tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-344184842024-03-07T10:46:53.199-06:00Growing up with a disabilityThese are my reflections on my interview project. I am recording the stories of people living with disabilities. Personal, real stories - be they humorous, sad, angry, fun, or ... whatever! Comments are welcome.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.comBlogger188125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34418484.post-1144207272179479852009-04-30T22:33:00.004-05:002009-05-02T12:56:39.600-05:00We all do it<a href="http://blobolobolob.blogspot.com/2009/05/blogging-against-disablism-day-2009.html"><img title="Blogging Against Disablism Day, May 1st 2009" alt="Blogging Against Disablism Day, May 1st 2009" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzirzvupRmtC53_ymJuGb5taR8EG-ne2URHvUQyNsge9jhXOJWmudxxeht8YNyzDP43LJUu5OEqyjBJ3B0KNzipIXiXU15NSvnIeYJPEAr3Z2MhlQ3giExs9swo-mbEBMrY9Ee/s320/bad02.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong>We all do it. We don’t mean to, but we do.</strong><br /><br />The audience and judges sneered when contestant <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY">Susan Boyle</a> walked on stage on <em>Britain's Got Talent</em>. When she started to sing, the sneering quickly turned to awe. In the days that followed, discussions took place about how superficial we all were to laugh at her, since it turned out she possessed exceptional talent. The consensus seemed to be that, as Ms. Boyle was an extraordinary singer, it was wrong to snicker at her perceived lack of social graces and unglamorous appearance.<br /><br /><em>Hmmm…so, it’s OK to laugh at someone who looks different and who <strong>doesn’t</strong> possess exceptional talent?</em><br /><br />A mother with a happy, smiling baby with Down Syndrome overhears other mothers talking in the park, “There but for the grace of God go I.”<br /><br /><em>A family with a child with Down Syndrome is less graced by God? <strong>Really?</strong> </em><br /><br />On <em><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vb-ZSZNaCc0">The Tonight Show</a></em>, President Obama discussed his bowling score of 129 with some self-deprecating humor, "It was like Special Olympics or something."<br /><br /><em>I wonder….would this thoughtful leader have put himself down in jest by saying "Man, I bowl like a girl!" I doubt it; he knows in his heart one doesn’t put down another or even oneself, by calling someone “a girl.” And, if he slipped, Americans across the country would let him know that girls are not inferior beings.</em><br /><br />An article in the <a href="http://forecast.diabetes.org/magazine/features/defeating-discrimination">May 2009 <em>Diabetes Forecast</em></a> focuses on the discrimination in employment against people with diabetes. It is an informative discussion about the necessity of the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act and its protection of workers’ rights However, the author, almost in hushed tones, seems to need to make the point that people with diabetes aren’t <strong>really</strong> disabled. They just need the law to have a fair workplace.<br /><br /><em>What’s so terrible about having a disability, about being in that group? What’s so terrible about needing an accommodation to level the playing field, to do the essential functions of one’s job? The unemployment rate among people who are blind is 70%. Provide accommodation for insulin, snacks, and low blood sugar, but not provide text-to-read programs or Braille accommodations?<br /></em><br /><em>Why do we not want to be seen to be like others who are different? Can we not look a little harder to see that we share a common humanity?</em><br /><br />Violence against children and adults with noticeable differences is much higher than against those without noticeable differences; it is prevalent in our neighborhoods, our schools, our homes. One Texas institution even ran a coordinated “<a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/03/10/texas.school.fight.club/index.html">fight club</a>,” treating their clients like dog-fighting entertainment.<br /><br /><em>We, of course, don’t condone this violence, we may not even see its enormity. But we need to be aware of it. When people are beaten because of race, religion, or sexual orientation, it’s classified as a hate crime. Can we not demand that beating of people with disabilities be treated similarly?</em><br /><br />Legislative opportunities to support our citizens with disabilities abound. The <a href="http://www.adapt.org/cca.php">Community Choice Act</a> would allow people the option to receive support services in the home. <a href="http://www.un.org/disabilities/index.asp">The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities </a>recognizes the essential human rights of all people. The convention has been open for signatures for more than two years, and 139 countries have signed, but not the United States.<br /><br /><em>Where are our priorities?</em><br /><br /><br /><strong><em>On this Blogging Against Disablism Day, I ask myself – where is my ableism? How do I reflect the deeply ingrained prejudices of my culture? Where am I an ableist in my individual actions? In my community actions?<br /><br />I give you the same challenge. Ask the tough questions.</em></strong><br /><br /><br /><br />This post is part of a worldwide blogging phenomenon, <a href="http://blobolobolob.blogspot.com/2009/05/blogging-against-disablism-day-2009.html">Blogging Against Disablism Day</a>. Be sure to head over to <a href="http://blobolobolob.blogspot.com/2009/05/blogging-against-disablism-day-2009.html">Diary of a Goldfish</a> to read more perspectives on ableism/disablism. Thanks, Goldfish for your extraordinary efforts again this year.<br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Links: my BADD </span></em><a href="http://growingupwithadisability.blogspot.com/2007/04/sandbox-lessons.html"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">2007 post</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;"> and BADD </span></em><a href="http://growingupwithadisability.blogspot.com/2008/04/mistaken-identity.html"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">2008 post</span></em></a>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34418484.post-64335326997631140572008-09-16T00:11:00.000-05:002008-09-16T00:12:07.091-05:00"Our homes, not nursing homes"Press release from <a href="http://www.adapt.org/">ADAPT</a>:<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjX4j687OU73ffibwfUYxrzcaSE38WT5DiqHrB5QrfTmXuOPWA9DLEHptxOlOfFbfqQXzJk6ggjQxO24cNLwIoXhgNeLSc3uBSPVcxI8L0d6YBk-wKFHjXmf4e34B1JVh-wwLNQ/s1600-h/HUD.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246480292492683282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjX4j687OU73ffibwfUYxrzcaSE38WT5DiqHrB5QrfTmXuOPWA9DLEHptxOlOfFbfqQXzJk6ggjQxO24cNLwIoXhgNeLSc3uBSPVcxI8L0d6YBk-wKFHjXmf4e34B1JVh-wwLNQ/s320/HUD.JPG" border="0" /></a> <em><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">ADAPT Challenges HUD, Dems, McCain on Disability/Housing Economic Crisis<br /></span><br />Washington, D.C.---ADAPT wasted no time challenging multiple policymakers on the housing crisis for persons with disabilities who have low and extremely low incomes. After setting up a tent city at HUD headquarters just after 4 a.m., ADAPT sent 100 activists to the Democratic National Committee (DNC) offices in Washington, D.C., and another hundred to a Sen. John McCain campaign office in Arlington, VA. All three entities were presented with the ADAPT platform for affordable, accessible housing. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHQCl2w4k52yt1hk2-Dd0RHzbYxGkfG0gS9RLbeSQ7c09eFt9I7wXvmiSMKB0NLuMIRfAzvjXCHWtQDLLUvw7gyxJmG3huCzU_A9vUjItt08pcEgsH7Ima2EDe8iD8RhPiJDfJw/s1600-h/hud+3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246480825110073010" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHQCl2w4k52yt1hk2-Dd0RHzbYxGkfG0gS9RLbeSQ7c09eFt9I7wXvmiSMKB0NLuMIRfAzvjXCHWtQDLLUvw7gyxJmG3huCzU_A9vUjItt08pcEgsH7Ima2EDe8iD8RhPiJDfJw/s320/hud+3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />"The DNC was cordial, and they accepted our housing platform, as well as our invitation to visit 'DUH City,' which is HUD spelled backwards," said octonagerian Barb Toomer, ADAPT organizer from Utah."The career HUD staff that met with ADAPT told our people they had no authority to make decisions and had to wait for the administration or administrative appointees to make any decisions, so the meeting felt like a waste of time. Sen. John McCain's campaign staff not only refused to even look at our housing platform, they had eleven of us arrested by police who caused injuries to at least one arrestee."