Capitol Insider - Week of November 30, 2009

Read Capitol Insider for an overview of the week's most important public policy events.

Announcements - Week of November 25, 2009

Affiliate News

• PurchasingPoint iNews: November 17, 2009.


• National Assembly: Staples recently acquired Corporate Express (CE). Now, all purchasing is still done on CE's online catalog, E-Way. Any UCP affiliates who sign up for the Staples discounts will be instructed to use the CE site. To ensure best pricing, look for items with a small green dollar symbol (arrow pointing to the dollar symbol below) next to them. This symbol indicates that the product is on contract.
  Example:
  
  
• UCP of Huntsville and Tennessee Valley: The Huntsville Times - Eat-and-run challenge brings in $10,000 for UCP.
• UCP of Sarasota-Manatee: The Herald Tribune - Goddesses gather at UCP luncheon.
• UCP of Central Maryland: Sulphur Spring Celebrates Halloween.
• UCP of Central Pennsylvania: And the SAGE Award goes to...
• UCP of Oregon and Southwest Washington: Annual Report 2009.
• UCP of Southern Maryland: Southern Maryland Online - State Training, Technical Assistance Grant Awarded to St. Mary's Non-Profits

Affnet Addition

• 2010 Awards for Excellence: List of Awards, Criteria and Nomination Forms.
• Victory 100 Award Nomination Form.
• » Don't have access to AffNet? Please ask your executive director to contact Will Hull at ecoordinator@ucp.org or (202) 973-7106 to authorize your account.

Report/Research

• National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Parent Training Complements Medication for Treating Behavioral Problems in Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders.

Other News

• ABC News: Rosa's Law to End Term 'Mentally Retarded'.
• College of Direct Support (CDS): New Course Announcement - Cerebral palsy course joins CDS curriculum lineup as second disability intensive course offering.
• The Tech Herald: YouTube launches auto-caption feature for deaf viewers.
  
  
  YouTube: Automatic Captions in YouTube Demo
• Business.gov: Download Section 508 Compliant Video Player.
• JF Activist Blog: ABC to Air "A Place for All: Faith and Community for Persons with Disabilities"
• Disability Scoop: Hate Crimes Targeting People With Disabilities Remain Steady.
• Disability Scoop: Day Care Centers Turn Away Boy Due To Cerebral Palsy.
• Marion Conway - Consultant to Nonprofits: Nonprofit Books That Make Great Holiday Gifts.
• The Future of Aging Blog (Video): Combined Senate Healthcare Bill Includes CLASS Act.

Advocacy News

• Y.O. (Youth Organizing) Disabled and Proud: California Disability History Week Campaign.

Fundraising News

• Beth's Blog - How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media: This Year Twitter Fundraisers, Next Year FourSquare Fundraisers.
• GrantStation: GrantStation Insider Week of November 23, 2009.
• Chase (Bank): Chase Community Giving is giving away $5 million to local charities through their Facebook application. (Ask others to join you in voting for your organization).
• Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog: Fundraising from Out-of-State? An Update on Registration Issues.
• Katya's Nonprofit Marketing Blog - Getting to the Point: How to Adapt Now to the 6 Trends Changing the Fundraiser-Donor Relationship Forever.
• Donor Power Blog: Fewer Gifts Expected This Holiday Season.
• Getting Attention - Helping Nonprofits Succeed Through Effective Marketing: How to Get Strong Testimonials for Your Organization.

Social Networking/Web 2.0

• Cause Communications (document): Online Outreach Tools Guide.
• Beth's Blog - How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media: Guest Post by Heather McLeod Grant - MomsRising - What We Can Learn from New Online Models. (For more reading by Heather McLeod Grant visit Amazon.com - Forces for Good - The Six Practices of High-Impact Nonprofits or review documents from the 2008 UCP Believeable Hope Conference on AffNet under Thursday June 19, General Plenary Presentation by Bruce M. Fried - Demographic Tsunamis and Congressional Cyclones: Finding Safe Ground for the Disability Community, slides 13-19).
• Social Media Explorer: The Four Spheres Of Social Media Strategy.
• WebInkNow: The US Air Force - Armed with social media (insight into building protocol in responding to what is said about your organization through a guided policy decision tree map).
• Web Strategy by Jeremiah Owyang: Social Technology Impacts Every Customer Touchpoint.
• Yelp* Web Log: Yelping the Non-Profit Community.

Information & Referral: Update on H1N1/Swine Flu

We recently reported that some children with disabilities might be at a higher risk of contracting swine flu. As we head into late November the number of new flu cases often increase so we wanted to remind everyone about the potential risks associated with the flu and how to protect yourself. You can find several resources to defend yourself and your loved ones against the threat of flu this season immediately below.

Flu Prevention Resources:

• Flu.gov has a section on Persons with Disabilities and Flu
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently published 2009 H1N1 Flu Information for People with Disabilities and Their Caregivers or Personal Assistants
• CDC's Toolkit for Providers of Children with Special Health Care Needs
• The Disability Policy Collaboration (DPC) flu article
• Flu Shot Locator
• State level Flu Information
• KidsHealth Flu Resources for Kids and Teens

UCP of Central Arizona Circle K Aces High Golf Tournament A Success

UCP of Central Arizona has an extraordinary corporate partner in Circle K. Circle K has been the largest corporate sponsor of the UCP national office and its affiliates for more than twenty-five years.

