tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51783373276445443532024-03-27T09:51:12.060-05:00Disability Connection NewsDisability Connection Midsouth builds on the blog from the Memphis Center for Independent Living to keep up with issues that impact the disability community and the midsouth. Please respond and add your voice to be a part of the discussion about important topics in the Memphis area and things that impact people with disabilities nationwide. Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.comBlogger444125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178337327644544353.post-69642838440882298042024-03-27T09:49:00.002-05:002024-03-27T09:50:35.836-05:00 Give Us the Ballot<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Clift Notes: </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Absentee Voting in Tennessee</span></span></h2><span id="docs-internal-guid-0574fb3e-7fff-74f5-3b3b-2814107c0b45"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><i>By <b>Christina Clift</b></i></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzcdP1Af3DJMzQ_lNc2E5757ir9fBnadklyl_WErG4swt6APDPVMrNvIdny-Evu-Vp3N0ZA7RTZFR9faScalQPDuo7NFi4RxiA1Ff-qpGlst4kqjwDj3EIkndP40wilE9WjWHUmcL-P4hS73ncQAORO0dvuONpsA-gTcQi2Lo0E30an3JZf3KYIkXARfS/s600/fall1450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of Christina Clift" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzcdP1Af3DJMzQ_lNc2E5757ir9fBnadklyl_WErG4swt6APDPVMrNvIdny-Evu-Vp3N0ZA7RTZFR9faScalQPDuo7NFi4RxiA1Ff-qpGlst4kqjwDj3EIkndP40wilE9WjWHUmcL-P4hS73ncQAORO0dvuONpsA-gTcQi2Lo0E30an3JZf3KYIkXARfS/w320-h213/fall1450.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />At the age of eighteen every American is granted the right to vote in local, state, and federal elections. It is a right that hundreds of thousands of people have fought, marched, and died to defend. However, people with disabilities may be excluded from voting. The Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted thirty-four years ago and requires that every voting option be accessible to voters with disabilities so that all voters can vote independently and privately whether in person or by mail. </span></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Since the ADA, the disability community has fought for accessible polling locations, accessible voting machines, and assisted in training polling officials. Things have gotten better. Yet, voters with print disabilities in Tennessee still do not have the ability to cast their absentee ballot in private or independently. In Tennessee absentee voting still remains as inaccessible today as it was fifty years ago. Shocking Right?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial;">But there is hope on the horizon thanks to proposed legislation by the National Federation of the Blind Tennessee. The purpose of the Print Disability Absentee Ballot Accessibility Act is to increase voter access for people who have print disabilities. In-person voters consistently face barriers such as malfunctioning accessible voting machines, with polling officials lacking the ability to fix them or make even minor corrections. In rural areas transportation to the polls is challenging or nonexistent, so getting to a polling site is sometimes impossible. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Tennessee voting by mail system is also inaccessible. Blind voters and other people with comparable print disabilities are unable to mark their paper ballots independently. As a result, people with print disabilities must rely on others to mark their ballots, giving them no privacy, an unsecure vote, and very little independence. This violates the rights afforded by the ADA. In today’s political climate in which every vote matters would you want to have someone else marking your ballot without being able to see that it was done correctly? Do you want someone else to know who you voted for, especially if it is different from theirs? Privacy and independence are a critical part of each citizen's vote.</span></span></p><h4 style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Solution:</span></span></h4><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>The Print Disability Absentee Voting Act</i> will allow people with print disabilities to receive an electronic delivery of their mail-in ballot just like our veterans serving overseas.</span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Tennesseans with print disabilities will be able to fill out their accessible ballot independently using large print, screen readers, or other accessible means, ensuring that their ballots truly point to the candidate they wish to vote for.</span></span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: -18pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Then, the ballot will be printed out and mailed to their local voting district. </span></span></p></li></ul><br />Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178337327644544353.post-89512694993685982072024-02-23T14:37:00.002-06:002024-02-23T14:37:44.949-06:00 Memphis needs an Office on Disability<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: normal;">People with disabilities are a growing and important part of our community. We are not going away. However, in Memphis and Shelby County, we have no coordination of public policy.</i></span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Memphis area desperately needs an Office on Disability. While the population of people with disabilities is growing in our area, the impact of disability is also being felt more in employment, housing and transportation. Often, people with disabilities are the poorest of the poor and many of our group are over 60. We need to be proactive in including people with disabilities in everything.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Not including people with disabilities often leads to isolation and segregation. It makes our community into a burden and a problem rather than participants in solutions. An Office on Disability can create a coordinated, efficient and common-sense approach to disability issues in the Memphis Area. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Here are seven effective reasons why a city should have an office of disability:</span></p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Accessibility and Inclusivity: An office of disability can focus on making the city more accessible and inclusive for individuals with disabilities. This includes ensuring that public spaces, transportation, and buildings are compliant with the ADA.<br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Advocacy and Representation: The office can serve as a voice for the disabled community, advocating for their rights and needs in various city initiatives, policies, and programs.<br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Policy Development: A dedicated office can actively participate in the development of disability-related policies and regulations. This can include drafting laws that promote disability rights, employment opportunities, and social services that cater to the specific needs of residents and visitors with disabilities.<br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Coordination of Services: The office can act as a central hub for coordinating services and resources for disabled individuals. <br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Public Awareness and Education: Promoting awareness and education about disability issues, needs and rights is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and understanding community. <br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Employment Support: Facilitating employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities is vital for their economic independence and social inclusion. <br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Emergency Preparedness: An office of disability can play a key role in developing and implementing emergency preparedness plans that account for the unique needs of residents with disabilities, ensuring their safety and well-being during crises.</span></li></ol><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In summary, an Office of Disability can serve as a valuable resource for promoting accessibility, inclusion, and equity. By addressing the specific needs and concerns of individuals with disabilities, families, and community stakeholders such an office contributes to an equitable urban environment.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3yd7wCuaujeVXtHLK95piQ_0Gek_xwwQlh6a95tsi-DkZRdBYZnaBAN8IobA7_k_m2f85VJek-61UsM35HDv6aC7R3UCb_glqkaESv3qw16jxwiC9SnVYwPUtXYm9wbwV_c6KImCu8FqBgYEfsba7eQR_cXiyxX0vuiHzgUupCssP3rZKNwaM5GoSyZm/s1200/mcil2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Photo of the Memphis Public Library" border="0" height="" width="95%" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3yd7wCuaujeVXtHLK95piQ_0Gek_xwwQlh6a95tsi-DkZRdBYZnaBAN8IobA7_k_m2f85VJek-61UsM35HDv6aC7R3UCb_glqkaESv3qw16jxwiC9SnVYwPUtXYm9wbwV_c6KImCu8FqBgYEfsba7eQR_cXiyxX0vuiHzgUupCssP3rZKNwaM5GoSyZm/s16000/mcil2.JPG" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178337327644544353.post-47180785797024512612024-02-02T10:32:00.001-06:002024-02-05T10:39:07.956-06:00Equity in Transportation<p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><i>By <b>Allison Donald</b></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As Memphis embarks on the change in leadership with MATA we must continue to push for </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">inclusion, accessibility, and a transportation system that works for everyone. </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-afcb7015-7fff-0880-49b3-07acb047092a"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOhrvIzJiOk03cVPpcHX_qOCv22ndSi1eOJFY7o7c4eESThOn3HGJlyjbNH5qCfqJ2q2_1ZORh243YWgoA-uV3AmsFZz79skJdxZW791DvH9FJRMyVwWTTHuWKcZu3sofL4oX_q3JD4_363o63p5-IWktoi5YjS4FhLVjHkIPEOtN94F3Vomd5a7943_8/s1616/Allison23a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Person using a wheelchair in front of a capitol building" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1616" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIOhrvIzJiOk03cVPpcHX_qOCv22ndSi1eOJFY7o7c4eESThOn3HGJlyjbNH5qCfqJ2q2_1ZORh243YWgoA-uV3AmsFZz79skJdxZW791DvH9FJRMyVwWTTHuWKcZu3sofL4oX_q3JD4_363o63p5-IWktoi5YjS4FhLVjHkIPEOtN94F3Vomd5a7943_8/w320-h214/Allison23a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />On Feb 4, 2024 Transit Equity Day and Rosa Parks’ birthday the work goes on. Regardless of where folks live, access to public transit impacts all Americans. Improving public transit will benefit the environment, our physical health, the economy, socially, culturally, and increase independence.</span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Over thirteen percent of the Memphis population of 618,626 have disabilities. According to the AAPD, of the nearly two million people with disabilities who never leave their homes, 560,000 never leave their homes because of transportation difficulties. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Equity in transportation seeks fairness in mobility and accessibility to meet the needs of all community members. A central goal of transportation equity is to facilitate social and economic</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">opportunities by providing equitable levels of access to affordable and reliable transportation</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">options based on the needs of the populations being served, particularly populations that are</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">traditionally underserved. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This population group includes low income individuals, minority individuals, elderly persons, children, and persons with disabilities. Paratransit service is crucial for those individuals who rely on it to get around. Failure of paratransit to show up or to provide effective service not only causes frustration but can also cause missed health appointments and employment problems for those who need to get to work.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“People always say that I didn’t give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn’t true. I was not tired physically, or no more tired than I usually was at the end of a working day. I was not old, although some people have an image of me as being old then. I was forty-two. No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in” </span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; margin-left: 36pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">Rosa Parks.</span></p></li></ul><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If you have questions about transit equity or how you can become involved in the advocacy</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">efforts, please contact Disability Connection Midsouth at 901-726-6406 or visit</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">http://www.disabilitymidsouth.org for the latest updates.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div>Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178337327644544353.post-54215515127784973842024-01-12T14:55:00.003-06:002024-01-12T14:55:32.087-06:00Ramps for Buses!<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: large;">Memphis needs to ensure that ramps on the buses are working.</span></span></h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnpVk2W4OtgFYfeoB_uHaGH9yasnx964QE7IjNoBuUzlISE0bJQelvrlIC7RwaRaDwfiSkvAR-76N-i9a0iDdWFMJxNp5CquLDSVyx32FptAoD18G5IeqreaX4fE7CRqDieWfQhQ10n-MdlAhXEQbmvfRsY6LtSCnBAMDILD4LJ0l9wPT9r5cS1Gn0S9z/s960/rrdoa2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Alison Donald" border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="960" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnpVk2W4OtgFYfeoB_uHaGH9yasnx964QE7IjNoBuUzlISE0bJQelvrlIC7RwaRaDwfiSkvAR-76N-i9a0iDdWFMJxNp5CquLDSVyx32FptAoD18G5IeqreaX4fE7CRqDieWfQhQ10n-MdlAhXEQbmvfRsY6LtSCnBAMDILD4LJ0l9wPT9r5cS1Gn0S9z/w320-h195/rrdoa2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><i>By <b>Allison Donald, </b>Disability CONNECTION Midsouth</i>
The accessibility of transportation for people with disabilities in any city can have profound impacts on its residents. Limiting access to essential services, employment opportunities, education, social interactions and healthcare. Unfortunately, for Memphians living with disabilities lack of transportation is our reality. </span><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-aa6e8d0d-7fff-e12c-7d47-27e0fe95b9d6"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">While the Memphis Area Transit Authority provides various types of bus services across the city, the system has proven to be inadequate for many residents. One of the primary barriers of a viable and accessible transportation system in Memphis are the inoperable ramps on the fixed route buses.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">According to a study conducted in 2019 by the US Department of Transportation, 25.5 million Americans have self reported travel limiting disabilities. Of this 3.6 million Americans do not leave their homes due to their disabilities. Inadequate enforcement of required accessibility has left millions of people with no rides or having to rely on family and friends to travel in their communities. The lack of affordable and accessible transportation contributes to social exclusion, isolation and poor health outcomes.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ramps on public transportation enhance accessibility for individuals with limited mobility. Ramps allow wheelchair users, individuals with mobility impairments, parents with strollers, and seniors with walking aids to board and disembark public transportation vehicles with ease. This increased accessibility promotes equal opportunities for all individuals, irrespective of their physical limitations.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"[The bus] having a ramp allows me to get on and off the bus at my own leisure,” said Brandon, who started using public transit in 2003. "I don't have to use MATAplus which takes forever." </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The use of ramps has emerged as a vital component of public transportation, enhancing accessibility and inclusivity for all users. MATA has tried to fill the gaps with the Paratransit system MATAplus. However, it often misses the mark, because of the capacity constraints opposed upon riders, the service delivery, and the condition of the vehicles themselves. As an advocate and a person living with a disability we are tired of being segregated! We should be able to use the entire system and the only way that happens is all off the ramps are working.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> It is time for Memphis to get on board.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgkqD1SdTN-nipSjmAzQvY1n4DKojJ-2MzLDIkRrK6jrHYwZMV5NavslQTyb_niMBxwLIvgA5Y5r5qnyWyWsNwefOSv9I4zIQLQt5E4OCVwbNMVtzhn_Y6TiP6s0r7NKOH220sx0QbT03SlDDszzpgE8LR4zQG0T8LDcSP7J8CSi19Oylxf0zO_F67Aci/s1200/mcil1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MATA administration at the public library" border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1200" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFgkqD1SdTN-nipSjmAzQvY1n4DKojJ-2MzLDIkRrK6jrHYwZMV5NavslQTyb_niMBxwLIvgA5Y5r5qnyWyWsNwefOSv9I4zIQLQt5E4OCVwbNMVtzhn_Y6TiP6s0r7NKOH220sx0QbT03SlDDszzpgE8LR4zQG0T8LDcSP7J8CSi19Oylxf0zO_F67Aci/w640-h428/mcil1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><p></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span>Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178337327644544353.post-44448663847735441412023-11-15T12:53:00.004-06:002023-11-15T13:00:30.103-06:00DC Midsouth Life: Holiday Silent Auction and Jingle Hop<h1 style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Holiday Silent Auction and Jingle Hop</span></span></h1><h4 style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Friday, December 1, 2023<br /></b></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">5pm – 8pm</span></span></span></h4><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Disability Connection is excited to announce our</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Annual Holiday Silent Auction and Jingle Hop!</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h4 style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: large;">1000 S Cooper Street, lower level</span></span></h4><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All festivities will be live this year; </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: red;">auctions</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d;">dancing</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: red;">food</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Holiday Karaoke</span> and <span style="color: red;">more</span>!</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiETX3P7zulu9TR-Pc-GbogG6hfMMZUVNZ3BnEev-RazmT32T6eAmdTP5zvGyR5MXUS41S2k1EAm-8WNxRBIK7_jTiht1tj2DAxJNu1Ub4gbwL5A08kkXRqwJB9WbWZcOUafK1lpm0C97KkAaYbEwHCYcdNpkeA0D7Woaa8qbPDn2eMFQPL7qdhOlIz9eO/s450/qrcode_www.disabilitymidsouth.org.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiETX3P7zulu9TR-Pc-GbogG6hfMMZUVNZ3BnEev-RazmT32T6eAmdTP5zvGyR5MXUS41S2k1EAm-8WNxRBIK7_jTiht1tj2DAxJNu1Ub4gbwL5A08kkXRqwJB9WbWZcOUafK1lpm0C97KkAaYbEwHCYcdNpkeA0D7Woaa8qbPDn2eMFQPL7qdhOlIz9eO/s320/qrcode_www.disabilitymidsouth.org.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Bid tickets/number will be $20</span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Use the QR Code to get your Bid tickets and number.</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: medium;">IF you win this will be applied IF not than it will be a donation!</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">Great place to purchase your season’s gift</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Please contact me with questions at 901-726-6404 or by email at</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="mailto:sandik@disabilityconnection.org">sandik@disabilityconnection.org</a>.</span></span></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-793c47ec-7fff-f0d1-7dd1-525be52e42da"></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p>Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178337327644544353.post-56108290191025428252023-11-15T12:00:00.002-06:002023-11-15T13:01:53.897-06:00DC Midsouth Life: Oak Court Mall Doors are a Barrier<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>People with Disabilities can be left out in the rain.</i></span></span></h3><span id="docs-internal-guid-7d0148e2-7fff-cd9b-1fab-e6e4758b2597"><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">By Allison Donald, Leah Williamson, and Christina Clift.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A day of shopping can be tiring and fun. If you are like me, finding a good bargain or the perfect pair of shoes brings you a thrill. On the other hand, long lines and crowded stores, a limited selection, or sky-high prices can turn a fun day into a frustrating outing. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">For people with disabilities shopping has another challenge and it is access. Whether it is physical access to get in and out of the store, inaccessible fitting rooms, or no accessible parking, it can also be a lack of sighted assistance or poor lighting for someone who is blind.