Cerebral Palsy (CP) Facts and Resources 2022

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Dec.8
New research project: The patient-provider experiences of people with CP who use AAC

We are interested in learning more about the experiences of people who have cerebral palsy (CP) and who use AAC to communicate with medical professionals. The results of this research will be discussed at the AAC Consumer and Technology Forum at ATIA 2022, and will be used to improve service delivery and AAC technology development for persons with CP.

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Office Failures Part 2

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This is a follow up to a blog I posted last week about my Office 365 Apps freezing on launch. While it did turn out to be an issue with the current Mac OS, because when I upgraded to OS Monterey the problems were solved.

I do find it puzzling that the desktop App of Word does not have the same “Editor” feature as the online version does. The online version of Word has more tools for refinements. In addition, to Text Prediction so I be using that one unless I have browser failures!

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Office Failures

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I hope others are not having the same problems, but when I updated to the latest Office 365 Apps and latest Mac OS my Office Apps started to crash. I even spent at least an hour chatting with Microsoft Support, and they could not solve the problem, “it must be an OS issue.” Good thing a new Mac OS comes out next week!

I started to use the online version of Word and really, I like the Editor tool online better than in the desktop version. I wish I had this tool during my college years when it really counted. although I am sure my Art History and Journalism Professors would still use their red markers. Also, I would not have made the friends that I did with the fellow students that used to go insane, helping to edit my papers.

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TV With Frames

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The other day a commercial caught my eye, that you can choice frames when you display photos on your TV. When it comes to these types of things, I am a Minimalist, the nice black TV edge is perfect for me. The more décor you add, it just takes away from the image that you want to admire.

I have never been one for frames, or titles on my artwork since it creates limits, or labels for the work. This does come down to personal preference, or for me is more of a pet peeve since I always face limits and labels. As an artist I want my work to speak for itself, just as a person my actions should be what I am “judged” on.

--Adapting To 2020--

Face Masks a Necessary Inconvenience

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Last week St. Louis required people to wear mask again except for while eating at a bar, or restaurant. They also made exceptions for people with disabilities that have trouble putting a mask on and off.

This would include people as myself that would rather stay away from groups of people then adjusting a mask every second. Although it is to see officials acknowledge this is an issue for someone with a disability, we still need to be responsible and help stop the spread of the different types of COVID.

Although, I have been fully vaccinated for about two month I am in no hurry to go into a mass gathering. I have been in 4 public buildings in the past year and a half. I do miss socializing, but there is still to many unknows about COVID. I have not feared getting it, but rather being a spreader since people need to have close contact with me. We all must do our part to defeat this epidemic.

--More COVID Infro--

30 Years!!!!

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It is hard to believe it’s the 30th Anniversary of the movie, City Slickers! This was not only a great movie, but also marked a big milestone in my life. That was the when, my mom and I started the year long battle to get me mainstreamed in high school. It was basically the last week of school before we knew I was going to Parkville High School starting the next year.
As some of you could relate, this was a stressful time for us and did not have much to laugh about. After we got the good news, mom and I decided to celebrate by going to see City Slickers, that was the most we both laughed for a whole year and maybe even cried a bit too. This movie might have been made to make people laugh and escape from reality for a couple hours. I too follow the “JUST ONE THING” philosophy, I think it is someone’s passion! Your passion in life gives you drive, your goal and nothing will deter you from that.
--Adopting To 2020--

Why don’t sub shops, or delis offer chips as condiments?

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If people put chips on their sandwiches anyway, why not have them out as a condiment at shops? Really, I started doing this when I was a student at ridge School, if I had a PB&J for lunch. I would have whoever was feeding me, put my BB&Q chips on the sandwich. This was not done for flavor although it did taste good, but more to keep the sandwich from sticking to the roof of my mouth.

--Adopting To 2020--

My Inner Thoughts, Be warned

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April 22,
The other day we took my mom and her hubby out for her Birthday! Of course, the COVID-19 Vaccine topic came up. They said, when they got the shot, the staff told them to keep moving their arms for a few minutes afterwards. This would help prevent soreness from receiving their shot.

