JFActivist

Breaking News: ADAPT Protesters Chained to White House Gates

Updates from ADAPTers In the Field:

Breaking News: ADAPTer Chained to White House Gates
DePearle: Long Term Services and Supports NOT to be Included in Health Care Reform

Received 4/27/09 12:20 pm :

500 ADAPT activists from throughout the US including 50 Texans are lined up outside the Whitehouse calling for President Obama to include the Community Choice Act and long term services and supports in his health care reform proposals.

10 ADAPT activists are now meeting with Obama Health Care Czar Nancy Ann DeParle.

Updates to come!

Then at 1:10 pm:

100 people are chained to the White House fence after President Obama's Health Care Czar Nancy Ann DeParle stated with no reservation that long term services and supports WILL NOT be in health care reform. She told 10 ADAPT activists that they can't do it in the timeframe set and that we would have to live with the institutional bias.

Arrests are imminent!

First-hand accounts reported to the JFA Moderator at 2:45 pm:

Approximately 100 ADAPT activists were arrested today after being fired up by a disappointing meeting with White House officials. At the meeting with the ADAPT activists were Jeff Crowley, Valerie Jarrett, Nancy DeParle and Henry Claypoole (his first day on the job). Their message was consistent "CCA will not be included in this year's Health Care Reform" and "You'll have to live with the institutional bias."  Tell that to those who are dying in institutions!  ADAPT activists give Obama a "D" in disability issues for his first 100 days for "Dissing the Disability Community" like this. 

For ABC coverage of the action see

Police Arresting Angry Members of the Disabled Community Who Are Picketing White House 

by Jake Tapper and Sunlen Miller

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2009/04/police-arrestin.html

Photos Below Taken outside the White House by Sarah Peterson, JFA Moderator (4/27/09):

 

Teddy Fitzmurice Demands Respect from the Administration outside the White House on Monday.

 

ADAPTers Brave the Heat to demand Choice from White House Officials.

 

Arrests, tickets and fines didn't dampen the energy of the ADAPTERS as the lined up after the action.

Protect the Rights of Autistic Adults

Submitted by Austistic Self-Advocacy Network President, Ari Neeman (4/18/09):

Hello,

I'm writing to ask you to sign our petition, calling on Dr. Tony Attwood and Dr. Isabelle Hénault, two respected experts in the world of Autism, to disassociate themselves from hate groups promoting stereotypes and libels that seek to encourage discrimination against Autistic people in family law and relationships. We in the disability community have long suffered from many forms of discrimination, stereotyping and discrimination. Historically, one of the most pervasive forms of this type of discrimination has come from those who use stereotypes and psuedo-science to try and deprive us of one of the most common ways of expressing membership in the human community - the right to have a family, to marry and to raise children on an equal basis with any other citizen. The eugenics movement is one of the most well known examples of this dangerous and unethical means of discriminating against people with disabilities, as is the related idea that disabled people are inherently unfit as spouses or parents. In the name of these kinds of stereotypes, people with disabilities have been deprived of parental rights and discriminated against in divorce and child custody cases for generations. In the Autistic community, we face opponents who seek to propogate these same forms of hatred, often claiming to do so either for our own good or wrapped in the guise of the same types of false science that justified the involuntary sterilization of hundreds of thousands of individuals worldwide who were deemed unfit to raise children.

For the last decade, groups like Families of Adults Afflicted with Asperger's Syndrome (FAAAS) have been promoting the idea that prolonged family contact with Autistic adults in romantic or family relationships is harmful to "normal" people. Amongst other methods, they have done this by promoting "Cassandra Affective Deprivation Disorder," a term invented by British psychologist Maxine Aston. Cassandra Affective Deprivation Disorder, a condition developed by Aston and which serves as the basis for much of her marketing and income, is claimed by Aston to be a depressive disorder caused by romantic involvement with an Autistic person. CADD is based entirely upon pseudoscience, personal grudges, and stereotypes rather than any form of accurate research or evidence. CADD has never been recognised by any psychological association and is not supported by any peer-reviewed scientific research. Aston and others involved with such groups have purported to diagnose clients with CADD, despite having no legitimate authority for doing so. In CADD support groups, clients are encouraged to "vent" about the failures of their partners and to characterise Autistics in general as unsuitable for family life.

