INFORMATION, RESOURCES, OPPORTUNITIES

DEAF AWARENESS WEEK IN TEXAS
(SEPTEMBER 23RD - 29TH, 2018)

Excerpt from the Office of the Governor Texas Daily Digest Bulletin:
Organizations worldwide celebrate Deaf Awareness Week in September, a celebration of the achievements of the Deaf community and the rich world of Deaf culture. As communities across Texas host Deaf Awareness Week celebrations, Governor Greg Abbott issues a proclamation encouraging all Texans to support and celebrate the many unique achievements of Texans who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Deaf Awareness Week full proclamation.

 “Among those with disabilities, Texans who are deaf and hard of hearing have long been recognized for their contributions to our state.  In fact, the 6th Texas Legislature helped to ensure the support of this community with the establishment of the Texas School for the Deaf in 1856. 

Each September, organizations across Texas set out to raise awareness of this population of citizens and promote available resources for the educational and effective communication needs of Texans who are deaf or hard of hearing.” 

Texas School for the Deaf Superintendent Claire Bugen shares her enthusiasm. “The staff and students at Texas School for the Deaf are delighted to join Governor Abbott in celebrating the achievements and vibrancy of our Deaf community.  Every year at this time we enjoy celebrating the culture, language and heritage that is unique to Deaf individuals in our great State of Texas.”

Several Deaf Awareness Month events across Texas include:
September 22, Houston - Houston’s Deaf Got Talent https://www.eventbrite.com/e/houstons-deaf-got-talent-tickets-47275759068 
September 27, Corpus Christi - Deaf Awareness Day at the Texas State Aquarium https://www.texasstateaquarium.org/event/deaf-awareness-day/ 
September 29, Richardson - Deaf Celebration in Richardson http://deafcelebration.org/wp/?page_id=140
September 29, San Antonio - Good Vibrations Music Fest https://goodvibrationsmusicfest.com/
September 29 – Houston Association of the Deaf celebrates 75 years https://www.hadeaf.org/
September 30 – Tyler Deaf and Hard of Hearing Center celebrate Deaf Awareness Week https://www.tdhhc.org/pdf/DAW_flyer_1.10.pdf

The Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities (Committee) provides GovDelivery updates for informational purposes on a variety of disability related issues for a diverse audience. Updates may include information provided by external sources. The inclusion of this external information does not constitute an official endorsement or approval by the Committee or the Office of the Governor of any information, policy, product, or service offered by an external source

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ABILITYSTRONG PARADE WILL KICK-OFF THE 12TH ANNUAL ACCESSABILITY FEST
(sATURDAY, OCTOBER 20TH, 2018)

Picture abilitySTRONG Parade Logo
ABILITYSTRONG PARADE WILL LEAD OFF ACCESSABILITY FEST
 
For the first time in its 12-year history, the AccessAbility Fest will start off with a parade. The abilitySTRONG Parade will begin at 9 a.m. Oct. 20 at the UTSA parking lot, and proceed along Nueva, Flores and W. Houston St., ending in front of Milam Square. Leading the parade are Grand Marshals, Mayor Ron Nirenberg and First Lady Erika Prosper, accompanied by their son, Jonah.

As part of the city’s Tricentennial celebration, this parade promotes the belief that disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity in which people living with disabilities can take pride.  abilitySTRONG is presented by disABILITYsa, the City of San Antonio’s Department of Human Services Head Start Division, and the City of San Antonio’s Disability Access Office.  San Antonio businesses and citizens are invited to participate with parade entries, as spectators, and as volunteers.

Immediately following the parade, the AccessAbility fest takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Market Square. This annual event is a free, family-friendly festival with information booths, a costume contest, games, health screenings, food concessions, live entertainment, and product and program demonstrations. The fest is a gateway to information, resources and opportunities for individuals overcoming barriers to independence and inclusion due to physical, cognitive, sensory and mental health challenges.

AccessAbility fest is inclusive of individuals of all abilities.
For more information, go to
www.abilitySTRONGParade.org | www.accessabilityfest.org

MAKING OUR COMMUNITY MORE INCLUSIVE​
(a gift from the san antonio junior forum)

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In December of last year, disABILITYsa received a check in the amount of $1,393 to purchase equipment for the annual Fiesta Especial® Celebration Day from the San Antonio Junior Forum (SAJF).  We didn't just receive a check that day, but an opportunity to make San Antonio a more inclusive place for individuals living with disabilities. 

You see, while disABILITYsa may have used that check to purchase what appeared to be equipment...a walled canopy, a couple of tables, a hand-washing station, etc; in reality, what we purchased was simply independence.  All too often, individuals with disabilities are excluded from the community because of special toileting needs that aren't accommodated by most public venues.  By offering older children, adults, and their caregivers access to a changing area, we enable those individuals and families to remain in public place longer, enjoying the opportunity to be a part of the community experience.

While we've had this amenity available annually at Fiesta Especial® Celebration Day annually through rentals, now that we own the equipment; we'll be offering this accommodation at other disABILITYsa program days as well.  So, keep an eye out when your out at the 12th Annual AccessAbility fest or the abilitySTRONG Parade this October for our changing station(s)!

