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2024 Monthly Newsletter

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A Note From Debbie...

Photo of Debbie and Matt wearing blue voting tshirts

I can’t believe how fast the summer is going. Matt and I both voted in the August primary election. I have included a picture of us wearing our voting and disability rights t-shirts.


Remember you must register to vote by October 7, 2024, so that you can vote in the general election on November 5th.

 

I hope everyone enjoyed their summer and found some time to rest, relax, and have fun with friends and family. Matt, Lucy and I just returned from a relaxing week of vacation. We “bathed” in nature and relaxed, and now we are ready to get back to work. Enjoy the rest of summer!

Featured Article

My Experience As a DIG Summer Intern

By: Celeste Mazloum

Headshot photo of Celeste

Growing up, I never failed to understand what it meant to be “disabled.” I knew it wasn’t easy, one size fits all, and that it didn’t define an individual. In fact, my mom, the strongest and most lively person I know, has battled rheumatoid arthritis ever since her diagnosis fifteen years ago. Despite her bones aching with every movement, she never missed a dance recital, theater production, or school award ceremony. She emphasized the importance of living, rather than existing, by doing what you love with the people you love. With such a warrior for a mom, I knew for certain that disabled people are so much more than the label they’ve been given.

Across the world in Beirut Lebanon, I learned the versatility that the word “disabled” held. My uncle Adel’s disability wasn’t invisible like my mom’s. When he was only eight months, one misplaced vaccine paralyzed him for the rest of his life. His full body paralysis prohibits him from moving without a wheelchair, or speaking, so I use my voice for him.


Read More Here

DIG's Projects In The Community

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

Black and Yellow Supper Social Club Logo

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


Click Here for More Information on DIG's Supper Social Club

DIG Pizza Night Photo Collage
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Join Us for Our Next Pizza Night

in October!

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Benefits Information

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Blue and red Center for Independent Living of the Keys logo


Green and white WIPA logo

How Can a PASS Plan Help You?

By: Lesly Quintanilla Lopez


A PASS (Plan to Achieve Self-Support) allows you to set aside other income besides your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or resources for a specified period of time so that you may pursue a work goal that will reduce or eliminate the SSI or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits you currently receive.

 

Who can have a PASS?

If you receive SSI or could qualify for SSI after setting aside income or resources so that you may pursue a work goal, you could benefit from a PASS.


Read More Here

Important Resources

Hurricane Preparedness: You Can Refill Your Prescriptions in Advance

By: Celeste Mazloum

Clip art of two prescription pill bottles

Since we are in the midst of hurricane season, it is imperative to be fully prepared in case of emergency. In June, you learned all there is to know about the Emergency and Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP)! This month’s topic of interest is focused on refilling prescription medications before a hurricane.

 

As you know, in the case of an emergency, it is important to keep an emergency kit, which carries your prescription medications as well as a list of all of your medications.


Read More Here 

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Be Sure to Check out Our Blog

for

Important Information and Resources!

DIG Blog Page
Information on Important Voting Dates in Red White and Blue

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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