| Jump to bottom |
The "R" Word
The issue of terminology comes down to a very simple question, and the question has nothing to do with semantics or political correctness: Why would anyone use words that they know will surely hurt someone else?
In fact, I find some kind of sociopathic element to knowingly using words that are hurtful.
Political correctness involves innocuous language that some people are needlessly offended by. In the case of "mental retardation," the offense is genuine and justified.
I remind those who argue it's a PC issue that they happily refrain from using certain words every day, simply because they know those words will cause others to feel offended, hurt, uncomfortable, embarrassed, angry, etc.
The disability community simply asks that terms like "mental retardation" be added to the list of things nearly all of us voluntarily refrain from using every day.
Disability shouldn't equal poverty
Thanks for your comment. You're right -- the definition (not to mention our understanding) of "disability" has broadened over time.
But I don't think people with disabilities want anyone's sympathy. Many are in need of some assistance, but that's quite different from sympathy.
Disability shouldn't equal poverty
No, disability shouldn't equal poverty. The trouble is that we as a society have designated so many things as disabilities that it is hard for the "non-disabled" to feel much sympathy any longer. Straighten out the definitions or just say we're all disabled.
Hate Crimes
Even if the law doesn't end up having a huge impact in terms of protecting people with disabilities from violent crime, it's still hugely important to recognize that it is a population that is often targeted for violence.
The law is significant in terms of making Americans aware of the challenges -- many of them unnecessarily imposed by our culture -- faced by people with disabilities.
Deaf Jazz Singer
Don't forget Mr. Beethoven, who also had a hearing disability!
Deaf Jazz Singer
Loved your discussion about the punk rock band! It made me think of Mandy Harvey, a rising new jazz vocalist who is also profoundly deaf.
She has clips of her singing on her website at mandyharveymusic.com. It is great we have so many people getting into music who have disabilities. Truly inspiring! Thanks for the story.
Thanks for your comment and the info about Mandy Harvey. I'll definitely check out her site.
~Mac
Social Security
The stabilization of consumer prices is a double-edged sword for older Americans and people with disabilities.
While it may be true that the consumer price index is now relatively flat -- resulting in "no need for an increase" in Social Security benefits -- it's also true that health care costs for seniors and people with disabilities are continuing to skyrocket.
Let's hope our representatives in Washington are mindful of that fact when they're deciding on whether to increase SS/Medicare/Medicaid payments.
Encourage kids to be comfortable around people with disabilities
Neehu
Excellent article, in high school I had a friend with Cerebal Palsey. Throughout the years we have maintained our friendship and I have always encouraged my two son's to talk to "Danny" and treat him like one of the family. Danny once told me that with his severe speech inpediment people sometimes don't take the time to ask him to repeat something. It therefore makes him feel like what he said wasn't that important anyway. I am so proud of my son's becuase many times I watched as they asked Danny to repeat what he said so they could respond appropriately.
Thanks again
SHOPPING WITH DISABILITIES
ITS dsomers1958@hotmail.com sorry wasn't watching close enough!!
SHOPPING WITH DISABILITIES
Can someone tell me where they had there van's redone for wheelchair and hand controls done in Michigan? Hopefully in the Metro Detroit area. HOPEFULLY REALLY CHEAP TOO, I'M ON DISABILITY ALSO AND SOON GOING ON MEDICARE(JANUARY 2010)I'm very nervous about that, I have no idea what going on Medicare means to me and my situation, do they help any with paying on the van hand controls? Pipe dream right? It takes a lot of time but I can take my electric chair at home down my ramp to get into our minivan. But that's it, once in , I'm done, no way to get into my manual wheelchair. And I can't push my own wheelchair, I have Peripheral Neuropathy bad and my hands hurt too bad to use them any longer. So if I'm going to drive I need a lot of help. If anyone has any answer's please email me @ dsomer1958@hotmail.com, thank you, DAN1958.
Disability
Disregard my messages I found what I seen:
There are benefits available to caregivers who assist those with disabilities. Many people are not aware they can qualify for different types of caregiver benefits, iCan columnist McKinzie Brantley writes in the latest Benefits Q&A. Your options depend on several variables. Full story
Disability
I don't want people to think of my question as being hurtful or down right wrong in any way. I thought I seen something that McKinzie Brantley wrote for the spouses who support their love ones and wanted to know if he could send me the link.
Disability
McKinzie can you help me? My wife became disabled and has been receiving ssi,medicare insurance for some time now. Am I as her husband can I be compansated. I know I am her husband and should be taking care of her in sickness and in health to death due us part. I seen something on here but know can't find what you wrote. can you help me?
wheelchair sports
Welcome back, BB.
"blessing"
Hey Bethany:
I agree. Enjoyed your piece. ~MB
| Jump to top |