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfURau1zcSWGkB1kSyoND3I3uLDExtSNxV8D9H017FgiPPajZf0IHZH9BaocgZo_5F8na4I46YHNauRmjrGF2EKAIqqjx_HmZwW0xTsp9BNnZ1yIF1EeWBH75S6sfctXW-MRoplyy0KGR-uABPkkJepriA4j9H6E_yaHfYsIjoUEAyGU_SjXeixZuAQPHY/s640/IMG_0890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Allison attempting to open exterior doors" border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfURau1zcSWGkB1kSyoND3I3uLDExtSNxV8D9H017FgiPPajZf0IHZH9BaocgZo_5F8na4I46YHNauRmjrGF2EKAIqqjx_HmZwW0xTsp9BNnZ1yIF1EeWBH75S6sfctXW-MRoplyy0KGR-uABPkkJepriA4j9H6E_yaHfYsIjoUEAyGU_SjXeixZuAQPHY/w300-h400/IMG_0890.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />Recently some friends and I went to the Oak Court mall for a bit of shopping. As we were walking up to go inside the mall the first door was propped open. However, as you approach the second set of doors you have to pull them. It is extremely difficult because of the weight of the door. </span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The doors are nearly impossible to open if you are a wheelchair user. I did not feel like struggling with the door. I looked to the right and there was an accessible entrance. I really wasn't sure, because there is no clear signage. The only reason I was able to identify the button was because of the silver panel that is on most accessible entrance buttons. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Honestly, I felt relieved because all I wanted to do was take the easiest path to get into the mall. As I was walking over to the button, my friend began to push it and nothing happened.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We were all standing at the entrance of the mall in rain soaked clothes looking at each other in disbelief. At this point we are both ready to call it a day. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">My friend says, "I'm going to push it one more time." On the fifth try the door opened and we were able to go into the mall. I like shopping just as much as the next person but this is such a hindrance and it takes away the enjoyment of just getting out and about without barriers.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I am positive that the doors at the Oak Court Mall are not the only ones like this around the city. We at Disability Connection Midsouth are continuing to work and identify barriers that prevent Memphians living with a disability from living, working, and playing in this city just like our non disabled counterparts. If you are out in the streets and you see a barrier or you are not sure if it's a barrier feel free to contact us at 901-726-6404 or </span><a href="http://www.disabilitymidsouth.org/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">www.disabilitymidsouth.org</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><br />Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178337327644544353.post-66976135014939050512023-11-06T11:49:00.001-06:002023-11-08T12:10:00.749-06:00Why Memphis Needs an Office on Disability<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 34.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Memphis needs a dedicated office to coordinate disability policy</span></span></h2><span id="docs-internal-guid-20ee977a-7fff-2859-d996-a6f46777ad74"><span style="font-family: arial;">By Tim Wheat<br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKNjM3CLro8NMW5amgfKsPuvAR4VHV7esItfVVDUQJnXw-Vn30bjYCKQJKvShHuCSzJRdzZUT1yjyqZMraFx-dsNFlpVvb-_XTf1K49WGgCTeB8xPLUR7lDwVjBLhGpg75OWUQ-mUjWtRj2SA5D3_ph-Rq0aalUBUpQ9m_UJ3VpNLLycyS6nw1w_s9o5n/s398/curbramp1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Fire hydrant in the middle of a sidewalk" border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="398" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKNjM3CLro8NMW5amgfKsPuvAR4VHV7esItfVVDUQJnXw-Vn30bjYCKQJKvShHuCSzJRdzZUT1yjyqZMraFx-dsNFlpVvb-_XTf1K49WGgCTeB8xPLUR7lDwVjBLhGpg75OWUQ-mUjWtRj2SA5D3_ph-Rq0aalUBUpQ9m_UJ3VpNLLycyS6nw1w_s9o5n/w320-h214/curbramp1.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Local businesses, city and county governments and residents with and without disabilities all need to know about the civil rights of people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Amendments Act are both powerful federal laws that outline the civil rights for people with disabilities. </span></span><p></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial;">People with disabilities are a growing and important part of our community. We are not going away. However, in Memphis and Shelby County, we have no coordination of public policy, </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Because of the federal laws, lawyers stand in to speak for people with disabilities and consistently aim for MINIMAL COMPLIANCE. The least allowable by law. Local planners and lawyers look to comply with federal law and nothing more. In our area we are not guided by the input and advice of the community that deals with these issues every day. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Disability CONNECTION Midsouth has a mission to educate, advocate and unite our community. We are asking that the Mayor create an Office on Disability to include people with disabilities, coordinate local policy and inform the community of the civil rights of people with disabilities. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We were disappointed to learn that the new mayor did not have a person with an obvious disability on the transition team. The long-time motto of the Independent Living movement has been “Nothing About Us Without Us.” Still we hope that Mayor Paul Young will be able to keep his promise to create a local Office on Disability.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSMGAWS2a9qhI_QgpcN4nEkIwUe2jA73HI3l-1jh8hC2yLYW73zz1tkacemwkW6HtRyKbGIBq26tqtcDqIWnCzZP5ccS-LG3QQJe3b754gyBaHu6VXC3TWMY_GMite1lr1VikjmR4z_OcMZ1DpIgRiRL2cS069b6tIAxbKafMdJj7dlcYI417Sy7b2AbU/s960/bellwalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Children learn to use a white cane" border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="960" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSMGAWS2a9qhI_QgpcN4nEkIwUe2jA73HI3l-1jh8hC2yLYW73zz1tkacemwkW6HtRyKbGIBq26tqtcDqIWnCzZP5ccS-LG3QQJe3b754gyBaHu6VXC3TWMY_GMite1lr1VikjmR4z_OcMZ1DpIgRiRL2cS069b6tIAxbKafMdJj7dlcYI417Sy7b2AbU/w367-h206/bellwalk.jpg" width="367" /></a></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Memphis area desperately needs the Office on Disability. While the population of people with disabilities is growing in our area, the impact of the disability is also being felt more in employment, housing and transportation. Often, people with disabilities are the poorest of the poor and many of our group are over 60. We need to be proactive in including people with disabilities in everything.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Not including people with disabilities often leads to isolation and segregation. It makes our community into a burden and a problem rather than participants in solutions. An Office on Disability can create a coordinated, efficient and common-sense approach to disability issues in the Memphis Area. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Office on Disability can be charged to ensure that every program, service, benefit, activity and facility operated or funded by the City is fully accessible to people with disabilities. This protects against non-compliance and expensive lawsuits against the City. The Office on Disability may also oversee the implementation and local enforcement of the City's obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and the further development of the Memphis ADA Transition Plan.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Office on Disability may also provide an ADA grievance procedure that includes the disability community. The office may also help the City communicate policy and priorities to the disability community by not only including people with disabilities, but advice on effective and accessible communication.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Likewise, the Office on Disability may be critical to training and guidance for all City Departments, public information, program policy development and legislative initiatives. The Office may also create a public forum for the disability community so all residents are more involved and knowledgeable.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Significantly, the Office on Disability can help our community coordinate our response to emergencies and disasters. People with disabilities may have specific and unique needs in times of crisis and a good use of the Office would be to synchronize the assistance and to appropriately plan for distinctive needs. </span></span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZXonwsbODIGm3CRyYOBn0R5Bgyo-VdNgWkQXBdrEd-QTj2G-4YG_tFmNrEwQozEDRsJfbZYejswVGfdBavqZjwc93rHWXQLxbYgL63uZjkSali_7rg2Ne_ELk85dIL9ILAQ-VTHs8MehYKlmtfaEUHqw6bdYm-Lvu1LRnZATfEUZ09EiYbS6VtdwzzIQ/s5290/IMG_9736.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Downtown Memphis" border="0" height="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZXonwsbODIGm3CRyYOBn0R5Bgyo-VdNgWkQXBdrEd-QTj2G-4YG_tFmNrEwQozEDRsJfbZYejswVGfdBavqZjwc93rHWXQLxbYgL63uZjkSali_7rg2Ne_ELk85dIL9ILAQ-VTHs8MehYKlmtfaEUHqw6bdYm-Lvu1LRnZATfEUZ09EiYbS6VtdwzzIQ/s16000/IMG_9736.jpg" width="96%" /></a></div><br />Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178337327644544353.post-61022646112105946472023-10-20T10:19:00.001-05:002023-11-08T12:11:20.435-06:00Parking Problems Again?<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Memphis issues with the accessible parking aisle.</span></span></h2><span id="docs-internal-guid-ec09734f-7fff-72ab-fa6b-168900ec2ed4" style="font-family: arial;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><i>By <b>Sandi Klink</b></i></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVsjsVaMlRSS7TbJx8nZAZWUNWhvafTXaF3sBfmG0RGN2cWeEBuBEKVs0P4UZWByhXhSZ0UIjpFHoPbCOssILKOrzTZNKEhB5xoEYrR41tYgidrn7KQNG4-1SQNbt420fKVTosjyyVsRGIf0ijxtN9cW_xNoMbWVd8asHXKNrqoYFPtckNjdu_GfFIa4N/s3264/IMG_9322.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sandi Klink" border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVsjsVaMlRSS7TbJx8nZAZWUNWhvafTXaF3sBfmG0RGN2cWeEBuBEKVs0P4UZWByhXhSZ0UIjpFHoPbCOssILKOrzTZNKEhB5xoEYrR41tYgidrn7KQNG4-1SQNbt420fKVTosjyyVsRGIf0ijxtN9cW_xNoMbWVd8asHXKNrqoYFPtckNjdu_GfFIa4N/w320-h240/IMG_9322.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I don’t understand why people in 2023 can’t read parking signs or acknowledge that the crossed lines next to the parking spot mean <b>DON’T PARK HERE!</b></span><p></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Even before the Americans with Disabilities Act passed into law in 1990, accessible parking was a convenience needed by many seniors and people with mobility issues. “Handicapped parking” has been clearly marked and fine amounts have been posted for anywhere from $20 to $200 depending on the location but who enforces the fines? NO ONE! </span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Security guards in most parking lots don’t enforce and allow people to park in access aisles daily. Many officers don’t even understand what an access aisle is! </span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Just as a reminder, an access aisle provides clearance for an individual with a mobility aid to get in and out of their vehicle. For instance, I use a power wheelchair and an accessible van. The ramp deploys from under the floor after the ramp door has opened. It extends into the access aisle several feet and then I must have room to get off the ramp at the bottom, at least another 3 feet to turn. </span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I am a very independent woman and am most often shopping, making presentations, attending church, town halls, etc. by myself. If I can find a van parking spot with appropriate access, I will park. But often of late I have exited my errand or work event to find that the access aisle is now full of a car. </span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I do understand the frustration of needing close parking and not finding any, but denying access to someone else, making them wait for the car to move or going to shops or offices nearby to see if anyone knows who parked in the access aisle is more than likely to cause some flared tempers and inappropriate responses. </span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Sometimes I have a family member or coworker who rides with me and can pull the van out and let the ramp out for me but not often. What would you do if your independent mother or grandmother were in a similar spot?</span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Not only old people, like me, use accessible parking spaces. There are lots of parents with growing children with disabilities who use wheelchairs and need the extra room for Mom or Dad to help them transfer out of the car without worrying about someone whipping a little car into that spot. </span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">One in four people in our area are people with some type of disability. Not all need an accessible parking space, but those of us who do should have that right. We should expect our rights to live, work and play and yes park to be observed and if not we must find ways to remind others that violating my civil rights may result in civil disobedience…</span></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXVqoNlfGA_n-Og2Y_oli4lC3QbTvQzrzmpykCmOkVo8Fl1PtT38jvbXzX1WpokT81WOvfLLHwhRQbdahrXnaLDwJQFMf3HmGvtWjU2PTmA_g6LtGT7YEzjBsQMCH6PyLDe0trU9I7qUNA6cU9miajdWGmwvmKqu7IA4fIX2twKppQa_8qXWaJDEn7oBx/s2000/sign.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="varity of roadsigns" border="0" height="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXVqoNlfGA_n-Og2Y_oli4lC3QbTvQzrzmpykCmOkVo8Fl1PtT38jvbXzX1WpokT81WOvfLLHwhRQbdahrXnaLDwJQFMf3HmGvtWjU2PTmA_g6LtGT7YEzjBsQMCH6PyLDe0trU9I7qUNA6cU9miajdWGmwvmKqu7IA4fIX2twKppQa_8qXWaJDEn7oBx/s16000/sign.jpg" width="97%" /></a></div><br /><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div>Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178337327644544353.post-50378376957656662422023-10-18T12:13:00.000-05:002023-11-08T12:10:57.055-06:00DC Midsouth Life - Voting<h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: x-large;">DC Midsouth Life</span></span></h1><span id="docs-internal-guid-7d3d07f0-7fff-f595-9af4-ac7d2bbee69f"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>EDITOR’S NOTE:</b> <i>This is the first installment of our blog that will deal with advocating, uniting and educating the disability community in the midsouth. This blog will focus on the Center and our mission. It will include consumer views and local topics. The blogs may have staff and board perspectives on issues of interest to people with disabilities in the Midsouth. The blog will promote Independent Living, success stories and events at the Center. The blog will also take on timely issues and items of interest to the cross disability community.</i> </span></p><br /><h2 style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Your Voice Matters</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></h2><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><i>By <b>Allison Donald</b>, Disability Connection Midsouth</i></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwSG1Fm1IJX7JYEMRxZTr_Cpis36WO9cnf3n2AqWw2kcDn4N4VNgAtzn2XkgGhHAMd6-s9ezCQ4XsZqz5VnvOWCMDVXv8wqOpbP30OLc1BYyII8lLQidoia5aglCVL9ggp7d2BpBloMVNgcEHQWleOhgH0WgwVnJ8kYDioBgEJLs_LWVd9V3BG_GsAGtw/s960/10994228_10152514442021841_994430117889882540_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Allison Donald" border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="960" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwSG1Fm1IJX7JYEMRxZTr_Cpis36WO9cnf3n2AqWw2kcDn4N4VNgAtzn2XkgGhHAMd6-s9ezCQ4XsZqz5VnvOWCMDVXv8wqOpbP30OLc1BYyII8lLQidoia5aglCVL9ggp7d2BpBloMVNgcEHQWleOhgH0WgwVnJ8kYDioBgEJLs_LWVd9V3BG_GsAGtw/w320-h214/10994228_10152514442021841_994430117889882540_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Voters with disabilities face unique obstacles when it comes to casting our ballots. During the 2022 midterm election 38.3 million voters with disabilities had an opportunity to cast their ballots. As I sat back and reflected on that number I was left with two nagging questions. First, what was my voting experience going to be like and also how many people living with disabilities really know their rights as a voter?</span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I waited until Election Day to vote, because I like the hustle and bustle of the battle for the last minute votes. As I pulled up to my polling station I walked through the door that said "Vote Here". It was the accessible entrance, but I did not know that until I got on the inside of the church and saw the placard posted to the right of the door. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Oh yes, there was also a woman asking the poll worker why she had to “go through the same door as the handicapped.” </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I brushed that off, because I was there to cast my vote for the next mayor. I walked from one table to another and the poll worker asked if I needed assistance. I told him no. He handed me a stylus and my ballot. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As I walked up to the voting machine another poll worker came over and was explaining to me how the machine worked because I was having a little trouble getting my ballot into the machine. After he saw the ballot go into the machine he walked away and I was able to cast my vote privately and independently. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I know that my experience with voting is not like everybody’s who has a disability. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It is important that we are able to vote privately and independently. Also, the polling place must be accessible for people with disabilities. One mistake that I have encountered while I have been eligible to vote is poll workers assuming I need assistance with voting based on seeing my crutches. I often wonder if I had a disability that limited my dexterity would they be able to accommodate me on the spot? I also wonder how many people with disabilities have voted and not gotten the proper accommodation for their needs? </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>For people with disabilities</b> I would tell them it is not a hard conversation to have and there is nothing wrong with asking for help. If you need help with beginning that conversation Disability Connection Midsouth is here to help YOU and keep you informed regarding your rights. If you don't feel comfortable speaking with a person you can visit: </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://blog.ssa.gov/helping-voters-with-disabilities-participate-in-our-democratic-process/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://blog.ssa.gov/helping-voters-with-disabilities-participate-in-our-democratic-process/</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Check your voter registration in Tennessee or get voting information at</span><a href="http://www.govotetn.gov/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></a><a href="http://www.govotetn.gov" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">www.govotetn.gov</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nationally you can get information at: </span><a href="https://vote.gov/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://vote.gov/</span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR VOICE MATTERS AND EVERY VOTE COUNTS!</span></p><br /><h2 style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Voting Early</span></span></h2><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><i>By <b>Stephen Tennial</b>, Disability Connection Midsouth</i></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpzH5XpoDz6BmJE4LXCgu6c9IDHKPwPefTYhVxg8MS0POnI_F0UU4NSmPbchJVFK-Lb-n4f-JJUpmZsxPghlyuPLO_VGAV-N66p-8vjI4hcw_5LSWtZv7ctitB3AHPpZMp6n_z-H6m2TEkDvJkzVjfS0EKgxUFFE_CoZTkfH76w9hM9x-oDlySXdPlTFm/s93/StephenTennial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Stephen Tennial" border="0" data-original-height="88" data-original-width="93" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPpzH5XpoDz6BmJE4LXCgu6c9IDHKPwPefTYhVxg8MS0POnI_F0UU4NSmPbchJVFK-Lb-n4f-JJUpmZsxPghlyuPLO_VGAV-N66p-8vjI4hcw_5LSWtZv7ctitB3AHPpZMp6n_z-H6m2TEkDvJkzVjfS0EKgxUFFE_CoZTkfH76w9hM9x-oDlySXdPlTFm/w200-h189/StephenTennial.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Growing up, I was always told that there is not anything more constant in <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">life but change. Change is the only thing that is constant and it is the one thing that </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">gives us hope for a better community. This is why I take my right to vote very </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">serious. </span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">When it comes to voting for persons with disabilities, there are many </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">barriers that we face. One barrier is simply getting to the polling site itself. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Other barriers include, but are not limited to physical environment, lack of </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">assistive technology, and negative attitudes towards people with disabilities.