I would like to break from talking about issues that directly affect the LGBTIQ community, as that seems like all I am blogging about in the past weeks, and just acknowledge that today is the 20th anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act. I myself am disabled, although I am ambulatory, sighted, and hearing, and I believe that civil rights for those with disabilities are of the utmost importance. However, I would like to bring up a few issues.

1 - WE STILL DON'T HAVE TRUE UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE:

Universal healthcare is something that will benefit all, but those with disabilities are most screwed. In many states, people have to choose between going back to work and forgoing Medicaid, which could be the only provider of those services which allow employees to remain functional. And dare I say that the excessive bureaucracy of the HMOs are discriminatory

2 - EDUCATION FUNDING IS BEING CUT:

We all know how much college is costing these days, and it is hurting the average American. But consider how special ed/specialized services are being cut out of "austerity" and thus children with differences are often pushed aside and can't get into college. I was lucky to be able to graduate college on a full ride, but many others weren't as fortunate as I was. And when I read about Governor Christie's cuts to education, I just feel that those who need specialized services are going to be left in the dust. This of course, will result in school districts being sued and students having to be placed in expensive out-of-district placements. Community based services are key.

3 - THERE IS STILL TOO MUCH FOCUS ON THE BOTTOM LINE VS. HUMAN NEED:

If anybody has watched the CBS show Undercover Boss, one can note that those working conditions can be very harsh. But for someone with a disability, it can be unbearable. Our ableist economy of "working harder for less" comes from Reaganomics, where businesses would be given unconditional tax cuts on the idea that corporations will hire more employees. This no-strings attached approach has led to downsizing, the executive class using their tax cuts for themselves, and a more stressful work environment.

I would like to leave with a little bit of disability etiquette:

Do not assume...:

• “...a person with a disability either wants or requires assistance.”
• “...rejection of aid is meant as a personal affront.”
• “...upon acceptance of your help, that you know, without being told, what service to perform.”
• “...a person who appears to have one kind of disability also has others.”
• “...a disabled person is dissatisfied with his/her quality of life, and is thus seeking pity.”
• “...a person with a disability is easily offended.”
• "...that a person who does not appear disabled, or who uses assistive devices intermittently instead of all of the time, is faking or imagining their disability." (see invisible disability)
• “...companions accompanying a person with a disability are there strictly to render service.”
• “...a person with a disability will be receptive to personal questions, particularly in a public setting.”
• “...that when a person with a disability is in a public place, that they are being escorted by a caretaker, instead of traveling alone.”