We had a very successful Spring Fundraiser! Thank you to everyone that supported us. We were able to raise $12,910.00 from 25 donors. We have a few days left for the fundraiser, so if you have not donated yet, there is still time to help us reach our goal of $20,000!

Click here and you can donate now!

In this month’s newsletter we are going to highlight a specific issue that is important to people with disabilities. We are focusing on the requirements for public places to have working elevators. This issue has been in our local news lately, and both Justine and I have had trouble with broken elevators over the last month. So, we wanted to get the facts and share them with you in this newsletter.

We have included a letter to the editor of the Miami Herald that was written by Matthew Dietz, our DIG president, about broken elevators on the metro mover, an analysis of the laws around working elevators, and what you should do if you find an elevator that is not working. Justine has also written an article focusing on her experiences and frustrations.

Featured Article

Elevators & Elevators in Parking Garages

The Facts:

1.      What are the requirements under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) for a business to have a working elevator?

In this circumstance Florida law is more comprehensive than the ADA so we look to Florida Law.

For Florida, the applicable issue is Florida law, because it is broader than the ADA. The Florida Accessibility Code requires all new or altered structures to have the duty to provide vertical accessibility to all levels.

2.      Is there a difference if the elevator is owned by a governmental entity such as a city/county or a private company?

No, the regulations are identical for a governmental entity and a private company.

3.      What happens if the elevator is broken or not working?

An entity has a duty to maintain in operable working condition all elements that are required to be accessible, but it does not prohibit isolated or temporary interruptions in service or access due to maintenance or repairs. Temporary obstructions or isolated instances of mechanical failure would not be considered violations of the ADA unless it persists beyond a reasonable period. This would include repeated mechanical failures due to improper or inadequate maintenance.

4.      How long can the elevator be broken before the business must provide an alternative option?

An alternative option should be provided immediately when an accessible element is not available. A governmental entity must make its programs or services, and a public accommodation must make its goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations, available through alternative methods such as (1) providing curb service or home delivery; (2) retrieving merchandise from inaccessible shelves or racks; and (3) relocating activities to accessible locations.

5.      Does a person have to request a reasonable accommodation or is the business required to automatically offer an alternative option?

This would not be considered an accommodation, but it would be a facilities obligation to make its goods or services available. In some circumstances, there may be a need to request assistance. For example, a person may need assistance to reach a product that is out of reach range for a person in a wheelchair, or a buzzer by the inaccessible element so the customer can be immediately helped.

6.      How does a person complain if this does not happen?

If the facility is owed by a governmental entity, each entity should have an ADA coordinator who is the person in charge of receiving and attempting to fix issues relating to access violations. If it is a private business, then you should speak to a manager and explain how you would like to have access to a particular area, but do not have such access.

7.      How many accessible parking spaces are required in a parking garage?

The chart below shows the number of accessible spaces required by the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design:

8.      Under the ADA – Accessible Parking Spaces

• This applies to state/local governments, businesses and non-profit organizations that provide parking lots or garages.
•  Parking Spaces
• Accessible parking spaces must be provided for cars and vans.
• Location
• Accessible spaces must be located on the shortest accessible route to the accessible entrance.
•  Access Aisles
• Accessible parking spaces must have access aisles.
• The access aisle must be marked
• The access aisle must be the same length as the space
• The access aisle must be level with the parking space
• Two accessible parking spaces can share an access aisle

The View From Here

By: Justine Chichester

“I am only one, but I am still one. I cannot do everything, but I can still do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.” – Helen Keller

Picture it …. a night out with good friends. You pick out the perfect outfit, you get all dressed up and get in your car to meet your friends at that great restaurant you’ve been wanting to go to for so long. You arrive at the restaurant, park on the top floor of the parking garage, because (of course) all of the other levels of parking are packed with cars. You get out of your car, dressed up and excited to meet your friends, who are already waiting for you at the restaurant. When you get into the elevator to go down to the first floor, where the restaurant is located, the elevator doesn’t work. The doors don’t close, and the elevator doesn’t budge. Okay. So, you get out and try the other elevator nearby. The same thing happens. The elevator doors won’t close, and the elevator doesn’t move. What do you do? “Just take the stairs?”

