Here is today's Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns (KCDC) Disability News message.? I hope you have a wonderful weekend.?

Martha

*Martha K. Gabehart* | "Executive Director
"Kansas Commission on Disability Concerns (KCDC)
*Kansas Governor Laura Kelly
*900 SW Jackson, Suite 100 | Topeka, Kansas 66612
(785) 296-6525 (direct) | (785) 260-4027 (cell)

[email protected] | www.kcdcinfo.ks.gov [ [link removed] ]

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This information comes from the Employment Assistance and Resource Network (EARN) on Disabiity Inclusion.

View this email in your browser [ [link removed] ].

Register for EARN's Upcoming Small Business Webinar

YOU ARE INVITED!

Did you know that many local and state governments provide incentives to small businesses to hire and retain workers with disabilities? These benefits, such as tax incentives and reimbursements for the cost of workplace accommodations, can help small business owners meet their workforce needs.

Join the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, 1?2:15 p.m. ET, for the second webinar in our small business series, ?Local and State Disability Inclusion Incentives and Resources for Small Businesses [ [link removed] ].?

Experts from Minnesota; Tacoma, WA; and the National Disability Institute will discuss how state-coordinated reasonable accommodation funds and tax incentives benefit small businesses.

During this webinar, panelists will highlight:
? A local tax incentives program that helps small businesses hire talent with disabilities to meet their workforce needs.
? A state government-funded program that provides employers with financial assistance to cover the cost of reasonable accommodations for disabled employees.
? Ways to build mutually beneficial relationships among small businesses, community organizations, and state and local governments.
Following the webinar, you are invited to participate in a 30-minute Q&A session. ASL and real-time captioning will be provided.

Participation is free, but space is limited.

Register Today! [ [link removed] ]

The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) is a resource for employers seeking to recruit, hire, retain, and advance qualified employees with disabilities. This item is fully funded by the U.S. Department of Labor?s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) under cooperative agreement No. 23475OD000002-01-00 with Cornell University's K. Lisa Yang and Hock E. Tan Institute on Disability and Employment [ [link removed] ]. The total five-year cost of this agreement amounts to $10,000,000. This item does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. For more information, visit AskEARN.org [ [link removed] ].

Copyright ? 2024 Cornell University, All rights reserved.

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This webinar announcement is from the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) Employment First Community of Practice (CoP).

View it in your browser [ [link removed] ].

Community of Practice Webinar Series
Using Able Accounts to Support Workers in CIE Positions

Wednesday May 1, 2024
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. ET

The National Employment First Community of Practice (CoP) Webinar Series augments the technical assistance areas of Employment First systems change (Capacity Building, Provider Transformation, School-to-Work Transition, Employer Engagement, and Policy/Funding Alignment). CoP participants benefit from national subject matter experts (SMEs) presenting information and resources to support Employment First efforts.

ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities and their families that allow workers to save money beyond asset limits and protect their eligibility for means-tested benefit programs. This webinar is specifically designed for the self-advocates, Employers, Providers, and Diversity / Equity / Inclusion / Accessibility executives to learn about the power of ABLE accounts for individuals with disabilities, family members, and caregivers. In addition, the webinar will highlight innovative ways employers are supporting their disabled workforce and family members through ABLE accounts, and webinar attendees will gain tools and strategies to help employers and jobseekers best take advantage of ABLE accounts.

Webinar Objectives:
? Learn the benefits of ABLE accounts and how these accounts can support people with disabilities, their families and their caregivers.
? Discover innovative ways employers can offer ABLE account benefits in a workplace to promote disability inclusion, family engagement, and recruit new talent.
? Hear from those in the workplace currently using ABLE accounts to increase their financial independence.
? Understand how providers and self-advocates can support jobseekers and employers to increase the understanding and use of ABLE accounts.

***Register for the May 1 Webinar Here [ [link removed] ]***

Please email any accommodation requests to: [ [link removed] ][email protected] <[email protected]>.

Speakers:

Eric Ochmanek
Director, ABLE today

Eric Ochmanek leads ABLE today, which directly engages the disability community through national outreach, developing resources, and fostering partnerships to increase the awareness of ABLE accounts. In 2016, Eric worked to launch one of the first ABLE programs and developed its in-state and national outreach. He has traveled throughout the country to connect people with disabilities with ABLE accounts and built partnerships within the disability, financial, legal, and support service communities.

Previously, Eric worked for British Petroleum in the North America Gas division, the White House Office of Presidential Advance, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the Office of the Secretary. Eric is a graduate of Adrian College (Adrian, MI). He and his wife enjoy volunteering at their sons' school and for their sports teams.

