Recommendations in 1993 for mcs in Delaware,NJ,MD,Virginia, W.Virginia, Dis of

[Guest guest]

This is an interesting paper I found regarding disability and the workforce for

several states including Delaware. Several times they mention people with

environmental illnesses and chemical sensitivities. Apparently a Congressional

Panel requested funding for public education, research, patient support, policy

development back in 1993. I didn't even have this illness until 1998.

So sad that again recommendations were ignored. My life could have been so

much easier if any services were available. I was treated like a criminal

when I reported I was ill in a home I was renting.

The current law regulating toxic chemicals was passed in 1976, but barely

nothing was done in that department.

I have lost 12 years of my life not working, not driving because I lost my car

in a court fight against one landlord. I have not driven since 2001-- right

around 9/11.

This is just the chemical problem, then there is the indoor mold issue. So much

work needs to be done, and I hope that the time has come and our leaders will

do right by so many that are suffering.

This was a Microsoft word document so I just copy and pasted a few points

related to my issues. You can get more info at the link provided. Thanks for

taking the time to read...

Sorry for the whinning. I posted this at another site.

http://www.dol.gov/odep/documents/philadelphiasummary.doc

U.S. Department of Labor Region II

Listening Session

Delaware, District of Columbia, land,

Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia

U.S. Department of Labor Region II

Listening Session

A New Day: We're Listening

Office of Disability Employment Policy

Summary

INTRODUCTION

On January 27, 2010, the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability

Employment Policy (ODEP) held the second of a series of six Listening Sessions

in Philadelphia, PA. The purpose of the Listening Session was to provide a

forum to collect information and comments from stakeholders about best practices

and key issues to be addressed by Federal systems regarding the employability,

employment, retention and promotion of people with disabilities.

Noting that " the employment figures for people with disabilities are way too

low, " ODEP Assistant Secretary Kathleen ez invited representatives from

other Federal agencies to participate on the listening panel. Assistant

Secretary ez said, " I am pleased to announce that the Department of Labor

(DOL) is working in tandem with other Federal agencies to change this picture as

we strive for good jobs for everyone, including those of us with disabilities. "

Topics addressed as significant included issues related to chemical and

environmental exposures.

Recommendations by the attendees focused on the following areas: alternative

financing programs, coordination and collaboration, policies related to chemical

and environmental sensitivities, raising expectations, employer-driven job

development, " Employment First " policies, integration into professional

disciplines and grant opportunities, disability-friendly public policy,

disincentives, special wage provision, transition from school to work, Workforce

Recruitment Program, communications and outreach, increased funding for

vocational rehabilitation, Business Leadership Networks, and Disability Program.

The need for more education on hidden

disabilities

The need to develop effective policies related to individuals disabled by

chemical and environmental exposures. Up to one-third of the U.S. population

may react to low level exposures, and up to six percent of the population is

chronically ill and disabled. EEOC statistics show a high rate of failure to

accommodate individuals with chemical and environmental sensitivities.

The Center for Disease Control's (CDC) Indoor Environmental Policy and

Environmental Quality Guidelines for its workplace, and the Census Bureau's

fragrance-free policy and implementing language. These policies were singled

out as models for addressing issues related to individuals with chemical and

environmental sensitivities.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Speakers and those who provided online comments made a variety of

recommendations, which covered the following categories:

Increased funding for alternative financing programs. Currently there are 33

alternative financing programs throughout the United States and the Territories,

and some are underfunded. These programs have proven effective in providing

loans for assistive technology, thus helping people with disabilities to work,

and should be extended to all states and territories.

Coordination and collaboration of programs and services. It is important that

agencies within a state know each other's key personnel, key contact information

and services. In this way, each service provider can promote every program and

more easily refer people with disabilities directly to other programs.

Research, policy development, patient support and public education related to

chemical and environmental sensitivities. Although a Congressionally funded

expert panel recommended additional funding for this purpose in 1993, no funding

has been made available. There needs to be a government-wide effort to promote

healthy indoor environmental quality. Multiple agencies, including those

dealing with disability, health issues, environmental issues, and Veterans

issues should work with disability researchers, clinicians and advocates to

develop and promote best practices guidelines for healthy indoor workplace

environmental quality.

Remove barriers that create disincentives for people with developmental

disabilities to find and maintain competitive employment. Such barriers include

lack of transportation and flexible options for on-the-job support.

Increase funding for state vocational rehabilitation programs. Much MORE at

link...