Jefferson Area Disability Services Board

The Jefferson Area Disability Services Board (JADSB), staffed by the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission, is a volunteer group of citizens, people with disabilities, and service providers. Our purpose is to stimulate public awareness, foster coalitions of committed and educated advocates, and enhance local government interest in disability issues.

DSB Accepting Letters of Intent for Rehabilitative Services Incentive Fund

The Jefferson Area Disability Services Board (JADSB) is accepting letters of intent for the Rehabilitative Services Incentive Fund (RSIF) for Fiscal Year 2008 (Grant Period June 1, 2007 – May 31, 2008). The maximum award is $15,000, with a 10% cash match required. The purpose of the RSIF grant program is to promote investment in meeting the needs of individuals with physical and sensory disabilities. Proposed projects must address needs identified in the (link) JADSB’s 2006 Needs Assessment by providing a new program or expanded access to existing services. Areas of particular need for people with disabilities in the region include transportation, housing, employment, assistive technology and personal assistance. If you are interested in submitting a grant proposal, please fax or mail us a letter of intent by April 4. The full RFP is available here. Although full proposals are not required at this time, the full application may be viewed here.

Employers Recognized for Supporting Workers with Disabilities

Two employers were recognized in November for their contributions to supporting employees with disabilities at their worksites. The recipients of the Martha Tarrant Employer of the Year Award, chosen by the Jefferson Area Disability Services Board, were Goodwill Industries of the Valleys (for large employer) and Frontline Test Services Company (for small employer). Both companies have been proactive in making accommodations for workers with disabilities who sometimes otherwise cannot find productive employment.

As part of the award, Jefferson Disability Services Board member and local business owner Doug Owens (Technology Tamers) donated $500 in cash and technological support to assist the award winners in meeting their needs. Awards are presented to employers who provide quality customer service to people with disabilities, develop effective communication skills for working with people with disabilities, and discover local resources available to support working with various disabilities. More information on this year's awards and past winners is available here.

DSB Releases 2006 Needs Assessment Report

The Jefferson Area Disability Services Board has just released its 2006 Needs Assessment Report. Since the Disability Services Board’s last Needs Assessment in 2003, services available in the region have remained about the same, while demand has increased. Funding of services for persons with disabilities has remained a low priority. Transportation, housing, and employment remain critical needs, along with special needs such as assistive technology and personal assistance. Click here to view the report page.

This guide was created by and for people with physical or sensory disabilities to provide accurate travel information. The guide is available on-line .

The Jefferson Area Disability Services Board has ordered a box of guides for local distribution. If you would like a copy, call 434-979-7310 ext 230 or send an e-mail to .

To order a FREE large print copy of The Virginia Travel Guide for Persons with Disabilities, call 1-800-742-3935 or 804-371-0327 (TTY).

This fund provides low-interest loans for a wide variety of special equipment. This includes loans for wheelchairs, motorized scooters, Braille equipment, hearing aids, low vision aids, communication systems, environmental control devices, building modifications for accessibility or telecommunication devices for the deaf. See the ATLFA website

The ATLFA can directly help in our locality in four ways:

1. Help consumers and families afford accessibility improvements: ATLFA may be able to assist individuals or families through a grant from the Consumer Services Fund or a low interest loan.
2. Help improve accessibility and supports of local service providers/ businesses: Business loans are available from the ATLFA / SunTrust Bank partnership at the lowest interest rates possible for use in making building improvements or obtaining equipment that directly benefits current consumers.
3. Be a source of financing when using local building contractors and dealers of equipment: When they have customers who are seeking financing options, the contractor or dealer can advise the customers with disabilities or seniors of possible eligibility for a low interest ATLFA loan.
4. Help an individual with disabilities become equipped for a telework job: ATLFA has great, new loan opportunities for assistive technology or a wide range of other business/home office equipment to help get the person employed. All that is required is that the loan request could lead to an employment outcome working from the home or a call center.

Special Needs During Emergencies and Disasters

People with disabilities who are self-sufficient under normal circumstances may have to rely on the help of others in a disaster. Here are some links to help you prepare.

American Red Cross: Disaster Preparedness for People With Disabilities

FEMA: Assisting People With Disabilities In A Disaster

• Information on Accessible Web Pages
• Interviewing People with Disabilities
• Now is the Time: Transition Guidance for Parents of Children with Disabilities (PDF 95 K)
  This document is in Adobe Acrobat PDF format and requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader. To download the free reader, click the following link: Get Acrobat Reader
• Disability Etiquette Training

  There were 101 people in attendance at Disability Etiquette Training, held on October 8, 2003 in the Ballroom at UVA's Newcomb Hall. Participants learned how to provide quality customer service to people with disabilities, develop effective communication skills for working with people with disabilities and discover local resources available to support working with various disabilities.

  View presentation.

The JADSB covers the Thomas Jefferson Planning District, consisting of the City of Charlottesville and the Counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson. The board meets bi-monthly, generally on the third Monday of every month.

The JADSB was created in response to the call for the formation of such boards by the Commisssion on the Coordination of the Delivery of Services to Facilitate the Self-Sufficiency and Support of Persons with Physical and Sensory Disabilities in the Commonwealth, better known as the Beyer Commission. The membership of the DSB must include at least one local official from each of the participating jurisdictions, two representatives of the business community, and consumers. The Board must have a minimum of 30% representation by individuals or family members of individuals with physical, visual or hearing disabilities. The boards serve as catalysts for change but do not govern agency operations or directly provide services.