Podcast: Awkward Conversations around Disability

Ana Marie Cox interviewed Alice Wong and then myself about disability and language and being uncomfortable. Alice’s interview is great! I haven’t listened to mine yet. Stay tuned … Alice: I consider myself a cousin of Darth Vader.Ana: It’s ok to say crip?Alice: Let’s get awkward, let’s get really real. #CripTheVote https://t.co/hO53qy3H8c — David M. … Continue ReadingPodcast: Awkward Conversations around Disability

Autism Society Celebrates … Ben Affleck?

Celebrities are good for fund raising. Autism Society is backing “Aut Fest,” an autism-related film festival. The good news: The latest anti-vax film isn’t on the schedule that I can see. The bad news: Autism Society is banking on Ben Affleck bringing in the big bucks. Affleck played The Accountant, an autistic hitman whose character … Continue ReadingAutism Society Celebrates … Ben Affleck?

Restaurant Photos without Consent … again

There’s a photo of an employee feeding a disabled woman in an Illinois IHOP which means it’s time to resurrect two favorite How Did We Get Into This Mess? rules: Don’t take pictures of disabled strangers without their consent. Don’t share the pictures you shouldn’t have taken to the internet without their consent. Their story … Continue ReadingRestaurant Photos without Consent … again

Coroner Blames Autism. for the death a Latino Autistic Student held Upsidedown

Anthony Corona died after being placed with his head between his legs for twelve minutes. In the aftermath, the coronor at least partially blamed autism for his death. Following a physical confrontation with another student and after school employees’ attempts to restrain Corona failed, the bus driver pushed the teen’s shoulders down, forcing his head … Continue ReadingCoroner Blames Autism. for the death a Latino Autistic Student held Upsidedown

Shock and Law: Tasers and the Cult of Compliance

The State of CT mandates the tracking of taser use by law enforcement, which is fairly rare across the country. We’ve got the 2015 numbers. From Connecticut Magazine: A total of 650 reported Taser incidents involved 610 people. Of those subjected to Taser use in 2015: 83 percent were unarmed53 percent were people of color49 … Continue ReadingShock and Law: Tasers and the Cult of Compliance

The Bipartisan History of Disability Rights

Yesterday I wrote on the Endrew F. v Douglas County decision from the Supreme Court. It’s powerful and could make a real difference in special education in this country. In the meantime, though, even as the decision was being handed down, ADAPT (a direct action disability rights group) was occupying the Capitol Rotunda, chanting, and … Continue ReadingThe Bipartisan History of Disability Rights