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Make these Smart Money Moves with your Tax Refund

Staff Writer
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Make these Smart Money Moves with your Tax Refund

Filing taxes can be tedious and a bit stressful but, for many Americans, receiving a tax refund is welcomed. It’s important to remember, however, that if you’re receiving money back from Uncle Sam it’s because you had too much withheld and overpaid your taxes last year — so it’s not really extra money per se. Before splurging it away, consider these steps to put your tax refund to work to set yourself and your family up for long-term financial success.

1) Pay down your “bad” debt. Eliminating debt, especially the high-interest consumer debt with no tax benefits, makes it easier to reach your financial goals. If you’re carrying a balance on your credit cards or other high-interest loans, use your tax refund to pay down such expensive balances.

If you’re still not down to zero after you use your tax refund, continue to make lowering debt a high priority throughout the year. When it comes to smart money management, the only thing perhaps more important is contributing to your company’s retirement plan at least enough to receive the maximum employer match. Often, those contributions are taken straight from your paycheck before your taxes are deducted. Whether your employer matches 50 percent of your contribution or dollar-for-dollar up to a certain amount, it’s hard to beat that kind of return.

Helping

‍2) Build up an emergency fund.  Unexpected situations happen frequently – and maybe even more so to seniors and/or people with disabilities – and many people are unprepared for these circumstances. A 2018 survey by the financial advisory company Charles Schwab found that just 35 percent of Americans have an emergency fund. It’s optimal to tuck away between three to six months of essential living expenses in a savings or money market account. Your money won’t grow much in these types of vehicles, but will be easily accessible if and when you need to pay bills in case of a job loss or unexpected illness. Having some cash ready for unexpected situations will help you avoid expensive and unwise alternatives like depending on credit cards, being forced to sell investments at an inopportune time or withdrawing money from a retirement savings account, which often results in having to pay early withdrawal penalties.

3) Max out your retirement accounts. Even if you have a 401(k), an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can be a great way to supplement your retirement savings. Try to contribute up to the IRS maximum, which is $6,000 in 2019, plus an extra $1,000 if you’re over the age of 50.

For most people, the above steps should be taken in order. If you still have more refund dollars to put to work (or took these steps before you even got your refund), consider implementing the remainder of this list to impact savings goals. The exact order of the following might vary depending on your situation:

united states

4) Consider other tax-efficient saving and investing accounts.  If you’re trying to save for college for your children, contribute to a 529 college savings plan or education savings account, which both benefit from tax-deferred growth on your investments. You could also contribute to a health savings account (HSA), which is tax-advantaged savings and investment account available to people with high-deductible health plans.

5) Save for a down payment or pay down your mortgage.  Alternatively, you may consider saving for the down payment on your home or making an extra payment (or two) on your mortgage or student loans. While those are considered to be in the “good” debt category since they are tax deductible and can help boost your credit score, eliminating your debt ultimately helps free up future money for other uses.

6) Treat yourself or keep investing for something bigger. Once you’ve addressed your savings goals, you may consider if there’s an amount left to treat yourself and your family (yup, here’s the splurge part). But make it something you really want; or if you’re still working toward a bigger goal, keep saving or investing for the long-term.

While these steps are especially important when you’re trying to prioritize how to save and invest, they’re applicable to much more than just your tax refund. Smart saving and investing behaviors are key to achieving long-term financial goals.

[BPT]

It’s not ‘Just the Flu’ for Seniors and People with Chronic Health Conditions

Staff Writer
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It’s not ‘Just the Flu’ for Seniors and People with Chronic Health Conditions

“I’m not the same person. The person before just kind of took life for granted. And now I cherish every moment I have because I know it can be taken away very quickly,” says Lisa Pellerin, a mother and a nurse. She shared these words as she recounted an experience so devastating to her health that it changed her entire perspective on life. It wasn’t cancer or a heart attack… it was the flu.

The Flu is Nothing to Sneeze At

Surprisingly, the flu is a source of worry for only 8 percent of adults 50 years of age and older, according to a recent survey. And, even if they were to get the flu, the majority (80 percent) of respondents only saw themselves as being at average or below average risk for flu-related complications. Unfortunately, misconceptions surrounding the flu can be dangerous and especially so for people in “high risk categories.”

Adults 50 years of age and older are more likely than younger age groups to have a chronic illness, such as asthma or other lung disease, heart disease or diabetes. The flu can exacerbate symptoms of these and other conditions and lead to serious complications, like pneumonia – or sometimes even death. During the 2017-2018 flu season, nearly 80,000 people died and more than 950,000 people were hospitalized due to flu and flu-related illnesses; and fewer than 4-in-10 U.S. adults (37.1 percent) were vaccinated against flu, fewer than in previous years, according to the CDC.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 70 percent of adults ages 50 to 64 have at least one chronic illness. Lisa is among this group, living with both asthma and diabetes. The flu landed her in the hospital. “I just kept getting worse. I was in the hospital for three weeks,” she said. Lisa continues to struggle with shortness of breath and a persistent cough, but she’s grateful to be alive and recuperating. Research shows that individuals with heart disease are up to 10 times more likely to have a heart attack within three days of flu infection, and people with diabetes have six times increased risk of flu-related hospitalization.

‍Give Yourself a Better Shot at Flu Recovery

Unfortunately, there is low awareness of the connection between chronic health conditions and serious flu-related complications. A new survey from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) revealed that:

·      Less than a quarter of U.S. adults recognize that people with heart disease (24 percent) and diabetes (22 percent) are at greater risk for flu-related complications.

·      Less than 20 percent of U.S. adults are aware that heart attack (16 percent), worsening of diabetes (16 percent), stroke (13 percent) and disability (10 percent) can occur as potential complications of flu.

Aside from preventative germ-fighting measures, like hand-washing, vaccination is the best way to help protect people from the flu and help reduce the risk of flu-related hospitalization and death. That’s why the American Lung Association created the MyShot campaign in collaboration with Sanofi Pasteur. The campaign helps educate adults 50 years of age and older about the potential dangers of flu and the critical importance of getting a flu shot every year.

