ECNV's Be in the Know: November 2023
Here is news of interest for the disability community!
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Celebrated on 12/03/23, this day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities ››
At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits Are Available Again
Every U.S. household may place an order to receive four free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to your home. Need help placing an order for your at-home tests? Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
The U.S. government will continue to make COVID-19 tests available to uninsured individuals and underserved communities through existing outreach programs.
Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL)
The Disability Information and Access Line (DIAL) helps people with disabilities get connected to information about local community resources that support independent living. Launched in 2021 to help people with disabilities access COVID-19 vaccinations, DIAL also provides information about essential services such as transportation, housing support, disability rights, and more. Speak with trained staff, Monday - Friday from 8:00am - 9:00pm EST.
MedStar Health Urinary Research Study
MedStar Health is looking for participants for a urinary symptoms study (#NCT05230511). Read more on their website.
New US Government Program: Helping States Increase Access to Housing-Related Services and Supports
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced the launch of the Housing and Services Partnership Accelerator, which will support states in developing or expanding innovative housing-related supports and services for Medicaid-eligible people with disabilities and older adults who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
The Plain Language Policy Dashboard
The Plain Language Policy Dashboard is a project of New Disabled South. The dashboard breaks down complex legislation into plain language, making it easier to understand and making it more accessible. Bills coming soon for Virginia!
Virginia Deaf Mentor Program
The VDDHH Deaf Mentor Project supports families with deaf and hard-of-hearing children from birth to age six and beyond. Deaf Mentors are trained in a research-based, family-centered, home-based curriculum, SKI-HI. The Mentors' goals are to support families through the teaching of American Sign Language and the sharing of their lived experiences as Deaf individuals. The Deaf Mentor Project is seeking Deaf Mentors in the areas of Blue Ridge, Roanoke, Richmond, Northern Virginia, Tidewater, and South-Central Virginia.
To qualify, you must be:
Deaf
Fluent in ASL
Able to pass a criminal background check
Have reliable transportation and valid driver's license
Have a passion to serve deaf children and families
Be available for mandatory SKI-HI Training
Be available during evenings and weekends.
Send your cover letter and resume to DeafMentor@vddhh.virginia.gov.
Arlington Neighborhood Streets Project Seeks Public Comments
Arlington has neighborhood streets that have challenges to building sidewalks, like insufficient right-of-way, topography, and parking demand. To help address known safety and access issues on these streets, the Neighborhood Complete Streets Program is considering piloting a Shared Street environment on three neighborhood streets using durable temporary materials.
The affected areas include:
12th Street South (Douglas Park)
South Lynn Street (Arlington Ridge)
North Wakefield Street (Bluemont)
Submit your public comment to Shared Street Pilot Projects. Comment Period closes Sunday, December 3, 2023.
US DOT Seeking Public Comments
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is considering whether to amend accessibility requirements for transportation facilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Submit your comments to the Federal Registrar. Comment Period closes on Friday, January 5, 2024.
Center for Chronic Illness
Center for Chronic Illness. CCI is a nonprofit organization located in Seattle, WA; but they connect with people from all over the country. CCI offers free, online support groups led by trained facilitators for individuals living with chronic illness. These support groups focus on emotional well-being, health education, and community for a population that often struggles to find community due to disability or being immunocompromised.
Events for Learning, New Opportunities and Advocacy
November
Returning to the Office – Accessible Hybrid meetings, (virtual), 11/28/23, 1:00pm - 2:30pm.
Sportable Chair Yoga, (virtual), 11/27/23, 4:00pm - 5:00pm.
Metro Comes to The Arc of Northern Virginia, (in-person), 11/28/23, 10:00am - 11:30am, The Arc of Northern Virginia, 3060 Williams Drive, Fairfax, VA 22031.
Mental Health in a Post-COVID World, (virtual), 11/29/23, 11:00am.
Going to College with a Personal Care Attendant, (virtual), 11/29/23, 11:00am.
Increasing Access for Voters with Disabilities, (virtual), 11/30/23, 3:00pm - 4:00pm.
December
ABLE Accounts and the ABLEnow Program, (virtual), 12/5/23, 11:00am - 12:00pm.
Black Deaf History: Navigating Colonized Spaces, (virtual), 12/5/23, 12:00pm - 1:30pm.
Women in Disabilities in Medicine: Illuminating the Pathway, (virtual), 12/5/23, 3:30pm - 5:00pm.
Introducing a Home Usability Peer Network, (virtual), 12/6/23, 3:00pm.
Medicaid Waivers in Virginia, (virtual and in-person), 12/6/23, 6:00pm.
Social Security Benefits for People with Disabilities (presented in Spanish), (virtual and in-person), 12/6/23, 3:00pm.
Options for Providing Decision-Making Support for Youth with I/DD Making Health Care Transitions, (virtual), 12/6/23, 4:00pm.
Disability and Long COVID, (virtual), 12/7/23, 12:30pm - 1:30pm.
Emergency Transportable Housing, (virtual), 12/7/23, 2:30pm - 4:00pm.
