Disability

Under a subcontract with Inverness Technologies, New Editions provided research support to assess the value of remote counseling services for veterans with service-connected disabilities to help them obtain, maintain, or retain employment, or live independently. New Editions reviewed the existing body of literature on the types of remote counseling techniques currently used in the private and public sectors, and completed a cost-benefit analysis of remote counseling in rural areas.

The purpose of the Sports to Work Research and Development Study was to conduct a thorough analysis of the role sports activities can play in vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs. New Editions, through a subcontract with Inverness Technologies, reviewed the existing body of literature as well as current state-of-the-art sports and recreational programs.

The Employer Assistance and Resource Network (EARN) is a nationwide program designed to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Through technical assistance and recruiting services, EARN helps employers find qualified job candidates with disabilities. Under a subcontract with CESSI, New Editions staff members assisted CESSI with recruitment, research and analyses. Our tasks included:

New Editions supported the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS’s) New Freedom Initiative (NFI) Working Group, which was led by the HHS Office on Disability (OD). The Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) worked through the NFI Working Group on a project to analyze and promote the Medical Home Model for children with special health care needs and all individuals with disabilities.

New Editions provided training and technical assistance on Section 508 and the Secretary’s Section 508 Implementation Policy to designated individuals in the HHS agency and the Office of the Secretary. Section 508 requires procured, developed, maintained or used electronic and information technology (EIT) to be accessible to its employees and customers with disabilities. New Editions staff members worked directly with Section 508 Officials and Coordinators at each agency to ensure their understanding of the legal, technical and policy framework of Section 508 at HHS.

In an effort to improve employer collaborations with public vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies, New Editions conceived and implemented a new approach to employer outreach. This new approach involved designing updated educational materials for employers about recruiting, hiring, retaining and promoting individuals with disabilities. New Editions also convened forums for employers and VR counselors to provide them with first-hand information about employment needs in targeted high-growth industries, including banking/finance, service/hospitality, science/technology, and healthcare.

New Editions operated the National Vocational Rehabilitation Technical Assistance Center (NTAC), which serves to coordinate activities and communications among the Rehabilitation Services Administration’s (RSA’s) Technical Assistance Network members, promote collaborative activities, identify experts and resources, and provide analysis and evaluation of program data. RSA’s Technical Assistance Network provides training, technical assistance and continuing education to improve the performance of State Vocational Rehabilitation programs.

New Editions supported Medical Management (MM) initiatives, which were managed by the Population Health and Medical Management Division (PHMMD), Office of the Chief Medical Officer (OCMO), TRICARE Management Activity (TMA). The overall goal was to support the Military Health System (MHS) Strategic Plan by employing MM to improve healthcare efficiency and effectiveness.

TARGET Centers provide assessments and demonstrations to ensure proper implementation of assistive technology (AT) and ergonomic solutions for the Department of Agriculture's (USDA’s) workforce. The Centers also assist in making information and microcomputer technology accessible to persons with sight, hearing, speech and dexterity impairments. Through a subcontract with CESSI, New Editions provided the following key services:

Through a subcontract with IBM, New Editions is helping to ensure TSA's compliance with Section 508 by providing policy support, compliance testing, validation, and verification and technical assistance and training. Under this contract, we perform the following key duties for TSA: