She’s Considered The Mother of Disability Rights – And She’s a ‘Badass’

To read more on this story, click here: She’s Considered The Mother of Disability Rights – And She’s a ‘Badass’

We Are Actively Recruiting for a Education and Outreach Assistant (Please Share)

RCM is looking to expand their Innovations team and is actively recruiting for a Education and Outreach Assistant to assist with various initiatives such as the DSP Academy, #readytowork, health education programs and much more! Bilingual Spanish speakers are strongly encouraged to apply. Click or share the link below for more info!

            Education and Outreach Assistant

How America Failed Students With Disabilities During The Pandemic

One beautiful afternoon last summer, 9-year-old Maki climbed onto a trampoline behind his Northern Virginia home and began screaming like he had been shot.

His mother rushed into the yard. Maki, who is diagnosed with high-functioning autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder — and who had been doing well academically and socially before the pandemic — cried out that there was a snake on his back. He was crouched in a squat, face rigid with fear. He yelled at his mother to take away the gigantic reptile about to wrap itself around his neck. She tried to tell him there was no snake.

To read more on this story, click here: How America Failed Students With Disabilities During The Pandemic

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

Sharing from: DC Developmental Disabilities Council

May is #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth. Everyone's mental health was affected by last year's pandemic. We would like to showcase how everyone got through the quarantine. If you would like to be featured, e-mail emily.kranking@dc.gov.

Today's Solution: Quarantine Puppies. #QuarantineSelfCare

[ID: Alison Whyte with her pit bull mix, Pepper. They're in the front of two colorful signs that say "BE LOVE".

Emily Kranking, DDC Fellow, laughs as Chloe, the brown/white Brittany, snuggles with her.]

Uber and Lyft Will Drive You to Get Your COVID-19 Vaccine for Free Until July 4

New transportation partnership comes as Biden administration explores ways to encourage people to get vaccinated

WASHINGTON — The White House announced a new partnership with ride-sharing companies Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc. to make all rides to and from vaccination sites free until July 4.

White House Covid-19 coordinator Jeff Zients detailed the new steps in a Tuesday call with governors as part of the Biden administration’s effort to meet a target of 70% of the U.S. adult population getting at least one vaccine dose by July 4. President Biden is also meeting virtually with a group of governors Tuesday afternoon to discuss vaccination efforts.

To read more on this story, click here: Uber and Lyft Will Drive You to Get Your COVID-19 Vaccine for Free Until July 4

My Win As The First Disabled Black Woman On The Oscars Red Carpet

Sunday evening, when my rhinestone-lined wheelchair tires rolled onto the iconic Oscars red carpet, I inhaled deeply, embracing the fact that I was making history as the first visibly disabled Black woman at the Academy Awards.

It’s rare that I entered a space and felt like I could bring all of me without rejection and exclusion. At my Black church, I was the disabled girl. At my all-disabled summer camp, I was the Black girl. I never saw anyone who even remotely resembled me in the media.

To read more on this story, click here: My Win As The First Disabled Black Woman On The Oscars Red Carpet

'Happy Nurses Week' To All Of Our Nurses!

Wishing a 'Happy Nurses Week' to all of our nurses. Thank you for the love, care and dedication that you give each day. You are truly appreciated!