VOLUME 26 NUMBER 1 JUNE 2020

IN THIS ISSUE

ASL REQUIRED Commissioner Calise UrgingIN THIS Everyone ISSUE to Heed Court to Gov. – Include Sign at Updates Health Dept. Guidelines Page 2

Budget Cuts Medicaid-Funded Programs Impacted Page 3

Fair Housing Alliance NFHA Sues Facilities To Accommodate Deaf Page 4

Gov. Cuomo’s daily press briefing includes sign interpreter, right, for the first time after court order. Zoom Zoom By Karin Falcone Krieger will also be available at www. able to view Cuomo’s real time United Spinal & BCID ew York Gov. Andrew governor.ny.gov/. Going forward, interpreter online. Cuomo had de- Offer Online Sessions Cuomo’s daily press con- we will continue to assess ef- fended that arrangement, at var- Page 4 ferences update not only forts around accessibility for the ious times saying it was enough, N Challenging Times New Yorkers but the nation Governor’s press conferences.” that there were technical issues and the world of the COVID-19 On May 13, complying with the with televising the interpreter COVID-19 and Polio crisis. However, his reliable judge’s order, an ASL interpreter and that for safety’s sake he did Epidemics Examined daily televised messages were was televised on the lower right not wish to bring additional staff Page 7 not accessible to all, until May hand corner of the screen, not in to the briefings. 13. proximity to Governor.The Gov- The court compelled him to do 4 Wheel City On May 11, United States ernor’s office had not yet publicly more. During the May 13 broad- Hip-Hop Group Heals & District Judge Valerie Caproni commented at press time. cast there was no mention of the Organizes Relief Effort for the Southern District of New Cuomo had drawn criticism ASL interpreter on screen. Before Page 9 York granted Disability Rights that the 49 other state governors May 13, viewers were not provid- New York’s motion for a Prelim- had televised ASL interpreters ed with clear directions such as a Tax Prep inary Injunction and ordered the for COVID-19 media coverage by message onscreen directing them Free Remote Services Governor to immediately imple- the time of the lawsuit. to the NY.gov website where ASL For NYC Residents ment in-frame ASL interpreters TTY or closed captioning does interpretation was available. Page 11 during his press briefings. not work well for many deaf peo- Politico reported that Arkady In an undated press release ple who sign, for whom reading Belozovsky has been interpret- the Division of Human Rights English is akin to learning a sec- ing Cuomo’s words since March issued “From the Office of Gov- ond language. ASL relies on facial 27 online, but did not appear in- ernor Andrew Cuomo on ASL expressions and other gestures frame until the judge’s order. Be- Interpretation.”“Our office has and conveys more accurate infor- lozovsky, who is deaf, is a certified already been providing closed mation than teletype accommo- deaf interpreter, trained to inter- captioning for the Governor’s dations. pret for individuals who might VISIT press conferences; starting today One defendant in the lawsuit have a more limited knowledge of ABLE’S real-time ASL interpretation for lived at a location which did not American Sign Language. During WEBSITE the Governor’s press conferences provide internet, so he was un- Continued on page 16 WWW.ABLENEWS.COM From The Commissioner’s Desk From TheCommissioner’s of everyone’saverageincome. will notbeanaccurate account is basedonthatincome,which uals, thenaffordablehousing who are upper income individ- spond to the census are those of NewYorkresidentswhore- one example.Ifthemajority results. funding areallbasedon census portant programs, services and lives in that household. Im- country abouteachpersonwho from everyhouseholdinthe March, collectssimpledata available onlinesincemid- net, youcanstillreachoutto to acomputerortheInter- es. COVID-19 disabilityresourc- virus at time, pleasevisitourwebsite or anythingelseduringthis vices, mentalhealthservices livery, homehealthcareser- 692. rus or text “COVID” to 692- lines visitnyc.gov/coronavi- For thelatestHealthguide- wash yourhandsfrequently. avoid touchingyour face, and others whenever possible, tance ofsixfeetapartfrom ering, stayaminimumdis- wear someformoffacialcov- essary. Ifyouneedtogoout, home unlessabsolutelynec- partment guidelines. Stay following NYCHealthDe- NEWsafety practices. cannot easeuponhealthand YORKdications ofourprogress,we dates. Despitethepositivein- ABLEas well as face-covering man- herence tosocial distancing of healtheducation,andad- NEWSPAPERtesting facilities,continuance the expansion of accessible curve ofCOVID-19through have workedtoflattenthe treatment ofCOVID-19.We - JUNEoutbreak, containment,and NYC has been focusingon the 2020Hello Everyone, PAGE 2 If youdonothaveaccess If you are in need of food de- Everyone shouldcontinue Over the past few months, The questionnaire will ask The questionnairewillask Affordable housingpricesis The census,whichhasbeen NYC.gov/disability-corona- for continuallyupdated Census Available Online Affects Everyone Affects 30 on virtuallycelebratingthe tivities. Inaddition,weplan NYC.gov/disability-virtualac- ually updated list,please visit and more.Toviewourcontin- outs, performances,podcasts, events, museum tours, work- activities suchasvirtual al ActivitiesToolkitcontains enjoy fromhome.OurVirtu- virtual eventsthatyoucan er acollectionofaccessible the timewehaveputtogeth- accessibilityguides. these guides visit ings. Foracompletelistof dia, videosand virtual meet- sites, documents, social me- accessibility guidesforweb- (5/21), wereleasedaseriesof Accessibility AwarenessDay the digitalspace.OnGlobal ing toensureaccessibilityin es, myofficehasbeenwork- tance. receive resourcesandassis- our office using other ways to ue toadvocatefortheneedsof looks like,MOPDwillcontin- an inclusiverecoveryprocess for updatesonvirtualevents. so please visit throughout themonthofJuly ny.org. Margi Trapani,mtrapani@cid- benefits. mine eligibilityforgovernment for law enforcement or to deter- statistics. Theycannotbeused es canonlybeusedtoproduce be keptconfidential.Respons- ber. income orsocialsecuritynum- migration orcitizenshipstatus, census will not ask about im- home isownedorrented.The It willalsoinquirewhetherthe gender, age, race and ethnicity. each home,alongwiththeir the numberofpeoplelivingin In addition,tohelppass Beyond COVID resourc- As we begin to plan for what th For information contact For informationcontact By law,theinformationwill anniversary of the ADA ASL Video Phone 646 –3965830 212 –7882830 Voice Phone nyc.gov/ada30 NYC.gov/ stronger thanever, and we will move past this ning. continue to keep our City run- er essentialemployeeswho sanitation workers, and oth- and for-hire vehicle drivers, services, transitworkers,taxi restaurants, food delivery cery store workers, our local day. Thankyoutoourgro- saving liveseverysingle healthcare staff who are dants, andotherfrontline aides, personalcareatten- doctors, nurses,homehealth formation above. our office using the contact in- do nothesitatetoreachout any kindofassistance,please anyone withadisabilityneeds the disability community. If MOPD CommissionerVictor Calise We areallinthistogether Thank youtoallofour Able Newspaper Will BeJune16 The Deadline July Issueof For The Commissioner Victor Calise Ciao, P.O. BOX 395, OLD BETHPAGE, NY 11804 right todeclineadvertisingforanyreason. by theerror.occupied reserves the The publisher in advertisementsbeyondthepriceof the space of thepublisher. for errors Able isnotresponsible lication maybereprintedwithoutthepermission the content of advertisements. Nopart of this pub- of Able Newspaper. for Advertisers areresponsible of theeditor/publisher reflect theview necessarily material doesnot without furtherapproval.Editorial of others andthat the materialmaybepublished of therights the materialisnotaninfringement warrantythat are theauthor’s or art.Submissions manuscripts is assuredforunsolicited sponsibility No re- envelope. stamped by aself-addressed nied assure safe return, manuscripts must be accompa- to However, articles. for suggestions and uscripts N.Y.Court, Bethpage, 11714. man- welcomes Able is published monthly by Melmont Printing, 6 Robert NEWSPAPER.©1994 ABLE fice. Newspaper Able of- N.Y.post Bethpage, at for paid being are icals at P.O. Box 395, Old Bethpage, N.Y. 11804. 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 Production Director Angela MieleMelledy Editorial Assistant Disabled inAction Art &Production Anthony Trocchia Melmont Printing Margaret Wenzel Office Manager Advertising Rates Advertising Marilyn Wheeler 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 JUNE 2020 - NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER - - - - - on time- “Shahidul Alam: Truth to Continued on page 15 And the level of disability disability of level the And “People who have home “This is based on a cruel usually a female, will give give will female, a usually part large a and a career up the of care take to life her of family elderly or disabled said. member,” Gottfried required to receive that care has increased as well. “Peo ple will find it much harder ple will find it much harder Susan said care,” home get to of Dooha, executive director the Center for Independence of the Disabled, New York (CIDNY). care now could no longer qualify because they have to be significantly more dis abled now” because of the re restriction for eligibility daily of more or three quiring living skills. For those with dementia, it includes only one additional skill. notion that people are getting and

------closing its doors, the curator has found new themes of loss, change and separation, taking separation, and change loss, of themes Through An Artful Lens An Through tackle “Measure Your Existence” Many artworks in current exhibitions are on display, includ “Often a family member, “Often a family member, Cuomo’s budget for the for the Cuomo’s budget “What this means is that Many people have missed visiting the Rubin Museum this spring. this Museum Rubin the visiting missed have people Many Since temporarily ways to bring art and ideas from the Himalayas, which offer which Himalayas, the from ideas and art bring to ways uncertainty, and transition of moments facing on perspectives ly to art lovers. ing Power,” Insta- on @RubinMuseum Follow world. today’s in meaning new gram to join the conversation and encounter future posts.

look back period when ap when period look back ship on families. ship on families. plying for Medicaid nursing nursing plying for Medicaid is about to home care. That change. rewritten has year fiscal next the requirements. Now, Med icaid officials will look at any as non-exempt transfer of to sets made 30 months prior as application for home care of Oct. 1. Non-exempt trans without made those are fers re receiving any fair trade in turn. many people will get no help spend or die likely and all at money they really don’t have,” said Assemblymember Richard Gottfried (D-Dist. 75). He chairs the Assembly Committee on Health. This provision in the state new budget can place undue hard ------

