active citizen

Tag: active citizen

04
Apr
2016

On Us

categories: Advocacy

Many meetings about disabled people do not include them. Disabled people have been left out of many talks and decisions. They can be about little things, like their daily lives. They can be about big things, like national rules about disabled people.

In the 1990s, however, an old term was translated into English. It quickly became the motto of the worldwide disability rights movement. In five words, it says exactly what disabled people want and how they want it.

“Nothing About Us Without Us”

In other words: do not talk about us without including us.
Do not make laws about us without asking what we think. Do not say something is wheelchair-accessible without talking to wheelchair users. Do not talk above us at meetings. Do not have panels of experts on autism without an autistic person. Do not make clothes for people with cerebral palsy without having people with cerebral palsy test them. Do not write books about blindness without blind people.

For most of history, disabled people have been seen as less than non-disabled people. People were locked up in places called institutions. They were often little better or a lot worse than jails. Many non-disabled people think disabled people need to be taken care of. They think disabled people cannot take charge, and make changes in their lives, or in the lives of other disabled people.

We disabled people know that is simply not true. We have a lot to say. To get our points across, we talk with:

sign language
speech devices
writing, and more

Today, the slogan “Nothing About Us Without Us” is the title to a popular book by James Charlton. It is about how disabled people are running their own lives. It’s about how they are changing the world. It is also the slogan of groups like the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. It was the theme of the United Nations International Day of the Disabled Person in 2003. It has even moved beyond the disability world. It has been used by other groups who are not treated well by others.

“Nothing About Us without Us” is a simple phrase. Yet it is very important. It tells everyone that disabled people want our voices to be heard. We want our thoughts to matter, because they do.

08
Apr
2015

Keep Calm and Vote On

categories: Voting & Government

I was texting with my friend, who happens to have autism. I asked her about the upcoming election for president. I asked, “Who are you going to vote for?” She answered, “I already sent in my absentee ballot. The last time I went to vote, it was sensory hell.” She had a tough time at the polling place in her town. She went on to tell me that the workers acted like she was stupid. She had trouble with the bright lights, noises and long lines. She wasn’t sure what line to get in. She got nervous. When she gets nervous, she talks loud and doesn’t even know it. Her story made me wonder if there was an easier way to vote if you have autism.

What is the law for polling place access for people with disabilities?

In 2002, the Feds signed the Help America Vote Act (HAVA)[1] . Many voting places were tough to figure out if you had a disability. Two mandates were decided on:

1. Accessibility costs money. So a grant program was created to give money to towns and cities so they could upgrade their polling places.

2. Every polling place in the United States was to have at least one voting machine that was private.

Pretty simple. But not so easy in reality. How could someone with autism have a shot at voting in person? A simple checklist could help. And make sure you are registered to vote! You can’t show up the day of the election. You must register ahead of time. Call your city or town hall for instructions.

Simple steps to make voting in person easier

1. Plan your visit. Call your town hall or city hall. Ask if you can stop by the night before the election. The voting booths should be set up. Find out the best time to vote. Ask what time of day has the shortest lines.

2. Ask about the private voting booth. Where is it located? Does your polling place even have one? If not, find a booth at the end of an aisle so you have some privacy.

3. Pack a “sensory” kit – bring a koosh toy, gum, or stress ball. Wear ear plugs. Use whatever will work to reduce your stress. If you get stuck in a long line, you’ll be glad you have something else to focus on.4. Get the name of the person who can help you on voting day. Can this person check you in?

5. Bring a picture ID! You may have to prove who you are.

6. Get a sample ballot ahead of time, if you can. Know who you are voting for before you show up. Know what issues are on the ballot.

7. Know what to do after you vote. Ask about where you turn in your ballot and where you check out.

8. Bring a friend or family member. He or she can help you if you get confused or feel like you are going to have a panic attack.

Keep calm and vote on!

[1] H. R. 3295—33 PART 2—PAYMENTS TO STATES AND UNITS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO ASSURE ACCESS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

04
Jul
2012

Voting: An Important Issue for Everyone

categories: Voting & Government

Has it really been four years since our last Presidential election? Somehow I find that hard to believe but it’s true, and once again we need to start thinking about who we want to vote for.

Whether you are strongly committed to a specific candidate or not quite sure yet who you want in office, we all need to be registered to vote and start paying attention.

For people with disabilities, it is especially important to vote not only for the President, but also in state and local elections. A new official in office can make budget changes that effect services like job coaching or residential staff. Or maybe there are other issues that are really important to you like education or the environment.

Whatever the issue may be, you need to decide what is important to you in making the world a better place.

Choosing an issue

Sometimes choosing an issue that we are passionate about is overwhelming, as I learned when teaching at Suffolk last spring. I asked my business students in their first class to share with me what the most important issue was to them in the next Presidential election and I was surprised to see many of them actually needed suggestions.

Growing up in the 70s, this was a bit of a concern.

