The Campaign for Disability Employment Awareness Videos Announced the Winners!

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Last month, The Campaign for Disability Employment  (CDE), which is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy, chose the winning videos for their contest entitled “What can YOU do”.

The contest was a nationwide one which challenged filmmakers to come up with a disability employment awareness video that reflects the diversity of skills that those with disabilities possess. Often times, individuals with disabilities skills are misconceived by employers.

The contest winners were selected in three categories including employer, youth and general public. Contestants were judged on originality, content, reflection of campaign themes and categories, production value, impact and accessibility.

The winner of the employer category is, Adam Dylewski of Washington, D.C., and the Chemists with Disabilities Committee of the American Chemical Society were recognized for their video, "Chemists with Disabilities: We All Can." The video, which features chemists with disabilities sharing the value and talent they bring to their industry, demonstrates ACS' leadership on the issue of disability employment and the benefits of fostering a work culture welcoming of the talents of all individuals, including workers with disabilities.

The winner of the youth category is Jake Johnson of Clarence, N.Y., for his video "What WILL You Do?" The video illustrates the importance of developing and reaching goals and believing in oneself.

Lastly, in the general public category, the winner was Dylan Johanson of Rosendale, N.Y., for his video "Challenge Your Assumptions." The video shares the true story of Margaret, a school cafeteria employee who helped a child who was choking, potentially saving her life. Margaret is a hard-working and valued employee who has a disability. 

CDE is encouraging everyone to watch these videos and to share them with your friends and family to spread awareness!

What do you think about the contest? Will you watch the videos and share with your friends? Let us know on ADA Lifestyles Facebook page linked here! 

Bill Set Out to Serve Small Businesses Who Are Being Threatened with Costly Lawsuits Regarding ADA Compliance

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The California state senate has recently passed a bipartisan bill that is aiming to protect small businesses from attorneys who demand quick settlement money under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This bill would require lawyers to give small businesses at least 30 days’ notice before suing for damages.

The bill is set out to serve those small businesses who are being threatened with costly lawsuits for failing to improve access for the disabled. 

 Lawmakers are trying to balance the civil rights of the disabled versus concerns about a growing predatory practice.The bill was passed on a 36-0 vote and will now move to Assembly. 

What are your thoughts about this bill being passed? Let us know on ADA Lifestyles Facebook page linked here!

Meeting ADA Guidelines in Danville, Illinois

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To meet the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act, city officials in Danville, Illinois, will be integrating many changes throughout the city. City officials are planning to resurface heavily traveled streets, fix pedestrian curb ramps and overlay streets.

The city has already begun to make several changes and will continue to do so.

To meet guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act, upgrades to pedestrian curb ramps will include ensuring that ramps don’t have too much vertical rise or that warning features like raised texture, are incorporated. 

A Robot Who Sense What a Stroke Victim Wants

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Fifteen years ago, Cathy Hutchinson suffered a stroke and hasn’t been able to do much on her own without the assistance of her caregiver, until now. Hutchinson allowed scientists to place a small chip on her motor cortex in 2005 that would allow for a robot to sense what she wanted.

Thanks to this new technology, Hutchinson was able to take a sip of her coffee by simply just thinking about doing so. The robotic prosthetic can be completely controlled by the mind and even more, can revolutionize how those individuals who are paralyzed interact and in any given environment.

Although the new technology has a long way to go and many alterations are still to be made, this is a great start. Researcher’s main concern is safety. Nature reported that seven people have received the implant and thus far, none of them have experienced any adverse side effects.

Researchers are extremely optimistic about the future and hold many plans in regard to this new technology. They’re hoping one day that they develop wireless systems that require no surgery at all and they’d also like to get rid of the robots altogether. Also, they want to help paralyzed individuals to use technology to move their own limbs again! 

US Department of Housing and Urban Development Announce Support for Extremely Low-Income Persons with Disabilities

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This week, it was announced by www.grants.gov that the  U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is allowing for $85 million available for state housing agencies to provide affordable supportive housing for extremely low-income persons with disabilities.

