For several years DIG has worked on a project called the Miami Inclusion Alliance or MIA. We are very proud of this project, because it is funded by the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women. Our partners in the grant are MUJER, Dade Legal Aid, and the Miami-Dade County Coordinated Victim Assistance Center, or CVAC. The grant allows us to study the intersection of disability and domestic violence and sexual assault. We have been studying the programs and services in Miami-Dade County so that we can make them safe, welcoming, and accessible for people with disabilities. Through our work, we have been able to find the gaps and barriers that people with disabilities face when they try to get help. We have developed several tools to help both people with disabilities and the organizations that focus on domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

We are going to share all of this information at our next Enable Project virtual training on May 5, 2023, from 2-4pm. We would love you to join us and learn more about our work. 

-Debbie

Featured Article

Chasing Autism Acceptance

By: Jennifer Sando

HELLOOO April Autism Acceptance month! I was very excited when DIG asked me to guest-write their blog this month. I so wanted to write an uplifting blog, telling you that society is on the cusp of autism acceptance. I really wanted to be an optimist. Then I started writing and realized that my thoughts about autism acceptance this year veer toward the cynical. A once unthinkable thing has happened to me. I’ve become a pessimist.  

For background, I have three gorgeous kids with autism. All three have communication that is very significantly affected by the disorder. My oldest child was diagnosed way back in 2008, my middle child in 2011 and my youngest in 2015. They largely communicate through gestures, pictures and typing. I thought that although my kids were initially separated from their typical counterparts (always busy with therapies and unable to speak to the other kids), that they would eventually be integrated fully into the community. Instead, I have found the opposite, at least when it comes to my children. The world actually becomes more segregated, less accessible as they age.  

Schools included them in preschool programs, then slowly began to segregate them for most of the day, first in different classrooms, then in different buildings all together. Nonprofits and extra-curricular activities that focus on inclusion are more equipped to handle children less impacted by autism and who are able to talk. They find my children’s needs are too intensive for their skill set. 

I used to be determined to include my kids at restaurants, in travel, at the theater and parks. I returned home at times feeling like it wasn’t worth it. I was exhausted and the kids were not happy. My children can be loud, especially in quiet places (think churches or libraries). They love a good echo. They jump, spin and dart away. They often try to connect with people by touching them and that does not go over well. We get smiles (thank you for those), but we also get stares. And rude comments. My daughter has this thing she does where she looks up out of the corner of her eye and then blinks repeatedly. A lot of well-meaning people ask her things like “Honey, are you alright?” I thought she didn’t notice? But, she does. She’s plays a game on her iPad communication system in which, she presses button to have a conversation.  

The conversation goes like this:

She presses the first iPad Button: “Are you ok?”

She presses the second iPad Button: “Yes, I am fine.”

I’m realizing that the fight to include my kids in their community is seeping out of me. I've started closing off our world a tiny bit with each bad experience. First, I vowed not to fly on airplanes anymore, then not to go to the movies, then to avoiding gatherings with friends, then avoiding spending holidays with family. Our world gets smaller and smaller. 

I have a dream where I move my with my children and my husband to an island. The world is tiny and easy. I am always with my five favorite people, with no societal judgement. Then, I realize that humans crave connection with other humans. I crave connection. My husband craves connection. My children crave connection. It would be unfair to limit my kids’ connection, because humans are hard-wired to enjoy the company of other humans. We just have to figure out novel ways to get that connection.

I realize as I write, that I also have a problem with autism acceptance. I need to accept that pushing for my kid’s inclusion in society is not a choice, it is necessary to live. Having them excluded is not only unacceptable, it is inhumane. I will learn to accept discomfort, setbacks, and fatigue, because no other option exists for us. I will keep bringing my kids out in the world, if not out of a sense of optimism, then out of a sense of defiance. I will make their world bigger.

Maybe then, by next April, we will have gone back to holidays, gone back to the movies. Heck, maybe we’ll go crazy and go on an airplane. I will find the world more welcoming to us. I will ignore the stares (or just stare back). I will be grateful for the smiles. Check in with me next Autism Acceptance month, maybe then, I will have become an optimist.  

DIG Supper Social Club

By: Sabrina Zeghibe

Supper Social Club is a neuro-diverse dinner party, where individuals with disabilities, their families, and friends all come together to share a meal. It is an opportunity to engage with members of your community and enjoy a meal at a restaurant with friends. People are encouraged to order their own, drinks, meal, and dessert if desired, while engaging in conversation with other peers. There is a nametag system at check-in where you can choose to have a green, yellow, or red nametag, each having a different meaning. A green name tag means that you want to talk to everyone, and you are comfortable with people approaching you to have a conversation. A yellow nametag means that you want to talk to people you know, and you may spark conversations with those you don’t. Lastly, a red nametag means that you do not want to engage in any conversations, or you just want to enjoy your dinner in the group setting.

