Aspies For Freedom

I wanted to share this wonderful website. If you guys haven't heard about it, you should check it out! The website is Aspies For Freedom

I think it is refreshing to find individuals who do not feel a need to cure or prevent any disability. Please check it out!

Veterans with Hearing Loss

I have worked with Maggie Casteel in the past and know that she is a wonderful advocate and a great person! Maggie wrote a blog post concerning hearing loss, specifically with our men and women serving. It is very interesting and I wanted to share her blog post with everyone!

Is disability a punishment?

I couldn't let this one go by. Please read this blog entry first.

I was going to comment on the blog; however, ironically, it has been "disabled." Fear is a motivator for a lot and continues the cycle of stigma and marginalization against minorities. Hoping that someone acquires a disability because they are rude to someo...ne with a disability isn't going to change anything. It's like hoping a racist person is hurt in some way by someone else who is racist against another group. It just doesn't make any sense and continues the cycle.

This view of God punishing people is the medical model approach to disability, where the individual is blamed and "must have done something wrong to be punished." Disability is NOT a punishment. The social model of disability views disability as a societal responsibility. Disability only exists if there is something in the environment that prevents the individual from accomplishing a task altogether or in a different way (that's where accommodations come in). For example, an individual who does not have the ability to use their fine motors skills doesn't have a disability unless they have an occupation that requires them to use their fine motor skills.

Changing people's attitudes towards disability is the biggest hurdle people with disabilities face.

And so it goes...

I am sorry again for the lack of blog posts. Things have been really busy lately with midterms, assignments and work.

I will say that I have very exciting opportunities arising! Over the summer, I have two practicums to complete: an AT practicum and a counseling practicum. I will complete the AT practicum here at work, but I am extremely excited about my counseling practicum.

I am going to be doing this at a local non-profit agency in Pittsburgh, working with the president of the agency. She already has a project for me and several other plans. This particular practicum is only 100 hours, but I am going to be there two days a week from 8-4:30, to soak up a wealth of information. I am particularly excited because I am extremely interested in advocacy and policymaking. The president has a lot of connections with politicians and within the disability community, so this is going to be a really great experience. I am hoping to may be even complete my 600 hour practicum next summer with the same agency.

I also wanted to share this article, which I think serves a great purpose in helping children understand disability being apart of life. I have seen the Easter Seals' curriculum and I really feel it is great! Check it out here - it's called Friends Who Care.

In A World Where People Say We Can't...

we are showing that we can and we do! Life should not be about what we cannot do, but what everyone brings to the table. Everyone has potential and this should not be stifled!

I don't know if you have heard of Aimee Mullins, but here is a story and presentation covered by CNN. It is about 20 minutes long, but is completely and totally worth watching if you are at all interested in disabilities.

The R-Word

I am sorry that I have been MIA for a little while. There's been a lot going on. Okay, on to the entry! :)

So, if you know me at all, you know that I absolutely hate the R-word. I tell people all the time to choose another word. It just grates on your nerves after a while. I know some individuals who throw the R-word around just because they know it bothers me. I just don't understand how people just don't get the message. And then, I thought about it. The people that are throwing around the R-word, are probably the same people throwing around any other racial slur. They are saying those things because they get a rise out of people and they just really don't care. They don't care about the efforts of you and me, who try to alert people to the effects their words have on others.

Yesterday, I posted this to facebook. And one of my friends left this in response. Please take a minute to look at both.

Now, I agree that John McGinley should have probably chosen his words better for the PSA (or at least whoever created it). I can see why feminists are upset. I, too, am not exactly thrilled that a PSA was made to alert people of the power their words that insult people with intellectual disabilities, by insulting women at the same time. Hypocrisy at it's finest, right? I don't; however, think that this should take a way from the full meaning of the main message of spread the word to end the word, which is for people to stop using the R-word in a derogatory manner.

I just don't understand what's so hard about not using the word.

Curing Disabilities?

While snowed in this week, I have had a lot of time to catch up on school work and to think...yes, lots of time to think.

Last Wednesday, we had a lecture on Developmental Disabilities. Included in this topic is autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Our presenter questioned us on what we thought could be causes of the increase in diagnoses of ASD. A couple weeks ago I wrote about the Westernization of diagnosing disabilities.

