Author Archives: Deborah Dietz

Benefits Information 24-05

Community Work Incentives Coordinator can provide thorough, timely, and accurate information, a variety of benefit scenarios, and facilitate the beneficiary to make informed choices about work, benefits, and financial stability and as a result the SSA beneficiaries with psychiatric disabilities will be able to:

Develop economic security and the ability to support oneself and/or family
Develop assets and achieve financial goals and
Achieve a higher socioeconomic status

Can’t I Just Plug Autism into my GPS?

Along with “just love them,” I’ve discovered a few other self-guiding principles. I’ve learned the importance of not exhausting oneself. It’s tempting to run yourself ragged, getting your children to therapy after therapy, convincing yourself that every therapy is “crucial” or driving a great distance to find the “perfect” school. “Perfect” doesn’t exist and every therapy is not “crucial.” I’ve learned that while seeking good therapies and good schools is desirable, it is more important to focus on peace within the family, to give my children a safe home base where they can comfortably be themselves. 

Benefits Information 24-04

If you receive Social Security benefits and you have a job or are looking for one, there are specially trained professionals known as Community Work Incentive Coordinators (CWIC) to help you make sense of complex employment and benefit-related issues.

The View From Here (24-02)

There is a saying, “Just because I carry it so well, doesn’t mean it isn’t heavy.” But I think this “carrying it well” goes for most of us, doesn’t it? While you may not suffer from a disability or have to deal with the types of challenges those of us who are disabled do, most of us have things in our lives that we just don’t discuss. Things that we hide away to just get through the day, so we don’t have to share it with anyone. We put the makeup on, or the business suit, we take and post the glamorous selfie, when, in fact, behind the scenes, our lives aren’t exactly what we dress them up to be. We present an image we think the world wants to see, instead of sharing the difficulties we deal with day-to-day, when it’s the sharing that may actually be the thing that helps others.

Bottoms Up!

Yes, colonoscopy prep is inconvenient, but a cancer diagnosis is life altering. Chemo kills the cancer, but it also poisons the body. There was neuropathy, sensitivity to cold, fatigue, nausea, and constant diarrhea for six months. I also had the unfortunate luck of being the only person I know who gained weight on chemo! The physical part was easier than the mental. Somehow I did it, because what other choice did I have? 

Why Voting Matters

Be Election Ready in 2024. Use your vote and be counted. It matters.

Vote the Way that works for you.

Be Election Ready in 2024. There are three ways to vote in Florida.

Update Your Signature

Be Election Ready in 2024. If the signatures don’t match your vote will not count.

Register to Vote.

Be Election Ready in 2024. The deadline to register for an upcoming election is 29 days before that election.

March 19, 2024, is the Presidential Preference Primary Election in Florida.

Be Election Ready in 2024. This year only registered Republicans voters are eligible to vote in the Presidential Preference Primary Election in Florida.

The View From Here (24-01)

So, I took a deep breath. Reminded myself that I could, actually, “Do it scared,” and I forced myself through the fear. While as a young girl on that hill years ago, I needed someone to help me get through that fear and walk back to my family, the years since and the trauma I’ve endured from my SCI have helped me now have the tools to work through the crippling fear on my own. I remembered all of the work I’d done, remembered that I actually now had the ability, and that I couldn’t let this fear keep me from moving forward. I pushed through, and I walked back to my house, by myself, using only the cane. Despite the fear trying its best to keep me from getting there.

Guest Blog – Making the Internet a more inclusive place with accessiBe by Sheldon Lewis.

The reality is that only 3% of websites are accessible to disabled people. accessiBe has products and solutions to help any business or developer make their website and resources accessible, so that everyone can use them.

The Miami Inclusion Alliance (23-11)

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.

3 Important Steps to Enjoying the Holidays

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!

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.

The Miami Inclusion Alliance (23-10)

The #1Thing campaign challenges each of us to identify new ways to move forward together towards ending domestic violence.
It recognizes how each one of us can make a difference.
It reminds us that we each have a voice and that voice can make a difference and that change can start with each of us doing just one thing.

The View From Here (23-10)

If I can go, in my wheelchair, after all of the medical issues and tests I had just been through, and get my mammogram, so can you. I know it can be scary. I know it’s a hassle. I know you have to find the time, I know you have a million things to do and you really don’t want to do it. But early detection is the key. If there is something there, you need to know now so you can take care of it and keep your life going. And, most importantly, keep on living…Just like I did!

Voting Resources 2023

We are heading into the election season, and we want everyone to be prepared, get registered, and have plenty of time to learn about the candidates, the issues, and all of the ways that you can vote.

HHS announces a historic notice of proposed rulemaking for section 504!

HHS announces a historic notice of proposed rulemaking for section 504!
Below is a summary of this important update and what it means for people with disabilities.
There will be a public comment period for this proposed rule. The comment period will be open for 60 days for members of the public to provide comments. The comments must be received on or before November 13, 2023.