The Latest news about what is effecting those with Disabilities in North America, These PR articles, bring the newest technologies, initiatives and helpful tools to those who need them.
The award recognizes military spouses and integrates them into an ongoing program dedicated to developing leadership skills, broadening professional networks, enhancing life and advocacy skills, and fostering community impact.
Nominees undergo a rigorous four-stage selection process, culminating in the announcement of the 2024 AFI MSOY in Washington, D.C., in early May 2024. Criteria for evaluation include military community involvement, leadership acumen, community engagement, communication skills, and personal journey.
Key dates for the selection process are as follows:
National Nominations: December 4 – January 26
Introduction of Candidates: February 1
Base Voting Period: February 5-9
Announcement of Base Winners: February 13
Top 21 Branch Finalists Announced: February 22
Branch Voting: February 27-28
Branch Winners Announced: March 4
Overall AFI MSOY Voting: March 7-8
AFI MSOY Week: May 6-10
Overall AFI MSOY Announced: May 11
For detailed information about the AFI Military Spouse of the Year® award, including criteria for nominees, voting procedures, and opportunities for sponsorship, please visit msoy.afi.org.
OMERS, one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans, and its real estate arm, Oxford Properties, began its partnership with Lime in 2023, supporting talent acquisition through recruitment and networking events. OMERS also partners with Lime for events and other forums that provide education opportunities for those working in the disability talent space. As an organization, OMERS recognizes that diverse talents drive business forward and is dedicated to empowering employees who want to make an impact.
Andrew Masson, Senior Director of Corporate HR at Rogers Communications, and president of Lime Connect Canada’s Board of Directors, says, “Brandon is a highly respected business professional, and his leadership and strategic focus are assets to Lime Connect Canada’s work throughout the provinces. We are proud to welcome him to the Board, and are excited to partner to highlight the importance, and incredible value, of the broad talent pool of people with disabilities as a result.”
Weening, speaking of his role with Lime Connect, said, “At OMERS we are building tomorrow together – which requires that we foster a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As someone with a non-visible disability, I know how meaningful it is to work for organizations, like OMERS, that recognize and value each person’s diverse strengths and talents. This is why I’m proud to join Lime Connect Canada, and to support its mission — breaking stereotypes and leading employers to empower professionals with disabilities.”
About Lime Connect Lime Connect is a not-for-profit organization that is rebranding disability through achievement – with the largest network of high-potential university students and professionals with disabilities (including veterans) in the world. Lime attracts, prepares, and connects disabled individuals for scholarships, leadership programs, internships, and full-time careers with our partners — the world’s leading corporations. This work showcases the vast strengths and talents that are found in disabilities, and provides individuals with tools, self-confidence, community, and connections to realize their dreams.
Lime Connect developed The Lime Community in 2023 as the go-to resource for talent, education, and community in the disability talent space. All individuals with an interest are encouraged to join, and engage, as People with Disabilities (Lime Network members’ private community), or the broader communities of Friends of Lime (allies), university partners, and corporate partners. Learn more, and join us, at http://www.limeconnect.com.
“At FD, we are committed to our team’s development. Through comprehensive training, dedicated mentoring and flexible workplace initiatives, we’ve fostered an environment where talent thrives. Notably, 35% of our partners and principals are women, and we are excited about further cultivating an environment where all team members, regardless of level, can realize their full potential both personally and professionally,” noted Seth McDaniel, FD Managing Partner.
FD has fostered a resilient culture that centers on growth and uplifts employees, clients and its local communities. To fortify this base, the firm continues to prioritize Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) efforts that educate, encourage and pave the way for fair opportunities.
“As Chair of the Board, I am thrilled that FD has once again been recognized as a Best Firm for Equity Leadership,” said LeighAnn Costley, FD Partner and Chair of the Board of Directors. “We have experienced substantial growth in revenue, employee headcount and number of partners over the past ten years and have consistently maintained our commitment to diversity in leadership throughout that time. As we look to the future, we will continue to build on this success by focusing on our brand promise to invest in relationships together to make an impactful difference for our people and clients.”
Since 2010, the Accounting MOVE Project has been dedicated to assessing and promoting the progress of women in accounting and consulting firms. It stands out as the sole annual benchmarking initiative that not only quantifies but also advocates for the advancement of women in the profession.
“When options abound, women want to work for firms that appreciate their talents and give them opportunities to advance at a pace that fits with the rest of their lives. That’s why programs like the Accounting MOVE Project are so important to identify firms that have a history of women in leadership and offer flexible career options,” said Cindy Stanley, Executive Director of the Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance.
