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2025 Monthly Newsletter

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A Note From Debbie...

Image of the capital crawl in front of the United States Capital Building

This month marks the anniversary of the Capitol Crawl, a pivotal moment in disability rights history when activists crawled up the steps of the U.S. Capitol to demand the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Their bravery changed the course of history and reminds us that progress comes from action and persistence. At Disability Independence Group, we continue the fight to carry forward our vision that every person is entitled to equal treatment and dignity.


That’s why we’ve launched our Take Action: How You Can Make a Difference series. You can read about it below in our newsletter. We started this series to ensure we don’t lose the rights that were won by those who came before us.

Featured Articles

The View From Here

By: Justine Chichester

Photo of Justine in front of UM Medical School wall

“Sometimes life brings you full circle, to the same place you had been earlier, in order to show you how much you have grown.”

 

Between 2014 and 2015, I spent a lot of time in Jackson Memorial Hospital in-patient rehab. I suffered a spinal cord injury and hydrocephalus after falling in front of my home in late 2014, and several surgeries required that I stay in the rehab unit, at different times over the course of that year, in order to recover and learn how to navigate my “new life” as a person living with paralysis.

 

I have so many memories from those long days. Most of them are not good ones, either. I was sick for a long time while I was there. I struggled early on with my daily life as a newly paralyzed patient. A memory that always stands out in my mind, even now 10 years later, is when I would lie in my bed at night in that rehab room and stare out the window next to me. The streetlamps on the sidewalk below illuminated the people walking back and forth. Some nurses, some doctors, some visiting loved ones. Some were carrying lunchboxes and water bottles, backpacks and other things as they hurried to their destinations on that Jackson campus. As I lay there in my bed, I wondered every single night if I’d ever walk around again or even live any semblance of a normal life again, just like all of those people on the sidewalk below. 


Read More Here

Taking Action: How You Can Make A Difference

By: Deborah Dietz

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Feeling Overwhelmed?


Every day, we're flooded with news, updates, and changes happening in our communities and across the country. It can feel overwhelming. You might even wonder if one person can really make a difference. The answer is absolutely, yes! Your involvement matters.


If you're happy with what your elected officials are doing, take a moment to let them know. Positive feedback encourages them to continue their good work. On the other hand, if you're unhappy with their decisions or actions, let them know. Sharing your opinions and concerns can influence their perspective, especially before important votes.


In our newsletter, we'll provide practical tips, ideas, and resources to help you get involved and effectively communicate your thoughts and priorities to your elected officials. Together, we can create meaningful change.


We are going to go over four things that you can do to make a difference:


Step 1: Find your elected officials

Step 2: Contact your elected officials

Step 3. Check your voting status

Step 4: Stay Informed


This month, we are starting with Step 1: Find your elected officials.


The first step in getting involved is knowing who represents you. Knowing your local representatives is essential to effectively communicating your thoughts and priorities.


Check out our blog page for more, and watch our videos online to learn how to find out who represents you:

DIG's Projects In The Community

the wallet card logo a blue hexagon that says the wallet card inside in white ink

The Wallet Card Project focuses on helping people with disabilities and first responders communicate with each other. 


The Wallet Card Project is an initiative designed to improve communication during interactions between individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and law enforcement.


Whether you’re a caregiver, teacher, community organization, or part of law enforcement, visit our newly updated Wallet Card Project Page for more information on how to access these resources and apply for a wallet card.

Photo collage of DIG wallet card training for the City of Miami
Black and Yellow Supper Social Club Logo

Our DIG Supper Social Club is a monthly, neuro-diverse dining experience.

Photo Collage of DIG March 3rd pizza night
DIG Pizza Night Photo Collage
DIG pizza night photo collage
Photo Collage of raffle winners from DIG Pizza Night

Join Us in April for Our Next

Supper Social Club!

DIG Pizza Night Flyer for April on Black Background with red and white text and photo of pizza at the bottom

Benefits Information

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Blue and red Center for Independent Living of the Keys logo


Green and white WIPA logo

Earnings and Benefits:

The Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) Explained

By: Lesly Quintanilla Lopez


The Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) is a special work incentive for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who are students. It allows young individuals to work and earn income without immediately affecting their SSI benefits. This incentive helps students gain work experience while maintaining financial stability.

 

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible for SEIE, a student must:

  • Be under age 22
  • Be regularly attending school (high school, college, or vocational training programs)
  • Be receiving SSI benefits

 

How SEIE Works

  • In 2025, students can exclude up to $2,350 per month in earnings, with a yearly limit of $9,460.
  • These earnings do not count toward the SSI income limits, meaning students can work and keep more of their SSI check.
  • Once the yearly limit is reached, regular SSI income rules apply.

 

Why SEIE Matters

  • Encourages students to gain work experience without fear of losing essential benefits.
  • Helps students save for their future while still qualifying for SSI.
  • Supports independent living goals and financial self-sufficiency.


Read More Here

Important Resources

Did you know that the ABLE Account contribution limit has increased to $19,000? This is a $1,000 increase from last year.

New Year New Annual Contribution for the Able Account

To learn more about ABLE accounts in Florida visit ABLE United.

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Be Sure to Check out Our DIG Blog

for Much More

Important Information and Resources!

DIG Blog Page

Do you have suggestions for future content or articles for our monthly newsletter?

If so, email your ideas and suggestions to our newsletter editor,

Justine Chichester.

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