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Jefferson Area Disability Services BoardThe 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 FundThe 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 DisabilitiesTwo 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 ReportThe 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. The Virginia Travel Guide for Persons with DisabilitiesThis 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). The Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority (ATLFA)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:
Special Needs During Emergencies and DisastersPeople 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 Tips and Guidelines
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. |
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