They say, give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime. That’s the idea behind Fifth Freedom.

Fifth Freedom gives people with disabilities the tools to organize themselves and tackle common problems. Maybe some buildings aren’t physically accessible. Or local public transportation needs to be improved. Or perhaps, legislators need to hear what 20% of their constituents think about how they spend their tax money. Whatever the case, we are here to empower people with disabilities to remove the barriers that thwart their potential. So if you’re the self-reliant type, contact us. We’re assembling a cast of thousands statewide who are willing to invest a little time to make a big difference.

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Information courtesy of INDATA and Easter Seals Crossroads

Did you know that 80% of assistive technology solutions used by individuals with disabilities cost less than $100? It’s a high tech world, but sometimes low tech solutions are the best option. On August 18, Easter Seals Crossroads will host an all-day training on creating your own low-tech assistive technology solutions. This workshop will help you become a creative problem solver.

Learn hundreds of five-minute solutions that can be made “on-the-fly” using everyday materials, including:

• 20 ways to adapt an iPad for physical, sensory, or cognitive limitations
• Accessibility solutions using Loc-line, Lok-Lift, Dual Lock, CPVC, Model Magic, Pink Board, Corner Guard, and Magnum Steel
• How to score, snap, debur, heat and bend acrylic in 10 seconds
• 30 solutions that can be made with corrugated plastic
• 10 amazing specialty tapes
• 20 incredible solutions that can be made with an industrial twist tie
• And so much more

Creating Technology Solutions in Minutes
August 18
9:00 am to 3:30 pm
Easter Seals Crossroads
4740 Kingsway Drive
5th Floor Conference Room
Indianapolis, IN 46205

This event is free, but registration is required. Register here.

Can’t make it to Indy? The training will also be streamed online. See the above link for information.

For questions, contact INDATA at http://www.eastersealstech.com/contact/ .

Doug Schmidt
Act Team Coordinator
The Fifth Freedom Network

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Information courtesy of the ADA National Network and Great Lakes ADA Centers

On July 29, tune in to an informative webinar about wireless accessibility and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Learn how the wireless industry has addressed accessibility, resources to find out which devices are more accessible, and which 508 standards apply to wireless technology.

Wireless Technology and 508
Webinar July 29
1:00 pm to 2:30 pm ET
Register here

For questions or more information, contact the ADA Great Lakes Center here.

Doug Schmidt
Act Team Coordinator
The Fifth Freedom Network

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Information courtesy of the Autism Research Centre at La Trobe University

Researchers with the Autism Research Centre at La Trobe University are studying possible links between diet, behavior, sleep, and gastrointestinal problems in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Study results will be used to help develop future treatments for these symptoms, and may also be used for funding applications for future Autism research projects.

Participants must be parents of children ages 4 to 11. You will first be asked to complete an online demographic questionnaire about your child’s background and a general questionnaire about your child’s diet. Also, you will be asked to answer a number of online questionnaires that will measure symptoms related to ASD, behavior, gastrointestinal problems, diet and sleep. When the questionnaires are completed, you will also be invited to complete an online diet diary and lunch record of what your child eats over three consecutive days.

You can sign up to be a part of the study here. If you have questions or need more information, contact Stephanie Mertins at smertins@students.latrobe.edu.au .

Thanks for your help, advocates!

Doug Schmidt
Act Team Coordinator
The Fifth Freedom Network

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Information courtesy of the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center

On August 14, the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center will host an informative webinar on assistance animal regulations. Learn about the federal laws and regulations related to service animals and emotional support animals, and what types of animals are allowed in public accommodations and housing.

Assistance Animals in Public Accommodations and Housing
Webinar August 14
2:00 pm to 3:30 pm ET
Register here

For questions or more information, contact the Mid-Atlantic ADA Center at 301-217-0124 or
adatraining@transcen.org .

Doug Schmidt
Act Team Coordinator
The Fifth Freedom Network

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Information courtesy of the Administration for Community Living

The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is offering a three-part webinar series on Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions. This series will feature resources that professionals in the public health, aging services, and research networks can use to inform, educate and empower community members, people with dementia, and their family caregivers.

Webinar #1: Updates on Alzheimer’s disease and Related Dementias Resources
Tuesday, July 22
1:30 pm to 3:00 pm ET

Learn the latest resource information on Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions, including:

How the federal government is implementing the National Alzheimer’s Plan, including the overall direction of the plan and its 2014 changes
Existing and new consumer resources on dementia, including the 24/7 National Alzheimer’s Call Center, the Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center, research registries, and brain health materials
Resources for caregivers of people with dementia, who care for loved ones experiencing a progressively debilitating illness, and for service providers who help both populations

Register here.

Part two will be offered on August 28, and part three will be offered on September 25. For questions or more information, contact ACL at aclinfo@acl.hhs.gov . ACL is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Learn more about ACL at http://www.acl.gov/ .

Doug Schmidt
Act Team Coordinator
The Fifth Freedom Network

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