Month: July 2012

The Special Olympics

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

Since the Olympic games began in London this past Friday, I started thinking about how the Special Olympics started and the different contributions the creation of the Special Olympics has provided to people with disabilities.

To begin our journey, let’s first look at the origins of the Special Olympics.  Special Olympics was started by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of President John F. Kennedy, in the 1960’s.  They had a sister named Rosemary who had an intellectual disability.  Eunice saw that people with intellectual disabilities were treated unjustly and, to me, was a very early advocate for the rights of people with disabilities.  She wanted to give kids with special needs a place to play, and so, the Special Olympics was born.  As of July 2008, Special Olympics has 3 million athletes in 180 countries.

My first experience with Special Olympics was in elementary school in my adaptive gym class.  I wasn’t too good at a lot of the sports we played except for bowling.  At that time, I had lost interest in playing a sport but, I actually love to bowl now.

Special Olympics caught my eye again later on in life.  It is not only a great way to participate in sports but, it also helps build self-esteem and learn the value of teamwork.  Not to mention make new friends, get exercise and have fun!

I believe the other benefit the Special Olympics has provided (which I don’t think Eunice Kennedy Shriver intended but, would be very happy about) is that it is a good way to find out about adaptive sports teams and outdoor groups, if that is your thing.  A disability shouldn’t stop you from participating in an activity you love if there is a resource out there for you to utilize.  What other benefits has the Special Olympics brought to people’s lives?

To find out more about the Special Olympics click here.

Thanks for reading..

cr

Disability Rights are Precious

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

I am really excited to introduce a guest post today. It is written by my former co-worker Chris Howell.

Chris is an independent corporate writer, video producer and consultant specializing in copywriting, online video, newsletters, grant writing and other forms of business communication. Chris has been writing since 1988 as a news reporter, web content editor, newsletter designer, and technical writer.

Chris started his career as a news reporter at WOSU-AM in Columbus, Ohio; covering such diverse stories as art exhibits, labor actions, and auto racing. After moving to Orlando, Florida in 1989, Chris served as news and promotions writer for business-formatted station WBZS-AM. Chris wrote and produced radio ads for local restaurants, retail stores and other service industries. Chris is the recipient of the Associated Press Best Breaking News award and the Denton Award for Best Documentary.  Chris received his B.A. in Journalism from the Ohio State University.

For five years Chris provided marketing communications and grant writing to the nonprofit Center for Independent Living in Central Florida, Inc.

Chris currently blogs about nonprofit communications at http://www.speakupnews.com/ and runs the communications company Howl Media Group LLC at http://www.howlmediagroup.com/.

Here is Chris’s post:

This month marks the 22nd anniversary of the signing of the American’s With Disability Act (ADA). The ADA is landmark legislation that helps define and protect the rights of people with disabilities in so many ways.  Let’s take a closer look at some of the details of the ADA .

The ADA says employers or other employment-related organizations cannot discriminate against a person with a disability.  For example, employers cannot  deny employment opportunities,  limit a job applicant, fail to make a reasonable accommodation or fail to promote an employee based on disability.

The ADA prohibits discrimination by local and state governments to access programs and services.  This applies to public transportation, public housing, public assistance and housing referrals.  One important application is to public education.

One of the better known provisions of the ADA deals with public accommodations. Under Title III, no individual may be discriminated against on the basis of disability with regards to goods, services, facilities, or accommodations of any place of public accommodation.  Public accommodations include most places of lodging (such as inns and hotels), recreation, transportation, education, and dining, along with stores, care providers, and other public places.  Private clubs and certain historic buildings are exempt from this provision.

Title IV of the ADA requires telecommunications companies to ensure equivalent services are available, specifically to the deaf and hard of hearing. With today’s technology, the deaf and hard of hearing can use computer-based video and text services which has greatly improved communication for those populations.

These are just some highlights of the ADA. The act is much more complex and has been amended over the years to detail additional rights. At this anniversary it’s important to recognize this law for the opportunities it has opened up for people with disabilities. The ADA is an important law but remember that as a person with a disability it’s your responsibility to know your rights so you can advocate for them when necessary. The fight for increased disability rights goes on.

Here are some websites with additional information on the ADA and disability rights.

U.S. Department of Justice Guide to Disability Rights Law : http://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm

National Disability Rights Network : http://www.napas.org/

Disability Rights Advocates: http://www.dralegal.org/

Disability Rights Legal Center: http://www.disabilityrightslegalcenter.org/

A heartfelt thanks goes out to Chris Howell for contributing today’s post to my blog.

Disneyland’s Fight About Segways

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

Normally, you hear about Disneyland (in California) and Disney World (in Florida) being one of the happiest places in the world.  I couldn’t believe it the other day when I heard on the news about Disneyland being sued because they wouldn’t let a woman with Muscular Dystrophy into their park because she uses a Segway to get around. 

After thinking about it for a little while, I remembered seeing a woman on a Segway at the airport, probably about 5 years ago or so.  At that time, Segways were not as widely used as they are now so, while it seemed odd, I really didn’t give it a second thought. 

I am kind of shocked at Disneyland because Segways are covered under the ADA as a device that people can use to get around just like a scooter or power chair unless the park (in this case) can prove that it can not be operated safely. How will they prove or disprove this? I am not really sure .  The point is that I can not believe that the Disney corporation is seeming to be so unfriendly and unaccommodating to their patrons.

What do you think of using a Segway as a mobility device?  Do you think Segways should be covered under the ADA?

