O’Malley & Langan PC Praises the Passage of ABLE Act to Aid Disabled Workers

Attorney Todd O’Malley, founder of O’Malley & Langan PC, says the work of one of the firm’s law clerks, Sara Wolff, cannot be overlooked in the passage of ABLE Act.

Commenting on a Lancaster Online article about the signing of the “Achieving a Better Life Experience” (ABLE) Act into law, Scranton, PA attorney Todd O’Malley today praised O’Malley & Langan law clerk Sara Wolff for her role in raising awareness for the bill, which extends financial benefits to disabled workers across the United States.
O’Malley, an experienced workers’ compensation attorney at Scranton law firm O’Malley & Langan PC, based his comments on a December 29 article, “People with disabilities finally ABLE to save.” The article details efforts made by Wolff, a law clerk at the firm for more than 13 years, to petition elected officials for their support in extending the rights of disabled workers.
“At O’Malley & Langan, we have proudly watched our own Sara Wolff spearhead the drive to get the ABLE Act passed,” O’Malley said. “The ABLE Act will allow workers with long-term disabilities, such as Down syndrome or those with autism spectrum disorders, to save money for important costs such as housing and education while qualifying for government services and Medicaid.”
According to the article, Wolff lobbied for the past eight years to raise awareness for the bill, including visiting Washington, D.C., with other advocates and testifying before the Senate Finance Committee. Wolff, who has Down syndrome, won over the support of representatives such as U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-Scranton), who was one of two senators to introduce the act in the senate.
According to Lancaster Online, the ABLE Act of 2014 passed the House by a vote of 404 to 17 and in the Senate by a vote of 76 to 16, allowing people with disabilities to save up to $100,000 in tax-deferred accounts for eligible expenses such as education, medical expenses, employment training and housing.
O’Malley said that Wolff, a gifted public speaker and board member of the National Down Syndrome Society, played an integral role in the passage of the bill, including the creation of an online petition in support of the ABLE Act on change.org that gathered more than a quarter-million supporters.
“The passage of the ABLE Act undoubtedly paves the way for disabled citizens on SSI to dramatically improve their quality of life. Thanks to Sara’s courageous and tenacious efforts, this dream has become a reality for millions,” O’Malley said. “We are proud to call Sara a member of the O’Malley & Langan family.”
About O’Malley & Langan PC
With offices in Scranton, Hazleton, Pittston and Towanda, O’Malley & Langan PC has a well-earned reputation for being a top-notch workers’ compensation and personal injury law firm in Northeastern Pennsylvania. O’Malley & Langan PC has grown to 31 staff and attorneys since Todd J. O’Malley and Gerard Langan founded the firm in 1990, but we still offer clients the personalized service and attention of a small law firm. Our law firm handles a wide range of cases, including workers’ compensation, construction & workplace accidents, long-term workplace illnesses, Social Security disability, auto accidents, personal injury, oil & gas drilling accidents and other cases. Call (570) 344-2667 and schedule a free case evaluation today.
O’Malley & Langan PC
201 Franklin Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
http://www.omalleylangan.com/

fourth-grader with Down syndrome wins self-advocacy award

by Elena Kadvany from Palo Alto Online:

Dashiell Meier might be Palo Alto's most accomplished 10 year old.

The Ohlone Elementary School fourth-grader with Down syndrome has been to Sacramento several times to advocate for Down syndrome awareness. This February, he traveled to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress as a representative of the Silicon Valley Down Syndrome Network. He also participated in the National Down Syndrome Society's annual Buddy Walk in Washington, D.C.

And since first grade, Dashiell has been an advocate, speaking to Palo Alto elementary school classrooms about his experience as a person with disabilities. He explains why he can't run as fast as other kids (common conditions of Down syndrome are weak muscles and joint instability) or what to do if someone can't understand what he's saying, since he has trouble enunciating (just ask him to repeat himself).

Dashiell, an infectiously positive and energetic boy, was this year nominated by two of his teachers for a national self-advocacy honor. The Council For Exceptional Children's "Yes I Can!" Award recognizes children and youth ages 2 to 21 with special needs who demonstrate achievement in one of seven categories: self-advocacy, academics, arts, athletics, school and community activities, technology and transition.

