Do you want to be part of the
IN (clusive) crowd?
Of course you do! Here is how to join Chautauqua Learn and Serve Arc …
Did you or a member of your family participate in the Chautauqua Adult Program or attend Chautauqua Learn and Serve Charter School?
Have you been to an event that included information about Chautauqua Services, Inc?
Do you know a person with a disability?
Have you driven down Magnolia Ave and passed the Little Yellow House?
Can you spell Chautauqua?
If you answered “YES” to any of the above questions…
You are already a member of Chautauqua Learn and Serve Arc!!!
No dues!
No Mandatory Meetings!
No fundraising!
Just…
Information
Support
Advocacy
Chautauqua Learn and Serve Arc is proud to be recognized as a registered Civil Service Society by the United Nations!
In that capacity, Chautauqua members have been invited to participate in consequential meetings of the General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York City, including a High Level Meeting in September of 2013 on the universal Rights of Persons with Disabiities. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary of State John Kerry and worldwide heads of state discuss the advances and challenges of their respective countries in promoting full inclusion for individuals with disabilities. The Secretary General highlighted the role of the Millenium Development Goals, established in 2000, in reducing poverty and hunger globally. He admitted, however, that the MDG did not recognize the extraordinary hurdles encounterd by individuals with disabilities and unfortunately made no specific efforts to elevate that population. The Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by the UN in 2012, is a historic promise to secure the rights and well-being of everyone on a healthy, thriving planet. Chautauqua members were thrilled to hear his pledge to the 8 billion people on the planet with disabilities to include them not just as beneficiaries of thegoals, but to become active participants in designing and implimenting its activities!
Oh, and we also met Stevie Wonder!
Learn more about the Sustainable Goals Here:
https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/
August 27, 2024 - Today the Social Security Administration announced a large step in a multi-year effort to simplify processes for people who are applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) by starting to offer an online, streamlined application for some applicants starting in December. SSI provides monthly payments to people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income and resources.
The initial step – known as iClaim expansion – aims to establish a fully online, simplified iClaim application that leverages user-tested, plain-language questions, prepopulated answers where possible, seamless step-by-step transitions, and more. The online application aims to reduce the time spent applying as well as the processing time for initial claim decisions.
“Over the past year, we have asked many applicants and advocates – as well as our workforce – how we could make the SSI application process easier and simpler. Now, we are taking an important first step to do just that,” said Martin O’Malley, Commissioner of Social Security.
Want to know more? Go to the SSA Blog for more information.
Great News!!!
Looking for ideas to support a family member on the Autism Spectrum?
Play this Card!
The FSU Center for Autism & Related Disabilities (CARD) is dedicated to providing individuals with Autism or related disabilities, their families, and professionals who work with them free consultation, resources, and educational support to build knowledge, infrastructure, sustainability, and capacity within the community.
The FSU CARD serves 18 counties in the panhandle of Florida with offices in Tallahassee, Panama City, and Pensacola. CARD has extensive experience serving individuals with ASD and provides services for communication, social, and behavior problems, as well as provides information, consultation, and technical assistance to families and professionals associated with CARD clients.
The Center also offers partnerships to professionals and pre-professionals who serve, or are preparing to serve, the client population. CARD-FSU currently serves over 6,400 individuals ranging from infancy to adulthood, and has excellent working relationships with the early intervention system, school system, and healthcare providers in the 18-county catchment area and the network of 7 CARD sites across the state of Florida.
To learn more visit:
fsucard.com
For many people with disabilities the biggest barrier to full community participation is transportation. Depending on the availablity of family and friends to act as chauffeurs can be inconvenient and often frustrating for those who cannot drive. The fixed route Bayway system is an alternative in some cases, but the “last mile” - the distance from the bus stop to the destination, often makes that option impractical or even dangerous. One alternative is the recently expanded Bayway on Demand + system. The system provides two options, both of which will cost the rider only $1.50. The traditional wheelchair accessible van is option number one. The van will transport from door to door, but not always by the most direct route. Often other users will be in the van and stops will be made for each rider. The second option is a collaboration with Uber. In this case, the rider will request an Uber pick up through the Bayway Flex app, and the ride will be a direct trip from pick up to the rider”s destination, with no other stops. This option cannot accomodate wheelchairs. Both options require preregistration, which includes a statement from a medical provider or licensed Social Worker verifying the need.
For more information contact::
Bayway
920 Wilson Ave
Panama City, Florida 32401
(850) 769-0557
Find the application on line.
https://www.baywaytransit.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/TD_Eligibility_Application.pdf
PBS Kids will soon launch an animated show featuring central characters with Autism
Carl the Collector, a neurodiverse racoon, will make his screen debut on November 14th. He will be joined by his many “Fuzzytown” friends, each of which has a distinct personality and talent. “‘Carl the Collector spotlights neurodiverse characters while exploring and celebrating the entire spectrum of humanity,” said Zachariah OHora, the creator and executive producer of the show.
In addition to the animated program, PBS will launch corresponding digital content for kids, parents and educators. Want to know more about Carl the Collector?
https://www.pbs.org/about/about-pbs/blogs/news/carl-the-collector-pbs-kids-first-series-centering-on-an-autistic-main-character-premieres-nov-14/
