July 2020 - Disability Digest

Disability Digest

The monthly DISABILITY RIGHTS e-publication
of Disability Network Southwest Michigan

July 2020

Looking for justice at the intersection of
race and disability

back of a black man in a wheel chair wearing a t-shirt saying _I can_t breath_

The news is filled with stories related to people of color (POC) and their treatment from law enforcement. Being a POC with a disability adds a whole new layer of complexity.

This article highlights the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities when interacting with police and the lack of ADA/disability training provided by most law enforcement agencies. A disability rights advocate said, "disabled people of color face greater risk when interacting with law enforcement; an inability to understand or follow inaccessible police commands can be aggravated by persistent social bias that, because of their race, means they are more likely to be considered criminals."

Senator Tammy Duckworth on the ADA, her career path, and the importance of voting

Senator Tammy Duckworth talks ADA and Elections

In this video interview, Senator Tammy Duckworth talks about how the ADA has impacted her life from the ability to have a career and have children to the physical accessibility of the Senate buildings. Duckworth also reflects on how her experience as disabled veteran led to her career in politics, and the importance of voting in the coming election.

Acceptance of working remotely could be a positive outcome from COVID-19

Lucia Rios is a writer and disability advocate. In this article, Rios says she is hopeful that the COVID-19 lock-down has shown employers and community members that there are alternative ways to work and that acceptance of remote work will remain beyond the pandemic. "I hope, once we're out of quarantine, we don't stop making access and inclusion an important topic. I, along with others, will still be disabled. Personally, I don't want to go back to business as usual. I want our community to continue to be mindful of those with disabilities, and how adaptable we were during a crisis to include everyone," said Rios.

Join us for our ADA 30th Anniversary Celebration!

2020 year marks the thirtieth anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Disability Network Southwest Michigan holds an annual event each July to celebrate the landmark legislation which granted rights and provided independence to so many people. This year, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Disability Network's celebration will be held on-line.

Follow this link for all the details and to register for our 2020|30 Celebration.

Community Education Online
Celebrates the ADA during July.

Visit our website for a listing of upcoming online Community Education offerings and follow the links for information and to register.

Disability Network Southwest Michigan

Kalamazoo Office	St. Joseph Office
517 E. Crosstown Parkway	2900 Lakeview Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49001	St. Joseph, MI 49085
(269) 345-1516	(269) 985-0111

www.dnswm.org

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.

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