It was an honor to be included in the #BetterEveryDay challenge. The visibility our foundation was given—and the funds we received—will help us bring events to more communities, connect children with special needs and athletes, and build inclusive opportunities that teach compassion and empathy.

HAYWARD, Calif. (PRWEB)
March 03, 2022

Gunderson Direct, one of the largest independent direct mail agencies, has secured a total of $52,885 in donations to benefit special needs sports programs through its Better Every Day Challenge.

From Valentine’s Day through February 18, 2022, hundreds of individuals participated in a daily jump rope challenge. Gunderson Direct sent participants a special box in the mail that contained a jump rope, sweatband, score card, and instruction sheet.

The challenge kicked off with 20 jumps on February 14, and the daily goal increased each day until it reached 100 jumps on the final day. Each day after participating, individuals posted pictures of their completed scorecards to their Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn accounts along with the hashtag #BetterEveryDay.

This challenge was inspired by the addition of Gunderson Direct’s new Better Every Day value—one of five core values that drive the agency’s culture and vision. By getting people involved in healthy activities—and providing awareness and support to the Special Forces Sports Foundation—Gunderson Direct channeled this value to benefit both the individual and the community.

Here are the results for the five-day challenge:

• Challenge Kits Sent: 350
• Social Likes and Shares: 4,176
• Total Jumps/Reps: 143,550
• Total Donations Received: $52,885

These results exceeded expectations by thousands of dollars, with the entire sum going to benefit the nonprofit Special Forces Sports Foundation, which pairs children with disabilities with high school and collegiate athletes to include them in team sports otherwise unavailable to them.

Regarding the challenge—and the results—Gunderson Direct President Mike Gunderson states, “At Gunderson Direct we strive to be Better Every Day for our clients, our employees, and of course our community. This was a special effort, and we are very happy we could spread goodwill, increase awareness, and raise funds to help the kids benefiting from the Special Forces Sports Foundation.”

And “Dr.” Matt Lance, the founder of Special Forces Sports Foundation, had this to say, “It was an honor to be included in the #BetterEveryDay challenge. The visibility our foundation was given—and the funds we received—will help us bring events to more communities, connect children with special needs and athletes, and build inclusive opportunities that teach compassion and empathy.”

Gunderson Direct will award the funds to the Special Forces Sports Foundation at one of the nonprofit’s upcoming events.

About Special Forces Sports Foundation: Special Forces Sports Foundation (SFSF) is a nonprofit organization that partners students with special needs with high school and collegiate athletes for engaging and rewarding experiences. Through its events such as Special Forces Sports Day, SFSF empowers groups to learn valuable life lessons from each other that they will carry through the rest of their lives.

About Gunderson Direct Inc.: Gunderson Direct is a top-rated marketing agency specializing in direct mail that works with companies of all sizes. What separates Gunderson Direct from other agencies and direct mail providers is over 18 years of building and improving direct mail programs through its proprietary process of testing and optimization. Because of this, clients get higher quality leads, leading to increased customer profitability.

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Lime Connect Fellows

Lime has taught me to not hide from my disability, but rather embrace the strengths it has given me. This is something I will take with me forever. – Jim, Lime Connect Fellow

NEW YORK (PRWEB)
March 02, 2022

Lime Connect (Lime) and its corporate partners AstraZeneca, BlackRock, Bloomberg, EY, Goldman Sachs, Google, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft, PwC, Sony, and Unilever are pleased to announce The 2022 Lime Connect Fellowship Program for Students with Disabilities. Lime Connect is rebranding disability through achievement via its fresh approach in the disability talent space, and the premier Fellowship Program attracts highly accomplished students with disabilities, builds an important community of peers, prepares them for the recruitment process, and connects them with the world’s leading corporations for potential summer internships. This yearlong program includes educational workshops, leadership/skill building, interview preparation, coaching and multiple opportunities to connect with partner companies via The Leadership & Development Symposium and more. Fellows are also part of the lifelong Lime Fellows Network community.

