Inclusion in STEM: A Discussion with General Motors

According to the National Science Foundation, individuals living with a disability, such as neuromuscular disease, are underrepresented in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Yet STEM-based careers are growing exponentially, and diversity is needed to drive innovation in these fields. As part of MDA’s mission to transform the lives of individuals living with neuromuscular . . .

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What You Need to Know About Open Enrollment in 2020

Open enrollment — the period each year when people are eligible to purchase new insurance or make changes to their existing insurance plans — is upon us. Buying health insurance can be confusing, but it’s critically important that everyone in the neuromuscular community have coverage. We are pleased to share some FAQs below to help . . .

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Do you know your employment rights?

As we wrap up National Disability Employment Awareness Month, it is vital those living with a disability know their employment rights, learn what to do if they feel their employer is not making accommodations required by law, and see how they can take action on legislation that would provide even more incentives for companies to . . .

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October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month: What Does That Mean?

Sarah Jean Schwegel, who has spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), works as the Public Policy and Advocacy specialist at Paraquad in St. Louis, Mo. In 2015, Sarah graduated from Maryville University with a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Services. In 2018, she graduated from Saint Louis University with a master’s in Public Administration. Before she started working . . .

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People May Not Accept Your Disability. You Don’t Have to Accept That.

Tomeca Goodwin, 46, lives with a form of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD). Born in Cincinnati, where she still resides, Tomeca has had a long career in community health. She also owns and creates sweet confections through Unique Candy Cakes by Mec. She loves a good gut-busting, tear-dropping laugh (even at herself), and enjoys reading, spending . . .

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Two Dudes, One Goal: Podcast Hosts Kyle Bryant and Sean Baumstark Envision (Then Live) Life Beyond Circumstances

Sean Baumstark was 25 when he was diagnosed with Friedrich’s ataxia, a neuromuscular disease that affects the nervous system and heart and causes muscle weakness and ataxia, a loss of balance and coordination. “During my diagnosis,” Sean says, “the geneticist started talking about support groups and encouraging that I come to grips with what I . . .

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Who’s On Your MDA Care Center Team?: Dietitians and Nutritionists

At more than 150 MDA Care Centers nationwide, kids and adults living with neuromuscular disease (NMD) have access to multidisciplinary care teams made up of different specialists who can coordinate in one place on an appointment day to optimize a complete care plan. Included on these teams are allied health professionals and social workers who . . .

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Who’s On Your MDA Care Center Team?: Speech-Language Pathologists

At more than 150 MDA Care Centers nationwide, kids and adults living with neuromuscular disease (NMD) have access to multidisciplinary care teams made up of different specialists who can coordinate in one place on an appointment day to optimize a complete care plan. Included on these teams are allied health professionals and social workers who . . .

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Who’s On Your MDA Care Center Team?: Young-Adult- and Adult-Focused Social Workers

At more than 150 MDA Care Centers nationwide, kids and adults living with neuromuscular disease (NMD) have access to multidisciplinary care teams made up of different specialists who can coordinate in one place on an appointment day to optimize a complete care plan. Included on these teams are allied health professionals and social workers who . . .

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