Author: cil_admin

 

Written by Golda Kelli Ryan

 

The goal of National Falls Prevention Awareness Week is to prevent falls in older adults by increasing education, awareness, and providing interventions. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, over one in five older adults (65+) experiences a fall. The outcome results in serious injuries, such as broken bones, hip fractures, or head injuries. Falling can also result in expensive emergency room costs. The estimated cost of an emergency room fall is over $20,000. And according to estimates, by 2030, medical costs associated with falls will reach $54 billion.

In an effort to better understand who is at risk of falling, how to prevent falls, and how to handle them after they happen, we sought out Anne Maley, physical therapist, and creator of the course FIT – Functional Independence Training and Fall Prevention. With over 40 years of experience in rehabilitation in clinics and homes, Anne is the perfect person to lead this discussion. These key tips from the interview can assist you or a loved one in proactively preventing falls.

Who is at risk of falling? 

• About 30% of people over the age of 60 will experience a fall and 50% of people over the age of 80 will experience a fall.

 

If you experience a fall what should you do?

• It is important to check different parts of your body when you fall to check for injuries before trying to get up.
• Find the closest piece of substantial furniture to assist with getting up. 
• If you experience a fall in public you should not let anyone assist you until you have gone through a routine check of moving your body and checking your body for injuries.
• Always have a means of communication on your body at all times to ensure that you can call for help when you are by yourself.

“Always call 911 if you think you’re hurt.”

 

How can a fall be avoided or prevented?

• Stay active and walk. You can move your body by simply walking through your house. 
• Pay close attention to your walking patterns such as shuffling. Shuffling can cause you to trip and fall. 
• Maintain a good posture. It is important that your head is up and is level with your shoulders.

 

How does a fall impact your life?

• The “fear of falling” can cause a person to feel scared and it can make them not want to engage in activities. Some people will stay in a chair where they feel safe. 

 

What steps can family members take to prevent their loved ones’ from falling?

• Examine the home and make sure it is safe.
• Be sure the steps are equipped with a rail or banister for support.
• Make sure there are no rugs on the floor that could cause them to slip. 
• Ensure that the bathroom (where most of the falls happen) has grab bars installed by the toilet, area leading into the tub, and install raised toilets.
• Don’t leave extension cords across the floor.

 

“Looking at home safety is the biggest thing that a family could do for a loved one.”

 

As the most important takeaway from Fall Prevention Week, Anne urges you to “stay active.” It is vital for the public to be educated and aware of how to prevent falls. For more information about fall prevention check out these great resources provided by the CDC:

• Prevent Falls and Reduce Healthcare Spending Postcard 
• Staying Safe with Falls Prevention Awareness Day
• Taking Steps to Prevent Falls Podcasts: Listen (0:59)(3:52)
• Older Adult Falls: CDC Feature Article
• Keeping Seniors Safe Podcasts: Listen (0:59)  (3:50)
• Preventing Older Adult Falls and TBI Podcast: Listen (2:37)

Written by Golda Kelli Ryan

 

 

The right to vote is one of the most important responsibilities of U.S. citizens. All voters are ensured that their interests and voices are represented when they cast their votes. Despite this, fairvote.org states that the U.S. Constitution provides no explicit right to vote and as a result, some citizens have fewer rights than others. It is important to acknowledge that people with disabilities had to fight for their right to vote and have continued to face obstacles that have restricted their right to vote at polling locations. According to the National Disability Rights Network, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires all polling places to be accessible to people with disabilities. However, polling locations in the United States remain largely inaccessible to voters with disabilities for a variety of reasons.

Voting Barriers

Voters with disabilities who require wheelchair accessibility are faced with restrictions at polling locations when doors are too narrow, when there is a lack of automatic door openers, when there is no proper signage, and when there are no entryway ramps. Curbside voting accommodations are in place but are not an acceptable option because privacy becomes an issue.

Disabled voters with vision impairments encounter barriers when polling locations do not provide ballots with larger print, voting machines are not equipped to offer audio, or voting machines are inoperable. “Advocacy organizations have received complaints about machines not operating properly or of poll workers not being trained in their use.” A survey conducted by Rutgers University, following the 2016 election found that such problems led to decreased voting by individuals with disabilities.

There are several cases where voters with cognitive disabilities have been denied their right to vote because assumptions were made about their intellectual capabilities. “Thirty-eight states and the District of Columbia have laws that strip voting rights for people with mental disabilities who are deemed incapacitated or incompetent by a court of law.” These laws also apply to voters with disabilities when the court assigns a legal guardian to handle their affairs.

How People with Disabilities are Gaining Their Rights Back

The Special Needs Alliance works with many organizations to overcome these obstacles. Here are recommendations made by the Presidential Commission on Election Administration to help defeat voting obstacles faced by people with disabilities.

 

Voters with disabilities should not face these voting obstacles alone. They have the ability to use their unique experiences and perspectives to enhance and influence policies that are made within their communities and their country. In July of this year, Vice President Kamala Harris led by example and met with a group of disability rights advocates to discuss their voting barriers. She acknowledged the obstacles and told reporters that ensuring access to voting rights for people with disabilities is one of the nation’s top priorities. You can check out the full meeting here. 

What to do if your Voting Rights are Being Neglected 

“If you face any challenges in voting privately and independently or are unable to cast your vote, report the problem to the Election Protection hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE. Trained attorneys can assist you and make sure that other voters do not experience the same problem.” – American Civil Liberties Union

You can also contact the phone numbers listed below:

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If you would like to become more involved and empower lives in the community, join CIL’s volunteer team! There are many ways to become a part of our mission to break down barriers and create new opportunities for disability inclusion and acceptance. For volunteer opportunities email [email protected].

 

Written by Golda Kelli Ryan

 

This year, National Disability Voter Registration Week is September 13 – 20. This is a time to empower voters with disabilities to exercise their right to vote. National Disability Voter Registration Week is coordinated by the American Association of People with Disabilities and REV UP which stands for “Register, Educate, Vote, Use your Power!” The REV UP Campaign aims to expand the political force of individuals with disabilities by increasing their political power and sharing educational resources that give them the confidence to register to vote.

Why is it important that people with disabilities vote?

According to Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations, “voter turnout surged among citizens with disabilities in 2020. The turnout increased by 5.9 points in comparison to the 2016 general election.” Citizens with disabilities are letting their voices be heard and their determination was recognized in the November 2020 election, when 17.7 million people (about the population of New York) with disabilities casted their vote.

History of Voter Disability Rights over the Last 50 Years 

It is important to understand the federal laws that have paved the way to protect and increase the rights of voters with disabilities. Here are some federal laws over the last 56 years that have improved the voting rights and experiences for disabled voters:

These federal laws collectively establish standards that will protect the civil rights of people with disabilities. Several obstacles and barriers were recognized and removed to ensure that adequate assistance is provided at polling locations. By staying up to date on policies and laws, voters with disabilities can take control and exercise their civil rights.

How Can People with Disabilities Get More Involved with the Voting System? 

Another way to become educated about voter’s rights is by connecting with the community. To educate and encourage current and potential voters here in Central Florida, the Center for Independent Living (CIL) is partnering with the Orange County Supervisor of Elections during National Disability Voter Registration Week. On Thursday, September 16, from 12pm to 2pm,  community members are invited to visit the CIL (720 N. Denning Dr. Winter Park.) The event is FREE, and no registration is needed (learn more about the event here). At the event, you will learn how to use ADA-compliant voting equipment, register to vote if you are not registered, update your voter registration information, and get to know more about how voting works and why YOUR voice matters to our community.