Disabilities Blog

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Category: Public policy

Rosa's Law: Final word on the 'r' word?

Some of my friends and family give me grief for being too politically correct on disability issues, especially when it comes to with use of the "r" word. In this case, I'm one of those people who think the use of the term "mental retardation" should end.

On Tuesday, Sen. Mikulski, D-Md., introduced Rosa's Law designed to end use of the term in federal law. Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., also sponsored the bill.

The law is named after Rosa Marcellinos, a person with Down syndrome, whose family was the driving force to get a similar law passed in Maryland before its consideration in the U.S. Senate.

There are many people who believe we place too much emphasis on language and its impact. They believe that eliminating the "r" word is a waste of time. Even within the disability community, some advocates refer to themselves as "crips" or "cripples" as a way of empowering themselves. By taking ownership of the negative term they nullify it. As a result, the word "crip" becomes transformed into a point of pride.

There's something to that point of view, but I think it's important to call attention to slurs when you hear them and remind people it is not OK.

In his testimony before the Maryland General Assembly, Rosa's 14-year-old brother, Nick, explained why he and his family believe that language needed to change. "What you call people is how you treat them," he said. "What you call my sister is how you will treat her. If you believe she's 'retarded' it invites taunting, stigma. It invites bullying and it also invites the slammed doors of being treated with respect and dignity."

Well said, Nick.

What do you think? Is the proposed law useful or an exercise in semantics?

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Category: Public policy

A few words with White House special assistant Kareem Dale

Kareem Dale, Special Assistant to President Obama for Disability Policy, recently spent a few minutes with me discussing employment issues, how health care reform will impact the disability community, and the administration's priorities for 2010.

Dale, who is visually impaired , is originally from Chicago. He served as the National Disability Director for the Obama campaign and has a long history of working on disability issues.

"I was born with a disability and this issue has always been important to me ... We have taken an active role in increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities by launching several initiatives. The response from the community has been overwhelming appreciative and supportive."

Dale thinks that one of the administration's key accomplishments so far has been the passage of the recent hate crimes bill. "It is a landmark piece of legislation that protects people with disabilities ... and demonstrates the president's commitment to treat people with disabilities as equals," he said.

Though most people would not make the connection immediately, Dale said the president's health care reform efforts could also be considered a disability issue. He believes reforming the system will expand the Medicaid program and as a result lower costs and enhance access for people with disabilities.

Given the current economic climate and the many challenges facing individuals with disabilities, it seems the White House will be working on several disability-related issues in 2010.

"We are looking forward to celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will be issuing the final regulations for the implementation of the ADA Amendments Act, but across the board, the administration will continue to seek and pursue opportunities to help level the playing field for all Americans in all areas, but especially education, health care and employment, regardless of their disability."

Thanks to Kareem for sharing his time and thoughts.

Category: Public policy

Hate crimes legislation adds protections for people with disabilities

On Wednesday, President Obama signed legislation that makes it a federal offense to commit a crime against someone based on his or her disability.

"After more than a decade of opposition and delay, we've passed inclusive hate crimes legislation to help protect our citizens from violence based on what they look like, who they love, how they pray, or who they are," the president said at the signing ceremony.

Earlier this month, a report by the U.S. Justice Department found that people with disabilities were 50 percent more likely to experience violent crime.

What's your reaction to this legislation? Have you been the victim of a crime? Will the new law protect people with disabilities?

Category: Public policy

Designated parking is more about need than advantage

I read Tom Greenwood's recent column about disability parking placards with interest. All of the qualifying disabilities sounded reasonable, and the rules made good sense. It was an informative piece.

As someone with a disability and a parking placard, however, I have to say that I don't always feel like the system is so clear-cut or effective. I'm not someone who would confront individuals about their right to use the designated spaces, but I see all kinds of people who don't exactly look like they meet the criteria. I realize invisible disabilities do exist; but as it stands now, the parking seems hard to enforce. Unless an officer runs each individual placard ID number and matches it to the person in every vehicle, how is he or she to know whether a person is legitimately parked?

I wish everyone could understand that for people who truly need these spaces, the parking is generally not a huge advantage. Even when I use my placard, an able-bodied person who parks in the most distant location can usually get into a building ahead of me. The spaces are wide to make transferring into my wheelchair easier. They are close to entrances/exits, which makes it easier if someone has to carry me from the vehicle to the building.

Now I'm reading that Kentucky is considering passing a law that would allow expecting and new mothers to use disability parking. To me, this just seems like it will make an already out-of-control situation worse. What do you think?

Category: Public policy

Final thoughts on the election and Veteran's Day

A week later, I have a few random thoughts on the election and one for Veteran's Day.

The police in Pontiac and Southgate were accused of cruising voting lines and arresting people who had outstanding warrants. Now that the election's over, I wonder if community officials in those areas will follow up on the allegations?

Will the new President actually have the resources in a down economy to fund his disability initiatives?

When the national spotlight has dimmed, will Gov. Palin still be an advocate for those with autism and Down 's syndrome?

Veterans Day - It may not be well known that veterans were instrumental in the evolution of disability rights. Vets returning home from both World Wars were among the earliest disability advocates. It's just another reason to thank them today.

