| July 29, 2024 — Volume 83 |
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At Envisioning Access, we are celebrating one of our donors Charles Evans, (May 13, 1926 – June 2, 2007), who through his Foundation has left our organization a lasting legacy. For many years the Charles Evans Foundation provided funding for operations and yearly celebrated one of the monkey trainers. Now that same Foundation will, like the organization, transition to support two aspects of the work we are now undertaking. The Foundation will support those who are living with physical disabilities who will work with Envisioning Access to test new technologies coming on the market. These technologies will help to find meaningful employment, attain higher education and alleviate isolation. Additionally, Envisioning Access will select one scientist each year to receive The Charles Evans Scientist Award, which provides funds to help in developing innovative technologies for the future.
More information on how to apply for that funding will be forthcoming in 2025.
Who was Charles Evans? Evans was born and educated in New York. After serving in the United States Army, he went to work in the fashion industry. Evans designed a variation on a simple skirt with a fly front that he knew would sell to fashion-conscious women. In need of a sample to sell and show off, he approached his father’s tailor Joseph Picone. The two agreed to a partnership and the Evan-Picone Company was created. The company was an early pioneer of assembly-line garment manufacturing. They were a success, and in 1962 Evans sold the company to Revlon. Fun Fact – the clothing Mary Tyler Moore wore in her 1970s television show was made by Evan-Picone.
Evans then went into the commercial real estate business. In 1975 due to a tragedy that claimed the life of his two daughters and former wife he started the Crusade for Fire Detection, Ltd addressing the need for smoke detectors in the home. He went public with the story of his loss, sent out 4,000 smoke detectors as gifts and launched a campaign that resulted in legislation that makes smoke detectors mandatory in homes throughout the United States.
In 1981, Evans went into the movie business and produced TOOTSIE.
The Trustees of The Foundation have distributed Evans endowment to hundreds of charities including Envisioning Access—for which we are grateful.
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This month we are looking at technology, voters rights, and disability rights – we hope you enjoy all three of these articles. |
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Disability community has long wrestled with ‘helpful’ technologies – lessons for everyone in dealing with AI
You might have heard that artificial intelligence is going to revolutionize everything, save the world and give everyone superhuman powers. Alternatively, you might have heard that it will take your job, make you lazy and stupid, and make the world a cyberpunk dystopia.
Consider another way to look at AI: as an assistive technology – something that helps you function.
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Protecting the Rights of Voters with Disabilities
Voting is a fundamental right. Yet voters with disabilities face persistent barriers to casting a ballot, including restrictions on receiving assistance during the voting process imposed by state law. Such restrictions are a form of voter suppression and deny voters with disabilities equal access to the ballot.
Fortunately, these laws can be challenged under Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA), which requires that states allow people with disabilities to receive assistance in the voting process. |
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States Could Help Disabled People Survive Climate Change—By Involving Them
During the 1960s, disability activists fought for the right to live independently, rather than in institutions like nursing homes. That led to the first Center for Independent Living: a hub serving and largely run by people with disabilities,
Now, in the worsening climate crisis, CILs have a new challenge: helping disabled people prepare for and survive extreme weather events, which are becoming both more severe and more frequent.
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| Preparing to Rebuild
As you know, our office suffered major damage in May when a pipe in the boiler broke, spilling 3-5 inches of water throughout the administrative floor.
We are happy to report that as of July we have packed up all that could be salvaged in our office and have moved it off-site to prepare for the reconstruction efforts.
Thank you to everyone who has helped us get this far! Be sure to follow us on social media to see our progress: |
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Senate Finance Committee: Overcoming Challenges and Unlocking Opportunities for Work and Social Security Disability Benefits
In a recent hearing titled “Work and Social Security Disability Benefits: Addressing Challenges and Creating Opportunities,” the Senate Finance Committee delved into the intricacies of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) disability programs. Key testimonies from William R. Morton, an Analyst in Income Security at the Congressional Research Service (CRS), Susan Wilschke, Associate Commissioner of the SSA, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and Katherine Zuleger from the National Council of Social Security Management Associations (NCSSMA) shed light on the current state of these programs and the hurdles beneficiaries face when attempting to return to work.
Understanding the SSA's Disability Programs
The SSA oversees two main programs that provide financial support to individuals with disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both programs define disability as an inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically verifiable physical or mental impairment. The SSA uses a work activity test to determine if a beneficiary is engaging in SGA. If their earnings exceed the SGA limit, their benefits are typically reduced or stopped.
To encourage beneficiaries to re-enter the workforce, SSDI and SSI offer several work incentives. These include trial work periods, extended eligibility periods, and the ability to deduct expenses related to their impairment. However, despite these incentives, many beneficiaries find the rules complex and fear losing their benefits if they return to work. |
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August 12, 2024
Creating an Equitable Housing Market: Universal Design in the Private Sector |
Envisioning Access is proud to help sponsor this Virtual Event.
The Access and Residential Design Committees are teaming up to explore how architects and designers can revolutionize residential design by integrating Universal Design principles into the housing stock. Since the founding of the FHA in 1968 and ADA in 1990, the public sector has included baseline accessibility in its multifamily housing stock for decades. |
| August 18, 2024
Support our team at the Falmouth Road Race! |
The Falmouth Road Race (FRR) was established in 1973, and is one of the premier running events of the New England summer season. Each year the race draws an international field of Olympians, elite, and recreational runners out to enjoy the iconic 7-mile seaside course.
For the first time, there is a team running to support Envisioning Access! |
| October 25, 2024 Save the Date for Accessible Fencing |
Have you always been interested in fencing but didn’t know where to start? Join us on Friday, October 25 for an afternoon of instruction, information, and fun!
Envisioning Access, in conjunction with the Boston Fencing Club, is hosting an accessible fencing event for anyone who would like to learn more about fencing no matter their ability. Anyone ages 12 and up who are able-bodied or are living with a physical disability are encouraged to participate. |
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It's July, which means we say Happy Birthday to Gordy, Tricia, J-Lee, Kukla, Molly, Pip, and Sophie!
Don't forget—Whether you want to honor a person or pet for their birthday, a holiday, or some other occasion…your “In Honor of” gift will show them how much you care for them.
And if you give us their address, we will even send them a card on your behalf! |
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