Vatican Radio's newest intern

from Vatican Radio:
Vatican Radio’s English section is proud to introduce our newest intern, Michael Gannon. The Director of Vatican Radio’s English Section, Sean-Patrick Lovett, first met Michael at the “Think Different, Think Europe” event hosted by Vatican Radio last May. It is a project associated with the Europe for Citizenship programme for the EU, and brought together citizens from different EU countries who have Down Syndrome. It was there that Michael suggested an internship at the Radio. Michael is the first person with Down Syndrome to do an internship at any Vatican office.

We have asked him to tell us more about himself. Listen:


My aims for this week

Hey folks this is Michael Gannon here. Just to introduce myself to one and all: I am from Ireland, I have lived in Kildare all my life. I have one brother and one sister and myself and my parents. We are out-going, we do different things together like celebrating Christmas, New Year, we support Kilkenny in the hurling and follow Kildare in the football and I support Manchester United
The one thing that you need to know is that I am a very hard worker myself. And keep very busy in what I do.

Columbia, SC Athlete Going to National Special Olympics for Swimming

by Michael Frizalone from WLTX:

Columbia, SC (WLTX)- People say he has the biggest heart in the Midlands. 

Travis Luthren, 24, was born with Down syndrome and is competing in the National Special Olympics in swimming. He started swimming competitively at just 8-years-old. 

The disability hasn't stopped him from inspiring others with Down syndrome.  

Travis is also a full-time employee at the Special Olympics and writes thank you cards to everyone who donates. 

He said his family has been supportive and behind him in everything.

"My mom and my grandmother are the only two ladies that raised me to be who I am today," Luthren said. 

The 2014 Special Olympics will be held in Princeton, New Jersey.
Special Olympics South Carolina provides year-round sports training for more than 20,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. 

One of the UK's oldest men with Down syndrome celebrates 70th birthday

by Joanna Morris from The Northern Echo:
One of the UK’s oldest men with Down syndrome is today (Monday December 23) celebrating his 70th birthday.
Micky Neal will be surrounded with family and friends as he enjoys a tea party at his supported accommodation in Darlington.
The birthday is a significant milestone for Mr Neal and his family, who never expected to see him outlive his devoted parents, Ruth and Tom.
The eldest of five children, he was brought up in a time when Down syndrome sufferers were usually institutionalised and expected to die at a young age.
His mother Ruth refused to put him into a home and he was brought up alongside his siblings in a supportive and loving family – something his brothers and sisters feel has contributed to his long and happy life.
His brother Chris Neal and sisters Rosetta Forster, Fiona Neal and Debbie Allinson said he has brought them “nothing but joy” over the years.
Mrs Allinson said: “People with Down syndrome are no different to anybody else, they are loving people who have feelings and the same needs as anybody else.”
Despite the onset of dementia and his advancing age, Mr Neal is still a lively character who is known for his practical jokes.
Mrs Forster said: “He is always playing tricks. At the home he’s in, he’s left banana skins outside the office doors.
“He has a great sense of humour, he loves Ant and Dec and Carry On films.”

Down but not out

by Vaibhav Shastry from The Hindu:

She watches the ‘Asku Laska’ song from the movie Nanban on her iPad and hums along. “Vijay is my favourite actor,” she says and immediately breaks into another song, ‘Vangana Vanakkangana’ from his latest release, Thalaivaa.

The mood is light hearted, as she opens up about her achievements. She has participated in the Special Olympics, acted in a movie, gone ice skating in Kuwait, plays basketball regularly and nurses ambitions of walking the ramp soon.

These may be aspirations common to any young woman, but for 28-year-old Archana Jayaram, who has Down Syndrome, these achievements have greater significance.

“I am a completely healthy, normal and beautiful woman,” she says as she does the catwalk, in her own style. Archana works as an assistant teacher at Sri Prashanthi Academy, a school for intellectually challenged children, and has become a role model even for able children and parents.

This confidence is largely thanks to her mother Annapoorna Jayaram, who runs the school. But the road has not been easy.

