"Life after SCI? Come Explore the Possibilities…"

Breaking News!!
Herein you will find recent, general information reported to the ODC by members, partner organizations, and the community at large.

Posted 6/26/08
House Votes to Expand Civil Rights for Disabled
By an overwhelming 402 to 17 vote, the House yesterday passed a major civil rights bill that would significantly strengthen the Americans with Disabilities Act, overturning a number of Supreme Court decisions that had restricted ADA coverage. Read More

Posted 6/23/08
Accessible Taxicabs Set To Roll In DC
According to the Washington Post wheelchair users in the District will have a new way to get around starting in January, thanks to a decision yesterday to fund 21 wheelchair-accessible cabs. Until now, wheelchair users have had to call one of two suburban cab companies, and the taxis are not always available. Read More

Posted 6/20/08
Wawa Filling Stations
According to spokespeople from the Wawa Corporation customer is important to them. We say… let's put it to the test. Word has it that they're working on a better notification system designed for use by people who require assistance at the pumps - most notably people with disabilities. The problem they say is that they do not want to make it too easy as they are afraid that everyone and anyone with even the most minor disability would take advantage of such a system. In the mean time as our negotiations to affect change continue, here is a link to their site where you can get phone numbers to stations in your area. Call ahead from home or from your cell upon your arrival and let's put the Wawa customer service values to the test.

Posted 6/9/08
DOJ Proposes New Rules to Implement the ADA
June 4, 2008, WASHINGTON - The Department of Justice announced today its intent to solicit comment on proposed amendments to its regulations implementing Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The proposed regulations will, for the first time, establish specific requirements for the design of accessible public facilities such as courtrooms and an array of recreation facilities including playgrounds, swimming pools, amusement parks, and golf courses, making it easier for individuals with disabilities to travel, enjoy sports and leisure activities, play, and otherwise participate in society. Read More...

Posted 6/9/08
33 Richmond Schools Set for Improvement - May 30, 2008
Richmond, VA - After years of neglect, a lawsuit, a settlement and a little more than two years of legal wrangling, the school system is about to begin the hard work of bringing its aging buildings into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Read more...

Posted 5/26/08
NSCIA offers "Jump Start" micro-grants for individuals
April 29, 2008, Rockville, MD -- Too often, talent, inspiration and a willingness to put in the effort to make a profound difference goes untapped because those individuals don't have the financial resources they need. Even more frustrating is that often the level of financial support required to make a difference is surprisingly affordable. Read more in the June Edition of the ODC Newsletter

Posted 3/17/08
2008 Presidential Election Information
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is hosting a page on their web site to provide information about the presidential hopefuls and their positions on disability related issues. Full story

Posted 3/3/08
Parade of Homes features the first Virginia certified EasyLiving Home
Stephen Thomas Homes will be joined by William Fuller, president of the Board of Directors of the Virginia Assistive Technology Solutions, Inc., the nonprofit organization and recent licensee that will be certifying EasyLiving Homes in Virginia for a certification ceremony on Thursday, March 13 at 10 a.m. The home is located at 2332 Thomas Kenney Drive, Glen Allen VA 23060 (Spring Lake subdivision). If you are unable to attend the ceremony, the EasyLiving Home is open to the public during the annual HBAR Dream Home Tour on March 8, 9, 15, and 16 between 11am and 5pm. Congratulations to Stephen Thomas Homes!

Posted 3/3/08
Virginia Board for People with Disabilities Seeks New Members
Eight Board positions will be available for terms running from July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2012. Interested individuals must submit an application for appointment by the Governor, with subsequent reappointment possible for an additional four-year term. Designated positions available in July 2008 include a person with a developmental disability (DD), a person with a disability other than DD, a parent or guardian of a person with DD, an immediate relative or guardian of a person with mentally impairing DD, and individuals representing a local governmental agency, manufacturing or retail, high technology, and a non-governmental agency or group concerned with service for persons with DD. For more information or to download an application, visit The Virginia Board Website. Applications for July 2008 appointments will be accepted beginning on April 1, 2008.

Posted 1/31/08
ODC Board Member / Treasurer Receives Recognition
Goodman & Company is pleased to announce that Mandy Sent, CPA was recently recognized as the 2007 Volunteer of the Year for the Old Dominion Chapter of the National Spinal Injury Association. Full story

Researchers take first steps towards spinal cord reconstruction following injury
A report in the December 15th issue of Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week says a new study has identified what may be a pivotal first step towards the regeneration of nerve cells following spinal cord injury, using the body's own stem cells.
This seminal study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, identifies key elements in the body's reaction to spinal injury, critical information that could lead to novel therapies for repairing previously irreversible nerve damage in the injured spinal cord. Full story

Surviving Paralysis
Introducing a new online magazine, Dangerwood... the Magazine, is a full-featured magazine dedicated to spinal cord injury and other disabilities, comes complete with stories, news features, monthly tips, and even a caregiver forum. See what all the excitement is about and make some new friends in the process. Join the family -- the Dangerwood family - at www.SurvivingParalysis.com

"Handicapped" Fraud
In an effort to crack down on fraud and illegal use of parking permits "handicappedfraud.org" was launched as a community service effort to curb the misuse of accessible parking spaces and placards.

According to the organizations founder Maureen Birdsall of Lafayette, CA… "The disabled have run out of places to park, as their designated handicapped parking spaces are being taken by fraudulent individuals. Our cities are being robbed of serious metered parking revenue to this abuse as well. The police are far too valuable and busy to stake out parking lots to ticket handicapped parking violators. The abusers go largely unpunished. It's time for our community to become the ambassadors for our cities, and report handicapped parking violators when they see it."

Go to www.handicappedfraud.org/ to learn more about this great new community service that proves to be making a difference.

---