Newsletter 2019
A note from Matt......
flyer from animal law section of the florida bar announcing a puppy pit and goat yoga at the annual conference June 26-29.
Proselytizing the benefits of human-animal interaction for wellness, the Animal Law Section of the Florida Bar (of which I am incoming chair) is bringing its unbridled happiness to the UNconventionAL Florida Bar Convention in July. 

The puppy pit will be open on June 27-28.

Goat Yoga will be on June 27.

Sponsorships are available.
Featured Article
Mr Bishop kneeling with his two dogs on a dock in front of a boat
Raymond Bishop was shot and killed on February 12, 2018. He was 84 year old Marine who had five adult children and two dogs, Roxie and Ranger.
On that day, Miami-Dade Police were called to his apartment in Homestead Florida. His social worker reported to the police that Mr. Bishop was despondent because he thought that he, and his two dogs, were going to be forced out of his home. 
When the police arrived at his unit, Raymond Bishop refused to drop his weapon. After the police plead with him for three minutes, Mr. Bishop raised his pistol. He was killed. His two dogs, Roxie and Ranger were cowering in Raymond Bishop’s bed.   
DIG in the News
March 27, 2019, Daily Business Review, Florida Board of Bar Examiners Settles Suit Alleging Discrimination Over Mental Health,   https://www.law.com/dailybusinessreview/2019/03/27/florida-board-of-bar-examiners-settle-suit-alleging-discrimination-over-mental-health/

Out & About with DIG

GAL Specialized Advocacy for Children
May 30-31, 2019
Orlando, FL

21st Annual Family Cafe
June 7-9, 2019
Orlando, FL

FL Bar Annual Convention
June 26-29, 2019
Boca Raton, FL
Pictures
Sarah and Stephanie sitting at a desk getting ready to train on SSDI benefits
Sarah and Stephanie conducting a training on SSDI Benefits
group picture in front of a police vehicle at crystal academy with debbie officer denham and the crystal academy students
Wallet Card Training with the Coral Gables Police Department and Crystal Academy
debbie and matt with participants in the international visitor leadership program
A visit from the International Visitors Program
K9s for Kids team at kristi house
The new K9's for Kids team working on our project at Kristi House
group picture from 10 days of accessibility seminar with debbie and sarah
Getting ready for the 10 days of connections in May with a training on how to make the events accessible
a selfie of matt and debbie at the retirement dinner for justice lewis
Debbie and Matt at the retirement dinner for Justice Lewis
Miami Inclusion Alliance
April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and every year there is a theme chosen. This year's theme is "I Ask," which sends the message that asking for consent is a normal and necessary part of interactions. This year's theme endeavors to make consent a proud and permanent part of our conversation around abuse. There has been so much discussion around sexual assault, consent, and rape this past year, it is hard to keep track of where we have been and where we are, so I thought it might be helpful to look back on some interesting facts and dates.
Rape used to be a property crime against a virgin's father or husband. It wasn't until the 11th and 12th centuries that rape was seen as a violent crime against a victim.
1861 was the first year a black woman could legally claim rape against a white man...six years after slavery was abolished.

Take Back the Night events were the first organized response to sexual assault and violence against women, and they started in 1976.

It wasn't until 1993, with North Carolina criminalizing marital rape, that a husband sexually assaulting his wife became a crime in all 50 states. The prevailing notion behind allowing a man to rape his wife was that she consented to a lifetime of sexual intercourse through her vows.
The View from Here
Head shot of Justine
Justine will be back soon.
Kids Crusaders
Kids Crusaders Logo
Julie will be back soon.
:)
Lucille's Wall
lucy at the beach standing in the sand with her tongue sticking out
Haulover Park
Address
10800 Collins Avenue, Miami, FL
Hours of Operation
Sunrise to Sunset
Parking Lot Hours:
8 a.m. - 30 minutes before sunset
Office Hours
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Boat Ramps
Open 24 hours
Park Office
305-947-3525
Fun in the Sun
This past weekend I had some fun in the sun. I’ve been working hard on my first New Year’s Resolution (in case you forgot number 1 was- Limiting myself to four chicken wrap twists per day) and helping my office train for the upcoming Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run that they are participating in on April 25th so I thought it was time to reward my efforts and show off this beach bod at the beach!

