DisabilityNation: An Audio Magazine By And For People With Disabilities

Why PWD Should Watch "Flipping Out"

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 17:12:33 -0700

I don't know if Jeff Lewisthinks of his OCD as a disability.

I think, if I were in his place, I might, as it affects everything about his life, from the way he eats lunch, to fueling his single-minded obsession with making his flipped properties perfect.

It's not like Lewis could really pass as a role model, or a crip crusader of any stripe. He indulges in too many petty and petulant outbursts on his hapless staff for that.

I swear, however, that it's not just schadenfreude that makes me watch "Flipping Out".(Ok, sometimes. Sometimes Jeff being awful and rude is more entertaining than I'd like to admit, especially as a formerly-confirmed reality- hater.)

National Forum on Disability Issues

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 21:58:23 -0700

DN66: On July 26th the disability community will celebrate the 18th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This is an important milestone to be sure. We'll also have a chance to learn more about the candidates who are seeking your vote that will help them to become the next President of the United States.

Nothing but the Facts

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 21:52:00 -0700

Want the latest disability news without the commentary? Now you can see what's happening at a glance thanks to Twitter and DisabilityNation. DN now offers a service on Twitter featuring nothing but the latest headlines and links to stories from leading newspapers, magazines and publications from across the country and around the world. Visit the DN site and look at the box on the right side of the page to see the latest headlines or, if you have a Twitter account, you can follow DisabilityNation.

Hideous Media--Extreme Perseverance

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:32:46 -0700

I don't know why they don't get better writing for health sites. Surely in the midst of all the pain and insecurity that comes along with searching the internet looking for information about a new condition, some wit or humor would not be amiss.
But I wouldn't pick on them. I'm sure most of the contributors are just trying to pass on some things they've learned while living with their disorders, in this case, multiple sclerosis.

Arches Not so Golden for Hearing Impaired Woman

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 06:21:33 -0700

From the AP, CNN and others: A hearing-impaired woman has filed a federal lawsuit against a Nebraska McDonald's, saying workers there refused to let her order food at the drive-thru window. Karen Tumeh of Lincoln says they insisted she either order at the electronic speaker along the drive-thru lane or come inside to order. Tumeh wears a hearing aid but still cannot hear while using the drive-thru ordering box at fast-food restaurants, according to the lawsuit.

News and Updates for July 12, 2008

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 14:13:28 -0700

This brief podcast provides you with the latest news from the disability community and updates on the next episode of DisabilityNation which will premier later this week. You'll hear coverage of important stories including the death of Esmin Green, a patient who waited over 24 hours for treatment in a New York hospital waiting room. You'll also learn more about a recent survey examining people's perceptions about disability. These and other stories are featured.

How to listen"

Esmin Green Killed by Blood Clots

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 08:32:26 -0700

Esmin Green who died on June 19th unnoticed on a hospital floor in a scene recorded by security cameras was killed by blood clots caused by a long period of physical inactivity, according to the city's medical examiner.

Green, 49, had been sitting in a waiting room at the city-owned Kings County Hospital Center for nearly 24 hours when she collapsed from her chair and slowly died on June 19.

Choosing Death Over Disability

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:10:57 -0700

If you had any doubt about how Americans perceive disability the results of a recent survey conducted by Disaboom should be enlightening. The survey found that 52 percent of Americans would rather die than live with a severe disability. Disaboom, an online community for people with disabilities, says it announced the shocking results in an effort to educate people about why this viewpoint is so tragic.

Author Interview: Deb Grabien on "Rock And Roll Never Forgets"

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:36:10 -0700

When I heard that my online friend and force of nature Deborah Grabien was starting on another series of novels(her previous books being the "Haunted Ballad" series,among others, which is good, creepy stuff but not as related to disability culture as the new one.) I figured that one day I might end up writing about it, but it was fortunate for me that the release of the first book coincided with my desire to produce more challenging material for th

Shocking Neglect at NY Hospital

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 20:07:20 -0700

Early last week we learned of the death of Esmin Green at Kings County Hospital in New York. Green spent 24 hours in the lobby waiting to receive treatment prior to her death. The hospital had been sued in 2007 and was investigated by the US Attorney's Civil Rights Office in Brooklyn prior to Green's death on June 19.

McCain Doesn't Support the Community Choice Act - Can you Change his Mind?

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:06:07 -0700

Denver ADAPT met with the Republican presumptive presidential candidate John McCain at a Town Hall Meeting today. Six members of ADAPT, including teenagers from the Summer Youth Program, sat in the front of the auditorium to listen to McCain's policies for his administration. When he took comments from the audience he handed the microphone to Dawn Russell. She explained the legislation called the Community Choice Act and asked him why he was not signed on. Mr.

My thoughts on the disability doll thing...

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 18:17:27 -0700

I wasn't going to write about this because it seemed to be the flavor of the month(or at least the week) in disability culture blogging,and I'm nothing if not freakish and weird within my own subculture(s), But I've seen it so much, from every corner of our wired blue marble, that I started to have some opinions, almost against my will:

To Wit:

1. Let's think about a middle ground.

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Life Returning to Normal

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 09:53:07 -0700

I know, new content and blog posts have been kind of hard to find over the past week or so. Between the 4th of July holiday and the fact that I spent all of last week out of town, I've just not had time to put much up on the site. However, that's not to say that things haven't been eventful. I traveled to Michigan for a funeral and some time with friends and family. The week offered time for some reflection and relaxation for sure and a chance to get away from things. Fortunately my lovely assistant Erika has been there to save the day by writing a few posts while I was gone.

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Book Review: The Marrow's Telling

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:45:16 -0700

Some time ago, for another publication, I was asked to review transgender poet Eli Clare's latest book for publication, which was presented to me as a great testament to my skill as a book reviewer, even though, to be honest, I've never had much of a head for poetry. But, as little magazines often do in these tough economic times, especially, the magazine changed editors and changed directions, and everyone sort of forgot about The Marrow's Telling

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Survey: 1 in 5 Gamers Are Disabled

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:07:44 -0700

According to a recent survey, one in every five casual video game players has a disability of some sort. This surprised me a bit, but only because the number seemed so high. Unlike most in the press, however, I'm not shocked to find people with disabilities outside a hospital or an ADA celebration.

I wish the Able Gamers site had existed when I was a teenager, but games were also not as evolved during the '80s. AbleGamers helps disabled gamers find games that suit their interests and abilities.

ADA Amendments Act Passes House, Moves to Senate

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:07:13 -0700

On Wednesday the United States House of Representatives voted by a wide bipartisan majority to restore the full protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act overturns several Supreme Court decisions interpreting the ADA in such a way that people with obvious disabilities from epilepsy to missing limbs have nonetheless been found by a court not to be disabled.

The bill, passed 402-17, is designed to bring people back under the ADA's protection. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.

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Unraveling the Mysteries of Paratransit

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:50:04 -0700

DN65: For some, using paratransit services can be confusing and complex. When to make reservations, understanding the pick-up window and just how long a trip on the bus should take are just some questions that people with disabilities often find themselves wondering about. Marilyn Golden of the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund joins me on this episode as we unravel some of paratransits greatest mysteries.

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Personal Commentary: "Hard-Earned Money" and the Blogosphere

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:24:58 -0700

I almost smacked someone over the internet today. Luckily for him, and his wannabe waifish and soulful photograph, physics forbids such actions. I found him because I've got Google set up to round up such crip-related news as makes the world press(and, of course, with disability as a keyword, a fair amount of announcements from workers comp attorneys. Sigh.) As I skimmed through the usual mix of SSDI questions, boiler-plate features "Little Jimmy Dugan hasn't let being blind keep him from taking all the prizes in junior astrophysics."I feel like I can feel the stars," the gutsy eight-year-old replied."(If you've ever read a newspaper in the last twenty years, you know this drill, which is why I find myself picking over my own navel lint in this column with alarming frequency)

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The Free Pass

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:00:01 -0700

Valleyfair, an amusement park in Minnesota has decided that just because a visitor has a disability doesn’t mean that they get a free pass to the front of the line. Reading this story brought back some memories of times when well meaning and poorly educated people have suggested that my visual impairment entitled me to such special treatment. Still, the policy change has caused some to express dissatisfaction with the experience they had when visiting the park.

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You're Not Welcome but Please Buy Tickets

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:04:20 -0700

The settlement over wheelchair seating at the University of Michigan stadium has been one of the more significant accessibility related news stories over the past year. In the spring of 2007 the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans filed suit against the University of Michigan over the fact that few accessible seats were available. Then, earlier this year, the parties settled the case though the minimum requirements set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act were not met.

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HARKIN STATEMENT REGARDING HOUSE ACTION ON ADA RESTORATION ACT

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:49:08 -0700

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the House Committees on Judiciary and Education and Labor acted simultaneously to move the Americans with Disabilities Restoration Act to the House floor. The legislation overturns several Supreme Court decisions interpreting the ADA in such a way that people with obvious disabilities from epilepsy to missing limbs have nonetheless been held to be not covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Important Day for ADA Restoration Act

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:46:40 -0700

The ADA restoration Act is in the news this week once again. Thanks to negotiations between the disability and business communities, two committees in the US House of Representatives are acting today on the bill.

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This Week in Disability News and Updates from DN

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 14:59:11 -0700

This short podcast provides you with coverage of several important news stories that made news this week in the disability community. In addition, you will hear some quick updates and quick announcements about DisabilityNation.

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Disability On "30 Days"...

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 14:18:15 -0700

When I first started watching Morgan Spurlock's30 Days shortly after its 2005 premiere, I wondered if they would ever be able to capture 30 Days in a wheelchair. In the end, I decided they couldn't, because the thought brought to mind when friends and attendants had gotten in my wheelchair, fooled around in it, and from the perspective of their unmarred coordination, asked me "How hard can it be?"

If you've not seen the broadcast,on "30 days" people are taken away from what they know for thirty days and given help to assume their new role. In this case, it involved support from the Baylor rehab unit.

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Technical Difficulties

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:48:19 -0700

I'm old enough to remember when local TV stations had them on a fairly regular basis, but today the phrase is something of a euphemism for the heartstopping terror and cold sweats of being techphobic when something goes Horribly Wrong.
I don't know how I ended up a blogger afraid of computers. It's just one of the weird contradictions in a contradictory life. I suppose many writers brave all kinds of fears to express all of the thoughts that teem throughout our brains and that we have already used to bore our families and friends The blogging thing was kind of an accident, albeit a happier one than the one that left me in a position to grow up and post for Disability Nation in the first place.

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Quiet Cars and the Pedestrian Problem Part II

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:06:39 -0700

DN64 is the second in a two part series examining quiet cars and safety issues facing pedestrians. The show features researchers Everett Meyer and Lawrence Rosenblum. Also, if you've never had an encounter with a quiet car and wonder what they sound like, we'll listen to one on this episode and you'll learn just how quiet they can be.

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Quiet Cars and the Pedestrian Problem Part II

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:02:29 -0700

Part II of Quiet Cars and the Pedestrian Problem premiers later this week featuring Everett Meyer and Lawrence Rosenblum. Also, if you've ever wondered what one of these quiet cars sounds like, we'll have a chance to listen to a Toyota Prius and compare it to other vehicles.

Everett Meyer is working with a group of graduate students at Stanford University on a sound emitting device that could be used to warn pedestrians that a quiet car is approaching. But, will people pay for it if the device isn't included in the purchase of the vehicle?

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Teaching Children about Disability

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:06:40 -0700

Last week we all heard the story of young Alex Barton, a five year-old boy from Florida who was voted out of his class by his fellow students. As someone who grew up in an inclusive educational setting I was very disturbed that such a thing could happen. And yet, in 2008 and a time where the disability community proudly trumpets progress and improvement on a number of fronts, Alex's story shows us how far we have to go.

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Internet Tribute To Harriet Pryde Johnson

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 12:25:56 -0700

When I assembled Friday's tribute, I neglected to add in the link to this website celebration of her life, in words and pictures.
http://www.cripcommentary.com/harriet

Tribute: Harriet Pryde Johnson 1957-2008

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 19:30:07 -0700

I couldn't do what I do, such as it is, without the work of people like Harriet Pryde Johnson whom I was sorry to read has died at the age of 50. I never had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Johnson save through her words in articles about medical ethics or telethons. If we had met, I doubt we'd agree on everything.

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China Continues to Discourage PWD’s from Attending or Participating in Olympic Games

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 16:22:46 -0700

Once again, those involved in planning for the Chinese Olympic Games have made controversial and baseless statements and declarations about people with disabilities and their involvement with the Olympic Games this summer.

On Monday The Beijing Olympic organizing committee released a lengthy document written in Chinese addressing a number of issues concerning foreign visitors who are planning on attending the Olympic Games. Among the declarations made in the nine page document was the statement that persons with mental disorders and or contagious diseases would be barred from the country and not be permitted to attend Olympic related events.

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Personal Commentary: Medical Miseries

contact@disabilitynation.net (Larry Wanger) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:09:55 -0700

I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow and despite my best"be here now," wanna-be Buddhist intentions, I'm dreading it already.

Don't worry, I'm well enough, as well as somebody posting with Disability Nation has any right to expect.

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