Here are just a few of the myriad resources available to help ordinary consumers assimilate disability rights with regard to travel, employment and financial planning.

        Aviation hot line: If you've ever worried about your wheelchair being stored properly on an airplane or been ignored by a flight attendant who was uncomfortable because she couldn't understand your speech, you'll welcome the establishment of the new aviation consumer disability hot line.

        Established by the federal Department of Transportation, the toll-free hot line went into operation Aug. 5, and is designed to handle complaints of passengers with disabilities, as well as to disseminate materials regarding fliers' rights.

        If you have a problem or would just like general information for airline passengers with disabilities, call (866) 266-1368 voice; (866) 754-4368 (TTY). Or download fact sheets on consumer rights from www.dot.gov.

        Employment resource: The seven-volume set of technical assistance manuals distributed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is available on a single CD-ROM.

        Have you wondered, as an employer, what questions are legal and not-so-legal in the job interview? What constitutes discrimination, accommodation, fairness in hiring practices? In the past, these materials were available only in hardcopy format and only to those who attended EEOC's Technical Assistance Program Seminars held around the country.

        The new CD includes a complete library on discrimination based in national origin, religion, race, sex, age or disability, as well as training exercises and relevant Supreme Court decisions. A simple keyword search function makes it possible to find desired information quickly. The CD is $135. For ordering information, visit EEOC's Web site at www.eeoc.gov.

        Financial planning: Planning for the well-being of loved ones with disabilities is a concern for many families. “With Open Arms: Embracing a Bright Financial Future for You and Your Child with Disabilities and Other Special Needs” is a 72-page booklet developed by the Easter Seals Society and National Endowment for Financial Education offering financial advice to parents and caregivers of children with disabilities.

        The book includes guidance in such areas as finding the right lawyer, estate planning, wills, special-needs trusts, government benefits, savings options, insurance plans and other resources. It's never too early to begin planning for the financial security of your child with a disability, the guide says.

        Single copies are available free, plus $5 payable to Easter Seals for shipping, from With Open Arms, Easter Seals National Headquarters, 230 W. Monroe, Suite 1800, Chicago, IL 60606. For additional information, call (800) 221-6827; or visit www.easter-seals.org.

        Contact Deborah Kendrick by phone: 673-4474; fax: 321-6430; e-mail: dkkendrick@earthlink.net.

Honeymoon continues for CSO maestro
Jarvi, Eroica leave audience breathless
Young Columbus dancer tapped as understudy
KIESEWETTER: Television
Delayed season eliminates shot at Emmy award
Collector babies 300 African-American dolls
DAUGHERTY: Everyday
KENDRICK: Alive and Well
Program puts 'village' to work
DEMALINE: The arts
Galleries exhibiting signs of an early rebirth
MCGURK: Film notes
Sheryl Crow kept Riverbend bright and sunny
Story of star-crossed lovers crosses time with style, ease
Restaurants strike chord for CSO patrons
MARTIN: Foodstuff
Get to it