This project is aiming to help those individuals with disabilities live as independently as possible in a community which provides access and opportunity to do so. 

This is the first time that the U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 811 SupportiveHousing for Persons with Disabilities Program will be funding state housing agencies. All agencies must meet certain eligibility criteria which involves having a partnership with a state health and human services and Medicaid agency to provide essential support and service.

The Section 811 Project is aiming to serve 2,800 extremely low-income persons with disabilities. All who are entitled to be served by the project must apply for funding no later than July 31, 2012.

Walgreens Launches a National Initiative Called RETAIL EMPLOYEES w/ DISABILITIES INITIATIVE (REDI)

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Walgreens has launched a national initiative called Retail Employees with Disabilities Initiative or (REDI) to help create more job opportunities for people with disabilities. The company has based this initiative off their history of recognizing growing talent and ability through a greater diversity in the workplace.

The in-store training the company will aim to help those individuals with disabilities to gain retail and customer service skills as well as work closely with community organizations and vocational rehabilitation agencies to train and develop candidates. Walgreens has another similar initiative in their distribution centers (DC). 

This initiative involved having 10 percent of the workforce being made up of individuals with disabilities at all levels across all twenty of their DCs. Walgreens is hoping to have the same turnout with their new REDI initiative that they had in the past with DC. 


Phase one of REDI is scheduled to begin in parts of Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington and Wisconsin. Walgreens is hoping that REDI reaches all states by the end of 2013. Once a local Walgreens is identified for REDI, there is a four-week training program that must occur. 

This training program was developed to prepare candidates for employment in a Walgreens store, or any others retail setting that will require some of the same skills. Some of the responsibilities candidates will be taking on are cash register operations, customer service, merchandising, store inventory and maintain store signage and displays. Walgreens is a company that is committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and will continue to do so.

It's National Women's Health Week! 6 Screening's ALL Women Should Schedule!

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This week, May 13-19 is National Women’s Health Week. The purpose of this week is for women to take ownership and power over their health and make it a top priority. It also sets out to try and help women understand what preventive health measures they can take to remain in good health.

Here are some guidelines based on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society. Also, be sure to discuss all preventive health measures with your personal doctor!

1.      Heart Disease Screening. Your blood pressure should be checked at least every two years and even more frequently if you have high blood pressure. Also, yearly cholesterol tests are recommended for women starting at the age of 20.

2.      Colorectal Cancer Screening. Starting at the age of 50, women with no increased risk for colorectal cancer should begin screening, especially if there is a family history.

3.      Diabetes Screening. If you have high blood pressure, consider diabetes screening.

4.      Breast Cancer Screening. The American Cancer Society recommends clinical breast exam about every 3 years for women in their 20’s and 30’s and every year for women over the age of 40. Mammograms should begin yearly at age 40 and continue on for as long as a woman is in good health.

5.     Sexual health screening. Pap smears should be done every 3 years for women over the age of 21 or when they become sexually active. All women at increased risk or become pregnant should be tested for HIV.

6.    Osteoporosis Screening. Women over the age of 65 should get a bone mineral density test if you’re at increased risk.

A New Soccer Program for Children with Special Needs

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This fall, Fair Lawn All-Sports will collaborate with the Saddle Brook Soccer Association in offering a new soccer program for children with special needs. The program will be open to all Fair Lawn and Saddle Brook children with special needs between the ages of 5 and 16.

The program is set out to promote an active lifestyle for these children. It also intended to provide and give opportunities for children with special needs to participate in athletics in a safe, organized and non-competitive environment.

The league is scheduled to begin in September and will cost $35 per child. The cost includes a t-shirt, shin guards, a soccer ball, a trophy and an end of the year pizza party. 

Many people from these communities think this is a great idea and have many people supporting the new soccer league. They also have many individuals eager to help out and even coach! 

What do you think? Let us know on the ADA Lifestyles Facebook Wall, linked HERE.

Goodwill Industries International to host Virtual Career Fair

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Goodwill Industries International is the nation’s leading nonprofit provider of job placement and training programs for individuals with disabilities. They specialize for those who lack education, job experience or others who face challenges to finding employment.  

