DIG Orange Logo with Yellow and Blue Squares and the text Disability Independence Group Next to the Logo
 

2026 Monthly Newsletter

 
 

A Note From Debbie...

a ghost drinking a latte and holding a pumpkin treat or treat basket with spiderwebs in the background

Happy October! With pumpkin treats, cozy lattes, and a little spooky fun in the air, there’s plenty to smile about this month.


It’s also time to get ready for the November 3 general election! Take a few minutes to review your ballot, decide when and how you’ll vote, and make sure you have what you need. A little planning now can help you feel confident and prepared.


Enjoy the season and remember, your vote matters!

Featured Articles

Vote Riders

Voter ID Education

button that says your vote counts

Voter ID rules can be confusing. And frequent changes by states can make it harder to know what you need.


Not sure which ID you need to show at the polls? Missing a document or worried about the cost? VoteRiders is here to help.


We are a national, nonpartisan nonprofit that helps eligible voters understand their state’s ID rules and get the ID they need. All our services are free.


We can help you figure out which documents you need and order them. We can also make appointments, pay ID and document fees, and arrange a ride to your ID appointment.


Our website explains ID rules for voting in person and by mail in every state and DC. We also offer free resources to help community partners share ID information and connect voters with help.


Contact us for yourself or share our information with someone who needs help. Call or text 866-432-8683, or request free help online. We offer support year-round in English and Spanish.

The World of Smart Homes

By: Andrea Chavarriaga

image of a smart phone with the words speak now on the screen to show that it can be voice activated

Andrea is a sophomore at St. Brendan High School. She is volunteering at DIG to get community service hours.


Technology is becoming a bigger part of everyday life. One interesting example is a smart home. A smart home is a home that uses technology to control things like lights, doors, appliances, and the temperature. Some devices can be controlled with a phone, while others can be controlled by speaking. Smart home technology can be helpful for people with disabilities because it can make everyday tasks easier and give people more independence.



Click Here to Read the Entire Article

Disability-Inclusive Sports

By: Maya Choban

a little boy using a wheelchair playing baseball wearing a glove and catching a ball

My name is Maya Choban, and I am a high school student writing about disabilities in education and why it is important for students with disabilities to feel included, supported, and welcome at school.


Sports are a big part of many people’s lives. Sports can be a fun way to stay active, make friends, and be part of a team. People with disabilities should also have the chance to enjoy sports. Disability-inclusive sports give people with disabilities the chance to play sports and have fun. 



Click Here to Read the Entire Article

DIG In The Community

The Wallet Card logo written in white text on a blue background

DIG's Wallet Card® Project focuses on helping people with disabilities and first responders communicate with each other.


The Wallet Card® Project is an initiative designed to improve communication during interactions between individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and law enforcement.


Whether you're a caregiver, teacher, community organization, or part of law enforcement, be sure to visit our Wallet Card® Project for more information on how to access these resources and apply for a Wallet Card®.

Benefits Information

Four Logos for Benefits Information

Celebrating Value and Talent: Employment Supports for People with Disabilities

By: Lesly Quintanilla Lopez

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The 2026 theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” recognizes the skills, talents, and contributions people with disabilities bring to workplaces and communities.


For many people with disabilities, employment can bring important questions: Will working affect my benefits? Can I afford the assistance I need? What support is available to help me remain employed?


Two programs that may help are WIPA and JP PAS


Need More Information? Contact CILK to find out whether WIPA, JP PAS, or another employment-related support may be appropriate for you.


Click Here to Read the Entire Article

Voting Resources

Get Ready to Vote: Your Vote Matters! Be Prepared, Know Your Ballot, Know Your Rights.


2026 Miami-Dade County Voting Information: Learn about the accessible ways to vote in Miami-Dade County, including how to request an accessible Vote-by-Mail ballot.

Give Miami Day

November 19, 2026

Support DIG on Give Miami Day, November 19, 2026.

You can use this link to donate.

give miami day logo for 2026 in black ink with the number 15 at the top inside of a crown

Alzheimer's Awareness Always!

By: Christinne Gray


Alzheimer’s Disease has touched my family, and in an effort to give back to the community, I started a virtual fundraiser through Disability Designs Etc. Happening now through November 15th, I will donate $1 from every sale of my t-shirts to the Alzheimer’s Association of North and Central Florida.


Please buy a shirt if you can here or share this information with anyone who may want to participate. Thank you for supporting this endeavor that is so near and dear to my heart.


For more information, contact Christinne Gray at disabilitydesigns4you@gmail.com


Order your t-shirt today!

debbie and Lucy the dog and Debbie is wearing her t-shirt

Debbie and Lucy and Debbie is wearing her t-shirt.

BEING HEUMANN

The Movie

Monday, October 26 at 7:30 PM


Bill Cosford Cinema, 5030 Brunson Drive, Coral Gables, FL


RSVP to: info@miamijewishfilmfestival.org


The Event is FREE and Open to the Public


Important Resources

Before It Happens Cover Photo

DIG's E-Book, Before It Happens - Your Guide to Staying Safe With Police, is now available!



Order Your E-Book Here

The Dietz Difference

infographic that says finding a home that truly works look beyond the kitchen and finishes. find a place that supports you today and tomorrow.

Every person, every family, and every home has a different story. 

The Dietz Difference is Debbie’s new television segment on The Brooklyn Café TV Show. The segment shares practical information about housing, accessibility, safety, preparedness, and community.

link to a YouTube video called The Brooklin Cafe Show.
DIG Logo in Blue and Orange with White Text

Be Sure to Check out Our DIG Blog

for more

Important Information and Resources!

Do you have suggestions for future content or articles for our monthly newsletter?

If so, email your ideas and suggestions to debbie@justdigit.org.

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