<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3c8xgyA1_E2-UTkmMEbvDeHHhjFwKQWq3nalqhmp7R5Nsfq4wo5hKEZNz7IboD6WsSn-PFKcV4lvxlxDlYXJL-UjmiHcvmsCTosO1AeO11jprmAf9hlLXxOruSHO-a1Pb9WZLFg/s1600-h/hud+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246481050042993138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3c8xgyA1_E2-UTkmMEbvDeHHhjFwKQWq3nalqhmp7R5Nsfq4wo5hKEZNz7IboD6WsSn-PFKcV4lvxlxDlYXJL-UjmiHcvmsCTosO1AeO11jprmAf9hlLXxOruSHO-a1Pb9WZLFg/s320/hud+2.JPG" border="0" /></a>ADAPT's housing platform points to America's20longstanding and still growing crisis in the availability of affordable, accessible integrated housing. Many people with disabilities live on benefits that are only 18% of the median income, a full 25% below the poverty level, and an amount that is less than the national average rent for a studio/efficiency apartment.<br /><br />"The federal government is sending stimulus payments to middle class workers, and is providing economic relief for the mortgage crisis, and maybe even the bank crisis," said Dawn Russell, Denver ADAPT. "What about all of us who live on fixed incomes? If we can't afford the cost of housing, we'll end up on the street or being forced into nursing homes and institutions. What are the federal government, Congress, and the presidential candidates going to do to help us with our housing crisis?"<br /><br /><span style="color:#ffcc00;"><span style="color:#000000;">In its platform, ADAPT is asking for:<br />· 5000 new housing vouchers per year for 10 years, targeted to people transitioning out of nursing homes and other institutions;<br />· Twice as much funding for the construction of new housing stock that is affordable, accessible and integrated;<br />· Policies and procedures to track the new vouchers to assure they remain targeted to people with disabilities when the original user becomes ineligible or no longer needs the voucher;<br />· People with disabilities who reside in institutional settings to be recognized as "homeless."</span><br /></span><br />ADAPT's DUH City will remain in operation twenty four hours a day until Thursday, September 18. The DUH City Times will be delivered daily to every member of Congress, and there will be daily DUH TV coverage on You Tube. Background information, real stories of real people and photos can all be accessed at </strong></em><a href="http://www.duhcity.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><em><strong>www.duhcity.org</strong></em></a><em><strong>. </strong></em>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34418484.post-64178142819597292322008-08-31T20:46:00.002-05:002008-08-31T20:49:59.739-05:00Telethons and Pity (Repost)<strong><em>This is a reposting of last Labor Day Weekend's post on pity. the post is just as applicable this year, as is <a href="http://karasheridan.com/?p=164">the blogswarm</a>. </em></strong><br /><br />Today is Labor Day, and, to many people, that means it’s time for Jerry Lewis and the MDA Telethon. I had never watched the telethon, and this year I checked it out for the first time. I have to say, I didn’t watch much of it, and it was enough. I am not going to comment on the mission of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA); I am not familiar it. However, I would like to comment on the destructiveness of pity.<br /><br /><strong>1. Pity fosters negativity</strong>. The negative aspects of the condition are emphasized and magnified, rather then the positive aspects and enormous potential of the individual's life. Instead of focusing on what a person can do by embracing all their strengths and gifts, pity limits a person.<br /><br /><strong>2. Pity promotes the view of charity <em>rather than</em> the view of inclusion.</strong> Charity for pity divides people into 2 groups, the “haves” and the “have nots”. The premise is that the person who “has” will help the person who “does not have,” because the “haves” feel sorry for the “have nots”, rather than because it is the morally appropriate action to do. Unlike pity, inclusion encourages respectful dialogue to discuss ways to adapt to the obstacles of society.<br /><br /><strong>3. Charity often seems focused on making those that contribute to the charity feel warm-and-fuzzy-good about themselves.</strong> That is the wrong focus. An action should be taken because it is the right thing to do, because it is fair and just.<br /><br /><strong>4. Although often without consciously recognizing it, the person who is pitied usually has to conform in some way to the giver’s expectations and stereotypes to receive the charity.</strong> For example, in extracurricular activities in school, it seems to me that children with disabilities often have to participate in the sport or activity that has the most willing coach or advisor, rather than in the activity that the child likes the best or has a natural affinity for.<br /><br /><strong>5. Pity lowers an individual’s self-esteem.</strong> It’s hard to feel good about yourself, when you are seen as a drain and burden on others.<br /><br /><strong>6. Pity towards people with disabilities gives society the false impression that disability and happiness cannot coexist.</strong> That isn’t necessarily true, and that simply serves to cause more pity.<br /><br /><strong>7. Another problem with charity for pity is that it can give the impression that once the charitable act has been done, societal responsibilities are finished.</strong> A corporation that publicly writes a check to MDA is still obligated to provide an inclusive work environment with fair opportunities even though they likely won’t receive public recognition for those actions.<br /><br />Check out <a href="http://karasheridan.com/?p=164">Protest Pity, The Blog Against the Telethon, </a>for an excellent collection of thought-provoking posts about the telethon from the point of view of people with disabilities.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34418484.post-24177516009388531122008-08-29T14:11:00.003-05:002008-08-29T14:18:03.955-05:00"Difference is an Artist's Game"A beautiful video created by Clara Sigmon, a 13 yr old, about her brother David, who has Down syndrome. I found this video via <a href="http://mdbeau.blogspot.com/">Michelle</a> who says, "it is very powerful and well-written/spoken." I agree! It's 4 minutes long, but well worth the time.<br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MO911lWVGpQ&hl=" fs="1" width="425" height="344" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34418484.post-53008610019705590042008-08-28T15:43:00.009-05:002008-08-28T17:16:38.885-05:00World Language Survey<a href="http://www.miusa.org/">Mobility International USA</a>, the organization with whom <a href="http://growingupwithadisability.blogspot.com/2007/07/my-costa-rica-experience-slideshow-and.html">I traveled to Costa Rica</a>, is conducting a survey to determine how people with disabilities learn a foreign language.<br /><blockquote>"National surveys show U.S. high school students with disabilities, while increasing in the numbers enrolled in foreign language courses, still lag behind their non-disabled peers in the percentages who study foreign languages. U.S. students with and without disabilities are close to equal in the percentages completing foreign language courses at the higher education level. However, the data does not explain what languages are being studied, how successful the learning experience is, and what are the barriers and benefits for people with disabilities at all ages. Are you a person with a disability from theUnited States who is interested in taking a survey about foreign language learning and disability? <a href="http://www.miusa.org/ncde">The National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange</a> seeks your and other individuals with disabilities input and experiences.<br /><br />Take a 10-minute Foreign Language survey online <a href="http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/47971/foreignlanguages">here</a>: </blockquote><br />I took the survey, and they ask questions about my language interests, how I study languages, and travel. It took about 5-10 minutes. Any help you can give MIUSA would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! For more info about the survey please go to <a href="http://www.miusa.org/newsitems/takeasurvey">MIUSA's newssite</a>.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34418484.post-66963889145142884382008-08-14T19:53:00.002-05:002010-03-03T08:40:18.065-06:00"People with intellectual disabilities deserve only one r-word: Respect"<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NHwOu8_qjRc&color1=11645361&color2=13619151&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NHwOu8_qjRc&color1=11645361&color2=13619151&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Thanks,<a href="http://wheeliecatholic.blogspot.com/2008/08/public-service-announcement-by-arc-of.html"> Ruth</a> for sharing this beautiful video from The ARC of Virginia and The ARC of Northern Virginia. It sums up the issues well.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34418484.post-27429426231943924352008-08-11T22:01:00.010-05:002008-08-12T21:36:30.577-05:00Thunderous Dehumanization<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-b84428EdmQom9FbxJMRA7SRGI0hiIdOs_Rg18AvAkXHYXJzkwVdyK7LbFGHufY5zCT5rJQJHLcCwO6evd_6e_FVgk5_R7KiPAKy_4gumSHfwpLRw3PBQqrze4yCvbsgwjx7Gg/s1600-h/sticks+and+stones.