Category Archives: disability
From Miami to Los Angeles: Noticing Accessibility in a New Place
As many of you know, back in August, I moved to Los Angeles, California to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) after spending my whole life being born and raised in Miami, Florida. Along with this move came plenty of culture shocks. I noticed the popularity of breakfast burritos, beaches with views of mountains, cliffside roads with breathtaking views, but most notably the advancements in disability accommodations in California, as opposed to Florida.
Update on DIG’s Supper Social Club
As we continued to meet, we watched people come out of their shells. Those same young adults who were once quiet began starting conversations, forming friendships, and looking forward to each event. Confidence grew. Laughter came easier. The Supper Social Club became more than dinner; it became a place of belonging.
From Being a Number to Building Possibility
If you are navigating life with a disability, know this: Your path does not need to mirror anyone else’s to be meaningful. The journey is not about returning to who you were – it is about discovering who you can still become.
Happy Holidays 2025
DIG will continue to advocate, educate, and empower because every person deserves dignity, opportunity, and full participation in their community. Thank you for being part of our journey this year and being part of the DIG family.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Bridging the Screening Gap
I am forever grateful to my family doctor for pushing me to get that mammogram screening done. Early detection matters. My tumor was stage 2A and had it gone much longer, my outcome could have been much different.
Be Kind, Always!
September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, offer support, and educate society on suicide prevention. If you or anyone you know is struggling and needs support through a suicidal or mental health crisis, call the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988.
Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month: A Personal Journey
Working with Quad 13 has given my life a new purpose. My hope is that, by sharing my story, you feel inspired to join our mission—whether by sharing a conversation, wearing a lime green ribbon, or supporting the cause.
Benefits – 25-09
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.
What You Should Know About Your Parental Rights
If parents truly have the right to “direct the upbringing, education, and care of their minor children,” then let’s use this law to change how we teach students in separate classrooms, students in modified/access point programs, and even those students in behavior programs.
If the system needs to change, and we believe that it does, then let’s make it better and stronger and safer for all students.
The Americans with Disabilities Act at 35: A Promise in Peril
The rollback of disability rights has also been fueled by the broader political push to eliminate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) programs. These initiatives were designed to ensure that workplaces and institutions reflect the diversity of the communities they serve, including people with disabilities. Yet in the current climate, DEIA has been mischaracterized as “wokeness” and dismissed as a matter of preference rather than a matter of rights. This framing is not only inaccurate, it is dangerous. It ignores the legal obligation to provide reasonable accommodations and treats the needs of disabled individuals as optional.
35th Anniversary of the Signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
While the ADA reshaped the American society for the better by enabling millions living with disabilities to participate more fully in everyday life, we can use this celebration of it’s signing to recommit ourselves to the ADA’s vision – A nation where every individual, regardless of ability, can live with dignity, opportunity and independence. The ADA’s 35th anniversary is not just a celebration – it is a call for all of us to continue the work.
Preparing a Pet Plan: Hurricane Preparedness
It’s important to have a plan in place that accounts for every family member, including your pet. For many of us, our pets aren’t simply animals; they are family. They rely on us for food, shelter, and safety, just as much as we rely on them for companionship. This month we are focusing on making sure your furry friends are prepared and safe during a storm.
Benefits – 25-07
To be eligible for disability benefits, a person must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
Taking Action: How You Can Make a Difference – The 4-step guide
Advocacy can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why we created this four-part Taking Action series to break it down into simple, meaningful steps. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to do more, these tips will help you stay informed, get involved, and make your voice count.
The View From Here (25-06)
By: Justine Chichester “What we once enjoyed and deeply loved, we can never lose. For all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller My father died early on a Tuesday morning, April 15, 2025. Just two months ago. He had been ill for a little over two years. As… Read More »
Florida Special Needs Shelters: What You Need to Know
Hurricane Season is June – November Be prepared! If you or a loved one has a disability, it’s important to know your shelter options and plan ahead. Don’t Wait – Register Now.
Spaces are limited and may fill up fast during a storm.
Text-to-911 is now available in Miami-Dade County
Residents can now send text messages to 911 during emergency situations.
The Text-to-911 service is operational across all of Miami-Dade County’s 911 call centers.
Fantasy Draft Pick
As we celebrate Autism Acceptance Month, let’s remember that autism doesn’t end with childhood. I can only hope to find appropriate support for my kids in the future. I may not have a draft pick on the way, but I’m hopeful for the right team to meet my children with their needs well into adulthood.
Taking Action: How You Can Make a Difference- Part 2
Whether you call, email, send a letter, or speak at a public meeting, your input matters. Elected officials rely on feedback from voters like you to guide their decisions.
The View From Here (25-03)
I paused for a moment. The memories of being up there in that bed, wishing for a normal life, flooded my mind. And here I was now, in that same spot I looked down on a decade ago, actually that life I was wishing for. I remembered all that it took to get here. All of the struggles, all of the pain, all of the time and the heartbreak I had endured over these ten years to walk again and to just live my life again.