So in class, I proposed the question "Are we, in a sense, creating disabilities? Are there more diagnoses around the world because they are using our system to diagnose and treat disabilities?" Apparently, this was an interesting question, but no one had a comment. This question got me thinking, "why do want to cure disabilities?" "What is the motivation?" When I propose this question, often times responses are "Well, why wouldn't you want to cure disabilities?" I think often times people assume that when one has a disability they are suffering, and that the disability causes the suffering. This view point is that of the medical model. However, if one looks at the social model of disability, isn't trying to cure disabilities the exact opposite of what we would like to do in the disability community? And exactly what is meant by "curing" disabilities? I am all for finding treatments that will help individuals live their lives more fully, but if we are talking about "getting rid of people with disabilities," then I don't agree. If we look back throughout history, one would find that people with disabilities were subject to cruel experiments, the eugenics movement, forced sterilizations, had no rights as citizens, etc. They weren't seen as humans and they had no rights. Why would I be "for" curing disabilities? Isn't curing disabilities just another way exclude people with disabilities from society?

Individuals with disabilities currently face systematic barriers, negative attitudes, and are repeatedly excluded from society and their communities. If you are familiar with disability studies, then you are also aware that a person's environment makes an impairment a disability. Someone who has their right arm amputated who's career is in retail, will not have as much difficulty as another person with the same injury who is a pianist. Environmental factors increase a person's functional limitations. However, just because someone needs more support for their functional limitations doesn't mean that they do not lead full lives and that they are not worthy of living!

I like to think that our society has made vast improvements in the treatment of individuals with disabilities. However, with individuals around the world who continuously throwing around the R-word (if you haven't seen this, please watch it), abusing individuals with disabilities, doctors who continuously recommend babies be aborted because they may have a disability, continuously housing individuals in psychiatric hospitals, etc. it is hard to identify the positive changes in our society. How can we say our society is moving toward inclusion and acceptance if our society isn't walking the walk that they talk?

Here is an interview with Harriet McBryde Johnson. She was an attorney and great activist/advocate in the disability community. She wrote Unspeakable Conversations. In fact before her death in 2008, she published a great deal and I encourage you to research her yourself if you are intrigued!

Should we cure disabilities? I personally don't think so. Is it at all ethical to cure disabilities? I personally don't think so. What do you guys think?

Snowed In!

Hello everyone in blog world! I am sorry that I haven't written in a while. It has been a heck of week! We are snowed in here in Pittsburgh. Luckily I am at my boyfriend's apartment. My parents were snowed in with no power. The power company is expected to get everything up and running again on Friday! Yes, Friday! It is horrible. My parents got a generator and are trying to get it up and running. Hopefully it will be warm by the time I get home after the super bowl. Say a little prayer that the power comes on sooner than Friday! I don't know if there will be another blog this week or not. Hopefully the power comes on and I will be able to. If not, have a wonderful week and Valentine's Day (if you believe in celebrating a Hallmark holiday :D)!

Last Sunday, my boyfriend and I went to church. Part of the sermon addressed opening new doors in our lives (metaphorically). I really related to this. I often feel that many individuals with disabilities are often overlooked or ignored because they simply have a disability. Early afternoon on Sunday, my boyfriend and I ventured to Duquesne University for a basketball game. There in the student section was a young woman who had Down Syndrome. At first I questioned if she was a student, but then I decided that it didn't matter if she was a student or not. The student section helped in and out of the stands when she needed it, and she had a ball. She was singing, dancing, cheering, etc. I thought to myself that this is exactly what the sermon was about. You never know what people are going to have to offer, but writing them off because they have different opinions/ways of doing things doesn't mean they don't have something to give.

In my opinion, people learn more from those they least expect to learn something from.

If you're around any of the places that got hit by this snow storm, keep warm and stay safe!

Think Beyond the Label - Evolving Your Workforce!

These advertisements are apart of the Think Beyond the Label Campaign. Their objective is to encourage businesses to hire people with disabilities. They have partnered with other agencies and have obtained grants in order to fund the project.

