{"id":5336,"date":"2009-02-03T00:24:07","date_gmt":"2009-02-03T05:24:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/?p=5336"},"modified":"2009-02-03T00:31:57","modified_gmt":"2009-02-03T05:31:57","slug":"2008-disability-perspectives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/2009\/02\/03\/2008-disability-perspectives\/","title":{"rendered":"2008 Disability Perspectives"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"margin: 1ex\">\n<div>\n<p align=\"center\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><i>(Links in this document were added December 2008 and are subject to change)<\/i><\/font>&nbsp;<br \/>\n&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\">\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.governor.state.tx.us\/disabilities\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><b>Texas Governor&rsquo;s Committee on People with Disabilities<\/b><\/font><\/a>&nbsp;<font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><b>&amp; Local Committees<\/b><\/font>&nbsp;<br \/>\n    &nbsp;<\/p>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.governor.state.tx.us\/disabilities\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Texas Governor&rsquo;s Committee on People with Disabilities<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> (GCPD) appointed members provided training for 300 students in the Fort Worth Area about <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.tpwd.state.tx.us\/newsmedia\/videos\/outreach\/scoop.phtml\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Scoop<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> .<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">GCPD staff shared the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.tpwd.state.tx.us\/newsmedia\/videos\/outreach\/scoop.phtml\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Scoop&nbsp; DVD<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> with the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.taje.org\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Texas Association of Journalism Educators<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">, <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ncdj.org\/index.php\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>National Center for Disability and Journalism<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">, <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.diversityinc.com\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Diversity Inc<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">., <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.bubelaiken.org\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Bubel Aiken Foundation<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">, <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.depts.ttu.edu\/masscom\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>TTU College of Mass Communications<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">, high schools in the Houston area, <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.aafes.com\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Army Air Force Exchange Service<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">, a North Carolina college professor and numerous other entities.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.hmcepd.org\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>The Houston Mayor&rsquo;s Committee<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u> for Employment of&nbsp; People with Disabilities<\/u> hosted the 25th annual <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/governor.state.tx.us\/disabilities\/awards\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Barbara Jordan Media Awards<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> <\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.fortworthgov.org\/crd\/info\/default.aspx?id=6460\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>The Fort Worth Mayor&rsquo;s Committee<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u> on Persons with Disabilities<\/u> hosted the annual Governor&rsquo;s Committee on People with Disabilities Employment Awards. <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/ntx.easterseals.com\/site\/PageServer?pagename=TXNW_homepage\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Easter Seals of North Texas<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> served as sponsor of the event.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">The Governor&rsquo;s Committee on People with Disabilities (GCPD) conducted a statewide survey on the use of parking placards and plates for people with disabilities and released the results.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/governor.state.tx.us\/about\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Governor Rick Perry<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> issued a press release announcing the GCPD annual employment awards&rsquo; celebration in Fort Worth. Governor Perry also provided a DVD congratulating the award winners that was shown at the employment awards event.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">GCPD completed Policy Recommendations to the Governor and Legislature for the 2009-2010 biennium. Recommendations were made in ten issue areas: Access, Communication, Education, Emergency Management, Health, Housing, Recreation, Transportation, Veterans and Workforce.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">GCPD adds the category of &ldquo;Veterans&rdquo;, as one of its issue areas to be covered for recommendations to the legislature.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">GCPD staff summarized the changes in the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ada.gov\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">) to the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.eeoc.gov\/ada\/amendments_notice.html\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA)<\/u><\/font><\/a><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">Staff provided comments to the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ncd.gov\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>National Council on Disability<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> on emerging trends related to people with disabilities. <\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">GCPD staff provided comments to the proposed <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.access-board.gov\/adaag\/html\/adaag.htm\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG),<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> proposed accessibility rules for the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.dir.state.tx.us\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Texas Department of Information Resources<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">, and the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) by the Department of Justice on the ADA Amendments Act.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">GCPD committee member David Fowler is featured on the General Mills Cheerios cereal boxes as one of 12 Gold medalists from the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www1.va.gov\/vetevent\/nvwg\/2008\/default.cfm\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>National Veterans Wheelchair Games<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">GCPD staff participated in <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ncd.gov\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>National Council on Disability (NCD) <\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">meetings and committees.