NCD to address disability-related issues at next quarterly meeting

The National Council on Disability (NCD) will conduct its next quarterly meeting at the JW Marriott Houston, 5150 Westheimer, Houston, TX, beginning at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 19, 2010, and ending at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 21, 2010. This meeting is open to the public.

NCD believes it is vital to hear from communities around the country on what works and what does not for people with disabilities. This meeting will provide another opportunity for that exchange. The agenda will include, among other things, presentations by the Honorable Kathleen Martinez, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy, and Lex Frieden, Professor of Health Informatics and Professor of Rehabilitation, University of Texas at Houston; presentations on emergency preparedness and youth with disabilities in transition; and two releases of NCD research projects: Workforce Infrastructure in Support of People with Disabilities and The State of Housing in America in the 21st Century: A Disability Perspective.

A specific time is also designated to receive public comment, supported by a toll-free call-in line, and input is encouraged and greatly appreciated. Individuals or organizations can also provide written comments by e-mail, fax, or mail. A public comment session will be held Wednesday, January 20, from 11:30 a.m. until noon, CST. The toll-free call-in number is (888) 790-6568, and the pass code is "NCD Meeting." Written comments on disability-related issues of concern or interest can also be emailed to [email protected] at any time.

A reception will be held at the hotel for meeting participants, audience members, and stakeholders from the disability community on Wednesday, January 20 from noon until 1:30 p.m. Additional details about the meeting will be posted on the NCD Web site as soon as they become available. You will also find the meeting agenda posted there approximately 10 days before the meeting is scheduled, and written comments for Council consideration can be submitted at any time by writing to [email protected].