JFActivist

Happy Hanukkah: A dreidel for the blind spins a new, year-round lesson

From the Houston Chronicle (12/3/09):

A dreidel for the blind spins a new, year-round lesson

By NICOLE NEROULIAS

LAKE OSWEGO, ORE. — For centuries of Hanukkah celebrations, the dreidel has served as both children's toy and religious symbol, marked with Hebrew letters that stand for “a great miracle happened there.”

Artist and Jewish scholar Marsha Plafkin Hurwitz's version of the four-sided top is more than child's play. It's also a conceptual sculpture, disability aid and sensitivity training tool.

She fashioned a metal dreidel featuring raised Braille bumps several years ago. First marketed as modern Judaica, “The Braidel (The Braille Dreidel)” joined the collections of the National Museum of American Jewish History and the Jewish Museum of London. Now it's finding fans among disability-rights advocates.

Hurwitz, a graduate of New York's Jewish Theological Seminary, is now spinning it off as a classroom game for all ages, with input from Portland State University's Project Braille program.

“It's taken on a life of its own,” Hurwitz said, leafing through a prototype of The Braidel Game manual at the kitchen table of her suburban home south of Portland, Ore. “This is something for Jews, Christians, Muslims, anyone who wants to engage how their tradition has treated disability.”

By making a tradition from the Jewish festival of lights accessible to the visually impaired, Hurwitz has set a much-needed example for the entire community, said Becca Hornstein, executive director of the Arizona-based Council for Jews With Special Needs...

>>> For the Full Article

Burning Bright: Musicians with Disabilities Live the Dream with 'Flame'

From ABC (11/27/09):

Flame's Members Say Disabilities Won't Stop Band From Making Music
N.Y. Band Members Live With Blindness, Autism, Down Syndrome
By MARY PFLUM and SUZAN CLARKE

Many start-up bands dream of achieving worldwide fame one day.

That the band Flame achieved the dream is remarkable in and of itself. But the band is extraordinary in another respect: Each musician has a physical or mental disability.

Indeed, Flame is the only touring band in the world to be wholly composed of disabled members.

The upstate New York band's members live with conditions that include Down syndrome, cognitive delays, autism, cerebral palsy and blindness...

>>> For the Full Article

>>> To Check out Flame's Rockin' website

Comment Below: Has anyone seen this group perform? Would you be more likely to see or book a band of musicians with disabilities?  Seeing members of our community living out their dream always inspires me to chase my own.  What are your dreams and how can our community support you in reaching them?

President Celebrates International Day of Persons with Disabilities

From the White House (12.3.09):

 

For Immediate Release

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, 2009
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

This year, in an effort to renew our global commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms for persons with disabilities, the United States became a proud signatory of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This treaty represents a paradigm shift, urging equal protection and benefits for all citizens, and reaffirming the inherent dignity and independence of the 650 million people living with disabilities worldwide. Today, as we commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we celebrate the skills, achievements, and contributions of persons with disabilities in America and around the world. We recognize the progress we have made toward equality for all, and we rededicate ourselves to ensuring individuals with disabilities can reach their greatest potential.

Despite our increased efforts, persons with disabilities continue to face barriers to their full participation in society. In the United States, Americans with disabilities still experience discrimination in the workplace and in their communities. In developing nations, 90 percent of children with disabilities do not attend school, and women and girls with disabilities are all too often subjected to deep discrimination. If we are to move forward as a people, both at home and abroad, all individuals must be fully integrated into our human family.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a time to renew our commitment to the principles of empowerment, dignity, and equality. The United States has co-sponsored and joined consensus on the United Nations General Assembly Third Committee's resolution titled, "Realizing the Millennium Development Goals for Persons with Disabilities." We must continue to embrace diversity and reject discrimination in all its forms, and insist on equality of opportunity and accessibility for all. Let our efforts remind us that when we work together, we can build a world free of unnecessary barriers and include every member of our international community.

