Join us for a very special night, as we celebrate the 11th Annual Ever Widening Circle with renowned singer and songwriter Janis Ian, who has recorded such hits as “At Seventeen,” “Jesse” and “Society’s Child.” A career that has spanned more than 40 years, Janis has been prolific in writing and recording music that has garnered her 9 Grammy nominations (2 wins) with her songs being recorded by herself and countless others. In addition to her multi talented music career, she is also a columnist, lecturer and science fiction writer. Come hear a legend in an intimate one-of-a-kind setting. This year’s event will again take place in the ballroom of the downtown Oakland Marriott on Friday, October 30, 2009 and will include a variety of exquisite desserts served during the evening.

Sticks and Stones is a collection of over fifty stories about facing abuse and violence. The compelling stories are told by a diverse group of people with disabilities, as well as family members, services providers, and other allies, and cover a wide range of mistreatment and recovery experiences. Studies show that abuse and violence are high-priority concerns for disabled people; rates of abuse are shockingly high. Women and children with disabilities are sexually assaulted at a rate that is three times higher than the one for those without disabilities. Disabled men also experience high rates of abuse.

The California Work Incentives Initiative at WID spent last fall working with six national veterans and disability organizations to produce a Veterans' Benefits Online Tools Findings Report. WID is very proud to share that we are using this report to start the planning to build a national online benefits tools and information services web site, so veterans can better navigate benefit programs and secure available employment as they transition to civilian life.

Bruce Curtis is used to dealing with obstacles - stairs in front of a door, uneven spots in a sidewalk, telephones that need dialing...