Social Security Income (SSI) is an income supplement program for people who are aged, blind, or disabled, and have little to no income. The funds supplement basic needs, such as clothing, food, and shelter. Unfortunately, as it stands, SSI benefits change when people marry. Because it is based on income, the funds will then be…
“Crip Camp,” the Netflix documentary about a ‘70s summer camp for teenagers with disabilities, took the Sundance Film Festival by storm this past weekend. Camp Jened in upstate New York encapsulated a revolutionary spirit, much like neighboring Woodstock (1). But what was so revolutionary about it wasn’t just the hippie mindset of its patrons; it…
Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DDs), cerebral palsy (CP), hearing and vision difficulties, and other disabilities can struggle with communication. They may have difficulties with problem-solving skills. They can also have difficulty following rules and obeying laws (1). They may struggle with interpersonal relationships, social responsibility, and general social skills. Or they may just…
In the United States, public schools are required to pay for a variety of special education services in order to ensure that all students receive a “free and appropriate public education.” Among other things, these services may include the help of a paraprofessional, accessible transportation, occupational therapy, or even private school tuition (in cases where…
Related Reading Timeline Of Disability Rights In The U.S. U.S. Disability Rights Advances and Setbacks: 2017 Year in Review Sexual Abuse of People with Intellectual Disabilities Involuntary Sterilization Of Disabled Americans: An Historical Overview Michigan Is The Only State That Needs Intervention In Special Education, According To Recent Federal Report Sources: Feds: Students With Disabilities…
Thousands of Americans with disabilities have undergone sterilization procedures without providing informed consent. Beginning in the early 1900s, supporters of the eugenics movement sought to sterilize those with cognitive impairments in order to “cleanse” the human gene pool of “undesirable” traits. This was sanctioned by many state governments, as well as the U.S. Supreme Court…
Learn about some major changes to disability rights in the United States. Please note that this list is FAR from complete; rather, it is just meant to give our readers a brief overview of legislative changes that have impacted people with disabilities. If you think we left out an especially important event, please let us…
There are a range of campus and university services available to students with disabilities who attend college. Learn more about what they are, how to access them, and more here. What to expect Most colleges and universities have disability service offices and accommodations in place for students with disabilities. However, higher education institutions aren’t required…
A recent report from the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health found that kids in the California Children’s Services (CCS) program often have to wait months or years for important pieces of equipment such as wheelchairs, shower chairs, and hospital beds. These long waits can cause pain and pressure sores, make existing health problems worse,…
On Monday, July 9th, President Trump nominated Judge Brett Kavanaugh to replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy (1). Because Justice Kennedy was often a swing vote in cases involving civil rights, many have noted that his replacement could greatly impact future rulings related to minority groups. Since Kavanaugh’s nomination, several major disability organizations…
