Author Archives: Imp Orter

Kids Crusader Corner

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

By Julie Fioravanti  Someone I Love  by: Lori Hickman “Someone I love relies on me in ways you will never understand. Someone I love endures pain and challenges that break my heart and renew my spirit at the same time. Someone I love is unable to advocate for themselves for thi…ngs that most of us… Read More »

11th Circuit Decision in Bhogaita v. Altamonte Heights Condominum

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

  [PUBLISH] IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE ELEVENTH CIRCUIT _ Nos. 13-12625; 13-13914 _ D. C. Docket No. 6:11-cv-01637-GAP-DAB AJIT BHOGAITA, Plaintiff – Appellee, versus ALTAMONTE HEIGHTS CONDOMINIUM ASSN., INC., Defendant – Appellant. _ Appeals from the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida _ (August 27,… Read More »

Litigation UPDATE – Sabal Palm Condominiums v. Fisher

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

Former Teacher with Multiple Sclerosis obtains a $300,000 settlement in her fight to keep her service animal in her home in Broward County On May 8, 2014, Deborah Fischer and Larry Fischer obtained a $300,000 settlement against their condominium association for their three-year long fight to keep Deborah’s service dog, Sorenson, in their home…. Read More »

Shark Tank Update…

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

We are writing our script and are in the process of selecting a video company.   

Settlement between the Law School Admission Council and the Department of Justice will set the Benchmark for testing accommodations

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

  On May 20, 2014, the Department of Justice announced a settlement with the administrators of the LSAT, the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), for alleged violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act for denying disability accommodations for test-takers.   For the past twenty years, testing agencies, schools, and the Florida Bar have applied different… Read More »

Inclusive Outdoor Recreation Opportunities

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

  The official start of summer is almost here, and while I’m sure it will be a hot one, it also brings more opportunities for outdoor activities amongst families, friends and neighbors. Remember running around the playground when you were a child? Remember the games and competitions you would make up with friends at… Read More »

Vacation Tips for People with Disabilities

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

As a person with a disability who loves to travel, I have encountered the good, the bad, and the ugly of accessibility (or lack thereof) on my vacations. To help you have the most enjoyable and accessible vacation possible, here are a few tips from my own experiences. (click here to read more)  … Read More »

Animal Partners– A need not a want

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

  Disability Independence Group hosted a wonderful committee of animal advocates for a brainstorming session on how to work together with the GOAL of creating programs, support systems and strategies that will allow the elderly, disabled and those in nursing homes or ALF’s to keep their pets or have the comfort of a pet…. Read More »

Art and More

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

Stay tuned for a new story from Chris next month.

Kids Crusaders Corner

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

  Happy Spring, finally!!! Welcome back to Kids Crusaders Corner. The month of May (at least in the area in which I live) usually brings wonderful spring-like weather, flowers blooming (as well as allergies), and Mother’s Day among a long list of other things. This year we saw a final snowstorm, torrential rains, flooding,… Read More »

BROWARD CHILDREN’S CENTER, Inc.

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

  For over 43 years, Broward Children’s Center, Inc. has been a haven for children and young adults with disabilities in Pompano Beach, Florida. Founded in 1971, the program serves children with varied disabilities from all walks of life, which include autism, disabilities from birth, accidents, shaken baby syndrome, lightning strikes and other traumatic… Read More »

Litigation: Solodar v. OPC Lake Point Tower

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

After more than three years, and a jury trial, Mrs. Carollee Solodar will finally receive the parking spot she deserves (and requires)!  Carollee and her husband Donald Solodar live in a lanai in North Palm Beach and have been allowed to park in a service area by their home for many years.  Following Mrs…. Read More »

2014 Disability Policy Seminar

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

On April 7-9, 2014, I had the privilege to attend the 2014 Disability Policy Seminar in Washington, D.C. and participate in advocacy efforts to make an impact on disability policy. The Disability Policy Seminar is an event that brings together advocates for individuals with disabilities with public policy experts and focuses on major federal… Read More »

Ms. Wheelchair FL Update

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

On April 4th and 5th I had the pleasure of participating in the Ms. Wheelchair Florida competition. Ms. Wheelchair Florida, Inc. advocates for all people with disabilities and strives to bring awareness to all people with disabilities and the importance of inclusion in communities, employment, education, and housing. I decided to compete because I felt… Read More »

DIG Internship Progam

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

DIG has established a successful internship program for both undergraduate students and law students at our local universities. This past semester we hosted two interns. Tiffany Blackmon, from FIU College of Law, assisted with federal litigation, helped us establish our ADA Mediation Project. We file complaints on behalf of persons with disabilities who have… Read More »

The Miami Heat Game

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

DIG staff attorneys, Rachel Goldstein and Stephanie Woodward, along with local attorneys, Skyler Hill and Angelica Gentile, attended the Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers game and had the opportunity to meet Syracuse Alumni and player for the 76ers, Michael Carter Williams, after the game.

Thank you to NIR

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

For donating interpreting services at the Shark Tank Competition.  

Ben & Jerry’s Visit

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

On April 16th, we had a surprise visit from the Ben and Jerry’s Truck.  

Art and More

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

There you lie in cold inertness. Your lifeless luminance is dimmed under a warm synthetic glow of cakey rouge while I stare off into your nothingness shivering in the brisk breeze blowing around the room darkening the surrounding spirit. We rode this breeze here together; we’re still riding this breeze together on the inertia… Read More »

Kids Crusaders Corner

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

Matthew is Julie’s 16 year old son and he wanted to share his thoughts this month. My name is Matthew and I am 16 years old. My brother’s name is Nick and he is 23 years old. Nick was born with Cerebral Palsy and I’ve had the honor to call him my brother. Living… Read More »