On Being Hit On

I can't believe that in almost 3 years I have never written about this. The drunk men who have hit on me at karaoke bars and on the bus, the completely sober guy who hit on me while I was waiting for my ride outside the hospital I used to volunteer at, the numerous cab drivers, and the seriously manic group member. [for those of you who don't know, mania, in some cases, can make someone hypersexual. Frustratingly continuously aroused.] There was also the bus driver who would ask me inappropriate questions, but I'm not sure if he was actually hitting on me or not. I was a regular on that bus and the only one on the bus sometimes. Maybe he just wanted conversation?

Only once (or maybe twice, it's been awhile since I've gotten hit on at a bar, I've stopped going to bars) have I ever been brushed up against, by a drunk man on the bus at about 10am. This man then got off the bus at my stop and asked me out to lunch at McDonald's. I said "I'm going to work," and then sped up as fast as possible in my powerchair so that he couldn't catch up. It was the same day I got hit on by the manic guy -- a banner day for me. *end sarcasm*

Most recently, yesterday, I got hit on by a guy at 7-11. I'm not in the best mood and he looked at me (I did not make eye contact with him) And told me to smile. He said I looked like I have a very nice smile. I'm always flattered by it, even if the man is clearly not in his right mind, has no idea what is coming out of his mouth, which he cannot control, and which he would be embarrassed about if his meds were tweaked right. This guy was not manic or drunk. So I started to smile (still not making eye contact) and then decided not to give the skeevy guy any satisfaction. Or at least I tried not to -- I couldn't get my spastic muscles to wipe the half smile off my face quickly enough.

I'd like to think that men would still find me attractive even if they weren't drunk or manic. They just would have the sense of mind to keep their mouth shut about it. I'm not picking up a guy at 7-11, certainly will not give a cab driver my number, but yet these are the only men that have the courage, or the idiacy? to give it a shot. How much of it is because of my good looks, how much of it is that because of my disability these men think that I'll settle for anything? Because I'm "damaged." How much is the lack of interest by other men because of my disability, or is it my weirdness, me being intimidating because I heckle the president for fun? It's something to think about.

In the meantime though, I'll continue to smile to myself when the drunkards and the manic group members shamelessly hit on me, politely, or not so politely, turning them down. I have too much self-respect not to wait for the man who finds heckling the president with me to be a turn on. He's out there somewhere.

First ADAPT Wordless Wednesday of This Action

Button says "There Ain't No Power Like The Power of ADAPT And The Power OF ADAPT Won't Stop SAY WHAT?"

The front of the line to the "funeral"

Another view of the casket

Diane dropping names into the casket

Our letter to Obama, unsigned. The secret Service refused to deliver it.

Our letter signed

In front of the White House Gate

Julie & Laura handcuffed to the gate in front of the Treasury

In front of Mayor Fenty's office

Sam from DOJ with the lovely Steve Gold. I ♡ Sam!

Pics from ADAPT, Julie, Scott, & maybe CDR

My Review of Sun & Mon at ADAPT

I'm feeling a bit blah, but promised myself I'd make 23 posts this month, as well as lacked some stuff from the last action, so I will push forward even if this turns out to be not my best work.

I feel like the ADAPT leadership dropped the ball Sunday. It wasn't like we were having some super secret action or anything. We were told to all wear black, but weren't told why. We didn't chant while marching towards Freedom Plaza, but weren't told why.

When we got there 50 people volunteered to be flag holders (most of them standing I think), including me, (can you spot me left? you can if you click on it, which'll make it bigger) and stood or sat while several people spoke about the abysmal state of community based attendant services in their state, and how 10s of thousands of disabled Americans are at risk of being institutionalized due to severe funding cuts. We also heard from several nursing home escapees, which, as someone who has never been institutionalized, is always very sobering to hear. It reminds me of how easily my friends or I could become stuck somewhere in an instant.

I didn't even realize until a friend mentioned, as we were tossing bits of paper into a coffin, with names of institutionalized people who were lost on them, that the whole event had been arranged to be a mock symbolic funeral. I didn't realize until I read something online Friday that the casket was carried all the way to Freedom Plaza at the front of the line and that we hadn't chanted because funerals are supposed to be somber. Neither did another friend of mine who had been there, until I told her. That is where the ball was dropped. It would have been nice if it had been clear.

