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	<title>* Disabilities Education Blog: Articles, Facts, &#38; Advice *</title>
	<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog</link>
	<description>Discover disability education through Program Development Associate’s Disability Blog. View the latest articles, advice, research, news, facts, &#38; advice.</description>
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		<title>New Documentaries from the Fanlight Productions Collection</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Program Development Associates is excited to share with our customers a new catalog of award-winning documentaries on disabilities and healthcare related issues—The Fanlight Productions Collection. Fanlight Productions is a leading distributor of the most recognized high quality video and DVD resources on the social issues of our time, with a special focus on: healthcare mental [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/new-documentaries-from-the-fanlight-productions-collection/</link>
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		<title>Disabilities in the Workplace:  Training for Executive Order 13548</title>
		<description><![CDATA[As we approach the twenty-first anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Disabilities Education Blog would like to reflect on the year that has passed since President Obama addressed the country in honor of the Act’s 20th anniversary last summer. Disability Training:  Preparing for Executive Order 13548 For Federal employers, the Department of [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/disabilities-in-the-workplace-training-for-executive-order-13548/</link>
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		<title>Disability News:  Starbucks Sued by EEOC</title>
		<description><![CDATA[A Starbucks location in El Paso, Texas, gained less-than-favorable attention this week as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or EEOC, sued the company for discriminatory hiring practices.  The news comes as a shock to customers, many of whom regard the trendy coffee chain as forward-thinking and socially responsible.  The incident illustrates firsthand that discriminatory practices [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/disability-news-starbucks-sued-by-eeoc/</link>
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		<title>Paratransit Month:  Increasing Accessibility and Opportunity</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Disabilities Education Blog has covered the contemporary issues faced by many individuals with disabilities when it comes to access to employment.  From company websites to physical offices, we’ve explored what is necessary to increase the accessibility of both the physical workplace as well as general information, such as job openings and company information.  We have sought to identify the barriers to access faced by individuals with disabilities in these areas so we may better counter them, establishing systems and practices that help these individuals overcome such barriers.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/paratransit-month-increasing-accessibility-and-opportunity/</link>
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		<title>In the News:  Austism Research, Education, and Resources</title>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.disabilitytraining.com/product-list.php?Autism_Asperger-pg1-cid38.html" title="Autism education">Autism education</a> and awareness are in the news as the Wall Street Journal covered new research about the condition last Monday, May 3<sup>rd</sup>.  The new study restates what many researchers, parents, and advocates know about the condition:  Children with autism have larger brains than children who do not.  It goes further, however, to indicate that the accelerated brain growth of children with autism occurs before age 2.  This is an important discovery as it takes modern research a step closer to identifying specific causes for the illusive condition, as well as when physiological changes may trigger those causes.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/in-the-news-austism-research-education-and-resources/</link>
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		<title>3 Keys to Fostering Inclusion</title>
		<description><![CDATA[<strong><a href="http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/disability-training-3-keys-fostering-inclusion.png"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1436" style="float: left; margin: 10px 10px 0px 10px;" title="disability-training-3-keys-fostering-inclusion" src="http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/disability-training-3-keys-fostering-inclusion.png" alt="disability-training-3-keys-fostering-inclusion" width="300" height="300" /></a></strong>

<strong>Workplace inclusion</strong> is becoming a critical determinant of success for employers nationwide.  An increasing population of Americans with disabilities, evaporating Federal funds for disability unemployment programs, and the need for ongoing ADA compliance are just three key drivers towards increased participation of individuals with disabilities in the workplace.  <a title="Disability training" href="http://www.disabilitytraining.com/">Disability training</a> programs that foster <strong>inclusion</strong> are a means for organizations to stay ahead of the curve, preparing workplaces across the country to better accommodate work-ready prospects with disabilities.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/3-keys-to-fostering-inclusion/</link>
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		<title>4 Steps to Reducing Disability Unemployment</title>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/4-steps-to-reducing-disability-unemployment"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1432" title="disabilities-education-blog-4-steps-to-reducing-disability-unemployment" src="http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/disabilities-education-blog-4-steps-to-reducing-disability-unemployment-300x214.png" alt="disabilities-education-blog-4-steps-to-reducing-disability-unemployment" width="300" height="214" style="float:left;margin: 10px 10px 0px 10px;"/></a>Unemployment among males in the United States hovers around 18%, its highest level since the 1950s (i).  There is evidence of an increased number of men of prime working age entering into disability unemployment programs as well, indicating a trend that has only contributed to the rise in unemployment.  Mr. Damian Paletta of the <em>Wall Street Journal</em> reports that while the Social Security and Medicare are projected to operate through 2029, the disability fund will “run dry” in four to seven years without government intervention, as indicated by government auditors (ii).]]></description>
		<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/4-steps-to-reducing-disability-unemployment/</link>
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		<title>#Disability Employment is &#8216;Just Good Business&#8217;</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Organizations are often slow to actively recruit those with disabilities.  Fear of the unknown, increased training costs, and unforeseen workplace accommodations are just three ill-conceived notions held by many business leaders when confronted with the opportunity to engage in <a href="http://www.disabilitytraining.com/" title="disability employment">disability employment</a>.  Agencies that specialize in <a href="http://www.disabilitytraining.com/" title="disability training">disability training</a> are here to help, however, helping individuals with disabilities prepare for effective job placement.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/disability-employment-is-just-good-business/</link>
