Author: mdietz

Inclusive Communication and Technology Day

 

Inclusive Communication & Technology Day: Building a More Accessible Campus Date: October 25, 2024, Time: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM Location: Knight Auditorium Join us for a day dedicated to enhancing campus accessibility for individuals with disabilities through tools like generative AI, captioning, and assistive devices. The event features expert-led sessions from NSU and Microsoft, panel discussions on universal accessibility, and opportunities for attendees to provide feedback on improving campus accessibility. Official Sponsors - Shepard Broad College of Law, the BEDI Advisory Council and the NSU Office of Innovation and information technology. Picture --- drawing of a room of persons using virtual reality glasses and using computers.

 

The DIAL Clinic, Shepard Broad College of Law, the Belonging Equity Diversity and Inclusion (BEDI) Advisory Council and the Office of Innovation and Information Technology (OIIT) are working to a more equitable digital future via the use of technology.  One of the DIAL Clinic’s goals is to normalize the use of technology to enhance the abilities for persons with learning, communication, cognitive and developmental disabilities.

The agenda is as follows:

Inclusive Communication & Technology Day: Building a More Accessible Campus

Date: October 25, 2024
Time: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Knight Auditorium in the DeSantis Building and via Zoom (email me for the zoom address to avoid trolls – mdietz@nova.edu)

Join us for an Inaugural Event focused on Inclusive Technology and Communication for Persons with Disabilities and Learning Differences

This event is open to all faculty, students, and staff who are interested in exploring ways to make our campus more inclusive and accessible for everyone, especially those with disabilities. We’ll dive deep into the tools and technologies already available on campus and discuss their functionality to ensure accessibility for all.

9:30 – 9:45 – Welcome address by Shepard Broad College of Law Dean José Roberto (Beto) Juárez, Jr. and NSU Vice President and Chief Information Officer.

9:45 — 12:00 – What tools do we have to enhance working, learning, and enjoying the programs and services offered by NSU and beyond. As the premier private research institution in South Florida, we not only have the electronic tools and physical devices to ensure an equal experience by those with physical, hearing or vision disabilities; we are also on the cutting edge of universal design for electronic accessibility to use AI to enhance processing and understanding materials.  The Office of Innovation and Information Technology and the Florida Alliance of Assistive Technology will demonstrate how these technologies and tools are used and how they can be obtained.

Topics of Discussion will include:

  • Generative Artificial Intelligence: How the current use of AI can be used for speech to text (and text to speech), summarize materials, process data and convert materials into plan language for universal understanding.
  • Captioning: How to implement open captioning or real-time text classrooms and events for visual learners or the Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing.
  • Accessible design of Websites or other Electronic Information: Making PowerPoints, websites, and other materials accessible to ensure compliance with standards.
  • Tools in Classrooms: Exploring the accessibility of clickers and other instructional tools (including speech boards, as well as potential for other tools from the Florida Alliance of Assistive Technology
  • Assistive Technology: Using programs like JAWS, Kurzweil, and virtual reality (VR) as teaching aids, as well as devices for better living, such as alarm clocks for the Deaf.
  • Library Services: Converting physical books and papers into accessible electronic formats using scanners and software.

12:00 – 1:00 Break

1:00 – 1:30 – Brissa Quiroz – Microsoft Director of Accessibility Education – Brissa will discuss how accessible design for persons with disabilities is deeply rooted in Microsoft’s belief that technology should empower everyone, regardless of their abilities. This includes how products are designed with persons with disabilities in mind, including integrating accessibility features, such as screen readers, voice recognition, and adaptive controllers, as well as creating new technologies that can further enhance accessibility, such as the Xbox Adaptive Controller and Seeing AI, an app that helps visually impaired users understand their surroundings.

1:30 — 2:30 – Panel and Listening Session 1 – Why is it important to ensure universal accessibility in educational, medical and legal settings – In the past, the physical and informational barriers limited people with disabilities or conditions from being able to take full advantage of what is offered in the community or maximize success in one’s career.  Success in the educational, legal or medical fields should be measured by ones intelligence or ability to do a task or job, not by a condition that may live with.  Furthermore, students, clients, and patients should not be limited in their understanding of your services due to disability.  Technology today can minimize those barriers.