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">GCPD staff presented a break out session on <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ada.gov\/smtown.htm#anchor29132\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>ADA Accessibility for Temporary Events<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> at the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.texasfairs.com\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Texas Association of Fairs and Festivals<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> in Austin<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">GCPD staff coordinated a panel during <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.texashomelandsecurity.com\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Texas Homeland Security Conference<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> on Progressive Emergency Preparation for People with Disabilities. Also GCPD staff presented at the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.txsart.org\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Texas State Animal Resource Team<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> conference regarding assisting people with service animals during evacuation. <\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">GCPD staff discussed State and Federal outdoor accessibility issues for parks with Registered Accessibility Specialist Phil Pearce.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">GCPD staff joins Accessibility Council of Texas (ACT) as a charter member.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">GCPD staff met with web designers for Blue Cross to demonstrate testing website with <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.freedomscientific.com\/fs_products\/software_jaws.asp\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>JAWS.<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> <\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">GCPD staff coordinated and attended monthly <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/groups.google.com\/group\/techlunch\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Tech Lunch<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> meetings for 2008.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">GCPD committee member distributed committee resources to educational personnel for high school students transitioning from school to work. <\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">GCPD staff presented at the Annual <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.txdps.state.tx.us\/dem\/pages\/hurricaneconference_08.htm\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Texas Hurricane Conference<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">GCPD staff provided resources to evacuees of Hurricane Ike and served on committee chaired by the US Homeland Security on looking at the Long Range Planning needs of people with disabilities after disaster.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">GCPD Committee member distributed resources to members of the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.texasshhh.org\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Texas Regional Hearing Loss Association of America.<\/u><\/font><\/a><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">GCPD staff testified at the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.house.state.tx.us\/committees\/470.htm\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>House Transportation Committee<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> regarding various aspects and problems associated with accessible parking in Texas.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">GCPD staff assisted with the Hurricane Ike hotline phone calls before, during and after the hurricane. <\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">GCPD staff attended <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.dsact.com\/index-2.html\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">the<u> Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> presentation on &ldquo;New Research Directions: Down Syndrome in the 21<sup>st<\/sup> Century&rdquo; <\/font>\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"5\"><b>Texas<\/b><\/font><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">Governor Perry appoints 43 people to Committees, Commissions, Boards and Councils involved with disability issues. <\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">Matthew Swinton of Texas increased mobility through <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> technology that allows him to drive a minivan. The technology was developed to drive the lunar rovers and allows Matthew to drive using a touch computer screen.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">Texan Javier Serrano received a degree in social work from <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gordon.edu\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Gordon College in Massachusetts<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> Javier mentors children and speaks to children in elementary schools each year about children with disabilities. Javier also got to toss out the first pitch this year at Fenway Park. Javier was born without hands and does not use prosthesis.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">Team Perry participates in the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.servicedogs.org\/dogwalk08\/index.html\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Mighty Texas Dog Walk<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> which benefits <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.servicedogs.org\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Texas Hearing and Service Dogs.<\/u><\/font><\/a><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">Kristin Pass, a high school senior at <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.aledo.k12.tx.us\/aisdweb\/index.htm\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Aledo High School<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> with <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ndss.org\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Down&rsquo;s syndrome<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> is crowned prom queen.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.dars.state.tx.us\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>The Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> (DARS) selected providers for two new <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ilru.org\/html\/publications\/directory\/texas.html\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Independent Living Centers<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">. The new centers, <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.valleyassociation.org\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Valley Association for Independent Living (VAIL<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">) in Laredo and <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/nwucil.org\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>The Not Without Us Center<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> in Abilene offer assistance to young people with disabilities transitioning from youth to adult life. <\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.baylor.edu\/pr\/news.php?action=story&amp;story=50462\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Baylor University<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> researchers designed a custom &quot;lift system&quot; to help Texans with physical and mental impairments at the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.hottrc.org\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Heart of Texas Therapeutic Riding Center (HOTTRC)<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">Mike Weinstein, a student with autism wins the regional science contest in chemistry.