Category Archives: Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

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.

Bob Mills Furniture Named as an Official Toys for Tots Dropoff Location, Brightening the Holidays for Children in San Antonio, Texas


Bob Mills Furniture Co., L.L.C is thrilled to be an official dropoff location with Toys for Tots this holiday season, aiming to make the holidays a little brighter for local children of San Antonio, Texas.

SAN ANTONIO, Nov. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Bob Mills Furniture Co., L.L.C is thrilled to be an official dropoff location with Toys for Tots this holiday season, aiming to make the holidays a little brighter for local children of San Antonio, Texas.

Toys for Tots, a nationally recognized charitable organization, has been working tirelessly for over seven decades to ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the joy of unwrapping a gift during the holiday season. Through the generosity of individuals, organizations, and businesses like Bob Mills Furniture, Toys for Tots has been able to distribute millions of toys to children in need each year.

Bob Mills Furniture, located conveniently at the intersection of I-10 and De Zavala in San Antonio, has been a pillar of the community since its inception. Boasting more than 400 employees, many of whom have been with the company for over 25 years, Bob Mills Furniture has consistently remained under the same single ownership since its founder, Bob Mills, opened his first store 52 years ago. The company’s commitment to giving back to the community is a core value, and involvement with Toys for Tots is an extension of that commitment.

Bob Mills, Owner of Bob Mills Furniture, expressed his excitement for the announcement, stating, “Every year we try to do something special for families that may need a little extra help. We couldn’t be happier to be involved with the Toys for Tots organization. We want as many people as possible to participate so we can really help the kids this holiday season!”

Bob Mills Furniture’s San Antonio location at 12621 W. I-10, San Antonio, TX 78230 will be collecting new, unwrapped toys now until December 17, 2023. The community is encouraged to participate in this heartwarming initiative and make a difference in the lives of local children during the holiday season.

About Bob Mills Furniture:

Bob Mills Furniture Co., L.L.C is a renowned furniture and mattress retailer headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK. With a long-standing commitment to providing quality home furnishings and exceptional customer service, Bob Mills Furniture has become a trusted household name. The San Antonio location, situated at the intersection of I-10 and De Zavala, is an integral part of the community, consistently giving back to those in need.

About Toys for Tots:

Toys for Tots is a nationally recognized charitable organization with a mission to provide new, unwrapped toys to children in need during the holiday season. Established in 1947, Toys for Tots has brought joy to countless children across the United States, thanks to the support of generous individuals, organizations, and businesses.

Media Contact

Aimee Carlisle, Bob Mills Furniture, 1 4059476500 4059476500, [email protected], www.bobmillsfurniture.com

SOURCE Bob Mills Furniture

Free Meals for Those Who Served in the Military


Honoring our heroes with a selection of 10 delicious entrees

NEW ALBANY, Ohio, Nov. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Bob Evans Restaurants is honoring the nation’s veterans and active duty military personnel with a free meal on Veterans Day. Veterans and military members who dine in at their local Bob Evans Farmhouse Kitchen on November 11, 2023, can choose from one of 10 farm-fresh breakfast items from a special menu available all day. The offering is part of Bob Evans’ longstanding support for the military community, saluting the life and legacy of founder Bob Evans, a veteran himself.

“Veterans’ Day at Bob Evans is a heartfelt tribute to the brave individuals who have served our nation. As a token of our gratitude, we are honored to offer free, farm-fresh food to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom,” said Bob Holtcamp, President and Chief Marketing Officer for Bob Evans Restaurants. “On November 11, we are honored to serve those who have so proudly served our country, individuals just like our founder Bob Evans himself.”

Veterans and active duty military guests can choose one of the following farm-fresh dishes when they dine in:

  • Country Biscuit Breakfast: A buttermilk biscuit topped with one egg cooked-to-order, crumbled Bob Evans® Sausage, country gravy and cheddar cheese. Served with hash browns, home fries or fresh-cut fruit.
  • Sunrise: Two fresh-cracked eggs, cooked to order, and your choice of hash browns, home fries or fresh-cut fruit. Served with your choice of freshly baked bread.
  • The Classic Breakfast: Classic combination of two fresh-cracked eggs, cooked to order, with a choice of premium breakfast meat. Served with your choice of freshly baked bread.
  • The Mini Sampler: One egg cooked-to-order, hash browns, home fries or fresh-cut fruit, two sausage links, one turkey sausage link or two hardwood-smoked bacon strips and a freshly baked biscuit.
  • Brioche French Toast: Two slices of griddled brioche bread, dipped in real egg batter made with vanilla and cinnamon. Served with butter and syrup and topped with powdered sugar.
  • Sausage Gravy & Biscuits: A cup of Bob Evans signature house-made sausage gravy with two freshly baked buttermilk biscuits.
  • Buttermilk Hotcakes: Four fluffy buttermilk hotcakes served with butter and syrup.
  • Banana Berry Oatmeal: Rolled oat oatmeal topped with wild blueberries, sweet blueberry sauce, fresh banana slices and honey-roasted pecans. Served with fresh milk and a side of freshly baked banana nut bread.
  • Bowl of Rolled-Oat Oatmeal: Made fresh daily. Served with real brown sugar, fresh milk and dried cranberries or honey-roasted pecans.
  • Down-Home Country-Fried Steak: Topped with savory country gravy and served with mashed potatoes and green beans with ham, served with your choice of freshly baked bread.