Annapoorna first noticed that all was not well with her daughter when she was three months old. Archana was not very responsive, did not have the normal curiosity associated with a toddler and would fall sick often.

“I was in Chennai then, and consulted a doctor for her recurring cold. As the doctor started probing for a few more symptoms, an entirely new revelation came out,” she says. Archana was diagnosed with symptoms typical of Down Syndrome. Annapoorna was shaken. “I was 21 at the time and had heard that this happens to older parents. But I had to start looking forward and look at the positives for Archana,” says Annapoorna.

A few years later, the family moved to Kuwait, where it was hard for Archana to get admission into regular schools. “There were hardly any schools for children with special needs. Working parents, who had children with disabilities, would lock them up in the house and completely isolate them,” she says. As she grew older, people would look at Archana strangely, and some would pass unsavoury comments about her appearance. “I always advised her to ignore those people, as they had no idea what she was going through,” says Annapoorna.

Annapoorna then started her own school in Kuwait, where Archana and other children like her could get together and play for a couple of hours every day.

She also started teaching them the basics of math, languages and fundamentals of other subjects. More crucial life skills such as cognitive, social, gross and motor skills, perception of time and personal hygiene were added to the curriculum as time went by.

Annapoorna then came to Coimbatore in 2006 and started the Sri Prashanthi Academy here. Her husband, P.K. Jayaram joined as a trustee and gives them technical support.

Archana participated in the Special Olympics in Athens in 2011 and bagged a gold and bronze in cycling, competing with 192 other athletes. She has also acted in a movie Indelible, which had inspiring stories of seven achievers with Down Syndrome. Her younger sister, Ramya, who is pursuing her Master’s in Early Childhood Unified from Kansas University, dotes on her and regularly chats with her over Skype. Archana has also been on the Skycoaster, an extreme amusement ride in Denver.

“She can whip up a tasty biryani, tomato rice and make soft idlis too. I have set up a store for her, where she sells nightwear to ladies. She can now recognise different patterns in each dress and calculate money,” Annapoorna says with pride.

Archana sinks into her iPad again, singing along to ‘Thaniye Thananthaniye’ and breaks into a dance. “My father will teach me how to ride a scooter next,” she says.

Coping with Down Syndrome

Go in for genetic counselling. This will determine through genetic test, if you or your baby are at risk of genetic disorders

Go through a systematic program of therapy, exercises and activities to address any developmental delays in children with Down syndrome. Do this when the child is between 0 and 2 years of age

Accept the children and include them into your daily activities.

Man With Down Syndrome Celebrates 25 Years on Job

by Jerry Askin from WTVC News Channel 9:

A Dalton man was honored Thursday for 25-years of service on his job.
 
The 44-year-old has Down syndrome and had no idea he would be surprised for this milestone.

We were there as friends, family, and co-workers honored Andy Jackson.

Andy is the head bagger at the Dalton Kroger on Cleveland Highway. People who know and work with Andy tell us he's truly an angel to his customers and everyone he encounters.

"He's very friendly with our customers, and if he can make it 25-years in this kind of business is amazing to all of us," says Andy's co-worker Tonya Moses.

"It makes him feel good when people appreciate him, and I think most of the people have done so," says Edmond Jackson, Andy's father.

We asked Andy what's been the highlight of his 25-years. He said, "Bagging and talking with customers."

Andy Jackson tells us he has no plans to retire and wants to work at his  Kroger store for at least 30-more years.

First runner with Down syndrome finishes NYC marathon

from Today:

Jimmy Jenson ran into the history books at the New York City Marathon Sunday, becoming the first person with Down syndrome to complete the famous race.

Crestview man: 'I used to have Down syndrome'

by Brian Hughes from the Crestview News Bulletin:

CRESTVIEW — Life for Danny Parker is much like that for anyone else. He gets up, sometimes takes a spin on his four-wheeler, reports to work and comes home to his family.
Having Down syndrome hasn't deterred him, Parker's family members say. To his customers in the Wal-Mart garden center, he's another helpful employee.
"I never thought about it much," Paige Parker, his older sister, said. "There's five kids in the family and we didn't treat him any different than anyone else. He was aggravating at times and loving at times, just like any other brother."
Danny Parker has worked at Wal-Mart for 20 years, and is well known to many shoppers. With a restricted driver’s license, he is often able to drive himself to and from work.
"The customers love Danny," Paige said. "He has regular customers who come in and ask for him. Wal-Mart's been very good to them.”

