 06 January 19 PM It's Live on the HomePage Now: Reader Supported News
Talking About Elizabeth Warren's Likability Is a Way to Tell Women to Sit Down and Shut Up
 Danielle Tcholakian, The Daily Beast Tcholakian writes: "All conversations about the 'likability' of a political candidate are sexist, and to claim otherwise is to out oneself as a sexist hiding behind the gauziest veil of cover." READ MORE  Rashida Tlaib. (photo: Salwan Georges/WP/Getty Images)
Rashida Tlaib's Not Sorry She Used Profanity. And She Still Wants to Impeach Donald Trump.
Stephanie Griffith, ThinkProgress Griffith writes: "Rashida Tlaib's not swallowing her words." READ MORE  Rep. Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) stands during the 116th Congress swearing-in ceremony on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives at the U.S. Capitol on January 3, 2019, in Washington. (photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)
Why You Couldn't Find Big Media Coverage of Haaland and Davids
Jenni Monet, YES! Magazine Monet writes: "There is nothing new about Indian Country getting short shrift in the media, in politics, or in life in general." READ MORE  Elizabeth Cruz Cruz participates in mobility workshop in Mexico City. (photo: C.S. Monitor)
Job Horizons Widen for Those With Disabilities
Sara Miller Llana, Mark Trumbull, Whitney Eulich, The Christian Science Monitor Excerpt: "That's the message he is now taking to multinationals, multilateral organizations, and governments through his Toronto-based company Return on Disability Group. Hiring people with disabilities isn't about doing what's right, but about what's right for the bottom line." READ MORE  Protesters march in front of the supreme court in 2016. (photo: Alex Brandon/AP)
The Other Abortion Ban: I Wanted to Provide Abortions for My Patients. My Med School Wouldn't Teach Me How.
Stephanie Ho, The Washington Post Ho writes: "Medication abortion is one of the safest procedures out there; it's less risky than wisdom-tooth extraction (which requires anesthesia). But doctors and nurses in Arkansas are so afraid of abortions - and the attendant politics - that it's almost impossible to learn about them as a medical student, let alone administer them." READ MORE  Demonstrators turned up in Paris on Saturday. (photo: Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu)
France: 'Yellow Vest' Protesters Storm Ministry in Paris
Al Jazeera Excerpt: "'Yellow vest' protesters clashed with police in several French cities, smashing their way into a government ministry in Paris with a forklift." READ MORE
BREITBART NEWS?????
YOU HAVE TO QUESTION ZINKE'S CHOICE OF A WHACK-A-DING OUTLET CATERING TO THE UNINFORMED.
 Environmental activists. (photo: NurPhoto/Contributor/Getty Images)
The Term 'Eco-Terrorist' Is Back and It's Killing Climate Activists
Justine Calma and Paola Rosa-Aquino, Grist Excerpt: "When devastating wildfires were sweeping the West last fall, Ryan Zinke, who recently announced his resignation as Interior secretary, lay the blame for the blazes on a ragtag group of environmentalists. 'We have been held hostage by these environmental terrorist groups that have not allowed public access, that refuse to allow the harvest of timber,' Zinke said in an interview with Breitbart News." READ MORE |
Showing posts with label Disabilities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Disabilities. Show all posts
Monday, January 7, 2019
Talking About Elizabeth Warren's Likability Is a Way to Tell Women to Sit Down and Shut Up
Friday, May 19, 2017
American Values!
Remember this?
Dear Mr. Sanders:
I'm disabled in a profound way, but I've lived my life very, very much the way you lived yours. I'm progressive. I never listened to the doctors who repeatedly told me "you can't." I never listened to the people who tormented the hell out of me because I'm blind and deaf. I got my degrees (yes MULTIPLE) I have traveled the world, I've worked HARD all my life and I am and was always VERY conscientious and responsible financially. Health care costs have crippled me where my disability did not. Wages have crippled me where my disability did not. Discrimination in the U.S. has crippled me where my disabilities have not.
Two times now Mr. Sanders, I've gone without food in order to donate to your campaign because you do the things that I do. You surmount the impossible. How many would think that a deaf person can speak more than one language? How many would think that a blind person could live in many countries, get college degrees?
if the DNC should block out the voices of the millions, please honor the millions anyway. Please honor all of their donations and run for president ANYWAY. We have all made a commitment and endured hardships to see this through. And if the DNC can't see that, they are more crippled and useless than any of us who work and fight for our very voices to be heard.
