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.

The 20 MSP Presents $140k Contribution to the Coventry Reserve


The 20 MSP Presents $140k Contribution to the Coventry Reserve

“Coventry Reserve has tremendous plans to expand our mission, allowing us to better serve our adults with special needs community. This contribution couldn’t have come at a better time and is going to have an immediate and tangible impact,” said Darlene Blakey, Executive Director.

The 20 MSP, leading managed service provider with offices nationwide, today presented a check for $140,000 to the Coventry Reserve, an organization that provides life enrichment opportunities for adults with special needs.

The funds were raised at VISION ’22, The 20 MSP’s annual conference for growth-minded managed service providers. During a session featuring The 20 MSP’s CEO, Tim Conkle, and the CEO of Kaseya, Fred Voccola, Conkle announced a call for donations. Voccola pledged $100k, and joining him with their own pledges were Conkle, the cybersecurity firm BLOKWORX and a number of other conference attendees.

“I’m humbled, grateful, and deeply moved by the response we got,” said Conkle. “These generous contributions are going to help Coventry better serve the adults with special needs community. As the proud father of a member of this community, I can’t express how thankful I am for the kindness shown by my peers — and for the tireless efforts of the Coventry Reserve. This is a very special moment for me,” Conkle added.

“This timely donation has our entire organization feeling energized and hopeful about the future,” said Darlene Blakey, Executive Director. “Here at the Coventry Reserve, we’re currently working hard to expand our mission and bring even more opportunities to adults with special needs. The 20’s call for contributions couldn’t have come at a better time, and on behalf of our whole team, I’d like to thank everyone who donated. Your contributions are going to have an immediate and tangible impact.”

Darlene Blakey accepted the donation on behalf of the Coventry Reserve. Pictured from left to right are: Crystal McFerran (CMO, The 20), Tim Conkle (CEO, The 20), Darlene Blakey (Executive Director, Coventry Reserve).

About The 20

The 20 MSP has been helping businesses succeed through better technology since 1986. As a leading provider of managed IT services, The 20 MSP serves hundreds of businesses nationwide, providing each one with white glove service, secure and streamlined IT infrastructure, and 24/7/365 support. We believe in building lasting relationships with clients founded on trust, communication, and the delivery of high-value services for a fair and predictable price. Our clients’ success is our success, and we are committed to helping each and every organization we serve leverage technology to secure a competitive advantage and achieve new growth.

About Coventry Reserve

Coventry Reserve is a day program that provides life enrichment opportunities for adults with special needs, once they no longer qualify for public school programs. Our programs promote engaged and creative learning, and are structured to address the mental, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of our participants. Our low staff-to-participant ratio supports a safe and happy learning environment.

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Veterans Count Nashua’s In-person Salute Our Soldiers Gala Returns


Easterseals NH Veterans Count Nashua Chapter Salute Our Soldiers Gala.

Eric Schindler, NH State Director of Bugles Across America, plays Taps during the 2021 Easterseals Veterans Count Salute Our Soldiers event.

“Military service members and their families sacrifice so much for our collective freedom. This Salute Our Soldiers Gala serves to return that care to both enlisted service members and veterans statewide,” says Maureen Beauregard, President and CEO, Easterseals NH, VT & Farnum.

After two years of virtual events, the Easterseals Nashua, New Hampshire Chapter of Veterans Count is pleased to announce it will host its 11th annual Salute Our Soldiers Gala in-person on Saturday, November 12 at 5 pm, at Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua. The event will honor the contributions of women in the military over the past century.

The Gala will feature a cocktail reception and surf and turf dinner and Sy Mahfuz, founder of PRG Rugs in Nashua, will serve as emcee. Catherine Smart, a policy analyst with Applied Research Associates and veteran of the United States Army Military Police, will deliver the keynote address, and nationally recognized singer and impressionist Tony Pace will provide entertainment. The winner of the 2022 Founders Award will be unveiled during the program.

Easterseals NH Veterans Count directly addresses issues affecting the military community, including suicide risk and mental health, unemployment, homelessness, substance use, and legal concerns. Veterans Count provides emergency financial assistance for food, utilities, housing, transportation, fuel, and vehicle repair. All proceeds from the Salute Our Soldiers Gala will benefit this work.