I have to admit I questioned these advertisements the first time I saw them. I understood the concept; however, it seemed to be an overgeneralization. Just because someone is different doesn't mean they have a disability. And just because someone does have a disability doesn't mean they are "weird." I guess this what they were trying to accomplish though. People, and businesses in particular, are not hiring individuals with disabilities as often as they should. The employment rate of PWDs is 36.9% and the unemployment rate of PWDs is 79.7% (2007 Cornell Disability Status Report). Keep in mind that these statistics are much higher right now because of the economy.

Generally, people with disabilities are pitied in the media and agencies/businesses who hire them are doing them a favor, which means PWDs are dependent on how the media portrays them. The ads link to the "5 Myths and Real Facts" tip sheet that state things like, "Myth NO. 1: Hiring employees with disabilities increase workers compensation insurance rates."

"The ads try to challenge conventional wisdom about workers with disabilities by offering humorous examples of people with “differences” already employed" (NY Times). Everyone in the workplace is different and those differences should be embraced. Everyone, whether they admit it or not, labels others to some degree. These ads show that the labels should not matter because each of us have differences. The question then becomes do any of these labels directly correlate with how people perform in the workplace? Not so much. Businesses need to understand that most accommodations cost under $500 (as per the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) and that most individuals need things like flexible schedules, the ability to work from home, work site modifications, etc.

Several individuals with disabilities have supported this campaign. Such as actor, Alana Wallace, who said “I knew I needed to be a part of this campaign because there were enough of the pity-party approaches to [hiring people with disabilities]" (NY Times).

I have been saying for a while now, that businesses need to become more aware of the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities. Most of them seem to be unaware of the tax benefits of hiring PWDs, as well as best practices in hiring qualified PWDs. On their website, Think Beyond the Label, highlights tax benefits, best practices, etc. This is a really useful website and should be utilized by many. Anyway, these commercials are supposed to start running Sunday on ABC, CBS and NBC and on cable channels like BBC America, CNN, ESPN and HLN. The print ads are to appear in publications like Fast Company, HR Magazine, Inc., Time, The Wall Street Journal and The Week.

Just out of curiosity what do you guys think about the ads?

Disability In the Media

Disability is socially constructed based on how a particular culture views health, illness, and ability. A particular condition only becomes a disability if the environmental and contextual factors warrant it. The beliefs a society holds and their values are learned, not inherited. Geert Hofstede believes that mental programming is the "software of the mind." In other words, our mental programming is established by social environments and not our genes. Each person has their own perceptions of the world, that is why different is sometimes viewed as wrong. The ways in which disability is viewed/depicted in art and literature is the way most societies view disabilities. Also, cultural views of disability are based on social and political dynamics of the society's interactions. Another thing to keep in mind, is that personal and aesthetic views of disability are created from individual experience. Aesthetic views have the ability to resist and transform mainstream values about society. Studying assistive technology (AT) is particularly interesting because it has progressed to more aesthetically pleasing aids/devices. More and more aids/devices are being designed to be hidden or more fashionable.

Understanding disability culture is important to understand semiotics, or what particular cultures communicate. Historical views of people with disabilities (PWDs) show that they are a minority and there are a common set of prejudicial values/attitudes they experience. It is our responsibility to study the disability is defined and understood, the ways in which the definitions change, the ways in which we can change the way people think about disability, and the power we have to influence the ways in which we think and develop supportive communities. So, why is understanding disability culture so important? Because the images represented in mainstream society often reflect society's values, perceptions, expectations of PWDs, etc. For example, giving disabilities to villainous characters reflects and reinforces these prejudices: disability is a punishment for evil, PWDs are embittered by their fate, and PWDs resent people without disabilities (Longmore, 1993).

There are many instances where TV/movie programs depict disability in the form of the above. For example, South Park had a "Cripple Fight" and Tropic Thunder used the "R" word. Other media characters with disabilities included: Frankenstein, Nemo, the Hunchback of Notre Dame, Barbie's friend Becky, Tiny Tim, Individuals include: FDR, Bethany Hamilton, Glee, Josh Blue, Aaron Fotheringham, Matt Scott, etc. These videos aren't long, but are worth watching!

I think the important thing here is to realize that even though disability is still viewed in a negative manner (like Barbie's friend having to be the one who uses a wheelchair and not barbie herself, South Park episodes, Tropic Thunder, etc.), there are many role models in the media who are proving that PWDs can do anything people without disabilities can do, and that they do not need to be pitied, glorified, made into heroes, villianized, etc. They are people living their lives - plain and simple.

