BEHS 320 Week 8 Discussion

1. Many disability organizations are classified by type of disability.  Do you see differences between these organizations based on whether they are meant to represent people with apparent disabilities vs. non-apparent?  How about when you compare organizations representing people with intellectual and mental disabilities vs. physical disabilities?

I do not see differences between these organizations, I think that it’s good there are different organizations  mental and physical disabilities because they are not the same kind and they need their own support in different ways.

2.  I had the privilege to work for the American Association of People with Disabilities, one of the organizations whose mission is to organize across all types of disabilities.  Do you believe an association like AAPD is stronger than a group organizing people around a specific disability (like the blind or deaf communities, for example)?  Are they stronger politically in creating change on behalf of their community or in their ability to serve their own members?

I think that either group is strong in their own way. I do think that one organization that comes together to combine all disabilities into one organization to represent the diversity of disabilities that there are is stronger than just an organization dedicated to the blind or deaf communities or those with mental disabilities. Stronger together.

3.  One resource is very different from the others – the organization “Autism Speaks” is run by parents of children with autism, rather than people with disabilities themselves.  What differences do you note between Autism Speaks and other, disability-led organizations?  How do you think this impacts the organization and its ability to create change vs. how the organization might serve its disability community members?

I think it’s very important that those with disabilities be the voice of an organization that is meant to speak for them, I only say that because all though the parents see what their children go through, they aren’t physically going through it themselves and therefore can’t really speak on the topic as well as someone with autism can. They should absolutely be supporters and help organize anything but I don’t think it should be solely led by parents. You would want members to feel included, seen, and heard. I’m not sure they would if the person leading it wasn’t going through the same struggles they do.

4.  Have you found or researched other disability rights organizations than those listed?  If so, how do they compare when you think about the important role of organizing people with disabilities in our fight for equality and disability rights in the US?

I know about Virginia Industries for the Blind which provides jobs for those who suffer from partial or full blindness. They have accommodations for them and make them feel as though they are having a normal work life, which I love. Everyone deserves to live life normally, I’m happy that this organization is out there to assist those with blindness.

1. Many disability organizations are classified by type of disability.  Do you see differences between these organizations based on whether they are meant to represent people with apparent disabilities vs. non-apparent?  How about when you compare organizations representing people with intellectual and mental disabilities vs. physical disabilities?

Those with non-apparent disabilities/mental disabilities will get better treatment and more easily integrate. I believe this is also the case with the organizations, they will not have to worry about the same kind of ostracization. Though I doubt they get the kind of donations and monetary support as those with apparent/physical disabilities which would likely happen because people feel pity towards those with physical disabilities. You can argue about whether that is a good thing or not but if it helps people then I personally have no complaints about it.

2. I had the privilege to work for the American Association of People with Disabilities, one of the organizations whose mission is to organize across all types of disabilities.  Do you believe an association like AAPD is stronger than a group organizing people around a specific disability (like the blind or deaf communities, for example)?  Are they stronger politically in creating change on behalf of their community or in their ability to serve their own members?

I think that a larger group that puts all the disabilities together is likely to get more done because of how many people they are representing. If it is just one group of disabled people are not going to pay attention in the same way as they would if it is every disabled person under the same umbrella. A large group is stronger in creating change on behalf of their community than each individual group. I would say the best quote to remember is “Strength in numbers” which creates a strong unified front.

3. One resource is very different from the others – the organization “Autism Speaks” is run by parents of children with autism, rather than people with disabilities themselves.  What differences do you note between Autism Speaks and other, disability-led organizations?  How do you think this impacts the organization and its ability to create change vs. how the organization might serve its disability community members?

Well because it is focused on one disability it is going to have a focus on specific things just for those with autism. Which means creating spaces for those with autism and raising awareness on how to interact with those with autism. When it is just a general disability group, they are focused on trying to help everyone as much as possible, so the focus is not on one disability. This is going to mean that what they do will not be just to help those with autism.

4. Have you found or researched other disability rights organizations than those listed?  If so, how do they compare when you think about the important role of organizing people with disabilities in our fight for equality and disability rights in the US?

I have not really researched any outside of the ones we have learned about in class. I think that learning so much each week will make me want to look more into different groups and see if I would like to donate to a few of them.