“The Easterseals Veterans Count team is excited to gather in-person once again to recognize the essential contributions of women in the United States military across all branches, while raising critical funds for our services,” says Maureen Beauregard, President and CEO, Easterseals NH, VT & Farnum. “Military service members and their families sacrifice so much for our collective freedom. This Salute Our Soldiers Gala serves to return that care to both enlisted service members and veterans statewide.”

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://vetscount.org/nh/events/nashua-salute-our-soldiers-gala/. To learn more about event sponsorship opportunities, contact Katherine Richard at (603) 621-3456.

ABOUT VETERANS COUNT

Easterseals New Hampshire’s Veterans Count was founded in 2007 to provide case management and emergency financial assistance to meet the unexpected needs of service members, veterans, and their families. Veterans Count provides critical and timely financial assistance and services when no other resource is available. Emergency financial assistance may include rental assistance, gas, food, or utility payments. Last year alone, the program served more than 1,660 veterans, assisting them in accessing eligible benefits and services, housing, counseling services, and other needs, including emergency financial assistance to build a sustainable, secure, and viable future. Our commitment is to ensure the dignity, health, and overall well-being of each service member, veteran, and their families. For more information, visit https://vetscount.org/nh/.

ABOUT EASTERSEALS NEW HAMPSHIRE

For more than 84 years, Easterseals New Hampshire has provided exceptional services to ensure that all people of all ages with varied abilities and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work, and play in their communities. As a leader in social services for individuals with disabilities and other challenges, Easterseals NH employs more than 1,600 individuals and provides essential services and on-the-ground supports to more than 23,000 people each year with 11 core programs throughout the state. Visit https://www.easterseals.com/nh/.

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Eleven Disabled Entrepreneurs Selected for 2Gether-International’s 2022 BIPOC Tech Cohort Accelerator, powered by Comcast NBCUniversal


2Gether-International

2Gether-International

2Gether-International (2GI), the leading startup accelerator in the nation run by and for entrepreneurs with disabilities, today announced the class of participants for the 2GI BIPOC Tech Cohort Accelerator powered by Comcast NBCUniversal.

2Gether-International (2GI), the leading startup accelerator in the nation run by and for entrepreneurs with disabilities, today announced the class of participants for the 2GI BIPOC Tech Cohort Accelerator powered by Comcast NBCUniversal. The 11 participants, all Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) individuals with disabilities and founders of early-stage, high-growth, tech startups, will be immersed in 2GI’s 10-week accelerator program designed to develop their businesses further.

The Cohort will provide guidance and resources to the selected founders, including workshops discussing topics such as product-market fit, business model designs, management, sales, marketing, financial projections, and negotiations. Throughout the program, founders will engage with world-class speakers and be supported by accredited leadership coaches and mentors. The accelerator program culminates in a pitch competition on December 13, 2022, providing the entrepreneurs with an opportunity to be awarded $10K in seed funding for their business.

“Creating and launching a successful startup is no small feat. Coupled with the lack of opportunity and resources available for entrepreneurs with disabilities – especially founders within the BIPOC community – we saw a critical opportunity to provide business guidance to ensure a pathway for long-term growth and success,” said Diego Mariscal, Founder, CEO & Chief Disabled Officer of 2GI. “We are excited to launch this program, and extend our congratulations to the newest members of the BIPOC Cohort Accelerator for being selected amongst a wide and diverse pool of talented and dedicated entrepreneurs.”

The 2GI BIPOC Cohort Accelerator participants include:


  • Aixa Eigazwe, TrustFundRegistry, Platform for family and friends to gift equity investments to children
  • Artin Perse, Levl, Remote therapeutic monitoring platform
  • Eyra Abraham, Lisnen Inc., Assistive Tech for the deaf and hard of hearing
  • Lachi M, Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities (RAMPD)
  • Mariah Barber, Invisible Strengths, Connecting job seekers with disabilities to supportive work environments, and a diverse pipeline of candidates for employers
  • Mohammed Faisal, Fingem.io, Learning platform focusing on financial literacy for teens
  • Odie Martez Gray, Diversity Cyber Council, Non-profit serving under-represented demographics in tech
  • Ravindra Singh, myUDAAN, Mobility startup for individuals with limited mobility
  • Tonie Yarbrough, Nurcreations, Multicultural beauty care company
  • Ronald Kasule, The Diversity Ability Support Network System (Dasuns)
  • Victor Ocando, Adapt the Game, Startup focusing on improving game day experience for fans with disabilities

The Cohort aims to address the employment and entrepreneurship gap for both disability and BIPOC individuals, and help set the stage for visionary founders from these communities to access investment capital. According to recent data, only 19% of people with disabilities were in the workforce, compared to 66% of people without a disability, and it is estimated that the global GDP loses approximately $1.9 trillion annually due to exclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace. In addition, recent studies have also found that BIPOC communities receive less business funding, less often, and at higher rates. According to the Federal Reserve, 80% of white business owners receive at least a percentage of the funding they request from a bank, compared to 66% of BIPOC business owners.

