Tag: americans with disabilities act

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and How He Helped the Disabled

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

Today is the day of observance for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.  He worked tirelessly for the civil rights of African-Americans in the 1960’s. 

What some people may not realize is that he did a lot for disabled people as well.  If it weren’t for the barriers he broke down, I don’t think the disabled population, at that time would have even had the courage to fight for the rights we enjoy today.

Yes, as I have said before, I realize that such things as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) could and should be improved but, I also realize that there are a lot of people with a disability who lived before laws like the ADA were in existence and their lives had even more obstacles than what we face today.

In Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s struggle to help African-American people get the rights they deserve and be treated as human beings, he also helped disabled people get that much closer to the rights and lives we deserve the opportunity to enjoy.  I know in his “I Have a Dream” speech, he spoke of those who not only had a different skin color and religion but, I believe he was also planting the seeds for those who have other barriers, so that they too could live free from discrimination. 

Happy Birthday Dr. King and thank you for being such an advocate for the human race as a whole.

Thanks for reading..

cr

A Movie Review: Miracle Worker

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

This week’s movie review is about the early life of Helen Keller and how her teacher helped her overcome her disability.  I had read some things about Helen Keller when I was younger but, didn’t realize what an activist and advocate she had been in her lifetime.

There were a handful of messages I took from the movie that are important to me about being a person with a disability.  In today’s post, I am going to share some of them with you.

1.Pity – It was ironic to me how in the movie, Helen’s parents let her eat off of their plates by walking around the table and picking at their food with her hands.  This was because Helen’s parents did not think she could be taught to eat with everyone else at the dinner table.  On the other hand, part of what probably helped Helen succeed in her life was the fact that Ann Sullivan, her teacher, did not feel sorry for her.  In my opinion, the fact that her teacher did not take pity on her helped her become the activist she was later on in life.  I don’t ever believe in pitying anyone because of their disability, it serves no purpose and there is no real benefit to the person who is disabled.

2. Dignity– Because of her inability to communicate, I got the sense that Helen’s parents felt like she was more feeble than a baby.  On the other hand, her teacher knew that she could have the ability to communicate if she in fact worked at it.  She treated Helen in a dignified manner.  This is how everyone deserves to be treated.

3. Perseverance– Anne Sullivan, who was Helen Keller’s teacher and companion for most of her life,  believed in Helen even more than her own parents.  I know that Helen Keller lived before things like the Americans with Disabilities Act, so really, very little was expected of her but thankfully, she had Ms. Sullivan  who continually worked with Helen to help her unlock her actual potential despite the physical barriers she faced.

4. Independent Living Skills– To me, this movie demonstrates the first attempts at teaching a person with a disability independent living skills.  Helen’s teacher was able to teach Helen skills such as feeding herself and communication through the use of sign language.  In today’s world, this is not so uncommon.  There is more information and resources available that demonstrate how to teach independent living skills to people with different disabilities.

5. Faith– Sometimes, the person who has faith in us and ends up making a difference in our lives is not a parent or even a family member.  Maybe it is a friend or a teacher we have in school.  We may not even realize who or what makes us have faith in ourselves.  The important thing is to strive to do the best we can with what we are given and believe we can accomplish whatever goal we want to achieve.

These are just a few high points I got from the movie.  So far, both movies I have seen in doing this series for the blog have been really good.  I am hoping that the last two movies I picked illustrate people who are disabled in such a refreshing light as well.

Finally, I don’t believe in being ashamed of a disability as it seemed Helen’s parents were below the surface.  All we can do is face our obstacles head-on with our heads held high and find a way to overcome those obstacles in the best and most effective way possible.

Thanks for reading..

cr

National Disability Employment Awareness Month–Some of my Thoughts

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month.  This is an important month for many reasons. In today’s post, I am going to talk about some reasons that stand out the most to me.

I know that there are some people who are  disabled, that because of their disability, cannot work.  That is totally understandable.  On the other hand, there are also people who have different types of disabilities who can work and want to work.  For those people, finding a job can be a difficult thing to do.

1. The Americans with Disabilities Act – People could learn more about the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Title I talks about employment and removing the barriers that could exist for qualified people who have a disability.  This is a great example of how the ADA gives an “equal playing field” to all potential employees.

2. Visibility in Society– When people who are disabled are out in the workforce, it gives this part of the population more visibility in the everyday world.   As a result, it doesn’t seem like we are locked away in a tower. (I always think of Quasimodo with the hump on his back–yes, I know, a bit antiquated but, some people do still think of disabled people this way).  Some people do not realize that people who are disabled can positively contribute to society.  This visibility in society also helps people who have not had experiences with people who are disabled so that they can maybe become more sensitive or better informed about this part of the population.

3. Stimulating the Economy Just as when people who do not have a disability are out in the workforce and stimulate the economy because they have money to spend, the same thing happens when someone with a disability has the opportunity to work.  They have the opportunity to help the economy grow.

Employment continues to be a barrier for people who are disabled, though we have made some strides in the right direction.  I also know that maybe some of my comments sound unreal or unbelievable but, for a lot of people, this is their reality.  As I have said before, it’s not easy living with a disability but, at the same time, it is not something that can’t be done, and done successfully, for that matter.  Don’t ever be afraid to think and look outside the box to achieve your goals, whatever they may be.

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

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?

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

Kudos to “The Little Couple”

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

Robert and I love to watch “The Little Couple” on TLC. Last night we watched it and the way that Bill and Jen deal with adversity is inspiring.  This is nothing new to me as we had watched it before but, silly me did not see their stature as a disability.  Not that it isn’t, just that it had not occurred to me until a few episodes back.  I know they have challenges, I had just seen them as a regular couple.

That is exactly it.  They do not let anything stand in their way and they are a regular couple.  I love that about them! I also love how the hospital where Jen works (she is a doctor, in case people reading haven’t seen the show) accommodates her needs with such ease.  That is how the Americans with Disabilities Act is supposed to work.

This is important for me to mention because too often I come across people who are disabled and feel sorry for themselves because of the obstacles they face.  I know that in comparison to Jen and Bill, I have different obstacles but, I could never feel sorry for myself or my situation.  I lead a very blessed life and am grateful for everything I have, even my disability….it is part of the fabric that makes me the person I am.

What unique qualities shape your personality?

Thanks for reading…

cr