Sara Hart Weir
Executive Director,
Kansas Developmental Disabilities Council

Sara Hart Weir is the Executive Director of the Kansas Developmental Disabilities Council. Weir has been working in the disability community for over two decades as a nonprofit executive, disability activist and ABLE expert. She served as the President & C.E.O. of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), where during her tenure, led the passage of the landmark, bipartisan Stephen Beck Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act in 2014 (P.L.113-295). The legislation garnered the support of 85% of the entire US Congress. Sara also supported a majority of the enactment of ABLE state laws, assisted with over 40 state ABLE plan launches as well as led four successful federal improvements to the original ABLE Act.

Her passion, ignited by her late friend Kasey with Down syndrome, continues to drive Sara to ensure people with disabilities have a seat at the table and equity in the workplace. Weir co-founded the U.S. Future of Work for People with Disabilities Commission along side CEOs from Voya and SHRM, established NDSS? first-ever employment program and remains a leading voice to end the discriminatory practice of sub-minimum wage.

Sara serves as a Commissioner on the Kansas Employment Oversight First Commission, a Senior Advisor of ABLE today as well as on the Board of Directors for 2-Gether International, Creative Spirit and Golden Scoop in her hometown of Overland Park, Kansas.

Andrew Holbrook
Chief Accessibility Officer
Wells Fargo & Company

Andrew Holbrook is Chief Accessibility Officer, Strategy & Planning Executive in Diverse Segments, Representation, and Inclusion (DSRI). He is the first person to hold this role at Wells Fargo. DSRI is focused on increasing diverse representation at all levels of the company, creating a more inclusive workplace, and better serving and growing our diverse customer segments and diverse suppliers across all lines of business. Andrew joined Wells Fargo in 2013, leading Customer Analytics in Consumer Credit Solutions Marketing.

Prior to joining Wells Fargo, Andrew worked at JPMorgan Chase for seven years. There he held many leadership roles in Consumer Bank Marketing, including Head of Mass Media & Cross-sell and Head of Campaign Analytics. Before entering financial services, Andrew was an Assistant Professor at the University of New Orleans, leading research and teaching classes in public opinion and statistics. Andrew obtained a B.A. in Political Science at Wright State University. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in Political Science from Ohio State University.

Throughout his life, Andrew has been an advocate for people with disabilities. From 2021 ? 2023 he was Enterprise President of the Disability Connection Employee Resource Network (ERN), having previously served in multiple other ERN leadership roles throughout his career. Andrew was born hard of hearing, for which he has worn hearing aids since he was seven years old.

Andrew and his wife, Sarah, live in San Francisco, CA with an extremely spoiled cat, Axel.

Jack Melvin
Super Scooper
The Golden Scoop

Jack Melvin has been employed with The Golden Scoop for three years and has enjoyed every minute working in the shop learning new skills, and more importantly, has felt empowered and gained more confidence with everyday life.

In Jack's spare time, he likes to play basketball and also sings like a pop star to Justin Bieber songs.

Amber Schreiber
President & CEO
The Golden Scoop

Amber Schreiber graduated from Saint Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, Kansas then earned bachelor?s and master?s degrees in business administration from Rockhurst University. She has experience in information technology project management, business analysis, and private school administration. Her roles have incorporated fundraising, events, and strategic communications. She is committed to The Golden Scoop, where everyone has a generous spirit and is passionate about providing opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.

Employment First Webinars are recorded, and the links are distributed to the listserv within two business days following the webinar. Please share this announcement with your colleagues! If they are not a current subscriber to ODEP's Employment First mailing list, they can register using the following link:

Click here to subscribe to ODEP's Employment First Mailing List

Copyright ? 2024 Economic Systems Inc., All rights reserved.
We sent you this email because you are part of the ODEP Employment First Community of Practice. If you do not wish to receive these emails, please unsubscribe below.

Our mailing address is:
Economic Systems Inc.
3120 Fairview Park Dr
Suite 500
Falls Church, VA 22042

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This information is from the Mid-Atlantic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Center.

Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law

Upcoming Webinar - Join Us!

Inclusive Education for K-12 Students with Mental Health Disabilities [ [link removed] ]

Wednesday, May 22, 2024
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET

Registration is open!

Rebecca Raftery, Equal Justice Works Fellow at the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, will lead a webinar on legal rights and inclusion of K-12 students with mental health and behavior-related disabilities under the ADA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

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Virtual National ADA Symposium

Registration Closes April 26!

The Great Plains ADA Center and the ADA National Network are excited to launch the 2024 National ADA Symposium in a virtual format. This three-day training event offers 36 sessions covering all areas of the Americans with Disabilities Act presented by nationally recognized experts in issues related to the ADA.

