UMass Memorial Health’s Post

This month we celebrate those with and bring awareness to those without disabilities. Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July to honor the disability community's history, achievements, experiences, and struggles. It marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark U.S. law that extended civil rights protections to people with disabilities. The colors on the Disability Pride flag (designed by Ann Magill, a writer with cerebral palsy in 2019) represent different aspects of disability or impairment: Red: Physical disabilities Yellow: Cognitive and intellectual disabilities White: Invisible and undiagnosed disabilities Blue: Mental health disabilities, such as anxiety and depression Green: Sensory perception disabilities, including the blind, deaf, and deaf-blind communities Gold: Neurodiversity

March is DD Awareness Month Wear orange Orange is a color symbolizing energy and positivity. It’s also the official color of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. One of the easiest ways to recognize DD Awareness Month is to invite your team to wear orange. So grab your orange attire, and let’s celebrate!  1987:  March is designated “National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month” 1990:  Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) signed into law, prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities in public life 2004:  Individuals with Disabilities Education Act reauthorized, ensuring that all children with disabilities have access to a “free appropriate public education” 2008:  ADA amended, making it easier for an individual seeking protection to establish that they have a disability 2014:  Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act was signed into law, helping individuals with disabilities gain access to employment, training, and support services

🌟#CSGJC is proud to support the Americans with Disabilities Act's (ADA) 34th anniversary. This landmark legislation has been instrumental in advancing the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities. Join us as we shine a spotlight on resources focused on improving outcomes for people with disabilities in the justice system. ✅ The Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP) funds innovative programs between justice entities and partnering behavioral health agencies. Watch our webinar to learn more on how they safely divert people away from the justice system while increasing access to behavioral health treatment. https://bit.ly/3SllzvO ✅ This brief highlights efforts across the country for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the criminal justice system to gain equal access and support. From screening tools to specialized court programs, learn how communities are striving for fairness and inclusivity. https://bit.ly/4cXe3j7 Together, we can build a system that supports every person's right to justice and dignity. #ADA34 #ADAAnniversary #InclusiveJustice

National Disability Independence Day is celebrated every year on July 26 to honor the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This landmark U.S. law, signed by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990, prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. The ADA ensures protection from employment discrimination and improves access to goods, services, workplaces, and communications for people with disabilities. The ADA and the world continue to change. Many of today’s brick-and-mortar businesses are ADA-compliant. With each advancement in technology, designers need to incorporate multifunctional approaches to fit every ability. If you are an employer or designer, consider how accessible your business is to people with disabilities. Give shout-outs to accessible businesses and organizations. You can also celebrate the freedom the ADA inspires with forward-thinking design and technology brought by the passing of the act.

Did you know that the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed by Congress on July 26th, 1990? “The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability just as other civil rights laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. The ADA guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to enjoy employment opportunities, purchase goods and services, and participate in state and local government programs,” (Source: ada.gov) Equal rights for all is of the utmost importance, and the ADA helps make that a reality for all people with disabilities. Much like the day the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence became our Independence Day, the day the ADA was signed is now known and celebrated as National Disability Independence Day. Everstand works hard to ensure that everyone in their care is treated fairly and equally. Whether the disabilities are visible or invisible, our programs and operating licenses focus on a broad spectrum of accommodations, including but not limited to: • Providing educational accommodations for youth who need them • Ensuring that transportation to any necessary appointments isn’t a barrier • Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health diagnoses • Making our programs and services as accessible as possible #Everstand #DisabilityIndependenceDay #AmericansWithDisabilitiesAct

July is #DisabilityPrideMonth, and this year marks the 34th anniversary of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This month is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in dismantling barriers and promoting accessibility, while acknowledging the work that still needs to be done. We're highlighting 5 of our clients, partners, and friends doing great work in the #DisabilityInclusion and #Accessibility space that you should know about. 1) Our partners at Ablr 360 are breaking down accessibility and cultural barriers through digital accessibility audits, disability inclusion training, and workforce development programs that create pathways for employment for people with disabilities. 2) If you're local to the Triangle, NC, you should know about 321 Coffee, a coffee shop and roastery staffed by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 3) Our friends at Easterseals UCP North Carolina & Virginia provide disability, behavioral health and addiction treatment services to help our neighbors live their best lives. 4) TDM partner AbilityLinks is the leading web-based community for job seekers with disabilities, Veterans, and inclusive employers. 5) Gabi's - Powered by Special Abilities! provides workforce training, education, and other support programs to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to help them secure employment, contribute to society, and live a purposeful, rewarding life. Ready to learn how your organization can embrace Disability Pride Month, check out our guide linked in the comments below.