Jim Dial, who served as judicial center mail clerk for 11 years, died Friday morning at the age of 50

from the Covington News:
Beloved local Jim Dial, who served as judicial center mail clerk for 11 years, died Friday morning at the age of 50.
Dial, who had down syndrome, was known for his sunny personality and loving attitude. He inspired the same attitudes in others.
“For me, Jim was just an inspiration as to how we all should live life to its fullest, and with his challenges he did that. He was an inspiration on how we should all look at life, with or without challenges,” said Superior Court Judge Horace Johnson.
Dial was first appointed to deliver mail to the courts by former county chairman Davis Morgan; fellow employees often praised Dial’s dedication.
“Jim just came in and stole everyone's heart,’’ said Superior Court Clerk Linda Hays at a reception for Dial in 2009. "We look out for him - from the bottom of the building to the top. And I think that having him here has given us all an insight into down syndrome. We have all learned how intelligent he is and what a sense of humor he has. He has a heart bigger than the whole state, and he takes him job very seriously.’’

Those with Down syndrome living longer, better lives

by Allen Mask, M.D. from WRAL.com:
Durham, N.C. — Ishan Munshi is a resource specialist at the Lenox Baker Children’s Hospital at Duke.
The 21-year-old also has Down syndrome.
In the Down syndrome program at the hospital, Munsi is someone that patients can look up to. That includes 16-year-old Matthew Schwab.
“I asked him how to get a girlfriend,” Schwab said of his most recent conversation with Munshi. “He had something quite interesting to (teach) about that.”
What was Munshi’s advice? “Be very gentle,” he told the teen. “Do not make a girl cry.”
Whether the topic is girlfriends, getting a job or going to college at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, like Munshi does, it all represents a dream for many people with Down syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects one out of nearly 700 people born in the United States.
Schwab calls it being a self-advocate.
“What it means to be a self-advocate is to be real independent,” he said.
Dr. Priya Kishnani, a Duke pediatrician and medical geneticist, says there are numerous advances for children born with Down syndrome, including the correction of heart defects and medicine to improve cognition.
They're living longer – often longer than their parents or caregivers.
“We've got to find ways to allow them to be independent in society and to make contributions to society,” Kishnani said.
Munshi's contribution is hope for others born with Down syndrome and for their families.
“They need freedom. They need to be happy, not feel sad and making the parents sad – that isn't good,” he said. “But it's a good thing to talk about how they feel from the heart.”
Munshi’s position with Duke is supported by funding from Anna's Angels, a Cary nonprofit that funds research and programs in Down syndrome.

Spanish Angela Bachiller first councilwoman with Down syndrome

by Paloma Corredor from VOXXI:

Angela Bachiller has become the first councilwoman with Down syndrome, after taking possession of her office in Valladolid city council, Spain.

A real example of self-improvement and empowerment that has conquered the heart of the whole country during these tough days when corruption and recession have made the majority of citizens lose faith in their politicians.

Bachiller, 30, had been working in the area of Social Welfare and Family as an administrative assistant for three years.

Now, this young woman who defines herself in an interview in the Spanish newspaper Publico as “friendly, positive, tenacious and stubborn,” is willing to work to give visibility and opportunities to other people with special needs.

5 Inspiring Latinos with Down Syndrome

by Paloma Corredor from VOXXI.com:

As things are slowly changing, more and more people with Down syndrome are making a difference.

One of them is definitely Angela Bachiller, the first councilwoman with Down syndrome, who has just taken office at the city council in Valladolid, Spain. Bachiller, a lively 30 years-old who defines herself as friendly, positive, tenacious and stubborn, had been working in the area of social welfare and family as an administrative assistant for three years. She wants to work to give visibility and opportunities to other people with special needs.

