Abuse and neglect
The National Disability Rights Network was formed in response to outrage as the abuse of institutionalized children with disabilities came to light in the 1970’s. Unfortunately, these abuses still continue in the U.S., and Disability Rights International is still fighting to stop restraint and unethical treatment at a Massachusetts facility.
Accessibility
People with disabilities have a right to access government and private businesses and services, yet they are often denied these rights due to architectural and communication. In the United States, work continues to ensure the six million businesses and non-profits and 80,000 government units all comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act to secure equal access.
Criminal Justice
It is estimated that over half of adult prisoners, and more than 70% of juveniles in contact with the justice system, have some form of physical or mental disability. The justice system is not designed for these individuals. Particularly for juveniles, their crimes are often unrecognized behaviors related to their disabilities. However, not only do they end up with longer sentences and harsher conditions, the treatments they receive often worsen their behavior and disability. They need advocacy to change the justice system so that it defends them, rather than punishes them for their disabilities.
Disaster Management
Many people with disabilities were stranded during evacuations from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita because they were not included in evacuation plans. Learning from this catastrophe, disaster plans now include strategies to help ensure the safety of people with disabilities.
Education
A successful and inclusive public education is the primary way for children with disabilities to become integrated, independent, contributing community members; however, these rights to education are often contested and children are often inappropriately taught, restricted, or punished. DRT has recently helped several children secure the treatment and education they deserve.
Employment
People with disabilities can and do enrich their communities and grow themselves as they fully participate by working; however, adults with disabilities are five times more likely to be chronically unemployed than non-disabled adults, earn a median wage that is one third lower, and often suffer poor working conditions.
Housing
People with disabilities often cannot obtain or keep appropriate housing due to discrimination, inaccessible facilities, and high costs. They need advocacy and assistance to prevent discrimination and increase the availability of accessible and affordable housing.
Health Care
While people with disabilities are often in poorer health and at greater risk of secondary conditions than those without, they have limited access to health care due to lack of information and financial resources, lack of professionals trained to interact with and treat people with disabilities, lack of physical accessibility to facilities and medical equipment, and inadequate insurance coverage of key treatments such as specialized equipment, prescriptions, and physical therapy.
Transportation
In 2002, six million people with disabilities had difficulty getting the transportation services they needed, with a particular deficit in rural areas. Making public transit and paratransit services more accessible helps people with disabilities fully participate in their communities , be more independent, and access the other services they need.
Voting
Extra oversight and advocacy is necessary to ensure citizens with disabilities are able to vote, using accessible ballots, voting equipment, and voting facilities.
For more info visit www.billespinglfsi.org/
The National Disability Rights Network was formed in response to outrage as the abuse of institutionalized children with disabilities came to light in the 1970’s. Unfortunately, these abuses still continue in the U.S., and Disability Rights International is still fighting to stop restraint and unethical treatment at a Massachusetts facility.
Accessibility
People with disabilities have a right to access government and private businesses and services, yet they are often denied these rights due to architectural and communication. In the United States, work continues to ensure the six million businesses and non-profits and 80,000 government units all comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act to secure equal access.
Criminal Justice
It is estimated that over half of adult prisoners, and more than 70% of juveniles in contact with the justice system, have some form of physical or mental disability. The justice system is not designed for these individuals. Particularly for juveniles, their crimes are often unrecognized behaviors related to their disabilities. However, not only do they end up with longer sentences and harsher conditions, the treatments they receive often worsen their behavior and disability. They need advocacy to change the justice system so that it defends them, rather than punishes them for their disabilities.
Disaster Management
Many people with disabilities were stranded during evacuations from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita because they were not included in evacuation plans. Learning from this catastrophe, disaster plans now include strategies to help ensure the safety of people with disabilities.
Education
A successful and inclusive public education is the primary way for children with disabilities to become integrated, independent, contributing community members; however, these rights to education are often contested and children are often inappropriately taught, restricted, or punished. DRT has recently helped several children secure the treatment and education they deserve.
Employment
People with disabilities can and do enrich their communities and grow themselves as they fully participate by working; however, adults with disabilities are five times more likely to be chronically unemployed than non-disabled adults, earn a median wage that is one third lower, and often suffer poor working conditions.
Housing
People with disabilities often cannot obtain or keep appropriate housing due to discrimination, inaccessible facilities, and high costs. They need advocacy and assistance to prevent discrimination and increase the availability of accessible and affordable housing.
Health Care
While people with disabilities are often in poorer health and at greater risk of secondary conditions than those without, they have limited access to health care due to lack of information and financial resources, lack of professionals trained to interact with and treat people with disabilities, lack of physical accessibility to facilities and medical equipment, and inadequate insurance coverage of key treatments such as specialized equipment, prescriptions, and physical therapy.
Transportation
In 2002, six million people with disabilities had difficulty getting the transportation services they needed, with a particular deficit in rural areas. Making public transit and paratransit services more accessible helps people with disabilities fully participate in their communities , be more independent, and access the other services they need.
Voting
Extra oversight and advocacy is necessary to ensure citizens with disabilities are able to vote, using accessible ballots, voting equipment, and voting facilities.
For more info visit www.billespinglfsi.org/
