The monthly DISABILITY RIGHTS e-publication of Disability Network Southwest Michigan
March 2019
Spread the Word: Inclusion
For the past ten years, there has been a strong initiative to stop the use of the "R word" (retarded) because the word is disrespectful and has strong derogatory connotations. But recently, energy has switched from teaching people not to use the "R word" to, instead, teaching people to be inclusive. This shift puts emphasis on a positive, respectful behavior rather than focusing on an undesired negative behavior. Follow this link to read more about the
end of the R Word pledge.
Parenting Without Pity
This video is part of the Parenting without Pity project -- a storytelling resource for people with disabilities to help educate parents of children with disabilities. The philosophy is that kids with disabilities are more likely to develop the confidence and skills they need to advocate for themselves and feel pride in their disability identity if their non-disabled parents can interact with and learn from the disabled community.
Smart Cities Need to be Inclusive Cities
The push to make cities smarter often disproportionately favors people without disabilities. Thereby leaving out a large segment of the population.
More and more cities are bringing technological advances to their communities for function and information, however, if the new technology isn't accessible, it is denying use to a big part of the population. Follow this link to read more about making smart cities accessible.
MOVIE + LUNCH + DISCUSSION
March: Keep The Change
Keep the Change is a romantic comedy that follows the budding relationship of two people with autism. Their relationship must weather her romantic past, his judgmental mother and their own preconceptions of what love is supposed to look like. Keep the Change casts actors with autism to play characters with autism, offering a refreshingly honest portrait of a community seldom depicted on the big screen.
This event will be held in Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and St. Joseph. Follow this link for more information about our upcoming movie series including Keep the Change.
MOVIE + LUNCH + DISCUSSION
April: Infinitely Polar Bear
Infinitely Polar Bear is based on the true story of a father who is recovering from a manic breakdown and soon finds himself in over his head when he takes on the role of primary caregiver for his daughters while his wife returns to graduate school.
This event will be held in Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and St. Joseph. Follow this link for more information about our upcoming movie series including Infinitely Polar Bear.
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