If the DNC does not return to the people who gave it birth, then please Mr. Sanders, let us give birth to a new election process and declare Independent. Let that declaration be upon the steps of the very birth of our nation in Philadelphia at Independence Hall. Stand there where Washington, Jefferson and Madison stood. Tell us that you will be our president. Because we need you. Let Independence Hall be the birth of the new revolution through the Independent Party.
My fight is for my very existence. Your fight is for OUR existence. Let our existence and our donations have meaning and we will bring it to Washington D.C. Mr. Sanders. We will battle the new revolution and wrest this nation from the hands of the corrupt and the greed of what our gov't has become.
Just please, let the fact that I went without food have meaning. I'm tired, Mr. Sanders,of juggling food needs with medical needs and rent with electricity. Let this nation become what it should be and once was. Let it be YOU, President Sanders, who brings this nation back to that for which we stand. Freedom, honor and strength.
Sincerely,
Friday, December 23, 2016
CounterCurrents: Will Joseph and Mary be allowed to travel to Bethlehem today ?, How To Face A Trump Presidency: Resist, Reconnect, Renew
Dear Friend,
President-elect Donald Trump sent out a tweet on Thursday that sent shock waves around the world. The tweet said, “The United States must greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability until such time as the world comes to its senses regarding nukes.” If this is going to be the nuclear policy of the new government we all have a lot to worry about.
Temperatures in the Arctic are currently about 20C above what would be expected for the time of year, which scientists describe as “off the charts”. Sea ice is at the lowest extent ever recorded for the time of year. Canadian Climate activist Bill Henderson calls on PM Trudeau to wake up to the greatest threat that humanity ever faced or step down.
Respected journalist P. Sainath reports, with the note-ban crippling money orders, migrant workers in Maharashtra are unable to send cash home to hungry families. In Adul, Aurangabad, labourers from five states are struggling with a bank system they don’t understand and which doesn’t work for them.
Mirza Yawar Baig has a facinating story from the jungles which says if you observe the jungle law closely, you will understand that humans have a lot to learn from it.
Also other stories from around the world.
I'm going home to visit my 93 year old mother this Christmas. Sorry, no update for two days.
Jesus was the greatest Palestinian ever borne. Will Joseph and Mary be allowed to travel to Bethlehem today to give birth to baby Jesus? No. The apartheid wall will stop them. If Mary were to give birth this Christmas, it is very likely that she would die in one of those Israeli check points, like many other Palestinian women.
If you don't mind, and if you think the content of this news letter is critical for the dignified living and survival of humanity and other species on earth, please forward it to your friends and spread the word. It's time for humanity to come together as one family! You can subscribe to our news letter here http://www.countercurrents.org/news-letter/.
In Solidarity
Binu Mathew
Editor
www.countercurrents.org
Trump’s Tweet And The Danger Of Nuclear War
by James Cogan
http://www.countercurrents.org/2016/12/23/trumps-tweet-and-the-danger-of-nuclear-war/
A tweet sent Thursday by President-elect Donald Trump advocating the expansion of the US nuclear weapons arsenal has become the top news story around the world. Trump wrote: “The United States must greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability until such time as the world comes to its senses regarding nukes.”
Trudeau Sleeping While The Arctic Melts In Winter
by Bill Henderson
http://www.countercurrents.org/2016/12/23/trudeau-sleeping-while-the-arctic-melts-in-winter/
Our PM is a dead man walking. Trudeau and his government have already done lasting harm to our country by failing to respond effectively to the foremost issue threatening Canada: climate change.
Black Snake Bleeding Out: How DAPL Is Duping Investors
by Anthony Karefa Rogers-Wright
http://www.countercurrents.org/2016/12/23/black-snake-bleeding-out-how-dapl-is-duping-investors/
The Dakota Access pipeline (DAPL) is yet another violent variable in the equation of environmental racism that plagues the United States, and the world—to the peril of Indigenous and low-wealth communities of color everywhere.
