We just finished a week of voting activities that included Disability Voting Rights Week and National Voter Registration Day. I spoke at several events and attended other events.

One thing is clear, we need to vote, and we need people with disabilities to vote. Dr. Doug Kruse and Dr. Lisa Schur are focusing their research on voters with disabilities, and they found that there are over 38 million eligible voters with disabilities “making the disability vote one of the largest voting blocs” yet, they are “two times more likely to have difficulty when voting”. I encourage you to read their research and understand how important it is to remove the barriers to the voting process.

Voters with disabilities need to demand that poll sites are accessible and ask for demonstrations on how the accessible machines work. Last Sunday, the Miami-Dade County Elections office brought an accessible voting machine to the Miami-Dade League of Women Voters General Membership Meeting and demonstrated how it worked. It was fantastic! Also, as of March 2022, voters can request an accessible vote by mail ballot in all 67 counties in Florida. This will be the first election season in Florida that this is possible.  

As you read our newsletter you will find lots of information about voting. Remember, the general election is on November 8, 2022, and in Florida you must register to vote by October 11.

“If people with disabilities voted at the same rate as people without disabilities, there would be about 2 million more votes.” -Dr. Kruse & Dr. Schur 

In the picture: Madison Berndt (LWV President), Deborah Dietz, and Kimberly Mejia (M-D Elections office) demonstrating how the accessible voting machine works.

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.

“We don’t develop courage by being happy every day. We develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity.” – Barbara De Angelis

We’ve all had difficult times in our lives that we struggle to deal with when we remember. Anniversaries of traumatic experiences can be especially tough to deal with when the date comes around, and those memories can unfortunately challenge our sense of hope and positivity.  

This September 20^th marked the eight-year anniversary of the fall that changed my life in an instant. The fall that resulted in one brain surgery, two spinal surgeries, paralysis, countless medical visits and tests and years of difficult physical therapy that took an emotional and physical toll on me. Each year that passes, I struggle when the anniversary of this day approaches. Some years have been better than others when remembering what happened to me on the day I fell and lost my mobility. As I usually stay very positive and I like to always project positivity and hope despite extremely difficult circumstances, this year I felt a true sense of loss as the day approached. This year, I found myself remembering that day eight years ago as a day of lasts. The last time I would walk or stand without assistance, the last time I would drive using my feet, the last time I would never worry about accessible parking or accessible bathrooms or accessibility in general, every single place I went. The last time I would wear my beloved high heels. Of course, this was also the last time I would go to work and the last time I would truly feel independent. For the first time in many years, the sense of what I had lost from just that freak accident became overwhelming.

When I got to physical therapy later that day, on September 20^th, my physical therapist, Alex, knowing that I was feeling this way said to me, “I wanted to tell you this in person. While you may have experienced some ‘lasts’ that day eight years ago, I wanted to remind you that you have experienced so many ‘firsts’ since then. Many ‘firsts’ that you didn’t think you would have. And, by the way, some of those lasts you were referring to, may not have been your last at all. That’s what we’re working for.” I had tears in my eyes when she told me that. Because I knew. I knew she was right. I had defied the odds and began walking when no one thought I could. I began driving again, even in the face of paralysis, by learning how to use hand controls instead of the foot pedals in my car. I began to stand on my own again, without even a walker or a cane and then take steps and become functional on my feet once again. There have been a lot of firsts since that day eight years ago. After Alex’s wise words, I recognized I was wallowing in the bad stuff, which is easy to do, instead of focusing on the good. All of the good that has happened since that terrible day eight years ago. And, honestly, experiencing those bad times has also made me much stronger today than I ever was before. I’m so grateful to her for reminding me of what is truly important now.

I read something recently that I think is definitely true: “Hard times are sometimes blessings in disguise. We do have to suffer, but in the end, it makes us stronger, better and wiser.” While it’s unfortunate, I think we all have to go through difficult times to really appreciate life and what it means to persevere, overcome and have hope. These are the times that make you tougher and stronger as a person. So, while I see this day eight years ago as a day of “lasts,” I also see it as a day that started me on a journey towards becoming a stronger, tougher person who always believes in hope and, in the end, has defied all of the odds and overcome all of the obstacles put in front of me.

“I’m stronger because I had to be. I’m happier because I have overcome the sadness I’ve known, and I’m wiser because I have learned from my life.” – Unknown   

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

Over 50 years ago, Title IX was passed by the Congress. This is landmark civil rights legislation that opened doors for generations of women and girls, by giving them access to equal opportunity in our nation’s schools. It also has been instrumental in combating sexual assault and sexual violence in educational settings. The law as it stands now, protects every student in America from kindergarten through doctoral degree.

There has been changes made to this legislation over the years and this June new proposed amendments were released by the Department of Education. If passed, the new amendments will really broaden and support, this critical safety net, which is still needed to keep women and girls safe in all educational settings.

This month, I want to share with you, some information on the law and how the proposed changes will further improve the safety of students and combat the growing problem of sexual violence against women in those educational settings.

Over the last year, the Department of Education set up listening sessions and meetings and heard from a wide variety of stakeholders, including students, parents, and educators in elementary, secondary, and postsecondary schools, state government representatives, advocates, lawyers, researchers, and other stakeholders from all over the country. 

They took this input, together with their review of federal case law, and found that there exists a need to revise the current regulations to protect women and girls more fully from sex discrimination in education programs. Discrimination still exists and victims of sexual violence are not getting the support they need.

The goal is that no person experiences sex discrimination or sexual assault in education settings and that schools address all complaints of that discrimination, including sexual violence in a fair and timely manner.   

The new proposed regulations are based on those gaps that were identified in those listening sessions and if incorporated into the law will really improve the lives of women students.

When I read the proposed regulations, I was surprised that we would still need to make these changes. They are things that any advocate for women would expect to be in the law already.

Here are some of the changes being proposed:

• Schools would now be required to take prompt and effective action to end any sex discrimination in their education programs or activities and take prompt and effective action when there are reports of sexual assault. They must take measures to prevent its recurrence and remedy its effects.

• Schools would be required to respond promptly to all complaints of sex discrimination and sexual assault with a fair and reliable process that includes trained, unbiased decisionmakers to evaluate the evidence.

• Schools would be required to provide supportive measures to students and employees affected by conduct that may constitute sex discrimination and sexual assault.

• Schools would be required to protect LGBTQI+ students from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.

• School would have to clarify and confirm its protection from retaliation for students, employees, and others who exercise their Title IX rights.

• Schools would be required to share their nondiscrimination policies with all students, employees, and other participants in their education programs or activities.

You can see by this sample of the proposals, that the goal now is to expand the responsibilities of schools to listen to victims, address sex discrimination, including sexual violence and set up clear, effective, and fair procedures for all involved.

We should know in the next few months if the proposed changes will be incorporated into Title IX.

It is not to late to advocate for these changes by contacting your representatives. 

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.

What information am I supposed to report to Social Security?

Below is a chart 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

1. You are able to report your earnings via phone by calling 1866 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.
2. Mobile app - If you have a smartphone, Social Security's SSI mobile wage reporting app provides easy ways to report your wages.
3. 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 Q. Lopez 

The August 23, 2022, Primary and November 8, 2022, General Elections are fast approaching. 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

Sept. 28 - movie in the park

Oct. 15 - Saturday Splash and Venetian Pool

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.