TOPIC OF THE DAY

Meryl Davis, Charlie White win USA's first ice dancing gold medal
SOCHI, Russia -- Meryl Davis and Charlie White stood atop the podium, unable to stop grinning or sneaking peeks at the scoreboard. continued @USA TODAY

US Justice Department to expand rights of gay married couples
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Attorney General Eric Holder on Saturday announced widespread changes within the U.S. Justice Department to benefit same-sex married couples, such as recognizing a legal right for them not to testify against each other in civil ...

Health Law To Cut Into Labor Force
CBO Report Forecasts More People Will Opt to Work Less as They Seek Coverage Through Affordable Care Act.
Continued @the wall street journal

Valdez, Alaska, cut off after avalanche blocks only road in; flood watch in effect
Town officials have cautioned residents to prepare to hunker down for at least a week as crews work to clear a pile of snow hundreds of feet wide from Richardson Highway.The pile of snow, ice and debris was said to be hundreds of feet long and as much as 40 feet deep in some places. Town officials stressed that the city has plenty of fuel, and food and water was being brought in by barge. A flood watch was issued for the area on Monday [because of the lake forming behind the avalanche in the valley].

Egypt referendum:
'98% back new constitution'
The BBC's James Reynolds in Cairo: ''That figure of 98.1% cent is entirely unsurprising for the yes vote''
A proposed new Egyptian constitution has been backed by 98.1% of people who voted in a referendum, officials say. continued

The House's massive $1.1 trillion spending bill: The Post's guide
By Associated Press
-WASHINGTON —The House on Wednesday passed a massive $1.1 trillion spending bill that would fund federal agencies through the rest of the fiscal year and end the threat of more government shutdowns.. continued@washingtompost.com

West Virginia water emergency nears fifth day, with no end in sight WashingtonPost.com
By Joel Achenbach, Sunday, January 12, 2014
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Around the swollen Elk River, now flowing with a chemical that no one can pronounce, myriad streams and rivulets tumbled from the hillsides this weekend, the result of a drenching downpour. Continmued...

For Target, the Breach Numbers Grow
By ELIZABETH A. HARRIS and NICOLE PERLROTH
nytimes.com JAN. 10, 2014
Target on Friday revised the number of customers whose personal information was stolen in a widespread data breach during the holiday season, now reporting a range of 70 million to 110 million people.

34 states under wind chill alerts as arctic blast swoops across nation
CHICAGO, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Thirty-four states were under wind chill alerts Monday as a record-breaking blast of arctic air swooped down on the United States.

Small plane makes emergency landing on New York expressway
By Candice Aviles Courtesy of Newsy.com In this photo downloaded from the New York City Police Department?s Twitter account, a light airplane?s fuselage rests on the roadway after its pilot made an emergency landing on the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx borough of New York, Saturday, ...

Highways closing as NYC area preps for snow, cold
By JIM FITZGERALD and JONATHAN LEMIRE, Associated Press
A pedestrian walks in the snow on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, in Albany, N.Y. Up to 5 inches of snow had fallen in eastern New York early Thursday, but the National Weather Service said some areas from Buffalo to Albany could get up to 12 inches by the time the storm subsides on Friday. (AP Photo/Mike Groll

Second blast in Russian city kills 10 on trolleybus: reports
VOLGOGRAD, Russia (Reuters) - At least 10 people were killed when an explosion ripped through a trolleybus in the second deadly blast in the Russian city of Volgograd in two days, the Interfax news agency reported, citing law enforcement officials.

One million US jobless to lose financial aid
BBC News More than a million Americans will lose their unemployment benefits after an emergency federal programme expired on Saturday. Lawmakers failed to agree on an extension of the scheme before the US Congress began its winter recess.

Day Is Added To Deadline As Rush Hits Health Portal
NYTimes.com
Written by Michael Shear
A record-setting crush of last-minute shoppers descended on HealthCare.gov on Monday, creating long wait times for users and putting new stress on the government's much-maligned health portal as they raced against a midnight deadline ...

