A link to the story: http://www.aucd.org/template/news.cfm?news_id=3759&id=16 A brief reaction, today. I had a conversation last fall with a clinician regarding inclusion of individuals with disabilities in advertising. Essentially, the facility we were in had pictures everywhere of children with different colored hair, eyes and skin. Pictures of children of varying ethnicities, ages, and sizes. But not one picture of a child with a disability. Not one picture of a child with a complex medical condition. The facility is one that treats all types of children including children similar to those portrayed in the pictures and those excluded.
I asked the clinician I was with what she thought of this oversight. She had communicated the same thoughts to administrators. The reply she received is that including children with disabilities or complex medical conditions might be viewed as exploitation.
Huh. I guess I never thought of it that way. But I don't agree. Children are unique.
The facility made an obvious effort to portray that. Why is portraying a child of a particular ethnicity not viewed as exploiting that ethnicity, but a picture of a child in a wheelchair is? Perhaps ableism is too new of a concept for "non-discrimination" efforts to include persons with disabilities. I suppose the ADA act is "younger" when compared to the Civil Rights Act and movements of the 1960's, but it's almost 20 years old!**
So, what to think of this commercial contest? What tone will it take? What will be the communities response? Will some deem it exploitation? It will certainly be interesting to follow.
**Please forgive me if I am a poor historian:)
Monday, March 30, 2009
Commerical Contest to air in July
A link to the story: http://www.aucd.org/template/news.cfm?news_id=3759&id=16
A brief reaction, today. I had a conversation last fall with a clinician regarding inclusion of individuals with disabilities in advertising. Essentially, the facility we were in had pictures everywhere of children with different colored hair, eyes and skin. Pictures of children of varying ethnicities, ages, and sizes. But not one picture of a child with a disability. Not one picture of a child with a complex medical condition. The facility is one that treats all types of children including children similar to those portrayed in the pictures and those excluded.
I asked the clinician I was with what she thought of this oversight. She had communicated the same thoughts to administrators. The reply she received is that including children with disabilities or complex medical conditions might be viewed as exploitation.
Huh. I guess I never thought of it that way. But I don't agree.
Children are unique. The facility made an obvious effort to portray that. Why is portraying a child of a particular ethnicity not viewed as exploiting that ethnicity, but a picture of a child in a wheelchair is? Perhaps ableism is too new of a concept for "non-discrimination" efforts to include persons with disabilities. I suppose the ADA act is "younger" when compared to the Civil Rights Act and movements of the 1960's, but it's almost 20 years old!**
So, what to think of this commercial contest? What tone will it take? What will be the communities response? Will some deem it exploitation? It will certainly be interesting to follow.
**Please forgive me if I am a poor historian:)
A brief reaction, today. I had a conversation last fall with a clinician regarding inclusion of individuals with disabilities in advertising. Essentially, the facility we were in had pictures everywhere of children with different colored hair, eyes and skin. Pictures of children of varying ethnicities, ages, and sizes. But not one picture of a child with a disability. Not one picture of a child with a complex medical condition. The facility is one that treats all types of children including children similar to those portrayed in the pictures and those excluded.
I asked the clinician I was with what she thought of this oversight. She had communicated the same thoughts to administrators. The reply she received is that including children with disabilities or complex medical conditions might be viewed as exploitation.
Huh. I guess I never thought of it that way. But I don't agree.
Children are unique. The facility made an obvious effort to portray that. Why is portraying a child of a particular ethnicity not viewed as exploiting that ethnicity, but a picture of a child in a wheelchair is? Perhaps ableism is too new of a concept for "non-discrimination" efforts to include persons with disabilities. I suppose the ADA act is "younger" when compared to the Civil Rights Act and movements of the 1960's, but it's almost 20 years old!**
So, what to think of this commercial contest? What tone will it take? What will be the communities response? Will some deem it exploitation? It will certainly be interesting to follow.
**Please forgive me if I am a poor historian:)
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Running with Team Reeve in the windy city
I found a charity to run with! I signed up for the Chicago Marathon a few weeks ago. Then, one day for class, we went to the NeuroRecovery Network Clinic at Ohio State. We learned all about their high-tech rehab and the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. I had heard their were some great videos on the site, so I decided to check it out.
While I was there, I saw a link to the right that said "26.2" and thought to myself, "that can only mean one thing!" I saw they were putting together a team for the Chicago Marathon 2009 and I had to find out more!
The Christopher and Dana Reeve foundation funds research and advocates to improve spinal cord injury treatment. This is the story (and video) that really motivated me to join Team Reeve: http://www.christopherreeve.org/site/c.ddJFKRNoFiG/b.4440581/k.8DF8/The_Chase_Is_On.htm
So I have taken on the challenge to raise $2,000 for the foundation. You can contribute at https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=307590&lis=1&kntae307590=92E8318DA70141D2AD9D4A5FB87DB8D5&supId=250391126
I've embarked on many journies in my running-life. From my first marathon to qualifying for and running the Boston marathon. Fundraising presents in new challenge for me in Chicago... and hopefully push me to a new personal best time! I can't wait!
