Spring 2014: In The News
CVS/pharmacy to Offer "Talking" Prescription Labels for Individuals with Vision Impairments
CVS/pharmacy announced in March 2014 that prescriptions ordered online through cvs.com will now have ScripTalk talking prescription labels. The ScripTalk labels provide a safe and convenient way to access information on prescription labels for individuals who cannot read or see standard print, and the labels are free to CVS.com pharmacy customers who are blind or visually impaired. Customers can obtain a free ScripTalk reader from Envision America that will enable them to listen to the information on the prescription label. The benefit is a result of collaboration between CVS/pharmacy, the American Foundation for the Blind, American Council of the Blind and California Council of the Blind.
For more information, please visit www.cvs.com
Special Education Teacher Given Immunity
In February 2014, the case against former special needs teacher Melanie Pickens received a final say from Judge Henry Newkirk. The Fulton County judge granted immunity to the former Fulton County teacher accused of abusing students with disabilities at Hopewell Middle School in Milton, Georgia between 2004-2007.
GCDD Executive Director Eric Jacobson interviewed with CBS Atlanta on the decision, and stated that it might be a step back for all the progressive work that was done for students with disabilities.
"A coalition worked with the Board of Education and it was the most progressive rules and regulations around seclusion and restraint for students with disabilities passed by the school board," Jacobson told CBS46. "The judge's decision may actually take
us a step back from where those regulations were. The regulations were put in place to make sure that no child, including those with disabilities, was put into secluded spots or at risk of being harmed."
Pickens was charged in an 11-count indictment but the judge ruled in favor of a state law that protects Georgia teachers from criminal prosecution who discipline their students as long as their actions were in "good faith."
Jewish Disability Awareness Month
The month of February was Jewish Disability Awareness Month and various events around town brought awareness and resources to people with and without disabilities.
Throughout the month, the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta hosted events such as Day School and Preschool Inclusion Programs with representatives from Davis Academy, the Epstein School, Greenfield Hebrew Academy, The Schiff Preschool at Temple Emanu-El, and The Weinstein School at the MJCCA.
Other events included GCDD's 16th annual Disability Day, Friendship Circle and Jewish Family and Career Services Tools for Independence Cooking Club, and the 21st annual Larry Bregman, M.D. Educational Conference that featured Eric Jacobson, executive director of GCDD, as a keynote speaker.
Congress Gives Special Education a $500 Million Boost
According to the passage of a bipartisan spending bill signed by President Barack Obama in January, federal funding for programs benefiting students with disabilities will rise by roughly $500 million. The money will allow for 6,000 more special education staff to be added across the country.
Tags: GCDD, Making a Difference