People First and the Growth of Self-Advocacy Groups in the US
In the disability community, “people first language” is commonplace these days. It’s a meaningful term whose use people with disabilities started advancing years ago to convey that persons with disabilities wanted to be known as people before being identified by their disabilities. So it made perfect since that this power-packed term would also be used to describe the development and growth in self-advocacy groups around the world. After hearing about the impact of self-advoc
"About Us" Interview With Florida Self-Advocacy Pioneer Frank Shalett
"About Us" is series of interviews with accomplished self-advocates in Florida. Frank Shalett has been a leader in Florida’s self-advocacy movement for most of his adult life and this North Lauderdale resident has no plans to retire any time soon. Frank was the first recipient of the Idelio Valdes Leadership and Self-Advocacy Award in 2010 and is currently the presidential adviser to Florida’s first prominent self-advocacy group, People First of South Florida. He also current
Willowbrook and the Lessons We Must Never Forget
Throughout history and in the not-so-recent past, many people with developmental disabilities were considered ill and needing constant medical care. For some New York families with disabled loved ones in the second half of the last century, doctors advised that Willowbrook State School in Staten Island was the answer. Willowbrook State School has a place in disability history for many reasons, few of which are positive. While original intentions for Willowbrook may have been
"About Us" Q & A with Idelio Valdes Winner, Chris Drummond
"About Us" is series of interviews with accomplished self-advocates in Florida. Chris Drummond of Longwood is known throughout the state as a fierce and effective advocate for people with disabilities. This year his work was formally recognized when he received the Idelio Valdes Leadership and Advocacy Award, given each year on Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day in Tallahassee. Whether he’s negotiating a hotel contract for a self-advocacy conference, working the halls o
Ed Roberts: Self-Advocacy Pioneer & Father of the Independent Living Movement
If one had mentioned the name Ed Roberts to me many years ago, I’d probably have no clue who he was, and I’m probably not alone. It wasn’t until many years into my career within the disability community that I began to understand the profound impact his life has had, not only on me, but, on many others with a disability. Roberts’ life and experiences are the definition and model of self-advocacy. He is known as The Father of the Independent Living Movement. The independent li
Wondering who "Wonder" the Movie is For
I looked forward to reviewing “Wonder” because, similar to Auggie, the protagonist of the story, I have a disability that is both immediately evident and impossible to hide. It is important for me to start off – in case you don’t know – by saying that "Wonder," both as a 2012 book by R. J. Palacio and adapted for film by Stephen Chblosky, presents the fictional story of a young boy living with disability in the form of a congenital facial deformity in a way that is both appro
Local CILs a Great Resource for Employment Services
In America we are always looking to create new jobs for individuals. One market that is not utilized to its full potential are persons with disabilities. As October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, it is important to bring further awareness to this under-employed demographic. Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Lauren Singleton at The Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida. Lauren serves as an Employment Consultant at the CIL. Before I start,
"The Good Doctor" is In
There are many upstanding shows in the new fall TV season, which started in September. However, as is typical, very few have to do with disability or disability-related issues. Currently, the American Broadcasting Company, better known as ABC, is attempting to reach this valuable demographic with two shows, “Speechless,” which just started its second season and new show “The Good Doctor.” My personal favorite and the subject of this review is the new drama, “The Good Doctor.”
"About Us" Q & A with Amanda Baker
This is the first in a new series of interviews with accomplished self-advocates in Florida, aptly titled “About Us.” I had the opportunity to speak with Amanda Baker, a veteran self-advocate from Panama City and a fierce advocate for persons with disabilities. Amanda is the founder and leader of FL SAND’s Elephant Herds self-advocacy group in Panama City. She has volunteered countless hours over the years advising and inspiring people with disabilities to speak up for themse
Lost Opportunity Inspires Passion for Lifelong Advocacy
As we progress further into the 21st century, the world is a much more complex place than it has been in the past. Education is now more crucial than ever and it is nearly impossible to succeed in some careers without higher education. Yet, like many things in life for persons with disabilities, there are barriers to higher education apart from those related to their physical or intellectual disabilities. Despite these barriers, I chose to pursue college after high school. Th
