disability rights

Image of a stone sculpture in the shape of a large wrist and hand supporting the leaning trunk of an oversized tree. From UnSplash.

Support > neutrality: a real-life case study

This article pertains to a specific (past) situation that may or may not be familiar, or even relevant, to some readers who are viewing this. I do think the overall concept is of merit, which is why I will leave this up long after the matter has become “yesterday’s news.” I feel that it provides …

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Two blue text bubbles; the one on the right states, "Public Comment."

Let’s hope they don’t kick me off: these IACC public comments though…

So…I was recently appointed to the IACC, which is the federal advisory board that handles important autism-related matters at the national level. There were ~40-ish? people appointed in total, including 23 public members…and a full EIGHT of us public members are autistic! I am beyond grateful to have an opportunity to serve my community in …

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Disability Justice is Social Justice; Lean In

Cue the lights, cue the music. The video starts. A young lady with Down Syndrome stands on a grassy football field, her eyes glistening with tears that threaten to roll down her carefully made-up face as she is crowned Homecoming Queen to a chorus of thunderous applause. The next few minutes of the video are …

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I’m Nobody’s Token

“You’re not really supposed to be here,” she said. I was at the sink in the girls’ restroom washing my hands when the words shot out from behind me. I heard the words. I knew what they meant, but I didn’t know what they were supposed to mean. I turned around slowly, a little confused, …

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#JusticeForKayleb is reality. Good things DO still happen in the world…

(This has absolutely nothing to do with the post…but I just happened to glance at the date/time on the corner of my computer screen, and since it’s after midnight it is now 03/15. And because I am a total nerd on top of being a teacher, I can’t move on to the rest of the …

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Accommodation is What Respect Looks Like in Public/Upbeat CPR Rocks

Yesterday my youngest child turned five years old. Birthdays are a big deal around here, as no day is promised to any of us and I view a new year of life as a new adventure to be embarked on in the story of our lives. Additionally, in our family we don’t believe in a …

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#JusticeForKayleb NOW

Most people who know me know how passionate I am about things that I care about, especially human rights. It’s personal. I advocate and I write and I take action because I deeply believe in the causes I champion. I believe that regardless of age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ability status, nationality, socioeconomic level, HIV or …

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Gratitude/Update (#NoGroupHome)

Not too long ago, I sent out a desperate plea for help. My family was (is) faced with one of the most difficult situations we’d ever encountered, and we did not have the means to handle it alone. (Many of you might be familiar with the situation; but for those who are not, this link will …

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Speaking Truth to Power: Autistics Speaking Day!

(To learn about what “Autistics Speaking Day” is, click here.) This is my very first Autistic Speaking Day! And true to form, I’m writing this in the evening, the day of (it’s all about that time agnosia).  I have no idea if it will be able to be included, but I’ll try anyway.) 😉 Several months …

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