Continued on page 17 Finally, anyone who plans Finally, anyone who plans To be eligible for care, re The participating organizations Long term closures of early “Without a doubt, COVID-19doubt, a “Without proved by the Department of of proved by the Department Medicaid the not and Health recipient’s treating physi cian. Medicaid-funded for apply to home care in New York State would be wise to do so before no Oct. 1. Currently, there is look back period regarding transfer of assets to qualify, while there is a 60-month gram allows recipients to re gram allows recipients ceive personal care services via homecare agencies who contract with the local de partment of social service. cipients must now meet three or more daily living skills. to need will treatment And be prescribed by a qualified ap physician independent or other familiar parties as as parties familiar or other their salaries caregivers with program. The paid by the Pro Services Care Personal tem. Leadership and action from Congress can, and must, minimize the harm to marginalized students as long as COVID-19 continues to threaten the public health. tunity and a responsibility to min imize the harm to the next genera tion,” the groups’ letter stated. schools,K-12 settings, childhood arewhich campuses, college and necessary to protect the safety and health of communities, have signifi cantly exacerbated longstanding sys educational our in inequities to nutritional supports • Ensure educators and other school staff are safe and pro- tected • Ensure parents’ and guard- ians’ civil rights are protect- ed and they have the infor- mation they need • Protect the health, well-be- ing, and education of chil- dren in secure and congre- gate settings • Cancel student loan debt • Maintain access to supports for college students for manyeffects will have lasting oppor an is There come. to decades ------

Congress mustCongress

Rights and Education Rights and Education

ospitals, Medicaid re ospitals, Medicaid home- cipients and care beneficiaries

By Patricia Horwell Groups Demand Equality

In a letter sent to Speaker Pelo The Leadership Conference on In addition, the Consum

One of the Medicaid Re

Cuts Impact Medicaid-Funded Programs Medicaid-Funded Impact Cuts

• Ensure students have access grant youth ing homelessness, and mi- learners, students experienc- with disabilities, English opportunity for students • Ensure equal educational learning ents have access to distance • Ensure marginalized stud- • Ensure marginalized stud- funding • Ensure oversight of federal marginalized students • Ensure funds are targeted to rulemaking used to discriminate tections and halt unrelated immediately: • Ensure federal funds are not • Preserve civil rights pro- this national crisis, national this to marginalized students during ask that in order to minimize harm nority Leader McCarthy, and Mi groupsthe Schumer, Leader nority si, Majority Leader McConnell, Mi COVID-19 public health crisis. educational opportunity during the prehensive action to protect equal gress to take immediate and com

hire family members, friends hire family members, friends lows Medicaid recipients to lows Medicaid recipients to er Directed Personal Assis Personal Directed er al Program (CDPAP) tance the COVID-19 crisis is de be administered until after be administered until after clared over. statute, those cuts may not statute, those cuts may not relief packages. By federal relief packages. By federal under federal coronavirus under federal coronavirus money hospitals will receive receive will hospitals money pital system. Cuomo defend ed the cuts by pointing to the New York City’s public hos in payments to hospitals, in in payments to hospitals, cluding $138 million less for tions was a $400 million cut cut million $400 a was tions design Team’s recommenda Team’s design state budget, effective Oct. 1. 1. state budget, effective Oct. Andrew Cuomo’s 2020-2021 Andrew Cuomo’s 2020-2021 stand to lose under Gov. under Gov. stand to lose organizations, have called on Con with 51 civil rights and education Civil and Human Rights, along H occupy assistedlivingfacilities. guage (ASL).Primarilyseniors nicate inAmericanSignLan birth andprimarilycommu idents whohavebeendeafsince against prospectiveelderlyres the companies discriminated west U.S.Thelawsuitalleges sisted living facilities in South companies thatoperate16as Alliance (NFHA) has sued eight NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER - JUNE 2020 PAGE 4 In aseriesofphonecallsand The NationalFairHousing NFHA SuesAssistedLivingFacilities - - - - - resident or the resident’s fam vices wouldbechargedtothe said thatinterpretationser to communicate effectively, or to ensure they would be able ers orotheraidsandservices with qualified ASL interpret potential elderlydeafresident ty eitherrefusedtoprovidea at eachassistedlivingfacili testers onbehalfofNFHA,staff past 18 months by fair housing on-site visitsconductedoverthe - - - - to PreventElderAbuseAct. moting Alzheimer’sAwareness ley (R-Iowa)introducedthe Pro dez (D-N.J.), and Chuck Grass Collins (R-Maine), Bob Menen ploitation, U.S.SenatorsSusan Alzheimer’s Disease. Congressional TaskForceon a founder and co-chair ofthe thaler (R-Pa.). Sen.Collinsis (D-Fla.) andGuyReschen- Representatives TedDeutch ing introduced in the House by just over50percent. some estimatesputtingitat the prevalenceishigher, with mer’s andrelateddementias, abuse. For people with Alzhei- experienced someformofelder niors aged 60andolder have with dementiafromharmandex with disabilities. discriminating against people assisted livingfacilities,from housing providers,including Housing Act,whichprohibits acts areaviolationoftheFair ily. NFHAallegesthatthese ners areaddressed. provided by City Agencies and questions with City Community Part- are updates where session Zoom weekly a holds also Calise Victor Facebook. the UnitedSpinal Association. of Chapter NYC president, Hernandez Jose and advocate systems able Accommodations.” “Reason- and Travel,” Remembering - Disability a with “Traveling included have topics Recent disabilities. with people for topics on sessions Zoom for up teamed have Association Spinal United the online holding been have Zoom sessionstokeepintouchandbringinformationthem. pandemic COVID-19 from the working during are home staff and members whose organizations Many ensure theycaneffectivelycom to interpretersorotheraids These consumershavetheright who aredeaforhardofhearing. distinct protectionsforpeople a hearingdisability. of peopleovertheage65have Survey foundthat14.8percent 2017 AmericanCommunity Companion legislationisbe- In anefforttoprotectseniors one in10se- Approximately Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities with People for Office Mayor’s the of Commissioner New Spinal YorkUnited the visit information For on Chapter City BCID’s Rosa La De Jessica by hosted been have sessions The The Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled (BCID) and Fair housinglawsprovide The U.S.CensusBureau’s Bill to Protect Seniors Seniors Bill toProtect With Alzheimer’s With Zoom, Zoom - - - - - sure theirhealthandwellbeing. quired services they need to en vide them with the legally re their caredoalltheycantopro that thepeoplechargedwith able to COVID-19, it is critical are amongthosemostvulner at atimewhenelderlypeople and CEOofNFHA.“Especially ciety,” said who aremostat-riskinourso housing challengesforthose are unnecessarilyexacerbating deprive people of their rights ers. municate with housing provid victim or a witness has Alzhei respond tocaseswherethe have the training needed to charge against elder abuse fessionals whoareleadingthe ensure that the frontline pro bipartisan billwouldhelpto financial exploitation. Our der abuse, including elder ed dementias. Alzheimer’s disease and relat- into account individuals with abuse trainingmaterialstake ment ofJustice’s(DOJ)elder would ensurethattheDepart- may be increased risk for COVID-19 pandemic, there Sen. Collins. “Duringthe seniors againstabuse,” said top priorities isprotectingour Aging Committee,oneofmy “Assisted livingfacilities that “As chairmanoftheSenate This bipartisanlegislation Continued onpage13 Continued onpage13 Lisa Rice, President

el ------PAGE 5 JUNE 2020 - NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER NY Connects Your Link to Long Term Services and Supports Bronx Independent Living Services (BILS) #2C Ave, Third 4419 Bronx,NY 10457 ADAPT has invit- 862-7930 Locations and Partners 1-800-342-9871 cts can help! cts help! can We are working with voter en- “Advocating for more disabili- who have to use the BMDs in who have to use privately and in- order to vote dependently. ed the commissioners from each from commissioners the ed in our Downstate of the counties N.Y. region to answer these next our at person in questions virtual meeting so we can pass mem- our to information this on bers and the public. gagement staff from the Centers reach to Living Independent for out to encourage more people to with disabilities to register vote and are developing a legis- lative report card on disability issues to educate us all about the candidates and the issues. ty voter engagement is essential theof all on voice our increase to ADA violations the governor’s budget will be causing in NYS,” said ADAPT Co-coordinator Ma- advo- of areas “Other Hickey. rie cacy we are planning for our LI ADAPT volunteers to participate workerpoll on insisting are in training and surveying the polling sites for ADA violations during early voting and on Primary day. NY Conne Call 1-844- Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI) Floor 4th St, Bay 56 NY 10301 StatenIsland, Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled (BCID) #250 St, Smith 27 Brooklyn,NY 11201 NY • Understand paths to care care to paths Understand options transportation Discover supports caregiver about Learn options housing Learn • Remain independent Remain options— care Understand transportation— Find caregiving in supports about Learn Medicaid, about answers Get insurance health and Medicare, benefits Apply for housing— Find CID • • • • • • • Center for Independence of the Disabled, NY Manhattan 301 Suite Broadway, 841 10003 NY York, New Queens Gardens Rd, 80-02Kew Suite400 NY Gardens, 11415 Kew NY Connects can help people with disabilities… Members have drawn up a Members have drawn up a ADA compliance and the com- plaint process with DRNY. list of questions for our local list of questions for our local plan- are they what on BOEs es- ning for the June elections, pecially regarding accessibility, polling which on particularly places will be open for early voting and the June 23 Prima- include questions Other ry day. protocols the sterilization what will be for the BMDs and how transportation free arrange to those for sites polling the to Lond Island ADAPT voter group holds weekly Zoom meeting. Lond Island According to a 2018 Rutgers According to a 2018 Rutgers Another area in which LI Another area in which LI ers who will acquire disabili- ers ties, will the Disability Vote factors the deciding among be in the 2020 Election? University study, (https:// smlr.rutgers.edu/news/vot- er-turnout-surges-among-peo- million 14.3 ple-disabilities) with disabilities voted people in 2018 - 49.3 percent of eli- disabilities, with voters gible compared with 40.8 percent in 2014. In 2020, more than voters eligible million 35 disabili- with people be will ties, not counting those that may acquire a disability as a result of COVID-19. That number increases to at least 62.7 million when adding voters who have a household member with a disability. issues of using a paper ballot for paper using a issues of im- those with visual or physical pairments. ADAPT is collaborating is vot- er education, helping to devel- voter educa- and advertise op tion events online sponsored by BCID and United Spinal, on the ab- the out fill to how of topics sentee ballot; voting and civic engagement during COVID-19 this changes and rights (voter year); voter engagement for people with disabilities (basic how including process voting to use a Ballot Marking Device (BMD)); what’s going to be on the ballot in different voting district; HAVA (Help America and (Protection Act)/PAVA Vote and Access); Voter for Advocacy

