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.

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

GrandCare Systems Announces Features to Address Staffing Shortages, Hosts Complimentary Assistive Tech Implementation Webinar

Leave a comment


Remote Monitoring & Support Roadmap webinar Thurs, Sept 22, 3pm ET.

Remote Monitoring & Support Roadmap webinar Thurs, Sept 22, 3pm ET.

Now that we have seen proven success and reduction in cost and hands-on hours, we make it our mission to directly support each of our clients to ensure long term success and savings.


WEST BEND, Wis. (PRWEB)

Disability and aging service providers are facing an increased need for care while also dealing with record staff shortages. These organizations are turning to technology solutions like GrandCare to continue serving clients in need without having to onboard more staff.

With over 16 years of building and developing, GrandCare is the most comprehensive and robust technology designed to make remote caregiving more seamless, proactive and affordable. Most recently, GrandCare has built out specific features to serve the disability services market, in addition to the aging and post-acute marketplaces they already serve.

GrandCare now offers community GC touchscreens in addition to the individualized touchscreens in private rooms. These community screens go in public areas of the residence and can offer public messaging and one touch video call options to remote support providers. They also mirror resident touchscreens and discreetly remind residents if a task is due (such as medication or another to-do reminder).

Supported individuals can choose how to receive reminders at home or on the go by text message, colored light prompts or on their personal GrandCare touchscreens.

“GrandCare has created a product to directly support professional care organizations, while improving the health and happiness of the individual,” says GrandCare CEO, Laura Mitchell. “Now that we have seen proven success and reduction in cost and hands-on hours, we make it our mission to directly support each of our clients to ensure long term success and savings.”

To support multiple remote care staff and ensure accountability, GrandCare has created a more robust ‘Managed Alerts’ option for claiming alerts and documenting the resolution.

“The GrandCare Managed Alerts help our staff prioritize the most critical needs for the people they serve. For one person, certain sensor activity is expected, but for someone else it could show a support need. The managed alerts make that distinction.” – Hannah E., LADD

While many organizations are on board with the new technology, some questions remain on funding, the new remote staffing model and how to successfully implement. GrandCare can help address all of these questions in an upcoming implementation-focused webinar for aging and disability service providers.

GrandCare Systems® will be hosting this free webinar Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, from 3-4pm ET in response to the demand for assistive technology for disability smart homes and senior communities. Plus, attendees who join will receive a special limited time discount code for 5 free GrandCare Systems (terms apply).

The Remote Monitoring & Remote Support Roadmap webinar will cover:

  • Personnel, including a project manager and participating support staff

  • Identifying and evaluating the home and installation environment

  • Determining who is a good candidate for remote monitoring and support

  • Assessing individual needs and mapping them to technology

  • Staffing the gaps

  • Training (supported person, natural supports, DSPs)

  • Staffing ratios and how to staff remote support

  • Setting up an on-call visit team for when in-person support is needed

Register online:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN___F2FVT8S1q9CxZoOytT5w

About GrandCare Systems®

GrandCare is a large touchscreen hub with communication, cognitive assists and social engagement tools, including medication reminders, daily task lists, schedules, instructional videos and HIPAA compliant video chat options. Wireless telehealth and activity monitoring sensors can alert support staff if something needs extra attention. GrandCare has been serving the aging and disability industry since 2005 and with headquarters in Wisconsin and southern California.

Share article on social media or email:

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

What One Family Learned about Elvis, Autism & Love from an Extraordinary Son

Leave a comment



LOS ANGELES (PRWEB)

EOTM Media Group today announced the upcoming release of Lourdes Duque Baron’s poignant new book, “When Silence is Not Golden.” The captivating memoir tells the story of a family who grows to appreciate the challenges they experienced, and recognizes the gifts that come with autism, leveraging an individual’s talents, and putting aside differences to understand that difference does not mean less.

The critically acclaimed author opens up and shares what life was like caring for her autistic son, Gregg Robinson Baron — and how he learned to grasp life and to express himself through music, by way of Elvis. The book unfolds a family’s compelling journey through autism.

The memoir also offers an intimate and eye-opening view of how an autistic mind uniquely thinks, feels, and perceives the world. This enables the reader to ponder two basic principles pertaining to autism and the world around them. One in relation to freedom of the mind, and the other — freedom from the mind.

