ASSOCIATION of CALIFORNIA STATE EMPLOYEES with DISABILITIES [ACSED]

For Disabled In State Service [DISS], the year 2007 was one of increasing activity and the beginning of numerous organizational changes including a new name: the Association of California State Employees with Disabilities [ACSED].  Following is a summary of many of those activities and changes. 

1]     Actively participated in the AB1643 Long Term Care Task Force which seeks to address aspects of the Public Employees Retirement System's [PERS] Long Term Care [LTC] Program that excludes some State employees with disabilities.  The Task Force is the result of DISS' successful AB1643 initiative in 2006.

2]     Supported the planning, made presentations and distributed materials at the October 17 and 18 "Creating Inclusion - The State as a Model Employer Career Symposium," which was attended by 300 persons the first day and 500 plus the second.

3]     Developed draft of review document on employment of persons with disabilities in State government. 

4]     Distributed materials at two Disability Employment Awareness events conducted by State departments.

5]     Established positions and/or monitored 12 proposed pieces of State legislation; participated in a legislative action network.

6]     Made presentations to three departmental Disability Advisory Committees [DACs] about DISS as part of member recruitment efforts.

7]     Met with the Director, Department of Rehabilitation, to establish a closer mutual working relationship.

8]     Attended the retirement and recognition dinner for Catherine Campisi, recently retired Director, Department of Rehabilitation, and DISS member, which was sponsored by the Capitol Unity Council.

9]     Made a financial contribution to a Job Accommodation Network program conducted by the Department of Rehabilitation.

10]    Made numerous presentations to the State Disability Advisory Council [SDAC] to provide legislative information and updates on DISS activities.

11]    Created a new member-coordinated website at www.ACSEDonline.org

12]    Contacted the California State Employees Charitable Campaign to determine the process for adding DISS to their Campaign Donor Resource Guide.

13]    Made progress updating the membership data base, forms and process.

14]    Prepared and distributed a new color brochure on DISS.

15]    Obtained approval from CalPERS for automatic payroll deduction for DISS members who are retired.

16]    Developed duty statements for Board Officers/Members.

17]    Developing enhanced financial report format.

18]    Provided update reports to members and requested their assistance and participation in various issues and activities [including organization changes, bylaw changes, committee participation, Board election].

19]    Established annual work plan process.

20]    Adopted ACSED as new name of organization, added membership categories* and increased size of Board*. Logo & graphic and bylaws will also be changed.  [*] Pending final ratification.

21]    Established a new array of committees which now including Program, Member Recruitment & Outreach, Logo & Graphic Design, Scholarship, Member Services & Activities, and Business Review.    

22]    Conducted nine Board meetings and one General Membership meeting. 

And now for a preview of 2008:

1]     Continued active involvement on the AB1643 LTC Task Force.

2]     Participation in follow-up events to the October 17 & 18 Creating Inclusion Symposium.

3]     Actions in follow-up to the ACSED Review of the Employment of PWDs in California State Government.

4]     Developing closer working relationships with the Department of Rehabilitation, State Personnel Board, SDAC, DACs, and others.

5]     Monitoring and action on relevant legislative bills and budget items; developing an overall member recruitment program; creating member services; developing promotional materials.