September 15,
OUR VOTES MUST COUNT W.E.A.N. is a mentoring program servicing women with a varying degrees of dis-ABILITIES. The mission is to “wean” women with dis-ABILITIES from having their limitations be their focal point, thus having them live with their ABILITIES!
May 11,
From: Maryland Department of Health - Developmental Disabilities Administration
If you missed the DDA Appendix K Guidance webinars held May 5-7. Below are the topics and links to the recorded webinars. May 5, 2020
Webinar on #1 - Retainer Payment Guidance ,#2 - Residential Day Time Shared Service Hours Authorization, #3 - Personal Supports Authorization and Exceptions, and #7 - Increased Rate for Supporting Person with COVID-19 Virus May 6, 2020
Webinar on #4 - Exceptions to Pre Authorization and Service Requirements, #5 - COVID-19 New Services Authorization Request Process, and #11 Self-Direction Provisions May 7, 2020 Webinar on #6 - Staff Training and On-boarding Flexibility, #8 - Service Delivery in Alternative Settings and Out of State, #9 - Site Capacity (Exceed License Maximum), and #10 - Exceed Group Size and 1:1 2:1 Exception Request
Jan, 26,
In Maryland - please spread the word. Action Alert! Need testimony for next Wednesday 1/29 hearings on election law Disability accessibility Bill’s HB140 and 142. I also need everyone to contact Members of the Judiciary Committees to bring HB33 up for discussion and vote. This is the bill that criminalizes emotional abuse towards vulnerable adults. 4108413793 or michele.guyton@house.state.md.us
What Dalzell found was that employers were very interested in her on paper, right up until the moment she rolled into the interview with her wheelchair and revealed her disability: transverse myelitis, a neurological disease that affects the spinal cord. Eventually, Dalzell was forced to find work elsewhere, starting as a camp health director and then finding a school nurse job. She was thankful for the opportunities but felt defeated. Working in acute care had always been her ultimate goal.
After Covid-19 hit, that goal became reality. Hospitals across the country were inundated with patients, and there was an outcry for more nurses. Governors in states like California and New York, where Dalzell resides, publicly pleaded for retired and certified nurses to go back to work.
The Coronavirus pandemic has necessitated numerous alterations in the way that people live, work and function in the community. The implications of the virus are unprecedented in recent history and there was little guidance to turn to in terms of how people should respond and what the implications are. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) one of the major factors that leads to the spread of this highly contagious disease are water droplets generated during coughing, sneezing and everyday communication such as talking and signing. Research has shown that the use of Face Coverings significantly reduces the chance of exposure and thus, slows the spread of the virus.
June 9, Billions in federal COVID-19 aid is being withheld from those with disabilities
COVID-19 has created unique challenges and dangers for the most vulnerable in our population.
That includes the 6.5 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the United States – including roughly 750,000 in Arizona.
The strains and stresses of extended isolation have been highly disruptive or even life-threatening for people with such disabilities, noted Tia Nelis, policy and advocacy director for TASH, an international disability advocacy organization.
Social interaction for people with disabilities is critical because many rely on the assistance of direct support professionals to perform tasks that someone without a disability might consider routine.
April 30, Stimulus Payments May Be Extended To Dependents With Disabilities
Many people with disabilities will miss out on economic stimulus payments because they are counted as someone else’s dependent, but that could change under a proposal in Congress.
The government is currently sending cash payments to millions of Americans as part of a large package of relief efforts approved in March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Most individuals earning less than $75,000 annually will receive $1,200 and people making up to $99,000 will get a tiered amount. In addition, families who qualify will receive $500 per child under the age of 17.
April 15, Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here
Who will receive the Economic Impact Payment automatically without taking additional steps?
Most eligible U.S. taxpayers will automatically receive their Economic Impact Payments including:
Individuals who filed a federal income tax for 2018 or 2019
Individuals who receive Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), or survivor benefits
Individuals who receive Railroad Retirement benefits
April 9, Disability Advocacy and COVID-19
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is a national cross-disability civil rights organization that works to advance the political and economic power of the more than 60 million individuals with disabilities in this country. The COVID-19 pandemic occurring in the United States should be of utmost concern to every lawmaker in the country. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and additional public health experts have stated that people with disabilities are more vulnerable to COVID-19. Beyond the specific conditions or diagnoses that may raise susceptibility to the virus itself, people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to the broader social, civil, and economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
April 6, Caregivers May Be Eligible For Paid Leave Under COVID-19 Relief Law
Parents who must stay home from work to care for their adult children with disabilities due to coronavirus-related closures may qualify for paid leave, federal official say.
The stimulus bill signed by President Donald Trump in March includes a temporary expansion of paid leave for workers in some circumstances. The provision was intended to address the needs of employees across the country who are unable to come to work or telecommute because they must care for children while schools and other child care providers are closed.