Guests wishing to enjoy a free Veterans Day meal must provide proof of service. Accepted identification includes: US Uniformed Services ID Card, US Uniformed Services Retired Card, current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), veterans organization card (i.e. American Legion, VFW), a photograph of yourself in uniform, wearing uniform, DD214, and citation or commendation.

For more information and local restaurant hours, visit https://www.bobevans.com/veterans-day.

About Bob Evans Restaurants, LLC

Bob Evans Restaurants is chain of family-style restaurants founded and headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, which owns and operates nearly 450 locations in 18 states, primarily in the Midwest, mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions. Guests have been enjoying signature farm-fresh meals like the Farmer’s Choice Breakfast, made with fresh-cracked eggs, and the slow-roasted, hand-carved turkey dinner among other classics for over 70 years. True to his humble farmer roots, founder Bob Evans believed in treating strangers like friends and friends like family, and this hospitality is still on display at every Bob Evans Restaurant location. As a private company, Bob Evans Restaurants is focused on bringing America’s Farm Fresh to its guests at every meal, each and every day. For more information and restaurant locations, visit BobEvans.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Media Contact

Kyle Staten, Fahlgren Mortine, 1 614.383.1626, [email protected]

SOURCE Bob Evans Restaurants LLC



President Biden Selects Almaz Negash as Inaugural Member of Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement


Almaz Negash, founder and executive director of the African Diaspora Network (ADN), was selected alongside other council members for her dedication to advancing sustainable development on the continent through innovative U.S.-Africa engagements and initiatives over the past 13 years.

Members of the council include Silvester Scott Beaman (Council chair), Mimi E. Alemayehou, Rosalind Brewer, Viola Davis, Helene D. Gayle, Patrick Hubert Gaspard, C.D. Glin, Osagie Imasogie, Almaz Negash, Chinenye Joy Ogwumike, Ham K. Serunjogi, and Kevin Young. The Council will provide invaluable guidance to reinforce cultural, social, political, and economic ties between the U.S. and Africa, and promote trade, investment, and educational exchanges between the United States and Africa. Deniece Laurent-Mantey serves as the Executive Director of the Council. Members of the council were officially sworn-in on the 30th of October 2023 in the presence of the U.S. Vice President, Kamala Harris; U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken; and U.S. Senator, Chris Coons.

Addressing members of the council and their guests during the official swearing in ceremony, VP Kamala Harris said, “The work of this council is an extension of the work that we do on behalf of the United States, to show our sincere interest in partnership, understanding mutual connections, and seeing where alignments exist. This is critical in reinforcing relationships and our democratic principles. I am also excited that the council will be a way to reintroduce the U.S. to the continent.”

According to Deniece Laurent-Mantey, Executive Director of the PAC-ADE, “As President Biden noted in his Executive Order to establish the Advisory Council, the African Diaspora in the United States is a source of strength. We look forward to working with the Council to encourage efforts to strengthen cultural, social, political, and economic ties between African communities, the global African Diaspora, and the United States“.

The African Diaspora Network, run by Almaz, will also be partnering with Arizona State University to implement the USAID $80 million award to empower Africa’s youth through the Young African Leaders Initiative Legacy Localization (YALI LL) Activity. The award is part of President Biden’s commitments made at last year’s U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit to develop and expand initiatives to empower African institutions and people.

“ADN holds a distinctive position for making a meaningful impact, notably underscored by the appointment of our founder and executive director, Almaz Negash, to the inaugural Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States under the Biden Administration. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Almaz for this well deserved recognition” says Josh Ghaim, Ph.D, ADN Board Chairman.