2:30 – 3:30 – Panel and Listening Session II – How can we help you? The mission of the Office of Innovation and Information Technology (OIIT) at Nova Southeastern University is to create and deliver world-class innovative information technology solutions that support the university’s vision of delivering innovative academic programs in a dynamic, lifelong learning and research environment. As part of that mission, OIIT aims to provide the university community with the technological resources needed to support and complement teaching, learning, and research.  OIIT would like to share what they have done and are able to do, and would like to hear from the university community how OIIT can advance its mission of delivering world-class innovative information technology to maximize your ability to learn, teach and research.

Get Involved!

How AI Can Assist with Communication, Learning, and Daily Support

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly enhance accessibility and independence for individuals with disabilities as well as for persons without disabilities. AI offers solutions for persons with learning disabilities, autistic individuals, those who are deaf or hard of hearing, and persons looking to enhance study and work effectiveness. AI has proven to be a powerful resource for accessibility, support, and enhanced learning experiences. Its ability to personalize, adapt, and interact with users offers individuals across a wide range of needs the chance to communicate, learn, and engage with their environments independently. As these technologies evolve, they continue to reshape possibilities and contribute to a more inclusive, connected world.

How AI is Transforming Support for People with Learning and Cognitive Processing Disabilities

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the landscape of education and accessibility, offering unique solutions to individuals with learning and cognitive processing disabilities. These disabilities, which may include dyslexia, ADHD, dysgraphia, and other processing challenges, often make traditional learning methods difficult. By leveraging personalized content, adaptive study tools, and assistive technology, AI can help break down barriers, making information more accessible and learning more effective.

  • Tailored Learning Paths and Personalized Support

Students with ADHD, for example, often struggle with focus and time management. AI-powered apps that break down tasks into manageable chunks and provide reminders or “study breaks” can help maintain attention and reduce overwhelm.  Applications allow users to organize their study schedules, with AI offering reminders and suggested time limits that encourage focused study sessions.

  • Content Summarization and Simplification

Students with processing disabilities can have difficulty absorbing large amounts of information. AI tools designed to summarize and simplify content provide concise summaries of long texts, highlighting key points and allowing students to focus on essential information. These tools also help students understand dense or technical content by breaking it into manageable sections, removing complex language, or even simplifying sentences.In addition to summarization, some AI tools use visual aids like concept mapping to help students organize and relate different ideas. Visual aids can be especially beneficial for students with dyslexia, who may find it easier to retain information when it’s presented visually rather than textually.

  • Text-to-Speech and Speech-to-Text Tools

AI-driven text-to-speech (TTS) and speech-to-text (STT) tools have been game-changers for individuals with reading or writing difficulties. TTS applications read written content aloud, which can help students with dyslexia better process information by listening instead of reading. STT tools transcribe spoken words into text, enabling students who struggle with writing or typing to capture ideas without the physical task of writing. This helps those with dysgraphia or ADHD express their thoughts freely without worrying about spelling or grammar errors.

Audiobooks also utilize TTS, providing an alternative to traditional reading for students with dyslexia or other reading challenges. By using AI to convert textbooks and other educational materials into audio format, students can absorb information in the way that best suits them, improving comprehension and retention.

  • Writing Assistance and Grammar Tools

Writing can be particularly challenging for individuals with dysgraphia, ADHD, or other learning disabilities. AI-powered writing assistants provide valuable support by catching grammar mistakes, suggesting alternative phrasing, and even helping with sentence structure. For students who struggle to organize their thoughts, these tools can act as guides, helping them write more clearly and effectively without getting bogged down in the details of grammar or style.

In addition to grammar and structure, these tools often include vocabulary enhancement suggestions and explanations for complex words or phrases, making writing more accessible. This is especially helpful for students who may have difficulty with language processing or who find it challenging to articulate their ideas clearly.

  • Organizing and Retrieving Information

Staying organized is a common struggle for students with learning disabilities, particularly those with ADHD. AI-driven note-taking and organizational tools offer a solution by helping students capture, categorize, and retrieve information efficiently. These apps use AI to group notes by topics, keywords, or tags, making it easier to locate specific information when studying or preparing for a test.

Some AI tools go a step further by summarizing a student’s notes into key points, offering condensed outlines for quick review. This feature can save time and reduce stress for students who may feel overwhelmed by large amounts of information, allowing them to focus on the most important material.

