The Office of Disability Rights' April 2019 Newsletter

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

 

Fair Housing Month

In honor of April being Fair Housing Month we are pleased to partner on two exciting events. Both are free and open to the public. Join us! Also, read Mayor Muriel Bowser's official proclamation recognizing April as Fair Housing Month, odr.dc.gov/release/proclamation-fair-housing-month.

 

Intersections: Disability and Diverse Communities

This event will be a forum for persons who provide advocacy within private, non-profit or government sectors, tenants and developers to gain critical information and increase their toolbox of resources to help individuals and families to recognize housing discrimination. Learn about various topics including DeafSpace and emotion support animals. Sign language interpreters will be provided.

When: Thursday, April 18th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Light breakfast and lunch included.

Location: Inclusive Innovation Incubator, 2301 Georgia Ave. NW

Register today: www.eventbrite.com/e/intersections-disability-and-diverse-communities-tickets-59769834183.

 

Intersections Flyer

Fair Housing: Telling Our Story - 18th Annual Symposium

This year’s symposium seeks to inform and educate residents, providers, advocates, and industry professionals on the real-life encounters of housing discrimination as experienced by members of our various protected communities; and how these stories are effectively told from the pen and lens of the media. Sign language interpreters will be provided.

When: Tuesday, April 30th from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Breakfast and lunch included.

Location: DC Housing Finance Agency, 815 Florida Ave. NW

Register today: www.eventbrite.com/e/fair-housing-telling-our-story-18th-annual-symposium-tickets-59712505712.

Telling Our Story

Autism Acceptance Month

 

"During Autism Acceptance Month, we recognize and value the significant contributions autistic people have made in our communities, our Nation’s Capital, and across the United States. Their contributions have impacted federal laws and policies, provided advancements in the agricultural and technological industries, strengthen this Nation’s cyber-security, and  improved the quality of block-buster films such as Captain Marvel and Black Panther. Autism Acceptance means accepting and respecting our citizens with autism for who they are as contributing members of society." - Director Mathew McCollough

"The DCCPD encourages the entire District community to change the conversation about autism from fear and pity to one of acceptance and recognition that individuals with autism make valuable contributions to society." - The DC Commission on Persons with Disabilities (Full Statement available: odr.dc.gov/AutismAcceptance2019).

 

Autism: Life After an ASD Diagnosis | A Workshop for Parents and Professionals

Join Children's National and the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders (CASD) for an overview of community resources and funding options for youth with Autism. The workshop is free and open to parents, family members, and professionals but registration is required.

When: Thursday, April 18th from 6:00 to 7:30 PM

Location:1801 Mississippi Ave. SE

To register, contact Yetta Myrick at ymyrick@childrensnational.org or 301-765-5488.

More details are available: childrensnational.org/news-and-events/event-calendar/community/autism-workshop-at-thearc-april-2019.

 

Center for Autism Spectrum Logo

Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month

with the Developmental Disabilities Council! Learn about resources and supports in DC for autistic people and those with related disabilities.

Let the Council know about your needs so that they can better advocate for you.

Organizations wishing to exhibit at this event should contact: Denise McCain at 202-724-8612

When: Wednesday, April 24th from 12:30 to 3:30 PM

Location: Cleveland Park Library, first floor, 3310 Connecticut Ave, NW

 

Autism Acceptance Month Celebration Flyer

Disability Start-Up Network

Join the Disability Start-Up Network and Nate
Andorsky, an entrepreneur and behavioral economics specialist, for a conversation around: Behaviors of Successful Entrepreneurs. Nate’s company, Creative Science, blends behavioral economics, data, and technology to help change makers inspire and move people to action. Learn tips for how you can
help your own business to better succeed.

When: Wednesday, April 17th from 1:00 to 3:00 PM

Location: 2055 L Street NW, 4th Floor

ASL interpreters, food, and drinks will be provided.

Register today: www.meetup.com/Disability-StartUP/events.

