This month, we're continuing our civic engagement series with Step 2: Contact Your Elected Officials, offering tips and tools to help you get involved. In honor of Autism Acceptance/Awareness Month, we’re also proud to feature another powerful story by Jen Sando, highlighting her experiences as a mom. Her article this year is so relatable, and her football analogy is spot on. Families definitely need to “draft” a team of support systems, especially as their children become adults. Have a great April and enjoy reading our newsletter. This month, DIG attended the Autism Flag event in the City of Coral Gables and I have included a picture (above) of the event.

Featured Articles

Fantasy Draft Pick

By: Jennifer Sando

Hey, it’s me again – your regular April guest blogger and proud autism mom. For those of you who don’t know me yet, I’m the mom of three incredible kids on the autism spectrum. I’m excited to be back this year to continue my story, with DIG graciously inviting me back as their guest writer for Autism Awareness Month.

April is a busy month for my family. First, we have World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd—a day when we ask, “Hey world, are you aware of autism?” Then comes the rest of Autism Acceptance Month, which spans the entirety of April. Easter celebrations follow, and then we get to the biggest day of all: the NFL Draft, set this year for April 26th. (The Dolphins have the 13th pick in the first round, by the way).

Now, you might be thinking—what do autism and football have in common? Not much, at first glance. But here’s the thing: recently, I’ve started to wonder if maybe I need a draft pick of my own. See, an annoying phenomenon has recently occurred in my life. It’s that as my kids have gotten older, so have I. Shocking, I know! My kids are incredible, but as they get older, I seem to be facing more physical struggles of my own. You know, it’s the usual midlife stuff issues like a sore neck and shoulders. I’ve also developed carpal tunnel syndrome in my hands, which makes fine motor tasks a lot harder. 

Read More Here

Taking Action: How You Can Make A Difference

By: Deborah Dietz

As part of our ongoing series to help you get more involved in advocacy, we’re breaking things down into four simple steps.

Last month, we started with Step 1: Find Your Elected Officials. Knowing who represents you is the foundation of civic engagement.

This month, we’re moving on to Step 2: Contact Your Elected Officials. Reaching out to your representatives is one of the most direct ways to get involved.

Whether you call, email, send a letter, or speak at a public meeting, your input matters. Elected officials rely on feedback from voters like you to guide their decisions.

When you share your story and ask for specific action, you’re not just expressing an opinion, you’re helping shape policy and priorities in your community.

Here are three important things to know when you are contacting your elected officials.

1.  Be Clear and Specific

State your purpose right away. Whether you’re supporting or opposing an issue, ask for a specific action—like voting a certain way on a bill or supporting a particular policy. The more direct and focused your message is, the easier it is for your official (or their staff) to understand and respond.

2.  Share Your Personal Story

Real-life experiences are powerful. If an issue affects you, your family, or your community, sharing that story can help your message stand out and make a stronger impression. Elected officials are more likely to remember and connect with a personal story than a general statement.

3.  Be Respectful and Courteous

Even if you’re upset or frustrated, always stay respectful. Being polite strengthens your credibility and increases the chances that your message will be taken seriously. Thank them for their time and for serving your community—even when you disagree.

Stay Tuned!

We hope these tips help you feel more confident reaching out to your elected officials. Your opinion truly matters, and every message makes a difference.

Watch our video.

Go to our YouTube Playlist to see all the videos in this series.

Our DIG Supper Social Club is a monthly, neuro-diverse dining experience.

Join Us on April 28th for Our Next

Supper Social Club

Benefits Information

Ticket to Work and WIPA - What That Means

By: Lesly Quintanilla Lopez

Many working aged individuals with disabilities (ages 18-64) are not working. The reasons vary, but for some it’s a fear of, “If I start working, will my benefits be taken away from me?” The truth is: No. People with disabilities can work without losing their financial security or health care benefits. There are many programs available that make it possible to still collect benefits while working. Here is a brief overview of a few programs available.

Ticket to Work

Ticket to Work is a program that assists individuals, ages 18 to 64, currently receiving Social Security disability benefits who want to work. Through Ticket to Work, people can receive assistance with finding employment, getting job training, and receiving other support services.

• Through the Ticket to Work program, individuals are referred to an Employment Network or Vocational Rehabilitation agency, which are agencies that will accept the “ticket” and assist the person with the job search and training.

Read More Here

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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