Almaz Negash, Founder and Executive Director of the African Diaspora Network, says, “I am honored to serve on the President’s Inaugural Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Honorable President Biden, Vice President Harris, and their dedicated team for their unwavering commitment to Africa and the African Diaspora. I am also delighted that ADN will be a part of the ASU-led coalition to empower Africa’s youths through the Young African Leaders Initiative Legacy Localization (YALI LL) award from USAID. I look forward to the opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, and pool resources, with the goal of making an impact on the African continent and the communities we call home.”

Almaz, who has been a champion for diversity and social impact in Silicon Valley, was recently highlighted in De.Coded, a Human Atlas of Silicon Valley. Almaz and ADN are driving innovative approaches for diaspora engagement that go beyond remittances and extend to sustainable investments on the continent through initiatives such as the African Diaspora Investment Symposium, Impact and Innovation Series, the Builders of Africa’s future, and Accelerating Black Leadership & Entrepreneurship (ABLE). She will continue to use the ADN platform to mobilize, engage, and activate the African Diaspora to sustainably build and invest in the future of the African continent.

About African Diaspora Network:
African Diaspora Network (ADN) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization. Our mission is to harness and engage the intellectual, financial, philanthropic and entrepreneurial capacity of Africans and friends of Africa in support of economic and social development across Africa. Since 2010, the African Diaspora Network has energized collaboration among Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, philanthropists and African Diasporans to uplift its local community towards the benefit of Africa. ADN is dedicated to providing virtual and physical forums to accelerate access to resources that foster partnership, knowledge sharing, and advance investment opportunities.

Media Contact

Megan Hunsberger, African Diaspora Network, +17247770698, [email protected], www.africandiasporanetwork.org

Twitter

SOURCE African Diaspora Network



Canadian Physician Surgeon, Citizen Scientist Dr. Shawna Pandya Speaks at Judson University’s World Leaders Forum Inspirational Series


Her achievements include completing Scientist‐Astronaut Candidate training in 2015 with Project PoSSUM (Polar Suborbital Science in the Upper Mesosphere) and being part of the first crew to test a commercial spacesuit in zero gravity. In 2016, she was named as prime crew for Project Poseidon, which aims to further ocean and space exploration, while setting a world record for “most days spent under the sea.” She also received the Global Women of Vision Award in 2016.

Pandya also participated in a panel discussion with women in STEAM—science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics—leadership roles who discussed their successes, challenges, and advice to others in pursuing their career goals.

The following panelists were:

  • Alicia Ponce, architect, founder, and Design Principal of APMonarch
  • Tammera Holmes, CEO of AeroStar Avion Institute NFP + AeroStar Consulting Corporation
  • Erin Miller, pilot, and granddaughter of a female Airforce service pilot

The entire presentation made an impression on Judson University President Gene Crume.

“There are a lot of great programs and amazing speakers this fall across many campuses,” he said. “But, in terms of leadership, women in science, and the STEAM fields, there was no presentation better than this one we had at Judson. This presentation was the first time that Dr. Pandya spoke in Chicago. The rest of the panelists were amazing representatives from their fields, and each woman had a positive and uplifting story to share with our audience.”

Ruiz added that it was an honor to gather these women from diverse backgrounds and careers onto the university’s stage.

“Hearing their conversations, key takeaways, insights—everything that we experienced was wonderful while we were making a difference in students’ lives,” she said. “That to me makes me very proud and honored to be the host of the World Leaders Forum Inspirational Series.”

The event proceeds went to leadership, entrepreneurship, diversity, and RISE program scholarships for students at Judson University.

During Thanksgiving week, the University will reveal the official video of the presentation and photos. To view these, visit the website.

About Judson University
Located in Elgin, Illinois, since 1963, Judson University offers a Christian, liberal arts, and sciences education through its Bachelor of Arts degrees for more than 60 majors, minors, graduate programs, and online, as well as certification and accelerated adult degree programs. For more information, visit http://www.JudsonU.edu.

Media Contact

Marie Lazzara, JJR Marketing, 630-400-3361, [email protected], https://jjrmarketing.com/

SOURCE Judson University

91st Annual Brunswick Veterans Day Parade Slated for Sunday, November 5


The festivities get underway with an opening ceremony beginning at 1:00 p.m. and the parade starting at 2:00 p.m.

BRUNSWICK, Md., Oct. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The City of Brunswick is proud of its history and patriotism, which can be witnessed on Sunday, November 5th, as the city hosts its 91st Annual Brunswick Veterans Day Parade, making this event one of the oldest of its kind in the country. The festivities get underway with an opening ceremony beginning at 1:00 p.m. and the parade starting at 2:00 p.m. Once again, this event has been recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Day National Committee as an official regional site for the 2023 Veterans Day Commemoration and is one of only three in Maryland to get this designation.

