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

Benefits Reduced for People with Disabilities in PA

posted February 01, 2010
On January 30, 2010 the Tribune Review reported:
"State benefit reduction to affect needy elderly, blind, disabled"

Starting next week, thousands of low-income elderly, blind and disabled people in the region will have a monthly benefit reduced by up to 24 percent, a legacy of last year's state budget cuts.

read more: www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_664791.html

NEW POLICY ON FUNDING SUMMER CAMPS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

posted November 20, 2009
FISA Foundation recognizes the value of summer camps for children and adults with disabilities. Camps provide opportunities for socialization, recreation and skill development for campers and much needed respite for families and caregivers. In the current economic climate some foundations who previously supported camp scholarships are redirecting philanthropic dollars to address immediate needs such as food, housing, health and safety. As a result, families who are in financial distress are struggling to afford camp tuition.

To address this need FISA Foundation has allocated a small fund to invest in summer camps.
• The Foundation plans to award four to six grants this year to support camps for individuals with physical, cognitive, sensory or developmental disabilities. The average grant size will be $5,000. Priority will be given to organizations that did not receive funding last year.
• All proposals for summer camps must be submitted by December 4, 2009. Funding decisions will be announced in February 2010.
• Letters of Inquiry are not required. Simply submit a brief proposal, following the application guidelines outlined on this website.
• Proposals should :
+++ Identify clear goals and outcomes for participants and the benefits for families.
+++ Clearly state the various funding streams that support the camp, tuition amount, and staff/camper ratio.
+++ Describe the special populations targeted by your camp. On average, what percentage of your campers do not have disabilities? What supports are provided for campers with disabilities?
+++ Address the ways you define and measure the success of your camp program. Be sure to include some testimonials from previous years (if applicable).

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.