The monthly DISABILITY RIGHTS e-publication of Disability Network Southwest Michigan
April 2020
POSITION STATEMENT: Civil rights for people with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic
The Disability Network Southwest Michigan Board of Directors have issued a position statement regarding civil rights for people with disabilities with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic which states, "
We are currently facing a health crisis that disproportionately affects people with disabilities; as a result, a concentrated effort should be given to practice non-discriminatory care and rationing of limited resources . . . persons with disabilities should not be denied medical care on the basis of stereotypes, assessments of quality of life, or judgments about a person's relative "worth" based on the presence or absence of disabilities."
Lessons from COVID-19 may lead to greater inclusion of people with disabilities.
Working from home and coping with isolation is nothing new for many people with disabilities. COVID-19 has forced the business world to realize that much of the work that gets done can be done from home. This could have huge implications for the inclusion of people with disabilities in business, as many of the practices implemented over the last month are the same ones that would allow people with disabilities to not only participate, but thrive, in business. Companies can apply what they are learning now to improve inclusion of people with disabilities.
The Census data is used to determine the amount of federal dollars that are allocated to each state and county for resources we all use. The State of Michigan will receive $1,800 annually for each person counted who is living in Michigan.
Be Counted! Follow this link to complete your 2020 Census today!
Crip Camp - New documentary highlights the start of the disability rights movement for many.
This NetFlix film documents how a groundbreaking summer camp galvanized a group of teens with disabilities to help build a movement, forging a new path toward greater equality. This spirited look at grassroots activism starts with footage of youth who attended Camp Jened in the sixties and brings us through a view of disability history in the United States, tracking some of the campers through their journey in the fight for disability rights.
Community Education Online
In response to COVID-19 Disability Network Southwest Michigan is taking it's Community Education programming online during the month of May. Once you register for an event you will be sent instructions for joining the event online or by phone.
Following is a listing of our Community Education online events in May. Click on the event titles to visit our web site to learn more about each one. You can also find a full list on our home page.
You can help support the Disability Rights Movement in Southwest Michigan with a tax-deductible donation to Disability Network.
Visit our website to donate on-line.
