Happy October. I love the month of October. The weather finally starts to cool down and we celebrate many important causes. Justine writes about Breast Cancer Awareness and how important it is to "fight like a girl". Sharon writes about Domestic Violence Awareness and we have embedded five videos made by our MIA Liaisons, and Lesly discusses employment for National Disability Employment Awareness Month. 

Look out for new posts on our social media platforms. Justine is going to start officially working with DIG and increase our engagement on social media and with editing our newsletter.

You will see us together in the picture above. We have been meeting over coffee to discuss new and exciting plans for DIG. 

I have included the links to our social media pages below. Like our pages, share our posts, and stay tuned for more exciting updates about DIG.

Matt and Debbie attending the Miami Dade Bar 2022 Installation Gala. Congratulations to all the newly elected officers and directors.

Thank you Barbara Reis for inviting us to join you and your family at the WOW Experience 2022 at Superblue Miami. Matt and I had a great time and loved exploring the venue. Here is a picture of us at one of the interactive events.

Disability Independence Group’s Litigation Department is closed.

If you have a disability legal question, you can contact Professor Matthew Dietz at his clinical office at Nova Law School. 

Professor Dietz is currently operating a disability law clinic out of Nova Southeastern University Law School. 

His email is now mdietz@nova.edu, and the clinic’s phone number is 954-262-6063.

If you have a disability education issue, such as an IEP or Exceptional Student Education, you can contact Ms. Langer at her own private law firm, Langer Law, PA.  

Her website is: https://langerlawpa.com/

Ms. Langer has created an Education Helpline.

Through the Education Helpline, Ms. Langer will offer advice and support to families navigating through the education system.

The Education Helpline will allow you to self-book an appointment at your convenience.

Langer Law, P.A. also offers meeting preparation, document(s) review, litigation support, coaching, guardianships, advance directives and supported decision making, partial and full representation.

If you have any questions or problems scheduling an appointment through the Helpline, or need any accommodations, please send an email to helpline@langerlawpa.com.

“More than 10 million Americans are living with Cancer, and they demonstrate the ever-increasing possibility of living beyond Cancer.” – Sheryl Crow, Singer, Songwriter and Breast Cancer Survivor

In early 2019 my general doctor was strongly encouraging me to get a mammogram during a routine checkup. I was 44 years old at the time and had never had a mammogram. She was insisting it was way past time for me to get mine done. I had just suffered a spinal cord injury, hydrocephalus, a year in and out of several hospitals, and I was still going through intensive tests and physical therapy during my recovery. My response at the time to this doctor was, “I have been through so much and I still have to do so many tests for my injury, I really don’t want to have to do this mammogram thing on top of everything else.” But she persisted and she insisted I go. My doctor stressed how important getting my annual mammogram was in order to detect potential Cancer early. Early detection is the key.

So, I went. In my wheelchair, I went to get the mammogram. Finally. And they found a tumor which was, indeed, Cancer. Stage 2, but non-invasive. I was one of the luckier ones, in that it was detected early. I had a lumpectomy and subsequent 6 weeks of radiation. All while I kept up with my physical therapy for my spinal cord injury, by the way. It was difficult and a really tough reality for me to face and deal with, along with everything else. However, at the end of the day if I had waited any longer to get my mammogram, things may have been very, very different for me.

I’ve told this story so many times since then, and, yes, I write about it here in our newsletter every October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. But I share it repeatedly because I cannot stress enough how important early detection is. And the only way to detect Breast Cancer early is by getting that mammogram done. And for those who need to, also the Breast ultrasound and a Breast MRI may be required. They were for me. Now I do all three tests every 6 months. Soon, I will work up to annual testing. I know, it sucks. It’s a hassle. You have much better things to do. And you may be nervous about the outcome. But think of it this way…going and getting your mammogram done could save your life.

I wrote the quote above from Sheryl Crow because in the rockstar’s recent documentary, Sheryl, on Showtime, she talks about what it was like almost skipping her annual mammogram, which ultimately detected her Stage 1 Breast Cancer at the early age of 44. Now 60 years old, Sheryl recounts in the documentary if she hadn’t gone to get her mammogram because she was “too busy,” the Cancer could have progressed and become fatal. Her situation, similar to mine, resulted in a lumpectomy and seven weeks of radiation therapy because hers was a non-invasive form of Breast Cancer. Ultimately, she was declared Cancer-free.

According to the American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer is the most common Cancer in women in the United States, except skin Cancers. It accounts for 30% of all new female Cancers each year. The good news is, that at this time there are more than 3.8 million Breast Cancer survivors in the United States. This includes women still being treated and those who have completed treatment. I’m so proud to say that I am one of those women. I’ve been Cancer-free for three years now. I owe it all to my doctor, who pushed and pushed me to get that mammogram, despite everything I was already going through. If I can do it, so can you. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, early detection is the key. It is so important. October may be Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but for a survivor it is every single day. And, in my case…in this survivor’s life…Cancer picked the wrong girl.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, founded in 1985, is an annual international health campaign organized by major Breast Cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure.

Fight like a girl!!!!

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.)

Click below to learn more about 988.

LEARN MORE

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.



The purpose of DV Awareness month is to educate, raise awareness and also provide support to victims and survivors. The first time there was a DV Awareness month was in 1981 when it was introduced by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. 

Unfortunately, domestic violence still takes place in our country every 15 seconds. Most of us don’t realize how widespread the violence is and how many lives are affected because most cases happen behind closed doors and we never hear about them.