“Flu causes inflammation in the body that can result in serious complications,” said Dr. Albert Rizzo, chief medical officer, American Lung Association. “For the more than 31 million people living with lung disease such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, flu can worsen their condition and lead to a loss of lung function” NFID Medical Director Dr. William Schaffner agrees, “It is essential for everyone age 6 months and older to receive an annual flu vaccine. For people with conditions like heart disease, diabetes or lung disease, it is an important part of managing their condition, like taking a statin, checking their glucose or using an inhaler.”

For adults, it’s important to know that there are multiple options depending on your age and whether you have one or more chronic health conditions. In fact, 92 percent of those hospitalized for flu during the 2017-2018 season had an underlying medical condition that put them at risk for serious flu-related complications. A doctor can advise which option is best for each individual, taking into consideration age and other factors such as chronic conditions.

Flu vaccinations help protect more than just the people who receive them – they help prevent the spread of influenza to family, friends, colleagues and communities, and especially those more vulnerable to the flu such as young children and those with weakened immune systems. JoJo O’Neal’s bout with the flu turned into a family issue, infecting not only JoJo but her sister who has COPD and her niece. “I started to realize my health decisions can impact others,” she said. Now, she does everything she can to help protect herself and others from the flu which, for JoJo, includes getting the flu vaccination.

[BPT]

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Rolling Through Paralysis with Innovative Technology

Emily McDeed
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Rolling Through Paralysis with Innovative Technology

Have you ever imagined a lightweight device with the ability to make a paraplegic stand upright, move through doors with ease, and come to him or her at the touch of a button? Matia Robotics has created such a device after decades of research and development: The Tek RMD, their first device created to enable those with walking disabilities to stand and maneuver indoors without someone’s assistance.

The device uses a gas spring suspension system to gently move a paraplegic up or down from their wheelchair while straps around their waist and legs keep them secure as they move. He or she can then move on the device using a joystick and pass through doorways that aren’t ADA compliant from its narrow width. When seated, they have the freedom of moving it away and back again using a remote control. The device is also advertised at $19,995, an affordable price considering similar devices can be up to $40,000.

Although the Tek RMD is an amazing achievement, it took many years to get the RMD to its current state. The company’s founder, Necati Hacikadiroğlu, discovered his passion for developing such devices while in college, and began developing the Tek RMD with a team of scientists and engineers once Matia Robotics began in 2006. After years of research in robotics and input from rehabilitation centers and paralysis foundations, they debuted their first prototype in 2012 at a trade show in Germany. Once it received worldwide acclaim, their handmade prototype went through industrial design, review by manufacturing, and approval from the FDA and CE, which allowed Matia to test the device before selling it to the public. This phase not only included testing by those of the paralysis community, but also from those in laboratories where the device endured extreme scenarios to test its limits, such as spinning the device hundreds of times and halting the breaks while speeding up and down ramps. Now the finished product is shipped to consumers through many distributors across the U.S. and eleven outside the U.S.

Regardless of the Tek RMD’s capabilities, the most priceless one to paraplegics is something most don’t expect: the ability to look someone in the eye. “As an able-bodied person, generally when you see someone in a wheelchair, your first thought is ‘I really want that person to be able to walk again’…” said Steven Boal during our interview. “…but universally what we hear from people is that they really just want to be eye level” and give hugs to their loved ones. The RMD’s low center of gravity and lightweight design allow someone to do so without the RMD making them taller, which is often overlooked when designing similar devices. Being able to provide such blessings to people is what gives Boal and the entire team the passion to keep creating these devices, with more to come.

Since they only manufacture their devices and sell them through distributors, Matia doesn’t usually showcase anything at events. However, customers can search for an RMD and future devices at their website: https://www.matiarobotics.com/. They’ve also started a contest for one person to get a free RMD! Check it out at  and write your story or vote on your favorite! The contest ends on September30, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. MT. For questions, contact them through the options listed at https://www.matiarobotics.com/contact/.

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Susquehanna Service Dogs to the Rescue

Lisa Beach
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Susquehanna Service Dogs to the Rescue

Before Lisa, a 50-year-old Army veteran, partnered with her service dog, she hadn’t gone to a mall, ridden in an elevator, or shopped at her local grocery store for over 20 years in her Pennsylvania community. Because she suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Lisa struggled with fear and anxiety in crowds and enclosed spaces. But since completing her service dog training last October, Lisa has done all of these activities and more—regaining her independence, thanks to her service dog, SSD Phelps.

Nathan, a Virginia resident who currently attends college in Iowa, was diagnosed with autism at age 9 and received his service dog, SSD Blake, at age 12. He admits he wouldn’t have made it through the turbulent middle and high school years without the support of Blake. Now 23, Nathan is getting his master’s degree and even started a YouTube channel called Service Dog Tales to share his experience.

These life-changing partner matches for Lisa and Nathan came about thanks to Susquehanna Service Dogs (SSD) in Grantville, PA. This nonprofit organization matches service dogs with children and adults with disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, hearing impairments, muscular dystrophy, psychiatric disabilities, seizure disorder, spinal cord injuries, and stroke. The goal? To help “human partners” become more independent in their daily lives.

Photo courtesy of Susquehanna Service Dogs

Since its founding in 1993, SSD has placed over 300 service dogs with people throughout Pennsylvania and the surrounding states. Typically, SSD places service dogs when they’re about two years old. They continue working for about 8-10 years, helping their partners live more independently rather than relying on assistance devices or other people.

Interestingly, SSD raises some of its dogs with the help of local college students through its Campus Puppy Raising Program. Eligible students raise and train eight- to nine-week-old puppies for about a year and half, teaching them “puppy etiquette,” social skills, and 26 different cues. They also attend training classes and provide socialization experiences in a variety of public settings. The Campus Puppy Raising Program initially kicked off by partnering with nearby Dickinson College and Penn State University. It has since expanded to include other colleges within a two-hour radius of its Grantville location. Depending on how the program is set up at each college, puppies might be raised by individuals or co-raised by a group. For example, Dickinson students co-raise and train puppies at the Dog House (a student club with a special interest house), while Penn State students each student receives his or her own puppy to raise.

