Internship Opportunity For Students With Disabilities

AAPD 2008 SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

For the seventh year in a row, the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) are offering a Congressional internship program for undergraduate students with disabilities.

The MEAF-AAPD Congressional Internship Program provides an opportunity for students with disabilities to work on Capitol Hill for eight weeks (or in some cases with a Federal agency) and acquire valuable work experience that will enrich their academic studies.

Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on Friday, December 14, 2007. For further information, guidelines, and application, visit Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation-AAPD Congressional Internship Program

Check Out Our New Website!!!

Hire Disability Solutions

Hire Disability Solutions (http://www.hireds.com/), the company I've been working for since October, launched its new re-designed, user-friendly website today! The new site has expanded content under its brand new lifestyle section called, "Working Matters." You can find information on health, fitness, fashion, travel, relationships, and more...

Be sure to bookmark this site as one of your favorites, and check back often to see updated news and information. I will be updating the www.hireds.com website EVERY DAY, just as I have been updating my "Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts 2007 Blog" every day since I was crowned last April.

You can post your views and opinions on the new HDS Message Board, "Ask the Expert" questions, and search for employment. I will be managing the website, so you can leave comments for me there as well! I would really appreciate your feedback...

And don't forget to read the latest issue of "Solutions," the free monthly e-magazine that I write for and edit. The current edition and back issues are available through the new website: Hire Disability Solutions.

I look forward to hearing from you...


The mission of Hire Disability Solutions is to give all that want a chance to succeed, the opportunity to succeed. Hire Disability Solutions was founded in response to the increasing demand for services for individuals with disabilities that promote inclusion into the mainstream employment world. Since its inception in 2004, Hire Disability Solutions has established itself as a national leader in protecting and enhancing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Through its educational campaigns surrounding employment law, education opportunities and assistive technology, the company facilitates the success of individuals with disabilities and employers alike.

Get Out And Vote Today!

Your Right to Vote
Questions & Answers for Voters with Disabilities

• Do I need to register before voting?
  Yes, in order to be able to vote, you must register to vote in the town or city where you live. To register to vote, call your town clerk and ask him or her to mail you the form, fill the form out and send it back. You can also register at town hall, and many other government offices. To find out who your town clerk is you can call your town hall.
• Does the building I vote in have to be accessible?
  Yes, Massachusetts law requires that all places where people vote (polling places) are accessible. This includes: accessible parking spaces; an accessible path of travel from the parking area to the polling place; an accessible entrance to the building, including ramps if necessary, and which is at least 32” wide.
• Absentee Ballot, what is it, what is it for?
  If you can’t get to the polls on Election Day because of your disability, you can vote absentee. You or a family member can apply in writing to your city or town hall and include: your name, the address where you are registered to vote, the address where you want the absentee ballot to be sent to, in a primary, the party ballot you want, and your signature. The latest you can apply for an absentee ballot is noon the day before the election but you should ask for an absentee ballot at least a few weeks before an election.
• If I’m voting at the polling place, do they need to make the voting booths so I can use them?
  The law also requires that the voting booths be accessible. If you use a wheelchair, you should be able to fit your wheelchair underneath the voting table and reach the shelf to make your vote. You have the right to have help voting. Tell the election worker that you have a disability and need help to vote. You may bring in someone that you choose to help you vote.
• Do I need Identification?
  You may be asked by one of the election workers to show identification. But, if you feel that the person singled you out to show identification because you have a disability, you can make a complaint. Things you may use as identification include: a driver’s license, recent utility bill, rent receipt on a landlord’s printed letterhead, lease, or any other printed id card with your current address.
• What if my name is not on the voter’s list?
  If your name is not on the voter list, ask the election worker to double-check by calling the city or town hall. If the city or town hall says you are a registered voter, then you can vote. If not, you can still vote, but your vote will not be counted unless the election is close.
• Can someone challenge my vote?
  Anyone can challenge a voter, but only for a legal cause. This means that the person challenging your vote has to have a good legal reason for why you should not vote such as you are not who you say you are, or you do not live in the town you’re voting in. It is a crime for a person to challenge your vote to harass you or to find out whom you voted for.
• If I live in a facility or I am under guardianship, can I still vote?Yes. If you live in a facility or are under guardianship, you still have the right to vote. The only exception is if your guardianship specifically takes away your right to vote.
• How can I vote independently at the polls?
  There should be an accessible voting machine at every polling place. The Secretary of State recently certified the AutoMark Voting Machine and it should be in place for all future elections. Ask the poll worker to direct you to the voting machine when you check in on Election Day.

