External Adversity for the Disabled by Bassam Imam - HTML preview

Thankfully, there are groups, organizations, and benevolent laws that try to help people with disabilities live in this world, as full-fledged human beings, and as equals to all. Yet still, all of us who care have a lot more work to do because negative social, cultural, and sometimes religious beliefs thwart our efforts. Talking to others with physical disabilities can make a person's experience and less stressful. Searching the internet for others who are disabled can help an otherwise lonely disabled person feel better and socialize with others, there is a good chance that someone out there is experiencing a predicament similar to another disabled, person’s. But as is the case with all other web contacts be very careful because although there are many good people out there to meet some may have wicked motives and not be disabled, this is a safety precaution for all people not just the disabled.

Many individuals who are disabled are able to chat with others in forums within a country or across the globe. Many online message boards and forums allow a person to use an alias, thereby remaining anonymous, always be cautious about giving out personal information. Disabilities R-Us is, a chat room and community organized by and for those who have physical disabilities those who are not disabled are also welcome. This community has been operating since the 1990s and has provided a nice and friendly place for physically disabled persons can make new online friends from around the world.

Support groups are also known as ‘self-help groups’ because they help people obtain and utilize resources to change their lives in productive and helpful ways, support groups are usually run by volunteers who suffer from serious health problems, or are disabled. They can offer valuable information and advice, be a source of informal therapy and encouragement, allow seriously disabled persons to feel like valuable, and can be used to help advocate for social and legal changes. Physical activities, social functions, field trips, and guest speakers are additional bonuses. Before joining a disability support group a person should try to find a group in his or her area (groups that are far away will not afford regular face-to-face contact; easy accessibility will solve many problems) that covers the needs of disabled people. The person’s family physician, or other professional care worker, may be able to refer the person to a legitimate online community that is best for making good friends, socializing with them, is a very pleasant experience. Searching online, making inquiries at local hospitals and clinics (physicians, nurses, and medical social workers), local community message boards, the local library, and speaking to developmental services workers and people in the local school’s special education department will likely be helpful. Once located the person should inquire about what kinds of disabilities are addressed in the particular support group. Allot a time period for regular involvement in the affair and if everything goes well invite others to the support group. Just in case, find out if there are any up-front or hidden fees and know exactly who is running the operation.

IT IS IMPORTANT FOR DISABILITY SUPPORT GROUPS TO ADVERTISE THEIR AVAILABILITY:

• Contact local hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices that work with the disabled, special education departments of schools
• Post meeting times online and at the designated location if applicable
• Inquire with local television and radio stations about possible complimentary public service announcements. Contact places of worship and ask if they can advertise your group to its members; ask for many prayers of support for the disabled everywhere
• Find out if anyone in the group has special skills that can be beneficial to the organization

BELOW ARE CHAT ROOM RULES FOR THE GROUP `DISABILITIES-R-US` MEMBERS AND IS A GOOD STANDARD FOR OTHER GROUPS:

• Be polite and friendly: If you have a personal qualm with someone it is better to discuss it in private, not in the main room
• Do not lie: If you are not physically disabled, do not say that you are. Do not lie about the disability that you have. There is no tolerance for liars
• No dating: This is not a dating site where you can pick people up, people who try to pick up other persons or promote any kind of sexual activity will be banned (keep it clean)
• No fetishist activity: Friendly conversation only, sick fantasies are forbidden
• No underage persons: Members must be 18 years of age or older. The majority of members are in their 30s to 50s, but can go as high as the 80s
• No advertising or sales
• No criminal activity will be tolerated: Violators will be reported to the authorities and banned from the group
• Free Speech: Must be done in a respectful manner, no trouble makers will be tolerated

Little People of America, Inc. (LPA) is a non-profit organization that provides help and information to little people and their families. Extreme shortness is, caused by more than 200 medical conditions. LPA welcomes all forms of dwarfism. There are more than 6,000 LPA members in the United States and internationally including 13 districts and 70 chapters. LPA does not discriminate based on age, or any other unjust criteria, the youngest members are newborns the eldest are senior citizens; membership is available, but for a fee.

