Paralympic Silver Medalist and World Record Holder Lex Gillette, who is blind, offers advice on how to adapt at home during COVID-19. Photo by Joe Kusumoto.

Disabled Sports USA knows all about adapting, adaptive sport is what we do, Disabled Sports USA Executive Director Glenn Merry

ROCKVILLE, Md. (PRWEB)
April 21, 2020

Disabled Sports USA launches a first of its kind initiative to engage people with disabilities at home, reducing isolation and improving quality of life. The #AdaptAtHome challenge is engaging thousands of wounded warfighters, youth and adults with disabilities nationwide.

Spring sports season is normally filled with clinics, competitions, regional games, and other adaptive sports programming at the 150 community-based chapters of Disabled Sports USA. COVID-19 has impacted those activities, temporarily shuttering the chapters nationwide.

“Disabled Sports USA knows all about adapting, adaptive sport is what we do,” said Disabled Sports USA Executive Director Glenn Merry. So on March 17th, when the State of Maryland began closing business as usual, the organization quickly pivoted its focus to bring those programs and activities to life online.

“Where others see adversity and obstacles, our natural inclination is to find how to adapt around it,” Merry said. “We have an office of passionate people, motivated to create opportunities. Within 48 hours, we launched the first ever digital platform to serve our community.”

The new platform includes more than 100 live and recorded sport and fitness activities led by adaptive athletes and coaches and designed for people with disabilities. Opportunities range from yoga to strength training, and a lot in between.

The organization has also challenged its athletes to maintain their physical and mental health with #AdaptAtHome Challenge. This program brings people together, through sport, when they can’t be together. Athletes film their at home workouts and post to social media, calling out their friends to join in sharing their workouts. A number of U.S. Paralympic athletes, including Snowboarders Brittany Couri, Noah Elliott, Brenna Huckaby, and Nicole Roundy have also participated in the social media challenge.

Other Team USA Paralympians have joined in DSUSA’s effort to encourage adaptive athletes to be safe, be active, and be connected. “I think that we as athletes have the ability to adapt and be creative, and those are going to be huge during this time,” said Paralympic Silver Medalist and Long Jump World Record Holder Lex Gillette, who is blind. “Training looks different given the recommendations and guidelines in place for our country, but you have to keep moving so you don’t go stir crazy. It may be difficult if you have limited space, but the idea here is to try and get some work in, and again, creativity is the name of the game.”

Six-Time Paralympic Medalist Dan Cnossen advises everyone to get outside, assuming you are able to do so (check your local jurisdiction for any restrictions). “I love being close to nature. I’m always searching for viable ways for me to get into the woods. It helps keep my sanity” Cnossen said. “Being outside helps with mood, temperament, and outlook. It helps get the blood flowing and increases endorphins. During this challenging time, either start the day, break up the day, or end the day by getting outside.”

To learn more about the online resources available during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit https://www.disabledsportsusa.org/adaptathome/.

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With each state knowing that the HRST is a proven way to identify those most at risk for serious consequences from illnesses such as COVID-19 via the Journal of Nursing Measurement, they’re empowered with action steps to help mitigate that risk,” Dr. Escudé says

CLEARWATER, Fla. (PRWEB)
April 20, 2020

The rampant spread of COVID-19 shows that calculating risk factors for vulnerable populations is a matter of life and death. That’s proven in a study conducted by researchers at UNSW showing people with an intellectual and development disability (IDD) are twice as likely to die from a preventable death.(1) High-risk groups, like those with IDD, lack the ability for caregivers to perform simple risk assessments that could save lives. Though that is changing, as the Health Risk Screening, Inc.’s Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST) for identifying risk in people with IDD has been endorsed by the Journal of Nursing Measurement.(2)

According to Dr. Craig Escudé, the president of Health Risk Screening, Inc., it’s never been more critical in understanding the risks of COVID-19 for this more vulnerable group of individuals, and even more important is being able to take steps to mitigate such risks. “Healthcare professionals and caregivers are at a huge disadvantage in providing care for those with IDD during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Escudé says. “This leaves them helpless in assessing mortality risk and providing care for their patients and loved ones.”