Did the NSA overreach? Lawmakers spar over data-collection program
Members of Congress are split on whether to rein in the National Security Agency's surveillance activities after intelligence leaks revealed the extent of the government's data-collection program. @cnn.com

Nobel Peace Prize winner ‘optimistic’
The head of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which will be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on Tuesday, landed in Oslo on Sunday to begin three days of traditional prize events. Ahmet Üzümcü said he’s “optimistic” that OPCW workers will meet the UN’s deadline for ridding Syria of its chemical arsenal.
Continued @www.newsinenglish.no

US states take jump as legal marijuana markets open
In a country known for its drug war and where Bill Clinton once caught hell for admitting to smoking pot, new ground is being broken: legal marijuana markets in two states. continued@yahoo news.com

Nelson Mandela death: World mourns South Africa's first black president CNN Johannesburg, South Africa
South Africans mourned Friday the death of the man who led the fight to end the system of apartheid here and then went on to lead the country itself. continued @ cnn.com

Metro-North Crash Raises Questions on Alert System
By MATT FLEGENHEIMER, FORD FESSENDEN and HENRY FOUNTAIN
The commuter train that derailed in the Bronx on Sunday, killing four people, had an alert system in place in the locomotive pushing the rail cars, but not in the cab where the train operator was positioned. continued @ nytimes.com

4 dead, 63 injured after NYC-bound Metro-North passenger train derails in Bronx New York - A Metro-North train whipped around a sharp turn in the Bronx on Sunday morning just before a deadly derailment that killed four, injured dozens and tossed passengers around like rag dolls.@ NYDailyNews.com

Police Helicopter Crashes Into Crowded Glasgow Pub
@NewYorkTimes.com
Eight people were killed when a police helicopter that apparently lost power crashed through the roof of a crowded pub in Glasgow, injuring at least 30 people, police officials said Saturday

Sandy Praeger declines invitation to meet with President Obama
Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger, a moderate Republican who has generally supported the law, was invited but chose not to attend. For more click link above

Health costs cut by limiting choice
Many top-rated hospitals are not included in plans on health insurance exchanges, resulting in what some critics argue is a two-tier system of health care.

Oops! Boeing cargo jet lands at wrong Wichita airport
Help, I've landed and I can't take off. A Boeing Dreamlifter landed at the wrong airport in Wichita, Kansas -- one with a runway apparently too short for the mammoth cargo plane to take off from again. full cargo jet story @ cnn.com

People With Disabilities Storm House Building, Demand Boehner Leave Obamacare Alone
At least 200 people with disabilities set up camp outside a House office building on Monday and occupied the halls inside, demanding that House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) stop trying to delay or defund Obamacare. Specifically, they argued that without the health care law in effect, they would lose the Community First Option, a program that provides matching federal funds to states to help people with disabilities use home-based care instead of institutionalized care or nursing homes. Full Adapt protest story @Huffinmgtonpost.com

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EXCHANGES BEGIN TUESDAY

Insurance Exchanges Will Open to Scrutiny, Curiosity, Confusion
Tuesday is a big day for the White House. That's when new health insurance exchanges open in every state, where people can buy the insurance the Affordable Care Act requires next year. They will also see if they qualify for new subsidies to help them afford it. Insurance continued @NPR.org

European Union backs 'strong,' but not immediate, response to Syrian attack

PARIS - The European Union called Saturday for a “clear and strong” international response to what it said was “strong evidence” that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government was responsible for a massive chemical weapons attack two weeks ago ... Continued washingtonpost.com

Britain to Press U.N. Members to Authorize Action in Syria
As debate intensified over a possible Western military strike in Syria, Prime Minister David Cameron said Britain would propose a resolution at the United Nations on Wednesday accusing the authorities in Damascus of responsibility for a chemical weapons attack and authorizing “all necessary measures” including force to protect civilians.Continued@ NYTimes.com

Syria strike seems inevitable as U.N. warns against unilateral military action, hunt for evidence continues
Speaking Wednesday at The Hague, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon sought to calm the situation, calling for the international community to give his inspection team in Syria time to "do its job." Read the Full Story @ cbsnews.com

Massive Rim fire continues to reshape lives and topography
The blaze, now 134,000 acres, pushes into Yosemite National Park. Each day, what it does depends on the wind.
Full Fire story with video and interactive features @ LaTimes.com

US to extend some embassy closures over security concerns
The US says it will keep a number of embassies in north Africa and the Middle East closed until Saturday, due to a possible militant threat.
Twenty-one US embassies and consulates closed on Sunday

Al Qaeda-linked threat to embassies
U.S. shutting some posts on Sunday The State Department action includes diplomatic facilities in Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Iraq and Kuwait, according to the agency and Twitter postings. FULL EMBASY STORY

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Feds Earmark Millions For Disability Housing Assistance
Federal housing officials are putting $120 million on the table to help thousands of people with disabilities access rental assistance.