Attwood and Hénault have, despite respected professional activities and scholarships in other contexts, consistently appeared and promoted Cassandra-related events and organizations. Over the past decade, both Attwood and Hénault have been regular presenters at events sponsored by FAAAS, which actively promotes the Cassandra concept. Attwood and Hénault are closely associated with FAAAS through their membership in the FAAAS Professional Advisory Panel. The founder of FAAAS, Karen Rodman, has publicly described Autistics as randomly violent and has suggested that Autistic children ought to be excluded from public schools. Through its activities, FAAAS has sought to influence social workers and family law courts to make biased decisions removing custody of children from Autistic parents and discriminating against Autistic adults in other family law contexts, as detailed in a paper by FAAAS member Sheila Jennings Linehan, who also has levied this libel against other neurological disability groups. Several articles by ASPIA, a group in Australia with the same goals and objectives as FAAAS, founder Carol Grigg appear prominently on the FAAAS website, and the content of Grigg's articles clearly shows that she also promotes the false accusation that autistic people and others with disabilities are likely to abuse their family members. She explicitly makes this claim in an article entitled Asperger's Syndrome in Adults: Potential for Abuse?

Though Autistic adults now face discrimination in family law settings, all credible research on the topic states that Autistic people are far more vulnerable to being abused than the general population and have no natural predisposition towards abusive behaviour. By promoting a libel that places Autistic people at a disadvantage in family law contexts, FAAAS, ASPIA and other promoters of CADD have decreased opportunities for Autistic people to seek protection against abuse. Due to the presumption of fault promoted by these groups, Autistic adults are at risk of being discriminated against if they attempt to terminate abusive marriages and other relationships. Furthermore, these libels threaten the rights of Autistic people and all people with disabilities to fully participate in society by marrying, having children and enjoying the right to be judged on the basis of ones actions not by ones medical diagnosis.

We're asking you, regardless of your background or interest in Autism or cross-disability issues, to join us in signing this petition to help secure the rights of all people to be treated equally under the law. Our petition can be found at: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/AttwoodHenault/ and if you are interested in e-mailing directly tony@tonyattwood.com.au is the e-mail address for Dr. Attwood and ihenault@internet.uqam.ca is the e-mail address for Dr. Hénault. Thank you for your support. Together, we can mobilize our community and stop discrimination wherever it rears its ugly head.

As always, Nothing About Us, Without Us!

Regards,
Ari Ne'eman
President
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network

White House Meets with Disability Leadership

From United Spinal Association (4/20/09):

United Spinal Association Joins National Disability Leaders for Historic Meeting at the White House

WASHINGTON , April 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an unprecedented effort to increase access to the executive branch and promote equal rights for people with disabilities, President Obama invited CEOs from the Nation's top disability organizations, including Paul J. Tobin, United Spinal Association's President (www.unitedspinal.org), to participate in a White House briefing on the Administration's disability policy initiatives, and budget and recovery plans.

The invitation was the first time that an administration demonstrated a serious effort to provide people with disabilities an opportunity to influence domestic policy in a meaningful fashion. The President is also looking to employ people with disabilities in key positions based on merit, not as figureheads or solely in disability policy positions.

The meeting was organized by Kareem Dale, special assistant to the President for Disability Policy, who said, "This is truly a new day for people with disabilities."

Mr. Tobin said, "I am honored to be a part of this momentous gathering and commend the Administration for its willingness to host candid discussions on critical disability issues."

Valerie Jarrett, senior advisor to the President added, "Consider us to be your partners."

The President has proposed a four-part plan (http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/DisabilityPlanFactSheet.pdf) to empower people with disabilities, including increased educational opportunities by fully funding the Individuals with Education Act (IDEA); more employment opportunities by reinstating an executive order to hire an additional 100,000 people with disabilities within 5 years; improved funding for enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act; and amending Medicare rules that tend to restrict people with disabilities to their homes and nursing homes.

 >>> For Original Release

From the White House Blog (4/21/09):

(Kareem Dale, Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy, meets with presidents and CEOs of major disability organizations in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on April 15, 2009. Photo credit: Yosi Sergant)

Listening

Last week the White House hosted a meeting of presidents and CEOs of disability organizations.  We asked Kareem Dale, Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy, to tell us about it.

Unprecedented. That seemed to be the theme of Wednesday’s White House meeting with over 60 presidents/CEOs of almost every major national disability organization in the United States.

 

Valerie Jarrett, President Obama’s Senior Advisor, kicked off the day by discussing the importance that the disability rights movement had to both her and the President personally. And even though she had a scheduled flight that she should have left for a good half-hour before the start of the event, Valerie decided to attend anyway. It was an honor to see Valarie make that time commitment as a reflection of this administration’s commitment to the disability community...

