Category: Public policy
Posted by McKinzie Brantley on Fri, Nov 6, 2009 at 12:57 PMA few words with White House special assistant Kareem Dale
Kareem Dale is the Special Assistant to President Obama for Disability Policy. He recently agreed to spend a few minutes with The Detroit News Disabilities Blog discussing employment issues, how health care reform will impact the disability community, and the Administration's priorities for 2010.
Mr. Dale, who is partially blind, 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."
Mr. 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."
Though most people would not make the connection immediately, Mr. Dale stated that the President's health care reform efforts could also be considered a disability issue. He believes that 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 his thoughts.
Category: Learning disabilities
Posted by McKinzie Brantley on Wed, Nov 4, 2009 at 6:58 AMFlint playwright earns scholarship
Kristi Starnes, a graduate student and playwright at the University of Iowa, recently received the David and Rosalie Braverman Scholarship for her community service work.
The Flint Journal ran a nice profile of Starnes, who is a person with a learning disability.
Category: Media
Posted by McKinzie Brantley on Tue, Nov 3, 2009 at 11:20 AMNew Mobility magazine celebrates 20 years
Congratulations to New Mobility magazine, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. New Mobility began publishing to provide information about life after spinal cord injury and other disability issues.
The magazine built a solid audience by focusing on wheelchair-users who wish to maintain an active lifestyle. Through the years, New Mobility also earned a cutting edge reputation. It used people-first language and was one of the first publications to frankly discuss the topic of sexuality and disability. Just as importantly, the magazine continues to be produced by writers and editors with disabilities.
Since 1989, the magazine evolved from a quarterly publication to a monthly that now includes a Web-based version as well as a Facebook page.
"New Mobility has been changing the lives of people with disabilities for many years," publisher Jeff Leonard said. "Now with our strong presence on the Web, we have an opportunity to really enhance our readers' experience and get people connected."
Category: Public policy
Posted by McKinzie Brantley on Fri, Oct 30, 2009 at 6:09 AMHate 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: Accessibility
Posted by McKinzie Brantley on Wed, Oct 28, 2009 at 6:53 AMUCP-Michigan unveils Ramps for Independence
UCP-Michigan recently started a new program, Ramps for Independence, designed to increase access to the community by providing ramps for homes of individuals with disabilities.
To qualify for Ramps for Independence, you must:
- be a person with cerebral palsy or live with someone with CP,
- not be a resident of Wayne, Oakland or Macomb County, and
- meet other technical requirements.
The program was funded through the efforts of Neil Sauter. In the summer of 2008, Sauter raised $75,000 by walking 830 miles across the state on stilts. Neil also documented his trip in this blog.
For more information on Ramps for Independence, call (800) 828-2714 or check UCP's Web site.
Category: Role models
Posted by McKinzie Brantley on Mon, Oct 26, 2009 at 10:41 AMSpecial Olympics boss talks advocacy
I read an interesting piece over the weekend in the New York Times in which Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver shares his perspectives on growing up with children with disabilities, his family and how to "get off the horse."
To read the column, click here.
Category: Learning disabilities
Posted by McKinzie Brantley on Fri, Oct 23, 2009 at 11:59 AMHeavy Load gives punk rock a disability spin
You don't often hear the words "punk rock" and "disabilities" in the same sentence. So here's a story that really intrigued me:
Britain-based band Heavy Load is made up of several members who have learning disabilities. The group garnered some attention in the United States last year because of a documentary and its stay up late campaign, which calls for flexible hours for support workers.
Heavy Load has also compiled two CDs that feature original songs by artists with disabilities. The latest, "Wild Things: Songs from a Disabled Underground, Vol. II," was released Oct. 1.
Learn more about the band and its music on its Web site, www.heavyload.org.
Category: Employment
Posted by McKinzie Brantley on Wed, Oct 21, 2009 at 8:24 AMEmployers, workers learn during Disability Mentoring Day
Today is the 10th anniversary of Disability Mentoring Day (DMD), a day of activities around the nation designed for "career exploration, mentoring and job shadowing to students and job seekers with all forms of disabilities."
More than 20,000 people with disabilities will participate in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and in 23 countries worldwide," according to The American Association of People with Disabilities.
For example, here are some activities in Midland surrounding the day.
The Office of Disability Employment Policy has more information, too.
What's your take on this or other mentoring programs? Have you had mentors in your career?
Category: Social Security
Posted by McKinzie Brantley on Sat, Oct 17, 2009 at 5:25 PMBad news, good news
Sometimes bad news is good news. It was recently announced that there would be no Cost of Living Increase (COLA) for the 50 million people receiving Social Security, including people with disabilties who are enrolled in SSI or SSDI programs.
The good news is the reason why: The federal goverment has calculated that annual "cost-of-living" expenses have decreased about 2 percent. So there's no need for an increase.
Elsewhere regarding Social Security, President Obama announced that he supported another $250 economic stimulus payment to veterans, seniors and people with disabilities who are stuggling financially during the recession. The payments would be similar to the checks mailed in May and would amount to a 2 percent increase for the average Social Security recipient.
Obama names October Disability Employment Awareness Month
President Barack Obama has proclaimed October to be National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
Here are his comments:
Fair access to employment is a fundamental right of every American, including the 54 million people in this country living with disabilities. A job can provide financial stability, help maximize our potential, and allow us to achieve our dreams. As Americans, we possess a range of vocational opportunities to make the most of our talents and succeed in a chosen career; those with disabilities are entitled to the same opportunities. During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we recommit ourselves to implementing effective policies and practices that increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
In the past half-century, we have made great strides toward providing equal employment opportunities in America, but much work remains to be done. As part of that continuing effort, we must seek to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Only then can Americans with disabilities achieve full participation in the workforce and reach the height of their ambition.
My Administration is committed to promoting positive change for every American, including those with disabilities. The Federal Government and its contractors can lead the way by implementing effective employment policies and practices that increase opportunities and help workers achieve their full potential. Across this country, millions of people with disabilities are working or want to work. We must ensure they have access to the support and services they need to succeed.
Recognizing the need for equal employment opportunities, we must also strengthen and expand the educational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act substantially increased funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and provided more than $500 million for vocational rehabilitation services, including job training, education, and placement. If we are to build a world free from unnecessary barriers, stereotypes, and discrimination, we must ensure that every American receives an education that prepares him or her for future success.
Each day, Americans with disabilities play a critical role in forging and shaping the identity of our Nation. Their contributions touch us all through personal experience or through that of a family member, neighbor, friend, or colleague. We grow stronger as a Nation when Americans feel the dignity conferred by having the ability to support themselves and their families through productive work. This month, we rededicate ourselves to fostering an inclusive work culture that welcomes the skills and talents of all qualified employees.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2009, as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. I call on all Americans to celebrate the contributions of individuals with disabilities to our workplaces and communities, and to promote the employment of individuals with disabilities to create a better, more inclusive America, one in which every person is rightly recognized for his or her abilities and accomplishments.