A key point in the book takes us back in time when Gregg spoke his first words at the age of eight. As Baron elucidates:

“He watched for the first time the movie, “This is Elvis.” The film, a semi documentary biography of the King of Rock ‘N Roll, focused on Elvis’ extraordinary rise to stardom and his untimely death rather than his music. A moving chronicle of the singer’s life and outlines Presley’s private moments, including his inability to cope with popularity, his seemingly self-destructive moments and his last performance.

As Elvis Presley’s life unfolded on screen, Gregg sat in front of the television unmoving, captivated, enraptured and fully alive. He viewed the same images we all saw six years prior, that fateful day on August 16, 1977 when Elvis’ death was broadcasted around the world.

Gregg sat in front of the television in rapt attention and unwavering focus and watched the more than two hour long film. I had never observed him exhibit this kind of behavior before – as if his mind was actively processing what he saw on screen. However, I thought no more of it and left Gregg alone as he watched the film repeatedly all afternoon.

Later that evening as Robin and I were getting ready for bed, I heard stomping out in the hallway – softly at first but becoming louder and louder. Gregg is at it again, Robin said. He was convinced Gregg was having another meltdown. What is it this time? I signed in exasperation and headed to the door. As soon as I opened the door, I saw Gregg down the hallway, walking to and fro, stomping as he went, rousing everyone in the household. But I also heard an usual sound, a guttural voice that I could not identify.

Gregg, what are you doing? What is going on? I cried out.

He ignored me and went on as before, pacing back and forth, all this time excitedly waving and flailing his arms.

Honey, what’s wrong? I came forward to calm him. When Gregg turned around and faced me, I realized it was his voice I was hearing. He was babbling some words I did not understand.

E-L-V-I-S…. E-L-V-I-S…E-L-V-I-S, Gregg continued. It took a moment to completely process what was going on. My son was talking! Hearing him speak turned me speechless and immobile. I could not understand what he was saying, which sounded like an alien language. Yet there was unmistakable joy on my son’s face as he danced and jumped while blathering incoherently, E-L-V-I-S….E-L-V-I-S…E-L-V-I-S.

As Gregg babbled on, I listened carefully and tried to make sense of the words coming out of his mouth. What is he talking about? Then it dawned on me, and I finally understood what Gregg was saying, ELVIS! He was saying Elvis Presley’s name. He was spelling Elvis’ name!

When a child with autism spectrum disorder makes their first language breakthrough, it is a monumental moment. So, when I heard my son speak for the first time, it felt that my world had stopped, and everything I thought I knew ceased to exist.”

Lourdes demonstrates how she connected with her son, a fascinating young man with a complex mind. Appreciating the challenges experienced and how through religion, she found the strength needed to help him grow and flourish, his way.

Expounding on charming illustrations between the family that illuminates the daily challenges that those with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder) and their families face, and ultimately overcome, sometimes with great effort.

“Gregg came to me, Subhuman. He was devoid of social and physical skills and was totally dependent on me. But in his own unique ways, he gave me reverence and showed me how to be a better version of myself. Most of all, Gregg taught me the SIMPLE TRUTH: the MIRACLE OF LOVE is the MYSTERY OF LIFE.” — Lourdes Baron

Whether the reader is a parent caring for a child with ASD or someone on the spectrum, autism can present different challenges and be difficult to fully grasp.

With the writing of this new book, Baron hopes to provide a road map of sorts, to navigate the reader to the inner workings of an autistic mind and the people that love them.

Moreover, “When Silence is not Golden” also expounds on how communication can be uniquely developed, the different experiences of caregivers, and inspirational stories of self-discovery that are identified through navigating through living color.

An interesting fact that must be noted. Many individuals that were labeled autistic back in the early 1900’s were considered by many in their communities as intellectually incapacitated, in some ways these people exuded solid, if not superior cognition. Abilities such as perfect musical pitch, visual hypersensitivity, greater intensity of colors, heightened pitch detection, superior auditory discrimination, savant syndrome, the capacity to understand certain technologies with no prior experience, etc.

According to these same studies, a great many cases were evaluated extensively and it was difficult to say whether the person should be called autistic or a genius.

“When Silence Is Not Golden” is slated for release on November 15, 2022, and will be available for purchase on Amazon.

For more information and or to reserve your copy, email scriptedinheaven@gmail.com.