“For me, one of the biggest takeaways (from my Fellows experience) was an understanding that my disability is not a weakness. It is a strength that makes me unique and gives me a perspective that others may not understand. Lime Connect has taught me to not hide from my disability, but rather embrace the strengths it has given me. This is something I will take with me forever.” – Jim, Lime Connect Fellow

Lime Connect Fellow Benefits:

• 
  Participation in an expense-paid Leadership & Development Symposium in New York City*
• Access to Lime Connect’s partner companies (AstraZeneca, BlackRock, Bloomberg, EY, Goldman Sachs, Google, Johnson & Johnson, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Microsoft, PwC, Sony, and Unilever) via networking events, career workshops & more for potential summer 2023 internships
• Ongoing professional development, coaching, and mentoring for internship and career success
• Lifelong benefits of The Lime Connect Fellows Network community
• Further development of Lime Connect’s Fellowship Program and mentoring for future Fellows classes

2022 Lime Connect Fellowship Program Eligibility Requirements:

• A current sophomore at a four-year university in the United States
• Continuing studies as a full-time student for the 2022 – 2023 academic year
• Eligible to work in the United States
• A person with a (visible or invisible) disability.*

How To Apply

Candidates will log into, or join, The Lime Network, and provide a current resume and answers to two short essay questions. Those who are selected as finalists will later be required to submit additional materials including a letter of recommendation.

To register for The Lime Network and apply:

Go to The Lime Network

Application Deadline: Midnight PST on Sunday, March 6th

The Lime Network is designed as an exclusive resource for high potential/highly accomplished university students and experienced professionals – including veterans – who have disabilities. It is Lime Connect’s broader, virtual program that prepares and connects candidates for career success regardless of their geographic location. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to register and learn of all Lime Connect opportunities, including scholarships, recruitment receptions, internship and full time career opportunities, professional development webinars, social gatherings and more.

*The Leadership & Development Symposium listed above is slated to take place in New York City, assuming COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. If necessary symposium programming will take place virtually.

**A person with a disability is defined as someone who has, or considers themselves to have, a long-term or recurring issue that impacts one or more activities that others may consider to be a daily function. This definition also includes the perception among others that a disability exists. We know that 90% of disabilities on campus are invisible, and candidates with all disabilities are encouraged to apply.

About Lime Connect:

Lime Connect is a not for profit organization that is rebranding disability through achievement. It is the premier resource for top talent in the disability space focused on attracting, preparing and connecting highly accomplished individuals with disabilities for scholarships, leadership programs, and careers with the world’s leading corporations. Our goal is to break stereotypes and lead all companies to realize the importance, and value, of employing people with disabilities at every level of education, talent and ability.

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Nathan H. Walcker

Lime Connect is making a global impact by creating and expanding opportunities for those with disabilities to achieve their full potential. I am so pleased to serve as a Global Board member and pay forward the support that has been instrumental in my professional career.

NEW YORK (PRWEB)
March 01, 2022

Lime Connect (Lime) is pleased to announce that Nathan H. Walcker, Chief Executive Officer of Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, has joined the not for profit organization as a member of its global board of directors.

Walcker oversees implementation of Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute’s (FCS) mission to provide world-class cancer care, close to home in community-based settings across the state of Florida. He leads the development of strategic initiatives that continue to drive FCS forward as a national cancer care leader. Walcker joined FCS in 2019 as Chief Financial Officer, bringing more than a decade of diverse healthcare, physician services and corporate finance expertise with him. He was appointed CEO in 2020.

Previously, he served as a key member of Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s Global Healthcare Investment Banking group in New York, advising the firm’s public and emerging growth health care clients and leading private equity firms. Walcker began his career on Wall Street on the Merrill Lynch trading floor in New York and went on to assume increasing responsibilities as an Investment Banker and strategic advisor to corporations, entrepreneurs and public company boards. Walcker, who is deaf, earned an MBA from Columbia Business School and a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Columbia University.

Michael MacKay, chair of Lime Connect’s global board of directors, says, “Lime Connect has admired Nate’s business acumen and role as a true leader in changing the way the world views disability, and we are proud to count him as an inaugural member of The Lime Network from his days as an undergraduate. We are excited to welcome his vision and passion to the board.”

Walcker, speaking of his role with Lime Connect, states, “Lime Connect is making a global impact by creating and expanding opportunities for those with disabilities to achieve their full potential. I am so pleased to serve as a Global Board member and pay forward the support that has been instrumental in my professional career.”

Lime Connect is a not for profit organization that is rebranding disability through achievement. The organization’s focus is to attract, prepare, and connect high potential university students and alumni (including veterans) with disabilities for scholarships, leadership programs, internships, and full time careers with their partners – the world’s leading corporations. This work showcases the vast strengths and talents that are found in disabilities, and provides disabled individuals with the tools, confidence, community, and connections to realize their dreams.

For more information on Lime Connect, visit https://www.limeconnect.com. For more information on Nathan Walcker, visit https://www.flcancer.com.

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Teams take the plunge during Aloha Pools & Spas 11th Annual Polar Plunge.