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I recently early voted in Memphis’s Mayoral election. I voted early at a </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">local church and I encountered one issue. Before I go into what problem I had, I </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">would first like to say that I did not face any problems with the abovementioned </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">barriers. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Because of my disability, I cannot raise my arms, therefore I could not </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">press the buttons on the machines without assistance. For me this was a simple fix </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">because my wife and I were at the polls together and she was able to help me </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">make my selections. However, my concern is regarding the person who does not </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">have anyone to accompany them. I believe that there should be voting machines </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">that are designed for persons that use wheelchairs and scooters.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div>Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178337327644544353.post-11772383385000441162023-10-06T11:32:00.006-05:002023-10-06T11:32:48.665-05:00Voting in Memphis<h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">More interest expected in the 2024 elections</span></span></h1><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-f8a2918a-7fff-f0d5-15e9-9be3adf265c9"><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>EDITOR’S NOTE: </b>This is the first installment of our blog that will deal with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act and compliance issues. The bi-weekly content will focus on Civil Rights and equal participation in the area. Topics will include: Transportation, Paratransit, Fair housing Communication, Deinstitutionalization and Disability Rights. </span></p></span></blockquote><span id="docs-internal-guid-f8a2918a-7fff-f0d5-15e9-9be3adf265c9"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><i>By Tim Wheat</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAvlFlwQgeuX0KRWAK2LzvNOq3eFaKttl_lt7uVmKaht8nUxFvwd4IGbW9MsKpsu_qxeuZ6sTMO0eHs60V-7rCJlvUHRQf_4YJaSlhs8rCKmXyLIGWhVrhC7okfVuYsvB__3A9PN7y6fWUkIpZdluJSJsP41-kFvtCs1pfTOJeJ4tY7UXIysCFisYKeLD/s3088/IMG-4454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2320" data-original-width="3088" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAvlFlwQgeuX0KRWAK2LzvNOq3eFaKttl_lt7uVmKaht8nUxFvwd4IGbW9MsKpsu_qxeuZ6sTMO0eHs60V-7rCJlvUHRQf_4YJaSlhs8rCKmXyLIGWhVrhC7okfVuYsvB__3A9PN7y6fWUkIpZdluJSJsP41-kFvtCs1pfTOJeJ4tY7UXIysCFisYKeLD/w320-h240/IMG-4454.jpg" title="Voter wearing a mask" width="320" /></a></div>Memphis just finished an election for our Mayor and City Council. Less than a quarter of registered voters went to the polls and we can estimate that an even lower percentage of people with disabilities turned out in this election. Here at Disability Connection Midsouth, we are working to help you have a voice in the election and we want people with disabilities to be a vibrant part of our community and voting process. </span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">First, we want to know if you had any accessibility issues with the polls. You may have voted at an early voting site, at your polling site on election day or voted by absentee ballot. Disability Connection wants to hear about your experience. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If you are not registered to vote, now may be the time to register for the elections coming up in 2024. There is a Presidential preference primary on March 5, 2024 and the Primary on August 1. The general election will be November 5, 2024.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The most effective way you can make sure your vote counts in 2024 is to check your voter registration now. In Tennessee you must have to be registered 30 days before the election. Disability Connection can help you to check your registration, or you can check online: </span><a href="http://tnmap.tn.gov/voterlookup/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">tnmap.tn.gov/voterlookup/</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">At each polling site, Disability Rights Tennessee posts their phone number 1-800-342-1660 if you face any discrimination or barriers based on a disability. Disability Connection would like to hear from you what would help you to get to the polls. We can be a valuable and important part of the election process:</span></p><br /><ul style="margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">There are over ONE MILLION voters with disabilities in Tennessee.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">19.4% of registered voters in Tennessee have a disability. That is about 1 in 5 voters.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-wrap: wrap; vertical-align: baseline;">People with disabilities at a LOWER RATE than non-disabled voters in Tennessee. </span></p></li></ul><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Rutgers University found that nationally, if people with disabilities voted at the same rate as people without disabilities who have the same demographic characteristics, there would be about 1.75 million more voters. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Rutgers study found that some of the lower turnout of people with disabilities is tied to difficulties in voting. A national survey sponsored by the U.S. The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) following the 2020 elections found that 11% of voters with disabilities had some type of difficulty in voting, which was almost twice the rate of 6% among voters without disabilities. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As a positive note, the same survey found that voting accessibility appears to have improved: the likelihood of voting difficulties decreased from 26% in 2012 to 11% in 2020 among voters with disabilities. In 2020 the rate of difficulties among voters with disabilities was 18% among those voting in a polling place, and 5% among those voting with a mail ballot.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A barrier that some people may have, but do not report on a survey is that they do not have a photo ID. Even if your name is in the pollbook, all voters in Tennessee must have a state or federal picture identification. Most common is a Tennessee drivers license, but you may also use a Tennessee Photo ID or US Passport. A complete list of acceptable identification is at the Tennessee website: </span><a href="https://sos.tn.gov/elections/voter-id-requirements" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">https://sos.tn.gov/elections/voter-id-requirements</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Only a court can take away your right to vote. You do not have to explain why you need help voting at the polls and you may ask for an accessible voting machine. If you ask for help, you may choose the person to help you vote or you may have a poll worker to help you. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Tennessee is ranked first in the US for election integrity by the Heritage Foundation. If you would like to be more involved in the election you may become a poll worker, check your voter registration or get voting information at </span><a href="http://www.govotetn.gov" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">www.govotetn.gov</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. </span></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzU4Dum1vrW3AlU7rUruj57KuQ_wpG2QgtpDpyiWf4nV3eOJnH7AdOYUJtcwSnOKD9e2lGRbarrPTfeEp8DzocasWf9Yb1K7bUA0grYLSojUBkyU_TXMkWGCneq5jeUzgy1tuSUmYdsNV55E6zbGiturmNGVrvN6A_WlVWAm87sV5TiYhFdE5ed9xwaO3h/s2048/WDC17e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="" width="97%" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzU4Dum1vrW3AlU7rUruj57KuQ_wpG2QgtpDpyiWf4nV3eOJnH7AdOYUJtcwSnOKD9e2lGRbarrPTfeEp8DzocasWf9Yb1K7bUA0grYLSojUBkyU_TXMkWGCneq5jeUzgy1tuSUmYdsNV55E6zbGiturmNGVrvN6A_WlVWAm87sV5TiYhFdE5ed9xwaO3h/s16000/WDC17e.jpg" title="US Flag with accessibility symbol over blue field" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div>Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178337327644544353.post-37493119373421686102023-09-06T12:08:00.000-05:002023-11-08T12:11:48.795-06:00 Three MATAplus Riders Guides<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">How you can get the right information about MATAplus</span></span></h2><span id="docs-internal-guid-d82db185-7fff-e306-cc5c-92b77ba061d4"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Back in July, Disability Connection wrote a letter to MATA about misinformation on their website. They have an outdated MATAplus Rider’s Guide with old errors that we wrote about in this blog on July 17. </span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">MATA has still not made the simple correction we asked for and you may still be getting misinformation from the MATA website. In looking closer at this issue, we have discovered that MATA has three different MATAplus Rider’s Guides.</span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The first of MATAplus’ three Rider’s Guides is the one that you may get from the website. If you go to the MATAplus tab a blue box at the top of the page says: “Download MATAplus Riders Guide (PDF).” You may notice that it is not an Adobe “pdf” it is a Microsoft Word document. Back in July when we notified them of the error, we assumed they had just linked an outdated version of the Rider’s Guide. </span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Version 2 of the MATAplus Rider’s Guide is also available on the same webpage. The end of the second paragraph reads: “Click </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">here</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> for access to the MATAplus Riders Guide. The word “here” is a link to an Adobe “pdf” document and a version of the MATAplus Riders Guide that also states on the back of the cover page that it was updated May 2019. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This version of the Rider’s Guide does not include the error we noted back in July. You may think it is the same information however, because they both say that they were updated May 2019. This can make helping people to understand how the system works very difficult. We are mainly interested in helping rider’s get good information. It is sad that MATA has been unable to remove the misinformation from the website, and to have contradictory information essentially side-by-side on the website.</span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Version 3 is a printed guide we received just yesterday. This version not only seems to have correct information (We have read through it just once so far), but it also clearly prints “Updated March 2022” on the inside front cover. </span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This should be the information that MATA links to from the webpage and what we all use to understand the system. Hopefully MATA can find this error and correct it immediately. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3UJD4pqKUA25W4NbhDlVrelGoFQBRNVXgpZDl-YPw2uV6o76x5fUHX4CrcV5xhGnCnhvZ6qXPHCokjxUt7oSqIc0aOMsadJHHSIYw0_WpoSbAOxaKQhPh8bCVTnDS36t0LtGWFY899NiFX8ctvSGwJ_6aO0HD2U0wfTXXzodEhrsRMewFp5OhGow4L2S/s1183/3ridersguides2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Section of MATA website that notes where you get version 1 and version 2 of the Rider's Guide" border="0" height="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3UJD4pqKUA25W4NbhDlVrelGoFQBRNVXgpZDl-YPw2uV6o76x5fUHX4CrcV5xhGnCnhvZ6qXPHCokjxUt7oSqIc0aOMsadJHHSIYw0_WpoSbAOxaKQhPh8bCVTnDS36t0LtGWFY899NiFX8ctvSGwJ_6aO0HD2U0wfTXXzodEhrsRMewFp5OhGow4L2S/s16000/3ridersguides2.png" width="97%" /></a></div><br /><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><p></p><br /></span>Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178337327644544353.post-80988683188133063922023-08-14T15:21:00.001-05:002023-08-14T15:21:30.718-05:00ADA Enforcement <p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #504143; font-family: "Open Sans", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 2rem;">Amicus Brief Filed in U.S. Supreme Court Case Emphasizes Importance of Testers to ADA Enforcement</span></p><div class="entry-content" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; float: left; font-family: "Open Sans", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; hyphens: none; line-height: 1.71429; margin: 0.5rem 1rem 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; overflow: visible !important; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p style="border: 0px; font-size: 1.14286rem; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-size: 1rem; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If testers are stripped of standing, the result will be less private enforcement of the ADA, a less accessible society, and the continued exclusion of people with disabilities from community life.</em></span></p><p style="border: 0px; font-size: 1.14286rem; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<br /></span>August 10, 2023</p><p style="border: 0px; font-size: 1.14286rem; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Media Contacts:</span><br />Jackie Dilworth, The Arc of the United States, <a href="mailto:dilworth@thearc.org" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(17, 102, 153); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #116699; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; hyphens: auto; margin: 0px; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">dilworth@thearc.org</a><br />Tina Pinedo, Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, <a href="mailto:tpinedo@dredf.org" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(17, 102, 153); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #116699; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; hyphens: auto; margin: 0px; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">tpinedo@dredf.org</a><br />David Card, National Disability Rights Network, <a href="mailto:press@ndrn.org" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(17, 102, 153); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #116699; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; hyphens: auto; margin: 0px; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">press@ndrn.org</a></p><p style="border: 0px; font-size: 1.14286rem; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">WASHINGTON, DC – Eighteen leading disability advocacy organizations have filed a <a href="https://dredf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023-08-09-Amicus-Brief-DREDF-Accessible.pdf" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(17, 102, 153); border-bottom-style: solid; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; color: #116699; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; hyphens: auto; margin: 0px; outline: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">“friend-of-the-court” brief</a> in the U.S. Supreme Court in <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Acheson Hotels v. Laufer</em>, a case that will decide whether testers – disabled people who investigate compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – have the ability to sue businesses for discrimination when their rights under that law are violated. The case is scheduled to be heard on October 4, 2023.</p><p style="border: 0px; font-size: 1.14286rem; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Civil rights testing – intentionally investigating and challenging discrimination – has been used as an effective tool of enforcement since the 1950s, helping ensure that public accommodations were integrated and housing discrimination, challenged. Congress included the same enforcement tools when it passed the ADA in 1990 that it had included in these earlier civil rights laws, and testing has proven to be an essential enforcement tool in this context as well.</p><p style="border: 0px; font-size: 1.14286rem; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Deborah Laufer is one such tester. She is a person with disabilities who has filed numerous cases against hotels for violating an ADA regulation that requires hotels to include certain information about accessibility features in their online reservation systems. Ms. Laufer is a “tester” in her cases because she voluntarily puts herself in a situation to experience discrimination – specifically, she visits hotel websites to investigate compliance with the reservation rule – and when denied the information to which the ADA regulations entitle her, she challenges that discrimination in court and seeks to make the hotels comply with the law.</p><p style="border: 0px; font-size: 1.14286rem; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Despite acknowledging that they were, in fact, violating the ADA, hotelier Acheson doesn’t think that tester standing is fair, and argues that people like Ms. Laufer should have an immediate plan to stay at a hotel before they can challenge the hotel’s discrimination. Acheson asks the Supreme Court to reverse a First Circuit opinion upholding discrimination claims brought against them by Ms. Laufer as a tester.</p><p style="border: 0px; font-size: 1.14286rem; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The brief of amici opposes Acheson’s request and defends testing as essential to the enforcement of the ADA, arguing that eliminating tester standing would frustrate the ADA’s goal of equality of opportunity. Amici discuss how the indignity of unequal treatment has long been recognized as the sort of harm that can be remedied in court and explains how an individual’s motive, or status as a tester, does not change that. Amici also dispel a number of false claims made by Acheson and its supporters about ADA litigation.</p><p style="border: 0px; font-size: 1.14286rem; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“If individuals with the fortitude to take on the burden of ADA litigation as testers are stripped of standing, the result will inevitably be less enforcement of the ADA, frustration of its goals, and the continued exclusion of people with disabilities from community life,” said Michelle Uzeta, Deputy Legal Director of amicus Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund.</p><p style="border: 0px; font-size: 1.14286rem; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“Given that the ADA was signed into law more than 30 years ago and thousands of businesses remain inaccessible to people with disabilities, it is critically important the Supreme Court affirms the ability of testers to investigate compliance,” said Executive Director of the National Disability Rights Network Marlene Sallo. “Testers ensure that travelers with disabilities do not discover their hotel is inaccessible when they show up at the door.”</p><p style="border: 0px; font-size: 1.14286rem; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“By the time a disabled person attempts to patronize a noncompliant public accommodation, it’s too late for a lawsuit to be much use,” added Amy Robertson of Fox and Robertson, PC, counsel for Amici. “Systemic investigation by those protected by the ADA can accelerate society’s progress toward a time when they and others can go about their daily lives expecting – and attaining – access to a wide range of facilities and services.”</p><p style="border: 0px; font-size: 1.14286rem; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Shira Wakschlag, Senior Director of Legal Advocacy & General Counsel at The Arc of the United States: “People with disabilities face rampant inaccessibility and discrimination that impacts every aspect of their lives – from travel to employment to health care and everything in between. Despite the ADA’s promise to create equal access, insufficient oversight and enforcement means that businesses frequently ignore the civil rights of disabled people, making their daily lives extremely difficult and undermining the rights guaranteed by the law. ADA testers are essential to ensuring the rights of people with disabilities are enforced and protected and that the full promise of the ADA is realized.”</p><p style="border: 0px; font-size: 1.14286rem; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Amici are represented by attorneys Karla Gilbride, Amy Robertson of Fox & Robertson, PC, Justin Ormand of Allen and Overy LLP, Thomas Zito of Disability Rights Advocates, and Michelle Uzeta of Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund.</p><p style="border: 0px; font-size: 1.14286rem; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">###</p><p style="border: 0px; font-size: 1.14286rem; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">About The Arc</span>: The Arc advocates for and serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including Down syndrome, autism, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, cerebral palsy, and other diagnoses. The Arc has a network of 600+ chapters across the country promoting and protecting the human rights of people with IDD and actively supporting their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes and without regard to diagnosis. <em style="border: 0px; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Editor’s Note: The Arc is not an acronym; always refer to us as The Arc, not The ARC and never ARC. The Arc should be considered as a title or a phrase.