The law was largely mum on the needs of families of adults with disabilities whose typical daytime activities have been canceled. Now, however, the U.S. Department of Labor appears to be including parents of adults with disabilities in the groups that qualify for the expanded leave offering.
March 31, Maryland school closures extended a month due to coronavirus threat
Maryland schools will be closed for another 4 weeks due to coronavirus! We should not only be concerned about how many people will that will go without a paycheck, but also how many students will be thrown off track from being out off routine. This can be even more traumatic for those with disabilities, it can affect their behavior patterns and the whole family unit.
March 30, What is VESper™?
VESper™ is a unique ventilator expansion device that allows a single ventilator to support up to four patients during times of acute equipment shortages such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Produced using 3D printing technology, the device is developed with material already in use for medical devices and produced at minimal cost.
March 29, Disabled advocates warn coronavirus stimulus does not address pandemic's impact on community
Although the $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package negotiated by the Senate and the White House is likely to pass the House after passing the Senate late Wednesday night, disabled activists and advocates are warning its provisions do not do enough for the community after resources for them have been strained by the pandemic.
“There is nothing that the disability community asked for in these bills,” Rebecca Cokley, director of the liberal Center for American Progress’s Disability Justice Initiative, told The Hill in an email.
March 26, SEEK, An Equal Education is a Civil Right
For all of the latest news on how school closures impact your child receiving special education services.
An Equal Education is a Civil Right.
March 22, Ed Department Offers More Special Education Guidance Amid COVID-19
As schools across the nation shutter in response to coronavirus, federal officials are giving educators additional insight on how to handle the needs of students with disabilities.
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights issued a webinar and fact sheet this week for education leaders aimed at ensuring that students’ civil rights are upheld while schools are closed due to COVID-19.
The webinar reminds school officials that distance learning must be accessible unless “equally effective alternate access is provided.”
March 22, Social Security Closes Offices Nationwide
Social Security offices are closing their doors due to coronavirus, but help with benefits is still available, the agency says.
The Social Security Administration said this week that its local offices across the nation are now closed to the public for in-person service.
Officials said the move will protect both the agency’s employees and its beneficiaries, many of whom are considered to be at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
March 22, MARYLAND CAN BILL MEDICAID BY AUDIO-ONLY
Today I issued an emergency order that will enable Medicaid providers to be paid for providing services remotely via telehealth. Remote health care services will play a crucial role as we work to prevent a surge on our hospitals.
March 22, How Coronavirus is Impacting People With Disabilities in N.C.
RALEIGH, N.C. -- COVID-19 is impacting people around the world, from the elderly and those with immune deficiencies to small businesses and healthcare facilities. And experts say another critical group already being hit are people with disabilities and their caretakers.
March 21,
Today the Governor announced new restrictions on mass transit. If you are a person who uses para-transit services and needs rides to essential employment, please be sure to contact the customer service number of your transit provider to ensure rides are scheduled.
MTA: 410-764-8181 option 8
CMRT (RTA): 1-800-957-3600
Metro Access: 1-301-562-5360
March 18,
Giant Food is adjusting our store hours in order to better serve those in our communities who need it most.
Beginning Friday, all Giant Food stores will offer dedicated shopping hours for senior citizens, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Please visit our site for more details.
March, 18,
The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) developed guidance to assist the delivery of community-based services in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. The DDA is working with the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and Maryland Department of Disabilities (MDOD) to support our Community Providers during this challenging time. We are committed to providing the information, tools, and resources you need to succeed as the first line of defense for individuals with developmental disabilities in Maryland. Resources on how Community Providers can prepare for and manage the COVID-19 outbreak can be found in this TOOLKIT.
March, 15, Feds Weigh In On Special Ed, Medicaid Concerns Over Coronavirus
“If (a school district) continues to provide educational opportunities to the general student population during a school closure, the school must ensure that students with disabilities also have equal access to the same opportunities.”
March, 14, How The Disability Community Can Respond to COVID-19
Many people with disabilities are at increased risk of serious or fatal complications from COVID-19 (coronavirus). In an active community outbreak, the safest option may be to self-isolate at home, perhaps for weeks or longer. In order to prepare for this possibility, the CDC is currently recommending that people at high risk stock up on necessities, including maintenance prescription medication.
April 9, Girl who inspired Charlotte’s Web marijuana oil dies
A girl with a rare form of epilepsy whose recovery inspired the name of a medical marijuana oil that drew families of children with similar health problems to Colorado for treatment has died after being hospitalized and treated as a likely coronavirus patient, her mother said Wednesday. Charlotte Figi was 13.
March, 14, How The Disability Community Can Respond to COVID-19
Many people with disabilities are at increased risk of serious or fatal complications from COVID-19 (coronavirus). In an active community outbreak, the safest option may be to self-isolate at home, perhaps for weeks or longer. In order to prepare for this possibility, the CDC is currently recommending that people at high risk stock up on necessities, including maintenance prescription medication.
