Think Before You Speak

We teach our children that they should never say the "F" word. We teach them that it is disrespectful, hurtful and derogatory to say the "N" word. We would never tell our children that it is okay to use any racial slurs. However, many children commonly use the word retarded when joking with their friends, and their parents sit by and say nothing. Parents should explain the meaning of that word, and explain to their children why it is so offensive to many people. The "R" word is to a person with a disability as the "N" word is to an African American. That word should not be used. Intellectual disability or developmental disability are much more respectful words.

Disability is a natural part of life. Everyone's life! If you are a person without a disability, you need to realize, you are only one car accident, stroke, fall, or a tragedy away from being a person with a disability. If the day comes that you should need to use a wheelchair, or loose the ability to speak, see or hear, you would still want to be treated with respect. Would you like to be called a retard? Even those with very significant disabilities, those who have trouble communicating, often can understand what is being said to them. They feel sadness, anger, and pain just like anyone else. We need to treat everyone as a person first and look at their disabilities second.

Rosa's Law was signed by President Obama in October 2010. This law will change the words "mental retardation" (MR) in federal law, to "intellectual disability " (ID). Governor Joe Manchin signed a similar law in West Virginia that will stop the use of this word in all future documents in the state. Now that we have the law on our side, we need to educate the general public about this hurtful word. Remember, every person with a disability is also someones child, parent, sibling or friend. Think before you speak!

Written by:
The members of People's First Morgantown

peoplefirstwv.org

Disability Caucus and the 20th anniversary of the ADA

July 26th, 2010 was the 20th anniversary of the ADA.

The ADA gives civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, State and local government services, and telecommunications.

I attended the disability caucus in Charleston, WV on July 26-28. It was celebration of the 20th anniversary of the ADA, and also a wonderful learning experience for me. Now, I am even more excited about being involved with disability rights and advocacy. I learned more about the Community Choice Act, and why it is so important that we get it passed. The Community Choice Act (CCA) is important because it would allow individuals with disabilities to have a choice of where they live. It would allow them to live in their own communities instead of being placed in institutions against their will.

Also, during the caucus, we were able to get some ADAPT members together and have a short meeting. I played ADA jeopardy, and that was fun. I had a chance to talk to many people who I haven't seen in a while, and to meet a lot of new friends.

My favorite part of the caucus was the Awards Luncheon...........

My good friend Ken Ervin was inducted into the Independent Living Hall of Fame!

Ken Ervin passed away almost 3 years ago. Ken was an amazing advocate and helped so many people in WV, including myself. Ken was my inspiration to become an advocate. He is so deserving of this honor. Kens widow, Darla accepted the award on his behalf. The room was full of people who loved and respected Ken Ervin. There were many tears shed as we all remembered and honored this great man.

My good friend Melissa Lewis also received an award that day. She was one of the two people recognized as the "Outstanding Personal Attendant" of the year. The other was Kevin Nichols.

custom made pins, key chains and mugs

I am making and selling disability rights pins and key chains. I also make key chains and pins that are funny or inspirational. I can make pins with your child's picture on it, or with your own quote. I can custom make pins and key chains with a company logo, or a family name (for family reunions). I can make almost any design. I will soon be making disability rights, funny, and custom coffee mugs. I am very excited about making the mugs. I think they will be a good seller. I can also put company logo on the mugs. If you are interested in purchasing any of these items, please visit my website to see some examples. Feel free to call me if you have any questions.

http://bilonickadvocacy.community.officelive.com/default.aspx

I would like to encourage people to join our People First of Morgantown group. People first is all about helping people with disabilities learn to be self-advocates. What that means is.... to stand up for yourself. To fight for your rights. To live the life YOU choose to live! At this time our group only has a few members but, we are hoping that more people will join so we can make our community better. Having more members would mean a louder voice for the disability community. So far our group has come up with 3 goals: 1) Improve transportation for people with disabilities. 2) Help students start People First groups in the high school. 3) Get new members. We usually meet on the first Monday of every month. Except for July because the CED will be closed due to the 4th of July holiday.

The next meeting will be Tuesday July 6, 2010 at 1pm at the WVU CED 2nd floor conference room.

Mon County Transition Fair on May 5th

We had11 total vendors there. Overall the Transition Fair was good. But, I'm disapointed that we did'nt have very many students there. I think there could be potential to do this next year but, I will try to target everyone. I think everyone would get a lot out of it. I think my biggest mistake was tring to focus on high school students too much. Hopefuly next year we will have a better turn out. I do appriciate all the vendors who came. I think it was a fun event. I am hoping to do it bigger and better next year.

I am organizing a Transition Fair for high school students with disabilities in Mon. County. I am doing this because I want to help the students get the services they will need after high school. Transitioning from high school to adult life is not easy for anyone. Students with disabilities may have an even harder time if they do not know what types of services may be avaliable to help them. I am planning to have many agencies at this event. The students and their parents can walk around and visit each table, and learn what what each agency has to offer. We hope to have agencies there that help with employment for people with disabilities, offer assistance in higher education, financial assistance, healthcare, personal care services, independent living skills, advocacy, and more. We will also have snacks, drinks and doorprizes.

I want these teenagers to know that they have options after highschool. I want them to realize that they do not have to be restricted by their disability. People with disabilities are people who can have careers, and families, and full lives..... just like people who do not have disabilities. So many young people with disabilities havent been told they have these choices! This event will help them learn how they can get what they need to live the life they choose to live.

Transition Fair
May 5th 6-8pm
Mountaineer Mall conference room
for more info contact Greg Bilonick :
gbilonick@yahoo.com
(304) 692-1722

We are PEOPLE FIRST

People First of West Virginia is part of a growing movement to develop self advocacy groups throughout the United States and the world for people with developmental disabilities. The mission of People First is ..........

"To promote self-advocacy by speaking and acting on behalf of the rights and responsibilities of all people with developmental disabilities."

I have decided to Start a People First group in Morgantown, WV. We will meet on the first Monday of every month at the WVU Center for Excellence in Disabilities, at 1pm, in the second floor conference room. We are always looling for new members. If you are a person with a disability and you would like more information on how to advocate for yourself then, People First is the group for you! The group is run by the members- not by staff or an agency. We want every person to know how to be their own advocate. We must stand up for our rights. We cannot expect anyone else to do it for us.

Once I get this group established, my goal is to get People First into the high schools in Mon. County. I think it would be great to teach students to be their own advocate. The students should not be afraid to be a self advocate! They will need these skills as they transition from high school to adulthood. I have recently met many kids who do not attend their own IEP meetings. Some do not even know what an IEP is. No child, or adult should have important life desicions made for them, without them.

NOTHING ABOUT US- WITHOUT US!