As the dogs get a bit older, they also receive more specific training depending on the type of service they’ll be providing, such as a mobility dog, autism dog, or hearing dog. But generally speaking, dogs receive training in skills such as retrieving objects, opening and closing doors, doing balance work, pulling a manual wheelchair, turning light switches on and off, pushing buttons, and alerting for help.

Because the dog’s service training must closely align with the needs of the partner, it might take between two to three years to find just the right match. For partners who need a mobility dog, it can take up to four years due to the work the dog performs and the extra training required with a handled harness.

Although it costs more than $30,000 to train and place each service dog, SSD only requires partners to pay $5,000 with the remaining $25,000 covered by private and corporate donations. The nonprofit, which does not receive any government funding, provides a limited number of need-based scholarships to Pennsylvania residents, based on federal poverty guidelines. Ironically, insurance will pay for a $10,000 wheelchair, but it does not cover an assistance dog, says Deb Tack, Partner Coordinator with SSD.

After the extensive matching process, SSD requires partners to attend a 2½-week team training session where they learn how to handle their dogs in public, how to interact in public, and what to do if someone denies entrance to service dogs into a facility. At the end of the training, partners must pass an Assistance Dog Public Access Test to become a certified team.

To ensure the match continues to be a good one, SSD stays in frequent contact with partners, even going to their homes to help them practice working with their dogs. In fact, for the first year, SSD assigns a volunteer and staff liaison to regularly stay in touch and help with adjustments as needed.

While being matched with a service dog can be life-changing in many big ways, it’s often the small moments that make a huge difference.

“One of our partners became disabled later in life,” says Tack. “After his first weekend at home with his service dog, we asked him how it went. He said the highlight was simply being able to throw a ball and play with his dog. It had been years since he’d done that, bringing back long-ago memories of his dog Gus that he used to go fishing with.”

Sometimes those small moments are the life-changing ones.

Interested in learning more? Susquehanna Service Dogs is a fully accredited member of Assistance Dogs International, Inc. and  full member of Animal Assisted Intervention International. Get complete details, including eligibility requirements, by visiting the Susquehanna Service Dogs website or calling (717) 599-5920.

The interPLAY Orchestra Strikes a Chord with Inclusive Ensemble

Nancy DeVault
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The interPLAY Orchestra Strikes a Chord with Inclusive Ensemble

Everyone is born with a musical gene, attests Paula Moore, a conductor who says she’s seen proof in both her personal life and professional life. Research published in Frontiers in Psychology backs the notion too. The scientific article, in part, states that “the general capacity for human beings to perceive, produce and enjoy music even in the absence of formal music training suggests that music may be ‘hardwired’ in our genetic makeup.” Environmental factors and ones commitment to practice, of course, play into musicality as well but, generally speaking, everyone has music ability. Research aside… three decades ago, Paula inexplicably uncovered the science of syncing performers of all abilities. She founded the interPLAY Orchestra, a nonprofit inclusive of adults with (and without) mild to moderate cognitive and physical disabilities.

“The name [interPLAY] signifies the relationship between us all ─ new, amateur and professional musicians ─ playing together for the enjoyment of the wider community,” Paula explains. She chose the namesake because she believed a harmonious relationship could and should exist in the musical arts world.

Practice Makes Perfect

Based in Bethesda, Maryland, interPLAY has more than 50 performers of which 32 have disabilities. Volunteer high school/college students and semi-professional/professional musicians, called “bandaides,” participate too. The group performs three concerts throughout the year which are augmented by guest artists and open to the public.

Ben James, a law student at the American University Washington College of Law, looks forward to assuming his bandaide role each Monday night at rehearsal. “I enjoy that I get to combine my musical talents with my desire to help those around me,” says the guitarist/percussionist, adding, “It serves as a weekly reminder of what’s really important, and helps keep me grounded when I get stressed about other things in my life.” Music is, in fact, widely recognized as a stress-reliever but Paula affirms that interPLAY does not facilitate music therapy. “If there is any [therapeutic aspect] there, it is creeping in in spite of us,” she says. The focus, rather, is music training, collaboration and performance.

Beat of a Different Drummer

Almost all of interPLAY’s musicians had no prior training, with the exception of a few vocalists; and yet all found the beat. “I am always in awe of the talent that our orchestra members bring despite their varying degrees of differences and disabilities,” say interPLAY’s producer Rose Kobylinski. That aptitude is undeniably nurtured by Paula who is a “volcano of talent and ability,” according to Emma Illarramendi. Her 44-year-old son J.P., who has diabetes and Down syndrome, has been with the orchestra since its inception. Like his band mates, J.P. holds a job; he works as an usher at the Kennedy Center or Performing Arts in nearby Washington, D.C.

“J.P doesn’t read music and neither do most of the musicians. They memorize the music,” Emma says. Paula adds, “I had to learn nontraditional conducting gestures because traditional orchestral conducting was too much motion [for some].” The teaching techniques that she and associate conductor Paul Bangser use are different but the complex music is not. “We do not rewrite music; we play it as it is written,” Paula affirms of the repertoire which spans all musical genres. The group uses an array of orchestral percussion instruments, plus an assortment of foreign-origin and unconventional instruments.

The dictionary defines percussion as: (1) the striking of one body against another with some sharpness; impact; blow; (2) the striking of a musical instrument to produce tones; (3) the section of an orchestra or band comprising the percussion instruments; (4) the percussion instruments themselves. interPLAY expands upon that definition and states: Percussion instruments can be as simple as your car keys, the sound you make tapping a wooden spoon on the rim of a cooking pot, what you hear when you are sanding a piece of wood or perhaps idly thwacking a large rubber band as you sit at your desk.

“I play various instruments, particularly the cymbal and tambourine,” shares J.P. His fellow musicians play the bells, banjo, cello, claves, djembe, fiddle, graters, guitar, mandolin, sand blocks, shakers, washboard and more; some dance and sing. Because J.P. has vast theater experience, he’s also acted out musical skits. Emma describes her artistic son as a “comic ham,” and he agrees that stage fright isn’t a concern.

