More than a lifesaver, Charlottesville woman and her service dog are ‘better together’

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - A service dog named Irene is being recognized for her service after saving her partner’s life.

“I’ve had Irene, I’ve been paired up with her for six years and I definitely feel that, that is 6 years I wouldn’t have had without her. Absolutely,” said Tamera Mason, Irene’s partner.

Mason and Irene go together like two peas in a pod.  Read More

UVa Health Mobile Care is coming to Independence Resource Center

UVA Health is excited to announce a new kind of care aimed at helping our communities to stay as healthy as possible. We are committed to caring not only for patients who come into our clinics, but also for the broader community, including those with the greatest gaps in healthcare. Access to healthcare services can help to prevent sickness and promote well-being. UVA Health Mobile Care is here to help when: • You can't wait for an appointment with your regular provider and would like to be seen for a non-emergency situation • You don't yet have a regular provider in a clinic and want to establish care • You have transportation limitations and need care close to home Read More

Concerns raised over Charlottesville utility poles placement violating ADA laws

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) - Concern has been raised over an ongoing ADA violation in Charlottesville.

The issue stems from where utility poles are placed, forcing some people off the sidewalk and onto the road.

“When you force people who use wheelchairs out into the street, you’re just asking for catastrophe,” Independence Resource Center Tom Vandever said.  Read More

“Lunch and Learn” discusses accessibility in houses

STAUNTON, Va. (WHSV) - Housing advocates are keeping the conversations going after the two days SAW Housing Summit that was held last year.

The topic of this most recent “Lunch and Learn” was centered around accessible housing and housing for older adults. Scott Pruett, Director of the Universal Design Project said why there is some accessibility legislation found under fair housing laws there is not a lot of regulations when it comes to accessibility in the housing market.

“The ADA does not apply to privately owned homes, it is more for commercial spaces,” said Scott Pruett. Read More

UVa Health Mobile Care is coming to Independence Resource Center

UVA Health is excited to announce a new kind of care aimed at helping our communities to stay as healthy as possible. We are committed to caring not only for patients who come into our clinics, but also for the broader community, including those with the greatest gaps in healthcare. Access to healthcare services can help to prevent sickness and promote well-being. UVA Health Mobile Care is here to help when: • You can't wait for an appointment with your regular provider and would like to be seen for a non-emergency situation • You don't yet have a regular provider in a clinic and want to establish care • You have transportation limitations and need care close to home Read More

Justice Department to Publish Final Rule to Improve Access to Medical Care for People with Disabilities

On the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Attorney General Merrick B. Garland signed a final rule under Title II of the ADA to improve access to medical diagnostic equipment (MDE) for people with disabilities. MDE includes equipment like medical examination tables, weight scales, dental chairs, x-ray machines and mammography machines. Accessible MDE is essential for people with disabilities to have equal access to medical care. Read More

Justice Department Finds Minnesota City’s “Crime-Free” Housing Program Discriminates Against Tenants with Mental Health Disabilities

The Justice Department announced today that the city of Anoka, Minnesota, violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act by denying tenants with mental health disabilities an equal opportunity to receive emergency assistance. Read More

Justice Department Finds Nebraska Violates Federal Civil Rights Laws by Unnecessarily Institutionalizing People with Serious Mental Illness

The Justice Department announced today that it found that Nebraska is unnecessarily segregating people with serious mental illness (SMI) in assisted living facilities and day program facilities, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Olmstead v. L.C. The department found that Nebraska is restricting access to critical community-based services that people with SMI need to live and work in the community.  Read More

Accessible Street Design Survey for the Disabled Community

You are invited to participate in a research study being conducted by Smart Growth America, supported by the International Parking & Mobility Institute and the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund. Read More

Financial Resources and Discounts for Students With Disabilities

Here is useful link for students with disabilities! https://couponfollow.com/research/financial-resources-for-students-with-disabilities

Justice Department Issues Guidance on the Americans with Disabilities Act and Employment Services for People with Disabilities

Nationally, a significant number of individuals with disabilities spend the majority of their daytime hours receiving public services in sheltered workshops and facility-based day programs. These settings segregate individuals from the community and provide little or no opportunity to interact with people without disabilities, other than paid staff. Read More

NCD celebrates 50 year anniversary of Rehabilitation Act of 1973

WASHINGTON--Today the National Council on Disability celebrates the 50th anniversary of the first civil rights legislation protecting disabled people from discrimination. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 was signed into law by President Richard M. Nixon on Sept. 26, 1973, after he vetoed the legislation twice. It would be the precursor for future disbility rights protections, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Read More

Be wary of offering ‘help,’ and other ways to support families with disabilities

When my son was born sick, and eventually diagnosed with severe disabilities, friends helped in a variety of ways. One friend texted several times a day to let me know she was thinking of us without expecting a response in return. Another friend let me vent over the phone where I repeated and tried to understand constantly changing news I received from doctors. Read More