About Frazier & Deeter Frazier & Deeter is an award-winning Top 50 accounting and advisory firm that offers a full scope of tax, audit, internal controls advisory and business transformation services. FD and its family of brands serve clients worldwide, from the Fortune Global 500 companies to growing small businesses, and the firm has been recognized repeatedly as a Best of the Best Accounting firm, a Best Firm to Work For® and a Best Firm for Women in Leadership.
About the Accounting MOVE Project The Accounting MOVE Project is based on the MOVE methodology, developed by research partner Wilson-Taylor Associates, Inc., which investigates the factors proven to be essential to women’s career success: M – Money: fair pay practices; O – Opportunity: advancement and leadership development; V – Vital supports: work-life programs that remove barriers; E – Entrepreneurship: operating experience for managing or business ownership The MOVE Project advisory board includes leaders from association partner the Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance, founding sponsor Moss Adams and supporting sponsor SAPRO. See the archives of MOVE Project reports at https://accountingmoveproject.com/archives/.
Dedicated to hiring and supporting veterans, Rite-Solutions was among 153 medium-sized companies nationwide that received the Platinum award—the program’s highest tier.
MIDDLETOWN, R.I., Dec. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Rite-Solutions was recently a recipient of the Platinum HIRE Vets Medallion Award for 2023.
The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing (HIRE) American Military Veterans Act of 2017 established the HIRE Vets Medallion Program which recognizes employers that recruit, hire, retain, and develop veterans. Applications are reviewed annually, and award recipients are notified at a time to coincide with Veterans Day.
This year almost 860 companies received the award. Rite-Solutions is one of 153 medium-sized companies nationwide receiving the Platinum award—the program’s highest tier.
“This is the third year we have applied for and received the HIRE Vets Platinum award,” notes Joe Marino, Founder and CEO of Rite-Solutions. “We are proud to support our nation’s veterans. They bring the same dedication and work ethic to the workplace that they did in service of our country.”
To receive the award, 10% of employees must be veterans. In addition, 10% of new hires must be veterans or 85% of hired veterans must be retained. Companies must also have veteran integration assistance programs designed to support veterans.
“Veterans bring unique experiences, skills, and expertise to Rite-Solutions. We also have a shared passion about serving today’s armed forces and we are honored to win this award” says Susan Borden, Vice President of People Operations at Rite-Solutions.
Rite-Solutions, Inc. is an award-winning small business specializing in system engineering, software development, information technology (IT), and cyber security for government and commercial segments. Rite-Solutions has offices in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Washington D.C. For more information, please visit https://www.rite-solutions.com.
Doodle Bugs Children’s Learning Academy in Oviedo has some exciting news! We’re NOW ENROLLING and under new management!
OVIEDO, Fla., Dec. 3, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — High-quality childcare takes on a new meaning at Doodle Bugs! Children’s Learning academy. From the first tour to the first day, our commitment to delivering an exceptional experience will be felt every step of the way. It’s what separates us from other childcare centers and exactly what you and your child deserve.
At Doodle Bugs!, we believe in hands-on learning through play! Our high-quality educational programs enrich the whole child – nurturing curiosity, social skills, communication, independent thinking, and creativity! State-of-the-art facilities, responsive teachers, and our exclusive Florida-approved Bravo! Curriculum combines to create the ideal early childhood learning experience for children.
Our state-of-the-art facilities are warm and welcoming and create an ideal learning environment. We understand that a well-designed facility supports your child’s growth and development, affirms your high expectations and has a positive effect on our teachers’ ability to implement our educational program. Young children are drawn to the spacious classrooms, huge outdoor playgrounds, and engaging materials that combine to create the ultimate child-friendly learning environment.
We are NOW enrolling for:
Infants
Toddlers
Pre-School
PreK
2024 VPK (limited space available)
We also accept school readiness and child care aware.
Preschool and PreK children get to run, jump, and kick their way to better balance, coordination, and gross motor skills with Tae Kwon Do. Children get to explore professional instruments, sing, dance and create their own music through guided sessions with music therapy professionals with Music Rocks! We also have Ignite by Hatch, a digital learning platform with over 200 play-based experiences in 7 domains of development. Parents and teachers stay in the loop with notifications detailing the student’s progress. These programs along with our summer swim is included with tuition as well as breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
Parents are always connected! WatchMeGrow provides subscribed families secure, password protected viewing of our classroom and playground video cameras. Parents can see their child at any time, through any internet browser or on their mobile phone or tablet.
