Virginia Beach Mayor's Committee for Persons with Disabilities

05/05/2020

Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here | Internal Revenue Service

From Congresswoman Luria, "Most VA and SSI beneficiaries who did not file taxes in 2018 or 2019 are eligible for an automatic $1,200 payment for themselves. If VA or SSI beneficiaries have a qualifying dependent, they are eligible for an additional $500 per eligible dependent, but you may need to take further action. To have this money added to your $1,200 payment, you should visit the IRS’ non-filers tool [link below] and provide information about your dependents by May 5. If a VA or SSI beneficiary misses this deadline, they will receive their $1,200 payment, and, by law, the additional $500 per eligible child amount would be paid in association with a return filing for tax year 2020."

Steps to receive the Economic Impact Payment if you haven't filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019, and aren't receiving Social Security, SS Disability Income or Railroad Retirement benefits. This payment is also referred to as "stimulus checks" or "coronavirus relief."

05/02/2020

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam - Proclamation

The Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation is declaring May 2-9, 2020, to be National Osteogenesis Imperfecta Awareness Week, and board members, staff, medical professionals, and volunteers are joining together to focus attention on OI in an effort to increase awareness.

Governor Ralph Northam, 73rd Governor of Virginia

05/02/2020

People with Disabilities Community Conversation COVID-19

People with Disabilities Community Conversation COVID-19

04/26/2020

OrCam MyReader 2 - The most advanced reading assistive device

Another interesting development in technology. https://www.orcam.com/en/myreader2/
OrCam comes in two versions: OrCam MyEye, which is priced at $3,500, and OrCam MyReader, which costs $2,500. https://www.afb.org/aw/18/2/15244

OrCam MyReader The most advanced reading assitive device in the world for people who are blind, partialy sighted or have reading dificulties.

04/21/2020

Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here | Internal Revenue Service

URGENT UPDATE ABOUT SSI
From Congresswoman Luria
The Social Security Administration announced that Social Security and SSI recipients with qualifying dependents under age 17, who did not file 2018 or 2019 taxes, must provide the IRS information on their dependents by Wednesday, April 22, at noon. You can find this portal on the IRS’ webpage here [linked below]. By providing this information on the portal, you will receive $500 per qualifying dependent in addition to your $1,200 stimulus payment. Failure to provide this information may result in a Social Security or SSI recipient waiting longer to receive their $500 per qualifying dependent.

Steps to receive the Economic Impact Payment if you haven't filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019, and aren't receiving Social Security, SS Disability Income or Railroad Retirement benefits. This payment is also referred to as "stimulus checks" or "coronavirus relief."

04/21/2020

Resources for Coastal Virginians During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Information from Congresswoman Luria:

This information will clarify questions for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients and make it easier for many Coastal Virginians to receive their payments. Scroll down to learn more.

SSI Recipients with No Qualifying Children

If you are an SSI recipient with no qualifying children, you will automatically receive a stimulus payment of up to $1,200. No action is needed to receive this payment. The Treasury is anticipating these payments will be made by early May.

SSI Recipients with Qualifying Children

SSI recipients with qualifying children under age 17 are encouraged to visit the IRS’ non-filers payment information webpage as soon as possible. This website allows you to provide information to the IRS about yourself and your children. By providing this information, you can receive $500 per dependent child in addition to your $1,200 payment. If an SSI beneficiary does not provide their information to the IRS, they may have to wait longer to receive their payment of $500 per qualifying child.

SSI Recipients Who Do Not Usually File Taxes

Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability insurance beneficiaries who usually do not file taxes also qualify for an automatic payment of $1,200. The Treasury anticipates these payments will start arriving in late April.

Keep in mind that the Treasury Department, NOT the Social Security Administration will make these payments. Recipients generally will receive their payment through a direct deposit, Direct Express debit card, or paper check.

My team and I created a list of federal, state, and local resources designed to assist you and your family during the COVID-19 pandemic. Below, you will find links with updated information and resources on a diverse range of topics ranging from educational resources to FEMA grant guidance. Resources...

04/20/2020

Private schools for disabled students have also closed

Last school year, over 4,200 Virginia youths with disabilities were placed in private day schools. The schools themselves are private, but public school divisions and the state reimburse the schools.

The closure presents challenges for families, now tasked with leading their children’s specialized education, and schools, some of which worry they won’t survive the closure.

WILLIAMSBURG — Claire Anderson’s parents worried that she didn’t understand what the coronavirus is or why she couldn’t go to school.

04/20/2020

Fannie Lou Hamer Leadership Program

LAST CHANCE - deadline is today!
The Fannie Lou Hamer Leadership Program is designed for young (ages 18 – 30) Black disabled advocates who are committed to boosting voter registration and civic engagement across Black communities leading up to the 2020 elections. Participants will receive a $1,500 stipend and will have the opportunity to create a national nonpartisan campaign that promotes voter registration and participation.

