On August 14, 2008, President Bush signed a bill reauthorizing the Higher Education Act. A big part of the push for the expansion of the Higher Education Act was the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), of which United Cerebral Palsy is a member organization.
Provisions included in this bill that benefit students with disabilities include:
- » Allowing for first time students with intellectual disabilities -- who are attending programs designed for them in higher education -- to be eligible for Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants and the Federal Work-Study Program.
- » Authorizes the development and expansion of high-quality, inclusive model comprehensive transition and post-secondary programs.
- » Ensures equal college opportunities for students with disabilities.
- » Authorizes the establishment of a coordinating center for new programs that will provide technical assistance, evaluation, and development of recommendations, as well as outreach to post secondary programs, families and prospective students.
- » Establishes a national center to provide support services and best practices for colleges, students, and their families.
- » Helping colleges recruit, retain, and graduate students with disabilities while improving education materials and facilities.
A diverse group of more than 75 people gathered in light rain on Capitol Hill near the United States Capitol Building on September 9 to rally in support of HR 1279 – the Direct Support Professionals Fairness and Security Act. First introduced in 2007 by Representatives Lee Terry (R-NE) and Lois Capps (D-CA), the bill would give states federal funds to increase the wages of direct support professionals working with people with disabilities – also called DSPs or home caregivers. By 2:00 PM, the rally was over and caregivers and their clients and supporters headed in the direction of the Capitol Building and House and Senate offices to enlist co-signers for HR 1279.
Thanks to grassroots and bipartisan support, the Senate passed The ADA Amendments Act (S. 3406) by unanimous consent on September 11th. The bill included more than 77 bipartisan co-sponsors.
The ADA Amendments Act will correct narrow court interpretations that have restricted ADA coverage in the workplace, and weakened coverage for individuals with developmental disabilities, diabetes, epilepsy, serious heart conditions, and cancer. The act also clarifies responsibilities for employers.
On September 11, the Senate passed the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA). On September 17, 2008, the House of Representatives followed suit and passed the Senate version of the bill. On September 25, the President signed into law the ADA Amendments Act.
On Sept 6, 2008, Shaw Air Force Base (AFB) in South Carolina hosted an airshow for surrounding communities. In order to ensure all community members could participate in and enjoy the festivities, Shaw hosted "Special People's Day" on Sept 5th for individuals with disabilities and special needs.
Through the special coordination of 1st Lt. Brandon Bard of the 682nd Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS), more than 50 consumers and staff from United Cerebral Palsy of South Carolina (UCP-SC) were provided exclusive privileges. Consumers and staff were escorted via hummer to the flight line where more than 20 types of aircraft, including a C-130 Hercules (cargo plane), F-16 Fighting Falcon (fighter jet) and HH-60 Pave Hawk (combat search and rescue helicopter), were available for consumers to explore.
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