An Exception To Ever Rule

As most of you know my Wifey helps out Miss Julia, who is 100 and ½ years old.  To me she is trapped in her own home and to make it worse the HOA is not will to make any exceptions for her.  To me there are a few issues.

The biggest problem is that drive my Wifey crazy is that they want a 100 year old to parking in the visitor parking and walk 10 minutes to what they call an “accessible” entrance. The HOA does not want any care providers to park in the residence parking, but there is a whole section of parking for trade person and it is never full.

If Wifey does not want to walk all that way with Missy J. the HOA said drop her off at the door then go park in the visitor section, in the front of the building, while Missy J. sits around back unattended waiting for Wifey.  In addition they would always have to be home by 7, since the lot is locked at night.  When they do come home late the doorman and front desk has to open the gate and door to Mrs. Julia’s own building.

The HOA will not give Missy J. a key, remote, or parking space because she has no ID.  Come on knuckleheads, she is 100 and that should be a given.  If she is paying her bills and fees, she has the same rights as everyone else in the building.

In my own observation, none of the three building’s entrances are accessible.  If you go in the front door the lobby is sunken. Yes they do have a ramp outside down to the lobby, but there are about four steps up to the elevators.  Once you get over the parking issues, there are two doors in the back of the building with ramps. No way they are up to code and most of the residents are elderly.

7 Slade was built in 1971, and it’s posted as private property.  Another thing neither of the parking sections have any gimp spaces; I do not know what rights of Miss Julia’s are being broken.  Once again its frustrating that people choice guidelines over being human.

Maybe we could start a partition to get a gate clicker and a parking space, which would be a start!

=

Articles 2010-2012

An 11-year-old disabled boy and his family are outraged after he was "shunned to the back" for his Year 6 graduation photo. Why would you even put a disabled be hide people that are standing. No adults were think like a human when they were positioning these students.

  

Posted 11/26/12

Disabled people can be freaky deakies too especially when they do not discover their sexually until later in life, or have to adopted their life style due to a injury. Some people would even call me a sexual deviant when I using pornos to relieve my frustrations.  The  first time my mom viewed the King Gimp with us, she was sitting be hide me. When she saw the part about the porn, I got a good smack on the back of my head.
My best friend, Jody has his master in sexology and now is work on his PDH and teacher is teaching at the school.  He has tried many time to have the school bring me there to talk to the students about my frustrations and experiences of being disabled and a sexual being.  There has been a few times Wifey and I have been speaking and the topic of sex comes up, but it was not the write plate form.  The curiosity is there, but the right audience remains to be found.

RT @DHorizons: Accessibility and sexual expression via @DHorizons 
Posted 12/24/12/
 
No matter what age you are, when it comes to sexuality and the disabled this is a taboo topic.  Most people think the disabled are incapable of having sex, or even having knowledge about sex. How can you stop something as natural and is in ever type of media as sex.  Yes sex can be frustrating as hell, if one does not have outlet to release these feelings.  One's sexuality is as necessary as breathing. 
RT @accessinclusion: 'How do I have sex now?' Intimacy for the physically disabled, shedding light on the taboo. #disability
Posted 12/19/12

RT @AboutDisability: Youth Disability Advocate Awards and Scholarships 

Posted 12/12/12
 

RT @rollaramp: Program provides wheelchair-accessible home to family in need. Too bad this is not a national program.
Posted 11/10/12

John Franklin Stephens on his open letter to Ann Coulter: "Use me as a symbol for someone who fights adversity" I keep having the same thoughts about bullying.  If our leaders are acting like kids, calling each other names and degrading one another when they do not get they way. This behavior is just becoming more accepting through out our whole society.  

Everyone says a picture is worth a thousand words, but when spoken one word can do a life time of damage, or make a person feel like a billion bucks.
Posted 10/27/12

RT @barrierfreemb: Disturbing: Ann Coulter Defends Outrageous Remarks #accessibility #a11y
What a Douchebag, but that is not a good to description for this "person" that can influence the thoughts of millions.  In the definition of Douchbag they even use the R word.  Maybe some body should lock her in  an institution and treat her like she is not human. If no other politician finds her offensive, they do not care about the disability community.  
   
