Category: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Autism Society of the CNMI is having two big events this month to promote the awareness and inclusion of people with autism in the CNMI.
Continue reading “April 09 2015: Hot Dog Walk & Quiz Nite 4. Thomas M. Thornburgh”

Since 2008, I have been working closely with folks from the Autism Society of the CNMI, better known as, ASCNMI. In this time, I have come to know many of our people with autism. It may surprise you to learn that our people with autism have contributed to the CNMI in many ways. It is truly inspiring to see them rise above their disability to live their lives more fully. Here are three examples of our people with autism from the ASCNMI who have in their own way contributed to our islands:
Continue reading “April 07 2015: Our people with autism in the CNMI. Thomas M. Thornburgh”

In remembrance of my “Older Brother,” Pastor Wichep, who succumbed to cancer recently—half a world away from his island home, Lukunor. And, in honor of the countless people who have lost their lives to cancer. Continue reading “April 07 2015:‘Strong heart’—somewhere outside of Charlottesville, VA. Jim Rayphand”

It has come to our attention that government employees enrolled in the group health plan are not being given notice of their rights under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA.
Continue reading “March 19 2015: Your health insurance rights under COBRA. Jeanne Rayphand”

Most people are familiar with statutes of limitations, which set time limits for bringing a civil action in court. See 7 C.M.C. § 2501 et seq. For example, a civil action for assault and battery must be commenced within two years after the cause of action accrues. An exception to this rule is that “[i]f the person entitled to a cause of action is a minor or is insane or is imprisoned when the cause of action first accrues, the action may be commenced with the time limits in [Chapter 5 of Title 7 of the Commonwealth Code] after the disability is removed.” 7 C.M.C. § 2506.
Continue reading “March 12, 2015: Deadlines. JEANNE RAYPHAND”

SOME disabilities are obvious; some are not. Some disabilities interfere with performance at school or at work or with interpersonal relationships.

For purposes of special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, a child with a disability is a child who has been evaluated as having a specific disability and who, by reason of that disability, needs special education and related services. See 34 C.F.R. § 300.8.
Continue reading “February 11, 2015: Different definitions of disabilities. JEANNE RAYPHAND”

UNDER Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is unlawful for an employer to make inquiries as to whether an applicant is an individual with a disability or as to the nature of such disability before making a conditional offer of employment. 42 U.S.C. § 12112(d); 29 C.F.R. § 1630.13(a). Continue reading “February 06, 2015: The Americans with Disabilities Act protects job applicants from pre-employment inquiries about disabilities. JEANNE RAYPHAND”

WHEN I was 14 years old, I broke my fibula in my leg, the smaller bone running parallel with the Tibia. This happened while playing football in Troy, Ohio, 20 miles south of Dayton.
It also just so happened, that my father got a job offer in Palikir, Pohnpei, so we had to move weeks after I broke my leg. I had to travel with my leg in a 20 pound cast that ran above my knee. Continue reading “January 15, 2015: Traveling with disabilities. THOMAS M. THORNBURGH”

THE National Birth Defects Prevention Network states that, “Birth defects are common, costly and critical.”
Their statistics show that, “Birth defects affect 1 in 33 babies every year. Nationally the yearly hospital costs for birth defects exceed $2.6 billion. 1 in 5 infant deaths are due to birth defects, making them a leading cause of infant mortality.” It can be very scary and emotional for parents when they learn that something may be wrong with their child. Continue reading “January 06, 2015: Birth defects are common, costly and critical. Greg Borja”

THE following is from the Dec. 17, 2014 front page Variety article on H.B. 18-133:

“A person who makes a false or misleading material statement to a public servant is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof may be imprisoned for a period of not more than one year or fined not more than $1,000 or both.”
Continue reading “December 17, 2014: Ironic. Jim Rayphand”