</em></p><p style="border: 0px; font-size: 1.14286rem; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">About Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund</span>: The Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) is a national, nonprofit law and policy center led by people with disabilities and dedicated to advancing and protecting the civil and human rights of disabled people. Founded in 1979 by people with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities, DREDF remains board- and staff-led by members of the communities for whom it advocates.</p><p style="border: 0px; font-size: 1.14286rem; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px 0px 1.71429rem; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">About National Disability Rights Network:</span> The National Disability Rights Network works in Washington, DC on behalf of the Protection and Advocacy Systems (P&As) and Client Assistance Programs (CAPs), the nation’s largest providers of legal advocacy services for people with disabilities.</p></div>Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178337327644544353.post-14782984074322745732023-08-10T15:06:00.001-05:002023-08-10T15:06:19.216-05:00 MATAplus Recertification <h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What the MATAplus Assessment Center Experience is Like</span></span></h1><span id="docs-internal-guid-e1cabe94-7fff-6471-02a8-8d05a9e2ac4b"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Allison Donald </b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvez6KaYBiTffVCKnyIqPSzU14tCE5ALZvT6fLbOwdQZLf4hAqexAhTZBy5ULRdE_wXmY8yR8w8fBM2FwwWuAMAsbAJ9k_lQm6al-7oEKA4EIEkKYL395I5AkdWzvHBrGjyCMoMEuN_ybpJKneGuDyOcx5fbXI9AU9429ndlkuZvdQxtTz7cF5LakRaEL/s960/10994228_10152514442021841_994430117889882540_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="960" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvez6KaYBiTffVCKnyIqPSzU14tCE5ALZvT6fLbOwdQZLf4hAqexAhTZBy5ULRdE_wXmY8yR8w8fBM2FwwWuAMAsbAJ9k_lQm6al-7oEKA4EIEkKYL395I5AkdWzvHBrGjyCMoMEuN_ybpJKneGuDyOcx5fbXI9AU9429ndlkuZvdQxtTz7cF5LakRaEL/w320-h214/10994228_10152514442021841_994430117889882540_n.jpg" title="Allison Donald" width="320" /></a></div><br />It had been two years since I rode MATAplus and three years since I had been recertified for the paratransit service. It's that time again! As you can probably guess I am overjoyed by the thought. </span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I called the number located in the highlighted box of the upper right corner of the application after it was complete. The administrative assistant worked with me and scheduled an in person appointment for August 8th. I also inquired about the in-home assessment. She informed me that if I chose the in-home assessment then my appointment would be pushed back until September. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was not expecting to hear that, so I took the appointment. I must admit I didn't have any expectations. All I knew was that the assessment process had changed and now those individuals who applied for MATAplus must pass a two part assessment in order to become eligible to ride MATAplus. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was late, because I had entered the wrong address and ended up at the Domino's pizza across the street. I was a little disappointed that I had to pay for my ride there. I remember when the assessment center first opened they were giving applicants free rides to and from their assessment appointments. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here are a few tips for your next assessment:</span></p><br /><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be On Time i</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">f you are running late the assistant will give you a call as a reminder of your appointment. If you are more than 15 minutes late you are at risk of having your appointment canceled.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Make sure that the application is </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Complete</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. The receptionist will assist with filling in minor details. However, it makes the process more efficient if you come in with the application done as stated on the forms.</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be honest</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> during the physical assessment, don't try to sugarcoat your abilities when you are faced with climbing and walking down the stairs. This is an essential function of being able to ride MATApus safely and independently. Also during the interview please do not be afraid to disclose whether or not you will need a personal care attendant to accompany you on trips.</span></p></li></ul><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was taken back into the office for the second and final part of the assessment. I was asked to update my address and I also informed them that I also used a power chair. My identification card was made on the spot. I was asked if I wanted to take a new photo or keep the one that was already on file. The MATAplus assessment coordinator also told me what the fare was as well. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Overall, it was a pleasant experience and yes it could be more comprehensive, but in my opinion it is much better than just answering questions over the phone about my disability. The MATAplus assessment center in person appointments are only done on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you have any questions about the process please contact the MATAplus assessment center at 901-722-7100 and follow the directions.</span></p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178337327644544353.post-44354200721561628922023-08-03T16:27:00.000-05:002023-08-03T16:27:01.736-05:00Medicaid Renewal<h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">ACL needs your help to make sure people don’t lose their Medicaid benefits! </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span></span></h1><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, significant, but temporary, changes were made to Medicaid enrollment and eligibility rules to prevent people from losing Medicaid coverage during the pandemic. With the end of the federal Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023, all states are resuming their regular processes for renewing individuals’ Medicaid coverage. We need to get the word out to people enrolled in Medicaid. They need to know that they may have to take action to remain covered and that there are steps they can take if they lose Medicaid.<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Based on data from 41 states and the District of Columbia, <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/medicaid-enrollment-and-unwinding-tracker/&source=gmail&ust=1691182533697000&usg=AOvVaw02a5NjGl_tSZGg9z7bWIvB" href="https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/medicaid-enrollment-and-unwinding-tracker/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">KFF reports</span></a> that almost 3.8 million people have been disenrolled from Medicaid as of August 1, 2023. Many of these people may still be eligible for Medicaid, but lost coverage because they didn’t return forms, or they or the state made other mistakes. <u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">It is crucial to make sure everyone covered by Medicaid knows:<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 8pt 0in;"><u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Over the next 12 months, everyone with health care coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) will need to renew their coverage. <u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 8pt 0in;"><u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">What they need to do to avoid losing coverage if they are still eligible.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 8pt 0in;"><u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Other options for coverage if they are no longer eligible for Medicaid or CHIP (such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace or employer-sponsored coverage), and how to find help navigating them.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 8pt 0in;"><u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Programs that can help if they want to appeal the loss of Medicaid coverage.<u></u><u></u></span></p><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">We need your help to spread the word. No one else can match the ability of the aging and disability networks to reach disabled people and older adults!<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 6pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Every Medicaid beneficiary needs to receive these important messages:<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 8pt 0in;"><u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">UPDATE your contact information with your state Medicaid agency NOW.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 8pt 0in;"><u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">RESPOND to the Medicaid renewal form when it comes in the mail. If you don't, you may lose your coverage even if you are still eligible.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 8pt 0in;"><u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">PARENTS should respond even if you are not eligible or are enrolled in other coverage. Your children could still be eligible for coverage.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 8pt 0in;"><u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">CONNECT WITH RESOURCES THAT CAN HELP: If you lose Medicaid coverage and think you may still be eligible, there are programs that may be able to help you appeal the denial of Medicaid coverage or find other insurance. <u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 8pt 0in;"><u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://acl.gov/programs/find-your-pa-agency&source=gmail&ust=1691182533697000&usg=AOvVaw0aGP3dkPKP-vYIdUzo_8HF" href="https://acl.gov/programs/find-your-pa-agency" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">State protection and advocacy systems</span></a> and legal advocacy organizations funded under the Older Americans Act may be able to help with appeals. <u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 8pt 0in;"><u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Disabled people of all ages can contact the <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://acl.gov/DIAL&source=gmail&ust=1691182533697000&usg=AOvVaw2m4M6e2YyRwsbfs36C-l_d" href="https://acl.gov/DIAL" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Disability Information and Access Line</span></a> (DIAL) for assistance.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 8pt 0in;"><u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Older adults can contact the <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://eldercare.acl.gov&source=gmail&ust=1691182533697000&usg=AOvVaw3HfxleUKADqP8WNL9HEQEb" href="https://eldercare.acl.gov/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Eldercare Locator</span></a> to find local assistance. <u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 8pt 0in;"><u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Older adults and people with disabilities who are eligible for Medicare can also find assistance through their <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.shiphelp.org&source=gmail&ust=1691182533697000&usg=AOvVaw3OMsQ8ACrYm2AFcj9DXBUV" href="https://www.shiphelp.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)</span></a>. SHIP is a national program that offers one-on-one assistance, counseling, and education to Medicare beneficiaries of all ages, their families, and caregivers to help them make informed decisions about their care and benefits. <u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 8pt 0in;"><u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://ncoa.org/article/meet-our-benefits-enrollment-centers&source=gmail&ust=1691182533698000&usg=AOvVaw26_7XDZZDW7A5YYzr4mS32" href="https://ncoa.org/article/meet-our-benefits-enrollment-centers" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Benefit Enrollment Centers</span></a> can also help connect people with insurance or other benefits.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 8pt 0in;"><u></u><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><u></u><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">CHECK OTHER OPTIONS: If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, you should check to see if you can get coverage through your employer or through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace at <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.healthcare.gov&source=gmail&ust=1691182533698000&usg=AOvVaw1EEBlx3yQaIwl5ai7vb6Yp" href="http://www.healthcare.gov/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">www.healthcare.gov</span></a>. <u></u><u></u></span></p><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Please look for ways to share these messages widely. Include them in your newsletters and add them to flyers packaged with resources you may be sending out. Distribute information at training events. Work them into your information and referral activities, share on social media, post on bulletin boards – you get the idea. Be sure to include the name of your state’s Medicaid program and ACA Marketplace – many people don’t realize they have Medicaid coverage if it goes by another name in their state, and they may not realize that they need to look for renewal information. (You can find links to your <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.medicaid.gov/resources-for-states/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/unwinding-and-returning-regular-operations-after-covid-19/renew-your-medicaid-or-chip-coverage/index.html&source=gmail&ust=1691182533698000&usg=AOvVaw2TJCJfttudWqckAD9cRjX6" href="https://www.medicaid.gov/resources-for-states/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/unwinding-and-returning-regular-operations-after-covid-19/renew-your-medicaid-or-chip-coverage/index.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">state Medicaid agency online</span></a>.)<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">ACL’s networks are a part of the communities you serve and your community connections can make a huge difference in this effort. Please work with your community networks and other groups who can help -- not only with getting the word out about redeterminations but also with finding creative ways to protect Medicaid eligibility and assisting people who may no longer be eligible for Medicaid in getting other health coverage. You also can make a big difference by working with your state to get state-specific information out. <u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has developed a <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.medicaid.gov/resources-for-states/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/unwinding-and-returning-regular-operations-after-covid-19/medicaid-and-chip-renewals-outreach-and-educational-resources/index.html&source=gmail&ust=1691182533698000&usg=AOvVaw3XAThLu_oEyxw0w93YKEAd" href="https://www.medicaid.gov/resources-for-states/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/unwinding-and-returning-regular-operations-after-covid-19/medicaid-and-chip-renewals-outreach-and-educational-resources/index.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">variety of materials</span></a> that you can use to ensure your communities and networks have this important information. For example, their Communications Toolkit — available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">— contains important messages and sample materials (like drop-in articles, social media messages, and flyers) for states and other partners to use. CMS has also created <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.medicaid.gov/resources-for-states/downloads/renewals-call-to-action.pdf&source=gmail&ust=1691182533698000&usg=AOvVaw10pYfbXT0wkm1vsZM8EXIP" href="https://www.medicaid.gov/resources-for-states/downloads/renewals-call-to-action.pdf" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">fact sheets</span></a>, including one with suggestions for things you can do to help keep people covered.<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">We encourage you to work with your state Medicaid agency to ensure that the process of renewing Medicaid eligibility goes smoothly for older people and people with disabilities. Provide them information on how you and other network entities can help. Share success stories and problems that Medicaid beneficiaries and the organizations that work with them encounter. You can play an important role to help the renewal process move smoothly.<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Additionally, CMS will be hosting a series of Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Renewals webinars focused on special populations, including one focused on reaching aging and disability populations on Thursday, August 17 from 3-4pm ET</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">. This webinar series will provide partners with strategies to reach out to diverse communities and audiences to share information about Medicaid and CHIP renewals. Each webinar will also include a “train-the-trainer” presentation, during which CMS will walk-through a set of downloadable slides that partners can use to educate others in their communities about Medicaid and CHIP renewals. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://cms.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_-uRUL8P0QFW2_iRCvfqT8g.&source=gmail&ust=1691182533698000&usg=AOvVaw2zERuMhaHhL0pjTmbNWesy" href="https://cms.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_-uRUL8P0QFW2_iRCvfqT8g." style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #0563c1;">Registration is required</span></b></a><b>.</b><u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">For additional information and the latest resources, visit the <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://acl.gov/covid19/unwinding-medicaid-continuous-coverage-public-health-emergency-declaration-and-major&source=gmail&ust=1691182533698000&usg=AOvVaw3oOM31uEtLPHMTF4AteEfV" href="https://acl.gov/covid19/unwinding-medicaid-continuous-coverage-public-health-emergency-declaration-and-major" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">"unwinding" page</span></a> on ACL.gov.<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Making sure people stay covered will take an “all hands on deck” effort, but together, we can make sure every American has access to quality, affordable health coverage. <u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Thank you for your partnership.<u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Erica McFadden, MSW, PhD (she/her/hers)</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Director, Office of Independent Living Programs </span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></p></div>Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178337327644544353.post-56182490977846542322023-07-28T10:01:00.002-05:002023-07-28T10:01:14.413-05:00Mobile App Rule Making Announced<p><b style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">COMING SOON--A public comment period on the proposed rule. The comment period will be open for 60 days from the date the proposed rule is published. We will share that information once it is available. </span></b></p><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p></div><div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-advances-proposed-rule-strengthen-web-and-mobile-app-access-people&source=gmail&ust=1690642444227000&usg=AOvVaw0SomB2dt3949UFCZgaObYY" href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-advances-proposed-rule-strengthen-web-and-mobile-app-access-people" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Justice Department Advances Proposed Rule to Strengthen Web and Mobile App Access for People with Disabilities</a><br clear="all" /><u></u><u></u></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; text-align: left;"></p><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Tuesday, July 25, 2023</span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For Immediate Release</span></div></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Office of Public Affairs</span></div><u></u></span><p></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><u></u> <u></u></span></p></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Justice Department sent to the Federal Register for publication <b>a notice of proposed rulemaking under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that aims to improve web and mobile applications (apps) access for people with disabilities and clarify how public entities – primarily state and local governments – can meet their existing ADA obligations as many of their activities shift online.</b><br /><br />Across the United States, people routinely rely on web and mobile apps to access a variety of vital public programs and services like employment and educational resources, voting information, health and emergency services, parking, and transit schedules. The proposed rule is particularly significant in the wake of the pandemic, as public entities have significantly increased the scope of essential services and programs offered through the web and mobile apps. It is critical for these technologies to be accessible for people with disabilities. <br /><br /><b>“This marks the first time in the history of the Americans with Disabilities Act that the Justice Department has issued a proposed rule on website accessibility,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This proposed rule seeks to ensure that Americans with disabilities have equal access to the websites and apps that connect them to essential services provided by state and local governments.”