"News Notes"
by Betty Easler

Betty Easler

ll Americans Win with New Senate Election Reform Bill
At the eleventh hour, a bi-partisian compromise on election reform has been reached that will benefit all Americans, particularly Americans with disabilities. Kudos go out to Senators Dodd, McConnell, Bond, Shumer and Torricelli for their excellent work to make this possible. Senator Tom Dashel stated that the compromise election reform bill will be scheduled for vote on the floor after the return of the Senate from their holiday break.

These senators recognize that true election reform needs to include all Americans, including some 35 million eligible voters with disabilities. Following the Presidential Election of 2000, the federal government's General Accounting Office (GAO) released a report showing 84% of the nation's polling places had one or more physical barriers prohibiting persons with disabilities from participating in the voting process and casting an independent and private ballot.

"This is a huge step forward," said Jim Dickson, Vice President of the American Association of People with Disabilities, headquartered in Washington DC. "The day is in sight when Americans with disabilities can enter their neighborhood polling place and cast a vote in secret and independently (for the first time). "Americans with disabilities applaud Senator Dodd, in particular, for championing our cause," stated Dickson.

Jim Dickson is available at 202-262-8240 and 202-955-6114 for more information on this legislation.

Bush Appointments to NCD and ODEP
The President intends to nominate the following ten individuals to serve as Members of the National Council on Disability:

For three-year terms expiring September 17, 2004: Lex Frieden of Texas and upon confirmation will be designated Chairperson. Jacqueline Kelly Collamore of Maryland, Carol Hughes of Georgia.

For the remainder of a three-year term expiring September 17, 2002: Barbara Gillcrist of New Mexico, Graham Hill of Virginia, Patricia Pound of Texas.

For the remainder of a three-year term expiring September 17, 2003: Robert Davila of New York, Young Woo Kang of Indiana, Stephanie Smith Lee of Virginia, Kathleen Martinez of California.

Also, On December 7, 2001, President Bush announced his intention to nominate W. Roy Grizzard to be Assistant Secretary of Labor for the new Office of Disability Employment Policy (this is the office that subsumed the programs and staff of the former President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities). Dr. Grizzard is currently Commissioner of the State of Virginia Department for the Blind and
Vision Impaired.

Citigroup Offers $10,000 Plus Paid Summer Internships
Citigroup Corporate & Investment Bank, one of the national corporate sponsors of Disability Mentoring Day, is offering a great opportunity to people with disabilities. Citigroup's Global Diversity Scholarship Program provides a paid 10-12 week internship opportunity during the summer before the senior year of college and a one-time award up to $10,000, for tuition, which will be granted upon successful completion of the summer internship.

While this scholarship program was originally created to enhance opportunities for female and/or minority college students, Citigroup now wants to begin using this Scholarship Program to target students with disabilities. Citigroup is looking for candidates demonstrating a combination of academic and leadership abilities coupled with experiences and personal qualities that indicate an individual's potential to excel in the field of financial services. Students of all disciplines and majors, who have excelled in their pursuits, are encouraged to apply.

To find out more about Citigroup's Scholarship Program and obtain an application, contact Dennis Miranda in the Global Diversity Department: Dennis Miranda Global Diversity Analyst Citigroup Corporate & Investment Bank 388 Greenwich Street, 39th
Floor New York, NY 10013 Phone: 212-816-2196 Fax: 212-816-3438
dennis.miranda@ssmb.com

Applications are due by February 25, 2002. College juniors with disabilities should take advantage of this great opportunity! Spread the word.

Scholarships for Home schooling Disabled Children
The Special Needs Children's Fund is designed to assist home schooling families with the financial challenges of privately meeting the academic needs of their children with disabilities. The scholarships will range from $50-$1000 per family each year. If you have any questions on this fund, you can visit their web site at: www.homeschoolfoundation.org/funds/specialneeds.asp or you can call 540-338-5600.

5 Live Webcasts Through November
Worksupport.com is offering live web broadcasts on the following topics: Self-Employment for Individuals with Disabilities, Social Security and The Ticket to Work, The Future Impact of Technology on Employment for People with Disabilities, Self-Determination: The Most Natural Support, and Supporting a Person with Difficult Behaviors. for details, see http://www.worksupport.com/topics/webcast.asp

SUPERFEST MEDIA FESTIVAL SEEKS SUBMISSIONS
SUPERFEST XXII, International Media Festival on Disabilities, seeks entries of works about disability or by mediamakers with a disability. A 1/2 inch VHS-NTSC preview format is required, along with a completed and signed entry and release form. Entry fees range from $20 to $90. Winners will be screened in the SF Bay Area. To request entry forms, leave a message on the Corporation on Disabilities and Telecommunication's voicemail: 510-845-5576; or E-mail: Superfest@aol.com. You can also download an entry form at http://www.madknight.com/cdt/superfest/index.htm.

Final entry deadline is January 31, 2002 (post-marked). Early bird discount if mailed by Jan. 15, 2002. NOTE: Works made since 12/1/97 are eligible. Questions? call or e-mail the above contact numbers.