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233701231396386162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="3 polar bears, one disintegrating from a broken heart with the words, Sticks and Stones can break my bones, but words will really hurt me" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-b84428EdmQom9FbxJMRA7SRGI0hiIdOs_Rg18AvAkXHYXJzkwVdyK7LbFGHufY5zCT5rJQJHLcCwO6evd_6e_FVgk5_R7KiPAKy_4gumSHfwpLRw3PBQqrze4yCvbsgwjx7Gg/s320/sticks+and+stones.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The R rated movie <em>Tropic Thunder</em> directed by Ben Stiller comes to theaters tomorrow. The film coins the phrase “full retard” to describe one of its characters.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.patriciaebauer.com/2008/08/08/just-the-facts-tropic-thunder/#more-2929">Journalist Patricia Bauer prescreened the movie and shares some of her observations:</a><br /><br /><br /><blockquote>“Stiller’s character, Tugg Speedman, is presented as a fading action hero who earlier failed in his bid for Oscar glory while portraying Simple Jack, a character with an intellectual disability. Speedman’s portrayal of Simple Jack is featured as a movie within the movie.” </blockquote>Bauer describes the stereotypical protrayal of a person with a cognitive disability,<br /><br /><blockquote>“In character, Stiller speaks in a stilted, stuttering, adenoidal fashion, and wears overalls, bad false teeth and a classic institutional bowl haircut.”<br /></blockquote><br /><p>Bauer tallies the number of times slurs are used in the movie and finds (approximately):<br /></p><br /><blockquote><br /><p>“Number of repetitions of the word “retard” or its variations: At least 16 in the “full retard” scene alone, not counting the uses of words like “idiot,” “moron,” “moronical,” “imbecile,” “stupid,” “dumb” and “the dumbest M*****F***** that ever lived.” All are used to describe the character of Simple Jack, who is described in an introductory segment as a “mentally impaired farm hand who can talk to animals.” </p><br /><p><br />Number of repetitions of the word “nigger”: Once, said by a black character criticizing a character pretending to be black. </p><br /><p><br />Number of uses of other racial/ethnic/sexual epithets: None observed.”<br /></p></blockquote><br /><p>According to the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/11/movies/11thun.html?ref=business">New York Times </a>a Dreamworks spokesperson says that the movie is a satire of the excesses of Hollywood. I’ve always been annoyed by the portrayal of persons with disabilities by temporarily able-bodied people in pursuit of Oscar or Emmy nominations, and I would truly love to see a film that satirizes the Hollywood portrayal of PWDs. However, I’m finding it hard to believe that Ben Stiller is really making a sophisticated societal satire in the vein of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventures_of_Huckleberry_Finn">Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn</a>. Mr. Stiller’s past films, seem to have the common theme of going for crass and crude humor, although the joke is on the zipper mishap or fart or whatever, not on an entire group of people. And, it’s not like Dreamworks is advertising this movie as a societal satire. According to <a href="http://www.patriciaebauer.com/2008/08/08/just-the-facts-tropic-thunder/#more-2929">Bauer</a>, </p><br /><blockquote>“Early promotion of the film described Simple Jack as a “retard” and an elaborate DreamWorks marketing website that was taken down this week in response to complaints carried the tagline ‘Once upon a time … There was a retard.’” </blockquote><br /><p>The Dreamwork website is not advertising Tropic Thunder as a societal satire, but rather quotes critics who call the movie a “knockout of a comedy” and “the funniest movie of the summer.” So, I forgive me, Mr. Stiller and Dreamworks. I’m not buying it. <strong>Your movie is not a critical satire of Hollywood’s portrayal of the full diversity of humankind. It is another movie that slurs and hurts a large segment of our population for the sake of a joke or two.</strong> </p><br /><p><br />I know some people, like one of Bauer’s commenters, would say, “Get a sense of humor!” <strong>At the root of this point is the belief that cognitive diversity is not a part of humankind, and making fun of this “other” group is no big deal. </strong>And since when does one group get to tell another group that they cannot be offended by slurs, epithets, and derogatory stereotypes? Do whites get to tell blacks to not be offended by slurs? Do whites get to tell native peoples to not be offended by dancing Indian mascots? Do men get to tell women to not be offended by curse words or sexual innuendos? </p><br /><p><br /><a href="http://growingupwithadisability.blogspot.com/2008/05/facing-mountain.html">I’ve written before</a> about the pain the word “retard” causes. Like all outrageous and socially unacceptable racial and sexual slurs, this word inflicts deep pain. Dave Hingsburger over at Chewing the Fat writes <a href="http://davehingsburger.blogspot.com/2008/08/r-rated.html">a powerful letter</a> to Mr. Stiller explaining how much it hurts to see and hear the R word. </p><br /><blockquote>“You hurt me a second time today, Mr. Stiller. I am writing to tell you, to hold you responsible. I arrived home and saw on a website that it is now possible to buy tee shirts with the phrase 'full retard' on it. You are responsible for this Mr. Stiller, you wrote those words, you chose those words, you went public with those words. It is you, and only you, who must bear the consequences for your actions.” </blockquote><br /><p>“Full retard” t shirts?! More satire, right? </p><br /><p><a href="http://www.autisticadvocacy.org/">Autistic advocacy.org </a>has an on-point video about the power of words.</p><br /><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JzgQ3LVNhps&hl=" width="425" height="344" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" fs="1" allowfullscreen="true"></embed> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Many groups are advocating a boycott of Tropic Thunder. You can learn more at the <a href="http://ucpeople.blogspot.com/2008/08/thunderous-boycott-tropic-blunder.html">United Cerebral People blog</a>. As Timothy Shriver, Chairman of the Special Olympics says in the Washington Post,<br /><blockquote><br /><p><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/10/AR2008081001869_pf.html">"So, enough. Stop the hurtful jokes. Talk to your children about language that is bullying and mean. Ask your friends, your educators, your religious leaders to help us to end the stubborn myth that people with intellectual disabilities are hopeless. Ask Hollywood to get on the right side of dignity.</a></p><br /><p><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/10/AR2008081001869_pf.html">I hope others will join me in shutting this movie out of our lives and our pocketbooks. We don't live in times when labeling and humiliating others is funny."</a></p></blockquote>Let's make our voices heard.</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div>Addendum: Thanks to <a href="http://wheeliecatholic.blogspot.com/2008/08/why-everyone-especially-catholics.html">Ruth</a> for <a href="http://www.specialolympics.org/Special+Olympics+Public+Website/English/Press_Room/Global_news/Tropic+Thunder/Coalition+Statement+of+Support.htm">this link to a statement of solidarity</a> "recognizing the dignity of individuals with intellectual disabilities" and signed by many organizations including The Special Olympics, National Down Syndrome Society, and more. Check it out.</div><div> </div><div></div><div>A 2nd Addendum: Checkout 2 stories on NPR. <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93531103">"If one group laughs at the expense of another, we don't call that humor, we call it humiliation," </a>explains Leonard J. Davis, Professor of Disability Studies at the University of Illinois. And Timothy Shriver, chairman of the Special Olympics <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93540773">explains why the r-word is hate speech</a>.</div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Picture credit: <a href="http://thechp.syr.edu/humanpolicypress/PosterGallery/sticks.htm">Human Policy Press</a></span></em></div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34418484.post-84120357802142319552008-08-06T16:15:00.006-05:002010-02-28T18:21:22.169-06:00Not Today… I have an appointment…<a href="http://www.uis.edu/studentaffairs/students/images/desk_calendar_1.gif"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand" alt="a red desk calendar turned to the month of June, with the days x'd off" src="http://www.uis.edu/studentaffairs/students/images/desk_calendar_1.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I haven’t been in the blogosphere much this summer. Early in the summer, I had a death in my family. But mostly I feel like I have been swallowed up by the appointment gods.