04/17/2020

From Faith Inclusion Network:
Since this year’s production had to be canceled due to the Cornova-19 Virus, we are inviting you to be a part of an effort to share Special Audience Night in a different way. We are looking for:
Photos of you and family member or client with a disability at a previous year’s Special Audience Night. Photos can be sent to [email protected]
A 30-60 second video testimonial about Tattoo. You can say hello, talk about how much you miss Tattoo this year or share about something you really enjoyed from last year’s show (or any previous year).

We need your photos or a video of you talking about Special Audience Night at the Virginia International Tattoo. Learn more here. Special Audience Night at the Virginia International Tattoo-Facebook Project - https://mailchi.mp/198a7fcde3a3/special-audience-night-at-the-virginia-international-tattoo-virtual-project

04/17/2020

"HRT continues to prepare for the return to some level of normal, whenever that may be. The first six (of 20) of our new Transit model vans arrived yesterday, they may be arriving at your door soon!" -- Keith Johnson
Paratransit Services Contract Administrator
Hampton Roads Transit

04/16/2020

View Lloyd Pierce's Obituary and express your condolences

Lloyd R. Pierce was 91 years old when he died March 26, 2020 at the Community Living Center, located adjacent to the Hampton Veterans Hospital.

In 1973, he became involved in Mobility on Wheels, an organization that advocated for the rights of the disabled. He was influential in getting handicapped parking in Tidewater and getting legislation passed in the Virginia General Assembly related to the issuance of Handicapped Parking License plates and decals.

His achievements included getting curb cuts on streets, advocating for barrier free design in all buildings, and making homes adaptable for the disabled. Many of his disabled friends and others worked with him to help legislators codify the above law into the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Lloyd Pierce passed away in Norfolk, Virginia. Funeral Home Services for Lloyd are being provided by Woodlawn Funeral Home and Crematory - Norfolk. The obituary was featured in The Virginian-Pilot on March 26, 2020.

04/16/2020

Project Living Well - Virginia Board for People with Disabilities

This new project, a joint effort between the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities and the Partnership for People with Disabilities, supports both those using home and community based services (HCBS) services and those waiting for services, to live a life of their choosing in an environment that promotes equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living and economic self-sufficiency.

Find Public Comments made on the Board's policies as well as Benchmarks for Evaluating Public Policy in Virginia.

04/15/2020

Brian Miller, whose blindness inspired a career helping disabled students, dies of covid-19

“Brian believed strongly in the capacity of individuals with disabilities to engage in all aspects of life,” Dobak wrote, “and his own life was a reflection of this philosophy.”

‘Beyond the mountains are more mountains,’ he wrote in wonder at the breadth of the world.

04/14/2020

Register for your rights to health care during COVID-19 webinar on April 15

Webinar on Your Rights to Healthcare
April 15 at 3:30 Eastern
Join advocates from #NoBodyIsDisposable, Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) and Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) to understand and
Know Your Rights in Health Care during COVID-19!
Register by clicking link below.

Join advocates from #NoBodyIsDisposable, Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) and Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF) to understand and

04/13/2020

VirginiaNavigator | Your Nonprofit Guide to Veterans’ Benefits, Caregiving Resources, and Disability and Aging Services in Virginia

Looking for local assistance for yourself or loved ones? Try VirginiaNavigator.org.

VirginiaNavigator provides free information for older Virginians, veterans, people with disabilities and their families. On VirginiaNavigator, you can search for local resources such as:

Financial assistance with utility bills and/or emergencies
Free or low-cost home repairs or modifications
Non-medical transportation for older adults and people with disabilities
Free meal delivery (Meals on Wheels) and food assistance
Military benefits and assistance
Caregiver support groups and respite programs

You can search VirginiaNavigator by city, county or ZIP code.
http://virginianavigator.org/

04/12/2020

www.ndrn.org

An Accessible 2020 Census
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS BY THE DISABILITY COMMUNITY ABOUT CENSUS OPERATIONS
https://www.ndrn.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/GCPI-ESOI-An-Accessible-2020-Census-201901127.pdf

04/12/2020

WeWALK Smartcane - The Blind Guide

"WeWALK, one of Time Magazine’s 100 Best Inventions of 2019, attaches to the traditional white cane, transforming it into an innovative smartcane."

Please understand that the Committee does not endorse products. This is provided simply to highlight new technology.

The WeWALK smartcane's obstacle detection technology alerts you to objects above waist height and provides handsfree internet access.

04/09/2020

HRT Temporarily Halts Fare Collection

The move is part of the continuing effort to limit social contact by allowing customers to forego paying a fare, limit interaction with the operator, and not contact the farebox, among the most touched objects in a transit bus.

The governing board of Hampton Roads Transit agreed to halt temporarily all transit fares for HRT services effective Friday, April 10.

