The number of seniors in California is expected to more than double by 2060, from roughly 5 million to 12 million. A new report from the Legislative Analyst’s Office says this future senior population will be more racially diverse than seniors in the U.S. as a whole: the state’s elderly population is projected to become majority nonwhite as soon as 2030. Read more…
‘Miracle’ field planned for Petaluma
HANNAH BEAUSANG
ARGUS-COURIER STAFF | November 26, 2016
Liam Richardson is an ebullient and engaging 12-year-old who has big league dreams of hitting little league home runs in Petaluma.
Richardson, who has Down syndrome, might soon have the opportunity bring his athletic aspirations to fruition on an adaptable baseball diamond built at Lucchesi Park by a local group that’s part of a nationally recognized Miracle League nonprofit.
Backed by a group of Petaluma parents, athletes and business leaders who formed the Miracle League North Bay, the $2 million project would include a custom-designed, rubberized turf field that will measure 200 feet from home plate to outfield. The diamond will accommodate wheelchairs and other devices while minimizing injuries, breaking down barriers posed by dirt infields and natural grass that can make it difficult for those with disabilities to play on traditional fields. Read more…
Ford steps up effort to hire people with autism
Ford Motor Co. plans next year to hire an additional 12 to 24 adults with autism, expanding a program with the Autism Alliance of Michigan that has more than 30 other local companies signed on. Read more…
Public Comment Opens for Final Draft of California Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) Blueprint
The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), California Department of Education (CDE), and @California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) have entered into a new agreement consistent with the State’s “Employment First” policy and other laws to make employment in an integrated setting, at a competitive wage, for individuals with intellectual disabilities and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) its highest priority.
The California Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) Blueprint is the combined effort of the CDE, DOR and DDS in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders, including Disability Rights California (DRC) with leadership provided by the California Health and Human Services Agency. The purpose of the Blueprint is to increase opportunities for Californians with ID/DD to prepare for and participate in CIE.
The final draft California Competitive Integrated Employment Blueprint is available at the CHHS website in English, Spanish, Chinese, Armenian, Russian, Vietnamese and Tagalog.
The public comment period for the draft Blueprint is now open and will close on December 30, 2016. Written comments and questions may be submitted to CaliforniaCIE@dor.ca.gov.
How We’re Failing Parents Raising Kids With Special Needs
“When do you sleep, Liz?” I’m asking for the article, but I’m also concerned, frankly, about her long-term sleep deprivation. “I typically get two hours in a row, sometimes four, at night. Then I cat nap during the day.”
RFP for Community Placement Plan FY 2016-17
NBRC receives funds from the Department of Developmental Services to develop a Community Placement Plan (CPP). The goal of the FY 2016-2017 CPP is to enhance services in the community to support individuals who either want to move from a state developmental center, locked mental health facility, or out- of state residence into their home community or who are at risk for admission to an institutional setting.
Additionally, per the announcement of the 2018 closure of the Sonoma Developmental Center, NBRC is focused on developing resources for the SDC residing individuals moving into the community. NBRC will make every effort to collaborate with SDC, DDS, and the Regional Project to ensure a smooth transition to support both the residents, families, and SDC staff.
For questions, please contact Shawan Casborn Resource Development Supervisor at shawanc@nbrc.net or call 707- 256-1187.
NBRC and DDS reserves the right to withdraw this RFP and/or disqualify any proposal which does not adhere to the RFP guidelines.
Full version of NBRC’s FY 2016-17 Community Placement Plan RFP
Disability community: Don’t slow testing of self-driving cars
When I was 19, I lost the ability to walk. A skiing accident injured my spine, forcing me to rely on a wheelchair. My way of life changed dramatically, but in many ways, the inability to get around was as crushing a blow as the injury itself.