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.

Award-winning My Special Aflac Duck® arrives in El Paso to provide comfort and joy to children facing cancer and blood disorders



Ten children experience a heartwarming surprise: robotic Aflac ducks delivered with a day full of festive activities in honor of National Childhood Cancer and National Sickle Cell Awareness Month COLUMBUS, Ga., Sept. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Aflac, a leading provider of supplemental…

Paralyzed Veterans of America, Hand In Hand, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, and United Spinal Association issue joint statement in response to Department of Transportation/United Airlines settlement agreement concerning Engracia Figueroa



WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — As part of a coalition of nonprofit organizations advocating for safe and accessible air travel, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Hand In Hand, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, and the United Spinal Association issued a joint statement in…

Racial Disparities in Farm Loan Application Processing: Are Black Farmers Disadvantaged?


New AAEA member research released in AEPP

MILWAUKEE, Sept. 28, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — New research finds that FSA direct loans for Black farmers took about 2 days longer on average than loans for all other farmers to be completed and processed. However, the effect was almost entirely concentrated among operating loans (OLs). But why?

In the new article “Racial Disparities in Farm Loan Application Processing: Are Black Farmers Disadvantaged?” published in the Applied Economic Perspectives & Policy, Ashok Mishra from Arizona State University, Gianna Short and Charles Dodson from the USDA’s Farm Production and Conservation Business Center, find out if processing time for FSA direct loans differ between black and non-back applicants.

The authors say, “The concentration of the effect almost entirely among OLs is not consistent with discrimination based on racial prejudice, which would be expected to result in a similar pattern among all loan types. Rather, the differences are likely influenced by the unique characteristics associated with OLs. Specifically, the shorter term for OLs means that repayment is more highly dependent on projected cash flow, the development of which can be more challenging for applicants with fewer financial resources, less financial literacy or training, and greater uncertainty about future income. Historical discrimination likely plays a role in explaining these differences. The long history of discrimination in rural Black communities may have increased friction between the respective communities. As such Black borrowers might be hesitant to rely on the USDA and FSA staff might exhibit an excess of caution in processing Black applications.”

If you are interested in setting up an interview, please contact Allison Ware in the AAEA Business Office.

ABOUT AAEA: Established in 1910, the Agricultural & Applied Economics Association (AAEA) is the leading professional association for agricultural and applied economists, with 2,500 members in more than 60 countries. Members of the AAEA work in academic or government institutions as well as in industry and not-for-profit organizations, and engage in a variety of research, teaching, and outreach activities in the areas of agriculture, the environment, food, health, and international development. The AAEA publishes three journals, the Journal of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (an open access journal), the American Journal of Agricultural Economics and Applied Economic Perspectives & Policy, as well as the online magazine Choices and the online open access publication series Applied Economics Teaching Resources. To learn more, visit http://www.aaea.org.

Media Contact

Allison Ware, Agricultural & Applied Economics Association, 414-918-3190, [email protected], www.aaea.org

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SOURCE Agricultural & Applied Economics Association



78 NYC businesses making a positive difference in their community receive grants


With this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month highlighting the ways in which members of the Latino community contribute to driving prosperity, power, and progress in America, it is noteworthy that the Neighborhood Business Program has prioritized supporting businesses owned by people of color, immigrants, and women since its inception.

To take one example, Libreria Barco de Papel is a local Spanish-language bookstore situated at the heart of Elmhurst and Jackson Heights, Queens, two of New York City’s most diverse communities. Their Minority and Women-Owned business opened in 2003 with the goal of filling a literary and cultural gap in New York.

Support from CitizensNYC is making it possible for owner Paula Ortiz to expand their free cultural programs, including book presentations, children storytelling, discussions, open-mic nights, poetry workshops and literacy workshops. Paula shared that, “Ultimately, our goal is to promote the identity of the Latinx community through increased cultural and artistic activities, with emphasis on literature that embraces diversity and multiple forms of expression.”

Since 2021, Wells Fargo has donated $750,000 to CitizensNYC through the Neighborhood Business Grants program. From Lakou CafI, a Haitian cafI in Weeksville, Brooklyn that emphasizes support for local artists, to Bistro Casa Azul, a small family restaurant in East Harlem that hosts local community events and contributes to food drives, CitizensNYC is proud to partner with inspiring local business owners who do well by doing good.

“Helping small businesses persevere and navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship is a major focus for Wells Fargo,” said Krissy Moore, Senior Vice President – Community Relations Northeast Region at Wells Fargo. “That’s why partnering with organizations like CitizensNYC allows us to further our mission and help provide local minority and women-owned small businesses in NYC with the tools and resources they need to be successful. We are proud to support the continuation of the Neighborhood Business Grant program, which will further strengthen the small business sector across all five boroughs.”

“Not only do small businesses play a vital economic role in their neighborhood, they are also part of the fabric of their communities – serving as meeting places where community members make connections, sustain local culture, share values, and support local leaders,” said JosI Dobles, CitizensNYC’s VP of Programs. “We’re truly grateful to Wells Fargo for their continued partnership in funding the small businesses that are such an integral part of NYC.”

About CitizensNYC:

CitizensNYC’s mission is to help New Yorkers – especially those in low-income areas – improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods. In 2023, CitizensNYC awarded microgrants to 350 local community groups and small businesses across New York City. Since 1975, CitizensNYC has championed the ways in which local leadership, volunteerism, and equity can build stronger communities.