&nbsp; He also places fourth in the statewide science competition in San Antonio. <\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.houstontx.gov\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>The City of Houston<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> was chosen as the winner in <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.nod.org\/index.cfm?fuseaction=Page.viewPage&amp;pageId=1560\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Accessible America Contest<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">, held by the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.nod.org\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>National Organization on Disability (NOD)<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">. The city was chosen for the award for its focus on issues affecting Houstonians with disabilities and its successful design of accessible programs, services and facilities.<\/font>\n<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"5\"><b>National<\/b><\/font><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">President Bush signs the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.bluesantahouston.org\/index.cfm\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Americans with Disabilities Act-Amendments Act (ADAAA)<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> on September 26, 2008.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">President Bush signs the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.genome.gov\/24519851\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) on May 21, 2008.<\/u><\/font><\/a><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">The <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/thomas.loc.gov\/cgi-bin\/query\/F?c110:1:.\/temp\/%7Ec110a4JKkj:e636:\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> passed on October 8, 2008.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.spymuseum.org\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>The International Spy Museum in Washington, DC<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">, entered into a settlement to improve access for visitors with vision, hearing, and mobility disabilities.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.nfb.org\/nfb\/Default.asp\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>The National Federation for the Blind<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> obtains a six million dollar settlement to plaintiffs in California regarding an inaccessible website of a major retailer.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">A national department store lost a long running legal dispute that it must find ways to make all merchandise available through accessible aisles. This ruling could have broad implications for retailers nationwide. <\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">Two hotels in New York&rsquo;s Manhattan&rsquo;s theater district have entered into settlement agreements to improve accessibility for customers with disabilities.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">A retail market in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, entered into a settlement agreement with the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ada.gov\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Department of Justice<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> to welcome customers who use service animals.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">The Department of Justice (DOJ) successfully resolved numerous cases in discrimination regarding service animals in housing.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.michiganpva.org\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">&nbsp; reached a settlement agreement with the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.umich.edu\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>University of Michigan<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> regarding the lack of accessible seating in the University&rsquo;s football stadium.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">In Florida, the DOJ reached a settlement agreement with a taxi company that refused to transport people with service animals; a theater complex to provide more assistive listening devices and devices that are operable, and a doctor&rsquo;s office that would not see patients accompanied by service animals. <\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.access-board.gov\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>The Access Board<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> offers their <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.access-board.gov\/news\/sidewalk-videos.htm\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Accessible Sidewalk video online<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">A Federal Court ruled that <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.marriott.com\/default.mi\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Marriott International<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> must make accessible golf carts available on its golf courses. <\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.eeoc.gov\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> (EEOC) issues three reports on employing people with disabilities.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.dol.gov\/odep\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>The U.S. Department of Labor&rsquo;s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">) launches the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.dol.gov\/odep\/MLB\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>PITCH Campaign<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> (Providing Individuals with Talent Can Help) in cooperation with Major League Baseball and former major league pitcher Jim Abbott of San Diego.&nbsp; Mr. Abbott, who was born without a right hand, won an Olympic Gold Medalist in 1988. <\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">The <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.adata.org\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>National Network of DBTAC ADA Centers<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> launches a new training website at <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.adacourse.org\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>www.adacourse.org<\/u><\/font><\/a><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">The National Parks service announced 14 nominees in 4 categories for the 2008 <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.nps.gov\/access\/awards\/awards.htm\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>National Accessibility Achievement Awards.<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> <\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.hhs.gov\/ocr\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>The U.S. Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rig<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">hts reached an <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.hhs.gov\/ocr\/mis.htm\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Olmstead Settlement<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> agreement with the State of Georgia which will affect 2300 individuals in Georgia institutions.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">Three graduates from <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.rpi.edu\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> created the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/64.233.169.132\/search?q=cache:_88cw8Ezo7EJ:https:\/\/www.cfdsny.org\/whatsnew\/RPI%2520Capable%2520Shopper%2520Video%2520Game%2520Blurb.doc+capable+shopper+video+game&amp;hl=en&amp;ct=clnk&amp;cd=3&amp;gl=us\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>CapAbility Research Games, Capable Shopper<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">, a video game simulation of a local grocery store to assist people with disabilities with independent living skills.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.hopeforvision.org\/whoweare\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Isaac Lidsky<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> is the first <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.supremecourtus.gov\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Supreme Court<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> clerk who is blind.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.acb.org\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>The American Council of the Blind<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> wins a judgment against the Secretary of the Treasury for violations regarding <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ada.gov\/cguide.htm#anchor65610\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Section 504<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> of the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ada.gov\/cguide.htm#anchor65610\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Rehabilitation Act<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">. The case alleged failure of the Secretary of the Treasury to provide meaningful access to United States currency for Americans who are blind or visually impaired.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/webanywhere.cs.washington.edu\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>WebAnywhere<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> allows people who use screen readers to access the internet anywhere.&nbsp; The tool developed at <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.washington.edu\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>The University of Washington<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> turns screen reading into an internet service.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/sports.espn.go.com\/golf\/news\/story?id=3225451\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Leo Fiyalko<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">, who is 92, shot his first hole in one on the golf course. Leo is legally blind and has peripheral vision in his right eye.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/english.disabilitylawlowdown.com\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Disability Law Lowdown<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> provided by <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.adagreatlakes.org\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Disability Business Technical Assistance Center<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> (DBTAC) begins podcasts in <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.lifeprint.com\/asl101\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>American Sign Language (ASL).<\/u><\/font><\/a><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">David A Paterson <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ny.gov\/governor\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Governor of the State of New York<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> is the first Governor in the United States who is blind.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">A video called &quot;<\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.visionworldfoundation.net\/exibir_texto.asp?cod_texto=91\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Traveling Without Trouble<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">&ldquo;from the producers of &quot;Cooking Without Looking,&rdquo; was released.&nbsp; &ldquo;Cooking without Looking&rdquo; was the first television show for people who are blind or visually impaired.&nbsp; Taping of the first episode will be aboard the Emerald Princess Oct. 11 to 18, 2009.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/stories\/2008\/04\/10\/entertainment\/main4006779.shtml\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Abbey Curran<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">, who has <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ucp.org\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Cerebral Palsy<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> is the first contestant with a disability to compete in the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.missusa.com\/index2.html\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Miss USA pageant<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">. <\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">Twelve gold medalists from the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www1.va.gov\/vetevent\/nvwg\/2008\/default.cfm\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>National Veterans Wheelchair games<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> were featured on boxes of Cheerios cereal.&nbsp; Twenty athletes who participated in the games are from Texas. <\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">The <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.essvote.com\/HTML\/products\/automark.html\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>AutoMARK<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> was introduced this year which allows individuals who cannot mark a ballot to vote.&nbsp;&nbsp; <\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">Engineers at <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.gatech.edu\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Georgia Tech<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> created a device that allows people with spinal cord injuries to control a wheelchair with their tongues.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.calodging.com\/products\/chla_educational.shtml\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>The California Hotel and Lodging Association Education Foundation<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> launched a video called, &quot;<\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.calodging.com\/products\/service_animals.shtml\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>We Welcome Service Animals&quot;<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">&nbsp; to improve service to guests with disabilities who depend on service animals for assistance.