AAPD Plans Summit to

I ADAPT is collaborating I ADAPT is collaborating members from many with to help ad- organizations

‘Power The Disability Vote’ ‘Power After researching how the Groups represented are Groups represented are This event will happen This event will happen Amid the COVID-19 pan-

ADAPT Voter Working Group Meets Voter ADAPT

would address the accessibility Maryland has instituted. This instituted. has Maryland their districts, similar to what to similar districts, their local BOEs can individualize for ballot format that the various (fillable, HTML) online absentee York state develop an accessible accessible an develop state York ADAPT is advocating that New disseminate absentee ballots, LI carry out the executive orders to orders executive the out carry each locality are planning to planning are locality each Council (NYSILC), Boards of Elections (BOEs) of New York Independent Living dent Living (NYAIL) and the dent Living (NYAIL) and York Association of Indepen- Cerebral Palsy (UCP), New Cerebral Palsy (UCP), New United Spinal Assoc., United United Spinal Assoc., United can Council for the Blind (ACB), can Council for the Blind (ACB), tion of the Blind (NFB), Ameri- Blind (NFB), the tion of York (DRNY), National Federa- NYS), Disability Rights New NYS), Disability Rights New ciation of New York State (SA- (CIDNY), Self-Advocacy Asso- dependence of the Disabled NY Disabled the of dependence vices (BILS), Center for the In- vices (BILS), Center for the Bronx Independent Living Ser- Independent Living Bronx dence of the Disabled (BCID), dence of the Disabled (BCID), Brooklyn Center for Indepen- for Center Brooklyn

New Yorkers. dependent voting for disabled dependent voting for disabled the civil rights of private, in- the civil rights of private, problems that are threatening problems that dress the voter accessibility dress the voter and growing numbers of vot- of numbers growing and Americans with disabilities Americans with disabilities – given COVID-19’s impact on – given COVID-19’s impact on pandemic with a big question pandemic with a big question America are staring down the America are staring down the Disability groups across across groups Disability disability voters and allies. al call-to-action to mobilize al call-to-action to mobilize sentations and a nation- and will include panels, pre- 3:45 p.m. ET on both days both days on ET p.m. 3:45 June 22 and 23 from noon to June 22 and 23 from noon to on Monday and Tuesday, Tuesday, and Monday on Election Virtual Summit.” al, non-partisan Disability & & non-partisan Disability al, the Disability Vote, a nation- recently announced “POWER recently announced “POWER ple with Disabilities (AAPD) (AAPD) Disabilities with ple American Association of Peo- munity is mobilizing. The munity is mobilizing. The demic, the disability com- L NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER - JUNE 2020 PAGE 6 We are licensed by theNYS Office of Mental Health (OMH). insurance plans. We are aMedicare andMedicaid provider andaccept many lighthouseguild.org/covid informati on: Visit our web page for thelatest 800-284-4422 needs assistance, pleasecall blind or visually impaired and If you or someone you know is 212-769-7800 need assistance, pleasecall Behavioral Health services and If you receive services inour 212-769-6313 assistance, pleasecall Health Center andneed If you receive services in our during thisCOVID-19 pandemic. conti nue to provide services programs sothat we can We are modifyingallof our Updates Programs andServices Lighthouse Guild COVID-19: lighthouseguild.org @LighthouseGuild @LighthouseGld @LighthouseGuild CHIEF EXECUTIVEOFFICER BY JAMESWEISMAN T non-discrimination lawsapplytopeoplewhoneedaccommo virus. vulnerable than people without that disability to the COVID-19 Say, forexample,youhaveadisabilitythatmakesmore dation becauseoftheirdisabilitiesasAmericaopensitsdoors. some permanent barriers between cashiers and customers. stores, thoseIhavegonetoputup sometemporaryand shop, work,andinteract. places ofpublicaccommodationwillhave torethinkhowwe socially distant from each other. Employers and proprietors of dare Isay,stadiums,arenasandtheaters, wewillhavetobe cause aswereturntotheworkplace,stores, restaurants,and ees, therewillbeanabundanceofofficespaceavailable. them ofthepossibilityproductivework-from-homeemploy- ers abandon central offices because COVID-19 has convinced wishing to remain in the labor force. If large numbers of employ- bodes well for people with disabilities and aging baby boomers office every day, or at all. The receptivity to work-from-home ductive from remote locations and may not have to be in the abilities is demonstrate to employers that employees can be pro- the lawrequiresreasonableaccommodation.Itistheirright. ployer. Disability advocates, however, can always argue that ployers differfromemployee-to-employeeandemployer-to-em- able becomesunreasonableandtheneedsofemployeesem- crimination accommodation,isalwaysthepointwherereason- leave requests.Thefriction,whenconsideringdisabilitydis- to reasonablyaccommodateworkersneedingmoreleavetime. abilities. Policieswhichseemironcladmayhavetobemodified about return-to-workpolicies,as they relateto people with dis- sonable accommodation.Therefore,employersmustbeflexible sibility istobehavereasonablyinresponserequestforrea- ers, aspeoplereturntowork.AprimaryADAemployerrespon- date you? policy, whichyouhaveexhausted,tochangeaccommo- has invitedyoubacktowork?Doesyouremployer’ssickleave collecting unemployment,despitethefactthatyouremployer know thevirusisgoneoruntilyou’vehadavaccine. tell youremployeryoucan’treturnyet,becauseneedto ably nervous, as this could be a life-threatening situation. You been calledbacktoworkbyyouremployer.Youareunderstand- longer thantoothers. ous ifdonetooearlyandmayremaindangeroustosomefar es of public accommodation is danger- The reopening of businesses andplac- despite climbingCOVID-19numbers. UNITED SPINAL While Ihave been sheltering-in-place and have been to few More spaceavailableisnecessaryintheshortrun,too,be- One thing the COVID-19crisis has done forpeople with dis- Some employersmaynotbeabletoaccommodateindefinite COVID-19 willchallengepeoplewithdisabilitiesandemploy- Does youremployerhavetoletyoustayhome?Cankeep You areemployedinacustomercontactpositionandhave The AmericanswithDisabilitiesAct(ADA)andNewYork’s area, butAmericaisreopening, long wayawayintheNewYork he returntonormalseemsa Continued onpage15 The Return

NOW - PAGE 7 JUNE 2020 - NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER ------21 East 2nd Street Riverhead, NY 11901 (Not for Mail Service) Mail for (Not Riverhead Location Continued on page 16 By the time Ryan re “I think in those days peo “It was fear and people “It was fear and people tracted. One of the theories theories the of One tracted. back then was that you con tracted it from public swim ming pools, which didn’t turn out to be true. It was the whole fear of other peo parents my caused that ple to be alone going through this.” us turned from St. Charles ing braces and crutches, the vaccine was widely available had gone back to and things normal in her neighborhood, where she played in the streets with her friends. ple were very respectful and understood we need to be today difference The careful. attitude an is there that is of, ‘I am going to do what I ple were so afraid that they they that were so afraid ple be around my didn’t want to difficult most The parents. and the family part for her was really the isolation. didn’t know how it was con the neighborhood there was was there neighborhood the because peo such a change - - - - (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 Supplemental Needs Trusts, Needs Supplemental Wills, Trusts and Real Estate Real and Trusts Wills, 600 Old Country 328 Road, Suite 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) 445 Broad Hollow Road, Suite 25 Road, Suite Hollow 445 Broad Ryan spent two years re “My mother is 100 and she “My mother is 100 and she 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, fever, my parents took me me fever, my parents took there and doctor local the to was an official diagnosis.” covering at St. Charles Hos Charles St. at covering pital in Port Jefferson which in those days was a polio hos pital. She returned to South two her met and Park Ozone younger siblings for the first time. was talking about this late ly and said, ‘it reminds me of when Susie got polio.’ In Nadina LaSpina prepares to be prepares Nadina LaSpina arrested. ------Susan Gordon Ryan was Susan Gordon Ryan was Many times the polio vi polio the times Many “Some treatments were “Some treatments were A NY City Lens arti 400 W. Main St, Huntington NY 11743 add Fr. Daniel’s Go Clinic in the memo. er case. It was a woman who er case. It was a woman who the part of another lived in borough.We lived in South Ozone Park at the time, and there was no contact with us. con I how idea no have We tracted polio. I had a high ing to paralysis. How it was was it How paralysis. to ing unknown. was transmitted peaches to pets Household were blamed. Then, as now, quar and distancing social antine were the norm. just 18 months old when she contracted the polio virus. She recalls, “It was 1952 and there was only one oth cle states, “The epidemic cle states, “The epidemic reached across the country, the epi beginning, at the but center of the contagion was thickly settled in New York now during City, just as it is the COVID-19 crisis.” rus had no symptoms, but it struck during the warmer months of the year, mainly effecting children and lead cine attempt, according to a a cine attempt, according to Time story. electric shocks and oth they because er tortures, didn’t know what to do,” said Italy in doctor One LaSpina. advised La Spina’s parents, “Take her to the beach every day.” the parallels. There was a There was a the parallels. Before Jonas lot of fear.” vaccine revolutionary Salk’s in 1953, became available polio children contracted vac failed a from died and - - - - - Adele Gordon 1919-2020

ational, state and local ational, state media the outlets across his- drawn have country

She worked hard raising On May 15, Susan Gordon15, Susan May On

By Karin Falcone Krieger By Karin Falcone Fear, quarantine and Fear, quarantine and “People have forgotten forgotten have “People funds for the March of Dimes and recently was involved mobile a fund to charity a in clinic for a rural parish in Ghana. The family asks that donations in her honor be made to St. Patrick’s Church, tentive son-in-law Frank Ryan.