Like Bachiller, other people with Down syndrome not only are achieving their goals, but they are showing the world that, unlike the common perception until very recently, they can do just as many things as any other person. Some of them are Latino, and these are their stories.

Ashley DeRamus makes her debut in Grammy Award winner Jason Crabb's new video "Love Is Stronger"

By Rona Kilpatrick-Shedd from AL.com:
Ashley DeRamus of The Ashley DeRamus Foundation, an organization founded for and dedicated to the education, advancement and quality lifestyle of children and adults with Down syndrome, made her music video debut with Grammy Award-winning Christian and gospel singer Jason Crabb in a video for his new single, "Love Is Stronger". Filming took place on Thursday in Birmingham's Caldwell Park off Highland Avenue.

DeRamus, the 30-year-old founder and namesake of the foundation who also has Down syndrome, is featured in the music video along with numerous other families impacted by Down syndrome from throughout the Southeast. The video will be used by The Ashley DeRamus Foundation to promote general awareness of Down syndrome.

The completed video will tell the story of a father who says goodbye to his daughter who has Down syndrome as he heads off to war. The father is severely wounded in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack but fights to recover from his injuries so he can return home to his daughter. DeRamus, playing the role of the daughter, will begin the video by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance with members of a color guard surrounded by military veterans and their families prior to a community fun run/walk, which is relevant to the song's theme.

Revolution Pictures of Nashville, TN, is producing the video under the direction of Roman White, who has produced videos for country music stars Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton. Rather than using actors, the production company has invited veterans to participate as extras in the video.

Breakfast at Tim's Place: hug #41,407

Started my day at the World's Friendliest Restaurant! Tim's Place! Oh Yeah!

This is my second time visiting and Tim's Place is awesome! As a parent of a child with Down syndrome this place is like a temple of inspiration. I feel really lucky to have experienced the Denver convention and now Tim's Place (TimsPlaceABQ.com).

actor with Down syndrome to star in Bollywood film

by Shivani Mankermi from the Daily Mail:

Mumbai-based Abuli Mamaji has from Down syndrome, but that isn't stopping him from starring in a forthcoming Bollywood film.

Abuli will be playing a character close to his real self on screen. Director Nikhil Pherwani has cast him as a protagonist with the genetic disorder, in his film tentatively titled Ahaan.

While films based on various illnesses have lately become popular in Bollywood, this is probably the first time that a person suffering from an illness has been cast to play the character on screen.

"The film is about a new beginning for Ahaan, the character played by Abuli. The message I want to give through the unusual subject is that we should not shun the special adults in our society," Nikhil said.

Student with Down syndrome makes history at Lee University

from WRCB TV NBC:
CLEVELAND, TN (WRCB) - Lee University student Corey Moore is making big waves.
"A doctor that was kind of ignorant told me your son is probably never going to walk or talk," says Krisi Moore.
WRCBtv.com | Chattanooga News, Weather
Moore introduced us to her son Corey, who is not only walking and talking, but in the gym two days a week working a part time job. If that isn't enough, he's the first ever student with down syndrome at Lee University.
"Well it's better than laying around the house," says Corey.
Groundbreaking yes - but no big deal if ask Corey.
"Down syndrome is just an extra chromosome. I'm no different than anyone else."
Different only in the way he chooses to tackle life.