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		<title>Autism Awareness Month</title>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/autism-awareness-month"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1419" style="float: left; margin: 10px 10px 0px 10px;" title="disabilities-education-blog-autism-awareness-month" src="http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/disabilities-education-blog-autism-awareness-ribbon2.jpg" alt="disabilities-education-blog-autism-awareness-month" width="100" height="142" /></a>For over 4 decades the <strong>Autism Society</strong> has used the month of April to spread awareness for a developmental disability of unparalleled complexity and ambiguity:  <strong>Autism</strong>.  Occurring in nearly 1 in every 100 children, autism is characterized by reduced social and communicative abilities.  This month, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Program Development Associates</span> encourages individuals and businesses alike to participate in the Autism Society’s awareness initiative.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/autism-awareness-month/</link>
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		<title>The Campaign for Disability Employment</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Campaign for Disability Employment is marked by the collaboration of several disability and business organizations.  Together, they aim to spread disability awareness, education, and appreciation through a national campaign of public service announcements and viral Internet marketing.  Organizations are encouraged to make a commitment to disability employment and workplace inclusion on the campaign’s website, [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/the-campaign-for-disability-employment/</link>
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		<title>Inclusive Workplaces Require Proactive Leaders</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Inclusion is rapidly becoming a focal point of most <a href="http://www.disabilitytraining.com/" title="disability training">disability training</a> programs.  Inclusive workplaces are shown to be more productive and profitably, lending credible testimony to the argument that training programs ought to foster inclusive ideals first and foremost.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/inclusive-workplaces-require-proactive-leaders/</link>
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		<title>Disability News:  Federal Budget Changes for 2012</title>
		<description><![CDATA[President Obama has led America through one of the most challenging economic climates since the early 1900s.  While far from recovery, both the President and the American public remain hopeful that the worst has passed.  To aid in recovery, the President has described several changes to the Federal budget that will help to spur growth [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/disability-news-federal-budget-changes-for-2012/</link>
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		<title>Making Websites Accessible:  Color Scheme Planning, Part II</title>
		<description><![CDATA[In this final installment of Making Websites Accessible, we will review practical methods of implementing a website color scheme that is readable by both visually impaired users and unimpaired users alike.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/making-websites-accessible-color-scheme-planning-part-ii/</link>
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		<title>Making Websites Accessible:  Color Scheme Planning, Part I</title>
		<description><![CDATA[In this two part disability education article, we will review a fourth dimension of creating accessible websites:  Color scheme.  With vision impairment affecting an estimated 8% of American males and 1% of American females, proper color planning takes on great importance when designing a Web page with readability in mind (i).  With a touch of proper planning, company websites can be rendered in colors that most all individuals can perceive.  Effective color choice rounds out our discussion on website accessibility, providing the proverbial finishing touch to websites that utilize user friendly text, proper image optimization, and video usage, as outlined in our previous Website Accessibility articles.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/making-websites-accessible-color-scheme-planning-part-i/</link>
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		<title>Making Websites Accessible:  Effective Video Use</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Welcome back to the Disabilities Education Blog series on website accessibility.  This third installment will review the rising popularity of Web-based video while presenting ways in which company websites may utilize this medium to reach a diverse audience of users.  Disability training programs that focus on increasing website accessibility extend their initiative beyond the physical workplace and into the general public, yielding an exponential return unachievable by programs that remain focused on internal aspects of business only.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/making-websites-accessible-effective-video-use/</link>
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		<title>Making Websites Accessible:  Image Optimization</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Welcome to the second installment of Making Websites Accessible.  In this article, we will examine how training for disability involves structuring assets, like company web pages, to facilitate interaction with a diverse audience.  Specifically, we will examine how to use images in clear and coherent ways without sacrificing creative design.  Organizations will find this guide helpful in presenting ideas through the Web to a diverse audience.  These businesses are smart to adopt accessible website design practices to increase their exposure to job prospects, existing customers, and new customers alike.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/making-websites-accessible-image-optimization/</link>
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		<title>Making Websites Accessible:  User Friendly Text</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The Web has expanded the ability of disability employment programs to reach a diverse pool of potential job applicants.  A wide range of customers is also readily reachable through vibrant company websites, social media networks, and email campaigns.  Despite the opportunity provided by the Web and its dynamically evolving technologies, an estimated 15-20% of Americans have difficulty using technology because of a disability (i).  This percentage is high, though, because most websites are not built with accessibility in mind.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/making-websites-accessible-user-friendly-text/</link>
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		<title>Universal Design for Learning:  An Office Application</title>