News Within the Disability Community

Sharing some news within the disability community.

First, planned parenthood and advocates have created a sexual education curriculum for people with developmental disabilities. You can find the link here.

Second, The Department of Public Welfare is planning to cut up to 24 percent of the supplements it pays to federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. Unless reversed, DPW's action means that individual SSI recipients now receiving only $27.40 per month as the state supplement will get $22.10. Couples receiving SSI will see their supplement cut from $43.70 per month to only $33.70 per month. Even at the higher numbers, persons getting the supplement must live at approximately 75 percent of the federal poverty level.

Third, the Miracle League of Cranberry Township is accepting registrations for the 2010 season. If you are interested in volunteering please visit this website.

Fourth, by April 15, 2010, the U.S. Social Security Administration must provide materials/communications to its beneficiaries in an accessible format. Hard to believe they serve individuals with disabilities and do not provide accessible information.

Fit Parents?

This was posted on the New York Times.

"Kaney O'Neill and David Trais will be in a Chicago courtroom this week, arguing over their five-month-old son, Aiden. Trais says that O'Neill is unfit to have custody of the boy because she is a quadriplegic."

I don't even know where to begin. I am appalled that this mindset is still in existence. I thought that the opinion of people with disabilities being viewed as "unfit to have/raise children" was a thing of the past, at least in America. I know that in other countries infanticide still occurs and that PWD's rights are taken away. Forced sterilization is still practiced in some countries. I guess I just thought the mentality in America is different. After all, we are the most progressive in disability rights laws and such. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is based off the ADA. Yet, we have individuals who believe they are superior because they do not have a disability.

As long as a person with or without a disability has the knowledge, the means, and support systems to raise a child, then they should. Now I don't know their personal story, but accusing someone of being unfit mother just because they have quadriplegia is not a sound argument. Technology today is AMAZING. There are tables that be raised/lowered with an infrared control, there's assistive technology that can help, aids if need be. It depends on the individual, the disability, the severity, etc. Furthermore, in McKeesport, PA there is a program called Blue Roof technologies. These house are fully accessible. These houses offer smart health, smart learning, smart living, and smart technologies. Pay no attention to the model houses with steps, the other models don't have steps. Also, here's a youtube video of the Blue Roof Technology.

With this technology, how can anyone say people with a disability cannot and should not have/raise children? I, personally, think it's ridiculous.

The Happiness Project

I am currently reading "The Happiness Project. Or, Why I spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun" by Gretchen Rubin. I had to choose a self-help book for an assignment for class and wanted to choose something that I could potentially learn from. I definitely found it and definitely recommend that you read it. Gretchen felt as if she was just watching her life go by, thinking about all of the things she said she'd do and didn't. Gretchen began to wonder what truly made her happy and how she could go about making herself happy. It isn't always easy for Gretchen to chart her behavior and resolutions, but she finds that her resolutions and the tracking does help her to feel happy. She was caught between what she wished she were and who she really was (she felt "stuck").

I am not yet finished with the book, but I definitely wanted to share the book with everyone in blog world. This book seems to be for every day people and how they can improve their lives right now. Often times, I think people think they need to have this big epiphany in order to change their thoughts, feelings, opinions, actions, etc. But in reality, one can change whatever they would like each and every day. Regardless if one makes a choice or doesn't make a choice, one still is making a choice.

Here is a link to The Happiness Project. This is Gretchen's blog about The Happiness Project. I hope that you find it useful in changing the things that you can control, which more often than not is only ourselves and not others!

NY Times Article

Hey everyone in blog-o-world! I am sorry that I have not written in a while. With the rush of the new semester and seeing all that was due, I got slightly overwhelmed. And then I had a touch of the stomach flu...no worries though, I am not oinking! ;)

Here is a link to a New York Times Article, The Americanization of Mental Illness. This is a little long, but extremely worth reading. The Westernization of Mental Illness is an interesting concept to think about, especially when we consider that some countries do use our DSM classification. If cultures have different values, beliefs, etc. about their people and community, then how can we expect them to assimilate to
our beliefs of what we think abnormal is? I especially liked the studies completed on biological or environmental cause of mental illness, and the studies on the stigma associated with industrialized vs. non-industrialized nations. "Individuals are the captains of their own destiny and should be able to overcome their problems by force of personal will." I think that definitely sums up how the majority of US citizens feel regarding mental illness....add to that the fact that mental illness
is not always visible like a physical disability and a lot of people just don't understand it.

Reauthorization of the Rehabilitation Act Summer of 2010

As many of you may or may not know, the Rehabilitation Act is up reauthorization this summer. Information for this blog post was taken from class notes and also from the National Rehabilitation Administration's 2009 Issue Statement. It can be found here.

Within the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), is the Ticket to Work Program and the Rehabilitation Act. Under the U.S. Department of Education is the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS). The OSERS controls the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), the National Institute on Disability Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR), and RSA. These are an umbrella for public vocational rehabilitation programs. The reason I am explaining this is because the government is considering moving RSA to the Department of Labor and under Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP). What will this mean? Well it's very concerning as RSA is the ONLY office in the U.S. Department of Education devoted to the employment of people with disabilities (including adults). If this change occurs, the importance of VR will diminish, as will the devaluation of people with disabilities.

The WIA was created with its own dedicated funding stream. With the reauthorization of the Rehab Act, the House wants to include a provision allowing Governors a broad waiver authority over all mandatory partner programs in the WIA, including the Rehab Act. Governors would then have access to this direct funding stream and use it towards shortfalls within State budgets due to the economy. The National Rehabilitation Administration (NRA) does not approve or support Governors having access to this funding stream to pay for shortfalls, as it takes funding away from people with disabilities (PWDs). The VR programs (Public, Private, State, Federal) provides services and supports by qualified rehabilitation counselors/personnel.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) programs continually pay its fair share of expenses for the one-stop career centers (aka PA Career Links), even though they do not serve PWDs, which was the intent Congress had when it linked career links to the Rehab Act (as amended to WIA). The main reason this is so concerning, at least from my perspective, is the fact that Governors would be using the money on a "proportionate" basis; however, the VR program doesn't have a cap on its administrative funding. The RSA recommends that the one-stops need to be revamped and made fully accessible. Furthermore, the one-stops can be funded through the funding stream already recognized/designated funding.

Part of the funding special education and rehabilitation services is that State Workforce Investment Boards (WIBS) ensure that VR funds are directed toward economic independence. People with disabilities it on the WIBS and consider how the funding is being spent and what it is being spent on. They also make suggestions for future accessibility, among other things. Another problem recognized is the fact that there is a shortage of qualified rehabilitation professionals. This is exacerbated by diagnostic tools and AT that are constantly changing/upgrading, an older workforce who is continuing to work longer, issues with chemical dependency, and veterans returning with disabilities.

As most of you know, VR programs serve only the people with the most significant disabilities. If the funding is cut for infrastructure, thousands of eligible people would not be served. Keep in mind that people generally need multiple supports and services, which can be expensive. However, for every $1 spent in serving individuals who utilize SSI/SSDI, the VR program returns $6 of taxpayer dollars to the U.S. Treasury. People with disabilities who enter or re-enter the workforce, with proper supports, return the investment of Federal dollars in becoming taxpaying citizens.

Senator Tom Harking (D-IA), whom I've heard speak, and Representative Danny Davis (D-IL) introduced the Community Choice Act of 2007, which would amend Medicaid (Title XIX of the Social Security Act) to mandate coverage of community-based attendant services and supports for certain Medicaid-eligible individuals. Basically, the money would follow the person!

All of these changes will have the potential to change the supports and services people with disabilities utilize!