<br /><br />Other than regular physical therapy, I didn’t have too many health related appointments during the school year. As I focused on my first year of college, I had kind of forgotten about the appointment world, that medicalized life. But, now, this summer, I’ve had to pay the piper. Here’s how I’ve been spending my time over the past few months :<br /><br />An MRI without anesthesia (MRI machines don’t like spasms)<br />An MRI with anesthesia<br />Bone density scan<br />Orthotist appointment for AFO check (Hey! I don’t need new AFO’s!)<br />Orthotist appointment for neck splint (splint was of no help)<br />Physiatrist appointment<br />Two dentist appointments<br />An orthodontist appointment<br />An eye doctor appointment<br />A pulmonologist appointment<br />Two sleep apnea studies (hard to sleep during those!)<br />Wheelchair maintenance (although my role was staying home without my chair; my mother went to this appointment and the 3 appointments for van lift repairs without me.)<br />Wheelchair repair (despite above maintenance, my chair broke at a highly inopportune time – away from home, just before I was to give a presentation at the <a href="http://www.silcofillinois.org/youth_summit.htm">Illinois Youth with Disabilities Leadership Summit</a>)<br />Computer training classes to help me learn Spanish <a href="http://www.nuance.com/naturallyspeaking/">Dragon</a>, Spanish <a href="http://www.ahf-net.com/sooth.htm">Soothsayer Word Prediction</a>, and increase my use of keyboard shortcuts (to decrease neck pain) once per week for several weeks.<br />A meeting with my Department of Rehabilitation representative<br />A physical therapy appointment three times a week most weeks.<br /><br />Because I knew that this summer would be heavy on appointments, I opted out of summer school. Good decision. And, I regularly scheduled recharging time – including a great trip via Niagara Falls for my sister’s graduation in Massachusetts, several family gatherings and some serious downtime – movies, sports, games. Unfortunately, I was not able to work on any projects that I wanted to work on --- frustrating because the busy-ness of school is right around the corner.<br /><br />During this summer of appointments, I reacquainted myself with the old challenges, annoyances, and vulnerabilities of this aspect of living with cerebral palsy.<br /><br />1. TIME AND ENERGY<br />Appointments eat up so much time. So much physical energy and so much mental energy. Mentally preparing for the visit, physically getting ready to go to the appointment, the car ride, looking for a wheelchair accessible place to park our raised roof van, waiting in the waiting room. All this before anything is even accomplished. As a person with limited stamina, the time issue alone is major, even though I have learned <a href="http://growingupwithadisability.blogspot.com/search/label/Interview%20with%20Brian">a few tricks from others</a>. Although health care facilities have accessible entrances, their procedure rooms, exam tables, and cafeterias tend to be one size fits all. Quite a bit of energy goes into figuring how to make things work for me. By the time I get home, my energy is sapped and it feels as though my day has been taken away from me.<br /><br />2. PROVIDER AND STAFF SENSITIVITY<br />Some healthcare and service providers seem completely oblivious to the fact that seeing them is not the highlight of my week. Some, no, <em>many</em>, use the opportunity to tell me about what a difficult day they are having – a busy schedule, an "impossible" job, even another patient who is difficult. While these problems may make a valid impact on their day, I don’t want to hear about it. I often feel the unspoken message, “I hope you are not going to add to my hassles today, David.” And, listening to the secretary’s or repair person’s woes is just a waste of my precious time (see number 1). Just as I am not at this appointment to make someone’s day miserable, I am also not here to make the day pleasant. I am here to meet a need that I have. Simple as that. I am here not because this is how I’d like to spend my day, but because I need some tool or advice to be able to do what I want to do.<br /><br /><br />3. ETIQUETTE OF FAKE, NICEY-NICE SMALL TALK<br />There are some unspoken appointment etiquette rules that a patient must follow. And these can drive me nuts. I don’t know if small talk drives everybody crazy – maybe it’s just me or just because I have so many appointments, but I get really tired and annoyed with chitchat. I don’t always feel like being polite and making small talk with providers and staff. If I am tired from other stresses or in a bad mood, I feel like I have to hide that. There’s a performance aspect to many appointments that is difficult to describe – be nice, friendly, and sweet. And if I’m called “buddy” or “honey” by someone who is meeting me for the first time, I just smile. Sometimes I feel an underlying message that being liked gets better care. (This coupled with number 2 above multiplies the aggravation. And, of course, number 1 – my time- goes downhill as well.)<br /><br />4. APPOINTMENTS ALWAYS LEAD TO MORE APPOINTMENTS. More tests, more procedures, followup appointments, etc., etc. I am learning from my mom to always question whether I <em>really</em> need X procedure and could I return in 6 months instead of 3 months and let’s have Test A while having Test B.<br /><br />5. IDENTITY MOLDING<br />Finally, even though I think I am secure in my identity, multiple appointments could consume my identity if I let them. I have to tell myself that I and my time are worth demanding repair service or prompt attention for a need even when the provider finds the timing inconvenient. Running through my medical history or listing what I cannot do or being poked and prodded and told what’s “wrong” with me is really wearing on the self esteem. I try to keep my guard up, because <a href="http://growingupwithadisability.blogspot.com/2008/05/facing-mountain.html">you never know when an ego blow might come. </a>I have to work to not let myself get sucked into the idea that I am defined by somebody else’s list of my “problems.”<br /><br /><br /><br />I have to add that I have some wonderful providers and have met some wonderful staff – <a href="http://growingupwithadisability.blogspot.com/2007/04/top-10-tips-for-service-providers.html">people who are thoughtful, respectful, and efficient with both their time and my time.</a> I am so very appreciative of them, their expertise, and their attitudes. And I even have a handful with whom I do have a personal relationship. But, even under these circumstances, going to an appointment is <em>never</em> how I’d choose to spend my limited energy. There’s a lot else to do with my life!</div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34418484.post-61472930676385360392008-05-27T15:27:00.004-05:002008-11-18T20:22:33.789-06:00Carnival Day!...A Bit Late<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xnAwYBJV2TUzFXezXsNw2J4DRG7pE6U5eP6xH8Rfg-SYPBbgEufSg2zJ3C7U6EQIiukX2sizwZtSeP6AhQ09pviU_oa1za0G5ImSZacmRrSt5I7_RvKtUnp_rfUF9rmBEmAH9Q/s1600-h/carnival+38+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205165862693049522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xnAwYBJV2TUzFXezXsNw2J4DRG7pE6U5eP6xH8Rfg-SYPBbgEufSg2zJ3C7U6EQIiukX2sizwZtSeP6AhQ09pviU_oa1za0G5ImSZacmRrSt5I7_RvKtUnp_rfUF9rmBEmAH9Q/s200/carnival+38+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://ryntales.blogspot.com/2008/05/38th-disability-blog-carnival.html">The 38th carnival </a>is hosted by Kathryn at <a href="http://ryntales.blogspot.com/">Ryn Tales </a>and has the theme of Spirituality and Disability.<br /><br />In her introduction to the carnival, Kathryn eloquently reflects on raising her daughter Ellie and how it has influenced her as a person. “But this experience in all is magnitude has helped me unfold as a soul. I am more patient than I was before, I am happier than I was before Ellie, and I am way, way less ignorant about disablism.”<br /><br />In this carnival, there are many reflective posts on God and on life in general. It’s a great carnival and I hope you’ll check it out!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34418484.post-31206078413095171992008-05-08T15:44:00.004-05:002008-11-18T20:22:34.114-06:00Carnival Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkt4mMAZYn0BcLXCFKggumc6x96s_JjDSMDfg6uCurYeRez7-Ll-jHRrQgOSEcDRAcBZv9WucBGRJNEGD12u31ZFiCw0VJ33QGY2LwK84Mc2GPZ1uCqpX1UoMbBOYXuxfJMCWnw/s1600-h/blog+canival+photo.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5198117236263422898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkt4mMAZYn0BcLXCFKggumc6x96s_JjDSMDfg6uCurYeRez7-Ll-jHRrQgOSEcDRAcBZv9WucBGRJNEGD12u31ZFiCw0VJ33QGY2LwK84Mc2GPZ1uCqpX1UoMbBOYXuxfJMCWnw/s200/blog+canival+photo.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://crip-power.com/2008/04/23/announcing-the-37th-edition-of-the-disability-blog-carnival//" target="_blank"></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Stacey from <a href="http://crip-power.com/">Crip-power </a>has put together a wonderful collection of <a href="http://crip-power.com/2008/05/07/here-they-come-the-37th-edition-of-the-disability-blog-carnival/">posts. </a>She states that this carnival “focuses on the celebration of disability culture, struggle, people, history and identity." There are many thought-provoking posts that examine identity and culture through different angles. I hope you’ll check it out!