VOLUME 26 NUMBER 9 MARCH 2021

ININ THISTHIS ISSUEISSUE LEADERS Commissioner Calise Updating Information AAPD Names Hearne Award Recipients On Vaccine Eligibility Page 2

DOH Sets Guidelines Wheelchair Users Granted Protections Page 3

Imparato On Biden Team Health Task Force To Look At Inequities Page 4

Medical Care Bias Report Finds Discrimination During Pandemic Page 4

S.I. Lawsuit Filed Challenging Segregation Elijah Armstrong Noor Pervez Of Students with Disabilities hrough the AAPD Paul G. The 2021 awards go to Eli- mann Award for Education Page 5 Hearne Emerging Lead- jah Armstrong and Noor Per- Activism. Ter Awards, the Ameri- vez. This will give monetary MTA Appoints Arroyo can Association of People with Elijah Armstrong awards to students who have Chief Accessibility Disabilities (AAPD) recognizes Armstrong is an activist experienced ableism in edu- Officer Named emerging leaders with disabil- from Jacksonville, Florida, who cation, while also driving a Page 7 ities who exemplify leadership, received his bachelor’s degree. conversation around ableism advocacy and dedication to the in education and public policy in education that is centered broader cross-disability com- from Penn State in 201, and around the experience of stu- munity. his masters of education poli- dents with disabilities. Two individuals each receive cy and management from the Armstrong has epilepsy and- $2,500 in recognition of their Harvard Graduate School of was denied accommodations in outstanding contributions and Education in 2020. high school he was thus mo- $7,500 to further a new or ex- With the funds from the tivated to prevent the same VISIT isting initiative that increases 2021 Paul G. Hearne Emerg- thing from happening to other ABLE’S the political and economic pow- ing Leader Award, Armstrong students. He founded Equal WEBSITE er of people with disabilities. is going to start the Judy Heu- Continued on page 16 WWW.ABLENEWS.COM "underlying conditions" as de 14, individuals with certain to lifeasnormal.AsofFeb. we move closer to returning • ingDownsyndrome mentaldisabilitiesinclud- • Intellectualanddevelop- pulmonarydiseases fibrosisand9/11-related pulmonaryfibrosis,cystic butnotlimitedtoheartfail- Hello everyone: Desk From TheCommissioner’s •Liver disease • supplytothebrain) fectsbloodvesselsand •Cerebrovascular disease(af- tus •Type 1or2diabetesmelli- semia •Sickle celldiseaseorthalas- •Pregnancy 40kg/m2) exofbetween30kg/m2and er),obesity(bodymassind- indexof40kg/m2orhigh- • Severeobesity(bodymass medicinesorothercauses otherimmuneweakening ofcorticosteroids,use munedeficiencies,HIV,use marrowtransplant,im- plantorfrombloodbone itedtosolidorgantrans- tem),includingbutnotlim- (weakenedimmunesys- • Immunocompromisedstate pressure) hypertension(highblood ease,cardiomyopathiesor ure,coronaryarterydis- pulmo obstructive (chronic COPD ingbutnotlimitedto • Pulmonarydisease,includ- • Chronickidneydisease sion,including911related) • the COVID-19vaccineare: State’s currenteligibilityfor tions that are included in the vaccine. pointment for the COVID-19 now eligibletomakean ap fined byNewYorkStateare conditions, youcanmakean based on the above underlying heimer'sdiseaseordementia ingbutnotlimitedtoAlz- ma(mod NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER - MARCH 2021 PAGE 2 Neurologic conditionsinclud- Heart conditions,including Cancer (currentorinremis- If you qualify for the vaccine The Underlying Condi With eachpassingmonth nary disease),asth- erate-to-severe), - - - health careprovider. are vaccinatedbyyourusual certify your condition if you to getavaccineinNYC. other proofofyourcondition not need a doctor’s note or in one place, MOPD has cre that youareeligible. sign or agree to an attestation the 2021GamesuntilJune County will be postponing our toppriority,Nassau our athletesandvolunteers with the health and safety of prevalence ofCOVID-19and Curran’s office. from CountyExec.Laura according toastatement be postponed again this year Physically Challengedwill pire State Games for the the linktoQ&Adocument. “Vaccine” category and select ability-coronavirus, expandthe this webpagevisitNYC.gov/dis ability Community.Toview Asked QuestionsbytheDis COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently ated a webpage dedicated to cess ofsigningup. accommodations and the pro munity aboutaccessibility, raised bythedisabilitycom ed, many questions have been tions. ing ifyouareeligible. checking thewebsiteandcall at thistime,butpleasedokeep appointments may be limited 4692). Pleasebeawarethat 1-877-VAX-4NYC (877-829- gov/covidvaccine or calling appointment by visiting nyc. the aboveunderlyingcondi must certifyyouhaveoneof vaccination appointment,you As eligibility has expand You mayberequiredto “Due tothecontinued The NassauCountyEm As manyofusarewait To keepalloftheanswers When youscheduleyour Games For The Physically Games For Physically The The Deadlineforthe April Issueof Challenged Postponed Specifically you’llneedto Able NewspaperWill BeMarch 9 You will ------critical time. and youradvocacyduringthis ingifyouareabletodoso • Wearamaskorfacecover- handsoften) • Keephandsclean(wash • Keepphysicaldistancing • Stayhomeifyouaresick the spread. the corefourprinciplestostop important thanevertofollow COVID-19 vaccine, it is more ing foreligibilitythe basketball andarchery. ming, table tennis, wheelchair including track&field,swim for Olympic-stylecompetition dren withdisabilitieseachyear gan in1985hosts1,100chil us againnextyear.” hope thateveryonewilljoin this greatprogramandwe their continuedsupportof utive’s statement. 2022,” said the County Exec Thank you for your support “We thankeveryonefor The annual event which be Commissioner Victor Calise Ciao, - - - - P.O. 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Period Postmaster: Send addresschangesto Able News United SpinalAssociation 516 939-2253FAX 516939-0540 Social MediaAssistance Furnished Upon Request Upon Furnished Beth Guarino(emerita) Technical Assistance Fannie Miele(emerita) ABLENEWSPAPER KarinFalconeKrieger Production Director Angela MieleMelledy Editorial Assistant Disabled inAction Art &Production Anthony Trocchia Melmont Printing Margaret Wenzel Office Manager Advertising Rates Advertising Jennifer Becker www.ablenews.com [email protected] Ann Imbrogno Staff Writers Published By Edith Prentiss Debbie Simko Louis Melledy Sofie Melledy Jim Weisman Allison Howe Accounting Columnists Pat Horwell Phil Beder Publisher - PAGE 3 MARCH 2021 - NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER ------ded- organization With respect to policies out They also requested rescind requested also They cialty drug tier, and weakens cialty drug tier, and weakens the distinction between educa tional and marketing events; and rescind the SUNSET rule, which puts an arbitrary expira tion date on almost all regula tions issued by HHS. side of Medicare, the organi to ensure zations urge HHS access to www.healthcare.gov, revoke changes to Medicaid Maintenance of Effort (MOE) requirements and restore Med icaid safeguards. ing provisions of the final 2021 ing provisions D rule, C & Medicare Part which, among other things, D further complicates the Part benefit by adding another spe care for those with longer term care for those and chronic conditions). York, agrees. “This is great great is “This agrees. York, who use for New Yorkers news in order to live wheelchairs their lives. The ability to trav- el outside one’s own home is an essential part of indepen- Medicaid this With dent living. more one taken update, we’ve people can all ensuring step in live their lives independently,” she said. not-for-profit ------The website was developed by a group of high P-TECH for school students at Hudson Valley BRIDGES, a community-based, peer-driven, cross-disability, icated to advocacy and leadership on behalf supports site The disabilities. with people of with mission to empower individuals BRIDGES’ decisions and to make autonomous disabilities lead an independent life. - different on Susan Dooha, executive di- executive Dooha, Susan They asked for a pause to They asked for a pause to To stop harmful and often To stop harmful and often chair user myself, I know first- myself, I know chair user in they are critical how hand everyday life, so these changes that all New York- ensure will mo- right the to access have ers of their bility aids regardless their level of ambulation inside home.” rector of the Center for Inde- pendence of the Disabled, New care Home Health Value-Based care Home Health Value-Based (HHVBP) Model Purchasing (which limits access to home jectivity in consumer tools thatjectivity in consumer have inappropri in recent years toward en ately steered people Advantagerollment in Medicare (MA) plans. part of their clude the actions as regulatory review process. Demonstration “Geo” New the Model and the Medicaid Man (MCO)- Organization Care aged based Direct Contracting Entity model; revise the Medicare Part D model that weakens the pro guarantee; classes drug tected Medi the of expansion suspend last-minute policies issued by last-minute policies issued the Administration, Trump the in advocates called on HHS to - - - - ratings provide scores BOCES Students Build Accessibility Website BOCES Students Build These

With respect to Medicare out “The updated Medicaid bility. - Val BOCES Hudson Rockland students of The have BRIDGES, ley P-TECH, in association with www.UAccessLife. website called a new launched spaces in org, which assigns a score to public accessi Rockland County based on and around accessibility features such as wheelchair access,as wheelchair accessibility features such various those with levels to noise and lighting disabilities. the problem. Together, they de- they the problem. Together, veloped recommendations that led to the new guidelines. help enable will guidelines with mobility dis- Yorkers New abilities to lead more indepen- com- Calise, Victor dent lives,” City York of the New missioner with People for Office Mayor’s said. “As a wheel- Disabilities, reach and enrollment, the advo cates requested HHS to launch Benefi the implementation of ciary Enrollment Notification SimplificationEligibility and ob guarantee and Act (BENES) earned Medicare benefits duringearned Medicare we urgethe COVID-19 pandemic, and strengthenHHS to reinstate EnrollmentMedicare COVID-19 those providedFlexibilities, like into Affordable Care Act plans Jan.issued Order Executive an to28; define “hospital inpatient” bycounteract the harm caused hospital “outpatient observation status;” implement Telehealth flexibilities concerning Speech to(SGDs), Devices Generation suchneed who people prevent devices from having to access in-person care. ------