To raise awareness and disseminate important information about Domestic Violence, the Miami Inclusion Alliance has created 5 short videos in honor of DV Awareness Month.

The speakers are our own Miami Inclusion Alliance liaisons. They are a core of individuals who have received over a year of training at the intersection of abuse and disability. They now take that knowledge and their own lived experiences as persons with disabilities or who work with persons with disabilities, to our local DV/SA community meetings and forums.

We urge you to listen to each of these very short videos to enhance your knowledge of domestic violence and the services that are available to help. 

Our first video is presented by Rachel Siler. Rachel is an independent living advocate at the Center for Independent Living of South Florida. She will share with you some alarming statistics about domestic violence. 

Our second video is presented by Genesis Espaillat. Genesis is advocate with the Hydrocephalus Association and works at the City of Coral Gables. She will share with you some important facts and information.

Our third video is presented by Carmen Peralta, an employment consultant for Best Buddies. Carmen will educate us on the use of the color purple as the powerful symbol of the Stop Domestic Violence Movement. 

The forth video is presented by Camilo Mejia. Camilo is Networks Director for Catalyst Miami. He will share all the places a victim or survivor can receive help. 

Our fifth video is presented by Kat Magnoli. Kat is a children’s book author and advocate for persons with disabilities. Kat will share with you the powerful words from the Fight Song by Rachel Platten. This song has inspired so many over the years with its message of hope and strength.  

In honor of those who survive and thrive and those who help them, wear PURPLE this month and please repost these videos and share this information with whomever you think might benefit. 

The wallet card is a tool to be used by a teenager or an adult with a disability.

Currently, we have developed cards for persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or intellectual disabilities. 

We have finished our new caregiver card.

You can start ordering them online on our website.

Check out our new Facebook page for The Wallet Card Project.

Employment support for people with disabilities

If you are disabled and you are 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

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, see http://www.chooseworkttw.net/findhelp/

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 http://www.floridajobs.org/office-directory/division-of-workforce-services/workforce-programs/disability-program-navigator-initiative

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

Miami-Dade County is informing the public that Miami-Dade County now offers voters with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) the option to receive an accessible vote by mail ballot by email. This may further allow voters to cast their ballot independently without the assistance of another person.

How?

• This is a PDF fillable form that will need to be filled in, printed, signed and returned to us.

• Or, the voter can go to https://miamidade.electionsfl.org/vrservices/mbrs# and follow the instructions.

Then What?

• Once the request has been processed, voters will receive an email with a link to the accessible ballot. https://sites.omniballot.us/12086/app/home

 

Voters are required to print your selections from the site and return the ballot by mail. Voters participating in the program will still receive a paper Vote-by-Mail packet. The paper ballot sent with this Vote-by-Mail packet, will serve as a back-up to their electronic ballot, if the voter should have an issue in printing their electronic ballot or envelope.

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

Either way, the voter is required to enclose their ballot in the certificate envelope, sign it, and return to the Supervisor of Elections Office by no later than 7:00 p.m. on Election Day.

The voter CANNOT electronically return their ballot to the Elections Office, under Florida State Law. The voter can have somebody of their choosing return their Vote-by-Mail Ballot to the Elections Office or drop off at a Secure Intake Station at any Early Voting Site.

Community Partners, 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.

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

We will be meeting by Zoom every Friday at 11am. The first Friday of the month will be a full chapter meeting and the other weeks will be committee meetings.

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

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.

The video below was created as a virtual presentation for the 2021 Family Cafe.

The video will explain who ATVFL is, what we have done so far, and what we plan to do in the future.

The presentation will encourage self-advocates to join and become involved.

VOTE411.org

Launched by the League of Women Voters Education Fund (LWVEF) in October of 2006, VOTE411.org is a "one-stop-shop" for election related information. It provides nonpartisan information to the public with both general and state-specific information on the following aspects of the election process:

• Absentee ballot information
• Ballot measure information (where applicable)
• Early voting options (where applicable)
• Election dates
• Factual data on candidates in various federal, state and local races
• General information on such topics as how to watch debates with a critical eye
• ID requirements
• Polling place locations
• Registration deadlines
• Voter qualifications
• Voter registration forms
• Voting machines

Accessible voting is the law. Accessible voting machines must be available to you in order to exercise your right to vote privately and independently.

We are so proud to share our video project: Florida's Accessible Voting Machines! These videos explain how 2 accessible voting machines work, discuss your rights as a voter with a disability, and emphasize the importance of the disability vote.

These videos are vital to our efforts to minimize disability discrimination at the polls and empower the disability community in their right to vote. Please share these videos far and wide so they reach ever disabled voter in Florida who could benefit from them.

For more information about voting with a disability, visit our website at AccessTheVote.org.

This Supper Social Club is on hold for now.

However, if you are looking for something fun to do, you should check out My Squad and Teen Scene.

Two new programs sponsored by the City of Coral Gables.

You can text (305) 978-1196 (text preferred) for more information.

Teen Scene at Squad Lodge

Oct. 27 - Photography scavenger hunt.

Dec. 1 - Play outdoor games

Dec. 29 - Cookout and S'mores

My Squad

Oct. 26 - Photography and Dane Party

Nov. 30 - Outdoor games and light up art

Dec. 28 - Cookout and S'mores

My Squad Tickets are $5.00 and available at www.playgables.com.

Select “Event Calendar” if accessing from a cellphone, the dates will be stacked vertically, keep scrolling down to the date of the event.