BPL XI: They’re Mobile, Their Money Isn’t
by P. Sainath
http://www.countercurrents.org/2016/12/23/bpl-xi-theyre-mobile-their-money-isnt/
With the note-ban crippling money orders, migrant workers in Maharashtra are unable to send cash home to hungry families. In Adul, Aurangabad, labourers from five states are struggling with a bank system they don’t understand and which doesn’t work for them
All Money Should Be Used For Public Good
by Marcin Gerwin
http://www.countercurrents.org/2016/12/23/all-money-should-be-used-for-public-good/
Interview with Christian Felber Author and activist on issues of social justice, democracy and economics. Initiator of the projects “Economy for the Common Good” and “Bank for the Common Good”. Co-founder of the Austrian branch of Attac. His most recent book is “Geld. Die neuen Spielregeln”.
How To Face A Trump Presidency: Resist, Reconnect, Renew
by Sarah van Gelder
http://www.countercurrents.org/2016/12/23/how-to-face-a-trump-presidency-resist-reconnect-renew/
We are the ones to build the world we want, starting in our communities. We can build democracy, inclusion, love, new sources of energy, and locally rooted economies. And doing so will feed our souls and build relationships that sustain us. The work is ours to make the revolution where we live.
Road Blocks To Data Retention: Invalidating The Snoopers’ Charter
by Dr Binoy Kampmark
http://www.countercurrents.org/2016/12/23/road-blocks-to-data-retention-invalidating-the-snoopers-charter/
Deemed by the Home Office an exemplar of legislation balancing security and freedoms, the UK Data Retention and Investigatory Powers Act (DRIPA), otherwise known as the Snoopers’ Charter, did not impress the EU Court of Justice. The case had been brought in 2014 by two MPs, David Davis and Tom Watson. Davis had since evacuated from the brief, leaving Watson to savour the proceedings
Super Fund Sites: Home Facts For Concerned Citizens
by Richard Oxman
http://www.countercurrents.org/2016/12/23/super-fund-sites-home-facts-for-concerned-citizens/
What are teachers teaching? The ones I’ve crossed paths with lately not only don’t know about the location of such threats in their communities, they don’t seem to care to learn about them (so that they can spread the word). The former has to do with ignorance, the latter with stupidity, not wanting to know about something one is ignorant about.
American Muslim Groups Welcome Decision To End Program Once Used To Track Muslims
by Abdus Sattar Ghazali
http://www.countercurrents.org/2016/12/23/american-muslim-groups-welcome-decision-to-end-program-once-used-to-track-muslims/
American Muslim civil advocacy groups Thursday (Dec. 22, 2016) welcomed President Barrack Obama’s decision to permanently dismantle the regulatory framework behind the National Security Exit-Entry Registration System (NSEERS) also called “Special Registration.”
Who Is President Duterte, Really?
by Andre Vltchek
http://www.countercurrents.org/2016/12/23/who-is-president-duterte-really/
But who is he, really? Who is this man who is threatening to close down all US military bases, to reach permanent peace with the Communists and Muslim insurgents, to realign his foreign policy and ideology with China and Russia, and to save the lives of tens of millions of poor people of the Philippines?
Respect Earns Respect
by Mirza Yawar Baig
http://www.countercurrents.org/2016/12/23/respect-earns-respect/
If you observe the jungle law closely, you will understand that humans have a lot to learn from it
Accommodating Persons With Disabilities In Jobs
by K Bharathi
http://www.countercurrents.org/2016/12/23/accommodating-persons-with-disabilities-in-jobs/
Disability is both a cause and consequence of poverty. Poor people are more likely to become differently abled and people with disabilities are among the poorest and most vulnerable group of population mainly due to the lack of access to education, skills and employment opportunities. To break this vicious cycle of poverty and to make PWDs included in the mainstream, it is important for all institutions of the society to be more inclusive and accommodative.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
The Sickness that has become Republicans
Senate GOP kills disabilities treaty
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Tue Dec 4, 2012 1:00 PM EST
Getty Images
Bob Dole couldn't persuade Senate Republicans.
Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole (R-Kan.) made a rare Senate appearance this morning, sitting in a wheelchair just off the floor so that members would have to see him as they entered the chamber. Why? Because they were poised to vote on ratification of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, and Dole hoped to send a message.
It didn't work. The Senate killed the treaty this afternoon, with a final vote of 61 to 38, which seems like a lopsided majority, but which fell short of the two-thirds necessary for ratification. Eight Republicans broke ranks and joined Democrats in support of the treaty, but the clear majority of the Senate GOP voted to block it.
The U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities, for those who've forgotten, is a human rights treaty negotiated by the George H.W. Bush administration, which has been ratified by 126 nations, including China, Russia, Iran, Cuba, Syria, and Saudi Arabia.