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.c-s-d.org\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Communication Services for the Deaf<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> (CSD) <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.barzadventures.com\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>and BarZ Adventures Inc<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> (BarZ) entered into an agreement to partner together on video tours across the United States using the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.barzadventures.com\/GPSVideoTours\/zooranger.html\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Zoo Ranger. <\/u><\/font><\/a><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">The nation&#8217;s major credit reporting companies will make online credit reports audio accessible.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/washington.nationals.mlb.com\/index.jsp?c_id=was\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>The Washington Nationals<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> open <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/nationals.mlb.com\/was\/ballpark\/ada_information.jsp\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Nationals Park<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">, which was designed with input from members of the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.pva.org\/site\/PageServer\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Paralyzed Veterans of America<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">The following films were released in select theaters with <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ncicap.org\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>captioning<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">&nbsp; and <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.washington.edu\/accessit\/articles?1079\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>audio description<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">; Dr. Seuss&#8217; <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/ncam.wgbh.org\/news\/horton.html\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Horton Hears a Who!<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">, Nim&rsquo;s Island, Speed Racer, Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, WALL*E, Space Chimps, High School Musical: Senior Year and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.&nbsp;<\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.lighthouse-sf.org\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Lighthouse for the Blind<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> in San Francisco launched the first-ever program to provide <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.brailleinstitute.org\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Braille<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> maps.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">A new book called, <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/headlines\/y2008\/15jan_touch.htm\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><i><u>Touch the Invisible Sky<\/u><\/i><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">, which utilizes embossed lines, bumps and other textures to translate details of cosmic objects was released. <\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">A new accessible cell phone, <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.knfbreader.com\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>The Kurzweil-National Federation for the Blind (KNFB<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">) comes with software that is able to take a picture and describe its content to the user.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.pepsico.com\/PEP_Diversity\/Commitment\/index.cfm\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>PepsiCo<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> airs a super Bowl commercial using <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.deaflibrary.org\/asl.html\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>American Sign Language (ASL)<\/u><\/font><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kay.com\/webapp\/wcs\/stores\/servlet\/home%7C10101%7C10001%7C-1%7C\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Kay Jewelers<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> airs a Holiday commercial using <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.nidcd.nih.gov\/health\/hearing\/asl.asp\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>American Sign Language<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> <\/font><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"5\"><b>International<\/b><\/font><\/p>\n<ul type=\"disc\">\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">The <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.un.org\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>United Nations<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> (UN) ratified the first international treaty on the human rights of persons with disabilities. <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.un.org\/issues\/m-disabl.html\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> was created and became legally binding May 3, 2008.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.intelligentmobility.org\/about_us.html\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Intelligent Mobility International<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> won The 2008 Breakthrough Awards for creating an affordable, terrain friendly wheelchair from a pair of old mountain bikes. Their easy-to-reproduce creation can be fixed at any bike shop. The company is working to squeeze production costs down from $150 to $40 per chair. And they&rsquo;ve partnered with Transitions, a Guatemalan charity that mainly employs wheelchair-bound workers, to build their chairs<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">Barbara Buchan, age 52, broke the world record and won a Gold Medal in 3000-meter cycling at the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/en.paralympic.beijing2008.cn\/index.shtml\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Beijing Paralympics<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">.&nbsp; Barbara was injured in 1982 while competing for a spot on the United States cycling team.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ablenetinc.com\/Home\/Products\/Switches\/Impulseswitch\/tabid\/361\/Default.aspx\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>The Impulse<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">, a new Bluetooth Technology Access product, enables individuals to control their computers using any muscle surface. <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.ablenetinc.com\/Default.aspx?tabid=36\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>AbleNet<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> created the access device in order for users to be wirelessly connected to their computers.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">The United Kingdom starts a disability awareness campaign called &ldquo;<\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.creaturediscomforts.org\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Creature Discomforts<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">&rdquo; broadcasting animated information spots.