Monday, I was impressed that my roomate knew where we were going before we even left the hotel. She said they only pass out the "jewelry" when we go to the White House. We were there to deliver a letter to Prez Obama -- that we all signed -- on the importance of long term care reform. I was not stationed in front of the White House gates, but in front of the Treasury, which is located next door. Very disappointing, but I have to remind myself that everyone has an important role.

The Secret Service would only let 25 people through because they said if there were more then that you have to have a permit. So the largest group blocked off both directions of an intersection just past the Treasury. I'm not sure what streets those are. Then, after awhile, we were told to keep the sidewalk clear (but they decided to use the street, which I think was wise, because of how many people there were). The tsunami was so quick, so exciting, that at the time it felt like it happened twice as fast as the video shows (you can see the giant letter in it). Is bum rush a real phrase? ADAPT bum rushed the White House and it was GREAT! SO EXHILARATING! JUST AWESOME! I don't need antidepressants, I just need ADAPT! THE HIGH! Who needs drugs? I sure don't. One of these days I'll be one of the ones handcuffed to the fence, and I can't wait! Although bum rushing would be cool also...

The Mayor's office visit was pretty tame, so you can just read the official press release, 2 posts below.

ADAPT Took State Medicaid Budget Cuts Fight to the White House on Monday

Washington, DC---300 members of ADAPT, the national disability rights grassroots organization, are at the White House, demanding that the Obama administration exercise concrete leadership in his commitment to expand and support community-based long term care services for people with disabilities and seniors on Medicaid. ADAPT is demanding that Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President, and Melody Barnes, Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy publicly address the ADAPT members assembled in front of the White House to answer specific proposals ADAPT is offering to work with the Administration.

“I want to know that the White House is actively working with consumers of community-based long term care services to create federal expansion of consumer controlled and non-medical model long term services and supports,” said Randy Alexander of ADAPT of Tennessee. “States should be accountable for saving money by directing Medicaid funds towards cost-saving community supports rather than costly institutionalization. In this fiscal crisis, that is the right thing to do.”

President Obama created the bipartisan National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform to address our nation's fiscal challenges. The Commission is charged with identifying policies to improve the fiscal situation in the medium term and to achieve fiscal sustainability over the long run.

“It is vital that the Commission evaluate the fiscal unsustainability of the Medicaid institutional bias by hearing testimony from people with disabilities who personally use community-based long term care services and have been victimized by or are at risk of having their community based service hours cut,” said Bruce Darling of Rochester ADAPT. “ADAPT has both grassroots and policy experience to offer the Commission to create a truly sustainable fiscal future for state long term care services.”

For more information about ADAPT, visit www.adapt.org and http://twitter.com/NationalADAPT

"President Obama is a Supporter of 'Independent Living'"

From April 2009.

"President Obama was [emphasis mine] a supporter of the community choice act... right now... president Obama remains committed to independent living..."

How very politically sly. It makes it seem as though he supports the CCA still, but yet says was instead of is. How can you support IL w/o supporting the CCA? What a cleaver turn of phrase... WTF man? Be straight w/us...

Proof I've Been Hiding Under a Rock

Because I want to post something on my blog, here's another action alert. I had no idea another Supreme Court Judge was retiring until I got this email a few days ago. I don't have a TV, I've been sleeping a lot, and all radio DJs talk about is celebrity news (who cares?)

Here is another very important Action Alert to respond to. Now that Chief Justice John Paul Stevens has retired from the U.S. Supreme Court, it is the task of president Obama to appoint another person to fill his seat. Let the President know that it is important to appoint a Supreme Court justice who will uphold the rights of people with disabilities. We need a strong leader like Justice Stevens! Contact the White House (the numbers and email are below) and ask President Obama to: Choose a justice who understands the effects of Supreme Court decisions on people with disabilities, who will interpret disability rights laws broadly, and who respects the role of Congress in protecting disability rights.

Issue: Tell the President We Need a Disability Rights Leader Like Justice Stevens!

Action: Contact the White House at (202) 456-1111 (phone), (202) 456-6213 (TTY) or online at www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT and tell the President why he should name someone who will uphold the rights of people with disabilities. Ask President Obama to:

• Choose a justice who will interpret disability rights laws broadly, as Congress intended.
• Choose a justice who understands the effect of Supreme Court decisions on people with disabilities.
• Choose a justice who respects the role of Congress in protecting disability rights.