Ann Coulter's backward use of the 'r-word' John Franklin Stephens on CNN.  
john franklin stephens open letter.
Posted 11/26/12

RT @nichcy: University of Tennessee program gives students with intellectual disabilities chance to attend college http://on.wbir.com/SH1vfQ.  This is a good example of how I speak about how everyone has something to contribute to society.  I also talk about how people may just see the help that I get from others, but in reality they also benefit from seeing my drive to achieve my goals.
Posted 10/8/12

RT @CLD_GSU: To Avoid Long Lines, Some Turn To Wheelchairs via @zite. If people want the perks of being a gimp, they should also see the down side. They should have to use a wheelchair for the rest of their trip. It is the same thing as parking in a gimp space.  I always wanted to ask the person if I could kiss them for 2 minutes.
posted 10/5/12
 
 RT @DisRightsUK: New Let's Stop Disability Hate Crime guides, available to download from our website today  #stopdisabilityhatecrime
I find it interesting that the UK has disability hate crimes.  I wonder if this is just a usage of language, or the UK take this issue that serious?

In US hate crimes are criminal acts, are they considering discrimination a criminal act in the UK?  In the US, discrimination is Considered to be a civil matter and a lot of cases are not notice because it is more money to hire a lawyer then the victim usually has as an income.  If you try to stand up for your rights at the time, you get threaten with trespassing, or causes a public disturbance so you end up going to jail.  
Posted 2/22/12

 To make these Trust even more complex, some state want to change the rules has they go.  This not for the Trustee, or the benefactor.
RT @TheCoffeeKlatch: Navigating Special Needs Trusts http://www.specialneeds.com/legal-and-trustees/add/navigating-types-special-needs-trusts #tck

 We agree! RT @ms4less: Interesting story about an artist with one eye. The worst #disability in life is a bad attitude! http://ow.ly/90h4a
Posted 2/13/12

RT @NirviShah: Feds Say More Students May Qualify for Disability Services http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2012/02/01/19speced.h31.html?cmp=SOC-SHR-TW via @educationweek
Posted 2/1/12

I think this is the same story about the documentary at Sundance.  It is a taboo subject, but needs to be addressed. The clip I saw was with a client in an Iron log.  Sex i s something that should be something everyone should experience.

Healings Hands
A sex surrogate helps men get over their sexual dysfunctions by getting into bed with them. Is this medicine? Or plain old-fashioned prostitution served up with a spoonful of love? 

Wow President Obama issued a statement proposing better labor standards for in-home care workers. I always thought if care providers got better pay and were paid on time it would be a win, win for all. The care provider could have a better income and the would give a higher quality of care. The over time party may be hard to make happen since that would be hard to write into a yearly budget.

Plus it is a job market that will not disappear, most likely it just keep growing. DAH!

Better wages for care provider 
Posted 12/15/11


Disability Sex Dating and Adult Chat
http://www.disabled-world.com/communication/disabled-dating/disability-sex.php

New online comic treats disabilities realistically
http://bit.ly/dk9ktG

a fun fyi about international disabled parking permits
http://bit.ly/c2k6kc

i never did good on exam myself, did effect my until college, could be why i don't believe in standerlize test
http://bit.ly/cLwuDr

you can live like everyone else, but only if you follow our rules.
http://bit.ly/cEpWA0

public school district says no to service dog
http://bit.ly/aO19ue

poll on learning disabled as parents
http://bit.ly/d03D8o

Media dis&dat: Delaware high school selects student with CP as pr...
http://bit.ly/cn7umX
Ski Wear Designed Just For Adaptive Skiing. Order Yours Today
http://www.disabled-world.com/sports/snow/ski-clothing.php

http://www.feministe.us/blog/archives/2010/06/18/disability-terminology-a-starter-kit-for-nondisabled-people-and-the-media/

Bravo TV "Work of Art" contestant puts a face on OCD http://media-dis-n-dat.blogspot.com/2010/06/bravo-tv-work-of-art-contestant-puts.html

Celebrating the ADA — Reflections From Tom Harkin http://bit.ly/d7GaLF

College Planning Handbook for Students with Disabilities http://bit.ly/9ADT9V

US Senate passes Internet video access act http://media-dis-n-dat.blogspot.com/2010/08/us-senate-passes-21st-century.html