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">Natalie du Toit is the first athlete with a disability to enter the able bodied Olympics. Natalie is missing half of her left leg and does not use prosthesis. Also competing is table tennis player Natalia Partyka, the first arm amputee to compete at <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/en.beijing2008.cn\/\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Beijing 2008<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">.<\/font><\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.humanware.com\/en-usa\/home\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>HumanWare<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> is now taking orders for the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.humanware.com\/en-usa\/products\/gps\/trekker_breeze\/_details\/id_101\/trekker_breeze.html\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Trekker Breeze<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">, a talking GPS. This simple orientation tool is designed for use when travelling in familiar surroundings or pre-defined routes. <\/font><\/li>\n<li><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\">In a new rule in the <\/font><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/www.dotcr.ost.dot.gov\/asp\/airacc.asp\"><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"><u>Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)<\/u><\/font><\/a><font face=\"Bell MT\" size=\"3\"> will apply to foreign air carriers operating a flight that begins or ends in the United States. The new rule takes effect in 2009.<\/font><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Submitted by<br \/>\nNancy Van Loan<br \/>\nEmail:&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:nvanloan@governor.state.tx.us\">nvanloan@governor.state.tx.us<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Download Info: (DOC format)<br \/>\n<a href=\"http:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/download\/61\/\">http:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/download\/61\/<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>(Links in this document were added December 2008 and are subject to change)&nbsp; &nbsp; Texas Governor&rsquo;s Committee on People with Disabilities&nbsp;&amp; Local Committees&nbsp; &nbsp; Texas Governor&rsquo;s Committee on People with Disabilities (GCPD) appointed members provided training for 300 students in&hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"more-link-p\"><a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/2009\/02\/03\/2008-disability-perspectives\/\">Read more &rarr;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_crdt_document":"","advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5336","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-deaf-news"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p752R-1o4","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":45662,"url":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/2025\/09\/25\/celebrating-75-years-of-the-texas-governors-committee-on-people-with-disabilities\/","url_meta":{"origin":5336,"position":0},"title":"Celebrating 75 Years of the Texas Governor\u2019s Committee on People with Disabilities","author":"Grant Laird Jr","date":"September 25, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Celebrating 75 Years of the Texas Governor\u2019s Committee on People with Disabilities This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Texas Governor\u2019s Committee on People with Disabilities (GCPD), which was established in 1950 to promote full and equal access to lives of independence, productivity, and self-determination for Texans with disabilities.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;General&quot;","block_context":{"text":"General","link":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/category\/deaf-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Celebrating-75-Years-of-the-Texas-Governors-Committee-on-People-with-Disabilities.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":27981,"url":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/2014\/07\/22\/sunset-review-of-governors-committee-on-people-with-disabilities-survey\/","url_meta":{"origin":5336,"position":1},"title":"Sunset Review of Governor&#8217;s Committee on People with Disabilities Survey","author":"Grant Laird Jr","date":"July 22, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Sunset Review of Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities Survey July 18, 2014 Dear Stakeholder of the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities: As you may be aware, the Sunset Commission staff is currently conducting its review of the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities (GCPD). The Legislature has charged\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;General&quot;","block_context":{"text":"General","link":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/category\/deaf-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":19995,"url":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/2012\/09\/13\/deadline-approaching-apagcpd-accessibility-awards\/","url_meta":{"origin":5336,"position":2},"title":"Deadline Approaching: APA\/GCPD Accessibility Awards","author":"Grant Laird Jr","date":"September 13, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"APA\/GCPD Accessibility Awards Since 2010, the Texas Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities (GCPD) has worked with the Accessibility Professionals Association (APA), formerly known as the Texas Registered Accessibility Specialists Association (TRASA), to recognize businesses and organizations that go significantly above and beyond the legal requirements of both physical and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;General&quot;","block_context":{"text":"General","link":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/category\/deaf-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":44174,"url":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/2023\/06\/23\/call-for-nominations-for-2023-lex-frieden-employment-awards\/","url_meta":{"origin":5336,"position":3},"title":"Call for Nominations for 2023 Lex Frieden Employment Awards","author":"Grant Laird Jr","date":"June 23, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Call for Nominations for 2023 Lex Frieden Employment Awards Office of the Texas Governor, Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities Deadline for 2023 Lex Frieden Employment Awards Nominations is Approaching Do you know an employer, entrepreneur, volunteer, or local disability organization that has gone above and beyond the legal requirements\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;General&quot;","block_context":{"text":"General","link":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/category\/deaf-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/lex2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":32223,"url":"https:\/\/deafnetwork.com\/wordpress\/blog\/2015\/10\/29\/executive-director-position-available-at-texas-governors-committee-on-people-with-disabilities\/","url_meta":{"origin":5336,"position":4},"title":"Executive Director position available at Texas Governor&#8217;s Committee on People with Disabilities","author":"Grant Laird Jr","date":"October 29, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Executive Director position available at Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities Angi English, the former Executive Director of the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities, recently accepted another position with the State Office of Risk Management. 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