Background: Very soon, President Obama will name a replacement for Justice John Paul Stevens of the United States Supreme Court. For the past 35 years, Justice Stevens has been a strong voice on the Court for the disability community, consistently voting to protect the rights of people with disabilities in cases involving the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The President now has his second opportunity to shape the Supreme Court for years to come. As he considers potential nominees, the stakes are high for people with disabilities.

Despite Congress's bipartisan passage in 2008 of the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) to restore the law's broad reach after years of hostile court rulings, judges are still getting the ADA wrong - still shutting the courthouse door on people with disabilities. We need a leader every bit as strong as Justice Stevens to ensure full enforcement of the ADA and other important disability rights laws. Justice Stevens' replacement must be committed to the protection of disability rights.

The White House needs to hear now from advocates for people with disabilities.

Why this nomination is so critical:

President Obama has voiced his support for the values -- including independence, integration and equal opportunity -- expressed in federal disability rights laws such as the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, the Medicaid Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). To advance disability rights, we ask the President to:

Choose a justice who will give disability rights laws the broad remedial effect intended by Congress. In several significant decisions in the years before the ADAAA, the Supreme Court chipped away at core protections for people with disabilities. During this time, Justice Stevens concurred in important decisions affirming disability rights, including City of Cleburne v. Cleburne Living Center, 473 U.S. 432 (1985); Bragdon v. Abbott, 524 U.S. 624 (1998); and Olmstead v. L.C., 527 U.S. 581 (1999). In his dissent in Sutton v. United Air Lines, 527 U.S. 471 (1999), he argued forcefully that whether a person is disabled and thus protected by the ADA should be considered without regard to mitigating measures. Although his colleagues on the Court disagreed, Congress later followed Justice Stevens' dissent on this very point in enacting the ADAAA.

We want President Obama to select a justice who will interpret the ADA and other disability rights laws as broadly as Congress intended, so that all people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to succeed in school and at work and to lead independent lives in their communities.

Choose a justice who understands the effect of Supreme Court decisions on people with disabilities. Supreme Court decisions have consequences, not just for the parties before the court, but for everyone. For example, when the Supreme Court ruled that Casey Martin, a golfer with a mobility disability, could use a golf cart on the PGA tour, this made it easier for everyone, including students and workers (not just golfers), to get the accommodations they need for an equal opportunity. Justice Stevens authored the decision in P.G.A. Tour, Inc. v. Martin, 432 U.S. 661 (2001). Similarly, the Court's recent decision in Forest Grove Sch. Dist. v. T.A., 129 S. Ct. 2484 (2009), also authored by Justice Stevens, made it easier for families everywhere to access special education for children with disabilities when public schools have failed to provide needed services.

We want President Obama to choose a justice who understands how important Supreme Court decisions are to the everyday lives of people with disabilities.

Choose a justice who respects the role of Congress in protecting disability rights. In enacting the ADA and other disability rights laws, Congress carefully considered the history of people with disabilities in the United States. The lawmakers acknowledged that many people with disabilities have been ostracized from their families and communities - prevented from going to their neighborhood schools, from working at jobs for which they were qualified and from participating in all aspects of community life. Congress passed laws like the ADA to combat these problems. But in recent years, the Supreme Court has declared that Congress lacked the power to pass some of these laws. Justice Stevens disagreed. For example, he authored the ruling in Tennessee v. Lane, 541 U.S. 509 (2004), that Congress could require states to make courthouses and the entire justice system accessible to people with disabilities. Lower courts have followed this ruling, holding that the ADA requires states to provide access in schools, hospitals, and prisons.

We want President Obama to choose a Supreme Court justice who will respect Congress's important role and hard work in writing and enacting the disability rights laws on which so many people with disabilities depend for protection from discrimination and an equal opportunity to succeed in life.

As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ADA, it is especially crucial that President Obama name, as Justice Stevens' replacement, a disability rights champion for the 21st Century Supreme Court.

Are You Sick of me Posting my Letters to Congress?

I wasn't going to post these, but I'm running out of ideas. Keeping up with writing posts 5 days/week is A LOT. So without further ado:

Senator Cardin/Mikulski:

I am writing in strong support of my friend Ari Ne'eman's confirmation to the National Council on Disability.

Ari, a current resident of our state, fights for an inclusive society, so that everyone can obtain the appropriate supports that they need, tailored to them. He fights so that people affected by all types of disabilities can live better lives.

