Sunday, May 09, 1999
Conferences, Web sites support, inform
BY DEBORAK KENDRICK
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Finding good information and support are key to incorporating disability into a productive lifestyle. A number of upcoming conferences and new Web sites offer plenty of both for individuals with disabilities as well as the family members and professionals who care about them.
Events
• Solidarity 99: Since 1991, the largest conference gathering Ohioans with disabilities has been Solidarity. This biennial event promises a notable line-up of workshops, exhibits and inspirational speakers.
Held May 23-25 at the Hyatt Regency, 350 N. High St., Columbus. Solidarity 99 will include a health fair, technology expo, and career fair. A special community luncheon Monday will feature actress Marlee Matlin as guest speaker.
Workshops will focus on legislation, medical updates, employment, sports opportunities, and other areas of interest to people with disabilities.
Registration is $115, and rooms are $103. For registration information, contact Meeting Connections at (800) 277-5490.
• Family Campout: The parents division of the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio is hosting a campout for families with blind or visually impaired children, June 18-20, at Wagon Wheel Campground in Shelby, Ohio. Swimming, fishing, paddle boating, campfires and miniature golf are among the activities. Meals will be provided. The cost is $25 per family.
For applications, write Carol Akers, 3555 Alvin Road, Shelby, OH 44875, or call (419) 347-8519.
New Web sites
Older Americans claim the largest number of newly-acquired disabilities with such age-related condition as macular degeneration, hearing loss, arthritis, Alzheimer's and more.
In recognition of the need for information by older Americans, Vice President Al Gore has created Access America, a new Internet site hosted by the Social Security Administration, which links older Americans to a variety of government agencies and services.
From the Access America for Seniors home page, Internet users can locate information on Social Security benefits, employment and volunteer activities, education, travel, a comparison of nursing home and Medicare options and much more.
Point your browser to www.seniors.gov for this site which provides links to many other agencies and services.
National Council on Disability, the small federal agency responsible for the Americans with Disabilities Act, offers legislative information, a monthly newsletter of disability news, and more. Go to www.ncd.gov
Jeff Moyer, a folk musician who has dedicated his music and career for the last 20 years to issues of diversity and disability offers information on workshops, concerts, CDs and his disability-focused politically correct songs on a new Web site. Go to www.jeffmoyer.com
If you or someone you know is interested in information about guide dogs, several guide dog schools now have Web sites offering descriptions of training, application, school credentials and history. Try www.guidedogs.org or www.guiding-eyes.org or www.seeingeye.org
With an unemployment rate of 70 percent among working age Americans with disabilities, employment is clearly an issue of interest. At the Job Accommodations Network site, Internet users can read sections of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 pertaining to the employment of people with disabilities, and pick up specific information regarding job discrimination, job accommodations, tax credits to employers, and how disabled employees can assert their rights once on the job. Check out this informative site for employers and job seekers alike at http://janweb.icdi.wvu.edu or send e-mail to jan@jan.icdi.wvu.edu.
Cincinnati writer Deborah Kendrick is a nationally recognized advocate for people with disabilities. Write her at The Cincinnati Enquirer, Tempo, 312 Elm Street, Cincinnati 45202. E-mail: dkendrick@enquirer.com
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