Wheelchair Users Win DOH Protections From

ment of Health and Humanment of Health Acting Secre Services (HHS) n a letter to the U.S. Depart n a letter to the Sharifa Abu-Hamda, pres- Sharifa While the decision denying One man with cerebral pal- cerebral with man One For years, vague and con- vague and years, For A string of complaints from To ensure that all Medicare-el

The letter asked for simplify for asked letter The

Advocates Urge Biden to Take Action UrgeTake to Biden Advocates

(ICS) for a meeting to discuss Independence Care System sistive technology expert from tore and Jean Minkel, an as- tore and Jean Minkel, Medicaid Dir. Donna Fresca- Disability Rights, asked state ident of the Civics League for League Civics the of ident wheelchair. requested that he be provided a be provided requested that he seven months after his doctor after his months seven he needed, that process took needed, that process he eventually got the equipment versed at a fair hearing and he hearing at a fair versed lations. re- was the man a wheelchair not supported by current regu- not supported by current outside the home, a position not pay for wheelchairs for use for wheelchairs pay for not his insurer that his insurer Medicaid does outside his home was told by outside his needs a wheelchair to venture needs a wheelchair home with a walker but who a walker home with sy who is able to get around his get around to able is who sy disabilities stranded. son’s home, leaving many with leaving home, son’s needed for use outside a per- use needed for refuse to pay for wheelchairs for pay to refuse couraged insurance plans to couraged insurance State’s Medicaid law has en- has law State’s Medicaid flicting language in New York effect last month. led to new guidelines that took guidelines led to new appropriate to their needs has would not cover wheelchairs Medicaid insurance plans Medicaid insurance people with disabilities whose people with

igible individuals can access their letter stated. these improvements urgent, theurgent, improvements these review efforts. Looming dead lines and unmet needs make outreach and enrollment strat egies and increasing regulatory emergency, enhancing Medicare the COVID-19 public health ing Medicare transitions during and the Affordable Care Act. strengthen Medicare, Medicaid Administration to take action toAdministration to take action Center and the Center for Medi care Advocacy, urged the Biden Medicare beneficiary advocacy or Medicare beneficiary ganizations, the Medicare Rights tary Norris Cochran, two leading two Cochran, Norris tary I A Association ofPeoplewith abilities andtheAmerican of UniversityCentersonDis- executive oftheAssociation where heservedasthechief career inWashington,D.C., joined DRC after a 26-year last yearatDRC.Imparato vaccine prioritizationinthe crisis standardsofcareand spearheaded advocacyon ability rightslawyerhas Imparato said.Heisadis- Health EquityTaskForce,” the Biden-HarrisCOVID-19 President Biden to serve on bled tohavebeenselectedby NEW YORKinequities inthefuture. demic andfor preventing such ABLEcaused bytheCOVID-19pan- addressing healthinequities NEWSPAPERprovide recommendations for Smith. Thetaskforcewill chaired byMarcellaNunez- Health EquityTaskForce, the Biden-Harris COVID-19 - MARCHas non-federal members of nia, DRCisoneof12named 2021 PAGE 4 Imparato NamedTo BidenTask Force “I’m so honored and hum- Kew 11415Gardens, NY 400 Suite Kew80-02 Rd, Gardens Queens New York, NY 10003 841 Broadway, Suite 301 Manhattan of theDisabled,NY Center forIndependence • • • • • • • people withdisabilities… NY Connectscanhelp CID Find housing— Apply for benefits Medicare, and health insurance Get answers about Medicaid, Learn about supports in caregiving Find transportation— Understand care options— Remain independent • Learn housing options Learn about caregiver supports Discover transportation options Understand paths to care • ability RightsCalifor- utive directorofDis- ndrew Imparato,exec- NY Brooklyn, NY 11201 NY Brooklyn, 27 Smith St, #250 Disabled (BCID) Independence ofthe Brooklyn Centerfor Staten Island,Staten 10301 NY 56 Bay St, 4th Floor of StatenIsland(CHASI) Community HealthAction disorder. lived experiencewithbipolar perspective isinformedbyhis tion, LaborandPensions.His Committee onHealth,Educa- rector ontheU.S.Senate D-Iowa) disabilitypolicydi- He served as Tom Harkin’s, Disabilities. From2010-2013, tors and students; health children andyouth;educa- ant populations,including groups, andseveralimport- a rangeofracialandethnic backgrounds andexpertise, bers represent a diversity of and otherfactors. orientation, gender identity geography, disability,sexual ly evidentbyrace,ethnicity, These inequitieswerequick- mortality begantoemerge. cases, hospitalizationsand States, disparitiesintesting, first identifiedintheUnited Shortly afterCOVID-19was most vulnerablecommunities. tionate impactonsomeofthe try, it has had a dispropor- continues toplaguethecoun- Call 1-844- Call Conne NY The twelvetaskforcemem- As theCOVID-19pandemic cts can help!cts 1-800-342-9871 Locations andPartners 862-7930 Bronx, NY 10457 NY Bronx, 4419 Third Ave, #2C Living Services(BILS) Bronx Independent Services andSupports Your LinktoLongTerm NY Connects nate againstmarginalizedin- and howtheymaydiscrimi- by statesandhospitalsystems of carepoliciesimplemented planation ofcrisisstandards ceive treatment. critically illpatientsshouldre- make decisions about which quences when hospitals must conse- biases canhavedeadly al. Duringthispandemic,these sions andlikelihoodofsurviv- communicate andmakedeci- ue, quality oflife, capacity to assumptions abouttheir val- ative biasesandinaccurate people ofcolorinhospitalcare. as Black, Indigenous and other higher weight people,aswell with disabilities, older adults, crimination againstpeople may perpetuatemedicaldis- how crisis standards ofcare report explores and addresses sources to serve everyone. The when there arenotenough re- ceive priorityfortreatment used todecidewhoshouldre- Against COVID-19Patients.” tional Medical Discrimination of CareMayLeadtoIntersec- ining HowCrisisStandards released a new report –Exam- groups andlegalscholars, have unions. and Tribalgovernments; nities; state,local,territorial, health experts;ruralcommu- LGBTQ+ individuals;public individuals withdisabilities; care providers;immigrants; The reportprovidesanex- Many facepervasiveneg- Crisis standardsofcareare A coalition ofcivil rights Report Shows Medical Report Bias DuringPandemic abled Black,Indigenousand long discarded the lives of dis- decision-making process.” from seepingintothemedical prevent biasandstereotypes riety ofstakeholdersonhowto this reportwilleducateava- pandemic andwehopethat with disabilities during this to advocateforindividuals Arc. “TheArchasworkedhard said Peter Berns, CEO of the dividuals andcommunities,” the livesofmarginalizedin- medical biasesthatthreaten uities anddeeplyentrenched lighted existinghealthineq- garding thevalueoftheirlives. who expressedclearbiasesre- ing treatment by physicians who weredeniedlife-sustain- with significantdisabilities, ah McSweeney,awhitewoman multiple disabilities, and Sar- son, a Black father of five with the deathsofMichaelHick- future. Thereporthighlights during the pandemic or in the standards do not discriminate strategies toensurethatcrisis framework; andrecommended the relevant civil rights legal ply to prevent discrimination; the principlesthatshouldap- dividuals andcommunities; er underservedpopulations. communities of color and oth- data shortfalls regarding a long-termplantoaddress collection anduse,aswell clude effortstoimprovedata ditional recommendationsin- the federal government. Ad- cultural proficiencywithin populations, andimproving to underservedandminority outreach andcommunication and relieffunds,effective tion ofCOVID-19resources dations onequitablealloca- recovery. the COVID-19responseand ommendations tohelpinform with issuing a range of rec- task forceasfederalmembers. cies will be represented on the “The history of medicine has “This pandemichashigh- This includes recommen- The task force is charged Six additionalfederalagen- Continued onpage16 PAGE 5 MARCH 2021 - NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER - - - - - Advertisers Support Our They Make This Newspaper Possible According to the report, According to the report, New York education and notice with concerns about concerns about notice with since at least District 75 for Council the when 2008, issued its Great City Schools report, City-commissioned Educa Special “Improving sources to Staten Island com Island Staten to sources they that so schools munity stu can enroll District 75 dents. tion in New York City’s Dis trict 75.” [is] “the isolation of students the New in pronounced more than system school City York school urban major other in systems known to the team… is leaving District 75 alone not acceptable.” disability advocates have also 75 sought reforms to District continued but the City has to maintain the segregated District 75 system, instead re and expertise providing of ------

New York City has been on been on York City has New The plaintiffs’ complaint The plaintiffs’ complaint in an integrated learning learning in an integrated students with environment How without disabilities. ate with a regular diploma, ate with a regular diploma, dis with students Black and abilities are overrepresent 75 ed in segregated District schools. This lawsuit will support students with dis abilities and their parents inclusive quality, securing in Island Staten in education community schools with their siblings and neighbors. ever, in many cases, being being cases, many in ever, particu a having as labeled or needing cer lar disability has supportive services tain meant an automatic segre gated Staten Island District 75 placement. Island that Staten alleges District 75 students have un at access no or access equal all to school facilities, such as playgrounds, cafeterias, music like electives libraries, and art classes, and extracur clubs like activities ricular and sports teams. Very few gradu students 75 District ------