Enhancing Focus and Reducing Distractions

Many students with learning disabilities struggle to maintain focus, especially when studying for extended periods. AI-powered focus tools help students monitor their time and stay on task by providing reminders to refocus or suggesting short breaks to prevent burnout.  By managing study time and reducing distractions, these tools can make it easier for students with ADHD or similar challenges to establish and maintain productive study habits.

Supporting Autistic Individuals

For autistic individuals, AI-driven tools can bridge communication gaps and promote greater independence. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Systems offer predictive text, phrase suggestions, and customizable communication boards, making it easier for nonverbal individuals to express their needs and thoughts. AAC apps predict frequently used words to help streamline communication, while some  use eye-tracking technology that enables users to interact hands-free.

  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Systems

AAC systems use AI to facilitate communication, allowing nonverbal individuals to express their needs, thoughts, and emotions. 

    • Predictive Text and Phrase Suggestions: AI in AAC apps  can predict frequently used words and phrases, making it easier for users to communicate quickly and effectively.
    • Personalized Communication Boards: AI can customize communication boards with symbols, images, and words tailored to the individual’s interests, needs, and language comprehension level.
  • Speech Generation and Voice Mimicry

AI-driven speech synthesis technology allows nonverbal individuals to have a voice that sounds natural and even reflects their personality. 

    • Voice Customization: AI can create personalized voices, including ones that sound age-appropriate or reflect specific gender characteristics, making communication more personal.
    • Emotionally Expressive Speech Synthesis: Some systems can generate speech with varying tones or emphasis to help convey emotions, helping nonverbal individuals communicate more effectively.
  • Eye-Tracking and Gesture Recognition Technology

Eye-tracking and gesture recognition technology can help nonverbal individuals interact with devices and communicate using natural, intuitive movements. 

    • Eye-Tracking Communication: Devices use eye-tracking technology that lets users select words or images on a screen by looking at them, allowing for seamless, hands-free communication.
    • Gesture-Based Interaction: Some AI systems can recognize head or eye movements as commands to form words or sentences, which are then spoken aloud by the system.
  • AI-Powered Virtual Assistants for Daily Support

AI-driven virtual assistants can help individuals manage daily routines, tasks, and interactions with greater independence. 

    • Scheduling and Reminders: AI can help create personalized schedules, set reminders, and even provide visual cues to guide the user through routines (e.g., brushing teeth, preparing meals).
    • Task Guidance: Virtual assistants like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa can provide step-by-step guidance for tasks, offering support for tasks that may be challenging for autistic people.
  • Emotion Recognition and Social Cues Assistance
  • Autistic individuals may face challenges understanding and responding to social cues. AI tools can help by providing insights and context in real time. 
    • Emotion Recognition Software: AI systems analyze facial expressions or voice tones of others to help individuals better understand emotions in social interactions.
    • Social Interaction Coaching: Virtual agents or avatars can model social skills and provide feedback on eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures, helping individuals develop social communication skills.
  • Real-Time Transcription and Translation

AI-powered transcription tools can be helpful for autistic individuals in both educational and social settings. 

    • Real-Time Captioning and Transcription: Apps like Otter.ai and Google Live Transcribe convert spoken words into text, enabling individuals to follow along with conversations in real time. 
    • Symbolic and Visual Translations: AI can help translate text or spoken language into symbols or images that autistic individuals may find easier to understand, bridging gaps in comprehension. 
  • Augmented Reality (AR) for Social and Life Skills Training

Augmented Reality, powered by AI, can create immersive environments that help autistic individuals practice real-life skills in a safe, controlled setting. 

    • Social Interaction Simulations: AR environments can simulate social scenarios, like ordering food or asking for directions, allowing individuals to practice these interactions.
    • Daily Skill Development: AR can also be used for training in daily skills, like personal hygiene routines or navigating public transportation, where users can interact with virtual prompts and receive feedback. 

Enhancing Accessibility for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

AI supports deaf individuals through real-time transcription, sign language translation, and adaptive devices. Real-time captioning tools such as Google Live Transcribe and Otter.ai convert spoken language into text instantly, enabling deaf individuals to follow conversations, lectures, or presentations. Platforms like YouTube and Microsoft Teams provide auto-generated captions, making digital content more accessible.

