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National and Around the World - 2013 Archives
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Hot Off the Press! Archives
2013 - October - UN report explains why people with disabilities are more likely to die in disasters
According to a new UN global survey concerning disaster, people living with disabilities across the world say they are rarely consulted about their needs and only 20% could evacuate immediately without difficulty in the event of a sudden disaster event, the remainder could only do so with a degree of difficulty and 6% would not be able to do so at all. The report went on to say that if given sufficient time, the percentage of those who could evacuate with no difficulty rises to 38%. The report surmises that early warning systems, which take into consideration the unique comminication needs of people with disabilities could make a significant difference in the safe evacuation of people with disabilities. For more, visit the report summary.
2013 - October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month! - "Because We Are EQUAL to the Task"
What does your job mean to you? How can we continue to disenfranchise 1/5th of the population of people with disabilities without having a drastic affect on our
society and economy? The theme for 2013 is "Because We Are EQUAL to the Task." The resolution mentions many employment-related themes, including the skills people with disabilities bring to the workforce.
The Office of Disability Employment Policy provides a 30 day "What you CAN Do?" guide to bring awareness of the employability of people with disabilities. "If we swing wide the doors of opportunity for our family, friends, and
neighbors with disabilities, all of us will enjoy the benefits of their
professional contributions. This month, let us uphold the ideals of
equal access, equal opportunity, and a level playing field for all
Americans." -- President Barack Obama, September 30, 2013. Visit the President's Proclamation
2013 - October 1 - Jan 5th- Smithsonian Institute, Washington, DC to debut the VSA National Juried Exhibit, In/finite Earth
In/finite Earth: A National Juried Exhibition for Emerging Artists with Disabilities, Ages 16-25
"features the work of emerging artists with disabilities, who present works that illuminate their innovative viewpoints at the intersection of environmentalism, creativity, and disability. Regardless of continent, country, or culture, over 6 billion people draw sustenance from the shared resources of our planet, the repercussions of which are still unfolding. In/finite Earth is a call to artists to engage in the physical, emotional, and creative ties we share across our planet, and present their artistic perspectives regarding the natural world, sustainability, and our collective future." The exhibit will be at the Smithsonian Institutes, S. Dillon Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Drive, SW
Washington, DC from October 1 through January 5, 2014. Entered from a copper domed kiosk on Jefferson Drive between the "Castle" and the Freer Gallery of Art, the S. Dillon Ripley Center houses, the Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition Service. For more information, accessibility, call 202-633-1000 (voice/tape) or send e-mail to
info@si.edu or visit S. Dillon Ripley Center
The exhibit will travel throughout the country. For more about the exhibit or the schedule of the exhibit, visit VSA - In/finite Earth
Sara Everhart-Skeels and Gerry Tiernan Ready to Race
2013 - September - NHU congratulates the winners of the U.S. Disabled Sailing Championship, Milwaukee Community Sailing Center and U.S. Sailing
Congratulations to John Ruf, from Pewaukee, Wisconsin, who won the 2.4mR class race, the U.S. Disabled Singlehanded Championship, coming in first in all 7 races of the event for the Judd Goldman Trophy this weekend at the US Disabled Sailing Championships on Lake Michigan, hosted by the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center, sanctioned by U.S. Sailing. The team of Sara Everhart-Skeels and Gerry Tiernan, from Newport/Maine who won the Ideal 18 class race, U.S. Doublehanded Championship for the Chandler Hovey Trophy. This is a first for these sailors to win a U.S. Sailing Championship race although they are experienced and accomplished athletes in the world of competitive sail racing. Three days of sailing gave up just seven races due to inclement weather on Saturday, September 7th. Otherwise the sailors raced through large wave conditions and 18-20 knot winds at times on Friday, September 6th. Although they all described the waves as being exceedingly challenging, everyone seemed willing to ride them for the U.S. Disabled Sailing Championship and the coveted awards. Congratulations to all the competitors for a challenging race weekend! For more photos and to read more about this event!
