MOBILE, Ala., July 28 (UPI) -- Mobile, Ala., police allegedly used a stun gun on a deaf and mentally disabled man to get him to leave a bathroom at a store, police records show.
Antonio Love, 37, was forcible removed from the Dollar General store bathroom after officers shot pepper spray under the door and then used a stun gun on him for resisting arrest, the Mobile (Ala.) Press-Register reported Tuesday...
Continue reading here.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
London calling, yes I was there too!! Oh wait no I wasnt...
Its about time we had a feel good story around here, and I'm pretty sure I found the perfect one.
Heavy Load, a London punk band comprised of learning disabled individuals are fighting for the rights of disabled people everywhere to...PARTY!!! Read the whole article here.
You know, we talk so much about community integration. But how can people be truly integrated when much of their social life is subject to the constraints of staffing, be it in the form staff scheduling, costs of social activities, or even (unfortunately) staffs ideas of what a disabled person should or shouldn't do. Too often it seems, adults with disabilities are treated like children. If we want true community integration for adults, should we not facilitate adult activites and encourage adult interests?
Also, make sure to check out these guys on myspace, their music actually rocks.
Heavy Load, a London punk band comprised of learning disabled individuals are fighting for the rights of disabled people everywhere to...PARTY!!! Read the whole article here.
You know, we talk so much about community integration. But how can people be truly integrated when much of their social life is subject to the constraints of staffing, be it in the form staff scheduling, costs of social activities, or even (unfortunately) staffs ideas of what a disabled person should or shouldn't do. Too often it seems, adults with disabilities are treated like children. If we want true community integration for adults, should we not facilitate adult activites and encourage adult interests?
Also, make sure to check out these guys on myspace, their music actually rocks.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Restraining Disabled School Children Coming to an End?
Just read a great article here about the Government Accounting Office looking in to restraint in schools. Coming from a background in alternative education for disabled students, I have lots of experience with restraint, sometimes being "down" with a kid for hours (yes hours) at a time. Even being trained in "proper techniques", children sometimes still were hurt. One child suffered a broken leg within a week of moving in to the residence and starting the program, due to restraint. Interestingly, this particular program also used "positive behavior reinforcement", but not exclusively. Though no treatment was designated as "punishment" or a negative consequence (they were measures to keep people "safe"), it was clear that they were intended to punish. For instance, removing all items from somebody's bedroom except a bed, or seclusion procedures were people weren't allowed to sit at the table with others for meals were described as safety measures.
With creative language, and nothing overtly aversive, any measure used to control somebody's behavior at this well known children's program could be considered positive.
But the actual restraints were brutal. Three people would hold a child down for sometimes hours at a time. If there was understaffing, which was chronic, the frustration level among staff members would increase, leading to more potential for outright abuse.
If restraints were banned, how would schools deal with people who were becoming extremely violent towards themselves or others? The article mentions one school that just calls the police every time someone becomes aggressive. Is this realistic? Is it worth it if it means no child will have to be subject to a potentially abusive situation?
Hit the comment button and share your thoughts!
With creative language, and nothing overtly aversive, any measure used to control somebody's behavior at this well known children's program could be considered positive.
But the actual restraints were brutal. Three people would hold a child down for sometimes hours at a time. If there was understaffing, which was chronic, the frustration level among staff members would increase, leading to more potential for outright abuse.
If restraints were banned, how would schools deal with people who were becoming extremely violent towards themselves or others? The article mentions one school that just calls the police every time someone becomes aggressive. Is this realistic? Is it worth it if it means no child will have to be subject to a potentially abusive situation?
Hit the comment button and share your thoughts!
Monday, June 29, 2009
AMA Votes, Decides Obesity Not a Disability
The American Medical Association voted on whether obesity should be considered a disability, and the doctors decided it shouldn't. Read the whole article here.
The reasoning behind the doctors' decision is legal, they fear that if it were considered a disability, they could be sued for broaching the subject with patients.
Do you think doctors are putting themselves before patients? Are they protecting their own interests at the risk of enabling size related discrimination? Or does this decision merely show that doctor's are looking out for patients, because they want to be able to discuss all aspects of a person's health?
Tell us what you think by hitting the comment button below!
The reasoning behind the doctors' decision is legal, they fear that if it were considered a disability, they could be sued for broaching the subject with patients.
Do you think doctors are putting themselves before patients? Are they protecting their own interests at the risk of enabling size related discrimination? Or does this decision merely show that doctor's are looking out for patients, because they want to be able to discuss all aspects of a person's health?
Tell us what you think by hitting the comment button below!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Resurging Workplace Discrimination
During Fiscal Year 2008, disability discrimination charge filings with the EEOC nationwide rose to 19,453 -- an increase of 10 percent from the prior fiscal year and the highest level in 14 years, according to this article about a current suit against United Airlines.
Well, the economy tanked in 2008. Is a disabled person more likely to be let go in a time of nationwide economic hardship than a non disabled person?
Make your voice heard, let us know by hitting the comment button!
Well, the economy tanked in 2008. Is a disabled person more likely to be let go in a time of nationwide economic hardship than a non disabled person?
Make your voice heard, let us know by hitting the comment button!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Is White Castle an Impenetrable Fortress of Discrimination?
We have all seen the signs, no pedestrians or cyclers allowed to approach drive thru window! In many cases, fast food restaurants choose to close thier dining room and leave thier drive thru window open for vehicles. What does this mean for anyone who doesnt own a vehicle? In most cases, this means if you dont have a car, you better head home hungry. But one woman who utilizes a motorized wheel chair believes this is discriminatory towards the disabled who may not own a car and depend on thier mobility devices to get around town. Read the whole story here.
Do you believe this is a discriminatory issue? Are restaurants discriminating against the disabled, or against anyone who doesn't own a car?
Sound off by hitting the comment button below!
Do you believe this is a discriminatory issue? Are restaurants discriminating against the disabled, or against anyone who doesn't own a car?
Sound off by hitting the comment button below!
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