Disabled World website’s main goal is to provide the latest information through their informative articles, disability news, and educational videos. Aside from stories by in-house writers and news, info by disability organizations and Government Departments, each day Disabled World earnestly selects pertinent items that are believed to be of value to persons with disabilities, carers, and the general public.

Disability Rights International (DRI), was established in 1993 by attorney Eric Rosenthal, is committed to promoting the human rights and full participation in society of people with disabilities, part of which is to inform people, and end, the practice of institutionalizing of children with disabilities.

Based in Washington, D.C., DRI documents human rights abuses, publishes reports of human rights abuses and human rights enforcement, and bolsters international oversight of the rights of people with disabilities. Because children are often the most, defenceless members of society, DRI’s Worldwide Campaign to End Institutionalization of Children, Founded by DRI President Laurie Ahern, strives to protect children suffering today and pursues to prevent the next generation of children with disabilities from being, institutionalized and forgotten.

The Disability Rights Education & Defence Fund was initiated in 1979 and is now a major national civil rights law and Policy center guided by individuals with disabilities and parents who have children with disabilities. The mission is to strengthen the civil and human rights of people with disabilities by way of legal advocacy, training, education, public Policy, and legislative improvement. The vision is a just world where everyone, with or without disabilities, can live full and independent lives without being discriminated against.

The {UN} Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is in brief, according to the words of Don Mackay, Chairman of the committee that negotiated the treaty, "Is to elaborate in detail the rights of persons with disabilities and set out a code of implementation." (un.org: Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: The Convention in Brief). Countries that join the Convention strive to develop and implement policies, laws and administrative measures, for attaining the rights recognized in the Convention and stamp out laws, regulations, customs and practices that exemplify discrimination, these rights are, granted to children as well as adults, and males and females alike. The Convention puts forward adequate protection for civil, cultural, economic, political, and social rights of persons with disabilities based upon inclusion, equality, and non-discrimination. The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), consisting of 18 autonomous experts (currently, most of them have a disability), manage promotion and implementation of the Convention.

The Government of Canada and its respective provinces have a mission to help reduce the obstacles and increase opportunities for people with disabilities, to help safeguard their full participation in society, as equals. Canada has a secure legislative framework that {in theory} insures the equal rights of people with disabilities. More so, a variety of federal programs supports the lives of Canadians with disabilities. The main federal laws that protect people with disabilities against discrimination are found in, The Canadian Charter of Rights, Freedoms, and the Canadian Human Rights Act of 1977.

"The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is a part of the Canadian Constitution, which is a set of laws containing the basic rules about how our country operates. Section 15 of the Charter makes it clear that every individual in Canada – regardless of race, religion, national or ethnic origin, colour, sex, age or physical or mental disability – is to be, considered equal. This means that governments must not discriminate on any of these grounds in its laws or programs." (Government of Canada: Rights of People with Disabilities)

"The Canadian Human Rights Act of 1977 protects Canadians from discrimination when they are employed by or receive services from: The Federal Government, First Nations Governments, and private companies that are regulated by the government like banks, trucking companies, broadcasters and telecommunications companies." (ibid)

Under the Canadian Human Rights Act of 1977, there are 11 grounds of discrimination including race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability, a conviction for which a pardon has been granted or a record suspended.(referenced from Government of Canada: The Canadian Human Rights Act: Grounds of Discrimination).

The National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) was established in 1986 has authorized support complete access  to  education  and employment  for  post-secondary schools and graduates  with  disabilities in  all of Canada. NEADS is a consumer-controlled,    across-the-board disability  charitable organization. Constituents are, represented  through  particular projects, resources, research, publications and collaborations. NEADS is operated by  a  national Board   of Directors that is representative of every, province and territory. NEADS work Concentrates, on three core Strategic Program areas including student debt reduction, student experiences in class and on campus, and student and graduate employment (referenced from neads.ca: About NEADS).