Well, as someone who is mobility-challenged, “Just take the stairs” isn’t an option. But it seems to be the one and only solution offered when elevators aren’t working. This happened to me recently at Merrick Park in Coral Gables. My husband and I were meeting friends at Sea Grill, a restaurant on the first floor of Merrick Park. We parked in the garage, and when we got in the elevators to go down to the first floor, none of them worked.

My frustration is not that elevators break. I understand that things happen. My frustration is that there seems to never, ever be an adequate solution or alternative offered to those of us who cannot "just take the stairs" if an elevator is broken. So, what do we do? Just deal with it? Don’t go to that restaurant you wanted to go to so badly, that you got all dressed up for, and were so excited to meet your friends at? Don’t go to the doctor’s appointment you had, or the important office appointment you made…all because the elevator doesn’t work, and you just can’t get there?

How ridiculous is it that we just have to go home, and not do the things we want to do or need to do, because an elevator isn’t working and, even worse, there is zero alternative or solution offered for us to get where we’re going?

During the planning for our DIG monthly Supper Social Club, I met with Debbie Dietz at The Cheesecake Factory in Coral Gables for several weeks, getting ready for the event. The parking garage directly behind the restaurant, every single time I tried to park there had a sign on the ticket dispenser that said, “Elevator is Out of Order.” For over a month! So, I knew parking there was not an option for me. Yes, that’s frustrating to have to look for other parking. But, for those of us living with a disability, with mobility issues, searching for parking and finding it blocks and blocks away is a nightmare. Getting there then becomes even more challenging than you can imagine. For a few of our meetings at The Cheesecake Factory, I was able to park close-by on the street, others I had to park so far away it was beyond challenging. If only they would offer some sort of alternative, or even consider an alternative for those of us with mobility issues, instead of just saying “you can’t park here,” or, even worse …. “Just take the stairs.”

I’m so grateful to organizations like DIG, who went to the City Commission with the facts about the parking garage situation this month, and now because of their efforts, we will hopefully be getting more accessible parking on the first floor of that garage, behind The Cheesecake Factory. And then, hopefully I’ll be able to park there …. finally. It’s advocates like DIG, who listen, research, and come up with real-life solutions, not just talk, that make a difference in all of our lives, every day.

Oh….and that restaurant I wanted to go to at Merrick Park? I got there …. finally. With a lot of help from my friends helping me down the numerous flights of stairs. Luckily, I had people there who could help. We don’t always have that, but thankfully I did that day.

Take Steps

Be sure to check out Matthew Dietz's op-ed article in The Miami Herald, on broken elevators, in it's entirety, here!

Last month I discussed the topic of sexual assault on children with disabilities.

This month I would like to expand on that topic to include some information about a common tool used by abusers, Grooming. Grooming is manipulative behavior that an abuser uses to gain access to a victim, coerce them into agreeing to abuse and thereby reducing the risk of being caught. (RAINN.org)

Grooming is not just used by abusers against children with disabilities, but is often used against younger children, teens, and even vulnerable adults.

Grooming can take place in-person or online. We are hearing more about online grooming every day and national organizations such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children have posted information on how to recognize warning signs of online grooming.

Grooming is usually used by a family member or someone in a victim’s circle of trust. This could be a teacher, coach, or youth group leader. If a child with a disability, maybe a caregiver.

Grooming can take many forms but there are usually patterns. Here are some:

• Abusers usually observe their victims and select based on easy access or perceived vulnerability.

• They usually try to separate them from those that protect them such as parents and seek positions where they have that access.

