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Call For Nominations For Emerging Leaders

One of the goals of the MT-TIRC (Montana Transition Training, Information and Resource Center) Project is to expand the vision of what is possible for youth and young adults with developmental disabilities to learn, live, work and play in their communities. MT-TIRC will create an annual publication(s) to highlight and share innovative examples and stories of young adults with developmental disabilities being active, participating members of their communities. Information will be shared about how the supports necessary to help them realize these possibilities were identified and funded or provided.

Information Website on International Disabilities Campaigning by the UN Special Rapporteur

Link: Special Rapporteur Website The post of UN Special Rapporteur on Disability was created in 1993 with the unanimous adoption on the Standard Rules for the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. The post of Special Rapporteur is an honorary one reflecting the faith and trust of the international community in its holder. Hissa Al-Thani was appointed Special Rapporteur on Disability in June 2003 for a renewable mandate of three years. The Special Rapporteur is entrusted with the task of monitoring and assessing the implementation of the Standard Rules with the objective of enhancing and advancing the status of persons with disabilities throughout the world.

montanaylf.org: Montana Youth Leadership Forum

Link: montanaylf.org
Applications (delegates and staff/volunteers) for the 2009 Montana Youth Leadership Forum (MYLF) are due Friday, April 3rd. 

Applications for the 2009 forum are available on the MYLF website.

MYLF 2009 APPLICATION

Link: MYLF App.
Access the staff application for the Montana Youth Leadership Forum (MYLF) 2009. The application deadline is April 3, 2009.

Autism Interview: Learn from the true experts - those on the spectrum

Link: Qazi Fazli Azeem

Qazi Fazli Azeem
Despite many sensory challenges and obstacles, Azeem is a true success. Poor eye contact and an inability to do math have not stopped him from becoming Pakistan's highest certified teacher in Multimedia/Graphic Design. He is renowned for spreading Autism Awareness in Pakistan. He has a natural talent for Numerology and is so proficient that he has been requested to do readings for celebrities and even government officials from over eleven countries.

NYTimes.com: Swearing-In Resonates at a School for the Blind

Link: The New York Times

They sat on little wooden chairs at the front of the classroom, lined up in tidy rows close enough to the television to hear the new governor use grown-up words like “budget” and “democracy.”

The children, in kindergarten, first and second grade at the New York Institute for Special Education, the second-oldest school for the blind in the nation, listened closely as David A. Paterson delivered his speech, straining their ears to catch every bit of it, laughing at his jokes even when they went over their hea

2008 Montana Youth Leadership Forum Delegate Application

Link: http://www.montanaylf.org/
Download mylf_08_app.pdf
MYLF (pronounced “my life”) is a unique career and leadership training program for high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with disabilities. By serving as delegates from their communities at a 5-day intensive training, youth with disabilities will cultivate leadership, citizenship, and social skills.

Montana Center on Disabilties Seeking Nominations for Leaders with Disabilities

CONTACT:
Tina Hoagland, Montana Center on Disabilities, 657-2039/888 866-3822
Jeannette Vieg, Montana Center on Disabilities, 657-2312/888 866-3822

The Montana Center on Disabilities at Montana State University-Billings is looking forward to selecting the inductees for 2007 Hall of Fame for Leaders with Disabilities. If you would like to nominate someone, you can download the nomination form and instructions at http://www.msubillings.edu/mtcd/HallofFame2006.htm or call Jeannette to have them mailed to you. She can be reached at 406 657-2312 or toll free at 888 866-3822.
The Hall of Fame was founded to recognize contributions made by individuals with disabilities that make Montana communities a better place to live. They need not be involved in change related to disability issues.

New Washington, D.C. Associate Director for Domestic Policies Is Responsible for Disability Issues

A new successor of Associate Director for Domestic Policy at the White House was to be brought on board. That time has now come. In fact, his first day was this past Monday. His name is Daniel M. Gade. Dan is a 1997 graduate of the United States Military Academy and will receive his Master's in Public Administration from the University of Georgia later this summer. Continuing the previous tradition of the position of Associate Director for Domestic Policy responsible for disability issues, the position is a Detail post.

National Federation of the Blind Youth Slam

Link: A 2007 STEM Leadership Academy

The largest gathering of blind youth ever.  This four-day academy will engage and inspire the next generation of blind youth to consider careers falsely believed to be impossible for blind people to enter