</div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34418484.post-11114040145683798052008-05-06T16:42:00.002-05:002008-05-08T11:04:54.069-05:00Facing the mountain<a href="http://www.therword.org/"><img height="134" alt="The R Word Campaign" src="http://stopsayingretard.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/blogbutton_black.jpg" width="136" border="1" /></a><em><br /></em><em><blockquote><em>“Even more shameful are my co-workers. People who work to support other people with developmental disabilities. They still throw that word around without thought while at the same time saying how much they care for those they work with. It makes me angry, but also feel hopeless and helpless. How do we stop it?”</em></blockquote></em><br />This comment was left on <a href="http://davehingsburger.blogspot.com/2008/05/that-word-this-girl.html">a post </a>by Dave Hingsburger about the pain and anguish caused to a teenager by the use of the word, “R#tard.” Dave was sitting in a hotel lobby near a girl with Down Syndrome, and saw her reaction when another teenager walked by and was teased by her friend who had accidentally dropped something, “Stop being so r#tarded, will you?”<br /><br />Dave said of the girl he was sitting near, “Hurt flooded her face. R#tard pierced her heart, her soul…”<br /><br />Although I have had <a href="http://growingupwithadisability.blogspot.com/2007/02/once-again-those-evil-pronouns-and.html">many</a> self-esteem reducing <a href="http://growingupwithadisability.blogspot.com/2007/11/understanding-less-common-perspective.html">experiences</a> in my childhood, I consider myself strong (thanks in part to the blogging community). But, like I’ve heard from people I have interviewed, old wounds of dehumanization can be violently and unexpectedly torn open.<br /><br />Yesterday, my mom said she saw hurt flood my face. I felt my heart pierced. It only lasted a moment, but it was there.<br /><br />I had let my guard down because I felt I was in a “safe” place, a major rehabilitation clinic. People with various impairments walked and rolled all around the building. I have been here many times, and the staff has been respectful, kind, and professional.<br /><br />So, I never saw it coming. I was in an exam room for my 3rd appointment of the day. The door was open, and I could hear the lighthearted goings-on in the office area across the hall.<br /><br />A staff member was having trouble using the stapler. Loudly, she proclaimed that she must be “such a r#tard!” She continued bubbly chattering with her coworker, and then called in her next patient from the waiting room.<br /><br />The hurt, painful as it was, lasted just a moment. Then my emotions quickly went from shock to anger to sadness. I thought about the new parents, sitting in the waiting room with their twin 2 year boys, hearing that word in this place. This supposed shelter from the outside world. This place of support. These people of authority.<br /><br />My mom and I deliberated about what action to take. It helps having a trusted person with you to sort through it all. We couldn’t speak with the staff member because she was in with her patient. My mom wrote her a note, and we decided to speak with the supervisor. The supervisor listened respectfully and apologized for her staff member. She said that the organization did indeed have language sensitivity training, but also stated that sometimes people have trouble with “slips of the tongue.” She also assured us that she would speak with the staff member. Today, we received a voicemail, with a sincere apology from the staff person, who said that she didn’t even realize that this word had slipped out of her mouth, and she was horrified at her action. She thanked us for calling her on this act.<br /><br /><strong>It is so disheartening that this slur is so ingrained in our culture that even well-meaning professionals who work with PWDs, casually through their language, degrade and dehumanize the very people that they support with their services.</strong><br /><br />It seems that working to abolish the slur, “r#tard,” is like climbing a long stubborn mountain. It seems impossible to get to rid of a word that is so deep in our culture. Fighting dehumanization is wearying and exhausting. And yet I believe we all must keep at it. We must keep advocating. The only way to we can really change the culture and end the discrimination is to bring these issues to light.<br /><br /><em>Links: <a href="http://cripwheels.blogspot.com/2008/04/on-making-argument-disability-and.html">Wheelchair Dancer</a> has a comprehensive post on the use of language and disability. <a href="http://qw88nb88.wordpress.com/2008/04/29/badd-but-not-rude/">Andrea</a> and <a href="http://disstud.blogspot.com/2007/12/new-vocabulary.html">Penny Richards</a> give lists of alternative words that do not put down as Penny puts it, “whole groups of perfectly decent disabled people in your disapproval.”<br /><br />And, thanks to Andrea for this link: <a href="http://stopsayingretard.wordpress.com/">The “r” Word Campaign</a>. </em><br /><em><blockquote><em>“Some people have mental retardation. While mental retardation is not a bad word, when used to describe someone or something you think is bad it becomes another thoughtless hurtful word. People with mental retardation are not bad, their condition is not bad, the prejudice and discrimination to people with mental retardation is BAD…and WRONG! Please stop using the word ‘retard’, it hurts people with disabilities.” </em><br /></blockquote></em>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34418484.post-42719830558225042632008-04-30T21:52:00.008-05:002008-11-18T20:22:34.347-06:00Mistaken Identity<a href="http://blobolobolob.blogspot.com/2008/05/blogging-against-disablism-day-2008.html"><img title="Blogging Against Disablism Day, May 1st 2008" alt="Blogging Against Disablism Day, May 1st 2008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzirzvupRmtC53_ymJuGb5taR8EG-ne2URHvUQyNsge9jhXOJWmudxxeht8YNyzDP43LJUu5OEqyjBJ3B0KNzipIXiXU15NSvnIeYJPEAr3Z2MhlQ3giExs9swo-mbEBMrY9Ee/s320/bad02.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I've seen it happen to able-bodied people once in awhile. Someone approaches and starts a conversation, and after a moment or two of confusion, there's a realization that the approaching person has mistaken my friend or family member for someone else – someone of the same race, similar height and weight, similar age, similar facial characteristics. <br /><br />“I’m not who you think I am; you’ve got me mixed up with someone else.”<br /><br />Humbly backing away, the bewildered individual is embarrassed and apologetic, “How silly of me! I’m so sorry.”<br /><br />It might be surprising to hear that I have never been confused with a person of my same build, same age, same facial characteristics, same race. But, I, a brown-eyed, light-brown-haired white male, have been confused with males significantly larger than me, smaller than me, older than me, younger than me, and surprisingly, even of different ethnicities! A blond child, I was often mistaken in my own school by teachers, staff, and students for a dark complexioned student of Laotian descent who was much smaller than me, or, with an older blue eyed student who was 40-50 pounds heavier than me. Over the years, I have been mistaken as well for a black male and a male of Egyptian descent by people who know one or both of us. And, when I travel, strangers often mistake me for someone they know; it’s a regular part of visiting a new place.<br /><br />My silliest incident of mistaken identity occurred when I was an audience member at a theatrical production. The show’s lead actor, onstage for most of the 2 ½ hour production, had just completed his final bow. The curtain closed; the lights came up and the crowd slowly started to leave the packed auditorium. A woman maneuvered her way over to me and said, “You have a wonderful voice.” She kept talking, and it took me a few minutes to process that she had confused me with the lead actor, a black-haired teenager of Indian descent with a very small build. Not only would the actor still have been in full costume, he would have had to do a major leap over the audience to get to the back of the theatre in such a short time.<br /><br />How could this happen, you wonder? Why these repeated bizarre mix-ups??<br /><br />Because in all these cases, both I and the person I am mistaken for, use a wheelchair.<br /><br />And, in most cases, after I tell the offender, “You have me mixed up with someone else,” the response is not apologetic. No embarrassment. Just a laugh at the “coincidence” of it all. They seem to think that theirs was an obvious, easy, natural mistake that anyone would make.<br /><br />You see, when you use a wheelchair, some people don’t look you in the eye, don’t take in your personal physical characteristics, let alone see you as a unique distinct complex individual. They see the equipment, not the person.