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The Arc is pleased to begin accepting applications for the Paul Marchand Internship in Disability Public Policy. The Arc is committed to continuing its 60 year history of fighting for the rights of people with I/DD, and so this internship program aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the field.
Applications for the spring 2014 session will be accepted until September 21. The Paul Marchand Internship Fund will provide $3,000 per semester or summer session which can assist interns pursuing careers in public policy advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Students pursuing degrees in public policy, law, disability studies, social work or public administration would be good candidates for this internship. People with disabilities, or people with family members with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.
If you have any questions, please contact info@thearc.org or read and Internship FAQs for more information.
New ADA Resources Online The ADA National Network provides information, guidance and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), tailored to meet the needs of business, government and individuals at local, regional and national levels. The National Network is not an enforcement or regulatory agency, but a helpful resource supporting the ADA's mission to "make it possible for everyone with a disability to live a life of freedom and equality."
New resources made available by the ADA National Network include::
The Americans with Disabilities Act: Questions and Answers
The ADA National Network Disability Law Handbook
ADA Title II and Title III Regulations Fact Sheet Series
ARC of Indiana and IPAS Partnership. Over the coming months, The Arc of Indiana and Self-Advocates of Indiana will be collaborating with Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services (IPAS) to provide news and information on IPAS’s role in protecting the rights of people with disabilities. IPAS staff includes disability rights advocates and attorneys who have the authority to pursue appropriate legal and administrative remedies on behalf of people with disabilities to ensure the enforcement of their constitutional and statutory rights. IPAS may be able to assist Hoosiers who have a disability and are being denied a right or are being discriminated against because of that disability. One project we will be collaborating on is the creation of a free “Legal Network” comprised of individuals who are practitioners in the legal field who have a family member with a disability or direct interest in a person or individuals with disabilities. In the near future we will be establishing a “Legal Network” list serve for those interested in being part of the Legal Network. For more information, email the ARC of Indiana at: thearc@arcind.org.
ACLU of Indiana, Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services Win U.S. District Court Decision Regarding Inhumane Treatment of Prisoners. State violated rights of mentally ill inmates at Indiana prisons. On 12/31/12, a federal judge ruled in IPAS v. Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC), that "The treatment of mentally ill prisoners housed in [Indiana Department of Correction] IDOC segregation units and the New Castle Psychiatric Unit, and the failure to provide adequate treatment for such prisoners, violates the Eighth Amendment's proscription against the imposition of cruel and unusual punishment." To view the IDOC Trial Court Decision, click here. To view the Press Release, click here.
Indiana’s implementation of the Affordable Care Act (Obama Care) is possibly the preeminent disability rights advocacy challenge and opportunity facing us today. It could promise and deliver much for good or for ill, for individuals with disabilities. The attachment is a publication of NDRN which discusses the issues which are of concern to disability rights advocacy organizations. Click here to view the "Guide to the Affordable Care Act"
IPAS wants to encourage individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their family members or guardians, to call IPAS if you are experiencing problems securing appropriate special education services or are being suspended or expelled due to disability, are being secluded or restrained in the school setting, are being discriminated against due to disability, or are having Medicaid waiver services inappropriately reduced. IPAS may be able to help you by assigning an advocate or attorney to represent you. Call IPAS at 1-800-622-4845 and speak to an intake/referral specialist. IPAS is here to help you.
Each year IPAS solicits input from the public which is used to help determine how IPAS spends its resources and efforts for the next year. Please help us by taking a few minutes to complete the 2013 Disability Critical Barriers Poll. To access the poll just click on the following link: http://www.iidc.indiana.edu/cpps/survey/. Thanks for your help.
Public Policy Advocacy Opportunity Available - Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services Commission (IPAS) is always looking for new Commission and Mental Illness Advisory Council (MIAC) members. Members must have a commitment to promoting the legal and civil rights of people with developmental disabilities, mental illness or other disabilities, and to the cause of protecting and promoting those individuals’ rights to make their own choices. Persons interested in applying for consideration should contact Karen Pedevilla, Education and Training Director, at 1-800-622-4845, ext. 232, or by emailing kpedevilla@ipas.in.gov. Click here to view a brochure that gives more information on both the Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services Commission and Mental Illness Advisory Council.
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