Even in these times of economic uncertainty, Circle K and its partners continue to rise to the occasion for great causes. On October 5-6, Circle K hosted the 7^th Annual Aces High Golf Tournament and Silent Auction Reception in Las Vegas, to benefit UCP of Central Arizona. The event was a huge success with gross revenue of $481,369, illustrating Circle K's level of commitment to giving back to community and creating opportunities for children and adults with disabilities.

The event proceeds were significantly higher than those raised by Circle K's Arizona region through its in-store canister collections. In 2008, over $2.6 million was raised for UCP affiliates representing Central Arizona, Southern Arizona and Las Vegas. At the current rate, 2009 collections are expected to reach nearly $3 million. UCP of Central Arizona's Executive Director Dan Rossi said, "We are extremely grateful to have a corporate partner like Circle K. Their support touches every aspect of our programming. Without the community support we receive from donors and corporate supporters, such as Circle K, we would not have the ability to touch as many lives as we do."

For more information, please visit the UCP of Central Arizona Web site or contact Alma Chavez-Lira at (602) 943-5472.

Capitol Insider - Week of November 23, 2009

Read Capitol Insider for an overview of the week's most important public policy events.

Winthrop University Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity Dedicates Fundraising Bike Ride to UCP

On November 6^th, the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity at Winthrop University in South Carolina held a fundraiser to benefit United Cerebral Palsy (UCP). The gentlemen started their ride on Friday morning with a dedication ceremony on the steps of Byrnes auditorium at Winthrop University, and it ended on that Sunday near 4:00 am on the doorstep of the UCP national office at 1660 L Street in Washington, DC.

Among those attending the opening ceremony were students, Greek Life coordinators, Winthrop basketball coach Randy Peele and Ralph Norman, newly elected Republican representative for South Carolina's 48^th district. The ceremony included letters read from state legislators, Congressional representatives, and the South Carolina Governor and Lt. Governor.

Following the ceremony, cyclists rode in groups in relay fashion until they all arrived at the UCP national office.

Allyson Doherty, administrative coordinator for UCP Development was on hand to say a few words and accept the oversize $8,000 check, raised for UCP through this fundraiser, by the brothers of Pi Kappa Alpha that morning.

For more detailed coverage, please visit the Spartanburg and The Rock Hill Area News Web site.

For more information, please contact Allyson Doherty at (202) 973-7125.

Information & Referral: November is American Diabetes Month

November is American Diabetes Month. Sponsored by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the awareness month is a time to shine a spotlight on a serious disease that leads to potentially life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation. The risk of diabetes is growing and the ADA estimates that 1 out of every 3 children born today will face a future with diabetes if current trends continue.

Diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors including being overweight and inactivity. Persons with disabilities are at much higher risk for developing diabetes because of decreased activity, weight gain, and metabolism changes that occur with some disabilities and injuries. According to the CDC, people with disabilities experience higher rates of earlier deaths from diabetes-related cardiovascular disease. The increasing rate of obesity in children with disabilities is particularly alarming. Nutrition, exercise, and weight loss are major factors in decreasing the risk of diabetes but many health promotion activities fail to address the unique needs and challenges that people with disabilities have when it comes to adopting these lifestyle improvements.

There are many ways that people with disabilities can get fit and increase physical activity. See the previous "Ask Lara: column on Exercise for People with Disabilities.

Do you provide any health promotion activities aimed at reducing chronic health care problems like diabetes?

More Information:

• Aging with Disability and Diabetes
• American Diabetes Association
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

For more information, contact Lara Terrell at (202) 973-7105.

Announcements - Week of November 18, 2009

Affiliate News

• UCP National: The Disability Policy Collaboration Applaud Passage of the U.S. House of Representatives Affordable Health Care for America Act
• UCP National: The Disability Policy Collaboration Applauds the U.S. Senate's Introduction of Legislation to Use the Term "Intellectual Disability"
• UCP of Central Arizona: Ambassador - Lucy
• UCP of Central Minnesota: 12^th Annual Stuck in Motion stationary bike race (January 30, 2010)
• UCP of Huntsville &anp; Tennessee Valley: The Krispy Kreme Challenge (Saturday, November 21, 2009)
• UCP of Oregon and Southwest Washington: Sally's Airplane Accessibility Petition

Research/Surveys

• The Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access at Georgia Tech is Recruiting participants with disabilities for a survey research project and are looking for people who work full-time (e.g., more than 50% of the time) in an office setting and use mobility devices, e.g. a cane, crutch, walker, wheelchair and/or scooter. A researcher will administer three to four surveys during a single telephone interview arranged at a time convenient to the participant. The surveys should take approximately 60 minutes. Eligible participants will receive between $20 and $40, depending upon how many surveys they complete. For more information please contact: hsiang-yu.yang@coa.gatech.edu

Other News

• Disability Scoop: Government Web Sites Lack Accessibility, Advocates Say
• ABC News (Video) : Rosa's Law to End Term 'Mentally Retarded'
• Disability.gov: Medicare's Annual Open Enrollment
• Disability.gov: FCC Field Hearing on Broadband Access for People with Disabilities
• Associated Press: 'Glee' wheelchair episode hits bump with disabled
• Washington Post (Poll): For "Glee," a wheelchair misstep?
• This episode of Glee is free at Fox.com until December 23, 2009
• Associated Press, Washington Post: Schools shun Kindle, saying blind can't use it
• Direct Care Alliance: Video from the Voices Institute: Direct Talk from Direct Care Workers
  
