PUBLICATIONS
Monkey Business – August 2024
In This Issue: From the Executive Director, Disability Corner, Falmouth Road Race, Government Relations with Amir Ameli, Upcoming Event: Accessible Fencing, Birthday Round-up
August 24, 2024
In This Issue: From the Executive Director, Disability Corner, Falmouth Road Race, Government Relations with Amir Ameli, Upcoming Event: Accessible Fencing, Birthday Round-up
The recent policy updates from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) mark a significant step forward in helping veterans, especially those experiencing homelessness, find stable housing. These changes are designed to address the specific challenges veterans face when trying to access supportive housing and aim to make the system more inclusive and effective.
In This Issue: Greetings from the Executive Director, Disability Corner, Office Update, Government Relations with Amir Ameli, Upcoming Events, Birthday Round-up
The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees two main programs that provide financial support to individuals with disabilities: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both programs define disability as an inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically verifiable physical or mental impairment. If someone’s earnings exceed the SGA limit, their benefits are typically reduced or stopped.
Boston Society for Architecture – Access & Residential Design Committees: Creating an Equitable Housing Market: Universal Design in the Private Sector (Virtual)
In This Issue: Greetings from the Executive Director, Disability Corner, In the News, Government Relations, Falmouth Road Race, Accessible Fencing, Happy Birthday Jessica!
The federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides crucial monthly cash assistance to disabled and elderly people with limited income and resources. However, many recipients face a significant drawback: the program penalizes marriage by reducing or eliminating benefits if a couple’s combined assets exceed $3,000.
MassNonprofit News – Envisioning Access, formerly known as Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers, has named two new board members, Glenn Gomes-Casseres and Alex James Major, to its board of directors.
In This Issue: Greetings from the Executive Director with Gratitude, Envisioning Access in the News, Birthday Round-up
ALLSTON, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — An organization that houses dozens of capuchin monkeys is asking for the public’s help after a recent flooding. Envisioning Access, formerly known as Helping Hands: Monkey Helpers, used to train and provide service monkeys to people living with physical disabilities such as spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and ALS.
Our office has been struck by a devastating flood, rendering it not only uninhabitable but also unsafe for both the animals and humans we serve and work alongside. This flood has caused extensive damage to our infrastructure, equipment, and supplies, crippling our ability to effectively carry out our vital mission.
I read this heartening piece recently and felt compelled to share it with you. While the journey toward inclusivity for individuals with disabilities in our digital world has faced its challenges, here at Envisioning Access, we’re fervently championing innovative solutions to ensure no one gets left behind in today’s digital era.