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  • mike
  • May, Tue, 2013
News

Germany-based Software Company SAP is Recruiting Employees with Autism

A worldwide software company, originally based out of Germany, says it will recruit individuals with Autism “for jobs as software testers, programmers, and data quality assurance specialists”.

SAP conducted a pilot program in India where six individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder were employed as software testers, and the company says that the program resulted in increased productivity for that department. SAP is partnering with Specialisterne, a Danish company that assists individuals with autism in finding placement in the technology arena, and will expand the pilot program to Ireland, United States, Canada, and Germany this year.

Information courtesy of Michelle Diament of Disability Scoop (May 23, 2013).

For more information and to view the original article, visit: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2013/05/23/tech-giant-recruit-autism/18012/

  • mike
  • May, Tue, 2013
News

A Housing Crisis on the Horizon for Individuals with Disabilities?

A new report from the Technical Assistance Collaborative and the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities shows that, on average, individuals with disabilities would need to use more than 100% of their Supplemental Security Income to rent a one-bedroom apartment today. Though costs vary across the country, the study found that even the smallest apartment took up at least 60% of an individual’s monthly SSI check, and even the costs of some studio apartments accounted for more than 90% of a person’s monthly SSI check.

Over the past few years, housing has become increasingly more expensive for everyone. But housing has become especially unaffordable for those individuals on fixed incomes. According the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, housing is considered affordable when it takes up 30% or less of a person’s income. Because of the unavailability of affordable housing, more than two million individuals with disabilities are living with their parents, at homeless shelters, or in group homes and other institutions.

“Having a safe place to call home is a basic human right and we have a responsibility to ensure [that] individuals with disabilities are given the chance to find a home in the community they choose,” – Peter Berns, CEO of The Arc. Berns and other advocates urge Congress and other groups to rise to action and to expand housing assistance for individuals with disabilities.

Information courtesy of Michelle Diament, of Disability Scoop (May 24, 2013). View the original article here: http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2013/05/24/study-housing-crisis/18019/

  • mike
  • May, Thu, 2013
News

DSM – 5 Changes for Autism

Asperger’s disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD) have been removed from the 5th and latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual. These once distinct diagnoses have been encompassed in the main diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Also included in the new version are stricter guidelines for diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. The new criteria will require “more consistent social and communicative difficulties, as well as more of what are called “repetitive and restrictive behaviors”, as well as a diagnosis using three severity levels.” (Beth Greenfield, Shine).

David Kupfer, chair of the DSM-5 task force, states that “[t]his spectrum will allow clinicians to account for the variations in symptoms and behaviors from person to person.” However, many parents are worried about how many children will lose their “labels”. James McPartland, professor at the Yale Child Study Center, says that “[I]t’s not known what will happen to people who no longer meet criteria for autism in terms of services and care.” They may no longer qualify for assistance or benefits under an autism spectrum diagnosis.

The DSM-5 also comes with a new diagnosis – Social Communication Disorder. But, while social communication deficits are one aspect of autism spectrum disorder, “it’s unclear  what the impact would be” because there is no protocol for how to deal with this diagnosis. How will insurance companies respond? “The DSM is the qualifier for services through the state,  Medicaid, SSI – that diagnosis is the first thing they look for,” says Holly Bortfield of the nonprofit Talk About Curing Autism. “[T]here’s no curriculum… therapy wouldn’t be covered by insurance.” (Bortfield is the parent of a 17 year-old son with autism and a 19 year-old daughter diagnosed with Asperger’s).

Kupfer states that “[a]nyone accurately diagnosed with autistic disorder, Asperger’s disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, or pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified using DSM-IV should still meet the criteria for ASD or another DSM-5 diagnosis.” But, according to a 2012 study performed by the Yale Child Study Center, 25% of individuals diagnosed with autism and 75% of individuals diagnosed with Asperger’s or PDD-NOS would not meet the new guidelines under the DSM-5.

While many are worried about what the new DSM-5 guidelines mean, others are confident that individuals with these kinds of diagnoses will still be covered. James Ball, author of “Early Intervention and Autism: Real-Life Questions, Real-Life Answers,” believes that the new DMS-5 will actually be “more inclusive of people, because it’s not going to make all these separations.”

What do you think the new DSM-5 means for individuals with a previous autism, CDD, or PDD-NOS diagnosis?

Information courtesy of Yahoo! Shine article “How Will the New Definition of Autism in DSM-5 Affect Children? Parents, Advocates Anxious Over Changes.” By Beth Greenfield. View the original article here: http://shine.yahoo.com/parenting/how-will-the-new-definition-of-autism-in-dsm-5-affect-children–parents–advocates-anxious-over-changes–152353760.html#!eBGlH

  • mike
  • May, Mon, 2013
Community , News

Mississippi Angels Pageant

A pageant for anyone with special needs.

Saturday, November 9th Starting at 2pm
Magnolia Civic Center 127 East Bankhead Street New Albany, MS 38652
Anyone with special needs is invited to participate. Any age from 0-105 are welcome.

Hair and makeup will be provided. Pageant wear or Sunday best is requested, but not required.

Contact Information :
Julie Bogue
Email: jlbogue@yahoo.com
Phone or text: 662-507-9950
  • mike
  • Apr, Tue, 2013
Community , News

Official Ribbon Cutting Party for the Disability Connection Community Playground

Disability-Con                     

YOU’RE INVITED TO COME AND CELEBRATE ACCESSIBLE PLAY!