• They try to gain trust through gifts, lots of attention, and sharing secrets.

• They start with harmless touching such as hugs, tickling and then increase to sexual contact.

• They make their behavior seem normal, so the child or vulnerable adult thinks it is normal.

• Groomers are often charming, seem kind and develop relationships with the victim’s family.

• Online grooming often involves pretending to be children or teens with fake profiles online. 30% of 12- to 15-year-olds have been approached by a stranger online to be their friend.

Here is where you can learn more about this important topic.

• Go to internetmatters.org about how (grooming) occurs.

• Also, the National Center for Missing and exploited Children has online grooming warning signs (recognize more warning signs of online grooming)

• You can learn how to keep children, teens and vulnerable adults safer by learning the warning signs of abuse at RAINN.org (warning signs of abuse).

• To report abuse whether in person or online visit childhelp.org.

• Finally, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE.

I think it is time we all learn as much as we can to help our most vulnerable. I hope these resources will help you begin learning. 

Helping People with Disabilities Communicate with First Responders.

This project has several components:

• We make customized wallet cards for people living with intellectual/developmental disabilities and Autism.

• We make customized caregiver wallet cards for caregivers of people living with disabilities.

• We have an online training program for law enforcement.

• We have a program for schools, parks programs, or community organizations.

Please click the link below to learn more about this project and to order your own customized wallet card or caregiver card.

If you have any questions, please email Debbie at debbie@justidigit.org.

Subscribe to the Florida Access Coalition Mailing List to get the Most Updated Information!

Employment Support for People with Disabilities

If you are a person with a disability and pursuing employment, you are not alone. You can find many agencies providing employment support and help you to reach your vocational goal.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

Is a federal-state program that helps people who have physical or mental disabilities get or keep a job. VR is committed to helping people with disabilities find meaningful careers.

Examples of VR Services:

• Medical and Psychological Assessment
• Vocational Evaluation and Planning
• Career Counseling and Guidance
• Training and Education After High School
• Job-Site Assessment and Accommodations
• Job Placement
• Job Coaching
• On-the-Job Training
• Supported Employment
• Assistive Technology and Devices
• Time-Limited Medical and/or Psychological Treatment

For more information visit Vocational Rehabilitation website http://www.rehabworks.org

Centers for Independent Living



Services are provided to maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence and productivity of individuals with disabilities. The services are intended to lead to the integration and full inclusion of individuals with disabilities into mainstream American society. A CIL is a consumer-controlled, not-for-profit local organization which provides at least four core independent living services. There are 16 CILs in Florida. To find a CIL close to you, visit:

http://www.ilru.org/projects/cil-net/cil-center-and-association-directory-results/FL

Centers for Independent Living – Florida Independent Living Council (floridasilc.org)

Find a CIL – FACIL (floridacils.org)

Employment Networks 

Employment networks are available to provide vocational training, job readiness training, resume writing classes, and other vocational services to SSDI and SSI beneficiaries. Some ENs specialize in providing services only to people with specific disabilities (such as developmental disabilities), while others serve all beneficiaries irrespective of the nature of their disabilities. Some ENs are businesses that rely on the EN system as a means to employ people with disabilities for their own businesses. These ENs are alternatives to the state departments of vocational rehabilitation. For a list of ENs doing business in your area:

Find Help - Ticket to Work - Social Security (ssa.gov)

Disability Program Navigator Initiative

The Disability Program Navigator Initiative helps CareerSource Florida centers improve employability and increase career opportunities available to job seekers with disabilities.

Major Objectives of the Disability Program Navigator Initiative

• Increase employment and self-sufficiency for social security beneficiaries and individuals with disabilities; and help individuals understand how earnings may affect their social security benefits and other support programs.

• Create systemic change to transform the culture of how CareerSource Florida centers serve customers with disabilities.

• Facilitate linkages to the employer community so individuals with disabilities may access programs and services.