I said, finally a benefit of having CP!!! It is too bad us CPers did not copy right arms movements/gestures, think about all the royalties we could have gotten from that Anime stuff.

April 20,
Last night as I watched people gathering in Minnesota to have their voices heard, I notice that there were people signing while some people were speaking. This gives me hope that all these protests are about basic Civil Rights, that is what will bring us all together as one voice to make change happen. No matter what “sub-culture” you may identify with, you know that any discrimination is a cancer on our society.

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One Down and The Second Shot Is Scheduled: COVID-19 Vaccine

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Tuesday, I went to get my COVID-19 Vaccine from the Baltimore County “Special Needs Clinic”. I was really hoping to get the J & J one and done deal, but it was put on pause 10 minutes before the clinic started. As soon as the Fed. people knew they could not administer the J & J doses, they packed up and took off, leaving the county worker stranded. In times like these we all should work together since this whole operation is about saving lives.

The County workers really did a great job regrouping and coming up with a new plan, once they got the Pfizer Vaccine on site it went so smoothly. I felt like Dena and I got the red-carpet treatment, they were so helpful getting re-register for the Pfizer shot. In addition, they let Dena get her shot too since she is my “’PCA”.

While we were sitting in timeout to see if we had any reactions, they helped us scheduled our second doses. For me, it was just like getting a flu shot with a sore arm for a couple of days. I was impressed with the staff working there that day, because they were super attentive and made sure the process was %100 completed.

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Are You A Whispering breeze, or A Tornado?

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Sadly, I woke up to the news of another human life taken in a Police shooting in MN during a traffic stop. Although we do not have all the facts yet, society needs to realize that our ways of thinking are outdated and are failing us! I do not know why anyone would even consider a career in law enforcement anymore, they are in a no-win situation with the public and within their own ranks. Of course, people should be outraged and want the voices heard but in a productive manner. The cycle of senseless violence needs to be broken by law enforcement and protestors. The age of due process and peaceful protests is over.

What can we do as the public to make change happen, during the past year I see that protesting does more harm than good, people get kill, local businesses suffer, the community is devastated as a whole and nothing gets resolved? Myself, I have never been the protesting type since I spend too much time trying to get people to hear me. I do let people know what I think about certain topics, but I try to deliver my message in a way that people will listen to my voice and know the source. I am the quiet whisper that will not go away, that is what seems to make people angry the most since there is no way to stop free speech.

The only thing I can do is keep expressing my opinion in a way that the right people will notice it. We all need to be mosquitoes, because one mosquito bite can drive someone nuts!

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When The King Speaks, Crowds Become Inspired 2020

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dan keplinger, subject and writer of the academy award® winning documentary king gimp, is going on tour and he is ready to speak at your business. listen to dan’s story firsthand. learn how the arts, and the world as we know it, has inherent obstacles that can be overachieved with perseverance, patience, determination and a winning, fighting spirit.

screen the movie king gimp beforehand and then participate in an interactive question and answer ceremony about the movie, dan’s personal life, and dan’s career as a successful fine artist, via an online platform. live and learn like a king.

about dan “king gimp” keplinger
known throughout the world as “king gimp”, dan is an artist who overcomes a daily battle with cerebral palsy to live a “normal” life. dan took the name gimp, which means “fighting, sprinted individual” as name to represent himself from an early age. he is an accomplished master painter, award winning fine artist, and an inspiration to children and adults alike.

Past Events

The States Are Tarring Us Apart

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First Georgia passed new laws to took basic Voting Rights from its residents, now Arkansas passed laws to allow some Doctors to refuse treatment to the LGBTQ Community!

What is up with States as Arkansas and Georgia, they are passing bills/laws that only promote hatred and discrimination. When you exclude one minority where does it stop, that is how Hitler started and there was no end to his madness. I have faced discrimination for almost 50 years, that is why I am so passionate to speak up against it. Hatred is hatred, no matter what and it has a choke hold on our country.

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Interesting Disability Articles 2021

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Nov. 17,
Frida Kahlo: A Bisexual Disabled Mexican Artist Marginalised in Life but Celebrated in Death

I find myself wondering how Frida Kahlo became such an icon. After all, not everyone can claim they are disabled, bisexual female artists of Mexican descent who attempt to live their truth. But I can. Her talent and willingness in displaying her personal pain on canvas has garnered her worldwide appreciation.