Assistive Technology on the Move – CAP team lists some new #AT, including those for phones http://bit.ly/9ZmT7P

what are people thinking, botax to treat c.p., especially with kids!!!!!!
http://bit.ly/cNSUxm
Washing times
http://bit.ly/afcunW
http://www.cerebralpalsysource.com/News_and_Articles/botox-cp/index.html
http://www.aboardcertifiedplasticsurgeonresource.com/botox/botox-for-cp.html
http://www.cerebralpalsy.org/treatments/botox-therapy/

Health and Disability Fact Books Guides and Publications http://t.co/cXWBCbW

Mediadisdat
Study:Asthma drug albuterol can ease symptoms of MS http://media-dis-n-dat.blogspot.com/2010/09/asthma-drug-albuterol-can-ease-symptoms.html

A very interesting NPR series has been running on nursing homes, push for home-based care options and the DOJ's... http://fb.me/ADwnDkjf
Home Care Might Be Cheaper, But States Still Fear It http://n.pr/gfMKD0

RT @disabledworld: Budget Cuts Leave Disabled Adults To Fend For Themselves http://ff.im/-y6Y0g

RT @ParkingMobility: Discovering the social model of disability http://unleashwebaccess.com/?p=221

RT @EasyStand: If you think it is important that people with disabilities get the equipment they require - you need to do this. http://ht.ly/3XLAA

RT @disabilityscoop: Oprah Taps Man With Cerebral Palsy To Host New Show http://bit.ly/i7jwmW

RT @NationalADAPT: Learn about the HHS/HUD Community Living Initiative at http://www.hhs.gov/od/topics/community/olmstead.html.

RT @TiffCarlson: My latest blog! Spin 2.0: Does marriage without a license satisfy? http://bit.ly/ejH0AZ

Nebraska goes GIMP! Challenges norms of body image, #disability & #performance in "Life as a #Dance." http://tinyurl.com/3zvdfyy #gimp

RT @MAGICWHEELSgear: Amazing video: Boy rescues paraplegic bunny, designs tiny wheelchair - http://bit.ly/kqmT7E

i think is good that people are always developing new devices to improve life for people with disabled. personally i be interesting in using one of these, but i never walked so i might not know what I'm missing. then again it might lead to another device that i might use one day.

i did see an interview on CNN with Austin, he hope that some day this device will be affordable for everyone. that is where my skepticism kicks in.
Engineers to help paraplegic student walk at graduation http://t.co/h0QXgoT via @AddThis

i think is good that people are always developing new devices to improve life for people with disabled. personally i be interesting in using one of these, but i never walked so i might not know what I'm missing. then again it might lead to another device that i might use one day.

i did see an interview on CNN with Austin, he hope that some day this device will be affordable for everyone. that is where my skepticism kicks in.
Engineers to help paraplegic student walk at graduation http://t.co/h0QXgoT via @AddThis

Disabled man warns of dangers of guns, drugs http://t.co/xOJ4V3P

RT @TecAccess: Study Backs iPad For Students With Disabilities http://bit.ly/jABtqK #disabilities, #accessibilities

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/autistic-children-ipad-toronto-school-reach-communicate-180035702.html

RT @ParkingMobility: Handicapped Parking Abuse Is Costing Cash-Strapped California ‘Millions’ http://ht.ly/54GBz

Reading the comments to this story is a perfect example why, when budget are services for the disable are first to go. most of time when the press does cover a disability issue, people are more likely to remember the miss usage of funds, or worse.

They should have buy a roll cage on the chair and dragged both teams behide him.

RT @TroyWheelchairs: Video: A Student In A Wheelchair Scored A Heartwarming Touchdown http://read.bi/uo0ePN

via @BISportsPage

Forget Laws, Be Human

On Saturday morning Wifey and I were on our way out to run some ernes. Mike was on his way out to walk Camden, Mike is wifey’s ex-husband that we share the house with. His name is on the house; he really does not act like a landlord.

Mike goes on to tell Wifey the neighbor emailed to complain again about the noise I make when I move around our house.  This time the bitch was that I took a shower too early when we left for California. The other thing is packing up to early on Sundays to go tailgating, other gigs.  In other words he wants me to be consider and not start my day until 9 A.M. 

The neighbor has been complaining about me for 2 years now and has never talk to me. I was sitting in the car with the door open and legs out.  Wifey brings the neighbor over to talk.  I started out by stating Mike is not my Father and you do not pay my bills.  If you have a problem talk to me, not Mike, or Wifey, which just pissed him off. As I went on he got more piss off because he had to take time to listen to me while wife translated.  I am so pissed off/frustrated that I bit my tongue and bleeding.