Through Tadpoles, you’ll receive daily reports, photos and videos in the communication style of your choice (email or text) and easily stay in contact with your center!
There’s no way to understand the Doodle Difference like experiencing it for yourself. Sign up for a tour at our Oviedo center today!
As parents of three young children, Alisha and Michael Singh were eager to find a better work/life balance. Active members of their Long Island community, the couple recognized the growing senior population and saw Caring Transitions as the perfect business opportunity to marry their desire to be thriving business owners with their passion for Dix Hills.
“We wanted to find something that we’re excited about and that we like to do,” Alisha admitted. “In just our neighborhood, there are a number of assisted living facilities that I’m involved with and so are my kids; they do Zoom calls and they read to the seniors. So Caring Transitions brings together our goals to be successful along with helping our community which is really important to us.”
Michael is a real estate developer and looks for chances to help buy and sell properties, when necessary, while Alisha is in charge of the networking and helping with estate sales and downsizing. Caring Transitions currently has more than 300 franchise locations serving families from coast to coast. The Dix Hill location serves Huntington Station, Dix Hills, South Huntington, Northport, East Northport, Elwood, Fort Salonga, Babylon, Greenlawn, Commack, Melville, Smithtown, Wyandanch, Wheatley Heights, and surrounding areas.
“Alisha and Michael have a big place in their hearts for their community and it shows right away,” said Ray Fabik, President of Caring Transitions. “We are looking forward to seeing them grow and be bright spots for the seniors around Dix Hill.”
Caring Transitions, founded in 2006, is the most trusted and experienced national franchise specializing in senior relocation and transition services. With more than 300 locations throughout the United States, all owned and operated by Certified Relocation and Transition Specialists, Caring Transitions provides clients with supportive moves, auctions, rightsizing, and transitions. This includes expert advice plus a well-executed transition plan beginning with the initial sorting of personal belongings through packing, unpacking, resettling, and selling of items to the final clearing and cleaning of the property. For more information, visit http://www.caringtransitions.com or visit us on Facebook.
Mother Goose Health’s unification of the fragmented maternity care system proactively addresses disproportionate risk, care gaps and social determinants to help to improve health outcomes for mother and child, and reduce costs by closing the gaps between provider, patient, health plan and secondary providers.
“We are thrilled to partner with SohoMD to enable access to their unique mental health platform so that we might provide holistic maternity care to all,” said Kenneth Levey MD, MPH, chief executive officer, Mother Goose Health. “Poor perinatal mental health is a common pregnancy-related morbidity, particularly amongst underserved populations, and by completing the circle of mental healthcare from assessment to treatment within a completely connected health management system, we can help to improve outcomes for previously overlooked patient groups and reduce healthcare expenditure in those areas the burden is highest.”
“Even though mood and anxiety disorders are among the most common complications associated with pregnancy, including in the year following the birth, maternal mental health disorders are often underdiagnosed, under-treated, or go untreated completely,” said Dr. Jacques Jospitre, chief executive officer and co-founder of SohoMD. “This partnership with Mother Goose, whose services are laser-focused on the needs of new parents, will help us close this gap between care and need and serve as a model for integrating mental health into a maternity care ecosystem.”
About Mother Goose Health
Mother Goose Health is the leading integrated platform aligning incentives and delivering value-based care to obstetrics through evidence-based clinical models. The platform incorporates predictive risk modeling to identify risks early, unifies communication and care, and facilitates rapid clinical interventions reducing the likelihood of preterm birth, NICU stays and other complications. The Mother Goose ecosystem includes a patient-facing mobile app and a network of maternity care coordinators and services accessed through a proprietary clinical software application directly connected to the practice EMR. For more information visit https://mothergoosehealth.com/
About SohoMD
SohoMD is a national online mental health platform that focuses on comprehensive biological psychiatry and trauma informed therapy. Available remotely, the practice offers a combination of modalities, supplements, nutrition, and lifestyle changes that work in tandem with talk-based therapies and medicines. Their team of internal specialists provides integrated mental health services and considers numerous evidence-based treatments before crafting a customized a plan for each patient. For more information visit https://www.sohomd.com/
The stiffness of the structure led to situations where the load and positioning of each platform section could not be accurately monitored. Sacrificing the natural ductility and bending strength of the steel structure (by articulation), limited the system’s ability to distribute loads across different sections, making it vulnerable to peak loads.