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

McShane Breaks Ground on 40-Unit Affordable Housing Residence in Elgin, Illinois, for Adults with Disabilities

Leave a comment


News Image

“Hanover Landing will provide permanent supportive housing for a population that is too frequently overlooked in the housing marke. The building’s design and amenities will allow residents to live independently while receiving support services that will help them thrive.”


ROSEMONT, Ill. (PRWEB)

McShane Construction Company and their client, UPholdings, broke ground on Hanover Landing, a 40-unit affordable, supportive housing community in Elgin, Illinois, that will serve vulnerable populations and individuals with disabilities. A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the project site on September 1, 2022, to celebrate the start of the project.

“Hanover Landing will provide permanent supportive housing for a population that is too frequently overlooked in the housing market,” shared Susan Uhlarik, Director of Multi-Family at McShane. “The building’s design and amenities will allow residents to live independently while receiving support services that will help them thrive.”

Located at 711 E. Chicago Street, the three-story wood frame building will integrate an exterior of brick and Hardie panel siding. Units will be offered in one bedroom, one bathroom floor plans and are designed to allow residents to live independently.

Amenities will include a community lounge, computer room, fitness center, laundry facilities, and outdoor space.

Services for residents will include case management, life skill training, and employment assistance.

Hanover Township partnered with UPholdings and the Housing Opportunity Development Corporation on this development to meet the high need for service-enriched housing in the area. Ecker Center for Behavioral Health will serve as the lead service provider and operate an on-site clinic.

Completion of the residence is scheduled for September 2023. Hooker DeJong is the architect.

About McShane Construction Company

McShane Construction Company was established in 1984 and is headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois with regional offices in Auburn, AL, Irvine, CA, Madison, WI, Nashville, TN and Phoenix, AZ. The female-led firm offers integrated design-build and build-to-suit construction services for the multi-family, industrial, commercial, health & fitness and institutional markets. For more information, visit the firm’s website at http://www.mcshaneconstruction.com.

Share article on social media or email:

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Lime Connect’s Annual Ride to Rebrand Disability hosted in Reston, VA on October 8, 2022

Leave a comment


A Black man and woman in colorful cycling gear stand with their bicycles in front of a banner that has the Lime Connect and Lime Ride logos on a green background.

Ride with us!

“We’re proud to have provided 31 scholarships to date to an amazing group of young students, and bring them into the Lime Connect community as they navigate university.” – Mike MacKay, Lime Connect global board chair


RESTON, Va. (PRWEB)

Lime Connect will host its fifth annual Ride to Rebrand Disability on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at The Bike Lane in Reston, Virginia. Designed as a great ride (10-, 30-, 62- and 100-mile routes) for a great cause, cyclists will enjoy the gorgeous northern Virginia foliage along the W&OD Trail and suburban streets with rest stops and rider support along the way.

Post-ride festivities include lunch from Mission BBQ (Herndon), music, massages, and beer specially brewed by Bike Lane Brewery – in addition to fun swag and giveaways. “The Lime Connect Ride is probably the best I’ve ever done. It’s a great ride through the Loudoun County countryside, and I’m riding again this year!” stated Dave Duvall, Lime Connect Ride participant.

Those who are not able to join in person have the option of riding virtually – anywhere in the world – between September 8th and October 8th. An “Anything Goes” option allows individuals to rack up miles by walking, running, using a wheelchair, Peleton, or any form of mobility.

Proceeds benefit Lime Connect’s work to rebrand disability through achievement – specifically the Lime Connect Pathways Scholarship for high school seniors who have disabilities and are entering university. Mike MacKay, Lime’s global board chair, says, “we’re proud to have provided 31 scholarships to date to an amazing group of young students, and bring them into the Lime Connect community as they navigate university. Our goal for 2022 is to fund an additional 15 scholarships, so join the challenge – set up a team, ride with friends and family, and rebrand disability with us!”

Prizes are awarded for the top fund raiser, and top fundraising team; and giveaways include a Yeti 12 soft cooler, Loctote bike locks, gift certificates to Mission BBQ Herndon and The Bike Lane, and more. Individuals who raise $500+ will receive a coveted “500 Club” cycling jersey. (Fundraising is not required to ride.)

The Lime Connect Ride to Rebrand Disability is presented by Bloomberg, and sponsors include Google, NEA (New Enterprise Associates), The Meridian Group/The Boro, The Bike Lane, Unilever, EX2 Adventures, Loctote, Mission BBQ (Herndon), Salesforce, Select Physical Therapy, and Synergy Fitness Training.