For more information please visit:

Disability Program Navigator (DPN) Initiative - (careersourcesouthwestflorida.com)

Other Important Resources

Disability Rights Florida: Advocates for SSA beneficiaries pursuing employment

Services to Individuals:

• Information and referrals
• Self-advocacy support
• Technical assistance
• Investigations into complaints of abuse, neglect and rights violations
• Dispute resolution support
• Negotiation and mediation support
• Advocacy services
• 
  

For more information, check their website http://www.disabilityrightsflorida.org

The Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

JAN is the leading source of free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. Working toward practical solutions that benefit both employer and employee, JAN helps people with disabilities enhance their employability, and shows employers how to capitalize on the value and talent that people with disabilities add to the workplace.

Check their website: https://askjan.org/links/about.htm

Access The Vote Florida (ATVFL) is a state chapter of AAPD’s REVUP Campaign. REV UP stands for: Register! Educate! Vote! Use your Power!

The chapter is a statewide coalition of organizations and self-advocates that are working to raise awareness about issues that impact persons with disabilities, encourage people with disabilities to participate in the voting process, and educate elected officials on issues important to persons with disabilities.

Email Olivia at oliviab@drflorida.org to get on our mailing list.

Vote-by-Mail and How to get an Accessible Vote-by-Mail Ballot

By: Deborah Dietz

At the end of 2022, all requests for vote-by-mail ballots expired. This was because of a new state law passed in 2021.

What this means is that if you want to continue to vote-by-mail you need to submit a new request to the elections department.

In Florida, if you are a voter with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) you have the option to receive an accessible vote by mail ballot by email. This option allows voters to cast their ballot independently without the assistance of another person.

Click here to request a vote-by-mail ballot in Miami-Dade County.

Click here to request an accessible vote-by-mail ballot in Miami-Dade County.

*NOTE: Requesting the accessible ballot will prompt the paper and electronic portions to be sent to the voter.

If you have any questions, please contact the Miami-Dade County Election’s Department at soedade@miamidade.gov or 305.499.8509 with any questions you might have regarding this program.

Voters who have questions should email votebymail@miamidade.gov or call 305.499.8444.

City of Coral Gables Events

If you have any questions, please email the City at PlayForAll@coralgables.com.

Sensory Friendly Fourth of July

July 4th, 5 - 10 p.m. at the DEI Clubhouse.

DEI Clubhouse, 3940 Granada Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33134

Cost: $5 per person. Space is limited.

Register at: playgables.com

DEI Clubhouse Hours (adults)

Mondays, 3 – 7 p.m. at the DEI Clubhouse, No registration. No Fees.

DEI Clubhouse, 3940 Granada Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33134

Unprogrammed social time to hangout.

My Squad (adults)

Last Wednesday of each month, 6 – 9 p.m.

DEI Clubhouse, 3940 Granada Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33134

Ticketed Monthly $5 each

June 28: Pizza, Rug Weaving and Games

Teen Scene (ages 13-17)

Last Thursday of Each Month, 5 – 8 p.m. (companions are welcome to eat and join all activities).

DEI Clubhouse, 3940 Granada Blvd., Coral Gables, FL 33134

Registered seasonally $50 per season

988 is now active across the United States.

988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) and is now active across the United States.

When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary.

This new, shorter phone number will make it easier for people to remember and access mental health crisis services.

(Please note, the previous 1-800-273-TALK (8255) number will continue to function indefinitely.)

LEARN MORE

Litigation Update:

Disability Independence Group’s Litigation Department closed in

2022.

If you have a disability legal question, you can contact Professor Matthew Dietz at the Disability Advocacy and Inclusion Law (DIAL) Clinic at Nova Southeastern University Law School. His email is: mdietz@nova.edu.

If you have a disability education issue, such as an IEP or Exceptional Student Education, you can contact Stephanie Langer at Langer Law, PA. Her email is: helpline@langerlawpa.com.

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