Sign language recognition systems are also transforming communication. Tools like SignAll and wearable devices such as Sign Language Gloves interpret sign language gestures and convert them into text or speech, helping deaf individuals communicate seamlessly with hearing individuals. Virtual sign language avatars offer an interactive alternative, translating spoken language into sign language in real time.

AI enhances assistive listening devices, too. Smart hearing aids use AI to adapt to different sound environments by reducing background noise and emphasizing speech clarity. This kind of directional sound processing can focus on specific sound sources, improving overall listening experiences.

RSVP Today!

Inclusive Communication & Technology Day: Building a More Accessible Campus (office.com)

Organized by the Shepard Broad College of Law and sponsored by the BEDI Advisory Council

Florida Bar Conference: A Student’s Perspective

Florida Bar Conference: A Student’s Perspective by Mayte Reyes

Two years ago, I embarked on a new journey. Having spent the early part of my life as a Pharma Executive, I decided to go Law School. I have experience attending conferences and networking, but nothing can quite prepare you for what attending the Bar Conference will be.

Once a year, Judges, Attorneys and Vendors from across the State come together to honor individuals who have had an important impact on the profession, reinforce their commitment to excellence by completing CLE requirements, but most importantly, to connect.

              Woman with highlights wearing a pinstripe dress smiling next to woman with long black hair wearing a red dress

I quickly learned that being an attorney is stressful, often times adversarial, and frustrating. The Annual Conference provides an opportunity for Attorneys to come together, share their experience and discover new ways they can be better lawyers, and in turn better serve our community. Community is a big theme, as attorneys we will be part of the legal community and it is our duty to help others in our local community. Coming together once a year helps strengthen those bonds and commitment and make plans as to how we can all improve in the coming year.

small black and brown puppies playing in playpen     people playing while watching black puppies in playpen    three small brindle puppies taking a nap
two officers playing with brown puppies       woman with reddish blond hair wearing blue dress holds sleeping brindle puppy     woman with highlights smile next to brown and white miniature horse

As a student, being welcome into the legal community before I even complete Law School is invaluable. Judges and Attorneys were all excited to see me and Naiya, the other student who attended. Everyone was not only approachable but also extremely friendly (it helped we were stationed at the puppy pit and who can be upset when surrounded by puppies!).

woman with highlights smiles and cuddles with black puppy  woman with short black hair wearing black and white jacket holds black puppy  woman with blond highlights smiles next to woman with long black hair who is wearing a yellow shirt and holding a brindle puppy  woman with long brown hair wearing a long red jacket and tan skirt holds brindle puppy
distinguished gemtleman with short white hair smiles next to tall bald man wearing green shirt and holding puppy. They are standing next to a shorter man with short hair  hispanic gentleman wearing a navy suit holds brindle puppy  blond women wearing short dresses cuddle brindle puppy  woman with highlights wearing black suit and white shirt sits inside the puppy pit cuddling with sleeping puppies

Meeting so many professionals and having them offer to share their experiences was invaluable. More than that, having them offer to be mentor is an opportunity that I will definitely be taking advantage of. One of the Judges I met told me that she was happy to see students get involved and learn the importance of conducting yourself as a professional from the start; she stressed the fact that they will not be around forever but helping students grow into professionals is they way they can ensure the Legal Community will continue to exhibit the high standards they hold themselves to.

Aside from the relaxed atmosphere and the various parties we attended, we had the opportunity of attending the Founders Breakfast. During this event, distinguished members of the community and Lawyers who have gone above and beyond are recognized. As a student, sitting among Supreme Court Justices and accomplished attorneys can be intimidating. I was surprised when the nerves quickly faded as we were greeted and welcomed. Everyone we met was eager to know more about us and answer all questions we posed.

woman with highlights wearing pinstripe dress smiles next to woman with long, curly black hair wearing gray suit with blue shirt      woman with highlights wearing pinstripe dress smiles next to smiling tall man wearing gray suit with baby blue dress      woman with blond highlights smiles next to tall bald man with beard wearing a brown jacket with blue shirt

One of the highlights of the convention for me was attending the Induction Ceremony. Seeing Roland Sanchez-Medina and Sia Baker-Barnes be sworn in as President and President Elect of the Florida Bar is not an experience I will ever forget. As an immigrant, hearing Roland speak about his journey to becoming the first naturalized citizen to be elected President of the Bar is inspiring. Similarly, seeing Sia be sworn and the president elect is a prime example of how diverse the legal community is. Having both of them later greet us with hugs and kisses is a prime example of their professionalism. They were two of the most important people at the conference yet they both took the time to greet and speak with us.