Nov. 11,
Big Bird got 'vaccinated' against COVID-19, drawing outrage from Republicans

The beloved Muppet tweeted on Saturday that he had gotten the shot, which is newly available for Americans between the ages of 5 and 11. Big Bird has been a fixture of children's television since 1969 but is officially 6 years old
Nov. 1,
VIA: The Hill
It's time to pay for mental health care in America

“Mental health is health” has become a common phrase as the COVID-19 pandemic’s toll on mental health becomes clear. Now more than ever, people care about mental health. The pandemic has been good for mental health care in some ways. Policies that once made it challenging to get mental health care by phone or video fell away out of necessity, as we all sheltered in place. Therapists who previously distrusted telehealth as a way to deliver care were forced to use it and learn its benefits firsthand. As a result, the pandemic dramatically increased the reach and accessibility of mental health services.

April 25,
Why ‘Crip Camp’ Deserves to Win the Oscar for Best Documentary

I spend a lot of my time talking about the state of disability representation in media. It’s never been a good time to be disabled, and movies and television have only perpetuated the belief that our lives are sad, broken, and fodder for able-bodied inspiration. I’ve prefaced my answer to the question, “What’s the best disabled movie?” with “Well, nothing’s perfect but….” for years.

That all changed when I watched Jim LeBrecht and Nicole Newnham’s “Crip Camp.” There are two competing storylines within the Netflix documentary. The first is about Camp Jened, a summer camp in the Catskills. Full disclosure: I never got the opportunity to go to summer camp and I’ve been bummed ever since. My parents knew nothing about summer camps for the disabled when I was growing up, and even if they had, as first-time parents of a disabled child they lacked the confidence to send me out on such a voyage to the unknown..

April 18,
Singer-songwriter Lachi documents journey to total vision loss on YouTube series Off Beat

Growing up, she hid her sight loss from the world. Now award nominated recording artist, film director and motivational speaker Lachi says she is open and super proud of her difference and is sharing her journey with the world on a YouTube series called OffBeat.

“I once hid my sight loss from the public while pursuing my music but now that I’m open, and super proud of my difference, I’m here to shout it from the roof”, said Lachi in an interview to Newz Hook. “A recent diagnosis sent me on a path from low vision to no vision, and the series OffBeat chronicles my journey learning the things I’ll need to learn and achieving my bucket-list goals before I completely lose my sight”.

The first episode of Off Beat featured Molly Burke, a motivational speaker and blind Youtuber with over 2 million subscribers, while the second was on the gospel group The Blind Boys of Alabama, who recently received a life-time achievement award at the GRAMMYs. “The series has everything from makeup, skydiving and ballroom dancing to interviewing public figures in the disability, LGBTQ, BIPOC and other offbeat communities”, adds Lachi.

April 17,
Marijuana-Themed License Plates To Benefit Disability Community

In an effort to better support people with disabilities, one state is offering motorists the chance to emblazon their cars with phrases like “BONG,” “GANJA,” “HASH” and “HEMP.”

Colorado is auctioning 14 official state license plates with cannabis-themed phrases.

Money raised will go to the Colorado Disability Funding Committee and “will be used to fund disability application assistance as well as new and innovative programs increasing quality of life and independence of Colorado’s disability community,” according to Gov. Jared Polis’ office.

April 9,
Top 6 Influencers with Disabilities You Should Follow on Instagram
In the world of fashion and beauty influencers, rarely do you see someone with disabilities represented on TV or on social media. People who are different tend to be few and far between. Our society has created a “normal” set of ideals for what someone should look, act and feel like. Sadly, this vision does not usually include people with disabilities.

However due to the rise of Instagram and social media as a whole, many people can be represented and have their voices heard. Fashion houses and beauty empires are now embracing these differences and they are starting to be celebrated and seen more frequently in advertising.

