Charity Transforms Boy's Wheelchair Into Halloween Costume

Most Halloween costumes are not made with children with disabilities in mind, but an Oregon-based non-profit transformed a Virginia boy's wheelchair into a Halloween costume worthy of a movie set.

Brian McNulty volunteers with Magic Wheelchair, a charity that builds epic costumes for children with disabilities across the nation. This Halloween, he built a Jeep for Kevin, a 15-year-old Manassas teen who uses a wheelchair. But it's not just any Jeep, it's the Jeep from "Jurassic Park."

The costume is made of foam and set on a frame that fits around Kevin's wheelchair. McNulty says the hardest part is making sure the fit and movement are perfect. 

"When we put the extra foam on the side, he won't hurt himself," McNulty said.

To read more on this story, click here: Charity Transforms Boy's Wheelchair Into Halloween Costume

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Tom Golisano Donates $5.8 Million to SJFC for Developmental Disabilities Nursing Program

A new institute at St. John Fisher College will focus on nursing that supports individuals with developmental disabilities.

Paychex founder and philanthropist Tom Golisano and the Golisano Foundation donated $5.8 million to the school to create the Golisano Institute for Developmental Disability Nursing. Tom Golisano donated $5 million and the foundation donated $800,000.

It is the first of its kind in the country, and will focus on training health care providers to support this population.

Research by the Special Olympics shows that there are significant health disparities between individuals with disabilities and the general population.

To read more on this story, click here: Tom Golisano Donates $5.8 Million to SJFC for Developmental Disabilities Nursing Program


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Jamauri Gets His Trick-Or-Treat Bag

Sharing from facebook. This is what his mother wrote:
His bag finally came💙🎃🦇 — with Charlene Williams.

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Thinking of all in Pittsburgh and the Achieva Family for the loss of Cecil and David Rosenthal

ACHIEVA

The ACHIEVA family is devastated at the loss of two well-respected members of their community. Two extraordinary men, brothers Cecil and David Rosenthal, were victims of the tragedy at the Tree of Life Synagogue.

Cecil and David had a love for life and for those around them. As long-standing recipients of ACHIEVA’s residential and employment services, they were as much a part of the ACHIEVA family as they were their beloved neighborhood of Squirrel Hill.

They loved life. They loved their community. They spent a lot of time at the Tree of Life, never missing a Saturday. “If they were here they would tell you that is where they were supposed to be,” said Chris Schopf, Vice President, Residential Supports, ACHIEVA.

Chris added, “Cecil’s laugh was infectious. David was so kind and had such a gentle spirit. Together, they looked out for one another. They were inseparable. Most of all, they were kind, good people with a strong faith and respect for everyone around.”

Our collective hearts are heavy with sympathy to the Rosenthal family, and to all who were affected by the tragedy at Tree of Life.

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Boy With Autism Still Has 'The Best Day Ever,' After Friends Ditch His Birthday Party

A boy with autism whose friends ditched his 10th birthday party had “the best day ever” when a bunch of strangers threw him a last-minute celebration.

Brody Barron has an August birthday, but having recently moved from the U.K. to Guthrie, Okla., he postponed festivities until school started, so he could celebrate with his new classmates.

The boy invited 10 children to his Fortnite-themed party at the entertainment venue Main Event in Oklahoma City and, according to his mother, Susan, “counted down the days” until the big day, Sept. 29.

“We weren’t expecting everyone to show up, but 30 minutes after the party was supposed to start, we knew no one was coming,” Susan tells Yahoo Lifestyle. “I told Brody, ‘Let’s figure out what to do, because I don’t know if your friends are going to make it.'”

Since Brody’s autism makes it difficult for him to understand social cues, he replied, “That’s OK, I don’t mind waiting.”

“That broke my heart,” says Susan. “I told him, ‘I don’t think they’re coming.’ His entire body deflated and he hung his head. I was crying.”

To read more on this story, click here: Boy With Autism Still Has 'The Best Day Ever,' After Friends Ditch His Birthday Party

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Melwood Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month by Challenging Employers to Explore New Workforce Solutions

Due to historically low rates of unemployment, DC area employers are searching for innovative ways to fill their open positions with quality staff.

Melwood CEO Cari DeSantis has the answer.