woman with blond highlights smiles next to talll african american woman wearing a tweed suit in lavander           woman with blond highlights wearing black suit and white shirt smiles next to hispanic man wearing navy suit and white shirt

Having had the experience of attending the Conference, I would encourage all students to get involved, sign up as members of the Bar, join a committee that shares your interest. It is never too early to get involved and make connections. Being an attorney is more than a job. When we do become attorneys we will be joining a profession, a legal community committed to excellence and service and the conference is a perfect place to start the journey.

Family Cafe 2024 – NSU DIAL Clinic serves up brand new Supported Decision-Making Agreements

On June 14th and 15th, the Nova Southeastern University Disability Inclusion and Advocacy Law (DIAL) Clinic brought legal assistance to the largest convention of persons with disabilities in Florida – the Family Cafe.  The Family Cafe is an annual convention where over 15,000 persons with disabilities and their families attend for an opportunity to connect, learn, and find the resources that are needed in need in a family-centered environment. While there are many sessions and exhibitors on many legal topics, there has never been a place where legal services can be rendered to the attendees.

This year, the DIAL Clinic sought to change that by providing guardianship alternatives for persons with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Many families that have children with developmental or intellectual disabilities do not realize that they may require a legal document to speak on behalf of their 18-year-old son or daughter, and others are told that there are no other alternatives but having a full, plenary guardianship – where the person with a disability loses all of his or her rights.  The DIAL students, professors, and volunteers counseled over 150 families about the importance of ensuring that a person with a disability should retain as many rights as possible. On site, we prepared powers of attorney and supported decision-making agreements, and we provided step-by-step instructions on how to file for guardian advocacy. The Family Cafe and the DIAL Clinic’s program were noted in local news channel WFTV9 Orlando – ‘Life changing’: Those with special needs gather for Family Cafe

On Friday, June 14th, Governor Ron Desantis signed the bill codifying supported decision-making in Florida, Florida Statute § 709.2209.  With a supported decision-making agreement, the person with a disability chooses supporters to assist in making decisions and communicating these decisions (if necessary) with third parties, such as a doctor or an employer. In anticipation of the Family Cafe and the law’s passing, Professor Talhia Rangel developed a Supported Decision-Making Agreement which is attached  — SDM Agreement©.  Unlike a guardian advocacy or a formal guardianship, a supported decision-making agreement is neither an enforceable contract nor monitored by a court. Because of concern of over-reach by a supporter, we were very careful to ensure that our SDM Agreement was in plain language, and it notified the person with a disability of his or her rights.

The NSU Law Students learned of the responsibilities that lawyers should have to their communities, and the need to go to their potential clients. Most persons with disabilities and their families are not aware of all of the resources available in Florida, and each student learned that their knowledge and the ability to convey that knowledge was invaluable to the people who they spoke with.  Rising third year law student Naiya Chung found that she learned to trust her own legal knowledge and not bending to the desire of a parent to use legal means to control a person with disability that is not warranted:

[I learned the importance of the] ability to show compassion at that moment when someone is sharing their story with you, despite if they are straying from the legal concept that you are trying to pull out from them but also knowing how to gently redirect back to the conversation to get your answers. Also, [I learned] the importance of really knowing and understanding what you are talking about, that way you can always answer questions or be able to give more information to a person by figuring out and having the ability to know or do what someone is seeking.
– Naiya Chung

The following is our gallery of our experience at the Family Cafe

  1. Preparing to go to the Family Cafe with hundreds of little stuffed NSU Sharks and other swag.  Turned out that our sharks were the most popular.  Not surprised!
six students with NSU t-shirts and Professor Dietz - all with their arms in the air forming a fin, woith hundreds of small stuffed sharks in the foreground.
Fins up!