But most Senate Republicans saw it as a threat to American "sovereignty," even though the treaty wouldn't have required the United States to change its laws. When the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the treaty with bipartisan support in July, Chairman John Kerry (D-Mass.) explained the proposal simply "raises the [international] standard to our level without requiring us to go further."
In other words, we wouldn't actually have to do anything except say we like the treaty -- and then wait for other signatories around the world to catch up to the United States' Americans with Disabilities Act.
The treaty was endorsed by Dole, John McCain, and Dick Lugar, among other prominent Republican figures, but it didn't matter. The GOP's right-wing base, led in part by Rick Santorum, raised hysterical fears about the treaty, and most Senate Republicans took their cues from the party's activists, not the party's elder statesmen.
Update: Here's the roll call on the vote. All 38 opponents were Republicans.
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Tue Dec 4, 2012 1:00 PM EST
Getty Images
Bob Dole couldn't persuade Senate Republicans.
Former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole (R-Kan.) made a rare Senate appearance this morning, sitting in a wheelchair just off the floor so that members would have to see him as they entered the chamber. Why? Because they were poised to vote on ratification of the U.N. Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, and Dole hoped to send a message.
It didn't work. The Senate killed the treaty this afternoon, with a final vote of 61 to 38, which seems like a lopsided majority, but which fell short of the two-thirds necessary for ratification. Eight Republicans broke ranks and joined Democrats in support of the treaty, but the clear majority of the Senate GOP voted to block it.
The U.N. Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities, for those who've forgotten, is a human rights treaty negotiated by the George H.W. Bush administration, which has been ratified by 126 nations, including China, Russia, Iran, Cuba, Syria, and Saudi Arabia.
But most Senate Republicans saw it as a threat to American "sovereignty," even though the treaty wouldn't have required the United States to change its laws. When the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the treaty with bipartisan support in July, Chairman John Kerry (D-Mass.) explained the proposal simply "raises the [international] standard to our level without requiring us to go further."
In other words, we wouldn't actually have to do anything except say we like the treaty -- and then wait for other signatories around the world to catch up to the United States' Americans with Disabilities Act.
The treaty was endorsed by Dole, John McCain, and Dick Lugar, among other prominent Republican figures, but it didn't matter. The GOP's right-wing base, led in part by Rick Santorum, raised hysterical fears about the treaty, and most Senate Republicans took their cues from the party's activists, not the party's elder statesmen.
Update: Here's the roll call on the vote. All 38 opponents were Republicans.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Massachusetts Disability Cuts
The Arc offered the following --
Ask Gov. to take Disability Services off chopping block
Cuts imminent to Day Hab, Dental, PCA, AFC and Podiatry
In a disappointing turn of events and despite our best efforts, the Governor and his Administration have announced that they will address the $307 Million MassHealth budget gap with cuts to critical long-term disability services, including Day Habilitation, Dental and other services. Cuts translate into elimination of services or reductions of more than 20%.
The long term care cuts that significantly affect our population include:
1. Day Habilitation (cuts one hour of service each day and reduces rates, which together equates to a more than 20 percent cut)
2. Adult Dental restorative services
3. Personal Care Attendant services (eliminates services for those receiving less than 14 hours/week)
4. Podiatry services (eliminates access for all except those with diabetes)
5. Adult Foster Care - payment rates reduced and access eliminated for instrumental needs (money mgmt, food and other shopping, transportation, etc. Details to be confirmed.)
The consequences of these cuts will be dire. In order of daily impact, they include:
Day Habilitation - Reduction of rate and program hours to 5 hours/day from 6 hours. 7,200 people willneed additional supervision or support at home.More than 65 percent of those being cut live in residential housing which means residential providers will have to provide an additional hour of service daily - equals 50% of the cut.
Cutting an hour only saves money ifstaff salaries are also reduced andthis wouldresult in staff turnover and greater difficulty recruiting new staff. We estimate this cut translates into a cut of more than 20% or $27 Million in annual savings.
Dental Services -- Restorative care (dentures etc.) is being eliminated. We are told that Exec. Office of Health & Human Services is addressing the need for individuals with I/DD in this regard. Cut is estimated at more than $50 Million annually.
PCA services-- 1,600 individualswith a need for less than 14 hours/week of PCA services will lose their services and find themselves without options. Cut estimated at $6.4 Million annual savings.