“Students with “Students with “The law guarantees all all “The law guarantees The City must immediate Research has long shown ties score higher on academ are and ic achievement tests with graduate to likely more maintain as well as diploma a employment when they learn students a meaningful oppor students a meaningful tled to choose to receive that education alongside their neighborhood peers with and without disabilities. more providing in invest ly supportive services in Staten so schools, community Island all students have the option of an integrated educational placement.” disabili with students that tunity for community inte gration and this segregated shatters completely system that promise,” said Emily Seelenfreund, staff attorney at Disability Rights Advo cates (DRA). disabilities deserve a rigorous enti they are education, and schools located outside their outside their schools located two spend and communities commuting to hours or more school every day. ------

ttorneys have filed a filed a ttorneys have law major class-action New challenging suit

Many Staten Island Dis The plaintiffs (three Staten The plaintiffs (three Staten

The lawsuit alleges that that alleges lawsuit The

Suit Challenges SegregationSuit Challenges of Students S.I.

trict 75 students attend trict 75 students attend schools if they choose. can attend their neighborhood can attend their neighborhood en Island District 75 student en Island District 75 student necessary so that every Stat that necessary so City Department of Educa tion to provide the resources that will compel the New York that will compel the New York not seeking monetary damag es. Rather, they seek reforms Disability Rights New York are are York New Rights Disability ities) and the advocacy group ities) and the advocacy group resources and with no mean schools. classrooms without adequate classrooms without adequate ingful opportunity to be inte community their into grated into segregated schools and into segregated schools and equal education, forcing them equal education, forcing them 75, denies these students an an 75, denies these students abilities, known as District abilities, known as District district for children with dis with children for district the borough’s separate school separate school the borough’s abilities on Staten Island. Island. abilities on Staten Island students with disabil

system for students with dis system for students York City’s segregated school school York City’s segregated A NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER - MARCH 2021 PAGE 6 plans. We arelicensedby theNYSOffice ofMentalHealth(OMH). We areaMedicareandMedicaidprovider andacceptmany insurance related challenges. network andfind solutionsforvision- resources; toprovide opportunitiesto COVID-19 andvisionloss; tohelpfind to offersupportonhowcopewith professional leadsthediscussions, meet by phoneoronline.Alicensed Parents, teens,young adultsand Tele-Support Groups sessions. In personandviatelephonevideo Vision RehabilitationServices physical therapy. education, occupationaltherapy and diabetes careandself-management Primary careandspecialtyphysicians, Healthcare medication management. Individual andgrouptherapy, and Behavioral Health and allsafetyrequirements. adherence tosocialdistancing Low visionexams offeredwithstrict Low VisionServices is HereforYou Lighthouse Guild lighthouseguild.org call 800-284-4422orvisit To make anappointment, lighthouseguild.org/adult-tele/ Learn moreorregisterat To accessservices,call646-874-8545 @LighthouseGuild @LighthouseGld @LighthouseGuild O CHIEF EXECUTIVEOFFICER BY JAMESWEISMAN a demonstration onFirstAvenueneartheU.N.Thepolicewerere 1978, I received a call from a disability advocate telling me there was public accommodation(includingconveyances)basedondis New York law, which prohibited denialsof admission to placesof I explained to the police that it is the driver and the MTA violating lice weretryingtotalkDeniseoffthestepandbackintoherchair. the bus.Shesaidshewouldnotmoveuntilcouldboard. key, Denisequicklytransferredfromherchairtothebottomstepof operate the lift so she could board. When he said he didn’t have the traffic onBroadway. pulled inwithjustitsfrontendatthecurbandrearblocking was onBroadwayat50thSt.inManhattan.Alift-equippedbus services at Independent Living for Handicapped, Inc. in Brooklyn, this wastheirpolicy. to allowwheelchairusersboardusingthem.Soundsstupid,but to buyaccessiblebuses,buttheMTABoard,initswisdom,refused train themintheiruse.ThefederalgovernmentwasrequiringMTA New YorkCity,butwouldnotissuekeystotheliftsdriversor sistently sincethe1970s,hadlift-equippedbusesdrivingallover tation Authority(MTA). ed SpinalAssociation)lawsuitagainsttheMetropolitanTranspor Reagan administration,requiredliftsonhalfofallnewbuses. Carter administration and promptly repealed by the succeeding Rehabilitation Act, requiring accessible buses, put out by the rule, implementing Section504 of the rived inNewYorkCity.Ashort-lived those withproblems. our community,openingeyesattransitand educating andassisting its paratransitdivision.Sheworkedforyears laboringonbehalfof and tookajobat,ofallplaces,NewYorkCity Transit(NYCT)in a lawyertohelphergetarrested,butIunderstood herfrustration. fusing toarrestDeniseMcQuadedogstory.I didn’tthinksheneeded wheelchair whoperformedadramaticactofcivildisobedience.” “Denise andtheMTA,”subtitled,“Atruestoryofawomanin coverage mademasstransitaccesssoundlikeanexpensivefolly. to masstransit,anditwastwoyearsintothesuit.Untilthen,all 1981 coveragewasthefirstpositivereportingaboutdisabledaccess side in his coverage. EPVA sued MTA in September 1979. Diaz’s on You”TVjournalism,wasayoungreporter.HetookDenise’s to applausefromacrowd.ArnoldDiaz,nowfamousforhis“Shame ability. Eastern ParalyzedVeteransAssociation’s(EPVA,nowcalledUnit UNITED SPINAL I received a call to come to the scene and when I arrived, the po Denise, apost-poliomanualwheelchairuser,askedthedriverto Back toDeniseMcQuade.Denise,whowasthencoordinatorof Incredibly, the MTA Board, which had been resisting access con The Disabled in Action Singers immortalized her in a song called The stand-offlasted71/2hours,andeventually,shewasboarded These buses were ordered pre-repeal and during the pendency of The firstlift-equippedbuseshadar This wasnotmyintroductiontoDeniseMcQuade,however.In Denise lefttheindependentlivingcenterfor whichsheworked Quade madeheadlines. Spinal boardmemberDeniseMc n Sept.30,1981,retiringUnited Civilly Disobedient Continued onpage15 - -

NOW ------PAGE 7 MARCH 2021 - NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER ------The authority has, in recent ontake to plans also Arroyo In his new role, Arroyo willIn his new role, mobility and intellectual/devel mobility and pand public awareness aroundawareness public pand what constitutes a disability and the various ways in which differ ent disabilities can impact tran sit riders. years, launched the most ambi itstious set of capital goals in history with respect to expand ing the number of ADA accessi ble stations and Arroyo will sup Devel & Construction MTA port opment in advancing and com pleting these critical projects. initiatives that assist those with cognitive, visual or hearing dis abilities and to improve the ways in which the MTA communicates Indisabilities. with customers to this role, he will serve as a con duit between the MTA board, its leadership, the disability com munity and the public. opmental disabilities across theopmental disabilities entire MTA system.” emphasis on de place a strong that solutions technology ploying can be utilized by both New York City Transit and the commuter ex to He’ll also work railroads. - - - Quemuel Arroyo Quemuel ment of Transportation where he helped integrate accessibility improveand streetscape our into through awareness disability out the agency. I look forward to his leadership at the MTA as we work together to achieve our accessibility full of goal shared for people with vision, hearing, ber and commissioner of theof commissioner and ber New York City Mayor’s Office “Ifor People with Disabilities. have had the pleasure of seeing Quemuel in action while he was with the New York City Depart Chief Accessibility Officer,” said Victor Calise, MTA board mem ------is a documentary presents a microcosmic presents All Riders Granted unparalleled access “It is great to see Quemuel “I’m eager to begin my work across disabled communities in disabled communities across who vowed to bring New York justice for Goodson. short that thrusts its viewers on the frontlines of the disabil- ity rights movement in New its of one City. Following York leaders Sasha Blair Golden- sohn, co-founder of the Elevator at Rise and Re- Action Group behind can see viewers sist NY, that ex- those with curtain the pose and combat the Metropoli- tan Transportation Authority’s (MTA). to the heart of the battle for City York New accessibility in include subjects key Transit, N.Y. State Assembly Member head of Harvey Epstein, former Accessibility NYC Transit Alex Elegudin and the family of Ma- laysia Goodson: Tamika Good- All son and Dontaysia Turner. Riders er and this is an opportunity of aer and this is an opportunity of thelifetime,” Arroyo said. “Over last few years, New York City Transit has made huge strides in assisting riders with disabil ities. I look forward to building on the great work already being theexpanding to also and done accessibili about think we way ty so that we can incorporate the ofinto more railroads commuter our initiatives as well.” Arroyo appointed as the MTA’s view of this long-standing fight the between rights civil for group minority largest city’s available is This and the MTA. at www. Youtube on seen be to youtu.be/42V-nBqFovhU. tions throughout the system and system the throughout tions pilots thatlaunching innovative to our system forfacilitate access all riders, but we still have much work to be done. Quemuel will help us think more holistically about what accessibility looks ad like across the system and Ivance and execute core goals. onlook forward to his leadership this important work.” at the MTA. I am a New York in recent years, particularly inin recent years, the num the realm of expanding sta subway accessible of ber ------TA has named QuemuelTA has named ofArroyo to the position officer.chief accessibility

Documentary ‘All Riders’Documentary Pays ‘All

Like 75 percent of the sub- 75 percent Like Two years ago, 22-year-old “Quemuel is immensely tal In addition to fashioning au He is responsible for all mat He is responsible

