Disability Rights Florida Blog (impressions_of_the_ada_olivia_babis)
The Power of the Fair Housing Act: Assisting People with Mental Illness
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
A woman has just been mugged and it has caused her to experience symptoms of her PTSD. She shouts at her apartment manager - “I’m going to burn the office down!” Every room in a woman’s apartment is full to the ceiling with clothes, crafts, and magazines. Only a narrow path remains for walking. A man is wandering around his apartment complex, shouting at people nobody else can see. Each of these people faced eviction and homelessness as the result of symptoms of their mental illness.
Mental Health Awareness Month and Tardive Dyskinesia
Tuesday, May 04, 2021
This May Disability Rights Florida is observing our nation’s 72nd Mental Health Awareness Month. This year’s observation is especially important as we recognize how COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted individuals living with mental illness, as well as the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of millions of individuals worldwide. We begin with a week of special awareness for Tardive Dyskinesia (TD), one of the most serious and stigmatizing side effects of antipsychotic medications used to treat mental illness.
The Tail of Two Animals: Service Animals vs Emotional Support Animals
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Guide dogs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), along with all service animals who perform other vital tasks. Let's talk about the difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal, your legal rights when you own a service animal, and what to do when your rights are violated.
Making My Own Decisions Is Important to Me
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
I have a disability in which I have low vision and I only can see centrally from my left eye. My disability not only has to do with my vision, but also in my way of perceiving and making decisions. I use a system called Supported Decision-Making (SDM). How I define Supported Decision-Making is when you have family or friends who help you decide. They can give you perspective on the pros and cons, but the idea is still to ultimately make the decision on your own.
DRF Focusing on Priority Disability Issues During 2021 Legislative Session
Tuesday, March 02, 2021
As the 2021 Regular Session of the Florida Legislature begins today, Florida lawmakers will gather for the first time since the full scope and magnitude of the COVID-19 public health crisis came into focus a year ago. Each year, Disability Rights Florida publishes its legislative priorities to guide its policy education and advocacy efforts. We strive to cover a broad range of issues important to people with disabilities in our state.
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.