Educators with Disabilities Caucus

The National Clearinghouse for Professions in Special Education and The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) have developed the Educators with Disabilities Caucus (EDC), a national network of teachers with disabilities and persons interested in the topic of educators with disabilities. EDC serves as a forum for preservice students, faculty, educators, and administrators to exchange information on recruiting, hiring and supporting teachers or related services personnel who have disabilities.

• AHEAD Conference
• Guidebook for Employment of People with Disabilities
• Success from the Start: Preparing Students with Disabilities for their First Semester in College
• Publications of Interest
• Educator Training and Funding Opportunities
• Resources for & about Educators with Disabilities
• Become a Member

Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD) 2004 Conference

July13-17 in Miami Beach, Florida
AHEAD invites proposals for its twenty-seventh annual Conference in 2004. The Association provides opportunities for professional development to those who work to assure equal opportunities and full participation for faculty, staff and students with disabilities in higher education.

More information

Guidebook for Employment of People with Disabilities

In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month 2003, the U.S. Department of Education, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, has released a guidebook to acquaint business leaders with programs and resources available to assist them in hiring people with disabilities.

The jointly developed publication, "Disability Employment 101: Learn to Tap Your 'HIRE' Potential," includes information about how to find qualified workers with disabilities, how to put disability and employment research into practice and how to model what other businesses have done to successfully integrate individuals with disabilities into the workforce.

Copies are available through the link above and also will be available soon through the department's "ED Pubs" service on the Web or by phoning 1-877-4-ED-PUBS, faxing 1-301-470-1244 or writing ED Pubs, P.O. Box 1398, Jessup, Md. 20794-1398.

Success from the Start: Preparing Students with Disabilities for their First Semester in College

Goal
Train currently-employed professionals to develop, implement, and evaluate the impact of college-preparation programs for students with disabilities who have been accepted into postsecondary institutions but have not yet begun classes.

Format
Each six-week professional development course will be delivered via the Work Wide Web.

Next Sessions:
* Sept. 8--Oct. 19, 2003 * Jan. 26--March 7, 2004
* Oct. 27--Dec. 7, 2003 * March 22-May 1, 2004

Course work and participation equate to the requirements necessary to earn three-continuing education units.

Cost
The cost per session is $70 per student. Make checks payable to CEW, Success from the
Start. NOTE: We cannot accept purchase orders, cash or credit card payments.
Send payment to: Success from the Start C/O Lizzie Baldi, Center on Education and Work, School of Education, University of Wisconsin, 964 Education Sciences Building, 1025 West Johnson Street, Madison WI 53706-1796.

Course Delivery Software
As a participant, you will need Internet access, a web browser such as Netscape or Internet Explorer, and a CD-ROM player to use the Desire to Learn course materials. Desire to Learn is platform-independent. Desire to Learn's features include a bulletin board, chat room, student progress tracking, student presentations, student self-evaluation, grade maintenance and distribution, password protection, navigation tools, quizzes, electronic mail, and course content searches.

Enrollment Incentives
(1.) Participants will learn approaches designed to improve the access, performance, and retention of students with disabilities in postsecondary environments. (2). Participants who complete course requirements will be eligible to receive limited technical assistance as they establish and implement their own college preparation course for students with disabilities who will matriculate into institutions of higher education.(3.) Course enrollees will become more proficient online learners. (4.) Pending approval by University of Wisconsin-Extension, participants who complete course requirements will be eligible for continuing education units (3 CEUs). (5.) All course matrials [print, online, and CD-ROM] will be included as part of the registration fee.

Enrollment Limits
To enhance project staff/instructors' ability to provide individual instruction, guidance, and post completion technical assistance/support, the enrollment for each session will be limited to 25 individuals.

