Autism Mom and a Sibling shares: 'What July 4th means to me'

Hi5!
   Independence Day for the United States of America is a celebration for so many reasons.  5 well-known reasons are eloquently and fortuitiously proclaimed by Our Founding Fathers who envisioned "one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." 
Another not-so-well-know reason is so that our family can enjoy living on the Autism Spectrum.  Our 'EnjoyHi5Autism' mission advocates that 'People with disAbilities are Value-ABLE.'
Today, we want to express our appreciation for American troops and military personnel who have joined forces with freedom writers, liberty pursuers, and justice maintainers to ensure that ALL Americans are living in The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave!"
Yes, the American Revolutionary War, and many liberty battles thereafter, have been fought and won -on the homefront and abroad - to ensure our beliefs.  Similarly, Disability Rights Advocates and NeuroDiversity Activists are daily battling for the Inclusion, Integration, Productivity, Self-Determination, and Independence of Individuals with Developmental Disabilities. NeuroDiversity and Disabililty Rights supporters join forces to ensure equality and accessibility for ALL Americans. 
Because of your sacrifices that secured and still maintain our country's peace, we are at liberty to pursue a fulfilling life.  Our family and many others can choose to live at home, attend inclusive parks and accessible playgrounds, achieve higher education, as well as, pursue integrated, competitive jobs, and actively engage in our communities.  
"Life on the Autism Spectrum can be Enjoyable."  May God Bless America, our Commander in Chief, Leaders, Military, and their Families.
Happy 4th of July 2012!
  [excerpt posted in @whitehouse:  RT @JoiningForces:  Happy 4th of July!  Please join me in honoring our military & their families.  Say thanks at Joining Forces #joiningforces ]

What Independence Day Means to My Autistic Brother

My profoundly autistic brother, Bobby, was born on July 4. He is my wonderful Independence Day birthday guy who loves American cars from the 1950s,...

celebrate Independence Day

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"disAbilityVOICE - Disability Rights Advocate"

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America the Beautiful | The White House

Musician Keb Mo recently visited the White House and performed his bluesy rendition of "America the Beautiful" in the East Reception Room. Enjoy some great ... performed by @kebmomusic

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1. What July Fourth means to me... - Canton, OH - CantonRep.com

   It’s fireworks and picnics — and so much more. You salute our troops today, past and present. Some of you will celebrate birthdays and wedding anniversaries ...

   www.cantonrep.com/.../What-July-Fourth-means-to-me?img=3

2. The Dish - 'Shah' Reza Farahan: What July 4th Means to Me ...

   View All Posts The Dish 'Shah' Reza Farahan: What July 4th Means to Me. Shahs of Sunset star Reza Farahan says he would be alive today if he hadn't become ...

   www.bravotv.com/blogs/the-dish/shah-reza-farahan-what...

3. “What the Fourth of July Means To Me” – Ronald Reagan ...

   Editor’s note: When he was president, Ronald Reagan wrote the following piece for Independence Day in 1981. Aide Michael Deaver later wrote: “This 4th ...

   blog.beliefnet.com/watchwomanonthewall/2012/07/what-the...

4. What the Fourth of July Means To Me - CNN iReport

   Attached you'll find a video of what the Fourth of July means to me as a retired U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant, turned musician. Talks about how the 4th stimulates ...

   
   

5. What the 4th of July Means to Me - Inver Grove Heights, MN Patch

   Community leaders weigh in on America's most patriotic holiday. ... What the 4th of July Means to Me Community leaders weigh in on America's most patriotic holiday.

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6. Randy Smith: What July 4th Means To Me - 07/03/2012 ...

   The Fourth of July means.....baseball, picnics in the park, swimming, and wonderful times with family and friends. Watermelons.....homemade ice cream ...

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7. What July 4th Means to Me - Yahoo! Voices - voices.yahoo.com

   I will proceed to explain how I used to feel about July 4th and how I feel about it now. I will also tell you why these changes have occurred throughout my writing.

   
   

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10. RONALD REAGAN: WHAT THE FOURTH OF JULY MEANS TO ME

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October is Disablity Emplyment Awareness Month - FYI-SSA

Hi-5!

Today, we highlight the Social Security Administration and Disability Benefits for children with disabilities.  This includes adult children with disabilities. 

There are different benefits, criteria and definitions for adults with disabilities.  (http://www.ssa.gov/)

Individuals may have medical, academic or employee-based appraisals for a disability.  This disability status does not automatically extend to the governmental entity of  the Social Security Administration.

The Social Security Administration follows strict guidelines for determining benefit eligibility for individuals with developmental disabilities(i.e., autism, asperger syndrome, pdd.nos).  The same holds true for people with intellectual, physical, emotional and mental disabilities (i.e., Down Syndrome, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, quadriplegic, muscular distrophy, degenerative diseases,etc...).

Here is the most recent info. and links we found on the Social Security Administration online site.

I. Benefits for disabled children.

Updated 09/27/2010 12:58 PM
Answer ID156

Do disabled children qualify for benefits?  Yes.
There are two Social Security disability programs children can qualify for:
1. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program
2. The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program (an adult child, age 18 or older)
http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/156

II. Definition of disability for children filing for SSI.

Updated 09/20/2010 01:23 PM

Answer ID1381

What is the definition of disability for children filing for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Social Security has a strict definition of disability for children under the SSI program.

Image via Wikipedia

http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1381

Go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10026.html  for additional information on how we decide if a child under age 18 is disabled.

The Child Disability Starter Kit can help you to get ready to complete the report or prepare for the disability interview. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local Social Security Office.

Know your Social Security Disability Rights.

ENJOY!

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Moms Fighting Autism

Hi-5!

Free webinar (a seminar on the world wide web)  is being offered each month by the online community Moms Fighting Autism.  Register at www.momsfightingautism.com.Moms Fighting Autism
 at www.momsfightingautism.com.

Once you register, then you are sent a confirmation email with a call-in number and id; and online viewing link.

Also, they ask for questions to be submitted in advance.  Here is our question for this month:

"Why do Parents have to advocate for their child to receive public services?  Our tax dollars pay for public and federally mandated services for our son as a student, as well as, as a recipient of benefits associated with Disability Rights legislation.  We understand if we have to advocated for him to attend a private school or a private after-school activity like horse-riding. But, to have to advocated for a public education, public health insurance and medical care and other tax covered benefits is preposterous!  This is like telling President Obama he has to pay with his own credit card and petition every time he wants to fly on  Air Force One to uphold the duties of his office stateside and overseas.  Ridiculous! "

This month's FREE webinar is:

Topic:  Moms Fighting Autism: "How To Be An Advocate for Your Child". 

Date/Time: Wednesday, Sept. 29th at 4pm Pacific. (check your time) 

Speaker: Attorney Areva Martin and Moderator: Chantal Sicile-Kira.

Webinar Description:  Nationally recognized expert on autism advocacy Areva Martin shares her hard-won knowledge as a parent of an auti...stic child and an individual rights attorney. In The Everyday Advocate, she lays out vital and relevant step-by-step instructions to parents facing the seemingly impossible odds of advocating for a child with autism.Parents need to become activists for their children rights to services and learn how to safeguard those rights-both in school and in the larger outside world. An invaluable resource, The Everyday Advocate offers practical, real-world actions that work, lists helpful websites and organizations, and gives parents and caregivers the emotional support they need as they face the challenge of successfully standing upfor children with special needs.

For more information, go to  Moms Fighting Autism.

ENJOY!

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