Feb, 24, Why Disabled Women Haven’t Joined the “Me too” Movement
Sadly, however, there is still a group of women whose voices are seldom included in the conversation –women whose existence has been so marginalized that most people get surprised at the thought of having to liberate them from the claws of sexual abuse. The sad truth is, disabled women are, more often than not, victimized and abused without them even realizing that what they have experienced is abuse. They don’t know they have the right to say “Me too”.
Feb, 13, As Caregivers Age, People With Disabilities See Few Housing Options
A national study finds housing choices are limited for people with developmental disabilities who often get little say about where they might live when they leave home.
Currently, about 75 percent of adults with disabilities live with an aging parent or caregiver and most are not utilizing public supports or services, according to a new report from The Arc. More than half of families have no plan for the future.
Feb, 12, Model Jillian Mercado dedicates fashion week moment to anyone with disabilities who 'has felt unseen and unheard'
As model Jillian Mercado continues to break barriers and advocate for the representation of others with disabilities, her New York Fashion Week debut was an amazing moment that she beautifully dedicated to others.
During The Blonds Fall 2020 show, the Latinx beauty, who has muscular dystrophy, shined bright on the runway while wearing a sparkling gold ensemble topped with an elaborate matching headdress.
The episode features American Sign Language by interpreter Angela Vilavong, who collaborated with interpreter Pilar Marsh. The voice-over appears in the integrated open captions (OC,) which are visible at the bottom of the screen. Audio Description (AD) includes a verbal description of the episode, with narration by Rebecca Singh. The Audio Description can optionally be downloaded as a separate audio file, and a transcript of the Audio Description and voice-over are also available for download to experience alongside the episode.
With just 4 days to go before we celebrate Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital’s community programs, Art Ability and Project SEARCH, we hope you’ll take a moment today to register to attend our Virtual Celebration on Saturday, November 6. It’s free to attend, but registration is required to receive the Zoom link for the live-streamed event.
Here at Unlimited, we believe access is not an afterthought and that accessible content can be approached in a creative manner. So we asked artist, curator and cultural programmer, Cathy Mager of the award winning Culture in Quarantine short ‘Sign Night’; a little about how audio description can enhance the creative process and how to best include audio description in your work.
October 26,
Many thanks to artist Micah Bazant for creating this image just for #CripTheVote! Feel free to share! And be sure to check out and support Micah's artwork:
mage description: Illustration with large red text: "Crip the Vote" above two disabled queer people of color surrounded by flowers and radiating love. One person is Black, uses a wheelchair and a ventilator, and has a drink with a plastic straw on her tray. A butterfly is resting on her wrist. The other person is Chinese American, fat and uses a cane. Artist credit: Micah Bazant
April 8, Let’s Explore with Cor Cor
Written By: Cory Lee & Sandy Gilbreath
Illustrated By: Amanuel Moore
Available July 26th, 2020
Feb, 19, Reasonable Adjustment: the disabled radicals you’ve never heard of
An exhibition which highlights a little-known faction of the disabled people’s movement challenges assumptions and examines the tactics disabled activists use to fight back. Gill Crawshaw finds out what drives disabled people to take extreme action.
Jan, 30,
Dragons Love Tacos’ is a play for kids, so we asked a kid to review it
Oregon Children’s Theatre offers up some pretty good advice for when you’re faced with four hungry dragons – TACOS! The stage musical is a dance-filled journey into the field of “Dragonology,” with equal parts ridiculous fun and delicious whimsy.Owen Carey Photography
Feb, 25, The Burnout that Special Needs Parents Experience
I think most parents probably feel burnt out at some point while juggling all of the responsibilities that parenthood brings. It seems there is always a never-ending list of things to do, but never quite enough time to get it all done. Parents of special needs children have lists that are a bit longer, but still have only 24 hours in a day.
May 11,
The Alliance for Citizen Directed Supports is proud to launch our Full Inclusion Fund today! The Full Inclusion Fund offers microgrants to people with disabilities who are either self-directing their services or working towards self-directing their services. We are offering microgrants to disabled people for up to $500 each to help them with expenses related to self-direction.
Nov. 20,
Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council and Maryland Works partner for the Fourth Round of TIP Grants.
The Council, in partnership with Maryland Works, funded seven service providers licensed by the Developmental Disabilities Administration to obtain customized technical assistance to improve services so more people with developmental disabilities are supported to obtain and keep the meaningful work they want in their communities, and to have meaningful days when not working.
The seven service providers that received funding are: Chesapeake Center, Chesterwye Center, CHI Center, Harford Center, St. Peter’s Adult Learning Center, Scott Key Center, and Star Community.
A total of 40 service providers have received technical assistance throughout the four rounds of Transforming and Improving Practices (TIP) grants.
To learn more about the Council’s current initiatives, please click here.
