Tag: employment

Contributions Made by Ed Roberts Still Impact the Lives of People with Disabilities

Featured by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

Although people may not be aware of how disability history has shaped the path of people with disabilities, some people may find it interesting that there have been many people with disabilities who have influenced a lot of activities and initiatives in existence today.  Many individuals with disabilities have placed their stamp on American history.  In this post I am going to discuss why Ed Roberts’ contributions to the history and advancement of people with disabilities has impacted people’s lives in today’s environment.

This week the disability community celebrates Ed Roberts Day. He is one of the most important figures in disability history for many reasons. Ed Roberts gave the world a blueprint of how to live your life and accomplish your dreams despite your disability. Diagnosed with polio at the age of 14, he did not let that stop him from pursuing higher education and advocating for change that are now considered standard practice for people with disabilities. He is one of the people who led the way in the disability rights movement and showed that people with disabilities could do more than be defined by their physical limitations.

The idea of independent living would not have gained momentum during the time it did if Ed Roberts had not advocated for the rights and equality of individuals with disabilities. His efforts paved the way for the chance to live in our communities while having access to needed supports that would ultimately improve our quality of life.

He broke down barriers for people with disabilities to have an opportunity to experience independent living when other people said that we could not.  He laid the foundation for people with disabilities to have the chance to live on campus during their college years, live independently with the supports they need, and be gainfully employed. If Ed Roberts would not have set a path in front of himself during his life, the struggles of people with disabilities in these areas may look considerably different today. There may not be a framework in place to allow students with disabilities to believe higher education or employment could be a possibility available to them.

During his time in college at The University of California, Berkley, he established The Rolling Quads. This group of students with disabilities would be the model of what students with disabilities service offices look like on most American campuses today. They worked together to create needed resources for students with disabilities to succeed in completing their education. This included what they crafted into accessible housing and making the first strides toward advocating for accessible architectural changes in their surroundings. 

Ed Roberts is also known as “The Father of Independent Living Movement.” He along with a group of other people with disabilities started the first Center for Independent Living. Now widely utilized within communities across the country, Centers for Independent Living provide a range of supports and resources so that individuals with disabilities can navigate life within their communities. 

Ed Roberts later became the Director of Vocational Rehabilitation in California. This agency is charged with assisting individuals with disabilities in obtaining a job. It can also assist you to tap into other needed resources to help you during your employment journey. These resources can minimize the obstacles a person with a disability may face in their line of work. In this role, he also proved that an individual with a disability can successfully oversee an agency.

As a result of his pioneering efforts, Roberts helped people with disabilities live more independently and expand on opportunities for a better life. People with disabilities can live within the community. They can have the full college experience, complete with living in the dorm rooms if they are available at your chosen higher institution. They can also be gainfully employed and hold a position of authority at the same time. The stereotypes he was able to crush helped move people with disabilities in the direction of being seen as people who can make valuable contributions to the world.

Learning about historical contributions of individuals with disabilities shows it is not a negative thing to have a disability. It is also clear evidence that those in the disability community can have positive and lasting impacts on the framework of society.

As a community and as individuals we should follow his example. He did not let his disability be an obstacle to what he wanted in life. The key is to follow your heart and not worry about what others say. Take the torch he has left for us and continue with the mission of advocating for full equity in all areas of life for people with disabilities.

His example encourages us along our paths even though we may feel like some things are insurmountable. There are steps everyone needs to follow to accomplish what they want in life. This is also true for individuals with disabilities. The only difference is that we must sometimes be more creative along the way. It is only a matter of plotting out the course of our lives and seeing things through to their completion.

Reflections of the Contributions Made By Justin Dart, Jr. on the 32nd Anniversary of the ADA

Featured by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

As the anniversary of signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) approaches, it’s hard not to think about the contributions that Justin Dart, Jr. made to the disability community. It’s also hard to ignore how the culmination of his advocacy and efforts of increasing awareness about issues faced by people with disabilities was met when George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. There are many contributions that Justin Dart, Jr. made to the advancement of independence for people with disabilities that is relevant more than ever today. This one piece of legislation had a profoundly positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities. His efforts not only had an impact on the passage of the landmark law but can also be felt more than 20 years after his death.

Widely recognized as the “father” of the ADA, Justin Dart, Jr. came from a prominent background. When he contracted polio in 1948, he became a wheelchair user. From then on, he championed causes for people with disabilities.  Justin Dart, Jr. traveled around the country before there was wheelchair access at hotels and other places that make travel easier for people with disabilities today.   He is also responsible for being one of the co-founders of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). This agency is responsible for starting the REV UP Campaign and the push for increased participation of voters with disabilities during each election cycle. This movement started to let voters with disabilities gain awareness about the power their voices can have when it comes to voting for elected officials.

