Disability News Disability Newsletter

Disability Community News Jan 2009 Episode 2

Disabled World's Disability Community Newsletter Feb. 2009 offers news and information from Disabled World and our Disability Community.

Disability Community Newsletter


Awareness Ribbons
By Disabled World

Awareness ribbons are short pieces of ribbon folded into a loop, or representations of such, which are used in the United States, Canada, Australia, UK and other parts of the world as a way for wearers of the ribbon(s) to make a statement of support for a cause or issue.

This is a list of awareness ribbons. The meaning behind the awareness ribbon depends on its color or colors. Many groups have adopted ribbons as symbols of support or awareness, and as a result, many causes often share each color. Some causes may also be represented by more than one color.

READ MORE...Awareness Ribbons


Going to a Disability Hearing Alone is Risky
By Carol Duncan

A claim for social security disability (SSD) or SSI is approved or denied at one of three levels. First, a claim is evaluated by a disability examiner for the social security office, who may approve, but will most likely deny the claim; then the claimant can file for request for reconsideration (even more likely to be denied); and finally, the claimant can request that his or her case be heard before an administrative law judge (ALJ), where the claim has the best odds of being granted.

At the first two levels, when dealing directly with the state disability agency, many claimants choose to forgo legal counsel. This saves the claimant legal fees, and in any event it can be difficult to get a disability lawyer to represent you at this stage-many attorneys will not take on a case until the initial claim and request for reconsideration have been denied.

READ MORE...Going to a Disability Hearing Alone


Childhood Trauma Associated with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
By JAMA and Archives Journals

Individuals who experience trauma during childhood appear more likely to develop chronic fatigue syndrome as adults, according to a report in the January issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

In addition, neuroendocrine dysfunction—or abnormalities in the interaction between the nervous system and endocrine system—appears to be associated with childhood trauma in those with chronic fatigue syndrome, suggesting a biological pathway by which early experiences influence adult vulnerability to illness.

READ MORE...Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Excessive use of Antiviral Drugs Could Aid Deadly Flu
By Daniel Janies

Influenza's ability to resist the effects of cheap and popular antiviral agents in Asia and Russia should serve as a cautionary tale about U.S. plans to use the antiviral Tamiflu in the event of widespread avian flu infection in humans, scientists say.

Researchers analyzed almost 700 genome sequences of avian influenza strains to document where and when the virus developed resistance to a class of antiviral drugs called adamantanes and how far resistant strains spread. The analysis suggests that widespread antiviral drug use can accelerate the evolution of drug resistance in viruses, and that resistant strains can emerge and spread rapidly.

READ MORE...Antiviral Drugs and Avian Flu


Disability Employment Resources
By Disabled World

Remploy is the market leading expert in the provision of specialist employment services for disabled people in the UK. Last year they helped over 5,000 disabled UK residents to obtain sustainable employment with mainstream employers.

CIPD Disability and Employment The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) is the main piece of legislation which makes it unlawful to discriminate against a disabled person in their terms of employment, promotion opportunities, by dismissing them or by subjecting them to any other detriment. This fact sheet outlines the legal background and highlights key factors in terms of employment and gives an action plan for employers and the CIPD viewpoint.

READ MORE...Disability Employment Resources

Disability As a Barrier to Work
By Sylvia Kittens

When somebody has a disability, they are often considered to be less able to work than the average person. Employers look at a disabled person and they are reluctant to hire them because they feel that they will not do the best job possible. Not only is it illegal not to hire somebody because of a disability, but it is also a false opinion that a disabled person cannot work. No matter what the disability, usually there is at least one job suited to the person.

Disability could mean that a person suffers from a wide range of problems. They can be either physically disabled or mentally disabled. Even depression is considered to be a disability. For this reason, it is impossible to rule out all disabled people when it comes to the world of work. Unless somebody has a very severe learning difficulty, there will be a job that they can do. Not only that, but they will be able to do certain jobs just as well, or even better as the average person.

READ MORE...Disability as a Barrier to Work


Improve and Maintain Health with Vitamins and Herbal Supplements
By Amber Duncan

Many people are turning to natural remedies and using herbal supplements and vitamins to maintain and improve health. One can find products for help in losing weight, preventing signs of aging, or just to improve general health. No matter what your health issues are, there is sure to be a product with the perfect sales pitch so that you want to buy it right away.

Studies have been conducted on the benefits of using various herbs and herbal extracts. Research has shown that adding herbal supplements to a healthy lifestyle can be beneficial. Many natural health supplements are used to treat medical conditions as well as promote good health.

READ MORE...Vitamins and Herbal Supplements


Accessible Cruise Booking Tips
By Connie George

Whether you are someone who uses a wheelchair or is a slow walker, there are steps you can take to ensure a fun vacation for you and your traveling companions.

Whether you are dealing with a travel consultant or directly with a cruise line, keep in mind that not everyone has exactly the same needs. A cabin feature that works well for most others may not meet your requirements. You are the best judge to know what works best and you need to relay that information rather than assume what you need is the norm.

READ MORE... Accessible Cruise Booking Tips


Accessible Fishing Locations Perth Western Australia
By Disabled World

Accessible fishing locations around Perth Western Australia that provide universal access for people with disabilities.

Any time is good for fishing in WA but the warmer months, from November to March, are particularly rewarding. Not only is the weather ideal for early morning and twilight expeditions, but the Swan River becomes estuarine and many of the local marine species move into its waters to feed. River species you are likely to catch include Bream, Flounder, Herring, Skipjack, Cobbler, Flathead, and Tailor. Crabs and prawns...for which you don't need a license...are also abundant in summer months.

READ MORE...Accessible Fishing Locations


Scrapbooking Tips and Ideas
By Jeff Klemin

Scrapbooking is one of the favorite pastimes in America. Compared to photo albums, scrapbooks typically contain more than only pics but also a ton of personal history. There are no strict rules in creating scrapbooks since it involves only a little creativity and fun. You are not required to break the bank to start a scrapbook project, used items will work.

Scrapbooking is a great way to keep memories of a special occasion such as a baptism, a retirement party, or any occasion. It may contain captions, announcements, and various other items.

READ MORE...Scrapbooking Tips

Add a Coming Event or Disability News Item

Do you know of a coming event in your area for people with disabilities or health conditions? Do you have an article of interest to the disability community? If so contact us for inclusion in our next bi-weekly newsletter.

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