Special Olympics Tennessee provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

UNION CITY, Tenn. (PRWEB)
February 18, 2022

More than 50 individuals from five West Tennessee counties comprising Upper West Tennessee Area 7 Special Olympics braved freezing temperatures for the annual Polar Plunge Feb. 12, 2022, at Aloha Pools and Spas in Union City, Tennessee. The chilly dip raised funds for Special Olympics activities.

Thus far, more than $20,000 has been raised to support the 350 athletes who are active in the program. Activities include track and field, basketball, flag football, bowling and a six-week baseball season.

The five counties in Area 7 are: Obion, Weakley, Lake, Henry and Carroll. Aloha Pools of Union City has hosted Polar Plunge since its inception 11 years ago.

“Special Olympics Tennessee provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Participants enjoy continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community,” Clinton Smith, Area Director of the Upper West Region, said.

One of those athletes, Garrett Dinning from Westview High School, will be a part of Team Tennessee Athletics at the USA National Games in Orlando, Florida. He will participate in the mini-javelin throw, running long jump and 4×100 relay held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World July 5-12, 2022.

Top individual fundraisers all came from Weakley County. They were: Arctic Annabelle, Greenfield, $3,578; Dinning, Martin, $3,555; and Taniya Williams, Greenfield, $577. Top team fundraisers were: The Crusaders, Obion County, $2,034; Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Weakley County, $1,021; and The Candy Crusaders, Obion County, $835.

Individuals can learn more about Upper West Tennessee Area 7 Special Olympics at facebook.com/Area7SOTN and area7sotn.com. Activities and other information about Aloha Pools and Spas is online at facebook.com/SwimAloha and alohapoolsusa.com.

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MEADVILLE, Pa. (PRWEB)
February 23, 2022

“Disabled and Faithful”: a potent reminder of the strength one can draw from God’s promise. “Disabled and Faithful” is the creation of published author Moses Macias.

Macias shares, “Many people struggle with being disabled. Many believers struggle with being strong in the faith. How do you deal with both? Disabled and Faithful is written to encourage believers who are also dealing with medical issues, whether they’re temporary or permanent, to follow God in the hardships. Even if you’re not disabled, the principles discussed in Disabled and Faithful can still apply to any believer in God. Many issues are addressed in Disabled and Faithful, such as giving, prayer, worship, Bible studying, and so forth, that someone who is disabled deals with different circumstances in life than other believers but are encouraged to stay faithful to God despite the differences.”

Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Moses Macias’s new book will encourage and empower as readers consider the valid and inspiring points made within.

Macias shares in hopes of reaching others who have faced similar struggles with their physical health, mental wellbeing, and faith.

Consumers can purchase “Disabled and Faithful” at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries about “Disabled and Faithful,” contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919.

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The Global Disability Summit

“The pandemic not only deprioritised lives and rights of persons with disabilities, not only pushed millions of persons with disabilities into poverty, but also reminded us that discrimination is very present with us,” said Yannis Vardakastanis, President of the International Disability Alliance.

GENEVA (PRWEB)
February 17, 2022

Governments and other organisations from around the world came together at the online event and pledged to improve the lives of people with disabilities. Many announced new policies and funding. While the first Summit in 2018 was a real pacesetter with over 400 participants and 968 commitments, the second Summit is taking this higher and further, with more than 7000 participants and more than 1250 commitments.

• 
  By the end of the first day, commitments were made by more than 10 countries towards disability rights.
• Speakers included the hosts, the Governments of Norway and Ghana and the International Disability Alliance (IDA); the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), António Guterres; and representatives of 17 governments.
• Seven UN agencies attended and committed to change the way they include people with disabilities into their work.

The virtual two-day Summit is the world’s biggest gathering of global leaders and disability rights activists and organisations dedicated to commit to change for people with disabilities. It is a vital opportunity for commitments to improve the rights of the world’s one billion people with disabilities, who were disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the first day participants discussed the rights and priorities of people with disabilities in areas ranging from humanitarian disasters and climate change to employment and sexual and reproductive rights.