</b><br /><br />“This proposed rule, which is the culmination of years of work and collaboration, is a historic moment for the Justice Department,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “It will help enshrine the right of Americans with disabilities to access critical information needed to lead safe, productive, and prosperous lives.”<br /><br />“This proposed rule marks a significant milestone in the Justice Department’s efforts to advance accessibility in the digital sphere,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This groundbreaking moment makes clear our commitment to eradicating the barriers faced by people with disabilities and affording equal access to online government programs and services that people around the country depend on every day. We will continue to use every tool available to ensure that people with disabilities are provided full access to the digital town square.”<br /><br />As state and local governments continue to move more of their programs and activities online – from applying for permits to checking the status of service requests, registering vehicles, and paying taxes and fees – ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to these same services is essential. When websites and mobile apps are not accessible, they can be difficult or even impossible for people with disabilities to use. This can block people with disabilities from readily accessing important government services and programs that others can quickly and easily obtain online. <br /><br /><b>The Department is eager to hear from the public and get input from relevant stakeholders on the regulatory proposal set forth in our forthcoming proposed rule. The proposed rule will soon be available for review on the Federal Register’s website at <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.federalregister.gov&source=gmail&ust=1690642444227000&usg=AOvVaw2SNxC7r2cRSRBVwHxXn_Bt" href="http://www.federalregister.gov/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.federalregister.gov</a>. A fact sheet that provides information about the proposed rule will soon be available on <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.ada.gov&source=gmail&ust=1690642444227000&usg=AOvVaw3zUNi11nE9oD61sTVIl1RK" href="http://www.ada.gov/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.ada.gov</a>. The Department invites the public to submit their comments on the proposed rule once it is published. The comment period will be open for 60 days from the date the proposed rule is published. Public comments can be submitted on <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.regulations.gov&source=gmail&ust=1690642444227000&usg=AOvVaw1-a2ORAsOj6e-5bdCAmaIF" href="http://www.regulations.gov/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.regulations.gov</a>.<br /></b><br />For more information on the Civil Rights Division, please visit the Department’s website. For more information on the ADA, please call the Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TDD 800-514-0383) or visit the ADA website. <br /><br />Updated July 25, 2023</span></p></div></div>Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178337327644544353.post-2974685782208833072023-07-17T16:37:00.001-05:002023-09-06T11:07:20.858-05:00MATA Misinforms Disabled Riders<h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">MATAplus Paratransit Guide has an error resurface</span></h1><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwRII4-6XE7n1v0Uu95Zj_lS9CJ0CAePUjS3HckjC_9azn1hez7S1_2l--gDRf-2aM9CXheu1VroIAqfN2sZI_tkLWB1E1kPatWn_Zy8pQnPMGdzJyCG4s-NL0CmOFFfqw2E0ASO8w19Xi1IR_LGMporqZPf8UpOgBD35Jhv277_neSVePiBfrxdya17i/s640/MATA.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Interior of a bus" border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="640" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwRII4-6XE7n1v0Uu95Zj_lS9CJ0CAePUjS3HckjC_9azn1hez7S1_2l--gDRf-2aM9CXheu1VroIAqfN2sZI_tkLWB1E1kPatWn_Zy8pQnPMGdzJyCG4s-NL0CmOFFfqw2E0ASO8w19Xi1IR_LGMporqZPf8UpOgBD35Jhv277_neSVePiBfrxdya17i/w320-h206/MATA.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Back in December of 2019, Disability Connection had to work hard to correct the MATAplus Rider’s Guide. MATA had made an error in the information they sent to all new riders to the MATAplus service. Very simply, the public transportation provider doubled the service wait times in the guide they printed and had online. </span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The problematic phrase was: </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">MATAplus is committed to arriving within the thirty (30) minute pick-up window. (NOTE: Thirty (30) minutes before or after the scheduled pick-up time).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">That note in parenthesis is does not make sense. If the service window is 30 minutes before and after the pick-up time, than it is a 60 minute service window. The Federal Government allows a service window, but the practical limit is 30 minutes total. MATA had reported to the federal authorities that the service window they use is 30 minutes after the scheduled pick-up time. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Back in 2019, Stephen Tennial of Disability Connection wrote about this mistake in the MATAplus Rider’s Guide. Stephen researched the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund paratransit guidance to find a clear explanation of this problem. The Federal Transit Administration directly stated that a 30 minute window before and 30 minutes after was too long [https://dredf.org/ADAtg/OTP.pdf].</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">DREDF explained the purpose of this window: “The pickup window serves to distinguish between an on time pickup and a late or early one; it also defines the period during which the rider is expected to be ready and waiting for the vehicle to arrive.” </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">In the article that Stephen wrote and the letter he sent to MATA Administration gave examples of the pick-up window from other similar transportation agencies. The Maryland Transit Administration has a policy like MATA with a “ready time” 30 minutes following the scheduled time. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">“Another variation on the 30 minute pick-up window is Miami Dade Transit,” reported the DREDF guidance,” where the vehicle can arrive 10 minutes before or 20 minutes after the scheduled pick-up window (-10/+20). The pick-up window should not be longer than 30 minutes.”</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The great news is that following Stephen’s advocacy, MATA changed the phrase in the Rider’s Guide. Since January 30 of 2020, the website and print MATAplus Rider’s Guide has correctly said the 30 minute pick-up window is following the scheduled pick-up time. MATA changed the note to say directly:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Customers must be ready to depart at any time during the thirty (30) minute window which starts after your scheduled pick up time.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">However, sometime during the pandemic the language was switched back or an older version of the Rider’s Guide replaced the correct one. It was not until this year that the staff at Disability Connection caught the error. We don’t know how long MATA’s riders have been misinformed by this but it is our goal to make sure that paratransit rider’s are correctly informed. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Disability Connection wrote a letter to MATA today asking for the error to be corrected.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p></div>Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178337327644544353.post-20585797547437900032023-07-12T09:29:00.001-05:002023-07-12T09:29:00.144-05:00Looking Back 20 Years: Tennessee v. Lane <h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b13b3c; font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;">The State of Tennessee’s Appeal of the Lane Decision Should Be Withdrawn.</span></span><span style="color: #b13b3c; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></h3><span id="docs-internal-guid-96961f98-7fff-5f8b-0cf8-03654575f2b7"><h4 style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> "...</span> it is clear that states are not actually seeking greater sovereignty, they want more money. "</i></span></h4><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">By: </span><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Deborah Cunningham </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial;"><i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">EDITOR'S NOTE: Looking back twenty years ago today, the long-time director of the Memphis Center for Independent Living put her two cents into the Lane case. Back in 2003, the Civil Rights of the ADA were in danger. Deborah gives a great rebuttal here, and concludes very personally. It is clear the issues twenty years ago still reverberate in our state. </span></i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">7/12/2003 </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMUOg2ImeLgMJJOyVX5u1m1gWlvEwAhPd_32Ce1f98sADLeNbskSPBtZlMNIGEAxFgOfpPX5LGxkZ_s267GFetka9NnPVNPDM5fkO1qPT4XENJWzojPPgFXW5zQ2cMQ7jxPgRsBzh0QYzOw_pHvGCC126JWCDXI76H0LLjmRmiXuOOFn-1xLRynEsHg/s300/mcilb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMUOg2ImeLgMJJOyVX5u1m1gWlvEwAhPd_32Ce1f98sADLeNbskSPBtZlMNIGEAxFgOfpPX5LGxkZ_s267GFetka9NnPVNPDM5fkO1qPT4XENJWzojPPgFXW5zQ2cMQ7jxPgRsBzh0QYzOw_pHvGCC126JWCDXI76H0LLjmRmiXuOOFn-1xLRynEsHg/s16000/mcilb3.jpg" title="Woman using a wheelchair, Deborah Cunningham" /></a></div>Legal pundits call it “sovereign immunity,” but basically it is the principle that rulers are exempt. The un-elected Attorney General of Tennessee is appealing his assertion that our state is exempt from protecting the Civil Liberties of Tennesseans with disabilities to the US Supreme Court. <i>Tennessee v. Lane</i> (No. 02-1667) will be heard in the upcoming session by the Supreme Court if Summers does not withdraw our state’s appeal. </span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Although citizens of Tennessee may feel most passionate about their Constitutional Rights, the state of Tennessee has opted to challenge those rights of Americans with Disabilities and assert the authority of a single state over the most important civil rights of individuals. <i>Title II</i> of the <i>1990 Americans with Disabilities Act</i> requires that state and local government make programs and services “readily accessible and usable by individuals with disabilities.” Those governmental institutions may be the polling place, the courtroom, city hall and the state capitol building. And the Constitutional Rights that states are obligated to protect may be as essential as: voting, due process and equal protections. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>1. Paul Summers continues the reputation for southern bigotry through the appeal of Lane.</b> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Attorney General of Tennessee asserts that Congress did not have the authority to require states to act to ensure these basic civil liberties. A similar challenge was made to the 1964 Civil Rights Act, claiming in <i>Katzenbach v. McClung</i> (Ollies BBQ) that a local BBQ shop was not covered by the “Interstate Commerce Clause” and thus exempt from Congressional authority to integrate. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNZTBKzd-T0w9D5y-GEWlYlWeuh_jwe7lyn0vr31sqhxK4yvlzUne5YEmZmvXt5oF5czA-x1I0_WaFx3nJAGBpSnVzegi41X3kuGVhaz3tQ4P5-L1R41X9XJU6REfzFIfFKf8Ght-Yc6leqr3o4gMlSAK_4DGxLAL2mWkCPYuQ857fKhDX2UVZX5ovg/s1725/JDartHat-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="1725" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNZTBKzd-T0w9D5y-GEWlYlWeuh_jwe7lyn0vr31sqhxK4yvlzUne5YEmZmvXt5oF5czA-x1I0_WaFx3nJAGBpSnVzegi41X3kuGVhaz3tQ4P5-L1R41X9XJU6REfzFIfFKf8Ght-Yc6leqr3o4gMlSAK_4DGxLAL2mWkCPYuQ857fKhDX2UVZX5ovg/w320-h234/JDartHat-1.jpg" title="Justin Dart's hat" width="320" /></a></div><br />Now as Americans look back, Congressional authority was necessary to achieve racial integration in the light of states resistance to altering the privileged system. The same is true for the civil rights of persons with disabilities. States are historically the most abusive of institutions; many states had sterilization programs directed at people with disabilities. The United States eugenics movement justified the sterilization, institutionalization, prohibition of marriage and preclusion of immigration of people with disabilities. The later passage of the discriminatory “Jim Crow” and immigration laws were based on eugenicists distorted viewpoint. In 1927, the U.S. Supreme Court legalized forced sterilization of people with disabilities in <i>Buck vs. Bell</i>. <p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Constitutional Rights of people with disabilities are endangered by state actions. Without Congresses authority to make and enforce laws essential to the inclusion and integration of people with disabilities our nation will take a leap backward to a time when disability was hidden, isolated and locked away. The step backward is easy to see, because this nation is nearing the fiftieth anniversary of the <i>Brown v. Board</i> decision. Although equality was clearly an individual’s Constitutional Right, US states could redefine separate as equal. Long before the Supreme Court reversed the ugly discrimination validated by </span><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Plessey v. Ferguson</span><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, it was clear that states did not protect equality, even separate equality and Paul Summers continues this legacy with his endangerment of the rights of Americans with disabilities. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>2. Tennessee’s Appeal to the Supreme Court endangers valid civil rights of people with disabilities. </b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Americans support the ADA. Nearly nine out of ten (87%), of those who are aware of the ADA, support and approve of the<i> Americans with Disabilities Act</i>. [A Louis Harris and Associates survey 1999]. When President George H.W. Bush signed the <i>1990 Americans with Disability</i> Act he stated: </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><span><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>And now I sign legislation, which takes a sledgehammer to another wall, one which has for too many generations separated Americans with disabilities from the freedom they could glimpse, but not grasp. Once again, we rejoice as this barrier falls for claiming together we will not accept, we will not excuse, we will not tolerate discrimination in America. </i></span></p></span></blockquote><span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Although most Americans support the landmark civil rights legislation, the ADA did not start out with reasonable enforcement on a federal level.<i> Mouth</i> magazine reported to its readers on the results of a five-month investigation into the U.S. Department of Justice and its enforcement of disability rights law. The report showed that in six years of enforcement, the Disability Rights Section of the DOJ had brought only one ADA case to trial and judgment, and between January 1, 1994, and December 31, 1997, the DOJ opened 6,339 ADA cases, filing suit in four. 5,525 cases were still open, unresolved, on January 1, 1998. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Even with a weak record of enforcement following the ADA, the situation of Americans with disabilities has significantly improved as reported by Dr. I. King Jordan, the first deaf president of Gallaudet University: </span></p></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><span><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Certainly, life before the ADA was rampant with physical and social barriers that prevented disabled people from making even rudimentary decisions. Many were trained in sheltered workshops, or warehoused by families and educational systems embarrassed by their very existence, and convinced they had little potential for success. [Dr. I. King Jordan, “Colleges Can Do Even More for People With Disabilities,” The Chronicle of Higher Education, Section 2 (June 15, 2001).</i></span></p></span></blockquote><span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Congress’ express purpose was equal access to government by all citizens. The priorities established by Title II make access to government the top priority of state and local entities. Additionally, since the ADA was signed, there are some critical facts that could be added to the record of discrimination by state governments. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMN58TrWmOREl2sDtea9u1YiEgpDXCl4brgO4W5-BUav_eEnNaF6oQn2nNTlZslVMBLCpMvahd1a8SxVV0R6zgzRoAqIZMJHUeCWeW21IjR-3Cnw3PTZAGB-THYaa2JvwzQoow2n-T6V25jk8t2Jnj54DZ56gaLPk1WWzBRqh7sehMkTTGeYQvWYU4Xg/s1200/0165show16a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMN58TrWmOREl2sDtea9u1YiEgpDXCl4brgO4W5-BUav_eEnNaF6oQn2nNTlZslVMBLCpMvahd1a8SxVV0R6zgzRoAqIZMJHUeCWeW21IjR-3Cnw3PTZAGB-THYaa2JvwzQoow2n-T6V25jk8t2Jnj54DZ56gaLPk1WWzBRqh7sehMkTTGeYQvWYU4Xg/w320-h213/0165show16a.jpg" title="US Capitol Dome" width="320" /></a></b></div><b><br />Voting: </b>In 1998 approximately 20,000 polling places were not accessible. </span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Integration:</b> States have ignored the US Supreme Court’s <i>1999 Olmstead</i> decision. More than two-thirds of the states have not even developed a plan for implementation of Olmstead. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Due Process:</b> The evidence Congress had when it passed the ADA showed that 76% of state-owned buildings did not offer accessible programs and services. George Lane in 1996 could not access a courtroom in Tennessee because he uses a wheelchair and sued the state for denying him due process. Attorney General Paul Summers used this incident to allege that Tennessee does not need to protect some citizen’s Constitutional Rights. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Transportation:</b><i> In 1989, one-third (36%) of the national bus fleet was accessible. ... projections indicate that by 2002, the national bus fleet will be 100 percent lift/ramp-equipped. [Rosalyn M. Simon, “Status of Transportation Accessibility in the United States: Impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act,” in Proceedings of Seminar L Held at the Planning and Transportation Research and Computation European Transport Forum, Brunel University, England § 3.1 (Sept. 2-6, 1996)]</i>. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>3. Tennessee does not advance “states rights” with the Lane Appeal</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The concept of sovereign immunity should not be resolved at the expense of citizens’ valid civil liberties. The legal issues may ignore that real people are involved and the real issues are ultimately not simply legal, but moral. The concept of sovereign immunity is even further removed from the lives of Americans today because individual US states do not exercise dominion over the lives of citizens. Federal Highway funds normally dictate a state’s transportation plans, Medicare significantly impacts states health-care procedures, Medicaid funds determine long-term care policy and National Education policy directs US states schooling. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The fact is that states work to get federal funding with one hand and push federal control away with the other. States could easily claim greater sovereignty by turning down federal funds and making their own rules or even canceling programs altogether; however, it is clear that states are not actually seeking greater sovereignty, they want more money. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tennessee rather than working to become more “sovereign” is becoming more and more dependent on federal money coming into the state. I am familiar with this states failed long-term care policy because I have worked to help citizens live independently for the past 20 years. Our state almost exclusively funnels long-term care funding to nursing homes and other institutions, the most expensive and least desirable form of long-term care. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGq1_9Mz_lgcSK-o7rFuOzBVYLZEoGdtkMy1xVcABplpIn0oMKfTvtx0KQbqHltwOnbhYAodyC_bep8JBD8rGEXF2LZ5ToBbsoSkBmyaflxfIABVzJFrIMnwSwcbEaWQA7EFyU0gdKKeaarBy0hRE9ixUxAbkH9ZsHH2l4bG-K3_xG1IvPjkqTSSEQ3A/s2048/_DSC6888%20(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1491" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGq1_9Mz_lgcSK-o7rFuOzBVYLZEoGdtkMy1xVcABplpIn0oMKfTvtx0KQbqHltwOnbhYAodyC_bep8JBD8rGEXF2LZ5ToBbsoSkBmyaflxfIABVzJFrIMnwSwcbEaWQA7EFyU0gdKKeaarBy0hRE9ixUxAbkH9ZsHH2l4bG-K3_xG1IvPjkqTSSEQ3A/w233-h320/_DSC6888%20(3).jpg" title="Deborah Cunningham" width="233" /></a></div><br />Seven years ago the Comptroller of the Treasury warned us that Tennessee faced a crisis in long-term care funding and as more Tennesseans are forced into institutions for long-term care, the Federal Medicaid funds that now are huge, will continue to grow. The 1997 Tennessee comptroller's report mentioned the success of Wisconsin, Oregon and Washington. Between 1979 and 1995, Oregon cut long-term care costs by $400 million. Between 1982 and 1992, the report declared, the total number of nursing home beds in those three states dwindled and home and community services increased. [W. R. Snodgrass, Comptroller of the Treasury; Long-Term Care of Tennessee's Elderly, Oct. 1997] <p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For many years I have assisted with the help of <i>Memphis ADAPT</i> and the <i>Memphis Center For Independent Living</i> more than a dozen people with disabilities to leave the state of Tennessee in order to receive minimal assistance (bathing, dressing, wheelchair transfers) they need to live in other U.S. states that offer home and community services as an alternative to nursing homes. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 9pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Without exception the Tennesseans with disabilities wanted to live and work in their own communities, they still do. I would like to remind Mr. Summers that forcing us to seek asylum outside of our own state in order to receive basic assistance is not only cruel and inhumane but also morally unconscionable. Unfortunately, Mr. Summers’ conscience appears to be unaware and undisturbed by citizens with disabilities in Tennessee who seek civil rights protection from discrimination. </span></p><div><span style="color: #1a1f28; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178337327644544353.post-37999703175829274902023-06-05T16:17:00.003-05:002023-06-05T16:17:50.513-05:00MATA's Mistaken Service Window is Back<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">MATA needs to update the Rider’s Guide to better inform riders with disabilities</span></h3><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>EDITOR'S NOTE:</b> <i>Today staff at Disability Connection saw a past error had creeped back into the MATAplus Rider's Guide. The online guide reads: "</i></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>MATAplus is committed to arriving within the thirty (30) minute pick-up window. (NOTE: Thirty (30) minutes before or after the scheduled pick-up time)." This error we worked hard to correct. Printed Rider's Guides from 2020 correct this error, but it has made it back in the online version.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Also note that the online version says it is a PDF; however it is a Microsoft Word Document that is downloaded. See why the Center Demanded the change back in December of 2019:</i></span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><b>By Stephen Tennial</b></i>, MCIL</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In today’s society, nearly everyone requires some form of reliable transportation. Transit can range from walking, driving, or bus riding, to even using peer-to-peer ride sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft. In-fact there seems to be an assortment of effective and efficient transportation services available to nearly every individual who resides within large metropolitan cities; with the exception of persons such as myself who assert a disability. For us, there is only the city’s paratransit service.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVl4_lWN2jiW_Vto7MS6ljGUpqZbWyeoChuwJBEaJRHcdJ_n62TwuV1X_HHDdXwVG2My0xVyW0m4ks3Dme19YdaQO5BG_ourYgweROnKclZHA3-C_86cCsSGVzuTKcmtcCXRQyd32PiGvoqWHDoesmHsuKViZkuB0cLIAtHuYculAZxz8CiS2w5UhJpA/s2048/MATAplus2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Operator in a bus door" border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVl4_lWN2jiW_Vto7MS6ljGUpqZbWyeoChuwJBEaJRHcdJ_n62TwuV1X_HHDdXwVG2My0xVyW0m4ks3Dme19YdaQO5BG_ourYgweROnKclZHA3-C_86cCsSGVzuTKcmtcCXRQyd32PiGvoqWHDoesmHsuKViZkuB0cLIAtHuYculAZxz8CiS2w5UhJpA/w320-h213/MATAplus2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">According to adata.org, “ADA paratransit is a transportation service that complements public transit bus and rail systems by providing origin-to-destination service for individuals with disabilities who cannot use the fixed route service.” Simply stated, paratransit transportation seeks to accommodate individuals who cannot adequately access their city’s fixed-route bus or rail systems. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Additionally, there is a dissimilarity with the MATAplus Riders Guide and the ADA rule regarding the 30-minute pick-up window. MATA’s 30-minute pick-up window unfortunately has two divergent points of views. The first point of view is printed in the Rider’s Guide: “MATAplus is committed to arriving within the thirty (30) minute pick-up window. (NOTE: Thirty (30) Minutes before or after the scheduled pick-up time).”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Although, this is MATA’s policy in writing, please keep in mind that this statement is contrary to the Federal Transit Administration guidance on the ADA.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH83SEh3z0q4_in1R2ePsfTpMqF7K_AS-xtbFjTMSKJAF9uQEyvNesnhznm4VzSiKgxFh7vOLGsqDiwJIy_JFML3lhpfl6B9XFmuexv5OxKjJIuCM06dmx4Um6zA-STFnnzXCIDLvmom3AfKHv8zypJE9qLmTXmeLgamlKrOqRpZ0kPSsr1gkjfsfHFQ/s1200/mcil3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="MATA opeerator standing by a bus" border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1200" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH83SEh3z0q4_in1R2ePsfTpMqF7K_AS-xtbFjTMSKJAF9uQEyvNesnhznm4VzSiKgxFh7vOLGsqDiwJIy_JFML3lhpfl6B9XFmuexv5OxKjJIuCM06dmx4Um6zA-STFnnzXCIDLvmom3AfKHv8zypJE9qLmTXmeLgamlKrOqRpZ0kPSsr1gkjfsfHFQ/w320-h214/mcil3.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />The second view point comes from a MATAplus employee, “In order for MATA to be considered an hour late two things have to occur: The first being that the rider has to take into account the 30-minute window, and give the driver the initial 30 minutes. Then the rider has to give the driver an hour past the initial 30 minute window for them to be considered an hour late.”</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">There is a third and correct point of view, which is reserved by the ADA and not observed by MATA. According to DREDF.org, https://dredf.org/ADAtg/OTP.pdf:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It is current practice in the paratransit industry to view an on time pickup as a vehicle arrival within an on time window established by the transit agency (alternatively termed the pickup window or the “be ready time”). This is the next important “window” in ADA paratransit. The pickup window serves to distinguish between an on time pickup and a late or early one; it also defines the period during which the rider is expected to be ready and waiting for the vehicle to arrive. Large transit agencies frequently use 20 to 30 minutes as their on-time pick-up window.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">For example Pace ADA parasite service in Chicago has established a 20 minute on-time pick-up window from the scheduled pick-up time to 20 minutes after the scheduled pick-up time (0/+20). The Maryland Transit Administration in Baltimore regards a vehicle as on time if it arrives 30 minutes after the scheduled pick-up (0/30). Another variation on the 30 minute pick-up window is Miami Dade Transit, where the vehicle can arrive 10 minutes before or 20 minutes after the scheduled pick-up window (-10/+20). The pick-up window should not be longer than 30 minutes. A pick-up window of 30 minutes or less is standard in the industry. FTA has accepted pick-up windows up to that length, and found that 60 minutes to be too long (-30/+30). The pick-up must occur during the window, not earlier or later to be considered on time.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">More specifically, MATA’s 30-minute, before-and-after, pick-up window is non-compliant because the 30-minute window according to the ADA is just that; a 30-minute window.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">MATA is not supposed to get 30 minutes before-and-after a scheduled pick-up time. MATA is only allowed 30 minutes. The time can bet split 20 minutes before the actual pick-up time, and ten minutes after the pick-up time. MATA may choose to divide the 30 minutes however it sees fit as in the aforementioned example.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Moreover, I as a rider, would like to see all MATAplus employees properly trained on the ADA 30-minute window pick-up rule, and the MATAplus rider’s guide updated to reflect the ADA guidelines.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">All in all, I am a proud user of MATAplus services, and also the interim chair of the Specialized Transportation Advisory Committee (STAC). I assure you that it is not my intention to shine an unfavorable light on MATA. However, it is my endeavor to highlight areas of concern so that MATA and STAC can foster a more robust partnership to make a good service even better.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">For information on how to become a member of the STAC, or attend the meetings please contact Allison Donald 901-726-6404.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJOhhzysRwvWF5MpaCfCNajKESs6ceuxiGCx-W_FIdV2jjdRCPe8QSG-GBorAtH6C-MhSomeRvooU_H1TEtOo_cAxXvNNajgh177HQCOWdEkIwVJ8H1qBA26qv68Z86VhkTB3_PSLP1NBpOC6uKnGj-cZ6t57YJjAF75rlAeqidcAAU4tkHd5vnmbgA/s640/MATA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Interior of a bus" border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="640" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJOhhzysRwvWF5MpaCfCNajKESs6ceuxiGCx-W_FIdV2jjdRCPe8QSG-GBorAtH6C-MhSomeRvooU_H1TEtOo_cAxXvNNajgh177HQCOWdEkIwVJ8H1qBA26qv68Z86VhkTB3_PSLP1NBpOC6uKnGj-cZ6t57YJjAF75rlAeqidcAAU4tkHd5vnmbgA/w640-h412/MATA.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178337327644544353.post-74811142802126740532023-05-22T11:20:00.004-05:002023-05-22T11:20:34.138-05:00Remembering Ed Milewski: A Champion of Independent Living<span style="font-family: arial;"><i>From CPWD in Boulder Colorado:</i></span><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://mlhgp9ifskbi.i.optimole.com/w:657/h:770/q:mauto/f:avif/https://cpwd.org/wp-content/uploads/Ed-Milewski.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Ed Milewski" border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="656" height="320" src="https://mlhgp9ifskbi.i.optimole.com/w:657/h:770/q:mauto/f:avif/https://cpwd.org/wp-content/uploads/Ed-Milewski.jpeg" width="273" /></a></div><br />Center for People With Disabilities (CPWD) is sad to acknowledge the passing of Ed Milewski in February 2023. Ed became part of the CPWD family after we assisted him in transitioning out of nursing care to living independently in the community.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Prior to living in Colorado, Ed lived in California. He was an avid cyclist, participating in multiple 100-mile bike races over the years. One day, during a training ride, he was hit by a car and lost mobility. He wound up in a nursing home in California, but was alone and without family. He transferred to nursing care in Colorado to be closer to his daughter, Kristine. One day, quite by chance, he found out about the opportunity to transition out of nursing care and begin living independently again.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Ed Milewski and his daughter Kristine are outside. Kristine is straddling a bike, wearing a helmet, sun glasses, a pink t-shirt and black capris. Ed is seated on an adapted orange bike, wearing tan shorts, a red shirt, sunglasses, and a helmet.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Ed and his daughter Kristine</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">“He was living at Boulder Manor,” explained Kristine Milewski, his daughter. “If it wasn’t for the brochure he found that was left there by CPWD, he could have easily spent the rest of his life in a nursing home.”</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">One of CPWD’s former staff, Tim Wheat, worked closely with Ed for months to put into place all the necessary arrangements needed for him to successfully transition out of nursing care. These included finding affordable and accessible housing, ensuring benefits were in place, securing appropriate home care, medication management, access to food, and many other tasks. Ed moved out of nursing care, and for the first time since his accident, started living independently again.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://mlhgp9ifskbi.i.optimole.com/w:470/h:629/q:mauto/f:avif/https://cpwd.org/wp-content/uploads/Ed-and-Daughter.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ed using an accessible bike" border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="470" height="320" src="https://mlhgp9ifskbi.i.optimole.com/w:470/h:629/q:mauto/f:avif/https://cpwd.org/wp-content/uploads/Ed-and-Daughter.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Ed was a regular participant of CPWD Peer Groups and was also very vocal about the value of transitions and other services for people with disabilities. “He always advocated for the nursing home transitions program, as well as systems advocacy relating to transition services,” said Aaron Pasterz, Independent Living Advisor at CPWD. “He participated in monthly committee meetings in Denver with the Healthcare Policy and Finance Department, sharing his experience, talking to lawmakers and bureaucrats, and stressing the importance of funding nursing home transitions for people with disabilities.”</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">In addition to championing independence for people with disabilities, Ed was passionate about the environment and considered himself a steward/spokesperson for the earth, Aaron said. “He used to say that the earth is the only one we’ve got, so we better take care of it. He promoted a cleaner and healthier environment.”</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Kristine said that while Ed was very logical, he also had a big heart that showed through his actions. “Back in the day, he worked at a place that made dog products, and he always hired people with disabilities,” she said. “Later, he was the product manager for a company that made wheelchairs that were custom fitted to children with cerebral palsy, to accommodate their growth. Ultimately, after his accident, he ended up needing the same products and services.”</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Ed Milewski with the CPWD Boulder Peer Group. Ed is seated in the middle in a wheelchair. he is wearing a tan shirt and brown pants, with a light tan hat. On the far left is a younger man wearing sunglasses and a red t-shirt. Next to him is an older gentleman with shoulder length blond hair and a mustache with sunglasses on his head, wearing a gray t-shirt with a graphic on it. Below in front is a gentlemen with white hair, seated on the ground, wearing a rose-colored button up shirt. To the right of Ed, seated on the ground, is a man wearing a red and black jacket with grey hair. Standing behind the man, directly next to Ed is a young woman wearing a black t-shirt with long dark hair. To her right is another man standing, wearing a black and gray fleece, holding a green notebook. He has brown hair.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Ed and the CPWD Boulder Peer Group in 2013</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://mlhgp9ifskbi.i.optimole.com/w:453/h:339/q:mauto/f:avif/https://cpwd.org/wp-content/uploads/Boulder-Peer-Group-w-Ed-2013.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Ed in a peer group in 2013" border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="452" src="https://mlhgp9ifskbi.i.optimole.com/w:453/h:339/q:mauto/f:avif/https://cpwd.org/wp-content/uploads/Boulder-Peer-Group-w-Ed-2013.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Above all, Ed was a realist with a good outlook. “He used to say, ‘It is what it is,’” Aaron recalled. “He always had a real positive attitude and accepted things the way they were, all the while doing everything he could to stay independent and advocate for others.”</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">We will miss Ed, and our condolences go out to his family and friends. He was truly an example of resilience and independence for many.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">To make a gift in honor of Ed’s memory, </span><a href="https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/cpwd" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(12, 113, 195) !important; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">please visit this page</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">If you would like to learn more about CPWD’s services, <a href="https://cpwd.org/" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(12, 113, 195) !important; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">visit our website</a>.</p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 1em; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">Please also watch these short videos that explain <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLAZAz4R3WA&ab_channel=JudeSky" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(12, 113, 195) !important; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">Independent Living Philosophy</a> and what <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTmE9p1jh5Y&t=0s&ab_channel=JudeSky" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgb(12, 113, 195) !important; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">Centers for Independent Living</a> are.</p></div><div><br /></div></div>Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178337327644544353.post-48206000077035769362023-05-02T14:43:00.001-05:002023-05-02T14:43:11.552-05:00MATAplus is getting worse<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“you can’t understand a city without using its public transportation system”</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>By <b>Allison Donald</b></i></span></p><p><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuMlVwI7Fr9b3hTAJX9Wql9ToJrO_P019VRabkZQtYDFJD-uT9_CT08nASFlwupGyx40l_uim7RXnm1bM3QT_npUt5EvxHsL2gUB5IA8ndJUwutU3wztfaOG1avrMmpHNlKOB9BeNghU62sjmtJdm5hSY3h0WU2weER8DVOf9ijBpIIIB4wkZGFQ-8g/s1616/Allison23a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Allison Donald in front of the Utah state capitol" border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1616" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuMlVwI7Fr9b3hTAJX9Wql9ToJrO_P019VRabkZQtYDFJD-uT9_CT08nASFlwupGyx40l_uim7RXnm1bM3QT_npUt5EvxHsL2gUB5IA8ndJUwutU3wztfaOG1avrMmpHNlKOB9BeNghU62sjmtJdm5hSY3h0WU2weER8DVOf9ijBpIIIB4wkZGFQ-8g/w320-h214/Allison23a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Over the past three years the service that MATA<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">plus</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> provides has gone from bad to horrendous. There are some people who may believe that the capacity constraints, driver shortage, and lack of all customer service have become staples of MATA</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">plus</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. They are right! </span><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-354144f8-7fff-d0b7-e583-426bef15f7df"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Specialized Transportation Advisory Committee (STAC) tried to hold them accountable, but the STAC was disbanded when the two sides could not find common ground to work together. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For many riders trying to get a ride on MATA</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">plus</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> has become a mixed bag that often leaves Memphians with disabilities with no ride and no other affordable, accessible transportation options.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Rexcey Bowers has been a MATA</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">plus</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> rider for more than five years and says, “MATA</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">plus</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> was not perfect, but now all you get is ‘no mutually beneficial times’ and ride requests going to</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Voicemail. It’s very hard to schedule a simple trip to the barbershop these days.”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a service MATA</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">plus</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> has a long way to go to be a part of the affordable, accessible and most importantly reliable form of transportation network for Memphians living with disabilities. The rider’s guide was updated, the information the website provides is more comprehensive, and they also have a new assessment process. All of these things show effort towards the</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">appearance of trying to improve; yet, the service continues to suffer. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Along with all those improvements MATA also has added a senior ride component, they have also added the READY bus which all at some point use MATA</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjOJXXfRg2od_xb2w1PnxyKbj6zpFGHrIGvZ3S2xqJn7n6gpb7nDGYeS8pVXLzvgyss2nE-lptdzCerx1cslr-30mGPRjhBOaG6eBzTTIMy2YKKt9uQPPKNwFcEkuk9VHqfSZSCbT6OTpl9I9KB0g1l2Em7p7yT4Vw4CrZxmt6gcaeYdOgXgGmp5dcA/s2048/MATAplus2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="A bus operator on the steps of a bus" border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjOJXXfRg2od_xb2w1PnxyKbj6zpFGHrIGvZ3S2xqJn7n6gpb7nDGYeS8pVXLzvgyss2nE-lptdzCerx1cslr-30mGPRjhBOaG6eBzTTIMy2YKKt9uQPPKNwFcEkuk9VHqfSZSCbT6OTpl9I9KB0g1l2Em7p7yT4Vw4CrZxmt6gcaeYdOgXgGmp5dcA/w320-h213/MATAplus2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">plus</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> drivers to make those elements of MATA work.</span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The most important issue no one is talking about regarding MATA</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">plus’ </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">drivers is the fact that those drivers are paid less than their counterparts on the fixed route. As a result, it may be hard to retain good drivers when the fixed route is more beneficial.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, as people with disabilities we must continue to demand better service. As a community of people with disabilities, we have work to do as well, to ensure that MATA</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">plus</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and MATA are an accessible form of transportation. We must attend more MATA</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">plus</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> meetings, have a better understanding of the Rider’s Guide, and become more involved in non-disability related organizations regarding transportation. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the quote goes, “you can’t understand a city without using its public transportation system” and a vital part of that is understanding how important Memphians with disabilities are in that conversation.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have any questions or concerns regarding your riding experience on MATA</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">plus</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> please</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">feel free to contact me at <a href="mailto:allisond@disabilitymidsouth.org">allisond@disabilitymidsouth.org</a> or 901-726-6404 extension 118.</span></p><br /><br /><br />Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178337327644544353.post-83484584125716219832023-05-01T10:29:00.003-05:002023-05-01T10:29:52.346-05:00Housing Comments<p> </p><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" role="presentation" style="border-spacing: 0px; max-width: 600px; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#003366" id="m_8717858078940568986abe-section-row-1423b7a4-2db1-4041-953d-2cd8ae35a522" style="background-color: #003366;"><td align="center" style="font-size: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><div class="m_8717858078940568986abe-column-block" id="m_8717858078940568986abe-column-block-1acd4f0e-7a0e-4845-9f51-2c6f22347d1a" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: top; width: 584.425px;"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" role="presentation" style="border-spacing: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td id="m_8717858078940568986abe-column-block-1acd4f0e-7a0e-4845-9f51-2c6f22347d1a-padding" style="margin: 0px; padding: 3px 30px;"><p align="right" style="color: white; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; text-align: right;">April 27, 2023</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" role="presentation" style="border-spacing: 0px; max-width: 600px; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#f2f2f2" id="m_8717858078940568986abe-section-row-f51a2f92-aa22-4412-8794-b05c38a5193d" style="background-color: #f2f2f2;"><td align="center" style="font-size: 0px; margin: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;" valign="top"><div class="m_8717858078940568986abe-column-block" id="m_8717858078940568986abe-column-block-48435a02-1c88-4093-bab7-7d389a451483" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: top; width: 584.425px;"><table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" role="presentation" style="border-spacing: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr><td id="m_8717858078940568986abe-column-block-48435a02-1c88-4093-bab7-7d389a451483-padding" style="margin: 0px; padding: 30px;"><h1 align="left" style="color: #003366; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 24px; line-height: 1.2; margin: 0px 0px 11px;"><span lang="EN-US">HUD Seeks Public Comment on Changes to Requiring Accessibility and Prohibiting Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in HUD-Assisted Programs</span> </h1><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-spacing: 0px; table-layout: fixed; width: 100%;"><tbody><tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td style="margin: 0px;"><img align="right" alt="HUD seal" height="173" hspace="7" style="border: none; float: right; height: auto; line-height: 1; max-width: 100%; outline: none; width: 173px;" width="173" /><div><p align="left" style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="line-height: 1.4;">The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) seeks public comment on potential changes to its regulation implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act for recipients of HUD federal financial assistance. Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance from HUD. </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmZlZGVyYWxyZWdpc3Rlci5nb3YvZG9jdW1lbnRzLzIwMjMvMDQvMjUvMjAyMy0wODQ2NC9ub25kaXNjcmltaW5hdGlvbi1vbi10aGUtYmFzaXMtb2YtZGlzYWJpbGl0eS11cGRhdGVzLXRvLWh1ZHMtc2VjdGlvbi01MDQtcmVndWxhdGlvbnMiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNDI3Ljc1ODkxMzUxIn0.bB8EagAhZALFtBVWIEBaW7rgX5QH2LZ2MXTghV1EBjs/s/1448360720/br/166740970842-l&source=gmail&ust=1683040929404000&usg=AOvVaw0C9kDyDusdvqt4NsXuRhz7" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmZlZGVyYWxyZWdpc3Rlci5nb3YvZG9jdW1lbnRzLzIwMjMvMDQvMjUvMjAyMy0wODQ2NC9ub25kaXNjcmltaW5hdGlvbi1vbi10aGUtYmFzaXMtb2YtZGlzYWJpbGl0eS11cGRhdGVzLXRvLWh1ZHMtc2VjdGlvbi01MDQtcmVndWxhdGlvbnMiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNDI3Ljc1ODkxMzUxIn0.bB8EagAhZALFtBVWIEBaW7rgX5QH2LZ2MXTghV1EBjs/s/1448360720/br/166740970842-l" rel="noopener" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 1.4;">HUD’s Section 504 Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM)</span></a><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> acknowledges the need to align HUD’s Section 504 regulation with environmental, societal, and technological advances and emerging issues. </span><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> </span></p></div><div><div><p align="left" style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="line-height: 1.4;">As indicated in the ANPRM, HUD requests general information and comments on its Section 504 regulation relating to recipients’ obligations, including advances in accessible design, the use of websites and other technology, and auxiliary aids and services, such as assistive technologies, that have become available since HUD’s Section 504 regulation was originally published in 1988. Additionally, HUD’s Section 504 </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmZlZGVyYWxyZWdpc3Rlci5nb3YvZC8yMDIzLTA4NDY0L3AtMzIiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNDI3Ljc1ODkxMzUxIn0.-oRqd2oU3FyoTrOIVJPd9nKOC-H7Qq4Thwc3AkG3iIE/s/1448360720/br/166740970842-l&source=gmail&ust=1683040929404000&usg=AOvVaw18cnyNe8X9OqW37IzyY-Hp" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmZlZGVyYWxyZWdpc3Rlci5nb3YvZC8yMDIzLTA4NDY0L3AtMzIiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNDI3Ljc1ODkxMzUxIn0.-oRqd2oU3FyoTrOIVJPd9nKOC-H7Qq4Thwc3AkG3iIE/s/1448360720/br/166740970842-l" rel="noopener" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 1.4;"><span style="line-height: 1.4;">ANPRM </span><span style="line-height: 1.4;">includes several questions</span></span></a><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> on HUD’s existing Section 504 regulation in relation to </span><span style="line-height: 1.4;">effective communication, program accessibility, updating federal accessibility standards, and enforcement. </span><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> </span></p></div><div><p align="left" style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="line-height: 1.4;">All members of the public</span><span style="line-height: 1.4;">, including individuals with disabilities, HUD recipients, States, and local governments, Tribes, housing providers, and social service providers, are invited to provide input</span><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> by </span><strong>July 24, 2023</strong><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> via any of the following methods: </span><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> </span></p></div><div><ul style="list-style-position: inside; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 0px;"><li aria-setsize="-1" style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; margin-left: 15px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmZlZGVyYWxyZWdpc3Rlci5nb3YvZG9jdW1lbnRzLzIwMjMvMDQvMjUvMjAyMy0wODQ2NC9ub25kaXNjcmltaW5hdGlvbi1vbi10aGUtYmFzaXMtb2YtZGlzYWJpbGl0eS11cGRhdGVzLXRvLWh1ZHMtc2VjdGlvbi01MDQtcmVndWxhdGlvbnMiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNDI3Ljc1ODkxMzUxIn0.jT7_TbK0Tz4ZtsiBUk_8kgWwMkXnHubgH89cNR9hENE/s/1448360720/br/166740970842-l&source=gmail&ust=1683040929404000&usg=AOvVaw39bvABamtW-IrnAdaLYAKa" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmZlZGVyYWxyZWdpc3Rlci5nb3YvZG9jdW1lbnRzLzIwMjMvMDQvMjUvMjAyMy0wODQ2NC9ub25kaXNjcmltaW5hdGlvbi1vbi10aGUtYmFzaXMtb2YtZGlzYWJpbGl0eS11cGRhdGVzLXRvLWh1ZHMtc2VjdGlvbi01MDQtcmVndWxhdGlvbnMiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNDI3Ljc1ODkxMzUxIn0.jT7_TbK0Tz4ZtsiBUk_8kgWwMkXnHubgH89cNR9hENE/s/1448360720/br/166740970842-l" rel="noopener" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 1.4;">Federal Register</span></a><span style="line-height: 1.4;">: Select the “Submit a Formal Comment” link at the top of the notice and follow the instructions. </span><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> </span></li><li aria-setsize="-1" style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; margin-left: 15px; text-align: left;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnJlZ3VsYXRpb25zLmdvdi9kb2N1bWVudC9IVUQtMjAyMy0wMDI5LTAwMDEiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNDI3Ljc1ODkxMzUxIn0.6qzQxokO_TE3rMKz1AIqrOH_IiJ2lzG5j3fcJ8JKrOQ/s/1448360720/br/166740970842-l&source=gmail&ust=1683040929404000&usg=AOvVaw0AxTSNuj5OSz8xQfba2U59" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnJlZ3VsYXRpb25zLmdvdi9kb2N1bWVudC9IVUQtMjAyMy0wMDI5LTAwMDEiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMwNDI3Ljc1ODkxMzUxIn0.6qzQxokO_TE3rMKz1AIqrOH_IiJ2lzG5j3fcJ8JKrOQ/s/1448360720/br/166740970842-l" rel="noopener" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 1.4;">Regulations.gov e-rulemaking portal</span></a><span style="line-height: 1.4;">: Select “Comment” link and follow the instructions. </span><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> </span></li><li aria-setsize="-1" style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 15px; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 1.4;">Mail: </span><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> </span></li></ul></div></div><div><p align="left" style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 15px 90px;"><span style="line-height: 1.4;">Regulations Division</span><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> <br /></span><span style="line-height: 1.4;">Office of General Counsel</span><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> <br /></span><span style="line-height: 1.4;">Department of Housing and Urban Development</span><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> <br /></span><span style="line-height: 1.4;">451 7th Street SW</span><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> <br /></span><span style="line-height: 1.4;">Room 10276</span><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> <br /></span><span style="line-height: 1.4;">Washington, DC 20410–0500</span><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> </span><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> </span></p></div><div><p align="left" style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><span style="line-height: 1.4;">For background and more information, </span><span style="line-height: 1.4;">visit </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmh1ZC5nb3YvNTA0IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDQyNy43NTg5MTM1MSJ9.OBfqSdwHk3_7WOjnkTE5bS9ejczmNF4iYEsDLiehdC0/s/1448360720/br/166740970842-l&source=gmail&ust=1683040929404000&usg=AOvVaw3wwngHsjErgKdKSnCNZdfs" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmh1ZC5nb3YvNTA0IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDQyNy43NTg5MTM1MSJ9.OBfqSdwHk3_7WOjnkTE5bS9ejczmNF4iYEsDLiehdC0/s/1448360720/br/166740970842-l" rel="noopener" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 1.4;">www.hud.gov/504</span></a><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> or </span><span style="line-height: 1.4;">access the docket via </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnJlZ3VsYXRpb25zLmdvdi9kb2N1bWVudC9IVUQtMjAyMy0wMDI5LTAwMDEuIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDQyNy43NTg5MTM1MSJ9.JP3AZObLR3ueczxqcZuIoYRDO2UgmY0Q2bw6OPzUkgo/s/1448360720/br/166740970842-l&source=gmail&ust=1683040929404000&usg=AOvVaw2A4RKj7QBdQelA6i7jLaKj" href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnJlZ3VsYXRpb25zLmdvdi9kb2N1bWVudC9IVUQtMjAyMy0wMDI5LTAwMDEuIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDQyNy43NTg5MTM1MSJ9.JP3AZObLR3ueczxqcZuIoYRDO2UgmY0Q2bw6OPzUkgo/s/1448360720/br/166740970842-l" rel="noopener" style="color: #003366;" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 1.4;">https://www.regulations.gov/<wbr></wbr>document/HUD-2023-0029-0001.</span></a><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> For further information, contact Amy Gioletti at the toll-free number 1-405–609–8561.</span><span style="line-height: 1.4;"> </span></p></div></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div>Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178337327644544353.post-86810463729446976622023-04-14T11:43:00.005-05:002023-04-17T11:52:30.402-05:00The Latonya Reeves Freedom Act <h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Latonya Reeves worked with MCIL to leave an institution here in Memphis Tennessee and live independently in Denver Colorado</span></h3><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 12pt; padding: 0in;"><b>The Latonya Reeves Freedom Act</b> (LFRA) is named in honor of this disability activist who unfortunately passed away on January 9, 2023. But the work continues and we will push forward with this important work to pass this imperative bill. If you do not know Latonya and her story, please go here to review her video:</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #242424; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: black;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://latonyareevesfreedomact.org/&source=gmail&ust=1681827317153000&usg=AOvVaw0y5x-uUWbEWJV1NlybmNlZ" href="https://latonyareevesfreedomact.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="Original URL: https://latonyareevesfreedomact.org/. Click or tap if you trust this link."><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">https://<wbr></wbr>latonyareevesfreedomact.org/</span></a> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFza7cCl-YatMCHn8yoMwFTmxovDgMHDNon8p51pLFLZ2gFzncR9pl75ft_KknJrocdIR58MH3XPe0DpjqV21iJZqlM1vQCpfhZ0ZmDWSsaeSU7sIinCbwbNn1u2A73eVZLYYueEDuGL0bB6eNqq62zNrTc_oR-_V5r5-DybgemEmiZB5wFzhxBIK2A/s256/latonya-reeves.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Latonya Reeves at the White House, photo by Tim Wheat" border="0" data-original-height="197" data-original-width="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFza7cCl-YatMCHn8yoMwFTmxovDgMHDNon8p51pLFLZ2gFzncR9pl75ft_KknJrocdIR58MH3XPe0DpjqV21iJZqlM1vQCpfhZ0ZmDWSsaeSU7sIinCbwbNn1u2A73eVZLYYueEDuGL0bB6eNqq62zNrTc_oR-_V5r5-DybgemEmiZB5wFzhxBIK2A/s16000/latonya-reeves.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; padding: 0in;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; padding: 0in;">The LRFA of 2023 will be introduced in the 118<sup>th</sup> Congress by Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) on Wednesday, April 19<sup>th</sup> which is Latonya’s birthday. *Link to Sen. Bennet’s one pager on the 117<sup>th</sup> bill: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/5/7/572d7afd-46a6-4d44-946b-80890e4332f5/807B492A6970479D44399E41594B5C6E.laytona-reeves-freedom-act-one-pager-final.pdf&source=gmail&ust=1681827317153000&usg=AOvVaw0ySYTnZuEur2PBunfZG2Qk" href="https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/5/7/572d7afd-46a6-4d44-946b-80890e4332f5/807B492A6970479D44399E41594B5C6E.laytona-reeves-freedom-act-one-pager-final.pdf" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.bennet.senate.gov/<wbr></wbr>public/_cache/files/5/7/<wbr></wbr>572d7afd-46a6-4d44-946b-<wbr></wbr>80890e4332f5/<wbr></wbr>807B492A6970479D44399E41594B5C<wbr></wbr>6E.laytona-reeves-freedom-act-<wbr></wbr>one-pager-final.pdf</a> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #201f1e;"> </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px 0in;"><b><u><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: black;">The legislation will enable individuals with disabilities to live independent lives in their community and would: </span></u></b></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: black;">● Establish a comprehensive State planning requirement with enforceable and measurable objectives to transition individuals with disabilities out of institutions and into the most integrated setting, if they choose that transition; </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: black;">● Prevent State governments and insurers from engaging in discriminatory practices, policies, or rules that would prevent an eligible individual ● from receiving community-based LTSS; </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: black;">● Identify and address disparities in the provision of community-based LTSS; and </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: black;">● Accelerate State compliance with the integration mandate of the ADA. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; padding: 0in;">Many are fighting the multi-faceted outcomes of the SCOTUS case of <i>Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization</i>. The shift in the Supreme Court raises concerns about the future of <i>Olmstead v. Lois Curtis</i> case as well. Disability is also not in the US Constitution and therefore the civil and human rights of the disabled are at jeopardy among numerous other multi-marginalized communities. Multiple groups are fighting for bodily autonomy issues and the right to live in the community and not be institutionalized are very much a part of this fight for bodily autonomy. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: black;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; padding: 0in;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; padding: 0in;">CDR has written a blog post about this concern – a concern that has actually moved many in Congress to engage in the passage of the LRFA: </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: black;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #242424; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://cdrnys.org/blog/advocacy/scotus-dobbs-decision-raises-serious-concerns-for-future-of-olmstead/&source=gmail&ust=1681827317153000&usg=AOvVaw2qMuUfba0i2WP46SUc5N7f" href="https://cdrnys.org/blog/advocacy/scotus-dobbs-decision-raises-serious-concerns-for-future-of-olmstead/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="Original URL: https://cdrnys.org/blog/advocacy/scotus-dobbs-decision-raises-serious-concerns-for-future-of-olmstead/. Click or tap if you trust this link."><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-size: 12pt; padding: 0in;">https://cdrnys.org/blog/<wbr></wbr>advocacy/scotus-dobbs-<wbr></wbr>decision-raises-serious-<wbr></wbr>concerns-for-future-of-<wbr></wbr>olmstead/</span></a> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; padding: 0in;">For many years there have been multiple activists who have said that solutions focused only on a mandatory Medicaid benefit or enhanced funding leave behind BIPOC with disabilities who face a multitude of barriers to community integration, including the lack of affordable, accessible, integrated housing, including housing that is independent of service delivery. The LTSS fight continues to be centered and led by white privileged disabled people with a message of being able “to stay at home”. But what about the millions of disabled people who are stuck inside institutions with no housing? Many of whom are Black and Brown disabled and left out of the conversation and fight for freedom. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: black;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: black;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: black; padding: 0in;">Recognizing the threat to the SCOTUS <i>Olmstead v. Lois Curtis</i> case has raised the urgency of moving the LRFA forward. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">We understand that providers who operate institutional settings may have concerns about the bill. To address that, the sponsors (Cohen & Bennet) are <b><u>adding a construction clause</u></b> that clarifies the legislation <b><u>does not require </u></b>an individual with a LTSS disability live or receive services in a more integrated setting if they choose a less integrated setting or institution. </span></span></p>Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178337327644544353.post-2973142393745076742023-03-15T15:34:00.000-05:002023-03-20T16:01:11.295-05:00Twenty Years ago This Month<h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Old Zinnies continues to pay for resistance.</span></h1><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>EDITOR'S NOTE:</b> <i>This article is from MCIL twenty years ago this month. The Center had embarked on a campaign to make Zinnies accessible for our community. The resistance to accessibility was more expensive welcoming our community, but the lesson was slow in coming. From the MCIL Journal back in 2003.</i></span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Old Zinnies has provided the most recent resistance to the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) </span><span style="font-family: arial;">and have staked the legitimacy of their Tennessee liquor license to avoid extending customer access.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The restaurant and bar has settled with a <i>pro se </i>plaintiff, in part stating that further compliance may </span><span style="font-family: arial;">cause the establishment to fall below the state’s legal business requirements.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In reality, Zinnies was in jeopardy of losing its liquor license before the pro se lawsuit was filed. Patrons had noticed non-bar seating for only seventy-one patrons more than a year ago. The Tennessee Alcohol Control Board requires 75 non-bar seats for the state liquor license. In fact, the manager of </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Zinnies, William Baker meeting with ADAPT on September 22, 2001, admitted that he met that state </span><span style="font-family: arial;">requirement only because of creative seat counting techniques.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In an ORDER OF JUDGMENT filed by Judge John McCalla in December of 2002 Zinnies was ordered to </span><span style="font-family: arial;">install a ramp to the front entrance of the restaurant at 1688 Madison in 60 days. Advocates for people </span><span style="font-family: arial;">with disabilities are disappointed that judgment did not go further to require a permanent ramp. Zinnies </span><span style="font-family: arial;">could have chosen to provide a permanent ramp at any time to diffuse the situation. Instead, Zinnies </span><span style="font-family: arial;">pushed and was successful in being ordered to supply minimal access by claiming that their state liquor </span><span style="font-family: arial;">license was in jeopardy. “Such compliance and method is not ‘readily achievable’,” Zinnies argued in</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">their Offer of Judgment, “due to its loss of any number of seats in the restaurant would certainly cause </span><span style="font-family: arial;">the loss of the corporations liquor license [p. 2].”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Zinnies has had several opportunities to build a ramp and abruptly end the pressure that now threatens </span><span style="font-family: arial;">their license. Although William Baker, the manager of Zinnies, had promised to build a ramp back in the </span><span style="font-family: arial;">fall of 2001, he never kept that promise. Even after the <i>pro se </i>plaintiff filed suit in federal court againstZinnies, building a ramp would have completely derailed the advocate’s efforts because the ADA does not allow individual plaintiffs to recover any damages.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">“Five dollars of concrete would have completely upset the advocacy efforts at Zinnies. It would not </span><span style="font-family: arial;">have made a good ramp, but it would shown some effort on their part and wrecked the pro se legal </span><span style="font-family: arial;">approach,” said Tim Wheat who has built more than 30 wheelchair access ramps in Memphis. “It is </span><span style="font-family: arial;">incomprehensible why they would spend thousands of dollars to basically keep their customers from </span><span style="font-family: arial;">getting in.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Similar the resistance of Yosemite Sam’s down the street, Zinnies opted to spend an estimated five times </span><span style="font-family: arial;">on lawyers what they could have spent to provide minimal access to their customers, without </span><span style="font-family: arial;">endangering their business. Zinnies, of course, has the right to use the court system to better define theirrights and responsibilities under the ADA. Zinnies had their lawyers resist access; however, while </span><span style="font-family: arial;">seemingly never approaching the concept of using their resources to provide a way into the store for </span><span style="font-family: arial;">their customers.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">For Zinnies, the cost of the legal services continues indefinitely. Now that the legitimacy of the state </span><span style="font-family: arial;">liquor license is entangled with accessibility, the restaurant lingers on the edge of validity. If the seatingarrangement is changed, the space inside the business is altered, the restrooms suddenly need </span><span style="font-family: arial;">modifications or the state waives the minimum seat rule, the lawyers will be called on to protect the </span><span style="font-family: arial;">licenses.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">On the other hand, the advocates for accessibility, who have not spent a dime in legal fees, hold all </span><span style="font-family: arial;">the cards. At their leisure they may press the state to waive the minimum seat rule, which would most </span><span style="font-family: arial;">likely open a new round of legal costs for Zinnies. Even if the state is not willing to waiving the minimum seat rule, advocates may complain that Zinnies does not meet local code requirements, or does not </span><span style="font-family: arial;">live up to the terms of the settlement. Every action seems to encourage Zinnies to become accessible; </span><span style="font-family: arial;">yet, Zinnies has invested their time, effort and funds in resisting accessibility and spiraling up the costs.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The ADA is a tool for individuals to protect and assert their civil rights it does not ultimately define </span><span style="font-family: arial;">equality and assimilation of people with disabilities in America. There is a price to pay to leave the </span><span style="font-family: arial;">definition of civil liberties to the legal community. The price is of course paid to lawyers who profit from the legal wrangling regardless of the outcome.</span></p>Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178337327644544353.post-76829545149107443282023-02-15T11:57:00.002-06:002023-02-15T11:57:21.131-06:00Clift Notes: The Great Gathering-In<h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A Return to The Great Gathering-In</span></span></h1><span id="docs-internal-guid-4d7c4861-7fff-b601-3548-c0dfb4672584"><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2023 Washington Seminar</span></span></h3><span style="font-family: arial;">By<b> <i>Christina Clift, </i></b><i>Disability Connection</i></span><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejrLJBo5JHQGlt01Eq0JKw6V_UDKFeVNyrhTZlzL8GHcNoFjquV1Or4mQbNYO_JREWxcJKXqFG5BbmUFUYibyTtZc8q01pTy0ErsDoPjk2LC2BMmijuL9kxZmK_rKAhH3qUvInuRnLBiHu5T-Hd9JL_u9PuixEy0NnIKUW_iH406jAmOz_CkDNw_dZA/s700/blog17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejrLJBo5JHQGlt01Eq0JKw6V_UDKFeVNyrhTZlzL8GHcNoFjquV1Or4mQbNYO_JREWxcJKXqFG5BbmUFUYibyTtZc8q01pTy0ErsDoPjk2LC2BMmijuL9kxZmK_rKAhH3qUvInuRnLBiHu5T-Hd9JL_u9PuixEy0NnIKUW_iH406jAmOz_CkDNw_dZA/s16000/blog17.jpg" title="Activists walk past the US Capitol." width="98%" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">After a two-year absence from our nation’s capital, at 5:00 PM on Monday January 29, 2023 members of the Memphis chapter of the National Federation of the Blind along with more than 750 of their fellow Federationists came together once again for the Great Gathering-In. At the Capitol Holiday Inn in Washington D.C. with our canes at the ready, guide dogs harnessed, and our legislative priorities set, we were ready to return to face-to-face meetings with our members of Congress.</span> </span><div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Great Gathering-In serves as the opening session for the NFB’s Washington Seminar. Washington Seminar is an annual event of the National Federation of the Blind which introduces the organization’s legislative priorities requiring congressional attention over the coming year. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The issues are selected from official positions of the Federation and may address concerns in the following areas: </span></p><br /><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-inline-start: 48px;"><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">relevant civil rights issues; </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">educational programs and services; </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">rehabilitation of the blind for competitive employment; </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the operation of vending facilities by blind persons on public property; </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">specialized library services for the blind; </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the organization and funding of federal programs; </span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Social Security and Supplemental Income programs;</span></p></li><li aria-level="1" dir="ltr" style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" role="presentation" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and other timely topics. </span></p></li></ul><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Usually, three legislative initiatives are chosen for priority attention during the Washington Seminar. During this three-day period members of the Tennessee delegation learned about and advocated for initiatives that will improve the lives of blind Americans.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We learned how to talk with our local representatives and Senators about issues on the NFB’s legislative agenda and about bad public policies that attempt to relegate us to second-class citizenship. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On a rainy Tuesday morning we swarmed Capitol Hill to speak with Tennessee legislators about our concerns and demand they sponsor legislation that will benefit the Blind. The 2023 legislative priorities included fixing the Social Security cliff, ensuring website and software app</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">accessibility, and requiring that home medical devices are accessible. Here is a summary of the issues we discussed.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Blind Americans Return to Work Act</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Social Security law currently contains a policy that has the unintended consequence of discouraging blind Americans from maximizing their earnings potential. The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program has a built-in earnings cliff Title II of the Social Security Act provides that disability benefits paid to blind beneficiaries are eliminated if the beneficiary exceeds a monthly earnings limit. This earnings limit, often called the earnings cliff, is in effect a penalty imposed on blind Americans when they work. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For example, the earnings limit in 2023 for a blind person is $2,460 per month. If a blind individual earns more than that threshold, even by just one dollar, they are engaged in substantial gainful activity (SGA). Under the current law, any individual engaged in SGA is not entitled to any SSDI benefits. This means that if a blind person earns just one dollar over the earnings limit, all benefits are lost.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Under this proposed legislation the earnings cliff would be eliminated by instituting a two-for-one phase-out of earnings over the SGA limit. This would mirror what happens if you receive SSI benefits. Next, it would simplify the SSDI system by eliminating the trial work period and grace period, making the rules more compatible with the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Under the proposed system, the SSDI program would become less complicated. With both programs using similar rules, there will be less confusion, and the incentive for blind people to return to work will be consistent and clear. Finally, it would create a true incentive program</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">that encourages blind Americans to return to work, seek out job advancement, and ultimately pay more into the Security Trust Fund.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Websites and software Applications Accessibility Act</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Websites are required by law to be accessible, but without implementing regulations most businesses and retailers have little understanding of what accessible means. Websites and mobile applications are an essential part of modern living. With 41 million people with disabilities in the U.S., website accessibility can not stop when it reaches us. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are more than 307 million Americans accessing the internet, with 81% accessing it at least once a day. This includes Americans with disabilities. In 2010 the U.S. government</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to address website accessibility, but the Department of Justice failed to publish an advance notice of proposed rulemaking to address website accessibility, and by extension, final regulations.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Without these final regulations in place, blind and disabled Americans face significant difficulty in electronically accessing businesses, applying for jobs, or working due to the barrier of website inaccessibility.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This act would Direct the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to promulgate accessibility regulations. The DOJ and EEOC will have twelve months following the enactment of the legislation to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking regarding website and mobile application accessibility, then an additional twelve months to issue the final rule. It would also establish a comprehensive statutory definition of</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">accessibility. Finally, it would establish a technical assistance center to provide technical assistance and support covered entities.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Medical Device Nonvisual Accessibility Act</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Inaccessible digital interfaces prevent blind individuals from independently and safely operating medical devices that are essential to their daily healthcare needs. Medical devices with a digital interface are becoming more prevalent and less accessible for blind Americans. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Most new models of medical devices, such as glucose and blood pressure monitors, along with the emergence of in-home devices that offer medical care options, such as chemotherapy treatments and dialysis, require consumers to interact with digital displays or other interfaces. This new technology is constantly being developed and deployed without nonvisual accessibility as an integral part of the design phase, which creates a modern-day barrier. The inaccessibility of these medical devices is not a mere inconvenience; when accessibility for blind consumers is omitted from the medical technology landscape, the health, safety, and independence of blind Americans are in imminent danger.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This act Calls on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to promulgate nonvisual accessibility regulations for Class II and Class III medical devices. The FDA will consult with stakeholders with disabilities and manufacturers and issue a notice of proposed rulemaking</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">no later than twelve months after the date of enactment of the act. No later than twenty-four months after the date of enactment of the act, the FDA will publish the final rule including the nonvisual accessibility requirements. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Next, it requires manufacturers of Class II and Class III medical devices to make their products non-visually accessible. Manufacturers will have twelve months following the publication of the final rule to ensure that all the Class II and Class III medical devices they produce are non-visually accessible. Finally, this act authorizes the FDA to enforce the non-visual access requirements for Class II and Class III medical devices.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Washington Seminar demonstrates the power of the Blind as a collective voice for change,” said NFB of Tennessee President James Brown. “It’s a powerful sound hearing hundreds of white canes tapping their way around Capitol Hill.” </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We invite anyone who is interested in advancing the cause of blind Americans to join us in 2024 in D.C. We hope to see you at our Great Gathering-In, so you can become a part of creating change in the lives of the blind.</span></p><br /></div>Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5178337327644544353.post-71143082575572428242023-01-05T13:53:00.003-06:002023-01-05T13:56:42.230-06:00MLK Community Role Models<h1 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />The 30th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Award Program Honoring Outstanding Students and Community Role Models</span></h1><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sponsored By: <span style="font-weight: normal;">Citizens For Better Services</span></span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Place of Program:</b> Union Valley Baptist Church</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: arial;">1051 East McLemore </span> </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Sunday, January 8, 2023 at 2:30p.m.</span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pastor Walter Gray, Jr., Host Pastor </span> </p></blockquote><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Theme:</b> Making A Dream A Reality</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Program in Memory of: </b>The late State Representative Barbara Cooper, District 86 The late Dr. H.O. Kneeland, Jr , Longest Serving Pastor of Union Valley, Baptist Church</span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Special Guests:</span></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Mayor Elect Jaylen Smith of Earle, Arkansas and Youngest Elected Mayor in America</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Mr. Justin J. Pearson, Co-Chair, Memphis Community Against Pollution</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Former Shelby County Commissioner Terry Roland</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Miss Memphis-Shelby County Scholarship Organization</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Men With Soul Band</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGyS36Z877gAH6Y0EsO-XRu2Y_2YlsCooFZCe94wv5SQ5qijZGFNHa_RYdKofME5iobzmRH7YBSAFffSa5Of5CcjqrBHT-A30q-zLjp3acZIcCKpjWys7uk_bXvwnikS6BTbyfH74wmr8reCHMCcnZJSomQa-nAVbWnmLbX2wS0tTphCyOeXhTc2lgQ/s1020/Dad22z-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="1020" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGyS36Z877gAH6Y0EsO-XRu2Y_2YlsCooFZCe94wv5SQ5qijZGFNHa_RYdKofME5iobzmRH7YBSAFffSa5Of5CcjqrBHT-A30q-zLjp3acZIcCKpjWys7uk_bXvwnikS6BTbyfH74wmr8reCHMCcnZJSomQa-nAVbWnmLbX2wS0tTphCyOeXhTc2lgQ/s320/Dad22z-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Ms. Rosemary Winters, Soloist</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Tyler Lewellen, Pianist, Overton High School</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Travelling Kings Gospel Quartet</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Ridgeway High School Choir</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Dr. Michael Hollowell, Historian and Author</span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">For Further Information, please email Mr. Johnnie Mosley, Chairman, Citizens For</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Better Service, at mosleycarter@aol.com.</span></p>Memphis Center for Independent Livinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16032175541217406294noreply@blogger.com0