Language is not just a means of communication; it is also a carrier of cultural identity and personal expression
Read Full Article at unesco.org...
Showing posts with label Disability. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Disability. Show all posts
Caught Between Tears and Stoicism
Objectification — serves only to make neurotypical people feel good rather than truly recognizing the neurodiverse individual’s experience.
Read Full Article at
UNCRPD
UNCRPD.
As an undergrad I had the opportunity to work on 42 case studies of the implementation of the UNCRPD by signatory countries. I learned so much about disability challenges, especially in under-resourced nations. Thank you Professor Pineda for that internship opportunity.
Disability Rights and both human rights and civil rights. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) represents a monumental step towards ensuring equal rights and inclusion for people with disabilities worldwide.
What is the UNCRPD… Read on
The Birth of UNCRPD
UNCRPD’s journey began in the early 2000s, rooted in a growing recognition that existing international human rights instruments were insufficient in protecting the rights of persons with disabilities (PWD). The Convention was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 13, 2006, and it opened for signature on March 30, 2007 where it received an overwhelming response; with 82 countries signing the Convention on opening day, making it the highest number of signatories in history to a UN Convention on its opening day. As of today, there are 182 parties to the Convention, including the European Union, which signed as a regional integration organization.
The drafting process of the UNCRPD was marked by unprecedented collaboration between governments and civil society, particularly organizations of PWDs. The "Nothing about us without us" motto became a central theme, ensuring that the voices of PWDs were at the forefront of the discussions.
The first Conference of States Parties (COSP) to the UNCRPD was held in 2008 at the UN Headquarters in New York. This conference is an annual event where signatories gather to discuss progress, challenges, and strategies related to the implementation of the Convention. The COSP plays a crucial role in maintaining momentum and ensuring accountability among the States Parties.
Since its adoption, the UNCRPD has led to significant changes in legislation and policy around the world. Countries that have ratified the Convention are obligated to align their national laws and policies with its principles. This has resulted in greater awareness, increased accessibility, and more inclusive education and employment opportunities for PWDs. The Convention continues to inspire movements and advocacy efforts globally, reinforcing the idea that disability rights are human rights and that every person deserves to live with dignity, autonomy, and equality.
The UNCRPD is more than just a legal document; it is a powerful tool for change, reflecting a global commitment to ensuring that PWDs enjoy the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. Its history, structure, and impact demonstrate the ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive world where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is empowered to participate fully in society. The contributions of dedicated disability rights activists were instrumental in its creation and continue to drive its implementation, ensuring that the principles of the Convention are realized in the lives of persons with disabilities worldwide.
The U.S. and the CRPD
The United States signed the UNCRPD on July 30, 2009, indicating its support for the treaty's principles and its intent to promote and protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. However, despite signing the UNCRPD, the United States Senate has not ratified the treaty. This means that, although the U.S. has expressed its endorsement of the CRPD by signing it, the treaty has not been approved by the U.S. Senate and thus is not legally binding in the United States. The U.S. continues to adhere to its own disability rights legislation, such as the ADA, which served as an inspiration for the UNCRPD.
Main Sections of the UNCRPD
The UNCRPD is a comprehensive document that outlines the rights of disabled persons and the obligations of States Parties to promote, protect, and ensure these rights. It is divided into several key sections:
Preamble: This sets the context and outlines the underlying principles of the Convention.
General Principles (Article 3): Includes principles such as respect for inherent dignity, non-discrimination, full and effective participation and inclusion in society, respect for difference, and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity.
General Obligations (Article 4): States Parties commit to ensuring and promoting the full realization of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all persons with disabilities without discrimination.
Specific Rights:
Equality and Non-Discrimination (Article 5)
Accessibility (Article 9)
Right to Life (Article 10)
Equal Recognition Before the Law (Article 12)
Access to Justice (Article 13)
Liberty and Security of Person (Article 14)
Freedom from Torture (Article 15)
Freedom from Exploitation, Violence and Abuse (Article 16)
Living Independently and Being Included in the Community (Article 19)
Education (Article 24)
Health (Article 25)
Work and Employment (Article 27)
Participation in Political and Public Life (Article 29)
Implementation and Monitoring (Articles 33-40): These articles describe the measures for implementation and monitoring, including the establishment of a Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to oversee the Convention's implementation.