Media Contact

Nick Haynes, Citizens Committee For New York City, 1 2032465830, [email protected], www.citizensnyc.org

SOURCE Citizens Committee For New York City

第一個癌症登月獎在耶魯大學醫學院宣布



康涅狄格州紐黑文2023年9月26日 /美通社/ — 耶魯大學醫學院和國會女議員 Rosa DeLauro 今天宣佈在美國獲得第一筆衛生高級研究計劃局(ARPA-H)撥款,這是拜登總統的癌症登月計劃的發展成果。 這項價值近 $2500 萬美元的獎項名為「透過 RNA 編碼的免疫基因調節治癒無法治癒的疾病」,旨在透過mRNA 技術訓練特定的免疫細胞來訓練免疫系統,以更好地對抗癌症和其他疾病。 總獎金將在三年內分配給埃默里大學、耶魯大學醫學院和喬治亞大學的合作團隊。 研究人員正在共同努力利用自然免疫系統來對抗癌症、狼瘡和新出現的感染。 埃默里大學和喬治亞理工學院的 Phil…

Lightbridge Academy Announces First Franchise Signing in Colorado, Bringing High-Quality Early Child Care to the Rocky Mountain State


Lightbridge Academy, a rapidly expanding early childhood education franchise, has signed its first franchise agreement in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with experienced franchisees Sara and Zach Van Hilsen. The couple shares Lightbridge Academy’s Circle of Care philosophy and aims to provide high-quality early childhood education to the community. With this signing, Lightbridge Academy continues its growth momentum, offering essential childcare services and educational programs in new markets like Colorado, further solidifying its position as a leading franchise in the child care education industry.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Sept. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Lightbridge Academy®, Innovators in Educational Child Care® and one of the fastest-growing early childhood education franchises with over 150 centers either open or in development, announces its latest franchise signing in Colorado Springs with new franchise owners Sara and Zach Van Hilsen. The signing includes an agreement for their first franchise unit in the Rocky Mountain States, bringing its Circle of Care philosophy and innovative programs to the Olympic City community. The award-winning franchise has continued growth momentum across the country as investors, with an interest in education, recognize the opportunity to introduce an essential and rewarding service to their local community through Lightbridge Academy’s proven franchise business model.

Sara and Zach share Lightbridge Academy’s Circle of Care philosophy® and are thrilled to be making an impact within the community as The Solution for Working Parents® with the first franchise signing in Colorado.

About three years ago, Sara and Zach made the decision to leave their separate careers and join forces to build a business that involves the entire family. After much research and thought Sara and Zach took a leap and purchased a turf franchise for Colorado. They hit the ground running and broke revenue records for any startup in the network. As the business grew, Zach and Sara began looking for ways to provide an even greater benefit to their community. The idea of providing superior early education and innovative care is something they both felt passionate about offering. “We’ve not only found a wonderful franchise brand; we’ve discovered a shared dream worth investing in,” Sara Hilsen said regarding choosing Lightbridge Academy with her husband Zach. “We see this as a partnership with a growing brand that is more than just a signed contract; it’s the foundation of our future journey, nurturing not only our business but building the future of the community with the little ones we nurture.”

Lightbridge Academy is filling the local need for high-quality educational child care, as the industry continues to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.18%, according to Grand View Research. In 2023 Lightbridge Academy has celebrated 15 franchise signings for a total of 24 franchise units, entering new markets including Colorado, Florida and Texas while continuing to grow in existing markets across the Mid-Atlantic region. As an industry leader in educational child care franchising, Lightbridge Academy is making significant strides in expanding its presence nationwide, bringing The Solution for Working Parents® to vibrant communities in need of high-quality educational child care across the nation. With a commitment to providing exceptional care and fostering a nurturing environment, Lightbridge Academy is poised to make a positive impact on the local Colorado Springs community, supporting families in their pursuit of a balanced work-life dynamic.

“We’re excited to announce our first franchisees in Colorado, the Van Hilsen’s, and extend our Circle of Care to the families in Colorado Springs,” said Chief Executive Officer, Gigi Schweikert. “This new signing is a testament to our dedication to providing unparalleled early childhood education programs to working families and highlights Lightbridge Academy’s impressive growth throughout the country. We are incredibly proud of our proven business model that allows us to make established partnerships with dedicated franchisees who make a transformative impact in communities in need of quality child care.”

As a category disruptor and the renowned option for successful franchise investors because of its proven business model, Lightbridge Academy is thrilled to partner with passionate and qualified franchisees like Sara and Zach Hilsen in new and existing markets across the United States in the growing child care industry. Ranked as one of the fastest-growing franchises in the essential child care education industry, Lightbridge Academy leads with visionary business-minded innovation and technological advancements, provides ongoing support infrastructure and trainings, and collaborates with dedicated franchisees to transform the child care education space.

To learn more about Lightbridge Academy’s early childhood education programs in Colorado Springs, visit, LightbridgeAcademy.com.

To learn more about franchising opportunities throughout Colorado and other states, visit LightbridgeAcademyFranchise.com.

About Lightbridge Academy:

Established in 1997, the company was founded as a family business based on core values and a Circle of Care philosophy that places equal importance on the needs of children, their families, teachers, center owners and the community. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, Lightbridge Academy provides quality early education and child care programs to children aged six weeks through kindergarten. The company currently has over 150 child care centers either open or in development throughout Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Lightbridge Academy also follows enhanced health and safety measures with The Lightbridge Promise as the Gold Standard in the child care industry. In 2020, the company was featured on the Inc. 5000 ranking, Franchise Times Top 200+ awards, and on Newsweek’s 2021 list of America’s Best Customer Service. In 2022, Lightbridge Academy was featured for the 7th year on Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 and for the 2nd year on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies.

Media Contact

Konnect Agency, Lightbridge Academy, 1 7133060270, [email protected]

SOURCE Lightbridge Academy