Adult Foster Care -- Cut will lower rate and possibly change eligibility regulations for those who need assistance only in instrumental activities of daily living (money management, transportation, etc.); also includes cuts in group adult foster care. Estimatecombined annual savings of $26 Million.
Podiatry services - All except those with diabetes will lose podiatry services.They will be at higher risk for infections and related problems, especially those living in residences. Annual savings is unclear.
Use this Action Alert to send the Governor a message now, asking him to hold true to his promise to protect people with disabilities.
Take Action!
Ask Gov. to take Disability Services off chopping block
Cuts imminent to Day Hab, Dental, PCA, AFC and Podiatry
In a disappointing turn of events and despite our best efforts, the Governor and his Administration have announced that they will address the $307 Million MassHealth budget gap with cuts to critical long-term disability services, including Day Habilitation, Dental and other services. Cuts translate into elimination of services or reductions of more than 20%.
The long term care cuts that significantly affect our population include:
1. Day Habilitation (cuts one hour of service each day and reduces rates, which together equates to a more than 20 percent cut)
2. Adult Dental restorative services
3. Personal Care Attendant services (eliminates services for those receiving less than 14 hours/week)
4. Podiatry services (eliminates access for all except those with diabetes)
5. Adult Foster Care - payment rates reduced and access eliminated for instrumental needs (money mgmt, food and other shopping, transportation, etc. Details to be confirmed.)
The consequences of these cuts will be dire. In order of daily impact, they include:
Day Habilitation - Reduction of rate and program hours to 5 hours/day from 6 hours. 7,200 people willneed additional supervision or support at home.More than 65 percent of those being cut live in residential housing which means residential providers will have to provide an additional hour of service daily - equals 50% of the cut.
Cutting an hour only saves money ifstaff salaries are also reduced andthis wouldresult in staff turnover and greater difficulty recruiting new staff. We estimate this cut translates into a cut of more than 20% or $27 Million in annual savings.
Dental Services -- Restorative care (dentures etc.) is being eliminated. We are told that Exec. Office of Health & Human Services is addressing the need for individuals with I/DD in this regard. Cut is estimated at more than $50 Million annually.
PCA services-- 1,600 individualswith a need for less than 14 hours/week of PCA services will lose their services and find themselves without options. Cut estimated at $6.4 Million annual savings.
Adult Foster Care -- Cut will lower rate and possibly change eligibility regulations for those who need assistance only in instrumental activities of daily living (money management, transportation, etc.); also includes cuts in group adult foster care. Estimatecombined annual savings of $26 Million.
Podiatry services - All except those with diabetes will lose podiatry services.They will be at higher risk for infections and related problems, especially those living in residences. Annual savings is unclear.
Use this Action Alert to send the Governor a message now, asking him to hold true to his promise to protect people with disabilities.
Take Action!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
The Least Among Us
Budgets, whether state or national, are moral documents that reveal our priorities.
.More than ever, the Massachusetts Budget represents legislators who are unwilling to make unpopular decisions, stand up to powerful unions, address pension abuse and eliminate hacks.
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Instead, they have scrapped programs that affect the "least among us," the disabled.
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The Arc offered the following --.
More than $200 million of devastating cuts pending in Senate Ask your Senator to co-sponsor disability amendments
More than 23,000 adults and children with disabilities and their families are slated to LOSE crucial services. These cuts will be devastating (see below).
Please use our Action Center to ask your Senator to co-sponsor and support these vital amendments. Please personalize the email to your Senator and if you can, follow up with a phone call to reinforce.
IF THE LATEST BUDGET GOES THROUGH, THIS IS WHAT TO EXPECT:
8,000 getting Day Habilitation services... CUT
2,600 adults getting Day/Employment services... CUT
11,000 families getting Family Support and Respite services... CUT
500 people getting essential transportation services... CUT
Thousands of adults getting Dental Health services... CUT
624 students graduating from school and needing Turning 22 services... CUT
And this is only a partial list.
All told, there will be a $243 million shortfall, leaving thousands of individuals and families stranded with nobody to help them, no place to go during the day, and nowhere to turn for a safety net.