Ryan’s mother died at 100 years of age. Adele Gordon, a native of Ireland, was a loving ofGrandmother six, of Mother six and a prolific poet. She is also survived by caring and at

COVID-19 Parallels Polio Virus Polio Parallels Epidemic COVID-19 usan Gordon, right, at St. Charles St. at right, Gordon, usan

S Polio Hospital. Nadina LaSpina contract LaSpina Nadina are abundant in both eras. are abundant in both eras. strange theories and cures strange theories and cures

contagious, too, so I can see contagious, too, so I can see what polio is, but it was very very was it but is, polio what from polio. from polio. sevelt’s miraculous “cure” sevelt’s miraculous “cure” Pres. Franklin Delano Roo to the U.S. for better treat by inspired options, ment recounts the days of her re covery and her parents move 1950’s. Her recent memoir 1950’s. Her recent memoir

her native Sicily in the early her native Sicily in the early ed polio at 16 months old in in ed polio at 16 months old

COVID-19. and the current virus epidemic, virus and the current first half of the 20th Century first half of the 20th Century polio virus epidemic during the polio virus epidemic torical parallels between the torical parallels N I urette Syndrome(TS)and ganization servingtheTo mier nationalnonprofitor of America (TAA),thepre as I became frailer. In 1992 I frailer. In1992 as Ibecame I remained physically active to cataracts.Inspiteofthese, fects rangingfromosteoporosis a number ofsideef- developed lin leadtokidneyfailure. plus yearsofsteroidsandinsu began injecting insulin. Thirty and I ger resolvedmydiabetes discontinuing steroids no lon- In mylatetwenties tapered. resolve as the steroids were of hyperglycemia which would be followedbyashort course Each course of steroidswould was antibioticsandsteroids. asthmatic treatment standard developed asthma. since I was a child. As I aged, chronic respiratory infection NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER - JUNE 2020 PAGEONE WOMAN’SEXPERIENCE 8 The Tourette Association From thefrequentsteroids,I In the1950sand1960s exclusion frompublicandsociallife. not throughcure,butorganizing toend dards ofnormalcy, showingthatfreedom comes the storyofherliberationfromoppressive stan- Nadina LaSpina,adisabilityrights activisttells medical conditions. I’ve had medical conditions.I’ve tiple disabilitiesandchronic ’m aNew Yorker with mul- It’s National Tourette Month Awareness Coping With InequalitiesDuringPandemic - - - - and activitiesinhonorof To host aseriesofvirtualevents Tic Disorder community, will through June15.Tourette urette AwarenessMonth, to the hospital with CoV-HKU1 vention preschoolprogram. responsible foranearlyinter- ty basedrehabilitationpractice tor of operation for a communi- years later,Ibecamethedirec- including our office. Afew estate stockwasinaccessible, ton Heights.Much of thereal atric caseworker in Washing- could hangonmychair. laundry andgroceries now they my life. No moreschlepping most liberatingexperiencesof a wheelchair was one of the ing apowerwheelchair. Using months afterIfell I beganus- manual wheelchair. A few hospitalization. skin grafts andafour month jured my leg requiring multiple ladder, in- walked intoametal In November,Iwasadmitted I lived and worked as a geri- I was discharged using a A StoryofStruggle, Empowerment and Disability Pride Pretty Girl” & LocalBookStores Press, Amazon.com Available atNYU “Such a - to keep the community en prehensive virtual events condition andstigma. eral understandingaboutthe lack of awareness, lack of gen ed are undiagnosed due to the percent ofindividualsimpact and/or soundscalledtics.Fifty den, involuntarymovements cans, characterizedbysud estimated 1million Ameri mental disorder, impacting Syndrome ty. Thisvirtualquiltisanar spiration, hopeandcommuni entwined withstories of in has • VirtualQuilt–The TAA as welltosharesuccesses. the challengesfacedeachday, universal understandingof era, helping to create a more front duringtheCOVID-19 bring thedisordertofore munity. These virtualevents ring conditionsforthecom tal illness,tics,andco-occur tancing has heightened men curring conditions.Socialdis depression andotherco-oc as extremeanxiety,OCD, throat clearingtics,aswell like coughing,sniffling,and encing heightenedsymptoms condition have been experi gaged. Thoseimpactedbythe feel-good initiativesandcom sions andinjections adminis- treatment has included infu- reduced toonceortwiceaweek. modialysis sessions have been years whosefacilitybasedhe- been ondailyhemodialysisfor heard of patients who have patients needing dialysis. I’ve being the number of COVID-19 to beresolved,amajorissue plant. would beapprovedforatrans- phrologist was concerned if I back bymydecision. My ne- care physicianseemedtaken dialysis athome.Myprimary but was opting for peritoneal not interestedin a transplant told mynephrologistthatIwas surgeries (mostly orthopedic), I IV (severe)kidneyfailure. and I was diagnosed with Stage The TAA has launched Part of my kidney failure There are stillsomeissues Having had more than 25 designed a is a neurodevelop virtual quilt

an ------

rative of the unique experi and somuchmore.” actors, musicians,athletes leaders, parents, teachers, incredible giftsasstudents, verse andtalentedbring yond theirtics.They are di the Tourettecommunitybe tion. CEO oftheTouretteAssocia Amanda Talty,presidentand school-aged children,” said which affects1inevery100 social acceptanceofTourette, ing awareness and fostering days tosupportTourette. June 9 – Wear teal on Tues • TealTuesdays:June2and of Tourette. and foster social acceptance port necessary programs, will benefit research, sup ness forTS.Fundsraised 15 toraisefundsandaware run and cycle through June ticipants canvirtuallywalk, • MilesforTourette–Par Disorders. and acceptanceforTSTic serves to raise understanding scriptor orslur. Thiseffort Syndrome as a punchline, de a pledgeto notuseTourette is askingpeopletotake • TourettePledge–TAA and comfortoneanother. ences andstoriestoembrace but am“seeing”myhealthcare pital fortestsandtreatments ironic that Ischlep to thehos- these twotripsonone day. Itis medication. I havebloodsdrawn to titratea month. Once or twice a month, fusion center once or twice a tered atthehospital’strans- “We arecommittedtorais I try my best to combine Continued onpage16 “We want people to see Edith Prentiss ------PAGE 9 JUNE 2020 - NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER - - - The workshops are avail are workshops The Sign up at www.exception Dungeons & Dragons game Dungeons & Dragons game activities. able in four summer sessions able in four summer sessions between June 15 and Aug.14. al-minds.org/summerwork shops.html. - -

Remember to Vote Primary Day June 23 On the home page click County Boards in the left column. This will bring you to a map where you will where you can click on your county, find all the information you need about voting including contact information for your County Board of Elections including their website. “VOTE AS IF YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT In New York State voters who have applied will receive their their will receive applied have who voters State York New In voting. for instructions with mail the in ballots absentee Devices Marking Ballot and open be will also Places Polling - demi be may places polling of number The place. in will be of Board your with so check personnel, of lack to due nished available. be will also voting Early advance. in Elections elections.ny.gov Visit Voting, About For Information BECAUSE IT DOES” Justin Dart Jr. In addition to two-week In addition to two-week ing online core program in ing online core program in compliance with physical dis tancing policies. Excep summer workshops, tional Minds is offering social engagement electives ranging to drawing and improv from

------hy- “Avengers: Endgame.” “Avengers: Due to the COVID-19 out Administrators of the M.A.Y. of the Administrators Every year the school opens opens school the year Every To learn more, and for news To learn more, and for news sations. One of the topics that topics the sations. One of comes up often in conversation like supplies for need the is disposable underpads, wipes, and catheters. break the organization has had to alter how it serves the com munity and its needs. Those alterations birthed the Mine and Yours Facebook group are members where (M.A.Y.) able to interact with each oth er, ask for what they need, and learn some new things. have also created a phone list reach out to members about to conver have and needs their tism; this year marks its first tism; this year marks its first workshops summer remote its successful modeled after continu and tutoring virtual fessional instructors at the the at instructors fessional nonprofit vocational school and working studio. Excep tional Minds graduates have gone on to work for studios such as Cartoon Network and Marvel Studios and on Oscar nominated films such as “Star Skywalk of Rise The Wars: er” and its doors during the summer offer introductory to break classes for youth with au tine-music-vol-1. ris, one half of 4 Wheel City ris, one half “Rickfire” along with Ricardo by the “It’s inspired Velasquez. on had has coronavirus effects power the has Music world. the world. We hope to change the people deal and helps the music times.” heal in these uncertain both Velesquez and Norris after sustain- use wheelchairs use They wounds. gunshot ing cha- as musicians, their skill to risma and life-experiences educate about disabilities and other important social issues. In the process 4 Wheel City has won praise far and wide. Music about “Quarantine web- visit their Uncut” Raw & site, https://distrokid.com/ perfollow/4wheelcity/quaran

------4 Wheel City virus. Popular Bronx Popular virus. Organizes Relief Effort

- ronx-based inspiration and dis- al hip-hop duo 4 Wheel ability activists is encouraging fans to fans encouraging is

4 Wheel City has teamed up “‘Quarantine Music’ reflects “‘Quarantine Music’ reflects Donate at www.gofundme. Exceptional Minds is of is Minds Exceptional This summer can still be be still can summer This