Since its launch in 2020, graduates of other 2GI Accelerators have collectively raised over $41 million dollars in funding from investment, revenues and acquisitions. For more information on 2Gether-International and its Accelerator Cohort programs, visit https://2gether-international.org/.

About 2Gether-International (2GI) 2GI provides resources, training, and opportunities tailored to help disabled founders create innovative and thriving businesses. Learn more about 2GI and their accelerators here: https://2gether-international.org/

About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on connectivity, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit http://www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

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Paralyzed Artist’s Work Brings Crowd and Excitement to Local Gallery


paralyzed artist

Artists Madison Johnson and Debbie Veith

Bringing life to the canvas also provides a great opportunity to exercise occupational therapy and to continue work on my fine motor skills.

Madison Johnson’s first official art show was recently held at the Reeves House in downtown Woodstock, Georgia. Over 100 art enthusiasts and local residents turned out to view her paintings and meet the artist behind some of the area’s most unique artwork.

Johnson’s backstory is inspiring. She was injured in a Lake Allatoona diving accident in August of 2019 and suffered nearly complete paralysis. Since that time, she has impressed audiences with both her use of adaptive strategies and tools in her craft as well as her dedication to creating exquisite paintings that illustrate both her journey and the beauty she sees every day.

“Through painting, I’ve been able to find pieces of myself again,” said Johnson. “Bringing life to the canvas also provides a great opportunity to exercise occupational therapy and continue to work on my fine motor skills.”

Johnson credits her success on the canvas to her support team, and especially her neighbor and artist, Debbie Veith, who encouraged her to pursue her passion and be resourceful in her work. Veith, however, believes much of Johnson’s unique ability to combine the beauty of her surroundings with a creative flare are a testament to her patience and determination to produce exceptional artwork. “When I see Madison’s work, I’m in awe of how controlled she can be with her brush and her natural talent,” said Veith. “But I’m also so impressed with her bravery and willingness to dig deep into her feelings when painting, many of which stem from her accident. It’s been said that ‘art heals’ and it’s very special to see Madison experience that, too.”

Kaye Anne Starosciak, one of the show’s attendees, agrees with Veith’s assessment and struggled to pick her favorite piece among those displayed at the gallery. “I really love the colors and fun vibe of the beach painting, but the warrior princess piece has special meaning to everyone who has faced adversity and prevailed,” said Starosciak. “Simply put, this is really great work.”

About Madison Johnson: A native of Woodstock, Georgia, Madison Johnson graduated from Etowah High School. Since her accident in 2019, she has remained determined to excel at everything she dedicates her time to and believes that finding a passion is the best therapy for troubling times. She looks forward to expanding her portfolio from traditional acrylic paintings to other styles and artwork.

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Laila’s Gift Announces Year-End Fundraising Gala and GoFundMe Campaign to Benefit Children With Special Needs


“As a special needs mom, this movement is near and dear to my heart. Laila’s Gift aims to bring a smile to children with special needs and their families because tomorrow is never promised and their collective perseverance to overcome hardships deserves to be celebrated!” said Shari Bailey.

Laila’s Gift, a nonprofit shedding light on the challenges of special needs families, announces its year-end fundraising gala and GoFundMe campaign titled “Help Celebrate the Lives of Special Needs Children” to benefit the organization. Laila’s Gift is a champion for the special needs community by providing ongoing resources, support and encouragement.

The Gifter’s Gala, is to be held on Dec. 17 2022 at The Port Discovery Children’s Museum Downtown Baltimore, MD, will include fundraising efforts and be a night filled with special needs awareness, insights from keynote speakers, and community and professional recognitions. The charitable initiative is the brainchild of change influencer Shari Bailey, the mother of 8-year-old twin daughters, one of whom has the rare congenital disorder, Jacobsen Syndrome.

