Not a day goes by for me where I don’t come across articles or blog posts related to disabilities that command my attention and make me stop to think. Last month, I did a round-up of some of the most interesting and thought-provoking things I read regarding disabilities. Though I had wanted to do a round-up post on either a weekly or bi-weekly basis, time got away from me a bit. However, I didn’t want to let this month go by without doing another round-up, because I had lots of fun putting it together last time! I’ll link to the article or post and include a brief explanation of why I choose to share each piece. I hope you find things that resonate with you within my lists.
Articles
- What’s the deal with the onstage sign language interpreters at music festivals? – In my Disability and Social Justice class during college, one of our assignments was to find out more about how public places and venues accommodate all kinds of disabilities. One group called concert venues to see what the response would be if they requested sign language interpreters. Unfortunately, they were sent in circles among various venue representatives and not one person they asked had any useful responses or knowledge of how to get an interpreter to their venue. This article is all about LotuSign, a company that’s working towards changing this problem.
- Disability Studies: A New Normal – This New York Times article gives an interesting overview of the ways in which disability studies can be applied to a wide range of career paths. While I don’t think the idea that anyone can become disabled needs to be called “foreboding,” I really shouldn’t be picky about semantics here because I think this article is a great read.
- Gas Stations Designed for Easy Fueling – Though technically a blog post, I’m counting this as an article because it’s incredibly informative about new accessible technology for gas stations. When I used to go on the road with an old friend who uses a wheelchair, he often had issues getting assistance at stations that weren’t full service. I hope this could be the future solution to that problem!
- The Boden girl, my sons and a heartfelt message to a world that wrote them off, by Amanda Cable, whose twin boys were born with cerebral palsy – This article addresses the controversy (which shouldn’t even be a controversy) about the gorgeous little girl with cerebral palsy who is a model for the children’s clothing company Boden. This mother writes eloquently and honestly about why people need to stop assuming that the lives of disabled people aren’t worth living.
Blog Posts
- CP Shoes post on Frida Kahlo – First of all, if you haven’t heard of CP Shoes yet, allow me to introduce you to one of my favorite blogs in the universe. I have had the pleasure of spending a bit of time with the blogger behind CP Shoes this past summer, and she is awesome. Her blog tackles disability rights advocacy by way of featuring photos of shoes affected in various ways by the walking patterns of people with disabilities. Not only did I enjoy the little history lesson about Frida Kahlo’s disability, but also I loved the quote shared at the end of the post. It hit me hard, in a good way.
- How To Talk To A Cripple – Spashionista is a blog that covers both disability and fashion. What’s not to love? This post is about political correctness in a way that really got me thinking! The last line of the post says it all.
- I resign my roles at Autism Speaks – If you’re unfamiliar with the major problems with Autism Speaks and their “advocacy” efforts, educate yourself! Autistic people are fighting back hard against Autism Speaks, and I couldn’t have been more proud to read this blog post from Autism Speaks’ only Autistic member on the Science and Treatment Board that revealed why he chose to resign.
- How To Get Over Your Body Image Issues And Dance Naked – I recently shared some of my personal struggles with body image in a previous post, and this story really resonated with me. Not sure I have the courage to dance naked, but I’m definitely on a personal journey to get in touch with my “multidimensional awesomeness.”
I hope you found some interesting new reading material here and I’d love to hear your thoughts on the articles and posts I listed! If I missed anything you think is worth checking out, please don’t hesitate to share it with me!
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