[NFB-Arkansas] Fwd: Advocacy Corner with the Alliance
Nena Chadwick
nenachadwick232 at hotmail.com
Sat Jul 29 17:36:50 UTC 2023
Congrats Boomer and Mollie! It was a great article.
From: NFB-Arkansas <nfb-arkansas-bounces at nfbnet.org> on behalf of Tanya VanHouten via NFB-Arkansas <nfb-arkansas at nfbnet.org>
Date: Friday, July 28, 2023 at 1:46 PM
To: NFB of Arkansas Internet Mailing List <nfb-arkansas at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Tanya VanHouten <vanharris62 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NFB-Arkansas] Fwd: Advocacy Corner with the Alliance
Congratulations buddy
Tanya VanHouten
On Jul 28, 2023, at 9:16 AM, Kyle Kiper via NFB-Arkansas <nfb-arkansas at nfbnet.org> wrote:
Check out the Disability Rights Arkansas Advocate of the month! Hint: He is a Fellow Federationist, and sits on the State Affiliate Board!
Kyle Ryan Kiper, M.A., CRC
Certified Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
State of Arkansas Rehabilitation Services
From: Disability Rights Arkansas, Inc. <info at disabilityrightsar.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2023 4:29 PM
To: Kyle Kiper (ARS) <kyle.kiper at arkansas.gov>
Subject: Advocacy Corner with the Alliance
Change How You Look at the World So You Can Change How You Speak About It
Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser<https://disabilityrightsar.salsalabs.org/aadanewsletter2?wvpId=c6f17f9b-95e2-4bd3-bb25-5e81becfead9>
[Image removed by sender. Salsa]
Arkansas Alliance for Disability Advocacy Newsletter
[Image removed by sender. Image of a group of individuals putting their hands in together. Text reads: Advocacy corner with logo from Arkansas Alliance for Disability Advocacy.]
Change How You Look at the World So You Can Change How You Speak About It
Without realizing it, most people use daily words and phrases that prevent our community and state from being completely safe and inclusive for people with disabilities. This language is referred to as ableism. Ableism is discrimination against people with disabilities. Because it is back-to-school time, we want to offer a few friendly tips on how being active advocates will help you not fall into the traps of ableism.
We've all heard of the "Car Line." These days every school has one. You pull through to drop your kids off, pull back through to pick them up. Sounds great. What could go wrong?! What could go wrong besides the car behind you getting upset at a child not moving fast enough?
Not only have we all heard of the car line, but we have also seen the social media post, heard the parents talking, and even seen the memes referring to the students being "too slow" when getting out for school in the morning.
You must remember:
• Not everyone processes thoughts and directions at the same speed or in the same way.
• Not everyone moves at the same pace or with the same ability.
• Some individuals use devices to support them in everyday life. (Wheelchairs, crutches, prosthetics, touch screen Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices, flip books, etc.)
Ableist language is impactful even when we aren't speaking specifically to or about those with disabilities. This language can negatively impact people with disabilities and their nondisabled peers. When a student with disabilities hears this language, it is easy for them to feel like they should be functioning like their nondisabled peers and like others are judging them for doing what they must do to be a part of their school. When the truth is people with disabilities should not be judged on how they perform their tasks or how long it takes them, and they should never feel like they should have to function like someone else.
Disability is natural, and people with disabilities should be accepted for who they are.
This type of language also harms the nondisabled student as this rhetoric will stop them from accepting disability as a natural part of life and seeing those with disabilities as a whole.
It is essential that you remember that every part of the school district is for every student. This means understanding when a student needs an extra few minutes in the drop-off line. Students with disabilities have a right to participate fully in all areas of their school district. Don't be the reason a student feels uncomfortable doing so. Change how you look at the world to change how you speak about it, and start at the drop-off line at school.
Advocate Spotlight
Boomer and Mollie just celebrated their four-year partnership anniversary! Boomer is a Seeing Eye Dog, and his job is to help Mollie, his handler, safely navigate her environment. Essentially, she needs to know her destination. He guides her around obstacles she cannot see as she gives him directional commands. If Mollie gives Boomer an unsafe command, like crossing a street when a car is coming, he will practice intelligent disobedience. This means he will not obey a command that will endanger the two.
Boomer is a graduate of The Seeing Eye in Morristown, New Jersey. This is where the name "Seeing Eye Dog" comes from. The Seeing Eye School is the world's first and oldest guide dog school. Not all guide dogs are Seeing Eye dogs; only graduates of Seeing Eye get the title.
Boomer was born on October 15, 2017; at approximately eight weeks old, he went to live with a volunteer puppy raiser for the first year of his life. He learned all his basic obedience skills and excellent manners during this time. Once he was a year old, he was returned to The Seeing Eye for his official guide dog training.
