The Path of the Disabled Man

I had originally intended to write this for Blogging Against Disablism Day, BADD, 2012. Obviously I’m WAY late for that, over two days after the deadline. But since I’ve participated in BADD in the past, I said hey, why not?! Maybe BADD readers will still find this post, and may, along with other audiences, find … Continue reading “The Path of the Disabled Man”

The Social vs. Medical Model of Disability, Communities Will Be Forced To Choose

You may or may not know about the medical model and the social model of disability. I wanted to talk about the social model of services and supports for people with disabilities, and barriers to implementing it. When you think about disability internationally, most disabled people in countries around the world are taken care of … Continue reading “The Social vs. Medical Model of Disability, Communities Will Be Forced To Choose”

Rain Man (1988) and Hollywood’s treatment of disability

Hollywood Images of Disability (CHF EDIT) from salome chasnoff on Vimeo. Everyone interested in disability rights should watch this 18min short “Hollywood Images of Disability,” about Hollywood’s terrible treatment of disability, which is normally depicted as something so deformed, so unspeakably terrifying that disabled characters have to be cured (Heidi, Monkey Shines, Avatar, and zillions … Continue reading “Rain Man (1988) and Hollywood’s treatment of disability”

This Is All You Need To Know About This Year’s MDA Telethon

Lots of people are, as always, posting about the MDA Telethon this Labor Day weekend (I recommend this piece by Laura Hershey). Usually the focus is on smashing the negative images (pity) that the MDA Telethon often conveys, and that is crucial because the Telethon brings to all corners of the U.S. the most-watched images … Continue reading “This Is All You Need To Know About This Year’s MDA Telethon”

ADAPT Blogswarm, Fall Action 2009

The ‘swarm has arrived! Bloggers across the globe have united to shine a light on rampant unjust institutionalization and segregation of people with disabilities and ADAPTs Fall Action in Atlanta confronting it! On Disability Unity NextStep blog WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER Finding My Way: Journey of an Uppity Intellectual Activist Crip Human Rights … Continue reading “ADAPT Blogswarm, Fall Action 2009”

Blog To End Unjust Institutionalization!

ADAPT is going back to the heart of the civil rights movement, Atlanta, to demand that the promises made to Georgians (and all Americans) by the Supreme Court in Olmstead v. L.C. and E.W. are kept. Read ADAPT’s page on the action here. Segregating people with disabilities in institutions solely because they need daily help, … Continue reading “Blog To End Unjust Institutionalization!”

It’s MDA Telethon Time Again!!

The MDA’s 44th annual Labor Day Telethon was on the TV. Since my family and I were on the local (Mobile, AL) MD Telethon several times, and my mom served a year as Mobile MDA’s president, I thought I should comment. Many activists attack the MDA for fundraising based on pity. It’s true that their … Continue reading “It’s MDA Telethon Time Again!!”

NYC’s 19th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Event

Nadina LaSpina (NYC ADAPT) gives a powerful, stirring speech about how far disability rights has yet to go, and Elaine Kolb sings an insightful song about the medical-institutional complex at the 19th ADA Anniversary Event in Central Park, July 26, 2009.

Leviticus and Disability: My Take

Patrick A from PunkTorah asked me to comment on parsha Emor, and here’s what I came up with. Everyone please turn to Leviticus 21, kthx. In this week’s parsha, Emor, Moshe Rabbeinu (Moses) tells us about some of the laws regulating kohanim (Temple priests). After the admonition for kohanim to not have contact with corpses, … Continue reading “Leviticus and Disability: My Take”

Ablism: Idiotic Comments From Idiots

This post is for Blogging Against Disablism Day, BADD, 2009. As I noted here, ablism (discrimination based on ability) is one of the dumber forms of injustice. It’s dumb because it’s based on falsehoods. Just because someone is in a wheelchair, doesn’t mean they’re deaf or have mental retardation. That man in a wheelchair you … Continue reading “Ablism: Idiotic Comments From Idiots”

Government-Sponsored Ablism and Segregation Tears Families Apart

This post is for Blogging Against Disablism Day, BADD, 2009. There’s a dark part of America’s past (and present) that few are aware of: government taking children from their families and placing them in institutions. It usually goes like this: doctors and social workers identify a disabled child, and advise the parents to send the … Continue reading “Government-Sponsored Ablism and Segregation Tears Families Apart”

Don’t Forget: Blogging Against Disablism Day This Friday!!

Remember, Blogging Against Disablism Day (BADD!) is this Friday, May 1st (though since it is on GMT–Britain–you might want to make your submission late Thursday). Ablism (discrimination based on ability) is one of the dumber forms of injustice. Speaking out against it is the right thing to do. Please blog about ablism/disablism this Friday. Nick