In this newsletter we want to share with you information on how to make your social media and events accessible, as we get ready for the holidays. As we enter the holiday season, we wanted to share some quick and easy tips for making sure that people with disabilities can enjoy your holiday posts. You will find several links in the newsletter on what you can do to make your posts accessible.

Also, don’t forget Give Miami Day is on November 16, and this year there are early giving days between November 13 and 15! You can make a donation online and be sure that you support DIG for this exciting fundraising campaign. Last year we had 32 unique donations and we raised over $5,500. This year, we are aiming high during this fundraising campaign! When you donate to DIG you support our Supper Social Club, The Wallet Card Project, our monthly newsletter and all of the trainings we create for the community. So, help us in our efforts to earn more unique donors this year and raise more dollars to support these important projects! Every dollar counts!

In Memoriam

A Tribute to Larry

Lawrence S. Forman

July 4, 1947 – October 16, 2023

Larry passed away on Monday, October 16, 2023

I wanted to share the news of the passing of our Board of Director, Larry Forman. Larry was one of our board members for the last 10 years and a fierce disability advocate. We were honored when he agreed to become a member of the DIG family. He offered us an endless supply of advice, suggestions, and even two chairs for the reception area of our office.

I worked very closely with Larry to build the infrastructure of DIG. For every meeting we had, he would bring a mountain of papers, clippings, and handwritten notes of his ideas or things that he had saved over the years. We had great discussions on the future of DIG and how he could help.

I will truly miss all of our crazy conversations and his never-ending suggestions. I feel honored to have had Larry in my life both personally and professionally.

Debbie Dietz

Featured Article

3 Important Steps to Enjoying the Holidays

By: Tracey Bowen Bell

From November to January, affectionately known as “The Holidays," parties, dinners and gatherings with people we love seem to flow from one joyous moment to another. We all love a good party, however when you are mobility challenged, planning is your best friend.

Having navigated various facilities in a wheelchair, I learned some valuable lessons about myself and how to enjoy being out. Hopefully these tips will help you enjoy the holidays without feeling like you’ve worn yourself out.

1. Self care: Before an event, add in some extra rest. Also, no matter how short the event, carry water, snacks, sunglasses etc. so that you are comfortable. Be sure to also dress for the weather!
2. Anticipate how you will navigate your surroundings. Public spaces are easier because they are ADA compliant, however, some homes or private spaces may not be. That doesn’t mean you should stay home. Calling ahead in order to map out navigating someone's home will help alleviate unwanted anxiety. Also, be sure to check the location of the bathrooms and exits.
3. Listen to your body. It will tell you when to go and when to rest. The more rested you are, the greater joy you will have as you celebrate.

There may be extra things involved to ensure that you have an enjoyable time. Know that it’s worth it when you’re enjoying your event. Will there be times when you have to decline an invitation because you’re not up to it or the logistics are too challenging? Yes, and it’s ok. It’s important that you take good care so that you can enjoy all the wonders of this holiday season!

Tracey Bowen Bell

N2L Fellow 2023-24

Tracey Bowen Bell is a woman with a story and a vision for accessibility for all. A resident of Cutler Bay, Tracey is an advocate for mental wellness, health equity and improving the quality of life for all.

Currently, she is creating a space for education, support and community for amputees and differently-limbed individuals in Miami Dade County.

https://www.traceybowenbell.com

Making your Social Media Accessible

We wanted to share with you how you can make your social media posts more accessible. It is really easy, and just takes a few extra seconds to make sure that everyone can share your holidays celebrations with you.

• Our two suggestions are to (1) add alternative text to your pictures and (2) add captions to your videos. We have listed the steps for you so that you can easily do this.

• Alt text or alternative text is a visual description of the picture you are posting. The visual description can then be read aloud by a screen reader so the person scrolling on social media will be able to hear a description of the picture. This allows people that are blind or low vision to use a screen reader to understand the pictures being posted online.

• Closed Captions are used on videos. When someone is speaking on the video, text will appear at the bottom of the video. This allows people that are Deaf or hard of hearing to be able to read what is being said on the video.

• Remember – social media platforms are becoming more accessible every day. These are the instructions for right now, but they are constantly being updated and streamlined all the time.

Good luck and we hope you have a fun holiday season!

Facebook

1.   Alternative Text - You can edit the alt text for any image that you upload

a.   Add Image

b.   Click “Edit” on the top left of the image

c.   Click alternative text

d.   Click “custom alt text”

e.   Write the alternative text that you would like to use

f.    Click save

g.   Post Image

h.   Another option is to add the image description into the text of the post.