DISABILITY INDEPENDENCE DAY 7/26 National Disability Independence Day commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26th, 1990. National Disability Independence Day, celebrated annually on July 26th, commemorates the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the U.S. law prohibiting discrimination against those with disabilities. Although the ADA Act has helped millions of Americans with disabilities achieve equal treatment for disabled individuals, there are still barriers to public accommodation that corporations and business owners need to be aware of. Most importantly, the ADA does not just focus on facilities anymore. Desktop, tablet, apps, and mobile devices are all required to be accessible to everyone. LEARN MORE ABOUT - DISABILITY INDEPENDENCE DAY https://lnkd.in/gzwsATFy Sharon North Business Support Professional (VA) [email protected] To find out more about North Professionals Services - click the link below https://lnkd.in/dwK-bxyg

Disability in the work place. This is a big topic that affects us all. Disability is a reality for everyone as we age. Some insights and a call for input! Although these past few months have been a roller coaster, it’s given me the opportunity to do some deep reflecting, to think about how I can be a resource to others. What would you like to know and how can someone be a resource to you as a manager, business owner, employee with disabilities or loved one? I’ve learned about the Americans with Disabilities Act as a Board member for a Center for Independent Living, from my very first case that was substantiated by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and from working for a large Employee Assistance Program. I’ve also made multiple attempts to utilize ADA for protections in the work place and have experienced first hand how challenging this can be with “hidden disabilities.” What questions do you have about disabilities in the work place? How can we support each other to fight for continued progress towards, access, inclusion and equity in the work place?

Transitioning to adult health care is a big step for young people with disabilities, and it takes preparation and self-advocacy. On Wednesday, May 22nd at 1:00 PM ET, Got Transition will host an important webinar called Aging Out of Public Program Services: Barriers, Inequities, and Recommendations. The webinar will discuss eligibility and enrollment challenges, inequities, and impacts in Medicaid, CHIP, SSI, and Title V, as well as new and innovative policy and program recommendations. It will feature findings from a 5-state case study that focuses special attention on Black youth with disabilities, including intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eSsdCmEJ Check out Got Transition’s other resources here: https://lnkd.in/edm-vNyM CLASS (Community Living And Support Services), Evolve_Coaching, Autism Connection of PA, Achieva, Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership (PEAL) Center, The Pittsburgh Center for Autistic Advocacy, Disability Rights Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council, Pennsylvania Health Law Project

Reach out today for a free consultation! ADA, disability accommodations, work place mental health and disability struggles. Are you or do you know someone struggling with navigating work place accommodations for disabilities or acute/situational mental health challenges? Whether short term related to a situational mental health struggle or long term due to diagnoses causing impairments, conflicts and potential discrimination, Scott may be able to support! He is not an attorney, however, he has successfully advocated for himself and won a case against a large public employer. He also is well versed in the ADA, worked for an employee assistance program consulting with employees on their cases and is a certified peer support specialist with 15 years of experience in behavioral health. What Spicer's Consulting can offer: - individual provider consultations to offer resources, education and materials for a specific client or ongoing resources. - individual or family coaching and support to offer assistance with navigating a specific situation as well as ongoing 1:1s. - group presentations and educational sessions. Scott is open to new clients right now and can offer a free, no obligation 15 minute phone consultation. If we are a fit, I offer low hourly or pacakaged deal rates. Attorneys are expensive and it can often save a lot of time and money to receive lower cost support to utilize free and existing resources to mitigate a situation, prevent one from arising and access compassionate support to move forward, stay employed, get back to work etc. Feel free to PM this page, contact Scott through the website and share this with your contacts and clients. https://lnkd.in/g_6q4vf9