What can we do when it looks like protections, research and support for people with disabilities are in jeopardy? {Plus 1 fun thing and what to do if you find yourself in the car with kids & teens}
I just traveled to Venezuela, the breathtakingly beautiful country I come from, where I marvel at the kindness of the people. While there, I was reminded that kindness is not enough, that people with disabilities also need the supports and rights that my son Diego (who's autistic, with intellectual disability) has benefited from in our adopted and beloved U.S.A.
Having said that, at the psychological level, what hurts and worries me the most is the Executive's message about people with developmental (and other) disabilities: that disability means "less than," "not worthy," "unnecessary societal burden." These messages make it easier for the public to view disability efforts and funding as wasteful, and to dismiss the contributions and intrinsic value of people with disabilities.
I agree--we aren't only seeing a lack of financial support but a lack of understanding and valuing disabled kids and adults. I'm so saddened by it all, but at least a little bit hopeful that there are enough of us who do know the value these members of our society bring that we will be able to stand together and for them.
The nonprofit I work for in Colorado just put the provisions of the Olmstead Act in the Colorado Constitution. The staff of Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition have disabilities. My position is Community Engagement Cordinator. We work together as people with disabilities (all types) in our State to pass legislation/change systems. We don't have paid lobbyists. This is what happens in Colorado. People in other states can check with their Independent Living Centers or Local Arc
Hi Amy Julia,
I just traveled to Venezuela, the breathtakingly beautiful country I come from, where I marvel at the kindness of the people. While there, I was reminded that kindness is not enough, that people with disabilities also need the supports and rights that my son Diego (who's autistic, with intellectual disability) has benefited from in our adopted and beloved U.S.A.
Having said that, at the psychological level, what hurts and worries me the most is the Executive's message about people with developmental (and other) disabilities: that disability means "less than," "not worthy," "unnecessary societal burden." These messages make it easier for the public to view disability efforts and funding as wasteful, and to dismiss the contributions and intrinsic value of people with disabilities.
I agree--we aren't only seeing a lack of financial support but a lack of understanding and valuing disabled kids and adults. I'm so saddened by it all, but at least a little bit hopeful that there are enough of us who do know the value these members of our society bring that we will be able to stand together and for them.
The nonprofit I work for in Colorado just put the provisions of the Olmstead Act in the Colorado Constitution. The staff of Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition have disabilities. My position is Community Engagement Cordinator. We work together as people with disabilities (all types) in our State to pass legislation/change systems. We don't have paid lobbyists. This is what happens in Colorado. People in other states can check with their Independent Living Centers or Local Arc
Thank you for sharing--I love hearing how different groups/individuals are making a difference.