So, what are the basic changes if RSA is no longer under the Department of Education?
- RSA will NOT be a protected entity
- The service money in VR budget will be applied to infrastructure costs, which is .5 percent. This doesn't seem like a lot, but it does change from year to year, and once Governors have access to this funding stream, they will continuously take from it.
- With evidence-based practice, supported employment (which is cost-effective) has been proven to help individuals assimilate in to the workplace; however, supported employment is one that needs federal funding state matches (80/20). If RSA is moved to ODEP, states would have the option NOT to match.
- More PWDs would have to seek public assistance
- Partnerships/bonds created with employers would decrease

Basically, there are going to be huge funding and coverage changes, that are going to change the course of rehabilitation counseling and the services that people with disabilities have access to. What can you do? Write to your senators and make it known that moving RSA from the U.S. Department of Education is a HUGE mistake, and people with disabilities should not have to lose the services that they need to gain gainful, competitive employment and access to community integration! This is further concerning due to the economic climates and the rates of unemployment for people with disabilities. There has been a big shift away from the medical model towards the social model, and hopefully the shift towards and integrative model will continue to occur. The U.S. Department of Labor identifies VR as one of the ten fastest growing industries, with a 49 percent increase in employment projected by 2012. However, the average rate of turnover for professionals in the VR field is 16 percent. Currently, a master's degree is required to work in the field and usually counselors must become certified. Unfortunately, there have been no increases in aid to support the growth of the industry, turnover rates, or with education and certification.

Please make others aware of the reauthorization and please contact your senators!

Transportation Safety

I do not know that I will have much time to write a post later since my classes start today, so I wanted to take some time to make one now...even if it is short. Public Transportation Safety for people with disabilities is a huge issue. I am often disgusted by public transportation drivers' willingness to help people with disabilities get on the bus and to help make sure that they are secured in the right manner. A couple weeks ago, I watched a man get on the bus who used a wheelchair. The driver was nice and helpful (not like some of the other drivers I've seen), but the problem was that the seats wouldn't move back. There was something wrong with the track that they were on. The driver worked for about 5-10 minutes and finally got the seats to move. Keep in mind, that the individual was outside in the cold waiting to get on the bus. Furthermore, once the individual got on the bus, the driver did not secure this man's chair. Anyone else see a problem here?

Here is a link to a great presentation on Public Transportation Safety.

Autism

Autism is a very hot topic in the disability community right now. New estimates by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) show that 1 in 110 children are diagnosed with autism, which has increased since 2007 (estimates were 1 in 150). Recently, UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute has published a study on autism in the January 2009 issue of the journal . Researchers have stated they identified clusters across the state, where children with autism are most likely to be born. They looked at the millions of children born between 1996-2000, how many were diagnosed, and what part of California they were in. They found that the sections of California with the highest incidence of autism to be North LA, West LA, and Orange County (interesting, huh?). They believe that children are affected most by socioeconomic status (SES) and their parent's education levels (no surprise there). This study suggests that "research should shift from genetics to the host of chemicals and infectious microbes in the environment that are likely at the root of changes in the neurodevelopment of CA's children." I have not been able to find a copy of the journal article, but would be interested in seeing it so that I can read it thoroughly and pick apart the methodology. Speaking of the methodology, the researchers eliminated migration as a potential cause of the increase of autism. The study indicated "no more than 56 percent of the estimated 600-to-700 percent increase, that is, less than one-tenth of the increased number of reported autism cases, could be attributed to the inclusion of milder cases of autism. Only 24 percent of the increase could be attributed to earlier age at diagnosis."

Last semester I read "Changing the Course of Autism" by Bryan Jepson, M.D. & Jane Johnson in 2007. This book was extremely interesting. Evidence-based medicine shows that "autism is an epidemic, it is a medical disease (NOT a psychological disorder), it affects other body organ systems besides the brain, and it is treatable; children are recovering." A landmark paper published by Ivar Lovaas of UCLA, showed that children with autism could recover functionally with Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) intervention. This approach modifies behavior through the positive and negative reinforcement of targeted behavior. However, this approach alone is not sufficient in helping reduce symptoms of autism. In 1977, Folstein and Rutter conducted a twin study that indicated that genetics do play a role in autism, but since the incidence in identical twins was not 100% proves that the chromosomal imprint can't be in developing autism. This means that autism is not a genetic disorder, but one has to have a genetic predisposition.

Some consider the hidden horde theory when considering causes of autism. This theory basically states that there is a "hidden horde" of undiagnosed adults with autism in the population. However, this would mean that these undiagnosed individuals would end up where society puts those do not appear to assimilate to the norm: outpatients psychiatric clinics, mental institutions, homeless shelters, or prisons. Nonetheless, NO high quality study has validated the hidden horde hypothesis.

