The Disability Pride Parade will take place in 2010 on July 24th.
Not only will there be the parade but there will also be exhibits in Daley Center of organizations which serve individuals with disabilities.

The overall mission of the Disability Pride Parade is:

To change the way people think about and define “disability”;
To break down and end the internalized shame among people with Disabilities; and
To promote the belief in society that Disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity in which people living with Disabilities can take pride.

The specific objectives for the parade are:

To organize a fully inclusive, annual event that will celebrate and strengthen the pride, power, and unity of people with disabilities, our families, and allies;
To generate national visibility of the Disability community

At the request of Sage Publications, Sarah Triano wrote the following definition of “Disability Pride” for the Encyclopedia of Disability:

” ‘Disability Pride represents a rejection of the notion that our physical, sensory, mental, and cognitive differences from the non-disabled standard are wrong or bad in any way, and is a statement of our self-acceptance, dignity and pride. It is a public expression of our belief that our disabilities are a natural part of human diversity, a celebration of our heritage and culture, and a validation of our experience. Disability Pride is an integral part of movement building, and a direct challenge to systemic ableism and stigmatizing definitions of disability. It is a militant act of self-definition, a purposive valuing of that which is socially devalued, and an attempt to untangle ourselves from the complex matrix of negative beliefs, attitudes, and feelings that grow from the dominant group’s assumption that there is something inherently wrong with our disabilities and identity.’

There I was unconscious and on the sidewalk. The Paramedics came, I could not answer questions but they were able to find out who I am , my diseases, my medications all with one phone call.

How? you may ask, all because I had joined MedicAlert and my information was on file as were my doctors names and phone numbers.

Do you have a medical condition? Do you have a family member who has a medical condition? Do you have a family member who might need help at an emergency room? These are all reasons to join or have them join MedicAlert.

For more information go to www.medicalert.com   

by Kim Donahue, Disaboom

Accessible Hotel Rooms
Q: What should I find out before booking a hotel room?

A: First, find out how many wheelchair accessible rooms the hotel has.  Then, check how wide the doors are.  Are there wheelchair ramps throughout the hotel?  Do they have shower tub benches to rent?  Are there roll-in showers?  Ask the concierge if they know where to get a new wheelchair just in case.

Accessible Cruises
Q: What should I find out about cruise ship accessibility?

A: Find out if all decks are accessible.  Many ships have a water-locked ridge at every doorway; make sure those don’t impede access.

Note: Make sure to inform the doctor on board regarding your condition.  Make the contact ahead of time.  He/She can then be prepared with any medications or equipment in case of an emergency.

Accessible Flying
Q: What do I need to know about flying with a disability?

A:  First, find out if they have bulkhead seating.  Do they have moveable seats?  Do armrests adjust up and down?  Find out the bathroom access.  Arrive early to your flights; leave plenty of time for plane changes.  Inform the airlines of your disability and needs well ahead of time.

Wheelchairs: if you have an electric chair, make sure it’s the last thing to be loaded and the first thing to come off to decrease the risk of damage.  If you have foam batteries, you shouldn’t have any problems.  However, if you have acid batteries, they will need to be removed for security purposes.  Attach contact information to your chair.  Include a diagram and instructions on how to put the chair together.  Typically, your chair doesn’t count in your luggage allotment. 

If you have any complaints or questions, contact the airline’s Complaint Resolutions Officer (CRO).  He/She is trained to help with any problems that may arise.  All airlines have one available 24/7. 

Accessible Ground Transportation
Q:  What do I need to find out about rental cars and ground transportation?

A:  Does the rental car company have cars with hand controls?  Do they have swivel chairs?  If you are using a car with lifts, do the lifts lower all the way to the ground? 

General Accessibility Concerns
Q: Before I leave on my trip, what do I need to do?

A:  Wheelchair: If your chair breaks, think about having a back-up one available.  Bring tools with you for minor repairs.  Find out if there is a wheelchair repair shop where you are going.  Consider bringing an add-on power unit for your chair. 

•    Bring your own cushion to avoid pressure sores. 
•    Find out if there’s beach access if applicable.
•    Bring empty water bottles in case your urine bag is full. 
•    Consider purchasing travel insurance.  It can cover losses due to cancelled flights, damaged or stolen luggage, etc.
•    Have a medical card with you about your conditions and what to do if a medical emergency occurs.  If you have autonomic dysreflexia, plan accordingly.  Make sure the bathroom is accessible, and limit your fluids before and during the flight. 
•    Be assertive and direct about your needs.  Be empowered—you know what’s best for you and your body; insist that things are done the way you need them. 

Hello,

For those interested, there is a Tourette Syndrome Conference in Pennsylvania in July 2009. Details include:

Date: July 13th & 14th 2009

Tourette Syndrome Conference
Liberty Mountain Resort and Conference Center
Carroll Valley, PA 17320
More Information: http://www.patsainc.org/index.html

Have You ever heard of Tourette’s Synndrome? Has your child ever come home from school and said “mom this boy in my class told us today he has______ what should I do? How should I treat him? Please read below. Most of the wording is from press releases from the publisher.

WSANA’s Thoughts on the Book We Read

Leave it to a 9-year old to show the way and describe about his having Tourette’s Syndrome, what tics are and how he wanted to be treated by his classmates, how afraid he was when he had to tell his classmates he had Tourette’s Syndrome.

Continue reading ‘Tourette’s Syndrome’ »