Sitting tied to disability among older Americans: study
(Reuters Health) - Regardless of how much time older Americans spend being active, those who sit for more hours each day are more likely to be disabled.....

Leonard Nimoy reveals he has lung disease
The 82-year-old wrote on Twitter that despite stopping smoking 30 years ago he had developed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
He urged his 808,000 followers to "quit now".

Congress Gives Special Education $500 Million Boost
By Michelle Diament
After being pounded by budget cuts last year, special education is set to see some relief under a deal approved by Congress. Continued @disabilityscoop.com

New Medicaid Waiver Rules Set To Take EffectBy Michelle Diament
In a long-awaited move, federal officials are clarifying what counts as home and community-based services for people with disabilities. continued...@disabilityscoop.com

Frostbite Symptoms And Prevention Tips
Frostbite is the actual freezing of the tissue or a body part. It often affects the ears, nose, fingers and toes. Continued...

Flu cases on the rise in Idaho
Emergency room doctors have seen an increase in the number of flu cases in recent days.

Honor the legacy of my father, Christopher Reeve Los Angeles Times
By Matthew Reeve - These conversations only furthered his resolve that all people with disabilities should be able to lead healthy and productive lives, no matter where they live.

(NY) City Agrees on Access to Taxis for Disabled
By BENJAMIN WEISER and MATT FLEGENHEIMER
Ending years of acrimony, New York City has agreed to settle a major class-action lawsuit and adopt regulations requiring that half of the city’s more than 13,000 yellow cabs be accessible to people with disabilities within six years, a person involved in the negotiations said on Thursday night. continued @ NYTimes.com

Disability-Related Hate Crimes Surge Nearly twice as many hate crimes targeting people with disabilities were reported last year, the FBI says, even as the total number of hate crimes nationwide fell.
@disabilityscoop.com

In Shift, Most States Increase Mental Health Spending
After years of spending cuts, a new report finds that mental health budgets increased in 37 states this year.

Too fat to fly: Stranded Frenchman's ordeal ending
He's been turned down by planes, trains and even a cruise ship in his quest to return home — and his family says it's because he has been deemed too fat to travel. stranded continued @yahoo.com

Nationwide, Families Feel Pinch Of Special Education Cuts
Increased class sizes, decreased services and placement changes are among the effects parents say budget cuts are having on students in special education. Full Ed cuts story@ disabilityscoop.com

What The Shutdown Means For Disability Services
As the first U.S. government shutdown in more than 17 years takes hold, some programs benefiting people with disabilities will continue with business as usual while others grind to a halt. Shutdown Continued @DisabilityScoop.com

Feds Reverse Course On Disability Provision Of Affordable Care Act
Federal officials have reversed course on a new provision of the Affordable Care Act that would have largely barred guardians from serving as paid caregivers for adult children with developmental disabilities. Continued

Death of Linda Gonzales
by Richard Petty
With great sadness we must announce the death of a great independent living leader, a mentor to many, and a good friend. This last weekend, Linda passed away after a brief illness. She is survived by her husband Jerry. Continued @ cilfunding.org

TCA: Michael J. Fox on Living with Disability and Public Expectations
There was no doubt that questions about managing Parkinson’s disease would be the focus of NBC’s TCA panel for “The Michael J. Fox Show.”

After all the subject is a big thread in the show itself, in which Fox plays a local New York news anchor for NBC who returns to work after a five-year break following his diagnosis with Parkinson’s. Fox Continued @ variety.com

White House Taps New Disability Liaison
Starting this week, there is a new adviser at the White House focusing specifically on disability issues. Claudia Gordon will serve as a liaison between the Obama administration and the disability community as associate director Continued @ whitehouse.gov

NCD Celebrates the Life and Legacy of
Michael Winter
Michael Winter, a long-time disability advocate and employee of the U.S. Department of Transportation passed away suddenly the evening of July 11.
In an interview with Independence Today done in 2007, Winter – a fixture in disability advocacy since the 1960’s – described himself as “a father, son, civil rights activist, former president of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), director of an agency in the federal bureaucracy.... and a Chicago Bears fan.”
Read the NCD article / obituary

Vets furious at slow disability benefits process
Lyde E. Ramsey fought the enemy as a young soldier in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Now, at age 90, he’s fighting the U.S. government.

