Tag Archives: disability rights

Year One on the Spectrum: Reflections from a Late-Diagnosed Autistic

I would have probably been one of those people that would be surprised to hear someone say they found out they were on the autism spectrum in their 30s, but then just after turning 34, I got the “news” that I too am on this wide and usually misunderstood spectrum of neurodivergence, and I’d slipped through the cracks the entire time.

Take These Chances

The biggest and most recent example was signing on to being an extra for the full-length feature film starring, none other than, Owen Wilson. This experience, though incredible and surreal, is my biggest example of how we can let go of our insecurities and wheel towards a life that we never dreamed of.

Benefits 25-01

SSA work incentives are designed to provide financial security while you test your ability to work. These programs support individuals aged 14 to 65 who want to enter or reenter the workforce, pursue career goals, and achieve financial independence.

Disability Designs Etc.

Our goal is to engage people both in and out of the disability community to consider various issues faced in society by persons with disabilities. The hope is that these products can be an avenue for dialogue to be initiated so that questions some people may have can be answered and we can all have the chance to have a better understanding of how things affect one another in our society.

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The intent of asset building initiatives is that as individuals develop assets, they will be able to move out of poverty and remain out of poverty.

Benefits 24-10

If you are a person with a disability and pursuing employment, you are not alone. You can find many agencies providing employment support and help you to reach your vocational goal.

The View From Here (24-09)

I am reflective today of the challenges I’ve faced, the tremendous obstacles I’ve overcome and the enormous opportunities that have come my way because of all of it.

The Wallet Card Project Update 2024

Whether you’re a caregiver, teacher, community organization, or part of law enforcement, visit our newly updated Wallet Card Project page for more information on how to access these resources and apply for a wallet card. Explore the updates today!

Benefits 24-09

A few things to consider first: During an SGA determination, SSA looks at gross wages when they were earned, not when they were paid to you.  For example, if you get paid every week or every other week you will have some months when you get an extra paycheck.  SSA won’t count that extra paycheck when it was received – they are only interested in when the work was done that you got paid for.

My Experience As a DIG Summer Intern

My experience with DIG has been one of self-reflection and familiarity, combined with inspiration and motivation to live life to the fullest and pursue my wildest dreams confidently with the acknowledgement that life is too short to wait on.

Hurricane Preparedness: you can refill your prescriptions in advance.

The “Emergency Prescription Refill” law was passed in Florida, which allows you to refill prescribed medications for 30 days during a disaster if there is a hurricane warning or an announced state of emergency.

Voting- Key Dates for Florida 2024

Polling places are designed to be accessible through features like ramps, accessible voting machines, assistance from poll workers, curbside voting, and clear pathways, ensuring all voters, including those with disabilities, can participate.

The 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)!

This month marks the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed into law on July 26, 1990.

Happy Pride Month: The Evolution of The LGTBQIA+ Flag

This month represents the entire community, including queer, intersexual and asexual individuals. Across the nation, people come together for festivals and marches to celebrate this unifying month. Many symbols have even been made to represent gay pride, most popularly the rainbow flag.

Hurricane Preparedness: Emergency & Evacuated Assistance Program (EEAP)

With hurricane season approaching, make sure to get ahead by registering for the Emergency & Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP). This program is designed to provide evacuation support to residents that may need specialized transportation assistance or those whose medical needs prevent them from evacuating themselves.

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A payee must use benefits in the best interests of the beneficiary, according to his/her best judgment.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month (2024)

Remember Help is always available – The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7 Free and confidential support. It’s never too late to get help.

The View From Here (24-05)

While sometimes a whisper can give you a loud and clear message, maybe it’s in those moments where the message actually roars, that wakes you up to listen just a little bit more. I’m beginning to see it’s those times that my disability is teaching me something. Sometimes it takes a loud cry from someone, something, or some event in our lives, to wake us up to the changes that are happening, or should be happening, right in front of us. While you may not see them as a positive at the time, there may be a lesson there, in the roar. A lesson in acceptance and leaning into that change.

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.