<br /><br />And this inability to see is where ableism starts.<br /><br />I have come to believe that seeing someone for only the equipment, or for just one piece of his or her external appearance, is a root cause of discrimination. Seeing a wheelchair, a white cane, a speech impediment, a gender, a skin color and then making an assumption that we now know the individual gets us into trouble. When we believe that we know someone’s identity and that they and their “group” are one, not only are we wrong, we are arrogant and we open the door to justifying to ourselves our superiority. There begins the slippery descent down into the swamp of dehumanization.<br /><br /><em>If you have a story about mistaken identity, feel free to share it in the comments.<br /><br />Be sure to check out the other posts for <a href="http://blobolobolob.blogspot.com/2008/05/blogging-against-disablism-day-2008.html">Blogging Against Disablism Day 2008</a>. Thanks Goldfish for once again organizing this amazing event! </em>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34418484.post-46389225866193211882008-04-30T11:22:00.002-05:002008-04-30T12:06:08.855-05:00New to the blogrollWith the busy-ness of life, I've gotten behind on updating my blog.<br /><br />Here are a few additions to my blogroll:<br /><br /><a href="http://radarnetwork.blogspot.com/">Radar: The Disability Network</a> - This is a new blog from <a href="http://www.radar.org.uk/radarwebsite/">RADAR</a>, the disability rights network of the U.K. They have a vision for, "a just and equal society whose strength is human difference." The blog has a varied mix of noteworthy stories.<br /><br />Also from the U.K. - <a href="http://www.ableize.com/">Ableize</a> - a "resource directory of disabled aids information products services and advice," run for and by persons with disabilities.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.copingwithdisability.com/rudy/">Coping with disability</a> has original articles on living with cerebral palsy, and also regular updates on and links to a variety of health, disability, and social news.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.katrinadisability.info/wordpress/">Disabled Soapbox</a> - A wealth of advocacy for disablity rights, including right now the coverage of ADAPT activists advocating for (and being arrested for rallying about) the <a href="http://www.aapd-dc.org/News/longtermcare/080212cq.htm">Community Choice Act</a> in Washington, DC. <br /><br /><a href="http://bitsandpiecesofme.com/">Bits and Pieces of Me</a> is a blog written by a mom sharing her experiences as the parent of Lena and Kassie, her twin daughters born very prematurely.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.disabilityblogger.blogspot.com/">My Disability Blog</a> shares a wealth of information about disability and the social security system. Tim's most recent post, <a href="http://disabilityblogger.blogspot.com/2008/04/being-prepared-for-social-security.html">Being Prepared for a Social Security Disability Hearing</a>, discusses the process and how to be best prepared for success.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34418484.post-48118843285179003492008-04-27T21:26:00.004-05:002008-11-18T20:22:35.021-06:00Calling you: Blog against ableism/disablism!<a href="http://blobolobolob.blogspot.com/2008/04/blogging-against-disablism-day-will-be.html"><img title="Blogging Against Disablism Day, May 1st 2008" alt="Blogging Against Disablism Day, May 1st 2008" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzirzvupRmtC53_ymJuGb5taR8EG-ne2URHvUQyNsge9jhXOJWmudxxeht8YNyzDP43LJUu5OEqyjBJ3B0KNzipIXiXU15NSvnIeYJPEAr3Z2MhlQ3giExs9swo-mbEBMrY9Ee/s320/bad02.gif" border="0" /></a><br />On May 1, Goldfish will host the <a href="http://blobolobolob.blogspot.com/2008/04/blogging-against-disablism-day-will-be.html">3rd Blogging Against Disablism Day</a>. (You can check out the last two B.A.D.D.s from the links in my sidebar.) This is a day of coming together to write about discrimination against persons with disabilities, also known as ableism or disablism. Last year more than 170 people wrote on a range of topics covering personal experiences, societal experiences, education, health, children, intersections with racism and sexism and more.<br /><br />I really encourage <strong>YOU </strong>to share your thoughts and experiences. If you have a blog, read the details and sign up over at <a href="http://blobolobolob.blogspot.com/2008/04/blogging-against-disablism-day-will-be.html">Diary of a Goldfish</a>. If you don't have a blog, I'd be happy to post your writing here - just send me an email (address in my profile). This is a time for solidarity and support of one another. I especially encourage parents and allies to contribute. <em><strong>You don't have to have a disability to be opposed to discrimination against people with disabilities.</strong></em> All are welcome. <br /><br />A note on language - there is a whole assortment of language about disability - handicapped, disabled, disability, etc. etc. May 1 is a day of language amnesty, write in the way that works for you. Goldfish has put together <a href="http://blobolobolob.blogspot.com/2008/04/language-of-disability.html">a language guide </a>for reference.<br /><br />Hope to see you May 1!Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34418484.post-44664743953636327732008-04-25T19:25:00.002-05:002008-11-18T20:22:35.173-06:00Carnival #36!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuqqwt6smWc8YcAyQXr50dJmMFNMVi9VlLvMVvwlkGmRpQGzV9lNdJbQUe7xHdhDqq4Tjm1JrSUMy0kMPCTgGvNLMnz41MdkWdTdXpSRBgCUBqTvNsWByfhLP6rNzcEwVtaYb7A/s1600-h/carnival-2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193344368561680818" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuqqwt6smWc8YcAyQXr50dJmMFNMVi9VlLvMVvwlkGmRpQGzV9lNdJbQUe7xHdhDqq4Tjm1JrSUMy0kMPCTgGvNLMnz41MdkWdTdXpSRBgCUBqTvNsWByfhLP6rNzcEwVtaYb7A/s320/carnival-2.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://abnormaldiversity.blogspot.com/2008/04/abuse-disability-blog-carnival-36.html">Disability Blog Carnival #36</a> is up over at <a href="http://abnormaldiversity.blogspot.com/">Abnormal Diversity</a>. The topic is a difficult one - <a href="http://abnormaldiversity.blogspot.com/2008/04/abuse-disability-blog-carnival-36.html">ABUSE</a>. Yet, it's such an important topic. Abuse of persons with disabilities, both subtle and overt, both by individuals and by society is incredibly prevalent, and also incredibly unacknowledged. I especially identified with terror and vulnerability of <a href="http://thegimpparade.blogspot.com/2008/04/russian.html">Kay's post</a>. <br /><br />Unfortunately, I've been very busy and didn't have a chance to write a post for this carnival. And a few people have emailed me about my blogroll - I haven't had a chance to update it in a while, but I will soon. <br /><br />The next carnival will be on the topic of <a href="http://crip-power.com/2008/04/23/announcing-the-37th-edition-of-the-disability-blog-carnival/">Disability and Identity</a>. Head over to <a href="http://crip-power.com/2008/04/23/announcing-the-37th-edition-of-the-disability-blog-carnival/">Crip Chick's</a> for the details.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34418484.post-57263699658521378632008-04-11T11:41:00.005-05:002008-11-18T20:22:35.277-06:00Carnival Time!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrikgNiOEbxoT_fc62YOtBkxNiUD4Zi416wKaBkH5Qw53CPFJMJvbNOIlSOOpdbruZeqk0nchYZZYuJWywWSYItczpxDaRbF0tWDjf7Q9dqGym7cdd0Hyb3qh5Mr6rblYpr4Z65Q/s1600-h/Blog+Carnival+35.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5188032230204417026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Disability Blog Carnival #35: The Hardest Part" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrikgNiOEbxoT_fc62YOtBkxNiUD4Zi416wKaBkH5Qw53CPFJMJvbNOIlSOOpdbruZeqk0nchYZZYuJWywWSYItczpxDaRbF0tWDjf7Q9dqGym7cdd0Hyb3qh5Mr6rblYpr4Z65Q/s320/Blog+Carnival+35.jpg" border="0" /></a><em>"A diamond is the ultimate gemstone, having few weaknesses and many strengths. Formed under pressure, the diamond is the hardest substance found in nature. There is nothing on earth that is stronger, more durable and enduring than diamonds. An uncut diamond represents the untapped potential that lies in all of us."</em><br />-Jodi Reimer<br /><br /><p></p><p>Head on over to <a href="http://jodireimer.blogspot.com/2008/04/disability-blog-carnival-hardest-part.html">Carnival #35, "The Hardest Part." </a>I have been too busy with school to post, but lots of other bloggers have written great stuff on the topic of "The Hardest Part." Jodi Reimer, at <a href="http://jodireimer.blogspot.com/">Reimer Reason</a>, has put together a wide assortment of posts on personal issues - pain, loneliness, vulnerability, lack of privacy; family expectations; health care providers; and the ever present societal issues of prejudice and discrimination. When life settles down for me, I'll be checking out the posts. I hope you'll <a href="http://jodireimer.blogspot.com/2008/04/disability-blog-carnival-hardest-part.html">head over</a>, too. </p>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34418484.post-74393574454611233632008-03-30T19:50:00.007-05:002008-11-18T20:22:35.343-06:00A Blogswarm on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with DisabilitiesOne year ago <a href="http://growingupwithadisability.blogspot.com/2007/03/un-disability-treaty-open-for-signature.html">today</a>, the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/United%20Nations%20Convention%20on%20the%20Rights%20of%20Persons%20with%20Disabilities">United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities</a> was opened for signatures. It had been adopted by the U.N. in December, 2006, and on March 30, 2007.