[Image removed by sender. Headshot of Boomer, a brown German Shephard. Text reads: Boomer. Seeing Eye Dog. Disability Rights Arkansas logo.]
This training usually lasts four to six months and is very extensive. Once Boomer passed all the skills tests with his trainer, he was ready to be matched with Mollie. Mollie spent three weeks training alongside him in Morristown. This is where they navigated busy streets, shopping areas, revolving doors, escalators, and public transportation, among many other exciting training adventures. Mollie likes to say that she can take Boomer anywhere anyone else can expect to take their eyes. However, there are some limited exceptions. For instance, there are some sterile hospital environments where he cannot go. But generally speaking, Boomer can go everywhere with Mollie.
There are many reasons why the general public should ignore a service animal like Boomer. First, his work requires a lot of focus. Although petting seems harmless, it can distract the animal and the person they are supporting. If either of them loses focus, it can put both in danger. Second, Mollie constantly rewards Boomer with praise and pets as he works. This positive affection is an incentive for him to continue his good work. If he were to receive this praise from others constantly, it would reduce its effectiveness from her. Let's think about it, would you be motivated to do your best work if you knew someone other than your employer would be paying you for just being adorable? I don't think so! Allowing someone to pet a service animal is always at the handler's discretion. If the time is right, the handler may slip off the harness and allow a quick pet or snuggle session. But please do not touch the animal while they are working.
Boomer does not eat anything other than his dog food and dog treats. This ensures he maintains a healthy weight for a long and healthy life. It is also to prevent bad table manners. If allowed table scraps at home, he might scavenge for food as he dines in restaurants with his handler. He does love ice as an extra treat. If he hears someone in his family kitchen getting ice from the refrigerator, he makes sure to get there in time for a piece to be tossed to him! It's not always work for Boomer.
[Image removed by sender. Image of Boomer, a large brown German Shephard, sitting in from the Statue of Liberty]
He works hard, but he plays even harder! When they are at home, Boomer is a typical dog. Mollie does not need him to help her navigate her house. This means he clocks out and enjoys being a pet. He loves all the toys, especially the crackly toys with long appendages he can shake or play tug with. Most squeakers don't last long with him. Boomer also loves chasing tennis balls outside. His best friend is a very large Great Pyrenees named Joy.
Mollie loves to talk about Boomer and educate people about Seeing Eye Dogs. If you want to learn more about Seeing Eye Dogs, check out seeingeye.org.
A big thanks to Boomer for being the Advocate of the Month!
[Image removed by sender. Text reads: Nominate an Advocate. We want to spotlight someone making a difference!]<https://default.salsalabs.org/Te7643873-c1d7-417f-ae9c-448ac222c62a/c6f17f9b-95e2-4bd3-bb25-5e81becfead9>
Nominate an Advocate
Do you know someone special who is making a difference in their community? Nominate a person with a disability, an ally to the disability community, or someone that is working hard to support people with disabilities so we can highlight their work and achievements. The Arkansas Alliance for Disability Advocacy wants to spotlight them in our newsletter.
Make a Nomination<https://default.salsalabs.org/T584d3b2d-d128-4c4e-ac9a-2a7acfe7ebd2/c6f17f9b-95e2-4bd3-bb25-5e81becfead9>
[Image removed by sender. Graphic of the capitol building in the back. Text reads: Leads wanted. Partners in Policymaking. Three check marks with the points: Building tomorrow's leaders, Forming productive partnerships, Creating inclusive communities]<https://default.salsalabs.org/Ta8bd5b67-bb36-4002-a42e-29fb85e5f5a1/c6f17f9b-95e2-4bd3-bb25-5e81becfead9>
Leaders Wanted
Partners in Policymaking is a national leadership and disability advocacy training program for individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members.
We are looking for self-advocates who want to gain the skills and experience to improve policy, service systems, and full participation in community life!
Application Process Closes October 1, 2023
Apply Today<https://default.salsalabs.org/Tb46f09e8-8a1e-4e76-a0a8-00e476348a54/c6f17f9b-95e2-4bd3-bb25-5e81becfead9>
[Image removed by sender. Image of an IEP booklet on a desk. Graphic of the Alliance logo. Text reads: Sign Up Today. IEP Parent Support Group Leader]<https://default.salsalabs.org/Tec6e4401-7b91-4442-a606-d299f7a61645/c6f17f9b-95e2-4bd3-bb25-5e81becfead9>
IEP Support Group Leader
We are looking for parents and/or guardians who want to become leaders that can champion the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, lead support groups in their community, and be vital advocates in the disability rights movement.