Disability and Multilingualism
UNESCO is celebrating this International Literacy Day 2024 by highlighting multilingual changemakers on a global scale. Among them is Hari Srinivasan, a trailblazer for disability rights, who is a multilingual American child of immigrants
Read Full Article at unesco.org...
Caught Between Tears and Stoicism
It is patronizing of social media to imply that expressions of emotion are "OK" after learning he’s disabled, as if society is willing to make the occasional exception rather than challenge its norms.
Read Full Article at
Disability and Multilingualism
Growing up, Hari Srinivasan remembers repeatedly learning about St. Patrick’s Day in his special education classroom—a holiday that, while interesting, felt disconnected from his own cultural heritage.
Read Full Article at unesco.org...
Caught Between Tears and Stoicism
In a world where emotional expression is often suppressed or critiqued, especially in public figures and their families, his response is a refreshing reminder of our shared humanity.
Read Full Article at
Comment:
Hari, this is incredible. It is both beautiful and meaningful in its humanity, as well as being an exceptionally important message for inclusion - how you manage to do those two things at once is something I am extremely inspired by!
Disability and Multilingualism
The approach, shaped by clinicians who advised speaking only English to autistic children, paradoxically led to a loss of cultural identity rather than the inclusive exposure that neurotypical children might receive.
Read Full Article at unesco.org...
Caught Between Tears and Stoicism
A story worth telling— not because it is exceptional for a disabled person to feel pride, but because it is an ordinary human experience. And that, in itself, is enough.
Read Full Article at
=======
Comment
Beautifully written and very wise, Hari! I will also share it with my students.
Caught between tears and stoicism
My latest article in Psychology Today
Disabled individuals face conflicting expectations about emotional expression. Gus Walz's story reveals the bias and challenges around being authentic.
Read full article at:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/giving-voice/202409/caught-between-tears-and-stoicism
=====
Comments
The best piece I've read on the national convo about Gus Walz. Hari Srinivasan's perspective and insights, as a neurodiverse individual, bring a new level of depth into the dialogue
------
Hari Srinivasan, a member of the Autism Society's Council of Autistic Advisors, discusses the public reaction to Gus Walz at the Democratic National Convention, exploring the implications of reactions and the way in which the public criticizes people with disabilities both for showing too much or too little emotion. He reminds us that emotional expression is a human experience, not defined by disability. 
---------------
Another powerful piece by Hari Srinivasan, with important reflections that serve as a call to action.
For me, it's a reminder that listening to and trusting the experiences of Autistic people is at the heart of Autism Acceptance - and that acceptance and disability justice are at the heart of health, welllness and so many of the issues in our schools, homes, workplaces, and communities.
For me, it's a reminder that listening to and trusting the experiences of Autistic people is at the heart of Autism Acceptance - and that acceptance and disability justice are at the heart of health, welllness and so many of the issues in our schools, homes, workplaces, and communities.
------------
I’m so happy you wrote this piece. “What we should celebrate isn’t that Gus is neurodiverse and shows emotion, but that he is a teenager, proud of his father, and unafraid to express it. In a world where emotional expression is often suppressed or critiqued, especially in public figures and their families, his response is a refreshing reminder of our shared humanity.” Amen!
-----
Your article on Psychology today is fantastic and I as a dad of a 10 y.o kids with autism and ADHD realized about how sometimes I have asked my son "calm" down when he get overly emotional. I went through a lot of emotions while I was reading your article including guilt, shame and finally relief. It has been a constant learning journey and I am trying to be a better parent but your article is like a window into his brain, giving me some deeper insights into how differently he might be built. Please continue writing UN International Literacy Day
I'm featured in an UN Article for International Literary Day on Sep 2. How cool is that!!