The keynote speaker for the Opening Ceremony and the grand marshal for the parade is retired U.S. Marine Corps Major General James W. Lukeman. General Lukeman, who now serves as the president and CEO of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, commanded the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines and served as the Assistant Chief of Staff for the 1st Marine Division in Iraq during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

Additional assignments for Lukeman included Director of the Career Course at the Staff NCO academy at Quantico, Virginia; Assistant for Strategy and Force Planning in the Office of the Secretary of Defense; Commanding Officer, Security Battalion and Chief of Staff for Marine Corps Base Quantico. And as a General Officer, he served as Commanding General of the Second Marine Division; Commanding General, Training and Education Command; Assistant Chief of Staff, U/C/J-5, United Nations Command/Combined Forces Command/U.S. Forces Korea and Inspector General of the Marine Corps.

Command Sergeant Major Michael Dills from Fort Detrick will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the Opening Ceremony. The Fort Detrick Color Guard and Brunswick Elementary School Choir will also participate in the event. Military Veteran and musician Darryl Brenzel will perform the National Anthem. Remarks will also be provided by Brunswick Mayor Nathan Brown and MD State Senator William Folden.

At 2:00 p.m., the 91st Annual Brunswick Veterans Day Parade will get underway. There are approximately 100 parade entries, ranging from marching bands such as Brunswick High School to veterans and military groups. Numerous fire trucks, antique vehicles, youth and community organizations are also participating and vying for cash prizes awarded in various parade categories. The parade’s emcee will be Navy veteran and Frederick Chamber of Commerce CEO Rick Weldon.    

World War II Veteran Carl Felton will serve as the honorary parade marshal for this year’s parade. SM3c Felton was born in 1926 and joined the U.S. Navy in October 1943, just four months after graduating from high school, at 17 years of age. After receiving training in Morse Code, Felton became a Signalman and assigned to the HMS Ceres. The ship was in charge of directing traffic in and out of Omaha Beach.

In the early morning hours of June 6, 1944, the ship left for Normandy and took heavy fire off the coast. Felton was stationed on the bridge, sending and receiving messages. Many ships around him were sunk. He was stationed at Omaha Beach throughout the summer of 1944 before moving on to Cherbourg to help rebuild the port. Felton was transferred in 1945 to the USS Baker, whose main job was to search for mines. He returned to New York City on the Queen Elizabeth in 1945 and was transferred to the USS Scott, which escorted a captured German submarine to Washington, D.C. Finally, Felton was sent to Florida to assist in the decommission of several ships and was honorably discharged in April 1946.

After the parade, attendees are encouraged to attend a reception at American Legion Post 96 in Brunswick. Food and beverages will be provided at no charge for attendees. For more information, check out the Brunswick Veteran’s Day Parade’s Facebook page.

Media Contact

Shuan Butcher, Parade Coordinator, Brunswick Veterans Day Parade, 240-344-4757, [email protected]https://www.facebook.com/brunswickveteransparade

SOURCE Brunswick Veterans Day Parade

Cognosante Awarded Second Cloud Operations Migration Services Contract


Cognosante today announced it has been awarded its second contract to provide cloud operations and migration services to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

FALLS CHURCH, Va., Oct. 31, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Cognosante today announced it has been awarded its second contract to provide cloud operations and migration services to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The contract, valued at $189 million, includes a base year and two option years. 

“We are incredibly proud of the work we have done to further VA’s cloud modernization goals,” says Philip Dietz, General Manager of Cognosante’s Military and Veteran Health Business Unit. “Each cloud migration completed under this contract results in performance gains for VA and service improvements to the Nation’s Veterans. We are honored to continue partnering with VA on this important mission.”

Since 2018, Cognosante has worked with the VA Enterprise Cloud Solutions Office (ECSO) on the implementation and maintenance of the multi-vendor VA Enterprise Cloud (VAEC), a critical component of VA’s digital modernization initiative. The team was initially tasked with developing and executing a strategy to move 350 VA systems to the VAEC by FY 2024.

“Being entrusted to empower VA as a cloud leader across government brings us immense pride. Our mature cloud delivery framework and team of cloud experts maximize the value of VA’s investment in cloud, enabling a secure, scalable solution that accelerates VA’s Cloud Smart journey.” says Erick Peters, Cognosante’s Chief Technology Officer.

The COMS project has received numerous industry recognitions for innovation and performance, including the 2022 Pinnacle Award for Government TEAM Project of the Year, and the 2022 FedHealth IT Innovation Award.

