| Federal
Level: New Initiatives – New Synergy
For the first time, a generation of American youth with special
health care needs have survived beyond their diagnosis/prognosis.
But, because of poorly managed health problems, many cannot
maintain placement in higher education, sustain employment,
or live independently.
If they are not healthy—even with quality inclusive
education and expanded opportunities for competitive employment—they
cannot reach their potential in the classroom or on the job.
Their performance is affected, their productivity reduced,
and they may fail to master necessary skills. Knowing how
to manage health issues—no matter the severity—increases
their chances of a successful transition from school to work
and a productive adulthood.
Recognition of these critical needs—young people’s
understanding of their health needs, access to quality care,
and involvement in health care decision making—for success
in the classroom and on the job led to the creation of a new
resource focused on the development of policies and strategies
that promote these goals.
Disability Info – a one-stop interagency web portal
www.disabilityinfo.gov
On August 28, 2002, President George W. Bush issued an Executive
Memorandum as part of his New Freedom Initiative which directed
federal agencies to work together to build a one-stop interagency
web portal for people with disabilities, their families,
employers, service providers, and other community members.
This website is a comprehensive plan that promotes the opportunity
for each person with disabilities to learn and develop skills,
engage in productive work, choose where to live, and participate
in community life. Designed to have comprehensive disability-related
government resources, tabs along the top of the
home page connect to federal agencies, laws and information
for Employment, Education, Housing, Transportation, Income
Support, Technology, Community Life, and Civil Rights. Each
topic includes information about the federal laws that apply
to that topic, their application, and links to current projects
and publications.
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