FIRST PERSON: You think masks are inconvenient? Try living with a disability
I live every day of my life with a disability. It isn’t something that I can remove because it’s uncomfortable. It isn’t a temporary inconvenience. Disability is a part of my life and always will be. Many of my closest friends also live with disability. Professionally, I advocate for people with disabilities. If you’re reading […]
Help select DRA’s priorities for 2021
It’s that time of year again! As the designated Protection and Advocacy System and Client Assistance Program for the State of Arkansas, Disability Rights Arkansas, Inc. (DRA) works to protect the civil rights of persons with disabilities statewide. Every year, we solicit public input from people with disabilities, their family and friends, service providers, and […]
“Do your job or you’re fired”: Job accommodations for people with disabilities
Gary works as a Credit Analyst for a mid-sized company. About a year ago, Gary suffered a brain injury during a car accident. Since then, he has trouble staying focused and alert during tasks, and some assignments take longer than usual to complete. His supervisor notices the changes in his work and calls Gary into […]
All about the Rep Payee program: Tonight on KABF 88.3 “Speak Up Arkansas”
The Social Security Administration’s Representative Payment Program provides benefit payment management for beneficiaries who are incapable of managing their Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. A representative payee (or “rep payee”) is appointed, and that person manages the payments on behalf of the beneficiaries. Generally, family or friends serve as payees. When friends […]
COVID-19 Musings from a Special Needs Mom
Who knew there were seven episodes of The Twilight Zone with relevance to issues associated with today’s COVID-19 pandemic. On March 13, 2020 we entered our Twilight Zone. In our Twilight Zone we: Sleep in every day, not just Saturday and Sunday Wear blue Princess Elsa gloves when we go places, like grocery shopping Color-coordinate […]