The goal is to raise $100,000 by Dec. 31 from the event and crowdsourcing campaign to celebrate the birthdays of children with special needs throughout 2023, acknowledging the many challenges they face. The nonprofit will throw a birthday bash for each child, give them a personalized gift and feature the story of the celebration on its digital platforms.

“As a special needs mom, this movement is near and dear to my heart,” said Bailey. “Laila’s Gift aims to bring a smile to children with special needs and their families because tomorrow is never promised and their collective perseverance to overcome hardships deserves to be celebrated! My girls inspire me to help others and share my skills and knowledge with a community whose lives have been impacted by raising a child with special needs. To me, their child’s unique gift is a blessing they share with every person they encounter. The more we understand their conditions and work together to help them feel included is of utmost importance to the work of our nonprofit.”

For many children with special needs, each birthday is a milestone due to health complications and other adversities. Bailey’s daughter, Laila, was diagnosed with Jacobsen Syndrome at birth. The rare congenital condition occurs in approximately 1 in 100,000 newborns. Roughly 20% to 25% of all infants with this disorder pass away before age two.

Additional fundraising endeavors include the recent launch of zigglebee, a children’s book by Laila’s sister, Lana, encouraging engagement through creativity and the arts. A percentage of proceeds from each book will go towards research for Jacobsen Syndrome.

For more information and ways to give, click here.

About Laila’s Gift and Shari Bailey:

Laila’s Gift is a nonprofit organization established in 2022 to shed light on the challenges of being a special needs parent and family member. It also promotes inclusion by highlighting the blessing each special needs child brings to the people they encounter. Founder Shari Bailey is mom to twin daughters, one of whom was diagnosed with Jacobsen Syndrome at birth. She tirelessly works to raise awareness about the rare congenital condition and is a spokesperson for raising children with special needs through her “Making a Difference” campaign.

For more information, visit her website at http://www.iamsharibee.com.

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Slatkin + Co. Launches Limited-Edition Scented Candle to Benefit NEXT for AUTISM


I created this candle in honor of my son David who is extremely affected by autism. While he has no language skills, I know David has benefited tremendously from NEXT for AUTISM’s community and residential support initiatives, which are helping him to live an active and meaningful life.

Slatkin + Co., a premium home fragrance company, today announced the launch of the HomeWorx Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes scented candle to benefit NEXT for AUTISM, a nonprofit organization committed to transforming the national landscape of services for autistic adults. Available for $30 at HomeWorxCandles.com, the new limited-edition scented candle has a very personal meaning for its designer.

“I created this candle in honor of my son David who is extremely affected by autism,” said Harry Slatkin, Founder and Chairman of Slatkin + Co. and Co-Founder and Board Member of NEXT for AUTISM. “David, who is now 23, has been a part of NEXT for AUTISM’s community and residential support initiatives over the past several years. While he has no language skills and struggles to communicate his thoughts and feelings, I know David has benefited tremendously from these important programs, which are helping him to live an active and meaningful life.”

In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there are 5.4 million adults living with autism in the United States. While the CDC has been collecting data and reporting information about the prevalence of autism in children in the U.S. for decades, 2020 was the first time the agency released a report focused on autistic adults.

“At NEXT for AUTISM we are committed to addressing the needs of autistic adults,” said Gillian Leek, CEO of NEXT for AUTISM. “David is thriving under one of our most important strategic initiatives, NEXT for DSP, which focuses on partnering well-trained and engaged Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) with autistic adults to help them lead productive, socially fulfilling lives, foster their sense of purpose and belonging, and connect them to their communities. We are thrilled to partner with Slatkin + Co. on this special candle to raise much-needed funds to support autistic adults like David now.”

“Before I knew it, my child was an adult and required an entirely different and much more complex support system to simply get what he deserves: a rich, rewarding life,” echoed Slatkin about the importance of programs like NEXT for DSP. “I had to do something to help move the needle, so I did what I do best by creating a scented candle to support the cause. Aside from having the most delicious and irresistible aroma, chocolate chip banana pancakes happen to be David’s favorite breakfast. Whether as a child or now as an adult, his face lights up every time my wife, Laura, makes them for him. This candle is for David.”

Wrapped in original, colorful artwork created by an autistic individual, Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes is a gourmand fragrance that combines mouth-watering notes of ripe bananas, dark chocolate chips, vanilla pancake batter, and brown butter. The 18 oz. (250 g), four-wick, limited-edition scented candle retails for $30 and is available for purchase at HomeWorxCandles.com while supplies last. Slatkin + Co. is donating to NEXT for AUTISM 5-percent of the purchase price of each Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes scented candle sold from October 6, 2022, while supplies last.