04/05/2020

Bringing a unique goose to life for kids

“Many books have been written about autism, but few written for children with autism,” Karen Bosch said, adding that the book includes issues that children with autism deal with regularly."

For many years, Karen Bosch couldn’t help but notice all the geese gathered at a pond on Kings Grant Road as she drove past the area.

04/02/2020

attexwc.webex.com

The American Association of People with Disabilities invites you to participate in a call on Friday, April 3, at 12 pm ET focused on the legal non-discrimination obligations for healthcare providers during the COVID-19 crisis. The call will address the following questions:

What are the rights of people with disabilities in the health care setting?

What are the legal obligations of providers to provide needed care to people with disabilities under federal law?

Are there model protocols, due process protections, and individualized assessments that providers and others should adopt to prevent disability bias and ensure legal compliance?

This call will feature disability legal experts and healthcare subject-matter experts.

Register below:

04/01/2020

Why the Census Matters for People with Disabilities: A Guide to the 2020 Census Operations & Challenges - Census Counts

A fair and accurate decennial census is vital for people with disabilities—and, indeed, for every person in the United States.

The Census Bureau has identified people with disabilities as a hard-to-count population, which means they are at a greater risk of being undercounted in the census. The reasons for this include accessibility challenges and wider systemic inequalities. People with disabilities are also overrepresente...

04/01/2020

Trump Administration Says Disability No Reason To Deny COVID-19 Care

"In a bulletin issued Saturday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights said that the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and other laws prohibiting discrimination in federally-funded health programs remain in effect."

The Trump administration is warning states and health care providers not to discriminate against people with disabilities as coronavirus spreads.

03/29/2020

www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org

Eight Takeaways from Listening Sessions on Impact of Coronavirus Crisis on Disability Community

03/27/2020

Hampton Roads Transit

"Effective Tuesday, March 31, 2020, HRT will begin an “Essential Service Plan” in response to the pandemic. Many routes have been temporarily suspended. We are trying to provide connections to every city and major activity center during the crisis. Routes will run on an hourly schedule except certain MAX and Peninsula Commuter routes unless they have been suspended. There will be no 15 or 30-minute bus service. In most cases routes will start later and end earlier.

"PLEASE plan ahead. Check the Essential Service Plan by going to gohrt.com or by calling 757-222-6100. Your route may be affected. Maintain social distance and exit from the rear of the bus."

Everyday is a different experience. There is plenty of work from bumper-to-bumper, from brake to in frame. Steady pace work. 24 hour shop with in-house part department to help you get your job done. Access to bus manuals.

03/25/2020

New Airline Seat Design will allow Disabled Passengers to Fly in their Own Wheelchairs

New Airline Seat Design will allow Disabled Passengers to Fly in their Own Wheelchairs

HomeEngines & ComponentsAircraft Airframe & AccessoriesInteriorsNew Airline Seat Design Will Allow Disabled Passengers to Fly in Their Own WheelchairsMolon Labe SeatingMar 19th, 2020Molon Labe SeatingMolon Labe Seating of Denver, Colorado has unveiled a prototype of a new airline seat that will allo...

03/23/2020

Governor Northam Orders Statewide Closure of Certain Non-Essential Businesses, K-12 Schools

Executive Order Fifty-Three orders the closure of certain non-essential businesses, bans all gatherings of more than 10 people, and closes all K-12 schools for the remainder of the academic year. Governor Northam is also urging all Virginians to avoid non-essential travel outside the home, if and when possible.

This order goes into effect at 11:59 PM on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 and will remain in place until 11:59 PM on Thursday, April 23, 2020.

Governor Ralph Northam, 73rd Governor of Virginia

03/23/2020

2020 Census: You Count! Be Counted.

You Count! Be Counted.
The 2020 Census is quickly approaching, and it is important that people with disabilities and their families are ready to be counted!
Census Day is April 1, 2020 – check out the resources from The Arc to make sure you and your community are ready to be counted!

The Arc has developed resources to support individuals and organizations in understanding what the census is, why its important for people with disabilities, and how to complete it.

03/23/2020

Virginia Board for People with Disabilities (VBPD)

Let your legislator know what you want.

https://disabilityadvocacynetwork.org/app/make-a-call?0&engagementId=506895&fbclid=IwAR0LwMQi2NTDUWtBDsiFbwTXNwB6dlPXdGAnPt3I1xlo4cLcey0exTmLeC4

03/22/2020

HRT Takes Additional Steps to Combat Coronavirus

Effective Monday, March 23, 2020, the front folding front seats of the buses will be tied up to increase the social distance between operators and customers as the agency continues its response to the coronavirus pandemic. HRT is also asking its bus customers to exit from the rear doors of the buses when they reach their destination.

Effective Monday, March 23, 2020, the front folding front seats of the buses will be tied up to increase the social distance between operators and customers as the agency continues its response to the coronavirus pandemic. HRT is also asking its bus customers to exit from the rear doors of the buses...