Tribute to Disability Rights Activists Tribute Arroyo Named MTA ChiefArroyo Officer Accessibility MTA Named

waves of this incident rippled incident this of waves Rhylee survived. The shock The Rhylee survived. died tumbling down the stairs. for Goodson to take. Goodson City, there were no elevators town Manhattan. way stations in New York flight of subway stairs in Mid- in stairs subway of flight Rhylee in a stroller down a down stroller a in Rhylee ing her one-year-old daughter Malaysia Goodson was haul- was Goodson Malaysia cal strides on accessibility issues said. “The MTA has made criti made has MTA “The said. leadership on a range of acces of range a on leadership Foyesibility related endeavors,” able strategic guidance and ented and will provide invalu provide will and ented strategic partnerships and gov ernment relations. for Get Charged Inc, overseeingInc, Charged Get for of Transportation and most re of Transportation and most head of communityand global the New York City Department cently was interim president served in a similar capacity atserved in a similar capacity rights advocates. He previously verse community of disability of contact for the region’s di of contact for the region’s Arroyo will serve as a key point thority-wide policy and initia tives in the accessibility space, Foye. Chairman and CEO PatrickCEO and Chairman and will report directly to MTAto directly report will and ters pertaining to accessibilityters pertaining M

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E EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BY SUSANDOOHA to thecommunityandgreat with planning their move home what is reported. Lack of testing, low vaccination rates, miss these horribleconditionsworse.Therateofdeathistwice leave institutionsfortheirownhomes.COVID-19hasmade fighting theseconditionsfordecades.Fightingtohelppeople and respect.Webackthisupbyprovidingpracticaleduca we canlivelikeourneighborsandbetreatedwithdignity that workwithpeopledisabilitiesofallagestoensure ty-based nonprofitsrunbyandforpeoplewithdisabilities cluding CIDNY,arepartofthesolution.Wecommuni overdue. IndependentLivingCenters(ILCs)statewide,in nursing homeindustrytosupportingpeopleatislong a crushingwaveofdeaths. tion control and unbelievably low staffing levels have created ing or reused protectivegear, shockingly inadequate infec dents havefacedforyears. It showsthedangerousconditionsthatnursingfacilityresi of COVID-19deathsinnursinghomes.Thereportisstark. leased areportexposingthestunninglevelofunderreporting home –areality. among peoplewhohopetomaketheirsimpledream–going ed. Inthelastyear,deathcounthasbeenunprecedented and hisfamilyfriendsaredevastated,wedevastat someone whoispoisedtogohome,wehear“Jimhasdied.” er safety. Too often when we call Tell them“Ourhomes,notnursinghomes.” sure that ourelectedofficialshear us and areaccountable. are many.Wemakesense.We’renotgoing away.Let’smake a push. centives toinstitutionalize.Butlawmakers won’tactwithout sure thatthewellpaidworkforceisthere, andgetridofin in theirownhomes. they don’t want tobeshutaway.They to live theirlives for theState’sbudgetandpoliciestocatchup.Peopletellus support athomeandinthecommunity. the nursing facilities to paying well for high-quality care and would mountifthestateflippedswitchfromproppingup state taxpayersnearly$12millioninMedicaiddollars. than inaninstitution,helpingpeopleleaveinstitutionssaved tion. Becauseitisveryoftencheapertoliveinthecommunity for theirownhomesandmanymoreavoidinstitutionaliza can thrive. and other assistance to help ensure people with disabilities tion, hands-onnavigationalhelp,problem-solvingsupport, CIDNY

TASK This isnothingnewforourcommunity.Wehavebeen The timetoshifttaxpayerresourcesfromsustainingthe The NewYorkStateAttorneyGeneral,TishJames,re COVID-19 andnursinghomeconditionsswepthimaway Your voicescanhelpmakethechangewe wanttosee.We And, thereisabettermodelofcarebut wehavetomake New Yorkerswanttoliveathome,notinahome.It’stime New York is facing abudgetcrisis.Savings to the state In 2020alone,wehelped150peopleleavenursingfacilities ties whohaveaskedforhelp disabilities in nursing facili ach daywecallpeoplewith

Living At Home,NotIn A Home

FORCE SAYS

------PAGE 9 MARCH 2021 - NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER J 21 East 2nd Street Riverhead, NY 11901 (Not for Mail Service) Mail for (Not Riverhead Location (631) 675-2540 (Not for Mail Service) Mail for (Not 50% Off Garden City, NY 11553 City, Garden Garden City Location Contact us today at At Any 1 of 3 New Locations! We Are Offering Three Questions Supplemental Needs Trusts, Needs Supplemental Wills, Trusts and Real Estate Real and Trusts Wills, 600 Old Country 328 Road, Suite Support Advertisers Our Clients Have the Option of Visiting Us We Are Pleased to Announce That Our Guardianships, Elder Law Planning, Law Elder Guardianships, Video Skype Consultations Melville, NY 11747 Melville Location Initial Fees For Telephone or Or visit our website at www.brandowlaw.com (Office & Mail(Office & Service) They Make This Newspaper Possible 445 Broad Hollow Road, Suite 25 Road, Suite Hollow 445 Broad We Provide Planning for Families & People with Disabilities with & People Families for Planning Provide We Or, we can come to you in the convenience of your home! Or, RIGHTS & JUSTICE RIGHTS A monthly Able feature with the words of disabled lawyer Grego- of disabled lawyer the words A monthly Able feature with following at @GHMansfield . ry Mansfield who has a Twitter BY GREGORY MANSFIELD get our people only disabled do Why civil rights if they are reasonable? get only do disabled people Why a pose not do they if rights civil our hardship to others? Why do disabled people only get our civil rights if they come cheaply? ------As much as the pandemic has Side hustles are real hustles. Schedule informational in People can volunteer virtu People can volunteer Jaydan Mitchell is Transitions is Mitchell Jaydan Coordinator, Career and Youth Services, Lighthouse Guild. er will remain a powerful and dynamic professional. tification can also grow the cir the grow also can tification con new classmates, New cle. nections. complicated lives, it has also opened up new opportunities. possible, still Networking is and in some ways, even easier. Seize this time to learn, connect others. support all, of most and, Eventually, the pandemic will decline, but the expert network ing handicrafts – you name it. name you – handicrafts ing Each new customer or client served is a new member of the an taking Similarly, network. online course or pursuing a cer versations, including job inter views. Take advantage of the trend of meeting remotely and get onto people’s calendars. A Zoom meeting is much easier than a trip to the office, so peo reach can market job the in ple out to someone in a field they want to learn more about. Fif could minutes twenty or teen open many doors. person a something there’s If has been wanting to try for a the time might be now while, to start. Many professionals are dabbling in new gigs that can Freelance home. from done be sell building, website writing, vestigating opportunities at a at vestigating opportunities favorite organization are other examples. in informational An terviews. terview is a conversation with industry or role a in someone be of interest. These can often the springboard into other con portant to convey strength, pro strength, convey to portant skill. fessionalism and a ally. Yes, that’s a thing. As volunteer, a person is not only supporting a cause, but is also building relationships and prov to ing his/her worth. That leads There connections. meaningful are still many ways to volun to teer. Virtual tutoring, calls elderly neighbors, mentoring, on. fundraising - the list goes in Getting on to idealist.org or ------‘Getting Out There’‘Getting When Out – Not Going Networking In A Pandemic

By Jaydan Mitchell abilities, whether em whether abilities, ployed, running a busi or professionals with dis with professionals or

Everyone should get comfort People should take full ad full take should People There are a few consider But what does networking Why is it essential? A nour When people hear network

practice! When that Zoom in terview comes along, it’s im Learn how to place the cam er lighting. Practice, practice, This often requires practice. era correctly. Set up the prop with video platforms like Zoom. the time to become proficient able with the camera. Now is

boomerang back into recom into boomerang back mendations. a profile, and the effort may recommendations for connec recommendations strengthen will ommendations to support a network is to write rec Thoughtfully written tions. excellent way to use LinkedIn rent. (No photo, no view!) An should be sure LinkedIn pro files are looking sharp and cur vantage of LinkedIn. They LinkedIn. of vantage screen. the game, even from behind a ations to help people stay in is done differently now? professional network strategi network professional izing, interviewing. Everything look like in 2021? How can a can How 2021? in like look cally, when getting out, social the next opportunity? who will provide a referral to referral a provide will who jobs a person applies for, it’s for, applies person a jobs In this case, it’s not how many you know, it’s who you know.” heard the proverb “It’s not what not “It’s proverb the heard gateway to future opportuni surely have people Many ties. work will very often be the ished and well-developed net

Whenever a person is support is person a Whenever net are they else, someone ing working. giving time and offering help. giving time in touch, making connections, in touch, making connections, Real networking is about offer ing value to others – it’s staying that is not real networking. not is that sterile conference rooms. But rooms. conference sterile shut down, fending off imag es of awkward small-talk and ing, they often immediately ing, they often immediately daily routine – networking. activity that must be in their activity that must be in their ness or job-hunting, there is one ness or job-hunting, F NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER - MARCH 2021 PAGE 10 Summit Express Medical Supply PEOPLE NEEDTOKNOWABOUT 5 Reasons to Use 5. ALLSUPPLIESSHIPPEDDISCREETLY PRINT/ONLINE COMBINATIONS LET USADVISEYOUONYOUR We Can Accommodate Every Budget BEST ADVERTISINGOPTIONS ABLE HASONLINEADSAND WHAT YOUHAVETOOFFER

