Disability News

EEOC Seeks Damages for Disabled Iowa Plant Workers

Ryan J. Foley, Associated Press - April 22, 2013

DHS: Disabled Henry’s workers berated, harmed daily

Brian Wellner, Quad City Times - April 25, 2013

The only good thing that could possibly come out of this horrific case of long-term abuse is that the lawyers of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission will have the opportunity to be really specific about exactly why this is a horrific case. Things like this are so shocking that we tend to stop at shock and never get to the rationalizations and assumptions that lead to this kind of abuse:

• These "boys" aren't good enough for regular jobs, they're lucky to have us!
• You have to treat "retarded" guys like children to get them to behave.
• If it wasn't for kind-hearted us, they'd be out on the street or drawing a government check.
• What we're doing must be okay, because we're a charity and we mean well.

The thing is, there are thousands of less dramatic examples of the same kind of abuse to be found all over the United States … from sheltered workshops where people with disabilities are paid less than minimum wage, to nursing homes that basically confiscate what little income you have, then give you an allowance. People can be bad, but systems are often evil, too.

There are two other things I'd really like to know more about. For one thing, why is this case focused only on the Americans with Disabilities Act? It sounds like there were multiple violations of OSHA and minimum wage laws, not to mention possible charges of indentured servitude (slavery). Second, I'd like to know how many stiff drinks that social services investigator, Natalie Neel-McGlaughlin, had to have before she could stop crying.

Federal court clears way for execution of mentally disabled Georgia man

Associated Press / The Guardian, UK - April 24, 2013

I am personally opposed to the death penalty but it's a close call for me. It's not a close call to me for anyone with significant cognitive impairments. Apart from any arguments of law or even morality, the idea of solemnly, with legal sanction, killing someone who may not fundamentally understand what's happening gives me the most horrible case of the chills. Speaking of which, I highly recommend the film "Dancing In The Dark", but only if you have access to some sort of grief counseling afterwards. 

For Boston bombing survivor, a life-changing decision

Don Dahler, CBS News - April 26, 2013

This woman's story shows the starting point of what I would call a healthy attitude towards disability. Brutally practical.

------------------------

Note: This weekly feature isn't anything like a "complete" listing or even a summary of all disability-related news. It's just articles I choose for whatever reason. My comments on each article are my own opinion, but I will try to ask as many questions as I claim to answer.

Creating A Forum

Some time soon, hopefully by the end of next week, I will be adding a second feature to the Disability Thinking website ... a Forum. This will be a separate page where readers will be able to view and participate in discussions on a wide variety of disability-related topics. You will be able to browse and partially participate as a "guest", or register for free and create a user profile, which will allow you to participate fully. I anticipate that the Forum will have a number of ways to participate, including:

- Creating your own topics to spur discussion.
- Adding your own comments to existing discussions.
- Communicating directly and privately with other registered members.
- Participating in polls on various disability-related topics.

My goal here is to create an online community for disability discussion and sharing. I hope it will be a place you will visit frequently. Its intended to be for both fun and learning, enjoyment and growth. Participating in the Forum will be free, as personal or anonymous as you want, and secure.

Right now I am learning how to set up and operate the Forum, using an application called vBulletin. You can click on the link now to see what a typical forum looks like. Once I set it up, I will link to it, and to this Blog, from a central home page for Disability Thinking. You will be able to start there, and then choose to visit the Blog or the Forum each time you visit.

If you have questions or ideas about this next step in the development of the Disability Thinking website, you can post them in the Comments for this post, or email me directly at: apulrang@icloud.com.

This Week In Disability Thinking ...

Monday - Disability News

Tuesday - What's Wrong With "Disability"? Part 3, Ideas

Wednesday - Pop Culture Review: "Game Of Thrones"

Thursday - Loose Cannons and Boys Who Cry Wolf

Friday - Photo Of The Week

Pop Culture Review: "My Left Foot"

My Left Foot

1989, Directed by Jim Sheridan

Academy Award for Best Actor - Daniel Day-Lewis as Christy Brown

Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress - Brenda Fricker as Mrs. Brown

"I've had nothing but Platonic love all my life. You know what I say? Fuck Plato!" -- Christy Brown, "My Left Foot"

"My Left Foot" is the first movie I can remember seeing that seemed like an authentic portrait of a person with significant disabilities. It helps that it is a film version of the autobiography of a real person, Christy Brown, who became an acclaimed painter and author. The "left foot" in the title refers to the fact that Brown wrote with his left foot, the only part of his body he could fully control.

