COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (PRWEB)
June 25, 2020

The Rocky Mountain ADA Center (RMADAC), is honored to be the first member of the National Network of ADA Centers to have its online, virtual and customized in-person training curriculums be accredited by The Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). RMADAC is now approved as a SHRM recertification provider for a two-year term: June 6th, 2020 through June 30th, 2022.

As RMADAC offers a variety of  online, virtual and in-person training options, it will begin providing SHRM professional development credits (PDCs)for HR knowledge and competency programs related to the SHRM to professionals requiring training from any location in the nation.

“The Rocky Mountain ADA Center is elated to have our training programs accepted by SHRM”, said Emily Shuman, Deputy Director of RMADAC. “Our fully customizable-virtual and online training programs can be leveraged by any HR professional in the nation along with our customized in-person training options for those working in the Rocky Mountain Region.” “HR professionals now have a trusted source to earn their required PDCs and we look forward to working industry-wide with partners to ensure they have the critical ADA training required over the next two years.”

Human resource professionals who would like to schedule training with RMADAC, please click here.

About the Rocky Mountain ADA Center: The Rocky Mountain ADA Center provides information on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to individuals and organizations throughout Colorado, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The Rocky Mountain ADA Center is a member of the National Network of ADA Centers and is funded by National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90DP0094-01-00). Our center is powered by and is a project of Meeting the Challenge, Inc., a CP&Y company located in Colorado Springs, CO. The center’s staff members represent a diverse and dynamic group of individuals who are dedicated to the driving spirit of the ADA as well as the complex standards behind the law. To connect with the Rocky Mountain ADA Center on social media, click here. The Rocky Mountain ADA Center is available to assist with any of the following areas: Material Dissemination,Technical Assistance on the ADA, Training, Referrals and Research.

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LOS ANGELES (PRWEB)
June 18, 2020

The Miracle Project, a fully inclusive neurodiverse theater, film, social skills, and expressive arts program for individuals with autism and all abilities, is premiering the original musical film, The Influencer, via Zoom on June 25.

This original musical follows a close-knit Midwest family as they move to the big city and become negatively influenced by work, peer pressure, and social media. Created with, starring and filmed entirely during quarantine by teens and young adults on the autism spectrum and their peers, the musical deals with making choices between what others expect of you, who you want to be, and who you truly are.

Originally set to premiere as a staged production at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, The Influencer will now be streamed twice, with the first showing on Thursday, June 25, at 5 p.m. (PST) and second on Sunday, June 28 at 4 p.m. (PST). Following each show, there will be a 15-minute live talkback Q&A discussion with the directors, editors, actors, and songwriters from The Miracle Project.

“It’s been a remarkable experience to watch our students produce an original musical from miles apart. Not only are they facing the challenges that quarantine brings everyone, but the students and young adults of The Miracle Project’s Company class have also debunked some of the common myths around autism,” said Elaine Hall, founder of The Miracle Project and director of The Influencer. As they work together to virtually produce, edit, act, choreograph and compose original songs, they’re also expressing feelings, sharing imagination, emotional intelligence, and empathy for each other. Some experts might say that’s impossible – they’ve done the impossible.”

Celebrating the diversity and inclusion of students with all abilities and those on the autism spectrum, The Miracle Project gives students the opportunity to express themselves through collaborating on creative ideas, writing, music, dancing, and acting.

RSVP’s required and can be made online at http://www.themiracleproject.org/theinfluencer. Once a guest has registered, they will receive a private zoom link for the musical.

The Miracle Project is based out of Los Angeles, Calif. For more information, please call (310) 829-7034 or visit https://themiracleproject.org/.

About The Miracle Project

The Miracle Project is a fully inclusive neurodiverse theater, film, social skills, and expressive arts program for individuals with autism and all abilities. Through shared creative experiences with peers, The Miracle Project encourages individuals with autism, other disabilities, and all abilities to develop social and job skills, enhance communication, increase self-awareness, and confidence, ease anxiety and find joy in the experience. For more information, visit https://themiracleproject.org/.