ADA is 34 years old
Celebrating the 34th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
On July 26, 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) into law, marking a historic milestone for disability rights. The ADA has been instrumental in prohibiting discrimination against the disabled in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and public and private places open to the general public.
The journey to the ADA's signing was fueled by the relentless efforts of dedicated disability rights activists. One pivotal moment in this movement was the televised and widely viewed Capitol Crawl on March 12, 1990. Hundreds of disability rights activists gathered in Washington, D.C., to urge Congress to pass the ADA. As part of the protest, dozens of individuals with disabilities left their wheelchairs and crawled up the 83 stone steps of the U.S. Capitol building, dramatically demonstrating the barriers they faced in everyday life. Among them was an 8-year-old girl named Jennifer Keelan, whose participation powerfully symbolized the need for change. Her determination and courage, along with that of others, highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive legislation to protect the rights of people with disabilities.
Key figures in the disability rights movement played crucial roles in advocating for the ADA. The late Judith Heumann (we miss you Judy), a lifelong advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, was instrumental in the fight for the ADA. Her leadership and tireless advocacy helped bring disability rights to the forefront of national consciousness. Ed Roberts, known as the father of the independent living movement, also significantly influenced the disability rights movement, emphasizing the importance of self-determination and community-based support. There were countless others whose contributions were vital in making the ADA a reality, reflecting a broad and united effort toward equality and inclusion.
The ADA consists of five titles, each addressing different aspects of public life:
- Title I – Employment: Prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment and requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations.
- Title II – Public Services: Ensures that people with disabilities have equal access to public services, programs, and activities, including public transportation.
- Title III – Public Accommodations: Prohibits discrimination in public accommodations such as restaurants, hotels, and stores, and requires accessible facilities.
- Title IV – Telecommunications: Mandates accessible telecommunications services, including relay services for individuals with hearing and speech impairments.
- Title V – Miscellaneous Provisions: Contains various provisions, including protections against retaliation and coercion, and guidelines for the implementation of the ADA.
It's humbling that laws like the ADA enable disabled individuals like me to avail of opportunities such as getting into college or even embarking on a PhD journey. Such a thing would have been unimaginable earlier. The ADA's passage represents the collective effort and resilience of countless individuals who fought for equality and accessibility. As we commemorate the 34th anniversary of the ADA, we honor the legacy of those activists and reaffirm our commitment to advancing the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities.
Related Posts: [Disability Legislation], [Disability Rights], [Disability History] [Autism Cares], [ADA], [Capitol Crawl] [Olmstead Act], [Section 504],
Disability and Poverty is a tough cycle
In PlainSpeak for Lay Audience
Disability and Poverty: A Tough Cycle
Disability and poverty are closely connected. This makes life harder for disabled people. Here’s why.
Education: Many disabled people don’t get a good education. This makes it hard for them to learn skills needed for good jobs.
Jobs: Disabled people often face problems finding jobs. There aren’t enough job opportunities, and some employers discriminate against them. Without good jobs, it’s hard to earn enough money.
Healthcare: Poor people often can’t afford good healthcare. This can lead to untreated health problems that cause or worsen disabilities.
Support Services: Disabled people need special support, like assistive devices or home modifications, but these can be expensive. Without money, they can’t get the help they need.
The National Council on Disability says that these problems make more disabled people live in poverty. The World Health Organization also says that we need to solve both poverty and disability issues together.
To break this cycle, we need to:
- Provide better education for disabled people.
- Create more job opportunities and stop workplace discrimination.
- Offer better social support services.
- Make healthcare and housing affordable and accessible for everyone.
When we invest in these areas, we help disabled people live better lives. This also helps reduce poverty and builds a stronger, fairer society for everyone.
2 versions of this post
This is pretty horrifying to read
All kinds of trigger warning for this post.
https://www.newschannel5.com/news/newschannel-5-investigates/tennessee-dcs-sued-for-abuse-violence-against-children-with-disabilities?utm_source=maropost&utm_medium=email&category=homepage-showcase&utm_campaign=WTVF-Newsletter-Headlines
Disability is both a cause and consequence of poverty
"Disability is both a cause and consequence of poverty.
