Happy June! This month’s newsletter is full of updates, starting with the final part of our Taking Action series—Part 4: Staying Informed—where we share how staying aware of what’s happening in your community helps you be ready to take action. June also marks the beginning of hurricane season, so we’ve included important information about special needs shelters in Florida.

We had a great time at Family Cafe, where Marilyn and I gave a presentation on voting rights for people with disabilities. Plus, we’re excited to share that Text-to-911 is now available in Miami-Dade County, offering a safer option for people who can’t call during an emergency.

Justine also shares a heartfelt article this month in honor of Father’s Day, reflecting on her father’s impact and their journey together.

And don’t forget—our Second Annual Bowling Party is coming up on July 20, 2025, at Bird Bowl. We hope to see you there!

Text-to-911 is Now Available in Miami-Dade County

By: Deborah Dietz

Starting on June 1^st, Text-to-911 is now available in Miami-Dade County. Residents can now send text messages to 911 during emergency situations.

The Text-to-911 service is operational across all of Miami-Dade County's 911 call centers. This initiative serves to assist individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, speech-impaired or in situations where speaking could be dangerous.

To use the service, users should send a text message to 911, clearly stating the nature of the emergency and their exact location.

Calling 911 still remains the preferred method of emergency communication, and residents should only use the text-to-911 service in place of a phone call if necessary.

Click here to watch a video about how to use Text-to-911.

Read More Here

Featured Articles

The View From Here

By: Justine Chichester

“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved, we can never lose. For all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller

My father died early on a Tuesday morning, April 15, 2025. Just two months ago. He had been ill for a little over two years.

As his health continued to decline, I tried as best I could to prepare myself for losing him. Every time I was with him, I kissed his forehead, I held his hand, I rubbed his chest. I tried every second to remind him of how wonderful he was. I told him constantly how much I loved him and how lucky I was to have him as my Dad.

During the two years he was ill, it was sometimes a struggle for me to be present in each medical facility he was in. Traversing the long, hospital hallways with my walker and the difficulty I often have walking, was a definite challenge. Sitting in the ICU rooms for long periods of time can be difficult for most people, but proved to be extremely challenging for me, living with a spinal cord injury and dealing with the extreme nerve pain and paralysis issues I have daily.

One of the many times my Dad was admitted to the hospital after an ER visit, his room was located in another building, separate from the main entrance. My Mom and I had to cross a bridge over the street, just to get there to be with him at his bedside. There weren’t any shortcuts. We had to walk. It was a struggle, and it was painful for me, but I did it and I endured the pain because it was an honor to be there for my Dad, as he was there for me every time I had a surgery or when I was in the hospital. He was, in fact, always there for me in anything and everything else that I needed in my lifetime. And now it was important that I be there for him.

As much as you may try, nothing can possibly prepare you for that moment when you hear your father has left this earth. And nothing can possibly prepare you for everything that comes afterward. Dealing with grief after a loss is at times an insurmountable task. But dealing with grief and living with a disability has proven to be an even more daunting challenge.

Read More Here

Taking Action: Stay Informed – Part 4

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.

In March, we started with Step 1: Find Your Elected Officials - because knowing who represents you is the foundation of civic engagement.

In April, we continued with Step 2: Contact Your Elected Officials – because reaching out to your representatives is one of the most direct ways to get involved.

Last month, we moved on to Step 3: Check Your Voting Status.

This month, we will finish the series with Step 4: Stay Informed.

Step 4: Stay Informed

Advocacy doesn’t stop after you vote—it’s an ongoing process. Staying informed helps you make smart decisions, respond to important issues, and hold elected officials accountable. When you keep up with what’s happening in your community and beyond, you’re always ready to take action when it matters most.

Read More Here

DIG Takes Part in the Family Café!

Orlando, Florida

Debbie Dietz and Marilyn Baldwin presented at the 27th Annual Family Café Conference. Their session focused on the disability vote, highlighting the critical role of voters with disabilities in shaping policy and promoting inclusion. They shared information on accessible voting options, including how to request an accessible vote-by-mail ballot, and emphasized the collective power of the disability community at the polls.

The Family Café, sponsored by the State of Florida, is one of the largest statewide gatherings for families of individuals with disabilities, drawing more than 13,000 attendees each year.

DIG Celebrates Pride!

Who's Ready To Bowl?

DIG is Hosting Our Second Annual Summer Bowling Event!

Register to Join Us on July 20th

Donate a Raffle Prize or Become a Sponsor for this Fun Event! Contact Debbie for Details

COMING SOON...

We are developing a safety training series that helps people with disabilities learn how to stay safe in their communities. The first training teaches how to be aware of your surroundings, avoid danger, and let others know when something doesn’t feel right. It includes easy tips, role-play activities, and tools to help you stay safe. The goal is to help each person feel more confident, make safe choices, and know what to do in different situations.

YOUR OPINION MATTERS!

We are planning to host the first training in the City of Coral Gables during the beginning of September. We would like to know if you would prefer to attend the event on an evening during the work week or on a Saturday morning?

Benefits Information

Debunking Myths: You Can Work and Keep Your Benefits

By: Lesly Quintanilla Lopez

Myth #1: “If I get a job, I’ll lose my SSI/SSDI right away.”

Truth: The Social Security Administration has built-in work incentives designed to help you succeed when transitioning to employment.

• For SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Only part of your earned income counts against your benefit. The first $65/month and half of the rest is not counted at all.

• For SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): You get a Trial Work Period (TWP) — that’s nine months (not necessarily consecutive) where you can earn as much as you want and keep your full SSDI check.

Translation? You have time to try work, earn money, and keep your safety net.

Myth #2: “If I go back to work, and it doesn’t work out, I’m stuck.”

Truth: You’re not stuck. SSA provides a powerful safety feature called Expedited Reinstatement (EXR).

If your disability forces you to stop working again within five years, you can ask for your benefits to restart without filing a new application. You could even receive provisional benefits while SSA reviews your case.

Read More Here

Florida Special Needs Shelters: What You Need to Know

By: Deborah Dietz

Hurricane Season is June – November

Be prepared! If you or a loved one has a disability, it’s important to know your shelter options and plan ahead.

Two Types of Shelters in Florida:

• General Population Shelters: Open to everyone. Service animals are allowed. Some are pet-friendly, but pets must be crated and have rabies certificates. No pre-registration needed.

• Special Needs Shelters: Designed for people with medical needs beyond basic first aid (e.g., electricity for medical equipment, help with daily tasks, etc.). Staffed with medical professionals and have backup power. One caregiver may stay. Pre-registration is required. Contact your local emergency management office to apply.

Who Qualifies for Special Needs Shelters?

• People who are homebound or have ongoing medical conditions
• People who need electricity for life-saving devices
• People who are on dialysis or require ventilators
• People who are pregnant (within 6 weeks of due date)

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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