Idaho Access Project

It's not hard to understand, or to support. Kindness, humanity and respect for others makes life better for all of us.

The right prosthesis can change the life of someone with a limb difference. But many young people in developing countries don't have the means or access to secure a prosthetic device designed and fitted for them. Enter our friend Josie, aka Josephine Fouts is one of the para-athlete climbers supporting the upcoming Range of Motion Project (ROMP) expedition to raise funds for "high-quality prosthetic care for underserved people, improving their mobility and independence." Each climber has committed to raising funds to make ROMP's work possible. Please join us to help Josie reach her goal of $15,000. Your donation can make a big difference. Dana Gover, MPA Disability Action Center NW Living Independence Network https://lnkd.in/ghw4iq7A

Join Disabled community members for our national call in support of Kamala Harris! Reposting from Cassidy Huff: Save the date 2nd August, 7pm ET. There will be a panel discussion will be focused on Disability Justice, Policy, and the Intersectionality of Disability in Politics, how to mobilize the disabled and chronically ill community to safely vote this fall, what barriers may stand in our way, Come share your thoughts and concerns, have your voice be heard and help us make sure Disability is included in the Harris Administration! All are welcome, including non-disabled family members, caregivers, and allies! “We, as a caucus, believe anyone with any type and severity of disability is a valued member of our community. There is no such thing as "not disabled enough". We would like to stress that this also includes learning disabilities, mental health conditions, chronic pain, and any other disability/ health issues one can face. We also believe self-diagnosis is valid and embrace those who self-diagnose as important members of our community.” Make sure to follow the organisers; Cassidy Huff, Jayne Mattingly, Madeline Ryan Smith, Elizabeth Duttera and Leslie Catherine more updates as they grow the grass roots effort! And follow @aut2askus on IG. Sign up - https://lnkd.in/eNWhdnKp #DisabilityRights Image description: a navy blue flyer with white writing in bold that reads: "Disabled voters for Kamala Harris. All are welcome. Virtual Meet via zoom. Friday August 2, 2024 at 7pm EST brought to you by @aut2askus @cass_huff @jaynemattingly @madelineryansmith @leslie catherine and an image of a black and white QR

Disability doesn't care who we are, what believe, or how we vote. Statistically, there is a 70% probability that every American will experience some form of disability in our lifetimes. Whether we're born with a disability, acquire it through an infection or other illness, injury, combat, random shooting, or age, we will need one or more accommodations made possible by the ADA. We may need them temporarily following a surgery, sprain, or broken bone. Or we may need them for a lifetime in order to realize our full potential, achieve a productive and meaningful life, and contribute to the economy, the body of scientific knowledge, our shared culture, art, and humanity. People with disabilities have human and civil rights, as in 'liberty and justice for all'; 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness'; and 'E Pluribus Unum' (Out of Many, One). We need leaders who understand and respect these truths we all hold as self-evident. We need leaders with humility and compassion for all Americans. #ADA34 #DisabilityPride #AmericansWithDisabilitiesAct NCIL Disability Action Center NW Living Independence Network ADA National Network #AccessMeansBusiness #AccessMeansFreedom #AccessMeansOpportunity

Not all airlines or airline crews are the same, and not all passengers are the same. For airline passengers who rely on a mobility device for their independence, the odds are unacceptably high that those custom devices won't arrive intact, in working order, or at all when they arrive at their destination. Imagine an airline breaking the legs of random passengers, then leaving them to fend for themselves after landing, with no recourse or accountability. That's the ongoing reality for travelers with mobility disabilities. Now imagine being carried like a sack of spuds into the airplane and your assigned seat. You may be smashed into armrests, dropped in the aisle, or have your pants or skirt torn off in front of the other passengers when they get caught on an obstruction. All these are common occurrences. When wheelchair users say they have a fear of flying, it's not a mechanical failure or crash they fear, but the incompetence of baggage handlers and insensitivity of flight crews who may lack any training on preserving the safety, dignity, and human rights of passengers with mobility related disabilities. Finally, it's worth noting that in 2019 alone, 27 million travelers with disabilities made 81 million trips, spending $58.7 BILLION on travel (up from $34.6 billion in 2015). And those folks often travel with family, friends, coworkers and colleagues who spending even more money. #AccessMeansBusiness #AccessMeansDignity #AccessMeansIndependence #AccessMeansFreedom #AccessMeansProsperity Delta Air Lines United Airlines Southwest Airlines Federal Aviation Administration U.S. Department of Transportation United States Access Board

In this article on financial independence and stability for people with disabilities, NDI's Executive Director, Tom Foley, shares his insight: "A couple of years ago, we conducted some research to examine the additional costs of living with a disability. We found that, in today's dollars, an individual with a disability requires nearly $18,000 more annually to maintain the same standard of living as someone without a disability." Access the full story at bit.ly/4c7HEG1. Image description: Square teal graphic with white text reading: Imagining a more accessible financial world and workplace. The NDI logo is centered above the text. In the background is an image of a guide dog helping a blind person cross the street.