Congratulations Boston Red Sox, 2007 World Champions!!!

I know this is a blog about disability issues, but as a diehard fan I just can't resist...

WE WON!

My brother Christopher, his daughter Aideen, John and I participated in "Disability Awareness Night" on the field at Fenway Park before a Red Sox game earlier this year.

iBOT® YOUR LiFE™:

The iBOT® Mobility System is unlike any other mobility device. Its all-in-one combination of functions allows wheelchair users to overcome barriers and obstacles traditionally associated with conventional manual and power mobility devices.

• Interact eye-to-eye
• Go up or down steps and stairs
• Travel over grass, gravel and sand
• Climb curbs up to 5” high
• Reach high shelves and counters
• Travel at eye level
  

Balance Function - Interact eye to eye, reach high shelves and countertops.More Info/Video

4-Wheel Function - Travel over uneven terrain such as grass gravel and sand. Go up or down curbs up to 5” high. More Info/Video

Stair Function - Go up or down steps and stairs, indoors and out.More Info/Video


Sign up now! Test drives are now available throughout the country. Contact us now to schedule your free test drive:

1. Online: Complete our information request form and questionnaire Register Now


2. By Phone: Call the Customer Zone toll free at 1-866-813-0761


3. Live Chat: Visit our website to chat with a Customer Zone Representative Visit ibotnow.com

The iBOT® Mobility System is the only marketed mobility system that is FDA approved and requires a prescription. The test drive allows you to experience the unique functions of the iBOT® Mobility System and review its features with a trained iBOT® Product Consultant before being assessed by a healthcare professional.

Attention Veterans:
The iBOT® Mobility System is under VA Contract (#V797P-3006M). Be sure to mention your VA status when scheduling your free test drive.



Sign up now for your free test drive.Visit ibotnow.com


The iBOT® Mobility System may not be suitable for everyone. You must weigh between 75 lbs and 250 lbs, have the ability to operate a hand-operated joystick, and successfully complete a driver training program and test.

Article on Accessible Whale Watching To Appear in "ThisAbled"

Kelly Rouba, Ms Wheelchair New Jerey 2007, recently interviewed me for an article she is writing on accessible whale watching. The article will be appearing soon on www.thisabled.com.
Watch for it!

"Music Within" Movie About The Founders Of The A.D.A

Oliver Wendell Holmes once said, "Most people go to their graves with their music still inside them."

Guided through the movie by Richard Pimentel's (Ron Livingston) acerbic sense of humor, we see a world that through other eyes would appear devastatingly tragic. Instead, Richard uses it to fuel his plight for the underdog.

Unable to pursue his dream of studying public speaking in college, Richard enrolls in the government's 'guaranteed education program' called 'military service' in Vietnam. After 9 months in country, Richard loses his hearing in the Vietnam War.

But when the world tells him he can't, he figures out how. Through a new circle of friends, including a foul-mouthed genius with cerebral palsy, Richard finds his "music within," and sets out to change peoples' perceptions toward the disabled community. He ultimately becomes a hero as one of the primary activists behind the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In discovering his music, Richard helped improve the lives of disabled people across the world, including his own.



MOVIE DETAILS:

Director: Steven Sawalich

Writers: Mark Andrew Olson, Bret McKinney, Kelly Kennemer

Genre: Drama

Starring: Ron Livingston, Melissa George, Rebecca DeMornay

Producer: Steven Sawalich

Distributor: MGM

Rating: R

Release Date: October 26, 2007

Celebrate National Rehabilitation Week, September 16-22, 2007

Each year, thousands of rehabilitation providers and health and human services agencies join together during the third week in September to celebrate the powers of rehabilitation and share the message that through rehab there is hope, achievement and success. More than 6,500 rehab facilities and health and human services care providers have participated in this event since 2000.