Once you arrive at the restaurant and check-in with some of the DIG staff, your name is pooled into a raffle to win one of four awesome prizes! The Supper Social Club this month emphasized the education of how to calculate tip and tax to add to your bill, when you are out to eat. This Wednesday, March 22^nd was the first Supper Social Club since COVID. It was held at T.G.I. Friday’s, and it was a blast!

While working check-in, alongside my co-worker Justine, I was so surprised at how many people attended; the turnout was much larger than I anticipated, with almost 60 guests! Although it was my first Supper Social Club, it did not feel that way. I was a little nervous coming into it, and did not know exactly what to expect. I soon realized, very early into the night, that I had nothing to be worried about. Everyone was so welcoming and excited that the event was back. I was able to meet and spark conversation with numerous new peers from the Miami-Dade area. There were plenty of new attendees, including me, and an abundance of previous attendees who all made me feel comfortable and welcomed in this space. It was a great opportunity to meet new people and have a nice dinner with some old and new friends!

Everyone who attended had their name pooled into a raffle to win one of four prizes that were revealed at the end. We had four lucky winners: Ignacio, Marta, Valeria, and Ricardo who got to leave the dinner with something to remember it by. The four prizes offered this month were magnets, a spinner, a DIG beach towel, or a gift card to T.G.I Friday’s, so that the winner can come back and have another meal at the restaurant!

Even though I didn’t leave with a prize, I left with a night full of memories and a handful of new peers that I cannot wait to see next month! A lot of planning had gone into this night so I just want to thank Debbie and Justine for all the work that they put into the night, and a big thank you to everyone who attended, because this dinner would not have been possible without all of you! I am so thankful to now be a part of this monthly dinner alongside everyone who attended.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, otherwise known as SAAM. Sexual assault is an issue that affects our entire community. The goal of SAAM is to raise awareness about sexual violence. During this month, people across the United States raise awareness about sexual violence, how to prevent it, and how to support those who are affected by it.

This April marks the 22^nd anniversary of the official recognition of the Month. When we look at the history of the movement to bring both awareness to and prevention of sexual abuse and violence, we find that even before the official declaration, there has been an active movement to advocate for victims. The problem has always been, and continues to be, that people are still not aware of the extent of abuse, and it still often remains in the shadows.  

In the United States, movements for social change and equality began to gain traction in the 1940’s and 50’s with the civil rights era. There was still little open discussion about sexual assault, but activists for equal rights began to challenge the status quo.

The 1970’s brought greater change and the first rape crisis center was opened in San Francisco in 1971.

We had our first center in Miami Dade County in 1974.

I am sharing my column this month with Kat Magnoli. Her lived experience shares this issue in a powerful way...

Hello, my name is Katherine Magnoli, and I am a woman living with a physical disability. I am, also, an advocate for the inclusion of people with disabilities. When advocating, I cover a plethora of topics. At the beginning of my advocacy journey, I only wrote children’s books and spoke at schools on the elementary level. Twelve years later, though, I still do that; I also advocate for system change and attitudinal change towards the disability community. Most importantly, thanks to Debbie Dietz and Sharon Langer, I am a liaison for the Miami Inclusion Alliance, which brings awareness to the intersectionality of disability and abuse.

Now, in all honesty, I was nervous about getting involved because I didn’t want it to mess up my image as an advocate for children. In the end, I am so glad I didn’t give into that fear, because as a victim of sexual assault, bringing awareness to this topic is very important to me. I say this because, in my case, it had a profound effect on my mental state coupled with myself esteem. After the act of aggression and abuse occurred, I convinced myself that was all I had to offer. Which led me to make some very poor, self-destructive, choices.

Luckily, I have a wonderful mother and she urged me to go to therapy. Which helped shift my perspective. I did not have to feed into that thought. Once I learned this, I became more confident, and my advocacy really started to take off.

Unfortunately, my trust and self-esteem were still a little shaky when it came to handling affairs with the opposite sex. Until recently, I still met some emotionally distant or, how shall I phrase this, not so great men. 

However, that has all changed. 

In fact, this past weekend, I spent every waking hour with a wonderful man who treats me the way I dreamed I could be treated. He is kind, attentive, affectionate, funny and intelligent. I could not be happier, but it all happened because I put in the work to get the help I needed, which led me to regain my confidence and self-worth. With that said, here are some resources to help you, if you, too are dealing with a similar situation.

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)

The National Sexual Assault Hotline by RAINN: 1-800-656-4673

In Florida: The Florida Council Against Sexual Violence (FCASV) Helpline: 1-888-956-7273

In Miami: The MUJER Helpline: 305-763-2459

In Miami: Miami-Dade County Coordinated Victims Assistance Center (CVAC): 305-285-5900 (call or text)

For More Information, Go To: 10daysofconnection.org

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.