Friday, December 12, 2008
The Arc
The Arc of Massachusetts issued the following announcement --
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – DECEMBER 12, 2008
THE ARC CELEBRATES GOVERNOR’S PLAN TO CLOSE FOUR STATE INSTITUTIONS
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Waltham – Governor Patrick’s historic announcement today to close four of Massachusetts’ six institutions (Fernald, Glavin, Monson and Templeton) over the next four years is a clear victory for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Commonwealth, and those who care and advocate for them.
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The administration’s plan features the transition of hundreds of individuals from institutional settings to integrated community living options. Despite sharp national trends toward community-based options, 900 individuals statewide remain in institutions.
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“Our state can provide services and supports for the widest range of individuals with disabilities,” said Leo V. Sarkissian, Executive Director of The Arc of Massachusetts, “and these services can and should be provided in people’s homes, not in institutions. Nobody should be excluded.”
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Six of the seven institutions remaining in New England are in Massachusetts despite the fact that people in community settings have a better quality of life at far less cost.
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“We appreciate the tremendous commitment that Gov. Patrick and Secretary of Health and Human Services JudyAnn Bigby have shown to serving people in their communities, where they are best served,” said Fred Misilo, President of The Arc of Massachusetts. “The truth is that the closure of these institutions is long overdue.”
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Those living in Massachusetts’ institutions today have similar characteristics (age, level of disability, health issues) as those who have been leaving Massachusetts facilities for decades. Past facility closures in Massachusetts (Belchertown State School, 1992; Dever Developmental Center, 2002) have seen over 95% of residents transition to community settings.
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The average cost of serving an individual in an institution is nearly double the cost serving them in the community ($570/day to $293/day) The Department of Developmental Services (formerly Department of Mental Retardation) serves more than 33,000. A full 15 percent ($187.5 million) of that $1.2 billion budget goes to serving the 2.7 percent who live in institutions.
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According to Sarkissian, the closure plan will allow for better use of those limited state resources. “For the thousands of people on waiting lists for family support, respite, residential and other services, this decision is a godsend,” Sarkissian said. “At least now, the inadequate funds that are available can go where it does the best good, in the community.”
.
Sarkissian noted that some families with loved ones at institutions may be anxious about moving. “We certainly recognize that some families feel their son or daughter’s current living situation is best, but we are optimistic that the transitions can be positive for everyone involved,” Sarkissian said. “Our network includes many families who have gone through similar experiences, and these families we will be available as support.”
More information:
· Fact Sheet: Dispelling the Myths about Massachusetts Institutions
· Arc analysis of October 2008 federal Fernald Ruling (includes link to Judge Sandra Lynch’s ruling)
The mission of The Arc of Massachusetts is to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. We accomplish this through advocacy of supports and services based in the community. Through advocacy and collaboration with others, The Arc of Massachusetts has helped to establish and maintain significant legislation and funding on both the state and federal levels.
.
.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – DECEMBER 12, 2008
THE ARC CELEBRATES GOVERNOR’S PLAN TO CLOSE FOUR STATE INSTITUTIONS
.
Waltham – Governor Patrick’s historic announcement today to close four of Massachusetts’ six institutions (Fernald, Glavin, Monson and Templeton) over the next four years is a clear victory for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Commonwealth, and those who care and advocate for them.
.
The administration’s plan features the transition of hundreds of individuals from institutional settings to integrated community living options. Despite sharp national trends toward community-based options, 900 individuals statewide remain in institutions.
.
“Our state can provide services and supports for the widest range of individuals with disabilities,” said Leo V. Sarkissian, Executive Director of The Arc of Massachusetts, “and these services can and should be provided in people’s homes, not in institutions. Nobody should be excluded.”
.
Six of the seven institutions remaining in New England are in Massachusetts despite the fact that people in community settings have a better quality of life at far less cost.
.
“We appreciate the tremendous commitment that Gov. Patrick and Secretary of Health and Human Services JudyAnn Bigby have shown to serving people in their communities, where they are best served,” said Fred Misilo, President of The Arc of Massachusetts. “The truth is that the closure of these institutions is long overdue.”
.
Those living in Massachusetts’ institutions today have similar characteristics (age, level of disability, health issues) as those who have been leaving Massachusetts facilities for decades. Past facility closures in Massachusetts (Belchertown State School, 1992; Dever Developmental Center, 2002) have seen over 95% of residents transition to community settings.
.
