The District of Columbia’s Board of Elections Will Hold a Primary Election on June 19, 2018, and a General Election on November 6, 2018

The District of Columbia will hold a primary election on June 19, 2018, and a general election on November 6, 2018. According to a study by the National Center for Independent Living, people with disabilities are less likely to register to vote and less likely to vote than the general population. And, those who do vote experience a range of difficulties related to their disability.

To read more on this story, click here: District of Columbia Board of Elections

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High Alert: Take a 2 Minutes to stop Last Attempt at Medicaid Cuts

Please take the time to take action, it only takes a minute and the impact is so strong!

Next week is the Senate’s last chance to use the reconciliation process to pass harmful and irreparable Medicaid cuts by a simple majority – there is a hearing in the Senate Finance Committee on the bill on Monday afternoon and then it is planned to proceed to the floor for a vote.

The Graham/Cassidy proposal that is being considered is taking aim at the Affordable Care Act (ACA) BUT severely cutting the traditional Medicaid program on the backend to pay for these legislative changes in the ACA. So although you may hear reports about changes to the ACA and focus on Obamacare, this bill is being paid for in large part to cuts to the traditional Medicaid program which includes HCBS/ICF-IID.

To read more on this story, click here: High Alert: Take a 2 Minutes to stop Last Attempt at Medicaid Cuts

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Google Gets Serious About Mapping Wheelchair Accessibility

If there’s one thing Google’s got at its disposal, it’s a global army of avid map users. Now the company is leveraging that power to make its Maps feature more useful for people with mobility challenges—a group that often gets overlooked in the world of transit and urban innovation.

Google Maps already indicates if a location is wheelchair accessible—a result of a personal project by one of its employees—but its latest campaign will crowdsource data from its 30 million Local Guides worldwide, who contribute tips and photos about neighborhood establishments in exchange for points and small prizes like extra digital storage space. The company is calling on them to answer five simple questions—like whether a building has accessible entrances or bathrooms—when they submit a review for a location. In the coming weeks, Google will host workshops and “geowalks” specifically focused on mobility across seven cities, from New York City and London to Tokyo and Surabaya, Indonesia.

To read more on this story, click here: Google Gets Serious About Mapping Wheelchair Accessibility

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RCM of Washington Inc at Capitol Building

RCM of Washington Inc at Capitol Building 

Save our services, Medicaid supports many of our families, neighbors, and livelihoods! #saveourservices

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The Film Camp Giving Disabled Talent a Chance to Shine

Great Big Story did a wonderful piece on all the amazing things happening at Zeno Mountain Farm. Check it out!

To read more on this story, click here: The Film Camp Giving Disabled Talent a Chance to Shine

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DC Defends DREAMers!

We are Washington, DC and we defend our DREAMers and all of our neighbors.

Mayor Muriel Bowser on Twitter
“We are proud of our DREAMers and we will continue to support them. #DCvalues #DACA”

              Click on Video

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RCM Floating Wheelchair Allows Woman to Feel the Ocean for First Time in 34 Years

Sharing from M.C. Mobility Systems, Inc.

Lack of beach accessibility has kept her from experiencing the ocean for 34 years. However with the help of floationg wheelchair, she was able to feel the rush of ocean water! Check it out.
http://bit.ly/2xCPiWa


HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — For the first time in 34 years, a Hampton woman felt the rush of the ocean water Thursday.

Ellen Shackleford hasn’t been at the beach since she was injured in a car crash that left her wheelchair bound.

Earlier this year, the City of Hampton made Buckroe Beach wheelchair accessible. Special pathways accommodate wheelchairs, strollers and wagons.

“I have not been able to go to a beach because there’s no accessibility to the beach, not even to the sand,” Shackleford said. “Now we have this wonderful mat and this wonderful chair, I can actually do that now.”

To read more on this story, click here: Floating Wheelchair Allows Woman to Feel the Ocean for First Time in 34 Years

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Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week: September 10 - 16, 2017

RCM of Washington, Inc. shared ANCOR American Network of Community Options and Resources photo.

Show your appreciation everyday for the valuable work that Direct Support Professionals do, but save these dates and remember to give an extra thank you for their valuable support!

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RCM of Washington, Inc. Shared Dawn Rudolph’s Post From Facebook

Ways we all can help!

Dawn Rudolph wrote:

A need for Assistive Technology (AT) – especially the subset of AT referred to as “Durable Medical Equipment (DME)” exists in areas hard-hit by Hurricane Harvey. As homes and neighborhoods flooded, many people were rescued without their AT/DME, or their equipment was lost or damaged in the flood. In addition, people may have developed new needs for AT/DME as a result of injuries sustained in the emergency. Currently, efforts are underway to assess people in shelters to identify their needs for AT/DME, identify a warehouse to store donated equipment, and identify safe transportation routes for delivering donated equipment.

At the same time, you can help by identifying AT and DME that can be donated, and get it ready to be shipped when Houston is ready to receive it! Donated items must be in complete working order, which means used equipment must be repaired and sanitized, and having working batteries where appropriate. Wheelchairs must have intact cushions (not cracked), seat belts, and anti-tippers. Confirm that equipment has not been recalled (here’s a list to check for recalls). Follow the indicators of quality for AT Reuse (here’s a link for indicators of quality) from the Pass It On Center, the national technical assistance center for AT reuse. You may want to contact your state’s AT Act program for assistance and collaboration in this regard https://www.at3center.net/stateprogram These steps will help ensure that the volunteers on the ground in affected areas don’t need to sort through disastrous donations, but can quickly get good-quality equipment to the people who need it.

Full assessment of immediate needs is in progress; needs in longer term recovery are yet to be revealed. Based on past disasters like Katrina, there are typically needs for wheelchairs (especially bariatric wheelchairs), walkers, bath chairs/benches, canes, C-Pap machines, etc. We may not learn about pediatric needs until schools begin to re-open in mid-September.

More information about specific AT/DME needs and where donations will be sent once the matching and distribution process has been finalized. 
Thanks so much for your caring and your contribution!

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RCM Harvey Brings Unique Challenges For Those With Disabilities

Please consider donating to the charity of your choice!


Harvey Brings Unique Challenges For Those With Disabilities

HOUSTON — The upending of normalcy during the worst tropical weather system ever to hit Houston is particularly hard on those with special needs, and disability advocates and families are working to help them cope.

The Autism Society of Texas has providers from Austin, as well as partners in Clear Lake and north-central Houston, heading to shelters to offer resources and support, executive director Suzanne Potts said.

The organization is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Red Cross to assess needs. What’s en route: sensory-support bags containing stuffed animals, fidget toys, weighted blankets, earplugs and noise-canceling headphones, notepads and crayons.

To read more on this story, click here: Harvey Brings Unique Challenges For Those With Disabilities

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We Thank You!

On this Labor Day RCM would like to thank all of the employees who tirelessly support people everyday in leading their best lives! Without caring, dedicated employees RCM could not continue to provide the level of services so desperately needed by so many. Thank you for all you do!

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