ECNV's Be in the Know: January 2024
Here is news of interest for the disability community!
January is National Mentoring Month
Each January, we come together as a community to ignite those passions and help turn those wildest dreams into reality with National Mentoring Month. By harnessing our collective voice, MENTOR advocates for mentorship, and legislative priorities, and raises awareness for how one conversation, one experience, and one mentor can change a young person’s life.
Join us for exciting opportunities all month long to grow the movement and celebrate the power of supportive and meaningful mentor relationships! Learn how you can participate by exploring MENTOR’s resources below and engage on social media using the hashtags #MentoringAmplifies and #MentoringMonth through January.
Other Important Dates
Wednesday, January 17, 2024 - International Mentoring Day!
Wednesday, January 24 - 26, 2024 - National Mentoring Summit
Wednesday, January 24, 2024 - Capitol Hill Day
Thursday, January 25, 2024 - Thank Your Mentor Day
January is Braille Literacy Month
January is Braille Literacy Month, in honor of the birthday of Louis Braille, who was born on January 4th, 1809. We now celebrate National World Braille Day on January 4th in honor of his legacy.
What is Braille Literacy?
Braille literacy refers to the ability to read and write using braille, a tactile system developed by Louis Braille in the early 19th century. It consists of raised dots arranged in specific patterns, representing letters, numbers, punctuation, and even musical notations. Braille provides a means of communication and access to information for people who are blind.
Why is Braille Literacy important?
Braille literacy empowers people with blindness to access written information on their own. It opens doors to education, employment, and personal growth, enabling braille readers to participate fully in society. Mastering braille means improving communication skills, expanding knowledge, and pursuing dreams.
Braille on Demand Program at the Library of Congress
Did you know the National Library of Congress has a Braille on Demand program? If you’re a National Library Service patron and braille reader, NLS can help you have your favorites at your fingertips. Through their Braille-on-Demand program, you can request up to five books a month in hardcopy braille to keep indefinitely for your personal use. Choose from any of the tens of thousands of braille titles available on BARD, the NLS Braille and Audio Reading Download website.
To request a Braille-on-Demand book, use the NLS Braille on Demand Request Form External. You may complete the form yourself or contact your network library or Ask an NLS Librarian for assistance.
If you have questions about Braille-on-Demand, email brailleondemand@loc.gov.
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) Aspiring Leaders Internship Program
The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS), supported by the National Library for the Blind Endowment, offers a paid internship to individuals who are legally blind the opportunity to gain work experience and explore career options working in the areas of collections building, program delivery, and business oversight and management. Application details can be found at www.loc.gov/nls/about/internship-program. The deadline for the Summer 2024 session is March 1, 2024. All interns will work remotely.
Please send your questions concerning the Internship Program to NLSInternships@loc.gov.
WMATA’s Accessibility Advisory Committee
WMATA’s Accessibility Advisory Committee was created to address the needs of senior citizens and people with disabilities. Their efforts have resulted in numerous service upgrades including the addition of:
barriers between rail cars to alert customers who are blind or have low vision of the space between the rail cars and
gap reducers, which make it easier for customers who use wheelchairs to board Metrorail trains.
The committee meets monthly virtually and is open to all who wish to attend. See WMATA’s website for more details about the 2024 schedule.
The Arc of Northern Virginia Advocacy Day in Richmond - 2/6/24
On Tuesday, February 6, 2024, the Arc of VA is going to the Virginia State Capitol, Richmond, for the 2024 Advocacy Day. Let lawmakers hear your stories directly so they can better understand the impact of changes in the law and budget on families with disabilities. Register now for a spot on the bus!
The bus departs 7:00am on February 6 and returns at 3:00pm.
New Virginia Laws for the New Year!
The New Year often means new Virginia laws going into effect. A new one is mandated coverage for hearing aids for minors.
Senate Bill 1003 was introduced by Senator Bill DeSteph (R) - Senate District 8 and required health insurers, maintenance organizations and corporations providing health care coverage to cover hearing aids and related services to children 18 or younger if an otolaryngologist recommends it.
The coverage includes one hearing aid per hearing-impaired ear, up to a cost of $1,500, every 24 months. The bill applies to policies, contracts, and plans delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on and after January 1, 2024.
The legislation passed both the Senate and House unanimously in February and was signed by Youngkin in March.
Early Voting in Virginia
2024 is a Presidential Year! Early (in-person) voting for the March 5, 2024 presidential primary election begins January 19, 2024. The last day to vote early is March 2, 2024. For information about in-person voting by county, visit the Virginia Department of Elections website.
Other Important Deadlines
Last day to register to vote or update existing registration: February 12, 2024
Last day to apply for a mail ballot: 5pm, February 23, 2024
Mail Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked on or before March 5, 2024 and received by 12 pm on March 8, 2024
FCC Announces Disability Advisory Committee Meeting
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, from 9:00 AM until approximately 12:00 PM ET. The DAC meeting will be held in the Commission Meeting Room at FCC Headquarters, located at 45 L Street, NE, Washington, DC 20554, and livestreamed on the FCC website.
Place Your Order for Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
Not feeling well after the holiday gatherings? Consider COVID-19 testing if you attended or plan to attend gatherings with individuals at higher risk for severe disease. Get a COVID-19 test for symptoms or exposure. ECNV serves as a supplier for individuals and organizations. For inquiries, please reach out to us at info@ecnv.org or you can get Free at-home tests from USPS.
COVID-19 vs. Flu vs. RSV: How to tell the difference between respiratory infections
A respiratory tract infection is an infection of the lungs, airways, sinuses, or throat. While respiratory infections occur year-round, there is a significant increase in these infections during the fall and winter months (cold and flu season) when people tend to spend more time inside.
During cold and flu season, it helps to know the common symptoms and how to avoid spreading illness to those around you. With the increasing cases of COVID-19, understanding the difference between common respiratory infections and your treatment options is even more important.
Differences Between the Flu, COVID-19 and RSV ››
MedStar Health Urinary Research Study
MedStar Health is looking for participants for a urinary symptoms study (#NCT05230511). Read more on their website.
Events for Learning, New Opportunities and Advocacy
January 2024
Families of Visually Impaired Individuals Support Group, (virtual), 1/17/24, 6:00pm.
Pregnancy and Physical Disability, (virtual), 1/18/24, 12:00pm.
Special Education Workshop: From Referral to Eligibility, (virtual), 1/24/24, 6:30pm.
Disability Health, Intersectionality + All of Us, (virtual), 1/24/24, 2:00pm.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Disability Advisory Committee Meeting, (virtual and in-person), 1/30/24, 9:00am, Commission Meeting Room at FCC Headquarters (45 L Street, NE, Washington, DC 20554).