Sponsored by the National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation, the Celebration focuses the nation's attention on capabilities rather than disabilities; and increases awareness of the tremendous power and impact of rehabilitation.

Rehab Facts And Information:

- Rehabilitation is a medical specialty which helps restore people affected by potentially disabling disease or traumatic injury to good health and functional, productive lives.

- Rehabilitation often centers on a interdisciplinary team approach to care by physiatrists (physicians specializing in rehabilitation); physical, occupational, respiratory and recreational therapists; speech and language pathologists; nurses, psychologists, vocational counselors and others. The rehab team helps individuals to accomplish normal tasks of daily living.

- Nearly 50 million Americans are disabled. Disability does not discriminate - every person is at risk of disability. Therefore, everyone is a potential candidate for rehabilitation. Most Americans will require at least one rehabilitation service at some point in their lives.

- Rehabilitation is an integral part of healthcare and a tremendous component in providing patients with positive outcomes. It is individualized so every patient can progress at his or her own ability level. It can lengthen life, improve the quality of life and reduce subsequent illness.

- Statistics show that medical rehabilitation improves lives and saves money. For every $1 spent on rehab care, it is estimated that $11 are saved on long-term disability costs. People participating in rehabilitation programs of care are able to regain productivity and return to work, school and independent living.

- Independence gained or retained through rehabilitation is priceless!

The National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation was established by Allied Services in 1996. Its mission is to educate people about the benefits and impact of rehabilitation; develop programs which aim to increase opportunities for the nearly 50 million Americans with disabilities, and help those who are disabled live up to their fullest potential through rehabilitation. The not- for- profit foundation is headquartered in Scranton, Pa.

Labor Day... Last Day of Summer

Labor Day differs from all other holidays of the year. Other holidays are connected with conflicts, battles, discord, greed and power; of glories achieved by one nation over another. Labor Day is devoted to no man, living or dead, but to those men and women who work hard to make our nation great.

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country. People with disabilities are a strong part of this American workforce today.

Labor Day is a national legal holiday that is over 100 years old, but over the years it has evolved from a purely labor celebration into a general "last fling of summer" festival.

I celebrated Labor Day this year on Cape Cod with a get-together with my friend Laurel Labdon, Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts 2005 (pictured below).

Upcoming Event on Disability Issues - October is 'National Disability Employment Awareness' Month

"Workers with Disabilities: Talent for a Winning Team!"

This is the official 2007 theme for National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which is observed in October nationwide.

"The 2007 'Talent for a Winning Team' theme captures the heart of the president's New Freedom Initiative, which is that Americans with disabilities are an underutilized reservoir of ambition, talent and skill ready to make great contributions in the workplace."

Each October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The Labor Department's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) plans activities and produces materials to increase the public's awareness of the contributions and skills of American workers with disabilities.

"America's employers benefit when they provide opportunities for Americans with disabilities to work," said Roy Grizzard, assistant secretary of labor for ODEP. "A winning team will include people with disabilities."

ODEP is the nation's first office that specifically addresses policies that impact the employment of people with disabilities. ODEP has developed methods for One-Stop Career Centers nationwide to serve people with barriers to employment, including individuals with disabilities.

Help Support Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts - Photography Fundraiser

A photo from John's "Cape Cod" collection


In an effort to help financially support the continuation of the Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts 501 (c) (3) non-profit program, my husband has offered to donate a portion of the sales from his photography business to the program.

Visit his website to browse pieces that are currentley available for purchase online and in several galleries throughout New England. Images he has available include: Boston scenes, Cape Cod coast, marine life and others. Pricing is listed on the website.

Visit John's Photography Website

The pictures are spectacular, and the sales will be supporting a great cause. They would make a wonderful addition to any home, or make a perfect gift, so take a look today! Remember, Christmas is just around the corner...