  
  YouTube: Direct talk from direct care workers

Fundraising News

• Beth's Blog - How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media: The Right Way to use Social Media for Fundraising - Wildlife Direct
• Katya's Nonprofit Marketing Blog - Getting to the Point: The one-word secret to great relationships - and great marketing
• Katya's Nonprofit Marketing Blog - Getting to the Point: 6 ways the donor-fundraiser relationship is changing
  
  6 Trends
  View more presentations from katyaa.

Social Networking/Web 2.0

• Google Grants Blog: A major change in the Google Grants process
• APHA Annual Meeting Blog: Hit 'send' for better health
• Beth's Blog - How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media: A Tale of Two Nonprofit and Social Media Adoption Surveys
• Chris Brogan: Prioritize Your Social Media Efforts
• Read Write Web: How Blogging Has Changed Over The Last 3 Years (Stats)
• Adweek: Is Facebook Getting Uncool for 18-24s?
• Network Weaving: Network Weaving 101
• The Buzz Bin: Headline Writing Drives Traffic
• Corporate Counsel: Social Networking and the New Workplace (setting social networking guidelines).

UCP of Central Pennsylvania Adult Program Makes Most of New Space, Opens Doors to the Community

UCP of Central Pennsylvania has a long history of evolving to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities—and their families—in order to enable all involved to lead their lives as independently as possible. On Wednesday, November 4, UCP of Central Pennsylvania's Branch Creek Neighbors Adult Day Program opened its doors—and its arms—to the special needs community at an open house introducing a new respite program for care givers and family members of loved ones with a disability.

In 2004, a unique partnership between UCP of Central Pennsylvania staff and caring, concerned family members resulted in the development of a model program, Branch Creek Neighbors, that expands on the philosophy of—and the services provided by—traditional day programs and workshops. The Branch Creek Neighbors program is based on the philosophy that all individuals have an intrinsic worth and that all program participants, regardless of ability or disability, have skills and talents that can and should enable them to be important contributors to the community.

With Branch Creek Neighbors' recent relocation to expansive new space in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, UCP of Central Pennsylvania is now in a position to offer respite care to families. The purpose of the respite program is to give family members some much-needed physical and emotional respite and support, while at the same time providing a safe, secure, and stimulating social environment for the loved one in our care. Whether a caregiver or family member needs time to get away for work or personal reasons, or simply needs time to rest, UCP of Central Pennsylvania offers three types of respite care:

• AM/PM Respite: This is similar to before and after school care for youth and young adults, ages 14 and up, who have an intellectual or physical disability. Hours of service are 7-9 am and 3-6 pm daily, Monday through Friday.
• Evening Respite: Care and recreation for adults with disabilities ages 14 and up, from 6 pm to 10 pm. This program is initially being offered on Friday evenings, but may be expanded to include other evenings based on consumer demand and the availability of staffing.
• Overnight and Short-Term Respite: Family members may also leave a loved one in our care overnight, for as little as one night or up to and including round-the-clock care for a week. We will review individual requests on a case by case basis, and will attempt to accommodate all requests based on consumer demand and the availability of staffing.

The new respite facility offers special needs individuals all the comforts of a fully furnished home away from home. The respite area features a living area, two bedrooms with three beds, an accessible bathroom with roll-in shower, and a fully stocked kitchen. There is also a 32" flat screen TV, DVD player, a Nintendo Wii game console system, magazines, books, arts and craft supplies, and board games.

"It is our hope that in offering this respite program, we will be able to make a positive difference in the lives of our families with special needs. We want to be a place that offers not only care and recreation for a loved one, but also a care-free time of respite and restoration for family members," says UCP of Central Pennsylvania Assistant Director of Adult Services, Kathy Seiderer. "Our staff is so thankful to be in a position to offer this facility and this service to the community. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all who made it happen, from our dedicated UCP of Central Pennsylvania staff, to the landlord of the respite facility, Ed Fratantuono, to family members and volunteer craftsmen and interior designer, Rebecca Plank."

Funding for the respite program is available through various waiver programs, base funding through the county of residency within Pennsylvania, and private pay. Limited scholarship opportunities are also available.

Branch Creek Neighbors Adult Day and Respite Programs are jointly housed at 16 West King Street, Suite 102, in Shippensburg, PA.

For more information, contact Lynda Bowen or Beth Freeman at (717)-530-9300.

The House of Representatives Passes Affordable Health Care for America Act of 2009 (H.R. 3962)

By a narrow vote of 220-215, the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Affordable Health Care for America Act of 2009 (H.R. 3962). One Republican member voted for the measure, and 39 Democrats opposed the bill. H.R. 3962 contains several provisions that are important for people with disabilities, including:

• Major insurance market reforms such as the elimination of discrimination based on health status; a prohibition on pre-existing condition exclusions; guaranteed issue and renewal requirements; and elimination of annual and lifetime caps;
• Creation of a high-risk pool to provide immediate assistance to those currently uninsured with pre-existing conditions before insurance market reforms are implemented;
• Inclusion of critical services for people with disabilities in the new Health Insurance Exchange's essential benefits package such as rehabilitation and habilitation services, durable medical equipment (e.g. wheelchairs), prosthetics, orthotics and related supplies, vision and hearing services, equipment and supplies for children under 21 years of age, behavioral health treatment, and mental health and substance abuse services in compliance with the Wellstone-Domenici parity law;
• Inclusion of the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act, a new actuarially sound, premium-based, national long term services insurance program to help adults with severe functional impairments to remain independent, employed, and a part of their communities, without having to impoverish themselves to become eligible for Medicaid;
• Inclusion of a Sense of the Congress Regarding Community First Choice Option to Provide Medicaid Coverage of Community-Based Attendant Services and Supports which expresses support for allowing states to offer such services to people otherwise eligible for Medicaid institutional services (basically supporting the Community First Choice Option in the Senate bill); and
• Significant investments in Medicaid to dramatically expand eligibility, including EPSDT services for millions of children, increased reimbursement for physicians to Medicare rates with significant federal funding to offset the burden on states, and a six month-extension of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's increase to the federal share of Medicaid spending.

Following the House vote, President Obama called on the Senate to move quickly with its version of the health care reform bill. However, earlier in the week, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) stated that it may not be possible to complete action by the end of this year.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) continued its work on estimating the cost of a Senate bill reflecting the merger between the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and Finance Committees measures. Majority Leader Reid has reportedly asked the CBO to analyze the cost of several alternative proposals on various issues to give the Senate options to consider.

For more information, please view the Disability Policy Collaboration (DPC) press release, visit the Public Policy Page on the UCP Web site or contact Annie Acosta at (202) 783-2229.

Capitol Insider - Week of November 16, 2009

Read Capitol Insider for an overview of the week's most important public policy events.

A Touchdown that Sparked Controversy - ESPN’s E:60 Explores the Use of the R-Word

Fifteen-year-old Matt Ziesel was born with Down syndrome, the chromosomal abnormality that causes mental and developmental disabilities. Despite this fact, Matt went on to play high school football and score a touchdown that sparked both positivity and controversy. You may view Matt's story and the aftermath on ESPN.com's E:60 Matt Ziesel. Please note that the use of the r-word is briefly discussed in this video.

Nothing will change the fact that Matt scored a touchdown and personally accomplished something that many never felt possible. He is truly a person living a Life without Limits.

How do you feel about the continued use of the r-word today? Please visit http://www.r-word.org for more information about changing thinking about the use of this word.

ESPN: E:60 - Matt Ziesel

For more information, please contact Will Hull at (202) 973-7106.

A ‘Bloody Marvelous’ Visit with UCP of MetroBoston From the Land Down Under

This past September, UCP of MetroBoston had the pleasure of hosting Frank Sedmark, General Manager, People, Learning and Culture from the UCP international affiliate, The Spastic Center in Sydney, Australia. The visit was part of a new educational exchange between the Sydney and MetroBoston UCP affiliates. Frank spent two weeks touring our facilities and meeting with UCP of MetroBoston program managers, staff and consumers. This collaboration led to an on-going sharing of information and initiated creative programmatic ideas including the formation of a staff exchange program which will begin in 2010. Frank found his visit to be an inspiration while comparing our affiliates mutual strengths and challenges. While in the U.S., Frank also had the opportunity to visit our fellow affiliates in Providence, Rhode Island, Johnstown, Pennsylvania and Springfield, Illinois.

This was not simply a "working" visit, however, but a cultural one as well. After traveling cross-country with his wife, who was doing research for her latest book and returned to Australia after seeing a bit of New England, Frank had the opportunity to explore Boston, to attend a Red Sox baseball game, tour the New England Patriots' Gillette Stadium, went apple picking through Boston's North End and on his last night was treated to a traditional New England Thanksgiving dinner. In Frank's words, his visit was "Bloody Marvelous!"

For more information, please visit the UCP of MetroBoston Web site or contact Sheryl Wasserman at (617) 926-5480 x238.

Information & Referal: Buying Toys this Holiday Season for Children with Disabilities

Return up to 15% of
your purchase price
back to UCP
at Amazon.com


Return 6% of
your purchase price
back to UCP at
Barnes & Noble.com

Each, at no cost to you

Holiday time is exciting for all children, and children with disabilities are no different. There are nearly six million children with disabilities (including 12.7% of school children) who will receive holiday gifts this season. Yet because gift givers are afraid of selecting the "wrong" toy, many children with disabilities find pajamas and socks wrapped up in those brightly-colored boxes - not the toy of their dreams.

The National Lekotek Center, the country’s preeminent source for information about adaptive toys and play, is dedicated to making play and learning accessible for children with disabilities. Last year, Lekotek developed the AblePlay toy rating system and Web site , which provides comprehensive information about toys for children with special needs so that parents, special educators, therapists and others can make the best choices for the children with disabilities in their lives.

Choosing toys for children with disabilities can be difficult. AblePlay's independent toy reviews and detailed information help you get "beyond the box" to understand each toy's unique features, creative ways each toy can be used with children with special needs and skills that will be enhanced as a result.

Lekotek has affiliates in seven states across the United States— Illinois, Georgia, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Please find the Lekotek program in your state by clicking here.

