Posted on October 04, 2012 by Jeff Gorman, content producer for The Mobility Resource and BraunAbility wheelchair vans.
Helping people with disabilities find jobs and educational opportunities was a major focus of the 2012 National Forum on Disability Issues on Sept. 28 at the Hyatt Regency, sponsored by Paraquad.
Read MorePosted on September 25, 2012 by Thomas Green
I have spent hours as I grew up learning how to speak and how to lip read. I have been told often that if I want to be successful, I have to learn how to speak and talk like non-deaf people. It is ironic how my first language is American Sign Language (ASL) but there was no emphasis on formally learning ASL in an educational setting. For this year’s International Week of the Deaf, September 24 – 30, 2012, World Federation of the Deaf has adopted the theme “Sign Bilingualism is a Human Right”. Sign language, regardless of where you are, is a native language of deaf people.
Read MorePosted on September 14, 2012 by Kirsten Dunham, Guest Blogger
In Bulgaria, I was able to spend time with public officials, disability-related organizations, and people with disabilities. I talked about disability policies and the importance of consumer involvement at meetings with government officials.There are many similarities in terms of the challenges that we in the U.S. and our brothers and sisters in disability are dealing with the Central and Eastern Europe.
Read MorePosted on September 07, 2012 by Kirsten Dunham, Guest Blogger
Paraquad participated in the Professional Fellows Program “Citizens Legislative Advocacy in Minority Communities” sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. In April, Paraquad hosted Peter Lazarov from Sofia, Bulgaria. I had the privilege to participate in the U.S. delegation that traveled to Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania and Slovakia. I met a lot of wonderful people, and learned that all countries are facing challenges in disability rights despite perceived advantages. It was a reminder that no system has it all right, and there is much more work to be done.
Read MorePosted on August 30, 2012 by Chris Worth
It’s back to school time! For many people with disabilities, if not all, this means meeting with some system barriers. The truth is that whether you have a developmental disability like me or any other type, chances are the education system nationwide is not meeting your needs. When examining the education system in regards to organizing this community it becomes clear that education reform is needed.
Read MorePosted on August 29, 2012 by Michelle Bishop
Those who knew Justin Dart say he had a way about him. Justin could tell an entire crowd “I love you” in such a way that every single person gathered before him felt he meant it just for them. Perhaps it was this way of speaking, of being, that made Justin Dart arguably the father of the modern disability rights movement. He wore his love for his fellow people with disabilities on his sleeve and inspired would-be revolutionaries across the country.
Read MorePosted on August 28, 2012 by Kimberly Lackey
Although there have been vast improvements since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, inaccessible sidewalks and curb ramps still create barriers for individuals with disabilities. People with disabilities want to live independently in their own communities, however, inaccessible sidewalks make this very difficult. Disability rights advocates must advocate for these changes to create communities that are accessible for all. In order to do effective advocacy you must know your rights. Ask yourself a few questions; who is responsible for the sidewalks, why is thesidewalk not accessible, what needs to be done to make it accessible, who can enforce these requirements? Below is some information to help you answer some of these questions.
Read MorePosted on August 23, 2012 by Kimberly Lackey
Paraquad is going to begin dedicating at least one blog post a month to relevant legal issues. These blog posts will discuss various legal issues of importance to the disability community. Readers will also have the ability to ask questions and post comments about the topic
Read MorePosted on July 26, 2012 by Willie Kimbrough, Jr., ADA Specialist
On July 26th, we will recognize and celebrate the 22nd anniversary of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Today, we take for granted many of the things like curb cuts and accessible restrooms that were not commonly available before the act’s passage. And at the same time, we recognize that there is still much work to be done to ensure that all people have the opportunity to be independent in their own communities.
Read MorePosted on July 20, 2012 by Ann Conrath, Public Policy and Advocacy Intern
On Wednesday, July 18, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee was supposed to take up the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), a treaty that includes obligations to promote, protect, fulfill, and ensure the rights of persons with disabilities. The intent was for the committee to take up the CRPD in time for a vote by July 26, the 22nd anniversary of the American’s with Disabilities Act. However, senators who have yet to support the CRPD have delayed the markup and votes needed for ratification.
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