About Cognosante
At Cognosante, we help create a safer, healthier, and more equitable nation for all. Federal agencies who deliver exceptional public services and programs choose us for our innovative mindset and unwavering dedication to moving their missions forward. Applying practical expertise to build solutions that leverage leading technologies, Cognosante partners with healthcare, civilian, and defense agencies to realize program outcomes and performance.

Whether we are modernizing systems, enabling greater access to public benefits, or delivering mission-critical programs, we innovate with purpose – touching the lives of millions of people. For more information, visit cognosante.com.

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Media Contact

Stephanie Kinsey, Cognosante, 240-904-4517, [email protected], www.cognosante.com

Cydney Walton, Cognosante, 240-904-4517, [email protected], www.cognosante.com

SOURCE Cognosante

Griffyn Series lights up Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple


The nightly 40-minute light and sound show which portrays Lord Krishna’s life as a symbol of tenderness, patience, compassion, and love, was inaugurated by Agra’s chief minister, Yogi Adityanath. This mesmerizing presentation was accomplished by eight Christie Griffyn 4K32-RGB pure laser projectors, meticulously installed and commissioned by Modern Stage Service, a renowned systems integrator recognized for numerous projection mapping projects across India. Its portfolio includes prominent landmarks such as the Old Fort in New Delhi and the Sanchi Stupa in Madhya Pradesh.

“Bringing the legend of Lord Krishna to life through the captivating fusion of light and sound has been an incredible journey,” said Kartik Wadhwa, director of Modern Stage Service. “We are delighted to partner with Christie to strategically deploy the Griffyn Series projectors in weatherproof enclosures at the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple for this highly anticipated son et lumière, which reaffirms our commitment to delivering awe-inspiring visual experiences at one of India’s most cherished landmarks.”

Rishubh Nayar, sales director for India, Enterprise, Christie, added, “This new light and sound show at the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling through projection technology, and we are honored to be a part of this iconic endeavor. The Griffyn Series projectors not only bring historical narratives to life, but also showcase the immense potential of visual artistry at this sacred site, enriching the spiritual and cultural experience for countless pilgrims and visitors.”

The selection of the Griffyn Series for this prestigious project was a natural choice, given its exceptional track record of illuminating large-scale monuments and venues across India, such as the Statue of Equality in Telangana and BAPS Sri Swaminarayan Mandir in Gondal. Known for its unparalleled image quality and superior performance, the Griffyn Series has consistently delivered impressive visuals that have left a lasting impact on audiences.

With lumen options ranging from 36,500 to 50,000, the all-in-one Griffyn Series is among the smallest, lightest, and brightest RGB pure laser projectors available. Equipped with Christie TruLife+™‥electronics platform for all-in connectivity and electronic color convergence (ECC) that allows for perfect color alignment, this 3DLP® projector series can produce greater than 98% of the Rec.2020 color space, resulting in richer and true-to-life colors. As well, the Griffyn Series comes with integrated Christie Twist ™ for warping and blending, and is compatible with Christie® Mystique™, automated camera-based alignment software solution that can quickly manage and maintain multi-projection systems.

Media Contact

Tsung Yi Chan, Christie, + 65 6877 8793, [email protected], www.christiedigital.com 

SOURCE Christie

FREE Academic, Health, and Character Education Lessons for Every Teacher in America


The BE KIND Break is unique in its approach to helping teachers and parents simultaneously teach academic lessons while fostering essential life skills and values. Furthermore, schools participating in BE KIND programs report higher academic scores and improved behavior.

Nicole Henderson, Professional School Counselor at Dunne STEM Academy in Chicago, Illinois explains how the program improves relationship skills, “Given everything that our students have gone through during the pandemic and all of the social development that they have missed out on, they really needed a structured curriculum that was not only driven by current standards but also fun. What makes The Be Kind People Project unique is that it found a way to deliver the content to students while also keeping them involved, engaged and motivated.”

About The Be Kind People Project

Founded in 2011, The Be Kind People Project® is a public 501 (c) 3 non-profit dedicated to initiating positive social change in schools and providing a framework for youth that will improve academic achievement, interpersonal relationship skills, accountability, behavior, personal health and wellness, teacher appreciation, and the formation of enduring values. The Be Kind People Project has a vision of building a generation of respectful, responsible, healthy, and caring citizens and leaders. The organization has served over five million students and 250,000 teachers. To learn more about The Be Kind People Project and The BE KIND Break, visit https://thebekindpeopleproject.org/.

Media Contact

Lisa James, Gordon C. James Public Relations, 1 6026903957, [email protected], www.thebekindpeopleproject.org 

SOURCE The Be Kind People Project