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We Can Help!! OR EMAIL Summit Express N BY JOSÉHERNANDEZ care ofindividualswhoaresickandexposedwiththisdeadlyvi homes, traveling in most cases in public transportation to take first in line to receive the vaccine.Rightfullyso,astheylefttheir nurses, EMSandtheirsupportingstaffwerescheduledtobethe the vaccinationrolloutwasthatourfront-lineworkers,doctors, inadequate supplyofvaccine. chaotic distributionnetworkandan help themnavigatewhatisaverycomplicatedvaccinationenroll computers or smart devices and don’thave the supportsystem to fixed incomes.Theydonothaveaccesstotechnologylikeinternet, susceptible toCOVID-19effectsandaremorelikelyliveon who havebeenleftoutoftheconversation. niors orpeoplewithdisabilitiesandthoselanguagebarriers, to and from these appointments. This is not the case for many se the vaccineorhaveasupportsystem,togettheirfamilymembers nology availabletothembeablemakeappointmentsget being left out. A lot of people take for granted that they have tech getting thevaccinetomassestherewasapopulationthat directed personalcareworkers. officers, nursinghomestaffandcareworkersconsumer cers, thosewhoprotectandtakecareofindividualslikecorrection mass transitworkers,airlineandairportemployees,policeoffi prioritizing thosewhocomeincontactwiththegeneralpubliclike happen and a pattern started to develop in my mind. The city was were morelikelytodiebecauseofit.Thensomethingstarted was moresusceptibletothedevastatingeffectsofCOVID-19and this makeslogicalsensebecause,wasthepopulationthat pandemic. 7 p.m. sharp to help uplift them during the darkest days of the rus. Thesearethesameworkersthatwecheeredforeverydayat UNITED SPINALASSOCIATION PRESIDENT, NYC.CHAPTER thy ofthevaccineandcanbenefitmorefrom beingvaccinated. ableism –believingthattheable-bodiedcommunity aremorewor cause ofthefeardyingfromCOVID-19. Ormaybeitisjust isolated bysocietyingeneralandnoware even moreisolatedbe cared more about its economy than those who have already been livery driversandfor-hirevehicle making itclearthat made the vaccine available to restaurant workers, restaurant de were toldthatweaskingthewrongagenciesforhelp. All of our pleas and begging wentunanswered or ignored, or we easily startadialoguewiththemcannothelpus,thenwhocan? information to thosewhom we need to get in contact with and can advocating forourselves. cess. Onlytobetoldthattheycannothelpandweshoulddothe pleaded withourgovernmentagenciestohelpusthispro ment process. N.Y.S. GetsD-(isability)OnVaccine Rollout TASK GUEST However, the important part of Seniors andindividualswithdisabilitiesaremorelikelytobe Although thestateseemedtohavebeendoingagreatjobat This was followed by vaccinating seniors 65 and older. Again Where Istartedtoreallygetupsetiswhen ourgovernment If theagenciesthatweareadvocatingto,whohavecontact We keptwaitingforweeksasfamilymembersandadvocates sion, no clear instructions, a started typically,withconfu ew York’svaccinationprocess

FORCE Continued onpage14 EDITORIAL ------

PAGE 11 MARCH 2021 - NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER - - - - Bookshare.org Continued on page 15 DB100228 or available at Workshop meets at 7 to 8:30 This workshop looks at the - Johnson holds graduate de With all the changes hap- changes the all “With By Sara Hendrin, Built World A Body Do: How We Meet the Body Do: How We A Book Discussion – What Can p.m., Thursday, March 18. use and spaces theythings people inhabit with a chance to reimag ine a better-designed world for all. kitchenstools, and Furniture and campuses and city streets, be human everything nearly assistiveis use and make ings thebridge to meant technology, Yetworld. and body between gap betweenmisfit a until, or unless, ple with chronic illnesses and illnesses chronic ple with disabilities to hire, physical their own train and supervise caregivers. grees in rehabilitation, coun of art. Participants own works should come to the Zoom meet- or a stylus prepared with ing Sen- a and paper; some pencil, wood- Blackboard or sational might board. You cutting en glue, scissors, grab some also tactile junk from around the hot glue. puffy paint or house, To register visit their meeting at https://nypl.zoom.us/meeting/ register/tZMtdyvqToiEtwzf seling and social work. Medicaid and me pening in I specialist advocacy an being I can help make a change,” know an email from said in Johnson ICS. “By being more involved, I can let the CLDR and ICS what’s go- membership know ing on with our ever-changing Medicaid program. HWJgXNBeZXF4wriOdzE. - - - Zoom Workshops DIY Tactile Drawing Tactile DIY NYPL Offers Technical NYPL Offers Technical Files in Windows 10 Files in Windows Organizing and Finding Workshop meets at 2 to 3:30 meets at 2 to 3:30 Workshop prepare will workshop This meets at 2 to 3:30 Workshop will cover This workshop The New York Public Library Public York New The Independence Care System Independence a longtime ICS Johnson, - NYSILC supports the state NYSILC, CDPAANYS Roles CDPAANYS NYSILC, ICS’ Johnson Appointed toICS’ Johnson shops via Zoom during March. p.m., Tuesday March 2. where files participants to put - im they want them; organize re- folders; into portant files de- name and rearrange files;, open cide what program will a particular kind of file; and search the entire computer or a specific location for a file. This workshop is for anyone who has trouble finding downloads or needs to de-clutter the docu- visit register, To folder. ments meeting/ https://nypl.zoom.us/ register/tZwtceoqzkjGNR68Ur inXsSuTqwfolbdnTq. p.m., Saturday, March 13. and best basics the history, practices of Do-It-Yourself Partici- (DIY) tactile graphics. pants will use materials found in their homes to make their is offering the following work is offering the following (ICS) Advocacy Specialist Mar- (ICS) Advocacy appointed been has Johnson cus York State to both the New - In Inc’s Council, dependent Living (NYSILC) Executive Commit tee and the Consumer Directed - Personal Assistance Associa - State’s (CD York tion of New PAANYS) Consumer Board. member and disability rights advocate a leader of who is also the Civics League for Disability continue will (CLDR), Rights advocacy efforts supporting his across disabilities people with New York State in both roles. Independent of network wide Living Centers and increases for the independence resources disabilities in of people with a CDPAANYS, while York, New focused campaign, is grassroots the Consumer on preserving Directed Personal Assistance Program, a Medicaid-fund- ed program that allows peo------

https://www.ready.gov/financial-pre Be Prepared Continued on page 14

FEMA REGION II REGION FEMA rom the COVID-19 pandemic to the most active hurri active most the to pandemic COVID-19 the rom snowfall and freezing tem cane season on record and recent challenges remind peratures in the southern U.S.,

For people with access and functional needs who rely on as For people with access and Take a recent photograph of yourself, your loved ones and Talk to your support system about how they can help you Talk to your support system about how they can help If you haven’t started an emergency fund, start one imme Check your insurance plan to see if it covers all disasters Learn where and how to use the controls for your water, your for controls the use to how and where Learn Take preparedness steps such as stocking up on food and Take preparedness steps such as stocking up on food Store your important documents (i.e. Social Security card, your important documents Store Sign up for state or local emergency alert system. Some Sign up for state or local emergency alert system. If you do not drive, discuss with your support system how system support your with discuss drive, not do you If Your plan should include important information like aller Your plan should include important Revise your emergency plan. Make sure your information Revise your emergency plan. INDIVIDUAL AND COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS TEAM AND COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS INDIVIDUAL

preparedness plans and updating your emergency kit. preparedness plans and updating us to be prepared for anything. We should be reviewing our reviewing be should We anything. for prepared be to us a disaster. Put copies in your important documents water proof bag. Make sure your pet is included in your plans – find your pet(s) in case any of you should become separated during separated become should you of any case in pet(s) your difficulties you may have. you discussed into your plan including any communication you discussed into your plan including any communication support system how to use any medical equipment. Add what support system how to use any medical and how you can reach them during an emergency. Show your and how you can reach them during an emergency. Show cloud or Iron Key thumb drive. terproof document bag or store them in a password protected terproof document bag or store them in a password protected in case you must file a claim. You can add these to your wa in case you must file a claim. You can add these to your Make sure you have recent pictures of your home and property and home your of pictures recent have you sure Make financial resilience: at resilience: financial paredness. coverage. dual in enrolling or plan another consider not, if – in case you find yourself displaced. Learn how to build your in case you find yourself displaced. Learn how to build equipment. diately. It is extremely important to have spare cash on hand to tell them your needs especially if you have durable medical to tell them your needs especially if you have durable electricity, gas and sewage system. Contact utility company Contact system. sewage and gas electricity, ment. weeks’ supply of over-the-counter medications and prescrip and medications over-the-counter of supply weeks’ equip medical essential any for batteries having and tions household items to last for at least two weeks, storing a few household items to last for at least two weeks, storing secure, password-protected jump drive or in the cloud. If you have any digital documents, you can store them on a on store them can documents, you any digital If you have a locked safe with the documents sealed in waterproof bags. a locked safe with the documents sealed in waterproof birth certificate) in a safe, secured, waterproof place such as birth certificate) in a safe, secured, waterproof place functional needs. states have specific alert systems for people with access and states have specific alert systems for people with access during an emergency evacuation. tation services are available for people with your disability tation services are available for people with your disability can ask your local Emergency Management Office if transpor you will leave the area if authorities tell you to evacuate. You you will leave the area if authorities tell you to evacuate. on your medical conditions, dietary preferences and daily rou on your medical conditions, . tines. Read more at https://www.ready.gov/plan gies, medications (names, dosages, instructions), information gies, medications (names,