The Miracle Project | Los Angeles, CA 90036 | (310) 829-7034

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PORTLAND, Maine (PRWEB)
June 16, 2020

Professional Disability Associates (PDA), a provider of specialty risk resources and consultative solutions to the disability insurance market, subsidiary of The Advocator Group and Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE: BRO), announced today that Michael Shunney has been named Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Shunney will continue to serve as the CEO of PDA’s parent company, The Advocator Group, and this appointment allows for greater synergy between the two organizations.

The Advocator Group acquired PDA in 2018, a transaction in which Mr. Shunney was actively involved. Subsequently, Mr. Shunney stepped into the role of President of PDA in 2019 to lead a strategic transformation of the firm’s disability insurance solutions and advisory services. During this period, he collaborated closely with the organization’s senior leaders, and he played an instrumental role in recruiting two seasoned industry executives to join the team in the first half of 2020.

This transition marks the next key milestone in the integration between The Advocator Group and PDA. Upon acquisition, the firms merged business services, such as finance, human resources, and information technology, followed by deploying key talent across the organizations to best meet business needs and allow for increased growth. As CEO to both companies, Mr. Shunney will maintain an enterprise-wide view of market opportunities and potential for integrated offerings.

Kevin Riley, who served as interim CEO since August 2019, moves into the position of Senior Vice President, Customer Experience. In this role, Mr. Riley will capitalize on his deep and extensive relationships in the disability insurance market, ensuring that PDA brings forward innovative solutions that meet true customer needs and enables customers to make meaningful impacts on financial results.

Mr. Riley commented, “This role represents an exciting opportunity to more deeply explore my passion for working with customers. In my 10 years with PDA, as well as my prior experience in the industry, I have developed a strong understanding of our industry’s unique challenges and opportunities. I look forward to collaborating on solutions that effectively meet customers’ needs and help to grow their businesses.”

Mr. Shunney notes, “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead PDA in the capacity of Chief Executive Officer and to partner with the outstanding leadership team in growing this business. PDA is known to the market as a key partner to disability carriers, and I look forward to, not just continuing, but advancing that reputation.” He continues, “I am also delighted to enhance my working relationship with Kevin. His dedication to our customers is unmatched, and I am confident they will gain tremendous value from having him in this role.”

To learn more about Mr. Shunney, Mr. Riley, and Professional Disability Associates, visit http://www.professionaldisabilityassociates.com.

ABOUT PROFESSIONAL DISABILITY ASSOCIATES

Professional Disability Associates (PDA) is an innovative industry leader in providing specialty risk resources, including medical and vocational review services, consultative solutions and industry benchmarking, as well as full-service claim administration capabilities to major disability insurers and self-insured employers. PDA prides itself on delivering customized solutions and exceeding its customers’ expectations. To learn more, please visit our website, http://www.professionaldisabilityassociates.com.

ABOUT THE ADVOCATOR GROUP

The Advocator Group, LLC is a nationwide advocacy organization dedicated to helping individuals apply for and obtain Social Security Disability Insurance. In addition, The Advocator Group assists Medicare beneficiaries in identifying the best coverage possible for their unique needs. The Advocator Group’s team of experienced Social Security and Medicare advocates ensures that each client is provided phenomenal service while each case receives close attention. For more information, visit http://www.advocator.com.

ABOUT BROWN & BROWN, INC.

Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE: BRO) is a leading insurance brokerage firm, providing risk management solutions to individuals and businesses. With more than 80 years of proven success and thousands of teammates, we offer knowledge you can trust and strive to deliver superior customer service. For more information, please visit http://www.bbinsurance.com.