2. Our four DIAL students and two fellows who worked non-stop!

students and fellows of the DIAL Clinic - five women and one man
From left to right – Professor Leigh Markowitz, Adam Sturn, Ana Gan, Naiya Chung, Mayte Reyes and Professor Talhia Rangel
3.  the Family Cafe Chef knows that something good is cooking at the NSU Law Independent Living Kitchen!
three women, one man and one large costumed figure that is the chef logo of Family Cafe
Naiya Chung, Professor Dietz, the Family Cafe Chef, Mayte Reyes and Ana Gan

4.  Hundreds of attendees stopped by to dive into our Shark Tank.  They’re strong, fast and adaptable. Sharks always prevail. At NSU, we create sharks. We give our law students the competitive advantage they need to become confident, capable, yet caring professionals.

Swag sharks and sign
sharks, sharks, sharks

5.  This mom got a power of attorney drafted by NSU Law Student Ana Gan. When they were done, the mom started crying and thanked Jesus, as she was overjoyed at getting a legal document that she wanted but could not afford.

Two women and one man
NSU student Ana Gan and a highly satisfied client

6.   Mayte contemplating Razor the Shark.

Female student with photo of a cartoon shark
Mayte Reyes contemplating Razor the Shark

7.   The Force was with us.

8.   As well as the mighty Galactic Empire.  Senator Rick Scott poses with Michael McCreight, Professor Rangel and Kayla Roberts.

two men and two women
Michael McCreight, Senator Rick Scott, Kayla Roberts, and Professor Rangel

9.  Michael McCreight – the inspiration for Supported Decision-Making – fought to restore his capacity and out of a restrictive guardianship.

Three women and one man
Prof. Talhia Rangel, NSU student Mayte Reyes, and guardianship survivor Micheal McCreight and his friend

10.  WFTV9’s Sabrina Maggiore filming while the DIAL Students and professors are doing their thing.

Woman reporter in the background with a tv cameraman speaking to a man in a red shirt and several tables with persons being interviewed int he foregroung

11. Professors Rangel and Markowitz hard at work

A group of students

four women and a man siting around a table

 

 

 

 

 

12.  Professor Rangel and a standing room only audience learning about guardian alternatives

a seminar room that is loaded with people

13.  Had the pleasure of meeting the employees and volunteers at Topaz Assistance Dogs! 🙂

Topaz Dog Training booth with two men, three women and three dogs

14.  FAMU Professor Eunice M. Caussade – our local volunteer!!!

a man in a seersucker jacket and a woman in a blue dress next to a sign
FAMU Professor Eunice M Caussade stopped by on Friday and Saturday to volunteer at our special kitchen

15.   Assistant Dean Matt DeTemple even joined in on the fun.

Two men one with hair and one without
Asst. Dean Matthew DeTemple and his new friend

16.  NDRN Executive Director Marlene Sasso was the keynote speaker of the conference. It was a little surprising that she was invited, as I always believed that Family Cafe was not focused on the social model of disability rights.  I hope that the people who watched her understood the significance of Disability Rights as Civil Rights and the history and intersectionality of the disability rights movement.  Marlene stopped by in our kitchen and watched how we train future disability rights attorneys.

A man and a woman
National Disability Rights Network Executive Director Marlene Sasso and Prof. Matthew Dietz

17.  Ana and Mayte taking a break with a service animal in training.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18.  Triple threat!

Selfie of three women
NSU Law students Mayte Reyes, Ana Gan, and Naiya Chung.

19.  The Annual Professor Dietz Olive Garden dinner!  Unlimited breadsticks and salad!

eight people around a wooden table
Prof. Dietz Annual Olive Garden Dinner

 

 

Winter 2024 Goat Yoga

Professor Dietz is a fervent believer in the power of human-animal interaction to promote wellness and in the beginning of the Winter 2024 semester, the DIAL Clinic students were invited to a team building event of Downward Goat Yoga at Erinwood Farm in Southwest Ranches on Sunday, January 14th.

2023 Family Cafe service event

In June of 2023, DIAL Clinic students attended the Family Café, a state-wide conference hosted by the Florida Youth Council in Orlando, FL. Over 14,000 people with, or related to, persons with disabilities attend annually to dialogue regarding disability-related issues, and to receive advocacy, friendship, and empowerment. At the conference, the DIAL Students were able to answer questions about disability related items, assist with formal complaints, and Professors Rangel and Markowitz presented a lecture of guardianship alternatives.