Check my blog for updates on $$$ amount raised from this fundraiser!

The Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD)

The Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD) was created in 1981 to bring about full and equal participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of life. It works to assure the advancement of legal rights and for the promotion of maximum opportunities, supportive services, accommodations and accessibility in a manner which fosters dignity and self determination. MOD is the Commonwealth's Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinating Agency.

MOD has three main components that function to fulfill its priorities: the Government Services Program, the Client Services Program, and the Community Services Program. While each program is uniquely distinct, they intersect and interact with each other in order to effectively ensure that people with disabilities are treated fairly in the Commonwealth.

The Government Services program works to ensure that Massachusetts’ policies and practices are consistent with state and federal laws. This unit works with other facets of state government on behalf of the needs of people with disabilities to resolve problems before they turn to crises.

The Client Services Program is an extensive information and advocacy system for people with disabilities. Responding to over 10,000 requests a year, the program helps people, their families and friends, as well as professionals and government officials, learn about the government program that help citizens with disabilities live independently and about their civil rights. When consumers report that systems are not responsive to their individual or collective needs or that their civil rights have been violated, the Program investigates and advocates that legitimate problems be corrected. The Program also houses the federally mandated Client Assistance Program, which addresses similar information and advocacy concerns about the functioning of federally funded vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs.

The Community Services Program interacts with approximately 8,000 people per year through training and technical assistance to help ensure that people with disabilities learn of their rights and responsibilities and that state, local and private entities know how to comply with their non-discrimination responsibilities. This Unit developed and runs the nationally acclaimed and replicated Community Access Monitor (CAM) Program.


For more info, visit: www.mass.gov/mod

Massachusetts' Fund for Spinal Cord Injury Research

On August 13, 2004, Massachusetts established a fund for spinal cord injury research. Governor Mitt Romney signed the Massachusetts Spinal Cord Injury Trust Fund bill into law to support research for finding a cure for spinal cord injuries.

The Massachusetts Spinal Cord Injury Trust Fund will be funded through a surcharge on certain traffic violation fines and is expected to raise between $450,000 and $800,000 a year for spinal cord research.

Medical advances funded through the Trust Fund could improve the lives of Massachusetts's residents with a spinal cord injury, as well as persons with a spinal cord injury throughout the nation. More than one-quarter of the states in the USA have passed legislation creating programs expressly devoted to spinal cord injury research. Most of these 14 state's programs were launched in the late 1990s. California, Connecticut, New York and Florida are among the states funding research programs.

The Massachusetts Trust Fund would also benefit local universities and research facilities. Massachusetts is already recognized as a world leader in biomedical research and biotechnology. By providing another steady source of increased funding, a Spinal Cord Injury Trust Fund would attract even more top researchers to the Commonwealth and enhance Massachusetts’s already prestigious reputation. This research could lead to better treatments for people with other neurological conditions as well, such as head injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s.

Approximately 11,000 people sustain a spinal cord injury each year. Most (nearly 41%) are caused by motor vehicle accidents. It is estimated that 219,000 to 279,000 people in the United States have a spinal cord injury. Like the physical and emotional effects of spinal cord injury, the economic costs of treating spinal cord injuries can be overwhelming. First-year costs for a patient with a spinal cord injury often exceed $500,000. Total lifetime costs can exceed $2 million for an individual who suffered a severe spinal injury at 25 years of age. Managing the care of spinal cord injury patients costs almost $4 billion annually.

Catching Up On Some R&R After A Busy Few Months...

It's been such a busy few months since I was crowned Ms Wheelchair Massachusetts that I decided to take a few days off and get a little rest and relaxation. I'm spending a few days at our Cape house, soaking up some sun and swimming in the pool. I'll be back to my advocacy work soon!

Ms. Wheelchair America Organization

History

In 1972 a Columbus, Ohio physician, Dr. Philip K Wood, who devoted his career to the treatment and rehabilitation of functionally impaired individuals was aware of the talent, capabilities, determination and courage of people with disabilities. He established Ms. Wheelchair America as a forum for the promotion of the achievements, as well as the needs of, people with mobility impairments. The non-profit program is staffed and coordinated by volunteers throughout the country dedicated to increasing public awareness so that all citizens will be able to lead productive and meaningful lives.