About Slatkin + Co.

Slatkin + Co. is a premier home fragrance company founded in 1992 by industry pioneer Harry Slatkin. Dubbed the “king” of home fragrance by The New York Times in 2006, Slatkin is widely recognized for launching what has become a multi-billion-dollar global industry. The Company designs and manufactures scented candles, diffusers, candle accessories, and bath and body care products for its growing portfolio of well-known brands under the Slatkin + Co. name, including HomeWorx, ScentWorx, and Aroma Home. Slatkin + Co. products are sold at leading specialty retailers, including QVC, QVC UK, Kohl’s, The Home Depot, Macy’s, and Ulta Beauty, a wholesale customer network of independent retail stores, and Slatkin + Co.’s online store HomeWorxCandles.com.

About NEXT for AUTISM

NEXT for AUTISM is a nonprofit organization that transforms the national landscape of services for people with autism by strategically designing and launching innovative initiatives. Its team is laser-focused on quality-of-life areas that truly promote a meaningful impact on the lives of autistic adults and their families in four key areas: home, work, social, and health and well-being. For more information, visit NEXTforAUTISM.org.

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Commission for Case Manager Certification highlights vital role of case managers during 2022 National Case Management Week


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The Commission for Case Manager Certification® today affirmed its dedication to exceptional case management by announcing personal and professional development tools during National Case Management Week, Oct. 9-15, 2022—including the 2022 Virtual Symposium from Oct. 11-13 and a new season of its “Push Pause” self-care series. The Commission offers workforce development resources for today’s case manager. Over the past two years, the Commission has provided tools to cultivate self-assurance and achieve balance so professional case managers can thrive personally and professionally.

The Commission commends board-certified case managers and disability management specialists for their immense adaptability in the last two years.

“The professional case manager role has evolved rapidly in intensely challenging ways,” said MaryBeth Kurland, CEO of the Commission. “The Commission celebrates case managers’ extraordinary contributions to public health, but practitioners cannot continue setting the gold standard of client care without also taking care of their own wellbeing. It is our responsibility to encourage practitioners to grant themselves the same compassion they show clients every day.”

The Commission has announced Season 3 of its Push Pause series, which was first introduced during the early days of the pandemic to alleviate burnout through moments of reprieve. This season grants space for peace amid uncertainty and burnout while centering viewers, cultivating confidence, and reminding them of the integral nature of their work.

Professional case managers optimize care by advocating for clients, assisting them in navigating the complex health care system, coordinating care and connecting them with relevant resources to achieve health goals. In the interest of establishing ethical, knowledge-based practice, the Commission will host CCMC’s 2022 Virtual Symposium from Oct. 11 through Oct. 13.

The Symposium will provide convenient, cost-effective continuing education in live and on-demand sessions from a diverse group of nationally recognized speakers. Attendees will have the opportunity to build connections among a network of similarly passionate peers in the case management and disability management specialist fields. Continuing education credits may be applied to credentials and licenses in case management, disability management, nursing, social work and other related fields.

CCMC’s 2022 Virtual Symposium provides development opportunities in line with its themes: “Develop Me, Empower Me, Inspire Me, Celebrate Me”, seeking to achieve the following goals:


  • Develop Me – Spread awareness of the landscape affecting the client, family and care provider(s) across the care continuum
  • Empower Me – Empower practitioners through education, advocacy and ethical practice
  • Inspire Me – Create a forum and provide resources, knowledge and skill development for evidence-based practice
  • Celebrate Me – Celebrate National Case Management Week by connecting with fellow practitioners from a variety of backgrounds

The Symposium centers on the need to continuously cultivate an ethically guided, well-prepared and resilient workforce of professional case managers and disability management specialists. Learn more about the event at https://symposium.ccmcertification.org/.

The Commission prepares practitioners to achieve excellence in coordinating care and advocating for clients. The Commission’s Board-Certified Case Manager® (CCM®) and Board-Certified Disability Management Specialist® (CDMS®) credentials are both accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. Continuing education opportunities are continuously available to support lifelong learning and renewal requirements.

To encourage more case managers and disability management specialists to go for greatness, the Commission has extended the CCM exam application and CDMS renewal application period through Oct. 16, 2022. The CCM is approved for reimbursement under the Post-911 GI Bill and recognized as the gold standard in the industry. It is approved to meet hospital Magnet status.

