Recent Blog Posts
Shark Tank Update…
By: Debbie Dietz We have hired Jon Kent and Kent Creative to help us make our video. We will be filming the video at the end of this month. You can order your own wallet card for free on our website at: /wallet-cards/. Just fill out the online form and we will have them mailed… Read More »
Domestic Violence and the Deaf
By: Sharon Langer The deaf and hard of hearing world is unique because of the difficulty in communicating with others. The world of the victim of domestic violence is also one of isolation and lack of access to the outside world. A batterer typically isolates their victim to instill dependency. When you combine… Read More »
My Summer at DIG
By: MacKenzie Ruroede As a legal intern for Disability Independence Group (DIG), I was introduced to many legal issues that are incurred by individuals with hearing impairments, significant illnesses, and service and emotional support animals. I also worked on cases of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender. Many of the issues faced… Read More »
Art and More
By Chris Stein Stay tuned for more stories from Chris in the future. Chris is currently working on an independent studies project at FIU on Ernest Hemmingway.
Kids Crusaders Corner
By Julie Fioravanti This summer Julie and her husband took Nick to a fun evening event. They took Nick to Painting with a Twist. They all worked together and made a beautiful masterpiece.
Hurricane Preparedness
By: Anastasia Gaertner It may seem like hurricane season is nearing its end, but we are still a ways off from the season’s official peak, which occurs from mid-August to late October. This time is when storms are likely to be at their worst, so as the peak of the season draws nearer, it… Read More »
Kiddle’s Ordinance
By: Matthew Dietz On July 6, 2014, Nancy Alfonso’s worst nightmare occurred while she was having lunch at a restaurant in Doral with her friend Luz Rosenthal. Nancy’s guide dog Kiddle and Luz’s guide dog Chelsea were with the friends, when Kiddle became violently ill and started vomiting inside the restaurant. An emergency veterinarian… Read More »
Litigation: Treatment Alternatives
By: Matthew Dietz Treatment Alternatives – The importance of having sober houses in residential areas – “I sought my soul, but my soul I could not see. I sought my God, but my God eluded me. I sought my brother and I found all three …”Martin Luther King Jr. Alcoholism and drug addiction are… Read More »
A Spotlight on the Exceptional Theater Company
By: Rachel Goldstein Lights! Camera! Action! The spotlight is on the Exceptional Theater Company , (ETC) a unique 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, designed to teach theatre to individuals of all ages with physical and/or intellectual disabilities. The Exceptional Theater Company continues to grow throughout Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties, with over 20 drama classes… Read More »
In Memory of Dr. Robin Parker
By: Lester Langer Dr. Robin Parker recently passed away at age 50 from pancreatic cancer. She was a leader in unlocking the mysteries of autism. I did not know Dr. Parker, but I wish that I had met her. Her work in designing apps that allow children and young adults to merge into mainstream… Read More »
Shark Tank Update
By: Debbie Dietz We are finalizing the details of our first video. Stay tuned for more details next month. You can order your own wallet card for free on our website at: /wallet-cards/. Just fill out the online form and we will have them mailed to you within a week. If you want to… Read More »
A Service Animal…What Does Florida Say?
By: Sharon Langer Florida actually has a little known statute that defines a service animal differently than the Federal ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) does. While the ADA limits service animals to dogs and, in a special separate provision, miniature horses, the Florida law seems to be broader using the words “SERVICE ANIMALS”…not… Read More »
My Summer at DIG
By: Kristin Westerhorstmann Much like racism or sexism, discrimination based on a disability often falls within the common, yet mistaken, school of thought that these issues simply do not exist anymore, or at the very least, happen rarely. I am a law student getting ready to enter my second year at the University of… Read More »
Art and More
By Chris Stein Stay tuned for more stories from Chris in the future. Chris is currently working on an independent studies project at FIU on Ernest Hemmingway.
Kids Crusader Corner
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
[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
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…
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
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
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 »