The whole time he was hiding being the car door never making I eye contact with me, as if I am below him. He is just a bully and I am the gimp that is going take him down. When we first moved in, we explain my disability and my work is as an artist and public speaker.  We also said I will be using my Special Needs Trust to help make the house more accessible. He said maybe he could help with the trust to make it work for me.

Saturday I asked how can you work with the disabled when you cannot understand them as people?  The whole he said he just wanted more consideration and that means living by his rules.  I told him if he thinks I’m doing wrong, just call the cops next time.  He replied I do not want go that far.  If you think I am doing wrong back it up.

This is the same guy that wanted us to put off the work on the bathroom to make it more accessible, because he showing his house. Another example of how he thinks his life is more important then others.

Wifey and I got back home and everyone was out side. The neighbor plus wife, Mike and us, I am sitting in the same position in the car.  Once again they are talking about more consideration. Like taking showers the night before, WHAT THE FUCK!!!!! I jump on down on the grown and slammed car door.

The wife says you do slam the door close and the pictures on their wall shake.  If they want more consideration, they can pay for an O.T. to evaluated me and pay for any commendations they suggest.

They just want more consideration and want us to be friends. Now the husband is calling my name and trying buddy up to me. I repeat it is too late, next call the cops if you think I am doing wrong. Back up what you believe in!  I crawled over to my chair, got in it and came into our house.

Our neighbors' actions are not about breaking ADA laws, or discrimination it’s about being human.

What Is Your Opinion?

Do Client and Staff Share Blame?

if a disable person runs out of food 2 days before shopping, do you think staff is doing their job?

we have a friend who is developemently disabled, he was in rose wood until 6 years ago. he lives independently, but gets 15 hours of "support" each week. there are many reasons why we think his staff is no good.

For one example he keeps running out of food. at his circle meetings we do bring this up. they always say it is the person choice, so we can't do anything about.

tonight i got an email from our friend for the second week in a row that he has no food. last week i sent him pizza. nobody in his circle is doing anything to change this.

i know our friend is partly to blame, but his staff just says we are just here to do what he wants. we can't do anything that he doesn't want. we always look like the bad guys, for speaking up. I used to be good friends with the boss of this support service. I was "warned" if I kept making noise, she would report me for abusing my services.

Thank You,
Dan

Buzz Kill – Bully (What Is Your Opinion)

Went up for my first shower since the project has been finished. I went in my studio to undress, what at most that takes 5 minutes. But Mr. neighbor must have not liked that, because I hear him banging. We exchanged banging on the floor 3, or 5 times. I really don’t want to stoop to his level, but also want let him know this gimp is no wimp.

What Is Your Opinion

When we moved into our new house I knew the neighbors would have issues when I started back with my art. I thought it would be over smells, not because of noise. Also to remind you we do live with Dena’s ex-husband Mike. Last summer Dena and I was in the carage and started to talk with our neighbor, it was like an introduction to Dan. I have C.P. and have a career as an artist, so I work at home.

This really started on Christmas Eve, mike goes away and we would were having company. Dena Started cleaning, her back was hurting, so I took over the laundry. Our laundry room is on the third floor; I went from the second and third floors many times that night, but was done by 11 p.m. The next morning he stops one of our guests and says we kept him up all night going up and down the stairs until 2 a.m. also we are lucky he does not go to the home owner association about us. Then Mike gets home and the guy next door tells him what happened. This is making me feel like we are back in high school and telling on us.


In my studio there must be a floor Joyce loose, because when I crawl around the floor squeaks. During the time I was making work for my new show I never worked past 8 at night. Although I did reasonable hours, he complained many times to Mike about the noise. He never speaks to me about this issue, because I will tell him different. They do have a new baby, but never expressed that the noise was disturbing their baby just him.

I did get a chance to say that I was helping my wife with the laundry on Christmas Eve and he just blew that off. When we had the big snow, he came to help dig out our car. I wanted to explode, because I knew he was being fake. Dena thought he was apologizing, but he did not disappoint. A few days later I was doing art and he comes knocking again about the noise. He is basically telling me what I can do in my own home, if not being discriminating.

The same neighbors now have their house up for sale. He has express concern to Mike about noise from the bathroom project, during his open houses. Most people looking at homes like to know that other owners maintain the surrounding places. You can tell this guy is uptight and does not like others to challenge him. For the people that know me, maybe you should send your condolences his way.