Here is the link to the story:

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57475816/court-tells-disneyland-to-consider-segway-use-by-disabled-people/

Thanks for reading

cr

Mind Over Matter

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

It’s unbelievable for me to realize what a person can accomplish in less than a year.  If you would have told me a year ago what I would be doing today, fear may have taken over and I wouldn’t be doing wonderful things for my family.

Fear can stop us from doing lots of things.  Maybe more like the fear of the unknown.  Before I had my son, I was more afraid, not because of the type of mom I would be, but  just because I did not know what to expect.  I have spoken to a lot of expectant moms that feel the same way.  Even once the baby is here, there is still fear of the unknown at all stages of the child’s life.  In fact, this fear should not stop you from accomplishing your dreams, this fear should make the journey towards those dreams more of an adventure!

I am sure, I know from my own experiences too, that there have been times in everyone’s lives that they think they can’t do something for some reason.  When they take the chance to do whatever it is, maybe go on a rollercoaster at a theme park, after the experience, they can’t believe they just went on the ride and had a good time.

For me, living on my own seemed scary at first.  I wasn’t sure if it was something I could really do with no problem because no one would be there in case I needed something.  Once I started living on my own, I couldn’t believe I could do it and it wasn’t scary at all like I first thought it would be.

Don’t let fear stop you from at least trying new things because you never know what the outcome will be.  What are some things you would like to try that you feel like you are not sure you could accomplish?

What has the ADA done for you?

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

Since July is the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law, I started thinking not only about what this law has done for me but, also what it has done for people with out a disability as well.

You may be thinking to yourself, “this law does not affect me at all” but, it probably does in some way, shape or form.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 5 Americans have a disability (www.cdc.gov).  That is 20% of the American population.  You may not even know that someone you know has a disability because it could be a disability that is not outwardly seen (like an intellectual disability or hemophilia)

If you are a person with out a disability, maybe the ADA has allowed you to get a job as a sign language interpreter to help deaf individuals communicate with their doctors or even help them communicate with friends over a video relay system. 

It’s possible that you work in the construction field and when constructing a new building, you make sure there is a ramp in place at the entrances or exits and that the doors are wide enough for wheelchair users to enter and exit the building.

Believe it or not, these are just a few examples of jobs that people have because of the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act!

If you are a person with a disability, maybe the ADA has helped you get a printer placed by your desk if the one you are supposed to use is too far of a walk for you to get to without getting too tired.  Maybe it has helped you get speak to type software installed on your work computer if it is difficult for you to type because of an impairment related to your hands or fingers.

These are some examples of ways that the ADA has helped the disabled achieve their goals in life despite their obstacles.  There are procedures that need to be followed when requesting accommodations of any sort but, we need to be aware of their availability to help us in the first place.

How has the Americans with Disabilities Act influenced your life? What might you change about the law?

What is your dream?

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

What dream do you want to accomplish in life?  Maybe there is more than one dream that you are working on making a reality.  I have been very lucky that despite my obstacles, I have been able to make my dreams reality.  A person, disabled or not, should never let the obstacles they face stand in the way of their dreams.

I was watching Good Morning America this morning and saw a great example of this come to fruition for someone.  Connor Boss is legally blind and she is a Miss Florida contestant.  How awesome is that! Despite her visual limitations, she has a great attitude about accomplishing her goals and seems to see the glass more “half full” than “half empty”.  She is living her life to the fullest and is a great example of determination. 

Disabilities don’t have to be the end of the world for people.  I just see them as a way to become innovative in reaching your goals. 

Here is the link to the story I referenced above:

http://abcnews.go.com/US/miss-florida-usa-contestant-legally-blind/story?id=16741255

Happy Anniversary to the ADA!!!

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

July marks the month that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed in to law over 20 years ago.  It opened lots of doors that previously were not open to people with disabilities.  Years before starting this blog, I didn’t know the different ways the components of this law made my life easier.

In the first place, no one ever seems to talk about people such as Justin Dart and Ed Roberts.  These individuals struggled tremendously and made the lives of people who are disabled better because they broke down many barriers that no one had even tried to attempt to touch before then. 

Secondly, I know that the ADA is not a perfect law (in my opinion there is no one perfect law) but, the Americans with Disabilities Act helps people in a lot of ways.  It does not grant any special favors because of the limitations we face on a daily basis, it just tries to make it more of an equal playing field for everyone.

What questions do you have about the ADA?

Thanks for reading…

cr

Handicapped Parking Permit Law

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

Today the parking permit law in Florida was changed.   It is now more difficult for people to receive parking permits.  It also puts a stricter period of time as to how long the temporary permits get to be used.  Hopefully, now, there will be more spaces available when one goes to park their car. 

We may not see the effects of this change immediately, because the permits probably don’t expire for a while but, this is definitely a step in the right direction.  It might be an inconvenience for people because they will have to show medical documentation every four years (when the permit expires) but, that is really no big deal.  I am happy to show any medical documentation of that sort if it means that there will be less abuse of those parking spots.

The only question that is left to ask is how much will law enforcement attempt to enforce the law? I realize that they have total discretion and that there are other, more severe crimes that they need to handle but, if this law is not enforced, in other words, ticket the person who does not have the permit showing, no permit at all, or an expired permit, then, people will continue to park in these spaces without having a permit because they face no consequences for their actions.  As a result, those of us who can use the spot will be in the same boat as now and not be able to use this service that we really need.

What do you think about the new law?

Thanks for reading…

cr