Mission

Unlike other pageants, Ms. Wheelchair America is in no way a beauty contest. It is instead a competition to select the most accomplished and articulate spokesperson for the millions of Americans with disabilities. The selected representative must be able to communicate both the needs and the accomplishments of her constituency to the general public, the business community and the legislature.

Duties

As Ms. Wheelchair America, her duties are numerous. Each year she has the opportunity to travel, visiting advocacy groups, making public appearances and conducting radio, print and TV interviews in the fulfillment of her responsibilities. These include promoting awareness of the need to eliminate architectural and atitudinal barriers, informing the able-bodied public of the achievements of people with disabilities across the nation and promoting Ms. Wheelchair America by assisting in the establishment of programs in all the states.


For more info visit www.mswheelchairamerica.org.

MBTA Accessibility

The MBTA provides accessible services to riders of all abilities through reliable transportation services of various types.

Accessible Transit Services:

- Elevator or Escalator Updates provide up-to-the-minute information about escalators or elevators that are out of service. Riders may call 617-222-2828 or 1-800-392-6100 (then press 6). For TTY service, call 617-222-5146 during business hours.

- THE RIDE is a door-to-door paratransit service.

- Office for Transportation Access oversees all programs and services for persons with disabilities.

- Service Animals are allowed as per policy on service animals.

- Reduced Fare Programs offer discount fares for riders with disabilities.

- Accessible Subway Stations are indicated on maps with wheelchair icons. Select a subway line to view what accessibility features are available at each station. Accessible Commuter Rail stations are also indicated on maps with wheelchair icons.



For more informaton, visit www.mbta.com/accessibility

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (P.L. 101-336) is the most comprehensive civil rights legislation adopted to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities. Public and private businesses, state and local government agencies, private entities offering public accommodations and services, transportation and utilities are required to comply with the law. The ADA was signed into law by President George Bush on July 26, 1990, extending civil rights protections to individuals with physical or mental disabilities.

The ADA protects:

- people who currently have a disability
- people who have a history of a disability
- people who are regarded as having a disability by others
- people who are not themselves disabled but who encounter discrimination on the basis of their association or relationship with a person who has a disability (parents of children with disabilities, for example)

The ADA explicitly prohibits:

- discrimination in employment (Title I)
- discrimination in the provision of state and local government programs, services and benefits (Title II)
- discrimination by private businesses, insurance providers and other entities that operate places of "public accommodation" (Title III)
- discrimination in telecommunications (Title IV)

The ADA is designed to integrate people with disabilities fully into the mainstream of American life. For more information, go to www.usdoj.gov.

FYI - Handicapped Parking

Designated "Handicapped" (HP) parking spaces allow individuals with disabilities the opportunity to access the same businesses that the general population enjoys. Unfortunately, not everyone understands the needs or respects the rights of people with disabilities where parking is concerned. Here are some helpful facts that may be useful to keep in mind when parking:


1. HP spaces are only for people who are legally entitled to use them with an HP Plate/Placard

2. HP Plates/Placards have been issued because of a severe mobility impairment

3. HP permit date should be visible at all times and must not be expired

4. HP owner's picture does not have to be visible to the public; it is only to be viewed by law enforcement officials

5. The slash marks (striped areas) in between spaces are for wheelchair access into vehicles and should never be parked in - even by HP vehicles


So please, when it comes to HP parking,

Be Knowledgeable!
Be Respectful!
Be Responsible!

Blog Greetings...

I have really enjoyed blogging since I won the title of Ms. Wheelchair Massachusetts in April, and I'm proud to say that I haven't missed a day yet! I have also reallty enjoyed hearing from my readers. Please continue to read my blog for updates, and feel free to write to me to say "hello"!

iNcredible iPhone!

I recently purchased an iPhone and I was amazed to discover the access it affords to people with limited dexterity. It is very user-friendly for people who find flip-phones and small keypads difficult to use.