Now this was a bright, involved, 20- something group of students but what I realized is they had never been encouraged to really think about social issues that affect their lives. Maybe it is because the media chooses the issues they think are important for us, and we just follow along.

Getting ready to vote

That’s where education and general discussion comes in. If you haven’t already, you can easily find out how to register to vote. The website, https://registertovote.org/forms/register/registration/massachusetts.html, in fact will give you the information you need.

But more important, you need to start thinking about the issues that mean something to you and talk about it. Talk to your family, friends, coworkers, anyone whose opinion you respect and make some decisions about how you want things to go in the world.

Then look at the candidates running for office, their websites can be very helpful, and decide who will make the world a better place, in your opinion.

This month, we will learn about a panel discussion being coordinated by DDS to help educate people with disabilities about how to vote, how to choose and why it is important. You will hear from Rick Camara who is coordinating the event and is passionate about getting people out to vote.

If we start doing our homework now, come November, we will be educated voters. And then maybe we will see changes in the world that we can be proud of.

02
Nov
2011

People with Disabilities Have Major Impact as Board Directors

categories: Education

Ever been on a board of directors for a nonprofit? If so, you know it’s a pretty big responsibility.

You have meetings to go to, some more exciting than others. You have to pay attention to the budget and be sure money is spent in a responsible way. You attend fundraisers, bring your friends, and share your passion for whatever the organizations stands for.

And hopefully, the board you join represents a diverse community inclusive of those that the organization serves. For nonprofits serving people with disabilities, that simply means that the board should include people with disabilities.

Yet, for many this appears to be a challenge.

Challenges or excuses?

There are lots of reasons given for not having people with disabilities on boards.

One common excuse is boards shouldn’t include people that are actually being served by the agency. Yet it seems to be fine if it is a nonprofit with an educational mission and the board includes parents of children served.

Of course there is always the problem with comprehension. A person with an intellectual disability may not understand the discussion and may not even be able to read. But I have to ask, have you ever been on a board and sat through the financial report? Look around and tell me how many board directors are really grasping the details of the profit and loss being shared. Trust me; not many.

My personal favorite is the transportation challenge. How will they get there if they don’t drive? The fact that most board members are not only capable but very willing to pick up another person is never even considered.

Making it happen

This month we will speak to Board members at several organizations that addressed these challenges and made a conscious decision to recruit, train and support people with disabilities as board directors and advisors. We will also speak with a board member who is a respected member of the board and also happens to be a person with an intellectual disability.

As they share their experiences, the challenges don’t appear to be so challenging anymore. In fact, people with disabilities are not only capable of being board members; their valuable contributions clearly have a lasting impact on all.

22
Nov
2010

Ten Great Websites to Keep You Informed

categories: Education

Ready to get involved?

The following 6 website links will keep you educated on bills, community issues and state government throughout the year.

1. Where To Vote & to Locate Your Legislators will identify your elected officials and voting location.

2. Massachusetts Legislative Bills & Laws offers information on existing bills and laws in Massachusetts.

3. Massachusetts on Ballotpedia provides nonpartisan information on Massachusetts ballot news.

4. Congress.org provides information on public policy issues of the day and tips on effective advocacy. Sign up to get their weekly newsletter and an email of your representative’s vote on recent bills.

5. OpenCongress.org lets you know what’s happening in Congress by providing official government data and news coverage.

6. League of Women Voters/Mass is a well respected citizens’ organization that encourages community involvement and hosts political forums in various communities.

For Disability Issues, these links are all helpful.

1. arcmass.org Take advantage of what Arc has to offer to stay informed.

Sign up on their listserv and the Action E-List on Massachusetts Arc Legislative Action Center to be notified when you can make a critical difference on important state issues.

2. Impacted by Recent Cuts to Disability Services? Know Your Rights is a handy resourceful guide provided by Arc MASS

3. Mass Families Organizing for Change sponsors conferences, workshops and forums to educate individuals and community members about advocacy, services and local, state and federal resources.

4. Disability Policy Consortium members have access to advocacy training, lobbying leadership, legislative email alert service, and information on issues of importance. Check out their weekly updates on website.

Be sure to share your favorites with us.

17
Nov
2010

Becoming a Leader in Your Community

categories: Community, Education

Last week we were inspired by John, this week it continues with Andrea.

Andrea Kelly is a civic leader in Newton who has been actively involved with the League of Women Voters since the mid 80’s. Andrea is making a difference.

Getting Started

We discussed how she first became involved.

“I was home on maternity leave and was looking for something to do. A friend of mine told me about the League of Women Voters, so I signed up for their monthly newsletter to learn what was happening in Newton,” at that time a bedroom community to Andrea.

The newsletter presented many local issues and ways of being involved, one being observing the Aldermanic Land Use committee. It got her attention, an easy commitment of only two monthly meetings.

So she joined, and began her path to becoming educated.