2.   Closed Captions

a.   Add video

b.   Click “Edit” on the top left of the image

c.   Click add captions

d.   Upload captions – use SubRip Subtitle (.srt) file

e.   Click save

f.    Post video

Instagram – Post

1.   Alternative Text

a.   Add image

b.   Choose filter and click next

c.   Click advanced settings

d.   Scroll to bottom and click “write alt text”

e.   Write the alternative text that you would like to use

f.    Click Done

2.   Closed Captions (Option 1)

a.   Add video

b.   Click next

c.   Click sticker icon

d.   Click cc captions button (these captions are auto generated)

       i. Captions are large and cover the video

e.   Click next

f.     Click share

3.   Closed Captions (option 2)

a.   Add video

b.   Click next

c.   Scroll down to advanced settings

d.   Turn on the feature “show captions” (these captions are auto generated)

e.   Click share

Instagram – Story

1.  Images – at this time you can’t alt text the individual images

a.   You can add the alt text in the comments

2.   Video

a.   Add video

b.   Click sticker icon

c.    Click cc captions button (these captions are auto generated)

        i. Captions are large and cover the video

d.   Click Done

Twitter or X

1.   Picture

a.   Add picture

b.   Click “add description”

c.    Write alt text description

d.   Click save

e.   Click tweet

2.   Video



a.   Add video

b.   Click “upload caption file (.srt)

c.    Upload caption file

d.   Click Done

e.   Click Tweet

In December, the work of the Miami Inclusion Alliance will be complete. I want to use my column this month to thank all those who worked on this amazing project, and I'd like to share with you the tools and resources we have created that are now available to the entire community.

It was in 2015, that the collaborative team named the Miami Inclusion Alliance, or MIA, was created to ensure that persons with disabilities who are victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault could access services in our community.

We envisioned an environment that is accessible, and safe and promotes dignity and respect for all persons with disabilities affected by domestic violence and/or sexual assault.

Our overarching goal was that our community would begin to see victims/survivors with disabilities accessing the DV/SA system of care and receiving the services they need.

We wanted a coordinated and complementary system of outreach to victims/survivors with disabilities, that would end the disconnect between victims/survivors with disabilities and the domestic violence and sexual assault community.

Centering the voices of persons with disabilities was fundamental to our goals and values, so we also developed the MIA Liaison Project, an advocacy-oriented program that positions persons with disabilities at the heart of the domestic violence/sexual assault system of care.

We trained a cohort of four people with disabilities and a disability coach. They learned about the intersection of abuse and disability and were then able to act as bridge builders between the two systems of care, disability service providers and DV/SA providers. The goal was to ensure that persons with disabilities are fully included in the decision-making process of local boards and coalitions serving both populations.

I am proud to report that the MIA has achieved its goals, and its vision has become a reality.

The system of care is safe, welcoming, and able to serve victims/survivors with disabilities.

This work could not have been done without our three collaborative partners. Their commitment to all victims/survivors in our community is well known and each brought their expertise and heart to our work.

We want to thank and recognize each of them and their organizations and thank them on behalf of all victim/survivors for the work they do for so many.

Deborah Dietz – Executive Director and Founder of Disability Independence Group

Ana Lorenzo- Acting Division Director Coordinated Victims Assistance Center

Susan Rubio Rivera- Executive Director and Founder of MUJER

Brenda Rivero – Domestic Violence Division Senior Attorney Dade Legal Aid

We want to thank our Liaisons who have dedicated over 730 hours to this project, contributed to 22 countywide trainings and attended over 75 meetings. They have in fact made a difference and their voice is being heard throughout the system.

Genesis Espaillat- Hydrocephalus Association & Best Buddies integrated employment program

Carmen Peralta - Best Buddies Employment coach

Camilo Mejia- Catalyst Miami

Kat Magnoli- CODI Board Member, Children’s Book Author and Advocate

Rachel Siler- Center for Independent Living South Florida

To institutionalize our work, we have made our resources and tools available to all on the Disability Independence Group Inc. website under Projects and on the Miami Inclusion Alliance YouTube channel. I encourage you to take the time to look at the resources below and share them widely.

I thank all of you who have followed this column for so many years. I hope I have opened your eyes and broadened your perspective.

Our Resources

The MIA Institute

The MIA Institute is a 9-part training series. For each of the 9 training topics we have available the training video, a transcript of the video, an online post-test and a certificate of completion.

The Courthouse Guide

The Courthouse Guide will guide a victim through the Order of Protection court process in simplified language with pictures and is available in 3 languages and American Sign Language.

Accessibility Features of the iPad

Accessibility Features of the iPad give you a step-by-step guide to the iPad as an accessibility aid.

The MIA YouTube Channel

Power and Control Wheels

Helping People with Disabilities Communicate with First Responders.

This project has several components:

• We make customized wallet cards for people living with intellectual/developmental disabilities and Autism.

• We make customized caregiver wallet cards for caregivers of people living with disabilities.

• We have an online training program for law enforcement.

• We have a program for schools, parks programs, or community organizations.

Please click the link below to learn more about this project and to order your own customized wallet card or caregiver card.

If you have any questions, please email Debbie at debbie@justidigit.org.

Subscribe to the Florida Access Coalition Mailing List to get the Most Updated Information!

Benefits from SSA for People with Disabilities

The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, both are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.

Social Security Disability Insurance or Title II, Disability Benefits SSDI: pays benefits to people with disabilities and certain members of their family if the beneficiary is "insured," meaning that he/she worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.

Supplemental Security Income SSI or Title XVI pays benefits to people with disabilities based on financial need.

Comparison of SSI and Title II Disability Benefits

SSI:

•     Welfare program funded by federal tax dollars, not SSA trust fund

•     Limits on earned income, unearned income & resources

•     Comes with Medicaid

Title II Disability or SSDI:

•     Entitlement program based upon insured status funded by SSA trust fund (SSDI, CDB, DWB)

•     No limits on unearned income or resources – just earned income

•     Comes with Medicare

Types of Benefits

Retired worker and auxiliary beneficiaries: Payment for these benefits is made from the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund.

• Retired worker—beneficiary who worked in covered employment long enough to be insured and who is at least 62 years old (benefits equal to the "primary insurance amount" are payable at the normal retirement age; maximum benefits are payable at age 70)
• Spouse of retired worker—must either (1) have a child under age 16 or a disabled child in his or her care, or (2) be at least 62 years old; applies also to divorced spouse if the marriage lasted at least 10 years
• Child of retired worker—see 3 types of child benefits below

Survivor beneficiaries Payment for these benefits is also made from the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund.

• Child of deceased worker—see 3 types of child benefits below
• Aged widow(er)—must be at least 60 years old
• Young widow(er)—must have a child under age 16 or a disabled child in his or her care
• Disabled widow(er) DWB—must be disabled and be at least 50 years old (converted to aged widow(er) upon attainment of age 65)
• Parent of deceased worker—must have been dependent on worker and be at least 62 years old

Disabled worker and auxiliary beneficiaries: Benefits are paid from the Disability Insurance Trust Fund.

• Disabled worker—beneficiary who worked in covered employment long enough to be insured and who had been working recently in covered employment prior to disability onset
• Spouse of disabled worker—must either (1) have a child under age 16 or a disabled child in his or her care, or (2) be at least 62 years old; applies also to divorced spouse if the marriage lasted at least 10 years
• Child of disabled worker—see 3 types of child benefits below

Types of Children:

• Minor child (under age 18)
• Adult disabled before the age of 22
• High school student under age 19

Resources:

http://www.ssa.gov/oact/progdata/types.html  

Access The Vote Florida (ATVFL) is a state chapter of AAPD’s REVUP Campaign. REV UP stands for: Register! Educate! Vote! Use your Power!

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.

Email Olivia at oliviab@drflorida.org to get on our mailing list.

Vote-by-Mail and How to get an Accessible Vote-by-Mail Ballot

By: Deborah Dietz

At the end of 2022, all requests for vote-by-mail ballots expired. This was because of a new state law passed in 2021.

What this means is that if you want to continue to vote-by-mail you need to submit a new request to the elections department.

In Florida, if you are a voter with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) you have the option to receive an accessible vote by mail ballot by email. This option allows voters to cast their ballot independently without the assistance of another person.

Click here to request a vote-by-mail ballot in Miami-Dade County.

Click here to request an accessible vote-by-mail ballot in Miami-Dade County.

*NOTE: Requesting the accessible ballot will prompt the paper and electronic portions to be sent to the voter.

If you have any questions, 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.

City of Coral Gables Events

If you have any questions, please email the City at PlayForAll@coralgables.com

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.)

LEARN MORE

Litigation Update:

Disability Independence Group’s Litigation Department closed in

2022.

If you have a disability legal question, you can contact Professor Matthew Dietz at the Disability Advocacy and Inclusion Law (DIAL) Clinic at Nova Southeastern University Law School. His email is: mdietz@nova.edu.

If you have a disability education issue, such as an IEP or Exceptional Student Education, you can contact Stephanie Langer at Langer Law, PA. Her email is: helpline@langerlawpa.com.

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