NEWS

• vaACCSES Professional Awards 2008- Recognizing Excellence in Service to People with Disabilities

vaACCSES is pleased to announce its annual awards to recognize staff, Community Partners and Employers for their professional efforts and dedication to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities. Submission Deadline:  Friday, August 15, 2008 Click here to download application and see more information about the award.

• NEWS: VA-ACCSES Member and Pastry Shop Owners Committed to Employing People With Disabilities

The aroma of baked goodies greets customers as they enter Bill’s Pastry Shop on Bay Street, just as in years past. But this is a restored version of the iconic bakery, still in the heart of what was the busiest commercial area in Lynchburg in the 1970s — Memorial Avenue near what was then Pittman Plaza. Many of her customers come in the door and tell her how they came there as children or that their parents did, said Shelley Reichard, new owner of Bill’s Pastry Shop and most importantly, of the late Bill Wells’ recipes. She loves to hear it. “We signed papers February 28 to close on the bakery,” she said. They opened March 17, and think of it as a family business, just as it was for Bill and Gertrude Wells. But it is also a component of Reichard’s commitment to employment for people with disabilities. She also owns Commonwealth Supportive Services, a supported employment agency, and the non-profit Commonwealth Career and Independent Living Center. Read more this article

• THE WORK INCENTIVES SPECIALIST ADVOCATES 2007 GRADUATION CLASS ANNOUNCED

 We are excited to announce a second exceptional opportunity for individuals who are committed to assisting Virginians with disabilities to become or remain employed and to understand the impact of earned income on their SSI and SSDI benefits.  In order to further increase the use of Social Security Administration (SSA) work incentives in Virginia,   To Learn more about the program and how the Work Incentives Specialist Advocates can assist clients and beneficiaries receiving SSI/SSDI cash benefits and would like to work  click  here. 

• HUD & JUSTICE DEPARTMENT RELEASE NEW GUIDANCE ON "REASONABLE MODIFICATIONS" UNDER THE FAIR HOUSING ACT - CLICK TO LEARN MORE.