Ability Specialists Blog

2010 US Census

// March 19th, 2010 // Feature Articles

Every year the Census helps determine how $400 billion in federal funds is awarded to states and communities. This includes support for programs and services for people with disabilities such as:

IMPORTANT

February 2010 Disability Employment Statistics Released

// March 11th, 2010 // Feature Articles

In February 2010, the percentage of people with disabilities in the labor force was 21.9. This translates into a total of 21,012,000 who are included in the civilian noninstitutional population (16 years and older) but not in the labor force. By comparison, the percentage of persons with no disability in the labor force is 70.1.

The unemployment rate for those with disabilities was 13.8 percent, compared with 10.3 percent for persons with no disability, not seasonally adjusted.

Read about the February Disability Employment Statistics

Read Commonly Used Terms in BLS Employment Statistics

Alzheimer’s Association Gives Commissioner Astrue

// March 9th, 2010 // Feature Articles

The Alzheimer’s Association today presented Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, with their 2010 Humanitarian Award. This honor is given each year to a public official who has made a significant contribution to help those who are struggling with Alzheimer’s disease. In recognizing Commissioner Astrue, the Alzheimer’s Association noted, “his exceptional leadership in creating the Compassionate Allowances Initiative and the decision to include early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in that initiative.” Read full release: humanitarian-award-pr-alt

HCBS-SLS Waiver Facts

// March 4th, 2010 // News That Affects You

Frequently Asked Questions regarding HCBS-SLS Waiver Service plan authorization Limits.  Click Here: SLS FAQs

Sensory Processing Disorder- A touchy situation

// March 4th, 2010 // Feature Articles

Clothes feel scratchy, hugs are shrugged off – coping with sensations can be a problem, but is it a disease?

Ana can sit on the couch for only about five minutes before it’s time to move. First she rides her bright blue unicycle a few times around the dining room table. Then she gets on a swing hung from the doorway and pumps until her feet can touch the ceiling. A few minutes later she’s doing laps around the table on her RipStik – a skateboard-like balance board. Then she runs outside and climbs the back fence (more fun than going through the gate), to jump on a trampoline. After mastering a flip, she manages to climb back into the house through an open window.

Life with Ana, who turns 11 this month, is action-packed.

Social Security Hearings Backlog Falls to Lowest Level Since 2005

// March 4th, 2010 // News That Affects You

Upcoming Events

// March 4th, 2010 // Workshops and Seminars

PEAK Parent Center March and April Parent Training Opportunities 2010

Click here for the full schedule: Microsoft Word – March and April Parent Training Opportunities 2010

February Achievements

// February 24th, 2010 // What's Happening At Ability Specialists

It was a great month for goals at Ability Specialists with 5 participants receiving awards!  The ceremony at Fazoli’s was great as always and followed by the Sweetheart dance at the Buck Recreation Center.  Pictures of the ceremony and dance are soon to follow so keep checking back!

Upcoming Events

// February 24th, 2010 // Support Your Community

March 21, 2010
World Down Syndrome Day
In celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, Self-Advocates age 18 and older are encouraged to volunteer in the community to share our message of inclusion and showcase their abilities. We are partnering with several organizations in the community for placement with volunteer opportunities.

Please contact Volunteer & Events Coordinator, Melissa Davis for more details. 303-756-6101 melissad@mhdsa.org

Report Outlines Action Plan To Meet Housing Need Of Adults With Autism

// February 24th, 2010 // Feature Articles

Bold steps are needed to increase housing options for a burgeoning population of adults with autism, researchers say in a report out this week.

Currently, nearly 80 percent of those with autism ages 19 to 30 live with their parents, as few other choices exist outside of institutionalization. Meanwhile, about 500,000 children with the disorder are expected to reach adulthood in the next 15 years.

To meet the growing need, researchers are calling for a national network of nonprofits to collect data on the needs of the adult population with autism in the new report titled Opening Doors: A Discussion of Residential Options for Adults Living with Autism and Related Disorders.  Read more: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2010/02/17/autism-adults-housing/7030/