Educated and involved

As we discussed the League and the role it has played in her life, Andrea described it with passion.

“The League is the only multi-issue, non-partisan, volunteer advocacy group in the community that educates people on an array of issues.”

For Andrea, that comprehensive education provided opportunities to become involved well beyond land use.

“I became interested in affordable housing and joined the Newton Housing Partnership. As I became connected locally, I was appointed to the Design Review Committee that reviews all projects in the city.” child care and education also became dominant topics during the years her children were in those age groups.

We discussed other ways to become educated and involved.

“Some of the most active civic organizations in our community include churches and synagogues. They address social issues locally, but also on a national and international basis. ”

A leader emerges

In listening to Andrea, I began to realize that she had truly become a leader, respected not only because of her intelligence, but because she was passionate and obviously capable of getting things done.

“When I became an affordable housing advocate, I saw NIMBY (not in my backyard) from people in my own community. While it was frustrating, I quickly understood I had to take a deep breath and realize this was an opportunity for education, rather than becoming oppositional.”

That’s what can happen when you get involved. You learn patience, because change isn’t easy. You learn communication because you really need to listen to both sides. . . And in the process you may find you’ve become a respected leader.

So get involved; the community needs you.

10
Nov
2010

Choosing to Stay Involved in Your Community

categories: Community, Education

This week I introduce John Anton, a self-advocate who is an inspiration to others as he works hard to make a difference in his local and statewide community.

I sent the following questions to John about his role as a civic activist; he and his support advisor, Fran Hogan sent the answers.

John, please tell us about yourself.

“I am a Legislative Intern for State Representative Tom Sannicandro and a Legislative Advocate and Mentor at The Arc of Greater Haverhill/Newburyport. I am also on the Disability Law Center Board, a member of the Haverhill Trails Committee and am active in my church.”

How did you first become interested in issues in your community?

“When I graduated from high school I went to a sheltered workshop. We didn’t have enough work to do and it was very boring. I got jobs at fast food places and Market Basket, but I didn’t fit into any of these jobs either. Employment for me and other people with disabilities became one of my first issues. Transportation was also important because it was difficult for all of us.”

Tell us about your role as a legislative intern at the state house.

“I go to hearings, read bills and research what will affect individuals and families when budget cuts are made. Then I share this information with other self-advocates who follow up with phone calls, emails and visits to legislators when needed.”

How do you choose the issues you want to be involved in?

“It’s hard because they are all important. What helps is studying the state budget and seeing where funding cuts will affect services.
When I was chairperson for Mass Advocates Standing Strong (a statewide self-advocacy group), the issues of transportation, employment, closing institutions, guardianship, and self-determination all became important to me and they still are.”

Why should people be involved?

“You should want to be involved because your voice and your vote count (link to video in new window with John and others talking about importance of voting). Tax cuts affect everyone, especially people with disabilities and their families. If services are cut, individuals may have to stay home and family members will need to quit their jobs to take care of them. If you understand what is happening, you can do something about it.”

What are the best ways for people to be involved?

“Join a self-advocacy group or state-wide committee, attend conferences, volunteer in your community, and research things you are interested in on the Internet. It is also important that your legislators and local officials know who you are.
With the elections over, I will be organizing other advocates to join me in contacting the new legislators and educating them on what is important to individuals with disabilities. We also need to ask them how to work together in the future to make positive changes for everyone.”

Inspired yet?

03
Nov
2010

So the Elections are over, now what?

categories: Voting & Government

It’s November 3rd, elections are over and you voted. You should feel proud, but have you thought about how you plan to stay active as a civic member of your community?

At this point, you may be thinking that your vote was enough. After all, elections are a lesson in patience and we are all thrilled to see the end of automated phone calls during dinner and negative ads when we were just trying to watch Glee.

But if you really want to be part of your community, you have to do more than just vote. Being an active citizen means paying constant attention to issues that affect all of us. This includes issues for people with disabilities, but it also includes issues that affect the broader community you live in.

Choosing issues that matter to you

There are basically two types of issues you may want to be aware of in your town and state.

First, there are issues specifically affecting the disability community. A reduction in state taxes for example will cut services, which is an important issue that requires your attention.

At the same time, you want to remember that you are also a member of a broader community with additional issues.
Planning on getting older? A proposed senior center may be something you hope to use someday.
Do you have a dog? You may be concerned about having more dog parks.
Can’t afford housing in the town you want to live in? Groups committed to affordable housing may be something to join.

Committed members of your community

This month, we will hear from John Anton an active civic member of his community. John understands the need to pay attention to issues affecting the disability community and the broader community because he is committed to both.

We will also hear from Andrea Kelly about the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization committed to educating people on important community issues that matter well beyond the elections. In addition, Andrea shares her thoughts about a number of ways you can get involved in your community.

It’s November 3rd and you should be proud if you voted. But let’s take some time this month to also think about how you can be an active member of your community in the year ahead. .. and more importantly, why you may want to.