| Islanders add their voices to D.C. anti-war protest
WASHINGTON -- With a mixture of exuberance from last November's Democratic sweep and ire over President Bush's State of the Union address last week, tens of thousands of anti-war protesters from across the country packed the National Mall yesterday to demand an end to the United States military presence in Iraq and a speedy withdrawal of the 132,000 American troops. From senior citizens -- a few in wheelchairs -- to young children, demonstrators spilled onto the grassy area, waving signs that read "Bush: Send 20,000 Diplomats" and "Separate Oil and State," and chanting "Not one more death! Not one more dollar!" At least 65 Staten Islanders who have periodically hosted modest rallies in the borough traveled to the capital yesterday to participate in the spirited demonstration, which had an energy that reverberated throughout the city, replete with dancing, drumming and a host of people, including actress Jane Fonda, who had taken part in similar protests during the Vietnam War.
ADA requirements must be met
Since we've been at the University, officials have been working toward the goal of more buildings on campus that meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. We think it's unfortunate that almost 17 years after this act went into effect, the University still has buildings that aren't compliant. Let's face it. We can take a lot of things for granted, but life is difficult for disabled people on campus. There shouldn't be additional obstacles making maneuvering on campus harder. The University should start with making every academic building - any building where classes meet - ADA accessible. After all, learning is the ultimate purpose of the University, and disabled people should have the same level of access as everyone else.
Grants for children's health insurance
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - The UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation is now offering support to meet the needs of children nationwide with assistance grants for medical services not fully covered by health insurance, according to a news release from the organization.Parents and caretakers across the country will be eligible to apply for grants of up to $5,000 for health care services that will help improve their children's health and quality of life. Examples of the types of medical services covered by UHCCF grants include speech therapy, physical therapy, psychotherapy sessions, medical equipment such as wheelchairs, braces, hearing aids and eyeglasses, and orthodontia and dental treatments."The UnitedHealthcare Children's Foundation has already helped more than 375 families and provided nearly $1 million in financial assistance," said UHCCF president Matt Peterson.
Duffy Keeps Promise, Travels in Wheelchair
(Rochester, N.Y.) -- People often complain about having to walk through the snow but what if you can't walk? Wednesday, Rochester Mayor Bob Duffy and his commissioner of environmental services maneuvered the tricky winter conditions from the perspective of people in wheelchairs. Duffy only made it about a block before he was tired and this was after thinking the sidewalks were reasonably clear. He admitted the snow, ice and bumps made navigation difficult, and said that with effort, the community could do a better job of clearing them.The mayor was fulfilling a campaign promise made to the Center for Disability Rights. They say people in wheelchairs are often stuck at home in winter weather. .
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