Tag Archives: accessibility
Accessibility Features of the iPhone 6 and iOS 8
By: Rachel Goldstein Apple just put its two new iPhone models, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, on the market and introduced the Apple Watch, which is set to be released in early 2015. Built-in accessibility features and the ability to download thousands of specialized apps have made the iPhone a popular smartphone… Read More »
Autism CARES Act Renewed
By: Deborah Dietz President Obama signed the Autism CARES Act last month. The Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support Act of 2014, or Autism CARES Act, will reauthorize the Combating Autism Act for the next five years. The law will allow for $260 million annually for autism research, prevalence tracking, screening, professional training… Read More »
Deaf Mom-to-be gives Birth in the Wrong Hospital?
“Hello this is Byron, Cheylla needs your help…” As a lawyer practicing civil law, you rarely receive a cry for help at 8:45 in the evening from a client. I knew that it was happening again – another client who is Deaf that could not get an interpreter for medical care. I represent Cheylla… Read More »
Update on the Settlement between the Department of Justice and the Law School Admission Council
By: Rachel Goldstein In Volume 5 of DIG’s newsletter, Litigation Director Matthew Dietz, discussed the Department of Justice’s May 2014 announcement of a settlement with the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), the administrators of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act for denying disability accommodations for test… 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: 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 »
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 »
Vacation Tips for People with Disabilities
As a person with a disability who loves to travel, I have encountered the good, the bad, and the ugly of accessibility (or lack thereof) on my vacations. To help you have the most enjoyable and accessible vacation possible, here are a few tips from my own experiences. (click here to read more) … Read More »
Animal Partners– A need not a want
Disability Independence Group hosted a wonderful committee of animal advocates for a brainstorming session on how to work together with the GOAL of creating programs, support systems and strategies that will allow the elderly, disabled and those in nursing homes or ALF’s to keep their pets or have the comfort of a pet…. Read More »
Litigation: Solodar v. OPC Lake Point Tower
After more than three years, and a jury trial, Mrs. Carollee Solodar will finally receive the parking spot she deserves (and requires)! Carollee and her husband Donald Solodar live in a lanai in North Palm Beach and have been allowed to park in a service area by their home for many years. Following Mrs…. Read More »
Ms. Wheelchair FL Update
On April 4th and 5th I had the pleasure of participating in the Ms. Wheelchair Florida competition. Ms. Wheelchair Florida, Inc. advocates for all people with disabilities and strives to bring awareness to all people with disabilities and the importance of inclusion in communities, employment, education, and housing. I decided to compete because I felt… Read More »
Litigation – Vindicating a right to an administrative option – McGuire v. Peabody Hotel
Florida now recognizes that when a person is not treated equal because of his or her disability,– this is discrimination, and is actionable under the Florida Civil Rights Act. In 1968, at the age of seven years old, Kevin McGuire, was hit by a drunk driver and was paralyzed from the neck down. By 1970,… Read More »
Americans with Disabilities Act Lawsuits – Frequently Asked Questions
By: Matt Dietz Every year, across the United States, thousands of lawsuits are filed that compel compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, most to ensure that persons with mobility disabilities could have equal use and enjoyment of businesses in our community. While these lawsuits are often the key to community access for persons… Read More »
VICTORY for the Fischers and Sorenson the Dog
On Thursday, March 13, 2014, Judge Robert Scola vindicated the Deborah Fischer’s right to use a service animal, Sorenson the Dog, in her home because of her obvious need of this trained animal. See Order – Omnibus DE 283. In this case, her condominum association sued Mr. and Mrs. Fischer in Federal Court to… Read More »
Teacher with Multiple Sclerosis denied Service Dog in her own home.
Deborah Fisher lives with her husband Larry at Sabal Palm Condominiums in Broward County, Florida. Deb has lived at Sabal Palms for the past twelve years. She lives with Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. Deb’s multiple sclerosis affects her ability to walk and her fine motor skills. It progressed from walking with a limp,… Read More »
Accessible Equipment in Miami-Dade County Parks
Eliminating barriers and promoting inclusion at Miami-Dade County Parks By: Rachel Goldstein As a fellow for the University of Miami Mailman Center for Child Development’s 2013-2014 Emerging Transformational Leadership Program (“ETLP”), I am working with other professionals in the Disability Rights Community to transform systems of care for individuals with disabilities. Our goal… Read More »
The Disability of Relativity – By Chris Stein
I’m often asked what it’s like to be disabled. At first, what appeared to be a very complex question is actually quite simple. Asking me what it’s like to live in a chair is no different than asking me what it’s like to live period. It’s easy; it’s difficult. It’s happy; it’s sad. It’s… Read More »
Institutionalization of Medically Complex Children
A.R. v. Dudek – the efforts to give children with disabilities the care they need. Florida has been home for approximately three thousand children with severe disabilities who require constant nursing care or supervision on a 24-hour per day basis to stay alive. These disabilities could be the result of a trauma, such as… Read More »
A veteran is permitted his support animal in his home
Litigation: Bhogaita v. Altamonte Springs Condominium Assoc. Ajit Bhogaita is a United States Air Force veteran who, like hundreds of thousands of other veterans, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (“PTSD”) As a result of his PTSD, Mr. Bhogaita attempted to take his own life, and then medicated with anti-depressants for his chronic depression and anxiety…. Read More »
The Mighty Equalizer – by Chris Stein
Inside a body askew, I ambulate electronically atop four wheels. Alone, I often draw stares as something would from the extra- terrestrial. However, while He prances gleefully by my side, His inviting allure draws a smile from even the most stoic of faces. While as organic as I, He exudes a spirit almost God-like… Read More »
