values of TCE through civic engagement and bold leadership within their communities. These young people look at injustice as an opportunity to think creatively and act relentlessly. 

Nomination deadline is on June 8th, but why wait? Nominate incredible young change-makers in your community today!

Not leaders of tomorrow, but leaders of today. We have proof:

The Kids as Self Advocates (KASA) Project of Family Voices, is seeking youth with disabilities & health care needs to serve on our National Advisory Board.  We are seeking youth with a disability and/or health care need, between the ages of 13 and 26 to serve on the all-youth volunteer Advisory Board, which is responsible for strategic planning for the growing project, program planning, activities and outreach.  KASA works to help support youth to have control over their lives and future through peer-support and training, changing systems to include us and educating youth about their rights.
 
The Advisory Board meets monthly, by teleconference, via a free conference line or by video conference.
Advisory Board members are expected to spend about 2-4 hours/month  on KASA activities and projects
Opportunities for travel to attend or present at conferences or meetings are occasionally available to those KASA board members who are interested. When possible travel expenses will be provided in advance; all travel will be reimbursed. 
If you meet the following qualifications, please complete the application.  We are looking for:

• Youth with a disability and/or health care needs who are between 13 and 26 years old


• Youth who can make a commitment to be on the Board for 2 years 


• Youth with some leadership experience


• Youth who are enthusiastic about leadership and advocacy


• Youth who are interested in learning more about disability history, culture and rights


• Youth who can work as a team member and who are interested in understanding more about how a project works


• Youth who are connected to an advocacy or youth group in their community, state or another national organization and/or who are willing to make a commitment to do so.

KASA is a growing network, sharing information through our website and email, on issues that interest and are important to young people with disabilities & chronic health conditions. KASA membership is free and open to anyone who works with and cares about youth with disabilities and/or health care needs. 
  
Send completed applications and inquiries to the address, email or fax below:
KASA/Family Voices 3701 San Mateo Blvd., NE, Suite 103
Albuquerque, NM 87110
Email: bbaker@familyvoices.org
Fax: 505.872.4780
 

 
Participation

• You must participate in KASA Advisory Board calls [1-2 per month]


• You must actively participate in our social media efforts including, but not limited to posting content, commenting on content posted by other KASA members and staff, and sharing posts on your own timelines and groups.


• You must write at least one article or submit a resource to the website each year, or create content for at least 2 social media posts.


• You must check your email at least once a week or call someone to see what you missed.


• We work under an Annual Operating Plan that we develop.  You must work on one project a year.  

Each semester, the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) hosts 2 internship positions at our office in Washington, DC. The Policy Internship Program provides real Washington policy experience to participants at a highly respected national organization. Interns gain valuable experience in the nation’s capital and build skills necessary to be ideal candidates for open positions at NCIL, CILs, and other advocacy organizations around the country.
The NCIL Policy Internship Program is open to students and individuals pursuing a career in a field relevant to NCIL interests, particularly Independent Living and disability advocacy. Candidates must have a strong interest in disability rights and basic knowledge of the legislative process. Although not a requirement, preference shall be given to individuals with disabilities. The program lasts approximately 12 weeks, and interns are required to work at least 10-15 hours each week. 
For more information about the NCIL Policy Internship program, visit ncil.org/jobs/ncilinternships. To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation to Lindsay Baran at lindsay@ncil.org. To be considered for the summer internship program, your application must be received by May 4, 2018.  

The John Kerr Foundation, along with Tuolumne Trails Campground, is again hosting its Life-Enhancing Retreat, July 12-15, 2018.
 
This 4-day Retreat, set in the beautiful foothills of Yosemite at a fully accessible campground, is an all-expenses-paid opportunity for a select group of young adults (ages 16-22) to participate in daily sessions covering valuable life skills, including information on; Independent Living, Higher Education, Employment, Dating and Relationships, Taking Charge of Healthcare, etc.
 
These sessions are led by adults who are living with Muscular Dystrophy and who are leading full, productive lives.
 
Personal Care Assistants are provided.
 
Applications are now available for qualified young adults who may have interest, and can be obtained by e-mailing johnkerrfoundation@comcast.net or by calling 916-730-8875.