The average cost of serving an individual in an institution is nearly double the cost serving them in the community ($570/day to $293/day) The Department of Developmental Services (formerly Department of Mental Retardation) serves more than 33,000. A full 15 percent ($187.5 million) of that $1.2 billion budget goes to serving the 2.7 percent who live in institutions.
.
According to Sarkissian, the closure plan will allow for better use of those limited state resources. “For the thousands of people on waiting lists for family support, respite, residential and other services, this decision is a godsend,” Sarkissian said. “At least now, the inadequate funds that are available can go where it does the best good, in the community.”
.
Sarkissian noted that some families with loved ones at institutions may be anxious about moving. “We certainly recognize that some families feel their son or daughter’s current living situation is best, but we are optimistic that the transitions can be positive for everyone involved,” Sarkissian said. “Our network includes many families who have gone through similar experiences, and these families we will be available as support.”
More information:
· Fact Sheet: Dispelling the Myths about Massachusetts Institutions
· Arc analysis of October 2008 federal Fernald Ruling (includes link to Judge Sandra Lynch’s ruling)
The mission of The Arc of Massachusetts is to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. We accomplish this through advocacy of supports and services based in the community. Through advocacy and collaboration with others, The Arc of Massachusetts has helped to establish and maintain significant legislation and funding on both the state and federal levels.
.
This is a significant commitment by Gov. Patrick's Administration and they deserve praise for their accomplishments.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Ignoring God's children
The following was sent by The Arc --
It is startling to see your life depicted on a television show, especially when that show is a top-rated crime drama. This week's episode of Law & Order, titled "Challenged," showcased the challenges facing millions of American families, including mine.
The plot revolved around Pete, a 47-year-old man with intellectual disabilities who had been sent to a state institution by his parents when he was only 3. Willowbrook, the real-life New York institution closed in 1987, was described as a "hell hole." Now living in a community home, Pete today enjoyed his unique group of friends, diverse caregivers and the respect of his employer.
This episode's moral dilemma questioned parents who willingly place a child with disabilities in a state institution. It bitterly, and quite accurately, described the immeasurable stress that disabilities bring to a family and the lack of support they receive.
The writers, however, made one mistake. Several times the dialogue referenced, "that's how things were done then," suggesting times have changed. For many families, things have hardly changed at all.
As the parents of 8-year-old identical twins with severe developmental disabilities, my wife and I have come face to face with this moral dilemma. Our pediatrician recently told us that we should "prepare to place them somewhere" in the next couple of years. In other words, he recommended we institutionalize our children.
This happened in 2008, not 1964. While many parents make this difficult decision, it does not come easy. As reported in The Dallas Morning News, all 11 Texas "state schools" for people with developmental disabilities are currently under investigation by the Department of Justice for alleged abuse.
Most families want to stay together. However, as shown on Law & Order, the physical, emotional and financial strain on a family without support can be insurmountable. Community-based services cost less than institutionalization, but Texas forces people with disabilities to endure waiting lists for nearly a decade before receiving help. Not surprisingly, for families who can no longer go it alone, there is no waiting required to place their child into our DOJ-investigated institutions.
With almost 100,000 people on waiting lists, and more citizens institutionalized than in any other state, Texas ranks among the worst five states in the nation for disability services. Collin County has the lowest per capita funding for people with developmental disabilities in Texas. In cruel irony, Plano was recently named the wealthiest city in the United States.
In other words, the most prosperous city in America is at the bottom of the bottom for helping God's children most in need.
The lack of adequate care for people with disabilities is pervasive. Earlier this week, local news aired video from a Dallas County school bus showing a driver choking a student with disabilities. While most professional caregivers are compassionate, abuse is not isolated to certain areas, just as it was not isolated to the 1960s.
Caring for people is a matter of choice. Our state lawmakers can choose to end the waiting lists, while the federal government can chose to provide funds to upgrade education, housing and employment options. Our schools can choose to improve staff training and provide quality programs and supports. Our churches can choose to respond to God's word and "treat with special honor" those he created differently.
While these choices are not cheap, the costs pale in comparison to the destruction of families who have no choice at all.
Clay Boatright is president of The Arc of Dallas, and serves on the board of directors for The Arc of Texas. Clay and his family live in Plano; his e-mail address is clay@jnine3.org.
It is startling to see your life depicted on a television show, especially when that show is a top-rated crime drama. This week's episode of Law & Order, titled "Challenged," showcased the challenges facing millions of American families, including mine.