2013 - Department of Labor issues final rules to improve employment among people with disabilities
The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced two final rules to improve hiring and employment of veterans and people with disabilities. One rule updates requirements under the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974; the other updates those under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Both acts ensure that federal contractors and subcontractors affirmatively recruit, hire, train and promote qualified veterans and people with disabilities respectively. One of the most notable changes to the VEVRAA rules, includes the requirement that contractors establish an annual hiring benchmark, as well as data collection processes to analyze applications vs. hires for veterans. Among the changes of Section 503 is the requirement that contractors develop recruitment methods that will lead to 7% of their workforce being comprised of individuals with disabilities. Both changes will surely open doors for the thousands of unemployed or underemployed jobseekers with disabilities. For more on the final rules read the DOL press release.
2013 - Healthcare.gov introduces you to the new Health Insurance Marketplace
With the passage of the Affordable Care Act, Americans will have access to a new Health Insurance "Marketplace" in which they can browse and select a health insurance plan that best meets their unique health care needs. The intention is to provide affordable health care alternatives to low- and moderate-income individuals. While the Marketplace will not launch until October 1st, Healthcare.gov is now availble to help you learn more about this new offering. Open enrollment will begin October 1, 2013 and last through March 31, 2014. Do your research now to learn if the marketplace offers better options for you!
2013 - September - U.S. Disabled Sailing Championship to be held in Milwaukee at the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center in September
The Milwaukee Community Sailing Center is proud to host the 2013 U.S. Disabled Sailing Championship on Lake Michigan this September 5-8th.. It is the only national championship for disabled sailors and will be held on the Great Lakes for the first time along Milwaukee's beautiful lakefront.
The U.S. Disabled Sailing Championship is expected to bring in approximately 45 registered competitors including medalists from the previous Paralympic games. The four-day event will include a racing clinic on Thursday with races on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. An awards ceremony will be held Sunday. The Milwaukee Community Sailing Center will be hosting the event along with many other sponsors including the Milwaukee Yacht Club.
The sailing will take place out beyond the breakwater so public viewing may be difficult from shore.
This is a US Sailing event. Four Days of Racing 2.4 mR (single-handed) I Ideal-18 (double-handed) I Sonar (open three-person keelboat) on Lake Michigan in pursuit of the Goldman, Hinkel and Hovey Trophies.
The U.S. Disabled Sailing Championship is open to sailors with disabilities including quadriplegics, paraplegics and amputees, as well as individuals with multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, polio and ALS. Each sailor is given a rating based on the severity of his or her respective disability, which qualifies him or her for the three different categories for boat designs. Each sailor must possess current IFDS classification. Opportunities for IFDS classification may be available but prior arrangements must be made by the competitor.
For more information on eligibility, race classification, and registration, visit U.S. DISABLED SAILING CHAMPIONSHIP
Milwaukee Community Sailing Center
2013 - August - Governor's discuss employment of people with disabilities
At the most recent meeting of the National Governors Association (NGA), our nation's Governors talked about how states can help people with disabilities find jobs. With a staggering two-thirds of working age citizens with disabilities unemployed, it has become apparent that state officials must work with private sector employers to improve these unemployment rates. The NGA has been studying this issue for the past year and has released a blueprint that details dozens of policy recommendations. Among the recommendations is to intentionally include people with disabilities in state workforce strategies. Several Governor's have already seen the need and created inclusive strategies for their states, which include, Minnesota's All Hands on Deck, Maryland's Skills to Compete, and Iowa's Skilled Iowa. Of course, this is just the beginning of what the NGA hopes will be a continued commitment to seeing that all Americans with disabilities, who are ready and willing to work, have the opportunity to earn a living.
Be sure to read the blueprint and ask your governor what he/she is doing to improve the employment outcomes of our citizens with disabilities. Read, A Better Bottom Line: Employing People with Disabilities: Blueprint for Governors.
2013 - August - Share your American Dream via video
The National Disability Institute has launched its third annual My American Dream – Voices of Americans with Disabilities Video Contest. They want to hear from individuals with disabilities across America about their dreams and the steps they are taking to achieve them. Whether it’s landing a dream job, owning a home, going to college, starting a business or taking steps toward financial independence, they encourage people with disabilities to share their goals and show that all Americans want the same thing — a piece of the American dream. Five finalists will be chosen for a chance to win $1000, a tablet, and a personal mentor! Submissions are due by September 10, 2013. The five finalists will be made available for America to vote on their favorite. Learn more about the contest.
