Tag Archives: accessibility

black and white headshot of justine smiling at the camera

The View From Here (25-06)

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

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 »

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Benefits – 25-06

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

It’s not about “losing benefits.” It’s about building a better future.

a photograph of a large hurricane heading to the state of florida in the Atlantic Ocean

Florida Special Needs Shelters: What You Need to Know

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

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.

red background and the words 911 call if you can text if you can't

Text-to-911 is now available in Miami-Dade County

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

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.

a flag with the words taking action how you can make a difference

Taking Action: Stay Informed – Part 4

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

When you keep up with what’s happening in your community and beyond, you’re always ready to take action when it matters most.

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Benefits – 25-05

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Social Security Income (SSI) both provide needed financial assistance to many people in the United States who have mental health conditions. The two programs are run by the US Social Security Administration (SSA).

a flag with the words taking action how you can make a difference

Taking Action: How You Can Make A Difference – Part 3

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

Even if you think you’re registered and ready, it’s always a good idea to double-check. Laws change, deadlines move, and errors can happen—so taking just a few minutes now can save you stress later. Your vote is your power, and protecting it starts with knowing your status.

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Benefits – 25-04

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

but for some it’s a fear of “If I start working, will my benefits be taken away from me?” The truth is: No. People with disabilities can work without losing their financial security or health care benefits. There are many programs available that make it possible to still collect benefits while working.

Jen and her family standing in front a fountain smiling

Fantasy Draft Pick

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

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.

a flag with the words taking action how you can make a difference

Taking Action: How You Can Make a Difference- Part 2

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

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.

black and white headshot of justine smiling at the camera

The View From Here (25-03)

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

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.

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Benefits – 25-03

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

The Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) is a special work incentive for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who are students. It allows young individuals to work and earn income without immediately affecting their SSI benefits. This incentive helps students gain work experience while maintaining financial stability.

a bottle of pills open with all different types of pills spilling out

Filling Your Prescription Medication – Helpful Tips

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

Before You Go to the Pharmacy Gather necessary information: Have your prescription, insurance card (if applicable), and any relevant discount cards or coupons ready. Be sure to bring your photo ID or driver’s license. The pharmacy may ask for identification if the meds are for pain. Check for refills: If you’re needing a refill,… Read More »

erin smiling wearing a plaid shirt on a big rock with a blue sky behind her

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

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

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.

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Benefits 25-02

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

Your Path to Financial Independence: These work incentives are designed to encourage employment without the fear of immediately losing vital benefits. Additionally, the Ticket to Work (TTW) program provides free employment support services, helping individuals with disabilities find and maintain meaningful jobs.

Kat and a friend with Owen Wilson

Take These Chances

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

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.

black and white headshot of justine smiling at the camera

The View From Here (24-11)

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

I realize now, that in all of the tools in my toolbelt I’ve developed over 10 years of living with a disability, including learning to walk again, learning to drive using hand controls, navigating life using a mobility device; I was severely lacking in one basic tool that would assist me in a dangerous situation such as the one I was faced with last month. What do I do, as a person living with a disability, when I feel threatened?

disability designs logo with a moon in the center of the words

Disability Designs Etc.

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

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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Benefits 24-11

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

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.

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Benefits 24-10

By Disability Independence Group, Inc. |

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.