Some of the key commitments made were:

• The USA made 23 commitments on disability rights. This is the first time the country has made commitments at the Summit. USAID Administrator, Samantha Power said, “As we continue to build back better, we will ensure that we deal everybody in and bring everyone along”.
• Norway launched its first disability inclusion strategy, including increasing opportunities for people with disabilities in the job market and their priorities in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaption. It also pledged to include disability legislation in its domestic law.
• The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office announced 18 new commitments including a new disability inclusion strategy up to 2030 and funding for the Global Action on Disability (GLAD) Network.
• Australia will develop a new policy to promote and protect the human rights of all people with disabilities, including through its development cooperation programme.
• Malawi committed to adopt a Zero Rejection Policy at all levels of education in-line with provisions of the Disability Act, the Malawi Constitution and the UN The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) by 2022.
• Denmark will work to combat gender-based violence in crises. As the global lead of Call to Action on Protection Against Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies 2021-2022, Denmark is committed to advocating for the inclusion of people with disabilities in efforts against gender-based violence in humanitarian contexts.
• The European Union promised €5 million in funding for the UN Partnership on the Rights of People with Disabilities (UNPRPD).
• IDA committed to promoting leadership of underrepresented groups of persons with disabilities and to delivering technical assistance on disability-inclusive development and humanitarian action to donors and the UN system.
• Save the Children made 12 new commitments including to support organization of children and youth with disabilities to strengthen and amplify their self-advocacy, to engage in public policy discussions and to become partners in their own right.

In his welcome to the Summit, Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Norway said, “If the Sustainable Development Goals are to be achieved – and they are to be achieved – social and economic development must be rights based and disability inclusive. We must leave no-one behind”.

The President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, added that inclusion of people with disabilities “cannot just be about economics. It has to be about equality and social justice, and above all, it must be about our humanity… We must tackle disability exclusion head on and do so with a sense of emergency”.

Yannis Vardakastanis, President of IDA, outlined the relevancy of the Summit by saying, “the pandemic not only deprioritised lives and rights of persons with disabilities, not only pushed millions of persons with disabilities into poverty, but also reminded us that discrimination is very present with us. Against this background we are gathering today and tomorrow to reposition disability rights once again on the right track”.

The second Global Disability Summit will continue tomorrow (17 February 2022). This year’s event is entirely virtual and is being live-streamed from Norway.

More information along with the up-to-date agenda can be found online, and anyone can take part in the Summit at: http://www.globaldisabilitysummit.org

For updates and live announcements follow us on Twitter at: @GDS_Disability, #CommitToChange and #GDS2022

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Greg May Hyundai offers up to $1,000 towards the cost of adaptive equipment.

WACO, Texas (PRWEB)
February 16, 2022

There is some great news for the drivers near Waco, Texas, who are planning to purchase adaptive equipment for the Hyundai vehicle. Greg May Hyundai offers up to $1,000 towards the cost of adaptive equipment. Select new and unused Hyundai vehicles sold or leased to a retail customer by the Greg May Hyundai dealership are eligible for reimbursement under this program. This offer is valid from April 1, 2021 to Jan. 2, 2023.

Any aftermarket alterations or equipment installation that provides the user convenient access and/or the ability to drive an eligible Hyundai vehicle will be applicable for reimbursement. After the vehicle is purchased and adaptive equipment is installed, the following documents should be submitted along with the claim form: the purchase agreement or sales contract, itemized and paid invoice(s) stating the customer’s full name, the eligible Hyundai vehicle and the Hyundai Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from the adaptive equipment company, vehicle’s registration and documentation from a medical professional stating the purpose of the equipment. These documents along with the claim form must be printed and mailed to Hyundai Motor America, Incentives Department, 10550, Talbert Avenue, Fountain Valley, CA, 92708.

Eligible customers can get a mobility reimbursement of up to $1,000 of the total equipment and labor costs. To learn more about this offer, please visit the official website of Greg May Hyundai or quickly visit in person at Greg May Hyundai, 1501 West Loop 340, Waco, Texas, 76712. Interested parties can also contact their customer care team on 254-327-1616 for any further information.

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SPRING, Texas (PRWEB)
February 16, 2022

Thomas Rice, the CEO of Nikolas House, a facility that will specialize in the care of all children with special needs, has completed his new book “My Destiny”: a powerful and inspiring tale of one father’s experiences raising a special needs child, and how it led to the discovery of his calling.

“Sometimes in life, no matter how hard you try, you cannot get away from what is meant to be,” shares Rice. “This book entitled ‘My Destiny’ is my story of how I felt when I was purposefully chosen not only to raise a child with special needs but also to share my experiences of what I’ve learned so that other families need not spend their valuable time combing through information online to find where to get help for their child.”

Published by Page Publishing, Thomas Rice’s potent tale of one parent’s unending love for their child eventually led him to understand his true purpose in life, which was to create a facility to care for special needs children of all ages that would become Nikolas’s House. Through his various experiences, Rice shares his story with readers everywhere as an incredible resource for parents of special needs children and how to navigate the medical community and utilize the different resources available to them.

Readers who wish to experience this irreverent work can purchase “My Destiny” at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes Store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not mired in logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and so on. Page’s accomplished writers and publishing professionals allow authors to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.

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