Tag Archives: disability

black and white headshot of justine smiling at the camera

The View From Here (24-02)

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

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.

head shot of michelle wearing a bright pink top

Bottoms Up!

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

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? 

voting button in red white and blue with stars and strips and 2024 in the middle

Why Voting Matters

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

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

voting button in red white and blue with stars and strips and 2024 in the middle

Vote the Way that works for you.

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

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

voting button in red white and blue with stars and strips and 2024 in the middle

Register to Vote.

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

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

voting button in red white and blue with stars and strips and 2024 in the middle

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

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

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

Alex standing in front of palm trees smiling and wearing a black dress

SuperHuman Hope

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

Over the last 7 years I have learned to hope. I hope for the day my patients are treated with the same kindness and respect they give. I hope for the day considerations for buildings, airplanes, outdoor spaces, events, and homes include accessibility for all. I hope for the day the public sees someone who moves differently from them as an asset to our society. I hope for the inspiring moments where my patients take back some of their autonomy and begin to command their resilient ever-beating superpower: Hope, and harness control of their lives.

clip art of lady justice standing over a city

Parenting with a Disability

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

Florida, and many other states, have a policy that, before removing a child from the home, the state must exhaust all reasonable efforts to ensure that families remain unified and must give parents with disabilities reasonable accommodations to do so.

A blue bandage with white dots

#SleeveUp – Are your vaccinations up to date?

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

August is National Immunization Awareness Month and the perfect time to catch up on your vaccinations.

justine sitting in her car smiling wearing a black dress

The View From Here (23-07)

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

How I told my story and how I represented our community became very important to me and I wanted to get it right. For myself and for others.

screenshot of the miami herald article that is highlighted yellow

Miami Herald 5/19/23 Op-Ed–Take Steps

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

An adequate trans­portation system that provides equal access is an essential component to ensuring persons with disabilities can live inde­pendently.

Sabrina One

My Experience as an Intern at DIG

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

Working at DIG has been an extremely valuable experience for me. I was able to receive a hands-on experience in the non-profit world. I still remember my first meeting at DIG with my coworkers Debbie and Justine. They jumped right into the meeting and had me following along. They explained that they want me doing the work with them, so I was thrown right into the mix. I followed along in the meeting, asked questions, and was given my first assignments. This was the best thing that could have been done for me because it allowed me to contribute to the non-profit while learning about all of the work that I was doing simultaneously.

hurricane warning flag

Did You Know? Emergency and Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP)

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

The Emergency and Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP) provides free transportation and evacuation assistance for those who have access or functional needs. Specifically, the EEAP provides specialized transportation, safe shelter, medical monitoring, and wellness checks for those who may have extra medical needs.

Jennifer stilling on a bench with two of her children and Blake standing behind her holding their third child

Chasing Autism Acceptance

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

I have a dream where I move my with my children and my husband to an island. The world is tiny and easy. I am always with my five favorite people with no societal judgement. Then, I realize that humans crave connection with other humans. I crave connection. My husband craves connection. My children crave connection. It would be unfair to limit my kids’ connection, because humans are hard-wired to enjoy the company of other humans. We just have to figure out novels ways to get that connection.

hurricane warning flag

Did You Know? Hurricane Season (emergency kit)

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

An emergency kit is a toolbox that should be catered to each individual’s needs. It should contain items you will need in your daily life, and it is recommended that at minimum, you pack enough to last you three days to a week’s worth of necessities.

justine sitting in her car smiling wearing a black dress

The View From Here (23-02)

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

Balancing our work and finding time for family and friends…and, most importantly, finding time for ourselves. It doesn’t have to take a person who is recovering from a disability to experience that. We all struggle with finding a work and life balance.

black background with 2023 february is balck history month in red, yellow, and green

Black History Through the Lens of Disabilities

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

As we have seen, there is a large intersectionality between being Black and having a disability. These two identities are not separate, rather overlapping entities that can help to raise awareness and equality for one another.

Purple and blue logo for the Miami Inclusion Alliance

Miami Inclusion Alliance (23-02)

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

According to the last U.S. Department of State’s Trafficking In Persons Report, persons with disabilities are one of the groups most at risk of being trafficked.

clip art of a laptop, drafting tools, and architectural plans

Accessibility & Awareness in Architectural Design

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

Provisions for accessible elements should not just stem from mandates, but precisely be the result of careful thought and awareness. Only then will that stylish, hip restaurant recognize accessibility as a positive and incorporate its elements not simply as an afterthought … but as a jeweled accent in its overall brand design.

Purple and blue logo for the Miami Inclusion Alliance

The under-reporting of sexual assault

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

The crime of sexual assault is under-reported.  This is particularly true if you are a victim with a disability.