Goodwill Industries International will launch an inaugural vital career fair from May 7-10^th. The career fair will be sponsored by Cintas and hosted by Monster.com. The virtual career fair will complement Goodwill’s community-based career fairs, allowing employers around the United States and Canada to refine their recruiting strategies expand their candidate pools and serve individuals who may not be able to attend an “in-person” fair.

Goodwill has 165 member agencies throughout the United States and Canada. They help to create a variety of opportunities that help people gain and maintain valuable employment.

Check Out Our New Video!

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Check out ADA Lifestyles new video! Let us know what you think on our Facebook page, linked HERE. 

 

NARI Offers Some Tips for Home Improvements

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The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is offering some tips for any home improvement endeavors you may be thinking about doing! May is a great some of year for DIY home remodeling projects. It is also a time a year when home-buyers flood the market in search of affordable homes for sale.

Here are some tips from the experts!

• If you’re planning on selling your home soon or even in the future, NARI suggests enhancing your homes curb appeal. Some exterior improvements you can make are new roofing or siding. Interior upgrades can include something as simple as new kitchen tiles or paint.

• Also, adding energy-efficient home improvements are a great project to work on. NARI suggests that installing Energy Star approved appliances can make your home more eco-friendly and can save you money in the long run.

• It is also a good idea to look into renovating high-use areas in your home such as the kitchen or bathrooms. You can transform your kitchen or bathroom and add some life to outdated designs by changing the faucets, adding new countertops and installing new cabinets!

ADALifestyles is a member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme

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The National Disability Insurance Scheme is scheduled to start in July of next year. This scheme will serve about 10,000 severely disabled people, who will get money for their life-long care and support. 

Some of the populations that will be amongst the first to benefit from this are those with permanent disabilities such as paraplegics, cerebral palsy, autism, down syndrome and brain injuries.

This will give those individuals who are severely disabled the chance to have all of their care needs assessed by a government agency. It will also decide the financial aspects and support that that will be required for life and the money that is needed to do so.

Many are hoping this will end the cruelty and discrimination that some disabled individuals unfortunately face.

The NEW Employment First Policy

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Bill Byrne of Morristown New Jersey believes that his bosses at Delbarton- a boys prep school- took a chance on hiring him. He believes this because some places are scared and weary of hiring people with disabilities, him being one of those people.

Recently, Byrne attended a conference with Governor Chris Christie and First Lady Pat in Trenton to bring attention to the new Employment First policy. This policy is going to require each state government to remove any barriers or practices that might prevent people with physical, developmental and mental disabilities from holding a job. Fourteen states, including New Jersey, have already adopted this policy.

The Employment Policy also calls for dispatching the department of Human Services and Labor Workforce Developmental to encourage private sector employers to step up its hiring practices. According to the national labor statistics, currently, 69% of people between the ages of 16 and 65 hold a job and only 20% of people with disabilities are in the workforce altogether.

Global Positioning Systems & Security Cameras

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In an attempt to cut down on cases of abuse, New York State will begin placing monitoring security cameras in public vehicles used to transport people with developmental disabilities in Albany.

The security cameras along with Global Positioning Systems will be installed in state buses, vans and cars used to transport developmentally disabled people in the Albany area. The state hopes to expand the effort statewide within a month.

Placing these cameras in public transportation automobiles is just one step the Office of People With Disabilities is taking to limit the amount of abuse of the developmentally disabled. In the future, many hope that it will be required to install cameras in the common areas of all group homes for the developmentally disabled, as well as in public and private transportation buses, cars and vans.

Improving the Quality of Life for Our Clients

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At ADA Lifestyles, we are focused on improving the quality of life for our clients. We are passionate about creating an environment that will provide the most independent lifestyle for them. We strive to make it easy for clients to acquire, modify and develop living spaces for people with disabilities.

We provide design and building solutions for the physically challenged. Our goal is for safety, accessibility and independence for people in their apartment, home or office setting. 