The author of this book feels that autism is a symptom of an underlying disease. Therefore, he feels that autism should be redefined as "a multi-organ metabolic disease" and should be removed from the DSM-IV. Several past studies have shown a higher rate of autoimmune disease in families of children with autism: toxins build up and then more toxins and chemicals are introduced to the individual. Then there is a toxin threshold, where the immune system can't handle the toxins and the damage occurs. Paul Ashwood, immunologist at the M.I.N.D. Institute has researched autism and his research has shown that immune cells' quantity and function are abnormal in children with autism. Studies have shown that the neurological disease in autism does not stem from a single utero event, since the disease is ongoing. In fact, it is hypothesized that "the neuroimmune abnormality could be genetically based or that it could be induced by environment factors, either before or after birth."

Other studies have shown that gluten and casein (cow's milk) have a structure that is similar to opiates like morphine and heroin. In cases where children have autism, peptides attach to the opiate receptors in the brain and act as false neurotransmitters. Furthermore, Fombonne's study suggest that 80% of individuals with autism studied had gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Many individuals with autism have inflammatory bowel disease aka autistic entercolitis. It is hypothesized that "the neurobiological disability in children with autism results from absorption of neurotoxic molecules across a gut membrane damaged by inflammation." Both of these theories can help explain why children with autism have decreased socialization, decreased response to pain, abnormal language skills, and self-abusive or repetitive behaviors. There is little known about the brains of individuals with autism. However, children with autism do have larger-than-normal head circumferences, with correlating larger-than-normal brains. The growth of both the cerebral cortex and cerebellum involve an increase in white matter in the brain. If you are at all familiar with the brain, you know that the cerebellum is responsible for affect, motivation, social interaction, learning, and the processing of motor and sensory information; which could explain some of the characteristics of autism. Furthermore, serotonin levels are different in individuals with autism. Serotonin effects circadian rhythms, mood, sleep, anxiety, motor activity, pain recognition, and cognition. A little known fact, 95% of the body's serotonin is made in the bowel.

Autism has been around for over 60 years, and the author of this book feels that it is one of many symptoms of what is in fact a complex disease.

Possible causes include:
- The disease is primarily neurological, with secondary effects on other organs
- Subtle GI abnormalities begin shortly after birth; and the gut sustains further injury with the introduction of solid foods and cow's milk, creating an inflammatory condition that is initially localized and superficial
- Early repeated damage from toxic substances: exposure to mercury (note: mercury is not causal to developing autism). Thimerosal disrupts dendritic cells in the babies immune system and interrupts methylation, leading to abnormal neurotransmitter function and decreased ability to form glutathione. The baby is then given acetaminophen for the pain/fever, which further disrupts the function of cells. The children are then more susceptible to becoming sick more often, which then requires antibiotics which injure the gut causing abnormal bacteria and yeast to erode the gut lining and cause leaky gut issues.

The authors of the book feel that the third theory is the most logical, as our environment has become more toxic. This means that more people are reaching their personal toxic tipping point aka threshold, which results in more and more chronic immunological disease. Chronic neurological or neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, AD/HD, and autism are also on the rise. As well as, depression, anxiety, OCD, dyslexia, and other learning disabilities (LDs). In order to correct the misfiring of neurotransmitters, the dysregulation must be fixed in the first place. Psychoactive and psychotropic medication can and does change the balance of neurotransmitters; however, without correcting the underlying issues, long-term improvements won't be produced.

Thoughts of this current study and the book cited?

Disability and Human Rights

So, a couple of things I have been pondering:

Possible topics for scholarly papers:
~ Political and policy implications facing the disability movement.
~ The Framework of Disability: The intersection of disability and human rights in the United States. Within this topic, I would explore whether or not leaders working in the disability field have or have not adopted a human rights framework and what impact this has had on disability policy and intervention, if there is an active resistance within parts of the government and how the resistance has a trickledown affect in the disability community, and are communities really inclusive and is their a need for policy change.