“Melwood offers private employers the solution to their labor needs, and I challenge corporations and organizations in the DC area to partner with us so they can learn about the quality and value Melwood teams provide,” says DeSantis. “Melwood has a 55-year history of demonstrating that, with appropriate professional development, people of differing abilities can be successful in the workforce.”

Filling Employment Gaps
According to the Brookings Institution, only four out of 10 people of differing abilities are currently employed despite evidence showing the clear economic -benefits of hiring from this high-quality workforce. People of differing abilities offer companies a professional grade labor force, a boost in consumer market, and improved work culture. Some professional services companies, such as Ernst & Young, have started “neuro-diversity” hiring programs to find these quality candidates.

To read more on this story, click here: Melwood Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month by Challenging Employers to Explore New Workforce Solutions

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Proclamation - Disability Employment Awareness Month

Proclamation - Disability Employment Awareness Month
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Mayor Muriel Bowser proclaims October as Disability Employment Awareness Month:

Proclamation
Disability Employment Awareness Month
October 2018

 WHEREAS, in 1988, Congress declared the month of October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month to recognize the contributions made by individuals with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Washington, DC is committed to breaking down barriers, and providing resources and training for residents who live with a disability so that they can access employment and achieve success in the work place; and

To read more on this story, click here: Proclamation - Disability Employment Awareness Month

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Starbucks Opens First American Sign Language Store In DC

WASHINGTON (WJLA) - Starbucks opened its first sign language store in the United States on Tuesday morning.

The new store, located in Washington, D.C., is said to celebrate deaf culture.

It's conveniently located near Gallaudet University, a private school for the deaf and hard of hearing community.

Store manager Matthew Gilsbach says he's a Gallaudet graduate.

"This has been a dream of partners for deaf and hard of hearing to have this sort of store for a long time," he said.

The store has been renovated to create a unique experience for deaf customers, with artwork and merchandise made by deaf artists -- including locals who graduated from Gallaudet.

To read more on this story, click here: Starbucks Opens First American Sign Language Store In DC

You may be interested in reading: 

Starbucks to Open First U.S. Signing Store





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Join Us Today at the Mayor's Expo on Disability and Diversity at UDC Van Ness! – October 23th

In recognition of October being National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we are celebrating by offering two free events in order to advance the conversation on equal opportunities and inclusive environments for people with disabilities.

This year's 11th Annual Mayor's Disability and Diversity Expo is complete with break-out informational sessions, over 30 exhibitors, free give-aways, and an accessible voting machine that you can try out. The District of Columbia is home to over 116,000 people with disabilities and this year more than 500 consumers, caregivers, advocates and students are invited to attend.

For more information on this event, click here: You're invited to this year's 11th Annual Mayor's Disability and Diversity Expo!

What: 2018 Mayor's Disability and Diversity Expo

Date:Tuesday, October 23, 2018 

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Location: 
UDC Student Center 
4200 Connecticut Ave, NW
Washington, DC

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American Airlines Inducts First Flight Attendant With Special-Needs

American Airlines inducted its first flight attendant with special needs and a terminal illness Saturday in Columbia, South Carolina. The gesture was a "dream come true" for 17-year-old Shantell "Princess" Pooser. WIS News' Emily Scarlett reports. (Published Monday, Oct 15, 2018)













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Dancing Barista With Down Syndrome Speechless After Surprise Promotion

Trevor Johnson got the surprise of his life at his barista job at Bitty & Beau's Coffee in Wilmington, North Carolina. His boss, Amy Wright, gathered the employees and announced that Trevor would be promoted to Director of Entertainment, and get a raise too. Wright says customers travel from across the country to see Johnson, who has Down syndrome, dance at the coffee shop. 

To see the video, click here: Dancing Barista With Down Syndrome Speechless After Surprise Promotion




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A Disaster Waiting to Happen

What are you doing to be prepared?

Disasters do occur all the time, from hurricanes, earthquakes, shootings, and many more.  Whenever there is a disaster, we hardly hear disabled individuals mentioned as to whether they were injured or safely escaped.

This is what sparked a flame for Paul Tshuma to look into the measures taken to evacuate individuals with disabilities in case there is a fire in a building. 