To learn more, register to ride or volunteer, and/or donate, go to this link.

About Lime Connect: Lime Connect is a global not for profit 501(c)(3) organization that’s rebranding disability through achievement. We do that by attracting, preparing, and connecting high potential university students and professionals – including veterans – who happen to have all types of disabilities for scholarships, leadership programs, and internships & full time careers with our corporate partners – the world’s leading corporations.

###

Share article on social media or email:

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

With Rising Concerns About Dyslexia in Young Learners, Riverside Insights Introduces First-of-its Kind Playbook to Streamline Evaluations

Leave a comment


Riverside Insights

Evaluators need effective and efficient assessment tools to ensure that all students are accurately identified and get the help they need.


ITASCA, Ill. (PRWEB)

Riverside Insights®, a leading developer of research-based assessments and analytics, today debuted a new Assessment Playbook focused on streamlining the evaluation of dyslexia, the most common learning disability, affecting 20% of the population. The new playbook makes assessments more effective and efficient by providing a recommended process for selective testing and a specific test list for querying the most salient features of dyslexia.

“The pandemic disrupted teaching and learning, and has led to a dramatic increase in the number of students who are referred for dyslexia evaluations by their teachers and/or parents. Consequently, evaluators must determine if a student’s reading difficulties are primarily a reflection of this disruption or an indication of a true reading disability,” said dyslexia expert Dr. Nancy Mather, a professor in the College of Education, Department of Disability and Psychoeducational Studies at the University of Arizona. “To address this issue and the increase in assessment referrals, evaluators need effective and efficient assessment tools to ensure that all students are accurately identified and get the help they need. In this way, children can be provided with systematic interventions prior to experiencing chronic reading difficulties.”

In the 2021-2022 school year, more than 20 states – including California, Florida, Texas and Connecticut – updated their dyslexia legislation, passing new codes and statutes to support more effective identification and intervention practices to address the increasing dyslexia referrals.

Practitioners also face increased pressure from concerned parents. A recent U.S. News & World Report article highlighted how parents are struggling to understand why their early reader is struggling and what’s a cause for concern. With the learning disruption of COVID-19, parents are trying to differentiate between reading challenges from circumstances versus causes for further concern and the need for evaluations.

To support more focused evaluations, the Riverside Dyslexia Assessment Playbook provides:

An Assessment Guide, describing how each test informs the comprehensive assessment of a specific condition for a particular group of students, including early childhood, ages 7+ and English language learners (ELL)

Profile Sheet, enabling practitioners to organize their data, and facilitating analysis and interpretation of test results

Product List, offering a recommended list of tests for dyslexia so that practitioners can quickly gather and use data needed to influence student outcomes

In response to the increased challenges faced by school-based practitioners, these resources go beyond what is currently available by providing a detailed explanation on how specific elements of each test contribute to a comprehensive evaluation to provide essential information to inform instructional planning. Additionally, the profile sheets provide practitioners a useful tool to organize their assessment data to facilitate interpretation. Tests recommended in the playbook are tailored to the needs of practitioners working with early childhood, 7+ and ELL populations.

For more information on the Riverside Dyslexia Assessment Playbook, please visit the Riverside Insights website.

About Riverside Insights

Riverside Insights, one of the nation’s leading and most long-standing developers of research-based assessments, is led by a powerful mission: to provide insights that help elevate potential and enrich the lives of students, clinical patients, employees, and organizations globally. For more information, visit http://www.RiversideInsights.com.

Share article on social media or email:

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Dan DeSaegher, CFRE Joins TERI as Chief Development Officer

Leave a comment


Dan DeSaegher, CFRE, Chief Development Officer, TERI, Inc.

“Dan’s humanity coupled with his extensive experience building diverse fundraising portfolios and other revenue assets is essential to completing the Campus and advancing our innovative special needs programs,” commented Cheryl Kilmer, TERI CEO and founder.


SAN MARCOS, Calif. (PRWEB)

TERI is pleased to welcome Dan DeSaegher as its new Chief Development Officer. Dan will be spearheading the fundraising efforts needed to complete the new 20-acre TERI Campus of Life. The Campus, designed to deliver groundbreaking special needs programs and services to children and adults with autism, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other developmental disorders, will serve approximately 2700 individuals across Southern California.