Though the orchestra is a cohesive ensemble, Paula fosters confidence building to help each individual grow. For example, at rehearsal, all perform a solo to be critiqued by bandmates. “In the beginning, everyone was scared [to offer criticism]. Then it got to them that someone has given them permission to be critical; and no one ever gives them permission to be critical,” Paula explains. She prompts the processes with thought-provoking questions, like ‘How did it make you feel?’

In addition to music enrichment, members enhance language and social skills, memorization, friendships and other advantages. “I enjoy the camaraderie of being a part of an organization that seeks to lift people up through music,” says interPLAY’s director of choral music Patrice Adams, adding, “The relationships I have acquired through my participation in interPLAY have enriched my life immensely.”

Taking Center Stage

interPLAY is one of the most unique orchestras of its kind thanks to its world-class home stage at the Music Center at Strathmore. This16-acre artistic locale includes three venues with stellar acoustics and several artistic partners. interPLAY holds rehearsals and sell-out concerts onsite in the 200-seat ballet suite. interPLAY has performed additional shows at local spots too.

Sounding Background Notes  

Paula describes herself as a life-long performance musician but credits her son, Mikey, who has Down syndrome, as her inspiration for interPLAY. All three of her children are tuneful but Mikey displayed impressive ability from infancy. “We started playing Peter and the Wolf for him and by the time he was one or so, he was singing along and knew all of the different instruments that portrayed the different animals in the story,” she recalls. Now as an adult, Mikey plays the handbells and cello. He’s even graced the stages of Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center!

The establishment of interPLAY filled an opportunity gap.“I was seeing wonderful things for children but, as they got older, that got lesser and lesser,” Paula recollects of her calling to advocate. She first founded Special Kids in Publishing, a photo/journalism project for students with disabilities in collaboration with non-impaired students. Then, in 1989, Paula formed the Mighty Special Music Makers which morphed into the interPLAY Orchestra. “We are very serious about what we do and how we did it. It isn’t that we don’t have fun – we do – but everyone knows that this is a serious enterprise,” Paula says.

‍Get in Tune

interPLAY relies on generous supporters; donations are graciously accepted. Contributions afford sheet music, percussion instruments and member scholarships. interPLAY will next perform “A Musical Multi-Media JAM!” on March 8, 2019 at Strathmore. It will include percussion, art, poetry and more with special guest percussionist Thomas Teasley. Those interested in joining interPLAY must be comfortable with loud music and be willing to be interviewed and evaluated for admittance.

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Sock Company Puts Best Foot Forward with Inclusive Workforce

Nancy DeVault
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Sock Company Puts Best Foot Forward with Inclusive Workforce


Sometimes it takes years for a start-up company to attain profits. And sometimes, as with John’s Crazy Socks, a business realizes immediate success. Launched in December 2016, the online retailer is the brainchild of 23-year-old John Cronin who proposed the idea to his father, Mark, before he even graduated high school. Now, the passionate father-son business duo runs this philanthropic-minded enterprise which, in 2018, garnered an impressive $5.5 million in sales!

Then on the cusp of graduating and undecided on a plan for his future, John, who has Down syndrome, expressed interest in entrepreneurship. The company concept wasn’t exactly clear but his overall career goal was: “I wanted to go into business with my dad,” asserts John, who previously worked administrative duties at his father’s office. The creative pair contemplated several ideas, including a food truck (since John is a foodie) but they lacked culinary chops. So John honed in on a simple pleasure that fostered his personal expression. “I’ve worn crazy socks my entire life,” he tells AmeriDisability; and, thus, his fashion statement kick-started a mission statement for the e-commerce site: Happiness through socks!

“We’ve created this social enterprise. It is a different type of business model. It’s both a social mission and a business mission,” Mark explains. And, as it turns out, family makes for a great team. “We haven’t had any fights as partners; expect we had a disagreement over the [phone system] hold music,” Mark jokes, adding, “We each know what our role is. We depend on each other. I can’t do this without John.”

Getting Down to Business

Without formulating a strategic business plan and solely dabbling in minimal social media marketing, sales astonishingly reached $13,000 in the first two weeks alone with rapid continuation. Mark believes customers connected with his “hard-working son” and the core principals of John’s Crazy Socks: to celebrate what’s possible by instilling hope (such as entrepreneurship by people of differing abilities and workplace inclusion); to give back (5% of earnings are donated to Special Olympics); to enable individuality through high-quality merchandise (2,300 different pairs to be exact); and to display gratitude (by including candy and a thank you note penned by John in every package).

Mark credits his son’s go-getter attitude as a driving force. “John didn’t see barriers [to starting the company]; there was no fear. He just matter-of-factly thought, ‘here’s a good idea and we should do this,’” Mark describes. Timing likely helped too. Soon after John’s Crazy Socks opened shop, World Down Syndrome Day neared. Coincidentally, people observe by wearing silly socks. “We looked for Down syndrome [themed] socks that we could sell but couldn’t find any. So John said ‘we should make them,’” Mark recalls of what inspired John to design his first of many socks varieties. The site also sells socks crafted by others.

Business as (Un)usual

“We’re tapping into an untapped workforce – people of differing abilities,” Mark reveals, adding, “We want to show what people with differing abilities can do.” As of early 2019,John’s Crazy Socks has 39 permanent employees, 23 of whom have differing abilities; and 30 more temporary employees tackled the influx of sales during the 2018 holiday season. Much of the staff works part-time hours because Mark and John want their employees to have a happy work-life balance.

Hiring individuals who have disabilities is a wise business decision, according to Mark. He describes his staff as reliable and dedicated. “They care about the work they do. Because we’ve created this unified workplace, we have high moral, high productivity and retention is through the roof. It helps us recruit people because everybody benefits ─ not just those with differing abilities. People walk in and, right away, feel the energy,” he says. Great work ethic combined with quality products is what allows John’s Crazy Socks to compete with giant merchants like Wal-Mart, Target and Amazon. And same day shipping is an added bonus!