Workshops are conducted Workshops are conducted

Hip Hopperswith ‘Quarantine Healing Help Music’ School Provides Virtual Provides School Youth Autistic Workshops for Music.” upcoming album “Quarantine download/stream of the duo’s the download/stream of more will receive a free early a free receive will more York City. Donations of $25 or City. Donations York disabled community in New in disabled community funds for PPE supplies for the United organization to raise United organization with the Limitless Free and said Namel “Tapwaterz” Nor- down and quarantine started,” and quarantine down - ing since the economic shut - everything that’s been happen tured on one of the songs. died from coronavirus is fea- died from coronavirus rap star, Fred the Godson, who rap star, Fred the Godson, who ed by the ed abilities who have been affect- been have who abilities - dis people with to go will ect proceeds raised from the proj- the from raised proceeds situation and overcoming it. All situation and overcoming it. songs focused on the current the on focused songs Music Raw & Uncut,” with 19 with Raw & Uncut,” Music its latest project “Quarantine its latest project “Quarantine 4 Wheel City will be dropping City will 4 Wheel it through the COVID-19 it through the crisis. keep their chins up and make up and make keep their chins City

com/f/covid19-relief-for-peo ple-with-disabilities-in-nyc events and social programs. one mind at a time through ering the disability community ering whose mission involves empow- Free and United is a non-profit and United is Free Founded in 2017, Limitless in Founded with autism. making new friends for youth friends for youth making new about new adventures and and adventures new about

career path. over Zoom and taught by pro tal arts for fun or as a possible tal arts for fun or as a possible on the spectrum who are in are who spectrum the on the digi exploring terested in open to pre-teens and teens teens pre-teens and to open and game creation. The work are and June in start shops mated shorts to 3D modeling mated shorts to 3D modeling character animation and ani and animation character fering remote summer work from subject in ranging shops B NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER - JUNE 2020 PAGE 10 • Sportsback • 18InchSeat • Tilt inSpaceFrame • NeverBeenOutside Best OfferCall631289-0670 www.destinationaccessible.com

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PAGE 11 JUNE 2020 - NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER ------

documents filers need to need filers documents Continued on page 15 Instead, the school district, Instead, the school On May 4, the Office of Ad- NYC Free Tax Prep can pro Under the Coronavirus Aid, Under the Coronavirus Aid, Parents are often over People with disabilities in Economic Impact Payments Economic Impact of special education students’ - to a free public educa rights tion. ministrative Law was sched- uled to hold a hearing on the re- emergency petition for lief. initially refused to follow which the Department of Education’s agreed to provide the guidance, - the special edu student with cation and related services to which he is entitled. help them live active, healthy healthy active, live them help and fulfilling lives. Topics for these groups may focus on so have on hand in order to file. have on hand up to date Visit the site to stay are offering on which providers services. remote tax prep cluding those with vision loss cluding those with vision loss face unique challenges in man Participants lives. their aging share resources, advice and living and coping. hope on Group members help each oth er identify solutions that will maximize their living situa tions. whelmed with the complexities als and families will receive by by receive will families and als Econom mail or deposit direct ic Impact Payment (stimulus payment) of up to $1,200 (for single filers) and $2,400 (for married couples filing joint for $500 additional an plus ly) each dependent child under age 17. use to how on guidance vide IRS tools to check the status of a stimulus payment; get full dependent have you if payment get children under age 17; and the payment by direct deposit. A bank account should be set up in order to receive payment safely and quickly. cialization, decision-making, education, planning and ser vices. Relief and Economic Security Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, eligible individu what

- - - - - of the and receive as receive and eligible free tax free eligible Disability Rights New waivers are a violation are waivers

Assisted Self-Preparation The day after petitions were New Yorkers with an annual New Yorkers with Visit nyc.gov/tax-prep to check Support groups provide the Support groups provide the disabilities, with People COVID-19 forced schools to schools COVID-19 forced close. Of- (the court the asked Jersey fice of Administrative Law), to - immedi reinstate his services ately and to order the school services the up make to district that it withheld. filed, the New Jersey Depart- guid- issued Education of ment ance to all New Jersey school that districts announcing such and a smartphone, tablet or and a smartphone, this service. computer to use in their members. They focus in their members. They focus on the individual growth of each member and help them work towards identified goals. Attendance is usually manda eligibility limits for each tax site. tax each for limits eligibility income of $69,000 or less can less or $69,000 of income own 2019 tax re complete their tory and there is often a fixed fixed a often is there and tory number of meetings. types various with participants of help for coping with things such as mental health, vision loss, bereavement, trauma, stroke, etc. Participants can be backgrounds, and ages all of but they join a group to share around other each support and the same issue. benefit from support groups to turns using turns platforms filing sistance from an IRS certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparer over the phone or by email. Fil ers will need access to a com a smartphone; or tablet, puter, an stable internet connection; 2018 their and address email or (AGI) income gross adjusted self-select PIN. Several of DCWP’s NYC Free Tax Prep providers are now providing remote services, with more providers beginning in coming weeks. Services are coming weeks. Services available Spanish, in English, Haitian-Creole, Rus- French, sian and Arabic, with others to come. Read the checklist - - - - since On April 28, Disability Rights April 28, Disability Rights On - New Yorkers with an an The free remote service in- remote service free The Support groups are not the Support groups are not the The Covid-19 Pandemic has has Pandemic Covid-19 The Virtual Free Tax Preparation Free Tax Virtual sionals, usually psychiatrists, sionals, usually psychiatrists, psychologists or social work ers. They follow structured ap proaches to promoting change ditional face-to-face meeting ditional face-to-face meeting can groups support formats, now easily meet via telephone conferences or various online platforms. and sessions, therapy as same it’s important to understand the difference. A therapy profes licensed by led is group to run a group and the subject/ on. focusing is group the issues work and live to many forced tra home. Instead of the from school districts to withhold spe- cial education and related ser- unless over the internet, vices of waivers to sign parents agree their children’s rights. The ad- that this vocacy group contends policy violates state and federal law. Jersey filed petitions for New and Emergent Re- Due Process district lief against one school to provide a refusing that was IEP services his student nual income of $64,000nual or less $45,000 or or children, with are el- less without children, need assis- who Those igible. tance claiming their Economic Impact Payment also qualify - for this service. Filers can sub - mit photos or scans of tax doc a uments to the preparer via their platform, confirm secure video con- secure identity using and complete their re- ference, or by turn by video conference a preparer. Filers phone with internet to the need access will ships due to COVID-19, we to due ships ease that stress want to help by offering our and frustration tax professional trusted and virtually so that prep services can Yorkers all eligible New safely and for to file continue vital – and to claim their free stimulus payments.” cludes:

------Salas. “With Support Everyone Help For Groups Provide By Linda Gerra

he Department of Con- he Department Pro- and Worker sumer now is (DCWP) tection

A support group is a group of A support group is a group of Disability Rights New Jersey COVID -19 has created new created COVID -19 has “As we are currently faced are currently “As we New Yorkers who earned who Yorkers New

Some N.J. Districts Withhold Districts Some N.J. Ed Services Special DCWP Has Free Remote Tax Prep ServicesTax Remote Has Free DCWP

traditional face-to-face meet people who meet regularly, by people who meet regularly, by unfair policy adopted by some policy unfair has been fighting against an been fighting has buildings are closed. services even while school even while school services ualized Education Plan (IEP) tinue to receive their Individ- their receive to tinue make sure those students con- make sure Jersey has been fighting to services. Disability Rights New services. special education and related particularly those who need need who those particularly challenges for all students, but ing significant financial hard- many New Yorkers experienc- Yorkers many New Yorkers,” said Yorkers,” ration. This year, the tax dead ration. This accessible to New our services ly (TCE) certified preparer. (TCE) certified ly - ble for free assisted self-prepa we strive to continue making Tax Counseling for the Elder- Tax Counseling eligi- 2019 are in less $69,000 or 15 to July 15. crisis, a public health with come Tax Assistance (VITA)/ earned who New Yorkers moved from April been has line preparation with Volunteer In- preparation with Volunteer igible for the virtual free tax igible for the virtual free $64,000 or less in 2019 are el- sioner. - Salas, the agency’s commis Prep, according to Lorelei Prep, according services with NYC Free Tax with NYC services offering remote free tax prep remote offering