I hope you are not the anonymous senator blocking Mr Ne'man's confirmation. [As the sponsor of Rosa's Law] I'd be ashamed of you [for being a hypocrite]. How could you not [I know that you] support an inclusive society [and]? [took the first 6 words out] I hope that you do, and that if you know the identity of the Senator blocking Mr Ne'eman's confirmation you will pressure them to do the right thing and withdraw their motion.

Sincerely

Cheryl *Censored*

Co-organizer Maryland ADAPT

The words in brackets are what I used to tailor Senator Mikulski's letter to her. You can find the address of your Senator's office by doing a quick google search of their names. If you do not know their names I suggest googling [your state] senators. I also suggest that you mail your letters to their closest local office, and not to DC, as they will be read in a more timely manner, and that you write them by hand on brightly colored stationary, so that they will stand out, as I always do. This time it was a blue glitter gel pen on pink stationary. I am also going to write a thank you note to Obama for sticking his neck out.

I'M WITH ARI!

In case you haven't heard, President Obama wants to appoint Ari Ne'eman, a young adult "on the spectrum" as he likes to label himself, to the National Council on Disability, a federal commission, but an annonymous senator has placed an indefinite hold on his confirmation. Ari's view's on autism are somewhat controversial, but as I wrote in an email to 2 people recently

I will always fight tooth and nail to support Ari's viewpoint. I find the treatment of autistic adults, pitted against each other on purpose it seems, is akin to the way things worked with slavery. The whole lighter skined/darker skined slaves thing. Ari fights for an inclusive society, he fights so that everyone can obtain the appropriate supports that they need, tailored to them, so that we can all have better lives. How can anyone fight against that? I agree with him that one way to move towards this is to stop differentiating types of autism.

So I guess I'm controversial too. Ari's views are so controversial that someone even started a hate blog that includes death threats (I've decided to refrain from linking). To read more on this saga, check out the recent NYT article. Remember when I went to the ASAN protest 6 months ago? I'm totally down with ASAN. (done with tangent).

So what can you do? WRITE YOUR SENATORS!!! Since we don't know who put the block on, we need to inundate all 100 senators with letters. I may even write the President a thank you note for sticking his neck out there. Here are the guidelines from the I'm with Ari facebook group (as usual)

1. Be heartfelt and honest

1.1 If you agree with Mr. Ne'eman, say why you agree and what you agree with. Nothing more, nothing less. It's about supporting the good work of another.

1.2 This is about why you think Mr. Ne'eman is a good choice. This is not about any other problems you see or any disagreements you have with anyone else.

2. Be brief and to the point

2.1 Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate are busy folks. Tell them what it is you want in as few words as possible while making yourself clear.

2.2 Stay focused. If you have a staff member on the phone, relate that you understand they are busy and merely would like the member of Congress to know that this is something people really do care about.

3. Say it to the right set of people

3.1 You can speak on behalf of yourself and yourself only (unless you have permission to speak on behalf of an organization)

3.2 You can only really make a difference with the Representatives (House and Senate) from your state.

4. Technical Details

4.1 Call BOTH the Washington DC office and the local office of BOTH the US Senators of your state (info can be found online for these phone numbers).

4.2 Request to speak with the advisor who handles matters concerning people with disabilities. Request someone call you back if nobody is there.

4.3 When making phone calls, get the name of the person you spoke to and remain upbeat and friendly - remember that the person on the other end works hard too and should be treated with respect regardless of your view of the member of Congress they work for.

4.4 Make it about your state or local area. Say why this matters for where you live. For instance, do you know how many people with disabilities live in your state? Is the Senator facing a tough election? Make it clear they should care about this issue in a friendly manner.

The people that have lived across from me for the last 2 months have a 4 year old autistic grandson and I often see them wearing their Autism Speaks shirts and cringe. I keep my mouth shut, telling myself they don't know any better, and I don't want to get in a fight with the neighbors. I'm thinking though of taping the NYT article to my door along with Sen Mikulski & Cardin's addresses. Am I being passive aggressive?

From the White House

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release
July 24, 2009

ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, 2009- - - - - - -BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Today we celebrate the 19th anniversary of the enactment of the historic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Signed into law on July 26, 1990, this landmark legislation established a clear mandate against discrimination on the basis of disability so that people with disabilities would have an equal opportunity to achieve the American Dream.

Our Nation is once again poised to make history for people with disabilities. I am proud to announce that the United States will sign the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in New York on December 13, 2006. The Convention is the first new human rights convention of the 21st century adopted by the United Nations, and it represents a paradigm shift in protecting the human rights of 650 million people with disabilities worldwide. We proudly join the international community in further advancing the rights of people with disabilities.

