Archive for December 21st, 2010

Consider a Humanitarian Gift This Season: Give Hope to Those Who Need It Most

Tuesday, December 21st, 2010 by

HTB’s readers are one of the most globally connected groups we know. These connections produce knowledge of the disparity in health, education and life expectancy that prevail around the world, and with that knowledge comes responsibility. While we aren’t trying to guilt you into trading your comfortable job for subsistence farming, we’d like to suggest making at least a modest gift to any number of very worthy organizations around the world that channel charitable giving directly and effectively to those who need it most. You can start by checking out Nick Kristof’s recent column in the NY Times. Mr. Kristof is making a career of identifying innovative yet simple models for helping each other. He highlights organizations delivering hope in the form of medical care, literacy, education and dignity for women and children in Afghanistan, Haiti, Congo, Somalia and Cambodia. Take the time to learn more. We’re sure you will be moved to give.

Photo by Darren Tunnicliff.

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Traveling with A Medical Condition? Help the TSA Be Discreet

Tuesday, December 21st, 2010 by

The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) has taken a step to improve the screening experience for travelers with medical conditions.  Following complaints from travelers who encountered embarassing or uncomfortable situations during security screenings, the TSA has issued health condition notification cards that travelers can fill out and discreetly hand to a TSA officer before going through the screening device.  The card, which does not exempt the traveler from screening,  states “I have the following health condition, disability, or medical device that may affect my screening:” followed by a blank area where travelers can fill in the name of their condition or choose to leave it blank. 

The back of the card reads “TSA respects the privacy concerns of all members of the traveling public.  This card allows you to describe your health condition, disability or medical device to the TSA officer in a discreet manner.  Alternate procedures which provide an equivalent level of security screening are available and can be done in private.”  The cards were distributed in October on a very limited basis but are now widely available. Visit the TSA website under “Travelers with Disabilities & Medical Conditions.” 

Kate Hanni of FlyersRights.org reports that the airline consumer organization receives complaints daily from people with disabilities who feel “completely disregarded and/or violated during their security check.”  These cards are a step in the right direction in making the security process as easy and private as possible, and the TSA is looking to make even more improvements in the future.

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