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2019

Would you like to own your own business?
Microenterprise grant funds are available for qualifying people with disabilities and their families. Monies may be used for costs associated with starting a new business, expanding a current business or acquiring an existing business. The application deadlines for 2018-2019 is September 26, 2018 & January 30, 2019
2019 Inclusive Practice Award/Paraeducator of the Year Award. | Nomination Form | Deadline 5:00 p.m. Friday, January 4, 2019.
Former GCDSE Council member Dean Gates receives legislative citation at the Anchorage Assembly meeting.

2018

Supported Decision-Making Agreements in Alaska (SDMA) Summit 2018. November 15, 2018. Registration
2018 Peer Power Self-Advocacy Summit, September 29-30
Deadline for registration: August 15
John Cannon was awarded the “Public Policy Advocate of the Year Award” for 2018 from the Association of People Supporting EmploymentFirst
2018 Inclusive Practice Award to these two exceptional educators, Ben Griese and Nicole Wagner
2018 Council Position Papers
2016-2021 Council State Plan, find out what our focus will be for the next 5 years
2017 Annual Report
People First Language. What words define you? The color of your skin or hair? Your age? Your weight? Of course not. When words alone define a person, the result is a label — a label that often reinforces barriers created by negative and stereotypical attitudes. Every individual deserves to be treated with dignity and respect
Learn more about the Community First Choice (CFC) option or the Individualized Supports Waiver (ISW)
CFC Infographic | ISW Infographic
Alaska Transition Handbook Pathway to Adulthood & Employment
Employment is most certainly an achievable outcome for everyone. Many individuals and families are afraid of losing vital benefits or do not completely understand what is available to make employment dreams a reality. This guide has been created to help individuals, families, providers and caregivers understand and navigate the resources and services available in Alaska in order to successfully achieve competitive, inclusive employment.
Would you like to own your own business?
Microenterprise grant funds are available for qualifying people with disabilities and their families. Monies may be used for costs associated with starting a new business, expanding a current business or acquiring an existing business. The application period for 2017-2018 is September 27, 2017 – January 31, 2018.
ADA 27th Anniversary March in Anchorage. Disability Rights = Human Rights! Celebrating ADA Day with Access Alaska, Inc.

The DD Systems Collaborative vision for the future of home and community based services for Alaskans who experience a developmental disability

Health Care Bill: The American Health Care Act
Nominations are being taken for the 2018 Inclusive Practice Awards. Deadline is 5:00 p.m., Friday, January 19, 2018

2017

The New Senate Health Care Bill Could Cut $9.4 Billion from Alaska Medicaid from 2027-2036, AARP release 9/22/17
GCDSE Annual Report
The Alaska Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education is pleased to announce two newly filled staff positions.
Notice of Proposed Changes — Medicaid Coverage, Home & Community-Based Waiver Services, Person-Centered & Settings Amendments, & General Provisions — Full Public Notice. Deadline for Comments: May 30, 2017. Opportunities for public comment will be held May 9, 1:30-3:30 p.m., at the Frontier Building, Conference Room Number 880, 3601 C St., Anchorage, AK 99503.
Notice of Proposed Changes — Proposed Changes- Rate Changes, Medicaid- Facilities, Hospitals, Professional Services, & Waivers — Full Public Notice. Comments must be received not later than 5 p.m. on June 5, 2017.

Employment First JOB FAIR, Friday, March 31, 2017 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the University Center Mall in Anchorage. For more information: Job Seekers and Employers
March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month. We believe people with disabilities should have control over their lives and be able to make their own choices. We believe people with disabilities should have equal opportunities in: employment, early intervention, education, independent living, healthcare, and inclusion in the community.
Business Employment Services Team (BEST) Employment First Job Fair. Friday, March 31, 2017, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., University Center Mall, 3800 Old Seward Highway
Applications for 2017-2018 Project SEARCH Transition Program closing very soon. Kristin.Vandagriff@alaska.gov
The Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education 2016 Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey
5/18 Council's draft 5-year State Plan 2017-2021 released for comments through July 5, 2016.
5/16 Fairbanks Certified Employment Support Professional Examination, June 30, 10am-1pm, Access Alaska, 5236 Gafney Rd, Suite 100, FBX, AK 99701.
5/2 Transition to Conflict-Free Care Coordination Website includes FAQ's, deadlines and due dates, and how an agency can claim a rural exception.
4/23 Council 5-Year State Plan Draft for Public Testimony ( May 5, 4:30pm)
2/16 SDS has released their 3rd version of the Alaska Medicaid Transition Plan on Home and Community-Based Settings
2/15 Mark your calendars for the Special Olympics Alaska Winter Games! Opening Ceremony March 11, 6:30-8pm. Click here for full schedule.
2/9 Governor's Council names Nikiski Middle/High School Life Skills Team as the 2016 Inclusive Practice Award winners!
1/25 Job Fair for employers and job-seekers in Anchorage on Feb 19, 10am-2pm!
1/23 PRESS RELEASE: The Governor's Council advocates for the passage of Education regulations that recognize FASD for special education services!
1/19 the Governor's Council FY15 Annual Report is now available in our "Publications" section.
The Micro Enterprise Fund strives to increase access to Micro Enterprise and self-employment opportunities for persons with disabilities who are Alaska Mental Health Trust Beneficiaries. Grant funds may be used for costs associated with starting a new business, expanding a current business or acquiring an existing business. Applications due Jan 27 at noon for FU16. For more information and applications.
2/12 Federal Contractor Workshop and Q&A, Anchorage Midtown Job Center, March 8, 8am-12pm

2016

2016 Alaska adopts regulations to include FASDs for Special Education with help of the Governor's Council
10/27 Alaska Peer Partnership Conference on "The Road to Employment," November 9010, 2015 at the Anchorage Hilton!
10/14 Register now for Self-Employment 1 training! This audio conference is scheduled for Friday, Oct 23, 9-11am, cost $30.
10/1 Join the Council for a community forum on our 5-year state plan, Oct 7 in Anchorage, 6-7:30pm!
9/9 Join the Council and several Anchorage agencies for FASD Awareness Day at the Anchorage School District, on September 9 from 4:30-7:30pm! There will be community speakers such as self-advocates and families affected by FASD, First Lady Donna Walker, and Mayor Ethan Berkowitz; kid's activities; and refreshments!
6/2 Ever thought about becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst? Applications for the Center for Human Development's 2-year program are due June 14!
5/20 Interested in joining the Council? Read here for more information and instructions on applying to be part of the Governor's Council!
7/16 Governor Walker takes important step toward Medicaid expansion
4/13 Interested in pursuing self-employment? If so, join us for the upcoming Trust Microenterprise Grant Open House and Workshop - May 19, 1-4 PM. To learn more, please see the event flyer.
4/9 Attention Federal Contract Employers! The Council and the Department of Labor are hosting a presentation by OFCCP regarding Section 503 and VEVRAA with a state agency networking session to follow regarding resources for hiring individuals with disabilities and veterans. To learn more, please see the May 14 event flyer.
3/23 Learn about the ABLE Act in Korean!