Many attendees of Family Cafe have intellectual or developmental disabilities themselves, are over 18, and need assistance in daily life activities, but do not need all their rights removed in a court-appointed full plenary guardianship. In 2024, the DIAL Clinic will have a workshop room at Family Cafe where DIAL Clinic staff and pro-bono attorneys will provide an opportunity for parents to learn about alternatives to guardianships, create supported decision-making agreements and powers of attorneys, begin the process of filing for guardian advocacy, and obtain a pro-bono attorney to represent the family and monitor the any proceedings.

Guardian Advocacy Pro Bono Project

The DIAL Clinic remains committed to providing guardian advocacy services to parents with adult children with developmental and intellectual disabilities. These types of cases are an essential and excellent pedagogical tool for educating law students on the skills and professional values needed for the successful practice of law. Representing families in Guardian Advocacy cases exposes students to critical interviewing and counseling skills and requires them to carefully describe the ramifications of guardianship and offer other lesser restrictive alternatives to families.

In the Summer of 2023, the DIAL Clinic held a workshop at the law school where over fifty volunteer lawyers and law students worked to prepare 45 families on how to determine whether guardian advocacy is the appropriate option for their family member with a disability or if some less restrictive (or more restrictive) option is appropriate. On this day, Professor Talhia Rangel conducted three one-hour lectures for participants and pro-bono attorneys and with military precision, Jennifer Gordon ensured that the volunteers and the participants were assigned to rooms, trained, and received services.

11th Circuit Court of Appeals Oral Argument – Campbell v. Universal City

On April 26, 2023, DIAL clinical student Claudia DeSalvo argued on behalf of Dylan Campbell before the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Ms. DeSalvo argued as good as the seasoned U.S. Department of Justice attorney that argued as our amici on behalf of the United States’ interest.  Ms. DeSalvo vehemently argued that the ADA states that eligibility factors are required to be based on real risks and not merely speculation. It is extremely rare for a certified legal intern to argue before a federal appeals court, especially for a case of first impression in the United States.  Ms. DeSalvo spent two months preparing to argue this appeal and knew the record of the case as well as the trial attorney in the District Court. The NSU law community rose to assist Ms. DeSalvo and participated in endless rounds of moot court sessions to ensure that she would feel comfortable in representing Mr. Campbell’s case. Ms. DeSalvo and her client prevailed.

Listen to the Oral Argument:

Read the reported decision.

One South Florida man took on city hall over disability access. He lost in court but also won.

BY JAY WEAVER

Ironically, it was his weakening condition that would launch Karantsalis on what would prove a Herculean task — a one-man battle against his own city to improve disability access. He lost the legal battle but also won the bigger war, if at a cost….

But there were obstacles to getting to the pool. It was difficult to navigate the sidewalk and curb in front of his house, which fronts a busy street that leads to Miami Springs Senior High School. He noticed the absence of handicap parking spaces at the pool complex, a city tennis facility and other public places, as well as on the main street in front of city hall, the public works department and a police substation….

Undeterred, Karantsalis reached out to a longtime friend, ADA advocate Matthew Dietz, a professor at the disability law clinic at the Nova Southeastern University College of Law. Thanks to Dietz, his ADA lawsuit regained traction in 2021 when a federal appeals court found that the statute of limitations had not yet expired in the case. It was set for trial in Miami federal court.

For more, go to the herald database at the Sherman Library or in  the Miami Herald

The hunt for Alejandro Suarez: A Miami man decided to move out. A massive uproar ensued.

BY CAROL MARBIN MILLER AND OMAR RODRÍGUEZ ORTIZ – OCTOBER 06, 2022

On July 4, Independence Day, Alejandro Suarez packed his laptop, camera and some clothes into a book bag. He placed a handwritten note in the glove box of his blue Honda Civic and left the car in the parking lot of a Kendall church. He then hopped a Greyhound bus to Chicago to begin a new life. “I refuse to be helpless,” he wrote. “Be assured I am safe.” Odalys Heredia, the 20-year-old’s mother, wanted him back. She filed a report with Miami-Dade police saying Suarez was missing and endangered. She told news reporters Suarez functions at the level of a small child due to a diagnosis of autism in his childhood. And that he was friendless, and largely helpless. To authorities, she and her sister, Suarez’s aunt, offered a more outlandish sounding theory: that he may have been abducted by a dangerous band of transgender individuals seeking to harvest and sell his body organs.

For more, go to this article on Lexis or in the Miami Herald