Instagram is a helpful platform for those with disabilities because it is a mouthpiece for voices that haven’t been heard yet. Advocates of disability rights and beauty bloggers have joined forces to show that people with disabilities are beautiful inside and out. Their videos and posts are going viral for their showstopping looks and personal stories. Even better is that with Instagram’s younger audience, these influencers make an impact with their relatability.

March 31,
Judi Chamberlin: Mad Pride and the Fight Against Institutionalizing Women

It’s Women’s History Month, which makes it an excellent time to talk about the fact that women’s history and disability history overlap significantly; notable women from Harriet Tubman to Helen Keller have been disabled trailblazers for social justice, including women’s rights. To do so, however, they had to fight not just sexism and racism, but disablism: Their disabilities were used against them to dismiss their activism, including by historians talking about their work. Using disability status to suppress women and their work is an ancient trend. This includes not just physical disabilities but also psychiatric ones — mental illness has been weaponized to institutionalize outspoken women, undermine women’s fight for equality, and justify the mistreatment of women across cultures and eras.


March 25,
Increasing diversity in the workplace: the call for accessible applications
I am someone who has bad executive dysfunction due to my neurodivergence and mental health. I get tired super easily and even though I got through three years of a degree, and I am highly capable, all I could see was the struggle. So when asked to regularly fill out forms it was quite taxing. Especially when the process itself is extremely repetitive, draining the small amount of energy I had.

Every day I woke up with the looming feeling that what I was doing was not enough, and my decisions were all wrong. I still managed to submit applications, but when depression and dysfunction take over there is not a lot I can do. This dysfunction and fatigue have a way of spilling into your personal life. I was not doing the things I would need to do to support functioning on a basic level, which made trying to find work even harder.

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Disabilities in Films and Other Media 2021

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March 18,
Disability Rights Film ‘Crip Camp’ Nominated For Oscar

A documentary about the emergence of the disability rights movement produced by former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama is up for an Academy Award.

“Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution” was nominated Monday for best documentary feature.

The film follows a group of teenagers with disabilities who came together in the early 1970s at a summer camp near Woodstock, N.Y. who ultimately helped bring about civil rights protections for themselves and others like them.

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Gimp Is tribal and Strong!

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I often get asked what the correct terminology is when referring to one’s disability. I question to myself if I am the right person to offer my opinion. Don’t forget I am the guy that introduced himself as King Gimp to millions of people around the world. At first the producers really did not know what to think of the name. They asked if I really want people on the street to call me gimp, sure why not.

Then my mom did not like the name, because it referred to being homosexual. I asked around in my many circles of friends and none of them have heard of this. Maybe in some underground fetish culture, like in Pulp Fiction gimp does label some one’s sexuality. But ten years later I still have not heard gimp used in that way. I did learn gimp is another word used for a bondage suit.

Then there is the opposite end of the spectrum, in the age of political correctness people demanded not to call a disability an illness, decease, or condition. I guest, they wanted their disability called by its proper name, so should I get upset when people say that I have M.S. and not C.P. No Dena and I just take the time to explain the difference between the two.

According to the lawyers on T.V., C.P./Cerebral Palsy is a very expensive mistake! Yes, life with a disability is expensive, but should not be thought as a mistake. This is only the start of your battles, because you must fight all your life, even for the services that you are “entitled” to. Gimp life is a challenge to make life more interesting. I think if from the start the family and the disabled person looks at their situation as a mistake, it will give them a negative outlook on life. They are sure to fail in life and will not be accepting of the challenges and not live life to the fullest.

When I was about 14, I would go to camp, and I saw a shirt that had X over dis in the word of disability. To this day I still cannot figure that out, because it was like cutting off a part of who I am. To me, my disability defines the person who I am and would not have it any other way.

In High School, we had to write a long definition as an assignment, so I chose the word gimp. It was a nickname the boys from the neighbor hood gave me. I had one of those electric Franklin Dictionary’s and it gave two meanings of the word. Of course, the first one was a “lame walk”, but the second meaning a “fighting spirit”. Till this day, I have not been able to find another source to confirm the second definition. No matter what, I took ownership of the word gimp since it describes who I am. Every time someone tells me no, or I cannot do something, I find a way to proof them wrong. Maybe it will just become an urban legend, that is just what happens when you are comfortable of who you are!

