They say, give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime. That’s the idea behind Fifth Freedom.
We provide tools to people with disabilities so they can organize themselves and tackle common problems. Maybe some buildings aren’t physically accessible. Or local public transportation needs to be improved. Or perhaps, legislators need to hear what 20% of their constituents think about how they spend their tax money. Whatever the case, Fifth Freedom is here to empower people with disabilities to remove the barriers that thwart their potential. So if you’re the self-reliant type, contact us. We’re assembling a cast of thousands statewide who are willing to invest a little time to make a big difference.
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Information courtesy of CourierPress.com, Indianapolis Business Journal, Indiana Association for Community Economic Development, Boselaw.com, and the New York University Langone School of Medicine
Now that the 2013 Indiana legislative session is over, what will the legislature be up to over the summer? The Legislative Council will meet on May 23 to outline the interim study committee topics. Likely topics include:
Public Mass Transportation in Marion and Hamilton Counties
One of the most controversial bills this session, HB 1011, would have allowed for local referendums on public mass transportation in Marion and Hamilton counties. However, the bill as passed essentially refers the issue to the Central Indiana Transit Study Committee to be studied during the interim.
Commuter transportation districts
HB 1450 requires the joint study committee on transportation and infrastructure assessment and solutions to examine issues related to the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District, which operates the South Shore interurban line between South Bend, Indiana, and Chicago, Illinois. Issues will include: (more…)
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Information courtesy of ADA-Indiana, the Great Lakes ADA Center, and Pacific ADA Center
Generally speaking, programs and services offered to the public are required to be accessible to people with disabilities. But what does “program access” really mean? On May 22, tune in to the first in a four-part series of webinars on access to arts and recreation programs.
Learn how the “program access” standard in Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act apply to parks, recreation, and tourism, and what the requirement for “readily accessible and usable goods and services” means for places like these. (more…)
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Information courtesy of Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services Commission
The Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services Commission (IPAS) is seeking new Commission and Mental Illness Advisory Council (MIAC) members. IPAS is looking for people who have knowledge and expertise about disability issues, but more importantly, it is looking for individuals who want to make a difference in the disability community.
Members must be committed to promoting the legal and civil rights of people with mental health issues, and to protecting and promoting those individuals’ rights to make their own choices.
To apply, contact Karen Pedevilla, Education and Training Director, at 800-622-4845 ex. 232 or kpedevilla@ipas.in.gov .
Learn more about IPAS and the Commission here (pdf).
Doug Schmidt
Act Team Coordinator
The Fifth Freedom Network
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Information courtesy of DisabilityScoop.com and The Arc
Once again, Representative George Miller (D-CA) has reintroduced a bill that would establish federal standards for use of restraint in schools, restricting the way schools can use restraint or seclusion on students with disabilities. As Fifth Freedom reported, he had introduced the bill back in 2009, but the bill failed to reach a Senate vote. The bill was reintroduced in 2011 but died in committee. (more…)
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Information courtesy of the Social Security Administration
Some people with disabilities may be able to work and continue receiving disability benefits. On May 22, tune in to a free webinar from the Social Security Administration to learn about the Social Security administration’s Ticket to Work program and support services for people who are ready to work. This session will also include success stories from people with mental health issues who found employment through Ticket to Work, information about work incentives, and where to find more information. (more…)
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