Vallejo woman determined to be healthy, loses 200 pounds

by Irma Widjojo from the Times-Herald:
Gone are the days of super burritos, pepperoni pizzas and cheese nachos.
Angelique Nabours went from 324 pounds to just a little more than 130 within a few years. The 39-year-old woman was born with Down Syndrome and had a lifelong weight problem -- until a few years ago when she had a seizure. "That really scared me," her mother Anne Nabours said. "We are still not sure what caused the seizure, but her weight had a lot to do with it." Angelique then moved into a major lifestyle change, including starting a diet and exercise regimen. In a little less than two years, she has lost nearly 200 pounds. "I work out every day," she said. "I feel fine, and I have more energy." The Vallejo woman works out either at the gym, or at home on her cardio machines while watching her favorite daytime talk show, the Ellen DeGeneres Show. In fact, Anne Nabours had the idea to call the Times-Herald about her daughter's journey after a comment she had made while watching a recent episode of the popular show. Angelique was exercising on her Air Walk when the show was featuring a winner of the popular weight-loss competition show "The Biggest Loser" who had lost about 100 pounds. "She stopped dead in her tracks and said, 'Hey, what about me?! Check it out!' " Anne Nabours said. "And I thought, that's right. She does deserve recognition." Anne Nabours said their goal was to get Angelique to 140 pounds. She reached the goal about a year ago, lost a little more, and has never weighed more than 140 since.
"She's such an inspiration," her mother said. "What's amazing is that she's doing it all on her own, and she keeps (the weight) off. It's her own determination." Angelique Nabours also meets regularly with a nutrition management consultant from Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center. She said she misses all of her favorite foods, which have now been replaced by vegetables, fruit and other healthier choices. "I still like them, but I know they are bad for me," she said. However, she's more excited about her whole new wardrobe. Due to her weight loss, she dropped 16 dress sizes and is now a size 10. "I can now wear cute, skinny clothes," she said. Her healthy habits also affected her parents. "I used to be a smoker, and I had to quit. That was hard," her father Ed Nabours said. "But what she's doing is ever harder." Angelique Nabours' simple advice to other people trying to lose weight is: "Don't give up." Contact staff writer Irma Widjojo at (707)553-6835 or iwidjojo@timesheraldonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @IrmaVTH.

Disability Doesn't Even Slow Down Bridget Brown

From being the first student with Down syndrome mainstreamed in her school district to starting her own advocacy organization, Bridget Brown's journeys are far and wide

Living like a movie star for a week, Bridget Brown of Darien had a small part in a movie with Miley Cyrus. Brown also has her own consulting business, works as a dental assistant’s assistant and has many more jobs in life few of us would ever conquer. 

Having Down syndrome, the 27-year-old woman is considered to be disabled, but you would never know by the full life she leads.

Brown was the first person with a disability included in her school district and is a strong advocate of inclusion. Among her dislikes is hearing someone be insulted.

"Don’t call people retarded," Brown says. "I got called that, I was angry and wanted to cry.”   

Another fight Brown goes up against is mothers who want to abort their babies when they find out the baby has Down syndrome.

"Think of other options," she says. "Have the child. There are many couples that would take a child with Down syndrome. There are support groups. One is the National Association of Down Syndrome. I will even talk to you if you are thinking of getting rid of the baby. Give it a try. Then adopt."

Bridget and her mom, Nancy, are best friends. 

"When I see my mom," Brown explains, "I’m reminded of my grandma. I can tell how much love my grandparents had and I wanted that."

Q. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?

A. My biggest challenge is learning to live a full life with a disability and being an advocate for myself and for others. 

What it feels like to: grow up with Down syndrome

by Andrew Macintyre from the Herald Scotland,
I am 25 and go to Cardonald College in Glasgow. I've done drama for three years and this year I'm studying art. Quite a few of my friends from West Lane Gardens day centre in Johnstone go there. Only two of them have Down syndrome and the rest have other learning difficulties.
I go to the centre on Tuesdays and Fridays. It is run by Capability Scotland and I've been going since I was 18, but it's closing in December. We found out in October 2010 and did petitions – we got about 1700 signatures by early 2011, but it is still closing.
The day centre is 10 minutes from home, where I live with my mum and dad, and I can get there myself by bus. I do snooker, cinema, arts and crafts, gardening and cooking, and we have social evenings. If I could do anything, I'd stop the closure of West Lane.
My mum and dad had to fight to get me into the right mainstream high school, and I'm glad they did. I did three Standard grades – geography, English and social and vocational skills. An auxiliary came with me to classes and I had one-to-one tutorials with a learning support teacher. I got quite good marks in my Standard grades and got the Scottish Qualifications Agency Gold Award as candidate of the year.
I've been trying to get a job and have had lots of work experience. I've been at Barclays bank in the admin department, the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow and the King's Theatre in Glasgow. I'm going to volunteer at Sense Scotland. I'm also a trainer for Down's Syndrome Scotland and they give me money for that. I get a payslip, which feels good.