The film is about more than Brown's disability. It is about the hardships and endurance of working class families in mid-century Ireland. It is also about artistic talent, which can appear where you least expect it.

The most compelling scenes of the first half of the film establish the bonds between Christy and his brothers and sisters. They clearly see him as more than a pet, never as a nuisance, and while he has a unique status of sorts among a large crowd of children, Christy's older siblings especially deal with him as an equal. As for Christy, one of the best scenes of the whole film involves him weighing in against his Father on behalf of his sister … in a matter that isn't directly about him at all. In fact, Christy's most dynamic moments come in key scenes in which he physically or emotionally sticks up for his Mother, Sister, and Father. That is rare in movies about disability, which usually imply that people with disabilities think and act only in regard to themselves. 

Christy in this movie is often mischievous, manipulative, and antisocial, but we are never led to believe that this is solely because of his disability. His family heritage, wild talent, sense of humor, and alcoholism make up large parts of Christy's character, and would have done had he never had a disability. The main disadvantage of his Cerebral Palsy ... aside from the obvious practical difficulties with speech and mobility ... seems to be his difficulty and delay in experiencing love, and this is as much due to others not knowing how to respond to him as it is his own issues.

A key part of his later story shows us two very different women who are both caregivers and potential lovers in Christy's view. One is oblivious until too late, and makes for some truly cringe-inducing moments. The other seems onto him from the start, and this serves her better, as well as Christy. I found it interesting that the more educated woman, an expert in the treatment of Cerebral Palsy, was far more clumsy than than the part-time nurse who had never even met Christy before. Training and familiarity don't always mean understanding where disabilities are concerned.

I look for four things in a film about disability:

- Believability.

- A fully developed character, not a one-dimensional cardboard cutout.

- Disability explains some, but not all of what the character does.

- As few cliches or stereotypes as possible.

There are no real miracles in "My Left Foot", and both the actors' performances and the sets make it quite believable. Christy Brown is shown to be a complex, highly intelligent, flawed and passionate person, neither an object of pity nor a saint. Disability is an important part, but only a part of Christy's life. And the only real cliches or stereotypes are some rather heavy-handed messaging about Irish peoples' supposed love of boozing and brawling.

Best of all, "My Left Foot" is funny, real, and never syrupy.

Note: If you want to read a professional critic's review of "My Left Foot", take a look at Roger Ebert's. It's great to see how perceptive he was about disability, decades before he experienced it himself.

Roger Ebert Review of "My Left Foot" - February 2, 1990

Photo Of The Week

This is the ramp at my apartment building. It's a good place to demonstrate the fact that ramps aren't just for wheelchair users. I walk, but for me, going up and down this rather long ramp is easier, safer, and less tiring than using the short stack of four steps of the building's main entrance.

Say Hello To The Elephant

Usually the phrase, "elephant in the room" refers to a massive but unspoken truth, studiously ignored but inescapable. I think it well describes the social position of people with disabilities.

Like an elephant, we take up a lot of space ... physical space and social space.

Wheelchairs are big, some of them really big, and not as maneuverable as a person on foot. People who use walkers or crutches have an unusual "footprint" as well. Even those of us who don't use equipment but merely "walk funny" carve out a differently shaped space as we move through rooms and hallways.

We need different arrangements and setups. Chairs need to be moved around. Some of us are always looking for a ride. We can only eat or shop in certain places. Some of us need things explained differently. Our feelings and emotions sometimes work in perplexing ways. We are high maintenance. Because of this, we take up more than the usual amount of "mental space" in the lives of our family, friends, and coworkers.

It helps a lot when environments are already very accessible, and when people are cheerfully accommodating, but that feeling of being a physical impediment and a bother never completely leaves us. Some of us feel it every day. If we're lucky, it hits us maybe a few times a month, when we least expect it.

It hits us when people stare at us just a bit too long; I've especially noticed it when people walk past me and then turn their heads as they go so they can keep staring longer.

