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Access Board Releases Draft Refresh of Section 508 Standards & Section 255 Guidelines

The Access Board has released a draft of updated requirements for information and communication technology (ICT) covered by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act. As part of this rulemaking, the Board proposes to supplement its ADA Accessibility Guidelines to include certain types of interactive transaction machines such as point-of-sales machines and self-service kiosks. Public comments are due by June 21, 2010. On April 1, 2010 the Board will conduct a webinar on the rule to review and explain changes.

Social Security's "Choose Work" Web Site

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has launched the Choose Work web site for people receiving Social Security disability benefits. View short, informative videos; hear powerful stories told by people whose circumstances have led them to explore the Ticket and other Work Incentives; experience a Work Incentive Seminar Event and find local resources and other helpful information for Social Security disability beneficiaries who want to return to work.

SSA Requests Comments on Determining Disability for People with Drug Addiction or Alcoholism

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is requesting comments about its operating procedures for determining disability for persons whose drug addiction or alcoholism (DAA) may be a contributing factor in deciding if a claimant is disabled. Comments must be received by March 30, 2010.

Federal Hiring Event for People with Disabilities - April 26th

Last year President Obama announced several initiatives to increase the employment of people with disabilities in the federal workforce. In support of this goal, on April 26, 2010 the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy, along with many other federal agencies, will host a day-long, invitation only Federal Hiring Event for People with Disabilities in Washington, DC. Representatives from federal agencies will be reviewing resumes prior to this event, and inviting prospective job candidates for interviews. Watch a captioned video about this event.

NIB Fellowship for Leadership Development Application Deadline Extended to April 20th

Applications for the Fellowship at National Industries for the Blind are now being accepted. The Fellowship for Leadership Development, sponsored by National Industries for the Blind (NIB), is a salaried, two-year program that combines business-focused, on-the-job experience with formal management training. Legally blind individuals who have an undergraduate degree, work experience and passion for business are invited to apply. Read the Frequently Asked Questions document for more information. Application deadline is April 20, 2010.

FCC Plan Details Actions for Connecting Consumers, Economy to Affordable High-Speed Internet

The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Connecting America: The National Broadband Plan lays out a plan to connect the nation to high-speed Internet service over the next decade. Currently, only 42 percent of people with disabilities use broadband at home. Among the plan's goals is to bring affordable broadband to rural communities, schools, libraries and the poor, elderly, racial and ethnic minorities and people with disabilities. Chapter 9 of the plan discusses the importance of affordable and accessible assistive technologies that will enable people with disabilities to benefit from high-speed Internet service.

Vancouver 2010 - Paralympic Games

The Vancouver 2010 Paralympics began on March 12, 2010. Read the schedule of events for the Biathlon, Alpine Skiing, Wheelchair Curling, Ice Sledge Hockey, Cross Country Skiing and other events that will run through March 21st. Learn more about the Vancouver Paralympic Village.

Census 2010 - Toolkit for Reaching People with Disabilities

Accurate representation and funding are especially important to people with disabilities. Wthout an accurate count, important community services such as health care and transportation may not be adequately funded. This toolkit is intended as a resource for organizations that serve people with disabilities. It contains resources to support efforts in raising awareness of, and encouraging participation in, the 2010 Census.