Then again, my friend Mary told me Jesus had a 13th Apostle named Gimp. I also have not been to confirm this, maybe we are meant to be mystical beings? We are perceived as the weak links, but we improve the world around us!

The Disability Movement Under The Biden Administration

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Oct. 28,
VIA: @TheMomKind
EMAIL YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS: SAVE NATIONAL PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE

#PaidLeave cannot be cut from a plan to #BuildBackBetter in America. How do you rebuild without one of the biggest and most popular pillars that keep families working and healthy? Help us #SavePaidLeave:

April 7,
Biden Calls For Major Boost To Disability Services

Alongside funding for bridges and roads, President Joe Biden’s wide-ranging $2 trillion infrastructure plan includes a massive investment in home- and community-based services for people with disabilities.

The proposal unveiled last week known as the American Jobs Plan calls for $400 billion in spending to expand access to Medicaid home- and community-based services for those currently on waiting lists.

March 25,
Biden Signs Stimulus Bill Sending Funds To Disability Community
President Joe Biden signed a massive pandemic relief package sending billions to special education and home- and community-based services and providing stimulus payments for many with disabilities who haven’t previously qualified.

The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan signed Thursday provides the first major investment since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic a year ago in the hard-hit disability services system.

The legislation includes $12.67 billion for Medicaid home- and community-based services over the next year. The funding will go to states in the form of a 10% rise in the federal government’s share of spending on the program starting in April and extending through March 2022.

January 25,
White House Enlists ASL Interpreters For Daily Press Briefings

The White House on Monday announced that its regular press briefings will now include an American Sign Language interpreter. White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters that the move was "part of this administration's accessibility and inclusion efforts."

She noted that Monday's interpreter, identified as Heather, was translating the briefing virtually (a livestream of the interpreter played alongside Psaki during Monday's press conference).

"The president is committed to building an America that is more inclusive, more just and more accessible for every American," Psaki said.


January 21,
I hope they also plan to revise the limits of income PWDs can earn before it effects the benefits we can receive. More PWDs would love to work, but the system is setup to penalized for trying to improve our lives.

For example, if you are an adult in Maryland you may be eligible for Medicaid if your monthly income is up to approximately of $1,468. I find that interesting since on SSI you can only make $794 a month and keep your benefits.

Another fun fact, under the state of emergency in Maryland due to COVID19. I got $2,000 for PPE since I use the Self-Directed Waiver. The trick is, I can pay out of pocket to obtain PPE and cleaning supplies, but I can’t be directly reimbursed for them. So, one needs a very trust worthily person in their life, to cash in on the reimbursement. The Gimp Life can turn anyone bi-polar.

Biden Plan Would End Subminimum Wage, Offer Stimulus Checks To More With Disabilities

In his first major undertaking, President-elect Joe Biden wants to do away with a decades-old option to pay workers with disabilities less than minimum wage while giving stimulus payments to more people in this population.

Biden unveiled a $1.9 trillion proposal late last week to address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the economic fallout from it. The so-called American Rescue Plan includes $1,400 in direct payments to many Americans as well as funding to support vaccine distribution, reopen schools and support state and local governments while also extending unemployment benefits and expanding paid leave.

Notably, the plan would provide stimulus payments for adults with disabilities who are considered dependents for tax purposes. These individuals have been disqualified from the previous rounds of direct payments issued by the federal government since the start of the pandemic.

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You had 4 Years Dude!

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The White house Disabilities page has been down for four years, it disappeared just minutes after #45 took his “oath”. We should at least give the #45 Admin. credit for two Bills that were past. The first Bill had to do with Education, it stated that every student in Special Ed. was entitle to an IEP and it had to be implemented that school year. The other Bill allowed family members to be PCAs.

Are two major Bills enough to call this Administration a success for the Disability Community, I think not. Really this Admin. has set the Disability movement back decades. The two major threats were the weakening of the ADA and anytime you talk about Medicare cuts, you threaten to take away our independence.

We can be full of hope and anticipation for the new the Administration, but only time will tell. They might be facing more scrutiny since they have 3 offices loaded in our favor.