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About the Commission for Case Manager Certification

The Commission for Case Manager Certification is the first and largest nationally accredited case management certification organization, credentialing more than 50,000 professional case managers and disability management specialists. The Commission is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that oversees the process of case manager certification with its CCM® and CDMS® credentials. Offering an extensive portfolio of certification and professional advancement activities, the Commission is the most active and prestigious certification organization supporting the practices of case management and disability management. For more information, visit https://ccmcertification.org/ and https://cdms.org/, connect with the Commission on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @CCM_Cert.

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HearingLife Celebrates the Holiday Season With “Hear the Magic. Love Your Ears.” Campaign


“Our Give Back campaign at HearingLife, will offer people the opportunity to gain back a renewed sense of self and the ability to participate fully in the joys of the season.”

HearingLife, a leader in delivering life-changing hearing care, today announced the kickoff of its “Hear the Magic. Love Your Ears.” holiday campaign* accompanied by the second annual “Magic of Giving Back” give back program aimed to help those with hearing loss gain back the joyful sounds of the holiday season. From a Harris Poll survey, 72% of people with hearing loss wish their hearing was better to enjoy holiday and special gatherings.+

Our hearing is a pivotal part of feeling connected to the people and things we love most in our lives, and HearingLife understands the struggle those with hearing loss experience during celebratory moments and holiday gatherings. Through the “Magic of Giving Back” program, HearingLife will give free hearing aids to six people in need with hearing loss. Starting today, October 4, 2022 through November 12, 2022, anyone in the US can submit their story through http://www.HearingLife.com/Magic.

“I’m so proud of this effort and how the HearingLife team impacted the lives of these customers during a particularly important, though often hard, season for those with hearing loss,” says Dean Pappous, HearingLife President. “After receiving so many heartwarming stories through last year’s campaign, we knew we had to continue this important tradition. Our continued support of this campaign will help these individuals – and their families – see all that there is to gain for years to come.”

In addition to the Holiday Give Back campaign, since 2018, HearingLife has supported “Campaign For Better Hearing” – a year-round give back program where hearing care providers recommend free hearing aids for patients who cannot afford them. Through “Campaign for Better Hearing,” HearingLife provides over 80 free pairs of hearing aids each year.

“Individuals with hearing loss may experience feelings of embarrassment or frustration when they can’t hear or participate in conversations,” said Dr. Leslie Soiles, Chief Audiologist, HearingLife. “Often, this can cause them to stop socializing or participating in events or activities that they used to enjoy. Our Give Back campaign at HearingLife, will offer people the opportunity to gain back a renewed sense of self and the ability to participate fully in the joys of the season.”

For the opportunity to receive free hearing aids through the “Magic of Giving Back,” anyone in the US can submit their personal story, or a story on behalf of a loved one, explaining why they are a potential candidate for the HearingLife Magic of Giving Back program. To learn more and share your story, visit http://www.HearingLife.com/Magic.

About HearingLife

HearingLife is a national hearing care company and part of the Demant Group, a global leader in hearing healthcare built on a heritage of care, health, and innovation since 1904. HearingLife operates nearly 700 hearing care centers across 42 states. We follow a scientific, results-oriented approach to hearing healthcare that is provided by highly skilled and caring professionals. Our vision is to help more people hear better through life-changing hearing health delivered by the best personalized care. To learn more, visit: https://www.hearinglife.com.

*Terms & Conditions apply

Visit http://www.HearingLife.com/Magic to learn more

+Survey Method:

This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of HearingLife from August 19-23, 2021, among 2,044 adults ages 18+, among whom 253 have hearing loss. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact hearinglife@kaplow.com.

For more information please contact:

HearingLife@kaplow.com

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Omnium Circus named as a 2022 Leading Disability Employer by the National Organization On Disability


Omnium Circus, which has made it its mission to be the world’s most inclusive circus, has been named a 2022 Leading Disability Employer by the National Organization on Disability (NOD). This highly selective award, presented on the eve of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (October), is bestowed upon a very limited number of companies based on strict standards they are required to meet. The award was presented at NOD’s Annual Forum on September 29 in Washington, D.C.

“True allyship in action is employing the Disabled with meaningful work. As a disabled employee of Omnium Circus, it’s been life changing to be a part of a team that truly sees my disabled experience as an asset to their mission,” said Marie Dagenais-Lewis, Social Media Manager at Omnium Circus and Operations Manager at Diversability.