Curriculum Content
During each distance education course, participating professionals will learn how to develop the curriculum content, format, and learning experiences that they can use to implement a face-to-face college preparation program that will be offered at their local school. Participating professionals will learn how to:

• interpret and apply the latest research-based approaches to teaching self-advocacy skills;
• instill in students with disabilities a greater understanding of their disabilities and the ramifications of those disabilities on the need and desirability of obtaining accommodations and/or assistive technology;
• structure powerful learning experiences that orient students with disabilities to college life and communicate effectively the differences between high school and college;
• communicate effectively the differences in legal requirements/responsibilities [e.g. Americans With Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act] that apply to postsecondary schools vs. secondary schools;
• prepare students with disabilities to undertake effective and appropriate self-disclosure to instructors or other staff;
• design and implement instructional approaches that enable students with disabilities to review and strengthen their math, language, and writing skills;
• prepare and deliver effective instruction for students with disabilities on the topics of time management, study skill development, library/research skill enhancement, effective use of text books, acquisition of financial aid, and other "college survival" skills;
• understand and implement the logistics necessary to implement a pre-enrollment experience in their respective schools;
• seek and acquire funds and other resources needed to support implementation of a pre-college preparation program in their respective institutions;
• use the adaptive technology most commonly available and used in higher education settings;
• design, implement, and analyze the results of program evaluation strategies that generate both qualitative and quantitative data.

For more information, please contact John Gugerty at (608) 263-2724 or 1-800-446-0399. You may also write him at Center on Education and Work, School of Education, University of Wisconsin, 964 Education Sciences Building, 1025 West Johnson Street, Madison WI 53706-1796.

Publications of Interest

New EEOC Disability Employment Fact Sheet.
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently released a new fact sheet designed to educate job applicants on how Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects their rights throughout the hiring process.

Retention of Special Education Professionals: A Practical Guide of Strategies and Activities for Educators and Administrators (PDF)
The National Clearinghouse/The Council for Exceptional Children (1998)

Increasing career sucess for people with disabilities

Enhancing Diversity: Educators with Disabilities
by Ronald J. Anderson, Clayton E. Keller, and Joan M. Karp.
This publication shares stories, ideas, and resources for individuals with disabilities who are educators or are interested in becoming an educator. This publication is also highly recommended for administrators and schools seeking information on educators with disabilities. This book may be purchased from the Council for Exceptional Children, 888-CEC-SPED, 1-866-915-5000 TTY, service@cec.sped.org

Educator Training and Funding Opportunities

Funds Available for Master's Degree in Education
Project Excel, Louisiana State University

LSU's education department is actively seeking persons with disabilities to apply for Project Excel funding.

Project Excel at Louisiana State University offers a $9,000 annual fellowship and tuition exemption for persons wishing to obtain a Master's Degree in Education, certification in special education, and specialized training in working with delinquent and other at-risk youth. The one and one-half year program leads to a Master's Degree in Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Interested applicants need to have an undergraduate degree in any field and at least a 2.8 GPA. Interested persons should contact Dr. Dorothy Gammel (225-388-8821) or Dr. David Houchins (225-388-2630).

Ohio State - Adapted Physical Education

The Ohio State University has recently received a training grant in adapted physical education (APE). Graduate assistantships are available to qualified students pursuing the masters degree with emphasis in adapted physical education. The program is designed to be completed in one calendar year (autumn, winter, spring, and summer) and focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to become an APE specialist. Practicum opportunities include a variety of public schools, the University's Nisonger Center for MR/DD; the Franklin County MR/DD program, Camp Abilities (SUNY Brockport), The Adaptive Adventure Sports Coalition (TAASC), and Recreation Unlimited, among others.

Graduate assistantships include full tuition waiver, a monthly stipend of approximately $900 for the academic year, mileage reimbursement for practicum travel and an allowance for books and professional development. We are seeking qualified students committed to teaching physical education to children with disabilities. Graduates from Ohio State's masters program in APE generally work as general physical education or APE specialists/consultants, and are currently employed in the Midwest as well as in the states of Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and New York. Over the past 10 years, all of our graduates have been gainfully employed by school districts and agencies serving children and youth with disabilities.