Education Tid Bits for Students With Disabilities

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Nov. 30,
VIA: @parentcenterhub
Finance Glossary

This glossary contains terms relevant to finance for IDEA Part C and Part B, Section 619 programs. The terms include reference to IDEA and other related federal fiscal requirements as well as those specific to billing public and private insurance for IDEA services.

March 23,
Special Education Advocates Press Biden Administration For Funding Boost
DETROIT — Typical public education initiatives that get a lot of attention like teacher pay raises and funding for preschool are taking a back seat to emergency needs as schools reopen classrooms and provide services to students learning at home.

While Michigan educators anxiously await federal COVID-19 relief aid, they are also calling on President Joe Biden to fully fund special education.

Some see the shift in control of the White House to Democrats as an opportunity to boost support for children with special needs and their families while easing pressure on state and local education budgets.


January 15,
What Biden’s Pick for Ed. Secretary Discussed With Disability Rights Advocates

Advocates for students with disabilities met with President-elect Joe Biden’s pick for education secretary this week to voice concerns about issues ranging from school discipline to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on special education services.

If confirmed by the Senate to the cabinet role, current Connecticut Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona could play a significant role in special education at a time when advocates fear that many students with disabilities have been left behind during rolling school closures and remote instruction.

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The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak Facts and Vaccine for the Disability Community

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Nov. 16,
A judge says Texas’ ban on mask mandates violates the rights of students with disabilities.

A federal judge ruled on Wednesday that Gov. Greg Abbott’s ban on mask mandates in Texas schools violates the rights of students with disabilities, clearing the path for districts in the state to issue their own rules for face coverings, a decision that could affect more than five million students.
Attention Howard County residents with disabilities and chronic health conditions who need a vaccination appointment!! Accessible Resources for Independence, Howard County Health Department and Maryland Department of Health are holding clinic in Columbia on Friday, April 23rd.

For more information, contact Audrey Sellers, COVID-19 Response Coordinator at 443-713-3915 or covidsupplies@arinow.org

Timonium Fairgrounds Johnson & Johnson Special Needs Clinic
BALTIMORE COUNTY
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES (DD) SPECIFIC
JOHNSON & JOHNSON VACCINE CLINIC

TUESDAY APRIL 13, 2021 8am-12pm
THURSDAY APRIL 15, 8am-1pm
Timonium Fairgrounds, Baltimore County

Baltimore County, in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is hosting TWO vaccine clinics for people with developmental disabilities and their families who are 18 years or older. These clinics are specific to people and families living in Baltimore County. The vaccine administered is scheduled to be the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

These clinics require registration (see link below) and are limited to 75 per day. Please do not share links with others.

Please use the links below to register and complete applicable consent forms:

Tuesday, April 13th 8 am to 12 pm Timonium Fairgrounds-Johnson and Johnson Special Needs Clinic https://www.marylandvax.org/reg/6946804129

Thursday, April 15th 8 am to 1 pm Timonium Fairgrounds, Johnson and Johnson, Special Needs Clinic
https://www.marylandvax.org/reg/6029129674

*Please remember to bring your ID to the clinic.

March 16,
Source:Texas State Independent Living Council
Study on the Impact of COVID-19 on People with Disabilities Self-Directing Home and Community-Based Services

Brandeis University is conducting a study to learn about the experiences of people receiving home- and community-based services and self-directing those services. They are interested in learning how people with disabilities are staying safe, how they are keeping their personal care attendants safe, and how they are accessing critical services and supports. Information from this study will be used to advise government agencies and providers.

-Are you a person with a disability who receives Medicaid home and community-based services?
-Are you above the age of 18?
-Do you self-direct your services and supports? In other words, do you control who you hire to provide services or control a budget for services?
-Do you live in the United States?

If you answered yes to each of the questions above, you may be eligible to participate. Participation includes one interview over the telephone or videoconference. The interview will be about one hour. Participants will receive a small gift card for their time.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Miriam Heyman, Senior Research Associate at the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy, at miriamheyman@brandeis.edu or 781-736-8415.