IDD Health Risk Screening and Advocacy

The time-tested HRST is a web-based tool currently used in 26 states that determines the mortality risk level of people with IDD to ensure that the support staff for these individuals know precisely when and how to act. The efficacy endorsement from the peer reviewed Journal of Nursing Measurement shines an important light on the growing use of the HRST. As the leading nursing journal, Journal of Nursing Measurement focuses on addressing instrumentation, tools, and approaches in regard to nursing, research practice, and education.

The efficacy of the HRST to predict mortality was validated by a study of 12,582 people with IDD residing in the state of Georgia. The study results showed that the HRST can predict mortality through health risk assessment. Therefore, it can serve as a basis for establishing healthcare needs and determining nursing care acuity for people with IDD.

When it comes to easily transmittable viruses—like COVID-19—that may even lead to death, society’s most vulnerable have always been at a much greater risk. But the current pandemic is revealing an acute problem, in which cities and states are putting those with IDD at an even greater risk. This can be seen in the pushback by disability advocates that have lodged complaints with the HHS Office for Civil Rights. The groups target the coronavirus response plans of several states that they claim would jeopardize people with disabilities.(3)

Risk and Mortality with IDD and COVID-19

People with comorbidities—which can be prevalent among those with IDD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—may be more susceptible to severe illness and death from COVID-19.(4)

According to Dr. Escudé, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities encounter five common challenges that put them at a higher risk for illnesses like COVID-19:

1. A higher percentage of people with disabilities have comorbidities, such as diabetes and other conditions

2. Some may have restrictions in their ability to take deep breaths or even cough effectively due to musculoskeletal issues

3. Those with higher rates of aspiration may have scarring of their lungs

4. Some habitually place items in their mouth, which can increase the risk of contact with infectious materials

5. Those who require frequent emergency department or medical visits may have increased exposure to people with illnesses

Other leading experts on the topics of aging and intellectual disabilities agree that people with IDD are particularly vulnerable to adverse outcomes associated with COVID-19 due to having:(5)

• 
  Several health conditions
• Low levels of health literacy
• Reliance on others for their care
• Smaller networks and less social support than the general population
• Reduced comprehension regarding the need for visiting restrictions

Performing a health risk screening on someone with IDD determines their level of risk as well as provides actionable steps to mitigate that risk from a number of different conditions. This data can be used to reroute scarce human and financial resources to where they will be most effective. This not only lowers the risk for people with IDD, but it also helps lower the spread of COVID-19 for the general population.

Furthermore, for those who have relied on the HRST prior to COVID-19, many are already seeing the advantages of having the resource available throughout the crisis, such as with the nonprofit organization, CADES (Children and Adult Disability and Educational Services). “We implemented HRST two years ago, and it has been our foundation through this pandemic, and for that we are so grateful. Keep leading us!” says Julie Alleman, MSS, the CEO of CADES. Such testimonials show just how beneficial the HRST tool can be when it comes to reducing risks for those already faced with the challenges of IDD, especially during such critical and uncertain times.

“We are all in this fight against COVID-19 together,” Dr. Escudé says. “With each state knowing that the HRST is a proven way to identify those most at risk for serious consequences from illnesses such as COVID-19 via the Journal of Nursing Measurement, they’re empowered with action steps to help mitigate that risk.”

About Health Risk Screening, Inc.

Health Risk Screening, Inc.’s roots began in 1992. Along with training courses, webinars, and materials, HRS is the sole developer, producer, and distributor of the web-based Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST). The HRST is the most widely used and validated health risk screening instrument for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. HRS’s focus is on developing tools and training for the person-centered support of such vulnerable populations. Through the education of government agencies and service providers, HRS aims to improve lives. With unrelenting focus, HRS works to fulfill its mission of improving the health and quality of life for people faced with these types of vulnerabilities. To learn more, visit http://www.hrstonline.com.

