PCPID Quarterly Meeting: September 9–10, 2008

The Committee reconvened and Chairman Rhatigan called upon the subcommittee chairs to deliver their reports.

A Committee member discussed the need for additional public awareness of the difficulties facing people with intellectual disabilities seeking employment opportunities. She also noted the importance of including the voice of the employer in the success stories included in the report.

Mr. Tienken discussed the contributions promised and expected from various members for inclusion in the report that include success stories.  He noted that SSA and DOT are looking into their programs for current programs that support increasing employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. He offered three recommendations for inclusion in the report: 1) have an Office on Disability liaison in the White House; 2) recommend that the next Administration continue the New Freedom Initiative; and 3) lift the limit on earnings so that people with intellectual disabilities are not fearful of losing their benefits as they become more successful in the workplace.

Mr. Hollin discussed the need to use the upcoming TV spot to brand PCPID. The Committee discussed the need for and uses of the talking points being developed by the public awareness subcommittee and the need for using people-first language was stressed. Mr. Hollin addressed the need for the talking points to be cleared through the appropriate channels and Mr. Cole noted that because of the tight time schedule, Coach Weis was looking to have the talking points as soon as possible. Dr. Banik requested that an announcement be sent out to the Committee members regarding the Coach Weis interview as soon as an air date was set.

Chairman Rhatigan asked for any remaining questions or comments for Dr. Mank and ? (pg. 212) reminded the Committee of the President’s discussion of the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office and its many alterations over the years to accommodate the various Presidents’ needs. She noted that this story might be used in the introduction of the report. Mr. Tienken noted that the White House was the very first ADA compliant building and that the metaphor could be expanded to include the desk and the width of the doors to the Roosevelt Room. Mr. Cantos noted further President George H.W. Bush immediately having installed an elevator after learning of a White House employee that required an accommodation.

Chairman Rhatigan discussed the logistics for the November meeting.

Several Committee members expressed their appreciation for the work of the Committee and Sally Atwater congratulated the Committee on their passion and dedication to improving the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

Ms. Ruzicka informed the Committee that she would contact them with the reimbursement information as soon as she was able to get the correct information.

Chairman Rhatigan reminded the Committee of the importance of staying within the timeframe agreed upon for completion of the report and set a deadline of September 19 for promised submissions from Committee members for inclusion in the report.

Chairman Rhatigan adjourned the meeting.

Verbatim Suggested Language

Suggested by Mr. Carradini:

According to our Declaration of Independence, everyone is entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. “Everyone” includes people with disabilities. Great strides have been taken since the Americans with Disabilities Act was strengthened by, among other things, the President’s New Freedom Initiative. More remains to be done. While this should work in addressing all factors related to successful employment, issues such as housing and transportation cannot be fully addressed here. The President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities’ mission this year, to focus on employment with the pursuit and execution of personally and socially gainful employment is the basis for the pursuit of happiness.

People with intellectual disabilities have the right to employment that accords with their dignity, capacities and aspirations, just as everyone does. This report will focus on the elements necessary to integrate these people and on the

services and the supports currently available to enable them to participate in our nation’s economic life and become competitively involved.

Suggested by Judy O’Halloran:

The realization of equality, the right of employment for people with intellectual disabilities, best practices in the public and private workplace.