Sign Up Today<https://default.salsalabs.org/Tce72ba2a-786d-4d7f-ae69-cf1bb7bee54e/c6f17f9b-95e2-4bd3-bb25-5e81becfead9>
Interested in a support group? There are four parent support groups around the state. Learn more below!
IEP Star<https://default.salsalabs.org/Tb0014e6d-1e21-41f6-877d-2c0f0400878d/c6f17f9b-95e2-4bd3-bb25-5e81becfead9>
[Image removed by sender. IEP Star logo.]<https://default.salsalabs.org/T769d79bd-e562-4239-9542-6a883a5536fb/c6f17f9b-95e2-4bd3-bb25-5e81becfead9>
ETA-NWA<https://default.salsalabs.org/T225140f1-957a-4bd1-987b-57241367b69f/c6f17f9b-95e2-4bd3-bb25-5e81becfead9>
[Image removed by sender. ETA-NWA Logo.]<https://default.salsalabs.org/T8a38cc70-2291-4244-9478-0df39cb3e846/c6f17f9b-95e2-4bd3-bb25-5e81becfead9>
Circle of Support<https://default.salsalabs.org/T5382c738-d130-4aa7-b458-743b602ed379/c6f17f9b-95e2-4bd3-bb25-5e81becfead9>
[Image removed by sender. Circle of Support Logo - five graphics of people with a semi-circle around them]<https://default.salsalabs.org/T766d88b3-d1b6-4097-b1b2-299e3e29897a/c6f17f9b-95e2-4bd3-bb25-5e81becfead9>
THRIVE<https://default.salsalabs.org/Tc05dcf37-1edd-4076-aaae-b956bdaac4ab/c6f17f9b-95e2-4bd3-bb25-5e81becfead9>
[Image removed by sender. Thrive logo. Graphics of multi-color hands in a circle.]<https://default.salsalabs.org/T1f711de1-34ef-4617-bd07-407d7ea92ba0/c6f17f9b-95e2-4bd3-bb25-5e81becfead9>
[Image removed by sender. Green circle. Text reads We Should Talk... with Arkansas Alliance for Disability Alliance]<https://default.salsalabs.org/T9bc82c35-d3ee-471e-8c07-911c7a443cfe/c6f17f9b-95e2-4bd3-bb25-5e81becfead9>
Download the Podcast
July is Disability Pride Month, and for some, it is an exciting time for others it is filled with mixed emotions. Join the Arkansas Alliance for Disability Advocacy on We Should Talk as they explore righteous rage, joyful defiance, shame, and the spectrum of emotions that come with disability pride. This month is about all of us, and we are holding space for the good, the bad, and the ugly.
We are all in this together.
Download Today!<https://default.salsalabs.org/Tc49b72de-9aaf-4c95-9574-8ee61779ed84/c6f17f9b-95e2-4bd3-bb25-5e81becfead9>
[Image removed by sender. Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities logo]<https://default.salsalabs.org/T00e115db-1b0e-4bf5-991a-5d2bf27495c7/c6f17f9b-95e2-4bd3-bb25-5e81becfead9>
Funding for the described programs and this publication provided under Public Law 106-402 as administered by the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities for the State of Arkansas.
Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of
the GCDD.
Disability Rights Arkansas, Inc.
400 West Capitol Avenue, Suite 1200 | Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
(501) 296-1775 | info at disabilityrightsar.org<mailto:info at disabilityrightsar.org>
Stay up to date with us!
[Image removed by sender.]<https://www.facebook.com/DisabilityRightsAR>
[Image removed by sender.]<https://twitter.com/intent/follow?screen_name=DRArkansas>
[Image removed by sender.]<https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQFx7y7Py8EGjEcC5VT_cQw?sub_confirmation=1>
[Image removed by sender.]<https://www.linkedin.com/company/disability-rights-arkansas/>
Unsubscribe<https://disabilityrightsar.salsalabs.org/manage-your-subscription?eId=5d7c8f11-df4d-49ea-8af3-ddf113c0e998&eType=EmailBlastContent&sId=c6f17f9b-95e2-4bd3-bb25-5e81becfead9> or Manage Your Preferences<https://disabilityrightsar.salsalabs.org/manage-your-subscription?eId=5d7c8f11-df4d-49ea-8af3-ddf113c0e998&eType=EmailBlastContent&sId=c6f17f9b-95e2-4bd3-bb25-5e81becfead9>
_______________________________________________
NFB-Arkansas mailing list
NFB-Arkansas at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-arkansas_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFB-Arkansas:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-arkansas_nfbnet.org/vanharris62%40gmail.com
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/nfb-arkansas_nfbnet.org/attachments/20230729/cb89be5a/attachment.html>
More information about the NFB-Arkansas
mailing list