transportation

Living an independent life requires access to transportation. Running errands, attending school, going to work all require transportation, not to mention taking the occaisional vacation.

The following are links to websites to help people with disabilities learn about their rights to access transportation.



http://www.hhs.gov/od/topics/transportation/transportation.html
Traveling by air or train can be very difficult for people with physical disabilities. This website offers information for people with disabilities on accomodations required by law.


http://www.fta.dot.gov/civilrights/civil_rights_2360.html
The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination and ensures equal opportunity and access for persons with disabilities. This website has information on civil rights workshops and disability law guidance.


http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/digov-public/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=126
This section of DisabilityInfo.gov offers a wide range of information on accessible transportation systems, community transportation initiatives and federal laws and regulations to improve access and availability of bus, rail and air travel.

more on employment (for teachers, students and their families)

Employment is a very big issue for persons with disabilities, and should be addressed frequently.
The following are some websites that contain some valuable information for teachers, students and families.

http://www.dol.gov/odep/
The Office of Disability Employment Policy
This site includes a just released data base of more than 1900 job candidates with disabilities


https://wrp.gov/
The Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities
WRP has provided employment opportunities for nearly 5000 students with disabilities since 1995

http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/products/employmentguide/index.html
This is a link to a brochure "Disability Employment 101" which provides information regarding vocational rehabilitation agencies, disability and business technical assistance centers (DBTA's) and Centers for Independent Living. There is also a companion brochure available titled "Disability Employment 101 for Your Business"

social relationships

Social relationships could be very difficult for people with emotional and cognitive disabilities. Social skills training is very important for transitioning to adulthood and independence. Many different methods can be used to teach social skills. The following are some websites that might be helpful.

www.socialskillstrainingproject.com
This website offers a cognitive-behavioral approach to teach social skills


www.ramapoforchildren.org
Three summer camps, divided by age, are offered for children with emotional and learning disabilities. These summer camps can be the key for developing friendships.



www.schizophrenia.com/sznews/archives/005663.html
Adults with schizophrenia often have trouble making friends and sustaining relationships. This article describes ways to teach adults with schizophrenia social skills

Independent Living

Transitioning to independent living is an important part of life. It can be particularly difficult for persons with disabilities. The following are websites that can assist persons with disabilities and their families through this transition.

https://www.disabilityscoop.com

Disability Scoop is a newsletter offering vital information for persons with disabilities and their families. It contains the latest information on issues pertaining to education, health, law, life and money. Disability Scoop recently published an article on the grim outlook for employment of persons with disabilities in today's economic times.

http://www.apd.myflorida.com

The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities has a website with important information for persons with disabilities and their families. This websites includes links regarding employment and how to find resources. They also have a link to a monthly newsletter.

http://www.hud.gov/groups/disabilities.cfm

Appropriate housing can be a problem for persons with disabilities. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers important information regarding housing including information on renting and buying a home. There are links regarding home accessibility and fair housing rights. There is also a link with information on independent living centers.