reached when needed. Be sure to record your caretakers’ information so they can be can they so information caretakers’ your record to sure Be and be ready for any emergency. change. a especially after year, throughout the updated is help you and your support system develop an effective plan help you and your support sistance from their caregivers, taking the following steps will sistance from their caregivers, F NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER - MARCH 2021 PAGE 12 exclusion frompublicandsociallife. not throughcure,butorganizing toend dards ofnormalcy, showing thatfreedomcomes the storyofherliberationfromoppressive stan- Nadina LaSpina,adisabilityrights activisttells NJS ELECTRICLLC NJS ELECTRICLLC for thesafetyofdisabled NassauContractors and SuffolkElectrical Licensed We keeplovedonesin” New York State Contractors Alarm Licensed Keep intrudersout– Specializing inhome monitoring systems www.njswiringsolutions.com 516 596-1895 “We don’tjust A StoryofStruggle, Empowerment and Disability Pride Pretty Girl” & LocalBookStores Press, Amazon.com Available atNYU “Such a T its equipment. said to cost millions of dollars. DSNY also has a video showcasing awesome equipment in a wide range of sizes. Their snow removal is YouTube’s manysnowremovalvideos.Montrealhassometruly tation’s (DSNY)2020SnowActionPlan(SAP)I’vebeenwatching ing. more frequentlyendwithaquestionwonderinghowwe’resurviv trying tocrosstheperennialslushlagoons,althoughnewsanchors barely touchupontheblightofseniorsandpeoplewithdisabilities ramps toopenforwheelchairenterandleavethevehicle. able. Accessibletaxisthatloadinthestreetrequireaclearareafor BY EDITHPRENTISS vehicles? needs ofpeoplewithdisabilitiesandseniors asimportantmotor slush. Isn’tittimethatNewYorkCity considers thetransportation trian ramps,busstopsandcrosswalksremain miredinsnowand only clearpostingofthefourfoot(48inch) pathrequirement. TRY” toclearasidewalkpath. MOPD’sjointsnowdocumentisthe mention. Infact,propertyownersandmanagersareinstructed“to stops, pedestrianramps,sidewalksandbikelanesbarelyratea and iscappedat$350. failing to clean and maintain a four feet (48 inch) path begins at $10 and pedestrianrampsisnotequitableespeciallywhenthefinefor priate equipmenttoclearsidewalksandpedestrianramps? equipment. Whycan’ttheSanitationDepartmentpurchaseappro paths andsidewalks.Manyprivatebuildingshavesnowremoval streets. snow removal equipment on the same time table as it is plowed from ities theywouldprefersidewalksbeclearedbyappropriatesized blocking busstopsandpoorsnowremovalleavesheltersunus equipment usersunabletoreachthesidewalk. Instead theymeetadjacentcurbsleavingseniorsandmobility load onshoveledcrosswalksandpedestrianramps. inclement weather.Snow-ladenedplowsturn cornersdroppingtheir deposited intosewers. clean withsnowcarriedawaytobemeltedandtheremainingwater snowbound while Manhattan’s central business district is swept from streetsandhighways. attitude towardssnowremovalexcept been longknownforitslackadaisical GUEST TASK I suspectifyoupolledpedestrians,aswellpeoplewithdisabil In additiontospendinghoursreadingtheDepartmentofSani Multiple articles about flooded crosswalks and news features Isn’t ittimeforaseriousSnowTaskforcewith keyCityAgencies, Every winter the disability community rails as sidewalk, pedes The majorfocusofDSNY’sSAPisstreetsandhighways.Bus Depending onadjacentbuildingstocleanandmaintainsidewalks The ParksDepartmenthasnarrowerequipmenttocleartheir Accessible transportation is moot as snow plows leave ridges Many shoveled paths to pedestrians ramps fail to meet the ramp. Many peoplewithmobilitydisabilitiesremainsnowedinduring For yearsselectedneighborhoodsintheouterboroughsremain Snow inNYC–ThePerennialProblem snowstorms. NewYorkCityhas ally cruelwithback-to-back his winter has been exception

FORCE Continued onpage15 EDITORIAL ------PAGE 13 MARCH 2021 - NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER TO GET ID CARDS REMOVAL PROBLEMS ABLE ACCEPTS EVENT SNAP FOOD BENEFITS SNAP FOOD MOPD ADDRESSES SNOW MOPD ADDRESSES SNOW INCREASED THROUGH JUNE INCREASED ALZHEIMER’S SCHOLARSHIP H.S. SENIORS MAY APPLY FOR AND PROGRAM INFORMATION A temporary 15 percent increase in in increase A temporary 15 percent not getting full Also, those who were For details www.otda.ny.gov/ visit Office City Mayor’s York New The will print event and program program and event will print Newspaper Able There are three permanent sites and sites permanent three are There This identification card helps New The 2021 AFA Teens for Alzheimer’s The 2021 AFA Teens for Alzheimer’s of Foundation The Alzheimer’s to 1,200- a submit must Applicants to apply, and For more information CITY RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED SNAP benefits was recently authorized for SNAP benefits was recently in be and will state residents, York New effect until June. will be SNAP benefits for their household a up to the maximum benefit on brought month‑to‑month basis. news/2021/2021-01-15.asp. (MOPD) for People with Disabilities removal guide, on has created a snow www1.nyc.gov/assets/mopd/ at, site their downloads/pdf/Snow-Removal-2020. highlights the responsibili- pdf, which ties of each person and agency to remove snow from city streets and sidewalks. due to barriers Anyone who encounters uncleared snow should call 311 or text 311692. information from agencies whenpermits. space agencies from information [email protected]. to Send items several rotating sites where city residents can obtain their IDNYC municipal card. services, variety of wide a access Yorkers offered programs, benefits and discounts infor- For the five boroughs. throughout mation visit NYC.gov/ID NYC. 1,500-word essay describing the impact 1,500-word essay describing the impact on their had disease has Alzheimer’s about learned have they what and lives themselves, their family and/or their community through that experience. Awareness College Scholarship Essay Awareness College Scholarship Essay Contest offers up to $5,000 to high school seniors. seniors school high all invites America who have been affected by Alzheimer’s to enter. visit www.alzfdn.org/scholarship. - - . For in MONTHLY WEBINAR SHOW FOR DEAF KIDS FORUM

‘I AM PUFF’ IS NEW ONLINE ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES “I Am Puff” is a new online show for kids for show online a new “I Am Puff” is and action live of blend a is show The information visit www.deafchildren. For The New York City Mayor’s Office of City Mayor’s Office York New The in the ability to chat include calls The visit To register for this session, hold JCC is Gural Aaron & Marion The The meeting ID is 836 8044 4671 and For information and to register visit NYC ATWORK is a program that re- NYC ATWORK is a program The New York Institute of Technology, The New York Institute of Technology, “Opportunities for Pathways & Collab- For information, visit the site at www. MOPD INVITES COMMUNITY TO MOPD INVITES COMMUNITY JOB AND INTERNSHIP SEEKERS JOB AND INTERNSHIP JCC HAS ZOOM BOOK CLUB FOR EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM HELPS EMPLOYMENT FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES REPORT IDENTIFIES CHALLENGES Dawn Jani Birley and an all- by deaf actor Dawn deaf production team. animation that is presented in both ASL and spoken English. 2021/01/preview-new-show-for-deaf- org/ kids/. - is invit People with Disabilities (MOPD) their monthly phone ing the public to join calls about the disability community. place on take will call next time. The real March 5, at 1 p.m. us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ AimjEM6HToW4YMQn1K8MJw. disabilitieswith adults for club book a ing on Zoom every Tuesday at 7 p.m. the Passcode is 649356. https://forms.gle/1ne3nZXqoyTJxqsv9. cruits and connects New Yorkers with dis- New Yorkers and connects cruits and intern- abilities to job opportunities partners ships with established business the public and private sectors. in which operates campuses in Old West- bury and New York City, and the Insti- re- have Development Career for tute leased a report identifying challenges and opportunities for people with disabilities to thrive in the technology field. orations: Creating a Pipeline of Individ- in Employment for Disabilities with uals recom- contains Sector,” Technology the training businesses, help to mendations develop policymakers and organizations and draw upon the talents of those with disabilities. innovateli.com. formation visit NYC.gov/NYCatwork ------

GUIDE RELEASED SET FOR OCT. 1 – 3 AVAILABLE ON ZOOM

BRAILLE STUDY GROUP

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For more information, call 917 751-4890. Topics can include online school and online include can Topics As the vaccine is in full swing and con- swing full in is As the vaccine Although the group meets Saturdays Although the group meets Saturdays A Braille study group meets every every meets group study Braille A The New York Metro Abilities Expo will It is an annual report on the state of state of It is an annual report on the The new edition of Accessible NYC is NYC is The new edition of Accessible Those enrolled in these free classes classes free these in enrolled Those The group is open to anyone, whether The group is open to anyone, whether For information visit NYC.gov/Acces To register, visit http://nypl.zoom.us/ LIBRARY OFFERS ONE-ON-ONE INFORMATION

participants do not have to attend ev attend to have not do participants

York Metro 2021 Expo. Expo has secured Fall dates for the New the dates for Fall secured Expo has to again have in-person expos, Abilities to again have in-person sidering everyone’s safety and the ability safety and the everyone’s sidering Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Li Book Talking and Braille Heiskell staff and volunteers at NYPL’s Andrew staff and volunteers at NYPL’s Andrew Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and is led by by led is and a.m. 11:30 at Saturday transportation, employment, educa transportation, employment, York City. It covers topics that include include that topics covers It City. York people with disabilities living in New New in living disabilities with people now available. now available. transportation and more. transition planning; community resources, planning; transition the pandemic; early childhood services; IEP process; getting evaluations during service; getting devices from your school; your from devices getting service; through 1 p.m., March 3 in a phone-in pro gram. one-to-one assistance to parents, 10 a.m The Brooklyn Public Library will offer FrQ8YuaIg NhzFEg. meeting/register/tZUlde2hqTkoG91r_zJaH ery session. ery session. and reading and writing Braille. will receive free Braille materials, an swers to questions about contractions is supportive. is supportive. tance can be a challenge, but the group tance can be a challenge, but the group or sighted. Studying Braille at a dis a Braille beginner or fully fluent, blind a Braille beginner or fully fluent, blind brary. brary. taken. For information visit abiities.com. in Edison. All safety precautions will be vention and Expo Center, 97 Sunfield Ave.,

