THE FRIDAY FACTS 

   Issue #3

A weekly news bulletin from the National Parent Network on Disabilities

Dear Santa: 
Please Pass the Family Opportunities Act.  In the wake of the election, you can sense that Congress is itchin' to go home for the holidays.

DON'T LET THEM GO BEFORE PASSING 
THE FAMILY OPPORTUNITIES ACT. 

The FOA would allow families to increase their income and still be eligible for Medicaid (Health Care). The bill would also create Family-to-Family Health Centers (centers run by and for families) to help guide newer families through the complex medical process. Senator Trent Lott has told the White House that he has not heard the families saying they need this bill, he does not want to pass this bill so "rich people can create shelters".

Are children without health care rich?

CONTACT Sen. Trent Lott, 202.224.6253
White House, 202.456.1414 

NOW
TELL THEM YOUR STORY!  TELL THEM YOU NEED THE FOA!

11 leaders $110,000

Congratulations are needed to 11 emerging leaders of the disability community. Announced Monday, by the American Association of People with Disabilities; 

are the 11 new awardees of the prestigious Paul G. Herne/ AAPD LeadershipAwards. The Awards, established last year in the name of AAPD founder, Paul G. Herne, will provide a $10,000 cash grant to continue their leadership activities and be paired and mentored by a nationally recognized leader in the disability.  A reception will be held on December 8, at 6:00pm at the Grand Hyatt Washington, Washington, D.C. For more information on the Award or the Reception contact AAPD 202.457.0473, 202.457.0046 v/tty

WE CEO Honored

The Disability Awareness Award, for improving the quality of life and creating a more positive worldview of persons with disabilities through comprehensive print, interactive, broadcast and wireless communication resources was given to WEMedia President and CEO Cary Fields, at the United Nations International Day of Disabled Persons, for the outstanding Internet broadcasting of the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games.

WIIA 20MILLION DOLLAR PROGRAM

"We must draw on the talents of all our citizens", President Clinton said. With that, how about 23 state and local programs receiving funding from the U.S. Department of Labor, to enhance the employment opportunities for people with disabilities.  The Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1998 has established this program, which will be an 18 month, $20million Work Incentive Grant Program. For more information contact: Kathy Noll, 202.219.687

Supported by WEmedia, www.wemedia.com