<br /><br /><blockquote><br /><p><a href="http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?navid=12&pid=150">"There were 82 signatories to the Convention, 44 signatories to the Optional Protocol, and 1 ratification of the Convention. This is the highest number of signatories in history to a UN Convention on its opening day. It is the first comprehensive human rights treaty of the 21st century and is the first human rights convention to be open for signature by regional integration organizations." </a><br /></p><br /><p></p></blockquote><br />The goal of the convention is a simple one - recognize persons with disabilities as people - people with rights. You can find <a href="http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=259">the complete document</a> and also answers to f<a href="http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?navid=23&pid=151">requently asked questions </a>about the convention are answered are answered at the U.N.'s Enable site. To date, 17 countries have ratified this important human rights convention.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCn6k1ZpR42TNVfV1EW2Yyl56hw_RObrsnlea3WAcWVwEz3lSjkk42wu69QzyOzi1kiYWATQQMxlmVGR8lC6L3AFGo_894FmWum4UrLUA8q6JtI-zXYkA2JMWcr1zDuQ5ywXTgAg/s1600-h/swarm.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5183706523940896050" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCn6k1ZpR42TNVfV1EW2Yyl56hw_RObrsnlea3WAcWVwEz3lSjkk42wu69QzyOzi1kiYWATQQMxlmVGR8lC6L3AFGo_894FmWum4UrLUA8q6JtI-zXYkA2JMWcr1zDuQ5ywXTgAg/s320/swarm.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I hope you'll head over to <a href="http://ratifynow.org/">Ratify Now</a> for a <a href="http://ratifynow.org/2008/03/29/ratifynow-crpd-blog-swarm-2008/">blogswarm</a>. What's Ratify Now? If you read the first comment below, Andrea explains that it is an organization with worldwide membership focused on the ratification of the Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. What's a blogswarm? Head over and you won't be disappointed. You'll find information about the convention and the thoughts and perspectives on this historic convention of writers from around the world.<br /><br /><br />And the United States? We have not ratified the convention.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://ratifynow.org/2008/03/29/ratifynow-crpd-blog-swarm-2008/">Check out the blogswarm!</a><br /><br /><strong><em>April 2 - Edited to clarify Ratify Now.</em></strong>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34418484.post-4603009581796290372008-03-27T23:04:00.003-05:002008-11-18T20:22:35.523-06:00Carnival time!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJBwjD0TgR7AiDYqC3V2U0Mmb4PPYiTjncUY5ujYCGZzwNnrhxVw14SFgqp9-sCsgNx5bW90BgwkpqTcb_qV1qsOlTrjsIPqyWS-EH1r8CWTGoVCnLrKhi5m_EQT-ay8DijHoRA/s1600-h/carnivalbreakingoutiy6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182639374891695394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJBwjD0TgR7AiDYqC3V2U0Mmb4PPYiTjncUY5ujYCGZzwNnrhxVw14SFgqp9-sCsgNx5bW90BgwkpqTcb_qV1qsOlTrjsIPqyWS-EH1r8CWTGoVCnLrKhi5m_EQT-ay8DijHoRA/s320/carnivalbreakingoutiy6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The <a href="http://qw88nb88.wordpress.com/2008/03/27/disability-blog-carnival-34-breaking-out/">34th Disability Blog Carnival</a> is up over at <a href="http://qw88nb88.wordpress.com/">Andrea's Buzzing About</a>. The theme is "Breaking Out." Lots of great links. I hope you'll check them out!</div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34418484.post-82028147637387232052008-03-14T13:33:00.007-05:002008-11-18T20:22:35.605-06:00Governor-designate Paterson<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9rB2wv0f5grQ77AF06psT8RdwsCSKNI5Y1yEzlFfOWwxMKm98SQoKa8YqjrCGGh4QGW-N8pumODzfRybE1UvDpCpIauw_jew7Iv-B8-SVDldacZ5X_vmNJXZLQ98CZ0j2ZRx_A/s1600-h/14albany_600.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177667833622243922" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="From the New York Times: 'David A. Paterson in his first news conference as governor-designate on Thursday, a day of busily preparing for the transition'" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS9rB2wv0f5grQ77AF06psT8RdwsCSKNI5Y1yEzlFfOWwxMKm98SQoKa8YqjrCGGh4QGW-N8pumODzfRybE1UvDpCpIauw_jew7Iv-B8-SVDldacZ5X_vmNJXZLQ98CZ0j2ZRx_A/s320/14albany_600.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />On Monday, March 17, 2008, David Paterson will be sworn in as governor of New York. He will be the first legally blind governor in U.S. history.<br /><br />Fifty-three year old Mr. Paterson has been blind since childhood when he had an infection in his eyes. In a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/12/nyregion/12paterson.html?_r=2&hp&oref=slogin&oref=slogin">New York Times article</a>, Mr. Paterson says, "I don't act the way I did when I was 17, like I can do everything myself, because I realized the minute I do that, no one helps me. So I learned to be a little more pragmatic about life." Mr. Paterson receives his briefings via lengthy voice mail messages from his staff, and so that he doesn't need to use notes, he memorizes all his speeches. He also says that he has felt more discrimination from his blindness than from his race.<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://kuusisto.typepad.com/planet_of_the_blind/2008/03/on-todays-op-ed.html">Steve Kuusisto</a> shares his thoughts on Paterson's governship in <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/14/opinion/14kuusisto.html?ref=todayspaper">an op-ed piece </a>in today's New York Times. </div><div><blockquote>"New Yorkers will no doubt discover that Mr. Paterson will take great interest in the details of governance and that this will require him to take sincere interest in people. He'll ask more questions than your average politician. And those who work in his administration will find that they are important not simply for knowing things but because they can describe how they learned those things in the first place. That's perhaps the most important thing for the public to understand about professionals who are blind -- we are by nature tireless in acquiring information, and we remember virtually every detail of what we read or hear."<br /></blockquote></div><br />For further interesting information - Penny Richards offers a <a href="http://disstud.blogspot.com/2008/03/blind-elected-officials.html">comprehensive list </a>of blind elected officials through history over at Disability Studies.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34418484.post-10636258391524718962008-03-13T11:00:00.002-05:002008-11-18T20:22:35.757-06:00Carnival Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wwiKMZ4KIkoM4B6PpgQ0DW9dRKf31wCynDoOlt-JYHBhZN7C4mQDDmAK74SraE69UNgvJIauPPxD_OtLaSoHRubJxueR9DUQO1VwdCr4N31t-eAf4t0Xvek4A2khIFTf3ePrMw/s1600-h/carnival-1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177257346417895986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7wwiKMZ4KIkoM4B6PpgQ0DW9dRKf31wCynDoOlt-JYHBhZN7C4mQDDmAK74SraE69UNgvJIauPPxD_OtLaSoHRubJxueR9DUQO1VwdCr4N31t-eAf4t0Xvek4A2khIFTf3ePrMw/s320/carnival-1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHrueLnMePF4IiROeE_IcH9991mk2mNvc105N80sVbXnTqplon8BhGa7uJXrtVxUmlJQREVaTy77nmZZGGNDJhD5XCZvn8vpp5dNaq-eNwg8NqnT9SFHgt4t46lE6_TMREzJK-w/s1600-h/carnival-2.jpg"></a><br /><div>Head on over to <a href="http://wheeliecatholic.blogspot.com/">Wheelie Catholic</a> for the 33rd Disability Blog Carnival, "<a href="http://wheeliecatholic.blogspot.com/2008/03/33rd-disability-blog-carnival.html">Appreciating Allies</a>." As usual, lots of posts from lots of perspectives. Check it out!</div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34418484.post-69449042217271824452008-03-12T19:52:00.002-05:002008-11-18T20:22:35.930-06:00Helen Keller photo discovered<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRKKZY5eFeELVJJn-LmT0vbdfXDMAhX-9zw1TjHNYNZdQVCFiGlfeC2zuK933k21Ix4hGq2sUHRKgnYcSkEB9AFF3HZG380n2MGgLXGXqzQa11zIVbQ0dWt0VyoJSJlkEHH37TA/s1600-h/helen_kellerlg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177024838363326994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="photo of 8 year old Helen Keller, holding a doll and sitting next to her teacher Anne Sullivan" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRKKZY5eFeELVJJn-LmT0vbdfXDMAhX-9zw1TjHNYNZdQVCFiGlfeC2zuK933k21Ix4hGq2sUHRKgnYcSkEB9AFF3HZG380n2MGgLXGXqzQa11zIVbQ0dWt0VyoJSJlkEHH37TA/s400/helen_kellerlg.