In keeping with the “crazy”nature, employees have spirited job titles. A Sock Wrangler, for example, fulfills orders in the fast-paced “pick-and-pack warehouse.” And as Co-founder and CHO (that’s Chief Happiness Officer), John has his hands (and well-dressed feet) in many facets, such as sock design, sock wrangling and marketing through media interviews and videos (to the delight of his 217,000+ Facebook followers).

Photo below, President George H.W. Bush wears Down Syndrome Superhero Socks from John’s Crazy Socks.

Mixing Business with Pleasure                                                              

In 2007, President George H. W. Bush was diagnosed with vascular Parkinsonism, which arises from vessel issues in the brain regions. It actually does not meet the criteria for Parkinson’s disease, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation, but mimics conditions of the disease. It affected the Commander-in-Chief’s ability to walk and, in his later years, rely on a wheelchair. The seated position raised his pant legs to above the ankles and, like John, the conservative leader found happiness by wearing radical socks.

After learning they shared an appreciation for fashionable footies, John sent a package to the 41st President filled with socks that aligned with his known interests (i.e. Texas, Republican Party, BBQ, etc.). The self-proclaimed “sock guy” took to Twitter to tweet a photo of his vibrant Down Syndrome Superhero Socks (designed by John). The shout-out was, needless-to-say, good for business! The social post was certainly not the President’s first public declaration of support for people of all abilities. “His signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act [in 1990] and his support of that changed the world. The inclusion school that John had would not have existed. The opportunities that John and others have had [including John’s Crazy Socks] would not have happened without that law. It gave legal support to the rights of people with differing abilities to be able to live productive lives like everyone else in society,” Mark declares.

In April 2018, President Bush asked John to outfit his socks for the funeral of Barbara Bush. He chose LibrarySocks for Literacy in honor of the former First Lady’s three-decade-long commitment to enhancing literacy. “It’s very touching to think that a President of the United States connected with my son,” Mark humbly states. When President Bush passed away in December 2018, the Cronin’s traveled to Washington, D.C. to pay their respects to their stylish friend. “I really miss him,” John shares.

John’s Crazy Socks donates 100% of profits from Library Socks for Literacy ($8-12) to the Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation; plus, $2 from each pair of President George H.W. Bush Unisex Crew Socks ($14.99).

‍Photo below, President George H.W. Bush wears book themed from John’s Crazy Socks at Mrs. Bush’s funeral in support of her literacy efforts.

Business Class with Sass

John’s Crazy Socks has a School Tour Program designed to inspire young adults with John’s example of finding happiness despite perceived obstacles. Available in-person or via Skype at no cost, the experience is intended for high school level special education classes (though applicable to others). John personally leads the tour offering first-hand insight into entrepreneurship, inclusive jobs and sheer determination. “My advice is to follow your dreams, follow your heart and make your dreams come true,” he says. Attendees get a glimpse into the business operation and receive complimentary socks and candy.

John’s Crazy Socks also hosts a Work Experience Program, which empowers schools and social service agencies to collaborate for real-life job practice. Three multi-month sessions are offered throughout the year to build workplace skills and confidence.

Open for Business… and More

“It makes me feel good,” John admits on achieving his aspirations. He’s now playing a part in making the same possible for others. In February 2019, John’s Crazy Socks awarded 19-year-old Garret Nichols, of Clinton, Arkansas, with the first annual Autism Can Do Scholarship, a sponsorship to help people with autism achieve their dreams. The $3,000 gift allows Garret to attend Inclusion Films School, a California-based filmmaking program for people with developmental disabilities. Also a fan of dancing, singing and movies, John is breaking into the Hollywood scene too with two pending projects with actor Joey Travolta – a sock deal and an onscreen role!

To pair your own happiness with vibrant footwear, visit JohnsCrazySocks.com. Share a photo of yourself wearing John’s Crazy Socks and tag AmeriDisability on Facebook and Twitter.

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Graphics & Gratitude: How One Man’s Life-Changing Disability Changed His Career and More

Emily McDeed
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Graphics & Gratitude: How One Man’s Life-Changing Disability Changed His Career and More

Fifteen years ago, Alec Wilson had no idea graphic design would be in his future — in fact, he wasn’t even thinking about his future. That changed when two thieves threatened to rob him near his car. He survived the attack, but suffered three shots in his back; one which caused nerve damage to his legs and left him with immobility in his feet. He’s now used to using braces and a wheelchair to get around, but the initial transition posed a humbling challenge: “It was all on the go, trial and error” with no guarantees.  Wilson is grateful to be alive, regardless of the fact that he is now relies on a wheelchair.

Along with adjusting to his new day-to-day limitations, Wilson decided to change careers because his restaurant job became too difficult to manage. He wasn’t sure what to do until his mother suggested graphic design, reminding him of the kid’s menus he had designed when he was young. After going back to school to study graphic design, he began with ad design and started Memphicity Design in 2010 doing business cards in his garage. As his business grew from business cards to t-shirt designs, he found his main challenge was navigating such a confined space, his garage, in his wheelchair. Once he got a larger space, however, he also obtained equipment that allowed him, while in his wheelchair, to perform essential functions most people would do without a wheelchair, such as apply thick ink across each screen for logos, while in a wheelchair. Other than that, his process for printing designs is like any other: Once the logo is created, he separates the colors of the logo and prints them all on their own separate transparencies. The films are then lined up and exposed onto a screen, each being put on the press for the shirts once rinsed and dried.

7 Heart-Healthy Habit for Seniors

Lisa Beach
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7 Heart-Healthy Habit for Seniors

Show your heart some love! Celebrated annually in February, American Heart Health month provides the perfect opportunity to look at how you can protect your heart through a healthy lifestyle.

This is especially important as you age. Why? According to the National Institute on Aging, seniors face a greater risk of suffering a heart attack, having a stroke, or developing heart disease and heart failure. As a major cause of disability, heart disease can also restrict the activity and diminish the quality of life for people living with this condition.

