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A note from Matt.....
At Disability Independence Group, we are thankful that every day we are able to ensure that people receive equal respect and dignity. Whether we advocate for change through litigation, training or policy, we win when we are able to change attitudes or give persons who believe that they are powerless, the power to battle giants.
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Five Things that I've Learned at the
2017 Ruderman Inclusion Summit
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By:
Matthew Dietz
I have been an active participant, advocate, and lawyer in the Disability Rights movement for the past twenty years, so I am always excited to hear new views or learn new skills. Last week, Debbie and I attended the
Ruderman Inclusion Summit in Boston where we had the opportunity to meet with about 1,200 advocates from all sectors of the disability community and their allies. The Summit was convened by the
Ruderman Family Foundation
, which focuses its philanthropy and work on Disability and Jewish life. Unlike my normal legal community involvement (non-stop conversations about legal issues), a variety of topics were discussed, including the media, Hollywood, employment, globalism, and religion and culture.
The experience took me out of my comfort zone and I met a whole group of new people. However, there are issues that have stuck in my mind from the Summit, and opened my jaded eyes a bit wider.
1. Deaf Culture Matters from Deaf Hands/Voices
2. Jewish Culture and Disability
3. Similarities between Eastern European Orphanages and the Plight of Poor Families that include Persons with Disabilities
4. Other Countries are More Advanced than the United States when it comes to Employment Issues and Persons with Disabilities.
5. We need to Prioritize Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities as a Society.
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Out and About with DIG
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12/4/17
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Supper Social Club
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John Martin's Coral Gables
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Give Miami Day 2017
Thank you for all of your support on November 16th.
We raised $2,650.
You can still donate to our organization, just click the puppy paw.
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Supper Social Club Dinner for Disability Awareness Month
Our next supper social club dinner will be on December 4, 2017 at John Martin's Irish Pub and Restaurant in Coral Gables.
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Kids Crusaders Corner
By: Julie Fioravanti
Julie will be back soon with another article.
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Miami Inclusion Alliance
By: Sharon Langer
Our news has been flooded with discussions about sexual assault this past month. While these discussion have not even attempted to look at the intersection with disability I am hopeful, that conversation will begin. The below article,
published on the CNN website is a summation of a great Town Hall conducted by CNN on November 9. The link to the Town Hall is embedded in the story. I hope you will read this article and then watch the thought provoking meeting. If you have any comments please email me.
Sharon@justdgit.org
Sexual harassment in America: What happens after #MeToo?
By Julia Carpenter on November 10, 2017
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For this month's topic we were asked to discuss art and clearly, I let the topic go to my head.
December 7th through 10th Art Basel comes to Miami. I am so excited to experience more of what South Florida has to offer, this being way more fun than Hurricane Irma, and I hope some of you are able to experience it as well.
For those of you that do not know what Art Basel is- Art Basel is a four day event where leading galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa display work from the masters and new emerging stars of Modern and contemporary art.
Speaking of emerging stars-I am hoping to see one of my favorite artists, Sammy. Sammy is multi-talented and works not only as an artist but is also a service animal. He had his work displayed in a gallery in New York and one of his pieces sold for $1,700.00. Check it out Sammy and these other talented artists-
http://www.shoreservicedogs.com/pawtographed2.shtml
While there are various events and exhibitions throughout Miami over the course of those four days, the main exhibition is held in the Miami Beach Convention Center. At DIG, it is our practice not to suggest or promote events that are not accessible to everyone. As you know, I am still pretty new to Miami and have not had the opportunity to go to the Miami Beach Convention Center yet but I did do a little research without leaving my office. According to the Miami Beach Convention Center's website, it is an ADA compliant facility with accessible parking, sidewalk ramps, restrooms and elevators. Additionally, they welcome my fellow brothers and sisters as well as mini-horses working as service animals. For More information, visit
http://www.miamibeachconvention.com/accessibility
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How a PASS plan can help you?
A PASS (Plan to Achieve Self-Support) allows you to set aside other income besides your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or resources for a specified period of time so that you may pursue a work goal that will reduce or eliminate the SSI or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits you currently receive.
Who can have a PASS?
If you receive SSI or could qualify for SSI after setting aside income or resources so that you may pursue a work goal, you could benefit from a PASS.
Tips for Success:
For more information on Plans for Achieving Self Support:
Social Security Administration -
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/pass.htm
Cornell University Employment and Disability Institute - http://www.passonline.org/
The University of Montana Rural Institute -
http://www.passplan.org
Institute for Community Inclusion -
http://www.communityinclusion.org/article.php?article_id=66
Contact your local CWIC: Lesly Quin 305-453-3491
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The View From Here
By:
Justine Chichester
Justine will be back next month.
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The Wallet Card Project
By: Deborah Dietz
The wallet card is a tool for young adults or adults to use when come into contact with law enforcement; either as a victim, a witness, or as a potential suspect.
The wallet card will help to clarify any interaction with law enforcement so that the behavior of the person with a disability is not misinterpreted as suspicious or as criminal behavior.
Click here to sign up for a wallet card
The Wallet Card Project is a collaboration with DIG, CGPD, and UM-NSU CARD.
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Lorinda will be back next month.
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Your Upward Journey
In a nutshell, Your Upward Journey: It Is Easier Than You Think!, is a three-part project (book, self-help seminars and merchandise sale). I intend to promote the book through self-help seminars and sale of merchandise, such as mugs, journals etc.
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A Parcel of Penguins
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For more information about DIG and to find out how you can be involved, please call or email our Executive Director,
Debbie Dietz at 305-669-2822 or
debbie@justdigit.org.
Disability Independence Group, Inc.
Expanding Opportunities for Person with Disabilities
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Thank you to the organizations that support our projects.
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