Continued advocacy is still needed surrounding voting and people with disabilities. Although polling places may not be completely accessible, the ability to vote is vital to the disability community. By voting for politicians who we feel will best address our issues, we help put into place people who will be instrumental in being a part of finding ways to address various issues that affect our community each day. Because of the example Mr. Dart left us when it comes to political activism, people with disabilities should know their votes count, their voices matter, and they can make a difference in what happens in our country.

Too often, people with disabilities are afraid to exercise their right to vote because they think their voice does not matter or they cannot make a difference by voting. In my opinion, Justin Dart, Jr. is an excellent example of what happens when you focus your advocacy efforts to make substantial change happen for yourself and others. The mark he left behind on the fabric of the disability community and the world is what effective advocacy can do when you keep your eye on the reason you began your advocacy journey in the first place.

Mr. Dart gave us the starting point to voice our opinions in a way that allows the disability community to be a part of the process that shapes the political fabric of our country. His activism in the political arena led to further empowerment of people with disabilities in the hope that there would be a change in the way the disability population was viewed by other portions of the American public.

There are so many disability activists who have made a difference with the changes they helped bring about that have resulted in changing the way people with disabilities live and participate in the world. It is up to us as a community to learn about the contributions disability activists made and continue the work they started. It’s imperative that we continue advocating for other issues to increase our independence. The disability community must take the lead on educating others not in our community about important contributions these individuals made to improve our independence in society. The resulting dialogue can be the icebreaker needed to move the conversation forward about what it really means to live with a disability. As a result of these interactions, the disability community can finally be seen as people, not just the limitations physically visible at first glance.

Only then can we as a community have our needs met, be fully included, and accepted as productive members of society who can make a positive difference in the world. This is not only important for the disabled community that is an active, vibrant population now but also for future generations. There must be further understanding of what work still needs to be done. This will help us have more knowledge surrounding how far we’ve come to cherish the rights and voice we have molded in modern society.

We should study what Justin Dart, Jr. has left us meticulously so we can appreciate his efforts and the results he was able to achieve. This should be the blueprint of how to overcome whatever obstacle is put in our path due to our disability. Speaking up for ourselves and others should be the catalyst for the change necessary to improve our standing in society and how disability is viewed within our communities. This type of advocacy is not only necessary to move our community forward on various levels but is the right thing to do to continue the work Mr. Dart started so many years ago.

Caitlyn Jenner’s Speech has Potential to Reach Many

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

This past week, Caitlyn Jenner accepted The Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2015 ESPYs. Since the announcement that Bruce Jenner, an Olympic Medalist and past spokesperson, was transitioning to become Caitlyn Jenner people have voiced mixed reactions on every form of Social Media. I didn’t get to see the speech on television when it aired, but caught it the next day on YouTube.

At first, I, like a lot of other people, felt like Noah Galloway should receive the award. Now, I feel like I understand why Caitlyn Jenner got it instead of Noah. In my opinion, the simple fact that Caitlyn Jenner gave such an eloquent speech with such a powerful message, not only about and for the transgender community but, also, if we step back for a moment, a message that could be applied to the disabled community as well, is a sign of courage all by itself.  The main theme of her speech was about acceptance, no matter our differences. If we really take a moment to think about it, acceptance as a whole is what everyone ultimately wants.

In Caitlyn’s speech, she talks about the transgender youth that are bullied and even commit suicide because they’re just trying to live the way they’re most comfortable in their skin. I have to admit, I remember seeing Bruce Jenner on cereal boxes as a kid and yet no one knew the suffering he was dealing with in private. I can also think about how many kids in school may get bullied and made fun of just because of their disability. I read an article saying that if Caitlyn Jenner helped one transgender youth with her speech, that made her a hero. What if her speech also helped someone with a disability, because somewhere along the line that person felt different, and as a result not adequate?  I’m not sure that’s the case but with the wide reach of the internet, anything is possible.

Whatever opinion you have about Caitlyn Jenner and what she chooses to do with her life is your own, and really not what I’m trying to focus on here. The fact that someone is attempting to use their lives to knock down barriers so that we become more compassionate to one another is what stuck out to me. Although she isn’t the first, or only celebrity to do this, I have to applaud her for being vocal on a subject that so few people mention, even in a whisper. I hope more celebrities speak out and use their names to help gain acceptance for all groups that have been coined as “different” in today’s world.

Only through acceptance of one another, no matter our differences, can we all be afforded the opportunity to experience life to the fullest. Such opportunities have the potential to open doors for things like gaining employment, having more relaxed conversations with people about dating and disability, addressing our healthcare concerns, and even being parents with a disability if that’s what we choose to pursue. The potential for open dialogue on these and many other issues has just increased tenfold because of one person’s speech about acceptance in our society.

Thanks for reading..
cr

Loss of Funding=Loss of Independence for Some?