While heart disease poses a greater health risk for seniors, it doesn’t make it inevitable as you age. In fact, a recent study found that, no matter what your age, it’s never too late to improve your health. The research, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, links a healthy lifestyle to decreased cardiovascular risk in seniors.

That’s great news because there are plenty of things you can do to prevent heart disease. But before jumping into some solid, heart-healthy habits, get a quick refresher on what a heart attack or stroke looks like.

Be Symptom Savvy

First, it helps to know how to spot the signs of heart disease. In the early stages, heart disease symptoms are either nonexistent or barely noticeable. This makes annual exams a must, allowing your doctor to ask questions and run tests, as needed.

But when heart disease progresses to the point of a heart attack or stroke, knowing the signs could help save your life. According to the American Heart Association, call 911 if any of these signs are present:

Heart attack symptoms:

·       Chest discomfort or pain (usually in the center, lasting more than a few minutes)

·       Upper body discomfort (arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach)

·       Shortness of breath (with or without chest discomfort)

·       Other signs (such as a cold sweat, nausea, or light headedness)

Stroke symptoms (remember F.A.S.T.):

·       Face drooping or numb on one side

·       Arm weakness or numb

·       Speech difficulty

·       Time to call 911 if person shows any of these symptoms

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‍Heart-Healthy Habits

Now that you’re savvy about symptoms, you can take preventive steps to reduce the chance of a heart attack or stroke occurring. Follow these healthy lifestyle guidelines from the American Heart Association.

1.    Get active. Aim for a minimum of 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes per week of strenuous aerobic exercise. One of the simplest ways to do this? Walk more. Other aerobic activities include gardening, swimming, and tennis. If you can work in activity to increase flexibility, improve balance, and strengthen muscles twice a week, even better. Stuck for ideas? Try yardwork (think raking leaves or pushing a lawnmower), bike riding, or yoga. Tip: Schedule exercise on your calendar, making it easier to stick to a routine. Strive for 30 minutes of exercise five days a week, or 20-25 minutes of activity every day.

2.   Eat better. Focus on eating mostly a plant-based diet, with whole fruits and veggies making up the bulk of the food you eat every day. When eating grains, choose a variety of whole grains such as barley, brown rice, bulgur, millet, oatmeal, and whole wheat. For dairy (i.e., cheese, milk, yogurt), opt for low-fat and fat-free. Consume heart-healthy proteins such as fish, skinless poultry, lean meat, eggs, nuts, seeds, beans, and legumes. When adding fats, choose polyunsaturated oils (such as sunflower and safflower oils) and monounsaturated oils (such as olive, peanut, and canola oils). Avoid saturated and trans fats such as those found in whole milk, butter, tropical oils, and processed foods such as cookies, cakes, and crackers. Tip: Limit salty foods, sugary drinks, sweets, and highly processed foods; drink plenty of water; and watch portion sizes.

3.   Lose weight. Extra pounds can lead to a variety of health issues. Learning to move more and eat healthier helps you shed pounds and maintain a healthy weight. Keeping a food journal can help you see what you’re eating and how much. Tracking your exercise gives you a glimpse into the frequency and level of activity. Tip: Use tools to help you track your activity, such as a Fitbit, a fitness app on your cell phone (many are free!) or simply marking exercise on a calendar.

4.   Control cholesterol. A fat-like substance, cholesterol comes from two sources—food from animal sources and your body. The “good” cholesterol is HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and the “bad” cholesterol is LDL (low-density lipoprotein). The HDL is good because it helps reduce plaque buildup in arteries, partially caused by LDL sticking to artery walls. Plaque buildup blocks blood flow, which can lead to heart disease. Ask your doctor about getting a blood test to measure your cholesterol level. Tip: Healthy lifestyle choices to control cholesterol include eating healthier, exercising, choosing healthy fats, and quitting smoking.

Stop smoking

5.    Manage blood pressure. Know your numbers and what they mean. Blood pressure records two values: systolic (the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats) and diastolic (the pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between heart beats). It’s written similar to a fraction with the systolic number on top and the diastolic on the bottom. Normal blood pressure is 120 (or less) over 80 (or less) and elevated blood pressure is 120-129 over 80 (or less). High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) starts at 130 over 80 (or higher). Tip: Healthy lifestyle choices to manage blood pressure include eating healthier, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and reducing the amount of sodium you eat.

6.   Reduce blood sugar. Your body turns much of the food you eat into glucose (or blood sugar) to use for energy, so it’s important to make smart food choices. But if your blood sugar level is too high, it can damage your heart (and other parts of your body) and cause diabetes. Tip: Healthy lifestyle choices to reduce blood sugar include eating healthier, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking.

7.    Stop smoking. If you smoke, you increase your chances of developing heart disease (and lung cancer). Quitting smoking should top your list of heart-healthy choices. The longer you smoke, the more damage you do to your body. The good news? Your body begins to heal itself as soon as you stop smoking. In just one year of quitting, you’ve cut your risk of heart disease by 50 percent! Tip: Make a plan to quit, whether that means going cold-turkey, cutting back gradually, using a nicotine replacement, or seeking help from a health provider. Visit Smokefree60+ for resources designed specifically for seniors. You’re never too old to quit!

Use American Heart Health Month as the perfect opportunity to start showing your heart more love. Take steps today toward a healthier lifestyle with these seven heart-healthy habits.

Microsoft Scores with Winning Super Bowl Ad Featuring Xbox Adaptive Controller

Nancy DeVault
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Microsoft Scores with Winning Super Bowl Ad Featuring Xbox Adaptive Controller

The Super Bowl is the biggest annual football game and also among the most watched television broadcasts in the country. According to SportingCharts.com, each year more than 100 million U.S. viewers tune in for the season’s final NFL match-up. Many watching, of course, are avid football fans but many others watch solely for the stellar commercials. And with such a large attentive audience, companies allocate big-time marketing bucks for Super Bowl ads –we’re talking over $5 million for prime slots – and, so, strategic messaging is crucial.