The National Lekotek Center recommends the following Top Ten Things to Consider When Buying Toys for Children with Disabilities:

1. Multisensory appeal: Does the toy respond with lights, sounds or movement? Are there contrasting colors? Does it have a scent? Is there texture?
2. Method of activation: Will the toy provide a challenge without frustration? What is the force required to activate? What are the number and complexity of steps required to activate?
3. Where will the toy be used: Can the toy be used in a variety of positions such as side-lying or on wheelchair tray? Will the toy be easy to store? Is there space in the home?
4. Opportunities for success: Can play be open-ended with no definite right or wrong way? Is it adaptable to the child's individual style, ability and pace?
5. Current popularity: Is it a toy almost any child would like? Does it tie in with other activities like TV, movies, books, clothing, etc?
6. Self-expression: Does the toy allow for creativity, uniqueness and choice-making? Will it give the child experience with a variety of media?
7. Adjustability: Does it have adjustable height, sound volume, speed, level of difficulty?
8. Child's individual characteristics: Does the toy provide activities that reflect both developmental and chronological ages? Does it reflect the child's interests and age?
9. Safety and durability: Consider the child's size and strength in relation to the toy's durability. Are the toy and its parts sized appropriately? Does the toy have moisture resistance? Can it be washed and cleaned?
10. Potential for interaction: Will the child be an active participant during use? Will the toy encourage social engagement with others?

For additional information on toys, play and technology for children with disabilities, please call the Lekotek Toy Resource Helpline at 1-800-366-PLAY or visit their Web site.

Additional resources for finding adaptive toys:

• Toys "R" Us 2010 Guide for Differently-Abled Kids

• Infinitec Toy Guide

Join the My Child Without Limits Support Community and discuss this article with other families of children with disabilities!

For more information, please visit the United Cerebral Palsy Web site at www.ucp.org or contact Lara Terrell at (202) 973-7105.

Announcements - Week of November 11, 2009

Affiliate News

• UCP of Orange County: Beyond Limits is a documentary narrated by The Green Mile's Michael Clarke Duncan that features Bonner Paddock, UCP of Orange County board member, who has cerebral palsy. It is available on DVD and you may get your copy today.
• UCP of Greater Sacramento: Family caregivers need a break.
• UCP of Huntsville and Tennessee Valley: UCP's Direct Connection to the North Pole.
• UCP of the North Bay: Donor Thank You (Video).

Opportunities/Awards

• College of Direct Support: Moving Mountains Award - 2009 Call for Nominations (Notes: Link will download document; Deadline: November 30, 2009).

Webinars

• Kivi's Nonprofit Communications Blog: Webinar Topics for 2010? Tell Me and Win a Pass: rate potential 2010 webinar topics.
  

Reports

• Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR): Role of Disabilities Ignored for Tens of Millions Experiencing Income Poverty: Nearly half of all working age adults experiencing poverty have a disability.
  

Meetings/Conferences

• U.S. Department of Transportation: United We Ride National Dialogue (November 2-13) - What ideas and actions can increase access to affordable and reliable transportation services for people with disabilities, older adults and people with limited incomes?
• U.S. Department of Education: Race to the Top initiative meeting (November 18) - The U.S. Department of Education is coming to Atlanta, Ga. to talk about student assessments, focusing on "Assessment of Students with Disabilities." The Race to the Top initiative state-level education reforms in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The purpose of the meeting is to gather input and technical expertise pertaining to a possible Race to the Top program, and to provide technical assistance for the development and implementation of high-quality assessments based on common standards.
• Alliance for Full Participation (AFP): Save the Date - 2011 AFP Summit (November 17-19, 2011) - Gaylord Hotel at the National Harbor, Maryland (across the river from Washington, DC). For more information, please contact Karen Flippo at KFFlippo@aol.com.

Other News

• Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD): Principles for Health Care Reform From a Disability Perspective.
• Disabled World: Disabilities Health Research Network.
  
  
  YouTube: Disabilities Health Research Network Information Video
• Disability Scoop: Health Care Reform And People With Disabilities.
• Disability Scoop: Autism Moms Have Stress Similar To Combat Soldiers.
• ABC 7 TheDenverChannel.com (Video): 3D Program Helps Autistic Communicate.

Fundraising News

• Chronicle of Philanthropy: Social Good - Episode 12 - Developing Online Relationships With Donors.
• Katya's Nonprofit Marketing Blog: Why People Give II.
• Katya's Nonprofit Marketing Blog: Online giving: A lively spot in the lackluster economy.
• Katya's Nonprofit Marketing Blog: A simple, great idea for making your cause stand out.
• Donor Power Blog: Video - non-profits turning to social media during recession.
  
• Future Fundraising Now: Why bad news works in fundraising.
• Future Fundraising Now: Stock photo usage is okay during months that don't have Tuesdays in them.
• Future Fundraising Now: How to wreck your direct mail.
• Step-By-Step Fundraising: How Web Design Can Improve Your Online Fundraising.
• Frogloop by Care2: Are Nonprofits Flunking Email Marketing 101?

Social Networking/Web 2.0

• Technorati: Social Media Explained.
• Beth's Blog - How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media: WeAreMedia - Nonprofit Program Delivery and Social Media.
• The Groupery: Baby steps in social media for nonprofit organizations.
• SmartBlog on Social Media: We're listening— now what?
• Getting Attention - Helping Nonprofits Succeed Through Effective Marketing: Best First Step into Social Media - Monitoring Your Nonprofit's Reputation and Issues.
• Web Strategy by Jeremiah Owyang: Evolution - The Eight Stages Of Listening.
• Web Strategy by Jeremiah Owyang: Two Approaches: Shotgun vs Laser.
• Web Strategy by Jeremiah Owyang: Quicktake - The Impacts Of Google's Social Search.
  
