Disability
It's pretty sad when you have a disability and finally are able to collect Social Security Disability only to be told that the government is giving you $23 dollars too much for you to be eligible for Welfare, Medicaid, or any other kind of aid. That's what I experienced. I told my caseworker to take back the $23. She said she couldn't because I was entitled to it. Also in order to have Medicaid I would have a $500 per month pay down. That means every month I have to pay out of pocket $500 before the Medicaid kicks in. Guess what, if I had an extra $500 laying around I wouldn't need help now would I. How come an illegal immigrant (they are not aliens from outer space) can apply and receive everything I worked for my whole life? I paid into the Social Security system and had money taken out of my check weekly. What for to pay for the immigrants! Wake up America, we are being duped!!
51st Little People of America Conference closes shop
By Saturday morning, nearly all of the more than 1900 people who attended the National Little People of America Conference in Detroit have returned home. Probably only a few conference organizers remain, tying up lose ends and cleaning up. Though conference week is behind us, the memories will linger for a long time.
Coming off of a 50th Anniversary Celebration last summer in Seattle, everyone expected a decline in attendance (more than 2400 people registered last year), but no one expected a decline in quality. To my knowledge, no one was disappointed.
The entire week was packed with fun and educational events. A few highlights included a workshop on the future advocacy efforts of LPA, a talent show, and the awards banquet. Just a day removed from the conference, what really stands out though was the Thursday afternoon film festival. The organizer screened three films, including The Terror of Tiny Town.
A film featuring an all little people cast, the Terror of Tiny Town has always stood in my mind for the objectification of little people. The film was one big sight gag for the amusement of the Hollywood industry. As a community, little people have navigated many barriers and accomplished many goals in the more than 50 years since The Terror of Tiny Town. Watching the film on Thursday afternoon within the comfort of a conference, knowing what members of the community can achieve, knowing what some cast members of the film had probably sacrificed for the benefit of future generations, I was able to laugh. And most of those in the room laughed with me. After all, it is just a silly film.
If the film came to Chicago, and ran in a large complex with an audience of mostly average height people who don't know the history of LPA, who knows how I'd feel. But that's what the conference is all about. Spending time with others who have a shared history. Spending with other little people who can look at the Terror of Tiny Town, and laugh.
Gary Arnold
VP of Public Relations
LPA
Day 3-- Little People of America Conference
This is Gary Arnold, Vice President of Public Relations for Little People of America. The 51st National Conference, hosted at the Marriott Detroit at the Renaissance Center, is quickly building up steam.
Well over 1500 people have already registered. I arrived late on Friday. Board meetings filled up most of my day on Saturday and Sunday, but with dances each night and plenty of familiar faces, there are still plenty of hours for fun.
Whether you are a long time member and board representative, like myself, or a new comer, the week-long event offers something for everyone, from educational workshops and medical consultations, to sporting events and social outings. But perhaps most important, the event provides the opportunity to connect and share with others who share a unique experience.
Tonight, LPA members will join hundreds of thousands of other people along the river for the fireworks, then come back to the hotel for more mingling.
With a full schedule of workshops and events, Tuesday promises to be just as fulfilling.
Gary Arnold
VP of Public Relations
Little People of America
Joni Erickson Tada
Joni Erickson Tada is does a lot to shape our world. She is very active in disability issues and rights. She has several programs, including wheels for the world and family camps, that impact the lives of people with disabilities and their families. I happen to be on the board of the south east michigan chapter.
Greg
http://www.joniandfriends.org/
Florida teacher
Nick;
Thanks for covering this disgusting story. I am torn between wanting the teacher re-educated or banished from the profession. Having said that, this 'teacher' is not the only educator out there who might benefit from additional training on how to interact with children with autism.
Most school systems host such classes for the public or new parents. Perhaps they should make it mandatory for staff, too.
Good luck
Good luck. Looking forward to reading about your trip.
? about Expansion
If I read the article correctly wouldn't UM be further away from the 1% of seating once the expansion of luxary boxes is done?
disabilities blog
I agree as well that both the University and the government should be held accountable for not following the law. If I know a venue is known for not being disabilities friendly, they don't get my $$. Think of the revenue lost. Or do they think we don't spend as much as "normal" patrons?
Wheelchair-friendly UM?
It's a shame that UM is evidently not interested in doing what's right.
But the Justice Dept. gets just as much blame on this. Our nation's laws should not be open to negotiation.
Clearly, the current Administration isn't interested in ensuring that all Americans are treated with equality and respect.