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 December 3, 2009, as International Day of Persons with Disabilities. I call on all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

Survivor, the Disabled Version, Comes to U.K. TV

From Time (11/17/09):

Survivor, the Disabled Version, Comes to U.K. TV
By Catherine Mayer / London

To television executives depressed over the dwindling audiences for reality TV shows and looking for ways to reinvigorate the once hugely profitable genre, the following pitch might be compelling. "We've got this great show for you. We're going to take six strangers and strand them somewhere really remote; we'll film them as they struggle to survive. You say it's already been done — there's  I'm a Celebrity — Get Me Out of Here! and Survivor and, here in Britain, Castaway. But here's the twist: our participants will be ... disabled! Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Cast Offs, a uniquely challenging reality TV show."...

...The show, scheduled to begin airing on Britain's Channel 4 on Nov. 24, is a mockumentary-style drama that apes the reality format it satirizes and seethes with sex, profanity and gloriously politically incorrect dialogue. But it stars actors who in real life share the same disabilities of the characters they portray...

...It's the twisted brainchild of producer Joel Wilson, ...[who]originally envisaged Cast Offs "as something broadly satirical that would poke fun at the way disability is generally viewed ... We wanted to show the disabled were no more and no less f___ed up than anyone else."

>>> For the Full Article

Not Everyone Is Happy about 'Glee'

From the AP (11/10/09):

`Glee' wheelchair episode hits bump with disabled
By LYNN ELBER

LOS ANGELES – The glee club members twirl their wheelchairs to the tune of "Proud Mary" and in joyful solidarity with Artie, the fellow performer who must use his chair even when the music stops.

The scene in Wednesday's episode of the hit Fox series "Glee," which regularly celebrates diversity and the underdog, is yet another uplifting moment — except to those in the entertainment industry with disabilities and their advocates.

For them, the casting of a non-disabled actor to play the paraplegic high school student is another blown chance to hire a performer who truly fits the role.

"I think there's a fear of litigation, that a person with disabilities might slow a production down, fear that viewers might be uncomfortable," said Robert David Hall, longtime cast member of CBS' "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation."

All of that is nonsense, said Hall: "I've made my living as an actor for 30 years and I walk on two artificial legs."...

>>> For the Full Article

President Proclaims White Cane Safety Day, 2009

From the White House (10/15/09):

White Cane Safety Day, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

All Americans deserve the freedom to participate in every aspect of our society and pursue their full measure of happiness.  For blind Americans, the white cane is a potent symbol of that freedom—affording them greater independence and mobility.  Today, we renew our commitment to provide full inclusion and equal opportunities for those among us who are blind or have low vision.  As Americans, we must nurture a society that values the unique abilities and individual contributions of all its people.

Individuals who are blind or have low vision are less constrained and better integrated in our country than ever before, but much work remains to ensure they have the opportunity to reach their full potential.  My Administration is committed to securing full and equal access to education and employment for blind Americans and all those with disabilities.  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act substantially increased funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, as well as vocational rehabilitation services, including job training, education, and placement.

For Americans who are blind or have low vision, a white cane is just one of a wide range of tools that sustain independence and productivity.  In recent years, refreshable Braille displays and speech synthesis devices have given these individuals access to the Internet, unlocking a new frontier of limitless possibility.  As we encourage the development of new assistive technologies, we must also improve access to existing tools.  The Braille code has opened a doorway to literacy for countless individuals, but far too many blind children in our country are not learning to read it.  By improving Braille literacy, we will secure a brighter future for these young Americans.

In the 45 years since White Cane Safety Day was first proclaimed by President Lyndon Johnson, Americans who are blind or have low vision have achieved substantial progress.  As leaders in government and business, academics, and the arts, they have made remarkable contributions to our Nation, proving that sight is no requisite for success.  We will continue to strive for a more just and equitable Nation that celebrates diversity in all its forms and promotes the full inclusion of all individuals in our communities.