We're more that 2x likely to live in poverty than non-disabled people"
Disability and poverty are intrinsically linked, creating a vicious cycle that exacerbates the challenges faced by the disabled. This disparity stems from systemic barriers in education, employment, and healthcare. Disabled individuals often encounter limited job opportunities, workplace discrimination, and inadequate support services, significantly hindering their ability to secure stable and well-paying employment. According to the National Council on Disability, these employment challenges contribute heavily to the higher poverty rates among disabled individuals (National Council on Disability, 2017). The lack of accessible education further compounds this issue, as it restricts the skill development necessary for competitive employment.
Moreover, poverty can lead to or worsen disability, creating a continuous loop of disadvantage. Individuals living in poverty often have limited access to healthcare, resulting in untreated medical conditions that can lead to further disability. The financial strain associated with poverty can prevent people from obtaining necessary assistive devices or modifications, further diminishing their quality of life and ability to participate fully in society. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that this cyclical relationship underscores the need for comprehensive policies and programs that address both poverty alleviation and disability inclusion simultaneously (WHO, 2011). Breaking this cycle requires concerted efforts to create inclusive educational and employment opportunities, enhance social support systems, and ensure equitable access to healthcare and other essential services for disabled people. Investing in these areas not only improves the lives of disabled individuals but also fosters a more inclusive and equitable society, reducing overall poverty and promoting economic stability.
====
A plain language version
Disability and Poverty: A Tough Cycle
Disability and poverty are closely connected. This makes life harder for disabled people. Here’s why:
Education: Many disabled people don’t get a good education. This makes it hard for them to learn skills needed for good jobs.
Jobs: Disabled people often face problems finding jobs. There aren’t enough job opportunities, and some employers discriminate against them. Without good jobs, it’s hard to earn enough money.
Healthcare: Poor people often can’t afford good healthcare. This can lead to untreated health problems that cause or worsen disabilities.
Support Services: Disabled people need special support, like assistive devices or home modifications, but these can be expensive. Without money, they can’t get the help they need.
The National Council on Disability says that these problems make more disabled people live in poverty. The World Health Organization also says that we need to solve both poverty and disability issues together.
To break this cycle, we need to:
- Provide better education for disabled people.
- Create more job opportunities and stop workplace discrimination.
- Offer better social support services.
- Make healthcare and housing affordable and accessible for everyone.
When we invest in these areas, we help disabled people live better lives. This also helps reduce poverty and builds a stronger, fairer society for everyone.
2 versions of this post
Disability Rights
A quote from my chapter in the anthology below
Anthology available at: https://www.peasepress.com/product-page/essential-truths-the-bay-area-in-color
Loss of education seen as a crisis for non-disabled kids but NOT for disabled kids.
So true.
If an NT kid was "not in school for two months, [the school district] would be coming after [the parents]. A non-disabled "child who has missed about 18 school days... [is considered] a crisis that triggers a range of emergency interventions."
But a disabled kid not coming to school seems to be a relief the school district, there is no urgency to bring them back. A disabled kid not being able to attend school is never a crisis.
They can be left without services, and at the drop of a hat [for staff shortages and a thousand other excuses by the school] and the child is literally asked not to come to school and stay at home instead. Education it seems, is the responsibility of parents and not the school district when it comes to disabled children.
If an NT kid was "not in school for two months, [the school district] would be coming after [the parents]. A non-disabled "child who has missed about 18 school days... [is considered] a crisis that triggers a range of emergency interventions."
But a disabled kid not coming to school seems to be a relief the school district, there is no urgency to bring them back. A disabled kid not being able to attend school is never a crisis.
They can be left without services, and at the drop of a hat [for staff shortages and a thousand other excuses by the school] and the child is literally asked not to come to school and stay at home instead. Education it seems, is the responsibility of parents and not the school district when it comes to disabled children.
New ED for DREDF
DREDF gets a new captain.
Two press releases
Announcing Nicole's hiring at DREDF
Nicole's departure from the San Francisco Mayor's Office on Disability:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)