During Super Bowl LIII– where the New England Patriots defeated the St. Louis Rams – viewers saw tons of humorous and heartfelt advertisements. With a lack of touchdowns in the low-scoring game, many took to social media to declare Microsoft as the true winner thanks to its spot featuring the Xbox Adaptive Controller. Twitter users offered praise, gratitude and excitement on both the Microsoft Twitter page and Xbox Twitter page.

“The video features real-life, regular people and their families, including Grover, Gunnar, Ian, Jordan, Owen, Shan, Poppy and Taylor,” Erica Walsh, account executive for Edelman/Assembly’s Xbox team, told AmeriDisability. Like any other “regular” kid, 9-year-old Owen declares in the commercial, “I love video games, my friends, my family and again video games.” And young Shan shares this love, saying, “Whenever I play, it makes me feel happy.” However, gaming hasn’t always come easy for these guys, their commercial cast-mates or the many gamers worldwide who have limited limb mobility or other physical disabilities. But Microsoft changed it all with the Xbox Adaptive Controller, a new accessible gaming tool that launched in fall 2018.

Through an online Microsoft Story Labs in May 2018, Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox, teased Xbox One and Windows 10 gamers with details about the then soon-to-be released Xbox Adaptive Controller. It was developed in partnership with disability-serving organizations including The Able Gamers Charity, The Cerebral Palsy Foundation, Craig Hospital, Special Effect and Warfighter Engaged to “remove barriers to gaming by being adaptable to more gamers’ needs.” This inclusive product is Microsoft’s latest effort to push the boundaries of technology and enhance accessibility for all. [Note: AmeriDisability previously featured Microsoft’s Inclusive Design program.] In fact, the Super Bowl ad follows on the heels of Microsoft’s Christmas ad which also starred Owen being cheered on by his gaming peers.

“Our goal was to make the device as adaptable as possible, so gamers can create a setup that works for them in a way that is plug-and-play, extensible and affordable. In addition to working with common adaptive switches that gamers with limited mobility may already own, it has two large buttons built in. These buttons can also be reprogrammed to act as any of the standard controller’s button inputs via theXbox Accessories app,” Spencer described in the May post. That’s right… this larger, user-friendly gaming device can rest on one’s lap or a surface and be customized to comfortably fit individual needs using switches, buttons, mounts and joysticks.

So how “affordable”are we talking? The Xbox Adaptive Controller sells for $99.99 exclusively through MicrosoftStore. But it’s priceless according to Owen’s parent who shares in the commercial, “It’s his way of interacting with his friends when he can’t physically otherwise do it,” adding with teary eyes, “He’s not different when he plays.” Jordan’s parent feels the same way, explaining that, “She’s never had the freedom to play at the level she knew she could.” Now, her competitive and smiley girl can confidently take-on her friends and challenging games without confines. “I can hit the buttons just as fast as they can,” Jordan says.

Perhaps some won’t understand the commercial’s hype and believe it to be just another toy or game. But the Xbox Adaptive Controller is much more to the millions of people with disabilities around the world who just want to experience the same “regular” joys and pastimes as everyone else. “When I am playing with a regular controller, there are some things that don’t work for me,” curly-haired Grover states directly into the camera. Microsoft’s commitment to innovation through accessible technology levels the playing field and creates opportunities for all abilities. The commercial’s tagline says it all: “When everybody plays, we all win.” So, yes, we should all cheer for Microsoft for this game-winning play.

9 Theater Companies Putting Actors with Disabilities Center Stage

Nancy DeVault
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9 Theater Companies Putting Actors with Disabilities Center Stage

Non-disabled actors play approximately 95 percent of television characters with disabilities in top ranked shows, according to a study by Ruderman White Paper. Data pertaining to stage actors is pretty much non-existent, but odds are statistics are similar to or, more likely, skewed even worse. Simply put: 5 percent doesn’t come close to matching up with viewer demographics. You see, data published by the U.S. Census Bureau cited that nearly 20 percent of the population has a disability – over 56 million people. That means that representation of characters portrayed by actors with disabilities is, at a minimum, off by 15 percent.

In recent years, Hollywood has made a push for more inclusion; specifically pertaining to women and people of color, with some focus on actors with disabilities. While stage entertainment doesn’t quite reach the masses like television, a nationwide grassroots effort to cast actors with disabilities seems to be picking up thanks to inclusive theater troupes. And we say “Bravo” to that!

Here are nine theater troupes that deserve a standing ovation:

1. Identity Theater Company
Astoria, NY | identitytheater.com

The Big Apple is known for the biggest and best theatrical opportunities. And the Identity Theater Company wants to ensure that such opportunities exist for all, including “differently-abled artists,” and so their mission is to: present work that cultivates understanding, promotes tolerance and engages its participants in meaningful discussions. Founder and executive director Nicholas Linnehan tells AmeriDisability that, in 2019, the company is slated for at least one adult show, one children’s show and a reading series of new plays. Plus, Identity recently filmed its first original piece, Catfish?, which Nicholas hopes will be showcased at festivals. He says because “imagination knows no disability,” he encourages collaboration between disabled and non-disabled performers to push boundaries and make the impossible possible. “By doing this, we aim to let the talent, not the ability level, speak for itself,” Nicholas explains.

The Identity Theater Company has traveled, thus far, throughout the five boroughs and to Yonkers. But, as an advocate for inclusion, Nicholas’s message should be heard worldwide: “It is no longer acceptable, in my opinion, to have an able-bodied person play a disabled character when there are so many capable disabled actors out there. Furthermore, just because a character is not specifically written for a disabled person does not mean that a disabled person cannot play that character effectively. If acting is rooted in pretend, then why can’t we open our eyes and hearts to the abilities that are out there and that are going unheard?”

2. That Uppity Theatre Company
Saint Louis, MO | uppityco.com

The Uppity Theatre Company, which has been “creating performance and working for social justice since 1989,” is known for thought-provoking show themes, like gay rights, gender issues, racial justice and also inclusion (thanks to its DisAbility Project). This award-winning inclusive company of teens and adults primarily travels to school, organization and community events throughout Missouri and Illinois to perform their “disability rap;” theater shorts, such as ‘Hello’ about a child who wants to say hello to someone in a wheelchair; and dance pieces, such as ‘One World’ about the prevalence of disability internationally and, thus, the need for supportive inclusion. Further embracing a global perspective, the company has hosted visitors from abroad who wanted to study Uppity’s inclusive techniques.