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law following its signing on July 26, 1990 by President George H.W. Bush. The ADA is one of America’s most all-inclusive civil rights acts that forbids discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have equal opportunities as every other participant in mainstream American society to appreciate employment opportunities, to buy goods and services, and to engage in State and local government programs and services. Designed after the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which forbids discrimination based on race, colour, religion, gender, or national origin; Section 504 of this act guarantees certain rights to people with disabilities.

In order to be covered by the ADA a person, must have a disability, defined by the ADA as a physical or mental impairment that considerably curtails one or more major life activities, a person who has a history of or documentation of the particular impairment, or a person who is recognized by others as having such impairment. The full range of covered impairments is not, named by the ADA.

About 1.5 million people in Sweden have a disability of some kind. The primary objective of Sweden’s disability laws, have been to safeguard the right of people with disabilities to have power and impact on their everyday lives. Sweden has social welfare for all of its citizens, and with unique programs outlined to address the needs of people with disabilities.

In Sweden, The Act concerning Support and Services for Persons with Certain Functional Impairments (LSS), grants disabled individuals the right to personal assistance, in general free of charge. The amount of help granted for disabled individuals is based on the extent of their disabilities.

IN AGREEMENT, WITH CLAUSE NINE OF THE LSS, THERE ARE 10 FORMS OF ASSISTANCE (REFERENCED FROM: ACT CONCERNING SUPPORT AND SERVICE FOR PERSONS WITH CERTAIN FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENTS VIA SWEDEN SVERIGE: SWEDEN’S DISABILITY POLICY):

• Advice and other personal support
• Personal assistance
• Companion service
• Contact person
• Relief service
• Short-term stays away from home
• Short-term care for school children over 12 years of age
• Living in family home or housing with special services for children and young people
• Housing with special services for adults or other specially adapted housing for adults

Athletes are the core of the Special Olympics (SO) they are comprised of children and adults all with intellectual disabilities (ID) from around the globe. The athletes can find success, triumph, happiness, satisfaction, friendship, comradeship, and a sense of accomplishment. The objective of the SO is to reach the nearly 200 million people in the world with ID. By way of sports, the athletes feel able-bodied and talented, not disabled. They become self-assured and empowered by their achievements. Virtually every athlete can make new friends some from their own countries others from others; it is a very inclusive and accepting community. The number of SO athletes continues to grow today they are approaching 5 million individuals, from 170 countries. Furthermore, there is a Young Athletes program for children ages two through 7.

The volunteers believe sports can create happiness and unity in society. They have seen it happen many times over in the SO. The volunteers are coaches, trainers, officials, event organizers, fundraisers, and managers. They are also unifying teammates, playing next to athletes with ID, or can be the fans cheering in the stands. SO is a powerful benevolent tool to spread compassion and acceptance in a manner that can help unite our world. SO has no boundaries and there is no discrimination athletes, males and females alike, are accepted without any regard to race, ethnicity, religion, economic level, or nationality. SO is without any doubt the world's largest public health organization for people with ID. Many athletes arrive at the SO suffering from uncared for, untreated health problems. At World Games and other events, SO offers health exams and care free of charge.

Sports events for athletes with disabilities have existed for more than 100 years. There were sports clubs for the deaf in Berlin, Germany, that have been in existence for at least as far back as the 1880s. Following the Second World War, sports events for the disabled became more widespread, it is understandable considering the enormous number of severely injured war veterans and civilians. On July 29, 1948, the day of the Opening Ceremony of the London 1948 Olympic Games, Dr. Ludwig Guttman organized the first competition for wheelchair-bound athletes that he named the Stoke Mandeville Games, a turning point and breakthrough in Paralympics history; the official founding of the games occurred in 1952. A total of 16 wheelchair-bound injured service members and women participated in archery. The name of these games was later, changed to the Paralympics Games, a very important international multi-sport event whose athletes have a variety of physical disabilities.