Disability Start Up Network photo

Utility Town Hall

The Office of the People's Counsel (OPC) wants to hear from you! Join OPC for a Utility Town Hall to discuss questions regarding utilities; electric, gas, local phone, and water service. Sign language interpreters will be provided.

When: Thursday, April 18th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM

Location: Mount Airy Baptist Church, 1100 North Capitol Street, NW

For more Information and to request an accommodation, call 202-727-3071 or email info@opc-dc.gov.

OPC Town Hall Flyer

DCCPD April Meeting

Join the DC Commission on Persons with Disabilities for their April meeting. This month's meeting will be in-person. All are welcome to join. For reasonable accommodation requests including interpreting services please contact Julia.wolhandler@dc.gov or 202-727-2890.

When: Thursday, April 25th at 10:00 AM

Location: 441 4th Street, NW, 11th Floor Conference Center

To learn more about the Commission, visit: odr.dc.gov/DCCPD.

two people are signing

Rock the Mic Poetry Slam

The DC Department of Behavioral Health will be hosting "Rock the Mic", a poetry slam in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month!

The Rock the Mic is featuring the winners of the mini poetry contests, local artists, musical guests, and interactive activities. This exciting event is designed to entertain, empower and educate the community on the importance of mental health.  It's a platform for children, youth and adults to share through spoken word, poetry, short stories and dance. Free food and beverages will be provided.

When: Wednesday, May 8th from 6:00 to 8:30 PM

Location: Howard Theatre, 620 T Street, NW

Register today: www.eventbrite.com/e/rock-the-mic-poetry-slam-tickets-45296056725?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

For reasonable accommodation requests, contact Darrell.powe@dc.gov.

Rock the Mic flyer

Olmstead Corner

 

Save the Date: The 11th Annual Olmstead Conference

Don't miss the upcoming 11th Annual Olmstead Conference focused on access to integrated community living. This year's event will take place on Friday, August 23rd at the ARC from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. More details and registration information will be forthcoming.


Preparedness Corner

 

Disaster Resilience Workshop

Are you a business, community organization, house of worship? Join the District's Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) for a free one day immersive workshop designed to prepare organizations for a disruption of service due to a disaster.

When: Wednesday, May 22nd from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Location: R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center, 2730 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE

Register today: www.eventbrite.com/e/disaster-resilience-workshop-tickets-59403626847.

Disaster Resilience Workshop Flyer

Looking Back

 

Restaurants Could Do More to Welcome Diners With Disabilities

We are excited to have been featured in a cover story for the Washington City Paper, written by Laura Hayes. The article features interviews with many local disability community members about access issues they have faced when it comes to dining at restaurants. Keith Doane stated, “I tried mouthing ‘medium rare,’ once, but the server thought I said ‘medium well,’ he explains. “I hate when communication short-circuits and I get an overcooked hamburger.” 

The full story is available at: www.washingtoncitypaper.com/food/young-hungry/article/21062814/dc-restaurants-could-do-more-to-welcome-diners-with-disabilities

Yellow background, stairs and a waiter

2019 Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

March was full of exciting celebrations honoring Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. We celebrated with our partners by offering a panel discussion on dating, relationships and marriage by people with disabilities and celebrated 30 years of self-advocacy by Project ACTION! members. The Department on Disability Services honored Earline Thornton, who passed away at Forest Haven, with a room dedication at their offices.

We hope you can join us next year in the festivities!

For more photos and videos from this year's event check out our Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/disabilityrights.

A woman sings
Project ACTION! Members together with a plaque
A group of people making silly faces

For Information about ODR’s Newsletter call (202)724-5055 or visit the web at odr.dc.gov.

441 4th Street NW, Suite 729 North, Washington DC 20001, Phone: (202)724-5055

Fax: (202)727-9484. E-mail: ODR.Complaints@dc.gov

Mission Statement

The mission of the District Office of Disability Rights (ODR) is to ensure that the programs, services, benefits, activities and facilities operated or funded by the District of Columbia are fully accessible to, and useable by people with disabilities. ODR is committed to inclusion, community-based services, and self-determination for people with disabilities. ODR is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the City's obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as other disability rights laws.