Joliet Township High School Transition Center in Joliet, IL

The students and teacher Jessica Betts learning about the wallet card project and getting their own custom wallet cards.

City of Coral Gables, FL and Coral Gables High School

The students learning about the Wallet Card Project, the Miami-Dade County Police Autism Caravan, and Lucy the dog sitting in front of the City of Coral Gables Autism Police Car.

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

What information am I supposed to report to Social Security?

Below is information that provides general direction about what beneficiaries need to report to Social Security. Keep in mind that for the SSI program, these reporting requirements apply not only to the SSI eligible individual, but also to the parents of SSI recipients under 18 and to the spouses of SSI eligible individuals.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

1. Unearned income including things like other Social Security payments, child support payments, or any other cash received that is not earned income.

2. Any gross wages/earnings and net earnings from self-employment. This includes in-kind items received in lieu of wages (like room and board).

3. In-kind support and maintenance received from others. This includes any assistance with food and shelter provided by another person.

4. Change of address.

5. Changes in living arrangements.

6. Changes in marital status.

7. Resources or assets received that cause

8. Use of any specific work incentives.

Title II Disability Programs (SSDI, CDB, DWB)

1. Any gross wages/earnings and net earnings from self-employment. This includes in-kind items received in lieu of wages (like room and board).

2. Changes in marital status (only applies to CDB and DWB – not SSDI).

3. Change of address.

4. Receipt of any public disability benefits such as Worker’s Compensation.

5. Use of any specific work incentives.

** Unearned income and resources are not considered by the Title II disability programs, thus are not required to be reported to Social Security.

Remember that it is your responsibility to promptly report all relevant changes to the Social Security Administration and any other federal, state, or local entity administering benefits you receive.

Reporting wages or earnings to SSA

To prevent overpayments from Social Security, you should regularly report your wages within six days of the end of the month. You can report your wages by bringing pay stubs to your local Social Security office. Find an office near you by visiting the Social Security office locator

When reporting employment initially, or employment changes, the critical information to report includes:

•          Name, address and phone number of employing company

•          Name of direct supervisor

•          Date of hire/date of termination

•          Pay rate and average number of hours worked per week

•          Pay dates

•          Job title

How to Report Your Wages for SSDI

I recommend you log into your my Social Security account: (http://www.ssa.gov/myaccount) and report your earnings each month. Individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and their representative payees may use my Social Security to report wages online.

How to report your wages for SSI

You are able to report your earnings via phone by calling 1-866-772-0953. Please call in the first week of the month to report the previous month. Please have ready your social security # and total amount of gross earnings in the month and please save your paystubs. This is really easy option since you don’t have to travel every month to the local social security office and you will also avoid overpayments.

Mobile app - If you have a smartphone, Social Security's SSI mobile wage reporting app provides easy ways to report your wages.

By requesting SSA to estimate your monthly earnings in that way you won’t have to go to the SSA office every month. In the event that you work less in a month SSA will pay you back the different.

How to report your wages if you are concurrent receiving SSI and SSDI

If you receive both SSI and SSDI, when you report your earnings, it may be helpful for you to make two copies of your information; one copy for Social Security staff who handle the SSDI program and another copy for staff who handle the SSI program. You are not required to do this, but if you decide to, having two copies of your wage information may make it easier for Social Security to process your wages.

If you are self-employed, you need to report that to Social Security – even if you are not making a profit. Be sure to file your taxes promptly with the IRS and send a copy of your tax returns to Social Security.

SSA beneficiaries should submit their pay stubs to the local Social Security office within six days after the month in which the wages were paid. Some Field Offices may ask you to mail pay stubs less often. If you don’t report each month, make sure your estimated earnings are correct so you will not be overpaid.

Do Not assume that the check you receive from Social Security is correct and has had wages accounted for. You need to know what your check should be and watch to make sure adjustments are made.

If you are getting checks or direct deposits that you think you may not entitled to – do NOT spend them! Deposit them in the bank while you work with Social Security to get the record updated.

Timely wage reporting helps prevent overpayments from Social Security. An overpayment occurs when Social Security has paid you more than you should have been paid in accordance with the rules of your benefits.

If you are overpaid, you may be required to repay the government. In an overpayment situation, Social Security will alert you and your representative payee, if you have one. The notice will explain why you have been overpaid, and how you must repay the money. The notice will also include your appeal and waiver rights.

If you have additional questions about how to report earnings to SSA please contact your local WIPA project at 305-453-3491.                         

Lesly Quintanilla Lopez

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

April 26: Pizza, Celebrate Earth Month

May 31: Pizza, Fairy Houses and Puzzles

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

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.

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.)

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