I also am interested in how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 and the American with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAA) of 2008 only protect PWDs who are able to perform specific job functions. The ADA and the ADAA also do not protect PWDs' earnings. No where does the legislation state that PWDs have the right to earn a livable wage. HELLO? According to the 2007 Cornell University Disability Status Report, the employment rate of PWDs is 36.9 percent, whereas the employment rate of people without disabilities to be 79.7 percent. That is a 42.8 percent gap, which is almost half of all people disabilities. Anyone else seeing a problem with this and a need for policy change? The unemployment rate of individuals with disabilities is incredibly high, which means that they are still experiencing poverty, inequalities regarding health care, and discover injustices and disincentives when attempting to obtain and maintain employment while attempting to leave the Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and the Social Security Income (SSI) systems.

With the closing of Mayview State Hospital in 2007, many individuals with psychiatric disorders have been discharged and expected to assimilate into society (with the average stay in a psychiatric hospital 7 years). I went to a presentation before Christmas regarding the closing of Mayview. They have found that the supports and services of community treatment teams are crucial in the success of individuals with psychiatric disorders becoming successful and active community members. However, few changes in employment have occurred. One reason is due the age of individuals discharged. Many are older and have not had experience with technology to become gainfully employed. For many individuals, being discharged from Mayview meant emancipation and not eviction. It is important to recognize the recovery process for individuals with psychiatric disorders. Recovery IS a process, and individuals in society at large must become aware of the fact that people CAN have symptoms and also have a better quality of life (QOL) and recovery. There are 5 psychiatric hospitals still operating in Pennsylvania; however, there is a plan to close all of these facilities in the next 8-10 years. The big question, is "how are we, as rehabilitation counselors and advocates, going to help people with disabilities gain and maintain competitive employment?"

I am going to leave you with a couple unique agencies and websites concerning psychiatric disabilities.

Peer Support and Advocacy Network
I have met the director, Shirlee Hopper-Scherch, who is a wonderful advocate.

NAMI of Southwestern PA

Allegheny County Coalition for Recovery

The Willard Suitcase Exhibit The Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers Association is sponsoring the exhibit at the University of Pittsburgh August 30 - September 30, 2010. If you won't be able to attend, you can tour the exhibit and learn of some of the patients who were hospitalized. It is very interesting. It shows that we have come a long way, and it shows that we still have a long to go in the disability community and in the human rights arena.

Further exploration is needed in the area of disability and human rights. The United States has taken the first step in addressing this issue, when President Obama signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD), in July of 2009.

Optimism

I am always amazed at how superficial advertisements are around this time of year. It is usually about becoming healthier, thinner, and in better shape. Have you ever seen an add to become a better person or to help others? Many people work towards these goals, but never seem to find happiness with themselves or their surroundings.

So many people are wishing that the year 2009 didn't happen or one reason or another, or are so excited about 2010. What happened to living in the moment? I know that 2009 was tough for a lot of people, it was for me as well, but I don't wish that it never happened. There was a lot of good that happened and a lot of firsts occurred. I don't think it's wise to wish away a year of your life, even if it was extremely tough. People always jump on the bandwagon around this time of year, and state all of the things they are going to change and consider how they are going to start over fresh. Isn't that what each new day is for? One is never stuck, there are always choices one can make. People need to keep in mind that not making a choice IS a choice.

I am on a mission in the disability community, to help make it a place where people without disabilities are not afraid or expect the worst of people with disabilities. We are just people, too. I wonder if people without disabilities will ever consider not terminating a pregnancy because there is a possible diagnosis of a disability. When everyone pictures their lives, they picture a "happily ever after." They get married, have a career they love, have a child, a roof over their head. They always say that they will love their child no matter what, but I again think that many times people are being superficial. The rate of babies born with Down Syndrome has decreased. Not because genetisists have figured out the chromosomal abnormalities, but because more women are terminating their pregnancies. If we can decide that a baby with Down Syndrome cannot lead a successful, happy life, then who's to say that people won't start terminating pregnancies because of low IQs, heart defects, etc. I just wish that one day people would see people with disabilities as PEOPLE and not only people with disabilities.

"No one can do everything, but everyone can do something. If everyone does something, then everything will get done."

This may be an optimstic view, but I truly believe that we should expect the best possible outcomes. Optimism is a doctrine, a way of life. It is a blief that the universe is improving. However, being optimistic is not about "fixing" problems, but about living in a way that always recognizes challenges and sees them as opportunities! I guess you could say that I am perptually optimistic!