AdvocacyCenter

"Presidential Candidates Should Make Their Web Sites Accessible"

2008-09-04T16:59:00Z

From the International Center for Disability Resources on the Internet

Saturday’s congressional primary election on hold

2008-09-04T16:52:00Z

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/politics/27795569.html

AC will staff our election hotline when the election is rescheduled.

Hurricane Gustav update

2008-09-04T16:50:00Z

The Advocacy Center will be closed until Monday, September 8th. Currently, the best way to request assistance, get more information or contact staff is via email. Email advocacycenter@advocacyla.org.

2008 Louisiana Job Fair – Northshore

2008-08-28T15:23:00Z

Time and Place

Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Time: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Location: Knights of Columbus Hall – Slidell
City/Town: Slidell, LA

Contact Info

Contact Name: Debbie Welch, LBLN
Phone: 5042020613
Email: dwelch20@cox.net

The Louisiana Business Leadership Network and the Medicaid Purchase Plan are offering this job fair for people with disabilities who are looking for a job. You can look on this Web site (http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/offices/page.asp?id=136&detail=7068) for more information.

Find Your Voice

2008-08-27T21:57:00Z

Find Your Voice: Connecting People with Disabilities Through the Internet

The Advocacy Center is excited to begin a new project to connect people with disabilities throughout the Internet. We will be recruiting a team of 15 people with disabilities who live in Louisiana to interact, comment, and connect through AC’s website and Facebook/Disaboom pages.

Expectations: Team members will be expected to view and comment on AC’s pages and/or make suggestions for posts and topics at least 2 times per week and 10 times per month. Team members will be encouraged to interact via these sites as much as possible.

Requirements:
· Person with a disability living in Louisiana.

· Access to the internet

· Access to email and willingness to check and respond to email at least 3 times per week with or without assistance.

· Ability to comment and interact via the Internet with or without assistance at least 2 times per week and 10 times per month. Derogatory or offensive language and comments are not allowed.

· Willingness to tell your story including disability information. Members’ photos, story and first names will be shared on AC’s website and/or Facebook/Disaboom pages.

Stipend: $45 per month
This stipend is considered income. Please contact the Advocacy Center’s WIPA program for information on how this income may affect any public benefits (SSI, SSDI) that you receive - 1-888-942-8104.

Length: October 1, 2008 to March 31, 2009* (Project may be extended depending on funding and success.)

Applications will be accepted until September 15, 2008. Deadline may be extended if necessary.

https://advocacyla.dabbledb.com/page/webcontentcreatorapplication/olhLNCZI

"Our view: Leave hateful, hurting words out of speech"

2008-08-27T21:13:00Z

From TheTownTalk.com.

2008 Louisiana Job Fair - Alexandria

2008-08-27T16:42:00Z

Time and Place

Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Time: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Location: Best Western Inn & Suites Conference Center
City/Town: Alexandria, LA

Contact Info
Contact Name: Debbie Welch, LBLN
Phone: 5042020613
Email: dwelch20@cox.net

The Louisiana Business Leadership Network and the Medicaid Purchase Plan are offering this job fair for people with disabilities who are looking for a job. You can look this Web site for more information.

Bike MS

2008-08-26T15:19:00Z

Multiple Sclerosis Society Fundraiser

Time and Place

Start Time: Saturday, October 4, 2008
End Time: Sunday, October 5, 2008
Location: Hammond, LA to McComb,MS
City/Town: Hammond, LA

Contact Info

Phone: 18003444867
Email: ashley.easley@nmss.org

"The Term 'Retard' Is a Big Deal to People Like Me"

2008-08-25T15:53:00Z

From inrich.com.

Get WISE about your benefits - Alexandria

2008-08-22T16:31:00Z

This workshop is for people who receive Social Security benefits and want to work. You must register in advance. If you need accommodations such as a sign language interpreter or accessible materials, call at least five days in advance.

To Register: http://www.cessi.net/WISE/

Time and Place

Date:	Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Time:	1:00pm - 4:00pm
Location:	Broadway Resource Center
Street:	712 Broadway Ave.
City/Town:	Alexandria, LA

Get WISE about your benefits

2008-08-21T15:37:00Z

Time and Place

Date:	Thursday, September 25, 2008
Time:	1:00pm - 4:00pm
Location:	Jefferson Business Career Solution Center
Street:	1900 Lafayette St.
City/Town:	Gretna, LA

New Louisiana Voting Laws

2008-08-20T15:00:00Z

On August 15, 2008, two new laws, which provide greater voting access for people with disabilities and seniors, went into effect.

The first, Act 602 by Representatives Gallot (D-Ruston) and Barras (D-New Iberia) expands options for people with disabilities to verify that they are eligible to receive assistance in voting. In addition to a doctor’s note or mobility-impaired identification card, voters can now use a proof of eligibility for social security benefits, veteran’s disability benefits, paratransit services, benefits from the office for citizens with developmental disabilities or benefits from Louisiana Rehabilitation Services. Voters can furnish this documentation when registering to voteto the parish registrar of voters, in person or by mail, prior to Election Day, or on Election Day. Remember to choose the individual who will provide assistance carefully as this person is picking YOUR choices when YOU vote.

The second, Act 599 by Representatives Gallot (D-Ruston) and Barras (D-New Iberia) provides that a voter with a disability can demonstrate eligibility to vote absentee by mail by showing any one of several documents. These include a doctor’s note, mobility-impaired identification card, current proof of eligibility for social security benefits, veteran’s disability benefits, paratransit services, benefits from the office for citizens with developmental disabilities or benefits from Louisiana Rehabilitation Services.

In addition, for voters who request to vote absentee by mail because they have a disability or are 65 or older, the request will remain valid indefinitely, unless or until the absentee ballot is returned to the parish Registrar of Voters as undeliverable. Under the prior law, people had to request to vote absentee by mail every year or every election.

Both of these pieces of legislation are likely to significantly increase voting access for the thousands of Louisiana citizens with disabilities and seniors.

Don’t forget!! There are several options to increase accessibility for voters with disabilities – the audio ballot feature, 8 ½ x 11 magnifying glass, and attachments which allow voting using a sip and puff device. Machines can also be lowered for a person using a wheelchair. All of these are available by request and documentation of disability is not required.

"Respect rights of the disabled"

2008-08-19T15:15:00Z

From The Times-Picayune

"Slurs are not acceptable"

2008-08-18T15:43:00Z

From The Times-Picayune.

Voting Seminar - Houma (evening)

2008-08-14T16:28:00Z

The Secretary of State's office, along with the Advocacy Center, will be conducting seminars concentrating on the voting rights and voting procedures for individuals with disabilities and the elderly. Voting machines will be made available to provide you with hands-on-experience.

If you need more information or special accommodations, call the Advocacy Center at 1-800-960-7705 or e-mail advocacycenter@advocacyla.org.

Time and Place

Date:	Thursday, August 28, 2008
Time:	6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location:	Terrebonne Parish Public Library
Street:	151 Civic Center Blvd.
City/Town:	Houma, LA