From AAPD (3.24.11):
AAPD Applauds EEOC on Final Regulations Under ADA Amendments Act
EEOC issues bipartisan regulations reiterating the broad scope of coverage under the ADA
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) commends the EEOC for issuing bipartisan regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Amendments Act.
The regulations will greatly simplify the determination of whether a person has a disability and allow courts and other decision makers to turn quickly to determining whether unlawful discrimination has occurred in the workplace...
For the full AAPD Press Release go to http://bit.ly/idPkBd
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From the White House (3.24.11):
Improving Employment Access for Americans with Disabilities
Last July, I had the tremendous honor of kicking off the Administration’s observance of the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and to then welcome hundreds to the White House as President Obama commemorated that extraordinary Anniversary. It was a momentous occasion as we listened to the President’s powerful speech and witnessed the signing of his Executive Order to increase the federal government’s employment of individuals with disabilities. As Americans, we’re imbued with those fantastic American values, embodied in the ADA, of a strong work ethic and working together to find common ground--all of which keeps us moving forward, diligently working to win the future.
Today, those American values are once again on display. With bi-partisan support, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) found common ground and today made available for public viewing final Rules on the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) at http://www.ofr.gov and the rule will be published tomorrow. Significantly, the EEOC considered the interests of both employees with disabilities and employers in carefully crafting regulations that will work for all stakeholders. Now, millions of Americans with disabilities, including veterans with disabilities, will be able to take one step closer to that level playing field we all seek and have the full opportunity to contribute to one of America’s greatest traditions: hard work...
I am really happy to see the government agreeing on both sides to do something about putting some of the more abled and willing back to work. Under the "Ticket to Work" Program, I worked for a short time in 2008 until health caused me back to the hospital and home. It took me MUCH longer trying to go back to work than I was able to work. It was not trying to find work, it was finding anyone who had ever heard of the program, even government programs. I must have called over 30 different places, ending up with Washington who was able to tell me about it, sent me the ticket, gave information to my state and my self, and continued to cover the case. Next, The insurance problem, which I am happy to see you have made strides on, with more work I can already see, but happy to see. My former employer, Walt Disney World and secondary insurance, MetLife Insurance had never heard of the Ticket to Work Program. It took almost 4 months from the time of getting the ticket to training everyone along the way before it could be put into effect due to lack of knowledge. Thank goodness for the Washinton Office that would call these places or take their calls and "train" them in what was expected of them. The program is very stressful in the fact you are dealing with health, cut off from possible extra health assistance, higher costs, gas, rides to work, the numerous doctor appointments, etc. What worked best for me was opening a business of my own. Had I been able to stay with it until it stayed in the black for a couple of months, I had hoped to advertise for other disAbled people to work in the store. It is still a good idea for 12 to 16 people to have a shop (thrift is good) and work with each other on flexible schedules. Another for transportation, oh, and a van if there are any investors out there. Thank You, and keep up the good work (don't tell my corporate Govenor Scott what you are doing, cause he will stop it if he finds out) !
Posted by: Meg Quinette | March 26, 2011 at 08:55 AM