If interested, please contact David Porretta, Ph.D., at the address below. Minorities and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

David Porretta, Ph.D.
Adapted Physical Education
The Ohio State University
1760 Neil Ave.
Pomerene Hall, Rm. 202
Columbus, OH 43210
(614)292-0849 (phone)
(614)292-7229 (fax)

Resources for and about Educators with Disabilities

The following list provides EDC members and others with resources and networks. Information included in these resources does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Education, The Council for Exceptional Children, or the National Clearinghouse for Professions in Special Education. Additional resources may be added by contacting John McQuilkin, 800-641-7824; 1-866-915-5000 TTY;703-264-1637 Fax.

• ADA National Access for Public Schools Project
  Publications, technical assistance 800-893-1225; 617-695-1225 Voice/TTY
  
  
• Association on Higher Education & Disability (AHEAD)
  Membership organization for those persons interested in issues associated with postsecondary education and services for students with disabilities. Produces policy briefs, publications and has a special interest group associated with career development for students with disabilities.
  617-287-3880 Voice/TTY; 617-287-3381 Fax; or carol.desouza@umb.edu
  
  
• Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)
  For answers to questions about CEC or for membership information.
  service@cec.sped.org 888-CEC-SPED, 1-866-915-5000 TTY
  
  
• Demonstration Projects to Ensure Students with Disabilities Receive a Quality Higher Education
  U.S. Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education
  1990 K Street, NW
  Washington, DC 20006
  For further information contact: Aime Amiot
  202-502-7647; 202-502-9272 TTY
  
  
• DisabilityInfo.gov
  Comprehensive federal website of disability-related government resources.
  
  
• Federal Employment of People with Disabilities
  United States Office of Personnel Management
  Offers a number of useful links related to employment of adults with disabilities.
  
  
• HEATH Resource Center
  National Clearinghouse on Postsecondary Education for Individuals with Disabilities Provides information on educational support services, policies, procedures, adaptations, transition, and financial aid for students with disabilities. 800-544-3284; 202-973-0904 Voice/TTY
  
  
• Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
  Free consultation and information about job accommodation strategies and the employability of people with disabilities.
  800-526-7234 Voice/TTY.
  
  
• National Clearinghouse for Professions in Special Education
  For financial aid and career information for students with disabilities. 800-641-7824; 866-915-5000 TTY
  
  
• National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth
  NCWD/Youth is a technical assistance centers funded by the U.S. Department of Labor to assist the workforce development community address issues affecting the employment of people with disabilities. The site contains useful information and resources for youth with disabilities and their families, service providers and other front line workers, administrators, policy makers, and employers.
  
  
• National Task Force on Equity in Testing Deaf Professionals
  The mission of the National Task Force is to provide information and to influence state and federal licensure agencies and employers about tests given to deaf and hard of hearing professionals.
  202-651-5530 Voice/TTY; judy.mounty@gallaudet.edu
  
  
• United Federation of Teachers (UFT)
  New York based teachers' union has a Committee for Members with Disabilities. Resources produced by this group are exclusively for UFT-NYC members although committee administrators may be able to provide information regarding organizing such a committee.
  800-421-1220(V) 212-598-9276 (New York Relay Service)

Membership Application

The application for joining the Educators with Disabilities Caucus is available in either PDF or Microsoft Word format.

PDF Version
Instructions: Click on the link above to open the application PDF (you must have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view PDF files). Print out the application, fill it out, and mail it to the address indicated on the form.

Microsoft Word Version
Instructions: RIGHT-click on the above link and choose "Save Target As.." or "Save File As...". Select where on your computer you want to save the document and then click "Save". Go to the folder where you saved the document and open it. Fill out the form by clicking your mouse in the gray boxes and entering your information. You can now save the file and either email it as an attachment to the address listed on the form or print it out and mail it.

If you are unable to use either of these forms, contact the National Clearinghouse for Professions in Special Education at ncpse@cec.sped.org for information about joining the EDC.

This publication is available in alternate format upon request.

The National Clearinghouse for Professions in Special Education is the descriptive title for the National Clearinghouse on Careers and Professions Related to Early Intervention and Education for Children with Disabilities, Cooperative Agreement H326P980002 between the U. S. Department of Education and The Council for Exceptional Children.