As we navigate August 2024, we at Shared Horizons want to take a moment to reflect on four important observances that directly intersect with our missions of supporting people with disabilities: Purple Heart Dat (August 7), National Nonprofit Day (August 17), National Senior Citizens Day (August 21), and Women's Equality Day (August 26)/ these dates remind us not only of the challenges our community faces but also of the resilience, innovation and equality we strive to achieve together.
Honoring Sacrifice
Purple Heart Day is dedicated to honoring U.S. service members who were wounded or killed in action. Many Purple Heart recipients return home with life-changing disabilities, and organizations like Shared Horizons play a crucial role in supporting their transition back into civilian life. According to the U.S. Deportment of Veteran Affairs, an estimated 20% of veterans have a service-related disability.*
For Those with disabilities, especially our veterans, pooled special needs trusts offer a way to maintain financial stability safeguarding eligibility for public benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). We are proud to provide this resource to veterans who deserve unwavering support after giving so much in service to our country.
Amplifying Community Impact
Nonprofits like ours, are vital in ensuring that people with disabilities have access to the services and support they need. National Nonprofit Day is a reminder of the importance of giving back to the community and recognizing the essential work done by organizations like ours.
In 2022 Washington, DC, nonprofits collectively contributed to over 25% of the city's workforce* and provide essential services in healthcare, education, housing and disability support. By working together as a part of a network of nonprofits, we can help people with disabilities lead more independent, fulfilling lives.
Supporting Aging with Dignity
As we age, the likelihood of developing a disability increases. Nearly 46% of people aged 75 and older have some form of disability*. On National Senior Citizens Day we celebrate the achievements and contributions of our elders, while also recognizing the unique challenges they face, particularly regarding mobility, cognitive function and healthcare access.
We also recognize the importance of ensuring that seniors with disabilities can age with dignity. Through our pooled special needs trusts, we help seasoned adults manage their resources effectively, ensuring they can access the care and services they need without jeopardizing crucial government assistance.
Advancing Equality of Women with Disabilities
Women's Equality Day commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote. According to USAID*, women with disabilities are more likely to experience discrimination and it is heightening depending on a variety of socioeconomic factors. They report that "Based on their gender and disability status they often face “double discrimination”." At a time that is so pivotal in our political landscape, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality, particularly for women with disabilities.
By working to remove barriers and empower women, we help pave the way for a more inclusive society where everyone can achieve their full potential.
As we honor these four significate dates in August, Shared Horizons reaffirms it's commitment to supporting people with disabilities, veterans, seniors and women and other vulnerable populations as the communities we serve. Whether through our pooled special needs trusts or our advocacy efforts, we remain dedicated to promoting equality, independence and dignity for all members of our vast community.
For more information on how we can assist you or your loved ones with planning, visit www.shared-horizons.org.
*Sources
20% of veterans have a service-related disability:
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This statistic is derived from the VA's reports on disability compensation and the number of veterans receiving benefits for service-related disabilities.
1.8 million Purple Heart recipients:
Source: National Purple Heart Honor Mission, a non-profit organization that recognizes and supports Purple Heart recipients.
In 2022, Washington D.C. had the largest rate of nonprofit employment as a share of total employment, with 25 percent:
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Nearly 46% of individuals aged 75 and older have some form of disability:
Source: U.S. Census Bureau as reported by Pew Research, which provides detailed data on disability prevalence among different age groups.
Women with disabilities are subject to variety of types of discrimination:
Source: United States Agency International Development which provides information on how to advance women and girls with disabilities as a function of their focus areas.
These sources provide the foundation for the statistics shared in the blog post, offering credibility and context to the discussion on disability, veterans, seniors, and women’s equality.
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