“Dan has a passion for connecting people with purpose. His humanity coupled with his extensive experience building diverse fundraising portfolios and other revenue assets is essential to completing the Campus and advancing our innovative special needs programs,” commented Cheryl Kilmer, TERI CEO and Founder.

“I’m honored to be a member of the TERI leadership team and am inspired by its commitment to excellence and personalized service to others,” said DeSaegher. “Completing the amazing Campus of Life will fulfill TERI’s vision to increase access to its innovative programs and opportunity to thousands of kids and adults with special needs.”

Prior to joining the TERI leadership team, DeSaegher served in senior development roles with respected San Diego non-profits such as Refuge for Women SoCal, GenerateHope, and Point Loma Nazarene University. In addition to fundraising, his responsibilities included strategic planning, community relations, and financial stewardship. Before transitioning to his work at non-profit organizations, DeSaegher held leadership roles for over 17 years at Qualcomm.

About TERI

Located in Oceanside and now also in San Marcos, CA, the TERI (Training, Education, Resource Institute) has provided highly specialized services and programs for individuals with special needs since 1980. This includes people with autism, intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, brain trauma, severe behavioral disorders, dual diagnoses, and learning disabilities. The organization’s 20-acre TERI Campus of Life, under construction in San Marcos, will offer everything from two non-public schools, to fine and performing arts, health and wellness, therapeutic equestrian programs, and much more. TERI now serves over 900 children and their families and employs more than 500 people. When completed the Campus will have the ability to serve 3 times TERI’s current number of clients and also serve as a dining, entertainment, and learning destination for the community. For more information go to http://www.teriinc.org.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities and how to support the TERI Campus of Life, contact Dan DeSaegher at dan.desaegher@teriinc.org.

# # #

Share article on social media or email:

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

OSDB Partners with Big Al Taking the Next Step in the Venture and Offering Sports Handicapping

Leave a comment


News Image


LOS ANGELES (PRWEB)

Online Sports Database or OSDB was founded in 2021 by future hall-of-fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers and current CEO and actor Ryan Rottman. The goal of OSDB was simple; to create an extensive database detailing the lives of professional athletes with unprecedented granularity. OSDB prides themselves on the amount of detail and comprehensive nature with which they cover high-profile professional athletes and teams. Each athlete on OSDB has their own profile on which fans can find out more about their personal lives like their hobbies, interests, endorsement deals and ventures outside of their athletic ones, and even their charitable works and initiatives.

Despite being founded by an NFL quarterback, OSDB isn’t a football-exclusive database. Currently OSDB features complete databases across the NFL, NBA, MLB, and MLS. Additionally, they’re working on adding more sports to their platform as well. Beyond these databases and player-profiles, OSDB also produces original editorial content that celebrates athletes for all they do on and off the field.

Recently OSDB took a big step forward by taking advantage of an opportunity to partner with one of the most well-established names in the world of sports betting, Big Al. BigAl.com is partnering with OSDB to offer sports handicapping.

The partnership has OSDB CEO, Ryan Rottman absolutely thrilled for the future of OSDB, “We’re really excited to partner with Big Al. Al has a solid, reliable presence with a lot of integrity which is key in the handicapping space. His transparency, knowledge of sports and track record make him one of the best in the business.”

The partnership between OSDB and BigAl.com brings about a new era of sports-content that will forever change the way fans consume sport and sport-betting content.

Share article on social media or email:

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Firefly Autism Earns Certified Neurodiversity Workplace™ Designation to Promote a More Inclusive Work Environment

Leave a comment


Firefly Autism

“Firefly believes in the true value of every individual, no matter what. Understanding and championing neurodiversity fosters inclusivity and diverse perspectives, allows for unique experiences and interactions, and helps reduce stigmas around thinking and learning differences.”


DENVER (PRWEB)

Firefly Autism has earned the Certified Neurodiversity Workplace™(CNW) designation granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). The program is designed to help leaders and teams better hire, retain, and work effectively with neurodivergent workers, including those with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.

Neurodiversity inclusion in the workplace is becoming a focus for organizations looking to attract, hire and retain talent for a variety of positions and industries. Neurodivergent individuals, which includes professionals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other unique abilities, have a different way of thinking than neurotypical individuals. Organizations that utilize inclusive hiring and management practices, which can include staff training, accommodations, and updated policies and procedures, can better manage and nurture existing staff and attract the talent organizations need to stay competitive, increase effectiveness, and promote innovation.

