President Barack Obama signed an Executive Order regarding “Increasing Federal Employment of Individuals with Disabilities.” This is due to Americans with disabilities having an employment rate far lower than that of those without disabilities as well as being underrepresented in the Federal workforce. Because the Federal Government is America’s largest employer, they must become a model for the employment of individuals with disabilities. There are 2 deadlines for the government to have improved employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The 60 day deadline involves the design of model recruitment and hiring strategies for agencies seeking to increase their employment of people with disabilities. Additionally, mandatory training programs for both human resources personnel and hiring managers on the employment of individuals with disabilities will be developed. The 120 day deadline states that each agency shall develop an agency specific plan for promoting employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/executive-order-increasing-federal-employment-individuals-with-disabilities

Adult Training & Habilitation Center (ATHC) has a program called “Recycle your Holidays.” STAR spoke with Jason T. at ATHC about this program and its involved processes. This idea was created by Jason who spoke with a representative from the Recycling Association of MN which was then presented to both Boards of Directors. From the time the idea was presented to the time they were operating was a mere 3-4 months. They started by word of mouth, serving area businesses, churches and events west of the metro area where they are located. An issue to recycling Christmas lights arose in that the strings of lights can’t be recycled until the bulbs are off. This presented a unique opportunity to ATHC to supply the workforce to meet this need. There is zero waste on this project; the bulbs are sold to a glass recycling company and the wires are sold to another recycler. This was referred to as a “hair brained idea,” but quickly grew into a successful venture. ATHC obtained a grant from the Energy Resource Group at the University of Minnesota and the pilot program began in June/July 2009. WCCO heard of this effort and worked with them starting in November, bringing with them more support and sponsors. They have trucks picking up recycling 7 days a week now and have far exceeded the goals originally set. “Recycle your Holidays” through ATHC has worked the Uptown Art Fair in Minneapolis, various parades and festivals, the MN State Fair and Coke. This business venture is now a year round job vs. just seasonal work.

Recently, two programs of The CCP Foundation came together to build connections and community. As part of The Foundations’ 2010 efforts to bring forward ideas, adapt resources and change perceptions in Stillwater, The Foundation is supporting two initiatives that are working to make a direct impact on individuals’ lives. The Stillwater Circles Program and the Stepping Up Moving Forward Program came together to host a community bonfire. Hosted by a local family – Karly Whalin, Gregg & Lois Swope – more than 40 people joined together in singing, playing drums, and eating hot dogs and s’mores! New friends were made and old acquaintances were renewed. Fun was definitely had by all and there are plans to host another informal community event in the future, to continue to build friendships, gather people together, and change attitudes and perceptions. The Stillwater Circles Program, led by Marjorie Ames, is an exciting program for young adults with developmental disabilities connecting around the idea of friendship. The Stepping Up Moving Forward Program is led by parents and community members wrestling with the question ‘how do we strengthen and build community capacity to support individuals with developmental disabilities in belonging?’

The Aitkin County DAC is running a store in MacGregor, MN called DAC-Mart and it sells used clothing, house wares and some furniture which has been donated from the community. When STAR spoke with Kim, she stated that they have incredible support from the community. All employees are very welcoming and are frequent shoppers! Some even come in daily to check out the new inventory. They started this process by speaking with other DAC stores and took the best points to use for their store. From the time the idea was presented to the time a building was purchased was approximately 8 months. After the building was purchased they immediately placed ads for donations, which came very quickly. They hired an architect consultant to help lay out the floor plan and colors of paint. They are licensed for up to 10 employees of the Aitkin County DAC to work there as well as at least 3 staff per day. Volunteers were used at first, but now there is no longer that need. Employees perform various functions including sorting through donations before they are set out for purchase, taking payment for purchases, and cleaning the store daily. The business is thriving now and continues to exceed their expectations! Come and visit when you are in the area!

http://www.aitkincountydac.com/products.html

A man named Philippe Croizon swam the English Channel earlier this week. The unusual thing about this French man and father of two is that he lost his arms and legs in an accident several years ago. He had customized prosthetic flippers made for this journey, which he completed a full 10 hours ahead of schedule. He said he wanted to become “a representative of someone overcoming his restrictions.”

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1313389/Limbless-man-swims-Channel-Philippe-Croizon-crosses-10-hrs-ahead-schedule.html