ECNV's Be in the Know: August 2024
Here is news of interest for the disability community!
August is National Immunization Month!
Immunizations protect us from serious diseases and keep our communities healthy. #NIAM
#DYK? The #Loudoun County Health Department offers adult & child immunizations by appointment only. Learn more about their immunization services
https://www.loudoun.gov/1561/Immunizations ››
Public Comment Opportunities
Artificial Intelligence and Disability
The U.S. Access Board is addressing equity and accessibility in AI and we want your input. This is your chance to help:
Establish opportunities that promote solidarity and relationship-building across disability and tech communities.
Identify and develop solutions to civil rights concerns, accessibility barriers, and AI risks.
Access information and resources to promote safe, equitable, and accessible AI.
Submit your written public comments by August 31, 2024. Let's shape the future of AI together!
Advocacy is needed for the following amendments:
Amendment 4:
Officially makes parents allowed to be paid caregivers
Keeps objective written documentation for all live-in attendant.
Removes respite for all consumers
Limits LRI attendants to 40 hours/week
Amendment 6:
Removes degree requirement as job requirement
allows service facilitation providers to hire a more diverse staff. This will help close the staffing gaps and ensure adequate service.
This notice informs interested parties that a 30-day public comment period opened on August 6, 2024, and will close on September 5, 2024.
Public Comments are also accepted here and via the Arc of VA.
Disability Voting Rights Week is Coming!
Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW) is a nonpartisan movement hosted by the American Association of People with Disabilities and REVUp, to encourage persons with disabilities to vote. This year's Disability Voting Rights Week (DVRW) will be on September 9 - September 13, 2024!
Vote.gov is More Accessible!
Exciting News! The new, more accessible vote.gov is live! Available in 21 languages, it provides info on voter registration, deadlines, and voting rules. Make your voice heard! #Vote2024 #AccessibleVoting #OneVoteNow
Let's RISE!
Let’s RISE is a CDC initiative to provide actionable strategies, resources, and data to support getting all Americans back on-schedule with their routine immunizations to protect everyone from vaccine-preventable disease and disability.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the CDC saw a concerning drop in routine immunizations for children and adults. Routine vaccination is rebounding but unevenly and has not yet recovered among all groups. Many children and adults that delayed vaccination during the pandemic are still behind schedule. It is crucial that we take steps to help get everyone back on schedule with their routine immunizations.
Learn More about Let’s RISE ››
ACL Vaccination Resources
Vaccinations help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the severity of illness for those who get sick from the virus. Staying up-to-date on vaccinations is the most important thing we all can do to protect ourselves from serious illness due to COVID-19. It’s particularly crucial for older adults and people with disabilities.
Arc of NoVA Recruiting Social Media Ambassadors!
The Arc of Northern Virginia is seeking outgoing and enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about their mission and can effectively communicate their message on social media. Benefits include enhancing your digital skills, building your resume, gaining professional experience, free participation in many of our events, and free giveaways. Apply today to join as a Social Media Ambassador!
SI’s User Expert Advisory Group Seeks Persons with Disabilities
The Smithsonian Institution’s User Expert Advisory Group is seeking persons with disabilities who have developed expertise by means of their lived experience in dealing with the challenges of the environment due to a physical, sensory or cognitive functional limitation. The user experts review the usability and accessibility of physical environments, museum exhibitions, public programs, technologies, and services at Smithsonian Institution museums.
If you are interested in being a part of Access Smithsonian's User Expert Advisory Group, please email access@si.edu or call 202-633-2921.
Autism Acceptance in Schools
This year, the Organization for Autism Research is partnering with school districts nationwide to promote autism acceptance.
Discover how their program has helped students develop positive relationships with their autistic peers and learn how you can implement the program within your district.
Arc of Loudoun's Open Learning Center for Preschool and Daycare
Open Door Learning Center is a Childcare Subsidy Provider through the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Child Care Subsidy Program assists families in paying childcare costs. If you are eligible and are approved for services, the Subsidy Program can pay a portion of your childcare costs directly to Open Door Learning Center.
Apply Online for ARC of Loudoun››
Arc of United States Partnering with AT&T
The Arc of the United States is partnering with AT&T to bring free, accessible digital skills training to communities across the country. Want to boost your tech skills?
Find a chapter near you that will soon be offering training.
Let's make technology work for all of us!
Deaf Seniors Stay Connected this Summer!
Dates: Mondays, May 6 to August 26
Time: 7 - 8 PM
Weekly online chats, hosted by a Deaf facilitator, for Deaf senior citizens and students of ASL who have at least intermediate level ASL skills. These hosted chats are casual, inclusive and supportive!
Register to join Deaf Seniors Stay Connected. Contact Barbara Eger-Klatt if you have questions.
Download Flyer ››
The Springfield Community Business Center (CBC) Commuter Parking Garage Opening in September!
The Springfield Community Business Center (CBC) Commuter Parking Garage will finally open in September! Routes that will use this facility: 321, 322, 396, 393, 494, 310 & Metrobus 18G & 18P stop on Old Keene Mill Rd. at Spring Rd.
Research Study Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities
Online Image Survey on Sidewalk Accessibility
Mobility aid users, ready for a research study about how people who use mobility devices perceive different sidewalk barriers? Join Project Sidewalk and share your experiences with accessibility!
Fill out this screening form.
Your responses will be used to create personalized routing and map features for people who use mobility devices. For any questions please email chuchuli@cs.uw.edu.
VCU Seeking Parent Volunteers for Research Study
Who can participate? Caregivers of children and adolescents aged 7-17 years old with an autism diagnosis who live in New York or Virginia. VCU researchers are looking to learn more about suicide risk screening practices for youth on the autism spectrum, including caregiver experience and perspectives on screening autistic youth for suicide symptoms.
Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals Workplace Study
The Southwest ADA Center at TIRR Memorial Hermann is conducting a study on the workplace experiences of people with disabilities, aged 18 and up, who use service or emotional support animals. Participants will be interviewed by phone or Zoom, and do not have to answer questions they do not wish to answer. Information collected for this study will not contain identifiable information about participants or their employer.
For more details or to schedule an interview, contact Jocelyne Fajardo at Jocelyne.Fajardo@memorialhermann.org or call 713-797-7171.
MedStar Health Urinary Research Study
Does your bladder bug you?
Do you have a neurogenic/neuropathic bladder and use indwelling or intermittent catheterization for bladder management? If so, we would like to invite you to participate in a study using a probiotic to decrease urinary symptoms.
For more information, please contact: Chris Riegner christopher.r.riegner@medstar.net or call 202-877-1560
MedStar Health is looking for participants for a urinary symptoms study (#NCT05230511).
Events for Learning, New Opportunities and Advocacy
August 2024
Fall 2024-Winter 2025 Guidance for Older Adults and People with Disabilities, (virtual), 8/23/24, 11:00am - 12:00pm.
Long COVID and Employment Outcomes, (virtual), 8/29/24, 12:00pm - 1:00pm. Registration closes Thursday, August 22*
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