Washington State Disability History Month

New York Disability History Curriculum

luke — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 21:27:06 +0000

The New York Disability History Curriculum for grades 4-8.

Introduction

Lessons

Teacher Resources

My Voice, My Vote

luke — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 02:17:04 +0000

My Voice, My Vote is a new website for young adults with disabilities who want to learn about the voting process and make a difference in their communities. The site includes resources for voters in Minnesota and across the country, including the many different ways one can vote and what it means to be a good citizen. The website includes an open-captioned video on the voting process. It also includes an ASL video, “Voting: You Decide”.

More information on the website and the videos can be found at http://www.myvoicemyvote.org

Accessible Voting – King County Elections

luke — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 02:16:23 +0000

King County voters with disabilities now have the option of casting a truly secret ballot using an accessible voting unit. Federal law requires one …

www.kingcounty.gov/elections/v oting/accessible.aspx

Accessible Voting – I’ll Vote For That!

luke — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 02:14:40 +0000

Jun 23, 2008 … Voting has become more accessible for people who are disabled, however, it remains unacceptably inaccessible for most people who are blind, …

wiseadvice.wordpress.com/2008/06/23/accessible-voting-ill-vote-for-that

Vote-PAD (Voting-on-Paper Assistive Device)

luke — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 02:13:44 +0000

Accessible Voting Without Computers … The Vote-PAD is composed of one custom ballot sleeve for each sheet of a ballot. The sleeves are bound together …

http://www.vote-pad.us/

Yes, people with disabilities vote!

luke — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 02:09:49 +0000

“King County is home to 259,843 people with disabilities, according the the 2000 census”

Check out this newsletter from the Alliance of People with disAbilities
http://your.kingcounty.gov/elections/access/documents/connectAbility_fall06.pdf

OSPI Special Education Publications

admin — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:44:43 +0000

There are many excellent publications available on line through the Washington State Office of the Superintendent, Special Education Section
http://www.k12.wa.us/SpecialEd/publications.aspx

The Family Village – Information & Disability History

admin — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:04:07 +0000

The Family Village is a global community that integrates information, resources, and communication opportunities on the Internet for persons with cognitive and other disabilities, for their families, and for those that provide them services and support. The community includes informational resources on specific diagnoses, communication connections, adaptive products and technology, adaptive recreational activities, education, worship, health issues, disability-related media and literature, and much, much more!

Rosemary McAuliffe – State Senator, 1st District

admin — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:13:51 +0000

I would be happy to visit your school, classroom, or meet with students to tell my story of Dyslexia which has affected my family. My goal is to create a positive learning environment, and ultimately for each of us to understand the equal value of all people: abled, disabled, and differently abled.

Today, about 50 million Americans are living with at least one disability, and most Americans will experience a disability at some time during the course of their lives (CDC). Some disabilities are easy to see, such as when a person uses a wheelchair or has lost an arm. Other disabilities, like a developmental disability such as autism, may not be as easy to see. Nevertheless, every disability affects a person’s life.

Students learning with a disability can face monumental challenges in the classroom. To establish disability awareness, I sponsored SB 6313 in the 2008 session, recognizing disability history and awareness in our public education system. SB 6313 passed though the Legislature and was signed by Governor Gregoire. It became law on June 12, 2008. According to SB 6313, each October, public schools, colleges, and universities must conduct and promote educational activities that provide instruction, awareness, and understanding of disability history and people with disabilities.

I am hopeful that you can take leadership to help us spread the word to our entire public education system of October’s Disability Awareness Month. I will be happy to visit your school, classroom, or meet with students to tell my story of Dyslexia which has affected my family. My goal is to create a positive learning environment, and ultimately for each of us to understand the equal value of all people: abled, disabled, and differently abled.

Please contact my office at (360) 786-7600 or mcauliffe.rosemary@leg.wa.gov to arrange a classroom visit or see what you can do to spread the word on disability awareness in your school.

Thank you for your dedicated service.

Sincerely,

Rosemary McAuliffe
State Senator, 1st District

Self Determination

admin — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 21:29:03 +0000

Proof-positive that anyone can do what they want regardless of what others might describe as disability.