  
  YouTube: Social Search demonstration
• Amy Sample Ward's Version of NPTech: How To - Create a Listening Dashboard for your Organization.

Capitol Insider - Week of November 9, 2009

Read Capitol Insider for an overview of the week's most important public policy events.

Guest Post: Man walks golf tour with cane to inspire others

By Deborah Circelli
News Journal Online, Daytona Beach, FL

D.J. Gregory didn't set out to inspire others.

The 31-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, just had a dream. With a cane balancing his every step on golf courses that, at times, were a struggle to maneuver, he walked 44 events in the PGA Tour in 45 weeks — close to 1,000 miles.

Many told him it was impossible. But, like his parents who didn't take no for an answer when doctors said their toddler son would never walk and instead pushed forward with leg surgeries, he didn't waiver.

Gregory, who first started playing golf at age 9 with a one-handed swing, stayed focused on achieving a personal goal and by the third week realized he was also motivating others.

Standing before an audience at the Museum of Arts and Sciences on Thursday night, he has become a bit of a celebrity making speaking engagements nationwide and still attending PGA tournaments and signings for his book, "Walking with Friends." He spoke as part of the 40^th anniversary celebration of United Cerebral Palsy of East Central Florida, formerly Work Oriented Rehabilitation Center (WORC).

Gregory, who lives in Savannah and whose initials stand for Donald John, continued to walk events this year and is working on another golf-related project next year.

He said it doesn't matter if a person has an assistant that helps feed and bathe them or has difficulty walking. Everyone has a dream, and he's "living proof" that dreams can come true.

"Don't take no for an answer. Through hard work, anything is possible," he said.

Gregory, whose journey last year also raised money for the national United Cerebral Palsy group, spoke during the anniversary celebration that honored local resident and agency founder Jerry Schwartz. The 93-year-old, whose first child, Dennis, was developmentally delayed, wanted to improve the lives of people with disabilities by helping to start a public school and the agency where clients could work in day training programs and in the community.

Barry Pollack, president/CEO of the local United Cerebral Palsy, said both Gregory and Schwartz had dreams and faced challenges but continued chasing after their dreams.

Like Gregory who didn't set out to inspire, Schwartz never imagined how many people she and her husband, Vance, who owned the Jai Alai Fronton in Daytona Beach, would end up helping.

"We didn't think about the future. We were taking care of the present," she said. But she's glad they could be "the catalyst behind it." The agency last year served more than 850 individuals.

As far as Gregory, he said he learned early in life as a child, army-crawling with one arm over the other to get around, that when he sets his mind to doing something -- he does it.

Gregory, who blogged about his experience for the PGA tour and interviewed players, kept track of interesting statistics on his journey. He fell 29 times, far less than his prediction of 44 or once a week. He consumed 332 sodas, 280 bottles of water, 259 sports drinks and went through five pairs of golf shoes.

His favorite course was Pebble Beach in California, partly because of the scenery. The toughest was Plantation Golf Course in Hawaii because of the uneven, hilly terrain. But he proudly pointed out he had zero falls at that course.

"There's always going to be bumps in the road, but it's how you handle those bumps that make you a better person," he said prior to his speech.

For more information, visit the News Journal Online Web site or contact News Journal staff writer, Deborah Circelli by e-mail or UCP of East Central Florida staff, Maureen O'Connell at (386) 274-6474.

United Cerebral Palsy Affiliate Consumers and Volunteers Appear on CBS’ The Early Show

On Tuesday, October 27, a group of volunteers and consumers representing people with disabilities traveled to New York City to appear on CBS' The Early Show. The appearance was in support of October being National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM).

As mentioned in a previous UCPeople post, NDEAM is run by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), and the 2009 theme was Expectation + Opportunity = Full Participation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people with disabilities experience disproportionate levels of unemployment and under-employment. Events like NDEAM highlight this disparity and lead to efforts that will hopefully improve the recruitment and retention of people with disabilities into the workforce.

Last Tuesday, UCP volunteers and consumers gathered on The Early Show Plaza during CBS' live national morning newscast from 7:00 – 9:00 am ET to showcase the importance of NDEAM. During that time, they held and waved signs, and The Early Show's Dave Price and Harry Smith spoke about UCP and NDEAM during two of the broadcast's segments. Following the newscast, participants were provided a great backstage tour of CBS, and they had the opportunity to ask questions and take photos.

UCP is appreciative of the three New York affiliates' efforts, especially United Cerebral Palsy of New York City, for securing and coordinating volunteers and UCP affiliate consumers, helping UCP to spread the word about the importance of NDEAM, to The Early Show’s national audience of 3.3 million.

For more information about the UCP appearance on The Early Show or for any media inquiries, please contact Lauren Cozzi, UCP Communications Specialist, at LCozzi@ucp.org.

Information & Referal: November is National Family Caregivers Month

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) Helps Kick Off National Family Caregivers Month.

Celebrated every November, National Family Caregivers Month is a nationally recognized time to thank, support, educate and empower more than 50 million family caregivers across the country, who currently provide over $375 billion in "free" care giving services.

