Register TODAY for Girls Coalition Conference on March 24

posted March 03, 2010
The Second Annual Girls Coalition Conference, "From Imagination to Realization: Equity and Economic Empowerment of Girls," is quickly approaching! It is open to any adult who works with girls in a professional capacity.

The Girls Coalition recognizes that professional development is essential, but that many nonprofits have very limited budgets this year. In recognition, the conference fee has been lowered this year to make it affordable and easily accessible. But EARLY REGISTRATION ENDS MARCH 5! So register before March 5 to get the reduced rate of $65/person (after March 5 fee is $80).

This conference is an exciting opportunity for people from all over the region to network, learn, and advocate on behalf of girls and young women. The event includes nine panel discussions and breakout sessions and features keynote speaker Dr. Bertice Berry.

Additionally, CEUS will be available for Psychology and Social Work, as well as Act 48 credits for educators.

More info and online registration is available at: www.girlscoalitionswpa.org.

Language Matters

posted February 22, 2010
Why make a big deal about saying "person with a disability" rather than "a cripple," or "has cerebral palsy" rather than "suffers from CP"?

FISA Foundation blieves that the difference matters - a lot. Language shapes the way we think about people, which shapes our behavior - sometimes in subtle ways and sometimes dramatically. People with disabilities are people first, and every individual has a unique contribution to offer our community.

Two powerful illustrations of this are:

These words have meaning
By Heather McCain
The Province, February 21, 2010
www.theprovince.com/opinion/These+words+have+meaning/2593267/story.html

and

The opportunity of adversity (TED Talk video)
by Aimee Mullins
posted February 2010
www.ted.com/talks/aimee_mullins_the_opportunity_of_adversity.html

National Council on Disability

posted November 09, 2009

The Current State of Health Care for People with Disabilities

National Council on Disability undertook this study in 2007 to focus the nation’s attention on the health care disparities experienced by people with disabilities, and to provide information and recommendations that can help to eliminate health care inequities for people with disabilities.

FISA Foundation Announces Grantmaking Strategy

posted June 26, 2009
In this difficult economic climate, everyone (individuals, families, communities, businesses, nonprofits, foundations, government…) is taking a critical look at financial investments. FISA Foundation, like most funders, has fewer dollars to distribute. After soliciting input from our grantees and nonprofit partners, we have adopted the following general strategies to guide decisions over the coming year.

• We will honor multi-year grant commitments.
• We will keep our focus on improving the lives of women, girls and people with disabilities and will maintain existing grantmaking priorities for each population.
• We will continue to consider general operating support for successful programs within strong organizations that advance our mission.
• We believe it is extremely important to continue investing in under-resourced rural communities.
• We have not established a “cap” on grant size, but we do acknowledge that the application process will be highly competitive.
• We will continue to conduct three grant cycles during the year. Potential applicants are encouraged to call the office to discuss their request or submit a brief letter of inquiry (follow guidelines posted under “grant application”). Unsolicited full proposals will not be accepted.
• We will set aside a small fund to enable us to respond promptly to emergency needs affecting women, girls and people with disabilities.

Website Accessibility Resources

posted December 04, 2008
It is more important now than ever for all organizations to make sure their websites are welcoming and accessible to people with disabilities. FISA Foundation is proud to be working with the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management at Robert Morris University to offer classes on website accessibility. Download this PDF handout of resources on web accessibility and stay tuned for more information about the upcoming spring classes!