This month, Justine and I had the pleasure of attending the “A Day for Children” event at the NSU Library in Broward County, and what a fabulous day it was! The event was energetic with families and children, and we enjoyed sharing information about the work we do at DIG and our Wallet Card® Project. Our table was a big hit, especially with the kids, who loved picking out one of our “creepy crawly” creatures to take home.



In this month’s newsletter, we’re recognizing several important awareness campaigns. Justine highlights Breast Cancer Awareness Month, reminding us about the importance of regular mammograms and early detection because most breast cancers are treatable when found early. Celeste focuses on Domestic Violence Awareness Month, discussing what healthy relationships look like and how to seek help. And finally, we’re proud to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, honoring the tremendous value and talent that employees with disabilities bring to the workplace.

Featured Articles

The Wallet Card® Project

By: Deborah Dietz

Be Ready! Be Safe! Be Understood!

The Wallet Card® Project aims to enhance safety and communication between individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum, and law enforcement agencies. Our mission is to provide tools, training, and resources that empower individuals with disabilities, as well as police officers and other law enforcement personnel, to have safe and effective interactions with each other.

The Project Has Four Main Parts:

The Wallet Card: A critical communication tool designed for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder. The Wallet Card contains essential information that helps law enforcement officers quickly identify and understand the cardholder’s needs. Click Here to Order a Wallet Card.

The Caregiver Wallet Card: A specialized communication tool created for caregivers of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder. This card helps caregivers convey the specific needs of the person they support during interactions with law enforcement. Click Here to Order a Caregiver Wallet Card.

Law Enforcement Training:  A comprehensive training program tailored for law enforcement officers. This includes online modules, a detailed manual, and a tips sheet to help officers understand the unique needs and communication styles of individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder, promoting safer and more informed interactions. Email us for more information.

Community Programming: A series of educational programs and training sessions offered to schools and community organizations. These programs are designed to prepare students, members, and supporters for successful interactions with law enforcement, empowering both individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorder and those who assist them. Email us for more information.

We also have a video library that contains a series of educational videos that demonstrate how to use the wallet card in various real-life scenarios. These videos are designed to be practical guides for individuals with disabilities, their caregivers, and law enforcement officers alike.

Video 1: Tips for Safe Interactions with the Police. This video offers essential tips for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities or autism spectrum disorder on how to safely and effectively communicate with law enforcement officers. It covers key strategies to ensure a smooth and safe interaction.

Video 2: Scenario #1 – The Bus Stop. In this scenario-based video, we explore how to safely use the wallet card during an interaction with police at a bus stop. The video demonstrates clear communication techniques and the importance of using the wallet card to convey necessary information.

Video 3: Scenario #2 – Driving. Driving can present unique challenges during police stops. This video demonstrates how to use the wallet card if you are pulled over by law enforcement while driving. It provides step-by-step guidance on how to ensure a safe and clear interaction.

Video 4: Scenario #3 –The Convenience Store. This video presents a scenario in a convenience store, showing how the wallet card can be utilized as a communication tool during a police interaction. Viewers will learn how to navigate such situations effectively, using the wallet card to ensure safety and understanding.

The Wallet Card® Project continues to grow thanks to the support of our community partners, families, and law enforcement agencies across the country. Together, we’re proving that with the right tools and training, every interaction can lead to greater understanding and safer communities for all.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Bridging the Screening Gap

By: Justine Chichester

In May 2019, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My family physician had been urging me to get a mammogram for months and I had continuously been putting it off. “You turned 40 while you were in the hospital and now is the time for you to get a mammogram,” she kept telling me during my regular checkups. As a person recently disabled due to a spinal cord injury, I had enough of tests for a very long time…or so I thought.

My doctor kept insisting that I needed to get the mammogram done. And so, I did. They found a mass that was deemed “lobular” (which I had never heard before), and the biopsy revealed that the mass was cancer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), among women aged 50-74, approximately 75% of women without disabilities reported having a mammogram in the past two years, compared to only 61% of women with disabilities. Data continuously shows that women with disabilities are less likely to be up to date with mammography screening than women without disabilities. Barriers that may contribute to women with disabilities not getting properly screened include accessibility issues: physical barriers such as equipment that may not adjust for mobility-impaired women and/or mammography rooms that are not accessible; provider issues: lack of recommendation from the doctor or inability of the mammography facility to accommodate; and social determinants of health: transportation, cost, and isolation.

Read More Here

Stay tuned for details on our next event, coming soon!

In the meantime...Be sure to check out photos from our fabulous recent bowling event and our past Supper Socials, on our website!

Benefits Information

Work Incentives Protecting Health Coverage for People with Disabilities

By: Lesly Quintanilla Lopez

Many SSA beneficiaries are afraid of losing their health insurance coverage because of employment, however SSA provides protection to SSA beneficiaries to be able to work and keep their Medicare or Medicaid.

Extended Medicare Coverage for Working People with Disabilities. Beneficiaries Receiving SSDI.

As long as your disabling condition still meets our rules, you can keep your Medicare coverage for at least 8 ½ years after you return to work. (The 8 ½ years includes your nine-month trial work period.) Your Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) coverage is premium-free. Your Medicare medical insurance (Part B) coverage will also continue. You or a third party (if applicable) will continue to pay for Part B. If your Social Security Disability Insurance cash benefits stop due to your work, you or a third party (if applicable) will be billed every 3 months for your medical insurance premiums. If you receive cash benefits, your medical insurance premiums will be deducted monthly from your check.

Read More Here

Identifying a Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationship

By: Celeste Mazloum 

The month of October marks National Domestic Violence Abuse Month. Domestic violence is repeated abusive behavior in any relationship used to control one's partner. This abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological. This abuse can include physical violence, sexual violence, and isolation. In other words, behavior that intimidates, scares, or hurts one’s partner. In most cases, the abuser uses manipulation as a tactic to control their partner. This can be guilt tripping, gaslighting, or passive aggression. Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence and it’s important to remember that it’s not your fault and there is always a way out! In this article we will differentiate a healthy relationship from a toxic, unhealthy one. 

A relationship is meant to add value and improve your quality of life. You are meant to feel loved and supported. Healthy relationships have:

• Open and honest communication
• When they fight, like all couples do, they actively listen to one another and have constructive conflict resolution.

• Respect for one another
• Both partners respect each other's opinions, choices, and boundaries.

• Trust
• Both partners are honest and reliable. You should feel safe and secure around your partner. 

Read More Here

National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

October marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to recognize the important contributions of people with disabilities in the American workforce. What began in 1945 as a weeklong observance honoring workers with physical disabilities has evolved into a month-long national celebration that includes individuals with all types of disabilities, both visible and invisible.

At Disability Independence Group (DIG), we share this mission every day. Through our advocacy, education, and training initiatives, we work to expand opportunities for people with disabilities to participate fully in employment and community life. From promoting inclusive hiring practices to creating tools like The Wallet Card® Project that foster understanding and safety, DIG is proud to be part of a movement that celebrates the value and talent of every individual.

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

If so, email your ideas and suggestions to our newsletter editor,

Justine Chichester.

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