TEXT ONLY VERSION BELOW:
Career Opportunities that Transform Health Care
 
Your talent. Our vision.
As one of the nation's leading health benefits companies, Anthem seeks to attract the best talent to help us deliver on our promise to America — better, more compassionate and more affordable health care. At Anthem, one of America’s leading health benefits companies and a Fortune Top 50 Company, there is an exceptional opportunity to do innovative and meaningful work.
Because diversity matters to us, Anthem fosters a culture of inclusion where different backgrounds, perspectives, talents and life experiences come together to create innovative products and services for the people we serve.
 
We are seeking diverse & qualified interns to join our team.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer that goes above and beyond to include and accommodate Individuals with Disabilities, Anthem is looking for smart motivated students who are interested in an opportunity to help define or broaden their career path, and support disability inclusion in the workplace as part of our team. Therefore, students with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Our 2018 summer interns will be an integral part of our team of associates in a variety of roles. Interns should be prepared to work in a fast-paced, team environment and will complete their internship having obtained broad experience in various aspects of healthcare, managed care, policy, sales, administrative and management support, communications, outreach, and marketing. Interns will be paid and responsible for supporting their respective Anthem team.
 
Possible roles may include:

• Disability Policy Engagement —Assist Anthem’s team in ensuring people with disabilities are included in healthcare and essential life discussions that affect independence and access to care and services. Includes research, policy, tracking legislation and engagement with disability stakeholders.


• Enrollment & Billing – Support teams with managing documentation of inventory, supply chain management and data governance. Responsibilities include receiving In-bound calls, providing excellent customer service, and creating records in our sales database.


• Diversified Business Group – Support Anthem’s team that focuses on building  partnerships within and outside of Anthem with the management of Data and client reporting essential to our mission of strategic engagement.  Health Plan –Support one of Anthem’s leading health plans in their mission through Marketing and Communications.

 
Anthem, Inc. is ranked as one of America’s Most Admired Companies among health insurers by Fortune Magazine, and is a 2017 Diversity Inc. magazine Top 50 Company for Diversity. 56k+ associates Serving over 73 million people through affiliated companies, including 40 million within its family of health plans We are excited to engage students who are currently enrolled and completing undergraduate or graduate degrees for a PAID internship opportunity with flexible hours and diverse experience.
 
Positions in:

• Cerritos, CA


• Denver, CO


• Wallingford, CT


• Washington, DC


• Chicago, IL


• Indianapolis, IN


• Cincinnati, OH


• Richmond, VA

 
For more information on these positions and how to apply, please reach out to khalen.gloeckner@anthem.com
 
Facebook: Anthem Inc. Careers
Twitter: Anthem Inc.
LinkedIn: Anthem Inc.
EOE: M/F/Disability/Veterans

Each semester, the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) hosts 2 internship positions at our office in Washington, DC. The Policy Internship Program provides real Washington policy experience to participants at a highly respected national organization. Interns gain valuable experience in the nation’s capital and build skills necessary to be ideal candidates for open positions at NCIL, CILs, and other advocacy organizations around the country. 
The NCIL Policy Internship Program is open to students and individuals pursuing a career in a field relevant to NCIL interests, particularly Independent Living and disability advocacy. Candidates must have a strong interest in disability rights and basic knowledge of the legislative process. Although not a requirement, preference shall be given to individuals with disabilities. The program lasts approximately 12 weeks, and interns are required to work at least 10-15 hours each week. 
For more information about the NCIL Policy Internship program, visit ncil.org/jobs/ncilinternships. To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation to Lindsay Baran at lindsay@ncil.org. To be considered for the summer internship program, your application must be received by April 30. 

In the disability community, we have all seen how assistive technology (AT) allows many people with disabilities to perform functions that would be difficult without the assistance of another person.

Do you have photographs of people using AT that would look great featured in a magazine? Or even on the cover of a magazine?

Share a glimpse of the world with AT. Submit photos of individuals using AT, showing how the AT makes a difference in their lives.

All types of AT are welcome! AT can be:

• Low-tech (pencil holders, utensils)


• High-tech 


• Hardware


• Computer hardware/software


• Inclusive or specialized learning materials/curriculum aids


• Electronic devices (eye-gaze and head trackers)


• Medical Devices (wheelchairs, walkers, braces)


• Power lifts (vehicle and home)  


• And much more!

Be sure to submit photos by April 23rd, 2018. Please visit abilitytools.org/contests for more details.

Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL) presents
DANY (Disability Action Network for Youth) Conference “A Youth Transition Conference”

March 27 and 28, 2018
Shattuck Hotel, Berkeley, CA

The DANY Conference is designed for Youth with Disabilities (18 – 26) and Organizational Staff. The focus of the conference is to learn “how to develop your own DANY Group. Each organization will have up to 3 staff and 4 youth in attendance. Thanks to the Thomas J. Long Foundation, Conference fees and hotel expenses are covered. Organizations will need to pay for their staff time and their own transportation to and from the conference.
 
Attendees will learn the following:
 
How teams can develop their own “DANY” Group within their local area. CRIL Team Members and key supporters will provide valuable tools to support this needed development. 
Attendees will learn about community organizing and coordinating groups.
Attendees will learn leadership skills that will promote self advocacy and group advocacy. 
If you would like your Organization to participate in the DANY Conference, please call Jamie Caron, DANY Community Organizer (510) 881-5743 Ext. 21 before January 31st. Space is limited.
 
Sponsored by the Thomas J. Long Foundation and Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL)

The Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL) has resources, trainings, leadership opportunities, and material for youth, youth programs, youth staff, and others that are passionate about interaction, young adults and youth!
 
YOUTH and YOUNG ADULTS
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Youth Training
 
FREE
APRILs Youth Advocacy Committee is hosting a Teleconference/Webinar training for youth and young adults to learn more about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) law and how people with disabilities are protected.  We will be hosting a 7-session training that will be teaching the different areas of the law and how to understand it as it impacts part of a youth with disabilities life, so they can strengthen their advocacy. We are inviting all youth and young adults with and without disabilities.  We are encouraging all organizations, CILs, and SILCs to gather youth and young adults to participate in this interactive training. The training will have information and material about the ADA.  Along with interactive discussion and activities.  We look forward to having everyone join us.  To register please follow the link below. If you know of others that might be interested please forward this along!! Remember this training is free to all youth and young adults!!!
 
Register TODAY
It starts February 14th, 2018 at 4:00pm EST
http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/4122289/ADA-Youth-Training
 
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to Sierra Royster, Youth Programs Coordinator to walk you through the different programs and/or to learn more!!

Sierra Royster 
Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living (APRIL) 
Youth Programs Coordinator 
P:919-567-3602
april-sierra@att.net 
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Join us as we discuss who Ed Roberts was and how his legacy lives on in the disability community to this day!

#EdsLegacy

Do you know a student with a disability who is a junior or senior in high school between the ages of 16-18 years old? Does that student show leadership in her/his community? If so, have them apply to the 2018 Youth Leadership Forum (YLF). The Deadline to apply has been extended to January  31, 2018. 

What is the Youth Leadership Forum (YLF)?
YLF is a five-day summer youth leadership program for students with disabilities. The 2018 YLF will take place on July 15-20 at California State University, Sacramento. There is no program or travel cost for parents to pay. All students’ expenses are sponsored through a public-private partnership.

How are delegates chosen?
Students must complete an application, write an essay and provide letters of recommendations. Students will also be interviewed for a spot in the YLF. All YLF applications must be completed electronically and emailed to ylf@dor.ca.gov. This is a competitive process and not all students will be selected.

Students who are selected for a spot in the YLF will be contacted in spring. Parents or guardians will also receive additional detailed YLF information at that time. 

What does YLF provide attendees?
The YLF program offers peer mentoring on careers, independent living and offers resources for students to become independent. Students hear from professionals with disabilities in their chosen fields. Finally, students will have fun and meet lifelong friends.

How do students apply?
To apply for the YLF, students should visit our website at: www.dor.ca.gov/ylf.  

1. At the YLF Information Links, select Delegate Info. Page with 2018 YLF Application.


2. Next, select and complete the 2018 YLF Application.  There is also a link called ‘YLF Instructions’ to assist applicants with completing the application.

Interviews will be conducted with students and our goal is to make final delegate determinations by March/April 2018.

Additional questions?
Please call the California Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities office at 855-894-3436.

The Autistic Self Advocacy Network is now accepting applications for the 2018 Autism Campus Inclusion (ACI) Summer Leadership Academy! The ACI Summer Leadership Academy prepares autistic students to do disability advocacy at their colleges. Accepted students will travel to Washington, DC and participate in advocacy training from June 16th to June 23rd, 2018. ACI participants learn about making student groups, understanding disability policy, and talking to people in the government. ASAN pays for travel and rooms for all Academy students.

To learn more information and to apply:  http://autisticadvocacy.org/2018/01/aci-2018-applications-now-open/