2018 TEXAS  DISABILITY ISSUES FORUM
​(RECORDING)

Picture Texas Disability Issues Forum Logo
Wonder where the candidates up for election this November stand on issues impacting individuals with disabilities across the State of Texas? Our friends at RevUp Texas have done some research for you and have shared with us their findings. 

Visit RevUpTexas.org to read the surveys from each candidate and watch the recording of the recent Disability Issues Forum as candidates in attendance were interviews on who they turn to for advise and counsel on disability issues as well as where they stand on issues like decriminalizing the use of Cannabis, Emergency Planning, Transportation, Housing, Caregivers, Voting, Special Education, Access, Employment and more. 

You can watch the 08-27-18 Texas Disability Issues Forum, which was recorded by the Texas Tribune, and is available online at www.TexasTribune.org.

DISABILITYSA MEMBERSHIP
(BE A PARTNER IN OUR MISSION!)

Your membership helps to financially support the programs and services offered by disABILITYsa, helping to fulfill our mission to educate, advance, and engage individuals living with a disability in the San Antonio community by sharing information, creating opportunities and strengthening the organizations that serve them.

INDIVIDUAL MEMBER OPTIONS
Basic Level $60/year ($5/month)
Supporter Level $120/year ($10/month)

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION MEMBER OPTIONS
Basic Level - $250 
Supporter Level - $500

FOR-PROFIT BUSINESS MEMBER OPTIONS
Basic Level - $500
Supporter Level - $1,000
Sustainer Level - $2,500

A full description of member benefits are available online.

THE FEDERAL ACHIEVING A BETTER LIFE EXPERIENCE ACT
(THE ABLE ACT)

The federal Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act allows qualified individuals with disabilities to open tax-exempt savings accounts to save for disability-related expenses without impacting eligibility for resource-based benefits. The Act permits qualified individuals with disabilities to save more than a total of $2,000 in assets such as cash and savings in their name in a qualified ABLE account.

Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota (residents only), Nevada, and North Carolina have recently launched qualified ABLE programs, bringing the total number of states with ABLE programs to 16. 

​Federal law allows qualified individuals to open an ABLE account in any state’s program that is accepting such enrollment. The states listed below in alphabetical order are accepting enrollment.
These programs are open to all eligible individuals nationwide. They are all part of the National ABLE Alliance, which offers six different investment options. The investment options have asset-based fees ranging from 0.34% to 0.38%. 

Additionally, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Nevada, and North Carolina charge a quarterly account maintenance fee of $15, which is discounted by $3.75 for those who receive statements electronically. Kansas, Minnesota, and Nevada all offer an additional $1.25 discount for state residents. Iowa charges an annual account maintenance fee of $40 and an additional $15 fee for those choosing to receive statements by mail. The minimum initial deposit is $25.

For more information, visit the National Resource Center for the ABLE Act. 

SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCES

If you're looking for sensory-friendly opportunities in San Antonio to engage in the life, arts, and culture of San Antonio, then check out the upcoming performances at the Magik Theatre!

​During a Sensory-Friendly performance, lights and sound effects are softened, theatre etiquette is relaxed, and all are accepted and welcomed. These performances are adjusted for accessibility, reaching people on the autism spectrum, those with cognitive disabilities, and families with very young children. These performances are sponsored by University Health System.

For tickets, visit MagikTheatre.org or call the box office at 210-227-2751. Tickets are $13.50 for adults and children; senior, military and educator discounts are available.

SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART
(BRINGING ART TO THOSE WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS)

Photo of people at the San Antonio Museum of Art
The Multi-sensory Tours give visually impaired and blind visitors access to the historical and thematic content of objects in the museum collection. Tactile models, music and aromas related to each object supplement the verbal presentations given by docents. The tours inform and engage inquiry into works of art that span ancient to modern times and cultures across the world through the senses.

Art tours for all guests, 6 to 100 yrs. Free general admission the day of the tour. Please arrive 15 minutes early. Wheelchairs and guide dogs welcome. Guests invited with a companion. 

Contact: for reservations: Chris Torgerson at tours@samuseum.org. 

The Multi-Sensory Tours occur at 10am one Saturday each Month.  To learn more about the programs at the San Antonio Museum of Art, visit them online at www.samuseum.org.
disABILITYsa received 501c3 Tax Exempt status as of March 14, 2017.
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VOLUNTEER OPS
Click on the links below
to volunteer with us!
​Conversation 360°
abilitySTRONG Parade (10/20)
​AccessAbility Fest (10/20)

UPCOMING EVENTS

September 30th, 2018
Fiesta Especial Royal Court
​Campaign Kick-Off Dinner

​October 9th, 2018
Conversation 360°
"Housing & Disability"

​October 20th, 2018
abilitySTRONG Parade
AccessAbility fest

​November 8th, 2018
Food for Thought
"Managing the Urgent"
See the Calendar for more.
If you would like to contribute information for this site, please email us at  info@disABILITYsa.org.
​We are unable to provide advice or referrals, so please refer to our Resource page if you need help finding services.
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