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NEW YORK (PRWEB)
June 09, 2020

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order on Friday, June 5th, stating that necessary in-person special education instruction is allowed this summer. This news comes fast and furious, but Da Vinci’s team of New York State licensed staff is ready to assist Long Island school districts and their educators in supporting their special education students, while safely abiding by the state and federal guidelines.

Da Vinci focuses on delivering high-quality instruction designed to ensure the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and overall educational goals are met. Using our methods, every student we work with has the greatest likelihood of receiving specialized instruction delivered by highly qualified teachers to target and work towards deficits. We utilize a variety of special education supports and programs to serve students with disabilities and promote meaningful access, participation and progress in the general curriculum, including constant teacher services, paraprofessional support, resource room service and integrated co-teaching.

“We understand that this executive order presents an enormous pressure on school districts as it must be managed in such a short amount of time,” says Kerry Leo, founder and CEO of Da Vinci. “We are prepared and ready to expedite services to your students and teachers.”

Our programs and alternative methods are used to modify the instructional approach and are customized to meet each of our students’ individual needs. We liaise with districts to provide an optimal learning environment for our students while supporting and instructing beyond their Individual Education Plan. We maintain and promote mindfulness to ensure that student, district, and familial concerns are acknowledged and addressed. We offer direct instruction in multi-sensory reading, writing, and math. Additionally, we offer resource room instruction in parochial, private, and public school settings, and our speech and language services provide additional support for students.

The safety of the staff, students, parents and all clients is a top priority at Da Vinci Education. All CDC guidelines will be strictly implemented for the foreseeable future as we support school districts in transitioning back to business as usual in the coming months. For more information, to schedule an appointment, or to apply for a position at Da Vinci, visit their website http://www.davincicenter.net or contact kleo@davincicenter.net with any questions or concerns.

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About Da Vinci Education and Research

The Long Island based professionals at Da Vinci Education and Research are dedicated to bringing diagnostic and prescriptive strategies to students, parents and school districts to help them support learning needs and maximize their unique academic potential. We pledge to identify and acknowledge the gold standard in education by gathering the latest in top quality, research-based and proven methodologies.

Working with the Committee of Special Education, we make practical and proven recommendations so each team can find the best solution for every child. Our process acknowledges that every individual has a unique learning profile. Our goal is to build trusting relationships with parents and districts to facilitate the best possible outcomes. We offer ongoing monitoring to ensure team alignment so that educational goals for every child are met.

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SEATTLE (PRWEB)
June 08, 2020

Excy (http://www.excy.com), the leader in quality portable full-body cycling equipment, today announced the XCS Bed Bike and the Hang in There (HIT) Adaptive Bike Pedal to combat the detrimental effects of being in bed without physical activity. The XCS Bed Bike is smaller and lighter than Excy’s current line of portable exercise bikes, and is uniquely designed to help people with limited mobility pedal in a hospital bed or on a therapy table while lying down flat or partially inclined. The HIT Adaptive Pedal, which is compatible with any 9/16” crank arm, keeps a rider’s foot locked in place to prevent it from falling while pedaling or resting.

Excy created the XCS Bed Bike and HIT Adaptive Pedal based on feedback from homebound riders, and its experience in hospitals and physical therapy clinics. The company has seen an increase in demand across all its product lines due to COVID-19 leading people to seek home exercise and strength training equipment, but without the large footprint of traditional equipment. People living with disabilities, health conditions or recovering from an injury or surgery often struggle with challenges like finding reliable and safe in-home care during normal situations, but COVID-19 has made it even harder for many, including their caretakers. A growing request to pedal in a hospital bed or on top of a therapy table at home helped speed up bringing the XCS Bed Bike to market now. The HIT Adaptive Pedal was designed to eliminate the burden of bedridden patients struggling to keep their feet lifted in place with traditional pedals designed only for recumbent or upright pedaling.

