Disability Rights Florida Blog (employment_the_road_less_traveled_by)
Highlighting Black Floridians with Disabilities
Thursday, February 18, 2021
We are highlighting Black Floridians with disabilities during Black History Month. Our first two are Robert E. Streater III and Malcolm Harris-Gowdie.
The Impact of Weight Stigma on Mental Health
Tuesday, February 09, 2021
Our society’s judgments and prejudices about body size can play a major role in our relationships with food and body. Worrying about weight and body size is a main element of many eating disorders, including Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder. Many people engage in disordered eating behaviors to attempt to alter the size of their body to conform to societal ideals.
Deck the calls: Seek creative connections this holiday season
Monday, December 14, 2020
Many of us look forward to the last few months of the year in anticipation of warm family gatherings, festive celebrations and cherished religious traditions. Unfortunately, this year has been anything but a typical year.
The 45th Anniversary of the IDEA: Meaningful Educational Progress, Not Just Entry to School
Sunday, November 29, 2020
As this is the 45th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), I have been thinking about how this law has impacted the lives of the students with disabilities I have advocated for over the past 20+ years. I have had the pleasure of watching students who previously struggled receive the appropriate supports and services they need to progress, graduate, and move on to college, vocational training, and employment. But even with this law there is still one major barrier to overcome.
An IDEA about a Firm Foundation for your Future
Friday, November 20, 2020
When President Ford signed the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142), later known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), in 1975, all children were given access to the public school system to receive a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. From that time forward, students with disabilities had the right to receive an education with their non-disabled peers with all the same resources, teachers, and classrooms.
Services for Veterans with Disabilities? Yes, We Do That!
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Americans have come a long way since the Vietnam Era in their efforts to thank and recognize our brave soldiers when they return home. But when our service members transition permanently from the military back to civilian life, and the welcome home parades and parties are over, oftentimes so too is the vital support they need to be successful.
Assistive Tech in Your Pocket
Tuesday, November 03, 2020
While there are still times when a dedicated assistive technology (AT) device is necessary or recommended, the rise of the smartphone and tablet age has changed the way we look at AT. Often there is an app for less than $100 that can do the same or similar job as a multi-thousand-dollar dedicated device, which makes approvals and delays much less of a factor. And one device, such as a $500 tablet, can provide a number of functions that would have taken several dedicated devices to accomplish in the past.
Richie’s Journey to Employment and Independence
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Please enjoy this blog post by Ilene Greenberg, mother of Richie, as she relays his journey to employment and independence.
Brady’s Employment Story
Thursday, October 22, 2020
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). We continue to recognize NDEAM with this blog post written by Julie Stern. Julie's son, Brady, is on a path to employment and we are fortunate to share his story with you.
Employment: The Road Less Traveled by…
Friday, October 09, 2020
I do not refer to employment as “the road less traveled” because I think that people with disabilities are intentionally not seeking employment. Nothing could be further from the truth, because people with disabilities want to work and seek work daily. Rather, it is the road less traveled due to low expectations, stigma, and systems that limit employment potential through arbitrary limits on income which can constitute a choice between working and literally living.
Transitioning and Succeeding in College for Students with Mental Illness
Tuesday, October 06, 2020
In thinking about the upcoming Mental Health Awareness Month, October 4-11, I wanted to offer some thoughts about the students entering into the postsecondary college settings. Over the past 30 odd years, I have worked in Disability Service offices for a community college, a private, liberal arts residential college, a research university, and a state college. The commonality of college students with mental illness, from my experience, is that they battle the stigma and seek understanding and acceptance. In my experience, the families of the student are seeking the same.
Public Input Survey Results and 2020 - 2021 Goals, Priorities, and Objectives
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
Earlier this month, Disability Rights Florida’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the organization’s proposed Goals, Priorities and Objectives (GPOs). A total of 1,344 responses were collected from this year’s survey, which was administered over an eleven-week period from June to August through largely electronic channels. Each year these surveying and policy-setting efforts help to ensure that DRF receives vital public feedback regarding the range of activities and intervention strategies that are allowable under the organization’s nine federal grants.
Are You Prepared for an Emergency?
Friday, August 07, 2020
We encourage preparedness because disaster zones are chaotic! The more preparation prior to an emergency, the less chaos and stress. Getting prepared can also be stressful. There are so many things to think about. Having the answers to your questions ahead of time can decrease stress and possibly save lives.
Florida Counties COVID-19 School Reopening Plan Information
Monday, August 03, 2020
With the new school year rapidly approaching and the unpredictable and ongoing impact COVID-19 has on education, Disability Rights Florida reached out to every school district in the state to gather information about their school re-opening plans.
Impressions of the ADA: Olivia Babis
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Olivia Babis discusses her personal connection with the ADA and how her life has changed over the years since its inception.