UCP is pleased to be an official endorsing organization of NFC Month, an annual event created by the National Family Caregivers Association to bring attention to the needs of family caregivers. "We encourage people to speak up during National Family Caregivers Month," said Suzanne Mintz, NFCA president and CEO. "One of the most important attributes of being an advocate for your loved one is the ability to speak up and understand how to best communicate about their loved ones’ medication issues with health professionals."

President Obama issued an official proclamation about National Family Caregivers Month that states, "The true strength of the American family finds its roots in an unwavering commitment to care for one another. In difficult times, Americans come together to ensure our loved ones are comfortable and safe. Whether caring for a parent, relative, or child, our Nation's caregivers selflessly devote their time and energy to the well-being of those they look after. During National Family Caregivers Month, we honor the individuals providing essential services to family members who could not otherwise look after themselves."

UCP Affiliates support caregivers with a range of respite care and other support programs. Some Affiliates offer a Respitality program that combines respite services with quality hospitality services. Families benefit from the generosity of hotels and restaurants that provide free accommodations and a meal for two, during a 24-hour getaway. This "mini-vacation" weekend gives family caregivers the opportunity to rejuvenate and refresh themselves so that they may return to their families with a brighter outlook.

At the national level, UCP is actively engaged in advocacy efforts to ensure the availability of quality services and supports for caregivers and children and adults with disabilities such as the Lifespan Respite Care Act and the CLASS Act.

We encourage UCP affiliates to acknowledge and honor the family caregivers in their communities. NFCA provides tools and materials that can help you recognize caregivers and conduct outreach events:

• 10 Ways to Celebrate NFC Month
• More Ways to Celebrate NFC Month
• Order NFC Month Promotional Materials

In honor of NFC Month, the National Family Caregivers Association will be hosting a free Family Caregiver National Teleclass/Webinar on November 12 at 2:00 – 3:00 pm EST. Safe & Sound: How to Prevent Medication Mishaps is a program designed to teach family caregivers what they can do to minimize the chances that their loved one will experience an adverse drug reaction or event. Please register here or call 800-896-3650.

Additional Resources:

• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Getting Safer Care
  
• Caregiving Information from Medicare
• Family Caregiving Resources from the Cooperative Extension System

For more information, please contact Lara Terrell at (202) 973-7105.

Announcements - Week of November 4, 2009

Affiliate News

• UCP of North Eastern Maine: Bangor Daily News - Pumpkin displays 'a little different' - 20 nonprofit groups take part in Bangor Halloween fundraising event.
• UCP of Huntsville and Tennessee Valley: The Huntsville Times - So much to do around town today, it's scary.
• UCP of Northwest Alabama: Times Daily - Halloween race raises funds for children.
• UCP of Central Pennsylvania: Life without Limits Newsletter - Fall Edition.
• UCP of Central Arizona: Call To Action - increased child care licensing fees would have a dramatic affect on UCP's Early Learning Center and Therapy Department.
• UCP of the Golden Gate: 7^th Annual Ultimate Holiday Party (December 12, 2009)

Reports

• U.S. Government Accountability Office: Voters with Disabilities - Additional Monitoring of Polling Places Could Further Improve Accessibility.
• U.S. Government Accountability Office: Higher Education and Disability - Education Needs a Coordinated Approach to Improve Its Assistance to Schools in Supporting Students.

Webinars

• Venturneer (Free): LinkedIn for Nonprofit Organizations (November 18^th 2:00-3:15PM EST). Refining your profile and your organization’s profile are only the first step in using LinkedIn to build your nonprofit. If used to its full extent, LinkedIn can source donors, prospective board members and volunteers, showcase your organization’s and take you into donor markets not otherwise tapped. The door is there, for those who have the key.
• Network for Good: Building a Dynamic Grantseeking Calendar for 2010 (December 15, 1:00PM EST). How to establish your own grantseeking calendars for 2010; how to uncover the right grant makers - private and government - for your programs and projects; how to understand trends in corporate and foundation giving, as well as significant trends in government grants - stimulus funding as well as other federal and state programs.

Opportunities

• VSA Arts: Collaborative Art Project - "What is Disability" Postcard Project. Get out the art supplies! VSA arts is calling for everyone and anyone to create a postcard that interprets the word 'disability' and mail it in. The postcards will be used to create an exhibition online and in D.C. as part of the 2010 International VSA arts Festival. Download the template here: www.vsarts.org/postcardproject

Other News

• Seniors to Seniors (Video): Seniors to Seniors is a coalition of senior citizen advocacy organizations all committed to educating seniors about what the current health care reform legislation means for them once it is implemented. The coalition’s goal is to help filter through the clutter and the hype to educate seniors about how health care reform will help keep doctors in Medicare, stop physician payment cuts, improve long-term care choices, keep Medicare affordable, and close the prescription drug "doughnut hole."
• Disability.gov: United We Ride National Dialogue Wants Your Ideas on Accessible Transportation.
• JF Activist Blog: Federal Olmstead Enforcement by CMS - A New Day?
• USA Today: Sidewalks become battlegrounds.
• USA Today Opinion: Our view on disability - Long-term care gets short shrift in health debate. New insurance program worth considering as Baby Boomers age.
• Direct Care Alliance: Making Sense of Health Care Reform - What Does it Mean for Direct Care Workers and Consumers?
• American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA): Health Reform Hits The House.
• Washington Post/Associated Press: House bill likely to include long-term health care.
• Wall Street Journal: Plan Creates New Program to Pay for Long-Term Care.
• Frogloop, Care2.com Blog: How to Write the Best RFP's.
• ABC Affiliate, WJLA News Channel 8: Autism Walk on National Mall Stirs Controversy.
  
