DC Week of Action (and Joy)
Little Lobbyists' intern Grace Heuer writes about taking the fight to Capitol Hill...and rethinking what advocacy can look like.
43 articles
(Page 2)
Share the Journey with Jeneva: Self-Direction & the Good Life with Alicia and Al Wopat
SDAN has become a voice for participants and their families to ensure that participant choice and control is the mantra in Maryland, and that paid family support is respected and continues to be an option.
Living the Life You Want: Self-Directed Services 101
Because institutions and nursing homes haven’t gone away, and traditional providers are often struggling to make their own programs more flexible and community-based, there are lots of voices clamoring to be heard in state government deliberations.
Share the Journey with Jeneva: Sherry Pickett Gets to the “Heart” of Advocacy
We had a high school student from Louisville who had a heart attack on school grounds and was given CPR and he survived. This student testified before the Education Committee.
Home and Community-Based Services Are a Human Right (by Jeneva Stone)
President Reagan knew this was wrong, so he created the Medicaid waiver program, allowing states to "waive" Medicaid's institutional bias for people with disabilities, like Katie, who wanted to get the care they needed in their own homes and communities.
Coping During Difficult Times: Safety, Control, Connection
Most of what’s going on in the world right now appears beyond our control; thus, we freeze. Recovering from a single incidence of trauma is difficult; recovering from a series of traumatic events is even harder, especially when the trauma is ongoing.
Why My Family Says “Disabled” Instead of “Special Needs”
When we say people have “special needs” instead of disabilities, we’re emphasizing “needs” instead of “rights.” In fact, disabled people have rights granted to them by law, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“Thought in Action”: Art & Advocacy with Angela Weddle
I’m a BIPOC, queer, autistic, and disabled visual artist, poet, and autistic advocate originally from New Orleans, LA. I currently reside in San Antonio, TX.
What Does Advocacy Mean to You?
These last weeks, I’ve been reflecting on my own plunge into state and federal advocacy, which began in late 2018, the result of my son Rob’s transition from high school to adult life.
Using Our Words: Being a Better Disability Ally
So let’s talk about a few terms in use by nondisabled people that are not preferred! These terms can be infantilizing, misleading, or derogatory. The best way to unlearn them is to understand why they are harmful and what we can say instead.
Independence Can’t Wait: An Interview with Ande Kolp about Home & Community-Based Services
Growing up in Iowa, I was fortunate to attend a school that was highly inclusive. I’m fairly sure that was not typical back in the 70s.
Poetry & Autistic Advocacy: An Interview with Nathan Spoon
I developed a love for poetry in my late teens. My parents were supportive of these interests and, even with our limited family income, I had my own books (which I kept stacked on my bed, beside my pillow!) and access to art supplies.
Share the Journey with Jeneva: Lauren Shillinger on Epilepsy Advocacy
Sharing our journey spreads awareness while helping other families connect and share resources. Our family loves vacations to the beach and trips to amusement parks like Hershey and Disney.