By contrast, today’s rigid or hybrid structures, unlike hinged/articulated ones, flex under load. This characteristic, along with the extension of loaded wire ropes, allows for more effective load distribution, just like your car’s suspension. It is not surprising therefore an articulated platform needs 50% more capacity to achieve the same safety/nominal lifting capacity.
The difference between rigid/hybrid and articulated designs becomes even more evident with difficult hull forms, such as those with interrupted keel blocks, large overhangs, or abnormal peak loads. However, the paramount advantage of the rigid/hybrid platform is still its enhanced safety.
Since its start in 1957, 283 installations have been ordered and we have lifted more than 3 million ships – a testament to the concept of lifting ships out of the water. In 2023 Syncrolift is considered the safest and most productive way to launch new ships and lift those in service. Even nuclear-powered submarines are lifted today with live reactors.
However, not all 283 installations are still in service – in fact, 89 (over 30%) of them are currently inactive.
Why? There are several reasons:
Lack of maintenance – any mechanical device needs maintenance, or it will fail.
The original Syncrolift was a package of constituent products with no overall design control.
The original Syncrolift had no means of load indication, and many were often overloaded.
The original Syncrolift had an extremely high starting current and was expensive to run.
Some owners went out of business due to factors not necessarily related to the product.
In 67 years, some serious limitations of the original concept have been revealed which is hardly surprising, given that significant changes have occurred in shipbuilding technology. Many of those factors that made the original Syncrolift such a success have been overtaken by more effective designs and modern proven technology.
Again, safety must be paramount in the shipbuilding industry and should always come first. Many shiplifts have remained in service without incident after Lloyds Register introduced the Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment during the ’80s with that in mind. However, the safety of life and limb cannot be solely dependent on legacy engineering or the Maintenance Manager.
In recent years we have become aware of the growth of operational incidents occurring with articulated platforms. Wire Rope breakage has been the main factor in older lifts and the fact that those older platforms are articulated has become critical. If one wire rope breaks on an articulated platform it can cause platform sections to tip or fall. When that happens, the wire ropes in adjacent hoists go out of alignment, and the sheave edges can abrade those ropes too. In the worst case, the lift collapses and drops its load. This is not acceptable. As the OEM we have become increasingly concerned about this growth of articulated incidents to the point we think shiplift owners should be making changes for the safety of ships in the yard, and their personnel. Some prudent articulated shiplift owners have already secured platform beams with safety wires, and/or changed their articulated platforms to a rigid configuration. They are now benefiting from the upgrade to 2020’s technology. Our modern platform is a rigid structure, and in unlikely wire rope breakage case due to lack of maintenance or such circumstances, the platform structure absorbs the extra load until replacement of the wire can be made or continue the operation to reduce the load.
Note – we do not endorse other lifting media like chain as a means of ensuring correct design and functionality. Wire rope still remains the most suitable lifting medium for shiplifts, considering factors such as safety, redundancy, environmental impact, maintenance costs, downtime, risk assessment, smooth operation, component fatigue life, lack of proper monitoring, etc.
Why put your whole shipyard at risk when we can guarantee no platform structure will drop in the water if you change your articulated lift to a rigid configuration with Calypso?
For all the above reasons, and because this is so important, Syncrolift is today offering our “Calypso™” upgrade service so older shiplifts can be upgraded to a safer configuration and reduce the daily costs of operation.
As the OEM for all 283 Syncrolift installations, our free Calypso safety consultation will evaluate the safety of your older articulated Syncrolift on any installation with more than 4 hoists. Even 4-hoist units can benefit from modern technology. Many of the simple changes we will likely recommend can be undertaken by your own shipbuilding personnel.
Our recommended changes can range from simply upgrading the platform to a rigid structure, to changes in control functions, components, and the addition of a Fluid Bed Transfer System. These will all significantly increase your safety of operation while lowering your applied loads. In addition, you can derive even greater benefits, as follows:
Reduced power consumption
Increased Nominal lifting capacity. (>15%)
Increased component life, meaning overall life extension of your system.
Lower-cost electric motors
Major reduction in starting currents
Automated smart lifting.
Fast Docking systems like automated blocking and in-haul systems
Remote analysis so your problems can be evaluated without coming to the site.
The obvious success of Syncrolift has been imitated by others over the years, and there are a number of articulated platforms around the world that may or may not still be in service. So, if you are operating a shiplift supplied by Bardex, Brohl, Hydraudyne, IMG, Pearlson Shiplift Corp, Schiess Defries, or by others, call Syncrolift. Safety is our goal – and we will help you make your life safer, and hopefully save you some money too.