2013 - June - DOJ and HUD Issue Guidance on the Fair Housing Act
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have issued guidance on requirements of the Fair Housing Act covering access to multifamily housing. The new 31-page guide is intended to help design professionals, developers, and builders better understand the design and construction requirements of the Act which requires accessible features in multifamily housing with four or more units, built for first occupancy after March 1991. It also advises people with disabilities on their rights under the law. Additional information is available on DOJ’s website and HUD’s website.
2013 - June - EEOC Issues ADA Guidance on Employment
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which is responsible for enforcing federal laws against employment discrimination, recently issued updated guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This material explains how the ADA applies to applicants and employees with cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, or intellectual disabilities. Topics covered include when employers may obtain medical information from applicants and employees, what types of reasonable accommodations individuals with these particular disabilities might need, how an employer should handle safety concerns, and what an employer should do to prevent and correct disability-based harassment. These and other ADA guides are available on EEOC’s website.
2013 - Now thru June 20 - Chicago - Art Exhibit - Human Beings II -at Woman Made Gallery
Woman Made Gallery (WMG), presents a group art exhibition with works by 38 artists, curated by Riva Lehrer. Humans Being II is an exhibit that focuses on the experience of disability as explored through contemporary art. Included are painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, and photography works.
Woman Made Gallery is proud to be a participant in the simultaneous Bodies of Work Festival, for which this exhibition and its accompanying literary events are a part. More information is available at: www.bodiesofworkchicago.org.
The Woman Made Gallery, 685 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60642. Telephone: 312-738-0400
Hours: Wed., Thurs., Fri. 12-7 p.m.; Sat., Sun. 12-4 p.m. Closed Mon. + Tues.
2013 - Spring - Study shows housing is out of reach for people with disabilities on SSI
Check out this article by Disability Scoop on Study Points To Disability Housing Crisis
Reporting on an analysis of renting costs for a one bedroom or studio apartment for a person with a disability by the Technical Assistance Collaborative and the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities, found that people with disabilities would have to pay 104% of their SSI income for an apartment. It is established for housing to be affordable one should not pay more than 30% of their income.
Reporting in 1998, the Consortium's report found that people were paying 69% of their income and at that time "Priced Out" of housing. "Due to the challenging housing situation, as many as two million
people with disabilities are living with their parents, at homeless shelters, in crowded boarding houses or in segregated facilities like institutions and nursing homes (which cost many times more than the average SSI monthly payment of $726 per month), the report estimates."
Urge your representatives in Congress to expand housing assistance for people with disabilities.
2013 - May - Camping in Accessible Cabins of Wisconsin featured in New Mobility Magazine
In the May issue of New Mobility Magazine there is a featured article on Camping in Accessible Cabins by Mike Ervin. Art Miller, Anthonette Gilpatrick and Bryan Casper from the Wisconsin cabin projects were interviewed and quoted in the article. One has to prescribe to New Mobility Magazine to read the article at Camping in Accessible Cabins
2013 - CALLING ARTISTS WITH EPILEPSY: Hidden Truths, The Mind Unraveled
Juried Art Show Competition
2013 Hidden Truths, The Mind Unraveled
Juried Art Show Competition
Applications online at: Hidden Truths
. Deadline of June 1, 2013, for submission of work;
however, if you would like to be included in the coloring
book please make sure the high resolution image(s)
are received by May 1, 2013.
Open to Artists with Epilepsy - No Entry Fee.
Acrylic, Oil, Drawing/Pastel, Watercolor, Sculptures,
Digital and Mixed Media.
The Winning Pieces Will Be Featured and On Sale at the
2013 Hidden Truths, The Mind Unraveled Art Show. Selected pieces will be
featured at the opening event and throughout the month of October at the
Susan Nelson Gallery in Newport Beach, California. Artwork from the show
will also be featured on promotional materials and merchandise, including
advertisements, brochures, posters, online, and more. Opening evening of
the 2013 Hidden Truths,
The Mind Unraveled will be October 5th and October 6th, 2013.
Artists who submit their work will also have the opportunity for their work,
if selected, to be featured in Take it from here...a first of its kind coloring book
showcasing the work of artists with epilepsy.