Ribbon Cutting Party for the Disability Connection Community Playground

Friday, May 10th, 11am to 1pm at the Bruce Ladner Memorial Park off Highway 53,

 just west of Highway 49, Gulfport in Harrison County.

Join Disability Connection for light refreshments, art, music, dancing, and more as we celebrate the official grand opening of the Disability Connection Community Playground, Harrison County’s first fully-accessible playground.
The event is open to the public, but Disability Connection appreciates an RSVP for planning purposes. Come celebrate accessible play and bring your own bagged lunch!

THE DISABILITY CONNECTION COMMUNITY PLAYGROUND
A variety of specialized equipment designed for everyone to play, a lighted walking track, benches, accessible bathrooms, shade, and ample parking.

“…We enthusiastically recommend…the Disability Connection Community Playground. I…understand the value that Disability Connection is to the communities of South Mississippi…” Phil Bryant, Governor of Mississippi.

The Community Playground is brought to you by:

Harrison County Board of Supervisors, IP Casino Resort Spa, Brown, Mitchell & Alexander, INC., Kaboom!, Playscapes of Mississippi, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Biloxi, and Best Buy.

  • mike
  • Mar, Tue, 2013
Community , News

Gulf Coast Human Resource Association Chapter Scholarship

To help finance higher education for gulf coast students, GCHRA will offer a scholarship to students pursuing a four year degree at an accredited college or university.

One (1) scholarship will be awarded annually. This year’s Chapter scholarship will be a $1000 scholarship awarded in the fall of 2013.

Qualified applicants must be:

 a resident of Jackson, Harrison, or Hancock County

 enrolled full time in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited college or university (preference given to majors of a Business or Human Resource related discipline)

 at least starting their junior year (college level) during the semester or term of the award

 have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA (Cumulative)

Applicants must submit all eligibility requirements and provide a completed application packet postmarked before May 15, 2013. Application packet includes:

1) scholarship application

2) resume

3) official transcript

4) cover letter

5) two (2) letters of recommendation from a teacher, or supervisor from a job or volunteer position

Selection criteria will be based on the applicant’s academic achievement, leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors and awards, work experience, statement of educational and career goals, recommendations, and cover letter. Preference will be given to active Student SHRM members and students pursuing degrees in a human resources related career field.

Mail to: Gulf Coast Human Resource Association, P.O. Box 3308, Gulfport, MS 39505

Scholarship Application can be found here.

  • mike
  • Feb, Mon, 2013
Community , News

Disaster Legal Services Available to Storm Survivors

Disaster Legal Services provides legal assistance to low‐income individuals who, as a result of the disaster, are unable to secure adequate legal services. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, through an agreement with the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association, provides free legal help for survivors of a presidentially declared major disaster if they are unable to pay.

Disaster legal assistance that local lawyers typically provide covers:

·         Help with insurance claims for doctor and hospital bills, for loss of property, loss of life.

·         Drawing up new wills and other legal papers lost in the disaster.

·         Help with home repair contracts and contractors.

·         Advice on problems with landlords.

·         Preparing powers of attorney.

 The Young Lawyers Division of The Mississippi Bar has provided a toll free number, 877-691-6185, that is staffed Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. When staff steps away or during all other hours of the day, a caller may leave their name, and a good daytime contact number. A legal representative will return an applicant’s call as soon as possible.

Legal help in any area of law is only available if the legal issue is directly related to a declared major disaster. Disaster legal advice is limited to cases that will not require a fee.

– Information courtesy of FEMA – 770-220-5226

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

 FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

 

  • mike
  • Feb, Fri, 2013
Community , News

WebAIM Accessibility Surveys: Help improve the web for people with disabilities!

WebAIM (Accessibility In Mind) works with government, private and public organizations to make their Web content more useful to people with disabilities. If you have ten minutes to spare, you can help make the web more accessible!

WebAIM has launched two surveys – a Survey of Users with Low Vision and a Survey of Users with Motor Disabilities. If you have a vision or motor disability that impacts your ability use a computer, please take a moment to answer the survey. Responses are due March 15.

Survey results will help web designers, developers, and standards bodies make the web more useful to everyone. For questions or more information, contact WebAIM here: http://webaim.org/contact/ .

– Courtesy of Mary Troupe, Just Advocacy of Mississippi

  • mike
  • Feb, Wed, 2013
Community , News

Disability Connection’s Celebration of Health was a Success!

Disability Connection hosted the first Celebration of Health on Friday, February 15th, at the Donal Snyder Community Center. The event was a huge success, with over 280 individuals in attendance. Thank you to all the community partners and event sponsors that made the Celebration of Health possible!

View the WLOX coverage of the Celebration of Health here.

 

  • mike
  • Feb, Thu, 2013
Community , News

Paper Federal Benefits Checks to Stop March 1st

By March 1, 2013, the Federal Government will only disperse electronic benefit payments.

If you receive Social Security, SSI, Veterans or other federal government benefits by check in the mail, you will have the option of having the money deposited directly in your savings or checking account, or onto a Direct Express debit Mastercard.

If you would like the debit card, do nothing. After March 1, you will automatically receive your payments on the card. If you prefer direct deposit, sign up at your local bank or credit union, or by calling (800) 333-1795. You can also sign up online at ttps://www.godirect.gov/gpw/index.gd .

Learn more about this change in your benefits at http://www.godirect.org/ .

– Thanks to JAM (Just Advocacy of Mississippi) –