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We Are Hiring! Come Visit Us At The 2018 East County Regional Job Fair: October 17th – FREE!

We are hiring! Come out and visit RCM's table at the East County Regional Job Fair today. Also visit our website and click on the careers tab for our current openings!

Join us on October 17th for the 2018 East County Regional Job Fair. Employers will be updated as we get closer to the event. This event is being hosted in partnership with:

Congressman John Sarbanes, County Executive Ike Leggett, Senator Craig Zucker, Delegates Anne Kaiser, Eric Luedtke and Pan Queen, Councilmember Tom Hucker, East County Regional Service Center, Montgomery County Recreation, Montgomery Count Commission for Women and WorkSource Montgomery

To learn more about this event, click here: 2018 East County Regional Job Fair

What: Hiring Event

Date: Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM 

Location:
East County Community Recreation Center
3310 Gateshead Manor Way
Silver Spring, MD 20904

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Cross Country Runner Becomes Nike's 1st Professional Athlete With Cerebral Palsy

A cross country runner in Oregon broke down in tears when he was surprised with the news that he will become the first professional Nike athlete in history with cerebral palsy.

The moment Justin Gallegos, 20, got the news that he got a contract with Nike was captured in a heartwarming video made by the production crew Elevation 0m.

Gallegos, a member of the University of Oregon Class of 2020, posted about the emotional moment on his Instagram on Saturday, which was National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects muscle coordination, making his every step all the more inspiring.

"Today I made Nike history and became the very first athlete with Cerebral Palsy to sign a contract with Nike!" he wrote in the caption. "You don’t realize how realistic and emotional your dreams are until they play out before your very eyes!"

He continued: "Growing up with a disability, the thought of becoming a professional athlete is as I have said before like the thought of climbing Mt. Everest! It is definitely possible, but the odds are most definitely not in your favor!"

Gallegos thanked his friends, family, teammates, God, and more "for helping show the world that there is No Such Thing As a Disability!"

To read more on this story, click here: Cross Country Runner Becomes Nike's 1st Professional Athlete With Cerebral Palsy

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Thorton Leading The Life No One Thought He Could Have ESPN Video

A true leader who has changed the lives of so many with his advocacy!


Ricardo Thornton's life has been one of inspiration and consistently proving doubters wrong. To see the video, click here: Ricardo Thornton's Life

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Heartwarming Video: Father, And Son With Down Syndrome Reunion

Heart melting moment a father, 88, is reunited with his down syndrome son, 53, after a spending a week apart for the first time ever.





                                  Click arrow 2 times to start video

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RCM of Washington Inc is with Amy Shaw Brooks and ANCOR

RCM of Washington Inc is with Amy Shaw Brooks and ANCOR  American Network of Community Options and Resources at Russell Senate Office Building

Busy day on Capitol Hill advocating with fellow ANCOR member GN Janes. Talking about workforce, Money Follows the Person and Medically Underserved Populations. Thanks to Legislative Assistants Dana Richter with Senator Capito’s office and TJ Lucas with Senator Manchin. @senCapito @JoeManchinWV #PolicySummit18

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Capitol Hill Briefing on Disability Policy - Dental Care for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

RCM of Washington Inc is at Capitol Building

Capitol Hill Briefing on Disability Policy - Dental Care for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities #PolicySummit18

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Congratulations Willie!

On September 29, 2018, Willie graduated from DC Advocacy Partners Leadership Academy. Congrats, so proud of you!

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The DC Coalition Residential Committee - September 28

The DC Coalition Residential Committee at RCM learning that We Belong in the Kitchen. Thank you Erica Thomas with Georgetown and RCM Emerging Leaders

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Medicaid State Fact Sheets

What are the facts?

Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide health and long-term care coverage to more than 70 million low-income children, pregnant women, adults, seniors, and people with disabilities in the United States. Medicaid is a major source of funding for hospitals, community health centers, physicians, and nursing homes. States operate their Medicaid programs within federal standards and a wide range of state options in exchange for federal matching funds. Federal and state policy proposals to restructure Medicaid could fundamentally change the scope and financing of the program. The two-page fact sheets provide a snapshot with key data for Medicaid in every state related to current coverage, access, and financing, as well as a politics section for each state.

For more information, click here: Medicaid State Fact Sheets

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