Posted on January 23, 2012 by Guest blogger: Stephanie Russell, DEAF Way Interpreting and Community Services
Imagine you’re 12 years old, sitting in your 6th grade classroom. A few kids are laughing and joking, others are discussing after school plans, and the teacher is giving instructions on a huge science project. Now, imagine that you can’t hear any of this.
Read MorePosted on January 20, 2012 by Willie Kimbrough, Jr.
With the New Year come new resolutions, motivations, and responsibilities. If you are an advocate for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) then you might want to consider a new role this year.
Read MorePosted on January 18, 2012 by Shawn D'Abreu
The supporters of the twin pro-discrimination laws HB1219/SB592 often say these laws “mirror” the Civil Rights Act of 1965 and other federal laws. This is a strange line of argument, considering most conservatives insist that states should not be bound by Federal precedent.
Read MorePosted on January 13, 2012 by Kimberly Lackey
The Missouri Attorney General, Chris Koster, has created a disability advocates roundtable group focused on outreach and education on accessibility issues. This “Accessibility Initiative” works to increase accessibility in Missouri in all places of public accommodations.
Read MorePosted on January 11, 2012 by Thomas Green
In times of emergency, many of us would reach for our phone and immediately dial 9-1-1 for help. I would hesitate calling 9-1-1 myself, all because I am deaf and I have to wonder if the 9-1-1 call center can truly help me in this situation.
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Posted on January 05, 2012 by Megan Burke
Our dear friend and colleague in the Independent Living Movement, Sherry Kuhlman, passed away last week, leaving this world a little better place through the life she led. Sherry had worked at Paraquad seventeen years, from 1994 until her retirement in June of 2011. She believed strongly in the independent living philosophy changing the lives of many individuals.
Read MorePosted on January 02, 2012 by Amanda Beals
Last month, Attorney General Eric Holder gave a speech at the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library and Museum in Texas stating the White House’s commitment to protect the civil rights and voting rights of all Americans. Right now, the focus seems to be on new Election Laws and whether or not political players are sacrificing our rights for their gain. I think an even bigger concern should be on how we have been sabotaging our own rights and our own voices each election year.
Read MorePosted on December 21, 2011 by Shawn D'Abreu
I’m a bit uncomfortable calling this a “forecast”. I’m neither a prophet nor a weatherman. But it may be instructive to gather up relevant information, consider past experience and look ahead to see what’s coming over the horizon.
Read MorePosted on December 16, 2011 by Amanda Beals
In 1965, President Johnson signed one of the most crucial pieces of Civil Rights Legislation into law-the Voting Rights Act. With the passage of this legislation, President Johnson insured the protection of one of our most fundamental rights as human beings-the right to have a voice and be heard. It was only with the passage of this legislation that we were given the opportunity to use the power of the Disability Community and take control over the major political decisions that affect our lives.
Read MorePosted on December 09, 2011 by Kirsten Dunham
In a recent post, disability rights attorney Steve Gold analyzed data on the progress states are making on re-balancing their Medicaid long term services and supports systems since the 1999 Supreme Court Olmstead decision. Missouri disability rights advocates have been working to assure that people’s rights are enforced and that Missouri effectively implements the Olmstead decision, and we have seen success!
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