Hurry! Registration is closing soon! To learn more and to register, visit the National ADA Symposium website [ [link removed] ].

__________________

2024 ADAcon Updates

2024 ADAcon: Inclusive Hospitality & Tourism [ [link removed] ]

October 15 - October 17, 2024
HOTEL DU PONT
Wilmington, DE

Exhibitors and sponsors, join us for this exclusive event at the historic Hotel DU PONT, where you'll have the opportunity to network with leaders and reach up to 200 participants in the field of inclusive hospitality and tourism.

Interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at the 2024 ADAcon? Please contact the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center <[email protected]>!

For more information or questions contact the
Mid-Atlantic ADA Center
A project of TransCen, Inc.
[email protected] <[email protected]>
(800) 949-4232 (DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, WV)
(301) 217-0124

TransCen, Inc. is a Rockville, Maryland non-profit corporation dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through meaningful work and community inclusion. The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center, operated by TransCen, provides information, guidance and, training, to DC, DE, MD, PA, VA, and WV on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The information, guidance and/or materials provided are intended solely as informal guidance. The Mid-Atlantic ADA Center is funded under a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), NIDILRR grant #90DPA0008. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the HHS, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.

Connect with us <[email protected]>

TransCen, Inc. - Mid-Atlantic ADA Center | 12300 Twinbrook Parkway, Suite 350, Rockville, MD 20852

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Job Vacancy Announcements

The Intrust Bank job vacancy listing is attached below.?

Blue Cross/Blue Shield has posted new job listing on their website [ [link removed] ].?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services has job vacancies and internships available. Please see their website [ [link removed] ].?

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This information is from the Viscardi Center, Digital Accessibility Services.

Webinar: Digital Accessibility Shouldn?t Be A Thousand-Piece Puzzle!
Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 1pm ET

It's time to bust the myths and turn the fears and challenges upside down to help you become empowered and confident in conquering digital accessibility. Learn about processes, best practices, and metrics to start getting wins fast.

The session will include an overview of how to streamline your journey to provide inclusive digital experiences. Together, we will explore simplifying digital accessibility for organizational success, creating a solid framework for sustainable accessibility practices. Finally, we will showcase a complete support system for your accessibility journey.

Closed Captioning (Remote CART) will be provided during the live event.

Register now [ [link removed] ]

The Viscardi Center

Contact: [email protected]

516-465-1596
201 I. U. Willets Rd.
Albertson, NY 11507

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This information is from Social Security.

News Release
SOCIAL SECURITY

Social Security to Expand SSI Rental Subsidy Policy
Agency Continues to Remove Barriers to Accessing SSI Payments

Last Thursday, the Social Security Administration published a final rule, ?Expansion of the Rental Subsidy Policy for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Applicants and Recipients.? This rule provides the second of several updates to the agency?s SSI regulations that will help people receiving and applying for SSI.

?Our mission is to continue to help people access crucial benefits, including SSI,? said Martin O?Malley, Commissioner of Social Security. ?Simplifying and expanding our rental subsidy policy nationwide is another common-sense solution that will improve program equality and will reduce agency time spent calculating and administering rental subsidy.?

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SSI provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness, and to adults aged 65 and older, who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits can help pay for basic needs like rent, food, clothing, and medicine. People applying for and receiving SSI must meet eligibility requirements, including income and resource limits.

?

Under the final rule, beginning September 30, 2024, the agency will expand its SSI rental subsidy policy, which due to judicial decisions is currently only in place for SSI applicants and recipients residing in seven States (Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, New York, Texas, Vermont, and Wisconsin). In those states, rental assistance, such as renting at a discounted rate, was less likely to affect a person?s SSI eligibility or payment amount. This new rule extends the same advantageous policy to all SSI applicants and recipients nationwide. This may increase the benefit amount some people are eligible to receive and will allow more people to qualify for critical SSI payments.

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The agency continuously examines programmatic policies and makes regulatory and sub-regulatory changes as appropriate. Look for more announcements in the coming weeks.
For more information on the SSI program, including who is eligible and how to apply, visit Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | SSA [ [link removed] ].

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To read the final rule ?Expansion of the Rental Subsidy Policy for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Applicants and Recipients,? visit Federal Register: Expansion of the Rental Subsidy Policy for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Applicants and Recipients [ [link removed] ].

The final rule expanding the rental subsidy policy is another announcement that removes barriers to accessing SSI payments. Learn about ?Omitting Food from In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) Calculations [ [link removed] ].?

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* Job Openings for INTRUST Bank.pdf [ [link removed] ]

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