At AbilityMaine we are developing a special page for events, committee meetings, board meetings, etc. that are of interest to people with disabilities. The calendar link will still be on our site, but this special page will be specifically for disability related meetings and events. If you have items to add to this page, if you are a committee member who can provide dates for your meetings,or if you are planning an event, send items to Mainefun40@hotmail.com with CALENDAR in the subject line.

We're always looking for news and information at Abilitymaine. If you have items you think we can use, send them to Mainefun40@hotmail.com with NEWS in the subject line.

NewsBriefs

Apply Today!! - The National Federation of the Blind Youth Slam

First ever NFB Youth Slam will be the most dynamic gathering of blind youth ever!

From July 30 August 4, 2007, two hundred blind and low vision high school students will stay at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland to be mentored by blind role models during fun and challenging activities meant to build confidence, expand leadership and advocacy skills, and increase science literacy. Participants will also attend various social events as well as workshops on topics such as leadership, career preparation, and advocacy.

Launch rockets, invent new things, create weather-tracking sensors, perform astronomy, examine new technology, compete in engineering tasks, learn how a gecko teaches us about science, design solutions for the environment, meet new friends, play goalball, watch movies, dance, march for independence, make podcasts, meet blind role models, stay at a major university, and experience hundreds of other adventures at the first ever NFB Youth Slam!

To read more about the NFB Youth Slam or view the student or mentor applications, go to:
http://www.blindscience.org/ncbys/Youth_Slam.asp

Those interested in participating as students or mentors should complete an application by April 1, 2007. Candidates are encouraged to complete their applications early, as qualified participants will be selected on a first-come-first-serve basis. Students need not have a strong interest in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) in order to participate, enjoy, and benefit from this academy.

Send questions about the NFB Youth Slam to: youthslam@nfb.org.

Disability exemption from Medicaid citizenship documentation (3/2/07)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services wrote a letter to state Medicaid directors last week outlining a recent legislative change which exempts people who receive Social Security disability insurance benefits from the Medicaid citizenship or nationality documentation requirements. The requirements went into effect in July 2006 as a result of the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, which was enacted on December 20, 2006.

Two articles from the March EQUITY e-newsletter:

Supporting Recovery for People with Mental Illness through Building Assets
http://www.wid.org/publications/?page=equity

FEATURE ARTICLE:
Financial Service Model for Individuals Living with Mental Illness
http://www.wid.org/publications/?page=equity_test&sub=200702&topic=fa
Margaret Swarbrick, Ph.D., Director of the Institute for Wellness and Recovery Initiatives, demonstrates how one program in New Jersey provides a promising support model for people with mental health issues by helping them build assets.

The University of Michigan's Disability Service offices has 3 videos about college students with disabilities On line. created at U of M.

The View From Here: Depression on College Campuses
Breaking Through the Silence
And You Can Quote Me On That

http://www.umich.edu/~sswd/students.html#