1. Dan Wheelahan. “People with intellectual disability are twice as likely to die a preventable death,” UNSW Sydney Newsroom, February 8, 2017, newsroom.unsw.edu.au/news/health/people-intellectual-disability-are-twice-likely-die-preventable-death

2. Roszkowski, Michael J., PhD, Thomas, Michael M., MS, Conroy, James W., PhD, Ivy, Catherine, MS, LCSW, Gravitt, Gwendell W.Jr., PhD. An Examination of the Validity of the Health Risk Screening Tool: Predicting Mortality in People With Intellectual Disabilities, Journal of Nursing Measurement, Springer Publishing Company Connect, March 16, 2020, connect.springerpub.com/content/sgrjnm/early/2020/03/16/jnm-d-18-00088

3. Shaun Heasley. “Trump Administration Says Disability No Reason To Deny COVID-19 Care,” Disability Scoop, March 30, 2020, disabilityscoop.com/2020/03/30/trump-administration-says-disability-no-reason-to-deny-covid-19-care/28065/

4. Blythe Bernhard. “Coronavirus Brings Added Worries For People With Disabilities” Disability Scoop, March 17, 2020, disabilityscoop.com/2020/03/17/coronavirus-brings-added-worries-disabilities/27989/

5. Deborah Condon. “COVID-19 and intellectual disabilities Particularly vulnerable group,” Irishhealth.com, Mar 23, 2020, irishhealth.com/article.html?id=27072

myCharge announces program to give back and donate portable power banks to health care workers for every Hub purchased.

DETROIT (PRWEB)
April 08, 2020

myCharge announces a new program to empower everyone to help keep the brave warriors working on the front lines in hospitals charged and connected, while honoring them for their service. Front line hospital workers are working long days and risking their own health and well-being. Unfortunately, during the course of their days their phone power levels run low and they do not have time to spare waiting near an outlet for them to recharge.

During the month of April 2020, myCharge will help by donating a charger for every Hub portable charger sold on Amazon. You stay connected, and through your purchase you keep a health care worker connected with loved ones, patients and colleagues. At the end of April, myCharge will be posting all hospital donations and locations at myCharge.com.

To incentivize participation, myCharge is also extending a special offer of 30%-off of its signature Hub product line.

myCharge sends its customers, partners, retailers, and everyone best wishes for good health. Remember not only to clean your phone but also regularly clean your charger and other high-touch devices. We are #inthistogether.

myCharge items are in stock and available now, while supplies last, on Amazon with free shipping and the option to receive a charger in as little as two days (free two-day shipping is available for Prime Members). Shop now at https://www.amazon.com/myCharge-Portable-Charger-Power-Bank/dp/B07WW1S693

About myCharge

myCharge, innovators in portable power create the ultimate portable power solutions for anyone, anywhere who needs to stay charged. Incorporating the highest quality components, cutting-edge design and smart technologies, myCharge responds to the latest technological advances by providing products dedicated to restoring everyday balance and fulfilling consumer needs in today’s on-the-go, always connected, digital society. Learn more at http://www.mycharge.com.

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www.NAELA.org

During this time of distress and panic, it is comforting to know that the vulnerable populations NAELA serves are receiving important protections with the passage of the CARES Act.

WASHINGTON (PRWEB)
April 06, 2020

Congress recently passed the CARES Act, a major package to address the impacts of COVID-19. The Act extends NAELA’s top legislative priorities: funding for Money Follows the Person and the requirement that states apply the spousal impoverishment protections to home and community-based services until November 30. The legislation also contained a number of provisions to help older adults and persons with disabilities, such as:

• 
  Allowing Medicaid to cover direct support professionals in the hospital and acute care settings (Sec. 3715);
• Requiring Medicare Part D/MA-PD plans to allow up to three-month supply of refills during the COVID-19 emergency period (Sec. 3714); and
• Waiving required minimum distributions in retirement accounts for 2020 (Sec. 2203).

“During this time of distress and panic, it is comforting to know that the vulnerable populations NAELA serves are receiving important protections with the passage of the CARES Act,” said NAELA President Jennifer VanderVeen, CELA, CAP, NAELA Fellow.