Flying With Disability: Best Travel Tips
Wheelchair accessible holidays and cheap international air travel have made flying with disability a viable option for disabled people. Competition between air carriers has contributed improving the quality of services available to airline passengers. Continued @reducedmobility.eu

National Council on Disability (NCD) Welcomes Rebecca Cokley as Executive Director.
Cokley was appointed to the position by NCD Chairperson Jeff Rosen on the recommendation of the ...Continued in wallstreetjournal@ WSJ.com

Moody's Lifts Outlook for Biogen on FDA Approval for Multiple Sclerosis Pill (BIIB)
Biogen's rating reflects its niche position in the biopharmaceutical market, its success with three blockbuster product franchises--Avonex, Rituxan and Tysabri--and its expertise in MS, Moody's noted.

Everyone’s Friend,
Peter Zarba
Gone at 56
Peter Zarba had a short life that he filled with so many experiences and achievements. He is described as kind, smart, giving, funny, dynamic and loving and everyone who met him walked away feeling they were his friend. Full Zarba story @ ablenews.com

Agency must accommodate disability
Being disabled is the one protected category of illegal discrimination that any of us can join on any day and without notice. When someone becomes disabled, disability discrimination can occur in two ways. Continued @ federaltimes.com

Device Offers Partial Vision for the Blind
The device allows people with a certain type of blindness to detect crosswalks on the street, the presence of people or cars, and sometimes even large numbers or letters.
Full Story in New York Times by Pam Belluck

Deaf Wellesley College graduate wins round-the-world trip with couch-surfing video
You might not think of a couch as your ticket to travel around the world – but Wellesley College class of 2012 alum Jenny Lu went couchsurfing through Europe and won herself a round-the-world trip in the process. Full story - with the winning video

San Diego halts all actions against marijuana dispensaries
At the order of newly elected Mayor Bob Filner, the city is dropping all legal efforts aimed at forcing marijuana dispensaries out of business. Continued

Social Security to fast-track some disability claims
In an effort to ease the burden of being stricken with a debilitating condition, the Social Security Administration is expanding a program that fast-tracks disability claims by people who get serious illnesses such as cancer, early-onset Alzheimer's and Lou Gehrig's disease -- claims that could take months or years to approve in the past. Continued

Blind woman shows skill on tv series MasterChef
Christine Ha loves to cook. She loves to write, better yet, blog as well. In fact, she has managed to combine both of these talents into a career. Do you recognize her name? You may have seen her on season 3 of the TV series MasterChef. And, oh yes.. Continued @ starnewsonline.com

Colin Farrell Opens Up About Son’s Disabilities
Though he’s weathered his share of ups and downs in Hollywood and in life, nothing prepared Colin Farrell for bringing up his eldest son, James, who suffers from Angelman Syndrome, a genetic disorder. Continued @abcnews.com

Teen with cerebral palsy crowned homecoming king
A senior with a big smile is wearing an even bigger smile after this weekend’s Homecoming at St. Lucie West Centennial High School in Port St.Lucie, Florida.

Army Officer Doesn't Let Blindness Stop Him
Capt. Scotty Smiley — the Army's first blind active-duty officer — lives the true meaning of perseverance. Continued @usaa.com

The Hunt for an Affordable Hearing Aid
Last year, when my decade-old analog hearing aid started making popping sounds, I knew I had to replace it. But because hearing aids are so costly and generally aren’t covered by insurance, I had put it off. I soon learned that in the last 10 years, purchasing a hearing aid had become even more difficult and confusing than buying a new car — and almost as expensive. Continued @ nytimes.com

Ann Romney shares her MS story with supporters in Florida
Ann Romney opened up about her struggles with multiple sclerosis while speaking Saturday with patrons at a restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. continued @politicaltracker.com

October is National Disability Employment Month
National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a national campaign that raises awareness about disability employment issues and celebrates the many contributions of workers with disabilities. Continued

Why disability history should be on the school curriculum
Teaching children how disabled people were treated in the past could reduce discrimination