We offer expertise across the entire metropolitan NY area to find, build, convert and develop existing houses, lots, apartments and indeed any residential space for clients with specific needs due to disabilities. Additionally, ADA Lifestyles and partners offer business access to suitable commercial real estate and consult on existing premises on ADA compliance and problem solving including physical therapy offices, professional medical buildings and restaurants.

ADA Lifestyles provides commercial, residential and hospitality architectural services from conception through completion of your custom project. Our services are more than just lines on paper. We rely heavily on universal design, illustrating the idea that all residential environments and products should be easily used and accessible by all members of the family. 

Products are usable regardless of age, size, physical or sensory abilities throughout their life, in their complete surrounding. We can make homes, apartments and office areas safer by incorporating the necessary architectural features and products for those with physical and sensory challenges. 

At ADA Lifestyle, we will work with your doctor, therapist and home care provider to coordinate the capabilities of the individual who is physically challenged. With this collaboration of information together we can design an environment that is attractive and provides safety, comfort and independence.

Furthermore, we know the DOB codes (including ANSI Standards, local codes, standards of HUD, Legislation by the Fair Housing Act as well as your Civil Rights,) and implement each of them; we sit down with you, survey your wants and needs and evaluate your surroundings; we design concepts and consult each idea alongside you; provide expediting services and provide job site progress and compliance evaluations. 

You can actually “experience” the many Universal Design features and products at our 1,800 square foot facility in Ardsley, NY. Call for an appointment to actually see, touch and use the various products and ideas presented on our website in an actual, physical home.

Check out our website, ADALifestyles.com, for more information on our services and mission, and be sure to LIKE us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter!

Reasonable Accommodation

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The following information was provided by ADA.gov. 

 

Q. What is "reasonable accommodation?"

A. Reasonable accommodation is any modification or adjustment to a job or the work environment that will enable a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the application process or to perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodation also includes adjustments to assure that a qualified individual with a disability has rights and privileges in employment equal to those of employees without disabilities.

Q. What are some of the accommodations applicants and employees may need?

A. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making existing facilities used by employees readily accessible to and usable by an individual with a disability; restructuring a job; modifying work schedules; acquiring or modifying equipment; providing qualified readers or interpreters; or appropriately modifying examinations, training, or other programs. Reasonable accommodation also may include reassigning a current employee to a vacant position for which the individual is qualified, if the person is unable to do the original job because of a disability even with an accommodation. However, there is no obligation to find a position for an applicant who is not qualified for the position sought. Employers are not required to lower quality or quantity standards as an accommodation; nor are they obligated to provide personal use items such as glasses or hearing aids.

The decision as to the appropriate accommodation must be based on the particular facts of each case. In selecting the particular type of reasonable accommodation to provide, the principal test is that o effectiveness, i.e., whether the accommodation will provide an opportunity for a person with a disability to achieve the same level of performance and to enjoy benefits equal to those of an average, similarly situated person without a disability. However, the accommodation does not have to ensure equal results or provide exactly the same benefits.

Q. When is an employer required to make a reasonable accommodation?

A. An employer is only required to accommodate a "known" disability of a qualified applicant or employee. The requirement generally will be triggered by a request from an individual with a disability, who frequently will be able to suggest an appropriate accommodation. Accommodations must be made on an individual basis, because the nature and extent of a disabling condition and the requirements of a job will vary in each case. If the individual does not request an accommodation, the employer is not obligated to provide one except where an individual's known disability impairs his/her ability to know of, or effectively communicate a need for, an accommodation that is obvious to the employer. If a person with a disability requests, but cannot suggest, an appropriate accommodation, the employer and the individual should work together to identify one. There are also many public and private resources that can provide assistance without cost.

Q. Must an employer modify existing facilities to make them accessible?

A. The employer's obligation under title I is to provide access for an individual applicant to participate in the job application process, and for an individual employee with a disability to perform the essential functions of his/her job, including access to a building, to the work site, to needed equipment, and to all facilities used by employees. For example, if an employee lounge is located in a place inaccessible to an employee using a wheelchair, the lounge might be modified or relocated, or comparable facilities might be provided in a location that would enable the individual to take a break with co-workers. The employer must provide such access unless it would cause an undue hardship.