While I was there, I saw a link to the right that said "26.2" and thought to myself, "that can only mean one thing!" I saw they were putting together a team for the Chicago Marathon 2009 and I had to find out more!
The Christopher and Dana Reeve foundation funds research and advocates to improve spinal cord injury treatment. This is the story (and video) that really motivated me to join Team Reeve: http://www.christopherreeve.org/site/c.ddJFKRNoFiG/b.4440581/k.8DF8/The_Chase_Is_On.htm
So I have taken on the challenge to raise $2,000 for the foundation. You can contribute at https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=307590&lis=1&kntae307590=92E8318DA70141D2AD9D4A5FB87DB8D5&supId=250391126
Finishing my first marathon, Columbus 2006
I've embarked on many journies in my running-life. From my first marathon to qualifying for and running the Boston marathon. Fundraising presents in new challenge for me in Chicago... and hopefully push me to a new personal best time! I can't wait!
Running in the 112th Boston Marathon in 2008! Achieving a lifetime goal:)
Friday, March 6, 2009
A group member shared this video with me for a class presentation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGeHXP24E0E
It really touched me because running is such a big part of my life. I hope to be able to advocate for kids to participate in extra-curricular activities like this. I shared it with my fiance and he said, "Runners are just like that. They accept everyone no matter how fast you are because you all go through the same tough stuff." (he means the workouts and races) "It's the one sport where everyone can compete and belong."
He really just hit it on the head. Running is just this crazy goal-oriented thing. Everyone who runs has a goal. Some people want to run faster, set a new personal record, try a new event, lose weight, stay healthy, relieve stress and the list goes on. Achieving those goals is very fulfilling but through the years, I gained an appreciation for the success of others. watching a teammate, a friend, or now, in my life as a (soon to be) PT, a patient and their family, is even more rewarding. To this day, when I watch any kind of championship sporting event on TV (or even in movies) I start to tear up as I watch the person/people react to achieving their goal.
Running really does bring people together. I've learned this more as I've transitioned from running on a team to running on my own. I am so excited whenever I meet someone that I might be able to run with! It brings people from all different walks of life together; they have something in common now. And running may be the only thing they do have in common, but that is what is so great about it. Some of my best and longest friendships are with people I have met through running. Life goes on, paths take you different place but you always have that one thing in common. It's one of those "great equalizers." This story and video relate to just that:
With this post, I really just wanted to share the above video because I feel like it just fits me. It's my two strongest interests all rolled into one. It's just one of those stories that hit me at the right time to keep that spark going.
Adapted programs are great. They really are. Their purpose of promoting fitness for persons who need accommodations and they do just that. But why should we limit ourselves? Not everyone needs or wants accommodations and kids can succeed in traditional sports if someone will just give them a chance.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGeHXP24E0E
It really touched me because running is such a big part of my life. I hope to be able to advocate for kids to participate in extra-curricular activities like this. I shared it with my fiance and he said, "Runners are just like that. They accept everyone no matter how fast you are because you all go through the same tough stuff." (he means the workouts and races) "It's the one sport where everyone can compete and belong."
He really just hit it on the head. Running is just this crazy goal-oriented thing. Everyone who runs has a goal. Some people want to run faster, set a new personal record, try a new event, lose weight, stay healthy, relieve stress and the list goes on. Achieving those goals is very fulfilling but through the years, I gained an appreciation for the success of others. watching a teammate, a friend, or now, in my life as a (soon to be) PT, a patient and their family, is even more rewarding. To this day, when I watch any kind of championship sporting event on TV (or even in movies) I start to tear up as I watch the person/people react to achieving their goal.
Running really does bring people together. I've learned this more as I've transitioned from running on a team to running on my own. I am so excited whenever I meet someone that I might be able to run with! It brings people from all different walks of life together; they have something in common now. And running may be the only thing they do have in common, but that is what is so great about it. Some of my best and longest friendships are with people I have met through running. Life goes on, paths take you different place but you always have that one thing in common. It's one of those "great equalizers." This story and video relate to just that:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/04/02/heroes.mahlum/index.html and http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/04/02/heroes.mahlum/index.html#cnnSTCVideo)
With this post, I really just wanted to share the above video because I feel like it just fits me. It's my two strongest interests all rolled into one. It's just one of those stories that hit me at the right time to keep that spark going.
