From The Executive Director by Mary D. Lopez, Ph.D.
“If one considers people who now are disabled those likely to develop a future disability and people who are or will be affected by the disabilities of family members or others close to them, it becomes clear that disability will eventually affect the lives of most U.S. residents.” (Alan Jette, Director of the Health and Disability Research Institute at the Boston University School of Public Health)
I do not look at Jette’s quote as depressing, negative or overwhelming for two reasons. One is that the reach of disability is a reality and recognition of that fact only allows for us to better plan. The second is because I do not see disability as a negative that should or will disappear in order to make us a “better” society. One of the most beautiful features of our society is its diversity.
Early settlers of our nation thought to restrict access to only those who were fit and able. One of the problems with that narrow-minded thinking was that restricting the early settlers to only the non-disabled did absolutely nothing to prevent future disability. Disabling accidents would continue to occur, infants with disabilities would continue to be born, and seniors continue to encounter different disabilities, as they age. Disability is natural. It is a fact of life - one of the things that adds to the beautiful diversity that we enjoy in life.
I participated in the Fun Run for Disability Rights in Washington, DC on April 29th. I can tell you that of the hundreds of us racing around the course in scooters (like me), motorized wheelchairs (like one of my best friends, Larry Biondi), or others with manual wheelchairs, walkers or canes, or those who were blind or Deaf, not one of us wore a frown because we were “down” about our disabilities. The “fun” in “Fun Run” was true. We had a blast! We talked about one issue quite important to us - Community Based Care. Since a lot of our consumers use Elderly and Disabled Consumer Directed Personal Assistant Services (EDCD PAS) based on a Medicaid Waiver, we know our consumers do, plan. Many of you have actively pursued the opportunity to continue community based care.
Other ways to pursue future-oriented behaviors is to keep Emergency Preparedness (have your “go-kits” ready) in mind and to advocate for Universal Design (aging in place versus costly remodels) when considering new home construction. Recent newsletters have discussed both topics, and we would be happy to provide you with more information on either topic if you need a refresher.
As our community continues to grow, it is more important than ever to be forward thinkers. Call us if you want to brainstorm about your future plans.
from Spring 2007 Newsletter, Volume 2, Issue 2