“We create our work from scratch as an ensemble based on story circles, dialogue and improvisation; although, we also commissioned a disabled-version of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” producing artistic director Joan Appell Lipkin tells AmeriDisability, adding, “We have performed for over 100,000 people and our work is included in the permanent collection of the Missouri History Museum. And we are one ofthe first and oldest companies to focus on disability in the country.”

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Photo above courtesy of That Uppity Theatre

3. Detour Company Theatre

‍Scottsdale, AZ | detourcompanytheatre.org 

Mothers have a way of making things happen for their children despite all odds. So was the case when Sam (who goes by her first name only) was asked by her adult son who had developmental disabilities, “When is it going to be my turn [to act on stage]?” Since Sam was the theater arts coordinator at the Phoenix Day School for the Deaf, her son often watched but he dreamed performing. When Sam couldn’t find a program for people with cognitive disabilities, she launched one herself called the Detour Company Theatre. “Detour is committed to making opportunities possible. We are called ‘Detour’ because that’s what we do… we take many detours [because of individualized paths] but we all arrive at the same destination to provide entertainment and enjoyment,” Sam explains. Detour has approximately 50 actors, most of whom have cognitive impairments and some who have physical disabilities. To give troupe members as many opportunities as possible, Detour puts on double features – recently presenting Shrek The Musical and Legally Blonde The Musical in the same weekend – to double cast actors as a lead in one play and an ensemble member in the other.

Detour offers a beginning/intro program (ideal for novice actors and those who prefer smaller group settings), a main stage show-based troupe and a touring troupe. Audience admittance is free of charge and includes audio description and American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation. “We’re funded by miracles! And donations and grants. We don’t charge per ticket – that’s the last big area of accessibility because we welcome everyone to our shows,” Sam says. The audience setting is equally inclusive; for example, a parent whose child has autism that perhaps typically shies away from theater shows can feel comfortable and enjoy Detour’s entertainment.

‍4. The Apothetae

Brooklyn, NY | theapothetae.org

The Apothetae’s founder and artistic director, Gregg Mozgala, shares on the company website that the namesake translates to “the place of exposure.” As a decorated actor and playwright, who happens to have cerebral palsy, Gregg wanted to create a platform for conversations around disability. He says, “One of my company’s primary goals is the creation of new full-length plays that will make visible the ‘disabled experience,’ both personal and collective, throughout history.” And that’s what makes Apothetae such a unique company as it engages both actors and playwrights who are disabled and non-disabled. Aside from stellar original productions, Apothetae presents established material inclusive of disability-related themes, such as Oedipus, Richard III and The Elephant Man.

 5. Barrier-Free Theatre Company of Maryland

Westminster, MD | barrierfreemd.com

Barrier-Free Theatre Company executes an immersive process that empowers its actors (adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities and autism) to influence the script.The creation of original one-act plays starts with improvisational exercises and drama games, which helps to formulate the show’s plot and characters. Barrier-Free attests that their unique rehearsal and performance model “hones social skills, creative thinking, group collaboration and confidence. These key skills are then transferrable to other areas of life such as: employment, school, professional and personal relationships, etc.”

6. National Theatre of the Deaf
West Hartford, CT | ntd.org

Blending ASL and spoken word on stage for more than 50 years, the Tony Award-winning National Theatre of the Deaf is the longest existing touring company in the United States! NTD has performed in all fifty states, on all seven continents, at the White House, on Broadway and appeared on the Disney Channel and Sesame Street, among other accolades. The company holds performances, workshops, trainings and community outreach activities.

theater

Photo above courtesy of Detour Company Theatre

7. Theater Breaking Through Barriers
New York, NY | tbtb.org

This Off-Broadway theater is celebrating its 40th season. For almost three decades, the company operated as Theater by the Blind; then, in 2008, updated its name and mission to be fully inclusive of other disabilities. The philosophy: “Disability is the only diversity that cuts across all racial, gender, social and class distinctions. Disability knows no age, race, religion, gender, culture or sexual orientation. As such, we view disability as a common ground, where the voices from every sector of our society can come together to be represented and expressed.”

8. Phamaly Theatre Company
Denver, CO | phamaly.org

For three decades, Phamaly, which stands for the Physically Handicapped Actors and Musical Artists League, has produced an array of productions. The 2019 schedule features original theater pieces (including an educational touring show and a one-act play), acting and singing workshops, and other opportunities for both actors and playwrights.

9. Deaf West Theatre

LosAngeles, CA | deafwest.org

Founded in 1991, Deaf West Theatre describes itself as “the artistic bridge between the deaf and hearing worlds.” The company helped to bridge a very specific cultural gap in 2015 when they brought the Tony Award-winning production of Spring Awakening to Broadway in New York City. A cast of deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing actors wowed audiences with a vibrantly choreographed production of spoken word, song and ASL.

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Photo above courtesy of That Uppity Theatre

Start Your Own Theater!

The Dionysus Theatre was founded by Deborah Nowinski in memory of her son, Dustin, who died of bone cancer at the age of 15. He wanted people to “look beyond the label” and accept each person. For 21 years, Deborah brought his vision to life through inclusive theater in Houston. The Dionysus actors recently took their final stage bow so Deborah could follow her passion to reach an even larger audience with her message of inclusion in the arts. Deborah authored the award-winning book “Your Role in Inclusion Theatre: The Guide to Integrating Actors with Disabilities and Nondisabled in Your Theatre and Classes,” and she also coaches educators through lecturers on how to implement inclusive initiatives. If you’re interested in launching an inclusive program, check out her book on Amazon.

Did we miss your favorite inclusive theater? Share with us on Facebook!

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Preview photo & photo at top, courtesy of That Uppity Theatre Company; Photo below courtesy of That Uppity Theatre Company

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