sibleNYC. sibleNYC. services. services. health, technology and access to city to city health, technology and access tion, financial empowerment, housing, housing, tion, financial empowerment, be Oct. 1 through 3 at the New Jersey Con Deadline Extendedfor BlindFilm Reviews T Description in Education (BA 21 fortheTheBenefitsofAudio categories from ages seven to paired young people, in four nity forblindandvisuallyim co-sponsorship ofanopportu (DCMP) are continuing their Captioned MediaProgram ADP) andtheDescribed clude acallfornominations description. tributions tothefieldofaudio recognition ofoutstandingcon part oftheprojectinvolves impact on literacy for all. One veying visualimagesandits efficacy asatechniqueforcon particularly withrespecttoits studies on audio description, local forumsandencourages support forregional,stateand mation andprovidesgeneral youth. users/consumers, especially sis ontheinvolvementofAD dio description with an empha audio describers. nized certificationprogramfor well asaprofessionallyrecog tion in its various genres as guidelines forqualitydescrip ly acknowledgeduser-focused working toestablishnational of educational resources and description; offeringarange advocacy onbehalfofaudio goals thatincludebuilding and productioninitiativewith ect (ADP)isawide-ranging dia are, these days, integral to eos, andotherformsofmultime DIE) contest. your contactinformationlist pet-friendly shelters,have you willneedduringanemer items and extra support that at more about pet preparedness formation, ifnecessary.Learn date your pet’s microchip in ed on your pet’s collar, and up Continued frompage11 FEMA NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER - MARCH 2021 PAGE 14 The AudioDescriptionProj Kids love movies. Movies, vid This year’s ADP Awards in It also disseminates infor It encouragesgrowthofau Write out instructions for https://www.ready.gov/pets scription Project (ACB- the Blind’s AudioDe- he American Council of – BE PREPARED Nominations Accepted for ADP Through May9 Nominations Acceptedfor ADPThrough ------audio-described thousands of audio-described video or film from a library, can borrow an audio-described on DVDsatwww.dcmp.org. through DCMPviastreamingor thousands oftitlesavailable scribed filmorvideofromthe people enjoy. the movies that sighted young access toallthevisualimagesof well, audio description provides person whocan’tseeor cation curriculum.Forayoung public, privateandspecialedu vaccination rolloutnonprofitor and medicalequipment, tures ofyourprescriptions work. Youcanalsotakepic your personalsupportnet Make suretogiveacopy erything youwillneedtodo. or ifyoucan’trememberev to carryyourevacuationkit mended ifyouwillnotbeable gency. Thisis highly recom the vaccine? from thevirusanddonotneed that wearealreadyprotected ready more likely to be isolated viduals withdisabilitiesareal that becauseseniorsandindi important thanweare.Orisit for-hire vehicledriversaremore that ourgovernmentfeels not dyinginlargenumbersor into consideration? are wefinallygoingtobetaken those withdisabilities?When pre-existing conditionsand most vulnerable – those with is itgoingtobetheturnof vocates havebeenasking,when ganizations, hospitalsandad Continued frompage10 GUEST EDITORIAL international; Dr.Margaret art/visitor centers/individuals; ganizations; museums/visual visual art/visitorcenters/or Arts/individuals; museums/ arts/organizations; performing media/individuals; performing tion –media/organizations; achievement inaudiodescrip in nine categories.They are Or a young person who is blind Or a young person who is blind Students chooseanaudio de Since the beginning of the Maybe itisbecauseweare –

and and JOSÉ HERNANDEZ ------Description Career Achievement in Audio Levine MemorialAwardfor and Development; and Barry in AudioDescription-Research Pfanstiehl MemorialAward route duringanemergency. will help you remember the off andwithaflashlight.This you practice with the lights times. Itisrecommendedthat evacuation routesmultiple your name. equipment andsupplieswith and label all of your medical those with disabilities who re that vulnerable individuals and near usdies.Thisisareality ous thisvirusisuntilsomeone being infectedmyself. tendants andcameverycloseto lost oneofmypersonalcareat At theheightofpandemic,I not a very good ability to cough. with limitedlungcapacityand am classifiedasaquadriplegic enced a spinal cord injury and and out of our homes. How do from peoplewhoarecomingin with themostbasicofneeds may beisolating,weneedhelp Russian Roulette.Althoughwe quire homecarefaceeveryday. plenary generalsessionofthe winners announced during a ends onSunday,May9,with lists ofDVDsandfilmswithau www.acb.org/adp/dvds.html for visit the via streamingservices.Onecan dio description. films St., Suite 420, Alexandria, VA St., Suite 420, Alexandria, VA Education, 1703N.Beauregard Benefits of Audio Description In [email protected]. orACB-DCMP ted viaemailorpostaltojsny- org. Entries mayalsobesubmit- contest at www.badiecontest. dio recording.Registerforthe writing, inBrailleorviaanau- Make sure to practice your I amapersonwhoexperi The call for nominations We donotrealizehowseri We are basically playing Reviews may be submitted in Reviews maybesubmittedin and videos at ACB-ADP’s websiteat are available available - - - - - economy overthevulnerable. they prioritizedableismandthe for helpormayberealizingthat direct responsetotheoutcries vulnerable classes.Maybeasa appointments to those in the start handingoutvaccination the NewYorkStategovernment virus comestous? we protect ourselves when the ability tolearnmore. https://www.ready.gov/dis al resourcesareavailableat have not expired. Addition and youremergencysupplies sure yourplanisup-to-date ed throughouttheyeartoen cine rollout. gets aD-(isability)foritsvac anything beneficial. ly the last to beconsidered for governmental cuts and usual are usuallythefirsttargetsof those in the vulnerable class viduals with disabilities and steps above should be repeat of yourroutinein2021.The iTunes gift card. Each support place winners will receive a $25 a $50 iTunes gift card, and third- Second-place winners will receive ceive a$100iTunesgiftcard. Each first-placewinnerwillre winner will receive an iPad Mini. sen inAprilandthegrandprize adp. are availableatwww.acb.org/ teria andmoreinformation a $100Amazongiftcard. winning studentwillbeawarded ing teacher who has a first-place 5083. and broadcastonACBRadio). be heldvirtuallyviaZoom and Convention sessions will in July (the 2021 Conference Conference and Convention American CounciloftheBlind is Monday, March 15. is Monday,March15. 22311. The deadline for entries Make preparednessapart It isunfortunate,thatindi Finally, beginning Feb. 15 Therefore New York State Nomination material,cri Contest winnerswillbecho For information,call202467------

PAGE 15 MARCH 2021 - NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER ------Accessible Tech? Spring Conference

Roundup: What’s New in New Roundup: What’s Workshop meets at 7 to 8:30 gather the Instructors will p.m., Monday, March 29. news and announcements from CES, ATIA and CSUN explo interactive an bring to ration of this busy season in accessible technology news. meeting visit their To register https://nypl.zoom.us/meet at ing/register/tZ0pdOupqjMtH tIHmfDOV7F7lWO_X_hWL Haw. ly reflects her commitment to ly reflects her commitment to protecting and promoting the disabil with people of rights ities. anenjoy or use they why ent app, along with any pros and cons, for about three min utes plus time for questions. To register visit their meeting at https://nypl.zoom.us/meet ing/register/tZcpdO6vqz0iG dwVaWV6yz2OIdzTqcSSPC WI.

------CHECK ENCLOSED TO TO PLACE AN AD CUT OUT AND SEND CUT OUT TO ANSWER AN AD TO

WITH YOUR AD PERSONAL 516 939-2253 or [email protected] OR CALL OR EMAIL OUR OFFICE PLACE YOUR AD YOUR OUR OFFICE PLACE OR EMAIL OR CALL

Make Checks payable to Able Newspaper Make Checks payable to VISA_____MASTER CARD______ACCT#______DATE______SIGNATURE______EXP Just write your ad and mail it with payment and coupon below to Able below coupon payment and mail it with Just write your ad and ableange- email to or 11804 N.Y. Bethpage, Box 395, Old Personals, P.O. will assign an Able personal number and forward all [email protected]. We address. Just $12 your name and include Be sure to you. responses to word to appear one month. for 15 words plus $1 for each additional the person you A# of the envelope with an in your response letter Put are ad- writing on the front. Put this envelope in another envelope En- 11804. N.Y. Bethpage, Box 395, Old dressed to Able personals, P.O. fees. mailing and of handling close $2 per response to cover the cost Be sure to include orders only. Do not send cash. Checks or money For faster response place a postage your address or phone number. stamp on envelope.