How do you know if your Syncrolift has an articulated platform? If no platform drawings are available, look at your Hoists or Motor Control Center. If there is a brass plate bearing the name “Pearlson Engineering Corp” you have an articulated platform.
Why not take advantage of this free consultation offer? We guarantee no platform structure will drop in the water if you change your articulated lift to a rigid configuration with Calypso.
Email us at [email protected]; any of our six Service Centers, or DM Consulting at the addresses below to reap the benefits of increased safety, lower costs, and optimized shipyard productivity. We are an international organization based in 7 different maritime regions and can quickly plan a visit to your yard.
Golden Future 50+ Senior Expo Returns to the LA West area on Saturday, December 2nd from 9am – 1:30pm! This year’s event has an exciting change; it will be held at the busy and modern Culver City Senior Center located at 4095 Overland Avenue, Culver City, CA!
CULVER CITY, Calif., Nov. 30, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Golden Future 50+ Senior Expo was created specifically for SoCal Baby Boomers and Seniors to explore options and resources available for retirement, learn about new products and services, and connect with others who share the same goal of healthy aging. The expo will showcase a vast range of exhibitors from industries such as healthcare, financial services, government programs, diet and exercise, Social Security, Medicare, and more! Attendees can also expect 65 exhibits, health screenings, networking, raffles, free haircuts and nail manicures, bingo, arts & crafts, Zumba fitness class, job & volunteer opportunities, and educational seminars from industry experts. Parking is complimentary at the Senior Center and across the street at the Veterans Memorial Building.
The Golden Future 50+ Expo is proudly sponsored by L.A. Care Health Plan, Eli Lilly and Company, Angel Care Inc., KKLA Radio, and Not Born Yesterday Magazine who give back to the SoCal Senior Community in major ways:
L.A. Care Health Plan: L.A. Care Health Plan is the largest health plan in Los Angeles County, serving 2.9 million residents. It provides access to quality health care for vulnerable and low-income residents and supports the safety net required to achieve that purpose. L.A. Care offers four product lines including Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Medicare Plus (HMO-DSNP), L.A. Care Covered, and other health coverage options. To learn more, please visit www.lacare.org.
Eli Lilly and Company: Diabetes and endocrinology conditions may impact multiple regulatory systems within your body, which can ultimately affect your overall health. For over 100 years, Lilly has been focused on meeting the diverse needs of people with diabetes and those who care for them. Learn more about Lilly’s Diabetes Research and enroll in a clinical trial today! To learn more, please visit https://www.trials.lilly.com.
Angel Care Inc.: Angel Care Inc. is a home care provider serving loved ones and families in West Los Angeles and surrounding areas. We serve as the angels with eyes, ears, and helping hands for our clients when their family and friends cannot be there for them. To learn more, please visit www.angelcarela.com or call 310-630-7268.
Toyia Moore Borrelli, Executive Director with Golden Future Expos Inc. says, “Our LA West Edition is always one of our most popular events! With no admission fee, this 1-day in-person event will feature a who’s who of those who offer goods and services to the Senior Market. The objective is to provide Baby Boomers and Seniors with information and resources that they may not be aware of or have access to. Attendees can go directly to http://www.goldenfutureseniorexpo.com to register or register at the door.” You won’t want to miss this event!
Media Contact
Toyia Moore Borrelli, Golden Future Expos Inc., 1 8057163303, [email protected], Golden Future Expos Inc.
“SWE has always been at the forefront of supporting women engineers’ professional growth. By leveraging CABEM’s expertise, we aim to offer our members a more personalized and effective approach to professional development,” said Rachel Porcelli, Senior Manager, Learning Programs at SWE.
Jay Fredkin, CEO at CABEM, shared his perspective on the partnership, stating, “Women are critical to the future of technology, and this is self-fulfilling. We need women in our business – it’s not just good for CABEM, but great for our industry.”
About CABEM CABEM delivers accelerated custom solutions to address enterprise learning and competency challenges. With a rich library of regulatory compliance, competency, and credentialing software components, CABEM configures solutions that seamlessly align with specific business requirements. Their approach combines years of domain experience to ensure solutions fit client needs perfectly.
About the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) For over 70 years, the Society of Women Engineers has been a champion of women engineers globally. As an international not-for-profit educational and service organization, SWE is dedicated to being a catalyst for change for women in engineering and technology. Founded in 1950 and headquartered in the United States, SWE boasts a robust membership of over 40,000 members, spanning nearly 100 professional sections, 300 collegiate sections, and 60 global affiliate groups.