For the full blog including description of the presentations of Trooper Sanders, Deputy Policy Director for the First Lady; Don Gips, Director of Presidential Personnel; Jeff Crowley, Senior Advisor on Disability Policy on the Domestic Policy Council; Beth Noveck, Office of Science and Technology; Robert Gordon, Office of Management and Budget; Jason Furman, Deputy Director of the National Economic Council; and Tina Tchen, Director of the Office of Public Liaison go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/09/04/21/Listening/

Comment Below: The White House is Listening, what would you like to say?

Susan Boyle: Singing Sensation, Disability Pride

New at Penny for your thoughts (4/23/09):

The Triumph of Susan Boyle and Why So Many of Us Are Still Celebrating!
 

My introduction to Susan Boyle's angelic voice came, as it did for so many others, via a link to the YouTube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY that arrived  inside an e-mail message on the Monday following her April 11 appearance on an "American Idol" kind of show that had run on British TV.  Although the e-mail was clearly "Off Topic" for the list-serv, not one person on the e-mail list complained!  And every single one of us has felt enriched by experiencing Susan Boyle's triumph at the Britain's Got Talent competition ever since!  Most of us, I'm sure, sent that link on to friends and family, which accounts for the more than 39 million hits at YouTube already, and saved the link in our "Favorites List for a future day when we know we'll need a spiritual lift!

Why the excitement?  Why has the middle-aged woman described by the person who sent me the link as "looking like Mrs. Doubtfire,"with the seemingly incongruously angelic voice touched so many people, and sparked dinner-table and water-cooler conversations all over the country and the world?  She truly does have a voice like an angel.  And "I Dream A Dream" from "Les Miserables," the song she chose to sing is beautiful, the kind of thing that tugs at the heartstrings of even the most cynical among us. But, that's not all.
 
I think it's because every single one of us who has ever had a moment of self doubt about the way we look, or sound, or come across, rejoices when we watch the video.  We feel as though we are rejoicing right along with Ms. Boil as we celebrate her courage and her talent, and her triumph; and any misgivings about her appearance, her life in a remote and unsophisticated village in Scotland, her mostly stay-at-home existence of giving care to another simply fall away because her talent erases them all!
 
When Susan Boyle shows up on stage, many of us, especially those of us who have coped with our own disabilities and dealt with the hurtful words and attitudes of unthinking classmates or malicious bullies, feel an instant empathy with her.  She is not beautiful.  Her answers to the questions the panel asks are neither sparkling nor sophisticated.  It's obvious to those of us who are way too attuned to being misjudged, prejudged, and expected to fail that what is about to happen will make us cringe.  We hold our collective breath and clench our fists in anxious anticipation of what we know is about to happen.  We are prepared to feel sorry for Ms. Boyle, and, in turn, to feel sorry for ourselves for all the times when someone made fun of us – for tripping, or saying the wrong thing, or getting a horrible grade, or missing the ball, or spilling ketchup on the front of our shirt, or embarrassing a mother or a father or a sibling or an instantly former best friend.  When Susan sings that gorgeous song and the audience bursts straight away into jubilant astonished applause, and the judges are nearly speechless with amazement, we are overcome with relief, and vindication, and jubilation, and feeling just as ecstatic as Susan, herself,  must have felt at that moment!
 
Susan's very public triumph seems almost like our own personal triumph, especially for those of us who have worried that our disabilities set us too far apart from what is normal, or that others would define us by our dis-abilities, instead of all the talents and abilities that are a truer definition of the women and men we actually are.  READ MORE HERE:  http://tinyurl.com/ceydlm 

Enjoy, and if you haven't visited the YouTube link, do take a minute and revel in the experience.
Penny

>>> For the Full Column

Added by Sarah Peterson, JFA Moderator:

Additionally, Ms. Boyle has publicly disclosed her own disability and stated, "I want to raise awareness - I want to turn my disability into ability."  From BBC NEWS.

>>>For more on Susan Boyle's disability

Comment Below: How has this remarkable woman's experience has inspired you?

Typing with Brainwaves

From CNN.com (4/23/09):

Brain-Twitter project offers hope to paralyzed patients

By Richard Allen Greene

Adam Wilson posted two messages on Twitter on April 15. The first one, "GO BADGERS," might have been sent by any University of Wisconsin-Madison student cheering for the school team.

His second post, 20 minutes later, was a little more unusual: "SPELLING WITH MY BRAIN."

Wilson, a doctoral student in biomedical engineering, was confirming an announcement he had made two weeks earlier -- his lab had developed a way to post messages on Twitter using electrical impulses generated by thought.

That's right, no keyboards, just a red cap fitted with electrodes that monitor brain activity, hooked up to a computer flashing letters on a screen. Wilson sent the messages by concentrating on the letters he wanted to "type," then focusing on the word "twit" at the bottom of the screen to post the message.