Olmstead means Americans cannot be forced to give up our rights, freedoms and liberty because of a disability. It means young people with disabilities aren't held against their will in institutions designed for elderly populations, unable to decide what and when to eat, when to sleep, where and how to spend time, and plan for their future. But a critical shortage of homes and neighborhoods with simple accessibility features further complicates this goal. The values and goals of Olmstead are just one factor informing our efforts to promote Visitability features in all new single-family residential construction. For every #Medicaid - eligible Idahoan who can take advantage of home-based cared in a zero-step home with even minimal accessibility features,* the @State of Idaho stands to save between $23,000 and $67,000 in Medicaid dollars per year (depending on daily assistance needs) over 24/7 institutionalized care. Not only does Visitability mean we can all age-in-place among family and friends; and extend our independence, freedom, and productivity longer, it means more efficient and targeted use of taxpayer dollars. It also means greater housing affordability for current and future owners and their guests, and more connected neighborhoods and communities. Because communities should be for everyone. @Visitability #Medicaid #Olmstead #IndependentLiving

Chances are you've heard these statistics many times before: there are more than 1 billion disabled people around the globe, and in the United States, 1 in 4 adults have a disability. These numbers are powerful evidence of the importance of creating more inclusive workplace cultures. But disabled people aren’t just statistics. We're a vibrant, diverse group with stories to tell. And it was truly a joy to share space at the Tribeca Film Festival with three incredible storytellers, advocates, and media-makers: Ryan J. Haddad, Sofiya Brown, and Rachel Handler. Thank you to Indeed and Easterseals Southern California for the opportunity to moderate a panel discussion on Big Wins and Benefits for Disability Inclusion in Workplace Culture. Extra gratitude to Nancy Weintraub, Kristen Barnfield, and Jenna Greene for their efforts to make it happen! We had a powerful conversation about what’s working and what needs to shift in the media industry. Our main call to action: Disabled people belong at every level of work in the media, from assistants to executives, from background actors to leading roles. It's time to build a culture across every part of the industry that centers disability inclusion. (Image description: Four people in front of a blue and white background with an Indeed logo, covered in illustrations of people doing lots of creative things, such as creating music and film. I am a white woman sitting in a wheelchair. Sofiya is a mixed race indigenous woman with a cane next to her. Rachel is a white woman who is wearing a prosthetic leg. Ryan is a Lebanese man with a walker next to him. We are all wearing floral outfits.) #Disability #Inclusion #DisabilityInclusion #DiversityEquityInclusion #Accessibility #A11y #DEI #DEIA #TribecaFilmFestival #LinkedInTopVoices

Idaho Housing and Finance Association has several current openings, but one in particular offers a unique opportunity to oversee and grow one of the most successful and appreciated fundraising events in Idaho. Avenues for Hope (A4H) raises millions for nonprofit shelter and housing providers on the frontline in our communities. They leverage A4H donations to end homelessness and create housing stability for people of all incomes and abilities. The Home Partnership Foundation and A4H are crucial to creating opportunities for Idahoans struggling in today’s housing market. Be part of the team making life better for Idaho individuals and families. #philanthropy #fundraising #homelessness #development #housing #careeropportunity #housingforall #crowdfunding Kathleen City of Boise Ashley Alexandra

This helpful tool from Disability:IN provides a starting guide for addressing people with disabilities with the respect, inclusion and equity they deserve. #DisabilityEtiquette #Inclusion #DEIA ID: Three light blue square graphics. Slide one: Disability Etiquette. A Starting Guide. General Do’s and Don’ts: Relax and enjoy getting to know your colleagues or guests as people and as professionals. Ask before you provide assistance. Do not assume that a person with an apparent disability needs assistance; offering assistance in broad terms such as “Let me know if you need anything” opens the door without assumptions of inability. Think in terms of ‘Disability Pride’ language using powerful words such as: wheelchair user as opposed to confined to a wheelchair or wheelchair person; person who is deaf or blind rather than deaf or blind people. Individuals with Mobility Disabilities: Do not touch a person’s mobility equipment. Be considerate of possible pain, balance, or post-traumatic stress concerns during physical contact. When engaging in a conversation, select a location where you can engage comfortably and that reduces distance between you. Slide two: Individuals who are Blind or have Low Vision: Identify yourself when entering a conversation and announce when you leave. When serving as a sighted guide, offer your arm or shoulder rather than grabbing or pushing the individual. Describe the setting, environment, written material, and obstacles when serving as a human guide. Resist the temptation to pet or talk to a guide or service animal. Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Gain the person’s attention before starting a conversation. If the individual uses a sign language interpreter, speak directly to the person, not the interpreter; keep your eyes on the individual and not on the interpreter. Face the person and speak in normal tones. Slide three: Individuals who have Speech Disabilities: If you do not understand what the person is saying, ask the person to repeat what they said and then repeat it back to ensure you understood. Do not speak for the person or attempt to finish their sentences. Individuals who have Non-Apparent Disabilities: Seek to understand their lived experience. Recognize that disclosing their disability comes with a risk and honor requested confidentiality. Engage in a dialogue to determine individual needs. Support accommodations.