		<description><![CDATA[The 1990s saw many developments to further the assimilation of those with disabilities into both classrooms and offices.  While the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 barred employment discrimination based on disability, the Center for Applied Special Technology introduced the concept of Universal Design for Learning.  Together, these two accomplishments make possible the employment and advancement of a range of individuals with a diverse range of abilities.  While the ADA breaks down the workplace barriers faced by those with disabilities, UDL helps employers develop disability training programs with maximal effectiveness.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/universal-design-for-learning-an-office-application/</link>
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		<title>Assistive Tech Apps</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Organizations continually face the hurdle of effective employee placement.  This hurdle grows higher when the employee has a disability, challenging organizations to place individuals in work opportunities that are both safe and rewarding.  Assistive technology, coupled with ongoing disability training, has made it possible for organizations to employ thousands of individuals with a wide array of impairments. These individuals are able to contribute to the organization and community through their work opportunities, becoming wage earners, consumers, and community participants.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/assistive-tech-apps/</link>
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		<title>Disability Employers and the BWAP</title>
		<description><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.disabilitytraining.com/product-list.php?Employer_Relations-pg1-cid68.html" title="Disability employers">Disability employers</a> and diverse organizations know that recruiting talent is meaningless without the means of organizing individuals to yield optimum production or service efficiency.  Identifying individual aptitudes, abilities, and preferences goes a long way in placing new hires as well as advancing current employees.  At times, specific assessment tools are necessary.  For workplaces that employ individuals with disabilities, core operations depend on the accurate assessment and placement of individuals.  Disability employers are smart to consider the Becker Work Adjustment Profile (BWAP) when conducting these assessments.  This easy-to-use <a href="http://www.disabilitytraining.com/" title="disability training">disability training</a> resource provides critical insight on individual vocational abilities, a prerequisite for providing meaningful and safe job placement for those with disability.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/disability-employers-and-the-bwap/</link>
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		<title>Employee Training Programs That Add Value</title>
		<description><![CDATA[There are several reasons for employers to value a diverse employee base.  Today’s business landscape is explosive; technological proliferation, decreased consumer spending, and a slow-to-recover economy make for a volatile environment.  Organizations must take proactive steps towards hedging against such volatility.  From a financial investment standpoint, one need only diversify their investment portfolio to minimize the risk associated with volatility.  In the very same way, organizations may diversify to overcome the turbulent business environment of the present.  With eclectic human capital comes a wider distribution of ideas, the foundation on which forward thinking and innovation are built.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/employee-training-programs-that-add-value/</link>
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		<title>Building a Disability Employment Program</title>
		<description><![CDATA[As <a href="http://www.disabilitytraining.com/" title="training for disability">training for disability</a> initiatives gain momentum, one hopes to see a fall in unemployment among those with disabilities.  Instead, the opposite is true.  When facing an increasing rate of unemployment among those with disabilities, one need ask:  why are disability employment programs not working?  There have been dozens of initiatives aimed at lowering the level of unemployment among individuals with disability.  From Federal legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act to Presidential <a href="http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/an-executive-order-for-disability-awareness/" title="Executive Orders">Executive Orders</a>, finding jobs for those with disabilities has been on the forefront of American political agendas.  The rate of unemployment continues to grow, despite the genuine efforts made by Federal lawmakers, business owners, and citizens alike.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/building-a-disability-employment-program/</link>
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		<title>Program Development Associates Honors a True Activist</title>
		<description><![CDATA[You may not know the name John Wodatch, but that does not matter.  What do matter are the tens of millions of individuals with disabilities who he has helped over the past four decades.  Mr. Wodatch is an attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice.  Currently, he has become chief of the Department of Justice’s [...]]]></description>
		<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/program-development-associates-honors-a-true-activist/</link>
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		<title>Emotional Quotient:  A Managerial Study</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Our <a href="http://www.disabilitytraining.com/" title="disability training and education">disability training and education</a> blog has a long history of distributing articles to help business professionals make the most of the talent they recruit.  This article is no different.  Today, Program Development Associates explores Emotional Quotient, or EQ, and the benefits employers receive by engaging in this type of employee training.  It goes without saying, however, that leaders are smart to construct this sort of training in an inclusive manner.  Opening the doors to a diverse talent pool adds depth to an employee base that translates to greater idea exchange and a heightened bottom line.  In short, implementation of an EQ employee training program that accommodates those with disabilities is your organization’s best bet for increased productivity in 2011.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/emotional-quotient-a-managerial-study/</link>
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		<title>Build Inclusion Through Disability Awareness</title>
		<description><![CDATA[Business professionals know that today’s work environment is on the move.  Technologies, marketing channels, even employee <a href="http://www.disabilitytraining.com/" title="training programs">training programs</a> are constantly changing.  It’s never been a more dynamic time to be in business.  With the rapid changes, however, comes the excitement of evolution.  It’s survival of the fittest; today, being most fit means leveraging your workforce.]]></description>
		<link>http://www.disabilitytraining.com/wpblog/build-inclusion-through-disability-awareness/</link>
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