It hits us when people sigh and grunt and act out a little play of exasperated weariness when we ask for extra help or some little accommodation out of the ordinary.

It hits when a close friend or member of our family says something so wrongheaded or cruel about our disability, usually out of the blue, that we wonder whether we really know them at all.

It hits us when we trip and fall, spill or drop something, or knock something over, and the room goes silent, and it feels like we can be sure what everyone is thinking. It's our fault for ... whatever, for not accepting help when we should have, for not being careful enough, for being self-centered, for coming here at all when we are clearly ill-equipped.

It even hits us when people say what an inspiration we are, how amazing it is that we are able to function on the most minimal level. Kindness is kindness, but sometimes it's misplaced and distancing.

When these elephant moments happen, we resent it, and resent the people around us who remind us of our difference ... our literal and figurative size. Is it depressing? Sure it is. Should people be more sensitive? Absolutely. But, is it really surprising?

I think not. I don't like it, but expecting people to not notice my disability and the inconveniences it sometimes causes is ... well ... like asking people to not notice an elephant in the living room. This is especially true for strangers and causal acquaintances, but also for people closer to us, from time to time. And while I could live without the really offensive, embarrassing moments, I also don't appreciate it when people claim they "don't notice" my disability or don't think of me as disabled.

Having a disability is part of who I am, for good, bad and indifferent. Sometimes my disability is a very small thing; sometimes it's an elephant. Some days I sure do wish for better reactions, but I've always got to expect some reaction. It's better if we all ... disabled and non-disabled alike ... just say hello to the elephant, give it some room, and get on with living.

"My Left Foot" Postponed

I haven't had the time to watch "My Left Foot" yet, so I'm planning on watching it and posting a full review on Saturday.

I suppose I could post a review now, based on my memories of the movie, but it's been a long time since I saw it all the way though, and besides, I'm interested to figure out whether I feel differently about it after a 20-year gap.

"My Left Foot" is available on Netflix Streaming.

What's Wrong With "Disability?" Part 2: Maybe Nothing!

This discussion about the recent NPR radio programs on Social Security Disability's programs suggest that there may be little or nothing wrong with Disability at all. They still don't mention Social Security Work Incentives, but it does seem like an example of cooler heads prevailing.

Incidentally, anyone who wants to understand economics and politics beyond moral denunciations and partisanship should make the Washington Post's Wonkblog a daily visit.

I also recommend these two other, less panicky views of Disability:

Leave Disability Insurance Alone!
Matthew Yglesias, Slate.com

Yes, Disability Payments Are Up, But It's Nothing To Be Surprised About
Kevin Drum, Mother Jones

Extra! Protest at the White House

ADAPT, (American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today), is protesting at the White House today, criticizing the Obama Administration's disability policy record. Apparently, people are being arrested.

I'm not a fan of most political protests. I approve of them; I just don't personally like them. However, ADAPT almost always knows what its doing. They have a knack for street theater, and they keep it fresh. ADAPT's demonstrations never seem like dusty Vietnam retreads. Most importantly, ADAPT always makes it crystal clear exactly what they want, publishing detailed position papers for each protest. The position papers themselves are specific, never vague or airy. What they propose is always not only symbolic, but useful.

Read ADAPT's position paper for today's protest at the White House. I don't claim to understand every policy reference, but overall it seems like an ambitious but realistic set of demands that the Obama Administration could, conceivably agree to.

Notice that none of the demands include legislation that would have to be voted on by Congress. They are all things the Administration could do on its own, without having to corral votes. After recent defeats and stalemates on gun control and the budget, here's a policy area where the Administration could make actual progress, and actually please a large, diverse political constituency ... people with disabilities.

Disability News

Walmat Accused Of Violating Disabilities Act

Michelle Diament, Disability Scoop - April 16, 2013

I have no trouble believing that an employee with developmental disabilities was sexually harassed while working in a "big box" retailer, and as one commenter on the article pointed out, the Federal EEOC doesn't just take any case that comes along. What interests me is the statement that, “Ms. Wells’ impairment made her particularly vulnerable to sexual harassment." Maybe so, but harassment falls under the Civil Rights Act, (which the EEOC is also using), not the ADA. Just because she also has a disability, doesn't necessarily mean the harassment was disability-related. I hope we get to hear exactly how her disability related to what happened to her.