The development could be a lifeline for people with "locked-in syndrome" -- whose brains function normally but who cannot speak or move because of injury or disease...

>>>> For the Full Article

>>> For a short silent video of Wilson Twittering with his brain

New Computer Science Scholarship for Students with Disabilities

From James Elekes, Carolina Access Services (4/17/09):

Google Lime Scholarship for Students with Disabilities

Google has announced that they are partnering with Lime to offer scholarships to students with disabilities who are pursuing university degrees in the field of computer science in Canada or the U.S.

 

Details at: http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=1574

 

Application Deadline: June 1, 2009

 

Please share this information with anyone you think can benefit from it.

Hate Crime Legislation Supported by Civil Rights Community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:          
April 23, 2009                                                             

Coalition Urges Swift House Passage of Bill to Strengthen Protection from Hate Crimes

Civil and Human Rights Groups and Faith Communities United in Support of Bill

 

Washington, DC – Today, the House Judiciary Committee marked up the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, legislation that enhances federal involvement against hate crimes where necessary and authorizes the prosecution of hate crimes based on sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability, in addition to race, color, religion, or national origin.

A wide coalition of national organizations has called for the passage of the LLEHCPA legislation. Leaders in the civil rights, human rights, and faith communities issued the following statements in support of the bill and an expected House vote next week:

“Violence against people because of who they are, where they worship, or the color of their skin, is the antithesis of what we stand for as a nation. Hatred that leads to violence is a matter of fundamental concern to the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights and its 200-member coalition and we are unified in our support of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act.” – Wade Henderson, President and CEO of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights (LCCR) 

“This is legislation that has bipartisan majority support for more than 10 years. It’s long past time for congress to act – and the legislation will really help make a difference for hate crimes victims.” – Michael Lieberman, Washington Counsel for the Anti-Defamation League (ADL)

“Too many times when heinous crimes are committed against people with disabilities, these offenses either go unreported or unprosecuted as hate crimes, even if the circumstances clearly show the victim was targeted because of a disability. AAPD strongly supports the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009, which, if passed, will help protect people with disabilities from those who commit violent, bias-motivated crimes by giving law enforcement resources to investigate and prosecute these crimes.” – Andrew Imparato, President and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) 

“The ACLU strongly supports the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act as protecting both civil rights and free speech and association.  We have found in our experience of fighting for stronger protections for civil rights and free speech and association rights that the two go hand in hand. Vigilant protection of free speech rights historically has opened the doors to effective advocacy for expanded civil rights protections.” – Caroline Fredrickson, Director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Washington Legislative Office

“After 10 years, and tens of thousands more victims, this critical legislation combating hate violence is long overdue.  On behalf of the overwhelming majority of the American people, and more than 300 law enforcement, religious and civil rights organizations, we urge Congress not to delay in sending this bill to the President’s desk where he has stated he will sign it into law.  We must not miss this opportunity to provide local police and sheriffs’ departments with the tools and resources they need to ensure that entire communities are not terrorized by hate violence.” – Joe Solmonese, President of Human Rights Campaign (HRC)

“As Jews and Americans committed to social justice, we commend the House Judiciary Committee for swiftly approving the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act.  Our nation’s great strength is built on pluralism and a deep respect for diversity. This critical piece of legislation will better protect all Americans from insidious bias-motivated violence.  These crimes are anathema to our values.” – Rabbi Steve Gutow, President of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA)

“The right to be protected and to be safe and free from physical harm or intimidation is the most fundamental of civil and human rights. We urge Congress to quickly pass the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, legislation that will enhance protections against hate crimes and give local police departments the resources they need to crack down on hate motivated violence.” – Benjamin Jealous, President and CEO of the NAACP

“Many communities of color have seen a spike in hate crimes and even though there are laws to protect hate crime victims, some do not go far enough.  This bill would give the federal government jurisdiction to prosecute hate crimes in states where the current law is inadequate and by passing it, Congress can send a strong message that acts of intolerance are unacceptable.” – Janet Murguia, President and CEO of the National Council on La Raza (NCLR) 

“It is essential that we make our nation’s civil rights laws just and equal for every individual. It is long past time for Congress to make clear that crimes of hate and prejudice will not be tolerated in America.” – Nancy Ratzan, President of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) 

“As Jews, we cherish the biblical commandment found in Leviticus 19:17: "You shall not hate another in your heart." We know all too well the dangers of unchecked persecution and of failing to recognize hate crimes for what they are: acts designed to target and terrorize an entire community. All violent crimes are reprehensible, but hate crimes rend the fabric of society and fragment communities. By providing federal officials the authority to investigate and prosecute cases in which violence occurs because of victims’ real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, gender or disability, the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act will significantly strengthen federal response to these horrific crimes.” – Rabbi David Saperstein, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism

FL: Action Needed TODAY to Secure Health Coverage

Submitted by Peter Thomas, CCD Health Taskforce Co-Chair (4/23/09):

ACTION NEEDED TODAY AND TOMORROW ON MEDIGAP LEGISLATION IN FLORIDA !

