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Our Accomplishments 2011
What's on the Horizon for NHU in 2012?
Advocacy
Via our newly created e-mail Advocacy Alert, 700 individuals with disabilities were connected to important National and Wisconsin disability-related
advocacy action items and legislative opportunities
New Wisconsin laws regarding voting - NHU has developed a Wisconsin Voting Guide for People with Disabilities
Improving Computer Literacy and Access
2011 marked the 10th Anniversary of NHU’s Computer Grant Program, with more than 625 individuals receiving computer grants since our programs inception
- In 2011, 60 individuals with disabilities were provided computer access, training and technical support via our Computer Literacy and Access Program
- 435 individuals with disabilities received technical tips and resources, via our quarterly newsletter, AccessTech Tips
Improving Access to Information
NHU joined Facebook, available via facebook.com/NewHorizonsUnLimited
In 2011, NHU’s website received 1.4 million views
via our website that covers a comprehensive range of topics on disability-related issues.
Dozens of resources and new topics have been added to NHU’s online Life Planning directory,
including important student transition, employment, and education resources.
Numerous caregiver resources and tips have been added to NHU’s online Caregivers directory.
More than 20,000 views of our on-line Disabled Veteran Support Resource Directory this year as we continue to build this important resource for existing and newly returning Disabled Veterans.
NHU provided information on disability-related news, events, and programs, via our quarterly CommunicAbility Newsletter, to more than 1500 households throughout the United States
NHU Community Forum engages people who have shared similar experiences as you. The NHU Community Forum offers a comprehensive group of Topic Discussion Boards that provide an on-line Community to you! Share your knowledge and become a friend to others!
Employment Access
NHU hosted students with disabilities on Disability Mentoring Day, linking each to a mentor in their career field of interest
NHU was awarded funds via the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG) to research school-to-work opportunities and obstacles for youth with disabilities
NHU was invited to be part of the statewide Let's Get to Work Consortium to improve access to competitive employment for transition-aged youth with disabilities
What’s On the Horizon for NHU in 2012?
A Renewed Commitment to Technology Access
The State of Wisconsin will soon automate access to benefits such as Social Security and Medicaid through computer systems. It will become imperative that people with disabilities have the knowledge and resources to access the state’s automated system. Our work at New Horizons Un-Limited will continue to work towards closing the digital divide for the 1.1 million people with disabilities in our state through the continued provision of computer training and access. For more information, visit our Tehcnology Access press release.
A New Commitment to Improve Employment Outcomes of Youth with Disabilities
While NHU’s focus has always been on adults with disabilities, we recognize the importance of addressing the needs of our younger citizens with disabilities. We are working to ensure that this next generation will have access to the full range of resources, tools, training and experiences that will prepare them for a successful adult life. For more information visit our press releases on Improving Employment Outcomes for Youth with Disabilities .
Let’s Get to Work Consortium
- As a member of the statewide Let’s Get to Work Consortium, NHU will help mold policies that will move Wisconsin towards an Employment First goal for all citizens with disabilities. We will identify obstacles and opportunities in school-to-work transition for youth with disabilities and will identify and promote best practices. We are currently developing strategies that will link transition stakeholders to this information and each other so that we may develop a network for change.
Milwaukee Public Schools Information Technology Career Exploration
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As an organization rooted in technology, we believe that work in IT would be well suited for youth with a range of mild to severe physical and developmental disabilities.
- NHU is working with Milwaukee Public Schools’ (MPS) Transition and School-to-Work programs in developing a program that will enable their students with disabilities to explore Information Technology as a potential career path. Overtime, as we work with MPS, we hope to develop career awareness, mentorships, and internships that will lead to a successful transition from school, to work in the IT industry. Ultimately, we hope to develop a template for an Information Technology-focused transition program that can be adopted across all school districts.
A Continued Commitment to Provide an Accessible Wisconsin Outdoors
Plans for Wisconsin’s 8th Wheelchair Accessible Cabin are underway at Harrington Beach State Park, in Belgium, Wisconsin. At the request of the Friends Group at Harrington Beach State Park, New Horizons Un-Limited will provide consultation on accessibility issues related to the cabin structure and site.
Just a short drive from Milwaukee, this cabin will provide thousands more families with much needed respite in the Great Outdoors of Wisconsin. For more information visit our press release at Harrington Beach State Park and find out how you may contribute to this project.
If you have questions or ideas, information and solutions that you would like to share with us, contact us by e-mail at: horizons@new-horizons.org or to use our NHU E-Mail Form or NHU Community Forum, click on the links below.
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[Updated January 31, 2012]
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