The International Paralympics Committee (IPC) was, established on September 22, 1989. It is a non-profit organization consisting of people from 20 countries. The IPC is located in Bonn, Germany, and run by 200 members, it is the worldwide governing body of the Paralympics Movement, that organizes the summer and winter Paralympics Games, and function as the International Federation for nine sports, overseeing and coordinating World Championships and other competitions. The vision of the IPC is to allow Para Athletes to attain sporting excellence and to motivate and excite the world, to bring about better conditions for athlete empowerment, sporting distinction, and to positively affect the soul of all people for a more fair and just world.

Depending on the number and severity of the disability, many people in this category feel overwhelmed and severely curtailed, most live with it and do what they can, but a minority of people are very tenacious and dedicated their drive to succeed is nothing short of incredible. Having a disability is not always an automatic death knell. The athlete’s heroism cannot be measured they have succeeded in a world where only healthy people are supposed to succeed and where societal attitudes are often hostile.

THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF SOME OF THE MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO OVERCOME THEIR DISABILITIES:

• Hellen Keller born in Tuscumbia, Alabama (June 27, 1880 – June 1, 1968) was a prolific American author, political activist and speaker. She is likely the most renowned of all disabled persons, I first heard about this heroic woman when I was in grade school. In 1904, at the age of 24, she graduated from Radcliffe College becoming the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree.
• Stevie Wonder Stevland Hardaway Morris 'Stevie Wonder' born in Saginaw, Michigan (May 13, 1950 - ) an American who became blind shortly after birth but was still able to attain world fame as a prolific singer, musician, song writer, and instrumentalist; began his successful music career in childhood.
• Marlee Matlin born in Morton Grove, Illinois (August 24, 1965 -) an American actor who became deaf during infancy following an illness, she began her successful acting career in childhood.
• Ralph William Braun born in Winamac, Indiana (December 18, 1940 – February 8, 2013) an American who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy in childhood he started using a wheelchair at the age of 14. A year later, he and his father made a motorized vehicle to help him get around easier. Was the founder and CEO of the Braun Foundation; he was a major manufacturer of wheelchair accessible vehicles.
• Stephen William Hawking born in Oxford, England (January 8, 1942 - ) an Englishman who was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 21, nevertheless he was able to attain incredible fame and success as a theoretical physicist and cosmologist, is also an author, he has a PhD in Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. He communicates using one cheek muscle attached to a speech- generating device (SGD).
• Bethany Meilani Hamilton born in Lihue, Hawaii (February 8, 1990 - ) is a renowned American surfer who survived a 2003 attack by a 14-foot-long tiger shark in which her left arm, was bitten off just below the shoulder.
• Marla Lee Runyan-Lonergan born in Santa Maria, California (January 4, 1969 - ) is an American track and field star, marathon runner and three-time national champion in the women's 5000 meters (5,468 yards); she is legally blind.
• Ludwig van Beethoven born in Bonn Electorate of Cologne (17 December 1770[1] – 26 March 1827) began to lose his sense of hearing at 26, but still managed to become a historically renowned composer and pianist. He continued to compose music that is still being heard and studied to this day, most of his incredible works were done after he had gone deaf.
• Christopher Reeve born in New York City (September 25, 1952 – October 10, 2004) a prominent American actor, film director, producer, author, and activist his most notable role was that of Clark Kent the superhero in the 1978 Superman hit. Despite becoming a quadriplegic in 1995, after being, tossed by a horse he continued to work and from all outwardly indications never gave up hope in some day being able to walk again.
• Vincent Willem van Gogh born in Zundet, Netherlands (March 30, 1853 - July 29, 1890) was Dutch and no doubt, one of the most famous and authoritative figures in western art history. In only one decade, he created more than 2,000 works of art. During his life he was, admitted to several insane asylums and hospitals, unfortunately, a precise diagnosis of his ailment/s is not available.
• Franklin Delano Roosevelt 'FDR' born in New York (January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945) was an American political leader and the 32nd President of the United States from March 4, 1933 – April 12, 1945, part of his term was during the Second World War. FDR contracted polio earlier in life which resulted in him being wheelchair bound, but that did not stop him. When in public during his presidency, he made sure to be, held up by his aids, not to be, seen in his wheelchair.
• Louis Jude 'Lou' Ferrigno born in Brooklyn, New York (November 9, 1951 - ) retired champion bodybuilder winning numerous titles, a fitness trainer, consultant, and actor, his best role was of the Hulk in The Incredible Hulk series (1978 - 1982). At the age of three Lou had an ear infection that was not treated correctly resulting in the loss of 80 percent of his, hearing. Hearing aids have helped a bit. Early in life he was, taunted by other kids for being semi-deaf called derogatory names like, 'deaf Louie', 'deaf mute'. He taught himself to lip read, inspired by comic book heroes he wished to be strong.
• Nicholas James 'Nick' Vujicic born in Melbourne, Australia (December 4, 1982 - ) is an Australian Christian Evangelist and motivational speaker. He was born, without arms or legs has two small and deformed feet, but in spite of his disability taught himself how to skateboard and surf. He uses one of his feet to operate an electric wheelchair, a computer, and a mobile phone he was, awarded the Australian Young Citizen Award.