Adapted programs are great. They really are. Their purpose of promoting fitness for persons who need accommodations and they do just that. But why should we limit ourselves? Not everyone needs or wants accommodations and kids can succeed in traditional sports if someone will just give them a chance.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Reaction to news story from England
In case you haven't watched the news clip, I've provided it below:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29391313/
This is a story from England that made the news because parents had a negative reaction to the a new BBC host of a children's program called CBeebies. The new host, Cerrie Burnell, has a physical disability and parents claim it is scaring their children.
I tend to think that news programs/stories/groups/etc always have inherent bias. I am glad to see that this group seems to oppose the ideas of the protesting parents. I am glad to see they interview a parent and son (in the video clip). The child, Isaac, doesn't think having only one hand would make a difference. I think his attitude is a reflection of his dad's attitude.
Earlier in the clip, the negative comments from parents flash across the screen; some are read by a narrator. One parent asks, "How do you explain to a three year old why the host has half an arm?" My immediate reaction to that questions is to tell them the truth! Children ask millions of questions! Especially about unfamiliar or new things. If they ask why someone has one arm or uses a wheelchair it is an opportunity to explain that everyone is different.
This news story reminds me of a recent question at the adapted recreation program I help with. Some of the kids have physical disabilities and instead of using the equipment such as walkers or wheelchairs during the program, volunteers support each child as they walk, jump, and play. One young girl, probably 10 years old, asked one of the younger girls, who has help to walk: "Why can't you walk?" I was helping the younger girl at the time and she didn't answer. After the older girl asked a few more times the younger girl looked at me and the older girl asked me "Why can't she walk?" It's hard to admit but I kind of froze! I know why the young girl can't walk, but how could I put it in terms her peer would understand and take advantage of the opportunity to explain that everyone is unique. So I explained that the younger girl needs help to move her legs and keep her balance. My answer either wasn't good enough for the older girl or she didn't believe me; I'm not sure but she asked the younger girl again, "Why can't you walk?"
I did my best to facilitate a conversation between the two girls, saying to the younger one "Why don't you tell her what you use to move around by yourself?" She responded "A walker or a wheelchair." The older girl said "Is it hard?" to which she responded "No" (with a tone than indicated she was thinking "why would it be?") The older girl was now satisfied and she ran off to play elsewhere. I felt like I handled the situation fairly well; certainly, I could have done a better job, but I'd like to think both parties benefited. The older girl learned the answer to her question and the younger girl (maybe) had a chance at self-advocacy.
In any case, I am interested to hear how others would have responded to the above situation and/or the news story from England. Please post comments here or email the listserve at AUCDTrainees@AUCD.ORG.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29391313/
This is a story from England that made the news because parents had a negative reaction to the a new BBC host of a children's program called CBeebies. The new host, Cerrie Burnell, has a physical disability and parents claim it is scaring their children.
I tend to think that news programs/stories/groups/etc always have inherent bias. I am glad to see that this group seems to oppose the ideas of the protesting parents. I am glad to see they interview a parent and son (in the video clip). The child, Isaac, doesn't think having only one hand would make a difference. I think his attitude is a reflection of his dad's attitude.
Earlier in the clip, the negative comments from parents flash across the screen; some are read by a narrator. One parent asks, "How do you explain to a three year old why the host has half an arm?" My immediate reaction to that questions is to tell them the truth! Children ask millions of questions! Especially about unfamiliar or new things. If they ask why someone has one arm or uses a wheelchair it is an opportunity to explain that everyone is different.
This news story reminds me of a recent question at the adapted recreation program I help with. Some of the kids have physical disabilities and instead of using the equipment such as walkers or wheelchairs during the program, volunteers support each child as they walk, jump, and play. One young girl, probably 10 years old, asked one of the younger girls, who has help to walk: "Why can't you walk?" I was helping the younger girl at the time and she didn't answer. After the older girl asked a few more times the younger girl looked at me and the older girl asked me "Why can't she walk?" It's hard to admit but I kind of froze! I know why the young girl can't walk, but how could I put it in terms her peer would understand and take advantage of the opportunity to explain that everyone is unique. So I explained that the younger girl needs help to move her legs and keep her balance. My answer either wasn't good enough for the older girl or she didn't believe me; I'm not sure but she asked the younger girl again, "Why can't you walk?"
I did my best to facilitate a conversation between the two girls, saying to the younger one "Why don't you tell her what you use to move around by yourself?" She responded "A walker or a wheelchair." The older girl said "Is it hard?" to which she responded "No" (with a tone than indicated she was thinking "why would it be?") The older girl was now satisfied and she ran off to play elsewhere. I felt like I handled the situation fairly well; certainly, I could have done a better job, but I'd like to think both parties benefited. The older girl learned the answer to her question and the younger girl (maybe) had a chance at self-advocacy.
In any case, I am interested to hear how others would have responded to the above situation and/or the news story from England. Please post comments here or email the listserve at AUCDTrainees@AUCD.ORG.
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