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Last week, the <a href="http://www.newenglandancestors.org/press/">New England Historic Genealogical Society</a> released this wonderful photograph of a young Helen Keller vacationing in Massachusetts in July, 1888. She is sitting outside on a chair and holding a doll. Her teacher, Anne Sullivan is next to her. Interestingly, "doll" was Helen's first signed word, in March of 1887. You can read the full story <a href="http://www.newenglandancestors.org/hkeller_release_feb08v2.pdf">here</a> - it covers some details about Helen's life and also the story behind the photograph.<br /><div></div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34418484.post-37084370229383291612008-03-07T14:34:00.004-06:002008-11-18T20:22:36.183-06:00Bang Long - gentle, tough, inclusive<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LX2lpda8i3ofzzB22vYHuthsHq9k80bkmS7rvj4vCk1wp0jsmZLcwNUJPvodw87cTlsGTom8ETWR2lY_mP6EaUE8HZh7uZwi9EmIvFj-2Oh7Tq0l6MvaJCzS8kuovGOFakWgPg/s1600-h/bang+long+2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5175101259950402050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Bang Long and I at the CCDI Conference May, 2007" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-LX2lpda8i3ofzzB22vYHuthsHq9k80bkmS7rvj4vCk1wp0jsmZLcwNUJPvodw87cTlsGTom8ETWR2lY_mP6EaUE8HZh7uZwi9EmIvFj-2Oh7Tq0l6MvaJCzS8kuovGOFakWgPg/s320/bang+long+2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Bang Long, Jr. died last Friday. Mr. Long was a tireless advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. According to his <a href="http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews/news/817133,4_1_JO28_BANG_S1.article">obituary in the Chicago Sun-Times</a>, he was born in 1943. He had a long history of being an advocate for humanity. He had worked as a nurse’s aide in Memphis, helping people cope with tear gas during a riot that occurred while Martin Luther King Jr was in town. He was present for the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act and was very active in disability rights in the state of Illinois.<br /><br />I had the pleasure of meeting Bang Long at last year's Coalition Of Citizens with Disabilities in Illinois (CCDI) Conference. He presented me with the <a href="http://growingupwithadisability.blogspot.com/2007/05/powerful-week.html">Markeeta Award</a>, an annual Illinois award given to a young disability advocate. Mr. Long welcomed me to my first conference and was encouraging and kind. Many years ago, he had worked with Markeeta Vincer and her family in her pursuit for inclusion in the Chicago public schools.<br /><br /><a href="http://mybignoise.blogspot.com/2008/03/celebrating-bang.html">Cilla at My Big Noise</a> shares her recollections of Bang Long. They had been friends for 20 years, and she recounts his asking her to dance, and his varied activism experiences.<br /><br />I only met Bang Long that one time, but he left an impression on me. He was gentle, tough, inclusive, and welcoming. I am thankful that Mr. Long requested that we take the above picture.<br /><br />I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet Mr. Long. A lesson I learn from him is that advocacy for our fellow humans is a lifelong endeavor, and comes in many different forms - disability advocacy is just one form. As fellow humans, we each other’s allies and supporters.<br /><br />Rest in peace, Bang Long, Jr. Thank you.</div><div> </div><div><em><strong>Edited to add</strong> <strong>2 more reflections on Bang Long:</strong> </em><a href="http://www.disaboom.com/Blogs/deafmom/archive/2008/03/10/bang-long-disability-activist-passes-away.aspx"><em>Karen Putz </em></a><em>(aka Deaf Mom) and </em><a href="http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews/lifestyles/parrish/819857,4_5_JO02_VALERIE_S1.article"><em>Valerie Brew-Parrish</em></a></div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34418484.post-16720823791483828842008-02-29T21:45:00.006-06:002008-11-18T20:22:36.392-06:00Inclusive Theatre<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzF5iomvOd1rxP3Y-4VC_1LXNBvO12pAAu0MMagnXLb_9bebS85svv_EM8GWfS4w5Q4QgwrbJ_EoC2cuTMaBrM8N0X5T7jIpKAkv8pqa7GdEoU_LMKEG85Ya-jXO6uQ3I_vZz6g/s1600-h/working-logo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172614621508725378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Working Logo - large block letters WORKING with people on top of the letters showing different types of work " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzF5iomvOd1rxP3Y-4VC_1LXNBvO12pAAu0MMagnXLb_9bebS85svv_EM8GWfS4w5Q4QgwrbJ_EoC2cuTMaBrM8N0X5T7jIpKAkv8pqa7GdEoU_LMKEG85Ya-jXO6uQ3I_vZz6g/s320/working-logo.jpg" border="0" /></a> Tonight I saw the musical <em>Working</em> at <a href="http://dom.edu/">Dominican University</a>. I love Studs Terkel's books, and this production was very enjoyable. What was particularly cool was that this musical was signed. One of the interpreters was an ensemble performer - she danced and signed- and the other was in the traditional American Sign Language role, a little off to the side of the stage interpreting what was spoken and sung. This is the first time I have ever been to a play or musical that was signed, and it was great to see it at my college!<br /><br />There's <a href="http://dom.edu/performing-arts/theatre-arts-lab-series.html#2">one more performance</a> tomorrow at 3pm. For anyone who lives in the Chicago area (<a href="http://putzworld.blogspot.com/">Karen?</a>), it would be a great way to spend the afternoon. Tickets are only $15. The show is about 1 1/2 hours long.<br /><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">The logo above is from Working the Musical </span></em><a href="http://www.musicalschwartz.com/working.htm"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">website</span></em></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">.</span></em>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34418484.post-39716396156493434392008-02-28T15:52:00.003-06:002008-11-18T20:22:36.606-06:00Carnival Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAg_OXFaonm8j-esp4pyf15BZJGAN9oKXNUfGvqeOInL085Al8rxV87OYSdEvAWjYQ0OLQYo5iFm11k7cBq0b9iwQgJew2kfh1GASluhEVa-EQq1HMfmi6qKgdhFsmVHafrKTfyQ/s1600-h/carnival-2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5172153608631703650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAg_OXFaonm8j-esp4pyf15BZJGAN9oKXNUfGvqeOInL085Al8rxV87OYSdEvAWjYQ0OLQYo5iFm11k7cBq0b9iwQgJew2kfh1GASluhEVa-EQq1HMfmi6qKgdhFsmVHafrKTfyQ/s320/carnival-2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The <a href="http://sunnydreamer.net/janmar2008/dbc32.shtml">32nd Carnival</a> is up! Shiloh at <a href="http://sunnydreamer.net/">Sunny Dreamer</a> is hosting, with the theme, <em>Standing Outside the Fire</em>. Lots of links to a variety of great posts. Hope you'll head over!</div>Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34418484.post-30113699665315848822008-02-25T22:45:00.008-06:002008-11-18T20:22:36.728-06:00Dave's Faves<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXZTD7KEorRpAPCwHZqIb-ye-1RuNbwBwqUFQq8EkL5trE72ibPJYThUIEjqbI6RyMkPJUshCagwfZZ-EDm1wLF-EUWgzFkDqjsyj1i6zDcH_uQQ0Vtw_33vCIy3jnMTM1QNrKA/s1600-h/Dave"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5171147774535620642" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="Dave's Faves" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqXZTD7KEorRpAPCwHZqIb-ye-1RuNbwBwqUFQq8EkL5trE72ibPJYThUIEjqbI6RyMkPJUshCagwfZZ-EDm1wLF-EUWgzFkDqjsyj1i6zDcH_uQQ0Vtw_33vCIy3jnMTM1QNrKA/s200/Dave's+Faves.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />A few good reads:<br /><br /><br /><br /><blockquote><p>Another <a href="http://www.disabilityworks.org/">study </a>on the employment of people with disabilities - </p><p>"In a first-of-its-kind study unveiled to Chicago-region business leaders on January 28, a team of researchers at DePaul University discussed research results that found employees with disabilities from the healthcare, retail and hospitality sectors in the region were just as dependable and productive as employees without disabilities. In addition, researchers also discussed research results that showed accommodation costs associated with workers with disabilities were often minimal and well worth the expense."</p></blockquote><br />I got that link from <a href="http://www.accessliving.org/">Access Living</a>, which also had a link to <a href="http://www.accessliving.org/ChicagoMagazineChicagoansoftheYear2007.pdf">a story </a>about Marca Bristo, being honored as a Chicagoan of the Year.<br /><br />Another great read from Steve Kuusisto: <em><a href="http://kuusisto.typepad.com/planet_of_the_blind/2008/02/how-to-write-ab.html">How to Write Able-ist Prose</a></em>. <br />It starts with, <blockquote>"I once knew a disabled (insert "Man" "Woman" "Child" HERE)." </blockquote><br /><br />And, a new blog: <a href="http://kuusisto.typepad.com/crimes_against_people_wit/">Crimes Against People with Disabilities, It's time to speak up...</a> Yes, indeed.Davidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09360723110664693186noreply@blogger.com1