Contact Dr. Julie Thompson-Dobkin at
thompkin@sbcglobal.net or phone: (714) 987-9975.
March 2013 - New book on Hopeful Aging - Dispels Myths about Alzheimer's and Gives New Insight in How We Learn
Hopeful Aging is written by Dr John Zeisel who will be presenting his book around the country on local PBS stations. Hopeful Aging is a program that focuses on the journey of brain aging. It brings together proven strategies to help everyone get the most out of their later life by harnessing the lessons of neuroscience with a revolutionary learning technique called C-MAP. Utilizing the principles in Hopeful Aging, viewers will see how a different approach to dementia and Alzheimers can help create a life worth living until the very last days. The learning principles are worth reviewing for anyone who is interested in how we learn and how we can improve our learning no matter our journey in life.
Check your local PBS station to see when it will aire in your community. For a preview go to Hopeful Aging
January 2013 - ADDitude Magazine offers Free ADHD Expert Webinars this month to better manage your life
Head to ADDitudeMag.com Webinars to see the full line-up of January Free ADHD Expert Webinars. Plus, listen to the free recordings of ADHD Expert Webinars you missed. ADDitude's ADHD Awareness Webinars address topics that will help you better manage symptoms, your family, and your life for Adults with ADHD and Parents of Children with ADHD. THese webinars are hosted by top experts in the field. You can write your questions in ahead of the webinar.
January 2013 - New Yorkers hail cabs virtually at accessibledispatch.com
Cab riders in New York city can hail wheelchair-accessible cabs by placing a call, sending a text or using a smartphone app or going online to
accessibledispatch.com. Check out the article in the New York Times - Disabled in New York Hail Cabs Virtually
December 2012 - Employer benchmarks aim at improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and the US Business Leadership Network (USBLN) have begun a partnership to establish a national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices for disability employment inclusion and accessibility. The new index - currently referred to as the "Disability Equality IndexSM" - will provide employers with a transparent, objective road-map for improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The index will be released in 2013. For more, visit AAPD or USBLN.
December 2012 - CMS releases 2013 Medicare handbook
If you or a loved on receives Medicare benefits, check out the latest edition of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' handbook Medicare & You. You will find all of the essential information for obtaining the prescription and medical coverage you need to stay healthy in 2013. You will also learn more about the new preventive services and prescription drug gap assistance, now being offered under the Affordable Care Act. Learn about this, and more in the new handbook.
December 2012 - How to Help People with Disabilities in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy
"As we look ahead to recovery, a group often overlooked by Hurricane Sandy's effects is people with disabilities," said Rodger DeRose, the president and CEO of Kessler Foundation. "Many lost wheelchairs, ramps, vehicles, medical supplies and access to accessible housing. They lost their means of independence and necessary resources to stay healthy." "Disabled and elderly citizens have been faced with a plethora of hurdles and tasks to overcome since Hurricane Sandy made landfall almost a month ago.
The disaster caused widespread power outages, immense flooding, many deaths, displaced families, homes completely lost and now life will never be the same." from Able, November 2012. The Kessler Foundation has established the Hurricane Sandy Emergency Fund to provide grants to disability organizations helping people in New Jersey. For more information visit our guide on How to Give to the effort to assist people with disabilities that have survived Hurricane Sandy
November 2012 - Interactive Tool on correlation of sun exposure, Vitamin D and Multiple Sclerosis
Healthline just launched an interactive tool that shows the correlation between sun exposure, vitamin D, and MS rates. You can find it at: http://www.healthline.com/health/multiple-sclerosis/vitamin-d.
Australian researchers are about to launch the world's first large-scale clinical trial to measure vitamin D's effectiveness as a preventative treatment for MS.
November 2012 - Join the What's Your Connection social media campaign
Disability.gov wants to know what is your connection to disability. What's Your Connection? will run from October 30, 2012 to July 31, 2013. Join in this effort to spark conversations and build support for inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace and in their communities. Share how having or knowing someone who has a disability has touched your life. You can either e-mail a photograph in JPG format, along with a 250-word maximum caption, to disability@dol.gov or upload a captioned, one-minute video to your personal YouTube page. Be sure to include the hashtag, #myconnection2, in the title.
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