As we reflect upon the past and look toward a brighter future, we recognize that our country has made great progress. More than ever before, Americans with disabilities enjoy greater access to technology and economic self-sufficiency. More communities are accessible, more children with disabilities learn alongside their peers, and more employers recognize the capabilities of people with disabilities.

Despite these achievements, much work remains to be done. People with disabilities far too often lack the choice to live in communities of their choosing; their unemployment rate is much higher than those without disabilities; they are much likelier to live in poverty; health care is out of reach for too many; and too many children with disabilities are denied a world-class education.

My Administration has met these challenges head-on. We have launched the "Year of Community Living" to help people with disabilities live wherever they choose. [emphasis added] We have nearly doubled the funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. I was proud to sign the groundbreaking Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act and the Children's Health Insurance Reauthorization Act, which provides health insurance to millions of additional children. I also lifted the ban on stem cell more research. These measures demonstrate our commitment to leveling the playing field for every person with a disability. My Administration will not rest on these accomplishments, and we will continue to focus on improving the lives of people with disabilities. I encourage States, localities, and communities across the country to cultivate an environment in which the 54 million Americans living with a disability are valued and respected.

Americans have repeatedly affirmed the importance of protecting the human rights and dignity of every member of this great country. Through the steps we have taken, we will continue to build on the ADA and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to promoting, protecting, and ensuring the full enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by people with disabilities.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim July 26, 2009, as the Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. I call on Americans across our country to celebrate the progress we have made in protecting the civil rights of people with disabilities and to recognize the step forward we make with the signing of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Inspired by the advances of the last 19 years, let us commit to greater achievements in the years ahead.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day of July, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

Year of Community Living??? I don't think so. That's a line of crap. Mr President, if 2009 truely is the "Year of Community Living" Then you will go to the house and the senate and DEMAND that the CCA is included in your health care reform package. You will make sure that there are enough housing vouchers so that people living on $600/mo (SSI) can afford to live in the community. You will help to ensure that PCAs are paid a living wage and given health benefits, vacation, & sick days. You WILL live up to your promise to ADAPT. Obama, you're a f------ lier.

And how about this? Obama's speech on signing the UN's CRPD. Read it here or watch it here. I'm with Josie Byzek. It makes me want to throw up.

Happy ADA Day everyone!!!!! I think it's my favorite holiday.

It was Like the Special Olympics or Something...

Why is no one covering this? And by 'no one' I mean no one in my small circle in the disability blogsphere that is. No one on my blog roll, and only one person on alltop (besides Patrica Bauer of course) who is in New Zealand.

Last night I was talking to my mom on the phone. "What channel is Jay Leno on?" she asks "Obama is going to be on." I had no idea but I was glad she said something. I put it on too. Obama was GREAT, very light hearted and funny, UNTILL...

JL: Now, are they going to put a basketball -- I imagine the bowling alley has been just burned and closed down.

BO: No, no. I have been practicing all -- (laughter.)

JL: Really? Really?

BO: I bowled a 129. (Laughter and applause.)

JL: No, that's very good. Yes. That's very good, Mr. President.

BO: It's like -- it was like Special Olympics, or something. (Laughter.)

JL: No, that's very good.

BO: No, listen, I'm making progress on the bowling, yes.

What's with the LAUGHTER??? They had a light hearted laugh, and so did the audience. Why didn't he quickly catch himself and appologize right then? Is it just me who thinks this or is most of the president's job thinking before he speaks? Am I naive in thinking that not all press conference questions are screened in advance, and that no one was pre-prepped with the questions at the town hall debates during primary season? Shouldn't Obama be well versed in the art of thinking before you speak?

What makes it worse is that 2hrs before the show aired on the east coast a white house spokesperson issued an appology. The show is not live. Again, is it just me or is that enough time for NBC to edit the exchange out? SHAME ON YOU NBC!!! Keith Olbermann & Craig Ferguson agree with me. (for transcript see NewsBusters)

It excites me that when I googled 'obama special olympics' an article on MTV.com was the first to pop up. I'm really starting to like them. The Huffington Post has a poll that is running pretty even, and Good Morning America interviewed Timothy Shriver, head of Special Olympics, this morning (video somewhere). This all so close to End the R-Word Day. 3.31.09. Please spread the word to end the word.

*sigh* All I can do is shake my head...