Category: Public policy

Winners, losers and a few undecideds

As the dust settles on yesterday's historic election, there are some winners, losers and a few things I'm still not sure about.

• Winners: The American voters who turned out in record numbers. In Michigan, nearly 70 percent of registered voters cast ballots. Nationally, it was the biggest turnout since 1908.
• Loser: Shirley Nagel, Grosse Pointe Farms. In a story that made national news, Ms. Nagel denied Halloween candy to children whose parents expressed support for Obama. Trick or treating is sacred. Who's with me? Children don't vote. Shame on you, Shirley.
• Winner: Awareness of disability rights. Disability issues had a much higher profile than in recent elections. Both campaigns highlighted disability issues (Gov. Palin, in particular), created disability position statements and attended national forums on the topic. Last night, President-elect Obama even mentioned "the disabled" in his acceptance speech.
• Undecided: Will those who lobby for disability rights be able to capitalize on their new higher profile to become part of the wider movement for health care reform?
• Winners: The poll workers in Monroe (Precinct 1) who helped get me through the process in less than 10 minutes. What a relief! Thanks everyone!
• Losers: Those groups that opposed Proposal 2 through a campaign that wasn't always based solely on the facts. (Can you say MiCAUSE?) There are legit arguments to be made on both sides of the stem cell debate. Regardless of your stance, don't advertisers and organizations still have a responsibility to stick reasonably close to the facts? Too often during the public debate, slick ads and clever spokespeople conveyed distorted or incomplete information.
• Winner: The state of Florida. Despite record turnout in a state that was too close to call, the process in Florida went smoothly. Unfortunately, not everyone was so lucky. When will we make it easy for everyone in this country to vote?

Category: Public policy

MPP provides convenient resources to voters

If you'd like to vote in November, help is just a phone call away!

The Michigan Participation Project and Michigan 2-1-1 have teamed up to help local organizations and individuals by minimizing voting barriers and mobilizing Michigan voters.

The 2-1-1 Call Centers provide comprehensive information to Michigan residents with a wide variety of voter-related issues, including transportation to polls, voter assistance for people with disabilities and nonpartisan information on the issues.

The 2-1-1 system is the Health and Human Services equivalent of the 911 emergency system. Currently, 71 percent of Michigan is covered by the system. Michigan residents served by a 2-1-1 Call Center only need to dial 2-1-1 for help. Michigan residents living outside the area served by Michigan 2-1-1 regional call centers should call (800) 552-1183.

For more information on the Michigan Participation Project, call (517) 492-2400 or visit www.michparticipationproject.org.

For more information on Michigan 2-1-1, call (517) 371-4360 or visit www.uwmich.org/211.

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Category: Public policy

Palin's record mixed when it comes to special needs issues

Much has been said about vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin's record supporting special needs issues. In her acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, she told the nation that families with special needs children will have an advocate in the White House.

And in the final debate between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain, McCain said that with Palin as his Vice President special needs issues will not be forgotten.

But what did Sarah Palin do to advance the interests of special needs families while she was governor of Alaska?

Well, the record is mixed. Mind you, her son, Trig, who has Down Syndrome was born less than a year ago, so her focus on special needs issues might not have been as sharp as they are now. However, she does have a teenage nephew with autism, so she certainly was aware of the joys and hardships that raising a special needs child can bring.

The Associated Press this week took a look at Palin's record regarding special needs issues and here, in part, is what they found:

Programs and spending for special needs children haven't been a highlight of Palin's 21 months in office as Alaska's governor.

Spending remained flat for the Department of Health and Social Services during her first year in office, although she oversaw a 6 percent increase in spending on agency operations a year later.

State funding for disabled children this year included $500,000 for diagnostic services for autistic children, a program that was started last year, and another $250,000 to train workers in providing early intervention for them.

The governor also successfully pushed for an increase in education funding for severely disabled students that raised the level from $26,900 to $49,300 per student this year.

Palin's vetoes to the state capital budget struck hard at projects serving children with disabilities. Two months after Trig was born, Palin sliced half of the $550,000 capital request for an indoor training facility for Special Olympics Alaska, the local arm of the international nonprofit organization.

Read the full story, here.

Category: Public policy

Election 2008: Michigan to vote on medical marijuana, stem cells proposals

On Nov. 4, Michigan will decide on two ballot proposals. Proposal 1 deals with the medical use of marijuana. Proposal 2 focuses on a constitutional amendment that would allow limited stem cell use.

The Citizen's Research Council of Michigan, a respected, nonpartisan organization, has provided a summary, ballot language and analysis of both proposals.

For an analysis of Proposal 1 - Medical Marijuana, click here.

For an analysis of Proposal 2 - Stem Cell Research, click here.

Category: Public policy

Now or never 2008: register to vote

Monday, Oct. 6 is the last day you can register to vote for the November elections. If you're registered already, congratulations!

If you haven't registered, it's not too late! And you can do it online.

If you're not sure if you're registered or not, you can double check here!

Want to use an absentee ballot? you can get information here.

Regardless if you vote in person or absentee, the registration deadline is still Monday!

For more info on voting in Michigan, click here or check out the Arc's Voter Guide.