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Blog: THE NON-MILITARY DISABLED  

It warms my heart every time I see the progress being made in assistance to our wounded warriors who return from Iraq and Afghanistan disabled. I marvel at the advanced technology incorporated into prosthetics they are fitted for, the modern wheelchairs and other updated aids to daily living. A few days ago I saw a house donated to a wounded vet that had been constructed by his neighbors, equipped with the latest adaptive equipment and totally accessible for his electric wheelchair. 


It did make me wonder though. Is this technology going to reach those disabled who are not vets? Will there be approvals forthcoming for this equipment? Is it now going to become easier for non-military disabled to get the same quality of care and assistance?  Are attitudes toward the disabled changing for the better? Will the public support us now? Will our quality of life improve?



The fight for rights of the disabled has been a long, hard-fought struggle that continues to this day. In spite of the fact that accessibility has benefitted not only the disabled, but the general public (ex. mothers pushing baby strollers using curb cuts, automatic doors, etc.) the struggle of the disabled for affordable accessible housing, the right to work for those of us who are willing and able, modern prosthetics, medicare approvals, accessible transportation, home aides (I could go on and on) is by no means over. 



We must continue our struggle to be recognized and not treated as second-class citizens, and not forced to live in abject poverty as most of us do. 



I have an aide who suffers from lupus. After she leaves my apartment she goes home and collapses in her bed. A divorcee, raising 3 children, she does not get enough alimony to make ends meet so trying to stay off of welfare she works for me. However, the government - state and federal- monitor her earnings like a hawk. Although she is allowed to work 700 hours a month and only works 24, she is being threatened with losing her health care or having her benefits cut. 



Another former aide, a divorcee as well who is single-handedly raising 8 children was forced to quit after receiving a notice that her health care coverage would be taken away because she was working 12 hours a week.  



In order for the disabled who are not able to work to receive state or federal assistance we must stay 300% below the poverty line. These income limitations are stifling and forcing us to live hand-to-mouth on extremely tight budgets depending on relatives and friends for anything extra such as getting a tooth filled, a movie, a magazine subscription, a dinner out or other such "luxuries".  Preventive health care is not allowed and even physical therapy is limited. Many communities have no public transportation, leaving many of us house-bound.



In order for us to get what we require we must continue our fight for a decent quality of life. Just give us what we need and we will take care of ourselves. We want the freedom to be independent. 

 
Posted: Nov 27, 2008 4:49pm | comment (0) | discuss () | permalink    
Tags:
  Message: Hello from Mette  

Dear friends,



I would like to introduce myself: I live in Denmark, Europe, so my environment and experience may be different from most of you.



Shortly after the death of my dear husband and colleague in the work for human rights, I got ill and found myself in a wheel chair.



I have been a member of Amnesty International (AI) since the early 60's, and thus have experienced how the organization developed from being an org only working for the release of prisoners of conscience to the present days' all round human rights org. 



However I have realized that in spite of all intentions about being an all round human rights organization, AI has not at all focus on human rights of disabled people. This is the main reason why I joined Care2. I think AI should - together with disabled organizations - encourage all countries to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled People. Besides AI should - in connection with it's campaigns about human rights in different countries - draw special attention to the vulnerability of disabled people in crisis situations like war and (political) imprisonment. This is the reason why I have started a petition. I hope you will all join.



Over the years I have as a member of AI worked for children in prison, and for individual prisoners (not disabled!) in South Africa, Soviet Union, Tanzania, DDR (East Germany), Vietnam and many other countries. I have visited inmates on death row in a prison in Florida.



I have taken special interest in Mexico and as a member of AI I recently made a letter campaign for a wheel chair bound teacher who was arrested in connection with the teachers' strike in Oaxaca. He was treated in a very brutal and humiliating way. In connection with the Olympics in China I asked blind people in Denmark to join a postcard campaign for a blind Chinese human rights defender who is in prison for his defence for human rights and his protests agains the Chinese one-child policy.



However I think Amnesty International could do more, and I cannot alone change the policy of the org. Therefor I hope for your support. I believe AI could learn a lot from American organizations for disabled. You in America are far ahead of Europe when it comes to rights of disabled people.



Thank you for taking your time to read this.



God bless you all.



Mette

 
Posted: Aug 23, 2008 12:33pm | comment (2) | discuss () | permalink    
Tags:
  Message: Philosophy  
Hi All
Can u help with my research with my studies??

The question is

What is your philosophy of Life??
Include any thoughts u feel
I will show u my essay when I have donw
Love
Janet blue xxx

 
Posted: Jan 29, 2006 4:09pm | comment (4) | discuss () | permalink    
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This group:
Disabled Women's Group
162 Members

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Blog 1 Nov 27, 2008
Message 2 Aug 23, 2008

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