Report on activities of the National Technical Assistance Center for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with Disabilities

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with disabilities have historically experienced greater health disparities, more limited educational achievement, poorer employment outcomes and less access to governmental services than the general population. To address this issue, a National Technical Assistance Center for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (NTAC-AAPI) was established at the Center on Disability Studies at the University of Hawai`i. In the six years since it was established, NTAC-AAPI has developed and implemented many tools and resources to increase employment opportunities for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with disabilities. For example, a semi-monthly electronic newsletter, eNews, has been distributed to over 3,000 subscribers throughout the year. A web-based database, HIRE.US, has been created and used to recruit Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with disabilities and match them with potential employers or job-site mentors. Culturally and linguistically relevant training has been provided on legal provisions. An online course entitle, “Introduction to Disaility Rehabilitation with Asian/Pacific Islander Americans,” worth 10 continuing education units hs been offered quarterly. A series of briefs has been developed to educate Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with disabilities and their families, rehabilitation counselors, and employers. A film has been produced which showcases successful career stories among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with disabilities. This presentation will describe the activities of the NTAC-AAPI and share the film that has been produced.