“I had brain surgery to have a tumor removed right as COVID-19 hit, which resulted in me being bedridden for weeks,” said Excy customer Carrie. “With Excy, I was able to pedal my legs in bed with my home physical therapists to avoid losing muscle mass, but also with my occupational therapist as part of my TBI recovery. Now, I can independently pedal and focus on building up my endurance and getting stronger at my own pace, but from the safety and comfort of home.”

Research demonstrates that supine motorized stationary bicycling affixed to a hospital bed, six days a week, as being safe for mechanically-ventilated patients early on in their ICU stay.

Research also suggests that exercise therapy may hold promise as an effective means of improving immunity in bedridden patients and may contribute to preventing aspiration pneumonia and promoting spontaneous recovery. If exercise can play a similar role to help novel coronavirus COVID-19 patients, the Excy team believes the XCS Bed Bike and the HIT Adaptive Pedal could play a role in helping those needing therapeutic cycling protocols to avoid inactivity while bedridden. Further research is required to explore the patients who may most benefit from bed cycling intervention.

“We’ve worked really hard to open up inclusive access to total body aerobic and anaerobic cycling exercise for every body type and age, regardless of injury, disability, or health condition,” said Michele Mehl, co-founder and CEO of Excy who had the idea for a full-body cycling approach for those with limited mobility after breaking her leg and getting a DVT blood clot. “COVID-19 has only strengthened our resolve to knock down the barriers of exercise for all and stay laser focused on making access to physical activity and muscle strengthening exercises easier for those with underlying conditions.”

The XCS Bed Bike works like a conventional heavy-duty exercise bike, except the rider can pedal while lying down. The system is smaller than Excy’s other portable exercise bike at only 12 pounds and has a smaller footprint while being used, yet gives riders 7 inches of additional leg extension to pedal lying down in bed. Like in all Excy models, the XCS Bed Bike offers a unique non-motorized, non-flywheel centric design that requires constant rotational pedaling force throughout the entire 360-degree cycling stroke, which is optimized for building up endurance and strength. Bi-directional resistance easily adjusts from 1-50 pounds for light to heavy forces for cardio, strengthening, and range of motion exercises for pedaling in bed, but the device also can be pedaled as a recumbent bike while seated in a chair or as a tabletop upper body ergometer from a seated and standing position. Riders can pedal independently or with assistance from their physical therapist, occupational therapist, medical fitness trainer, or with their caretaker based on the direction of their doctor.

The Excy HIT Adaptive Pedal uses a wide foot platform with adjustable straps that allow the heel to hang freely with support while also holding the foot steady to pedal comfortably and properly. Offering a range of foot flexibility that is similar to traditional bike shoes, riders can engage in isometric pedaling, small back and forth pressing, or pedal in full rotations. Since Excy’s resistance range is bi-directional, riders can recruit more muscles vs. simply pedaling in inertia-assisted circles that someone would do on a flywheel or motorized bike. They can follow this motion in reverse to work opposing muscles.The pedal is easily adjustable for sizes ranging from children’s feet with shoes, to size 13 men’s feet without shoes.

Pricing and Availability

The XCS Bed Bike is $799 and includes one set of straps that will accommodate a hospital bed or therapy table. Larger bed straps are available on request. The system ships with Excy’s standard pedal that accommodates pedaling with your hands or feet. Any 9/16” foot or hand pedal can be used. The Excy HIT Adaptive Pedal is $75 for a single pedal or $150 per pair. It can be purchased and pre-installed on the XCS Bed Bike for shipping, but works on any bike. XCS Bed Bike monthly rentals and rent-to-own programs are available. Excy’s products are designed and manufactured in the USA.

About Excy

Excy is a Seattle-based company creating quality portable exercise equipment and on-demand training for those who want to safely and conveniently enjoy the benefits of full body cycling and resistance training without the barriers of big, expensive, and hard to access exercise equipment. Excy also provides a free mobile coaching application for Android and iOS with live, on-demand, and guided training from physical therapists. All Excy systems ship in recyclable packaging. For more information visit http://www.excy.com.

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