ADAPT Shuts down the American Hospital Association

On May 1st, 2007, two hundred activists hit the streets of Washington, D.C. The focual point of todays Washginton, D.C. tour was the American Hospital Association. This organization's practice of direct nursing home placement, without consumer assitance in returning to home, or knowing of community based service options perpetuates the instiuttuional bias of the medical profesison. this group of protesters fuilled the lobby of the building, seeking to talk to the the CEO. The group was able to have a meeting brokered by the Capitol Police. A promise of a meeting within thrity days was arranged, with the topic of discussion revamping the hospital discharge prosess, and the philosophy of it.

Before leaving, one of the Capitol police commended us for our work, being civil in our disobedience and shared his personal experience about a family member with a head injury. He wished us luck in our pursuit of a meeting, and stated that if they did not meet with us, he expects to see us back again next year.

Hurrah!

Disability Activists Arrested

The Rayburn House was the scene of disability power today, April 30, 2007, in Washignton DC. ADAPT, a disability civil rights group, was in full effect. The group was calling on the House of Representative to have hearings on the Community Choice Act. This bill has sponsors in the US Senate, but has received a tepid reception in the House. The Community Choice Act would fund home based, consumed directed care, as a viabile alternative to nursing home placement. This alternative would save millions of dollars, and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities stuck in nursing homes.

The House of Representative police offerred no dialogue or discussion-- three quick warnings, and they were arresting people in wheelchairs. Over one hundred people were taken into custody. (I found it interesting that they took more time to discuss using rubber gloves, in case of 'contact', than actual dialogue with the crowd or its representatives.)

The balance of the group-- about three hundred people- gathered in a park across from the detainment center, and cheered on those who were brave enough to stand up for freedom and be arrested. As the afternoon heated up, into the 80's, a small contingent braved the heat and humidity, to stand vigil.

The PD started to release group members at about 10:00pm, Supporters and well wishers were on hand to encourage and welcome them with cheers, whistles, and cold pizza! The last activists were released at 3:30pm...

Ashley Treatment Update

I had a prior post regarding the protest in Chicago by the activist groups FRIDA. (The group Not Dead Yet and ADAPT, both disability civil rights activist group, protested with FRIDA at the American Medical Association headquarters.)

The latest developments-- the AMA has agreed to a meeting, to discuss concerns over the ethics of the Ashley Treatment.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Today is a national holiday, recognizing the contributions of Martin Luther King, Jr. to peace, freedom and Civil Rights. A lot of people think the civil rights era is long gone--ancient history. But there are those who keep the flame of civil rights and non-violent activism alive and well in the disability and activism communities.

Click on some of the links, and learn a bit more about MLK and what you can do to promote peace and justice at home.