“Firefly believes in the true value of every individual, no matter what. Understanding and championing neurodiversity fosters inclusivity and diverse perspectives, allows for unique experiences and interactions, and helps reduce stigmas around thinking and learning differences,” said Dr. Amanda Kelly, Executive Director and CEO of Firefly Autism. “This certification program is just another step in our journey to take action in our promotion of a neurodiverse workplace and to raise our awareness and education.”

Firefly Autism is dedicated to working with autistic individuals from 18 months to adulthood, offering personalized learning, support, and solutions. This additional training and certification will advance team members’ skills in the workplace and with the individuals they serve.

“We’re excited to work with Firefly Autism as they focus on inclusion to ensure their workplace is welcoming, effective and successful, ,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman.

For more than 20 years, IBCCES has been a leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education, and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES programs include evidence-based content and the perspectives of autistic individuals, alongside other resources, ongoing support, and renewal requirements to ensure continued learning and a lasting impact.

IBCCES also created CertifiedAutismCenter.com, as a free online resource that lists certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) or Certified Neurodiversity Workplace™ (CNW) requirements.

Firefly Autism is now hiring! Both part-time and full-time opportunities are available in Denver and Colorado Springs, including home-based and center-based Behavior Technicians, Behavior Analysts and Program Instructors, with exciting opportunities within community programs and partnerships. Firefly Autism provides its team with training, additional education and scholarship opportunities. To learn more about Firefly Autism and its current job openings, please visit http://www.fireflyautism.org or contact Nicole Abunassar at nicole@nkgroupe.com.

###

About Firefly Autism

Firefly Autism is dedicated to celebrating the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum through learning, support, and solutions. We achieve this by building innovative, individualized programs and cultivating meaningful, impactful relationships with individuals, families, and communities we serve. For nearly 20 years, we have been changing the landscape of behavioral and mental health. Working with individuals from 18 months to over 70-years of age, we are one of the few places in Colorado where everyone, including adults, are not only welcome, but are also receiving support. With collaboration from families and other providers, we deliver services through individualized behavioral plans and instructional goals that meet the client’s interests, values, and support needs. At Firefly Autism, we believe in using the principles of assent-based and values-based practices to ensure a person-centered approach to Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy.

About IBCCES

Delivering The Global Standard for Training and Certification in The Field of Cognitive Disorders – IBCCES provides a series of certifications that empower professionals to be leaders in their field and improve the outcomes for the individuals they serve. These programs are recognized around the world as the leading benchmark for training and certification in the areas of autism and other cognitive disorders.

Share article on social media or email:

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Stellar MLS First in Florida to Offer ‘Finding Homes’ Search by Voice for Blind and Visually Impaired Home Searchers

Leave a comment



ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (PRWEB)

Stellar MLS is proud to collaborate with Lundy, Inc. to bring search by voice and enhanced data accessibility to our customers, their prospects, homebuyers, and sellers who are searching for homes in the Stellar MLS coverage area! Now, with Lundy’s comprehensive voice-activated property search engine via Amazon’s Alexa app, blind and visually impaired individuals will be immersed in the home buying experience.

“This partnership with Stellar MLS signals a remarkable shift in the responsibility MLSs are taking to solve these complex, fair housing and accessibility issues. Stellar is facing these issues head-on without fear, and it is an honor to be a part of the team. With the help of our MLS partners, our technology will revolutionize the ADA accessibility of data while addressing consumer search trends, like accessing information by voice while multi-tasking or driving. As a result, this tool has a much larger application to the general public than our core mission. It is exciting to be a part of such important work,” said Justin Lundy, Co-Founder and CEO of Lundy, Inc.

Lundy takes key data on residential listings and delivers listing information in small but informative sentences. On top of that, users can search by property address or set a search by asking Alexa about property characteristics like price range or number of bedrooms.

“Stellar MLS is committed to accessibility, inclusivity, and equal access to data in the Real Estate arena. We will continue to seek out and provide access to products such as voice-activated search to align with our philosophy of inclusivity,” commented Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of Stellar MLS.