are guided by leaders trained by leaders trained are guided is usually required. Groups is usually required. Groups strategies of others and a mini mum commitment to the group lenges, successes and coping lenges, successes and coping insight from hearing the chal on their experiences and cir and experiences their on cumstances. Participants gain provide opportunities for like thoughts and feelings personal a difficult time or issue. They a difficult time or issue. They minded people to share their support one another through through support one another or various online platforms, to or various online platforms, to ings, telephone conferences, ings, telephone conferences, T will beextended.Gotohttps://dmv.ny.gov for moreinformation. license renewals, are still available and license/permit expirations ther notice. DMV offices are closed. Online transactions, including abilities. Thereisanongoinglistthat updatedregularly. have beensettingasideforseniorstoinclude peoplewithdis vocating fortheexpansionofcustomhours thatgrocerystores navirus. The sitealsofeaturesafeedbackform. updated onthecity’swebsite, www.NYC.gov/Disability-Coro The foodanddeliveryservicesavailablearecontinuallybeing Voice Phone,212788-2830;Video646396-5830. the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities directly at: 311 at311-692. nyc.gov/Coronavirus, text“COVID”to392-392,call311or ment practices of COVID-19 in multiple languages visit schoolfoodny/meals/default.aspx. tions acrossthefiveboroughs.Visithttps://www.opt-osfns.org/ Yorkers. Threefreemealsareavailableinmorethan400loca previously reservedtochildrenarenowavailableallNew ject tosocialdistancingguidelines. tice, butopenspaceswithinparkswillremainandsub participants. Learnmoreathttps://nychajournal.nyc. es. NYCHA is also halting all termination actions for Section 8 plete aninterimrecertificationtoreflectrentalchang call 833789-0470tofileacomplaint. the online formathttps://mylicense.custhelp.com/app/askor nesses or gatherings 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. Use curity benefitsduetocoronavirus-relatedofficeclosures. about fraudulent lettersthreateningsuspensionofSocialSe •The Social Security Administration (SSA) warned the public service duringthishealthemergency. connecting Con Edison service. Con Edison will not turn off •Beware ofscammersvisiting,emailingorcallingabout dis to purchasegiftcardsofanykindobtainarefund. the realairlinewebsiteandknowthattheywillneverbeasked due to coronavirus. Consumers should make sure theyareon been scammed attemptingtogetrefundsforflightscancelled •The NYPD Crime Prevention Division said people have pact payments. related tothedistributionofgovernmentissuedeconomicim lookout for a surge of calls and email phishing, including •The IRShasissuedan advisoryfortaxpayerstobeonthe to beawareofare: Center Hotline at geted oristhevictimofacrime,shouldcallD.A.’sAction brought outitsshareofscammers.Anyonewhohasbeentar loss ofincome,canvisittheNYCHASelf-ServicePortaltocom file complaintsregardingtheoperationofnon-essentialbusi Enforcement AssistanceTaskForcewhereindividualscan NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER - JUNE 2020 PAGE 12 COVID-19 The Mayor’sOfficeforPeoplewithDisabilities hasbeenad Anyone with specific questions or concerns should contact For the most up to date information on prevention and treat The DepartmentofEducation’sfreegrab-and-gomeals All New York City playgrounds are closed until further no The Brooklyn D.A.’s Office reports that COVID-19 has DMV hasextendedtheduedatesforcarinspections untilfur Section 8 voucher recipients who have experienced a recent The governorhasestablishedtheNewYorkStatePAUSE DEPARTMENT OFMOTOR VEHICLES PURCHASING FOOD AND SUPPLIES DOE FOODPICKUP LOCATIONS PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS PAUSE ENFORCEMENT 718 250-2340. Common coronavirus scams CORONAVIRUS SCAMS SECTION 8 INFO scams www. ------is agreatresourceforvulnerable New Yorkers looking foras sis. Findtheonlineformathttps://my2020census.gov. funding toserveourcommunities,especiallyintimesofcri pitals andpublichealthinstitutionsreceivethenecessary cludes COVID-19foodassistanceresources. es. Gotowww.labor.ny.gov. ployment insurance now has information in multiple languag sistance, includingunemployment. livered services. meals aday.Formoreinformation,gotowww.schools.nyc.gov. These centers are staffedandwill provide children with three hot day, 7:30a.m.to6p.m.,forthechildren of essentialworkers. in signingupshouldcalltoseeiftheyareeligibleforhome-de meals willcontinuetoreceivethemasusual. Thoseinterested Homebound olderadultsalreadyreceivinghome-delivered or contact their local senior center. Theycan alsocall participants’ homes.Toreceivethesemeals,seniorsshould https://www1.nyc.gov. The siteiscontinuallyupdatedandin online atwww.a069-access.nyc.gov. returns isJuly15. University. deaths, to according 2730 and di agnosed cases 53,000 than more today of as are there tients, pa most COVID-19 country with affected the of state affected byCovid-19. feed help ton’s disabled communities to Drive” campaign called“AGWFood a supermarket card donation launched Rueda Maribel mom his and He banks. food disabilities cannot stand in long lines at physical families that with realized tism au with 2 age at diagnosed Barriga Esteban nerable. vul most the with Solidarity to Feed Disabled in a show of ton Collects Grocery Cards Autistic Young Man in Bos The Met Council at Filling outthecensusiscriticaltoensuringthatourhos Regional Enrichment Centers are open Monday through Fri- Five-meal packages are delivered weekly to senior center The New York State Department of Labor’s page for unem Food anddeliveryservicesinformationisavailableat You canapplyforSNAPandCashAssistance,more, The deadlineforfilingcity,stateandfederalincometax DFTA’s Aging Connect at Massachusetts – CHECK FOR UPDATES OF ALL INFORMATION – Youth With Autism FeedsPWD REGIONAL ENRICHMENTCENTERS UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE on Hopkins Johns TAX FILINGDEADLINES is the thirdthe is FOOD AND SUPPLIES SNAP BENEFITS https://www.metcouncil.org/coronavirus MET COUNCIL Bos SENIORS 23, CENSUS 212-AGING-NYC (212-244-6469.) ------311 ------PAGE 13 JUNE 2020 - NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER ------internships@aapd. ​For information visit www.

With this reach, the compa the reach, this With ​The film was created by pro ODEP is the only non-regu ODEP is The application cycle will The application cycle will For information email AAPD New Mexico and Utah, covering Utah, and Mexico New more than 1,100 beds. Brook blindfilmmaker.com. dale Senior Living is the larg the is Living Senior dale in provider living assisted est over of control with country the 41,485 assisted living units na tionwide. BeeHive Homes oper ates more than 170 facilities in 20 states. nies have the ability to affect fam of thousands of hundreds hold to critical it making ilies, require the to accountable them ments of the Fair Housing Act. motes policies and coordinates motes policies and coordinates of with employers and all levels work increase to government place success for people with to disabilities. Its mission is develop and influence policies the and practices that increase employ of quality and number ment opportunities for people with disabilities. makers, industry profession als, distributors and producers. ducer/director David Block, blind legally been has who since birth. He has made seven documentaries, some of which have won film festival awards and been televised. He is also a freelance journalist who has had more than 1500 articles published in newspapers and magazines. Over the years, he has interviewed many high-profile athletes, celebri ties, government leaders and musicians. ent their recommendations at ent their recommendations in Washington, a conference 2021. Following D.C. in early Mathemati the presentations, a synthesis re ca will produce the job-cre port summarizing ating options. pro agency that federal latory Programs Manager, Christine at Liao, com. open in early fall of 2020. ------AFA celebrates independent celebrates independent AFA The movie is about wheel “Who Said You Can’t Dance,” Dance,” Can’t You Said “Who The award recipients will The award recipients will The lawsuits were filed Wheelchair Dancing Film Wins Award ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES SUED FACILITIES LIVING ASSISTED Continued from page 4 low) investigated by NFHA in ties as those who are able-bod are who those as ties ied. films. The winners are chosen are who jurors 20 than more by in the field as film critics, film hard deaf or are who people For of hearing, that includes ASL interpreters or other effective communication aids. We are fil ing these actions in court to hold these companies accountable.” against Brookdale Senior Liv ing, Spectrum Retirement Senior Pacifica Communities, Liv Assisted LifeSpire Living, ing, LeisureCare, and BeeHive Homes. These companies oper be list (full facilities 16 the ate come its 2020 interns to Wash ington, D.C. June through August 2021. Spaces should ap additional be available for plicants to participate in 2021 summer program. third annual at the umentary (AFA) Arts Filmatic American Awards ceremony in Brooklyn. chair users who learn to dance alongside standing partners. In part, it is meant to illustrate that people with physical dis abilities can participate in and enjoy many of the same activi expand upon initial promising initial upon expand them fur ideas and develop possible,” ther to see what’s Sheehy, deputy said Jennifer in the Of assistant secretary Employment fice of Disability Policy. “There is a wide range it’s of ideas to explore, and our hope that, once examined depart the help they’ll closely, agency federal our and ment partners promote policy that adults young supports better on SSI envision a life of work and self-sufficiency.” draft their policy ideas this fi spring. They will produce nal papers for ODEP and pres was recently recognized as as recognized recently was doc inspirational short best ------It also • Include information in information • Include The bill builds on the Elder The organization will wel will organization The For the summer of 2020 “We are excited to now be “We are excited to now be ODEP selected 12 to receive ODEP selected 12 to receive priate, in developing materials and to review and update exist- ing materials; and report about annual DOJ’s the publicly to access where available training materials. Abuse Prevention and Prose- became law Act, which cution in October 2017 and required mate- to create training DOJ justice, rials to help criminal services and social care, health personnel assess and respond to elder abuse cases. latest recom- the with aligns National the mendations from to Address Alzheimer’s Plan Disease. cacy curriculum will receive a receive cacy curriculum will stipend for their participation; studentsvirtually pair 2020 with a mentor. ingful employment and lead ership opportunities, including the 2020 cohort. fol the implement will AAPD select the offer changes: lowing opportunityan interns 2020 ed pro 2021 the in participate to disabilityonline an host gram; advocacy curriculum during the who Students 2020. of summer elect to take the disability advo ers. at the point when we can help rights movement as a whole. Despite this postponement, tocommitted AAPD remains providing young leaders with an opportunity to gain mean tering the initiative under con tering the initiative tract with ODEP. stipends and technical assis tance to expand their proposed pa ideas into detailed white agency will the turn, In pers. in use these white papers to form their work on this issue and share them with a broad local, includes that audience policymak federal and state economic success among this success economic a population. Mathematica, company based policy research N.J., is adminis in Princeton, ------AAPD Internships Postponed en- Promot er forms of forms er

he U.S. Department of he U.S. Department Dis of Office Labor’s ability Employment to the summer of 2021.

Twelve Honored for Improving Jobs for Youth for Jobs Improving Honored for Twelve

ODEP solicited propos • Instruct DOJ to consult • Instruct • Require the National El- Specifically, the Specifically, The legislation has been has legislation The The American AssociationAmerican The AAPD’s Summer Internship

BILL TO PROTECT SENIORS PROTECT TO BILL funding awards under its Sup funding awards Policy (ODEP) has instituted Policy (ODEP) labor force participation and labor force participation and legislative, regulatory and pol and regulatory legislative, icy changes-that can increase dence-based actions-including dence-based actions-including SSI. and evi for innovative als to 24 who apply for or receive or receive apply for who 24 to for young adults from ages 14 for young adults from ages proving employment outcomes proving employment outcomes and evaluate strategies for im (SSI) Youth Solutions initia tive, which aims to identify plemental Security Income plemental Security abuse training materials; as appro- stakeholders, with dementias when creating elder heimer’s disease and related into account people with Alz- der Justice Coordinator to take dementia.” Summer Internship Pro Internship Summer postponed the 2020 AAPD of People with Disabilities has Act would: to Prevent Elder Abuse Prevent to ing Alzheimer’s Awareness Alzheimer’s ing

mer’s disease or oth or disease mer’s Continued from page 4

cultivates disability rights lead mission and the disability with disabilities. The program ers, who are critical to AAPD’s students and recent graduates ment opportunity for many traditional form. Program is a career develop with COVID-19 to safely pro itsin program the with ceed many unknowns associated was decided that there are tooare was decided that there AAPD’s board and partners, it cussing the possibilities with gram the current pandemic and dis After monitoring the impact of as the bipartisan, 3,000-mem as the pact Movement (AIM) as well ciation and the Alzheimer’s Im- Alzheimer’s the and ciation dorsed by the Alzheimer’s Asso- ber Elder Justice Coalition. T the statesnolaterthanJuly31,2021. redistricting datatobedelivered to thepresidentbyApril30,2021,and apportionment countstobedelivered to Oct.31,2020,whichwillallowfor field datacollectionandself-response Bureau would extend the window for frame. Under thisplan, the Census ing 2020 census operations [email protected]. [email protected] ormiriam.fran 740-7213, oremailshanekqua.mcken tinyurl.com/EinsteinNeeds, call917 pensation. Interpretersareavailable. terview there is a $50 gift-card com For a60-minuteindividualphonein there isa$75gift-cardcompensation. discussion group virtual For a90-minute tional, orlearningneedsareeligible. (18-21) withphysical,medical,emo al, or learning needs or individuals 21) withphysical,medical,emotion parents/guardians ofachild(toage NYC orLongIslandresidentswhoare learning needs are being held. physical, medical,emotional,and views with families that have Center. dren’s EvaluationandRehabilitation abilities attheRoseF.KennedyChil the U.S.CensusBureauis adjust needed andappropriateservices. and theirfamiliesbyguidingthemto Special HealthCareNeeds(CYSHCN) help thelivesofChildrenandYouthwith NEW YORKfor ExcellenceinDevelopmentalDis of Health totheUniversity Center ABLEfrom the New York State Department NEWSPAPER - JUNE 2020 PAGE 14 LONG ISLAND CARE NEEDSPROJECTOFFERED INFORMATION YOUTH WITHSPECIALHEALTH For moreinformation, visit: https:// Virtual discussionsandinter In lightoftheCOVID-19outbreak, This projectissupportedbyagrant CENSUS DEADLINECHANGED Ramps •StairliftsPorchWheelchairLifts Local Health Departments seek to Serving The EntireMetroNYC Area ALPHA CARESUPPLY, LLC ACCESS EQUIPMENT DUE TOCOVID-19 & LIFor20years 866 291-7039 THE ACCESS INDEX and time

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others seeking assistance. others seekingassistance. ter impactedindividualswithdisabilitiesand families, allies,organizationsassistingdisas and resourcestopeoplewithdisabilities,their tion, referrals,guidance,technicalassistance established a hotline that nership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies has ties duringtheCOVID-19pandemic,Part disasterstrategies.org. 365 daysayearat800626-4959and info@ intake calls,24hoursaday,7daysweek, port Lineat844432-2275(videophone). may call the FCC’s ASL Consumer Sup- fluent inAmericanSignLanguage(ASL) gov. Those who use videophones and are 418-2716 or email William.Wallace@fcc. information, contact Bill Wallace at 202 munications-relay-services-trs. at https://www.fcc.gov/general/telecom during thenationalemergency. calls fromabroad,tomake to theU.S. abroad, anddidnot preregister to make and toallow registered VRSusers who are to provideservicefromhomeworkstations Relay Service communications assistants al TRS rules to enableInternetProtocol Video RelayService(VRS). Sign Languageinterpretationservices for contractors qualified toprovideAmerican their homesandtoexpandthepoolof services from to provide their employees increased call volumes, to enable more of ibility todealwithreducedstaffingand available duringtheCOVID-19pandemic. providers to ensure relay services remain telecommunications relay services (TRS) ing temporarywaivers through June 30 for TRS PROVIDERSRELAYWAIVERS Supplemental Needs Trusts, Guardianships, BRANDOW LAW- REGINA BRANDOW In lightoflimitationsresponsecapabili The disaster hotline is always available for The disasterhotlineisalwaysavailablefor The FCChasreleasedanorderextend- General information onTRSis available waivedtwoaddition- It alsotemporarily These waivers allow TRSprovidersflex- Wills, ElderlawPlanningandRealEstate EXTENDED THROUGHJUNE30 631 675-2540-www.brandowlaw.com Planning forFamiliesandPWD

FORUM FOR COVID-19HELP DISASTER HOTLINE ATTORNEY

provides informa

For more - - - - -

Week posts. versation andencounterfuture Artofthe binMuseum at www.rubinmuseum.org/. Follow tures, which closely examine theseworks explore therecent ArtofWeekfea- stallations attheRubin, might wantto today›s world. separation, taking American Progress. registration, according to the Center for and thosewhorelyonsame-dayvoter ican IndianandAlaska Native voters voters, voterswithdisabilities,Amer disenfranchise manyAfricanAmerican in-person optionswouldinadvertently options aswell.Eliminatingorreducing officials must maintain in-person voting cratic process.Inexpandingvotebymail, cult timescanparticipateinthedemo acting ascaregiversduringthesediffi sure thatpeoplewhoarequarantinedor will stemCOVID-19outbreaksanden people tocastballotsfromtheirhomes er, tence and tions, including MeasureYourExis- Many artworks in thecurrent exhibi - moments oftransition and uncertainty. which offer timely perspectivesonfacing nity artandideasfromtheHimalayas, has foundnewwaystobringthecommu- ly closing itsdoors,theRubinMuseum museums this spring. Since temporari- Send itemsSend to [email protected]. information from agencies spacepermits. when IN-PERSON VOTINGMUSTBEHELD 800 980-3718•CenterspanMedical.com Stair Lifts•Vertical PlatformLifts &More Those who enjoy thecontemporary in- It ishopedthatmakingiteasierfor Many peoplehavemissedvisiting Able Newspaper print will event and program AND PROGRAMINFORMATION Long Island’s Access &MobilityLeader Factory DirectRamps,NoMiddleman! AS WELLVOTINGBYMAIL FACTORY DIRECTRAMPS THROUGH ANARTFULLENS tackle EXPLORE TOUGHTOPICS CENTERSPAN MEDICAL ABLE ACCEPTSEVENT Shahidul Alam:TruthtoPow- themes ofloss, change, and on Instagram to join the con- on new meaning in @Ru- - - - -

PAGE 15 JUNE 2020 - NEW YORK ABLE NEWSPAPER - - - www.

www.asha.org; www.mdsupport. www.lighthouse www.autismspeaks. Dr. Linda Gerra is the direc The 30th anniversary of the The 30th anniversary of the the rights of people with dis- abilities to independent ac- cess and reasonable accom- modation. ADA is July 26. I hope by then together, celebrate all can we if not shoulder-to-shoulder, then virtually. When we are - maybe the back to normal anniversary ADA 32nd 31st, - let’s have a real blow-out. Stay safe. Lighthouse Guild Tele-Support Lighthouse Guild Tele-Support programs, ; Autism guild.org/telesupport/; Autism Speaks, Degeneration Macular org; Support, org; American Speech-Lan guage-Hearing, Association Center for Parent Resources, & Information parentcenterhub.org. tor of Family Support Network for Lighthouse Guild. - - - . CHECK ENCLOSED TO TO PLACE AN AD CUT OUT AND SEND CUT OUT TO ANSWER AN AD ANSWER AN 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 Just $12 address. 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 your response letter in Put are ad- writing on the front. Put this envelope in another envelope En- 11804. Bethpage, N.Y. Box 395, Old dressed to Able personals, P.O. fees. and mailing of handling close $2 per response to cover the cost Be sure to include or money orders only. Checks Do not send cash. For faster response place a postage your address or phone number. stamp on envelope.

- A393 A394 Some organizations that Some organizations that This, I hope, is a temporary temporary a is hope, I This, A395 SUPPORT GROUPS SUPPORT provide support groups are are groups support provide National Association of Men tal Illness, www.nami.org; Continued from page 11 of raising a child with a disabili for parents other on lean and ty support. High school students common share disabilities with social, emotional, academic and practical concerns. Often adults find themselves isolated. Com and network to together ing socialize lets these individuals realize that they are not alone These barriers – sometimes a These barriers – sometimes a – shield plexiglass a or table are placed with little regard for people with physical dis- abilities and less regard for de- accessible requiring laws sign and facilities. problem caused by this emer- emergency this as but gency, drags on and becomes a way of life, we must reeducate busi- about public the to open nesses UNITED SPINAL NOW SPINAL UNITED Continued from page 6 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. ------“During the previous “During the previous Dooha stressed that peo But getting any change en “[Big wealth] has benefit sonal story in print. The fight fight The print. in story sonal isn’t over. [But] if we can’t get those stories out, then people will suffer these losses alone.” vices, especially health care, vices, especially health care, he added. “We up. speak to need ple must be ready to get our sto ries out about how people are harmed,” she said. fights, people may have hung back, not wanting their per acted would depend on con on depend would acted vincing the governor to accept it.“We need a large and loud group of people demanding that New York state make big wealth pay a much larger share,” Gottfried said. ed from extraordinary eco profits with benefits nomic ending up in fewer hands [in addition to] extraordinary tax benefits.” The rest of the population is paying higher ser the getting not and taxes ------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 FRIEND, PEN PAL, PHONE COMPANION, A MEET A God-fearing SBM, 41 seeking a God-fearing woman for long for God-fearing woman a seeking 41 SBM, God-fearing A spend the rest of my life with. I love term relationship, and to going out to the movies and listening to music. I do not drive. Senior Female, Nassau, looking for senior male to enjoy sim Senior Female, Nassau, looking ple things in life, family, hugs, walking WHLI, Platters. hugs, walking WHLI, Platters. ple things in life, family, SWF, Nassau County, widow wishes to meet senior male retiree, 74 SWF, Nassau County, widow wishes to meet senior male plus for companionship. 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 I am a pretty Asian American lady in her 50’s. I look Latin. 5ft her 50’s. I look Latin. 5ft Asian American lady in I am a pretty a man with pen pal or companionship for a tall, looking 5 inches museums, comedy clubs, board age 47 to 62 yrs., who likes games, Please educated . I am college and golf. talking music, art, , nature provide A397 phone number and photo.

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 GUIDELINES: Gottfried does have sup

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 •Professional •Jewish M •Male N/D • Non drinker N/S • Non Smoker P Asian B •Black C •Christian D •Divorced F •Female G •Gay H •Hispanic J • 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

the budget].” what we did [when we passed what we did [when we passed legislation to roll back or di minish the effect of some of es. “We are already drafting es. “We are already drafting back on some of those chang those of some on back port in the legislature to push port in the legislature to push New York budget system un der our constitution.” is missing when it comes to it comes to when missing is than the legislature. The no tion of checks and balances power in budget negotiations power in budget negotiations governor,” he said. “The gov more enormously has ernor “They would be vetoed by the “They would be vetoed by the However, that is not a possi so. say Cuomo’s without bility relax this new restriction. restriction. new this relax support in the legislature to support in the legislature to Gottfried, there is plenty of Gottfried, there is plenty of people without publicly fund ed home care.”According to cannot be admitted to a nurs many leaves “This home. ing home care, they certainly home care, they certainly said. If they cannot receive receive cannot they If said. really need it,” Gottfried need it,” Gottfried really home care when they don’t don’t they when care home MEDICAID CUTS Continued from page 3 in additionweareolder. particularly riskyforusand Since thisisrespiratory,it’s of alreadycompromisedlungs. post-polio syndrome,because are risky for people with Anesthesia andintubation (for contracting COVID- 19). worry nowisbeinghighrisk want,’ whichisdifferent.” ing at home. I trytocombine questions why we are notstay- people out and about,butwho aspects of social distancing is and zapped. mostly onsoups that arefrozen progression. Ihavebeenliving cial distancing seemsanormal forth byphoneoronline.So- ticipating in meetings andso advocacy affiliations and par- I havegiven up a number of more andtimeathome. past year,I’vebeenspending respiratory infections, in the dialysis issue. phrology visitwill resolve the Hopefully, my upcoming ne- providers on my smartphone. Continued frompage8 Continued frompage7

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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING HAIRCUTTING AUTOMOTIVE 2003 Chrysler covering, and continuing her the quarantine.Sheisre ida during her travels due to book andgotwaylaidinFlor was onatourtopromoteher my hiprecently.”LaSpina in thehospitalwhenIbroke to treatus.Ifoundthatout doctors are just not prepared in the industrial world. Most tancing? cover intersect with socialdis- breathe withamaskorface Isn’t thisanADAviolation? to anumberofgrocerystores. wear masksorfacecovering. there are peoplewho cannot regulations acknowledgethat the sixfootsocialdistance.The required ifyoucannotmaintain that masksorfacecovers are material carefully, you’ll see wear masks.Butifyoureadthe told usthatwemust repeatedly soup. of produce and promptlymade The other day, Ireceivedabox multiple errandsinonetrip. Call “We are an extinct species Where does myinabilityto I havebeenrefusedentry The feds, state and City have 917 363-6834. Hospital Beds.Call631704 6212. Chairs, Recliner Lift Chairs and Wheelchairs, Scooters,Power picked up.Call631879-7201. with stool,needstuning.Mustbe American classicSpinetpiano Signature______Security code______Signature______Security Acct# ______Exp. Date______VISA MASTERCARD Make Checks payable to Able Newspaper CHECK ENCLOSED$______PHONE ()______ZIP______ADDRESS ______NAME ______WE FIX THEM ALL FIX THEM WE REPAIRS FREE PIANO FREE - - Continued frompage1 ASL AND COUMO Cuomo. feed interpreters who listen to briefings Belozovsky watches two Rochester, N.Y.reportedthatad frame ASLinterpretedbroadcast. in response to Cuomo’s first in- pride, elation and frustration page, wheretherewasamixof wrote onBelozovsky’sFacebook frame forinterpreter,”afriend COVID-19. touted as a possible cure for the poliovaccineisbeing book tourvirtually. School inNewYorkCity. Disability StudiesatTheNew created and taught courses in ty rights movement. LaSpina inent activistinthedisabili- lished in2019.Sheisaprom- “Such aPrettyGirl”waspub- distancing protocol. distancing protocol. wishes tomeethim,usingsocial with theGovernor,butthathe he hasyettobeinthesameroom a specialeducationteach Ironically, aversionof Nadina LaSpina’smemoir, in The DemocratandChroniclein “Not happywiththesmall Belozovsky toldPoliticothat Susan GordonRyanwas www.marykay.com/acrespo 917-696-8115. You canalsobuyonlinethroughthislink: worth ofproducts.Pleasecalloremailme,mynumberis Mary Kaywillenteryournameinaraffletowin$400 ing towinaSatinHandsset.Ifyoupurchase$50ormore, out? Ifyouparticipate,Iwillenteryournameintoadraw of productsto24peoplewithinhours.Willyouhelpme As aMaryKayrepresentative,mygoalistosell$24worth FREE MARY KAY OFFER - - 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, Old Bethpage, 19 updates. vised interpreter during COVID- cacy groups for not using a tele come underfirefromDeafadvo throughout theworld. there are72milliondeafpeople in March.Itisestimatedthat rus Pandemic,”whichwasissued Languages duringtheCoronavi Information inNationalSign Providing AccesstoPublicHealth ation oftheDeaf“Guidelineson in accordance with World Feder at least25percentofthescreen on Cuomotohavetheframecover vocates fortheDeafhavecalled hattan. for Special Surgery in Man hospitalized at the Hospital Ryan metwhentheywere tem. Long IslandStateParksSys the regionaldirectorfor the firstwomantoserveas cally Challenged”andwas State Games for the Physi tion, founded the “Empire ation &HistoricPreserva State Office of Parks, Recre er, workedfortheNewYork CLASSIFIED AD RATESCLASSIFIED AD As teenagersLaSpinaand The White House has also The WhiteHousehasalso -

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surfdogricochet.com Ricochet has more than Ricochet has more than pre to helping is Ricochet Ricochet about Learn more follow her on social media at follow her on social media at sched To @SurfDogRicochet. more resulting from this cri this from resulting more panic Federation; Human Rights Migrantfor Justice Campaign; Women; Multicultural Efforts to end Sexual Assault (MESA); Mus lim Public Affairs Council (MPAC); NAACP; National Association of Councils on Developmental Dis abilities; and the National Center for Learning Disabilities. sis. Then there is the rest of of rest the is there Then sis. the world that is feeling the or being jobs, losing of panic dered to stay home and hav ing an uncertain future. eight years of experience pro viding human-animal inter vention for active duty ser vice members recovering from combat PTSD, moral injury, anxiety and other mental health challenges. vent suicide among health care professionals, reduce anxiety of essential workers, a lost who families comfort loved one, cheer up seniors offer and homes nursing in learning to school children. at ule a session, email Fridono at [email protected] or visit www.surfdogricochet. com. ------can still in still can own home. They They home. own Although movie Although movie

it also uses video video uses also it The COVID-19 pandemic is is pandemic COVID-19 The can talk conferencing. Kids can talk to Ricochet while doing activ can watch the movie trailer, download the activities book behind-the- a view and let scenes video. psy physical, great of source a chological and emotional dis tress for front line workers as com well as individuals and world. the around munities doctors, be likely will There nurses and others who will need treatment for anxiety, stress, depression, PTSD and include: The Leadership Confer ence on Civil and Human Rights; American Association of Univer sity Women (AAUW); Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law; Center for Law and Social Poli cy (CLASP); Children’s Defense Fund; Disability Rights Education His (DREDF); Fund Defense & ochet were added to the pro gram. Intended for children ages all of ities like reading to her, col oring pictures of her, teach ing her tricks, show and tell, and Q&A’s busting, boredom more. Many kids know her Super film, IMAX the from power Dogs. theaters are closed due to the kids pandemic, teract with Ricochet from the their of safety EDUCATION EQUALITY EDUCATION Continued from page 3

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video conferencing, us KultureCity is the nation’s The program also fea Most recently, Paws on that Ricochet uses in her face- that Ricochet sessions to-face therapy dog members and with service PTSD. Gazing veterans with eyes stimulates into a dog’s a the release of oxytocin — with posi hormone associated tions and companies to make more than 600 public spaces Sensory Inclusive™ Certified. To learn more, visit www.kul turecity.org. ities. Since 2014, KultureCity 2014, Since ities. has partnered with the NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, libraries, organiza other and museums “Even in times of deep uncer ways find still can we tainty, to come together to advocate inclusion,” and acceptance for said KultureCity co-founder Michele Kong. “This unpre dictable time is especially dif ficult for children with autism, see to remarkable was it and individuals across the world gather virtually to break a Guinness World Record title in support of these children and their families.” leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabil tistics, 1 in 54 children in the in 1 tistics, United States has autism. Many of these children have challenges related to com on an insistence munication, sameness and routine, and sensory sensitivities, which are heightened during the current COVID-19 pandemic. one else suffering a loss or is is or loss a suffering else one feeling stressed and anxious. de Ricochet provides a calm support and comfort of meanor where a participants’ emo as tions can be safely released of they are spun into a cocoon positive energy, healing and ​ recovery. Learning activities with Ric tive, happy feelings. tures ing apps such as Zoom, FaceTime and Skype. These sessions are offered to fam to ilies who lost a loved one COVID-19, doctors, nurses, frontline workers and any

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Guiness World Record title for “most for title icochet, a therapy dog, dog, icochet, a therapy and is providing comfort during healing virtually

Virtual Shatters Autism Race for Recently, KultureCi In addition, amid the coro the amid addition, In The race, which was hosted The virtual canine thera “At a time when dogs could “At a time when dogs could

to the most recent CDC sta and their families. According support children with autism and Germany. navirus pandemic the organi zation raised nearly $14,000 to United States, Canada, France Canada, States, United participants hailed from the from hailed participants Daniel Isaac of “Billions.” Race AuCoin, Stephen Kunken and ham of “Insatiable,” and Kelly Wyle of “ER,” Christopher Gor pitcher Glendon Rush, Ken Jo eng of “The Hangover,” Noah head coach Lloyd Pierce, MLB Yang, NBA All-Star Domi nique Wilkins, Atlanta Hawks reCity board member Evelyn

supporters like former pres candidate idential ing noteworthy KultureCity via Zoom, mobilized race-go mobilized Zoom, via ers around the world, includ Race for Autism Month. Kultu wife and his Yang and Stay At Home organization’s Stay At Awareness Autism tional was achieved during the simultaneously,” which simultaneously,” people running/jogging online Record® ty broke the Guinesss World anxiety-reducing techniques anxiety-reducing techniques a calm, connected state of be ing. Eye contact is one of the page have reported they felt page have reported they felt viduals who have visited the the viduals who have visited dog’s eyes coupled with calm indi of ing music. Hundreds has close-up photos of the the has close-up photos of that page that web a is there First, is multi-faceted. py program is multi-faceted. chet’s guardian Judy Fridono. world who need it,” said Roco it,” need who world millions of people around the the millions of people around form of canine therapy to the the form of canine therapy to box in an effort to offer some box in an effort to offer some been suspended. the we’re thinking outside sisted therapy programs have programs have sisted therapy be truly valuable resources, antine, traditional animal-as Therapy Virtual Gives Dog Counseling

to social distancing and quar and distancing social to the COVID-19 pandemic. Due pandemic. Due the COVID-19 R