 

On Friday, April 24th, the Florida House will vote on an important bill for the disability community. House Bill 675 would mandate the availability of Medigap insurance to the below-65 population of people with disabilities.  This would extend access to important wrap-around insurance coverage for people covered by Medicare due to their SSDI, End Stage Renal Disease and ALS status.  Right now Medigap insurance is only available to seniors on Medicare.  Florida is a major bellweather state on health care issues and if this law is enacted in Florida, it will greatly assist in passage of a federal law applying to all 50 states.

 

A floor fight in the House is expected tomorrow on this legislation and the insurance lobby is strong in Florida.  If you live in Florida please call your Florida State House members TODAY and TOMORROW in favor of passage of H.R. 675.  This is a basic health care discrimination issue that must be corrected!  

 

Florida residents can identify their representatives in the Florida State House by accessing this link, www.myfloridahouse.com or by calling (850) 488-1157 and they will give you a phone number for the Member's office.

 

A Senate vote is expected soon on this same bill, as early as tomorrow or early next week.  Please also contact your Florida State Senator's offices and tell them to support the Senate companion bill, Senate Bill 1022.  It is critical that this law pass during these votes in the next few days.  Thank you for your prompt assistance.

April 29: CCA Day on the Hill; RSVP by April 23

April 29 is Community Choice Act Day:

Disability and Labor Advocates Unite!

 

On Wednesday, April 29, join the fight to pass the Community Choice Act (CCA)! Whether you are in

Washington, DC, or around the United States, your help is needed. ADAPT, SEIU and NCIL with the support of Philadelphia-area Local 1199C are working together for a historic march and lobby day to pass the CCA!

If you will be in DC on April 29, and want to march to Capitol Hill and lobby with us:

Meet us at 9:30 am sharp at the Holiday Inn located at 550 C Street SW. We will be marching rain or shine so dress appropriately. You will be assigned to a “color team” to stay with as you march and lobby, so be sure to look out for the people doing team assignments. Wear a t-shirt to represent your organization or your disability pride! This event will run till at least 3 pm. If you and/or your organization plan to attend, please RSVP by 5 pm April 23 to Amber at ambity@aol.com.  

If you will not be in DC, but want to coordinate a Hometown CCA Day:

We need your help! Gather up all the advocates you know to contact your legislators in DC and their home offices. You can call, fax, or e-mail your elected officials. If your elected officials support the CCA, thank them! If they don’t, encourage them to sign on ASAP! Doing this as a group makes the work a lot more fun. The best time to do this on April 29 is in the morning, if possible. If you and/or your organization plan to do a Hometown CCA Day event, please RSVP by 5 pm April 23 to Amber at ambity@aol.com.  On Friday, April 24, we will e-mail you materials you can use to successfully lobby or thank your legislators!

If you and your organization participated in the CCA Kickoff in March, this is a great follow up event. Let’s make 2009 the year we FREE OUR PEOPLE!

For more information about the CCA and ADAPT, see www.adapt.org.

NY: Mayor Bloomberg Publicly Embarrasses Wheelchair User

From the Daily News (4/16/09):

Mayor Bloomberg gets cranky on his way to supporting gay marriage; rebukes wheelchair-bound reporter

BY Adam Lisberg

Mayor Bloomberg blew a gasket on live TV Thursday as he prepared to voice support for gay marriage - berating a reporter in a wheelchair whose tape recorder accidentally started playing.

"Turn it off. It's a little too important for playing music," the mayor said, as a roomful of city and state politicians waited behind him.

"This is just too important to get disruptive, and maybe we'll just take everything outside."

For one minute and 36 seconds, Bloomberg stared at reporter Michael Harris of the Examiner blog until he could reach the recorder from his wheelchair and turn it off.

At one point, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn covered the microphone and appeared to whisper in Bloomberg's ear, "He's disabled."

"Okay, I understand that," the mayor replied. "He can still turn it off."...

>>>For the full article and accompanying video

Comment Below: I'm not exactly sure what to make of this... what is your reaction?