Under title I, an employer s not required to make its existing facilities accessible until a particular applicant or employee with a particular disability needs an accommodation, and then the modifications should meet that individual's work needs. However, employers should consider initiating changes that will provide general accessibility, particularly for job applicants, since it is likely that people with disabilities will be applying for jobs. The employer does not have to make changes to provide access in places or facilities that will not be used by that individual for employment-related activities or benefits.

Contact ADA Lifestyles to help accommodate each and every one of yours and/or your employees needs. For more information, visit ADALifestyles.com. 

Universal Design

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Whether you’re getting older, ill, or have a physical disability, making your living or working environment practical and functional are two key ingredients in bringing forth an independent lifestyle.

Universal Design is a worldwide movement focusing on the idea that all residential environments and products should be easily used and accessible by all members of the family. These products should be usable regardless of age, size, physical or sensory abilities throughout life.

When Universal Design is designed properly and constructed with the highest standards, it is virtually invisible.

If you’re interested in incorporating Universal Design into your home or workplace, contact ADA Lifestyles to assist you in your project. ADA Lifestyles is committed to providing products and services to assist the physically challenged community.

Disability Advocates of Delmarva Inc. Aims to Help People with Disabilities

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Disability Advocates of Delmarva Inc. (DADI) have accomplished so much since their start 11 years ago. DADI is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation that aims to help people with disabilities in as many ways as they can.

The program that has made DADI one of the best in the country is their scholarship program. This program is for graduating high school seniors with disabilities. The scholarship grants each individual $1,000 per semester up until their graduation.

With any funds left over, the corporation has helped fund community college students, trade school students and even pay for books and lab fees per semester to other students. DADI has been recognized as the top group of their kind in Maryland, and one of the top 10 groups in the nation for a rural area. The corporation has also created a jobs program for people with disabilities.

DADI is looking to expand their group with the addition of people in businesses, public education, scholarships, local government and elected officials, fundraising and public information.

Teen Helps Those with Special Needs!

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18 year old Michael Quesnell, senior at Kimberly High School will be receiving the 2012 Youth Scholarship Award at the 15^th annual celebrating our volunteer’s gala on April 17^th at the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in downtown Appleton. 

Quesnell will be recognized for a sophomore leadership class project on initiating change to his volunteer efforts which revolved around helping those with special needs. His interest in this cause began when he realized he wanted to help with the Special Olympics and promote respect for people with disabilities. It was then he came across the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign, which is an initiative of the Special Olympics. This campaign promotes awareness to society about dehumanizing and using hurtful words about those individuals who are disabled. 

To help spread awareness, Quesnell had 800 students at his high school sign a pledge and even interviewed Green Bay Packer AJ Hawk to help promote this event.  Quesnell also organized a free Homecoming dance for individuals of all ages from different organization and special education programs in the area. He also organized a basketball game between two youth Special Olympic teams as well as students from his high school.  

When Quesnell was asked why he does this his answer was “just seeing the smile and the laughter, you can physically tell you are making a tangible difference.” Quesnell believes that this is his prime time to make a difference because he is surrounded by his peers and is able to effectively spread the word and raise awareness for an amazing cause. 

ADA Lifestyles was created to provide products and services to the physically challenged community. The company is focused on improving the quality of life of their clients and is passionate about creating an environment that will provide a safe and independent lifestyle.

Adaptive Sports Expand for People with Disabilities

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Sports are continuing to expand for people with disabilities. Because more disabled people are eager to get involved, access and variety are continuing to increase. A new bike was designed specifically for a 13-year-old boy Josh Silvern to overcome his disability with balance.

The new bike is extremely stable because of the wheels and its accommodating seat promises the individual to be at a high degree of independence and mobility that has been impossible before.

This new bicycle that is designed for better balance is a Hallmark in the movement to help disabled people to be physically active. Wheelchair basketball is one of the many sports available for disabled people that have been modified with equipment so that disabled people can experience the sport.

The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability leads in research and advocacy for the field. Also, the Americans With Disabilities Act is working on improving access but not all sports facilities are cooperating and complying with the guidelines that have been set.