By joint resolution approved on October 6, 1964, (Public Law 88-628, as amended), the Congress designated October 15 of each year as White Cane Safety Day to recognize the contributions of Americans who are blind or have low vision.   
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 15, 2009, as White Cane Safety Day.  I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

Helen Keller Unveiled in Capitol

Helen Keller Statue Unveiled in the Capitol Rotunda

AAPD Celebrates Installation of Helen Keller Statue in US Capitol Building

A dedication ceremony for the memorial statue of Helen Keller was held in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Wednesday October 7.  Helen Keller is famous as the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts  (Radcliffe, 1904), was world famous as a speaker, writer and political activist, and is a symbol and icon for people with disabilities.

 

Many AAPD board and staff attended the event including Andrew Imparato, President & CEO, AAPD Board Members Meredith Ryan-Reid, Kelby Brick, Bobby Coward and Wendy Elliiott-Vandivier, and staffer Jenifer Simpson.  The statue is the first child to be depicted in The National Statuary Hall and the first well-known person with a disability.

Speakers at the event included Congressional Representatives Nancy Pelosi (CA), John Boehner (OH) and Steny Hoyer (MD), in addition to Senators Mitch McConnell (KY) and Harry Reid (NV).  Additional remarks were made by Carl Augusto, President & CEO of AFB, and Governor Bob Riley of Alabama.

Every speaker lauded Helen Keller's lifetime achievements as a “change agent” including stating she is now "among the immortals" now that her statue is added to the National Statuary Collection.  Several speakers quoted Keller's statement: "Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the face" and referred to her as "a true American hero."

Representatives from many disability organizations attended including Dan Arabie, President of the American Association for Deaf-Blind, Melanie Brunson, Executive Director of the American Council of the Blind, Carl Augusto, President & CEO of the American Foundation for the Blind, and Kelly Buckland, Executive Director of the National Council on Independent Living.  Other groups represented included the National Association of the Deaf, AG Bell Association for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, and the Helen Keller National Center.  Over 400 people attended the dedication event in the historic & spectacular U.S. Capitol Rotunda.

More on Helen Keller at http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=1

More on the US National statuary collection at http://www.aoc.gov/cc/art/nsh/index.cfm

More on the Capitol Rotunda at http://www.aoc.gov/cc/capitol/rotunda.cfm

URGENT: Save Long Term Services and Supports in Health Care Reform

From CCD (10/7/09):

URGENT: We understand that the CLASS Act is coming under attack as the Senate Finance and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committees begin to merge the two bills into one Senate health reform bill.  Please have lots of people sign and FAX the attached message (Download CLASS Act letter) to their Democratic Senator who serves on one of those Committees (Finance or Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP)).  This is urgent.  Please spread the word and get people to FAX these messages ASAP.

The message needs to be FAXed to Capitol Hill offices tonight (October 7) and Thursday morning (October 8). For your Senator's Fax info go to your Senator's website at http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Whatever you can do would be great.  The CLASS Act and the CFC Option are complementary and CLASS supports the CFC Option.

AAPD Meets with Disability Representatives from Armenia

AAPD Meets with Disability Representatives from Armenia

Through a meeting sponsored by the League of Women Voters, AAPD met with Kamo Davtyan, Executive Director of Syunik Disabled People’s Support Coalition, “Voghji,” from the city of Kapan, the capital of Syunik province in southern Armenia. Mr. Davtyan was accompanied by another Voghji member, Ms. Meline Astsatryan, and several other people representing other non-profit organizations who are touring the U.S. to learn more about effective coalition-building. The Voghji disability coalition’s goals are to support the rights of people with disabilities, to facilitate their integration into society, to create employment opportunities and to propose and support legislative initiatives that support people with disabilities. Mr. Davtyan noted that there are about 600,000 people with disabilities in Armenia, or 20% of Armenia’s 3 million population.

Davtyan, who is disabled, leads the organization which currently has two paid employees and 20 unpaid volunteers and is entirely funded by the business community. One recent achievement is a decree enacted by the mayor that states "no new construction will be approved in Kapan if it does not include plans for ramps for the disabled." The challenge for Davtyan's group is to ensure that this decree is properly enforced. Another plan is to refurbish an old house as a center for people with disabilities, or one stop shop for services, information, and other activities. Other plans include obtaining a car to travel from village to village and acquiring technical support on issues relating to legislation and best practices. There is also a legislative effort underway to have a governmental decree issued for disability civil rights.