Omnium Circus was built on a tripod of entertainment, education and employment: behind-the-scenes, on stage and in our audience. This award recognizes Omnium’s commitment to people of all abilities as they join the ranks of recognized companies that have adopted exemplary employment practices to build an inclusive workforce.

This groundbreaking circus company assures access for all at every performance, demonstrating to audiences that everyone has the potential to achieve their own greatness regardless of their challenges (physical, emotional, neurological, or societal).

“We are beyond thrilled and honored to be recognized for this prestigious NOD Award which acknowledges our commitment to people of all abilities,” said Lisa B. Lewis, Founder and Executive Director of Omnium Circus. “Celebrating diversity has always been at the very core of what Omnium is all about and we are so proud to be associated with other like-minded companies that are doing so much to further inclusion for all.”

For more information, visit http://www.omniumcircus.org.

About Omnium Circus:

Omnium: A Bold New Circus is a leader in the global movement toward diversity, equity and inclusion. A unique, visionary not-for-profit breaking new ground in the world of circus arts as the first fully inclusive circus performing arts company. Through shared positive experiences among those who enjoy the circus, we enrich empathy among people of all races, colors, ethnicities and abilities and build aligned and supportive communities. Omnium believes that a circus experience with a full spectrum of people representative of all people and our global culture as artists, staff and audiences leads the way to a truly diverse, equitable and inclusive society. http://www.omniumcircus.org.

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Idaho Department of Correction Chooses Meridian LMS to Deliver Scalable and Compliant Training


“…having the Idaho Department of Correction trust us as their learning platform of choice is a great match for our capabilities. Our accessibility, scalability, and security abilities were a great fit for helping them achieve their goals of continuous course offerings and future growth.”

Meridian Knowledge Solutions is proud to announce its most recent partnership with the Idaho Department of Correction (IDOC). The IDOC came to Meridian searching for a modern LMS with a scalable platform that would be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act to enhance their training internally and externally. They found their solution within Meridians’ Learning Management System (LMS), providing them with a solution that will grow with them to meet their evolving user and business needs.

Sean Osborne, Chief Growth Officer, stated “…having the Idaho Department of Correction trust us as their learning platform of choice is a great match for our capabilities. Our accessibility, scalability, and security abilities were a great fit for helping them achieve their goals of continuous course offerings and future growth. We look forward to supporting them in their future L&D endeavors.”

The Idaho Department of Correction employs approximately 2,000 staff across three divisions: Prisons, Probation & Parole, and Management Services. The IDOC manages nine prisons, five community re-entry centers, and seven district probation and parole offices across the state. It was crucial for them to have the ability to not only have IDOC branding within their LMS, but also to incorporate third-party and IDOC-authored content. They also searched for a system that captured and retained internal and external training records, including testing results, attendance, and certificates.

The IDOC put a large emphasis on providing a user-friendly interface that allows their learners to easily navigate through the platform, along with mobile capabilities. Having a system that provides an individualized learner dashboard allows the IDOC to assign mandatory and elective courses, create or customize individual learner paths, and provide tools for skills tracking and job competencies, career mapping, and certifications tracking. Meridian worked closely with the IDOC team to help tailor a solution that made sense for their organization and would help them effortlessly scale for potential business expansion. Meridian is looking forward to supporting IDOC in building, maintaining, and analyzing its training programs.

About Idaho Department of Correction

IDOC is responsible for managing individuals convicted of felony offenses who are sentenced to prison, probation, or a period of retained jurisdiction (i.e., RIDER). Additionally, IDOC supervises those individuals who are released to the community on parole.

About Meridian Knowledge Solutions

Powering progress with compliance training, branded and blended learning environments, and eCommerce solutions. Meridian Learning Management System (LMS) addresses complex learning challenges for customers such as the U.S. Army, U.S. Secret Service, Commonwealth of Virginia, New York City, Johnson Controls, Abbott, HAI Group, and The Auto Club Group (AAA).

Our award-winning enterprise-level learning management platform contains our proprietary Learning Record Store (LRS), Career Explorer, content authoring tools, and natively integrates content provided by our partner OpenSesame. Meridian LMS is available in the cloud, on-premise, or private cloud. For more information, visit https://www.meridianks.com or follow @MeridianKS on Twitter.

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