- - iOS and Android App Swap Android iOS and Workshop meets at 11 a.m.11 at meets Workshop informationshare Come

A398 A395 A399 NYPL WORKSHOPS NYPL to 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 24. To register, visit at https://nypl. zoom.us/meeting/register/tZck demgqDguHd1VL_vePJtda JUO92XDFUps. eries. This is an interactive, patronsfor discussion open toteam tech Heiskell the and introduceand knowledge share to something new.one another anpresent to have not do You app to join, but the group will welcome participants to pres set of accessible service, re mains a significant moment in the N.Y.C. disability rights tru career her but movement, Continued from page 11 one’s own body and the world is acute enough to be understood as disability, people might never stop to consider or reconsider the hidden assumptions on which the built. is environment everyday about your all-time favoriteall-time your about discov newest your and apps inappropriate. This service is intended solely for personal advertisements of sin- inappropriate. Advertisers gles. No ads will be accepted from couples, groups or organizations. No ads will be published seek- and respondents must be 18 years of age or older. ing persons under the age of 18. - - - - - ited Spinal on several of ited Spinal on several of Yes, there are regulations and At the same time, isn’t it time Denise has accompanied Denise has accompanied our Rolls on Capitol Hill and our Rolls on Capitol Hill and had led this organization from her board position for years. disobedience, civil of act Her which embarrassed transit on the hastened and officials member of our organization for member of our organization for from retired Denise years. many Direc of Board our and NYCT for inclement weather, are catch cleaned and inspected basins to minimize water creating la ened. Enforcement should not be dependent on a decision of the Sanitation Commissioner. laws. Isn’t it time to update and serious get Let’s them? enforce about winter in New York City. goons? fines to be reconsidered? the for As well, the amount of time be storm a after enforcement fore short and examined be to needs tors and lives with her husband her husband lives with tors and Larry in Brooklyn. Un ------EDITH PRENTISS EDITH – PERSONAL PLACE PERSONAL PERSONAL PLACE PERSONAL Able assumes no liability for the contents of or replies to any per- MEET A COMPANION, PHONE FRIEND, PEN PAL, OR EVEN A SPOUSE A OR EVEN PAL, FRIEND, PEN PHONE COMPANION, A MEET . A400 .

SWM 71, looking for a phone friend. Male or Female. SWM 71, looking for a phone Race, color, religion, I’m not prejudice, looking for romantic female in female romantic for looking prejudice, not I’m religion, color, Race, her life year old male in 73 romantic 50’s, who wants late 60’s or her I am a pretty Asian American lady in her 50’s. I look Latin. 5ft 5 I am a pretty Asian American a man age with companionship a pen pal or for looking tall, inches games, na- who likes museums, comedy clubs, board 47 to 62 yrs., ture , art, music, talking and golf. I am college educated . Please pro- A397 vide phone number and photo. SWM, 56, wheelchair user, seeks single female 40-55 for friendship SWM, 56, wheelchair user, comedy clubs. I live in Sayville, and more. Into baseball, fishing, and phone number. A396 NY. I do not drive. Send photo GUIDELINES: sonal advertisements, or the actions of any individuals. Any such liability rests ex- sonal advertisements, or the actions of any individuals. Able may, or a respondent to such advertisements. clusively with the advertiser, in its sole discretion, reject of delete any personal advertisements which it deems Senior Female, Nassau, looking for senior male to enjoy sim Senior Female, Nassau, Professional man seeks nice lady for long term serious rela Professional man seeks tionship. Please include phone number. Serious replies only.. hugs, walking WHLI, Platters. ple things in life, family, Why doesn’t the Department In 2003 United Spinal stopped In 2003 United Spinal stopped She had worked so closely with closely with She had worked so

A • Asian B •Black C •Christian D •Divorced F •Female G •Gay H •Hispanic J •Jewish M •Male N/D • Non drinker N/S • Non Smoker P •Professional S • Single W •White Asian B •Black C •Christian D •Divorced F •Female G •Gay H •Hispanic J •Jewish M •Male N/D • Non drinker N/S • Non Smoker P • A A •Asian B• Black C •Christian D •Divorced F•Female G •Gay H •Hispanic J •Jewish M •Male N/D •Non drinker N/S • Non Smoker P •Professional S •Single W•White S •Single P •Professional Smoker drinker N/S • Non N/D •Non M •Male J •Jewish H •Hispanic G •Gay F•Female C •Christian D •Divorced B• Black A •Asian ment. of Transportation have plans to redesign streets, sidewalks and crosswalk so that corner lagoons do not form every storm? We – crosswalks raised about hear would they help? In preparation dent body to evaluate snow re moval and compliance with the require path inch) (48 foot four ty. Rather than enforcement by the Department of Sanitation, indepen responsible a need we the City Council, private indus Council, private City the try and the disability communi GUEST EDITORIAL EDITORIAL GUEST

UNITED SPINAL NOW SPINAL UNITED being EPVA and became a na

Continued from page 12 have her. She has been a board have her. She has been a board cessible that we were honored to cessible that we were honored to us on making transportation ac vilian member. It was only right. vilian member. It was only right. She became our first female ci injury/disorder organization. injury/disorder organization. a Veterans Service Organiza tion, but was also a spinal cord For the first time it was not just For the first time it was not just tional membership organization. membership organization. tional Continued from 6 bias andultimatelyimprove strategic roadmap to confront medical professionals with a mittee. “Thisreportprovides Arc’s LegalAdvocacyCom- of Law and a member of The University of New York School sor NatalieChinwiththeCity alized identities,”saidProfes- intersection ofothermargin- abled BIPOCwholiveatthe other People of Color and dis- Continued frompage4 helped toplanaprogram ism. out intootherformsofactiv for threeyearsandbranched tional StudentAdvisoryboard Activism, and Mentoring) Na (Disability Rights, Education Sen. BobCasey(D-Pa). tern in2018theofficeof Armstrong wasanAAPDin or his interviews with NPR. story throughhisTedTalk Education. Education PostandFacesof 2015 andpublishedpiecesin Opportunities for Students in Continued frompage1 PANDEMIC BIAS LEADERS NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER - MARCH 2021 PAGE 16 704 6212. and Hospital Beds. Call631 er Chairs,ReclinerLiftChairs Wheelchairs, Scooters,Pow- 363-6834. Callformoreinformation While at Penn State, he While atPennState,he He served on the DREAM He canbeheardtellinghis HOUSE CALLS SERVICE HAIRCUTTING WE FIX THEM ALL FIX THEM WE HAIRCUTTING HAIRCUTTING REPAIRS Print myPrint adasfollows (Use onespaceperword) CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING MAIL-INFORM 917 more information631879-7201. tuning. Mustpickup.Callfor Spinet pianowithstool,needs 327-6321. needs somework.Call718 chairs, 16incheswide, Two Quantumpowerwheel-

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING - - - WHEELCHAIRS 2 FREEPOWER around sexual assault preven this translation is to provide this translationistoprovide the HolyQu’ran.Thegoalof guage Easyread translation of disorders. productive justiceandeating ity, race,LGBT+issues,re intersection offaith,disabil nity organizerworkingatthe disability activistandcommu dent UnionatHarvard. president oftheBlackStu er students.Armstrongwas Penn State”withthreeoth tion andcofounded“NoHate including discriminatorycri- tion bystatesandhospitals, lenging medicaldiscrimina- Office for Civil Rights chal- Health andHumanServices, with theU.S.Departmentof involved infilingcomplaints authored thisreporthavebeen bodies arevalued.’” we can firmly say, ‘Yes, all healthcare outcomesso that creation ofanEnglish-lan FREE PIANO Pervez is a queer, Muslim Pervez isaqueer,Muslim Many oftheadvocateswho His project aims to start the His projectaimstostartthe FREE Noor Pervez

at $15.22 anhourthruagency. Seriousinquiriescontactme Suffolk. Experience not required. Verifiable references.Starting pay eastern in Located aide/caregiver. 7am to 11pm am lookingforafulltime,40hoursSundaythru Thursday, and postitioning.Mustbepetfriendlynon-smoker. I sional. The shift includes light laundry, kitchen tidy, turning woman lookingforaresponsiblecompassionateprofes I am an easy-going and laid back 59 year old quadripeligic Signature______Security code______Signature______Security Acct# ______Exp. Date______VISA MASTERCARD Make Checks payable to Able Newspaper CHECK ENCLOSED$______PHONE ()______ZIP______ADDRESS ______NAME [email protected] ------CAREGIVER NEEDED disabilities access to the orig all Muslimswithintellectual community engagement coor benefit fromEasyread. with otherdisabilitiesthat language learnersandpeople Qu’ran, as well as for English want tobetterunderstandthe tellectual disabilitieswho non-Muslim peoplewithin be ahelpfulreferencefor cussions aboutit. fully intheircommunity’sdis all, andhelpthemparticipate inal holytext,nuancesand Advocacy Network (ASAN). Advocacy Network (ASAN). dinator for theAutisticSelf to be done to ensure every in- report, muchworkremains crimination duringCOVID-19. toward preventing medical dis- that make significant progress several statesandhospitals have reachedresolutionswith Through this work, advocates sible COVID-19testingsites. no-visitor policiesandinacces- sis standardofcareplans, Pervez is employed as the Pervez isemployedasthe The endproductwillalso However, asoutlinedinthis POSITION AVAILABLE - - - - BUSINESS -$15PER5 WORD LINE INDIVIDUAL -$10PER5 WORD LINE com OR by emailtoableangela@aol. card by phonecall516939-2253 OR toplaceyour adwithacredit N.Y. 11804 publication to The 10thdayofthemonthprior DEADLINE: P ABLE NEWS, MAIL TO: O Box 395, OldBethpage, turned broadercommunityac He is a studentorganizer Gala. Gala. al AAPDLeadershipAwards sented attheApril28virtu works alongside. munities he is a part of and the intersectionsofcom ferences anduniversitieson presented atavarietyofcon “Rooted in Rights” and has ability VisibilityProject”and U.S. people raisedinthesouthern cacy skillsfromothertrans ing much of his original advo tivist andtakespridein learn and inthefuture. to care during this pandemic identity, receivesequalaccess dividual, regardless of their CLASSIFIED AD RATESCLASSIFIED AD The awards will be pre Pervez has bylines at “Dis - [email protected] NEWS ITEMS TO formation available. Callformorein ence. Greatreferencesare with many years of experi Caring and compassionate abled personorasananny. panion forelderlyoradis Trained live-in aide/com CNA/ HOMEHEALTH AIDE AIDE AVAILABLE AIDE AVAILABLE SEND YOUR 347 754-2486. ------