Information on Armenia at http://www.lwv.org/Content/ContentGroups/PressReleases/2008/ArmeniainBrief.pdf

More on Kapan, Armenia, home to disability coalition Voghji, at http://travel.mapsofworld.com/armenia/tourist-destinations-in-armenia/kapan-armenia.html

More on the League of Women Voters coalition-building activity in Armenia at http://www.lwv.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Home&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=13947

Story  by  Jenifer Simpson, Senior Director, Government Affairs & Technology Initiatives, American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
Washington, DC USA  Email JSimpson@aapd.com

LPA: October is National Dwarfism Awareness Month

From LPA (10/2/09):

LITTLE PEOPLE OF AMERICA RECOGNIZES OCTOBER AS

NATIONAL DWARFISM AWARENESS MONTH

 

October has been declared National Dwarfism Awareness Month by Little People of America.  Little People of America (LPA) is a national support organization for people with dwarfism and their families.  LPA provides peer, parent and medical support for the dwarfism community. 

LPA began in 1957 with actor Billy Barty and 20 short-statured friends.  The first LPA meeting was monumental for a group of people who were severely mislabeled and misunderstood by society.  Today, Little People of America is a thriving international organization providing much needed support, education, educational scholarships, and community outreach.

In declaring Dwarfism Awareness Month, LPA hopes to raise positive awareness around dwarfism, address common misconceptions, and increase opportunities for people with dwarfism around the country. 

“People with dwarfism are no different than any other person.  We may just need a well-placed stool.  Our members are children, college students, business professionals, doctors, engineers, mechanics, artists and teachers.  We can do anything an average-height person can do,” says Lois Lamb, LPA President and a person with dwarfism.

"Raising a child with dwarfism is new for most parents.  Being part of LPA has made a tremendous difference.  My daughter and I both have great friends and role models.  High school is not an easy time for most teens, but neither of us feels alone in dealing with any extra challenges," says Joanna Campbell, average-height mother of a teen with dwarfism.

More about LPA and dwarfism:

• There are over 200 distinct forms of dwarfism and skeletal dysplasias.
• People with dwarfism are generally not taller than 4' 10" at adult height. The typical height range is 2'8" to 4'5".
• Eighty percent of people with dwarfism have average-height parents and siblings.
• There are an estimated 30,000 people in the United States and 651,000 internationally with a type of dwarfism.
• In July 2009 the word "midget" was declared inappropriate and offensive. Preferable terms are: having dwarfism, short stature, little person, lp, and the medical terminology use of dwarf.  A person's name is always the most preferred.
• LPA has registered a complaint with the FCC over the use of the "m" word.  Our goal is to raise awareness around the offensive impact of the word in order to eliminate use of it in media, popular culture and in everyday language. 
• LPA has 6500 members across the United States and includes 70 chapters active in all 50 states.
• Skeletal Dysplasias affect bone growth, but generally do not affect cognitive abilities.
• LPA hosts an annual national conference each July which draws 2500 attendees for a week of activities, including educational and medical workshops, sports, and social networking and events.

For more information about National Dwarfism Awareness Month, please visit www.lpaonline.org or call 1-888-LPA-2001.  Events supporting National Dwarfism Awareness Month will be occurring throughout the United States all during the month.  Contact the chapter in your area, or the Regional Coordinator for Dwarfism Awareness Month listed on the website.

The National Dwarfism Awareness Month program is dedicated to increasing public knowledge about people with dwarfism. 

Mission of LPA    "LPA is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with dwarfism throughout their lives while celebrating with great pride Little People’s contribution to social diversity.  LPA strives to bring solutions and global awareness to the prominent issues affecting individuals of short stature and their families."

The LPA National Office is located in Southern California. You may also contact Joanna Campbell, Executive Director at info@lpaonline.org or (714)368-3689.