On May 9, I had the opportunity to be a presenter at the Leadership Conference of the Asian Pacific State Employees Association [APSEA].  The following is a slightly revised version of that presentation.

I'm sure you are all interested in promotions.  As you achieve that goal, I would ask you to remember that your success comes in part as a result of efforts of groups such as APSEA, BASS and ACSED, and because of those from your community who have gone before you.  And I would say to you that as you achieve your own personal success, you have an opportunity and a responsibility to help make things easier for others from your minority community as well as others.

On Monday April 21, ACSED President Les Treece-Sinclair and Vice-President Pat McPartland met with Suzanne Ambrose, Executive Officer, State Personnel Board [SPB]; Mary Fernandez, Assistant Executive Officer; Chila Silva-Martin, Chief, Consulting Services Division; and Becky Tietz, Manager, Exam Services Program.

The purpose of the meeting was to introduce ourselves and indicate ACSED's interest in continuing the close working relationship it has had with previous SPB Executive Officers and their staffs.  Based on the meeting, it is our impression that our two organizations will continue to work together, in close common cause, to address disability issues and to increase employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in State government.  This stems in no small part from the commitment Suzanne articulated to address such issues and a determination to make things better than they are currently.

All State departments are required by the Government Code to have a Disability Advisory Committee [DAC].  DACs, which are to be comprised primarily of persons with disabilities [PWDs], are to advise and assist a department to address disability issues and to promote an increase in employment opportunities for PWDs.  While some DACs have been quite active and effective, others are much less so.  Thus ACSED has developed a DAC Survey which is designed to gather information on how DACs are organized and their membership; how they are supported by their departments; what activities they undertake; and what their needs are. Such information will help to identify best practices as well as problem areas.  From this, appropriate DAC training and technical assistance can be developed, needed policy guidance provided and the SPB's "How to Have an Effective DAC" can be updated

ACSED has offered assistance for two upcoming disability events.

Event #1: On May 22, the CalPERS DAC, in partnership with the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, is conducting a Disability Awareness Fair.  It will be from 11:00 -1:00 pm in the Atrium of Lincoln Plaza North [CalPERS 400 Q Street]. Entertainment will be provided by the California School of the Blind, Jazz Ensemble, from Fremont, California, and the CalPERS choir. Departmental staff is encouraged to attend and experience hands-on activities, and talk with community-based organization representatives.