Saturday, October 1 - The FAIR: A Cross Disabilities Event Family Abilities Information Rally

Emerging Trends Public Consultation

The National Council on Disability (NCD) is gathering public input for a study of emerging issues and trends affecting the lives of people with disabilities. Information gathered will be used in the development of NCD's next annual progress report to the President and Congress, "National Disability Policy: A Progress Report," which is required by Section 401(b) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

The purpose of this public consultation is to gather input to inform NCD's assessment of the status of the nation in achieving policies that guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities, and empower individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and integration into all aspects of society.

If you would like to participate, the entire document and information on how to respond is available at http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2009/NationalCouncilonDisability.doc.

Kids In Need Teacher Grants

Kids In Need Teacher Grants provide K-12 educators with funding to provide innovative learning opportunities for their students. The Kids In Need Foundation helps to engage students in the learning process by supporting our most creative and important educational resource — our nation's teachers.

http://www.kidsinneed.net/grants/

University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Department of Child and Family Studies/FMHI, University of South Florida (USF)
Link: http://flfcic.fmhi.usf.edu/

USF Research Project is Looking for Caregivers: Are you a parent and caregiver of an adult with intellectual disabilities who lives at home with you? Are you aged 50 or above, and your child is 18 years or older? If your answer is Yes, then please consider participating in a research study to determine your health and well-being, and to investigate your long-term experiences as a caregiver to a person with special needs. Participation involves completion of a telephone interview (or a face to face interview wherever possible), with questions regarding your caregiving experiences, as well as questions regarding your daily activities with your son/daughter with intellectual disabilities. Participation involves completion of a telephone interview (or a face to face interview wherever possible), with questions regarding your caregiving experiences, as well as questions regarding your daily activities with your son/daughter with intellectual disabilities.
If you are interested or would like more information, please contact: Elizabeth Perkins, Telephone: (813) 974 - 7076, Email: eperkins@bcs.usf.edu

The Southwest Florida Water Management District: http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/
Children Encouraged to Apply for Free Camping Trip on District Land: http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/kidscamp/
Bass Pro Shops and the group “American Disability Adventures” are partnering with the District on this event, which is open to children of all abilities. The camping trip is scheduled for Sept. 19-20. All campers must be accompanied by at least one adult. Participants will learn how to set up camp and cook their dinner using a Dutch oven. They will also have the opportunity to experience archery, fishing, shooting an air rifle, outdoor photography and hiking along the Florida National Scenic Trail. Participants will be selected through an application process. Children ages 6 to 14 are encouraged to apply.
Six boys and six girls will be selected. Applications are available through the District’s web site http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/kidscamp/ or by calling 1-800-423-1476, ext. 4470. The application deadline is September 6, 2009. Campers will be notified by phone or email on September 8, 2009.
Press Release: http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/news/article/1316/

The Agency for Person with Disabilities (APD): http://apd.myflorida.com/ to Hold Community Meetings:

September 22, 2009: University Area Community Development Corp.,
14013 N. 22nd Street, Tampa
1 p.m.- Provider Forum, 3 p.m. - Customer Forum

The Agency for Person with Disabilities will be holding a series of meetings around the state to discuss new initiatives affecting APD customers.
APD Director Jim DeBeaugrine will host the meetings and be available to talk with those interested in the new programs. Public input is welcome during these meetings. Interested individuals may attend any or all of the meetings. Previously planned wait list rule workshops have been postponed. The agency wants to further develop its policy options before having workshops and therefore would be able to provide answers to questions from customers, families, and advocates at the rule workshops. For Meeting Dates, Locations, Times: http://apd.myflorida.com/news/2009/apd-to-hold-community-meetings.htm

Adaptive Basketball in Lutz

Every Sunday, 2:00pm to 4:00pm at Community Life Center Gym,
Van Dyke United Methodist Church, 17030 Lakeshore Road, Lutz, Fl 33558
Ages: 10 yrs old to adults. All disabilities are welcome.
Basketball Court time is: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Arts and Crafts time is: 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Parents: You are welcome to hang out, watch the action or enjoy a cup of coffee in our book store on campus.
Volunteers: You are needed to assist our special players. This is a great opportunity to make a difference and obtain School Credit Hours.
For a FREE, Fun-filled afternoon call to Register or to Volunteer: Janet Atkinson, Special Needs Coordinator 813-240-5218, jatkinson@tampabay.rr.com

September 19 - Adapted Kayak Clinic - Equipment specially designed for people with spinal cord injuries and other mobility impairments. 10am-12pm at Walter Fuller Recreation Center & Park, 7891 26th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Call (727) 893-7899.

October 4 from 9am -12pm - Mayor's Alliance Career Fair for Persons with Disabilities
At Workforce Alliance of Tampa Bay
This is an opportunity to share your resume with area companies interested in hiring persons with disabilities.

October 10 - Adaptive Fitness Expo - Exhibits showcasing adapted sports, specialized equipment, and booths hosted by local related service providers. 10am-2pm at Walter Fuller Recreation Center & Park, 7891 26th Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Open to people of all ages and abilities. All who pre-register receive a free t-shirt! To get involved, please call Angela Bennett at (727) 577-0065.

October 22- Hillsborough County Disability Mentoring Day
This international program offers students and job seekers with disabilities an opportunity to explore careers at various area businesses. Call 276-2742 for more information.

October 24- Freedom Playground Wheel-A-Thon
Freedom Playground at MacFarland Park

November 7 - Adapted Sailing Expo - 10am-2pm at St. Petersburg Sailing Center, 250 2nd Ave. SE, St. Petersburg. RSVP required to (727) 892-5196.