Helping the Disabled to Live With Dignity in Jordan's Zaatari Refugee Camp

Caroline Gluck, Huffington Post - April 16, 2013

I found this story oddly uplifting, even encouraging. First of all, it reinforces the idea that cultural, regional, and religious differences that sometimes seem to mean everything, are actually pretty minor when it comes to the devotion of parents to their children, in even the worst situations. Second, although they apparently weren't ready yet at the time the article was written, the refugee camp is going to have wheelchair accessible toilets and showers. IN THE REFUGEE CAMP. I'll remember that next time I consider being all patient and understanding about a restaurant that can't manage to get a wheelchair accessible restroom right.

Athlete with disability offers words of hope for survivors who lost limbs

Mark Sullivan, Worchester, Mass. Telegram - April 17, 2013

It might be a bit too soon for some of the survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing to fully absorb this man's message, but I hope that soon they will be ready to hear it.

Prince Harry to race to South Pole

British Broadcasting Corporation - April 19, 2013

It would be easy to dismiss this as a royal stunt, and maybe that's what it is. Also, it's quite possible that Prince Harry will turn the whole thing into a tear-jerking exercise. Still, I think there's a better chance that he'll do it right. A genuinely empowering, informative, and modern-day approach to calling attention to disabled veterans could be extremely valuable, especially if led by someone like Prince Harry, who's image combines the prominence of a "royal" with a touch of human fallibility. He's done some stupid things, but he always seems serious and informed about the "charities" he joins.

V. A. Aims to Reduce Its Backlog of Claims

James Dao, New York Times - April 19, 2013

The V. A.'s Disability Distress

Mark Thompson, Time Magazine - April 22, 2013

This is the kind of issue I hate the most. There ought to be discoverable facts underlying why the V. A. is behind in processing veterans' disability claims, but instead of learning about them, mostly we get politicians scoring political points, and cynicism from the very people who have the most to lose. I'm no better;  my first thought was to wonder whether the Bush Administration was somehow. Maybe later this week I'll write something about Kayla Williams' blog posts on this subject. 

When police meet someone with an invisible disability

Paul Rolly, Salt Lake Tribune - April 22, 2013

I have trained police cadets on dealing with people who have disabilities. It is one subject where "disability awareness" is actually the most valuable and realistic goal. You can't ask police officers to know about and recall every nuance of every physical or mental disability, and apply the knowledge in every tense situation. You can make them alert to the possibility that disability could be a factor in any situation. Just that alone can help reduce many unfortunate, and tragic, misunderstandings.

------------------------

Note: This weekly feature isn't anything like a "complete" listing or even a summary of all disability-related news. It's just articles I choose for whatever reason. My comments on each article are my own opinion, but I will try to ask as many questions as I claim to answer.

This Week in Disability Thinking ...

Monday - Disability News

Tuesday - What's Wrong With "Disability"? Part 2

Wednesday - Pop Culture Review: "My Left Foot"

Thursday - Being The Elephant

Friday - Photo Of The Week

Photo Of The Week

You see a lot fewer round doorknobs these days, and that's a big improvement.

More About "Awareness"

“I Am Montclair” Brings Diversity, Disability Awareness To Montclair Film Festival

Baristanet Staff, Baristanet.com

Last week, I asked, What Is "Awareness"? … specifically, what is "Disability Awareness?" Today I read an article about a disability awareness campaign involving filmed interviews in Montclair, New Jersey, organized by the Montclair Township Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities. In the article, Committee Member Lily Vakili says:

“The film was born out of the Committee’s interest in helping the broader community better understand what disability means and that, with education, familiarity and compassion, we can each choose to create a more integrated and supportive community."

This seems like a good start on what "Disability Awareness" might mean. We want people to "understand what disability means". The reason we want this is that we believe understanding will lead to "a more integrated and supportive community" for people with disabilities.

Not compassion or sentiment ... integration and support. These can be related to compassion and sentiment, but they aren't dependent on them. They don't even really depend on social acceptance.

The next questions? What do "integration" and "support" mean?