Disability Rights leaders reach out to Elizabeth Warren regarding 'No On 2'
State and national disability rights/social justice advocates are asking Massachusetts United States Senate candidate Elizabeth Warren to meet about Ballot Question 2 and discuss their reasons for strongly opposing this measure to legalize assisted suicide. Continued @heraldonline.com

National disability leader to lecture Oct. 4 at Pitt
Jonathan Young, chairman of the National Council on Disability, is this year's lecturer for the Oct. 4 Thornburgh Family Lecture Series on Disability Law and Policy at the University of Pittsburgh. Read more:Full Information @ post-gazette.com

UN treaty review starts in New York
Hundreds of advocates and experts on disability, as well as Government delegates, have gathered at UN Headquarters for the start of the Fifth Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which will have a special focus on women and children.

Disabled Calif. Boy Not Allowed to Board AirplaneA California family that was not allowed to board a cross-country flight says they believe they were discriminated against because their son has Down syndrome.
continued @abcnews.com

ParalympicSport.TV
is the International Paralympic Committe's online video channel.

September's legacy: Taking on Harvard in a wheelchair
For many, back-to-school is a season of anticipation, nostalgia, and shopping. For me, it evokes memories of an unsung historical event: the integration of Harvard. Continued @cnn.com

Independence Today issue pdf version.

Independence Today issue online - December 2013

• Disability Equity Still Passion for Dole
  By Kathi Wolfe
• Stutter's Challenge Not over Yet
  By John M. Williams
• It's Time for Term Limits
  By Peter S. Kahrmann
• Constants Key in Handling Change
  By Peter S. Kahrmann
• It's No Accident - Web Designer Uses Technology to Great Effect
  By John M Williams
• Term Over, Bailey Still Fighting Injustice
  By Janine Bertram Kemp
• We Remember...
  Adrienne Asch (Sept. 17, 1946 - Nov. 19, 2013)
• Deaf Blind Tech Aide a Joy to Behold
  By Deborah Kendrick
• Federal Committee on Long-Term Care
  Kicks Financing Issue Down the Road
  By Mike Ervin

Peter S. Kahrmann

THE KAHRMANN BLOG

Memo from a man with a brain injury: Who is listening?

NEW Endless options for all disabilities Improving disability awareness
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by David Morrison

AAPD Power Grid Blog Team

MARK'S WEEKLY MESSAGE
-- why We Can't Wait
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By John M. Williams

Assistive Technology News
Independence Through Technology

NEW Where Do We Go from Here?

By Dan Winchester, Ph. D.

Dr. Dan's Daffy Deliberations

OWS, Disability & Power Dynamics,

Disability Studies, Temple U.
Halftime Handoff

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Smart Ass Cripple

Condoleezza’s Homemade Nose

Shortage of living spaces for disabled outside nursing homes is costing Colorado

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NEWCivil Liberties in the Digital Age: Weekly

Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami
We will provide financial assistance to Disabled People's Organizations (DPO's) working in Japan to serve people with disabilities
in Japan affected by the earthquake there. Click here for more

European Network on Independent Living

Report on the International Conference

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It's Our Story

Justin Dart Statute
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20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

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President Barack Obama signs an executive order to increase federal employment of individuals with disabilities at an event marking the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilites Act on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Monday, July 26, 2010.

Netiquette

Stop yourself from making egregious e-mail errors
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HEALTH CARE

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act:
--From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access
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NewHealth reform final package ensures more funding
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VIDEO

Health Care Signing Ceremony
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Difference Is Normal.
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Dumbest Quotes Of The 2000s
"We did not have a terrorist attack on our country during President Bush's term." --Dana Perino

"Where's the Cannes Film Festival being held this year?"--Christina Aguiler

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What year was the 911 Attack? Who was President then?

IRAN IN TURMOIL

We support the Iranian People in their Struggle against Brutal Dictators. Twit Your Support.

Martyrdom

How Neda Soltani became the face of Iran's struggle

Iran Election TWITTER Feeds: Constant Updates. Click here for feeds.

THE FUTURE OF IRAN

Iran and Russia Exchange Acerbic Barbs on Sanctions
-- Russia and Iran publicly traded barbs on Wednesday, showing strains in their longstanding alliance because of Moscow’s support for a new set of American-backed sanctions over the Iranian nuclear program.
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Mahmoud Ahmadinejad - Hussein Mousavi

PBS to Air Polio
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Health reform gives states new opportunities to provide home-
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