About NAELA

Members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) are attorneys who are experienced and trained in working with the legal problems of aging Americans and individuals of all ages with disabilities. Upon joining, NAELA member attorneys agree to adhere to the NAELA Aspirational Standards. Established in 1987, NAELA is a non-profit association that assists lawyers, bar organizations, and others. The mission of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys is to educate, inspire, serve, and provide community to attorneys with practices in elder and special needs law. NAELA currently has members across the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit NAELA.org, or to locate a NAELA member in your area, visit NAELA.org/findlawyer.

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Work at Home jobs, including temporary positions, can only grow from here as employers quickly transition employees who used to work in the community

DALLAS (PRWEB)
April 02, 2020

Expertise has never been needed more for those entering the remote job market. Paula Vieillet, President and CEO of My Employment Options, Inc., and her virtual staff across the country have been placing people with disabilities in remote positions for over a decade.

As a trusted partner with large work from home companies, our focus has been helping pre-screen people with disabilities and assessing their aptitude to work remotely. It is different hiring people for work from home positions. Testing is essential and can make the difference between a good hire versus one that is unsuccessful. Customer service and tech support jobs have been the mainstay of the work from home industry.

She said, “Everyone interested in this type of employment must also make sure they have the minimum technical specifications that most employers need.”

Typical Minimum Work at Home Requirements for Customer Service and Tech Support Jobs

High School Diploma/GED and some jobs require college degrees

Have availability to work a set schedule which could include weekends & full-time training hours

Windows PC with minimum 1 GHz to 1.5 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM, 40 GB free space

Excellent computer navigation skills (move between multiple windows and programs)

Type at least 35 words per minute (test your speed at http://www.typingtest.com)

Existing High Speed Internet access at home (hard wired, no Wireless)

Quiet, noise-free home office space that is free of distractions

Clear speaking phone voice

Clarifying how these jobs translate into positions, Ms. Vieillet said, “When it comes to Customer Service Inbound, this could be tech support, reservations, helping set up gaming systems, explaining benefits, solving billing issues, helping with account issues and taking orders. When it comes to Customer Service Outbound, it might be setting appointments, virtual assistance, returning calls to answer questions or managing people, projects, or cases.”

Since many states have ordered people to stay home because of concern that the COVID-19 Virus will spread, many of the Internet companies are providing free or reduced fees which can help job seekers in getting a home office set up. Telephone companies have some leeway and can sometimes waive or lower fees if asked or bill for the cost of setting up a landline if finances are tight. There are many free on-line services (typingtest.com) to help practice your typing skills, as well as, free computer training and refresher courses. Most work from home jobs do require you to use the computer. Ms. Vieillet added, “You do have to be careful that it is a legitimate work from home job. Many of the scams involve mailing or assembly of widgets that require an upfront fee. Be sure to research on-line what people are saying about this company.”

Once again, businesses borrow best practices from the disability population and accommodations used to help persons with disabilities go back to work such as headsets and ergonomic chairs are now common in most workplaces and required equipment for these positions.

WORK AT HOME TYPICAL POSITIONS

Customer Service-Inbound

Customer Service-Outbound

Technical Support

Clerical/Administrative Assistant

Sales Support

Healthcare

Information Technology

Human Resources

Work At Home means so much more these days since the COVID-19 Virus has required many employers to reduce the number of employees physically in their workplace. Already we are seeing more telehealth, accounting, and professional level jobs as employers transition to a remote workforce.

COMMON WORK AT HOME INDUSTRIES

Jobseekers have more industries than ever to choose from when wanting to work from home.

Federal Government

Accounting

Telephone and Cable

Disaster Assistance

Medical

On-Line Retailers

Computer Companies

High Tech Companies

Video Gaming

“Since these jobs are already in the home,” Ms. Vieillet noted, “these positions can be especially accessible to people with disabilities. For those Social Security Beneficiaries, ages 18-64, who are currently receiving SSDI/SSI benefits, there is a free and voluntary federal program called Ticket to Work that protects cash and medical benefits for those trying to return to the workforce.

“Work at Home jobs, including temporary positions, can only grow from here as employers quickly transition employees who used to work in the community. For jobseekers who have never contemplated working from home, it’s great to try.”