The plot revolved around Pete, a 47-year-old man with intellectual disabilities who had been sent to a state institution by his parents when he was only 3. Willowbrook, the real-life New York institution closed in 1987, was described as a "hell hole." Now living in a community home, Pete today enjoyed his unique group of friends, diverse caregivers and the respect of his employer.
This episode's moral dilemma questioned parents who willingly place a child with disabilities in a state institution. It bitterly, and quite accurately, described the immeasurable stress that disabilities bring to a family and the lack of support they receive.
The writers, however, made one mistake. Several times the dialogue referenced, "that's how things were done then," suggesting times have changed. For many families, things have hardly changed at all.
As the parents of 8-year-old identical twins with severe developmental disabilities, my wife and I have come face to face with this moral dilemma. Our pediatrician recently told us that we should "prepare to place them somewhere" in the next couple of years. In other words, he recommended we institutionalize our children.
This happened in 2008, not 1964. While many parents make this difficult decision, it does not come easy. As reported in The Dallas Morning News, all 11 Texas "state schools" for people with developmental disabilities are currently under investigation by the Department of Justice for alleged abuse.
Most families want to stay together. However, as shown on Law & Order, the physical, emotional and financial strain on a family without support can be insurmountable. Community-based services cost less than institutionalization, but Texas forces people with disabilities to endure waiting lists for nearly a decade before receiving help. Not surprisingly, for families who can no longer go it alone, there is no waiting required to place their child into our DOJ-investigated institutions.
With almost 100,000 people on waiting lists, and more citizens institutionalized than in any other state, Texas ranks among the worst five states in the nation for disability services. Collin County has the lowest per capita funding for people with developmental disabilities in Texas. In cruel irony, Plano was recently named the wealthiest city in the United States.
In other words, the most prosperous city in America is at the bottom of the bottom for helping God's children most in need.
The lack of adequate care for people with disabilities is pervasive. Earlier this week, local news aired video from a Dallas County school bus showing a driver choking a student with disabilities. While most professional caregivers are compassionate, abuse is not isolated to certain areas, just as it was not isolated to the 1960s.
Caring for people is a matter of choice. Our state lawmakers can choose to end the waiting lists, while the federal government can chose to provide funds to upgrade education, housing and employment options. Our schools can choose to improve staff training and provide quality programs and supports. Our churches can choose to respond to God's word and "treat with special honor" those he created differently.
While these choices are not cheap, the costs pale in comparison to the destruction of families who have no choice at all.
Clay Boatright is president of The Arc of Dallas, and serves on the board of directors for The Arc of Texas. Clay and his family live in Plano; his e-mail address is clay@jnine3.org.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Some Things Aren't Funny!
The Arc offered the following commentary (click links to read the articles in their entirety):
Help The Arc Fight Offensive Portrayal of People with Intellectual Disabilities
Help The Arc Fight Offensive Portrayal of People with Intellectual Disabilities
Background
Tropic Thunder is an action/adventure/comedy scheduled for nationwide release on August 13 and promises to be one of the blockbusters of the summer. DreamWorks is the film's producer and Paramount is its distributor. The premier will be held in Los Angeles, California on Monday, August 11.
Tropic Thunder is an action/adventure/comedy scheduled for nationwide release on August 13 and promises to be one of the blockbusters of the summer. DreamWorks is the film's producer and Paramount is its distributor. The premier will be held in Los Angeles, California on Monday, August 11.
The film features popular actors Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr. and Jack Black as self-absorbed actors filming a big-budget war movie on location. Through a series of freak occurrences, they are forced to become the soldiers they are portraying. Stiller plays Tugg Speedman, a fading action star who earlier failed in his bid for an Oscar as "Simple Jack," a man with an intellectual disability. "Simple Jack" is featured as a film-within-a-film, with Stiller sporting a classic institutional bowl haircut and bad teeth (see poster below). The film within-a-film's slogan is "What he doesn't have in his head, he makes up for in his heart." A satirical plot synopsis quotes a critic as saying that Speedman's Jack was "one of the most retarded performances in cinema history."
Disability News offered:
There are those who view the word “retard” as offensive and demeaning, and think it fuels social stigma against vulnerable people. And there are others, like perhaps the R-rated film’s star, director and lead writer Ben Stiller (at left in an image from one of the studio’s marketing websites), who may think the word is inoffensive and a good complement to the film’s other gags, stunts, explosions and gross-out jokes.
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