The partnership between Stellar MLS and Lundy follows Stellar’s recent efforts to enhance accessibility for their subscribers by updating their various web properties to an AA rating per the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Lundy, Inc. is also partnered with MetroList® MLS, Utah Real Estate, and West Arizona Data Exchange (WARDEX) to provide Finding Homes search by voice to those markets.

About Stellar MLS

Headquartered in Altamonte Springs, FL, Stellar MLS (Stellar) is Florida’s largest multiple listing service (MLS) company, with over 70,000 customers in Florida and Puerto Rico. Offering a comprehensive suite of the industry’s best products and world-class customer service, Stellar MLS is committed to helping brokers and agents thrive in tomorrow’s competitive real estate market. Learn more at stellarmls.com.

About Lundy, Inc.

Lundy (http://www.getlundy.io) makes real estate data accessible by syndicating it to voice on the Amazon Alexa platform. The company’s natural language processing provides a conversational interface to search for and learn about homes for sale. Lundy’s mission is to serve the blind and visually impaired while benefiting millions of consumers who want quick access to real estate prices and facts by voice, at home, or while driving. Co-founders Justin and Jim Grady combine real estate industry experience and technology backgrounds to bring the vision of shopping for homes by voice to life.

Share article on social media or email:

Society: Disabled Issues / Disabilities

Commission for Case Manager Certification’s new board leadership affirms dedication to quality and case manager empowerment

Leave a comment


News Image


MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. (PRWEB)

The Commission for Case Manager Certification® announced its 2022.2023 Board officer slate today. As the first and largest nationally accredited organization providing case management and disability management specialist certification, the Commission advocates for professional growth and lifelong learning. It does so through research-based exams and continuing education credits while maintaining ethical standards to maximize consumer protection, scientific understanding and quality case management practice.

Teresa (Teri) Treiger, RN, MA, CCM, FABQAURP, will serve as chair of the 17-member volunteer board. She has been a certified case manager since 2001. With her background in case management, nursing, health care administration and care management, she deeply understands the vital role of CCMs in health care.

Treiger is the founder and principal at Ascent Care Management—providing private case management services, consulting and more. She is also an editor and featured columnist for Professional Case Management’s The Heartbeat of Case Management. In the past, she served as and National President of the Case Management Society of America and was a founding board member of the National Transitions of Care Coalition.

“Every day, I see my service as vitally connected to the mission, vision and value of certification,” Treiger said. “It’s bigger than me and today’s Commission, and even bigger than the 50,000+ board certified CCM and CDMS holders. We possess a legacy and pledge to advocate for professional case management excellence through certification and interrelated programs.

We have the privilege of upholding a commitment to consumer protection and quality case management practice, as well as being the keepers of case management ethical standards and behavior.”

In addition to Treiger, the Commission’s 2022.2023 officers are:

  • Chair-Elect: Ed Quick, MA, MBA, CDMS, Senior Manager of Global Leave and Time Away Programs for a large technology company;

  • Secretary: Patricia Nunez, MA, CRC, CDMS, CCM, Director, Claim Supply Management, CNA;

  • Treasurer: Anne Mercer, CIA, CFE, CFSA, Managing Director, Standards & Guidance, Institute of Internal Auditors; and

  • Immediate Past-Chair: Jared Young, Psy.D., CAADC, LCSW, CCM, Founder & Practitioner, Private Practice.

The Commission also added two new board members:

  • Rebecca Fisco, CDMS, Manager, Vocational Services and Operations, The Ohio State University; and

  • R. Keith Franklin, PhD, LPC-S, LCDC, ACS, CEAP, CCM, EAP Psychologist, Department of Defense

“In the turmoil of the last few years and with the health care landscape continuing to evolve, case managers continue to play a vital role as patient advocates,” said MaryBeth Kurland, MPA, CAE, ICE-CCP, Commission CEO. “We’re focused on the whole-person and the professional community, encouraging CCMs, CDMS and members of the care team to care for themselves and clients while pursuing lifelong learning.”

“Our Commissioners bring a deep understanding of case management best practices derived from their wealth of experience,” Kurland added. “Their expertise informs and helps support the quality of our credentialing programs and maintains the certifications as the gold standard, while empowering practitioners to reach their highest potential by developing themselves personally and professionally.”

###

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 http://www.ccmcertification.org and http://www.cdms.org, connect with the Commission on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @CCM_Cert.

Share article on social media or email: