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 A Note from Matt....
In the 1970s, when the rights of persons with disabilities were beginning to be recognized, Congressman Charles Vanik stated that treatment of persons with disabilities is one the country's "shameful oversights," which caused persons with disabilities to live among society "shunted aside, hidden, and ignored." It is our job to ensure that the clock is not rolled back and that the rights of persons with disabilities are safeguarded, and the pillars of community involvement, including healthcare, housing, and education.
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DIG in the news
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June 5, 2017, El Nuevo Herald,
Familia de autista presenta demanda contra cinco policías y la ciudad de North Miami
June 7, 2017, NBC6,
New Images from North Miami Police Shooting
June 9, 2017, Courthouse News Service,
North Miami Police Face Lawsuit Over Arrest Of Autistic Man, Shooting His Caretaker
June 17, 2017, Youtube,
Something Special: The Wallet Card Video -MDPD
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Out and About with DIG
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7/27/17
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Project SEARCH Conference, Pennsylvania
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8/29/17
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FL Recreation & Parks Association, Orlando, FL
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11/16/17
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Give Miami Day 2017
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Pictures
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Training at the City of Pompano Beach,FL
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Meeting John Finch and learning about the ABLE United
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Debbie & Ms. Wheelchair Florida Kat Magnoli
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Debbie, Matt, and Max at Family Cafe
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It's a Trap
By:
Matthew Dietz
Florida's newest knee-jerk reaction to Americans with Disabilities Act lawsuit demonstrates a lack of understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the role of experts in ADA suits, and the effect of state law in Federal Court. It contains all of the hallmarks of a frustrated and sloppy defense lawyer after resolving his only ADA case.
Section 553.5141, Florida Statutes, permits certification of public accommodations as compliant with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act if they have a remediation plan completed by an expert that required issues to be re-mediated within ten years.
Click here to read more
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Kids Crusaders Corner
By: Julie Fioravanti
Julie is hard at work on a new story for next month. Here is a new picture of Nick. This is before and after he eats his favorite desert.
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Miami Inclusion Alliance
By: Sharon Langer
There are many factors that can act as barriers to persons with disabilities leaving a domestic violence situation. One of those factors is whether a person feels welcomed when seeking help from the service network. In order to create a welcoming environment, the words you choose to use from intake to completion of services, do make a difference. The words you choose can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and reinforce out dated attitudes or can show
respect and
understanding.
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This is my second summer out of school and gainfully employed so it is my second summer accepting that "summers off" are not a thing in the work force (unless you are a teacher). Not having summers off are not our only woes on the eastern/south eastern coasts of the United States, we also have to be prepared for the inevitable, Hurricane Season. Having a plan for how to make yourself, your loved ones and your property safe is the best way you could be prepared during this season.
Click here to read more
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If you are disabled and you are pursuing employment, you are not alone. You can find many agencies providing employment support and help you to reach your vocational goal.
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The View From Here
By:
Justine Chichester
I read this quote the other day and it really resonated with me. "Stop hating yourself for everything you aren't. Start loving yourself for everything that you are."
I've been making some progress in my physical therapy lately. I started walking a little outside in front of my house. Using my walker, I'm able to take some steps down the ramp outside of my front door. I've managed to also walk a few more steps down my driveway, which I was so scared of when I first started. Most recently I've been able to take a few more steps down the sidewalk in front of my neighbors' house too.
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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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Update #1
Wallet Card Training with the officers at the Village of Pinecrest Police Department.
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Update #2
Southwestern City School District and Grove City Police Department & Jackson Township Fire Department
The Buddy Ball adult league was able to combine the Wallet Card Project with our First Responder's special even game. For this game volunteers from the Grove City Police department and Jackson Township Fire Department participated as buddies for the league players. Following the game the participants were given their wallet cards and were able to practice using them with the first responder volunteers.
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From left to right:
Shaun Bickley - Autistic Activist
Linda Black - Parent
Robin Tatsuda - Facilitator/Moderator
Officer Chris Coles - Seattle Police Department
Mental Health Professional Mariah Andrignis - Seattle Police Department
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Update #3
Seattle Children's Autism Center event on May 18
th!
Title: Autism and Police: Staying Safe Together
Hosted by Seattle Children's Autism Center
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Update #4
Training with The Miami-Dade Police Department and Hope for Miami Project Genesis.
Link to Video
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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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