ABOUT MY EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS

For over 2 decades, My Employment Options has been helping SSDI and SSI beneficiaries across 47 States find suitable employment through the federal Ticket to Work Program. This program, which is free and voluntary, provides key benefit protection and incentives for beneficiaries trying to return to work. Free client services include personal employment placement specialists who offer one-to-one job counseling and a staff Certified Benefits Counselor (CWIC) to help with work related SSA benefit questions.

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Up to one billion people, nearly one-sixth of the world’s population, suffer from neurological disorders, with some 6.8 million dying of the disorders each year.

NEW YORK (PRWEB)
March 31, 2020

In recognition of Brain Awareness Week and ahead of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, Mediaplanet is proud to announce the launch of its “Neurological Disorders” campaign.

Up to one billion people, nearly one-sixth of the world’s population, suffer from neurological disorders, with some 6.8 million dying of the disorders each year. There is no cure for any of these disorders, and patients, healthcare professionals, and family caregivers alike are in desperate need of improved therapies and technologies that will help manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

In recognition of Brain Awareness Week, this campaign will inspire and educate patients, families, and healthcare professionals by spotlighting the leading diagnostics and treatment options available to promote neurological health and advocate for increased awareness and funding for these disorders.

In light of the campaign’s focus on epilepsy, the late actor, dancer, and philanthropist Cameron Boyce graces the cover of the campaign. In an exclusive interview with parents Libby and Victor Boyce, the story honors his legacy. His family started The Cameron Boyce Foundation (TCBF) to support the causes that Cameron was passionate about: ending gun violence, advocating for clean water, and spreading kindness. Now, they’re sharing their son’s story, and advocating for awareness of SUDEP, the rare condition that takes the life of 1 in 1,000 people with epilepsy each year.

Boyce’s family is encouraging families to speak up and be proactive when faced with an epilepsy diagnosis, especially as they were unaware of what kind of specialists to go to and what their son needed beyond his medications.

“We can’t wither away. He didn’t and he wouldn’t,” says Victor Boyce, explaining they’re motivated by their son’s strength and determination. “We can’t wither away and back down from what’s going on.”

The print component of “Neurological Disorders” is distributed within today’s edition of USA Today in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Chicago, South Florida, Washington D.C./Baltimore, and Houston. The digital component is distributed nationally through a vast social media strategy and across a network of top news sites and partner outlets. To explore the digital version of the campaign, visit https://www.futureofpersonalhealth.com/campaign/neurological-disorders/

The edition will also make an appearance at several key brain health conferences and events throughout 2020, including the American Academy of Neurology’s Annual Meeting in April, Shake It Till We Make It 2020 presented by Wieden + Kennedy in May, The 10th Annual Traumatic Brain Injury Conference hosted by Arrowhead Publishers in June, and Epilepsy Awareness Day at Disneyland in November; and well into spring 2021 at the Parkinson’s Expo hosted by the Neuro Challenge for Parkinson’s.

This campaign was made possible with the support of the American Brain Foundation, American Parkinson Disease Association, Parkinson’s Foundation, Acorda Therapeutics, Neurocrine Biosciences, Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Kyowa Kirin, Prebiotin, The Cameron Boyce Foundation, the Brian Grant Foundation, the Epilepsy Foundation, American Migraine Foundation, Natrol, BrainMD, Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE), UK HealthCare, Theranica, the Anita Kaufmann Foundation, Brain Injury Alliance, NeuroChallenge Foundation for Parkinson’s, and more.

About Mediaplanet

Mediaplanet specializes in the creation of content marketing campaigns covering a variety of industries. We tell meaningful stories that educate our audience and position our clients as solution providers. Our unique ability to pair the right leaders with the right readers, through the right platforms, has made Mediaplanet a global content marketing powerhouse. Our award-winning stories have won the hearts of countless readers while serving as a valuable platform for brands and their missions. Just call us storytellers with a purpose. Please visit http://www.mediaplanet.com for more on who we are and what we do.

Press Contact:

Victoria Borkowski

(646) 755-7949

victoria.borkowski@mediaplanet.com

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