This study is made possible by the Lurie Institute for Disability Policy and the Community Living Policy Center at Brandeis University. Funding is provided by ACL's National Institute for Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research.

ID: Transmission electron microscopic image of an isolate from the first U.S. case of COVID-19, formerly known as 2019-nCoV. The spherical viral particles, colorized blue, contain cross-section through the viral genome, seen as black dots. Photo Credit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

March 11,
I might fall through cracks again, as I have done most of my life since I don't meet the criteria for high-risk groups for people with disabilities. I live on my own, not chronological ill, don't go to a program. At least I haven't even had a cold this year, during my year of self quarantine. I was just born to be a Desperado!!!

March 11,
Getting a shot of hope in Maryland

If you are in Maryland here is the vaccine center at the M&T stadium. The number is 1-855-634-6829. I already called a couple times and good luck! At least there is a text option, so you don’t have to sit on the phone for hours. Maybe the texting option will start sending you automatic updates.

This morning I did received an update for the Balt. County Deparment of Health to let me know I finally was put on the COVID-19 Vaccine Registry. It is the 11th of March and I signed up on January 18th. I think it might be October before I get the shots, since I am not in a high-risk group while being super uber hygienic life style is not CP friendly.

March 8,
COVID-19 vaccine prioritization by state and territory; this link is intended to inform PWDs as to when they are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination

This dashboard was created as a partnership between the Johns Hopkins Disability Health Research Center and the Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities as a starting point for understanding how the disability community is prioritized in COVID-19 vaccine distribution and intends to help people with disabilities determine when they qualify for a COVID-19 vaccine in their state.

This tool tracks vaccine prioritization plans across four categories for the 50 US states, 5 US territories, and the District of Columbia:
March 4,
Congress Weighs Stimulus Checks For Those With Disabilities, Funds For Services

A $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan under consideration in the U.S. Senate includes a major investment in home- and community-based services and stimulus payments for more people with disabilities.

The bill approved by the House of Representatives last weekend would funnel an estimated $9.3 billion extra to states for Medicaid programs that enable people with disabilities to live in the community.

February 17,
Shut-in, but not shut out: Mobile team in Howard County delivers COVID vaccines

For those interested in these special deliveries, you’re asked to go to the Howard County Health Department’s website and fill out a survey to make sure you qualify. For those interested in these special deliveries, you’re asked to go to the Howard County Health Department’s website and fill out a survey to make sure you qualify. You can also call the department’s COVID line at 410-313-6284.

February 16,
Unpaid Caregiver for an Elderly Individual or Person with a Disability Letter

Did you know that unpaid caregivers for individuals with ID/A are eligible to receive the COVID Vaccine under Phase 1A of the PA's vaccination plan. To provide documentation that you are an unpaid caregiver to the vaccine provider, you may download the "Unpaid Caregiver for an Elderly Individual or Person with a Disability Letter" from the DHS website.

Scroll to the bottom of the page to the section titled "Unpaid Caregiver for an Elderly Individual or Person with a Disability Letter (PDF)." Then, click the checkbox to self-attest that you are an unpaid caregiver for an individual with ID/A. After clicking the checkbox please click "View Letter" to download and print the letter. You may then bring the letter with you to the vaccination site to verify your status as an unpaid caregiver eligible for the vaccine in Phase 1A.

January 28,
DREDF Is With You: Together We Will Not Let COVID-19 Cancel Disability Civil and Human Rights

The effects of the COVID-19 crisis will hit disabled people and their families disproportionately. DREDF will continue to work in coalition with our community, organizational partners and political allies to provide technical assistance and be a connector of people, resources, and information.

We will continue to hope and fight for the best, which will only be achieved by uniting across community lines and continuing to press for change—especially now.

January 14,
The COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Plan in Maryland
Adults at least 75 years old are in the next vaccine priority group, called phase 1B. The group includes assisted living facility residents and staff that weren't covered in phase 1A, along with teachers, people with developmental disabilities and certain high-risk inmates. Next in line is phase 1C, which includes Marylanders 65 and up and grocery store, public transit, agriculture and manufacturing workers. After phase 1C is phase 2, which includes people over the age of 16 with significant underlying medical conditions.

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