I went to Haulover Beach Park which offers a unique opportunity for dogs and their owners to swim and play together in a designated beach recreation area. The site is located on the south end of the park between Lifeguard Towers #2 and #3 (directly across from the park’s 3.3-acre dog park).

The day was gorgeous, the water was amazing and the company could not have been better. I highly suggest going and bringing a human friend to accompany you!

Lucy with a sign in her mouth that says all guests must be approved by the dog.
The leash is for your safety and my peace of mind!

As an owner of a dog who reacts and can get aggressive especially when a male dog stares him down: I understand why the leash laws are important. As a trainer who works with aggressive dogs I can say with a professional opinion it is a great law: For your safety and my peace of mind.

Even with all the training in the world dogs can still be aggressive, but even aggressive dogs need to walk too. It makes it difficult for me to safely walk my clients’ dogs or even my dog when others don’t want to follow a simple leash law.

“MY DOG IS FRIENDLY, IT’S OK!!” Shouted out from half a block away.

The Wallet Card Project
the wallet card words in a diamond shape blue figure
The wallet card is a tool to be used by a teenager or an adult with a disability. Currently, we have developed cards for persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Intellectual Disabilities.
Wheels & Heels
Lorinda in front of a cabinet in her home.
Brightline - A great way to get far, accessible for all!

Society is embracing universal design in new construction and we’re seeing a shift in the idea of creating a space for all also in the field of transportation. As a commuter, I’ve used public transportation in many states – New York, Boston, Orlando, Baltimore, Washington DC, San Juan Puerto Rico, etc. Here in Miami, Florida I use the Metrorail system, Metrobus, City of Miami Trolley, and Metro mover to get around town fairly often. However, getting to counties outside of Miami-Dade can be a challenge. In the past, there was the Tri-Rail available – a train system that is still running and has multiple stops from Miami-Dade County up to Palm Beach County. While efficient, the Tri-Rail is somewhat outdated. Recently, someone told me about the Brightline (now called Virgin Trains) system, and as an avid traveler had to try it out. Leave is to say, I was beyond surprised by the efficiency, design, and most important accessibility of the system!

black rectangle box outlined with a yellow line and the words Supper social club in the box in white
We are having a raffle this month.

Everyone that attends will be entered into the raffle.

Raffle prizes.
flyer with dates for supper social for jan through jun flyer is red and black with yellow background and red polka dots
Supper Social Club - May 2019
LOCATION
California Pizza Kitchen, 300 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL 33134

DATE AND TIME
05/06/19 6:30pm - 05/06/19 8:30pm

I'll be there!
Maybe
I can't make it
Benefits Information
head shot of Lesly
Are you a SSDI or SSI beneficiary? How a Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) or benefits planner can help you?

If you receive Social Security benefits and you have a job or are looking for one, there are specially trained professionals known as Community Work Incentive Coordinators (CWIC) to help you make sense of complex employment and benefit-related issues.

What is a CWIC? A highly skilled and rigorously trained cadre of Community Work Incentives Coordinators (CWICs) provide individual counseling to beneficiaries seeking employment and intensive follow-up services to ensure that they are using the work incentives appropriately. CWICS provide confidential services to people with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). CWICs educate beneficiaries on how employment will affect their public benefits such as SSI, SSDI, Medicare, Medicaid, subsidized housing and food stamps.
CWICs are funded through the Social Security Administration grant called WIPA, Work Incentives Planning and Assistance. CWICs are not SSA employees. However, they do serve SSI and SSDI beneficiaries, including young adults who are transitioning from school to work.
REV UP Florida!
Next Telephonic meeting is:
April 26, 2019, at 10:30 am

Call in number: (888) 585-9008
Pin: 133-116-452#

Join one of our three new standing committees
  1. Communication. Chair: Jay Hahr
  2. Planning. Chair: Sandra Newsom
  3. Organizational. Chair: Christinne Rudd
Educational Information
head of stephanie langer holding a business file and wearing a black and white polkadot shirt.
educational support flyer that lists prices for consultations school meetings and legal representation
Your Upward Journey
The cover of the book Your Upward Journey by Patricia Bochi
In a nutshell, Your Upward Journey:

It is Easier Than You Think!, is a three-part project (book, self-help seminars and merchandise sale).