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

This week I found an article that was a bit concerning to me. Many efforts have been made to de-institutionalize people with disabilities but this article seems to want to take a step back in time. I spend a lot of time writing about the importance of living as independently as possible within your limitations. The opportunity to live somewhere, other than with your parents when you reach 18 is like a right of passage for most young adults. It’s no different for those who live with a disability. The experiences we have building relationships, holding jobs and even volunteering enhances the quality of our lives like nothing else.

Day programs vary in what they do but I really like the one mentioned in this article. There are a bunch of activities ranging from work and play. Also, the residents aren’t necessarily restricted to staying indoors all day. The participants have their own apartments that give them an element of individuality too. A sense of community, where people don’t feel so alone, has also been fostered within the group. Friendships and social interaction between people is an important part of their environment and even trickles out into the community. Not surprisingly, funding is at issue, and these programs are in jeopardy of being cut. As a result, the residents will lose the predictability and stability of what they’re able to do.

It would be beneficial to all if other solutions could be found, instead of going to the extreme of cutting funding for these programs all together. More individualized approaches could be taken so  participant’s lives aren’t totally disrupted. Other solutions could avoid putting some participants in situations they can’t handle because of their disability. Since disabilities vary in how they affect people, it would be interesting to find out if some sort of assessment to determine level of need were conducted, how much could the program be changed to benefit both the State and the participant?

Unfortunately, programs for the disabled and or disadvantaged populations always seem to be the ones cut or downsized in some way that negatively impacts recipients. Maybe in the long run solutions can be devised so the quality of life of these participants won’t be negatively affected.

What do you think of the benefits these programs provide?

Thanks for reading..
cr

For more information check out the link below:

http://www.northjersey.com/news/changes-ahead-in-n-j-for-disabled-some-fear-loss-of-familiar-programs-1.1307297

International Day of Persons with Disabilities: A few Thoughts

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

This past Monday was International Day of Persons with Disabilities.  This day was started by the United Nations in an effort to help others understand disability issues and bring about disability awareness to the general public.  It has been promoted by the U.N. since 1992.

Every year, this day has had a different theme.  This year’s theme was “Removing Barriers to Create an Inclusive and Accessible Society for All”.  This is a great thing to focus on for many different reasons. 

First, there is the importance of accessible buildings for people who are disabled.  Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is not such a huge issue but, there are still places that a person who uses a wheelchair cannot go into because of its lack of accessibility.  I remember when I went to elementary school and because I used a wheelchair, I had to go to a school that was nowhere near where I lived.  That was because it was the only school that was accessible for me to attend.  This may not sound like too much of a big deal, but, when you have to travel for hours on a bus, in a seated position, it is not the most comfortable thing in the world.  If there were an accessible school near my house at that time, I wouldn’t have had to make such a long trek to and from home just to go to school everyday. 

Secondly, having an accessible society also allows people who are disabled to participate in everyday things such as shopping or going to see a movie in a movie theater.  It is my belief that if people can go out and do things like shop for their groceries in the store, they will feel like they have done something important for themselves.  This can lead to improved self-esteem.  I know there are some places that deliver groceries to your home these days, and if you like to use that service, that is just fine too.  I just think people should have the option  of either method of shopping instead of feeling like they are stuck in their homes.

Now, a few words on inclusion.  I know that this is still a work in progress, like all the other issues that disabled people face on a daily basis.  To me, inclusion means in the arena of Employment as well as in Schools, just to name a couple.  These environments have certainly become more disability-friendly but, I feel like they still have a few bumps in the road that need to be smoothed out.  In our schools today, there are a lot more students receiving the services they need in the least restrictive environment and, more importantly,  reaching their educational goals.  Even though unemployment of people with disabilities is higher than other parts of the population, those who are in the workforce are successful in getting and maintaining their jobs.

All in all, I am really happy that the United Nations has brought more awareness to disability issues by observing International Day of Persons with Disabilities.  I believe that the more information that is available to the public on different disability issues, the more likely myths and fears that people have about living with a disability will melt away.

What other themes could be covered in the coming years?

For more information you can go to: http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=1597

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

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

by caste551, posted in Uncategorized

It has been a really long day, but, I was so excited when I saw a post from TCM (the cable channel) on Facebook, I had to add a post to the blog.  October is  National Disability Employment Awareness Month.  I will be talking about that in some future posts this month but, think it is equally important that a cable channel will spend some time highlighting the lives of people who live with a disability.

I am so excited because TCM is going to show a series of movies every Tuesday on the topic of disability as it has been portrayed in films.  I have written about disability and the media before but, I am hopeful that this showing of different films will be representative of different disabilities and the impact they have, not only on the people who live with the disability but, also on those people whose lives are touched by those with the disability.

I know that through history people who are disabled have not had it easy.  They have paved the way for many of us who are going through life today.  Though there is still lots of work to be done in many aspects of the barriers that the disabled face, hopefully, this series will bring some positive exposure to those who a lot of the time get no exposure at all.

Thanks for reading..

cr

In case you would like to see the lineup of films, here is the link

http://www.tcm.com/2012/projectedImage/films.html

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.