  
  WJLA News 8:
  Autism Walk on National Mall Stirs Controversy

Fundraising News

• GrantStation: GrantStation Insider for the week of November 2, 2009.
• Network for Good: Four Essential Tweaks to Your Appeals in a Recession.
• Step By Step Fundraising: Top 10 Ways to Screw up Your Year-End Fundraising Campaign.
• Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN): Case Study - Inside an Integrated Holiday Fundraising Campaign.
• About.com - Nonprofit Charitable Orgs: Nonprofit Blog Carnival - Fundraising Tips from 9 Experts.
• Future Fundraising Now: Podcast - Things to do that will make you a better fundraiser.

Social Networking/Web 2.0

• All Facebook: 5 Ways To Instantly Boost Your Facebook Page Traffic.
• Web Pro News: Thinking Beyond Facebook and Twitter for Social Relevance.
• Beth's Blog - How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media: Guest Post by Steve Waddell - Systems Mapping for Non-Profits - Part 1.
• Geeking for Good: How non-profits can take advantage of Twitter Lists.
• Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN): What's Up With All the Guest Blog Posts? Member Appreciation!
• Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN): Social Media and Technology - What Nonprofits Need To Know.
• Conversation Agent: Twitter, Customer Service, and Good Brand Management.

Order Holiday Cards To Benefit United Cerebral Palsy

Looking to buy cards for this holiday season?
Check out this great new way to support United Cerebral Palsy (UCP).

UCP has teamed up with morethancards to introduce UCP holiday greeting cards. There are a variety from which to choose, and proceeds from each sale benefit UCP.

Please check them out, here:
http://bit.ly/UCP_2009_Holiday_Cards

Wish your family and friends seasons greetings and also
support people with disabilities

Order UCP Holiday Cards Today!

-OR-

Send a free e-Card
To your friends and family

For more information, please contact Allyson Doherty at (202) 973-7125.

UCP of Central Maryland Holds Another Successful Golf Tournament

Golf Committee Chair,
Chip Hurley (red sweater)
poses with his foursome and
D.J. Gregory (center)
before teeing off on hole #10.

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Central Maryland recently held its 5^th Annual UCP Golf Classic and raised $30,000. A portion of the proceeds will help to purchase a Youth Up n' Go Walker, a much needed piece of physical therapy equipment for the affiliate's Delrey School, which serves children ages 2 to 21 throughout central Maryland.

This year, presented by Stephen L. Snyder & Family, there were 20 teams including 79 golfers. Attendees at the day-long event enjoyed 18 holes of golf, breakfast, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, lunch, a live auction, awards sponsored by Nike Golf and a 50/50 raffle where proceeds were split evenly between the winner and affiliate. Golfers also had the opportunity to meet and listen to D.J. Gregory, nationally recognized for walking every hole of every round of every PGA Tour event in 2008, despite having cerebral palsy and being told at a young age that he would never walk. Gregory's walks have spanned 44 tournaments in 45 weeks, more than 180 rounds, 3,256 holes and 988 miles.

Congratulations to tournament winners (l to r)
Perry Snyder; Michael Snyder,
UCP board member; Scott Snyder,
and presenting sponsor Stephen Snyder.

Adaptability was the strength of this year's event. According to Lauren Magee of UCP of Central Maryland, "This year we were worried about not getting enough golfers to fulfill our contract with the golf course. So, to keep our golfer numbers up we enticed them with a three-for-one deal up front — four golfers for $1,500 (one free golfer for each team). I think this adjustment contributed to our success. In fact, some past sponsors who originally said they wouldn't be able to afford the tournament this year were actually able to after we dropped our prices. They couldn't participate as sponsors, but they could still participate as golfers. Having DJ Gregory attend and speak was beneficial to our overall tournament by creating a buzz and providing perspective for our golfers and awareness of our cause."

Special guest, D.J. Gregory,
talks about his life experiences
with cerebral palsy and personal stories
of the professional golfers
he met on the PGA Tour.

This event did not come without its share of challenges in the current economic environment. According to Magee, "Our biggest challenge this year was getting event sponsors. A lot of our core sponsors had to drop out this year due to their own company budget cuts. We also had a hard time with our live auction. With today's economy it was harder to not only get donated items, but to get people to spend the money and bid on them. To help off-set our expected loss in auction revenue we decided to add incentive by explaining that all money raised from the auction would go towards the purchase of a specific piece of equipment that costs $3,000. Without that, our auction would have only raised $1,250. But, because that piece of equipment really appealed to a certain golfer that person donated the difference."

UCP of Central Maryland gratefully thanks all participants and volunteers for making this year's event such a success.

Tip for Affiliates

"Understand that with today's economy, planning an event will be difficult, but if you have the budget, still do it. Just re-adjust your goals. Anticipate where your losses may be and try to plan around them. The $30,000 that we raised through this event was less than last year, but it's still better than not raising any money at all by not having the event. And, it creates an opportunity to get out in the community and connect with your donors." - Lauren Magee.

For more information, please visit the UCP of Central Maryland Web site or contact Lauren Magee at (410) 484-4540

Capitol Insider - Week of November 2, 2009

Read Capitol Insider for an overview of the week's most important public policy events.