Is This 2010 Update

We just talked to the hotel manager in NC, he did apologized and saw that the stuff did make mistake, but had the right to be concern. The situation did get out of control and should have known we were quests when Dena walked in with our bags and dinner.

The hotel has already scheduled sensitivity training, but not with us, we offered our services. They of the option of using the everyday training service, or get an experience that people will remember for a lifetime.

is this really 2010

I am going to share this story to express my frustration and use this as a learning experience. Trust me, I will see this through the King Gimp way!

I went to University of North Carolina-Charlotte for a keynote speaking engagement. We left early and arrived about 8 hours later. I have not been to the bathroom since we left. Dena dropped me off at the lobby and asked the door man where was the restroom was located. I went into the hotel independently and managed everything on my own. Dena then went to get dinner in the community. I sat in the lobby for few minutes to get my bearings. I moved twice to get out of the way because the lobby was crowded.

The doorman did ask me if he could show me to the bathroom?

I said no.

So I went to the bathroom, when I left the mens room the doorman past me and said, “there you are”!

I replied, “yeah”. This correspondence shows that communication was not a barrier between customer and the Bellman, how is it that this couldn’t be an example to ALL the staff.

An hour later Dena returns and doesn’t look happy.
This is the conversation that took place the moment she drove up to the hotel property.

Security-Are you with the man in the wheelchair?
Dena-you mean Danny? It is strange that you ask me in that term, is everything all right?

Security-What is his story?
Dena-His story…what do you mean?

Security-I mean, what is his disability?
Dena-Danny has Cerebral Palsy-why are you asking me this?

Security-Why doesn’t he have a caretaker with him?
Dena-Do you have a caretaker?

Security-No, but we are not talking about me.
Dena-Why do you think that Danny needs a caretaker? He is fiercely independent and the idea that you feel he needs one is passing judgment. Let me tell you something, Danny is probably more intelligent that you and I put together.

Security-Do you see where we are coming from here?
Dena-No!

Security-It looks as if someone just dropped him off and left him, we didn’t know if anyone was coming back and it looked like one of those circumstances that we didn’t know what to do with him.
Dena-I have been gone an hour to get dinner for us how are you to turn this around, you are OFFENDING me, I mean us. I need to speak to your Manager.

Security-It is my job to protect and see things through. We TRIED to communicate. We asked him if he was here with anyone, will anyone be back for him and if he had a care provider and he couldn’t answer to anything.

Security-You are lucky, we were minutes from having him “taken away”.
Dena-Stop speaking with me immediately I am deeply offended and will not speak with you at all.

We entered the lobby and had finished this conversation front and center. The lead Manager in charge, the Security Guard, Dena and I along with 60 + guests that were observing this dual.

They (Manager and Security Guard) said they were concerned. Dena asked were you so concerned that asked Danny if he were o.k. or if he needed anything or needed to call 911. This is what concerned people do, inquire the problem. Dena then asked me, “did anyone approach you to ask you any of these questions?” I said, “NO”! The whole hour no one spoke to me. We challenged their timeline and caught them in a lie. The Security Guard had told Dena I was incapable of corresponding to the questions that they had asked.

I made the statement I am here because the University invited me to be their Keynote Speaker, this event inspires others how to break these typical stereotypes. This can go away if you both come and participate. They both laughed it off.

They called the police; Dena and I were making our way out. The security was pushing people out of my way, as if I would run them over. I kept yelling I could do it myself, by this time I just wanted to explode. But it would just play into their hands. Dena and I are now out side, standing. Four police cars arrive all having attitudes because they felt it really wasn’t a “real problem”. One Officer said, “that you have no legal rights and it’s only a civil matter”. The Manager spoke up and said, “if the events got louder then we can press charges” the Police Officer agreed. Clearly, we couldn’t understand how a hotel had more legal backing over abrupt conversation and would have more protection then discrimination with the disabled. We were told to leave because you are still on ‘hotel property’. When we drove off they remained laughing, as if we were jokes. Let’s see if they are laughing in court.

I do not blame UNCC for any of this, in fact they already pulled out all of the college accounts with this hotel. They also offered to set me up with a local legal advocate, which I am doing. In addition, I will be working with my network of advocates and am weighing out all my options. I want freedom of speech and awareness to bring everyone in the mind set of 2010.