Humans are not the only beings that can suffer from disabilities, animals also do, and we should always remember that they have feelings too. In the wild, a disabled animal will more than likely stand no chance against predators, rivals, the elements, and the host of other problems that nature will toss at it. Thankfully there are many, people who care about animals and this caring attitude extends to those unfortunate enough to suffer from disabilities. The most common species that are helped by humans are dogs and cats usually they are companion animals belonging to someone.

THE FOLLOWING ARE SHELTERS, IN THE IN THE UNITED STATES THAT HOUSE AND CARE FOR ANIMALS WITH DISABILITIES:

• Big Sid's Sanctuary, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan is one of America's largest animal shelters helping felines with feline immunodeficiency and feline leukemia virus. This category of cats, for the most part are not adopted, they are too sick and are deemed to problematic and expensive to treat, hence they are dumped into shelters where many are euthanized. Big Sid's gives these felines a second chance with much needed attention and special treatment.
• Rolling Dog Farm located in Lancaster, New Hampshire provides a loving, caring home for blind and deaf dogs and blind and deaf horses, and those suffering from severe neurological disabilities and orthopaedic problems, from all over America. Many of these animals were abandoned spent much of their lives in shelters, and certainly wished to live in a real, loving home.
• SNARR Animal Rescue located in Saint Martinville, Louisiana helps animals that are deemed, un-adoptable attributable to physical, behavioural, emotional or other health problems. The animals are well cared for and given attention, the goal of which is to turn them into a good companion.
• Bright Haven located in Sebastopol, California provides a loving home to animals needing specialized care including those with disabilities and the aged. The environment is peaceful and loving. In addition, the shelter contains a holistic treatment and education centre, helping people to learn the finest practices when caring for animals.
• Center for Animal Protection and Education located in Santa Cruz, California provides protection and sanctuary to animals with a broad spectrum of issues, which commonly prevent them from finding a home elsewhere. Along with animals with special needs, disabilities, and serious injuries, there are educational programs for children and adults, and a contemporary issues campaign team who are constantly pursuing to educate and enlighten the public about the treatment of animals.
• Love Handlers located in Greenville, Tennessee began with the goal to create a paradise for blind and disabled dogs, where they could, be given another chance at a normal life following their being abandonment or mistreatment, in the past. The quality of care and rehabilitation is noteworthy, in a loving and caring environment.
• Pets with Disabilities is located in Prince Frederick, Maryland and is committed to caring and re-homing pets that have suffered from physical problems and were abandoned as a result. It serves as a rescue and adoption placement aid, intent on re-homing most of the dogs with loving caring families, but some of the dogs will be at the shelter indefinitely due to particular problems.
• SAFE (Saving Animals from Euthanasia) Animal Rescue located in Thousand Oaks, California provides shelter and re-homing options for animals set for euthanasia due to their injuries, diseases, or long stay in other shelters; in effect, they are given a second chance. Perhaps this time someone will want them.
• Blind Cat Rescue located in St. Pauls, North Carolina provides a nice home to blind cats, usually deemed unadoptable by mainstream shelters as such they are euthanized